Some books that grabbed my interest

For Father's Day, I am hoping to have the kids help me make some cute cupcakes for Daddy! (with a little help from Martha)
I found the ward cookbook at Costco. So great. Maybe I will be inspired!

Oh, Costco.

My schedule has been crazy busy lately, so I haven't had time for my fave Costco. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I saw the concrete floors, the welcoming sign, the employees at the door, and little girls dresses that I love to look at. All of a sudden, I had this feeling of love enter my heart. I love entering their "cold room" to get some salad and asparagus. Never mind the fascination of choosing out our frozen meals for the week. If my family is lucky, we may even get a rotisserie chicken. So many items. I love to look at all their summer stuff, even if I don't buy. And the flowers/plants---so beautiful. I even bought Larry King's new book (who I have a fascination for). I also bought a cookbook from wards everywhere. (If I buy a cookbook once in a while, it makes me feel like I cook.)

Costco.....comfort. Happy. I may need to see if there are Costco support groups. It is a little disturbing how great this experience is for me. Especially when my husband is with me getting to herd the five children. Added bonus. How dreamy for a Friday afternoon. All until you get the receipt. OUCH. Then they put a cute little smiley face on your receipt and almost everything is all better. Almost. Until the kids begin fighting over who gets it.

Gingerbread House

Being the domestic goddess that I am, I decided to go with the pre-fab Gingerbread House at Costco! Goodness forbid I have to actually create one from scratch. So, ever since I bought the kit at Costco, all I hear every day is "Can we make the gingerbread house today Mommy?" Finally, on Sunday, we gave in and began the Gingerbread House making. It turns out it is a 2 day process. You have to let it dry before putting the candy accessories on! Anyway, my kids were thrilled to put it together, and now, I get to hear every day about when they can finish it! Maybe tonight. It is fabulous to hear the excitement of children over making a gingerbread house. You would think we were going to Disneyland. This is a good alternative----price wise.

So, if you haven't already, don't forget to find a little time this season for making your gingerbread house! The kids will love it, and so will you!!! It's all about squeezing in these precious moments of life! And hey, for $10 or less, you can do it the easy way at Costco. What would I do without Costco? Let's not even go there, I might feel some trauma thinking about that possibility.

Christmas Fever!

This year I have Christmas fever. I have finished a Christmas project (a simple one), started decorating for Christmas, printed all the Christmas card pictures (through Costco---BTW, such a great deal!) and I am asking my hubby to put up Christmas lights today before it gets snowy, slippery, and the holiday season becomes too busy. Anyway, I just had to make my confession for the day. It sure is fun and the Christmas spirit is just getting greater and greater.

I know if I wait till after Thanksgiving, nothing will get done, as we will be too busy. So, it's getting done early this year!!! I will wait to put up the Christmas tree or the kids will start throwing the ornaments all over the house.

One way to put a chill on that Christmas spirit---realizing the peak where your husband is climbing to put up the Christmas lights is really high, and leaning the ladder on the first roof---that is tilted, to get to the second roof, may not be the most safe. Anyway, as you can see, we are going to get a little help to finish up so that I still have a husband to share the holiday season with!!!

Can you feel the Christmas spirit permeating the air yet? I do!

Another Thanksgiving Miracle

Our freakin' oven hasn't been working for about 3 weeks or so. I will turn it on, and it will get hot at first, and then will lower in temperature to the point that it doesn't seem to be on. And our broiler, doesn't work at all. So, Brandon and I were looking for a way to fix it. We were about to call a repairman---since I cook/bake/broil so frequently (note sarcasm). But, even people who use their oven to the limited degree that I do, need an oven to cook the frozen french fries and such. I mean, frozen fries never taste good in the microwave.

And I will have you know, I am no microwaving novice. Rather than double ovens, I have double microwaves in my kitchen. I frequently get questions about it----Why do you have two microwaves? The answer is simple. I just like all my food done at the same time! And how are you going to microwave the hot dogs and green beans all at the same time? Luckily, the double microwaves help me out with that. It takes planning to be this white trash. It does not happen by accident---and double microwaves are key!

Anyway, our oven is only 2 1/2 years old. And like I said, I don't use it all that much. So, it was killing me that we would have to pay a bunch of money to a repairman. So, I kept looking online and I came to the conclusion that a certain part had broken. I sorta' mulled on that overnight and requested some divine intervention as part of my prayers. Then, this morning, in a flash, it came to me. Last time it was working, we had put it on the self-clean cycle. However, so much smoke and heat came out, I turned the oven off in the middle of the self clean cycle.

So, I thought maybe I just need to turn that oven clean button back on and let it do the full job this time. I figured it was worth a try. Well, I turned the oven on to the self-clean cycle, and within a couple minutes, it read that it was done. I then turned on the oven, and alas, it worked. I was even able to cook us up a ham (the delicious red-covered Costco one) for Sunday dinner. And it was fully done. Dreamy!!! And I am SO thrilled to have my oven back and not paid a cent to a repairman. It's my little Thanksgiving miracle (isn't that the next holiday coming up?) Anyway, maybe I will be doing a little more cooking/baking/broiling this week in an attempt to celebrate this small housewife victory----which is not at all small to me. So, I may give the microwaves the week off! They do deserve a break!

Beverage Product Review

I have not had any soda or diet Coke for about a month. I just thought I would let you all know, as it might be a sign of the last days....

Anyway, I have been drinking lots of water. (I know, a miracle!) I have also found some other drinks that I really enjoy. They are sugar free and I think they taste pretty refreshing, but then again, I haven't had soda for a long time. After water, probably anything tastes pretty good. I would recommend these beverages. especially if you are trying to live a soda free existence:

These are sugar free, Ocean Spray Powdered Drink Mix Tubes. Cranberry and Cran-Grape are pretty good---(not as good as soda, but better tasting than water!) Are only 5 calories per 8 oz. serving.

From Costco, these drinks are vitamin enhanced water beverages, with 0 calories. They come in Tropical Mango, Blueberry Pomegranate, Kiwi Strawberry and Dragonfruit flavors. My friend Sally turned me on to these---very refreshing. Probably better for you than Diet Coke Plus (Diet Coke filled with extra vitamins!)

And I love these little kid water bottles, they are perfect to buy in bulk from Costco, and bring on field trips for the kids.

Pumpkin Spice Bread

I made this Pumpkin Spice Bread from the Krusteaz mix. Fabulous. I used two of the packets to make enough for my bundt pan. The kids loved it. Ethan: "This is the best food I have ever tasted." So, put a little spice into your life and family, the easy way. Fall is always a great time for some comfort food especially with the beginning of some cold weather. Today it is raining and with Conference, we can just sit indoors, listen, and snack on some tasty treats. You can get the four pack at Costco for $7 and some change.

Just Doin' My Part......

to help the economy. These dresses and many more can be found at Costco for $18.99.

Happy Makers!

You can click on this image to enlarge. Thanks Costco for the free software on your website (to make collages).

Every day, I love to look around the yard to see what is blooming. It brings me a sense of peace and relief among the chaos of life. I included my children (that were home) as they are also blooming a bit more every day, and usually bring me great happiness (I don't know about the peace part!)

For all you men out there who read my blog----- Yes, little Brandon, I am talking to you. (Just kidding, but he is probably the only "man" reading my blog!) Anyway, in case any of you men are reading my blog, buy your best gal some flowers today. Instead of buying cut flowers, buy her a plant from the Home Depot and then plant it in the yard where she wants it placed. That is the height of romantic in my opinion. Go choose your woman out some nice daisies, roses, peonies, poppies (maybe they have just finished their blooming time), delphinium, or whatever you think she would like! Perrenials are so great as they will come up every year, and get bigger! To think you can achieve that today for under $10.

Water Babies

So, this weekend our waterslide will debut at Brandon's birthday! We had to do our test run today to make sure we didn't have any glitches! The kids seemed to love it, especially the water guns. The slides don't seem quite as fast or tall as the one from last year, but after we got cryptospiridia at the end of last summer, we got rid of anything water related as to not suffer another outbreak! That's why we got a new slide! Anyway, the kids had a blast. I am excited as this should make for a relaxing summer. The kids can play, and I can supervise all the fun. This will probably be the best gift that I could get this summer! Yeah! I'll give you two guesses where we got it!!! And the first one doesn't count!

How to go to the store with five kids!

OK, I am writing this post because my friend Sally wrote a post about how she needs to learn to not take her kids to the store. I also should learn my lesson, and not take my kids to the store. However, I get cabin-fever quite frequently, need to get out, and be on the run. (I am a DASH! (see link for more details) I also need my kids to sometimes make a mess in another location other than our house. Unfortunately for stores, they sometimes fit the bill! So, here are my comical suggestions:

How to go to the store with five kids:

1-Choose Costco!

2-Costco has two buckle seats up front which make it all so much easier with five kids. (Other stores have a couple of these type of carts but they are usually very hard to find; which can be a nightmare when you have five kids in tow!) The two youngest (ages 1 & 2) go in the front of the cart. The 3 and 6 year old sit in the cart, and only the 7 year old is allowed to walk beside the cart.

3-Go in through the out door. Rather than get snacks, food, and drinks on the way out, you purposely wait for your excursion till lunch time, and then get food for during the excursion. Hopefully, they will be hungry, so they will be focused on the food. This can easily buy you 10-20 minutes of more happy shopping time before the kids begin wailing, throwing fits, and being "fun". Maximize that 10-20 minutes.

3-Order five hot dogs. They each come with a drink. Talk about the best $1.50 you have ever spent in your life. Do not feel the need to fill all the drinks. One or two drinks should be plenty for all the kids to share. Save the other cups to fill on the way out. By the time you are on your way out, you will need more cups and those other three will come in handy.

Just remember, germs are your friend. The more germs your kids are exposed to, the less likely they are to be sensitive to germs. That means less sickness for you and your family. That means less puke messes to clean up. So, expose those children to germs. By sharing drinks you are adequately fulfilling this "requirement". Talk about maximization---two for the price of one (less mess, and better health)! (BTW, if you are looking for other validations for "survival" mode parenting, you are looking at the right blog. I have many solutions for "the harried mother" as that is exactly who I am.)

This is not the time for you to eat. You literally will have enough on your plate wtih five kids, five hot dogs, two drinks, and attempting to shop all at the same time!

4-OK, now is where the fun REALLY begins. Give them all their hot dogs in the cart, and have them eat as you shop.

5-The key to eating on the run is being very aware, but pretending not to be aware. As you see little chunks of hot dog, falling on the ground, pretend not to notice. Speed up and move in the opposite direction of the hot dog chunks. Remember all the while that you are helping with job security. In this day & age, jobs can be hard to come by. Thanks to you and your crew, they will not be letting go of any employees of Costco anytime soon. So, just keep that in mind as the hot dog chunks are falling to the floor, and the drink has it's occasional spill. You are providing job security for Costco employees! What a giver you are! (I know, I am excellent at the reframe!)

6-If you are feeling a bit ashamed, embarassed, and mortified as you are traipsing through the store and making quite a mess, here are some coping strategies.

A-You can pretend in your mind that you are playing Hansel & Gretel. All those hot dog chunks are really the path showing you which way you came if you have to return to find a lost bottle, binky, keys, or a cell phone. What would you do without the path? (See, it is all about the reframe.)

B-Just remember, one day you will miss these "beautiful" kid moments. So, try to enjoy them. Have a laugh at your own expense!

C-As people stare, you can always pretend you are "the babysitter". That always helps in handling the shame. Or, if people dare ask if they are all yours, this is when you say "no".

D-Just remember, your kids may be mortifying you at the store, and making a mess there, but it could be worse. They could be destroying your house and making a mess at your house. So, just remember, in that way, this is dreamy. You are a prevention specialist. You go girl!

E-If all else fails, remember you are in a warehouse. The floors are cement. You aren't exactly in a posh, elegant locale. You are in a warehouse. So, pshah!

F-Remember that even if you get glares, these people will not remember you or this situation. Everything can seem so big at the time, but realizing it really does not matter in the eternal scheme of things, is very helpful!

7-Stop for all the samples you can. They buy you more time and are a great distraction for the kids! Thanks Costco for those samples!

8-Don't worry that you aren't able to find much space for your purchases. Let's face it, with four kids in the cart, it can be a bit of a challenge. Just remember, buying less makes it possible for another BLESSED field trip SOONER rather than later. And with Costco, you never know what new product you may have missed if you didn't go so frequently! So, that limited space is actually a blessing in disguise!

9-When you have finally found the incredible few, necessary items that you can fit in the cart, make sure to let the kids help you put all the stuff on the conveyer. They think it is SOOO fun. Another distraction. It is all about the distractions.

10-Don't forget to fill up drinks on the way out for the ride home. Finally you get to drink something and forget all the turmoil of the trip. Ahhhhhhh relief! You made it, you are super woman.

11-Smile and laugh as your kids fight over who gets to keep the Costco receipt. Who knew the smiley face drawn on the receipt was such a reward? You can use this as a reward for the best child on the trip. (Only works for kids six and under!)

12-Enjoy! You had your field trip. Now you and the kids are exhausted. They are ready for naps. Take them home, have them help you unload the food, and be glad you got some time out!

13-Never go on the Costco field trip with friend Laura. You will be mortified and never want to return to Costco again! Also, never try this on a Saturday! Saturday at Costco is never a good thing!

I just don't understand why Sally doesn't enjoy trips to the store with her kids. Do you? Just kidding!

Little Girl in the Rain!

Little Maddie just loves the rain; I could hardly get her in the house after church today. She just wanted to play in the rain! She is just such a sweet, little, happy thing! What would I do without my little girl?

Peek a boo!


Loving the rain!

I love how she is lifting up her dress!

Runnin' like the girl she is!


You really want to know where the cute dress came from? I know, you will be shocked---COSTCO, once again!

Backyard Makeover

What a weekend. We really worked hard and the results are worth all that work. We bought this gazebo last weekend. Where did we make this purchase? Don't be too shocked----COSTCO, once again. Anyway, we have been trying to find the right solution for getting some nice shade in our yard. This seemed to fit the bill. It took my sweet husband all day to put this together, and with the help of some neighbors, we actually got it standing and stabilized. I have to admit, I love it! I am getting sick of all the kid toys and am definately ready for a more adult backyard. Yeah, we are on our way!

While Brandon was putting together the gazebo, I planted SOOOOO many Spring bulbs. My favorite thing. I just love to plant, plant, and plant some more. Of course, I had Maddie and Benj trying to uncover and dig out the work I had done, but it was a great family day with lots of work!

Martha Stewart and Costco

Does a partnership get much better? I think not. Being the biggest fan of Costco that ever existed (mainly for the two baby seats in the front of the cart, well and all the incredible products!!!) I could not be more happy about this partnership between Martha Stewart and Costco (discussed in Costco Connection--the Costco magazine.---I know, I am a big loser for reading this on a regular basis, but that's where I get this fabulous new information which will help me be on the lookout for these new products!!)

That is why I love Costco. I enjoy entertaining, and enjoy their great veggie tray, holiday food items, and all their "easy" entertaining food items. Granted, at this stage of our life, we are primarily "entertaining" our family at holiday times. But in a couple years, all that should change, when our family gets a little more fun to be around!!!

So, now Martha and Costco are coming together, and their primary goal is to create more food products that are healthy, home-cooking recipe type foods for entertaining. Wow, I didn't think Costco could get better, but here it goes, getting better!!! Thanks Martha!

Valentine Cupcakes!

For desert, with Dan & Diane, we enjoyed some Valentine cupcakes! (Thanks again, Costco!) Anyway, they were quite tasty. Almost as enjoyable as eating them, was watching the kids eat & enjoy them!