Give'n Awayer

But not by me. I think you should check this out:

http://amazingmae.blogspot.com/2009/01/giveaway.html

Yes, it's from my neighba lady. Leave a comment for this really cute stuff. I always know she is up to something up there in her attic room.

She just treated me these block calendars. She says it's cause I watched her kiddos while she went out with her visiting mom. SO not a fair trade. She upped me again.

Who are you?

A couple weeks ago Emma was at the doctor and she picked out stickers for everyone in our family. She was Ariel. Tanner was a Surf's Up character. Landon was Spiderman. Jackson was from Brother Bear. Ryan was this guy:

And I was her:
The office thought it was so funny. Ironically we were at Costco the same night and they had Shrek playing on there jumbo TV. On came Fiona. I heard Emma start yelling, "Mommy! It's you." Ryan said he was going to keep his sticker forever. Whatever.

Grandma's Birthday Tea

This post took me a while. I just couldn't not express it right. That I had such a joyfull weekend is not enough. That I love the women in my family is not enough. That I treasure my mother for all she's done is not enough.

Let me start at the begining.

I took Emma and Jackson to Boise to celebrate my Grandma's 75th birthday. (thank you friends that helped with the kids I left!) My mom hosted beautifully. She fine-tunes everything. Seeing it all together further clarified to me how gifted she really is.

Just a few of the details....She collected teacups for a year.(She had the help of my Aunt Debi as well). She made the table linens, chair covers, teapot cozies and little girls purses as well. The tea's were named after my grandmother, Madame Louise and Lady Edna. 6 of my girl cousins (all sisters) were there and all my sisters. We had a slew of babies, and it often seemed like "name that baby!". The food was perfect, the tributes to my grandmother by her daughters so touching, and seeing my big baby brothers help serve lunch impressionable as well. Each guest left with there teacup, a momento I personally will cherish forever.

I am so grateful I went. There were 4 generations of family members present. I am grateful that I have such strong and steadfast, funny and witty women in my family. It was fulfilling to reconnect and chat and laugh at each other- that made it too short.


I called when I got back to KY and heard the tone in there voices, the party had not stopped. Glad you're back safe was said, followed by, "We had a dance party. To Mama Mia. Oh, it wasn't that fun. Just a little." Liars.

(the photo collages are from my really-talented-photographer-cousin, Jess.

She captures things perfectly!)

A Tea Affair

The greeting table, my grandma & grandpa back in the day.

the pary girls

Grandmother and Summer's baby, Gavin.

The tablescapes

the little ladies table
(jewlery in each glass, Fancy Nancy books, Hot Chocolate, and matching purses filled with
little girl treasures and a mini tea set.) Just a bit of the room. The party was for 50.

There he is, my brother Jake. The waitor. My cousins in front.

My Aunts Julie & Debi, Great Aunt Gwen and Grandmother

All the little girls

The finale, my moms chocolate cake. It's famous.

There was cookies and chocolate mousse cups as well.

All the babies. 1st & 2nd cousins. From left to right.

Jackson, Ellery, Olivia, Daisy, Vivian, & Gavin

Some of my favorite pictures:

Issac and Jackson

My littlest sister Ashley, and her 2nd baby Olivia

and from Jess:

This is what's happening

I finished Snowman Playgroup day today. Thank you helper friend.

I leave tomorrow morning for a Grand Tea Party for my Grandmother. I'm taking Emma & Jacks to Boise. I hope we make it with the weather!

Lastly, I have felt mind busy! We are trying to get our house ready to go on the market. With sick kids I felt seriously weighed down and physically unmotivated. SO, I'm outing myself. I mean really, who wants to buy this? (please be nice.)

Christmas Snapshots

Christmas Eve. We read parts of Luke 2 and acted as shepards who looked for the baby Jesus.

Christmas Day

Christmas...

Well, not quite yet.

This is the year:

- That I still have Christmas Presents to get in the mail. (I'm sorry dear family!)
- That someone in our house has been on antibiotics since the end of November.
- That we were blessed to have a stomach flu pause just in time for Christmas Eve.
- That being sick gave us no plans or commitments to be anywhere, but just home.
- That we had Clam Chowder and Lighted Snowballs (vanilla ice cream rolled in toasted coconut on chocolate sauce with one white lit candle on top for each person) for Christmas Eve Dinner.
- That we decided not to go to Chicago. We had a fun trip planned. But it just seemed like too much work. And we just haven't felt great. And Ryan was really fine with it. I hear him tell people it saved us money so now we can "buy our flatscreen".
- That I have to officially pack the decorations when I take them down. I can't just put them in the basement on the trees (ingenius if you ask me!). They have to be safe for a big move in a few months.
-That Santa left us Wii Rock Band and I cannot believe how much we have used it. Already. It's a hit (no pun intended).
-That Ryan did not get called in. Well, just once. But it was after the festivities. And he said if he was to get called in for Christmas Eve or Day, "That's it. I'll pay $500 bucks to whoever will take my shift." He said, I'm the only one with 4 kids and can't some of the jewish guys cover? Seems like a no-brainer :)
- Between the princess castle, doll house, baby choo-choo, lego kits, Star Wars Ship Monstrosity that was hunted for weeks and finally bought off Ebay, board games, batman caves, and geo trax sets that I have offically decided: Purging must start now. Santa was good to us. Family was good to us. It will all bring happy memories. It was a magical Christmas!

Little Ladies go to tea

Before Christmas we met at the Sisters Tea Parlor. There was clotted cream (whipped cream) & lemon curd, warmed scones, mini shepards pie's, 3-wiseman sandwhiches, truffles and mint green frosted cupcakes. Cheese and crackers and pink lemonade for the little ladies and a selection of teas for the big ones. There was time to dress-up and no-boys were allowed. We didn't want them to ruin our fun :)

Posion Control

I had to call them last week. In the midst of medicating Emma with Motrin I ran upstairs to change linens and came back down to Landon trying to medicate himself with the same syringe. And from the bottle that I left open. (I KNOW. Bad mom.) I thought he drank a 1/4 of the bottle or so. I called our "family doctor" who said, "LACEY! What were you doing!" I heard "liver damage" and "heart failure" and "coma" (okay, I'm exagerating a bit about his reaction) and then he told me to call Posion Control right away. I did. They were so nice. And promised me they weren't going to call the police. Or CPS. Or report me to the news. She told me he'd have a tummy ache and needed fluids. She offered me a magnet. And she even called me back to tell me she ran some figures wrong, that he would still be fine, and that she wanted our "family doctor" to be advised. For sure I said ;)

ps- I did panic. I did start to cry a bit. I did ask Tanner why he stood and watched him. And we did have a family meeting on the dangers of medicine.

Santa 2008

Yes, he's under there, Santa that is. And I really think we look like rag-a-muffins. It was a solo mom event at the Ward Christmas Party.

A baby changes everything.

It's been pukey over here. I know that's gross. I found myself falling into bed last night, having stripped a bed for the 3rd time in a day, and thought, "Please. Let there be no more." I can manage being the all-night beverage station. (And it's not even for the baby, who is no longer nursing.) Just let the sickness pass.

I was trying to finish up teacher gifts and fold laundry. I had to help a friend with invitations and I have had huge hopes to have a family Polar Express Party. (It would have been fun). We heard that we did not get our Allergy Specialty spot in San Antonio. It's okay, life just seems to continuaully throw us along the route of what's eternally next around that bend. To say the least, I have been a little discouraged. I won't even mention what the Air Force did to our much anticipated bonus.

My fridge has never been so empty. I need to get to the store. I was asked to re-pray at a relief society function for forgetting to bless the brownie bites, it made me feel akward, and then I made a lousy soup last week. For dinner guests. I guess we all need a little humbling sometimes.

But, as I was finishing up late last night, there was a Faith Hill holiday musical special on. I had not even known it was going to air. She sang this song "A baby changes everything." (#1 on my music roll.) I cannot imagine how Mary felt carrying the Christchild. I know my babies have changed everything in my world. Her baby changed everything for all mankind. I know He knows what we are each feeling. I know He sees what we need. I know He loves us. I paused for a moment and just felt gratitude. Gratitude that my husband can bless our children to feel better. And even more gratitude. For Mary's baby. The Wonderful, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Counselor, The Prince of Peace.

My late thanks

I meant to mention some things I am grateful for.

1. First, but not really first on my list, Amy Grant. I mean, come on, I love her Christmas music. I remember my mom used to play her tape when we were little. I believe that was probably what sparked my love for worship music. (I still love #4 on my playlist, and I know, you can push pause, it won't hurt my feelings too badly.)

2. Flannel sheets. I needed a set. I sneaked them on the bed becuase I heard from a sister that they are "sweaty and awful". I thought my husband would say the same thing. But he likes them too, even though he feels a "bit" hotter at night. I love them as much as I hoped I would. Whatever sista.

3. I'm feeling love for Major Stevenson. (I think a little brown-nosing can't hurt). She is in charge of our placement for the next 3 years. I hope for our first choice. She makes the decision. I'm grateful for your service Major Stevenson. She asked what we thought about Alaska. Well, not that west, I said. Respectfully of course.

4. The above leads me to ....that even though the doctor probably won't get the specialty Allergy spot in San Antonio this fall (it's a rank thing) he still has employment. And he'll be a board certified internist in 5 months. He has worked so hard and finds jobs all over the place and wants us to be happy. I never thought I could have gotten such a thing as him.

5. That somehow, even though I really failed this past Monday, and surely can not claim "Mom of the Year"- my kids forgot about my misses the next day. They forgive me so easily. That baby Jacks of mine can't take his eyes off me as I run around the house. He loves me a lot.
(The others have those moments for me. But mostly they love there dad more.)

6. I am grateful that I don't have to eat hot dogs everyday. We participated in "The Great American Hot Dog Challenge" recently. We had to taste test 20 hot dogs and figure out which was the best. I personally buy Ballpark. By taste test number 10 I tapped out. I have no idea which hot dog won. I'll keep buying Ballpark. I think we should try this challenge with popcorn, or ice cream, maybe pizza?- just never again hot dogs. Never. I also think everybody needs some friends that scheme crazy stuff up like this.

7. It seems everyday I stop and look around and think in awe that I have 4 kids and I can't believe I am here- in this moment. Like, how DID this happen? I know HOW. But, where has my life gone? I've been so blessed. I'm healthy. I have common sense. I have a husband that honors me. I have comforts and safety in my home. I have the gospel and prayer and faith. I have hope for better. I have good friends that are generous to me. I have sisters and family that love me deep. I have purpose in my calling as a mother.

Sister Melissa had her baby.

And she lived through it. (love you Melissa). She has my mom and grandma with her there now and I am jealous. And Elly IS really sweet.

Family Pictures 2008

I'm not getting to Christmas cards this year. Probably. And I didn't send out baby birth announcements for Jackson either. For sure did not happen. But we attempted to document our time here in Kentucky with a family picture. For odd reasons our photographer and I became at odds over "copyright" issues and prices. But then she wanted the pictures for her portfolio. So we came to an agreement. This was my favorite. Too bad not every one's showing there face. I tell myself that the likelihood of us getting a perfect candid face forward picture will probably not be for years. I probably have way too much criteria.

How I know it's Christmas Time:

My mom gave me this a few years back. I lost it. I asked her for it again. She said, "I never gave you a recipe like that. " But, she did. I luckily found it in my recipe collection- and it's perfect for this time of year.

Martha's* Hot Fudge Sauce

2/3 cup half and half
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Combine all (in microwave safe bowl). Microwave for 4 minutes on medium. Stir half way through. Stir again. Eat it with a spoon. Or on Peppermint Ice Cream.

*from Martha Stewart my mom said. But then again, she can't remember she ever had this recipe. So maybe it's not Martha's after all.

It was T for Turkey

Brooklyn

Our house had a bout of strep/strep-like symptoms last week for 2 of my kids. But I was ready for the "T" day and so hosted this past week in place. I rounded up a helper (thank you dear friend!)- she was seriously abused. Turkey Blessing Mix for the snack and Turkey hats and Pizza for lunch. I kept the mom's over for soup. Don't you love good moms and good mom talk?

Speaking of mom talk. I know us moms wish we could add more moms/kids into the mix. But 7 toddlers plus the sibblings of the host adds up to a lot of "organized" chaos. I know I can speak for all of us moms and say there is no intention of exclusion. Really.

By the afternoon, and after the last friends left, I turned on a show. Landon asked me for pumpkin bread, I handed it to him, picked something up, turned around and found him sound asleep. Not a bite gone- the sweetest part of the day captured with my camera. :)

Precious Cargo

I spent the weekend in Nashville to attend Time Out For Women. For some reason they let me drive (and book the somewhat ghetto hotel- sorry ladies, but it had the continental).) I kept telling myself since I had a carful of 7 mammas, I needed to be extra extra careful- our prayers of safekeeping were heard. I mean, who could ever replace a mother?

Perhaps a father?

Close second I'd say. And I believe they all did just fine.

27 children were left. Twenty-Seven. There were no meals to cut up or diapers to change, no mid-night call-outs from children. No dress-up changes, or cereal messes. Just good moms that I grew to know better and the bonds of sisterhood in the gospel strengthed evermore.

As for sisterhood. It's a real thing. It lets you cry at "worship-like" music, (you go Hilary Weeks, and my local favorite 104.3 FM), be chatty cathy's til the wee hours of the morning on shared queens, weep a tear in Baja Fresh, and really hug that long-ago-college roomate. It says it's okay to pump for the baby back home and laugh at the 10 arby sandwhiches (who eats 2 each?). It forgives the 30 minute turn off the wrong road (I blame Tom-Tom GPS, Melissa ;) ). It makes you remember that before the mom calling and wife name, a girl you were first.

And yes, Time Out For Women is a bit cheesy. But I really did enjoy it- I would gladly go again. Especially to come home to a sweet nursing baby, a bunch of wound up kids, and an almost happy husband (that applogized about taking the stain off my not-so-old kitchen table and confessed that he felt like he had big shoes to fill while teaching gospel doctrine.)

It was a good place to be this past weekend- and equally nice to give all my attention to this video. Because really, sometimes, I need to be reminded that we are all precious- even me. Especially to Him.

ps- I love you mom cargo. All of you.

(Reflections of Christ.)

Tanner

said he thought he had Tuesday, Veteran's Day, off. Ryan had it off and so we assumed it was a holiday. But it wasn't a school holiday. The bus came and went. Ryan said we were duped. (we were).

I love Tanner. But he's had a bad attitude lately. Enough was enough. I put him in a cold shower with his clothes on last night. Ryan and everyone watched. I eventually turned it warm, but reminded him that as much as he doesn't like a cold shower, we, I, don't like listening to his whining and complaining. That he needs to be quick to obey and do things joyfully (like brush his teeth which he wasn't, which was just a series of events that he wasn't happy about doing yesterday.) He felt awful and embarrassed and I loved him better and he got his happy back and was happy this morning and Ryan said I was too harsh and you know what, I think Ryan might need a cold shower too :)

The final visitors

Cincinnatti, Newport Aquarium

Ryan's parents have come and gone now. They met their newest grandchild, number 16, Jackson. We hit the Zoo and Newport Aquarium and climbed a rock wall at Dick's. We took Ryan out for his birthday dinner and played corn hole with the neighbor. The kids took advantage of their grandparents incredible levels of patiences. The next visit will be to help us move, a move somewhat dreaded but hopeful that it will place us nearer to family.

I enjoyed the time to catch up and talk with them. I laughed when they told me they left a car for a week somewhere and when they realized a week later that it was not in the driveway, they thought it was stollen. Oh, the panic! And then the realization that the car had not been stollen, just left. And forgotten. (I think there is a genetic gene for forgetfulness.) We talked about all Ryan's siblings and they asked about mine. We talked about there work with Prop 8 and read the current news and felt sad. We talked about Ryan's brother serving in Brazil. Football was watched and kids were rocked. We had hot chocolate almost everynight and Family Home Evening together on Charity. I watched my father-in-law put air in Ryan's truck tire because it was low and because I know he loves him and wants him to be safe. I watched my mother-in-law read and read and read with Tanner, because he struggles with reading and she loves him. The sweet time spent together we always love.

Being called

About 6 weeks ago Ryan was asked to help give a blessing. He'd been gone most the week. He needed to catch up on sleep. The lawn needed mowed. Tanner was asking if "Daddy was ever going to stop working" and I heard myself ask Ryan when he called to check in "how his other home" was. It was a bad rotation and that's how it goes. But, when I got a call asking if he would help give a blessing, a couple things went through my mind. First, they must have tried others and Ryan must have been on the bottom of the list so they needed him, and secondly, I felt like saying, "Not tonight, I just got him home!" But I didn't. I accepted the invitation on his behalf, because I knew he would have said yes. That's how he is- just like all the other good men I know who understand their sacred duties.

He helped to give a blessing to a young mother of 2. She was not a member. She was sick and struggling. I've thought about her and her acceptance of this faithful gesture of love- her seemingly willingness and ease to accept an offering of a blessing. She was struggling more than I think many understand and took her life 4 weeks later. We were both so sad when we heard. I am grateful that Ryan was able to stand in and assist when his name was called. I am grateful that the gospel teaches us about our purpose and that we are divine and eternal beings of our Father's. I hope that when my name is called to help I may be quicker to help and less to murmur.

Tate or Jacks?

Note to Sanger

Hi Ang-
Don't worry, if you're missing Tater, we have him.
miss you all,
Mom & Dad



(fyi note- my in-laws are here for a few days. They just left there daughter's baby, Tate. He's two months older than Jacks and supposedly his missing twin.)

Spooky Dinner

Tanner has a NO-holiday or party, what-so-ever, school.

Something had to be done.

Invitations were "mailed"

Flying bats and webs and dry ice

Cats and body parts jars and pumpkin treat bags


Witches hats and dance-with-the-broomstick game

Stirring the witches cauldron

Dinner Menu:
Frog Legs Soup (broccoli cheese, of course)
Skeleton Bones (breadsticks shaped like bones)
Decomposed salad (garden salad)
Eggs and Noses (grapes and cut strawberries)
Orange Witch Brew (Sunkist soda)
Brains and Slop (cupcakes and Chocolate Chip Orange Sherbet)

I love my witches

Landon's missing. He was probably in the candy jars.