Great LDS Childrens Books

As you can see, my parents really spoiled the kids in the book department, which I LOVE. The kids have been really enjoying reading all their new books. Kids can always use some new reading material. I decided that I would share some of the titles and books from LDS land. Especially if you don't live in Utah and don't have access to an LDS book store, you may want to know some of the titles of the books my kids are loving right now!

This book is perfect for my oldest son Brandon. Very interesting book, "The Nephiteologist".

Some excerpts from the book "The Nephiteologist" so you can get an idea of how it is:


This book, by Debbie G. Harman, "Jesus said..."

And you can guess, the moral of the story is the opposite of the title: "I can't go to church" by Toni Brown.

Another by Debbie Harman, "The Book of Mormon says..."

OK, this is more of a Mom book: "Blessed are the Children". A good book for Moms when children are being naughty and you are having one of those days. Sometimes we need a little reminder. Other days we might want to gag while reading it. Other days we will smile, laugh, and think "Awwwww, that is so sweet." Just depends on the day I guess. The many moods of a Mom.

My husband's trademark saying to every member of our family. I am not sure if this is an "LDS" book, but it sure is sweet.

My kids will break out singing this song, so hey, now they have a book too, "Follow the Prophet". It is a flap Board book with the toddlers love. They usually can survive Maddie, which is an amazing feat for any book in her hands.

Ethan (6) is in love with this book, "CTR Boy" by Melanie Millett. Every Mom fantasy, a little boy superhero who is Choosing the Right.

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.

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!

SavvyShopperDeals.com

My friend Traci suggested this site

Savvyshopperdeals.com

It is an incredible site, done by this woman in Utah. She now does this as a full time job, working for the paper!!! On this site, she lets you know where all the best grocery deals are, which Sunday coupons to use for which product, and can get you the best prices---without all the work!!! Talk about dreamy. Anyway, I guess I will start saving my Sunday coupons, as she lets you know which coupon (by page number and insert) is for which product. So, rather than cutting them all and hoping one of them will work out somewhere, you can actually just cut the one's that are going to help you. I am going to stack my coupon inserts in a drawer, and wait till I find the right deal. Then, I can just pull out what I need when I need it.

Take a look, it is very impressive, thanks so much for the tip Traci!

The Children's Place

OK, I have to admit, I just love some of the items in the Children's Place Spring line. More specifically, the skirts and sweaters for baby girls. I also love their Spring blazers for the little men. As you can see, Maddie, Benj, and Ethan got some new threads from there. A Sunday picture of the kids shows the blazers, and the skirt and sweater ensemble! Love it! (even though Maddie is only 2 years old, I had to buy the sweater in a 4t, as it seems to run small. I also bought the skirt in a 3t! (Maybe that's why she had a little plumbers crack going on at church!)

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!

Great Movie Option!

I thought I would share this, my husband told me this the other day! Within the last couple of days, Netflix has begun offering an option for unlimited downloading of movies; included with their monthly fee! What this means, as I am not speaking too clearly, is that for families like ours that are notorious for losing, scratching, and never returning movies in a timely manner, no longer have to worry about this problem. We can "rent" a movie online, and it will be downloaded to our computer. So, there is no "actual" movie to lose, scratch, or have to wait to recieve in the mail! Instant gratification! Since you don't have to wait to send them out or recieve them, that is EVEN better! I am just thrilled about this option. Anything that helps you not to have to keep track of things is DREAMY in my mind! What is great, is because the amount of movies available for downloads is currently limited to about 6000, you still get the "by mail" selections also. All this at just $16.99 a month. Como se dice "Sign me up"?

The other great thing about Netflix is that you can cancel anytime, no fees or club membership!

I like the ability to download movies for my kids (I will have to take a look at the available selections and see if they are any good!) Even if the options are not so great right now, give it 6 months or a year and I am sure it will be fabulous!

MY HUSBAND BRANDON'S COMMENTARY ON THE MATTER:

None of these services require any special equipment to view on your PC. However, if you want to view on a TV you will need a video card and cable to connect your TV to the computer.

Netflix has a variety of plans that start at $4.99 up to $16.99 a month. The $16.99 plan allows for unlimited movies downloaded each month and 3 at a time DVD's at home. They have about 6000 movies today that you can download and watch.

Apple has not released their version of downloadable movies. It will start in February. You will rent a movie for $3.99 or $2.99. You have 30 days to watch it once you rent it and can watch it as many times as you want in 24 hours. It is anticipated that Apple will have the best service in the future since they have partnered with all the major movie studios.

Amazon has rentable movies and movies that you can buy. The prices range from $.99 to $29.99 to rent and purchase. The rentals are good for 30 days and you can watch it as much as you want in a 24hour period.
All of this is pretty new but will be much better as time goes on.

Laura's Response: Gotta love America, competition, and better products for the consumer as a result of all that competition!!!

Lunch!

Well, I have been very bad food wise this weekend. I am scared of weigh in day!!! That will not be a good day. I guess that is the point, I have to take responsibility for my bad choices!!! Anyway, for lunch I had this Lean Cuisine Stouffer's 4 Cheese Pizza. It is 9 points in WW. Let's just say this. It is definately not "pizza" in the real sense of the word. Second, it didn't quite come out looking exactly like the picture which looks fairly divine. Yeah, this is not the "stretchy, gooey, yummy" type of cheese! It did OK, for its purpose, but left me craving the real thing. Although that might be a result of making bad choices this weekend!!!

Diet Food Review!

I decided this week to taste test a variety of "diet" snack foods so that I know what I can count on when I am needing an evil treat! With all that I purchased, I should have snacks for the next couple months! So, here are my reviews on some of them:

Weight Watchers Blueberry Muffins: 3 points (Divine!) I love blueberries and occasionally need my bakery naughtiness! This fits for me!

Cheetos Asteroids (they come in the 100 calorie packs!) These are the devil and do taste like Cheetos. Divine if you are needing to sin!

Doritos (100 calorie pack: They taste like the real thing, and probably are, that is why you get about 5; just kidding! But, they are tasty and also perfect for a fix. At 2 points, is affordable for a snack!

Haven't tried the Sun Chips yet!

The Hershey's and Reese's 100 calorie packs? The Reese's Peanut Butter snacksters are divine and only 2 points (I think!) They are great if you are wanting peanut butter naughtiness. Not being a big chocolate fan I have not touched the Hershey's one, but can imagine they are great for the chocolate fix!

The Ritz Snack Mixes----they have several varieties---the new Extra Cheese mix is the only way to go in my opinion. The others aren't as scrumptious and not worth the points in my opinion.

The Snackwell's Creme Sandwiches are delicious (a favorite treat of mine) but you only get 2 cookies for 2 points!

I have heard FABULOUS things about the Fiber One bar (oats & peanut butter). Only 2 points, I have heard they are delicious and fabulous! And TONS of fiber if you are needing some regularity!

The Keebler Fudge Shoppe Mini Fudge Stripe Cookies (100 Calorie Right Bites) are divine. Also, suggested to me, and fabulous at only 2 points a bag!

Costco has a four-pack of "Natural Request" Lean Entree meals. They are 7 points for Weight Watchers. I had the "Sesame Chicken" entree tonight, when everyone else had lasagna. Not being a big chicken fan, I was impressed and thought it was pretty good! I would definately recommend these meals!

Not to beat a dead horse, but a Costco membership is so helpful. You can get the big boxes of the Doritos, Sun Chips, and Cheetos Asteroid 100 Calorie Packs, and also the big boxes of the Reeses and Nestle 100 Calorie Snacksters! A great value!
And great for those cravings!

Best Salty Snack

The best salty snack ever (100 Calorie Right Bites: Extra Cheddar party mix)
The choices! (Don't waste your money on the 100 calorie Pringles; unless you like salty cardboard!)
I definately have salt cravings---need that fix! So, for those like myself, but needing something low cal and Weight Watchers friendly, try out 100 Calorie Right Bites (Extra Cheddar Party Mix) by Cheez-It! It is so tasty and good, only 2 points (as long as my math is correct), and only 100 calories! That means you could eat about 12 of these a day and be OK (if that is all that you eat!) Just kidding! But they are divine. I think it is about getting that "EXTRA CHEDDAR" since I am also a cheese addict. Maybe that has something to do with my weight issue!

On the other hand, the Pringles (100 calorie) chips are not too tasty; at all! If needing a salt fix, definately grab the "Extra Cheddar Party Mix". Best 100 calories ever made!

I know, I am also frightened that I am now taking pictures of food.

What kills me in losing weight? The weekends. I just feel like I deserve something naughty on weekends. I need to get over this really bad habit and thinking error!

Your family history; for minutes a day!

My Blog 2006
The inside of the book

My blog book without the cover;nice hardcover!

I could not be more thrilled! The whole purpose of my blog has been to journal for our family so that memories will survive the test of time. At this point, I am very upset at myself for not having kept up with journaling in the early years of Brandon and Ethan's life. There are just so many things that happen that you are sure you will never forget----but then you do! Many memories; both good and bad, are lost forever.

My parents encouraged me to start journaling at a young age, and thanks to them, from the time I could write, I journaled nearly every day of my life. Very unfortunately, I quit this tradition when I got married, until I began blogging again. So, I have lost about 9 very critical years of my life from journaling, which I find sad. I still cannot stand to read these journals from my early years as it embarasses me! I am hoping one day I can organize them and have them put together in some organized fashion rather than having 20 or more journals that are falling apart, out of order, etc.

Anyway, the whole point of this blog entry, is Brandon was able to have my blog for the year 2006 (I started blogging in the summer of 2006, so it is not a complete year!) bound into a book. It is a little over 200 pages, with all the written entries and pictures, bound into a hardcover book! So, all those memories for our family, are in written form. It only cost Brandon about $45 for this book. After the year 2007 ends, he will have that printed into a book also. What a fabulous idea! All our family memories in a hardcover book, with all the written memories too, written at the time they happened! Scrapbooking can be fun, but it is SOOOO time consuming, expensive, and often doesn't stand the test of time. Also, there is so much concern with each page being "cute", that many of the memories are not discussed---which I think are so priceless.

Anyway, for all you bloggers out there, and for all the non-bloggers, I am telling you, this is such a great way to have a family history; for minutes a day. I would definately encourage you to get it printed into a book on a yearly basis. You can't beat the price. I don't even want to think how much money I have invested in scrapbooking, when you can have your own hardbound books made at such a fraction of the cost. (And I must say, it is SOOOO awesome to see it in print!) $45 or even $100 a year for a book of your own family history is pretty inexpensive! The only problem with my book, is since the recent blog entries are first, the book is backwards! Next time that will be fixed, but it sure is fun to look at 2006! How nice to have the pictures and blog entries together, and not have to worry about a picture, or cute embellishment falling off the page; as often happens with scrapbooking. Seriously, this is the only way to go!!!!!

The other great thing for a Mom, is you don't have to make a scrapbook for each child, you can just print off a copy for each child!!! Dreamy!

Blurb.com was the website we used to print the blog into a book! Happy blog and book making! Talk about an incredible Christmas gift for the family!!! It does not get better than this in my opinion!

The Holy Ghost and Benjamin

If you are looking for a great gift for boys; look into Scripture Scouts. It is a CD series where these characters go on scripture adventures with Bible and Book of Mormon characters. Our boys listen to it every night before they go to bed. So, tonight, little Benjamin (almost 3) comes in after being tucked into bed. He had been listening to scripture scouts. He starts talking about the Holy Ghost. He starts repeating things about the Holy Ghost he had heard on the CD. I can tell he is confused about ghosts which are scary, from Halloween, and this Holy Ghost. He did seem to understand this Holy Ghost was a "good" ghost. Our little Benjamin has always been so spiritually insightful for a little child. He also amazes everyone with his outstanding ability to speak so clearly in full sentences at his young age. He can also recite his ABC's and count to 10. He is a brilliant little child. We expect a lot from our little Benjamin. So, if you haven't already, invest in "scripture scouts" which can be found at Deseret Book or other religious book stores. Our sons Brandon (7), Ethan (5), and Benjamin (almost 3) all love them. I thank Angie for suggesting these to me last year. We have loved them. The kids really understand the stories of the scriptures better!

The stuff that dreams are made of (Jammies, Thanksgiving leftovers, board games, and sleep!)

Well, after returning from Black Friday, (Brandon was home by 8am, I was home by noon), we got all the kids in their new jammies (most of them were the $5 Walmart jammies that were shockingly cute for the price!), ate Thanksgiving leftovers, including oranges (from Costco once again!) and the older boys played board games. Ethan indulged in his Spiderman obsession! We were able to have a much needed relaxing afternoon and evening. We were in bed by about 6:30 last night. DREAMY! This is the stuff that dreams are made of! I even was able to read a couple chapters from "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert! Such a great book. But after two 3am mornings in a row, my best intentions slid away as I basked in a deep sleep!

How to do Black Friday! (Only for the super-conscientous)

How to do Black Friday (my manual for newbies!)

1-You must get the paper at least a week in advance so that you can be collecting and perusing the ads for Black Friday.

2-Get a notebook. Each store gets a page---you list any items looking fabulous for Black Friday! At the top of each "store" page you write what time this place opens. On each line for each possible wanted item, write the price in one column. Then you can easily compare prices of different stores!

3-Keep all the ads together! Walmart is one of the few left that price-match on Black-Friday (most stores now tell you in the fine print they will not price match on Black Friday!) So, if one store runs out of the item, Walmart is great for plan B! You can usually find it there, and if you show them the ad they will match the price!

4-You must be at a store by at least an hour and a half before it opens if you expect to get the "doorbuster"---maybe even more time. This usually means you must be up by at least 3am, and out the door soon after!

5-You have got to double-team or triple-team this event. Many people are needed to get the various doorbusters. Sometimes bribes and incentives must be used. For teenagers, (as I learned this year) taking them out for breakfast is a great bribe!

6-You will be waiting in the cold outside for at least an hour, maybe longer. It is cold. So bring your jacket, earmuffs, and I always bring some drinks as you often get so thirsty! During that hour, you can be talking with your crew about who is going to get what, where to run first, and making short-term friends in the line! Does it get better than this? Well, yes, much better, but this is the price of the harvest!

7-If you have small children, you must plan the babysitting for this event WAY in advance, as not many people are willing to come babysit at 3am. Having parents sleep over is a great way to handle this one. (Thanks Mom & Dad!!!!!)

8-The rules of the "playground" are not in effect at 3am, 4am, and 5am. Playground rules are not in effect until at least 8am, so don't expect the "Christmas spirit" to abound on Black Friday. They are nowhere to be found. So, you must have your defenses up, riot gear in place, and be ready for anything.

9-If possible, forget the cart! Carts will be a block between you and the item you desire. If possible, run to what you want and get it. However, for people like me, you have to have a cart. This is why it is great to bring a teen or two with you---they are great with their speed and agility to get your "doorbuster". If you have someone with a cart off to the side, and several people as "runners", you will do fabulously well!

10-Watch your cart and items in it at all times. As I said, the "christmas spirit" does not abound and people will be so brazen as to grab stuff out of your cart. Kourtni, who I was with this year, had this happen to her! After all that work, you definately don't want people to take it out of your cart! You can ask my brother in law about this one. Just don't ask him if he was the "taker" or the "loser" of the item.

11-Watch your purse and wallet and beware of random questions or people. Theives abound! People are so concerned with "doorbusters" that they forget about their purses, and leave them in the cart as they shop. Last year, my mother-in-law and I were at Target, in the late afternoon, and we had already made our purchases. As we were leaving the store after checking out, but still in the store, this lady kept "engaging" me about my cute baby. It seemed so odd and unnatural how she kept talking to me, so close to me. Turns out, I think, she had a friend grabbing the camera out of my bag as she was "engaging" me with her nonsense! So, do beware, people can be evil!

12-Keep your cellphone on vibrate and in your pocket. I promise you will not be able to hear a thing! You also need to check with your crew about what they have gotten, so you can make sure you are not double-shopping!

13-If the early hours scare you, just remember it is just once a year, you go "Doorbusters" crazy and hopefully you are done with all your Christmas shopping for the season!

14-More and more stores are open on Thanksgiving, so you have got to figure out the mini-plan of shopping for Thanksgiving Day. (this year it was KMART and SHOPKO) Brandon wanted to go, so he fit that in after putting the turkey in the oven.)

15-Becoming a "Black Friday" nut is HIGHLY addictive. Once you have done it succesfully, your life will never be the same. You will never go on vacation Thanksgiving weekend, so be prepared for what you might be starting for your life!

16-If you leave out any of these items, and you are UNSUCCESSFUL, you will hate black friday and be resentful of the item you missed out on, especially since you got up early. So, don't forget any of the steps, be succesful, and have NO regrets!

See you at 5am next year, waiting at Target!

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

This is my favorite song that reminds me of Thanksgiving!

A Hair Nightmare!

Top Ten statements you don't want to hear from your stylist!

1-Oops, this has never happened before!
2-Just give me a couple minutes and it should be fine.
3-Let me just ask Jill what she thinks we should do (asking other stylists for suggestions)
4-We are just going to call the makers of this hair dye, they should know what to do!
5-Are you pregnant? (the answer was no. Apparently this can affect the hair dye process)
6-Have you had chemo? (answer also no, apparently this too can affect the hair dye process)
7- We are going to put this "protein" solution in your hair and this plastic hair net on your head. Wear it till bedtime.
8-Before you go to bed, rinse out the "protein" solution and put in this other solution and here is another hair net to wear all night!
9-When is the earliest you can come in tomorrow morning? We open at 10am!
10-I promise, it will look fabulous before you leave tomorrow!

I guess I was supposed to be thrilled that they gave me a $10 discount and it only came to $85. Let's just say I am less than thrilled. More and more lately, I have been relying on that good 'ol sense of humor! Honestly, I just have to laugh at these situations! As a stay at home Mom, I get excited at these "relaxing" moments at the salon. Today was not one of those!

Having moved to a new city a little over a year ago, we have had to find new Dr's, dentists, haircare, etc. This nice salon opened by our house a couple months ago and I thought it would be great to get my hair done there. I wanted to dye my hair dark, so I definately knew I wanted a "nicer" salon to do this. I have never had dark hair and this was going to be a big change for me. I definately wanted it done right. Some of the things that were said to me during this hair process today did not inspire me (to say the least!) Maybe I should've stayed blonde! Maybe blondes do have more fun! So far, the dark hair is not working out so well!

Don't you just love my new look? No, I have not just gotten a job as a lunch lady! I didn't expect to come home from the salon like this! My husband is all, "Hey lunch lady, come here." At least he made me laugh! Life is just full of surprises!
Tonight's 2nd remedy! Let's hope it all works!

Needless to say, it was not the best of hair experiences. I guess the top of my hair took to the dye, but the bottom did not! So, it looks like my hair is two colors! Let's hope their "fix" works, as I have no more time to spend on my hair. And that is the problem with going to the wrong salon, it is not like you can get up and run when you notice all has gone wrong! You are sorta' stuck to see if they can make it work. If not, I guess I get to spend another $85 at another salon to get it fixed! Anyway, I am a touch agitated, but thought you all might get a good laugh from me in a hair net! My husband and kids sure did! I'll let you know how tomorrow goes!