Nikki and Danny

Help! I'm stuck in Pinterest-land!

2012-01-12T23:35:00.000-08:00

I can't seem to break away from Pinterest and I have things to do tomorrow. But I can't seem to stop making new categories!

I want to:

make pillow mattresses for my little guys,
sew tutus for the girls,
find an old Shel Silverstein book and frame poems for the unborn baby,
take a dinner to a new mother,
organize my gift wrap supplies,
make stuffed bell peppers for the unborn baby ;),
bake cream cheese chocolate chip cookies that are egg-free,
sew bibs,
make vacation t-shirts,
ETC!!!

Must. Stop. Pinning. I can be crafty tomorrow. Now I must sleep. I'm going. I'm logging off. really.

I have goals people.

2012-01-05T22:46:00.000-08:00

If I don't write down my thoughts and goals, they may as well have never existed. My memory is like that nowadays. If it's not on my blog, it didn't happen. Right?

Last year I made it a goal to give up the 3 C's: Chocolate, Carbonation, and Caffeine. I caved on chocolate after 3 months when I realized it didn't make any difference in how much Peach would spit-up. Turns out it was nuts, not chocolate. And carbonation and caffeine are a thing of the past that doesn't tempt or interest me at all.

I also had the goal, as I do every year, of losing weight. And this past year, I did. I ended the year 34.6 lbs. lighter than 2010.

Now to my 2012 goals & resolutions.

I actually have most of these broken down into more specific goals, but you don't care THAT much. ;) And these are all things I'll probably blog about this year mixed in with other random bloggity goodness. Okiedoke?

1. Fill the freezer.

2. Continue losing weight.

3. Smile more.

4. Get a new camera so we can take more pictures. And don't drop it!

5. Let Danny take more pictures of me.

6. Learn a new language with the kids.

7. Determine what that new language will be by where we will be stationed next.

9. Declutter everything. If we're possibly moving overseas I don't want everything in storage. I'd rather just not have it.

10. I want the kids to see me reading scriptures everyday-- not just family scriptures.

11. Buy a table big enough for the whole family. Or maybe I should wait until I find out where we're going...

12. Try a new recipe every month.

13. Sew something every month.

14. Teach my kids piano, typing, and sewing along with their homeschool lessons.

15. Count my blessings everyday.

Wait? Where's number 8? Oh yeah. Number 8 is on the way.

A good Daddy paints fingernails

2012-01-02T23:41:00.000-08:00

alternate title: One more reason my husband is awesome.

Easy gift for my aspiring artist

2011-12-17T22:33:00.000-08:00

Have I told you how much I love Pinterest? Pinterest is chuck full of talented people for me to glean ideas from.

This framed crayon inital was an easy fast inexpensive project I got from there.

I estimate it costs me less than a box of candy canes.

I used two boxes of crayons minus the neutral colors. The crayons were 40 cents a box at the back-to-school sales. I bought approximately 27 boxes. seriously. The cardstock was probably less than a dime. The frame I've had for years and years. But originally it was like $2 at Ikea. So maybe a nice box of candy canes. ;)

Here's the original, my inspiration.

I really like that she used a black frame. And I thought I had a black frame. But I can't seem to find it. story of my life. This deep purple frame actually matches well.

Now to wrap it so the crayons don't fall off . . .

We have a new little person around our home.

2011-12-14T07:52:00.000-08:00

This is Chester Charles. We call him Chester. He arrived on Monday, December 12, and keeps an eye on the kids to report back to Santa each night

But sometimes, when he's particularly bored because the kids are being good (hey, it happens!) he gets into mischief.

The kids were just tickled that Chester tried to make hot chocolate and the lengths he went to build a tower to get high enough to use the microwave. Hey, it seems like he fits in well in our family. I know a couple two year olds that would do such a thing!

When a tired, no-good-with-a-camera-Momma takes a picture

2011-12-12T16:06:00.000-08:00

I tried REALLY hard to get a nice picture of all seven kids in their new pajamas Grandma W. sent.

I'd get the oldest four to stand still and look at the camera, and the twins and Peach would run off.

Then I'd get Peach to come back, but she'd come right up to me instead of in front of the Christmas tree where I wanted her.

I convinced Pookie to hold her-- but then I had to rein in the twins.

Hammy and Squdge wanted to be sure I caught their smiles on camera. Yup, thanks! I caught the runny nose too.

"Mommy, show Grandma W. my monkeys!"

So Grandma W., this is the best I got. Please excuse the Sharpie on the walls. I have budding artists.

(and I don't know what's going on with the shadow in the corner of the camera)

To the Tune of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

2011-12-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

Note: You may have to stretch a syllable or two and in some cases cram all the syllables into the same line. ;)

One more day till Danny comes back ho-ome

Feel my heart get light

From now on my troubles will be out of sight

One more day till Danny wipes their tushies

hands and noses ooze

Next week I'll be shopping for toys, clothes and shoes

Pants for boys and toys for twins

a gift or two for Dan

Shoes for Gab that her toes fit in

a book for little Ham

I must not forget to shop for Peach

learning toys and books

When I go out shopping I won't get strange looks!

Because I will shop by myself next week!
(I know that last part didn't rhyme.)

Happy Friday my peeps.

I'm not gaining many popularity points.

2011-12-08T09:16:00.000-08:00

I think I may have secured the title of Meanest Mom of the Year.

We just started a new points system with the kids. It's very much like the Mommy Store but they can redeem points daily. Their only limitation is they can only pick one goody/treat per day. No saving up 50 points and buying five candy canes to snork down at once.

For example:

Today the goodies available to buy are Cherry Cordial Cookies and candy canes. Most of the kids picked a candy cane. But since I had two green apple Tootsie pops left, I offered the twins that option. They happily chose "pop-pops."

picture here

Of course they would NOT stay in their chairs at the table. High chairs aren't even an option anymore-- they can escape in less than 30 seconds from them.

I should also add, it's FREEZING outside. So sitting on the porch licking a lollipop is not an option either.

I reminded them about twelve times to sit at the table with their lollipops.

Then I told them, "If you don't stay at the table I will have to take away your lollipop."

In about 90 seconds there was lollipop stickiness on my curtains, digital grand piano, lightswitches, doorknobs and the bottom of the television (which was off so I don't know why it lured them).

I had to keep my word. We don't issue threats unless we're willing to follow through.

I took the lollipops. I knew full well that if I threw them in the kitchen trash they'd dig them right back out. So I marched outside to the curb, where the big black garbage can is waiting for the garbage man, with twins trailing closely behind, and tossed them in.

Squdge threw himself down in the middle of the road a helpless Pop-Pop-less heap.

The crying didn't cease for about 10 minutes. The pouting much longer. Gabbers just watched in disbelief. The only reason they did stop crying was because I put Word World on so I could stuff workboxes and teach a long division lesson.

Enjoying our tree and ornaments

2011-12-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

I bit the bullet and bought a pre-lit Christmas tree (instead of waiting for the after-Christmas sales). The cost wasn't so bad and it didn't look like the pinecone infested number from the Base Exchange.

There is something SO magical about a big Christmas tree when you're little. and not little.

I love how this picture blurs the lights-- like my memories of Christmas trees.

So far we've had about four casualties.

I told them when we put the cinnamon applesauce ornaments on the tree,

"They're not cookies. They're yucky. Don't eat."

I actually didn't even mention the word "cookie" until I heard one of the twins say it. Even with reminders, it continues to happen. My Tater has tenacity. Every other day he tries another. I'm not as concerned about the ornament as I am for my carpet when he spits it out. Cinnamon stains.

You can see our Charlie Brown tree in the corner.

Peach likes to circle the tree trying every snowflake and then tossing them on the floor. Snowflakes are her favorite-- but she keeps an open mind. She's licked cinnamon applesauce ornaments, shiny red bulbs, reindeer, etc.

And now without further ado, for you that have kids that don't eat non-food things or if it's just you and you want an easy-peasy Christmas craft/ornament, here's the how-to.

Make your own (non-toxic) Cinnamon Applesauce ornaments

Combine equal portions of cinnamon and applesauce.
Mix together well with your hands. Add more cinnamon until it's a rollable consistency-- not so sticky.
Roll out 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
Cut out with cookie cutters shaped like gingerbread men, star, Christmas tree, wreath, etc.

Use a straw to make a hole near the top. That's where you'll string ribbon or yarn to hang it on your tree.
Let dry overnight if you're somewhere with very low humidity like Utah or North Dakota (in the winter anyway). Or put it in your oven on a low temp like 190 degrees checking on it for an hour or so.

Sometimes I like to make several trays worth and run my dehydrator. The white noise helps little ones fall asleep at naptime or nighttime and a homey Christmastime smell permeates my home. These are also a fun addition to a gift bag, neighbor holiday gifts, or your visiting teaching sisters.

Crying over spilled milk

2011-12-07T13:14:00.000-08:00

This little girl didn't do it. She stood by and observed though as it happened.

Yes, this little Squdge did it. And while he dutifully cleaned up his mess, he didn't realize he was pouring milk out of his cup. That's when these pictures stopped so I could help him.

Taking the pictures helped me not yell at him.

Unfortunately, I didn't think about pictures fast enough this time before losing my temper and I reduced my Squdge to tears. It was more than 1/2 a gallon of milk in this incidence.

Since then, I've stopped crying and yelling about spilled milk. I just keep a handy stack of prefolds (cloth diapers) available for such an occasion. We've had plenty of practice since then. And the four big kids know exactly where to find them.

And I realize, half a gallon of milk is a little less than $2.

But a Squdge's heart is worth a lot more.

Tiny Tip

2011-12-06T06:17:00.000-08:00

In place of scissors in my sock beading kit, I use nail clippers. They fit in the tiny spaces and they work for the job. I originally placed them in there thinking I'd buy a pair of those foldable scissors that fold down compact. But after a while I realized how very handy the nail clippers were.

I use them in a sewing kit when I have to sew a button on something.

I have a pair in my hat knitting bag.

I used to have a pair on my key chain. I'm not sure what happened to it though.

Yesterday I used nail clippers to trim the embroidery floss after sewing eyes back on a couple bears on my tree skirt and trim the thread after patching a stuffed animal for Peach. Then I folded them and put them in my pocket without worry of stabbing myself.

They're handy like that.

What little tip do you have that's old news for you but new to me?

They look so innocent when they're asleep.

2011-12-05T06:45:00.000-08:00

Squdge will fall asleep anywhere.

That can't be comfortable.

You'd never guess all the ~~naughty~~ ~~stinkery~~ wonderful things he discovered and did this day.

Gabbers Under the Sea Party with Friends

2011-12-04T06:49:00.000-08:00

Every four years, our children enjoy birthday parties with friends. This year for Gabbers 8th birthday party, she chose an Under the Sea theme. We started the party off with games:

Under the Sea Relay

Crab walk from start to the tunnels.

Eel swim through the tunnels.

Put on the mermaid tail (pillowcase) and hop to the end (the fence).

Raise your hand to signal to your next teammate to go.

Fish, Fish, SHARK!

This was an "Under the Sea" rendition of "Duck, Duck, Goose." No pictures because I was busy running around playing it with the kids while Danny was busy finishing up the poster board for:

Put the fish in the bowl

A fishy version of "Pin the tail on the donkey. We were going to do "Pin the tail on the Whale" but thought it would be more fun to put the fish in the bowl (and easier to draw).

Bonus points if you get it in its little house.

Fish that don't make it in the bowl died. *eek*

We also played The Fishing game. I laminated the fish so I could reuse them for Primary. I'm the new chorister. I used a wooden dowel with some string tied to it and a magnet on the end. Each fish had a paper clip on it.

I forgot to take pictures of this game. Everyone's fish had something on the back. One fish was different. Everyone won a prize of Twizzlers or Smarties (remember this was just before Halloween) and there was a grand-prize: Flavor-blasted Goldfish (from the dollar store).

Then we had Gabbers open her presents.

After presents we had cake that Danny ordered from the commissary (because I nearly had a mental breakdown that week thanks to my little twin buddies). And it's a good thing we did, Lindsay from the bakery did a fabulous decorating job. It was white cake with buttercream frosting and Bavarian creme filling. Yum!

Gabbers was pretty happy about it.

We passed out goody bags to everyone. The contents: Goldfish crackers, Swedish fish, bubbles, banana creme pie pudding cups (they looked like beach or sand colors), and a balloon in cellophane bags that had sea critters all over them (that I bought on vacation in Utah one year a looong time ago).

I originally planned the party to be inside. But the day before in a short period of about 10 minutes horrible HORRIBLE things happened due to the two year old-ness of the twins. Danny suggested an outdoor party also planning on how many boys were also going to be there. It worked out well. I had to toss out all the decoration plans I had-- since they wouldn't work outside. But the bubbles and the sea anemones seemed adequate.

When Peachie's age.

2011-12-03T06:52:00.000-08:00

This little bug turned 1 on November 12.

Her weight is in the 9th percentile but her height is only 4%.

She's a tiny little chub with just a little bit of red hair and smiles readily for anyone.

She loves to practice her acrobat skills while nursing. She walked just before 11 months -- younger than any of her older 6 siblings. She signs milk, please, and eat. Peach tries to keep up with the twins by running after them.

She got a soft bunny and little pink and brown polka-dotted blanket (woobie) for her birthday that are her FAVORITE. If she has them to go to sleep with, she sleeps longer.

Happy belated Birthday my sweet Peach!

Don't forget the bubbles!

2011-12-02T07:02:00.000-08:00

People ask me all the time how I do it.

I half-jokingly reply "I've lowered my standards."

My house is never clean for more than 2 minutes. There is rarely an empty kitchen sink. There are always dirty clothes waiting to be washed.

I'm constantly finding ways to be more efficient. But when I'm in high-efficiency mode, I forget about things like bubbles.

I forget how much two year olds love bubbles.

How magical

and mysterious they are.

And how every single one is new and exciting!

So, even though it's a pretty efficient thing to do to bathe two or more kids together watching a timer while scrubbing your bathroom at the same time and reciting your states and capitals, sometimes you have to stop and blow bubbles and then take pictures to remember:

"they're only little for such a short while. "

(I don't remember where I heard that quote.)

We are encouraging Tater & Squdge to feed themselves.

2011-12-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

It helps that they insist on doing it too. Squdge LOVES spaghetti.

They're very enthusiastic about the process.

They encourage Peach too.

They're proud of their work.

A change of heart

2011-11-30T18:55:00.000-08:00

Look what I found in the living room corner. This little set up reminded me of the joy in childrens' hearts this time of year and brought me back to my youth.

I remember laying under the Christmas tree and squinting up at the lights to make the colors blur together.

I recall looking at my reflection in the ornaments and imagining living in the shiny red or green world.

I've been pretty bummed this year because we don't have enough lights for our 7-foot Christmas tree. And to add enough strings of lights to our tree adds up pretty fast. I can't bring myself to pay $129 for a skinny 7-foot prelit tree with pine cones on it. So I'm waiting until the after-Christmas sales to get a new one.

We have this little tree and half the lights on it don't work. But they're still on it because half of each of the strings DO work. It's gross. Don't look close.

But no matter how negative I feel about my sad harrassed little tree, my kids love it. And they want to turn the lights on all day long. They want to handle the ornaments and redecorate it. They want to lay under it and daydream. They want to be kids enjoying Christmastime. So I'm letting them. I have had a change of heart.

I was going to post again today.

2011-11-30T11:16:00.000-08:00

First I had to catch up on like 437 blog posts in my reader. Before I was done, the twins bounced a dozen oranges all over my kitchen and lowered the value of our Charlie Brown Christmas tree by biting a few ornaments, squishing some, and chucking a few more at the living room wall.

I just know one day I'll look back fondly on this Christmas and the innocence of their youth. Maybe not this week . . . or month . . . or year . . .

So you want to have twins part III

2011-11-28T16:43:00.000-08:00

See this sharpie scribble on my cupboard? It made my heart skip a beat.

Then I glanced around the kitchen, saw this and worked at it with the magic eraser . . .

while anticipating cleaning this (which should prove easier being a smoother surface than cupboard fronts) . . .

when this happened.

That's when I lost it and yelled, "Why? WHY?!

I could get you the things you need if you'd stop with the messes!"

Then I had to comfort two little twins reduced to puddles of tears.

Then Danny had to comfort me.

*sigh*

Why haven't you updated your blog?

2011-11-24T08:36:00.000-08:00

I have a curious Tater who keeps me on my toes sometimes more than his buddy Squdge.

Nikki: Buddy, why are you shredding the garbage bag?

Tater: I uh no.

translation: I don't know. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Tater is a "go get 'em" little guy. Here he takes a break from harrassing the bookshelf to snack on the couch with lunchmeat.

We took a break from our regularly scheduled calm *snort* to go trick o' treating.

Left to right we have: Two Daddies (these mini-flight suits are actually closer to the pilot's ones than missileers), Jack o' Lanterns wearing each other's costume - oops (Tater is bigger than Squdge), a fairy in the middle and Superman holding a butterfly who's escaping her costume. Catch all that?

Other than Gabbers friend party, this brings you through October. mostly.

Scratching that creative itch

2011-10-24T21:58:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we are having an Under the Sea birthday party for Gabbers. She's celebrating her EIGHTH birthday!

In preparation something good AND bad has happened. I have discovered Pinterest. That octopus was on there. Oh my. There are so many wonderful crafts and holiday decorations and goodies and party ideas and presents and organization tips and on and on!

I have been pinning and having too much fun. Ah yes, I have been procrastinating my time away.

I want to make this:

I would LOVE to bake and decorate for Halloween but I need to focus on baking and decorating for Gabbers' birthday party. This IS the year for her big friend birthday party. So I have to file away my fun ideas for next year when I don't have a big party to plan.

However, it hasn't stopped me from making a pumpkin basket craft with the kids (that I cut on my Silhouette) and painting pumpkins (we were given a dozen on Sunday while we waited in the van during Danny's meeting). Pictures later.

Today I learned how to make these:

Picture and tutorial here. (and p.s. if you add a half teaspoon of shortening to about 1 1/4 cup candy melts when melting, it makes it smoother and easier to coat the marshmallows.)

Have you seen any cute crafts or goodies lately you couldn't resist adding to your to-do list?

30 lbs. down and 100 days logged

2011-10-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

100 days ago I publicly declared I needed to lose weight. You can read that here. I had a vague idea of what to do.
Get motivated.
Tell other people (family and the blogosphere) I was planning to get in shape.
Eat healthier.
Exercise more.
Make goals so I know if I'm winning or losing.

I had no idea ~~what a difference~~ how invaluable Fat2FitRadio podcasts would play in my journey. They have played a HUGE role in my healthier thinking and healthier lifestlye.

I drank minimum of 8 glasses of water a day. In fact, there were probably only 2 days that I drank that little. Usually I drank 12-14 glasses. Sometimes I drank 16. Once I had 20.

I learned that I should keep my sodium intake below 2300 mg.

I ate my 5 a day fruits and vegetables. There were only a handful of days I didn't get enough.

I learned that I did NOT want to lose weight fast. My goal was to lose 1% of body weight per week to make sure I wasn't losing muscle and inhibiting my metabolism.

When things slowed down and I didn't seem to be losing even half a percent a week, I UPPED my calories and dropped the weight.

I averaged (while nursing an infant) 2200-2600 calories daily.

I didn't deprive myself. I learned about portion sizes. I discovered that if something was low-fat there was a good chance it was either high in sugar or sodium.

I tried to eat whole foods with less processing. But I am busy and a mother of 7 and therefore must be realistic with my time and money. Oftentimes, sadly, processed foods are much cheaper. Happily, they are making less of an appearance in our home and meals.

I did eat Cheetos, ice cream, butter, fast food, even French Fries a handful of times. But I kept things in check. I didn't order the large fries or just eat Cheetos out of the bag. I measured out portions so I could make an accurate journal entry. I realized that oftentimes, one serving was plenty for me.

So, yeah. I didn't feel deprived. I don't feel like a slave to the food scale or label. I feel like it's liberated me.

Now, after measuring so often, I can eyeball portion sizes pretty accurately.

I find myself craving vegetables and fresh fruit more.

I'm not as tired in the afternoon. 2-3 p.m. used to be my low-energy, low-motivation and self-control time. It was the time of day I was most likely to eat processed junk food or candy for a pick-me-up.

Here's to the next 100 days!

Hammy's bed Kiddie Kwip

2011-10-02T22:33:00.000-07:00

After I got everybody to bed tonight, I heard a faint little voice calling from the big boys' room, "Mommy, I'm scared."

So I went and gathered up Hammy and his blankie and his baby duck (Fluffy Duck is in surgery) and brought him back to my bed. Danny's been gone for two weeks to his eye surgery and appointments and Hammy has had a hard time with it.

I lay in bed next to him and we sang and signed a few primary songs. Then he said, "Mommy? Why your bed doesn't have words on it?"

I pondered this for a minute trying to decipher what the heck he meant.

And he said it again, "Mommy? Why your bed doesn't have words on it like my bed?" Instantly I thought of all he crayon and pencil I scrubbed off this evening with a magic eraser and then I remembered, Oh yeah. I put laminate words on his bed that say, "A ducky and his boy sleep here."

(that's Fluffy Duck)

I chuckled and said, "Hammy, what should it say?" Thinking I might seriously put something there before Danny gets home tomorrow to surprise him.

Hammy was quick. He knew just what it should say,

"Our Mommy and Daddy sleep here, and our Hammy."

Homeschooling in real life with 7 kids under 9 1/2

2011-09-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at church when I was sitting in the nursery with Squdge, Tater, and Peach, another mother asked me how I homeschool with little ones in the home.

I had to answer her honestly, "That is the hardest part of homeschooling: What do I do with the toddlers and baby while I teach the older kids?"

Well, this is just a small sample of what may happen when I leave one of the school-aged children in charge of twins while I teach the other two school-aged children.

What isn't included in the picture of the four pack of yogurt (those are 6 oz. each by the way) is the yogurt covered table and splotches on the floor from the fridge to the table, Cheerios strewn from one end of the living room to the other, the turned over play kitchen, the half-dozen paper airplanes, the ripped off fridge lock, and two totally yogurt coated two year old twins (say that three times fast).

The baby escaped unscathed.

Generous Tater, sharer with all persons big or Peach-sized

2011-09-23T13:07:00.000-07:00

Tater: Mommy, Baby wike cumbers!

translation: Peach likes cucumbers. Why haven't you thought to give them to her?

Peach with her cucumbers

Right now in Pookieville

2011-09-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

I have 30 bell peppers waiting to be diced and frozen,

5 cucumbers waiting to be chopped and eaten (Math),

a case of roma tomatoes waiting for me to can them,

a dozen butternut squash waiting for me to find out if they really are butternut squash and how to cook them,

and a dozen zucchini waiting to be sliced and dehydrated (science lesson).

I have one sleeping baby waiting to be rescued from her high chair,

two year old twins waiting to be potty-trained,

a four year old waiting to read me a story,

a six and almost eight year old playing at the playground,

a nine year old watching Rio (with the subtitles on) and waiting for lunch,

and a re-broken toe trying to heal. again.

What to do, what to do? I feel like spinning around in a circle and pointing and going with that first. What thinketh you?

The ants go marching through my kitchen, heehee, haha!

2011-09-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

I walked into the kitchen to find Hammy rolling about on the kitchen floor giggling,

"It tickles! It tickles! Oh hehe hahaha!"

"Hammy, what are you doing?"

"Mommy, ants are friendly bugs! I love ants! They are nice. They tickle us!"

Time to mop.

Ask the Audience: Pencil grip

2011-09-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

Why is holding a pencil "correctly" important? Why are some ways of holding it right and some wrong?

A few trips: Lunch, eyes, and overseas

2011-09-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Today we are going on a lunchtime playdate at a secluded park on the way to town. It's a relatively short van trip there-- like 15 minutes. With just a little prep of sandwich making and flavor-blasted goldfish bagging whilst 7 happy children bounce around with glee (yeah! Goldfish! Friends!) we will have the makings of a fun memory-filled afternoon.

Next week Danny turns 35. I had the plannings in my head of a surprise get-together with friends. But he's going on a trip instead. He got pre-approved for laser eye surgery. So it's his turn to be gone for 2 weeks. His trip is about 5 1/2 hours by car.

Because we recently enrolled the oldest three kids in a charter program that teaches them Science, History, Art, and Music twice a week (and we homeschool the rest), we won't be going with Danny to his prep appointments, surgery, and post-op appointments.

We considered having him come home in-between some of the appointments-- but it's a 5 1/2 hour drive and gas prices are through the roof. We'll be making nightly calls to catch up with him.

And the long trip. Sometime between December and April, Danny will most likely be taking a very long trip. We knew in the back of our minds that this could be a possibility being Air Force and all, but I hoped it would never happen. And for this trip he'll be gone 6 months to a year. This time the travel will be by airplane.

We'll learn how use Skype to keep up with him and so he can see how much his babies grow while he's gone defending our freedom and serving our country.

Give the pup a name.

2011-08-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

My mom got a new friend today from the animal shelter. And he needs a name. So let's hear some suggestions. She (my mom) prefers two or more syllables and maybe a Hawaiian name. But let's just hear what you've got. GO!

Love your local homeschooler -- don't ask her any favors.

2011-08-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

We started school this week. I've been scurrying around trying to make sure I have sufficient curriculum and hoping there's a sale for the things I still need.

I've been reading Large Family Logisitics by Kim Brenneman after reading my friend Connie's excellent reviews on it, in hopes of learning better organization. I have realized that I have a large family now and I need someone to show me the ropes.

My friend and neighbor's husband is gone again and she needs a break. I couldn't say no. I TOTALLY understand the need to escape from toddlers. I didn't have the heart to tell her I wasn't accepting any extra committments this month.

The printer/copier and I have been bestest buds printing out worksheets and lesson plans.

I have a battery-operated pencil sharpener now. No more blisters from sharpening dozens of pencils each week.

I bought a 7 ft. by 3 ft. table at a yard sale for $8. Eight bucks! Yeah!! It's now the school table in our classroom.

Danny re-broke my toe on Sunday. Well, it wasn't intentional. His busy feet clad in church shoes and my busy bare feet met in the kitchen with an unfortunate crack. I think he may have laughed as I drooled chocolate macadamia nuts out of my mouth while telling him "uh caaahhhnnnt waahhhhhhk."

The kids start swimming lessons again today after a two week break. I'm going to strap Peach on my back and the twins into their double stroller and read a book or two to Hammy while the oldest three attempt to not be sinking rocks.

I endeavor to start dating my husband again.

Kiddie Kwips

2011-08-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

April 20, 2011: We had a mini just-for-fun egg hunt today. Each kid got three plastic eggs and a couple foil covered eggs. After my three-year-old son had finished stuffing the last bit of chocolate in his mouth, he came into the kitchen where I was helping my seven-year-old daughter get a drink of water. We had the following conversation:

Hammy (speaking around a mouthful of chocolate): I need more eggs.

Danny: You ate all the candy?

Hammy (swallowing): Yeah. I need more eggs now.

Danny: That’s all for tonight.

Hammy: But I need more eggs!

Danny: You have to wait. The Easter Bunny will bring you more eggs on Easter.

Hammy: Where he is?

Danny: What?

Hammy: Where is de Easter Bunny?

Danny: Oh. He’s probably getting his eggs ready for Easter.

Hammy (eyes glowing with delight): I can help him!

Danny: Er, we don’t know where he is.

Hammy: But maybe we could…

Gabbers (who is already convinced she is smarter than my wife and me combined): I know what you’re going to say.

Hammy (confused): What?

Gabbers: That we can use the GPS.

Hammy: What?

Gabbers: We can use the GPS to find the Easter Bunny. Then you can help him with the eggs.

Hammy: Yes, that!

Maybe they're onto something here. I mean Santa has elves, but the Easter Bunny doesn't get any helpers. Heck, he doesn't even have opposable thumbs.

April 16, 2011: I (Nikki) was laying down on my bed with my laptop on my lapdesk in front of me. I had been researching some things before falling asleep.

Hammy (3 years 11 months) came in and asked in his usual Hammy volume and excitement, "Mommy! What show are you watching?"

I groggily replied, "hmm? Oh, I'm not watching a show. I'm napping."

Hammy, now much wiser, whispered, "Mommy, what show are you watching?"

January 8, 2011: Hammy (3 1/2 years): Where's Bun?

Nikki: Bun had to take a nap.

Hammy: Why?

Nikki: It's naptime. You can take a nap too.

Hammy: Why I need to take a nap?

Nikki: It helps you be happy and calm.

Hammy: Why?

Nikki: So you're not crazy and naughty.

Hammy: How 'bout I just say "sorry?"

August 15, 2010, Bun (5 years): Daddy, I have good news for you! This time when I had a lot of poop you don't have to plunge the toilet. I did enough flushes to get ALL the toilet paper down.

July 19, 2010: Pookie (8 1/2 years), with a fleece throw blanket draped over his shoulders, declared to Danny and me (as we were sitting on the living room floor changing diapers),

"I am a magical wizard!"

Danny said, "Oh good. Why don't you use your magic powers to clean up this room?"

"I can't do that. But I can disappear!"

And he did.

April 29, 2010: Pookie was rummaging around in his dark room last night looking for a couple items I asked him to get. Danny happened to walk by at the time and they shared this little exchange:

Pookie (8 years): It's so dark in here. I wish I had a carrot.
Danny: A carrot?
Pookie: So I can see in the dark!

August 3, 2009: Gabbers (5 3/4 years) observing my silent tears as they were leaving my hospital room, stopped and said, "Don't worry Mommy. One day you will be able to live at our house again."

January 19, 2009: Bun (3 1/2 years) after falling down the basement steps while following me to laundry room, "I'm okay! I fell down, but I didn't turn into a skeleton! I'm okay! I'm not a Bun-bun skeleton! See Mommy?"

August 1, 2008: Gabbers (4 3/4 yrs) with tears in her eyes found me upstairs decluttering my closet, "Momma, Ariel turned back to a mermaid and didn't marry Prince Eric!"

Trying not to laugh and trying also to be understanding, I said, "I know Gabbers. I know the show. It gets better. Go see what happens."

July 13, 2008: Pookie (6 1/2 yrs), "Mosquitoes will suck your blood. Then they put a spot there that will make you itch!"

June 30, 2008: Gabbers (4 1/2 yrs) telling Danny, "Daddy, some bugs eat other bugs. I call those bugs, HERO BUGS!"

June 19, 2008: Gabbers (4 1/2 yrs): I am outside without shoes because I am not going anywhere. I have to watch out for bugs though. I don't want any bugs crawling on my socks or they will probably take some of my blood.

Bun (almost 3 yrs): Ah! I don't want bugs to eat me! (as he lifts his feet into the air - also shoeless)

Gabbers: Silly Bun. Bugs don't eat people. Only alligators eat people. Alligators eat people because people are meat and alligators eat meat. So alligators have to eat people because we are meat.

Bun wide-eyed not worried about bugs. Bun on the lookout for alligators that might be roaming through the yard.

June 2, 2008: I said to Danny, "Thank you for the popcorn, Honey." Danny said, "You're welcome." Then Bun (almost 3 yrs) said, "No, Mommy. Daddy not da honey. You da honey."

May 21, 2008: Today I bought my children cotton candy while at the zoo. Now that we’re home, they’re eating the rest of it.

Pookie (6 yrs.) telling Gabbers, "I think I’m having a meltdown. If you eat too much sugar, you have a meltdown." Gabbers (4 1/2 yrs), intrigued, "That’s what God said?" Pookie reply, "Probably. And I think I’m having a meltdown right now."

April 18, 2008: I (Nikki) was explaining some homonyms and their spellings to Pookie (6 yrs) while drinking a Mt. Dew for my migraine. I accidentally burped and he wrinkled up his nose and said, "Mommy, you smell like caffeine. ew."

April 14, 2008: Pookie (6 yrs) "What happens if a bee doesn't think bee-ish?" Gabbers (4 1/2 yrs) answering in a dontcha-know? sort of way, "They'll turn into a people!"

March 13, 2008: Gabbers (4 yrs), "We are not chocolate. But there is chocolate inside our bones because we ate it. The chocolate. "

March 12, 2008: (In regards to birthmarks) Pookie (6 yrs.) lamenting, "I wanted an angel kiss on my forehead." Gabbers (4 yrs.) joining in the lamenting, "I wanted an angel kiss on my bum." Mommy explaining, "You do have one on your bum. You're the only one with a bum angel kiss." *Big smile from Gabbers.*

March 3, 2008: Pookie (6 yrs.) explaining to me why he was trying to take a toy away from Bun (2 1/2 yrs), "He doesn't understand what I say. I said, 'It's not yours, it's mine. But all he heard was yours.'"

February 28, 2008: Pookie said right after accidentally kissing Gabbers on the lips, "Oh, I don't feel well. I think I'm going to throw up."

February 26, 2008: Bun (2 1/2 years) said to me, "Mommy, Mooly has love in him, huh? You fix my Mooly."

January 4, 2008: Pookie is very excitedly preparing for his pirate (family) birthday party. I overheard him explaining to Gabbers, "If I'm going to be captain. I've got to be scurvy and walk the plank." She replied, "Argh."

January 3, 2008: Bun (2 1/2 years) was searching through the snack cupboard.
Me: Bun, go sit at the table if you want pretzels.
Bun: Okay! (runs to the table crazy-happy-like) Hey, Pookie, you want pretzels?
Pookie (almost 6 years): No.
Bun: HEY POOKIE, YOU WANT PRETZELS?!
Pookie: I said NO, Bun. Bun (in authoritative voice): Hey, no talka me like that!

December 27, 2007: Gabbers came down the stairs with much concern furrowed into her brow and said, "Momma, Bun just turned on the nudifier!" So, I had her repeat a few times, "hyoo-mid-uh-fahy-er."

November 6, 2007: Pookie & Gabbers were shopping with me in the shampoo aisle at Wal-Mart tonight with Danny a couple aisles away with Ham & Bun. Pookie said, "Mommy, it's boring shopping with you. But I still love you," and gave me a big hug.

November 6, 2007: 5 1/2 yr. old Pookie trying yet again to reach the light to the basement, "I can't reach the light." Helpful 4 yr. old Gabbers replies, "Stand on your tip-toes!" Pookie responds, "I did! That's how high my tip-toes go."

October 20, 2007: 5 1/2 yr. old Pookie (observing Danny's receding hairline): "Daddy, why did Heavenly Father and Jesus make your hair look like horns?"

October 18, 2007: (3 days away from 4 yrs.) Gabbers to Danny about the honey chicken wings: "Don’t eat the bones!" Danny: "Why not?" Gabbers: "They’re very not good for our bodies. We already have good bones in our body!"

October 5, 2007: (3 yrs. 11 months) Gabbers mentioned to me about 7 p.m. tonight, "Momma, it's bedtime!" I said, "I know, but we have friends over for a special night. So we'll go to bed later."An hour later, after the kid movie was over, Pookie says, "I'm going to look outside. Oh! It's dark outside." Gabbers says, "I know Pookie! It's because it's bedtime. I've been telling Momma now for FOUR YEARS!"

September 26, 2007: Gabbers (3 yrs. 11 months) said, "Momma, babies don't like to be incognito. Cuz then they could stop breathing.

September 7, 2007: Gabbers (3 1/2 yrs.) with her hands on her hips, "Bun! (2 yrs.) You are being un-obedient!"

August 19, 2007: Pookie (5 1/2 yrs.): "Hey Gabbers, that's my slipper!" Gabbers (3 1/2 yrs.): "But I am borrowing it Pookie." Pookie, after a short pause: "But you are done borrowing it." Gabbers: "Oh," (pause) "Well, what are we waiting for?" Promptly takes off slipper and hands it to Pookie.

August 12, 2007: Pookie (5 1/2 yrs.) asking Gabbers (3 1/2 yrs.), "How do you spell BAD Gabbers?" Gabbers responding, "B-A-D." Pookie surprised, "How do you KNOW these things Gabbers?!"

July 28, 2007: Pookie (5 1/2 yrs.) inquiring sincerely, "Mommy, now it's Bun's (second) birthday, why isn't he talking yet?"

June 19, 2007: Bun (22 months) asking sweetly right before bed, "Mommy, I need a dwink." Me responding, "You need a drink, huh?" Bun: "A dwink." Me: "Okay, after I finish folding these clothes." "No! Mommy, (pausing for effect and holding up one finger) One . . . Two . . . Fwee!"

June 7, 2007: Bun (22 months) spotted me eating a Snickerdoodle cookie and had to have one. After one bite he broke the rest into small pieces, tossed it on the floor and said sternly (to the cookie bits), "Settle down boys!"

May 29, 2007: In the bathroom at AppleBee's after washing (22 month old) Bun's hands and face he noticed the background music when I turned the water off. Bun started dancing around and said, "Check it out! It musak!"

May 2, 2007: On the way to the doctor for coughs and runny noses Gabbers (3 1/2 yrs.) exclaims, "We will get a lollipop if we get shot." Danny responds, "I think this doctor gives out stickers." Gabbers elated, "That's great! That's very kind of the doctors!"

April 12, 2007: Not sure what I was overhearing, but Pookie (5 yrs.) said to Gabbers (3 yrs.), "I'm not like other Pookies."

April 10, 2007: Pookie (5 yrs.) observing that Bun (20 months) was climbing out of his playpen, “Oh no! Baby’s going to fall on his head!” Then after Bun safely climbed out and landed on the couch Pookie said all flustered, “Oh… lizard blizzard!”

April 10, 2007: Gabbers (3 yrs.) was playing the higher notes on the piano and singing, “If you like to sing . . . I love my family. . .” Bun (20 months) came up to her and said, “What? What?! What dat cwazy song?”

April 7, 2007: While Pookie (5 yrs.) and Gabbers (3 yrs.) were watching the morphing mommy-belly wiggle and kick, Pookie says, "Mommy, how does the baby come out of your tummy?" Gabbers quickly responds, "Pookie, the baby just pops out!"

March 22, 2007: Gabbers (3 yrs.) noticing I braided my hair, "Mommy! What did you do to your hair?! It looks like a rope!"

March 22, 2007: Gabbers (3 yrs.) sharing a joke with Bun (19 1/2 months), "Knock-knock baby." Bun playing along, "Who's dere?" Gabbers, "Chair." Bun looking bewildered and then finally replies, "Dat's funny."

March 19, 2007: Pookie (5 yrs.) explaining to Gabbers (3 yrs.), "They're taking our trash away." Gabbers, "Why?" Pookie, "Because we used it up. See, they're putting it in there." Gabbers, "Why?" Pookie, "That's where it goes." Gabbers, "It makes me mad."

March 17, 2007: I asked Gabbers (3 yrs.), "What are you and Bun (19 1/2 months) eating and drooling all over?" Gabbers responded, "Oh, it's just cold Hot Tamales. Cuz they are yummy." Danny translated, "Mike & Ikes."

March 9, 2007: Pookie (5 yrs.), standing as tall as possible, says, “Gabbers, come here and we’ll see how big you are.” Gabbers (3 yrs.) responds, “Oh, I’m just little.” Pookie outraged, “Gabbers! Don’t say that! You’re medium-sized!”

March 8, 2007: Interviewing Gabbers (3 yrs.) for our spotlight program in primary (at church) I asked, "Gabbers, what do you want to be when you grow up?" Gabbers said, "A kitty." Okay. "Gabbers what is your favorite Bible or Book of Mormon story?" Gabbers said, "The carrot. Or maybe the lion's den." Too many Veggietales?

March 5, 2007: Pookie (5 yrs.) chasing Gabbers (3 yrs.) around the couch in circles, “Gabbers, Gabbers! Now I’m God and you have to follow in my footsteps.”

March 2, 2007: Gabbers (3 yrs.) begging, “Mommy, can I please see the wittle baby in your tummy? I pwomise I will be very careful. Oh please!”

March 1, 2007: Gabbers (3 yrs.) counting for hide-and-seek, “12, 13, 14, 17,” and Pookie (5 yrs.) interrupts, “That’s not how you count!” Gabbers responds, “But why?” Pookie answers, “Because . . . uh, you start at one!”

February 27, 2007: Evaluator at school assessing Gabbers (3 yrs.) for speech delays, “Gabbers, where do cows live?” Gabbers responded in a don’t-you-know sort of way, “In California!”

February 26, 2007: Gabbers (3 yrs.) and Pookie (5 yrs.) climbed into my bed with me with a couple books after they woke up from their naps. Gabbers turned to me and said, “Momma, I will grow up big into a mommy and Pookie will grow up big into a daddy, and Bun will grow up big into a daddy, and you will grow little into a Gabbers. Okay?”

February 21, 2007: After spinning around and around in little circles with her arms out to her side, Gabbers (3 yrs.) said, “I’m turning into a butterpwy. But I can’t pwy without my wings!”

February 19, 2007: Gabbers (3 yrs.) is sitting in highchair coloring and Pookie (5 yrs.) is standing next to her (at highchair) coloring as well. Danny and I overhear Gabbers say, “Pookie. Look at my face! Do I look happy? Well I’m not. I’m mad! Gimme back my cwayon!”

February 17, 2007: Gabbers (3 yrs.) to Pookie (5 yrs.) at dining table right after being served pizza, “Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Pookie?” Hmm…

February 7, 2007: Gabbers (3 yrs.) explaining where her toast went, "I ate my toast. It’s in my tummy. But I can’t see my toast because it’s very dark in my mouth."

February 6, 2007: Pookie (5 yrs.)begging desperately, "Mommy, can you please find me a banana? Because I really want some potassium!"

February 1, 2007: Pookie (5 yrs.), listening to the record Camptown Races on toy record player, “Mommy, I’m playing Doo-Dah Day!”

January 31, 2007: Gabbers (3 yrs.) waving her hand slowly in front of my face, "Open da Mommy Store." After the "force" not working, she tries again, "Da Mommy Store is open!" And no, she has never seen Star Wars.

January 24, 2007: Pookie (5 yrs.) lamenting to Mommy, "I will be sad when I die and go to heaven and I can’t take Fuzzy, my pillow, and blue blankey with me."

January 23, 2007: Cashier at the commissary glancing at children, and then at the pregnant belly, "Are they ALL yours?"

June 15, 2005: Gabbers (20 months) threw all her raisins and banana slices on the floor and looked at me and said, "Oh, Gabbers! What you do?"

June 12, 2005: I was drying (3 1/2 yr. old) Pookie's hair really fast with his towel and he goes, "Mommy! Stop drying me in your dangerous way!"

Talking Crack Kiddie Kwip

2011-08-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

Bun (6 years): Hammy, pull up your shorts! Your crack is talking to me.

In which I throw proper grammar out the window and give a Hawaii update.

2011-08-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

Flew four times with Peach. She's a good passenger. No ear problems or anything with take-off and landing.

Used approximately 27 tissues at my grandma's funerals. Yes, that's right. She had two funerals. What was extra sad was realizing after the first one, I was going to bawl again the next day. What was sad after the second was realizing she was being buried. officially.

I celebrated my 13th wedding anniversary this past Monday snorkeling at Shark's Cove in Hawaii. I wished Danny was there with me. But I had a good time once I got past the anxiety of sticking my face in the water and breathing in. phew. I regret I didn't bring one of those disposable under-water cameras.

My awesome photographer sister took bunches of pictures in front of the Laie, Hawaii temple. We (sisters and parents) got new headshots for blogs and Facebook. I don't do Facebook-- so you can see me here.

Weighed in this morning and found I've lost 20.2 lbs. so far!

Had a bad spell of vertigo for a couple days in Hawaii. I think it was exacerbated by the heat and humidity of Hawaii, flying in airplanes, and riding in the back seat with Peach while my dad drove us around the islands.

Got four mosquito bites. This is good for me. Usually I get dozens.

Had a good time with lots of family-- especially my cute nieces and nephews.

Miss the haupia pie from McDonalds and the Portuguese sausage, eggs, and rice breakfast they also serve. My thighs will be glad they don't serve it here though. ;)

So glad to be back in my own bed with California's reasonable humidity level. haha

Au9ust in num8er5

2011-08-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

8 - days until I go to Hawaii

88 - years my Grandma lived

1 - kid I'm taking to Hawaii with me- Peach

2 - my kids having a birthday this month while I'm gone

2 - how old those two buddies are turning while I'm away

♥ 13 ♥ - years of marriage this month (again while I'm gone)

140 - disposable diapers Danny will need while I'm gone

9 - toes cooperating with me

17.4 - the number of pounds I've lost to date :)

In which I am grateful for what I know to be true

2011-07-31T14:33:00.000-07:00

At 10 p.m. last night the phone rang. And I knew what it was. Danny paused the movie we were watching and answered the phone. I held my breath analyzing his side of the conversation. He seemed all business and yet solemn. But I knew.

Picture of Grandma lifted from my sister's blog post.

My grandma passed away. She was the only grandma I ever knew. I hadn't seen her since my grandpa's funeral in 1999.

Grandma would insist on putting vitamin E on my mosquito bites. She told me the mosquitos loved my sweet blood.
Grandma would take her dentures out for the grandkids' pure amusement. I'm fairly certain she never glued them in.
When Grandma came to visit, she'd do our laundry for us.
I remember being amused at how loud Grandma could snore.
I love how she affectionately called Grandpa, "Daddy."
Grandma and I wrote letters to each other from about the time I got married (almost 13 years ago) until about 2 1/2 years ago when I was pregnant with the twins and stopped writing so often. She wrote on a legal pad with a black sharpie most of the time. Sometimes it was blue. Once it was red. On occasion she'd include recipes or newspaper stories in the letters.
Grandma would tell me during every phone call how proud she was that I married a return missionary.

Just a week and a half ago, Danny and I talked about getting a plane ticket for me to go see Grandma one more time. Grandma never met Danny or any of my kids. But since Peach and I are joined at the hip, and Peach-aged folk fly free to Hawaii, it would be the two of us. That was the plan.

But it was too late.

I know she's happy with Grandpa again. I know she can see and she can walk. I know that families are forever and I will see her again one day. To her, it may seem like a short while, to me perhaps a lifetime.

So you want to have twins part II

2011-07-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

I was sitting at the computer logging my breakfast into MFP.

The twins Tater & Squdge were dancing around the living room to The Silly Pizza Song from Signing Time. Eight month old Peach was crawling around innocently all cute and pink.

One of them yelled out, "Potty!"

I whipped around in my office chair to see BOTH 23-month olds with their cloth diapers half off.

I decided it was time to log out and right this situation.

"Ooh! Bring them here please," I said in my most convincing and sweet/you're-not-going-to-get-chastised voice.

As if it was planned, they bolted to the play room sat down and pottied on the carpet at the same time.

So help me, if you don't get better...

2011-07-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Darn you broken pinky toe. You're slowing me down! I have stuff to do!

Dear Pinky Toe,

2011-07-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

I took you for granted just hanging out there on the side of my foot thinking you were insignificant next to the bigger ones. I never understood your role in my balance and daily activities. I never knew how much I needed you. I had no idea how powerful you were until you turned my daily routine upside down and threw my plans out the window.

Please get better soon.

Yours TRULY,
Nikki

Too many calories, not enough time to eat them

2011-07-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posted about increasing my calories per day so I wasn't losing too much per week- thus protecting my metabolism from thinking it needs to go into starvation mode.

But last night I found myself with loads of calories left after eating well all day. I was trying to think of what I could eat to use those calories. I had raw broccoli with a little cream cheese. I made the cake bites for Bun's birthday party and had a little of that. I had Cheetos. I had pizza. And I was like,

This is NOT the way to do it! If I have to eat junk food just to get enough calories according to what I thought logically would work, I'm not going to lose weight.

So, I've decided 2700 is too much. And yes, that does include my 500 calories for nursing Peach. But a base of 2200 is still too much.

Then while showering this morning I just kept thinking,

I didn't need to jump a whole 500 calories a day. I'm just going to increase it 100 calories today and reevaluate after a day or two.

My weight loss journey

2011-07-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

As you can see on my ticker, I've lost 12 lbs. These 12 pounds have come off a lot faster than I anticipated and planned. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE seeing the scale drop lower every single day. But I suspect it's affecting my metabolism, and I don't want a paralyzed metabolism.

I'm not starving. I never feel hungry. I have been eating between 2100-2300 calories a day. I'm also nursing exclusively Baby Peach. So that makes it like I'm eating 1800ish calories a day.

I'm drinking 12-14 glasses of water a day (8 oz. glasses).

I'm keeping my sodium within the 2500 mg recommendation. And the weight is falling off.

I've been listening to an awesome Podcast called Fat2Fit Radio. Have you heard of it? It's a free show and there's also a website to read about their advice and experiences. It's educational and motivational and sensible.

Now, like I've mentioned previously, I would love to be a size 6 jeans right now, but I want to do this right. I want to make a permanent change. I don't want to worry about my metabolism slowing down thinking my body is in starvation mode.

After calculating my Basal Metabolic Rate and my goal body weight, I've changed my goal weight slightly to be 7 lbs. heavier than I thought it should be. So I only have to lose a total of 78 lbs. instead of 85 lbs. Which means 66 lbs. to go!

As far as not indulging in emotional eating, I've been talking a lot to my sister who is also using MFP (myfitnesspal.com) and to Danny, of course. Talk, talk, talk and then there's less eating and guilt.

So, my plan for keeping my metabolism in check is to up my daily calories. The new plan is 2700 calories. We'll see how I feel about that in a week.

Thanks for listening. Feel free to give your own two cents or ask questions. :P

Summer flowing smooth? Mix it up with an unexpected party.

2011-07-11T23:24:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when life gets too organized, I find myself dumped on with extra activities. usually of my own doing. But not this time. This time I got roped into it by a very sad, mopey face with a good excuse.

A certain Bun will be turning six years old in just over two weeks. And he wants a friend party. This means we need to start planning in May. And it's not May anymore people.

I tried to tell him he can have one when he turns 8. But he pointed out that Hammy had one and he just turned 4, and Gabbers had one too when she was 4, and HE didn't get one when he turned 4 and why not??!!

So, I told him I was hospitalized with the twins' pregnancy. And when he was five (when we were going to try to do the party), I was pregnant with Peach.

He looked at me and said resolutely, "Well, I want my friend party this year. and I want a pinata and to play musical chairs."

And I couldn't answer with, "Bun dear, I'm just about full right now with swim lessons, ballet, and occupational therapy. Not to mention Daddy has an inspection at work this month which means I'd have to plan everything myself-- which I usually do with parties but I wouldn't necessarily have the time since I'd be putting you all to bed by myself with his late nights and be limited to how much time I have in the evenings after I finally get y'all to sleep. I think if I have to bake a cake or even have one in the home it will be detrimental to my diet. And I'm still freaked out we got our XBOX Live account hacked into with our credit card run up and wondering if we should stop that card right now just in case. I'm thinking you should just have a party with your siblings and maybe just go bowling."

But I did not answer like that. He would've glazed over like you just did.

So I've got to get me some crafty links to show me what shapes I can slap newspaper with flour and glue on and magically turn it into a fanciful child's birthday party pinata. And invite enough kids over to march around chairs.

"You deserve a fat wife."

2011-07-08T18:05:00.000-07:00

Did I seriously just say that?!

If you know your wife is trying to eat healthier and lose weight, it is not cool to call her up and ask her to swing by Burger King to grab a burger and fries for your dinner so you can stay late at the office. Not cool at all.

Nikki - doing it +10 points, adding a guilt trip -5, not eating a single fry +5
Danny - suggesting such a temptation -10 points, saying thank you +5, staying late so he doesn't have to go in tomorrow +10

I promised not to tell him until he's finished eating his dinner how much sodium is in that Tendercrisp Chicken Sandwich. (1640 mg)

You all are too kind.

2011-07-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I DO need to lose 85 pounds. I'm not setting my goal weight as extremely low either. And I don't have the guts to blog right now how much I weigh. But when I'm done, I'll clue you all in and you can gasp a collected gasp of "OmigoshbutsheneverSOUNDEDthatfat."

With that said, I don't really need to lose 85 pounds anymore. It's 77 pounds now. Isn't that AWESOME?!

I joined MyFitnessPal.com (MFP) on June 10th. It's a free site that you use to log your food and exercise and encourage one another. My sister Leslie told me about it. My initial goal when joining MFP, was to just log everything I eat for 100 days. I wasn't going to worry about how many calories I was eating over the recommended or anything. I was just going to write it down. I figured it would probably cause me to eat healthier and be aware of serving sizes.

But then there were all these amazing success stories on there that inspired me to set some weight goals. That's when I decided on my goal weight. And I broke down the weight-loss into manageable mini-goals complete with rewards-- none of which are edible.

This week I decided to up my water intake and learn about recommended sodium levels. Boy were my eyes opened! Just google "recommended sodium levels per day" and you'll see for yourself. Just how savvy are you when it comes to recommended sodium levels?

My weakness is not sweets. Sure I love candy and desserts and can be somewhat of a chocoholic. But when I find myself eating and eating well beyond a reasonable serving, it usually involves savory foods. I LOVE garlic. I LOVE butter. I LOVE cheese. I LOVE pizza. And, well, I'll just stop this food-talk or I'm going to start thinking of these things too much. You get the point.

There's a reason I'm fat and it's not the kids. I was fat before Pookie was born. I'm an emotional eater.

So now I'm on a journey to handle my emotions better.

I'm learning to make healthier snack and meal choices and I'm LOVING the challenge it brings.

Sure it would be awesome for the weight to just instantly come off right now and be able to wear size 6 jeans again, but I want to make this a healthy lifestyle change. I want my kids to learn to eat healthy and to learn how to handle their emotions in a healthy manner so they don't find themselves in the same boat as an adult.

So I'm okay with not being at my goal weight yet. I imagine in the year I've set out for myself to burn the weight off, I'm going to learn a lot about who I am and I'm going to fall in love with exercise again.

A low-cal snack with very little bite.

2011-07-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

It's strange how tastes can change. It wasn't until Hammy was about six weeks old that I started liking watermelon. We were on vacation in Utah. That was four years ago.

And this week (maybe it's the pool time or heat of the summer) I have purchased four seedless watermelons from the commissary. Not all at the same time, mind you. I purchased one. Then a couple days later the second one. Then yesterday I decided, What the heck I have an extra fridge, why not get two??

Now I want to make this creation.

picture from here.

Is it not the most awesomest thing you have ever seen? It's going to make Danny laugh. or cringe. He has an irrational fear of sharks. haha.

So you want to have twins

2011-06-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

I just know that one day I won't need to check my hair brush and claw clips for toothpaste before using them.

In which I publicly declare "It's time to lose weight!"

2011-06-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Nikki and Danny friends, followers, and family,

I'm on a mission to eat healthier and lose weight. Visiting my family for the past week and a half plus attending two weddings and three receptions has not helped. No indeed.

My family, bless their hearts, have a comfortable relationship with food.

We're happy. Have some food!
I haven't seen you in ten years. Have some food!
It's a wedding. Come eat food!
It's a party. Eat! Eat!
Aunty said you're looking chubby. Eat some food to drown your sorrows!
Strawberries are on sale. Let's make pie!
You're on vacation. Eat some food!

Please do not blog your delicious brownies because I will have to make my own-- complete with cream cheese-- and proceed to eat half the pan by myself.

Please do not blog horrible in-laws stories or potty-training nightmares-- because it will give me anxiety and I will return to the pan of brownies and proceed to drown out my anxiety with another piece.

Don't tell me about the deals you got on Cheetos using a coupon or whatnot. I'll have to "save" too by adding to my waistline.

You may:

Choose to follow me in my journey and leave comments filled with awesome low-fat meals that are frugally minded too

Leave encouraging comments that will boost me up and keep me going

Come visit me so I feel the "omigosh my bestest blogging pal is going to meet me in real life and now I seriously need to lose weight" encouragement.

So, now that you're all curious, and likely will go back through 800ish posts to find a picture of me (good luck), I have 85 pounds to lose. 85!

Even if you don't need to lose or maybe just want to lose 10 lbs. or less, I appreciate all encouragement and LOVE to hear success stories and what worked for you, or your neighbor. ;)

Sincerely,
Chubba-Me.

To whom it may concern at my local Wal-Mart pharmacy:

2011-06-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

I am immensely annoyed that my hubby waited the whole hour you said it would take for my prescription of eye drops (while I prepped for vacation at home with all seven ~~distractors~~ helpers), only to be told after said hour that you are out of the eye drops and to return tomorrow. You can bet your boots that if I am the one to return tomorrow, you are going to hear it.

Oh yessirree. Are ya scared?

You should be.

Sincerely,

me

How to procrastinate and vacation prep at the same time

2011-06-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

Are you waiting anxiously for the "Homemade Reusable Baby Wipes" tutorial? Well, my serger is on the fritz AND I'm going on vacation next week. So, it will be post-poned until after my vacation. In the mean time, you can re-read these tips for vacation prep that we will be reviewing as well.

What did I learn from last year's family trip?

Take more water than we think we need.
Travel at night.
Bring Playaways for the oldest four kids.

1. The kids get SO thirsty during daytime travel. They drink a lot. We have to stop for many potty-breaks. Sometimes places to potty are too gross for me to even think about hovering my four year old over.

2. Traveling at night means using less air conditioning. This means saving on gas. Here in the Golden State gas is $4 a gallon. Traveling at night in a 12-passenger van like Brutus (that's his name the kids gave him) over 800 miles, cutting back on the use of AC could save $100+.

What will be different on this year's trip?

We have another child, almost 7-month old Peach.
The twins, who are almost 22 months, are not rear-facing anymore. But maybe they should be for the trip so they can sleep better.
No caffeine. Remember, I gave up caffeine right before Christmas?

I took a look a last year's vacation prep list to start this year's list:

Water.

~~Playpens~~. Just one playpen this year for Peach.

diapers.

Music, not just this kind.

Games.

Magna Doodles and probably Magnetic Letters.
picture from this post.

Audio Books to listen to and real books to actually hold.

...and maybe chew on a little.

Pre-rationed snacks in ~~ziploc bags~~. I'm thinking we'll probably use peanut butter containers this year since we have so many, and so the snacks don't get crushed.

So, that's what I've got. Vacation prep. I might just start with the Cheerio and Goldfish eviction from the van.

Am I missing anything?

Make your own Whole Wheat Bread with your KitchenAid

2011-06-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

Whole Wheat Bread large loaf (like Pampered Chef stoneware loaf pan size)

1 package or 1 tbsp. active-dry or instant yeast
1-4 tbsp. nonfat dry milk (more= finer texture)
1/3 cup white or brown sugar OR 3 tbsp. honey
1 to 1 1/2 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. gluten
3 1/3 cups whole wheat flour (hard white wheat is great!)
2 tsp. dough enhancer (consider this optional-- don't worry if you don't have any)
1-3 tbsp. vegetable oil (ie. safflower, canola, olive)
1 1/3 cups very warm water (approx. 110 degrees)

1. Mix yeast, nonfat dry milk, sugar, salt, gluten, and about a third of the flour together. Add vegetable oil and water; blend with electric mixer on low speed for about 5 minutes. Slowly mix in more flour with wooden spoon until too stiff to stir.

2. Knead dough 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in lightly greased bowl; turn to coat top; cover with plastic wrap. Let rise until double in bulk, about 45 minutes. (High-altitude will rise faster-- do NOT let overrise!)

3. Form into loaf for 9x5-inch pan. Grease pan. Push dough into pan; pull out and turn over (greasing top). Press back into pan. Cover with clean towel or greased plastic wrap. Let rise until double in bulk, about 45 minutes. (High-altitude will rise faster-- do NOT let overrise!)

4. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until loaf is hollow sounding when tapped on bottom, or bottom of a metal pan sizzles when touched lightly with a damp finger.

In which I give thanks for my diaper pail

2011-06-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

Another nice thing about cloth diapering is having a diaper pail to throw poopy underwear in.

I was all sorts of distraught when Hammy announced (just 3 minutes short of my cupcakes timer going off), "I think that's poop I put there."

"Where?" I asked, naively.

"There," he said, pointing to his rear-end.

"You need to poop?" I asked, hopeful.

"No, I accidentally did it there."

On the way to the bathroom with a spray-bottle of Quick Job in one hand and a rag in another, I mentally prepped myself for what the toilet seat might look like when I remember, Hey! I have a diaper pail to toss that underwear into.

Cloth diapering: Basic Supplies

2011-06-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

When switching from using disposable diapers to cloth diapers, here are the basics you need:

diapers
wipes

You could still use disposable wipes if you wanted. But if you're washing cloth diapers, why not wash cloth wipes? Cloth wipes are strong and durable and since they're reusable you'll save money. I'll have a post for making your own cloth wipes within the week.

As far as the diapers go, you need to keep two things in mind:

1. Something needs to absorb what comes out.
2. A cover needs to keep it from leaking through to clothing, furniture, YOUR clothing, bedding, etc.

When we started, we opted not to invest in fitted diapers or all-in-ones and go with the less-expensive, but definitely reliable combination:

1. prefolds (and doublers for night)
2.  waterproof covers

If you want to go the el-cheapo route you could use plastic pants and diaper pins and flat diapers. But I don't personally recommend it. I think plastic pants are too varying in size and tend to leak. But my mom did it, Danny's mom did it, so did many people for ages. So you could survive. ;)

I don't want to stick my baby with a pin either. There are alternatives to pins called Snappis. I have a couple. They work quite well with contoured diapers or flat diapers. But it's an extra piece to remember. and not lose.

Starting out we purchased 4 dozen prefolds and about 8 waterproof covers and doublers. I also bought three polar babies covers-- which I've determined are lame and bulky. And I made my own flannel wipes.

Why did I purchase so many prefolds? Because I didn't want to wash everyday. Of course, then I had to deal with the stink of the wet diaper pail. or the stains that result in the dry diaper pail.

If I did it all again, and was only diapering one at a time instead of three, I could easily do with just 2 dozen prefolds.

New cloth diapering vocab for the week.
Prefolds:  rectangular diapers (that are thicker in the middle) that you fold and insert into a diaper cover.

Diaper covers:  waterproof material that fits over the diaper to be used with prefolds, flat diapers with pins or snappis, or fitted diapers. You can pre-fold the diapers and put them in the covers in advance and just have a stack ready.

Doublers: A rectangular (usually fleece and terry cloth) piece about 4 x 11" that adds an extra layer to the diaper absorbency usually for car trips, overnight, or just heavy wetters.

That's all for now from me. Check back for the flannel wipes tutorial.

Amy at themombot is starting her own series on cloth diapering 101. Click here to visit her.

And 'Becca wrote a great piece too. Click here to read her story.

If you want to read what I've written about cloth diapering in the past, click the tag under my post labeled cloth diapering.

That's what it's all about.

2011-05-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I think about making my blog more specific, ie. baking, money-saving, cloth diapering, cooking/recipes/OAMC, homeschooling, frugal tips, etc. I have also thought about splitting it up into several blogs. Why? Because I know I could make some good money reviewing products with a more specific blog (or get free products in exchange for reviews).

Then I am reminded (because if I have held a coherent thought that long it is most likely daytime and there are children all around) that I have 7 children home all day long because I want them here. I homeschool them. I sing to them. I read to them. I feed and clothe them, potty-train them, wipe their noses and tushies, kiss boo-boos and train them up in the way they should go. They are my priority - not a little extra cash.

I started this blog after the birth of our third child, Bun, as a way to keep grandparents and aunties and uncles updated with pictures and the latest goings-on of the residents of Pookieville.

So mostly it is:

a mish-mash of daily life complete with tried and true recipes from baking to

Once a Month Cooking,

horrifying potty-training stories,

pictures of kids on birthdays,

when homeschooling makes me want to poke my eye out,

cloth diapering three at a time,

frugal living,

being green,

Christmas Eve nativity,

when Danny risked his life to bring me a bag of chips,

stories about how my carpet looks like oatmeal with raisins,

exciting news like when I was expecting triplets,

to the mundane news like trying to move out of a mold-filled home,

Kiddie Kwips and on and on and on.

It will likely stay this way.

Do you feel like you're spying on my daily life? You are. And I'm okay with it.

I like to think that others will learn from my mistakes and have a good laugh at the crazy things my children do. I also like to think that you can benefit from my experiences-- as I benefit from yours.

Thanks for being with me for the last 804 posts. I hope you'll join me for the next 804. Follow me now and live happily ever after. *snort*

Dust, vacuum, laundry, repeat.

2011-05-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

My ENT put me on Prednisone for 10 days to reduce the swelling caused by allergies in my sinuses and nose and whatever else is in there behind my face. My legs swelled like tree trunks and my face was rosy for about two weeks due to the Prednisone. But I got my sense of smell back.

I had my allergy testing the next day and could start up my Allegra again (after it). So far, I can still smell. We're thinking the loss of smell was directly related to the allergies.

Which, by the way, cuz I know y'all are just dying to know what I'm allergic to, I'm gonna tell you.

Horse hair (picture found here)

Guinea Pigs (Charlie pic from Danny's blog.)

and two varieties of Dust Mites.

Dust mite picture. Click on link for some itchy reading.

The horse hair was in the middle according to the test. Positive allergy-- which would cause a reaction being near them.

The guinea pig result was at the top of the chart. Makes sense. Good thing Charlie has a new family now.

And the results of the dust mites were clear off the charts.

"Man girl! You got some good ones! You look like a leopard!" were the comments from one very nice lady who came in for some allergy shots.

So the ENT's assistant gave me some literature on ridding my home of dust mites. And that has been on my to-do list ever since. Wash sheets and bedding on hot weekly, dust weekly, vacuum weekly. Get rid of knick-knacks. I'm not a knick-knack person. phew! Vacuuming at least weekly? I can't imagine vacuuming only once a week. The Cheerios and Goldfish would take over the dining room and spread beyond the living room completely disguising the oatmeal with raisins carpet.

Hammy's 4 year old Friend Birthday Party

2011-05-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

The decorations you can kind of see in the background were 12-inch colorful circles cut from scrapbook paper. My friend Sarah gave them to me after an activity at church they were used at. Hammy loves circles. So these delighted him to be the decorations for his polka dot party. We also had about a dozen balloons just kicking around. No streamers. I ran out of time.

This boy here is the older brother of Hammy's friend. We invited him along too. Gabbers and he are in the same Primary class at church. They have to be separated though (during class) because they talk too much. haha

The bean bag toss. A.K.A. The sock toss.

Even when you plan for two months in advance, sometimes life gets busy and you find yourself tossing your daughter's balled up beaded socks into empty bakery buckets instead of lovely circle shaped bean-bags as you previous daydreamed about.

There were two spots on the floor marked off with masking tape. Everyone 5 and up had to toss from the further mark. But Hammy and his friend would NOT be thought of as little and tossed also from the "big kid" mark. This was by far, the most popular game, and the hardest to cheat at. ;)

The prizes were the most brilliant last-minute idea EVER. I went to the BX (store on base) and happened across the discounted Easter baskets. I bought two. One was $2.47 and the other was $1.57. There was sidewalk chalk, a jump rope, a cute pink bucket hat, top spinners, jacks, candy, etc. I divided them up and wrapped up a few of the bigger toys as prizes. The smaller ended up being prizes for children that didn't win prizes in a game.

musical chairs

This one is probably better for older children-- like 8 and up. There weren't too many tears. (Pookie is not actually crying here-- just being a spazz for the picture.)

If your twins decide it's a good idea to open the CD-rom drive and sit in it during the party, you may want to strap them into their high chairs and hand them some wrapping paper to play with.

And right here is where you imagine pictures of the Pin the Tail on the Donkey game. Half the pictures showed that I indeed have had 7 kids in 8 years (ie. not your slim and trim mama) and the other half had me lecturing Pookie about cheating.

The birthday cupcakes were a hit. I hate cupcakes. But my kids are thoroughly enchanted with them. And since this was a party for Hammy, and not me, I honored his wish to have cupcakes instead of cake.

They were lemon cake (from a cake mix) with yellow frosting (I followed the Wilton Buttercream recipe) and brightly colored sprinkles.

I didn't get a picture of the presents or the goodie bags. The goodie bags had Wal-Mart's Fruit Smiles fruit snacks (since they're circles), a balloon, a parachute animal for boys and butterfly sunglasses for girls, and a circle crayon we made out of melting broken pieces of crayons into mini-muffin tins.

Everyone had a blast and we had a good review on being good sports and playing honest. lol

My fourth child turned FOUR.

2011-05-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

Almost two weeks ago on Friday, May 13, 2011, Hammy turned four. It was the day before his friend birthday party. He wasn't at all interested in hearing how he bounded into the world Mother's Day morning without enough time for me to get an epidural. So we skipped ahead to the grandparents' presents.

Gabbers reading birthday book titles to Hammy.

Later in the evening, Hammy went on his first camping trip, along with Bun, Pookie, and Danny.

Ham, Bun, Pookie 5/13/11

They got lost on the way there (to the Stake Father-Son Campout). There was only one ice cream left. Two boys were not as happy as the boy with the ice cream. And since they were a little late, it was a little too dark to set up the tent. But three little boys were pretty happy about sleeping in the van. And getting their own row to themselves.

Pookie, being the tallest of the three boys, got to sleep in the back row of the van.

Bun, being the middle boy of the three big boys, slept in the middle row.

And Hammy, being the shortest, slept in the front row.

And the Daddy got the short straw and slept in the passenger seat-- which did not recline as far as one would think.

Meanwhile, the Mommy, Gabbers, Peach, and the twins were preparing the home and cupcakes for Hammy's Polka Dot birthday party with friends that would be the very next afternoon. ...to be continued

Learn to Sit Baby Boot Camp

2011-05-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

Gabbers is helping Peach balance on a cloth diaper (and protecting her from smacking her head backwards) during Learn to Sit Baby Boot Camp.

I don't know about the pot holder on the couch.

Cloth Diapering Twin Toddlers and a Peach

2011-05-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

In the 17 days that I have been cloth diapering the twins and Peach, I have spent $1.19 on detergent to wash them.

I used cloth for running errands and going to church.

I had to switch Peach to 6-9 month clothes and the twins to 24 month clothes to be able to fit their pants over their cloth-diapered tushies.

I have used a disposable diaper every night for each of them. That totals $9.18 for 17 days x 3 diapers. And now that I type that up, I realize it would've been cheaper to just wash their bedding if they wet out (which was the worry).

I have not made my usual homemade disposable baby wipes.

Instead I have made homemade baby wipe solution to use with flannel wipes.
For approximately 22 wipes, some two-ply, some single ply, I added the following mixture:

2 tsp. baby oil
2 tsp. baby bath
1-2 drops of tea tree oil
and 2 cups of water heated to boiling in the microwave

Then I put them in one of three containers I normally put my disposable homemade wipes in, and have used them with much appreciation. There's no poking your finger through a flannel wipe when tackling a particularly poopy mess!

How much money have I saved by NOT using disposable diapers during the day? $61.20 for 17 days. I could save $1314 in a year doing this-- more if I stop using the nighttime one. lol

Another benefit, my laundry has not fallen behind in the 17 days using cloth diapers. Usually, I'm behind on laundry.

I have a nicely organized laundry room counter with my cloth diaper set-up. Diapers ready and folded by size: Twin size and Peach size, the container of wipes, and a spot also on the counter to do the changing.

Having three in diapers means having a full-load of diapers to do daily. This means the diaper pail isn't sitting around stinking up the bathroom, laundry room, or house for more than a day before being washed.

My hope? I hope that cloth diapering the twins so exclusively will result in earlier potty-training than the typical for my boys (which is 3 1/2 fully trained). If anything, I'm saving some good money. Cloth diapering works for us!

Dear Auntie Leslie,

2011-05-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

I love the sweater you made for me.

Now that I'm six month's old it fits pretty good!

I'm so glad I have such a talented Auntie.

Love,

Peach

Totally Tactless Tuesday on a Monday

2011-05-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

When you are sitting in sacrament meeting and you witness the mother of 7 leave the meeting to nurse the infant, here are some dos and don'ts for you to consider should things get interesting for the father and the 6 remaining children in the pew:

Do

Ask a child to come sit with you so he doesn't get smacked in the head by a flying hymnbook.
Offer to hold a twin.
Entertain the twin or twins with whatever you have on hand-- be it post-it notes or just a big helping of patience.
Offer to sit with a few of the calmer children while the father separates the two in a brawl.
Offer up silent prayers on his behalf.
Go get the mother so she knows what's going on.

Don't

Ask the mother after church if she fed her children breakfast that morning or didn't get them to bed on time.

Peanutty Double Chip Cookies in a Jar

2011-05-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

These soft and chewy peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are sure to please your neighbors. Layering them in a jar as a gift is another fun alternative that lets them do the baking.

Start with a clean and dry 1-qt. jar.

Layer the following ingredients into the quart jar packing down ingredients slightly before adding next layer. It's hard to fit your hand inside a regular mouth canning jar. So use a wooden spoon or something similar to try to smoosh the stuff into place.

2 cups all-purpose flour-- if you're going to scoop your flour instead of measuring properly just use about 1 1/4 cups ;)

1 tsp. baking soda

3/4 c. brown sugar (be sure this is a packed 3/4 cup before adding)

3/4 c. white sugar (granulated)

3/4 c. to 1 c. chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter chips (optional)

Cover top of jar with fabric circle and attach directions for mixing and baking.

Type up the following on a piece of scrapbook paper and tape to the jar. I like to use cardstock, punch a hole, and tie with raffia around the neck of the jar.

Peanutty Double Chip Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup chunky peanut butter

1 jar Peanutty Double Chip Cookies Mix

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.

2. Beat butter in large bowl until smooth. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well blended. Stir in vanilla. (Mixture may appear curdled.) Beat in peanut butter until well blended. Place content of jar in another large bowl; mix well. Stir dry ingredients into butter mixture until well blended.

3. Shape dough into 1 1/2 inch balls; place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. Flatten slightly with fork. Bake 12 minutes or until just golden at edges. Do not overbake. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Makes about 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

Now the variations:

The first time I made these cookies I used 2 cups all-purpose flour measured properly. I also added the peanut butter chips. They were very rich.

Today when I made them (the ones in the pictures and my stomach), I used 3/4 c. soft white wheat flour (I had plenty left over after my bread kit fiasco), plus 1 cup all-purpose flour. I omitted the peanut butter chips. I liked them better this time.

Make your own changes. I'd love to hear what works for you!

How to get your rain gutters cut

2011-05-17T22:58:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in my Mother's Day post, Danny installed rain gutter bookshelves for me as one of my Mother's Day gifts.

I, however, was the one to do the research, measure, and shop for the right equipment. I read online (on blogs) that Home Depot would not cut the rain gutters for you.

So I figured that I'd have to buy a hack saw too. That's what Kimberly used to make hers.

I loaded up the kids and went to Home Depot.

I put Peach in the backpack and the twins in the driver's seats of the shopping cart. Hammy sat in the main basket of the cart. Gabbers and Bun held onto one side of the cart and Pookie on the other.

And we balanced the 10 ft. rain gutters in the cart precariously trying not to take out anyone's unsuspecting eye when we turned corners down aisles. We found a spot at Home Depot that looked like they cut things. I asked the man, "Can you cut these into 4 ft. sections for me?"

He said, "Not here. But they can in plumbing. Let me call down there and make sure he's there."

He sent me down to the plumbing department and the man cut them for me. And it looked like a lot of work!

So if you want to do rain gutter bookshelves yourself, and you don't own a hack saw (or even know what one is), just grab a half dozen kids plus one very smiley baby, and shop at Home Depot.

And bonus, I just found out our Home Depot offers a 10% military discount!

This is not a paid post. I just happen to like Home Depot. This is also where I got my supplies. However, if Home Depot would like to sponsor a giveaway or some such awesomeness, they are welcome to contact me. ;)

Oatmeal with raisins! Kiddie Kwip

2011-05-16T16:25:00.000-07:00

We've had a lot of oatmeal this past week due to an unexpected blessing in our food storage. All the kids down to the twins love it. I'm sure Peach will too when she has solid food one day.

Pookie is kind of getting a little disenchanted with oatmeal everyday. Sometimes twice a day. With the exception of Bun, they all LOVE raisins in their oatmeal.

Picture from here.

Friday morning we had oatmeal again. It was Hammy's birthday. I told him excitedly, "Hammy, since it's your birthday, you get to pick what we'll have for breakfast!"

And with just as much enthusiasm he requested, "Oatmeal with raisins!"

While we were setting the table and singing all the birthday songs we know to Hammy,

Bun said, "Mommy, our carpet looks like oatmeal!"

and Gabbers quickly quipped, "Yeah, it's the color of oatmeal and the black spots are the raisins!"

gross.

To read more Kiddie Kwips, click here.

And the Danny can now check off Mother's Day 2011 as a success

2011-05-09T00:19:00.000-07:00

I just had the best Mother's Day ever. And I hope you did too. I want to journal this for posterity.

I woke up to the smell of a hot cooked breakfast.

1. I could smell!!!!

2. Someone was making breakfast and it wasn't me!!

When I walked out into the living room there were beautiful drawings taped on the wall as well as a banner that said, "Happy Mother's Day." There were stick people on one picture that had Squdge upside down. That one made me laugh out loud. Nary a days goes by without one of the twins being upside down or in a predicament.

Tater on left in Gabbers hooded towel, Squdge on right in Peach's towel (inside out) after a bath. Squdge reached up on the counter for something to eat and dumped a whole bowl of raw eggs all over himself making Mother's Day morning even more exciting.

I was still ~~excited~~ thrilled about receiving an early gift Saturday from Danny. Danny installed Rain Gutter Bookshelves for me! I've been wanting these ever since reading about them on my bloggy friend Kimberly's blog around the time the twins were born.

I fully expected that was my gift, and a TOTALLY ROCKIN' AWESOME ONE, and didn't think there would be anything else. So to find the living room decorated and three boxes wrapped up with ribbons and bows was such a bonus!

My love language is "Acts of Service." The Mother's Day gifts that truly pleased me, more than the chocolate covered macadamia nuts and Nestle's Peanut Butter Crunch eggs, were the acts of service.

Danny put up a beautiful framed corkboard that my brother-in-law, Mark, made me for my birthday.

Danny agreed to my suggestion to put all three diapered ones back into cloth.

In church, no one had to be escorted out of Sacrament Meeting. One of my favorite brethren in the ward gave a talk that nearly had me rolling in the aisles. I remained composed (mostly) for the sake of teaching my children reverence. *snort*

No one beheaded my carnation before I got it home to a drink of water.

Only one child cried that he didn't get a brownie like Mommy.

Even though I'm on Prednisone for my nasal passages, and it makes me feel like ugh, and gives me hot flashes at night, I feel positively optimistic about my recovery back to the land of smelling and tasting things. Although, this may not be good getting my sense of smell back now that we've made the switch back to cloth. lol

And that is all Dear Journal.

Thanks for listening!

Dare I say life was simpler then?

2011-05-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

I was reading a wonderful post this morning, chuckling to myself because it wasn't my children, and then I rememebered this.

The following is a repost from August 2006. It was originally titled, A bedtime tale for you. This is a true story. And I bring it to you in honor of Mother's Day.

I was 29 with only three kids: 4 1/2, almost 3, and a 1 year old. We were living in the Frozen North.

Once upon a time, not so very long ago, in a place too close to home, there were two lonely cups of orange JELL-O ®. These two orange JELL-O cups aspired to greatness and would discuss daily how they could achieve such a lofty goal.

One beautiful summer day at noon they were greeted with the opportunity when two willing participants, Gabbers and Pookie, came into their lives. Gabbers and Pookie were the perfect subjects to help them. For you see, Gabbers and Pookie rarely came in contact with orange JELL-O —for that matter, JELL-O of any flavor.

This beautiful summer day started with a very nice combined neighborhood yard sale with Pookie and Gabbers’s mommy and Ben’s mommy. Pookie and Gabbers had lots of fun playing with the neighbor children, Adam and Ben during the yard sale.

As lunchtime approached, Adam’s mommy brought out a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for Adam. Suddenly Pookie, Gabbers, and even toddler Ben, jumped poor Adam like a pack of wolves trying to devour his peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Adam’s mommy decided to make one for each of them. Pookie, Gabbers, Ben and Adam happily and somewhat messily enjoyed their own peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. As Pookie and Gabbers were finishing up their sandwiches, their mommy told them it was time to go home for naps. Adam’s mommy told them they could each take a cup of orange JELL-O with them if it was okay with their mommy. Pookie and Gabbers’s mommy agreed.

Pookie and Gabbers were elated to have such a yummy treat after such a fun morning. They happily skipped across the lawn back to their house. As Pookie and Gabbers got inside, their mommy opened their orange JELL-O cups for them and had a teeny-tiny spoonful out of each one (to check for doneness of course) and sat them (Pookie and Gabbers) down at the dining table to eat.

Their mommy said, “Pookie and Gabbers, I’ll be right back. I’m going to go get Bun from Adam’s mommy and bring him home. Stay right here with your orange JELL-O.”

Foolish Mommy should’ve said,

“Eat your orange JELL-O. And do not get out of your chairs. Please don’t decide it’s a good idea to lock the screen door as soon as Mommy leaves the house and then shut the front door and not know how to open it again. And if you can sense that Mommy and Adam’s mommy are concerned when they are talking to you through the door and then later through the window and air conditioner and you then realize you’re home alone and locked inside with four men trying to take off the screen storm door including Daddy’s former commander, do not decide it would be a grand idea to smear orange JELL-O all over the dining chairs, the entryway, the kitchen, and the stairs, Mommy’s special memory quilt, and Mae. You see, kitties don’t like to be covered in super sticky orange JELL-O.”

Pookie and Gabbers sadly have been forbidden to partake of orange JELL-O for a very, very, very, very, very long time. But there is a happy ending . . .

Mommy’s floors have now been mopped for the third time in 24-hours and they are super-clean. And they all lived happily ever after . . . well, until naptime was over.

Can you guess my new hobby?

2011-05-03T02:00:00.000-07:00

A sad story about bread kits and a cry for help!

2011-05-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

Guess how many bread kits I wasted before I realized what was wrong with them?

FIVE

I thought I killed the yeast the first time.

The second time I thought I must've forgot to add enough flour when measuring them.

The third time I thought I was using old yeast that wasn't good anymore and wouldn't rise enough-- so I added more yeast, and a little more flour-- just in case.

The fourth time I decide it was my bread machine and must be flaking off bits of coating causing a reaction and killing my dough (which happened to me a few years ago with an old bread machine). So I decide to make that loaf by hand-- using the bread kit.

I ended up adding probably more than an additional cup of flour. It seemed very dense but seemed the right tackiness-- you know, smooth and elastic.

So I left it to rise in a lightly greased bowl in a warm spot (on top my preheated oven). 45 minutes later, no notable change. So I took it out, formed it, and put it in the loaf pan to rise.

More than 1 hour later it was barely as high as the top of the bread pan. I was fed up with it. I put it in the oven for 30 minutes expecting it would rise maybe a little more.

No, it shrank and baked into a hard anemic-looking brick.

The twins were most entertained by the looks of it (sitting on the cooling rack on the table) that when I was nursing Peach, they poked it with their fingers and a baby spoon. They even said betwixt giggles, "poking!"

Squdge (the instigator)

Tater (the follower in this occurrence)

The fifth time I used only 1 1/4 cups of water (versus 1 1/3 cups) that was barely tepid (so no chancing killing the yeast), an extra 2 tbsp. of gluten, an extra 1/2 cup of flour and an extra 1/2 tbsp. yeast. It's in the bread machine right now. Will it work? *crossing my fingers*

What did I figure out the problem is? After checking out my food storage and my wheat buckets, I determined that the wheat in my regular hard white wheat bucket is actually soft white wheat. It explains why my soft white wheat bag is missing, why the wheat looked different when I ground it last week, and possibly why my bread will not cooperate!

The question for you, is what would you do with the remaining 11 bread kits?

They were all made with the soft white wheat ground into flour.

Do you throw them out and waste all those ingredients?

Is there a save?

Randomness about bronzer

2011-04-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

When my sister, Erin, visited recently she taught me about the use of Bronzer. It gives you a healthy sun-kissed glow instead of leaving you washed out looking after putting on foundation. So I made a mental note to pick up some the next time I went to Wal-Mart.

Well, I've been shopping several times since her visit and forgot. Until last night.

I went to Wal-Mart, after the Pack Meeting with 7 kids and a husband in tow, in search of Bronzer.

And then, oh my goodness, there was like 20 different choices! I had no idea. A lovely lady who I'd guess to be maybe five years older than me helped me understand how to choose and warned me against going too orange.

So I shelled out the $7 and bought some.

This morning I straightened my hair while Hammy looked on, entertained. I found two gray hairs and decided against coloring. just yet.

Then I put on make-up. Hammy said, "What day is it?" Hammy's know I only wear make-up on Sundays. lol

Then I opened the package of bronzer. And I swept some over my cheek-bones. and my nose. Wow! This does make me look less-dead.

Then I got carried away.

Now the wrinkles in my forehead are nice and bronze. I didn't know I had wrinkles in my forehead. I'm feeling old.

Birthday Party Invitations-- part 4 of our series

2011-04-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

It's time to buy or make invitations for the much-anticipated Hammy turning 4 birthday party.

Determine the number of guests that need an invitation. Four in our case.

Our children can invite as many friends as the year they are turning. We made an exception for the last big party we had (when Pookie turned 8) because of their policy of handing out invitations at public school and not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings.

Hammy is turning four so he gets to invite four (non-related) friends. Siblings are automatically included (cousins would be too if we lived near them).

We've chosen our theme: Polkadots. Since we will be hand-delivering invitations we aren't worried about special costs for mailing off-size envelopes. So we're making polka dot invitations-- big, happy, bright circles!

"Circle" the date and don't be late-- or something cute and appealing to the 4 year old crowd.

The most important part is having the date, time, and place clear on the invitation. And I personally wouldn't put a TON of work into them because if these children receiving them are like mine, they'll want to carry it around until that date.

Try to get your verbal invitation out at least two weeks in advance and the physical (paper) invite out at least a week before. If you're not going to get a verbal invitation out, just send the card out 2 weeks prior to the party. That gives your guests plenty of time to prepare for the date and get a gift if they choose.

If you haven't finished putting together your goodie bags or game prep, do that this week as well. You want to save the week of the party for cleaning your house and decorations and cake.

Freshly scrubbed Peach

2011-04-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

I love this little pink thing.

Gabbers before and after the peanut butter upped our anxiety level

2011-04-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

Here Danny attempts to brush peanut butter through Gabbers hair with a toothbrush and a spoon. The toothbrush and spoon were in a method we read about online. All I remembered from my childhood (and the last time she got gum in her hair) was to use the creamy peanut butter.

Danny kept saying it wigged him out. So I gave it a try.

I'm not sure if it was the combination of Skippy Peanut Butter and the bubble gum in her hair, but it turned to a nasty consistency. I couldn't handle it either. So, we gave her the chop.

Here's a picture of her this morning, folding clothes in the family closet, with her new short do (and a pirate helper).

Dear Easter Bunny,

2011-04-24T21:03:00.000-07:00

What were you thinking giving bubble gum eggs to a three year old?! Granted he's almost four.

But we have a strict "No GUM under the age of 10" policy in our home. It's pretty new, you can read about it here.

I'll be busy now with a container of creamy peanut butter.

In which you find out we're not a Miracle Whip family, love our cream cheese, and don't drink

2011-04-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of my kitchen fridge.

I didn't wash any shelves or splatters or toss out anything old before snapping this. I do that so you can feel comfortable with our friendship. And if you come over to my house for a visit, you'll catch it on the messy side unless you give me adequate notice. And if you do give me adequate notice, I still don't promise much. I do that for you too. I'm generous like that so you can always feel good about your home. ;)

The fridge right now is a little on the sparse side for our family. I haven't made a good grocery shopping trip in a while. I did grab those tortillas at Wal-Mart a few days ago and the cream cheese I picked up when I went for a quick bunny-run to the commissary right before they closed. The cream cheese were only 79 cents each with coupons. And since they don't expire in forever, I grabbed a bunch. I should've grabbed more coupons too. hmm...

Ever since Laurie mentioned turntables in my previous post and then posted her fridge party pictures, I have been ~~wanting~~ drooling! My fridge doesn't have anything special going on in it. Let alone awesome turntables. They are on my shopping list.

It is very exciting for me to have a spare fridge in my garage now that I can use for bread kits and for Danny's frozen lunches and extra gallons of milk and later in the year holiday pies. But the true challenge and enjoyment with organization comes in the fridge in the house that the family uses multiple times a day. An organized fridge makes life easier. When it's organized food doesn't get lost in the back forty and die.

An ideal fridge in my mind:

holds enough gallons of milk for the whole family
has the right-sized shelves
a cheese/meat drawer
non-broken crisper drawers
shelves in the door not too tall
and now, of course, TURNTABLES!

I can't wait. Then I will show you a more lovely organized fridge. Until then, I feel like you're peering into my sock drawer and learning something about me from seeing this sadness. lol

Someone related to me, and I'm not going to say her name in case she doesn't want me to-- but if you're related to me to you can probably guess who it is-- once labeled the shelves in her fridge. I want to do that. My only worry, do the labels come off when it's time to leave and the Air Force wants its fridge spotless?

If I could label my fridge shelves, ahhh what a beautiful thing it would be. Turntables and labels? I could die happy. And hey, I made a rhyme.

What do these items have in common?

2011-04-21T22:25:00.000-07:00

Look closely at the 9 items on the white copy paper.

Top row from left to right: Most of a Lego guy, coupon to see the bishop, cellphone, dental floss

Bottom row from left to right: empty fruit snacks bag, green Lego legs, foil wrapper from Butterfinger egg, Lego pieces configured like a gun, brass safety pin.

Do you know what they all have in common?

Three good reasons not to wash towels with clothes

2011-04-21T08:18:00.000-07:00

I know you've been wondering why it's not good to wash your towels with your clothing.

1. Towels are made of a heavy-duty material that when tumbling or agitating together with clothing will wear it [the clothing] out.

2. If they are kitchen towels, they are likely VERY dirty/germy. Bathroom towels can also be very dirty. You want to wash your towels on hot/cold. That means hot wash and cold rinse.

Most clothing should be washed on cold/cold or warm/cold. (We're not talking dry clean types and gentle cycle types.)
White clothing-- like underwear and undershirts and white socks worn close to the body should be washed on hot/cold to get the stink out.
It's best to wash similar fabrics together. As pointed out in number one, they are of very different materials, and I don't want them wearing out my clothing prematurely from a couple towels that didn't want to wait for a full load.

3. You should not use fabric softener with your towels (kitchen or bathroom). It decreases their absorbency. Towels need to be absorbent. Have you ever visited somewhere that used fabric softener with their towels and you didn't feel like the towel actually dried you off? Maybe you felt like it smeared the water all over your body? Have you ever had that happen at a hotel? No? That's because they don't use fabric softener with their towels.

So the third point really is, don't wash your towels with your clothes because you want to use fabric softener with your clothes so you can kiss static cling good-bye. and so you smell like a fresh spring field.

Teach your children young. and it will always be ingrained in them-- and they can one day post about it to pass on their wisdom. ;)

P.S. There's a new Kiddie Kwip today posted at Danny's blog. It will be added to the Kiddie Kwips next time I update. But if you want to read it now, click

HERE.

Homemade Disposable Baby Wipes Tutorial

2011-04-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

4/20/11 This is a revisited post updated with a breakdown of prices in parentheses next to the ingredients. Prices may vary according to your area. I recommend using the generic baby oil and shampoo but using quality paper towels. Buy the paper towels in bulk (use your coupons too) for best prices. Watch the sales. Paper towels don't expire. ;) My cost for homemade wipes? 74 1/2 cents for a batch of 70 wipes. So, YES, homemade wipes are cheaper than Wal-Mart wipes.

1/2 roll Quality Paper Towels    (58 1/2 cents for the half roll when bought in bulk)
1/2 Tbsp. Baby Shampoo or Baby Bath    (5 cents)
1/2 Tbsp. Baby Oil    (5 cents)
1 drop of Tea Tree Oil    (6 cents)
container for wipes
1 1/4 cups water

Start with some good quality paper towels like Bounty. Yes, this truly turns out FAR cheaper than store-bought baby wipes even with Bounty. It makes a difference. Don't waste time and extra money by buying the cheap stuff. I hear Viva is good too for wipes.

Unwrap them. We're doing a whole lot at once because we change a WHOLE lot of diapers in Pookieville. AND because I am all about efficiency. No sense getting the knife and cutting board out every three days when I need wipes again. And I do not make enough wipes to last a week. I'll get to that later.

Now get yourself a cutting board and a knife. Do NOT use a serrated knife. I made that mistake for YEARS (yeah, I'm s-l-o-w sometimes). It causes a huge fluffy mess. Even the electric serrated knife makes a mess. Just use the knife your grandma gave you that ended up being your favorite knife even though it doesn't match any of your other knives. You know the one.

Cut it in half. When cutting it sometimes makes a squeaky sound that upsets my chi. This is to be expected and does not lower the awesomeness of homemade wipes.

Now, I like to use purified or distilled water to lower the chances of anything growing. And I heat it in the microwave in a glass measuring cup until it boils which is 2-3 minutes.

Remove the paper tube from the center. Just work it loose and pull it out. It's a little easier if you wait until the roll is wet to pull out the center. But soggy paper towel tube wigs me out. I dunno.

Add 1/2 tbsp (1 1/2 tsp) baby shampoo/bath to the 1 1/4 cup of boiled water.

Add 1/2 tbsp. baby oil to the water/ baby bath mix.

Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil (not to be taken internally by gremlins- or anyone)

Pour over the paper towels in container.

Watch out for the steam!

All done!

The tea tree oil helps prevent mildew from growing on the wipes. But even with tea tree oil they will mildew in about a week (at least here on the central west coast). So that's why we only do one-half roll at a time. It's really fast once you've got the supplies close by. I keep them on top my fridge and whip them together between doing dishes or cooking dinner.

These are ready to use as soon as cool enough. My kids love to hug the warm container.

This post is linked at http://www.lifeasmom.com/ , Tales from Bloggeritaville, My Coupon Teacher, Finding Fabulous, 11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven

Why I haven't posted fridge pictures alternate title: Sicky Nikki

2011-04-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

Friday night we had a ward activity-- complete with Easter egg hunt for the little kids and dinner and desserts for all. I didn't have much to eat (like two bites) because I was juggling Peach and feeding Squdge at the same time as trying to keep him [Squdge] from falling off the picnic bench and Hammy from overdosing on jelly-bean topped cupcakes.

The rest of the kids were also having a great time-- as was Danny. I had fun talking to a fellow mom who shares many of the same parenting philosophies as myself.

When it came time to go, I had a van full of content kids (with the exception of one ready-to-nurse Peach) and bags of plastic eggs with jelly beans, m&ms, tattoos, and fruit snacks waiting to be discovered inside.

We headed further into town to pick up a new light for Danny's little blue car from the local Auto Zone.

I was feeling good about our accomplishments.

Attended a ward activity and no one got lost or pooped their pants.
Bought the bulb for Danny's car so he doesn't get ticketed.
No one was complaining or bickering.

And then I had a weird feeling. It felt like... hunger. So we visited the Taco Bell drive-thru on the way home. I bought my absolute favorite: The Steak Quesadilla. And in two miles, tops, it was gone. And I felt sick. and strange. and hot. and freezing. and regretted my severely fast scarfing of it.

By the time we got home, I was convinced that it wasn't the hunger, or the over-stuffed-ness. I took my temperature. 103.7 Whatever it was, I felt validated for feeling the way I did. do.

Kiddie Kwip Whispers

2011-04-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

I was laying down on my bed with my laptop on my lapdesk in front of me. I had been researching some things before falling asleep.

Hammy (3 years 11 months) came in and asked in his usual Hammy volume and excitement, "Mommy! What show are you watching?"

I groggily replied, "hmm? Oh, I'm not watching a show. I'm napping."

Hammy, now much wiser, whispered, "Mommy, what show are you watching?"

The reason I have me a bag of Cadbury mini-eggs.

2011-04-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

I don't Facebook. I don't Tweet. I do talk to my cousin though. and I blog. But you know about the blogging bit. ;)

This blog is also like a journal for our family. If I don't write it down, there's a good chance I won't remember it next year. Or possibly even next month.

The following is what I just instant messaged my cousin. Names have been changed to protect the innocent.

So Bun was playing on the camping chair on the back porch. Pookie was lifting his feet. The chair collapsed and Bun smacked the back of his head on the cement. He screamed for about 10 minutes until we convinced him that we indeed understood he was hurt and could stop screaming.

Then like half an hour later he was saying he had the worst headache ever. So Danny decides we should take a look at it. He had a MASSIVE lump and trembled with cold sweats when he thought we were going to touch it.

I called the after-hours number to ask the doctor on call- but the phone service suggested I take him [Bun] to Urgent Care.

She asked which one I wanted to take him to. I requested the location about 25 minutes away. She said, "Be there before 8."

Well, I was there by 7:35 p.m. and their doors were locked. The sign on the door indicates they're open until 8 but take their last patient at 7:30 for registration. I was livid.

We ended up shopping at Target (which was across the street) while waiting for a phone consult. Because he didn't ever pass out, vomit, or seem confused, we decided not to go to the ER and just keep an eye on him. The doctor said to keep him up for 4 hours from the time of the injury. We did. He was exhausted. He seems okay this morning--- except a huge lump.

P.S. Tomorrow we move the fridge into the right spot in the garage. Then we can organize it and take pictures!!

Get ready, we're going to have a fridge party!

2011-04-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

As you know, I just got an extra fridge. I have one that is assigned with the house, but this is an extra one for the garage.

Why are we going to have a fridge party? Because I ~~am nosy~~ want to see how you organize your fridge.

Will you take a picture of the inside of it for me and will you explain how you organize it? If you'd like to tell me about your refrigerator's freezer, I'd love to hear about it too. Truly. An organized freezer is a beautiful thing.

I love to glean ideas from other people's organization. I'm not as FlyLady would call, "Born Organized." My mom? Yes. And my sisters. But not me. Noooo. I need lots of training and ideas.

So, now you have something to blog about this week. or next. Make a post and leave your link in the comments. Check here to learn how to post a link in the comment's section. Or you can just use your words to tell me in my comments how you organize (if you're not up to taking pictures of your food).

Thank you. And I'll post pictures of mine when we get the fridge into a good space in the garage.

Look right over there on my sidebar.

2011-04-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

It's on the right. I only have one sidebar right now.

Do you see the picture of Gabbers? My sister, Erin, took it.

Isn't Erin talented? Even though she has been known to travel half-way across the world for a client, I'd guess that most of her photography customers are in Utah County.

Here is her button.

Press it.

I know you're curious about her work. It is awesome. seriously. You can go like her here.

How to Make a Paper Airplane

2011-04-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

Alternate Title: How to keep your boys busy with an inexpensive and interactive craft.

Or you.

No one has to know if you are watching this so you can make your own paper airplane. Go ahead -- live a little. Everybody's doing it.

Big Signature Thingy Here
Danny created, Nikki approved.

I have a new toy!

2011-04-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

I own my own refrigerator now. I am giddy. giddy! It's not new really. But it's new to me!

I'm like a child anticipating Christmas morning thinking about what will go in it first.

It's going to live in the garage probably near the chest freezer.

On the way to church today I daydreamed about OAMC and freezer meals lined up in the freezer like books on a bookshelf.

I entertained visions of home ground whole wheat flour in the fridge so it wouldn't go rancid. I also saw gallons of drinking water getting cold and making the space more energy efficient. Bread kits and roll kits lined the shelves too.

I dreamt of Thanksgiving time and having a turkey thawing in there in a brown paper bag while pies lined the shelves the day before the big meal.

I was giddy with thoughts of home grown veggies in the crisper drawers from the garden we will start.

I saw labels on the shelves in a perfectly organized manner.

What first?

Nikki

"It is not okay to put enchiladas in your nose."

2011-04-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes after saying such ridiculous things as this, I think about my mother-in-law. On occasion she shares her wisdom with me in regards to child-rearing.

If you didn't notice, I have a few "spirited" or "enthusiastic" children in the bunch.

One thing that I hear my mother-in-law say (in my mind) almost daily, "Pick your battles."

Today I chose the enchiladas battle versus explaining to the Urgent Care doc why my toddlers can't breathe.

Unfortunately, telling Squdge, "It is not okay to put enchiladas in your nose" made him cry.

What a meanie I am making up such absurd rules!

And just now I just heard myself say, "Is that cheese or snot coming out of his nose?"

No, my job is not glamorous. But it's worth it.

About Me ABC's

2011-04-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

I haven't done a meme in ages. But I saw this on one of my favorite blogs, 11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven, and decided to do it too. Don't run off, I'm not going to tag you. Sit down and see if you learn anything new about me. Okay? And if you decide to do it, link back so I can come read yours as well.

Age: 34

Bed Size: King-size

Chore You Hate: Cleaning the kids bathroom. I have five boys. Granted they don't all use it. The three oldest boys make it very obvious that boys use that bathroom. grossss.

Dogs: None.

Essential Start of Your Day: Prayer and a large glass of water. and more prayer.

Favorite Color: Yellow

Gold or Silver: I love the way silver looks-- but I'm allergic to anything that's not gold.

Height: 5'5

Instruments You Play: Piano (25 years), flute, clarinet, recorder, nose. hahaha

Job Title: homemaker, chaser of little people, mommy, chauffeur, maid, nurse, cook, baker, teacher, blogger

Kids: 7, ages 9, 7, 5, 3, 19 months, 19 months, 4 1/2 months

Live: California

Mom's Name: would I really blog that? no ma'am.

Nicknames: Nikki, Nik, Nikki-tikki-tavi (only to my parents)

Overnight Hospital Stays: Baby deliveries, preterm babies

Pet Peeve: When people wash their towels with their clothes in the same load!

Quote From a Movie: "You are evil and must be destroyed."

Right- or Left-Handed: Right

Siblings: 3 sisters, 1 brother

Time You Wake Up: when Peach wants to nurse around 6:30 a.m.

Underwear: Mormon-style; over the shoulder, down to the knees

Veggie You Dislike: Okra. When Mom and Dad weren't looking we'd donate it to the Scouts food drive.

What Makes You Run Late: Loading the diaper bag for church, and when the twins strip off their clothes and socks and shoes before we get them in the van, when Peach poops out of her outfit or spit-ups all over mine.

X-Rays You Have Had: Dental, Ultra Sounds, wrist, ankles, spine

Yummy Food You Make: hmm... cinnamon raisin bread, cheesecake, cookies, Let's just say: desserts.

Zoo Animal You Like Best: The otters.

Planning your 4 year old's party- part 3 Games

2011-04-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

When I plan a party for my child involving friends, I like to spread it out and start about 2 months in advance. You can start anytime to plan your child's birthday party. The earlier you start, the more time you have to gather ideas and information, supplies, gifts, etc. If budget is going to be an issue, you may want to plan six months in advance. Some things have to be ordered and waiting until a week before usually ends up in a sub-par party that costs too much. Don't fall victim to procrastination-style parties.

As you read in part 1, Brainstorm and pick a theme, pick a location, pick a date, we were picking between a polka dot party and a Sesame Street one. Hammy chose polka dot for sure.

And you read about Goodie Bags in part 2.

Now we are ready to plan games!

For four year old's parties, I think of school carnival type games to get my thoughts flowing:

bean bag toss
a fishing game
pin the tail

and Kindergarten or Preschool type games like:

Duck, Duck, Goose
Farmer in the Dell
Wheelbarrow races (some might be too young)
balloon pop (may be too traumatic for little ones)
freeze dancing
musical chairs

I like to recall parties my children have been to and what they played, games from past birthday parties we've thrown, games from parties I attended when I was little (if my memory can assist).

Try not to be intimidated by online ideas with fanciful matching themes and bouncy castle birthday parties.

Your child will remember the fun time that went into planning and the fun they have with you and their friends and family.

Without further ado, Hammy's games will be:

bean bag toss into big colorful circles-- the bean bags will be made out of dried beans or uncooked rice and the fabric will be from either polka dot scraps or brightly colored fabric scraps.
duck, duck, goose -- it's a circle game and kids love to play tag
musical chairs -- I have birthday CD with songs I can pause and I can set the chairs up in a circle
fishing game-- there's not really circles, but it's fun to fish and get a prize!
freeze dancing-- will be back up game/time filler if necessary

That was easy, right? Now all I need to do is create the bean bags with background and the fishing game.

93 days and the counting is over.

2011-04-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

I ate an m&m today. It was a peanut m&m. Someone put a sandwich bag of them in my sock drawer. Yeah, I wear socks occasionally.

I'm guessing it's the only other person in our home old enough to shop at the commissary.

Perhaps it was because I begged him to "bring home a bag of Cadbury mini eggs or maybe one of those Cadbury orange creme filled eggs."

So anyways, the sad part? I couldn't taste it.

I can't fool them all, can I?

2011-04-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

I know it wasn't the best April Fools joke. The best part? When I called Danny at work to tell him I posted and I wanted to make sure no one at his work would see it, lest we be kicked out of housing, HE thought it was real.

He even said, "That explains a lot."

It's a real test. It's MY real test. Do you remember? Were you here when I posted it on October 8, 2006, to announce my pregnancy with Hammy?

I resaved the photo though under a new name to show as 4-1-11. I originally changed it to 3-31-11 but with the help of Danny decided it was too misleading and switched it to 4-1-11 to give you a chance to figure it out.

You're so smart. That's why I like you so much. And of course Kimberly and 6kids4me-- because you're compassionate and thoughtful.

Oh, and one more thing, I took a test last night. It was negative. Leaving a post like yesterday's got me worried. I'm not worried about having another child. I'm worried about having another one while being so out of shape. I've got to tone up my body and lose some weight. no fooling.

Nikki

Sleeping through the night has its pros and cons.

2011-04-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

Remember how I said Peach was sleeping through the night?

Three questions for Thursday

2011-03-31T10:02:00.000-07:00

1. If your children have a tendency toward irreverence during pack meeting, would you:

a. Spend the time traveling to the meeting in full-lecture mode.
b. Bribe them.
c. Threaten them.
d. Forbid them from going.

2. If the day is unseasonably warm and your children remember the promise of playing in the water on 80°+ days, would you:

a. let them play in the sprinklers (after they pull the weeds so they don't grow more) and then plan on doing two extra loads of laundry that day.
b. Send the oldest four to the beach with Daddy to get covered in tiny bugs and sand and almost wash out to sea and plan on doing two extra loads of laundry.
c. Point out it's really only 76°.
d. Tell them they can choose a or b if they do the laundry.

3. Would you rather take the time to wash 600 diapers a month or pay for 600 diapers a month?

How to make your own homemade cereal on the cheap!

2011-03-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: This is not a serious post. I am certain that Fiber One cereal would whole-heartedly disagree with the way Danny describes how cereal is made in this slideshow. Any resemblance to any worms living or dead is coincidental. No royalties are being collected from this presentation. Please make any charitable donations and comments directly to There's a Hole in the Earth blog.

In an effort to not get diabetes and to ward off obesity, I've taken up eating Fiber One cereal on the days I'm not eating oatmeal with nothing tasty added to it (aka oatmeal ala bland).

Danny has found much amusement in this.

He made a spoof about making your own Fiber cereal. You can witness this in its original form at his blog There's a Hole in the Earth by taking this link directly to his post. Or just watch it here. I have his permission to post it.

Click on MENU in the lower left corner and then View Fullscreen.

Homemade cereal

This post is linked at WFMW.

Birthday Thoughts

2011-03-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

Today is officially the start of the last year of my not-yet-middle-aged life. I'm 34 today.

When I woke this morning I realized, menopause, diabetes, and arthritis were just around the corner. And I got scared.

Planning your 4 year old's party- part 2 Goodie Bags

2011-03-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

We are 7 1/2 weeks out from Hammy's big 4 year old birthday party. Planning a little at a time will prevent lots of undue stress. This week's topic is fun and easy:

Goodie bags

You don't have to rush out and get your items this far in advance; but if you have a theme and an idea of what you want and what you don't want, start a list.

Goodie bags are important when entertaining four year olds. Four year olds have a hard time coming to a birthday party with a present that is not for them and then leaving without it. I love to tell the kids, "Goodie bags are our little gift for you!"

The actual bag that the goodies go in does not need to be themed. Cut down your expenses and use white or brown lunch bags or clear cellophane bags. Last year when we did The Ultimate Star Wars Party for Pookies we used clear cellophane bags tied with curling ribbon that matched the theme. Don't pass on the brown lunch bags; the element of surprise is in not knowing what you're going to get at the end of the party.

Use what you have or buy cheap.

We are going to be gathering up dying crayons to do this little craft and then add them to the goody bags.

I despise junky little toys in goodie bags. I prefer to pick things that are consumable-- like crayons, pads of paper, stickers, balloons, a treat. I'm okay with noise-makers as well.

But little cars (that will lose their wheels first try) or parachuters (that will come off their parachute) or choking rings with possible lead paint, bleck. I wouldn't want them coming home to my house so I'm not likely to fill bags with them.

Bouncy balls I'm up in the air about. haha. No pun intended. No bouncy balls this year though because I'm certain two little toddlers will try to ingest them.

My goodie bag brainstormed list as of today:

Circle crayons (mentioned above)
A homemade oatmeal cookie with Hammy's initial on it (Sesame Street letter of the day)
A yellow balloon -- All kids love balloons and Hammy's favorite color is yellow

That's all I have so far. And I'm not worried. You don't need to be either with a little prior planning.

Bonus tip: Earn money with Swagbucks to help pay for your party. Read part 3 here.

Walk On The Wild Side

2011-03-17T06:03:00.000-07:00

Turn on your sound. You won't regret the next 4 and a half minutes. Plus it's safe for your eavesdropping kids too.

When I'm feeling cranky from overwhelmedness and Danny not coming home from work until well past the kids' bedtime, I click on over to Kayleen's blog at Our Family Feil and watch this post.

My favorite parts are the dentist monkey and the prairie dog yelling "Ellen!"

P.S. Click here to see yesterday's post "Planning a 4 year old's party-- part 1" which starts the planning process for Hammy's upcoming 4th birthday.

And click that down there if you want to join Swag Bucks as my referral so we can BOTH earn bucks for searching. It's cool. It's safe. It's free! Swag Bucks is the thing to do. Trust meeee.

Planning a 4 year old's party-- part 1

2011-03-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

Brainstorm and pick a theme, pick a location, pick a date.

The following questions will help determine the theme.

Ask your almost-four year old (if you are unsure) and write it down (so you don't have to rely on memory):

What is your favorite book? Harold and the Purple Crayon

What is your favorite show? Gumby and Diego and Sesame Street

Who is your favorite character? Cookie Monster

What is your favorite number? 3

What is your favorite color? Yellow

What is your favorite animal? Duckies!

What is your favorite shape? Circle

Tell me your friends names. Bobby, Buddy, Billy, and Bug. (not really.)

Hmm... I've actually been thinking about this one for a while. We're either going to do a colorful polka-dot party or Sesame Street. I'm leaning towards Sesame Street. Why Sesame Street? Because I threw a Sesame Street friend party when Pookie turned 4 and I've still got most of it in my memory. I can see incorporating all the things he loves-- except maybe Diego.

Location: Home. With a young, small group, I think he'll feel most comfortable here. He is a homebody and more shy than the other kids. His siblings will also enjoy the decorating process for the few days before. No renting fees. Just some clean up will work.

If you choose to use a rec center or a community park, check to see if you need to make reservations, how far in advance, and if there's a fee as well.

Date: I like to check for the Saturday before or after the birthday. Then it does not interfere with the Sabbath. With a group this young (and having the benefit of being a homeschooler), I might also consider a weekday for the party.

Hammy's birthday is May 13-- which is a Friday this year. A quick phone call consulting with Danny brought us to the date of May 14. This is good. We're 2 months out still. Calendars are marked. No need to procrastinate.

One more thing, as a general rule of thumb, I do not like to feed other people's toddlers/preschoolers during parties. We get into pickiness and slow-pokiness (including in my own kids).

So, I plan the birthday party for two hours starting right after lunch like 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. I can focus the bulk of the party time to games and fun with a little time for eating (cake) at the end.

This post is linked at WFMW. Read part 2 here.

Having a Hammy is a one in a million chance.

2011-03-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

I am a lucky woman. I have been thinking about what a blessing it is to have this ~~sometimes crazy Gremlin~~ little guy in my life.

Almost four is a really fun age. Kids this age say and do the funniest things. I haven't checked, but I'd make a guess that most of the Kiddie Kwips are of the kids between the ages of 3 and 5.

Hammy attempted to drag me out of my office/school chair,

"Mommy, mommy! Come see, I cleaned my room!"

"Really? You picked up everything and made your bed?" I inquired.

"I cleaned the WHOLE room!" he beamed proudly.

A sight like this just warms my heart.

After sending Hammy back to bed one night, we were surprised when he didn't try a half dozen more times to stay up with Mommy and Daddy. Then Danny found him cuddled up to Gabbers and quickly returned with the camera to capture the moment. update: Okay what?? I just clicked on this picture to look at it up close and realized he has my spa-socks on his arms that Danny gave me for Christmas. lol

A few memories:

Hammy was the ultimate Mother's Day gift.

We thought the contractions had calmed down and weren't changing the cervix. The doctor was planning to send me home on bedrest .

But Hammy had different plans and arrived early on Mother's Day morning.

Hammy weighed 6 lbs. 12 oz. at 34 1/2 weeks gestation.

He came so fast there was no time for an epidural.

At only four weeks old he experienced his first roadtrip with his three older siblings and Momma from North Dakota all the way to Utah for a special occasion.

Everywhere we went people would say, "Wow! That baby has the biggest eyes I've ever seen!"

Hammy started reading at the age of 22 months. We were surprised to discover this during Sacrament meeting one Sunday. We thought, because he didn't say many words, that he was delayed. Boy were we wrong!

Even though Hammy is smack dab in the middle of 7, he is never forgotten. This boy makes his presence known. He is also quick to remind us that he's a really good helper and a big kid too!

It's time to plan another friend birthday party. Every four years the children get to celebrate their birthday by having a themed party with friends.

Hammy will be four in two months and will get to invite four friends to share in the fun! Stay tuned to watch the thought process and fine-tuning that goes into planning friend birthday parties in Pookieville.

A memoir in NUM8ER5

2011-03-12T11:55:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow we say good-bye to a dear friend. This dear friend will be leaving at precisely 2 a.m.

60 minutes for Pookieville is:

20 time-outs for a Hammy

12 time-outs for a Bun

4 little people's bathtimes

6 times watering the lawn

1 mowing + 1 weed-wacking in the backyard

a Saturday privilege for each of the 4 oldest little people

a load of laundry on the extra dirty setting

a load in the dryer

a quiet time when it's from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

a visit with the home teachers or visiting teachers

120 hand-washings

an appointment with the Occupational Therapist

a visit to the library

60+ chances for a 3 year old to ask "Why?"

how long it takes to get to the zoo

300 pieces of folded laundry

Daylight Saving Time. Yea or Nay?

I put on a pair of tie-up shoes today.

2011-03-10T18:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Journal,

I put on a pair of tie-up shoes today. I haven't done that the entire time we've lived in Sunny California.

I just felt like I'd protect my toes a little bit while mowing the lawn. I had a good friend lose two and a half toes.

My dad referred to him after that tragic incident as "Toeless Ben." My dad is awesome like that.

I didn't want to be "Toeless Nikki."