OK! Trying again! Maybe what I'll do is put our Barker famlet on here, including more pictures and things. I just keep forgetting I have this . . . and my life, though I love it, is repetitious. So I don't have much new to say. I did talk to Mila the other day, and it was wonderful to see her and also Ellie. She is having a great time.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Pertussis!
Well, I have been feeling awful lately. A cold that won't go away, wheezing, runny nose, low grade fever, chills, and a lot of housework and AcaDeca prep and FDENG 2012 prep to do. I went to the doctor, and he did a blood test--some kind of infection. Prescribed antibiotics (which I hate). Infection didn't go away. Went back to the doctor--had a more invasive blood test--results? Serious infection, which required more antibiotics AND steroids. Pertussis! Also known as whooping cough. Now I have to soothe myself with 1. the knowledge that I really am sick and this isn't just an all-pervading laziness and 2. some delicious white chicken chili, recipe from my friend Heather Baird who got it off this blog:
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/09/white-chicken-chili/
It is seriously good! And just what I need in my weakened state.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Oh My Goodness!
I forgot I even had a blog. Well, I guess I'll try to update it . . . but that will have to wait until I'm back from SLC--Mila has a TKD tournament.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
July 2011
What a busy, fun month! Although Mila was down in Chicago with Ali, we were still pretty busy. We started out with our traditional 4th of July picnic at the Bairds. Earlier that day Tal attended the parade with the Lines, and that evening we all went down the block for a cookout and Devan's awesome fireworks show. Rowan played in the splash pool with the big kids. Good times.
Later that week Tal and Devan went to the Father and Son Outing which was held up on Hawkes' property. Tal had a great time chopping wood and afterwards he and Dev did some target shooting.
Our friend Janell, who had lived in the Omatorium for a few months, headed back to Boise . . . news about an impending change in marital status is expected any day.
The week of sisterly fun took up most of the planning for this month: it was truly a feat! On Sunday, July 10, the Tal and Ro and I left after church and drove down to the Daws. On the 11th, Beebs and her big kids and Tal and I went to Cowabunga Bay, which is an amazing swimming place near their home. We got a babysitter to watch Ro and Brennan and Elise. We have wanted to go there for over a year--we always see it as we drive to and from Beebs. Although Mila wasn't with us, we hope to get back there sometime soon. Tal and Weston and Aidan had a great time on the lazy river and going down the waterslides. I even braved some of the slides myself!
On the 12th, Alison arrived with Milena and Meredith. Earlier that day I drove Tallis out to aquarium camp at The Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy. It was such a fun program! He went Tuesday and Wednesday mornings--he'll do a write up for the CuzChron. Elise and Ro had a great time playing with Meredith. Beebs' backyard is set up PERFECTLY for kids to play--even little kids. So I could set Ro free out there and not even worry! He had such a great time.
On the 13th Tal went to camp on the morning and we all went in the afternoon to pick him up and tour the aquarium. Even though it is small, it is a fantastic place! There are lots of fun exhibits and the camp was great. After we picked Tal up, we all went to a park near Beebs' house, ate a picnic lunch, and played on the SplashPad. We celebrated Meredith's recent birthday with cupcakes, too.
On the 14th Milena did some babysitting for us while we went to Kohl's. Combined, we saved over $500 (we threw away the receipts, so I don't know the exact amount) plus we got $50 Kohl's Cash! We combined all of our coupons and used Beeb's charge card. (The more you know . . . )
The 15th we picked Hil up and had a movie night on the big screen in Daw's basement. We watched Inception, which was pretty good! Some Facebook hacking also started to take place on this day, regarding swimming pools and boogers. Enough said.
On the 16th Tal and Ro and I picked up Mila from space camp and she gave us a tour. What fun! She will write a description for the CuzChron. On the 17th we were all feeling pukey--some of us even becoming pukey in actuality--so we stayed home from church and did laundry. Monday, the 18th, Ali and Mer flew out and the kids and I stayed at Beebs and rested from our labors. That evening, at FHE, Rowan was irreverently running through the room and tripped and hit his head on the handle of the chest in Daw's living room. He bled like mad and I had to run him in to the ER for four stitches. He kind of looks like Harry Potter now. Throughout our stay we did fun crafts with the kids, including a lot of play dough and making sun visors for all of the little cousins (basically, that is everyone but Ethan, who is a big cousin and might not want a foam sun visor).
Tuesday, the 19th, we packed up and headed out, stopping for several hours in Salt Lake to visit Grandma. She showed us all around the Family History Center and took us out to lunch at the Church Cafeteria. We also saw Marie Davis and Matt Flitton of Sugar City fame while we were there. We arrived home that night in time for Taco Tag!
On the 23rd, the kids went to the community breakfast (Pioneer Day celebration) but I had come down with a cold and was languishing at home. Around this time new monuments with name plates were put up in each of the Sugar City Parks--there was quite a controversy about the name "Strugglebuggy Park," which several people wanted for the park by the big hill. I think it sounds great, but it is too risque for some people, who seem to prefer "Mayor's Park" and stuff like that.
On the 30th Devan took all of the kids down to Shelley for a little family reunion at Nana's house, but I stayed home to welcome our Belgian dancers. I will give a full account of their comings and goings in next month's report. Although we have had much rain, Devan has been able to get a lot of work done on the shop, which is really looking good. All for now!
Later that week Tal and Devan went to the Father and Son Outing which was held up on Hawkes' property. Tal had a great time chopping wood and afterwards he and Dev did some target shooting.
Our friend Janell, who had lived in the Omatorium for a few months, headed back to Boise . . . news about an impending change in marital status is expected any day.
The week of sisterly fun took up most of the planning for this month: it was truly a feat! On Sunday, July 10, the Tal and Ro and I left after church and drove down to the Daws. On the 11th, Beebs and her big kids and Tal and I went to Cowabunga Bay, which is an amazing swimming place near their home. We got a babysitter to watch Ro and Brennan and Elise. We have wanted to go there for over a year--we always see it as we drive to and from Beebs. Although Mila wasn't with us, we hope to get back there sometime soon. Tal and Weston and Aidan had a great time on the lazy river and going down the waterslides. I even braved some of the slides myself!
On the 12th, Alison arrived with Milena and Meredith. Earlier that day I drove Tallis out to aquarium camp at The Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy. It was such a fun program! He went Tuesday and Wednesday mornings--he'll do a write up for the CuzChron. Elise and Ro had a great time playing with Meredith. Beebs' backyard is set up PERFECTLY for kids to play--even little kids. So I could set Ro free out there and not even worry! He had such a great time.
On the 13th Tal went to camp on the morning and we all went in the afternoon to pick him up and tour the aquarium. Even though it is small, it is a fantastic place! There are lots of fun exhibits and the camp was great. After we picked Tal up, we all went to a park near Beebs' house, ate a picnic lunch, and played on the SplashPad. We celebrated Meredith's recent birthday with cupcakes, too.
On the 14th Milena did some babysitting for us while we went to Kohl's. Combined, we saved over $500 (we threw away the receipts, so I don't know the exact amount) plus we got $50 Kohl's Cash! We combined all of our coupons and used Beeb's charge card. (The more you know . . . )
The 15th we picked Hil up and had a movie night on the big screen in Daw's basement. We watched Inception, which was pretty good! Some Facebook hacking also started to take place on this day, regarding swimming pools and boogers. Enough said.
On the 16th Tal and Ro and I picked up Mila from space camp and she gave us a tour. What fun! She will write a description for the CuzChron. On the 17th we were all feeling pukey--some of us even becoming pukey in actuality--so we stayed home from church and did laundry. Monday, the 18th, Ali and Mer flew out and the kids and I stayed at Beebs and rested from our labors. That evening, at FHE, Rowan was irreverently running through the room and tripped and hit his head on the handle of the chest in Daw's living room. He bled like mad and I had to run him in to the ER for four stitches. He kind of looks like Harry Potter now. Throughout our stay we did fun crafts with the kids, including a lot of play dough and making sun visors for all of the little cousins (basically, that is everyone but Ethan, who is a big cousin and might not want a foam sun visor).
Tuesday, the 19th, we packed up and headed out, stopping for several hours in Salt Lake to visit Grandma. She showed us all around the Family History Center and took us out to lunch at the Church Cafeteria. We also saw Marie Davis and Matt Flitton of Sugar City fame while we were there. We arrived home that night in time for Taco Tag!
On the 23rd, the kids went to the community breakfast (Pioneer Day celebration) but I had come down with a cold and was languishing at home. Around this time new monuments with name plates were put up in each of the Sugar City Parks--there was quite a controversy about the name "Strugglebuggy Park," which several people wanted for the park by the big hill. I think it sounds great, but it is too risque for some people, who seem to prefer "Mayor's Park" and stuff like that.
On the 30th Devan took all of the kids down to Shelley for a little family reunion at Nana's house, but I stayed home to welcome our Belgian dancers. I will give a full account of their comings and goings in next month's report. Although we have had much rain, Devan has been able to get a lot of work done on the shop, which is really looking good. All for now!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Summer is here!
Sumertime is here full force! It was ushered in at a cousins’ dinner with Uncle Kevin and his progeny and hangers-on. It is always fun to see everyone. Unfortunately (or not) we were unable to drink the pop or eat the (Evans!) brownies, because the kids and I took a “No Sugar” vow for the entire month. And we have done pretty well! I think each one of us digressed a little, but overall we were very careful to avoid refined sugar.
Mila renounced her vow a little early because she was heading out to Ali’s house at the end of the month. Before she left, she enjoyed two concerts at the college with me—a clarinet recital (which Mana also attended) and a woodwind quintet. The newly formed quintet, made up of faculty members at the college, requested the audience to suggest possible names for their group. We came up with two: “Breaking Wind” and “Spitting Image.” They were not amused. Luckily, our submissions were anonymous. She and I also went to a performance of “Waiting for Godot” at the university and, with other homeschool kids, toured the Spori art gallery, which was hosting a display of Russian Impressionist art.
Mila trained her friends to do her paper route while she is gone; even Tallis did it once (after much goading on my part). Having a paper route was so inspiring to her friends that the Kennelley boys have also picked one up. In more somber news, Mila’s two adopted chickens, Maimed and Mauled, had to be airlifted out of the chicken yard and put in intensive care in the backyard. When they were big (and recovered) enough, they moved into the side yard with the goats. Unfortunately Maimed never really got better and flew to Vegas early one morning by way of the water bucket. Mauled, however, is doing well. Pretty soon we’ll just be able to call her Molly. She and Tal have been going to a singing class every Monday with other neighborhood kids (mostly homeschool group). Mr. Cherrington, whom many of you know, agreed to teach a weekly vocal class for the summer. The kids are really enjoying it.
Tal really enjoyed going to the father and sons outing with Devan. They chopped a lot of wood and did some target practice out on Hawkes’ dry farm. Tal has been taking trumpet lessons from our most recent houseguest, Janel. He sounds great! He also participated in a bike rodeo at the church for scouts. Since he rides four miles—and sometimes more—every day, it was a piece of cake for him. He always remembers to wear his helmet and he knows the correct hand signals.
Tal is doing so much biking because he returned for the summer to his alma mater, Shumway Academy, with his friend, Dustin Brower. The school is in Salem, not far from the Salem church. Every morning Tallis, Mila, Rowan (in a bike trailer), and I put our helmets on and head over to Browers to pick up Dustin. Often his younger brother, Dillon, comes as well. We are also usually joined by at least one Baird and one Gifford, sometimes two. So it is quite a procession we make as we go the two miles to Shumway, drop off two of the boys, and head back. Shanelle Brower picks the kids up in the afternoon—she often rides her bike or drives behind the boys as the pedal home.
Tal isn’t the only one who went back to school—I started a Master’s program in Humanities at Fort Hays State University, the same place Ali is doing her program. I’m just taking one class right now, but it is very interesting. I am not going to try to rush through it . . . I’ll probably take only a class or two each year. I also attended the adjunct retreat which was held in Driggs at Bennion Boys’ Ranch. Good conversation, good food, and good ideas for my next class were all in abundance.
Since Mila was flying out on the 26th, I took advantage of our trip and had a One Heart meeting with Dushku on Friday. The next day we met with two other sisters from our MTC group—“Group 13”—and went to the sealing in the Bountiful temple of our final MTC sister, Derebeeva the love-slava. It was so much fun to see them all. We had lunch at a great Japanese restaurant after the wedding and then Dushku and I travelled back up to Logan. Once there I had to gather the kids and head down to Herriman, where Beebs et al. let us crash since I had to take Mila to the airport the next day. We enjoyed a pleasant Sabbath with them, including a fantastic pot roast, and then Tal and Rowan and I headed back to Sugar City.
Rowan was accompanied on this trip by Tal’s baby, “Orbit,” and Orbit’s long-lost benign twin brother, “Tibro.” We were in DI (looking for a bicycle for Mila for the scout bike rodeo) when Rowan spotted Tibro in the toy section and was convinced that it was Orbit. Luckily for us they turned out to be related. Ro is really starting to vocalize. His favorite song is “Occo” (Popcorn), accompanied by appropriate hand gestures, and his repertoire of signs is growing. The other Sunday Devan had to take him out of sacrament meeting because he was being fussy. He seemed hungry and kept making the sign for “apple.” Devan offered him milk, cereal, banana . . . to no avail. Ro insisted he wanted an apple. Finally Devan took out his iPad so Rowan could draw. Ro grabbed the iPad, turned it over and pointed at the logo—an apple. That’s what he wanted all along!
Devan is an angel to take care of Ro during sacrament, even when he’s sunburned and tired from working on the shop all Saturday. It is going up and looks really good. Mana’s husband, Cameron, and Alec (from across the street) come by to help sometimes, and the Line men and Mitch Gifford have also pitched in. It will be nice to get that done. Dev is enjoying his work at the college and recently spent the day with administrators from LDS business college who had come up to visit campus and learn about some of the innovations going on here.
A fun, busy month!
Mila renounced her vow a little early because she was heading out to Ali’s house at the end of the month. Before she left, she enjoyed two concerts at the college with me—a clarinet recital (which Mana also attended) and a woodwind quintet. The newly formed quintet, made up of faculty members at the college, requested the audience to suggest possible names for their group. We came up with two: “Breaking Wind” and “Spitting Image.” They were not amused. Luckily, our submissions were anonymous. She and I also went to a performance of “Waiting for Godot” at the university and, with other homeschool kids, toured the Spori art gallery, which was hosting a display of Russian Impressionist art.
Mila trained her friends to do her paper route while she is gone; even Tallis did it once (after much goading on my part). Having a paper route was so inspiring to her friends that the Kennelley boys have also picked one up. In more somber news, Mila’s two adopted chickens, Maimed and Mauled, had to be airlifted out of the chicken yard and put in intensive care in the backyard. When they were big (and recovered) enough, they moved into the side yard with the goats. Unfortunately Maimed never really got better and flew to Vegas early one morning by way of the water bucket. Mauled, however, is doing well. Pretty soon we’ll just be able to call her Molly. She and Tal have been going to a singing class every Monday with other neighborhood kids (mostly homeschool group). Mr. Cherrington, whom many of you know, agreed to teach a weekly vocal class for the summer. The kids are really enjoying it.
Tal really enjoyed going to the father and sons outing with Devan. They chopped a lot of wood and did some target practice out on Hawkes’ dry farm. Tal has been taking trumpet lessons from our most recent houseguest, Janel. He sounds great! He also participated in a bike rodeo at the church for scouts. Since he rides four miles—and sometimes more—every day, it was a piece of cake for him. He always remembers to wear his helmet and he knows the correct hand signals.
Tal is doing so much biking because he returned for the summer to his alma mater, Shumway Academy, with his friend, Dustin Brower. The school is in Salem, not far from the Salem church. Every morning Tallis, Mila, Rowan (in a bike trailer), and I put our helmets on and head over to Browers to pick up Dustin. Often his younger brother, Dillon, comes as well. We are also usually joined by at least one Baird and one Gifford, sometimes two. So it is quite a procession we make as we go the two miles to Shumway, drop off two of the boys, and head back. Shanelle Brower picks the kids up in the afternoon—she often rides her bike or drives behind the boys as the pedal home.
Tal isn’t the only one who went back to school—I started a Master’s program in Humanities at Fort Hays State University, the same place Ali is doing her program. I’m just taking one class right now, but it is very interesting. I am not going to try to rush through it . . . I’ll probably take only a class or two each year. I also attended the adjunct retreat which was held in Driggs at Bennion Boys’ Ranch. Good conversation, good food, and good ideas for my next class were all in abundance.
Since Mila was flying out on the 26th, I took advantage of our trip and had a One Heart meeting with Dushku on Friday. The next day we met with two other sisters from our MTC group—“Group 13”—and went to the sealing in the Bountiful temple of our final MTC sister, Derebeeva the love-slava. It was so much fun to see them all. We had lunch at a great Japanese restaurant after the wedding and then Dushku and I travelled back up to Logan. Once there I had to gather the kids and head down to Herriman, where Beebs et al. let us crash since I had to take Mila to the airport the next day. We enjoyed a pleasant Sabbath with them, including a fantastic pot roast, and then Tal and Rowan and I headed back to Sugar City.
Rowan was accompanied on this trip by Tal’s baby, “Orbit,” and Orbit’s long-lost benign twin brother, “Tibro.” We were in DI (looking for a bicycle for Mila for the scout bike rodeo) when Rowan spotted Tibro in the toy section and was convinced that it was Orbit. Luckily for us they turned out to be related. Ro is really starting to vocalize. His favorite song is “Occo” (Popcorn), accompanied by appropriate hand gestures, and his repertoire of signs is growing. The other Sunday Devan had to take him out of sacrament meeting because he was being fussy. He seemed hungry and kept making the sign for “apple.” Devan offered him milk, cereal, banana . . . to no avail. Ro insisted he wanted an apple. Finally Devan took out his iPad so Rowan could draw. Ro grabbed the iPad, turned it over and pointed at the logo—an apple. That’s what he wanted all along!
Devan is an angel to take care of Ro during sacrament, even when he’s sunburned and tired from working on the shop all Saturday. It is going up and looks really good. Mana’s husband, Cameron, and Alec (from across the street) come by to help sometimes, and the Line men and Mitch Gifford have also pitched in. It will be nice to get that done. Dev is enjoying his work at the college and recently spent the day with administrators from LDS business college who had come up to visit campus and learn about some of the innovations going on here.
A fun, busy month!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
More Silly Things
From Tallis regarding economic issues:
"Mom, why can't I have a paper route?"
"You, can but there has to be one available."
"Why isn't there one?"
"Other kids are dong them right now."
Tallis sits thoughtfully for a minute.
"Is there any other way I can earn heaps of money fast?"
From Tallis regarding Just War Theory:
"Mom, is war always bad?" A lengthy explanation of warfare and necessary evil follows. Then I say, "You know Unky Kyle? He wrote a very good paper about war in the Book of Mormon." Tallis asks, "Have you read it?"
"Yes, of course. It was very good."
Tallis concludes: "Well, if Unky Kyle wrote it, I wouldn't expect anything less."
"Mom, why can't I have a paper route?"
"You, can but there has to be one available."
"Why isn't there one?"
"Other kids are dong them right now."
Tallis sits thoughtfully for a minute.
"Is there any other way I can earn heaps of money fast?"
From Tallis regarding Just War Theory:
"Mom, is war always bad?" A lengthy explanation of warfare and necessary evil follows. Then I say, "You know Unky Kyle? He wrote a very good paper about war in the Book of Mormon." Tallis asks, "Have you read it?"
"Yes, of course. It was very good."
Tallis concludes: "Well, if Unky Kyle wrote it, I wouldn't expect anything less."
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Mila is the best.
My sweet little Mila is reading a book out loud to us. She is such a wonderful girl. Bjorki had puppies the other day and Mila has been such a helper . . . I am excited for her to help train our new little Una and maybe do the Idaho Falls dog club together. I sure love my sweet sis.
Aaaaaargh!
Well, I spent seven hours yesterday helping Tallis clean his room. SEVEN HOURS! At least it's done. That kid just loves junk. Finally I told him, "If you treat your stuff like garbage, I will come in and throw it all away. Garbage belongs in the dump." I am so sick of getting him nice stuff and then for him to lose it, break it, stain it, or otherwise destroy it. The other day I couldn't find his shoes ANYWHERE. Finally we went to the store and bought another pair! During our room-cleaning session I found several wadded up single socks . . . I was almost ready to throw away all of our mateless socks from the sock basket. It is a good thing I hadn't gotten there yet.
On a more positive note, he is getting really good at the piano and is doing very well in school. So maybe I am overreacting. But still . . . seven hours!?!
On a more positive note, he is getting really good at the piano and is doing very well in school. So maybe I am overreacting. But still . . . seven hours!?!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Tallis is Wonderful
Some wonderful things my eight-year-old boy has said:
About Rowan, on March 8, 2010: "I have a feeling he's going to grow up to be a tapdancer. But you never know."
Mom: Tal, why don't you get up when your clock radio goes off?
Tal: It's broken.
Mom: What's wrong with it?
Tal: It's not loud enough. When it goes off it wakes everyone else up, but I can't hear it!
During scripture study as we were reading about the morning stars singing together and the sons of God shouting for joy: "And the daughters threw flowers!"
About Rowan, on March 8, 2010: "I have a feeling he's going to grow up to be a tapdancer. But you never know."
Mom: Tal, why don't you get up when your clock radio goes off?
Tal: It's broken.
Mom: What's wrong with it?
Tal: It's not loud enough. When it goes off it wakes everyone else up, but I can't hear it!
During scripture study as we were reading about the morning stars singing together and the sons of God shouting for joy: "And the daughters threw flowers!"
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
One Step at a Time
It is the best of times, it is the worst of times. There are so many fantastic things available now--so many advances, comforts, and conveniences. At the same time, however, there are a lot of very dangerous things. I don't know where I first heard about the dangers of BPA in baby bottles, but I went online to try to find a BPA-free infa-feeder for Rowan. I stumbled across a website dedicated to identifying non-toxic items for children--www.SafeMama.com. Wow! There are a lot of scary things out there--but there are also a lot of good things. Anyway--since I can't move to the edges of civilization (I'm kinda already there) and live in the wild, I thought I'd try to start changing just bit-by-bit . . . trying to rid my life of the bad stuff, avoid the toxic stuff, and make better choices in the future. So this is February: I will only use BPA and PVC free baby bottles, dishes, and pacifiers. The SafeMama website identifies these, and there are a lot of things to choose from, some available at WalMart or Target. So it's not too hard. The plates and cups for kids at IKEA (Kalas and Mata styles) are listed, so yippee!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Success!
I am so proud of my kids and their piano lessons. They take from me, which isn't ideal but it's cheap. Stop laughing. Mila will probably start with a "real" teacher sometime this spring. They are using Faber Piano Adventures books, and I have them use all 4--lessons, theory, performance, and technique & artistry. They even both asked for the special Christmas book, which they worked on for December. They both just finished up their levels today and started on their new books. Mila blew me away by playing the last song in her book--appropriately enough it was "Auld Lang Syne"--and then TRANSPOSING it into a different key. I was flabbergasted. I have learned so much . . . and the kids are sounding pretty good, too.
Answer to Prayers
My big boy went to scouts for the first time today. He is such a good boy. He was baptized and confirmed last Saturday, and I've been concerned that he's such a goofball . . . I really want him to be able to feel the spirit and recognize it. I love him so much, and I just see so much of myself in him . . . I know how unserious I was and how I wish I'd been more thoughtful. So I worry about him.
Today he was going out to play on the snow hill and I noticed he had no gloves on. He said he couldn't find them. I told him he couldn't play outside without them . . . if he would put them away when he came in, they would always be in the same place. Such a simple concept. He searched, but couldn't see them. The he said he was going to say a prayer. I begged in my heart that his prayer would be answered--that his faith would be strengthened, that he would feel the spirit and understand. Not one minute later he came triumphantly into the hall with the gloves. Oh I was thankful!
Today he was going out to play on the snow hill and I noticed he had no gloves on. He said he couldn't find them. I told him he couldn't play outside without them . . . if he would put them away when he came in, they would always be in the same place. Such a simple concept. He searched, but couldn't see them. The he said he was going to say a prayer. I begged in my heart that his prayer would be answered--that his faith would be strengthened, that he would feel the spirit and understand. Not one minute later he came triumphantly into the hall with the gloves. Oh I was thankful!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Shorts and undershirts
Merry Christmas!
As I've been cleaning house in preparation for the holiday season, I found a little box of gently used clothes I was probably saving for Ellie. They might be too small now, though. Does anyone want a really cute pair of girl's tan shorts (knee length) and 4 white undershirts all size 6?
This habit of mine is just my way to channel Aunt Janet.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Hwathwugu . . .
Well, I know it has been forever since I posted anything, but I have been busy. Homeschooling, nursing every few hours, doing some freelance editing work, taking over the sewing project for One Heart, and doing some research for the Sugar-Salem education foundation . . . . I'm busy. Add to that Thanksgiving coming up and Christmas around the corner and I am going to have a nervous breakdown. Luckily Devan's mom, Ruth, has been coming over every Friday to help me and last week cleaned all of my cupboards. Love her.
We are excited to go down to see Meredith sealed to Ali and Scott this weekend, and then next weekend we'll go to Herriman to visit with Beebs and her family for a week. Looking forward to seeing everyone.
We are excited to go down to see Meredith sealed to Ali and Scott this weekend, and then next weekend we'll go to Herriman to visit with Beebs and her family for a week. Looking forward to seeing everyone.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Rowan is Here!
After a long and distressing pregnancy (can you say "cankles"? I actually saw a NEWS REPORT about cankles during my last week) the boy has arrived. Rowan Spence Barker was born Sep. 1 and is as cute and sweet as they come. Delivery was OK, recovery not so much . . . but I'm slowly getting better. He's eating better, too--I am nursing and was producing nothing for several days. But now I runneth over. His "bris" site is healed . . . and his belly button no longer looks, as Mila said, like a raisin. She suggested that we all tape raisins into our navels in a show of solidarity. It's so fun to watch her with him--she is so gentle and sweet. Tallis also loves to cuddle his little brother and is really a wonderful big brother.
Well, that was short, but I must run. Or waddle, at least.
Well, that was short, but I must run. Or waddle, at least.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Rocks, Anyone?
Mila and Tallis have been engaged in entrepreneureal pursuits lately. Yesterday Tallis and his buddies had a rock sale and netted about $12. (No overhead!) Today Mila and her friends made cookies, lemonade, and picked raspberries . . . they sold their wares and brought in about $10. They both had a lot of fun, too . . . there are such good kids around here. Good kids who want to hold a rock sale, and good kids who will stop and buy a rock for ten cents.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Exodus of the Pigs
The pigs have moved . . . out of Mila's bedroom into the garage. While one pig was not too smelly or messy, three pigs were a different matter altogether. They spend much of their day outside anyway, in one of those wire dog kennels that we turn upside-down so the mesh isn't too big for them to tunnel under. I'm not sure if pigs DO tunnel, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Yesterday Devan moved the piggery down into the bay of the garage where he keeps his tools, and Beanie takes them out every morning when the grass is dry and we move them back in at night. Now and then we move their kennel around on the lawn, because they nibble the grass down so we have rectangular areas of very short grass; but they also fertilize the lawn, so in a day or two we have rectangular areas of very lush grass. They are quite sensitive to heat, so we have to keep them in the shade . . . otherwise we'd move them every hour and by the end of summer they would have mowed the entire lawn.
I enjoy taking them out little scraps--carrot tops, a slice of orange, salad too small to put back in the fridge--but my favorite is to watch them eat dandylions, which are their most-loved food. The other day one got hold of one end and another started at the other end and they met in the middle, just like on Lady and the Tramp.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Yummy
I know some of you also get the "Eating Well" magazine. Last night I thought I'd try a recipe I saw in the June issue, Huevos Rancheros Verdes. (Just think: if I'd added ham, it would be . . . ) I was kind of late getting started and didn't have all of the correct ingredients. So this is what I ended up doing:
I used tortilla chips, and put a handful on each plate. I put grated cheddar on top of each pile of chips. I mixed refried beans with red salsa and heated it up. I made the lettuce / scallion / cilantro / lime /oil / salt and pepper mixture.
I had each person microwave their plates until the cheese was melted. Then they added a glop of the bean mixture and sprinkled on some of the lettuce mixture. To top it off, I fried each person an egg for the "peak" of their tortilla mountain.
Well, it does sound a little odd--but everyone loved it. Even the kids ate it all. Milena says, "I'm picky, and even I loved it!" Tal said, "Yum."
I have also made two of the freezer pop recipes in the August issue, and they were both hits. I would love to hear about any recipes you guys have tried.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
I'm trying to be an active poster again . . .
I know that I have abandoned this blog for a long time . . . but I really want that to change. So here goes. This morning I made bread again. I tried out Janice Keller's recipe (from the famlet about 6 years ago) on Monday and it turned out really well . . . so well, in fact, that we needed more bread! (I made 4 loaves.) This morning I thought I'd try using my KitchenAid mixer because kneading that much dough for 10 minutes is nigh to impossible for me given my current bulgy state. I had my doubts about the capacity of the bowl, but thought I'd try. My fears were confirmed. The bowl was too small and every time I added flour it would poof out, covering me, the counter, and all equipment in a film of white dust. But I had to let it knead for 10 minutes, and I had to drive the kids to drama camp . . . . so I hurridly spooned in 6 cups of flour and left the machine on while I raced to the highschool. When I got back the dough ball had engulfed the mixer which was slowly moving closer and closer to the edge of the counter. It looked like a scene from Maurice Sendak's "In the Night Kitchen." The bread, however, turned out fine.
This weekend Omi and I are heading down to Utah to do various errands. We have made a reservation at Daw's Bed and Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Or perhaps we should call it the "Dawmitory." What shall we do to show our gratitude for their constant hospitality? I know Weston wants Omi to clean the fridge out again . . .
This weekend Omi and I are heading down to Utah to do various errands. We have made a reservation at Daw's Bed and Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Or perhaps we should call it the "Dawmitory." What shall we do to show our gratitude for their constant hospitality? I know Weston wants Omi to clean the fridge out again . . .
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Finally, a new post
But don't get too excited about it. It's not that long . . . I just couldn't access my account forever. However, I did just learn something exciting--the new mission president for Bulgaria is a man Omi knew from her mission! (He was just a young whippersnapper then.) Such a small world . . . so we're thinking of making a trip to Bulgaria this summer after the wedding to see him. Val, wanna come?
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