There are certain things in my house that I wonder why I even have them, like this:



Why have a shower curtain when you always have to have it draped over the pole so a certain little man doesn't go ripping it or pulling it down?

What things do you have that you wonder, 'why'?

Getting Festive

Many unexpected things have happened that has made blogging not a priority nor even putting up our Christmas tree, BUT, we are finally getting there..at least trying to.

1. Putting up the Christmas tree...Kylie had been begging us to put it up and, honestly, if it weren't for her, it probably would not have gotten up as soon as it did.



Ashlyn got to put on the star this year. She was super excited and Kylie was very supportive (phew!).


I thought the tree would be a disaster because how 'all boy' Spencer is and how he kept picking up an ornament, saying, "Ball", chucking it, grab another one and repeat the process. But he got it when we explained no touching after they were on the tree. Now, he just runs to the tree, points at it and says, "Ball" over and over. Though, he did get excited the other day and charged the tree, grab an ornament, said 'ball' and threw it to us in the kitchen..it shattered everywhere. What can I say? He is a boy and he wanted to play ball.


2. Made and decorated Christmas cookies.



Of course, how fun would decorating cookies be if you couldn't lick after each addition?




3. Kylie's Christmas performance at school.

Happy Birthday, Ashlyn!

I have loved watching Ashlyn develop this year. She constantly amazes me with her witt and humor. That girl catches on to things quick!

Just a funny story...the other night at dinner, I was getting frustrated that everyone was complaining. Ashlyn looked at me and said, "I love you, Mommy." I responded, "I love you, too. Way to be a peacemaker, Ashlyn". Her face had a puzzling expression and she asked, "A piece of paper?" We burst out laughing.

When something isn't right, she fixes it (or at least tries to). She has a hard time carrying on if something is omitted, missing or just doesn't feel right. Examples: she can't say the blessing on the food unless her place is just so, she won't let me buckle her up unless her shirt is tucked in right, and if I misspeak, she corrects me.

Just recently, she has to have a pencil and paper to write on while in the car.

She doesn't mind playing alone, in fact, I think she prefers it.

She is a blast!

LOOK who's 3!

She didn't even mind hanging out with Daddy on her birthday while he rigged our front door (our 'homemade' security system). She called it a 'Daddy-Daughter date'.



Recognize the Belle from a previous birthday? Let's just say it was a Barbie/Princess cake gone wrong, so we topped it with Belle. It didn't matter - she loved it!

Frozen Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is not something you can have year-round in Florida, but FROZEN hot chocolate is!  And now that we (temporarily) have a blender it is a frequent meal treat.

Ours went too fast, so I stole this photo from the link below:

Frozen Hot Chocolate

4oz of your favorite chocolate

2 teaspoons store-bought hot chocolate powder

1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 cups milk

3 cups ice cube

slightly sweetened whipped cream

chocolate shavings (optional)

Chop chocolate into small pieces and melt in microwave on low heat. Once melted, add hot chocolate mix and sugar, stirring constantly until thoroughly blended. Remove from heat and slowly add 1/2 cup milk, stirring until smooth. Cool to room temperature.In blender, place the remaining 1 cup milk, room-temperature chocolate mixture and ice.Blend on high speed until smooth and the consistency of a frozen daiquiri. Enjoy!

Makes about 4 8 oz. servings from one batch.

Unbelievable, really!

Ashlyn HUGGED Curious George!

She then cried and hung onto me, but she did it.  I told the monkey that he should feel special - he is the first character that she has hugged or even come close to.  I think it made his day:).

Ahhhh! Ahhhh!

(translation: 'help! help!')

He can now get in the tub by himself. Let's hope he doesn't learn to turn on the water anytime soon...

As a side note, he is a great helper - throws his diaper in the trash, picks up trash and puts it in the garbage. But, I think his fetish with the trash can has gone a bit too far. Here are some things we have found in the trash: unopened applesauce, the remote control, clothes, books, toy cars and toothbrushes. And some things we haven't found, but know they ended up there: saline solution and important papers.

Kylie had a great idea: "Put the trash can in the pantry when he is awake and bring it out when he is sleeping."

Brilliant, Kylie. I think it's a keeper!

"Oh, the kids like to go outside and do sidewalk chalk.  So, while I am gone, that is something you can do with them.", I said as I walked out the door.  David chuckled, but didn't respond.  He took this picture while I was gone:

I guess what the kids like to do with Mommy is different than what they like to do with Daddy?  Or is it because Mommy like to do different things with the kids than Daddy does?

Okay, I have to admit, the BodyPump group of instructors were a bit intimating.  But what about this group of BodyAttack instructors?  

How could you resist such a great looking, leg warmer & fishnet stocking-wearer group?

Can't say this girl doesn't enjoy her food to the last bite (lick)!

Swapped

Normally it is the Little Man wiped out and the girls who are wide awake. This time they swapped places. Spencer sure is looking a bit guilty though...did he put something in their drink?

Does this make you want to take BodyPump from me?

A Christmas Carol Train

I wasn't expecting anyone to actually look at the camera - just wanted to document how talented Laurie and I are: 6 kids (5, 3, 3, 15 months, 16 months and 7 months) without a stroller for most of it and we all came out alive! I guess I should give the kids some credit. They did amazingly well!

It is OFF...

..and she is WALKING!

The REAL diagnosis you ask? A broken heel. Go figure.

The doctor said he still harbored some resentment from their (Ashlyn and his) "visits" together. So, what exactly does that mean? Any suggestions?

Discovery

What to give your child who won't stop screaming in the Grocery store:

a block of CHEESE

These were the remains. I had already chopped off the gnawed end.

I decided to let him feed his own self with a spoon this time.

Here was the outcome:

I guess he needs more practice?

Emerging Scientist

Materials: bottle, vinegar, balloon, baking soda, funnel, measuring spoon, and, of course, safety goggles




A little practice at home before the real thing.




Waa-laa: a blown up balloon!



And a quick check to make sure the onlookers from home weren't causing a ruckus.

Looks like the cast isn't interrupting this girl's sleep!

The Lowdown

Here's how it all played out (note: it is still 'playing out'):

Tuesday, September 29th -

Climbing into bed that night, I had an impression that something was going to happen to Ashlyn the next day and that needed to go love her. I brushed it aside, because I am always worrying about my children. (I know, I know, NEVER 'brush aside' impression of the Spirit.)

Wednesday, September 30th -

8:00 a.m. Packing up to go to the church. The captain chair is normally folded down, so I can help her get into her seat in the back. She climbed up onto the chair herself. I ran inside to get a diaper for Spencer and was going to stay inside to change him, but decided I needed to go back out to Ashlyn. Just as I was coming to her, she slipped and fell off onto the garage floor. Thank goodness it was not her head. Of course, she was crying, but I decided to wait to do something thinking she would be fine.

10:30, she was still whimpering and never played, so I called the doctor's office who did not call me back until

12:30 telling me the doctor couldn't see me today, but they would write a referral to get an X-ray done.

2:30 arrived at the hospital after dropping the boys off with a friend (thanks, Sara!)

3:30 got the X-ray

4:15 got the X-ray results: some swelling in her foot, but no fracture, but a significant appearance of osteopenia. What? Not what I was expecting! My pediatrician said she wanted to Ashlyn 1st thing in the morning.

5:00 left the hospital (with our collection of toys - see below)

Thursday, October 1st -

9:15 saw the pediatrician who determined that the fracture is most likely in her leg since Ashlyn still wouldn't bear any weight. Set us up to see an Orthopedist and sent us off to do blood work since there were signs of osteopenia in the X-ray

10:15 arrived at hospital #2. Got Ashlyn's 2nd cool bracelet and got Ashlyn poked. She actually did an awesome job. Her skin is so thick so it was hard for them to hone in on a vein, so they had to work the needle under the skin to get it.

3:00 got a call from the Orthopedist office. They get us in for the next day versus in a week. Hoo-rah!

Friday, October 2nd -

Still lots of pain (but now in my back too from carrying her everywhere - potty, couch, kitchen, car) and no standing.

1:00 Appt. to the Orthopedist. Poked and prodded, got more X-rays. got poked and prodded some more. She did so well, but was a little stinker. She told me that she would tell the doctor where it hurt, but as soon as he got in, she hid her mouth behind her arm and just looked at him with her big, brown eyes. When he was feeling around, she still wouldn't make a sound, only a few facial expressions said that she was in pain in certain areas. Anyways, he couldn't see anything clean nor obvious, but put her in a short leg cast (doesn't she have a short leg anyway?) and we are get it off in 2 weeks. But...there is more...he didn't see any osteopenia, but he called later to see if she was walking on it. I told him that she won't and says it still hurts. So, it looks like we will be going back this week and get some more X-rays (or maybe an MRI?) to see if there is anything further.

That is it (and I am pretty sure this is the most I have ever written on my blog at one time), but not really. Stay tuned for more.

This past week is officially named "Ashlyn Week".

The Prognosis

Still not sure, but a cast nonetheless. After 2 hospital visits, a pediatrician visit, blood work, and a trip to an orthopedist this is what is known (or unknown depending on your perspective). Other unknown things have been discovered all from this fall, but we will wait for the results.

But, take a look at the loot we have collected! I am thinking about hitting these places up around birthday times.

It was a cool 70 degrees this morning...AGAIN

I think I am not liking 70 degree mornings. It seems to be a sign that something out of the ordinary will happen. And it is something that I probably won't like. So, it is been a very LONG day....more on it tomorrow. Please don't be 70 degrees (less than would be fine, I think).

It was a cool 70 degrees this morning

It felt so good. Wow! Monday was going to be good. Taught 6 am Cycle. Awesome group, awesome songs. Come home to get the kids up, fix lunches, send Kylie off, send David off. No crying so far, looks to be a great day. Oh, and did I mention how nice it was outside? Definitely a great day. 9 am class went off without a hitch. Had friends over to play. Even though the house was torn apart - the kids had fun. Still a great day. Naps, no problem and I was productive. The line to pick up Kylie from school was short and quick. I got in and out in record time. Home to have quick snacks to go back and teach class #3 and #4 for the day. Everyone was happy, playing nicely together. Weather still beautiful (though warmer). Had time to read books and play together before we had to leave. Still smooth.

Enters the catch to this wonderful day....

Go out to the car to load the children in, to my horror - the keys were locked in the car - with all the car seats, set of keys to the other car, my purse and I had to be at my class in 20 minutes!!! Frantically, I checked all the doors, windows, thinking... how did this happen? When my eyes fell upon one of the little rascals at my feet...Ashlyn! She likes to play in the car while I am getting the others out and in the house. I didn't think that she would push the lock button! It is all the way in the front. Oh, great! Okay, think clearly, extra keys..sometimes David leaves his when he goes out of town. No such luck; he took them all. Dang! So, I call him (because maybe he can do something over the phone, so I can get to my class in time). Guess what his first words were, "Looks like you are going to have to miss your class." What? No way! I will run there with children in tow, in the wagon since the stroller was locked in the car as well. Hung up. Confident that I could figure this one out.

Then, I remember that I have fabulous, crises-savers living next to me. Yep! Just as I get there, they are pulling into their garage. So, guess what they did? Watched all my kids. And dropped me off. And picked me up. And waited for the locksmith. The kids had fun playing the dirt with friends, I made it to my class(es) and everyone is happy.

I knew Monday was going to be a great day! Next time, I will take my keys inside my purse inside the house.... Thank goodness for next times!

Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce

I made one yummy dinner last night (thank you). Find the recipe here. We had asparagus on the side. Coconut milk is the best!

Curious?

Here are all the great things (besides compost) you can do with carrot pulp....

1. GOLDEN MACAROONS

1 cup raw carrots, packed
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup sweetener (I used honey) ... Read More
1 1/2 cup coconut
1 cup oat flour (I substituted 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup of oats)
1/2 tsp salt (optional) 1 tsp vanilla

Blend dry, quick or rolled oats to make a flour. Mix well all ingredients. Let sit 10 min. firmly pack dough into a tablespoon then drop on an oiled cookie sheet. Bake at 325 for 30 min.

2. Mix it with hummus or almond/peanut butter

3. Carrot muffins

4. Basil crackers

carrot or vegetable pulp from juicing (about 5 cups)
1 clove crushed garlic
1/2 cup basil, chopped or dried handful cylantro, chopped
2 ripe tomatos, chopped
1 cup (or more) sprouted and crushed nuts (almonds, sesame, sunflower...etc.)
sea salt, dulse or braggs to taste

Use a spatula to spread over teflex sheet in dehydrator or pan in oven and dehydrate for about 8 hrs or until completely dry. Wonderful with guacamole or other dips!

5. Smoothies

6. Sneak into pancakes and baked goods.

7. Thai carrot salad

8. Vegetable soup.

Now, don't you wish you had some carrot pulp?

(Side Note: writing the word 'carrot' this many times starts making it look likes it's spelled incorrectly)

Carrot Juice

Just juiced 5 lbs. of carrots.

Quick - what can I make with the pulp now?

All I can think of is carrot cake - but that would cancel how good carrot juice is for you. Any ideas?

You know...

I wish I had a whole lot of fun pictures to post to document our crazy, fun life. Here are a few, but I am terrible at remembering to take pictures. I was just commenting to David the other day that I hoped I was enjoying Spencer has much as I should, because the time goes be so fast. Of course, I hope I am enjoying my husband and children as much as I need to be. I really take it all for granted and don't realize it. Actually, I often sit back and think of my blessings, but I don't take the time to look deeper than the ones I can see. This post has gone in a different stream-of-conscious way than I had planned. So, back to the updates and photos.

David's work has picked up a bit. He seems they have gotten into a groove for now. Here is one project they are working on:

Just kidding. This is something he help the Cub Scouts in out ward build. Good learning experience for David to let them do it by themselves. Some nails were crooked and missed. David handled it pretty well.

Kylie is loving school. Nap time is not her favorite though. Tough life, I know. Ashlyn, on the other hand, is missing Kylie. Today, Kylie wanted to wear her new necklace to school; I didn't approve. So, I gave her a choice either the necklace or Kylie could stay home. Ashlyn piped up and said, "Kylie." She talks about Kylie during the day, but then always ends with, "Kylie at school". Cute girl.

Spencer is walking! Well, walking/crawling. Just depends on how fast he wants to get to something. He will walk half way and then drop to his knees. Man, that kid is fast and so dang cute. He has been doing this since the 1st part of September. He thinks it is so fun to walk and gets this huge smile on his face and squeals the entire time. The girls still thinks it is fascinating and always yell, "Come, look! Spencer is walking!" They still get excited when he stands on his own and he has been doing this for at least 1 1/2 months. Spencer eats the attention up.

Okay, now for the random shots:

Visiting Kylie at School

Since Kylie's birthday is right before school starts, she never got a chance in VPK for me to bring something to school for her birthday. I decided that this wasn't going to be a tradition. I always loved when my mom brought my siblings and treats to celebrate my birthday in school. Ashlyn thought it was cool to see Kylie in school and, of course, Kylie loved showing off her brother and sister. Ashlyn wouldn't look at the camera though and Spencer was just too excited, so none of those pictures turned out well enough to post.

The Cutest Thing Ever

On Thursday when we were getting ready for night prayers, I said," Okay, let's get ready for prayers." Spencer dropped the ball he was playing with, looked at me and folded his arms.

So. flippin'. cute!

The crazy, cute thing is that we used to hold Kylie's and Ashlyn's hands like that for prayers, but because Spencer is so spastic, we never did for him. He totally picked it up by just observing. And the fact that I did not even say, "Fold your arms"; he just knew what to do at prayer time.

Series of Events

Eyeing the loot.

Checking to make sure the scene is safe.

Going in for the goods.

Mission accomplished.

Spencer decided to get Ashlyn back for her taking all of his food. He can never do anything. So, he seized the moment and I doubt he felt guilty at all. It was a double whammy - she was sleeping and sick. Poor, Ashlyn!