one of those days

Yup, one of thoooose days.

I don't really feel that old. I mean, yes my body's creaking when I get up off the floor--If I can get up. My knees are pretty shot, especially if I jog instead of walk around the park,

I am getting wrinkles all over my face---even my EAR! I don't like loud music anymore, my patience is very thin and my nerves are shot.....

but I really don't feel 40 years old!!

My birthday is today. One of those days. I'm not much for hoopla, parites, streamers or anything like that. But it is nice to hear from friends and family.

When reflecting on my life (my mere forty years) I realize I am so blessed to have a husband who protects and provides, and makes me happy.............. when he wants to,

He made this for me. (I need to hook him up with etsy....)

A pre-teen who has the greatest giggle of all time

a handsome --soon to be eight year old-- stud,

and a cowgirl pixie.

And so many friends!

What more could a gal ask for.

Thank you for making my fortieth bearable.

Do any of you feel your age??

What a blast!

So the camping season has officially begun! We had a great time out at the sand dunes/Little Sahara. Way fun!

Russell spent his hard earned money on two smaller 4 wheelers so we could all enjoy! He got a small 110 just Karson & Kam's size.

And a bit bigger one for Kaden & I to share.

After Russell rolled his the first 30 minutes he was on his machine, (he landed on his arm, but not bad) and Karson was thrown from his the first 10 minutes he was on his, (only about 10 miles an hour and didn't get hurt at all), things were great! It was actually great, because Karson was able to slow down a bit and not be too much of a dare devil.......he left that spot for Kaden. No injuries were had, only ear to ear grins.

We went to Sand Mountain to see the crazy people attempt to climb a steeper than steep mountain...of sand, then we spent the day at the "sand box" a place to just play in the sand. And we all played, and played and played. We had sleds to slide down, buckets to dig with, and people to bury in the sand. FUN!

Everyone had a great time. We all had sand in places we hope to never have sand again. yup, there too. The kids had free run of all the trails around our campsite. We all rode til our thumbs were sore from pressing the gas. In our down time, there was fire to play with, tumbleweeds to burn, and barbies to bury in the sand. A kids heaven.

The sun was warm, the breeze was cool, and spring is definately finally here. Hmmmmm where will we go next weekend?

ready set go!

Well, the first 2009 camping extravaganza will commence at 5pm today!!! The trailer is packed and ready to go. Just waiting for us to get off work........

We are going here to play on some new toys Russell got. We are all so very excited--especially Karson.... you'll see why on my next post.

Pray for good weather--we have been.

Hopefully the crowds of 30,000 will have dispersed a bit from last weekend...

I like these

I want to get some duffel bags for our family. I'd really like to have some good sturdy ones that will last for a lot of years. You know, for the boys to take to scout camp, family vacations, on weekend trips--that sort of thing. These are from Lands end.

They are great bags, but a little light weight. I do like how the bag opens. They are a little cheaper, but there are not a lot of color choices.

I really like these.....

These are from LLBean. They look really heavy duty and like they'll last a while. They also have a great selection of colors to choose from.

Does any one have any experience with either of these bags or any other suggestions of good quality duffels?

Last year I got a gift certificate and I'd like to order something before I forget all about it.

the dilemma...

On to bigger and better things.....

Well, sort of. Have you ever been given something in good gesture, but you don't know if you really could ---or should-- use that item?

I know we've all been given things that we don't ever use and they hang around your house until you are tired of looking at them, then you either throw them away or give them to the DI or someone else who might be able to use them.

WEll, I really can't decide if we are going to keep these or not. We should keep them. Kaden really does need some new ones.

It's just, well, the more I think about it, the more I think I shouldn't...especially after talking to Zalia. (But she wouldn't even consider wearing anything second hand.)

Well, they are clean. And they did belong to family.....uncle Alex.....and given the fact that Kaden could use some, and ..... oh I can't decide...

ok ok ok

it's a bag of underwear!!

Boxer briefs. the only kind my boys will wear.

they are clean.........................but it's underwear.

I wouldn't have to buy new ones for 8 years.....

Is my family too good for used underwear?

Is yours?

I have 2 bags, one large, the other medium.

Which one do you want?

stuff

Today I

• ran across the grass in bare feet
• jumped on the trampoline with my kids
• smiled at people when I ran errands (people thought I was wacko, they gave me weird looks......didn't even smile back)
• had a turkey, avacado, red pepper tortilla wrap. (I've been having this same lunch for 4 out of the last 5 days at home. So good. Also good with Hendricksons dressing=YUM)
• found out I have 2 cavities :(
• watched my second born go throught the rite of passage of the dreaded Easter Parade....

• and at the same program....saw butt cleavage

EEeeeewwwww! this is for you Deborah. I knew you would miss this sight, so I've documented it here for your sake...

• and as I kissed my kids goodnight I noticed all of them had sun kissed pink cheeks from playing outside all day today. we were unplugged......it was awesome!
  
  

Do you ever think at times in your life you have a theme? i know that sounds weird, but just bare with me.... my theme or motto if you will, in this phase of my life is --

"I don't remember where I put it"

I think I have a serious problem. I can't remember things. at all.

I dont' remember where the keys are.

I don't remember to finish things.

I don't remember where I put that library book,

I don't remember where I put the boys summer shorts?!?

I forgot to defrost the chicken.

Was I supposed to be in charge of that or did he say he would do it?

I joke about loosing my memory with the placenta when Kamryn was born.... but I think I really have a diagnosable condition. If I didn't have a cell phone that goes off to remind me to: bring things to work, to call somebody, go to the bank on my way home, as well as birthdays, dentist appointments, and gymnastics.....that is if I remember to put those events into the phone.

What's really weird is I remember most numbers. I know my drivers liscense, library card, mine and Russ' social. I remember Jennifer Grubb's phone number from first grade, 376-9616, and the Whitesides who I used to babysit for, 544-3324, but give me important dates to remember or things I put in a really special place....like the birthday check from last year that I just found and cashed...oops, sorry Betty.

Aye yi yie.

Does anyone have ideas to help them remember things?

well fed

That about sums this weekend up.
Do you ever get in a rut? A ho hum kind of way that makes you feel like a drone....go to work, do the laundry, cook breakfast, clear the dishes, clean the toilets, etc.
Sometimes you just need a lift.
I was well taken care of this weekend. We hadn't made any plans, so we were home to watch conference...all 4 sessions. What a good and needed boost I got.
Love President Monson!! Just love him! What powerful words that man shared with us all.

mmmmmm

Whenever we are home for conference, I like to make this stuff. My mom found this recipe from a good friend many years ago. It makes for a great breakfast or even light lunch. It sounds disgusting---I'll just warn you, but it is so good and good for you. It is our General Conference "tradition". We like to serve with mini muffins and juice/milk. (my offspring haven't developed a decent taste for this yet, so we also serve cold cereal---but served downstairs in front of the tv works even if it's conference)

Meusli

1 1/2 cups oatmeal (quick kind)

2 cups milk

Soak together and add:

1/2 cup orange juice concentrate

2 oranges thinly sliced

6 apples chopped finely

1/2-1 cup raisins

1 tsp lemon peel

juice from 1/2 lemon

2 bananas sliced

1/2 cup chopped nuts (we love pecans)

Let set overnight in fridge.

(we add bananas and nuts right before serving to prevent mushiness)

Even though we really only need about 1/3 of this, i like to make a big batch and have it for breakfast all week long. Sooooo good.

I'm already thinking about breakfast........

i can't stop thinking about it......

We had a relief society dinner on tuesday. A few of us signed up to bring a cake to act as both the centerpiece of the table and as dessert. I couldn't decide what to make. I haven't been feeling great, still..... so I didn't want to put a lot of effort into the dessert, but Iwanted it to be really good. I almost made peanut butter trifle....mmmmm a recipe from my sis-in-law Lindy, but wasn't really in the mood for that. Then I thought about the chocolate raspberry trifle that I made for our Christmas dinner but still that wasn't quite right. During the food network marathon i had last weekend, I saw some dude make a coconut lime pie. It looked so good and refreshing.



yah.



that was it.



But since I was asked to make a cake, i thought I'd make this.

Key Lime Cheesecake

It was soooooo good. I was really bummed I didnt' have any leftovers cuz it is supposed to be even better the next day. I can't get it out of my mind.......

maybe I'll make it for payday potluck next Friday. then I'll for sure have left overs..... the recipe is here.



Well,

something fabulous happened.

you're not going to believe it, so I guess I'll have to get a photo up.

















It's finally done. Last night at 10:00pm the muscle finally finished his project of 1 year and 353 days of finishing the bathroom!!!

well, it still isn't totally finished. the shower is nowhere near done and most likely won't be for years, but at least I now have a sink!! Russ worked with a friend who taught him how to work with marble. He cut and polished this piece, well actually he started with another piece that we liked much better, but it got a nice crack down the middle, so we had to go for another option. It doesn't look to shabby. Actually, I love it!! especially when we don't have to use sanitizer or run to the other bathroom to wash hands.

Wooooo hoooooo!!!!