The Harmon Hash

Birthday Flowers

2012-02-14T12:39:00.001-07:00

Thanks Mom for all of the beautiful flowers for my BDay!!
I already had the shamrocks and clovers, but my red and white pansies are new.

As well as the yellow and white calla Lillie's and the smaller yellow flowers in front of them.
My garden boxes look lovely!

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Service

2012-02-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night we had the opportunity to help out at the temple. The kiddo's had so much fun!

Jake and Eva were spreaders (spreading the mulch with your hands), Ethan was a sweeper (sweeping the mulch back into the garden beds), and James was a dumper (dumping the mulch into the beds).

We all had fun and we all had some DQ afterwards. Tradition!!!

Let There Be Chicks

2012-02-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

So, we lost another chick, but to sickness this time. I went down to the "chick store" and got like 10 more chicks just in case more die.

James built this small coop for the chicks. It is temporary until they are big enough to be in a real one. They seem much happier outside and hopefully will do better.

Chick Update

2012-02-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

We have lost little Squishy. She was a good chick and we will all miss her. Eva got too rough with her when unattended and Jake came running in my room saying that Squishy was laying on her side and they thought that she was dead. She wasn't dead yet. Eva got her bummed spanked and sent to her room. I picked up little Squishy and put her in a little rag and we (Ethan, Jake, Dad, and I) took turns saying prayers that she wouldn't hurt for very long and for Heavenly Father to help her to die quickly. Everyone was in tears and a few minutes later she died. James went out back and dug a grave for her. We each shared a few final words about what a great fluffy, cuddly, nice chick she was and that we will miss her.

We took this opportunity to teach the kids that Heavenly Father created all life and that he expects us to respectful not only to people but to animals as well. The boys kept asking Eva why she did it and before we buried Squishy we gave her the opportunity to tell her sorry. I told the boys that they need to forgive their sister and they let her know that they did. When Eva said her prayers last night she told Heavenly Father that she was sorry and that she wanted Him to take care of her in Heaven and for her to be happy there.

Chicks!

2012-02-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

So after dropping the boys off at school today Eva and I took a detour to Mesa Feed Barn!

We purchased two Rhode Island Red and two Black Rock chicks!!

One of the Rhode Island Reds has been dubbed squishy because of an unfortunate accident (Eva stepped on it). The other Eva named Tickley. Ethan named a black one Mr Fluffy until he was informed that they are all females at which point he renamed it Ms Fluffy! Jake named the last one Eva (Eva was delighted to have one named after herself)!

Tickley got tuckered out and needed a nap.

Ethan's Baptism

2012-01-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

Ethan was super excited about his big day!

He was a bummed that Jake wouldn't let him sit by dad.

He decided that he would give me a smile though.

Ethan does not know how to swim so he was scared about being baptized. He had to be dunked twice because he thought dad was holding him under for too long and got scared. He kicked his foot up but he did great the second time. We're twinsies now! I had to get dunked twice too!!

Thank you Cenita and Kymber for giving awesome talks! You both did great! Thank you to everyone for coming to support Ethan on his big day. We had a blast with you and Ethan was super stoked that Kymber and Kallee helped him with his lego Optimus Prime!

Real 1st Day Back

2012-01-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

So the boys started school yesterday. They were very excited to go and they both had a great day! Hopefully it won't be too long before they have a ton of friends again.

1st Day Back

2012-01-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

We went to Emerson today to get the boys registered and we were bummed to find out that they have to wait until tomorrow to go to school. They have to receive their records from their last school. Ethan and Jake were very disappointed. They are excited to get started and to make new friends here.

New Years Eve

2012-01-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

We spent the evening watching movies and grandma Harmon's house. Then we set off a ton of fireworks. It was pretty crazy. We set off our first rocket and it zoomed across Stapely and burst over the cars in the apartment complex across the street! Then we set off a roman candle that tipped and shot our truck and just about decapitated Jeff. Sorry Jeff! We're glad that you were not decapitated! It was pretty fun and exciting! My favorite (and I think Ethan and Jake's as well) was the transformer one. It crackled, sparked, flamed, and spun open. It was pretty cool! Thanks to Toni for tolerating the scary and loud ones. We are glad that we didn't burn your newly painted house down! It is still just as cute as ever!
We love you and had a blast (pun intended) with you!

Christmas

2012-01-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

Can I say moving during Christmas and getting all of your Christmas shopping done within 3 days the week before Christmas is INSANE!!! That said, we had a great Christmas. Do I have pictures of all of this wonderfulness? Of course not. I definately needed some down time. They kiddos got pretty much everything they were hoping for and I believe were contented with their booty.

We had fun at Grandma Chapman's and had fun with everyone there. They roast was absolutely scrumptious and I don't think that any of us were able to get enough of it even when our bellies were full to the brim for eating so much of it! Mmmm. It was sooo good.

Christmas with the Harmon's was equally delightful and full of good nosh! It was fun seeing everyone, but it was sad not having grandpa there.

Thanks for everyone making this year a great one! We love you!

Moved In!!!!

2012-01-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

So as crazy as we are for moving during the holidays I am SUPER excited to say that we are done moving all of our stuff to our new house! A great big thanks to my mom and Steph for watching the kiddos while we made loads and another great big thanks to Kris, Bryan, Kaleb, and Cenita for making the giant unload take 30minutes!!! Woo hoo! We love you guys and appreciate all of your help. It meant a lot to us!

Fogginess

2011-12-17T19:58:00.001-07:00

A couple of days ago we had some very thick fog.

It was crazy! I was driving into Mesa and it went all the way to Ellsworth and Pecos!

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Eva's All About It's

2011-12-07T18:38:00.000-07:00

I was talking recently with my sister Andrea about phrases that kids say and use all of the time until they find another one that they like. Right now Eva's phase is "I know all about . . . . " So I decided to record her all about it's:

FHE

2011-12-05T13:19:00.001-07:00

Sunday we took the kiddos to see the lights at the Mesa, AZ temple.

They loved it! They were oooing and aaaahing the whole time.

I totally get that.

It really was quite beautiful. We had a great time.

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Walking

2011-11-16T15:28:00.001-07:00

It has been so nice walking the boys to school!

The walk home is fun. I get to visit with Eva.

On the way home the boys talk about their day and their friends amongst themselves!

I am glad that they are so close.

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Festivus For the Rest of Us

2011-11-12T15:36:00.001-07:00

Today my aunt Gaylene invited us to a festival at Poston Butte High School.

James scored himself some donuts.

A guy brought his beefy truck and was letting all the kiddos crawl up in it for pics.

Ethan got in it and started freaking out seriously screaming to get down. Jake wouldn't go in it cause he was scared.

Of course my little princess had no prob.s getting in and going for a ride!!!

That is her in the back holding a bag of candy in her hand!! Woo hoo girlie power!!!

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Blustery Night

2011-11-05T11:11:00.001-07:00

When we came downstairs this morning there were no kids to be found.

James checked out back and there they were, but something very big was missing!

Our tent (full of bedrolls and blankets) that had been properly staked had blown all the way across the yard and over the 7ft block wall!!!! We had to trek to the horse pasture behind our place to toss it back over the wall.

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Eva!

2011-11-03T10:23:00.001-07:00

Eva got a couple of costumes from her brothers to add to her dress ups!

She got a Go-Go girl and Spider girl dress ups.

James picked out a Cinderella doll and Cinderella Wordrobe that comes with dress up excessories! Good picks pops!

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Halloween Here We Come

2011-11-01T08:34:00.001-07:00

Here is Batgirl (woman)!

She got so much booty that we had to bust out the Easter buckets!

Jake was the red Power Ranger!

Jake scored the most candy! Eva got tired and didn't want to keep going up for loot.

Mr Spiderman pants showing off his web throwing skills!

He got tons of candy too! I'm not sure how Jake got more than Ethan.

Ethan looks bummed cause he was sick after school from eating so much crap there that I told him he couldn't have any candy unless he ate his dinner which I bet you can guess the outcome of that.

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Trunk or Treat

2011-11-01T08:23:00.001-07:00

The kiddos had tons of fun Saturday at grandma Harmon's and grandma Chapman's Trunk or Treats!

They ate their booty on the long way home!

Even James got his Halloween on!

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Presies

2011-10-24T15:48:00.001-07:00

Jake had his BDay Friday and is now 6 years old! Man time flies. It seems like yesterday he was my big chunkers baby with the biggest, fattest, cutest, roly poly legs ever!

Now he is getting so dang big and is still the cuddly boy who can't stand two minutes without giving someone a big squeeze!

Jake, I loves you and am glad your my kiddo!

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A Day In The Life

2011-10-24T15:41:00.001-07:00

So on the way home from walking her bros to school girlie girl had to hit the sprinklers!

After she was thoroughly soaked to the bone she of course had to change into proper princess attire to watch her toons. Go you girlie!

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Sicko's

2011-10-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

The flu season is upon us. Last week we all got it and i got it again this week too. Bummer. Not only is flu season upon us but so is birthday season for this household. As I am getting my strength back I have realized I have approximately 2 days to get my tornado of a house in order for Jake's BDay party Saturday.

He is soooo excited! I just hope I can get it all done in time (cross my fingers). I am sure it will all get done, but what would life be without stressing out about it unnessisarily right?!

Kreg Jig

2011-10-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

The Kreg Jig is definately on my with list.

It is for pocket holes. I want one really bad. I love building things, and for those of you who may not know, pocket holes are bit more hidden and out of the way so that you cannot see the screws that hold pieces in place. It is great for screwing corners together at an angle so that the screw doesn't go wonky and go through the other side.

I learned about this item on Anna White's blog. Here is a video about them. (click on Here).

Awards Assembly

2011-10-16T10:18:00.001-07:00

The boys had an awards assembly Friday. They both did really well!
James got to go to this one so it was pretty cool!

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Cast Iron Fryer

2011-10-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

James' parents have one of these and I thought it was so cool I had to get one! I have now had mine for a couple of years now and I love it! I use it for chips, onion rings, fish, chicken, anything that needs frying gets dunked in this bad boy! I also love that it has a lid that also doubles as a frying pan. This fryer has definately been worth the buy. I use it all the time.

I Want to Ride My Bicycle

2011-10-06T11:00:00.001-07:00

So the kiddos have been on fall break so we have been working on their bike riding skills. Mr Ethan got the job done!

He is now bike riding pro! Woo hoo!!!

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The Simpson's

2011-10-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, I was in my room sitting on the floor and Eva was in there watching Sesame Street when she walks up to the T.V. leans in and says, "I like you T.V.".

Ear Phones

2011-10-03T13:17:00.001-07:00

Okay. . . for those of you who don't already know I am a hugemongous Pinterest addict! I found somone on Pinterest who makes wraps for earbuds and I just knew that I could hack it.

When tying a knot you tie it twice to knot the knot. With the earbuds you tie it once (as pictured above) and then flip it to tie the yarn again flipping each time after it has been tied. You do need to leave a long tail when you first begin so that you can continue tying.

It was very time consuming but definitely worth the effort. They don't get tangled up anymore and it keeps the cords safe from little hands!

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Amazon

2011-09-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

I am a big time Amazon fan. You can get so many products so much cheaper through them with relatively small shipping fees. I will be posting about and listing products that I have purchased through them. I may occasionally include items that are on my with list but I will try to stay towards things that I have already purchased.

This week I have listed a small batch canning book that I purchased last year. I enjoy canning and I wanted to learn more about small batch canning as well. When trying out a new recipe it is nice to do a small batch to see if you like it or if you want to tweak it a bit. This book has a lot of recipes and there are also some companion books that I am interested in purchasing. They do new books each year with new recipes!

I have not tried any of the recipes from this book, however, I have gotten ideas from it and have used that knowlege towards my canning. If you are new to canning it is not safe to experiment with recipes until you know what is safe to do and what is not. I like to tweak recipes to my liking. I will be posting more about canning in the near future. Apple Butter season is upon us and I also like to do apple sauce. If you are interested in learning the steps to canning let me know and I can be more informative in my posts.

James and the Giant owie

2011-09-12T07:08:00.000-07:00

Man. . . . if it's not one thing it's the other! James has had a really bad ear infection since Thursday. He has been very doped up all weekend because he has been in so much pain. He has had a blessing (for those of you wondering) and he is doing better today. He no longer looks like the living dead. So, hopefully he won't be struck with anything else. (Knock on wood)

James is going to be starting an Etsy business soon so we will keep ya posted on that.

Homeworks

2011-09-06T11:16:00.002-07:00

Eva likes to have homeworks like her big brothers sooo. . .

We play school for her to practice her school stuffs!

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Hash

2011-09-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted in awhile. If you had not already heard James broke himself a few weeks ago.
A ladder decided to slip out from under him and he pulled some tendons and has been wearing a boot. He had a Dr.s appt. Wed. and is healing good. He still has pain but is doing good.

They boys are enjoying school and have been having a blast having playdates with their school friends! Eva has adjusted to being the only kid at home and has Rose for a playmate. She has fun playing with her friends as well.

We have been having fun at the pool after school with the boys and during for Eva. James took a day off Monday because of his foot hurting and went to the pool for wome aqua therapy and we ended up getting charred.

We are all doing great and I will try to start posting more regularly again!

Hair Drama

2011-08-15T17:20:00.002-07:00

Okay. . . so Eva got a bunch of gum stuck in her hair. I was very bummed because it just started getting long and now I have to cut it!

After cutting all of the gum out i decided that i could just give her some bangs. Thank goodness!

She asked me to put a ribbon in her hair so that she would look like Snow White.

And decided to start posing!

She is a crazy!

What a bunch of sillies!

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Gimpy

2011-08-08T17:34:00.002-07:00

Here is James resting his foot on Friday.

Today james went to the doctor to find out what the dealio is.

Dr. Allen was super nice and Eva scored herself a foot lolly!

Luckily James only chipped part of one of his bones and tore some ligaments. He only has to wear a boot. We were worried he would have to get surgery.

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Ethan and his Homework

2011-07-27T20:38:00.003-07:00

Here is Ethan doing the one thing that he loves the most!

If you know him at all you will know that this is a flat out lie.

He does love school and learning, but he absolutely detests homework!

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1st Day of School!

2011-07-25T20:02:00.003-07:00

Jacob has been soooooooo excited to start school. This morning he woke Ethan up at 5:50 yelling that today is school day! You would have thought it was Christmas!

This is a crazy toot face!

The boys had great fun at school today! Jacob even wants to go back tomorrow.

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Rose

2011-07-24T20:46:00.002-07:00

This here is Rose. Saturday James went by his bosses house to pick up an insulation machine and came back with her.

The kiddos wanted to name her Smurfette but she responds to Rose so Rose it will stay.

So far she is very timid and shy. We will have to see how it goes.

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Good Times

2011-07-12T07:44:00.003-07:00

We sure have had fun playing with everyone these last two weeks!

The kids have had a blast playing with their cousins!

Eva was very excited to have another girl around to play with.

Ethan and Caden have been chumming around.

Fun at the pool and they all came back alive!

The kids having fun after setting up for Bob and Amandas open house.

Eva hanging with her new aunt!

James and his grandmother.

Playing games.

Hillary and Kindree.

Kristi and grandma at the park!

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Fitch Park

2011-07-08T09:18:00.002-07:00

Grandma had fun swinging.

Jacob and Eva climbing around.

Missy Rain!

Atticus getting ready to slide.

Alexandra!

Caden had fun on the turtle.

Kindsee!

Grandma and Kristi visiting.

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Landscaping water leak

2011-06-30T14:05:00.003-07:00

My neighbor called me this morning to let me know that there was a fountain of water spraying up in the air from my yard. I went outside to check it and sure enough there was a geyser in my yard!

I turned off our landscaping water and called a handsome guy and he rushed on home to take a look! This capped off pipe failed and needs the cap replaced. Good thing I know me a hot guy who knows how to fix! I loves you hunny!

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Fun in the Sun

2011-06-30T13:47:00.003-07:00

The kids have been having a blast on the slip and slide!

The boys keep racing each other back and forth.

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InActive No More!

2011-06-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

Man, I feel like I haven't been to church in a couple of months. Oh, wait maybe it's because I haven't. Ever since the kiddos got 5ths disease I have only been to church once. Eva got it twice! Oi. It takes three weeks for it to go away and honestly she still has a week to go still, but I didn't want to stay home again.
Can I just say I had to take a couple of deep breaths during sacrament meeting. The kids had a hard time sitting still and I had a hard time keeping my focus (and my cool). I was able to calm down and enjoy sacrament meeting. It was so nice to get my weekly dose of spiritual water to fill my soul! I do, of course, get it during the week as well. It's just nice to get it on Sunday too!

Cookie Monsters

2011-06-14T12:39:00.003-07:00

I made a batch of Elaine's yummy Chocolate Chip Cookies! Mmmm they were delicious!

I think that the kiddos definitely agree!

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White Rolls

2011-06-09T08:13:00.003-07:00

I usually don't have much success when making rolls but these turned out great!

I adapted this recipe from Jesse Evans Smiths 90 min Bread

2c warm water
2T active dry yeast
2tsp salt
1/4c sugar
3T oil
4-5c a/p flour
1 stick butter

Pour water into large bowl. Add sugar, salt and whisk until dissolved. Add the yeast and whisk until it is blended into the water. Cover the bowl (I use foil). Wait 10 min and add the oil and add 1c of flour and whisk to incorporate. And another cup and whisk until lumps are basically removed. Using a wooden spoon add next 2c of flour 1 at a time until incorporated into the dough. With the remaining cup of flour sprinkle 1/4c on counter to knead. Knead for abou 5 min adding more a small amount of flour at a time until the dough it slightly tacky.

Melt the butter and add half of it to a jelly roll pan. Divide the dough into 4 strips and divide the strips into clumps the size of 1/3 measuring cup. Make the clumps into balls and schmere into the melted butter in the pan. Put 4 in a row making 5 rows. Cover with a towel or large sheet of foil. Be sure to oil the foil if you use it. Let rise 30min.

Uncover and place in 375F oven for 10 min on middle rack. Make sure it has ample head space.
After 10 min rotate pan and bake an additional 5-10min until tops brown.

After rolls are removed from oven use a pastry brush to brush the tops with the remaining butter. Remove from pan to cool or serve warm.

Makes 20 rolls

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Barf-O-Matic

2011-06-06T06:55:00.002-07:00

Man, Eva was sick all day yesterday! She was feeling great though. She was running around all day. I couldn't get her to sit still. You know what that means? It means she kept me busy cleaning up after her! I had to clean her bedroom, the upstairs couch, the bottom of the stairs, and then her bed. Oi! I sure hope that she will be better today, but since she's feeling fine I can't really tell.

Not so fun summer

2011-06-02T19:57:00.004-07:00

So... Ethan and Eva have 5ths disease and I am not sure yet I'd Jacob has it or not. If you have not heard of 5ths before it is a virus that affects your immune system. If your healthy you basically just get a rash but if you have poor immune systems or are expecting it can be dangerous to your health. So, we have been home bound for the past two weeks and it looks as though it will be about another 1 to 2 weeks more. If Jacob gets it too it will be even longer. I am hoping that he doesn't get it.

Once it is in the rash stage it is no longer contagious but the rash is gross and covers most of your body. It's not itchy or anything, just icky looking.

Snickerdoodles

2011-05-27T07:17:00.003-07:00

Snickerdoodles are James' fav. cookie. This is the 2nd time that I made them. The 1st time they tasted yummy and were chewy but the fell. I was really wanting them to be fluffy. I discovered the secret the second go 'round. Don't let the cracks get too big. Pull them out a bit after they form. Here is the yummy recipe that I used:

Snickerdoodles
by Dawnya

Prep Time 15 Minutes
Cook Time 10 Minutes
Difficulty Easy

Preparation Instructions
Mix shortening, sugar and eggs together. Then sift flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Add to egg mixture and stir well. Once it is mixed, chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Roll into a ball about the size of a walnut. Roll the ball in a cinnamon sugar mixture of 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Place on an ungreased baking sheet, cook at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until lightly brown.
Yummy, easy cookies. Enjoy.
Ingredients
1 cupShortening
1-½ cupSugar
2 wholeEggs
2-¾ cupsFlour
2 teaspoonsCream Of Tartar
1 teaspoonSoda
½ teaspoonsSalt
_____
FOR CINNAMON SUGAR MIXTURE:
2 TablespoonsSugar
2 teaspoonsCinnamon

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Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread

2011-05-26T06:29:00.003-07:00

I found this recipe on the Joy The Baker blog. It looked so yummy that I had to make it myself! I am so glad that I did it is sooooo good. Mmmm.

I used some leftover frosting that I had in my fridge to top it.

Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

Makes: one 9x5x3-inch loaf

For the Dough:

2 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 1/4 teaspoons (1 envelope) active dry yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 ounces unsalted butter

1/3 cup whole milk

1/4 cup water

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Filling:

1 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg

2 ounces unsalted butter, melted until browned

In a large mixing bowl (I used just the bowl of my stand mixer) whisk together 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Set aside.

Whisk together eggs and set aside.

In a small saucepan, melt together milk and butter until butter has just melted. Remove from the heat and add water and vanilla extract. Let mixture stand for a minute or two, or until the mixture registers 115 to 125 degrees F.

Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula. Add the eggs and stir the mixture until the eggs are incorporated into the batter. The eggs will feel soupy and it’ll seem like the dough and the eggs are never going to come together. Keep stirring. Add the remaining 3/4 cup of flour and stir with the spatula for about 2 minutes. The mixture will be sticky. That’s just right.

Place the dough is a large, greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel. Place in a warm space and allow to rest until doubled in size, about 1 hour. *The dough can be risen until doubled in size, then refrigerated overnight for use in the morning. If you’re using this method, just let the dough rest on the counter for 30 minutes before following the roll-out directions below.

While the dough rises, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg for the filling. Set aside. Melt 2 ounces of butter until browned. Set aside. Grease and flour a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. Set that aside too.

Deflate the risen dough and knead about 2 tablespoons of flour into the dough. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 5 minutes. On a lightly floured work surface, use a rolling pin to roll the dough out. The dough should be 12-inches tall and about 20-inches long. If you can’t get the dough to 20-inches long… that’s okay. Just roll it as large as the dough will go. Use a pastry brush to spread melted butter across all of the dough. Sprinkle with all of the sugar and cinnamon mixture. It might seem like a lot of sugar. Seriously? Just go for it.

Slice the dough vertically, into six equal-sized strips. Stack the strips on top of one another and slice the stack into six equal slices once again. You’ll have six stacks of six squares. Layer the dough squares in the loaf pan like a flip-book. Place a kitchen towel over the loaf pan and allow in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes or until almost doubled in size.

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Place loaf in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is very golden brown. The top may be lightly browned, but the center may still be raw. A nice, dark, golden brown will ensure that the center is cooked as well.

Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the bread and invert onto a clean board. Place a cake stand or cake plate on top of the upside down loaf, and carefully invert so it’s right side up. Serve warm with coffee or tea.

I think this bread is best served the day it’s made, but it can also we wrapped and kept at room temperature for up to 2 days.

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Family Night

2011-05-22T21:31:00.003-07:00

We played The Game of Life.

The kids had a blast! Eva was so excited that she got to live in a tree house! Ethan was stoked that he kept getting thousands of dollars. Jacob was very bummed that he didn't get to have any kids (although he beat the pants off of us all!).

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Toothless

2011-05-19T07:23:00.002-07:00

Ethan was wiggling his front tooth this morning and it finally came out!

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Girls Day at the MIM

2011-05-18T08:32:00.001-07:00

We (my sisters Steph, Kris, Kris' daughter Cenita, my girlie Eva, my mom and myself) went to The MIM on May 7th.

We had a ton of fun in the hands on room.

This was Eva's favorite instrument. It is a frog that makes a croaking sound when you slide a stick up it's back.

The museum is extensive.

This is a huge gong. This is in one of the halls.

So is this group of drummers. I mostly took pics of the hands on room.

I think everyone had a good time. Thanks for coming along chica's!

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Grandma Shupe

2011-05-17T09:46:00.002-07:00

Saturday we had a party for my grandma. She is 90years old!

Here she is with my daughter Eva.

Here is a pic of some of the decor. (my mom did them)

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Texas

2011-03-20T16:36:00.002-07:00

Oh my gosh! We had such a fun time visiting everyone! The one sad thing is is that I forgot to take pictures! I can't believe it. It is very sad.

Elaine and Joe have an awesome woodshop out back (which we are so jealous of). They were kind enough to let us use it and build some stuff. I made this and James made this (click on the this' and it will take you to the link). I still need to sand and paint mine and James just need to paint both of his (he made two).

James and I had fun going on our evening walks with Elaine. The weather was so beautiful.   The kids had fun in the bouncy house and the blow up slide!   I think that we are jealous of those too, but I think that they might blow away at our house.

We went to the park and fed the ducks. Uncle Joe was so cool to catch a turtle for the kids to hold and pet. He has very fast reflexes! James had fun playing disc golf and even Ethan won one round! We stayed up way too late just about every night playing games. It was definately fun! I love playing games and can I just say that I did pretty darn good. I usually stink at games. I know that Elaine is probably rolling her eyes at me, but you can ask your mom, I usually don't do very well.

James and I already miss your good cookin' Elaine. Mmmm good cookin'. Elaine makes the yummiest food ever!   I also miss Taco Bueno. Mmmm Taco Bueno. And Joe, don't worry James did leave you a little bit of cheesecake!

The kids had fun visiting their other 'Texas Cousins' too. We had fun with Andrea's kids and can I say how bummed Eva was to discover that they had dress up clothes like 5 minutes before we left. She was not a happy camper. Drezdyn was the most cuddliest child I have ever met. Just adorable! Taegen was a bouncy ball of fire! She is so funny and Eva had a ball playing with her. Ethan and Jacob had fun with Keaton and his drums! I don't know how Andrea lives with drums in her house. Heaven bless her.

We miss you all and can't wait to see you all again!   Love You!

Gimme a T!

2011-03-09T18:58:00.001-07:00

Woo Hoo! For those of you who don't already know. . . we are going to Texas for spring break. This is our first time going (James has been before, but that's all). We are all very very excited. We will be visiting James' sister Elaine and her fam. Then we will visit my sister Ann and her familia. Good times!
Even though this is our first time we are going to try to be ambitious and drive straight through. We will see how that goes. It is supposed to be a 17 hour drive. Yes, we ARE crazy!

Fieldtrip Excitment

2011-02-15T08:48:00.001-07:00

Ethan has a fieldtrip today. His class is going to The Boyce Thompson Arboretum. He is very excited because he gets to bring a plant home. We will have to take a picture of it later for tommorow.

I don't have a camera to take pictures anymore. We have had the worst luck with camera's I tell ya! Our current one decided that it is pooped and is on strike. Now all my pic.'s will be coming from my phone.

I hope everyone had a fun Valentines day!

Talking

2011-01-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

It has been so strange to think that Dan is gone. We still cannot believe it. However, it has given us several opportunities to talk to our children about death and the Plan of Salvation. How lucky we are to know that we will be able to be reunited with our family after death. We have been weighed down by our grief, but how much harder would it be if we didn't have the knowledge that we do. I am so greatful to have the fullness of the gospel, and because of James, that we are able to have the priesthood in our home.

Our kids still have questions that they keep asking, but I am glad that we have answers for them. This difficult time has really brought our family closer and that we appreciate each other more. Even though I wish that Dan did not pass away, I am greatful for the good that it has brought into our lives.

Grandpa Harmon

2011-01-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

This week has been one filled with heartache, love, and support. James' father passed away 6 days after his 64th birthday (this last Sunday). It was a peaceful passing. He died in his sleep and he truly looked at peace. We love him so much. He was the best grandpa ever to our kids. They love him so much and have always looked forward to time spent with their grandpa. James was very close to his dad and loves him very much. He was lucky enough to have the opportunity to have worked with him at the begining of James' career and has much love and respect for this great man. Even though I never called my in-laws dad or mom, I still think of them as parents. He was a wonderful father figure to me I will miss him dearly. I am so glad that I have had the blessed opportunity to have known him and have him be apart of my life. We are so very greatful to our family and friends for their love and support during this difficult time. Especially my mom and Stephanie for taking the time to watch our children for us when needed and for letting us stay with them so that we could be in town to spend more time with James' family.

Christmas

2010-12-27T09:02:00.001-07:00

Okay, I was planning on having a simple Christmas with not a ton of gifts. James ended up getting a bonus that he was hoping for, but not really expecting to get. So, of course, he splurged and instead of buying himself an X-Box w/ Kinect (which he wants really bad, because well he's a guy) he was generous and got extra gifts for the kiddo's.

I got tents for all of the kids which they absolutely love (we gave to them on Christmas Eve). Then I got baking sets, a t-ball set (for the boys), and a new tea party set (for Eva). James got them pillow pets and an electric ride on tractor for them all to share. Can I say score for them and they love everything that they got.

We had fun visiting with everyone over the weekend! Thanks for helping our Christmas to be fun and memorable.

Sting Like a Bee!

2010-12-03T16:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, I was driving home from picking Ethan up from school today. It was nice outside so I had the windows down with my hand hanging out windsurfing down the road. I felt a bug hit my fingers, it was soft and kind of big feeling. I thought that it was a moth or something, but it wasn't. It was a bee and it stung me! Owwwie! I smashed that bug right off of me!

If you guys don't know already. . . I have never, ever been stung by a bee before. Ever. Until today. It hurt. Plus, I was for sure that the only reason that I had never ever been stung before is because I just must be allergic to them and the good Lord knew it and didn't want me to die a puffy, swollen death. Hey, it's been 15 minutes and I'm still alive! Yay! My finger does still hurt though. I am going to have to have Eva kiss it better for me (after I put a band-aid on it of course). She gives cold kisses and that should help the swelling to go back down.

The boys kept asking me if the bee's bum was still stuck in my finger, but I let them know that I smashed the heck out of it when it stung me and that there was nothing left of it. After we got home I did find the stinger and bum on my pants and showed it to them. They were very impressed!f

Peanuts

2010-12-01T16:31:00.001-07:00

I know what you are thinking. Oh hey, it's Mr. Peanut! Nope. It is Peanut Man. Ethan made him.

I have had a bag of peanuts in the pantry for quite awhile now. The kiddos are always begging to eat them.

But did you know that peanuts (shell on) are a very messy snack.

Today Jacob asked if he could have peanuts for snacks. I let out a big, long, heavy sigh. How about after Ethan get's home you guys can have them. BUT it has to be outside.

When I told them that they could just throw the shells on the ground they got very excited! It was fun shelling peanuts with them. While I was out there with them I thought they would be really good warm. Mmmm.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T14:09:00.001-07:00

We had a nice quiet Thanksgiving this year. My mom and my sister Stephanie came by. Between us we still had enough food to feed an army. We really didn't even touch the appetizers and I may have been the only one who went back for thirds a couple of hours later. There was so much of it!

That night James was a good sport and set up the dome tent in the back yard. The boys and I had a cold night out (James had to work the next day so he stayed inside for his alarm). Ethan ended up barfing, so about 5am we moved everyone inside. We will have to try it again next weekend. (I still haven't cleaned it out) My knee went out again on Friday, so I am hop along Joe again.

Very frustrating. Hopefully it won't last too long. I have really enjoyed going for walks every morning after I drop Ethan off at school. And I have finally been able to keep up with the downstairs housework again.

We will be doing our Christmas decorating tonight (if James get's off of work on time) so, might have some pic's tomorrow.

Lost

2010-11-18T07:38:00.001-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I decided to clean the garage. Ethan was in the house finishing his homework and Jacob and Eva were playing on the driveway. It got really quiet, I went to check on them, and they were gone! Oh my gosh. . . . can I say Aaaaaaaaaah! I looked around the middle part in my street and they were no where to be seen I got Ethan and got in the truck and started driving around. There were a few people outside of their homes and asked if they had seen them and they said no. Oh my gosh! They were very kind and started to help look. I drove around the park and the streets by it with no luck. I met back up with my neighbors and one of the ladies called the police for me (yes mom, now I know what it feels like). I left my phone at home so I went back to get it really fast and thought that I would just check with our next door neighbor Toni. I ring the door bell and it takes her a minute because she has a dog and she is older. She opens the door and there they are. Thank the heavens they are safe! She said that they had been ringing her door bell and she let them in and was feeding them. She said that she called and left a message. I asked her to please not let them in if they did it again. They were probably over there for 15 minutes, but that is definately eternity when you can't find your little ones and horrible thoughts are going through your mind.

If you haven't already, give your kids a hug today.

Toothless!

2010-11-16T19:51:00.001-07:00

Ethan has lost his very first tooth! Not only did he loose his first tooth, but he lost it as well. It fell out at school and he lost it there. He was bummed. He now has another tooth that is loose and is looking forward to loosing that one as well.

Park Play

2010-11-10T10:13:00.001-07:00

There is a good sized park right next to Ethan's school. After we dropped Ethan off to school this morning we hopped on over to the park to play with Jr. (Jacob's friend). We had a blast!

When it was time to go Jacob hung his head and was sad.

They can't wait to play with Jr. again!

A Very Princess Birthday!

2010-11-09T15:34:00.001-07:00

Eva definately had to wear her Halloween costume to her Birthday party. Thanks to Aunt Steph she got some more bling to add to it!

We had so much fun and are glad that everyone that could came out to celebrate our little honey's 3rd birthday!

Halloween Fun!

2010-11-01T16:26:00.002-07:00

Ethan (Iron Man) at his school Halloween Parade.

Jacob just had to be Iron Man too. His costume is silver and Ethan's is gold.

And last but certainly not least. . . Eva just had to be a fairy princess. The kids raked in a TON of candy. They went to 3 count them 3 trunk or treats, snaked candy that we were handing out Sunday, and of course Ethan scored big at school as well.

It has been a very sugar coated weekend!

Mmmmm. . . . cake!

2010-09-27T09:30:00.001-07:00

I made personal cakes for the kids to decorate. I used some small glass pyrex bowls. I tried to find some small cake pans at the store, but the bowls were the only thing that I could find in the size that I was looking for. They worked great!

The kids had a lot of fun! They turned out

really cute and yummy looking.

Great job!

Apples

2010-09-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

I have been converted to canning. So far this summer I have canned tomatoes, chillies, pickles, and now I am working on apples. These beauties are apple pie filling. I only did one batch which made 7qt jars, but I will be doing more tomorrow.

As you can see I still have a ton of apples left. I think that I might dehydrate some as well. I haven't decided yet. I might do spiced apples or some applesauce. We will see.

Camping Part 2

2010-09-07T11:21:00.001-07:00

We went camping again this last weekend and I forgot to take my camera with me. Eva was sick and kept getting a fever. She was pretty cranky and would only go to Kallee (her cuz.) or myself. I think that she did have a lot of fun playing with Kallee. Everyone seemed to have a fun time. I am glad to be back to sleep a bit better. Eva did not sleep very well and kept stealing James' cot. I don't think that he slept very well either.

Camping

2010-08-23T08:28:00.001-07:00

These are the local alien hunters.

Look at this cool gun that one of the kids brought. It is carved out of wood.

My kids loved them!

James had fun with all of the games there were to play. Here he is

playing horse shoes. Yo, yo, yo, eh. . . yo!

Bob and Isaac getting in on the fun.

Eva just had fun hanging around with Grandpa, Kristi, and Bob.

We all had a fun time!

Camping Trip Here We Come !

2010-08-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

We are going camping tonight. Woo Hoo! I think the last time we went camping was before Ryan and Brooke tied the knot. It was during the winter and we froze! The kids are very excited and are just waiting for Ethan to get out of school.

Butterfly Mania

2010-08-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

I have been seeing an awful lot of butterflies lately. . . so, I thought that I would count how many I saw taking Ethan to school today. I saw 9 on the way to school and a whopping 20 on the way home! That was fun to see so many.

Super Sleepy Girl

2010-08-17T08:35:00.001-07:00

Jacob and Eva don't take naps very often anymore, this is the result. After 'naptime' (quiet time)

we pick Ethan up from school they watch 1 show before homework time. Apparently

10 min. into the show was just enough to make my wonder girl konk out.

Goodbye Steve!

2010-07-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

My brother Steve left for his mission today. My kids love him! I

am sure that the next time that we go over to Grandma Chapman's

house that the kids will forget that he left and ask, "Where's Steve?".

When he get's back Ethan will be almost 9.

Jacob will be about 7.

Little Eva won't be so little anymore, she will be almost 5.

Daddies Girl

2010-07-19T08:48:00.001-07:00

Eva sure did miss her daddy and daddy missed his Eva!

Stinkbug Hunters - Last of the NM Pic's

2010-07-16T07:00:00.002-07:00

One of my kids favorite activities was going on stinkbug hunts.

Once they found one they would A-Catch it and never want to release it or

B-Scare the crap out of them by following them all over the yard at a

proximity close enough to just almost step on it with each step.

Happy Hunters

View from the front porch facing the Hwy.

More NM Pic's

2010-07-14T07:18:00.002-07:00

Powerlines on the side of the road.

All of these not so pretty bushes are sagebrush. They are

kind of ugly, but they make the air smell fresh and minty.

After it rains the air smells so sweet and minty.

Ethan said that it smells like chocolate mint and he was right.

The Rio Grande

2010-07-12T10:41:00.001-07:00

Wild flowers on the side of the road.

This is looking down on the Rio Grande from the Toas high bridge.

This bridge totaly freaks me out! Everytime a car goes over it it shakes like

crazy. I was singing primary songs to myself and praying that it wouldn't

fall and kill me! It does have a very pretty view down the canyon.

Just Chillin'

2010-07-10T10:45:00.003-07:00

The weather in NM was beautiful compared to the scorching

temps back here in Arizona. If you guessed it already the

building to the left is an outhouse. You can even still use it

without getting any slivers in your bum. However, I would use

it with caution because of the creepy crawlies of the eight legged

kind. The building to the right is the old garage that is now filled

with odds and ends of all sorts.

Here is Steve chillin' wittling away at a branch that he was

attempting to make into a boat, but sadly it split down

the middle.

Here are my kiddos attacking my brother Ryan and his fiance Brooke during

naptime.

Watermelon

2010-07-09T08:04:00.003-07:00

When I left to go to NM all of my watermelon's were the size of grapes.

When I got back a week later I found this little baby.

I also found this cantalope. I thought that this plant was either

a squash plant or another type of watermelon. Boy was

I suprised to find this!

A big Thanks to my neighbor Toni

for watering my plants for me while I was gone so that they

didn't dry up and die!

Carson, NM School House

2010-07-09T08:02:00.002-07:00

I love this building. It is so pretty. My grandfather, his siblings, and others

helped to build this.

Boom-a-rang

2010-07-08T07:35:00.002-07:00

My brother Ryan purchased a boom-a-rang in town and the kids and

my brother Steve are shown in the pasture throwing it around.

Knee Update

2010-07-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

So, I went to Urgent Care yesterday to find out what the deal is. They did x-rays and they said that they think that it is only a sprain. It can take up to a month to heal. The x-ray was just of the bones. To see ligament and such I would need a CT scan.

I am going to cross my fingers and wait a month to see if it is just a sprain. If it is not healed by then then I will need the CT scan to see what the problem is. I am hoping that it is not anything more serious than the sprain.

Family History

2010-07-07T09:00:00.002-07:00

During our stay in New Mexico some of the Clarkson's (my mother's

cousin's) came to visit my grandmother's home. They had come

for the reunion in Colorado at the Pope's. They brought with them

this amazing family tree that spans my generation all the way

back to Adam and Eve.

With the help of many people who did the geneology, she was able to

put all of the information together and her husband made

the family tree on a 32ft x 4ft piece of canvas.

These are my kids helping to roll it back up, but I placed the

pic's to look like it is being unrolled.

The gentleman holding the family tree is the man who made it.

Isn't this just amazing !

She still has some work to do, but when she is finished all

of the information will be submitted to the New Family Seach

site and family members will be able to enter their information

and just print out a book with all of this information, plus it

will include stories from various family members regarding

my families ancestry.

Sleepy Head

2010-07-05T08:31:00.001-07:00

During naptime I was able to take this sweet pic. of Eva.

The lighting was perfect. Isn't she just darling?

A Week Early

2010-07-05T08:26:00.001-07:00

We got home at about 10pm on Saturday night. We had fun in New Mexico, but we (the kids and I) are really bummed that we had to come home early. We were going to go to Texas to visit Elaine, Joe and the kids and Andrea, Paul and their kids.

My knee had been getting better, so I thought that I would be able to make the trip, but it got really angry at me and changed my mind for me. I am going to go to the doctor this week to see what the actual problem with it is. I am hoping that it is not anything too serious (requiring surgery), pray for me.

To everyone that we are missing in Texas- we love you and miss you!

Posting

2010-06-17T08:12:00.003-07:00

I want to appologise for not posting for awhile. I injured my knee and have been hobbling around. My knee is getting better, slowly but surely. My house is a yucky mess, so I will be doing some catch up cleaning before I start blogging again. I do have things to blog about. Especially preparations that I have been making for my upcoming travels.

I should be back at it within the next couple of days.

Gotta Have My Garden Fix!

2010-06-04T11:05:00.003-07:00

Okay. . . I want to start out by saying that gardening is incredibly addictive. I love it. This is the first garden that I have had in a really long time and honestly, I previously have only grown strawberries, tomatoes and herbs. This garden has been really fun! I have gotten a lot of squash already and am growing a couple more different kinds of squash that have not matured/ripened fully. My tomatoes are coming in and now look below! A cute little baby watermelon! I was really wondering if I would even get any.

Reading other people's blogs last year it seemed that they had a hard time growing watermelon's. I am very excited and showed it to my boys yesterday. Even though a lot of what I am growing are things that my kids think are highly questionable, they do still enjoy watching everything grow.

I thought that since this is my first real garden that I wouldn't plant too many things just to see how it goes. I definitely am going to go a bit more crazy next season. I would like to add a couple more garden boxes. Shhhh. . . don't tell James.

Rag Rug

2010-06-02T12:06:00.004-07:00

I saw a blog post a long time ago about rag rugs and have been interested in making them for some time. I went on you-tube and found some simple intructions for crocheting them. This rug was made from a large pile of James' work T-Shirts that he no longer uses.

It was fun and think that I would like to try it out using sheets the next time around. Eva has claimed this one and is now her "kitty bed" for when she plays kitty.

They Are Finally Here!

2010-05-31T07:24:00.003-07:00

Yay! It feels like I have been waiting forever for the tomatoes to come in. I have been anxiously waiting none to patiently and they are finally here. There is nothing better than home grown tomatoes and I cannot wait to eat their sweet earthy flesh. Mmmm.

So far it looks like my yellow pears are the only one's coming in, but that is fine. I can wait on the others.

Splish Splash

2010-05-28T07:20:00.003-07:00

It is summertime! That means time to pull out the pool. The kids have been having tons of fun swimming.

Earth Day Tree

2010-05-27T07:44:00.004-07:00

I know that Earth Day has come and gone, but. . . . my sister Stephanie gave this Colorado Blue Spruce Sapling to me for Earth Day.

Can you see the little baby branches that have finally formed? They are so tiny an cute. I know that it will be a few years before it will be large enough for me to plant in the yard (trust my kids to not trample and kill it), but I look forward to when I will be able to.

Kid's Garden

2010-05-26T10:33:00.003-07:00

Jacob planted the carrots and beets that are in the pic. above. He planted them in February. They are by the back porch just to the right of the door.

Ethan planted these pinto beans when he brought home a bean sprout home from school

and it died from lack of water.

Currently, Eva does not have a little garden of her own. However, she always helps me water mine. She really enjoys helping out. I will have her plant something of her own soon.

Score!

2010-05-25T07:09:00.003-07:00

I was at WalMart in the garden area and they have a ton of stuff on clearance. I got two Gerber Daisy plants each for $1! How awesome is that?! The plant on the right looks near death, but it does actually look a lot better than when I first brought it home. It has perked up quite a bit. I am confidant that it will make a full turn around.

The Beetles Are Gone

2010-05-11T08:28:00.002-07:00

Yay! The beetles are all now gone. The kids are very excited to be able to play outside again.

2010-05-07T12:01:00.003-07:00

Okay, a couple of days ago I posted about a strange beetle called the iron cross blister beetle. My backyard is now overrun by them! I can't even let me kids outside!! Yesterday, after James got off of work, he decided that he wanted to go out back and see if he could find one. He smashed no less (most likely more) than 50 of them. I kid you not.

After the smash-a-thon we headed back in the house to read up more on these nasty buggers. If a horse eats just a part of one of these guys (found in the hay and/or grass) it can KILL it. Aaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!! Now my yard is basically smeared with these things and if my kids so much as touch the smear or get it on themselves and then touch their face they can DIE!!!!!!

Today, I went outside to clean up the dead (bring out your dead!) and by the time I found 1 to start shoveling into a pile I saw 1 fly into the yard and another two of them running around, I was just like forget it! I will have to clean up the mess in a couple of weeks when they are hopefully gone. Can I get another Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! ! ! My skin is currently crawling and I am officially freaking out!

Amateur Photographer

2010-05-06T07:52:00.004-07:00

Yesterday I found Jacob in the corner, doing something suspicious. He was laying on his stomach facing the corner. What could he possibly be doing? Apparently, he had my camera.
I guess this is as good as it gets when you can only take pictures in the corner facing the wall.

Heebie Jeebies!

2010-05-05T11:21:00.004-07:00

Okay, I went outside to admire the first of my summer squash (can I just tell you I am so excited about it!) and then, amid my proud observations came this huge beetle! (pic. below)

I was totally mortified! Bright colors! That must mean poisonous right?! I looked online and found out that this Thing is called an Iron Cross Blister Beetle. It can cause skin blisters if touched and is fatal if ingested. Oh my gosh! I have never seen anything like this. It was a good two inches long and before I even went inside to find out what the heck this thing was, I found a large rock and dropped it on the bad boy.

Man alive, I am so glad that my kids didn't find this outside. I am always just leaving them in the back to play by themselves. And can I tell you that this thing, I swear, started chasing me! Okay, that might be an exaggeration, but it was definitely following me.

An Unwelcomed Guest

2010-05-03T13:08:00.004-07:00

Over the weekend we had a visitor. . . . I was plating up my kids dinner and saw something in the back yard. Lo and behold I saw a rabbit! How did it get there? I could only guess that it crawled in under our gate. The kids were thrilled! I had them stay in the house to watch it so that they would not scare it. It was all fun and games until it started going towards my garden and thus, wore out it's welcome. I went outside and chased it to the gate so that it could crawl back under and out. It was a great streak of gray-brown and the kids were thrilled that it kept running across the porch to hide. Finally I cornered it and after about 5 min. it calmed down enough to figure out how to leave. Of course, the kiddos were very disappointed that the rabbit was gone. Even still they keep saying that the rabbit would come back.