The littlest dancer

Cambria had her first dance recital a few weeks ago and she did a great job. She was quite a leader in her class and had to remind the girls what came next. It was really cute and she looked so sweet. I am envisioning a closet full of dance recital costumes in varying sizes that I won't know what to do with 15 years from now. For now, we love it!






The boys bought her a rose and she felt like a star!

glutton for gluttony

If you follow my rants on Facebook, then you know I am slightly bitter about the holiday goodies that are destroying my waistline. I must admit though, I have contributed my share to the treats. Cambria and I made toffee 2 weeks ago for her big Christmas concert. It was delicious, but I think anything made exclusively with sugar butter and chocolate can't be anything but delicious. We'll keep eating out way through the next two weeks, but then it'll be a turbokick marathon January. I'll need to have something that fits, right??

Beautiful Seattle

We headed over to Seattle a few weekends ago and had to stop at one of the points of interest that we find to be beautiful. The temple. It is a lovely building tucked back in the trees. The kids admired the fountain and were impressed that it wasn't frozen. It was a very cold day.

I was hoping to use a better picture, but Cambria decided to employ this smile for every single shot. Oh well, that's my girl.

Gingerbread houses...well, sort of.

We have never believed in baking delicious gingerbread and then wasting it on houses that will get stale and then trashed. Thus and verily, we use graham crackers. Always have, always will. They work perfectly and are just the right size. A few weeks ago, for family night, we put some together with friends. This was the first year that we made the frosting from scratch. I usually just buy a tub 'cause, well, it's easy. This year, we learned that making it from scratch is also easy and WAY more effective. It worked perfectly and the kids had a great time.

Christmas Fun

This month is craziness all wrapped up into 30 days. I broke away and found some time for a little Christmas fun, enjoy!

Christmas Fun #1

Christmas Fun #2

I'm calling it thrifty.

Cambria got some cute new knee socks the other day and she wanted to wear them to school. I generally don't have her wear dresses to school because of modesty logistics, but she really wanted to, so we had to figure something out. Leggings would cover the socks, therefore a no go. Tights under the socks would have just been ridiculous, so that too, was a no go. I told her she needed some bike shorts, but all we have are flowery ones that would have been a crazy addition to the outfit. So what do you do when your daughter needs plain colored bike shorts to go under her skirt?

You pull out the old baby tights (6-12 months) and cut off the feet. Oh yes, I did. They stretched fantastically and worked just like I wanted them to. No, it's not white trash, it's thrifty. The real question is, why did I still have one random pair of black baby tights lingering in her drawer? I guess they knew they had a greater purpose.

Craigslist post of the week

Well, this certainly looks like a good investment. I hope I beat everyone else to it.

Craigslist post of the week

Well thanks a lot Costco!

All I am saying is that if you feel that you actually do have "turkey neck," I don't think it's necessary for everyone who wanders by your cart or checks out your groceries to have a reason to stare. No one noticed before, but you can sure as heck bet that everyone will be checking out your neck now! You better have some high self-confidence if you're picking up a package of this.

uhhh, that's extremely delicious

There are certain foods that someone concocted that are, quite possibly, perfect. I have a list, actually, if you want the truth. They include, but are not limited to: garlic bread, squirty can whipped cream, artichoke/jalapeno dip from Costco, brownies, and Nutella. I mention the last because it is a bit of heaven in a jar. If you're not Nutella savvy, get there soon, 'cause you are missing out. But I digress, the real reason I mention it is due to the magnificent grocery store I went to last week. It has an olive bar with 24 choices. 24!! That, in and of itself, is something to tear up over. However, the real gem in this store is the bulk food section. It's fantastic, and I don't use that word lightly. They have everything that you could ever want in a bulk food section. Hold on folks, the Nutella reference is coming, just relax. In said section, they have a "make your own peanut butter" machine. You pick the mix (i.e. almonds, peanuts, pistachios, etc.) and then you flip the switch and it churns them into deliciousness. I chose the chocolate chips and peanuts mix. Uhhh, dare I say, AWESOME? Well, as it was coming out of the machine it looked extremely un-awesome, however, on the end of a pretzel? Yep, super awesome. They didn't have a hazelnut/chocolate mix, but who needs it when I can just buy Nutella, right? Nevertheless, my mix is fabulous and I made my kids a Banana sandwich with that spread all over the place for lunch today. They agree, it's awesome.

He's baa-aack.

After 100 days since we've lived in the same house, Clint made it home. He finished up his Engineering Duty training and hopped right into his truck and drove straight here. He arrived home before I even got back from Omaha. I wasn't thinking there would be any overlap, but he really wanted to get here. Everybody picked me up from the airport and it was great to see the whole family there after my little vacay. He goes back to work on Monday, so our lives will finally have some order to them again. That will be good, except for the "making a real dinner every night" part...yeah, I kind of enjoyed not having to do that.

While the Mom's away...

So you may have wondered, "How did she go to Omaha when her husband was clearly in CA?" I shall indulge you with the details. I asked my parents if they wanted to take a trip to the lovely metropolis of Port Orchard and they obliged. They came and spent some time here with the kids while I was off galavanting around (I like that phrase, it's making a comeback). Here's a few pics of what they did while I was gone.

They played a lot of games. Lots and lots of games. That's pretty much what they do with Grammy and Grandpa everytime they see them. We now own even more games and play Dora Charades on a daily basis. Cambria is a pro and is pretty hilarious to watch as she tries to get us to guess her word. Thanks again, Mom and Dad! The kids had a great time!

Without further delay.

I know, I have slacked off on my blog...ok, stopped blogging entirely...either way, I am sorry to cause such distress and turmoil. Clint finally made it home and he no longer requires the daily updates on our home life. However, I know you do, so I will try with much determination, to catch you up on the daily grind. Thanks for blogstalking, it gives me purpose!

IDK, my BFF Jenn?

Jenn and I met 6 1/2 years ago and have been friends ever since. She gets me, and all my crazy (yes, in my case, crazy is a noun). She had a big birthday this month and invited me to come join the fun, so you better believe I was on the plane to Omaha. Last time I went to Omaha, our car got broken into so I was hoping to replace that memory.

We had so much fun and I have loads of great memories to keep. Birthday sushi night, CiCi's Pizza and the glory of it all, a small schnauzer flying across a coffe table. Good times, people, you just can't beat 'em. It was a quick trip, but loads of fun and I can't wait till my next go around with the ol' BFF!

Happy Veteran's Day

We didn't even know that she knew it. What a patriotic girl!

The who?

Carson's class had a substitute teacher today. I am not sure he's had one before, but he told me all about it when he got home. He never mentioned "the sub" only that his "visiting teacher" helped him with his math. He kept saying "visiting teacher" and I just kept chuckling. I wish my visiting teacher would help me with my work. I've got loads!

If you are not LDS, this post probably makes no sense. Sorry.

Costumes Shmostumes

Last weeks costumes:

Gavin - Flint Lockwood (Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs)

Carson - bag of M&Ms

Cambria - spider princess

Last night's costumes:

Gavin - Skullzor (random costume we had in the closet)

Carson - Pirate

Cambria - cow

Tonight's costumes:

Gavin - Skullzor

Carson - Shrek (which I really dislike, due to the cheap plastic face mask, but he insists, so whatever)

Cambria - spider princess

It's a good thing I bought all those (13) costumes on clearance last year. We're mowing right through them.

Fred Meyer has lost his mind.

I went to the cornucopia of shopping yesterday. I think, because I always have something to share, I will always post about my trips to Freddy's. Yes, I definitely will. That store has some sort of magnetism that I just can't deny. Yesterday I went and found this.

Freakish? Perhaps. My kids tried it. It's bizarre. Not good, not bad, just odd. What's on your list today? Watermelon pudding may be an option.

the ever impromptu costume party

My two younger children love to dress up. This is how I found them today.

A fashion forward pirate and a sassy little heifer. They like to keep it interesting, you know, shake things up a bit.

Who knew I'd miss it?

Growing up, my family took car trips. We drove everywhere and during every trip my mom would say some variation of the following, "Look out your windows at the scenery." That suggestion was usually scoffed at with some degree of indifference. I don't care for scenery. I don't get excited if there is a deer on the side of the road. When driving through mountain roads, I don't look at the the beauty, I just try not to puke. That has always been my take on the "scenic route." However, the other day, I saw a strikingly beautiful tree with leaves that were 4 different autumn colors and I said, "Look out your window at that tree!" I gasped, I shuddered, I even chuckled a little at the horror that I have become the opposite of me.
So, for now, I smile every time I see changing leaves and the sun glisten off the sound. I'm the mom now, I guess I must take my rightful place as the "scenic observationist." I can't concede to the mountains yet though. They still make me puke.

It's a beautiful thing

Before I moved up here, everyone told me how I would probably be depressed from the gloomy weather. Never having lived here, I could neither confirm nor deny that. I am thankful that God knows just how much rain to send before he needs to call in the backup. Rainbows make everything better.

evolution of storytime

Once upon a time, mommy read the stories to the freshly bathed infant. Now mommy tries to find jammies/toothbrushes/pillows so bedtime will actually happen within a 25 minute time frame. After finding said items, storytime by mommy can happen. I guess they don't feel the need to wait for the mommy. I'll take my rightful place tomorrow night. Now where is that stinkin' toothbrush?

well...at least Cambo looked cute

Tonight was the church halloween bash. Everyone had a good time, but our costumes struggled. Not for lack of effort, but Carson's M&M balloon popped before he even got out of the car, he spilled water on his non-waterproofed costume ink and Gavin's entire costume (except for the lab coat I worked on feverishly into the night) fell partially apart and was strewn about the halls of the church. Cambria, the beautiful spider princess, looked cute. The boys pictures can be posted next week. Cambria is tonight's star.

When should you start making a Halloween costume?

Well, less than two days before the big party is not the best answer. However, as a lifelong procrastinator, that's my current status. Thankfully, Carson and Cambria are wearing things that are already made/purchased. Wish me luck on old Gav-o's 'stume. Maybe next year I'll plan ahead, but I doubt it.

Shear Happiness

I love getting my hair cut. I am not entirely loony about my hair, I have certainly never cried over it. I just totally enjoy a new look. I've been basically letting it grow for about a year and a half with a trim here and there. It got long, well, long for me, and then I realized I don't even like my hair long. I had to head to the chop shop. One thing I am crazy about is when I decide to get a hair cut, I usually must have it done immediately. Then I end up going to some lame-o $15 hair cut place and they give me a lame-o cut. I don't really care, because like I said, I'm not loony about my hair. This time, though, I thought I'd give a good stylist a go. I called the salon yesterday and they said I could come in this morning. It worked out perfectly for my neurotic immediate hair appointment mindset! I went in, I came out, it's lovely. I love having my hair short again.

(Oh, and yes, I went dark last week, I love changing my hair color too.)

Lies, lies, lies.

Just for the record, it was soap, and it was a mess.

He wants to dance.

Carson saw Cambria's coloring sheet for dance this morning. It had a boy and a girl on it in their ballet costumes. He said, "Boys can do ballet?" I told him that boys could do ballet if they wanted to. He said that's what he wants to do. I said, "Well, we'll have to talk about it." I sent him to school. When he came home, the first thing he said was, "Did you sign me up for ballet?" This is my son's history - should I be worried?

How did I miss this?

I was looking back over my posts from June and I realized I missed a week. Well, I probably missed more than that, but Cub Scout Camp week was totally bypassed. Rude mom, I know, I just skipped it. I felt like I better include Gavin's awesome archery to make the blog right. Here it is, Cub Scout Day Camp archery:

He left that day feeling like archery was his life's calling. He hasn't mentioned it since. Well, until we went to Cabela's last week and saw the practice deer that you shoot arrows into. He said he wanted one to practice on. Cambria said she wanted one too, though I'm sure for entirely different reasons.

Woah there, I didn't say we were THAT prepared.

I guess more is required for the kind of puddle jumping my son wants to do. I told him to zip his jacket all the way to the top, I'm supposing that didn't happen. But the socks? Totally dry. The boots were a success!

Bring it, Washington.

The rain started this week. We were grossly under-prepared. I found one umbrella buried under some old maps and CDs in the car, so I sent the boys to the bus stop with it. They broke it after about 2 minutes. While they were at school, I went to 4 stores trying to find rain attire for them. I was entirely unsuccessful. Meanwhile, my cute belted cardigan was completely soaked and left me smelling a bit wet-doggish. My leather slip-on shoes were three sizes too big and my tediously flat ironed hair was a frizzy situation. I gave up. I came home and watched the rain as it washed away all my shopping hopes and dreams.

I tried again today. Fred Meyer, the absolute mecca of shopping (that puts me into a panic attack of gargantuan proportions), was sure to have something. They had everything. Of course, I never would've doubted that store. Really, it has everything. Shoes? Check. Clothes? Check. Groceries? Check. Furniture? Check. Tools? Heck, yeah, check. I found cutie boots for the whole crew and rain jackets for the boys. We're ready, Washington, hit us with your best shot. Or maybe just a mildly decent one.

Job training is not a requirement.

Our sweet friend, Sierra, wanted to get her ears repierced this weekend. She had done it when she was about 5, but wasn't quite ready for them and they closed up on her. So, while we were at the store the other day, she saw a sign that said "Ear Piercing." She decided that she wanted it done. The lady helped her pick out earrings and we were all set to go. Her mom said, "Could you please put them right back on top of the holes she had before?" She checked out the ear lobe and said that would be fine.
Earring one? Perfect. Sierra took it like a champ and was ready for the next one.
Earring two? Well, see for yourself. Does that look like the same hole to you? What kind of ear piercer puts the new earring 1/4" away from her target? Sierra's mom was ready to fight. The piercing lady said, "Well, you can come back tomorrow and we can take it out and try again." Which, to me, sounded like, "Oh crap, you better come back when I'm not working, cause I don't want to take the fall for this one." Well, Sierra was in tears at this point because she knew she was going to have to go another round with that piercing gun. The lady was pretty much forced by my friend to get that earring out immediately and fix it. It was very disturbing and the piercing girl acted like she didn't do anything wrong. Well, at least Sierra got two for the price of one.

Pop Quiz

Cabela's is:

a) A zoological museum
b) An aquarium
c) A shooting range
d) A place for Kettle Corn and Hawaiian Ice
e) An outdoorsy store
f) A candy shop
g) all of the above


Yes, the correct answer is G

I had my first experience with the store that is "Cabela's" and it was very intriguing. Honestly, the ONLY thing in the entire store that I would actually would want was the candy. So, I bought some.