Ethan's baptism

I realized that I never posted any pictures from Ethan's baptism. It was very sweet. We were very happy that my parents, and Ben and Maddie were able to make it. Luckily the weather was better than it is now. The airport is currently a mess, and no one is getting anywhere fast.

Ethan was so excited to be baptized, and was definitely ready. We had great support from our friends and ward members. He felt very special and loved. Thanks everyone who supported him on his special day. It was appropriate I suppose that it snowed that day, and he was clean as snow.

He is a great kid, and we love him.

Its Matt's Big Day

We had a snowstorm last night, and though it was minor in comparison to growing up in Idaho, it was major here. I have to say even though it may only snow a few inches, it turns the roads to solid ice, and with all our hills. . . it makes it impossible to get around. Ethan had late start three days, and no school the other two last week. And this morning church was cancelled . . . so it felt like it should be Christmas morning, But it was only Matt opening birthday presents. It is actually one of the best feelings to be snowed in on Christmas, believe it or not I have fond childhood memories of being snowed in. Matt has been so busy with work, it is a bit of relief to be stuck at home.

Matt made it clear earlier this month that he did not want Christmas paper for his bday presents, he said "I would rather it be wrapped in newspaper". Thus he received cardboard boxes that the kids had colored on. He has since taken it back. I think he would prefer pretty packages with Christmas decor versus our current design.

Ethan and friends in front of our house a few days ago. It has been quite nice to have the bright snow instead of gray skies.

Snow Dogs

Well they came, and it snowed. My parents and Matt's brother Ben, and his wife came for Ethan's baptism. We are having very unusual weather for Washington, we have set records this week for cold and snow. Needless to say it made getting around difficult, but we managed. I know I am from Idaho and grew up with terribly cold weather, BUT it is COLD, and I have grown accustomed to the mild weather up here. This is Grandpa's snow dog he built for the kids. . . don't say i never let you have a DOG kiddos, ha ha.



It was 18 degrees on my thermometer this morning, and it isn't ending anytime soon according to the news. I am so grateful for a warm house. We have a few inches of snow, and ice covered roads so some schools have cancelled school, but ours is just a 2 hr delay. I went to look for a sled yesterday for the kids, and the manager laughed at me when I asked. It didn't surprise me, since it never snows here, and when it does it melts quick, but not this time. . . it is frozen and should be for the rest of the week. Ethan can't get enough of it.

Party! Party!

We were at Matt's department Christmas Party at tulalip casino and resort last night, and the brothers from different mothers were the comedy entertainment, and it was Awesome. They were clean comedy, and very entertaining. That was probably the highlight of the evening. The ward Christmas party was also last night which the kids went to with our favorite babysitter. I told her she could take them if she wanted, but I didn't think she would brave it with four kids, But she did and they did fine I heard.

Apparently "brothers from different mothers" were on America's got talent?

. . . I have been thinking about my grandpa and Grandma Blunck quite a bit lately, and I came across a photocopy of a painting that had been done of my great grandparents and their kids (which was my grandpa blunck). This was their homestead on the Rexburg bench which was called Herbert back in the day. It even had a post office at the time. It is now on the registers as a ghost town. I have many fond memories of Grandpa on his dry farm, He farmed until his late 80's. He had a small jar of rattles from rattlesnakes that had killed when they tried to make their home around the farm. He also had arrowheads that he found down in the creek which he would fish at.

Big Turkeys are disgusting!

I waited until the day before thanksgiving to pick up a turkey, and when I was at Costco there were two left, so I decided I better get it since I wasn't going anywhere else to shop(It was Madness). So that is how we ended up with a 23 pound Turkey. I was obviously a little tired and incoherent when I purchased the largest bird ever grown.

It tasted fine, but then when I was cleaning it up to put it away. . . Yuck! The tendons and stuff were huge, and it made it difficult to pull the meat off. I was totally grossed out, it might as well have been a cow, ha ha. Needless to say I have tons of leftovers which are about to be made into freezer meals. My family will be lucky to get a turkey next year, I am totally grossed out.

Other than that we had a very mellow day. I cooked alot, and it took 15 min. to eat, and then we cleaned alot. Thanksgiving isn't meant to be with one family. It is meant to be with lots of people sharing the load of work involved.

We did stop by some friends to share dessert. Matt slaved in the kitchen to make his famous from scratch Apple Pie, which was delicious. Gotta love a man in the kitchen.

Albertson's Again?

Okay so I am addicted to getting a good deal, and get excited about it so ignore this if you are tired of reading my grocery list blogs, ha ha.

So last week I hit albertson's again, and spent $40 and saved $75, it was awesome. I was way too lazy to blog about it, But on a smaller scale this week:

I scoped out albertson's yesterday, and the biggest deals are the following:


fresh express bagged green lettuce or mixes is $1 with a .50 cent coupon= .50

land o lakes butter spread $1 - .55 cent coupon from paper or blinkies = .45

buy 10 pillsbury participating items get $5 off at register which makes cake mixes .50 cents, I bought eagle sweetened cond. milk also. There is a coupon for eagle $1 off 2 cans.

And of course green giant steamers are $1, and there is a $1 coupon online or in paper = free



I also used my raincheck yesterday from last week which was if you buy one saralee frozen pie (6.39) then you got 2 cartons of breyers ice cream and another sara lee pie FREEE.

So I got:

2 pies
2 breyers
1 classico alfredo
2 gg steamers
7 pillsbury cake mixes
3 eagle sw. cond. milk
3 pillsbury cresc. rolls

total out of pocket= 20.20
total savings= 26.88

I got a raincheck for butter, salad, and green giant steamers so I can get that next time. Those were the best deals this week and they were gone. You can get up to 40 rainchecks, I am not that crazy, but I will stock up on a handful of frozen veggies. Last weeks sales were definately more advantageous, much more variety than this week.

Sale ends Tuesday

Kanani posts the deals she finds on her www.couponitis.blogspot.com , warning it is easy and contagious!!

Ethan is Eight!!!

To My Favorite First Born. . .

Happy Birthday!!

Some of the things we love about You!!

your energy, smiles, ethusiasm to learn and try everything,

ability to make and be a good friend,

being a good brother, helpful, smart, and

Fun to be around.

You are Awesome!

$51 each way to Salt Lake on SouthWest!!

Book before the 18th, and any airfare to salt lake is half off the wanna get away price. Which currently makes it 51 each way from seattle, But they have black out dates from Dec 18th to Jan 4th.

Gotta act quick if you want to take advantage. Promotion code flyslc

Kayzer turns 2 !!

kayzer going for a ride with sister.


All Boy. . . always looking for adventure.



This is Flashback to last years first cake eating experience.

the trenches

On occasion I have referred to being a mother of four small children as being "in the trenches". I believe I got the phrase from my mom in law. Don't get me wrong, the days I feel like this are far outnumbered by the good ones. I am talking about the days when your voice falls on deaf ears of children that by far outnumber you. When everything and anything liquid lands on the floor. When a smoothie must be blown out the bottom end of the straw across the kitchen and not sucked into the mouth. When cereal bowls lose control and throw themselves on the floor. When arms are wrapped around your legs crying, and no one is happy to just be. And if they are happy it is because they are screaming their lungs out wrestling and running around as fast as their little legs will carry them. When strapping all of the kids in car seats and driving is relaxing just because no one can get out of their seat. These are the days when hopefully nothing has to be done. Because the only thing that helps is to sit and hold kids, and make them feel loved, count blessings, and be grateful that they are still little because that is what every mother of grown children will be quick to remind you that these are the good days.

Free is our favorite four letter F Word!!

My friend Rochelle and I hit this sale at albertson's, and it was so great we had to go back again. We went after kids went to bed. . . hello impossible to shop with children. Besides the fact that we were couponing, and to keep track of all the details is crazy alone.

Anyway Albertson's sale ends tomarrow, and if you look in their add you will see a page full of items that if you spend $30 you get $15 back, so essentially all their sale items are half the sale price. Which means. . . Wahoooooo!!! And if you go to Pillsbury.com and bettycrocker.com you can print off a coupon for most of the stuff which makes some of the items free . . . which is double wahooooo!!! Free is our favorite four letter F word.

I didn't keep track of all my spending details the first trip last week, but the second trip I was out of pocket at $55 total, and then I went back and spent my last $15 in coupons on stuff I needed, and overall I made out like a bandit. My total savings on the receipts were $238.75 , not bad!!! Once you start it is hard to stop.

Tuesday is the last day of this sale, but they are doing another one starting Wednesday which is essentially the same thing, but it is buy 20, and get 10. The key is combining a coupon with a sale!!!

I tried to take a picture but my flash is dead so it is looking funny. Sales like these are perfect for stocking up for food storage.

Facts about PROP 8

my mother sent me this email that she had recieved, and I thought it was fabulous. I actually prepared an entire blog the other day. I was on my soapbox about prop 8, but I chickened out.
I feel like the media distorts things so badly that any average joe watching television takes it as fact. People need to get educated before they look for somewhere to place blame, although I wish we could take all the credit for the prop 8 results.

From: Kevin Hamilton Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2008 9:03 AMSubject: Statements of Fact for LDS Supporters of Proposition 8

Dear Friends,

In the aftermath of the recent election, we may find ourselves oddly on the defensive regarding our support for the Yes on Proposition 8 cause. Our young people have been especially subject to mean spirited comments by high school friends and teachers. We have nothing to be ashamed of. We did nothing wrong. In fact, we did everything that a civic minded American can and should do. I have put together a few facts that help me to appreciate our position better. For example:

1. Mormons make up less than 2% of the population of California . There are approximately 800,000 LDS out of a total population of approximately 34 million.

2. Mormon voters were less than 5% of the yes vote. If one estimates that 250,000 LDS are registered voters (the rest being children), then LDS voters made up 4.6% of the Yes vote and 2.4% of the total Proposition 8 vote.

3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) donated no money to the Yes on 8 campaign. Individual members of the Church were encouraged to support the Yes on 8 efforts and, exercising their constitutional right to free speech, donated whatever they felt like donating.

4. The No on 8 campaign raised more money than the Yes on 8 campaign. Unofficial estimates put No on 8 at $38 million and Yes on 8 at $32 million, making it the most expensive non-presidential election in the country.

5. Advertising messages for the Yes on 8 campaign are based on case law and real-life situations. The No on 8 supporters have insisted that the Yes on 8 messaging is based on lies. Every Yes on 8 claim is supported.

6. The majority of our friends and neighbors voted Yes on 8. Los Angeles County voted in favor of Yes on 8. Ventura County voted in favor of Yes on 8.

7. African Americans overwhelmingly supported Yes on 8. Exit polls show that 70% of Black voters chose Yes on 8. This was interesting because the majority of these voters voted for President-elect Obama. No on 8 supporters had assumed that Obama voters would vote No on 8.

8. The majority of Latino voters voted Yes on 8. Exit polls show that the majority of Latinos supported Yes on 8 and cited religious beliefs (assumed to be primarily Catholic).

9. The Yes on 8 coalition was a broad spectrum of religious organizations. Catholics, Evangelicals, Protestants, Orthodox Jews, Muslims – all supported Yes on 8. It is estimated that there are 10 million Catholics and 10 million Protestants in California . Mormons were a tiny fraction of the population represented by Yes on 8 coalition members.

10. Not all Mormons voted in favor of Proposition 8. Our faith accords that each person be allowed to choose for him or her self. Church leaders have asked members to treat other members with "civility, respect and love," despite their differing views.

11. The Church did not violate the principal of separation of church and state. This principle is derived from the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . ." The phrase "separation of church and state", which does not appear in the Constitution itself, is generally traced to an 1802 letter by Thomas Jefferson, although it has since been quoted in several opinions handed down by the United States Supreme Court in recent years. The LDS Church is under no obligation to refrain from participating in the political process, to the extent permitted by law. U.S. election law is very clear that Churches may not endorse candidates, but may support issues. The Church as always been very careful on this matter and occasionally (not often) chooses to support causes that it feels to be of a moral nature.

12. Supporters of Proposition 8 did exactly what the Constitution provides for all citizens: they exercised their First Amendment rights to speak out on an issue that concerned them, make contributions to a cause that they support, and then vote in the regular electoral process. For the most part, this seems to have been done in an open, fair, and civil way. Opponents of 8 have accused supporters of being bigots, liars, and worse. The fact is, we simply did what Americans do – we spoke up, we campaigned, and we voted.

Hold your heads up high – you did a great job on this most important cause. We will have more opportunities in the future to participate in our democratic process. Let's remember the lessons learned and do an even better job next time.

These are my personal opinions and thoughts; any errors are mine and in now way reflect official Church policy or doctrine.


Thanks,

Kevin Hamilton

Bakugon??

Ethan has been obsessing over these toys called "Bakugon". . . heard of them? Well I am feeling very well versed lately due to Ethan starting to ask for them 6 months ago for his birthday. So last night Matt and I went shopping on our date, and were soon to find. . . nothing. . . apparently they are a hot and wanted item. His bday is in two weeks, and every store is sold out. Sure you can find them on the Internet if you want to pay triple what they are in the stores. Talk about supply and demand. This is my first experience of this kind, unfortunately I basically promised him he could have some for his bday. Little did I know it was this crazy.

So I will keep looking and hopefully I happen to be at a store when they have recently restocked their shelves. Wish me Luck!!! Oh and if you happen to see one, you better buy it and I will send you a check, ha ha.

Maddie's Story about Susan

Here is a link in the Mormon Times about Matt's Aunt Susan in the Deseret News. She is a story of Hope and Courage, and we are very proud to know and love her. She is an amazing architect in Austrailia where she has her own firm, and is currently battling lymphoma.
Our sister in law, Maddie wrote this article a while back while working for the Deseret News, but it wasn't printed. Apparently they changed their minds which is awesome.

Boolicious trick or treaters

This was an almost start to trick or treating in our neighborhood. Mckay had to go actually put shoes on and wash dinner off his face. They were excited, H asked since he woke up if it was time to go trick or treat, and he didn't have preschool yesterday so it made for constant waiting. The kids got way too much candy, they filled their buckets on our street alone, and then came and dumped them to continue the craziness. We had a few neighbors from up the hill come down looking for kids to give their candy to because no one was venturing to the top of our development. Hayden and Ethan were tired fairly quickly, but Sid was the energizer bunny. She would have went all night. Anyone that knows her wouldn't be surprised by her energy.

I am glad this holiday is over. . . can it be a holiday? small children knocking on strangers doors and taking candy from people they don't know???? What is wrong with us???

The funniest part of the evening was the carloads of kids other parents were busing to our neighborhood because our houses are close together and its a trick or treater's Heaven. Fortunately we didn't run out of candy, and with the load the kids brought home there were no worries. I am trying to figure out what to do with all the candy??? I don't really want the kids to eat it all. Any suggestions besides throwing it away, I am too frugal to throw perfectly sound items away??????

Got Pumpkins???

If not you are even further behind than we are!!! We are a few days behind this year, but we are trying to catch up. Last night Matt got home from work and took the boys to get pumpkins while I made some quick dinner and ran to goodwill looking for black turtle necks for our soon to be star wars mania. By the time I got back Matt had fed kids, and carved 4 pumpkins in record time. Kinda crazy this year, but it works. Today I have been painting cardboard for the storm trooper, making cupcakes for the ward trunk or treat, and assembling costumes to be ready to head off to Matt's work Halloween party which we do quickly and haul back to the ward party. . . yes on the same day. And Halloween isn't until tomarrow. Gotta love the holidays.

Apron Mania!

So I tend to get a little excited about silly things. . . like kids aprons. I have made aprons for my kids and their friends for a while now. Recently I was exposed to Michael Miller fabric which I am totally in love with, and then I was at a craft show when I saw an apron cut out of oilcloth and a ribbon sewn on for the ties, and I LOVED it! So I have finally found a store that will order me some cute prints in the oilcloth, so we are doing it for our super Saturday(I didn't want to pay shipping). It is super simple, and I think with the new prints we ordered it will be adorable.

Do it Yourself

To do this yourself just cut an apron shape with pinking shears, and make sure they are sharp. You can't use granny's hand-me-downs for this project. Then sew a ribbon across the chest, and two shorter pieces on the top of the bib. I tried to match the thread to the ribbon so it wasn't visible. If you look online you can find Michael Miller laminated cotton, which I think is sweeeet!My favorite is the dick and jane j for jump. I found it for $10.75 a yard, and you can get 4 child size aprons in one yard. I think its a cute gift for nieces, or bday gifts. Add a little kitchen toy, and its a hit. I made two in 15 minutes.

nonsensible ramblings

Can you tell I have been a bit busy? Its been a while I know. Super Saturday is coming up, and I vow I will never do it again, ha ha. . . until next year. . . hmmm. It is slightly overwhelming, but only because I am not a fabulous organizer or delegater, But I am trying. The amount of details involved is a little insane.

I apologize ahead of time for my impromptu vent of taxes, quit reading here if you want to avoid ramblings of a not very politically minded woman.

I also had a hearing today because I appealed our tax assessment, I opted to participate via telephone so that was a little stressful. . . trying to keep my thoughts organized on the case I was presenting and calming the attention seeking children in the background. I was totally nervous. . . I know its silly, but hopefully they will make an adjustment.

Since the two years since we moved in, our house payment has increased $250 a month , and if you are asking if it was due to an Adjustable rate mortgage? Nope!!! It has been due to a property tax increase. So I find it seriously ironic that the same government that is bailing out the housing crisis is also contributing to the problem by the same means. So taxes are bailing out the mortgage companies, but who is bailing out the homeowner that pays all their bills, and have good credit? Are they rewarding people for making poor choices financially, and giving them relief? Or are thy punishing those who follow through with their commitments and making them pay for others poor choices?

Our state claims they are in the black and have a rainy day fund, which ticks me off because for 250 dollars a month I could have a rainy day fund, but I don't because I am forced to give it to their rainy day fund which can fund endless debates about the transportation projects which never materialized because they spend millions voting on what to do, but are never okay with the outcome of the vote. So here every year we give them nearly 5000 dollars in property taxes, and they can't manage to make any changes or improvements to anything. I don't know if it is just a way to capitalize on the value of property here. But I do know it sucks.

It seems as if we raised our children with the same perspective of the government then our children would become reckless, never accountable for their actions. Its a good thing we don't all follow our government leaders examples of how to live.

I know I am totally whining and probably less informed that I should be, but you got an earful today of jibberish, enjoy.

Legolicious

Well another year was Lego spectacular at the Lego convention at the Seattle center. The boys went with Matt and uncle Paul. They of course thought it was the coolest thing ever. Unfortunately they each came home with a bag of Lego's. . . which means there are now more Lego's than ever to clean up. Fortunately they can sit in a pile of Lego's forever and play so it is still worth it. . . for now.

9 years and 4 kids later. . .

I am proud to say I am still madly in love with the man I married. Good thing eh!! I am very grateful for a hardworking husband and devoted father.
On our wedding day, the photographer showed up with a broken camera at the temple . . so not very many photos. But our family members took tons of photo's to remember the day. Later at the reception the camera malfunction continued, But hey what can you do.

On our fourth anniversary we had just had Hayden, Matt was working full time, and going to school fulltime. . . and two days after our anniversary we both realized that we had both forgotten. We always get a good laugh about that.

Mckay in the future?

So I saw this picture of my hubby today in a photo album, and I just thought. . . That is Mckay in a few years! I have always had a hard time figuring out who mckay looked like, but maybe I am imagining it, but he is totally a daddy's boy.

I am Officially. . .

A true blue resident of Washington State. For those of you that have visited here, you know there is no rhyme or reason to the street addresses. I have mapquested my destination for the past three years each time I go to a new place. Unlike the grid systems of utah, washington roads go around lakes and mountains so nothing usually makes sense. But . . alas. . . I needed to get somewhere yesterday, and without access to mapquest I bird dogged my way there and actually found the house I was looking for. I know it seems trivial, But I am very proud of my milestone, ha ha!

I must add, if I have been there once I can usually return without any problems. I usually have a decent sense of direction. It is just impossible to look at an address here and have any indication of where it may be.

Heirloom Tomatoes

So I bought an heirloom variety of tomato plant this year along with four other varieties to try out. I have to admit that I didn't realize the heirloom wouldn't turn red, but then it clicked when i noticed them turning an off orange/yellow color. But can I just say that I am sold! This produced the biggest and best tomatoes I have ever had. Besides the fact that the plant was falling over even with the cage because of the plethora of tomatoes. It would be nice if they were a nice red color, But hey the flavor is fabulous. I will definitely do these next year!!!

I may need to expand my 3 foot garden space next year. I love, love, love gardens. . . and I wish our yard was bigger, but you can do alot with a small space. Happy Harvesting!

21 Days of Straight Sunshine!!

So I feel like I am ready for the rain, and it has come. We had 21 days of pure sun and warmth, and it was awesome. What a great Summer/Fall!!!!! It has definately made up for our "nonsummer" last year.
So I have been trying to come up with some good indoor play ideas for the coming months. Mostly to expend energy and wear the kids out. I have threatened Matt that I am putting our little knee high ten foot tramp in the garage. . . I have measured and it would work. Slim to none it will happen, but you never know. . . hehehe. If I was really crazy I would make the stair wall a climbing wall because it leads to the half wall in our upstairs loft. . pretty sure that won't happen. . But would that not be the coolest liability ever. Thirdly, I think a trapeze bar would be great exercise, and seemingly simple. I am currently taking suggestions.. . and yes I know i am crazy.

Piano Lessons

So Ethan had his first piano lesson this week. I have to admit I wish I knew how to play so I could at least know what to help him with. Maybe I will learn along with him. He is happy about it so far, and today on the way to the bus said, "If I practice and get good I can play the starwars theme." Whatever works to get him motivated, works for me. He is smart, I think he will do well if we can keep it fun for him.

The Mortensen's new Arrival!!!

Congrats to Tara and Mike on their second baby daughter. I haven't heard a name yet, so we will wait for that. She was 8 pounds, 13 oz., and fairly mellow on the delivery, which is always good.

I think that is Benson grandbaby #18, right? I could be wrong. Adrianne has got #19 in another few months.

Don't get the wrong idea. . .

no we are not moving to Idaho just because matt can fit in now with his ginormous truck. . . ha ha. But doesn't he look good in white?
We thought since gas prices were skyrocketing we would purchase a BiG TruCK, but isn't it cute. They were giving these away at the dealership so we thought we could afford the gas with all the money we saved. I keep telling myself that anyway.
Matt is happy as a clam. A big white clam that fits more in the backseat than my minivan. hehehe.

stake conference

We had Stake Conference today, and boy, oh boy! Matt had to drop us off and go park and ride a shuttle back to the church. They only had one session instead of the regular two. We were on the very last row in the gym. I think all the overflows were full. The talk were all very good, and fortunately the kids made it. . . almost all the way through. Matt left ten minutes early to go get the car, and we followed about five min. later because Hayden was beginning a tantrum. This may have been their best conference behavior ever. Usually we aren't even halfway through when we start whispering threats in their ears, ha ha.

Hayden's Big Five

Hayden turned five yesterday. He had preschool, so we did his snack time at school. Then he got to play with his best buddies evan and zachary. Later after matt got home we had pizza, a pinata, and cake and icecream. He got a sweet nintendo backpack, lego's and pokemon cards. He was a happy camper.
He is such a mellow kid, and very smart. He is riding his bike without training wheels and thinks it is awesome, bruises and all.

the cutest blog on the block

My sister Lyndi suggested to me thecutestblogontheblock.com and I love it.
It literally takes two minutes to copy and paste a bazillion different background designs on your blog. I am way excited if you can't tell. the only thing is you have to have minima as your template, AND the best part. . . its our favorite four letter F word . . . FREE.

Thanks Lyndi for the Info!!

Indian Summer

We have been having gorgeous weather here, I can't even tell you how great it is. It was Ethan's first week back to school, and we have been able to walk with him to the bus stop. Usually if it is raining we drive. So that has been good for the kids and I to get some exercise.
I also just finished some canning: 68 jars later, and 5 gallon freezer bags of fruit for smoothies. It is work, but I am always happy I did it later, key word being "later". ha ha. It definately feels like the end of summer when fruit and veggies are ready for Harvest. I really enjoy this time of year.

Anyhow, if the weather is nice we spend little time indoors so until the rain settles in you may not hear from us too often. But we will try.

stormy at sea!

So we were having record heat here in Seattle before we left for our little Oregon coast getaway. And it was sunny the entire way there, we were very excited. When we drove into seaside there was a smoky haze creeping over the mountains so when we checked in I asked if there were Forrest fires. . . no that is just the marine fog that is always here. A short while later were were in a dense fog, it was crazy, we were standing on the beach and couldn't even see the ocean.

So the first few days I was a little disappointed, But we bundled the kids up and out we went. We played in the rain on the beach. Not exactly as I had pictured . . . but hey nothing ever turns out the way you expect it.

Squid did have a nice fall on the tile floor of the condo, and she split open her chin really deep. There isn't a hospital there, so we butterflied it and then when it healed a bit we super glued it closed. Fortunately it healed up nicely, and is at the bottom of her chin, almost underneath, so it is not visible.

Apparently we are accident prone lately.. . hmmmm.

It was awesome to go to the tide pools at low tide, especially cannon beach. unfortunately whenever we went to look at all the fun sea critters I always managed to forget my camera.

I did get one at the homespun aquarium. . . it was very interesting. . . the aquarium that is, not the picture, ha ha.

Kanani's Couponitis

So if you want to save lots o'money at the store you need to check out Kanani's new couponitis

Oregon Coast here we come!!!

So we have been home for a few weeks now, and . . . its time for a vacation. The weather has been HOT! here this week and it has been awesome! So awesome we are leaving and heading to seaside for about five days. You can be jealous because the ocean and sand is what I love. Oh and Sun, don't forget the Sun!

Congrats to Kassie and Shad!!

Kassie, my baby sister had their first baby boy this week!! They named him Caden I believe, not sure on the spelling????
I am so not jealous of your sleepless nights, but am very jealous of holding a newborn. I have decided once your kids are older then holding a brand new baby is very therapeutic. YOu can hold them and rock them and you forget all the bad stuff. . . although I am currently content to hold someone else's and give it back when I am done. . . hehehe!

I LOVE SUMMER!!

This week has been gorgeous, and I am soooo Happy! The week after we got home was typical washington 65 degree weather, and I was trying to come to grips that this was the rest of our summer. . . and then mother nature came through and brought us 90's this week. This is the way August should be!!!!
Way to Go Sunshine!

catching up on vacation. . .

So tommy and sid at murray park on pioneer day, cranking icecream at the wilson's, grandma pulling the kids in a floaty at starvation, and all the kids climbing in the apple tree after pictures for more pictures.

These are a few from our summer adventures with the wilson's

Just in case you were wondering. . .

Just in case you might be wondering what happens when a child runs into the path of another child swinging a real golf club. . . It lands you in the emergency room getting two layers of stitches in the kids head on a Sunday afternoon. Two underneath and six on top. And I don't know who cried louder H (the victim) or E (the attacker). H was crying in pain, E crying because his little bro was bleeding from the head and it was his fault. Hey at least he cares. . .???

Recovering?

So I have been avoiding the computer since I have been home, mostly because I have been really motivated to get my house in order. Thus I haven't blogged for ever. I will eventually get to it, but today will be spent preparing my RS lesson.
I have found if I avoid the computer then more around the house gets done. Go figure!

Packing up and heading home

I can't believe it has been a month since we left home, but alas the fun is ending. we have successfully worn out our welcome, haha. We are leaving first thing in the morning and attempting to drive the entire 14-15 hours. . . wish us luck. Our dvd player broke on the way up so a new one has been purchased. It is a pretty rough ride with out the movies. . . what did they do before they had them . . lucky us I guess.
I am not super excited to go home, but thrilled to sleep in my own bed. It has definately been an adventure and posssibly the kids best summer break EVER. I will have more details when we get home and settled in.

Cousin's

This is our first week in Idaho with some of the cousins riding the carousel. Squid and kayzer on the carousel together, and then cousins in front front of the carousel. And then the last picture is of the some of the kids at the park in St. Anthony across the street from Kassie and Shad's house.

Hometown 4th of July

So we spent our 4th in Rexburg, it was awesome of course! Living in the city doesn't hold a candle to a celebration in a small town. Matt I know you think I am crazy, but because of growing up in a small town, that is my interpretation of the 4th of July. I don't remember the last time we were in Rexburg for the summer because all of our vacation was used for weddings.

Congrats to Taela Laufiso!!

We came to Utah to see our niece Taela get baptized. She sang a duet with a friend "I stand all amazed". It was awesome, she has a serious voice for an eight year old. Most of the fam was there, and then we had lunch at the Laufiso's after.

We were happy to be able to be in Utah while that was happening. We miss alot of stuff because we live so far away.
So the funny part happened when we got back to wilson's where we were staying and matt and all of his brothers were running through the sprinkler with the kids. . . kiddie pool and all. I have lots of pictures to share eventually. . . although the boys might not appreciate them as much as us, hehehe.

We are at the Wilson's until tuesday, matt flies home to go to work and we will head back to Idaho for my sister Kassie's baby shower on saturday. This is her first and it is a boy. There are alot of new babies and pregnant women in the Benson Fam. I am glad to currently not be one of them, haha.

sorry no pictures today, I tried!

So i thought i could plug my card reader for my camera into a computer here in Idaho, but it is not gonna happen that way. Apparently i would need to install something to make it work on someone Else's computer. Anyhow I have great pictures to be seen at a later date, ha ha.

We drove to Boise and spent the night in a Marriott on Friday. It was a great hotel, very impressed. We usually just stop and ask what is the lowest rate they could give us since we are driving through and trying to decide whether to get a hotel or keep on driving. So far so good. We have gotten a great deal the last two trips through. This has been the plan ever since we booked a super 8, and it was filthy and disgusting. Surprisingly the 15 or 20 dollars more is so worth it to seek out a great hotel along the way.

We also decided to adventurous and drive through arco and see craters of the moon instead of staying on the freeway. It was definitely a good choice, the kids liked learning about volcano's. The scenery was definitely better than the stretch of I84 to pocatello.
Anyway we arrived to a yard full of swimsuit clad cousins and aunts and uncles. The kids quickly changed and joined in. I have a sweet video of the dads making waves in the pool and then jumping in them. I think the guys had more fun than the kids.

Cole gave his mission report Sunday, and of course that was awesome. He was an excellent missionary. Wyatt was up from LA , and that was fun to see him. We have a fun time when everyone is together.

Matt flew home to work this week and will be back for the 4Th of July. We are enjoying the sun, and heat. Funny thing is that it is scorching at home this week, and we are here. We spent most of the day in the pool again, can't beat that. My kids are not going to want to leave.

packing

so we have been packing the past few days, or at least trying to get things together for our trip. . . so I let the boys pick out their suitcase or bag, and started telling them what to put in the bag. We then got distracted and when i opened his suitcase today it contained some underwear, socks, both of his blankies, two pillows, a book of mormon, a ds charger(no ds), one pair of jammie bottoms, a hat, and some various toys(this is H by the way). He is cracking me up. I guess it is one way to find out what is important to your kid, eh?

Oh and I probably should add another story since this kinda works as my journal. I was putting sid in the tub yesterday when matt's mom called so i left the room and was changing laundry. . . when i returned I found kayser in the tub fully clothed, and not only that he was poopy. So that was awesome and fairly funny at the same time. I have to give myself credit for not getting upset and just laughing at the situation. . . I struggle with that at times.

I am back. . . kinda???

yah yah, I know it has been a while. I am a slacker. . not really. I got back monday from Atlanta, and it was fabulous. I had a great time with my www.girlsof94 weekend.
We have been trying to get ready all week to leave for Idaho, Cole got home tuesday from his mission in Independence missouri. I can't wait to see him, and can't wait to introduce the kiddies since they don't really remember him, ha ha.

Then we will be off to watch Taela get baptized, and to melt in the summer heat until we have to come home at the end of July. Yah, you heard me right, we are going for a lonnnnnng time. Can't wait, wish us brown skin and sunbleached hair!!!!

We are leaving this sun forsaken town, ha ha. And will be back for relief when we are tired of the heat.

Go Boston!!!

So hallelujah that the lakers got beat. I love Boston, and love the underdog! Lakers are old news, its time for some change! wahoooo!

And while I am on the topic of sports, tiger woods was crazy on Sunday, and even crazier on Monday. But I think I was secretly rooting for the other guy. How exciting would it have been for him to win his first major and againts TW. It was not to be though, he didn't have the experience to pull it out in the end.

Weather Report

Yep, it was overcast today, but didn't see much rain which was nice. Is it scary that I had to turn my heat on this mornng since it was fifty degrees inside. And if the sun isn't out it won't warm up. oh well we are headed to sunny skies soon!!!

We went to h's preschool preview tonight, he was so excited he could hardly stand it. And the poor kid was so desparate for attention he was constantly looking for praise for everything he did. He seemed alot older than the other kids. . . not size but socially. I hope this is a good fit for him, he needs a good program.

Summer was here today, but will it still be tomarrow???

What a fabulous sunny day. I think we were outside from the time kids left for school until bedtime. You know when the sun shines here you take advantage, and leave everything else behind. It comes and goes in the summer, and last summer rarely came. So we all wore ourselves out. Gotta love that feeling.
I hear it is suppose to rain tomarrow again, so I am happy i left the dishes and laundry for another day. I am sure we will get our fill of warm weather when we go to Idaho and Utah next week, that is hopefully the plan anyway.
We are bound and determined to get baked this summer one way or another so we can handle our grey skies here.
After a month visiting family we should be ready to handle being far away from them too, haha.

polka party green. . .

I know. . . I already showed one. . but we did another for squid's little friends bday. So here is the other, I am putting a pic. on painted crate.

saturday night fever

So we have been slightly insane with it being June, and still rainy and cloudy 99 percent of the time. So today was great, the kids were out playing and swinging in the backyard. At times I wonder why we worked so hard to get the backyard in because the rainy soggy grass isn't useful most times, but when they are able to get out and play it makes it all worth it.
I should have titled this spring fever, even though its June, its still spring in washington. I am not sure I will ever get used to it, but we will keep working on it. Matt keeps reminding me it is my attittude. . . I know, I know. . yadda yadda.

I got my hair cut today for the first time in like six months so I feel pretty good, a cut and color will always boost moral, I went short of course, ha ha.

She Loves Me soooo much! ooh laa laa!

We are driving in the car the other day when Hayden says "Mom, Kelsey loves me , and I don't like it"

"What do you Mean", I ask

Well she kisses me on the lips. . .

"Really", I say

"Yeah, I found her pink ball and she kissed me on the lips and told me she loved me"

hmmmmm. . .

Polka Party Pink!

I made a growth chart the other day with polka dots, and I thought it was fun so I put a picture on www.paintedcrate.blogspot.com

So, the Piano is up!

So I have been meaning to put up a picture of the piano we got on craigslist for FREE. We went to look at it monday night, and our jaws touched the ground when we saw it. There wasn't a picture in the add, but it said it was in great shape. I never ever hear someone describe a free item as great . . . so we went with the whole fam in tow. And it is perfect especially for the price, hehehe.

Our friend cam was so kind to bring his truck and come help matt load the monster and unload it.
I am excited to finally have a piano in our house, yeah!!!

This tastes like. . .

I know, I know... I am always telling gross stories, but I can't help it I have four very small children. What can I say.
We had so much to do today, and while we were out we went to my favorite Hawaiian BBQ L and L's. The kids have never been, so I thought it would be something different. Anyone who knows Hawaiian plate lunch knows that your BBQ chicken comes with rice, cabbage, and some macaroni salad. This is typical. H saw it and assumed it was mac and cheese, and was seriously stoked. So I put some on his plate, and he tasted it. .

As he spits it back out he covers the side of his mouth and leans over to me and whispers, "Mom, this tastes like private parts"

I say, "what do mean?"

H says as he points to his rear end, "this private part, that's what it tastes like"

I was so trying not to burst out laughing. First of all where does a kid learn something like that because I haven't ever heard anything of the sorts at the house. Second, I was dying to but didn't ask him, "so how would you know what private parts taste like anyway?" Thirdly isn't it hilarious that he referred to it as private parts instead of just saying it, because believe me I know that he is very familiar with all references of that area. I wonder if he thought he was being polite in a public place by controlling his potty words and by whispering. Matt would understand when I laugh also at the whispering because I don't ever recall H whispering, he is a bull in a china shop at all times. Oh how those funny little things make my day. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Camping season is on!!!!!

I can't help but get excited for summer after roasting hotdogs and marshmallows over an open fire in the great outdoors. How are we so lucky? I love it.
I always look forward to the camping experience even with little kids all over the place. There is nothing better than sitting around a campfire after the kids have finally fallen asleep in the tent.
Fire is seriously mesmorizing. This comes about today because we just got back from flaming geyser national park where we had a campfire with friends and all of our crazy kids.
I think I need a fire pit in the backyard even though our backyard is 35 feet deep. I wonder if it's legal??? hmmmm?
I might have to find that out, or else act and ask questions later, hehehe.
Alright, ta ta for now.

Slugs are us?

We have been invaded by slugs in the bag yard. So Disgusting!
We had left a shirt of kayzer outside after playing in the water one day, and matt had gathered it up and brought it inside to the laundry. I was cleaning and found a trail of baby slugs that had fallen from it on the way to the washer. . . ewwwwww! So I got them taken care of, and was removing the clothes from the washer this morning when I found the mother. . . double ewwwwwwww!
Unless you have lived in the moist northwest you may not understand. After rain they are everywhere with the slimy and sparkly trail left behind. Fun for us eh?

Ribbon Organization Box

Check out this fabulous idea for ribbon organization. This is definitely going to be added to my project list. I am in serious need of something similar.

To Be Continued. . .

So to make a long story shorter. . . than it could be anyway. I got there, we had lots of meals alone, shopping without kids, and sightseeing without pushing a stroller.
We did get to eat at in-and-out, which we usually make a point of whenever we go there. This time we took a cab there on our way back from the outlet mall, but couldn't get one on the way back to the hotel. It didn't seem so far so we walked, but it was hot and super windy so when we got there I was beat.
This trip is my first taxi experience. Definitely would have preferred a car, but the hubby's work prefers they take taxi's. . . and I was only there one day really so I didn't see the need, BUT on that walk to the hotel. . . I was wishing I had chosen otherwise. Seriously.
Basically I saw way to many scandalous girls, and a whole lot of eat, drink, and be merry. It great to be with the hubby, but the Vegas environment is so not for me. I always enjoyed it when we would go for the day on our trips to St. George, but staying in a casino is quite a bit different with a whole lot more exposure to Vegas life.
It is always good to be home.

I'mmmmm Back!

So. . . where to start? When I got to the gate to leave, I was feeling pretty lonely without kids climbing all over me. I didn't know quite what to do with myself until I spotted a mom my age with five. . yes I said five children. The oldest of which was E's age. So I stood up and went over to inform her I was helping her with her kids on the plane. She graciously accepted, and so I was entertained by her very well behaved children on the flight to vegas. She is definately much braver than I going alone with five small kids, but they were on their way to a funeral.
Her boy who was H's age was telling me about the church they go to and asked me if I believed in Jesus, and I said "I do". It was very cute. It totally made my day that they were on my flight. I think it made me feel less guilty about leaving my own kids. . . as crazy as it sounds.

(To be continued, kids are calling!)

Viva Las Vegas!!!

So I am off tomarrow for vegas, wish me luck. . . haven't left my kids since H was a baby, and that was slightly traumatic. They got sick the morning we left, so I worried the whole time. I am hoping I won't worry to the point of no fun, but it is a much needed break so the odds are in my favor. It will be nice and hot, so that will be a nice change.

Quinn's new baby girl!!!!

My brother Quinn had a sweet arrival of his second daughter. She was born on wednesday the 14th, and they named her kynlee. What a sweet little family. Congrats little bro!!!!

A Fly In The Window

So squid and kayzer came in the front room where the window was open. There sat a fly trying to find a way out through the screened window. k is not afraid of bugs and tries to touch everything one he sees so they stood playing with this fly until they killed it, yes I know. . . Nasty!! I couldn't help but watch as k giggled his little heart out trying to catch it. After the homicide squid picked it up and put it in the trash. . . sick and wrong. Who's daughter is she?
Then they came back for more, but only dead insects still remained (yah, yah, spring cleaning has yet to be done.) Now K has moved on to search other corners of the house for moving objects. Who needs pest control? ha ha.

Its gonna be a girl!!!!

Tara found out she will be having a girl today!! It will be so fun for Adrie to have a little sister. I love two of the same gender next to each other. So much fun.

Blankie, oh Blankie, where art thou?

So I was reading Rochie's blog about her daughters torn blankie, and when it wouldn't let me comment because I was apparently typing in the wrong password I thought I would comment here about how brilliant she was in mending the torn blankie.
My kids are all blankie kids. Each has his own. My eldest attached himself to a blanket my sister Jess made, and I was happy because I was partial to it myself. My second, however, attached himself to a fleece blankie with Hawaiian pineapples on it. I have learned to love it. I am actually glad he chose that because it was a special one his aunt Becky had made for him. So the personal effect overrides my feelings for fleece. H is also my thumb sucker, and only chooses to suck his thumb if the pineapple fleece is visible somewhere in the room or he is touching it. . . this is actually quite humorous and I have a secret wish that when the blankie disappears then so will the thumb sucking. Squid has also attached herself to a blankie that Matt's grandma made for H. So I find it very sweet. Our little M has attached himself just recently to one I made for H when he was the baby. The youngest two only decided to be attached around 18 months to 2 years old, so I have decided they were modeling their older siblings. I think it was a learned behavior to some extent. That is strictly my opinion. This may be the most long winded entry ever. Can you tell Matt is on a business trip??? hmmmm.

Rolemommy.com

okay so here is the link to the top mommy blogger, and that happened to be one of the stops for team nintendo (aka Hubby) today on a publicity run. check it out. http://www.rolemommy.com/blog/the-eagle-has-landed.php

What the Squirrel?

Is this a crazy squirrel to be perched on the play set or what. who needs a dog or cat? The thing is huge.