tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55784245513143661112024-03-12T18:38:16.990-07:00Toothsome FamilyToothsome: adj.
1.Delicious; luscious: a toothsome pie.
2. Pleasant; attractive: a toothsome offer.
3. Sexually attractive or exciting.: a toothsome blond
Yes, we are a toothsome family. Oh, and my husband is a dentist. Teeth are big around here.Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.comBlogger772125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-46823850764424842222012-11-13T18:49:00.000-08:002012-11-16T08:02:35.219-08:00I'm LDS and this is how I live . . .I am very open about my Mormon, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, beliefs. The name of the church is often shortened to LDS (Latter Day Saints). I am very open about it because I value it and it affects every aspect of my life. Recently, I was thinking about <i>how </i>much it is in my life and wrote this. This is how <i>I</i> view my LDS faith and does not represent an official LDS stance. <br />
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I am LDS and . . .<br />
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I read my scriptures (Bible and Book of Mormon) regularly.<br />
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I pray multiple times a day, alone and with my family. <br />
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I give 10% (tithing--Malachi 3:8) of my income to my church. <br />
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I also fast two meals once a month and give the money that would be spent on food, to my church to be used to help others in need. My husband and my older kids do this too. <br />
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I spend three hours on Sunday at church, not only listening but participating in my church meetings. <br />
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Every Monday night, we gather as a family for Family Home Evening. We are together and make a point to be together, purposely not planning other things that night. <br />
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When I was 21, I chose to serve a mission for my church. This taught me many valuable life lessons that I think on and often use daily. <br />
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I am asked by my church to serve in a volunteer capacity in church. Currently, I am working with Scouts in my area. I would never had been involved in Scouts unless I was asked and I have learned a lot and love doing it. It has been a joy to see young boys gain confidence and self-esteem as they do Scouting. <br />
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I visit several ladies once a month in my congregation to make sure they are all doing well. This is known as visiting teaching. My husband visits several families as well. This is known as home teaching. We chat, make sure the people we meet have what they need--emotionally and physically. In my years of doing this, I have found many people don't need concrete things but do need the emotional connection of a monthly visit. I also am visited once a month as well. I really value this aspect of my church.<br />
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I spend a lot of my time as a mother, driving my kids to LDS sponsored activities, from scouting to service projects to fun activities.<br />
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I am very self sufficient. My LDS beliefs stress hugely the value of freedom. I have been taught the need to take care of myself and not expect others to do it for me. As a result, I have learned to do many things that I would not have otherwise and my confidence in myself has grown. For me, this even applies to simple things like repairs around the house. Why should I ask others when I was given so much? That said, when I have needed help, the LDS and non-LDS friends around me have given time, money and compassion. <br />
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I value motherhood. I consider it a huge need and blessing to be at home raising my children. Many have mocked me for this and I am grateful for a religion that has stressed the importance of this. I would have missed out on so much joy in my life if I had had someone else watching my children. <br />
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I honor my husband. By respecting, loving and honoring him, I in no way, honor myself less. We are a team and look to each other for solutions to our daily lives. I know he honors me too. <br />
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I value family. The importance of family is a huge tenant of the LDS faith. As I result, I am always looking for ways for my family (my nuclear and extended) to be together. The most happy moments of my life have come from being with my family. And the saddest have been doable because of my family. I try to have this blog reflect this value. <br />
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I value the Constitution. As members of the LDS faith, we have been taught that the Constitution is a sacred document and the freedoms declared in it come from God. Daily, I thank God for the freedoms I enjoy and ask him to protect this nation and its freedoms.<br />
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<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-16864990938418998992012-10-31T15:20:00.002-07:002012-10-31T17:30:23.987-07:00Pumpkin Carving/Wassail Party 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This past summer, we learned that three of Dentist Husband's siblings were moving back to Utah. My first thought was, "Oh, our Pumpkin Carving/Wassail Party is going to be so good this coming year."</div>
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And, it was. </div>
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This party kicks off the "party season" for our family. It is the first of a potential of eight we have at our house through January. (We are still trying to decide if are going to reinstate the Miss America party we used to have . . .) </div>
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The party in pictures below . . .</div>
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Let the carving begin!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9amqF2VT4t8/UJGe-T8g9II/AAAAAAAADRA/XlxN8gGXM3k/s1600/IMG_8556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9amqF2VT4t8/UJGe-T8g9II/AAAAAAAADRA/XlxN8gGXM3k/s320/IMG_8556.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Final outcomes. And, in a first this year, two of the winners, including the top prize went to the 2nd generation (our kids). There was some slight discontent about this. I have a feeling next year, the adults will "bring it" in full force. (You have to be 12 or older to enter the competition. Any younger, you get a participation prize--this year, glow in the dark frisbees.) </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cuHwOlZtdhA/UJGfAM0NxvI/AAAAAAAADRY/vQawI1hrpME/s1600/IMG_8572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cuHwOlZtdhA/UJGfAM0NxvI/AAAAAAAADRY/vQawI1hrpME/s320/IMG_8572.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Above: The "Best Overall" winner, carved by my son. And the spider, done by the oldest nephew (age 16), won "Safe Bet."</div>
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Below: "Coolest Concept" winner on the right. Dentist Husband's grandfather was the designer behind the waving cowboy in Las Vegas--Vegas Vic. So, this pumpkin was in homage to him "Vic R Treat"</div>
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Below: Dentist Husband's sister and her husband won "Pumpkin Smashers Choice". It was a "concept design" with him pretending to be <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twiki">Twiki from Buck Rogers</a>. He really played it up but it still earned them the one pumpkin smashers would choose to smash first. </div>
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Below: (Far left) "Nice Try, Failed Attempt winner. It was "Nice Try, Failed Attempt" because she carved the words "I feel so empty inside" on the back to create a shadow but we couldn't read it. And the letters we could read, made no sense. She is expecting her 2nd child in February and so her husband did a "where pumpkin babies come from" (far right) which was close to winning several awards but came up short every time. (Which is too bad, because it was hilarious.) </div>
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And, in a new addition to the fun this year, the Pumpkin Smashers Choice winner got to smash a pumpkin. It was a huge hit. </div>
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All in all a huge success. And to all of Dentist Husband's siblings reading this, get ready for lots of Honey Baked Ham because as you know, that is the main food of choice at all upcoming parties. I promise I won't bring out the one from last year . . .</div>
<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-31616749648755209902012-10-26T11:06:00.002-07:002012-10-26T11:11:11.498-07:00Who knew?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, after reading this post, I can say my ophthalmologist knew.</div>
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Toothsome #2 came home with a note that said she failed her 5th grade eye test. She had been telling me she was having a hard time with seeing things occasionally and I also knew that 5th and 6th grade is a common grade when kids start needing glasses because of the onset of puberty. So, it was time to take her to the eye doctor. I fully expected to learn that she would need glasses for reading the chalkboard. (Which, is actually a white board. I haven't seen an actual chalkboard in a classroom in ages.) </div>
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So, anyway, it was back to my favorite eye doctor with Toothsome #2. The tech did the standard tests. I was watching and thinking, "She can see. What is going on?" The tech continued to test her, and then test her again. At this point, I kind of lost interest. I had a good book on my Kindle and I got that out and started reading. I got through a few chapters and realized she had been testing my daughter for quite sometime. </div>
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At that point, she said to me, "Is there a history of lazy eye in your family?" It was another one of those gulp moments. I said, "Yes. My son and I both had/have it." </div>
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Lazy eye definition: When an eye cannot correct to 20/20 vision. Lazy eye is not strabismus (when one eye is not aligned with the other eye) but strabismus can cause a lazy eye. </div>
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(Somewhat interesting side note, Toothsome #1 had two lazy eyes in that neither corrected to 20/20 when he first got glasses. After a year of wearing glasses, he corrected to 20/20 in both eyes.) </div>
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So, the doctor came in and I learned that my daughter's left eye only corrects to 20/25 which technically is not "lazy" in that has to be 20/30 to have that distinction. </div>
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However, he said, "I think we can correct this."</div>
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I was surprised to hear him say that. I said, "Wait, everything I have read says after about ages 7-9, you cannot correct a lazy eye." He said, "Well, that was a belief until a few years ago, but recent studies have shown, that even through high school, patching (when you patch the good eye and force the bad eye to work) has been proven to work." </div>
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So guess what we are doing? Patching Toothsome #2's eye for two hours a day. She doesn't have to do it at school and she just puts it on in the morning for two hours before she leaves for school. If it works (and he said it doesn't always work) then my daughter gets 20/20 vision in both eyes. If not, then we at least did all we could do for her. </div>
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As we left the eye doctor, I told my daughter, "I would have never guessed when we came here that I would be told to patch your eye! Who knew?" </div>
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Well, as I said above, my ophthalmologist knew. And, I am glad he did. </div>
<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-37579334635041831202012-10-24T10:32:00.001-07:002012-10-24T10:32:47.362-07:00Fall Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was Fall Break around these parts, which means, we head to California. </div>
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The place we stay has pin ball. Dentist Husband and I both love pin ball. Thus, my kids love pin ball.</div>
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Playing ping pong with Toothsome #4 gave me a great work out in that she missed on average 4/5 balls. :)</div>
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Every night, we went to our favorite Chipotle (on Balboa) for dinner. It was warm enough two of the nights to eat outside. After long days at beach, sitting outside with my family eating burritos and people watching was wonderful. </div>
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We also ate at Rubys at the end of the pier on Balboa. </div>
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Sea Lions, people catching fish and general people watching.</div>
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After dinner, even though they were fully clothed and it was cold and rainy, my kids all got in the water. It was awesome.</div>
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At the beach . . .</div>
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Making a raft out of drift wood and using his scout lashing skills. </div>
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These are somewhat hard to see (because the water was cold and I was a wimp and didn't get close enough) but Toothsome #4 was on Dentist Husband's back. She would stand in the water and wait for him to come close on the boogie board. She would then jump on his back and finish the ride with him. It was so fun to watch. </div>
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One of our best trips yet.</div>
<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-65339587435878335112012-10-11T10:13:00.000-07:002012-10-11T10:13:16.895-07:00October the most glorious of months is here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I pretty much live the rest of the 11 months of the year, looking forward to the month of October. Below, are some picture highlights.</div>
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My spunky, white-haired, non-albino youngest child was born in October. It was a magical time in our family when she came into lives. Notice my "Halloween" table in the background. I treat Halloween like most people treat Christmas when it comes to decorating. </div>
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Every October 1st, I pull out these Halloween classic videos and we watch them all month together as a family. Escape to Witch Mountain still creeps me out. </div>
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The annual painting of "the ghosts" on our Halloween window. </div>
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Dentist Husband always puts the rest of us to shame. </div>
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We use these plates for every meal. Even if I get take out, I insist, we put it on these plates. </div>
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Unrelated, just something that did happen this October, Toothsome #4 joined the "glasses buddies" in our house. And, I just found out Toothsome #2 needs them too. If you are counting, that makes 5/6 of us being glasses wearers. </div>
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And, if you are looking for a good October read, Roald Dahl's<i> Book of Ghost Stories </i>is a new, wonderful discovery of mine. Highly recommend. </div>
<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-81421296635055267122012-10-04T08:47:00.002-07:002012-10-04T09:09:26.486-07:00Albino or Not? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(I posted this picture, even though it is not particularly flattering because it does show my daughter's unique coloring.)</div>
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Toothsome #4 came into this world on a very rainy night/morning in October. As she was being delivered, I heard the doctor say, "Oh, she is a bald." Then, shortly afterwards, I heard, "No, she has a head full of white hair." </div>
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Toothsome #4 was born with 2 inches of thick white hair all over her head. She was the "star" of the hospital that night with nurses coming in saying, "I heard there was a baby born with thick white hair. We see that with black/brown hair but never white." </div>
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At almost 40, I am still a natural blond, having never colored my hair and my dad, at almost 80 is too. I have a sister who is 50 with blond, never-dyed hair and on my husband's side of the family (even though he is quite dark), he has cousins with very fair hair, skin and blue eyes. We have always called Toothsome #4 "recessive." I never even considered that my child <i>could</i> be an albino until one day, at Legoland, a family with an albino child wanted to talk to us about our (Toothsome #4) albino child. I laughed it off and then looked at their child. She looked <i>exactly</i> like mine, blue eyes and all. </div>
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So, I did a little research (approximately 10% of albinos have blue eyes) and the pictures showed children that looked a lot like Toothsome #4. I asked my pediatrician at her next well-baby visit about it. He laughed it off. Then said, "And if she is, how would this change things? I know you and I know you will make sure she is completely sun screened."</div>
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So, I quit thinking about it. However, sometimes as often as once a month, I get people asking me if she is an albino. It is usually worded awkwardly like, "It is interesting she is so fair when your other kids aren't. She almost looks like an albino, which I'm sure she isn't, isn't she?" </div>
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So, yesterday, I took Toothsome #4 in for an eye exam. Her Kindergarten eye exam was somewhat inconclusive and Toothsome #1 had major eye issues (2 lazy eyes, a brief period with patching, etc.) and I finally faced the music that I should at least make sure she could see properly. </div>
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During the exam, the eye tech, casually commented on how fair she was. I cut to the quick and said, "She's not an albino." He said, "Well, we'll check just to make sure." He seemed to spend a lot of time looking in her eyes. He then said, "Is there a history of albinism in your family?" Gulp. I answered, "No." He said, "Well, she doesn't have it." </div>
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He then went into a very good explanation on what they look for and she didn't have <i>any</i> of the signs. </div>
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Then, the eye doctor (a family friend) came in and said, "So, I see on the notes that you are worried she has albinism. I'll double check." In my mind, I thought, "Really? I just wanted to make sure she could see. But sure, let's rule this out completely." Because our eye doctor is such a dang nice guy, he went into an even longer explanation of what he is looking for and then did the exam. </div>
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No question, she is NOT an albino. </div>
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And, I am strangely happy to finally have a conclusive answer. </div>
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But, she is very far-sighted and will need glasses. </div>
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<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-32135330396613340952012-09-21T12:38:00.001-07:002012-09-25T18:13:59.036-07:00I came home from Book Club and found this . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once a month, I go to my book club. It is what Dentist Husband jokingly calls, "the sacred night" because I don't let other things get scheduled that night and I rarely miss it. </div>
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Last night, I walked into a completely dark house and everyone was upstairs asleep or almost asleep. I turned on one light and found what you see below, painted on my kitchen table. </div>
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While Dentist Husband was quizzing Toothsome #3 on his spelling words, he started painting with water colors that Toothsome #4 had left out, on our aluminum-topped kitchen table. </div>
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You can imagine my kids reaction when they saw him doing this. They couldn't believe it and soon they all joined in. Dentist Husband told me, "It was a great moment for all of us. I turned on music and we sat and painted." </div>
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I have to admit, it is pretty dang awesome and I can't bring myself to clean it up. I have a feeling we will be eating around our kitchen island for the next few days. It just captures so many great things and I see each of my children's (and Dentist Husband's) personalities as I look at this "kitchen table art." </div>
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Unrelated, Toothsome #2 is in braces. My two oldest kids got and lost their baby teeth early, which makes it so they get braces young. She should be done with braces forever in about a year. </div>
<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-90974512768841638902012-09-18T13:12:00.000-07:002012-09-18T13:28:07.066-07:00What I have been doing . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So with all four of my kids in school this year (Toothsome #4 started Kindergarten), many of my friends have been asking me what I have been doing with my "extra" time.</div>
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First, it isn't full day Kindergarten, so there isn't a ton of extra time. I'm not complaining because I am having a slight identity crisis about not being a mom of young kids anymore. Having Toothsome #4 home in the afternoon is just fine with me. </div>
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Second, spending a ton of money. The start of the school year means new school clothes, shoes (see Toothsome #4 modeling her new very sparkly ones), school fees, school picture fees, PTA donations, etc.</div>
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Third, PTA. Below you can see Toothsome #4's back during our annual Fun Run. I am learning that PTA is very busy at the start of the school year. I have been told it becomes less busy as the year progresses. I am not complaining because our PTA President leads by example and seems to do 3 times as much work as the rest of us. Also, being on PTA means I really know what is going on at my kid's school and that has a ton of rewards. </div>
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Fourth, I have been weeding and recovering our flower beds. Being out of town most of August means that my beds became a mess. I must say, once again, planting sunflowers per Toothsome #3's request is one of my favorite things in my garden. This year, we even harvested the seeds. </div>
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Fifth, recovering my house from summer. Notice there is no picture because as much I really don't mind letting people know my faults, I would prefer not to completely embarrass myself by showing the condition my house got this summer. Glad to say, daily things are improving and I might let you in the front door by October 1st.</div>
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Sixth, listening to a ton of Dr. Laura. I clean my house listening to Dr. Laura. I paid the annual fee to become a Dr. Laura Plus member and I can pull her up on my iphone at will. Oh how I love my three hour dose of Dr. Laura. </div>
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Seventh, stressing way too much about politics. Sadly, every two years this happens to me. It doesn't have to be a presidential election year to get my political angst going and this year has been a real dozy. I may need to never go on facebook or watch any news until 2013. </div>
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What I am not doing is reading much, which is very sad because it is good for my soul. But so is a clean house, a well-weeded garden, serving others through the PTA, serving my kids by putting most of effort towards them, and laying on the sofa at night with Dentist Husband and watching brainless TV. </div>
<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-70715200869885895232012-09-09T16:36:00.001-07:002012-09-09T16:41:00.602-07:00Go Cougars (with a little explanation at first)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As is often the case, Saturday morning had us up early and Dentist Husband saying, "What are we going to do as a family today?" </div>
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Several years ago, when my husband's dental school debt was payed off and we had a little more discretionary income, we made a conscious decision to not sit around. My husband said to me, "As adults, you always hear people talk about memories they had growing up. We are going to create memories." A few simple rules were put in place after this conversation. One, we all had to be together. That meant, even if we had a new baby, I came along with the baby. (No, "Mom stays home while Dad goes off with the older kids"). Two, we were not going to have our kids in so many activities, that we were "ruled" by them. Meaning, no signing up our kids for three different sports/dance/performance teams that took over our week and weekends. Dentist Husband and I decided we had to honestly look at each activity and decide if the commitment was worth taking any child away from family time. As a result, my kids all take piano lessons, and do one outside activity. This has worked for us. (And leave your critical comments off my blog, I realize for many people having their kids in two different sports all year round works for them. We tried it and it didn't work for our family.) </div>
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As a result, any three day weekend has us "gone", whether that means at a hotel in town, taking advantage of their indoor swimming pool during the cold winter in Utah or driving four hours to St. George, Utah, where it is warmer, to stay at hotel and hit golf balls on a driving range. (We are not quite at a point where we can all golf together.) Any weekend has us looking around locally to find fun things to do as a family. We have learned a ton about the state of Utah and its many historical sites, learned about small "gems" of parks, stayed in some very strange hotels (once leaving mid-trip when we discovered a transvestite convention was being held in our hotel), gotten very good at bowling (one very cold Winter had us at a local bowling ally every Saturday morning right when they opened with our McDonalds breakfast in tow) and only occasionally have we flown in an airplane to visit places. It has been car trips 99% of the time, including summer vacations. </div>
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So anyway, this past Saturday morning, we had not planned anything, until we realized Brigham Young University had a home game. Immediately, we got online and purchased tickets. One hour later, we were in the car, on our way to Provo. I LOVED my time at BYU and have many great memories of attending BYU football games as a student. (Growing up, we had to go our Stake Center to watch BYU football games. I remember sitting in the Primary room with my parents with a few other BYU devotees and watching the games eating candy bars purchased on our way out there. I was raised with a true love of BYU football.) </div>
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Below are some pictures from the game. We arrived early and ran into a boy from my ward growing up. (Hi Jonathan). I took it as a sign that it was going to be a great day and it was. </div>
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They were selling $10 fan t-shirts right when we walked in and we bought one for everyone. And it is true, "Every day is game day." </div>
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We had seats that were in the shade for the last 1/2 of the game, but before that happened, Toothsome #4 was hot, so I told her to lay down at my feet to get in the shade. She promptly fell asleep. </div>
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It was a great game. We destroyed Weber State (as expected, which is why we were able to buy tickets, game day with no problem) and I got to sing the BYU fight song many times (yes, I know all of the words), relive my happy BYU student memories and enjoy a great day with my family. You can't have a better Saturday than that. </div>
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<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-41414070794723530242012-09-03T19:01:00.002-07:002012-09-03T19:32:27.194-07:00Bear Lake 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Labor Day had us up in Bear Lake. Our good friends own <a href="http://cabinsatbearlake.com/">Bear Family Haven</a>. If you need a good, clean place for a large group, these are the places to stay. </div>
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This time, we stayed in the Mama Bear cabin. We invited any of Dentist Husband's family who wanted (and could) to come with us. It was a great weekend. </div>
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Some highlights: Ordering the 28 inch "Old Ephraim" pizza. Imagine a card table--then you understand the size of this pizza box.</div>
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The raspberry shakes (from the same pizza place) were awesome too.</div>
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The Paris (in Paris, Idaho) Ice Cave</div>
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That is snow. </div>
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You have to hike further in to find the true ice.</div>
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Dentist Husband and his sister (she is 10 years younger than him, married with one son)</div>
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Playing "Name that Tune" with my iphone play list. Only a few snide comments were made about my song selections.</div>
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Crab apple fights. There was a huge crab apple tree on the property and yes, we got in several crab apple fights. Yes, they really do hurt when hit. We have the bruises to prove it. </div>
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My sister in law (married to Dentist Husband's oldest brother) made three kinds of awesome popcorn. </div>
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All of the kids hot tubbing at night.</div>
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Getting in heated/friendly arguments late into the night.</div>
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Eating at the Bear Lake icon LaBeaus.</div>
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All in all a great trip. </div>
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Also, if you get a chance, eat at Cafe Sabor. Excellent Mexican food.</div>
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Back to real life now . . .</div>
Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-51545984602861739792012-08-27T08:58:00.000-07:002012-08-28T07:21:01.840-07:00Sometimes for no good reason we go out to the Salt Flats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We woke up Saturday morning, with nothing on our "to do" list. So Dentist Husband said, "Everyone in the car. We are going to the Salt Flats."</div>
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So, two hours later, we were in Wendover. Believe it or not the Wendover airport is a historic gem in the state of Utah. Below are my kids outside and inside the airplane used in the movie "Con-Air". </div>
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While, the Con-Air airplane is cool, what makes the Wendover airport so amazing is its history during WWII. You can read all of the details <a href="http://www.wendoverairbase.com/world_war_2">here</a>, but in summary, the first atomic bomb that was dropped in Japan, came from Wendover, Utah. It was loaded onto the Enola Gay (named for the pilot's mother) and then three days later, "Little Boy" was dropped on the city of Hiroshima, Japan. During WWII, Wendover airfield was a large base for the Airforce. Slowly, the Wendover airfield is being restored.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dL1S34_-wE0/UDuUD_0KMII/AAAAAAAADCg/S8lT6Op8RpU/s1600/IMG_2260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dL1S34_-wE0/UDuUD_0KMII/AAAAAAAADCg/S8lT6Op8RpU/s320/IMG_2260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My kids climbing the newly restored control tower.</div>
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The hanger where the Enola Gay was kept. </div>
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A ton of work has been done to restore it. And, there are on-going fundraising efforts to finish the project.</div>
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Once we were done at the airfield, we headed to the Salt Flats. The actual "Bonneville Speedway" was closed to visitors because of motorcycle racing that day but we were able to find another spot to get out and ride our bikes. </div>
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This area made me laugh. The sign said, "Pet Area." </div>
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And, this is what happens to a leather purse, when bottle of spray sunscreen "sprays" inside your purse. I'm hoping the spot fades (and the strong smell of sunscreen dissipates) because it took me a while to find this purse (with my various "purse" requirements) and I love it. </div>
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<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-50066872086529695662012-08-24T09:44:00.000-07:002012-08-24T09:44:05.444-07:00Cleaning your dishwasher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When they removed phosphates from dishwashing detergents, it made it so my dishes quit coming out clean. After trying various products and more than one dishwasher repairman (because I assumed phosphates couldn't be the only problem, which I found out it really is), I was told the following method. I do this about once a month (or when I start noticing that my dishes are coming out dirty again). </div>
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Pull out bottom rack on your dishwasher.</div>
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Lay a 9x13 pan on top of the tines. (I don't know why it is flipped this way) </div>
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Use cheap white vinegar</div>
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Fill the 9x13 pan with the white vinegar</div>
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Push the rack in and shut the door.</div>
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Press start on your dishwasher and run a complete cycle. </div>
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I find it funny that in the interest of the environment (why the government removed phosphates from cleaning products), people are actually being forced to use more water and soap to get their dishes clean. I am not sure but I guessing the environmental impact is similar.</div>
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Anyway, if I am consistent with doing this, my dishes really do get clean. </div>
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<span id="goog_904888027"></span><span id="goog_904888028"></span><br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-49913463659171955572012-08-21T13:52:00.000-07:002012-08-21T18:17:10.866-07:00Last trip before school starts . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We try to do an annual trip to California. For the most part, we have been going there for the last 12ish years. Some years, we manage to go more than once. </div>
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Because we often leave when my husband is done from working all day, we stop for one night on Las Vegas. This year, there was a dental implant class my husband wanted to attend in Las Vegas, so we stayed an extra day there. While he was in class, we went to the pool. I must say, the JW Marriott in Las Vegas is a great oasis in the desert of Las Vegas but with the temperatures in the 110-114 degree range, it was hard to fully enjoy it. How do people live in temperatures like that? </div>
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Below: My kids and some of the cool parts of the pool </div>
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Through out the whole complex, there is a running "river" filled with Koi fish. </div>
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After his class, we tried <a href="http://www.sammyspizza.com/">Sammy's Pizza</a>. Their pizza was great but it was the tapas that we loved. We will go there again. </div>
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We drove into California before we could check into our hotel, so it was time for a mandatory stop at In N Out Burger. I even let myself get my fries "animal style". </div>
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The place we stayed was nice enough to let us use the pool until our room was ready. </div>
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During our trip to Costco for food (the place we stayed has a full kitchen), we found children's wet suits. BEST thing we purchased. (Toothsome #1 is in a wet suit we bought at Costco years ago). Because California ocean water is not super warm, this made it so my kids could play in and enjoy the ocean much longer. </div>
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In the evenings, we enjoyed serious games of tether ball. </div>
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No trip to California is complete without a stop at The Crab Cooker. </div>
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Everyone boogie boarded for hours at the beach. </div>
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When not in the ocean, the kids dug holes and created things in the sand. </div>
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After years of doing this, we have discovered salami and cream cheese sandwiches are ONLY sandwich to take to the beach. </div>
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Our daily beach set up. </div>
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Again, we have been doing beach runs for years and we feel like we have it down to science now: superbrella, one beach chair, wheeled cooler, four towels, buckets and shovels as beach toys and boogie boards. </div>
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One of the few pictures taken of us together. Not very good of either of us but proof we were there together.</div>
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Toothsome #4, who learned to swim this summer, even got really good at catching a wave and boogie boarding. </div>
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There can't be a trip to beach without burying people in the sand. </div>
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Dentist Husband invented some game with the kids that dealt with jumping on this pile of sand. They played for hours and never tired of it. </div>
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We all concluded it was our best trip to California yet. </div>
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We came home and faced problems with school registration, problems with scouting, work issues, dance emails, PTA meetings, church things, a load of wet laundry that sat in the washing machine in a hot house for a week, etc. But, for seven glorious days it was just our family, some good books (thank you Kindle for making it so I don't have to drag a ton of books on vacation) and the beach. </div>
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Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-87721663862888368992012-08-19T18:28:00.001-07:002012-08-19T18:28:59.756-07:00Eating the live sand crab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We just got home from a wonderful family trip to California. I really don't have it in me to do a blog post about the whole trip but I will do a brief one to give you a "taste" (pun unintended but since I wrote that, I am pretty pleased with my pun) of our trip.</div>
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Several years ago, when we were vacationing with Dentist Husband's extended family, Dentist Husband's brother ate a live sand crab at the beach. None of us could believe it. Then, the next summer, Toothsome #1 did it. No one pressured him to do it. He just wanted to do it to prove to himself he could do it. </div>
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Well, this summer, Toothsomes 2 and 3 decided to join the "eat the live sand crab" club. </div>
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Toothsome #3 went first. </div>
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Not to be outdone, Toothsome #2 went next. </div>
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FYI: I have no desire to join the club. Either does Dentist Husband. </div>
<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-73289297807710713952012-08-01T10:47:00.001-07:002012-08-03T08:15:32.969-07:00The Day things could have gone really bad at the family reunion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Growing up, we often drove to <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110210&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003741&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=null&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=28182&ttype=recarea&pname=Arapaho%2520&%2520Roosevelt%2520National%2520Forests%2520Pawnee%2520National%2520Grassland%2520-%2520Brainard%2520Lake%2520Recreation%2520Area">Brainard Lake</a> and hiked up to Lake Mitchell. There was often a group who also went to Blue Lake. The hike to Lake Mitchell is about a mile and to Blue Lake it is three miles. There is a true "trail" to it but it is still very rugged. After the hike, we always ate lunch.</div>
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For the last three family reunions that have been held in Colorado, we always do this hike. For the little kids, we always hike just to Lake Mitchell and the older kids always press on to Blue Lake. There is also always a small group who get up early and try and make the assent to <a href="http://www.summitpost.org/mount-toll/151125">Mount Toll.</a> There is always a "story" that goes along with that group. Usually someone gets altitude sickness or one year, they were sliding down glaciers and my nephew almost fell off of one, etc. </div>
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Well, this year, we all got into a little bit (OK, a lot bit) of trouble but thankfully, it was all fine in the end. </div>
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Like most of these stories, there were problems from the beginning that foreshadowed trouble ahead. The Mount Toll group got a late start as well as the Lake Mitchell and Blue Lake groups. We had read that we needed to be down the mountain by 1:00 pm because of afternoon thundershowers and we planned on starting our hike at 10:00 am. We didn't even start the hike until about 11:30 am. </div>
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Me with my sisters.</div>
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The hike to Lake Mitchell was very fast and easy. So easy, that we all decided to press onto Blue Lake, even though that was not the original plan. I was a little concerned about Toothsome #4 making it all the way to Blue Lake but my older nephews (ages 14-24), said, "We will help carry any of your kids if you come with us." </div>
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Me with my kids and nephew. </div>
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(Dentist Husband had flown back to Utah that morning to work.) </div>
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Toothsome #4 immediately decided that she would ONLY hold hands with my nephew's wife, who thankfully was very accommodating. (We really don't deserved her in our family. She is wonderful.) </div>
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As we got closer to Blue Lake, the hike got harder (steeper and more rocky).</div>
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Blue Lake </div>
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It started to get over-cast within minutes of us all arriving.</div>
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We have an "all the way under" club. They wear their swim suits and then jump in. It doesn't count unless they go "all the way under". Three of my nephews "joined" this year. My son was close to doing it but it had started to rain . . .</div>
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Within moments after my above nephew jumped in, it started to lightly rain. I knew with my little kids, that it would take us longer than the others to climb down the mountain (3 miles down), so we left immediately. It then started to hail and a short time later, thunder and lightening with very few pauses between. The outside temperature dropped quickly and I had planned poorly and only Toothsome #1 and I brought sweatshirts. We were cold. </div>
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About 10 minutes down, my older nephews came running down the trail. One grabbed Toothsome #3 and one grabbed grabbed Toothsome #4. They yelled (over the loud clapping thunder), "This is dangerous and we are getting everyone off the mountain." And, we all started running. It was now a muddy, swampy, mountain. It was very hard to see the trail and at times, the hail was hard and painful. We kept running and trying to distract the younger kids, who were obviously scared. </div>
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Thankfully, we all made it down safely and into our car. We were covered in mud and soaked through. </div>
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Taken from my car. </div>
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Me soaking wet. </div>
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The Mount Toll group had a much more harrowing experience. At one point, all of their hair started to "crackle" and stand up. They ended up hiding in a rock cave for over an hour and then when the hail let up, hiking down in the rain. They didn't get back until after 7:00 pm.</div>
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That night, we were exhausted, hungry and sore. (Several people in our group, fell and slipped on the muddy trail and had somewhat big gashes on their legs.) So, we headed to <a href="http://gondolieronpearl.com/">The Gondolier on Pearl.</a> Honestly, the BEST homemade pasta and spicy marinara sauce I've ever eaten. And, for $8 it is all you can eat. And, if you want to shoot the lock off your wallet, ($10) their mussels are 2nd to none and worth every penny. Oh, I am craving them now . . .</div>
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Thankfully, the rest of the reunion was less exciting. </div>
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<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-67053362229268580102012-07-30T14:51:00.000-07:002012-07-30T14:51:20.463-07:00If I had a wagon, I would ride to Colorado . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Growing up in Colorado, we sang <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kuCnrSkeao">this song</a> in elementary school. I can still sing it. I still feel this way about my beloved home state. </div>
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I just got home from a glorious family reunion trip "home." Everyone was able to be there with the exception of two nephews who are currently on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missionary_(LDS_Church)">missions</a> for the Mormon church. Below are some of the highlights.</div>
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Games at the park below the high school we all attended. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nXuKLutB00c/UBb785qgd9I/AAAAAAAACzo/UH0X-gx9dCM/s1600/IMG_1771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nXuKLutB00c/UBb785qgd9I/AAAAAAAACzo/UH0X-gx9dCM/s320/IMG_1771.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Pearl Street Mall. It is full of little gems like this. </div>
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Hiking down Flagstaff mountain. We did this every year as a family growing up. </div>
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McGuckin Hardware--the greatest store ever. You can get everything you would ever need there.</div>
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Colorado Rockies baseball game. We lost to the Reds but my three oldest kids made it on the jumbo tron and had stadium style nachos for the first time. </div>
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Last day there, we were awakened at 6:30 am with the fire alarm going off in our hotel. Thankfully, it was only caused by smoke in the kitchen and we were able to get back inside shortly after I took this picture.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGATx44v1Jk/UBb8D-Mb3fI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/QquKhasBrfo/s1600/IMG_1844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGATx44v1Jk/UBb8D-Mb3fI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/QquKhasBrfo/s320/IMG_1844.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In my parent's backyard. All of the grandkids in order of age.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZtQoOcAh3s/UBb8Gz7MToI/AAAAAAAAC0g/o4Cm-po7bwI/s1600/IMG_1887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZtQoOcAh3s/UBb8Gz7MToI/AAAAAAAAC0g/o4Cm-po7bwI/s320/IMG_1887.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The original 7. </div>
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I had quickly changed out of my church clothes to make dinner (it was our family's assigned day). I am the only sister shorter than my brother and I am always put next to him. </div>
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Each family was assigned a day to make all three meals for everyone. I can't tell you how many wonderful memories I have sitting around the kitchen table talking to my family growing up.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFp6oF8Gzec/UBb8N3kTH3I/AAAAAAAAC00/KmRqK1h1jGI/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFp6oF8Gzec/UBb8N3kTH3I/AAAAAAAAC00/KmRqK1h1jGI/s320/IMG_1915.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Proof that Dentist Husband was at the reunion. . . And the many lists my mom created for the reunion. My mom is famous for her lists.</div>
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The original seven in our family reunion t-shirts.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e93pQMGHYRQ/UBb8R4b3SjI/AAAAAAAAC1I/DRAzecDyvk4/s1600/IMG_1925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e93pQMGHYRQ/UBb8R4b3SjI/AAAAAAAAC1I/DRAzecDyvk4/s320/IMG_1925.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hiking to Blue Lake (above Mitchell and Brainard Lakes).</div>
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We did this every year growing up.</div>
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My sister and I at Blue Lake. It is a 6 mile hike round trip. </div>
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All of the grandchildren played soccer and ultimate frisbee on the field by the junior high we all attended. During one of the games, I got every emotional thinking of the memories I had growing up under <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatirons">the Flatirons </a>in Boulder. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZSAwx7-_bo/UBb8ZYfXMKI/AAAAAAAAC1o/isOQf9NLn0w/s1600/IMG_1965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZSAwx7-_bo/UBb8ZYfXMKI/AAAAAAAAC1o/isOQf9NLn0w/s320/IMG_1965.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These pictures got out of order . . .</div>
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More from the top of Flagstaff </div>
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At the bottom of flagstaff. </div>
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Growing up, we always sat on this wall waiting for my dad to come pick us up in the car. Many years later it is the grandchildren . . .</div>
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Outside our hotel waiting to be let back in after being evacuated because of the "fire". (We got those t-shirts free at the game the night before and were the closest clothes we could find.) </div>
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Sigh. It doesn't matter how old I am, Boulder, CO is still home. </div>
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Wonderful trip.</div>
<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-82335451637272055502012-07-16T17:42:00.001-07:002012-07-16T17:42:49.241-07:00Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I haven't posted in a while. Below are some highlights of summer. </div>
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Tons of swimming. </div>
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Notice Toothsome #4's shoes. Red sparkly flats. </div>
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Our annual Nordstrom experience to remember Dentist Husband's mother who died of breast cancer several years ago. She loved to shop at Nordstrom. We go and shop and eat and talk about her. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NoPmAszpB9w/UASwPzHijkI/AAAAAAAACyA/GkaeyMZOyQU/s1600/IMG_1552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NoPmAszpB9w/UASwPzHijkI/AAAAAAAACyA/GkaeyMZOyQU/s320/IMG_1552.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some people have asked, so below are some examples of "ugly summer." </div>
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BTW: This was taken in over 100 degree heat. We decided to pretend like it wasn't miserable and take our kids to the driving range then miniature golfing. We pretended but it was still miserably hot. </div>
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My kids call these my clown pants. They are linen and I haven't ironed them since I purchased them. That shirt has a permanent stain on it. And, I am just noticing, there is no purple in the pants. Wow. Really an ugly summer. </div>
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My husband calls these my pajama pants. You can't really tell but the crotch on these go almost to my knees. I still think they are cute. But others have said no. </div>
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I found this on our cell phone charger. Toothsome #4 did it. I left it there for days because I thought it was so cute. </div>
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Sigh, we love In-N-Out.</div>
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Toothsome #4 was NOT happy that Toothsome #1 was going to scout camp. We all missed him. </div>
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Beware of sharks. Yes, I purchased his Halloween costume in July.</div>
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Just saw this at the aquarium today. My ancestors lived on the shores of Utah Lake and were fisherman. I felt like this was talking about my history. Go June sucker! Thank you for keeping my ancestors alive. I wouldn't be here today without them. </div>
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You can feed the Sting Rays at the aquarium. I was the fun mom and paid to let my kids do it. This is squid.</div>
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And, it couldn't be completely an "ugly summer." I have a thing for dresses. I found this and couldn't resist. </div>
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(Yes, I took the Ugly Summer pictures for this blog. It felt incredibly self indulgent. The dress picture was taken to send to my mom. She was asking about my new dress purchase. Notice I did my hair and make up for the picture. Can't have my mom thinking I am letting myself go to pot . . .) </div>
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Happy summer folks. </div>
<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-82259297171055357702012-06-27T15:04:00.001-07:002012-06-27T17:09:14.912-07:00Ugly Summer/Really Who Cares about Ugly Summer<div style="text-align: center;">
I started this post several days ago. I titled it "Ugly Summer" and I was writing a post about my plans to <b>not </b>buy any new summer shorts/capris and wear holes in all of my old out-of-date shorts/capris. You see, I have a habit of when I find a particular shorts/capris on sale that work with my Mormon sense of modesty, I end up buying them in all colors available in my size. </div>
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Well, I have been buying things when I really don't have a need for them, just because they are on-sale and fit with my "Mormon sense of modesty." In my closet, I have a section for "out of style" clothes that still look brand new and I can't just give them away. (I paid hard-earned money for them!) Well, this summer, I decided I am wearing those items until they literally have holes in them and I declared out-loud, "Welcome to Ugly Summer." </div>
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But then, last night, on the local news, I discovered my beloved hometown Boulder, Colorado was in fire danger. The news was talking about areas that were my local stomping grounds. Mentioned on the news was my high school, my favorite hiking trail, my family grocery store, streets I drove on a daily basis to church, work and school, etc. I was horrified. After speaking to my parents and learning they were OK and not that worried, (they are in the <i>pre</i>-evac area), I became mesmerized with the coverage. Most of my high school friends and church friends live/lived in the pre-evac area. I have been in contact with many friends, who like me are out of state but worried about their parents, and our city. You see, while I love my Utah life, I am true blue, Boulder, Colorado girl. My husband jokes, "When we drive into Boulder County, you relax. It is like the cells in your body recognize home." </div>
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So, a blog post about Ugly Summer seemed a little stupid. (And, then learning about the fire in Colorado Springs, CO, made Ugly Summer seem even more stupid).</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7e_A3YhZaBc/T-s8rWS2VZI/AAAAAAAACw0/23PjgBn3ewA/s1600/539326_10150920387980897_1173093939_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7e_A3YhZaBc/T-s8rWS2VZI/AAAAAAAACw0/23PjgBn3ewA/s320/539326_10150920387980897_1173093939_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the smoke hovering over my beloved hometown. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1seb8z1CNs/T-t37LO_JhI/AAAAAAAACxg/FM8j9U8BjVY/s1600/IMG_1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1seb8z1CNs/T-t37LO_JhI/AAAAAAAACxg/FM8j9U8BjVY/s320/IMG_1812.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Me in my recently purchased (for an upcoming trip home) Colorado flag t-shirt. (I didn't say I wouldn't buy new tops, just shorts/capris.) My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Colorado and the people and firefighters living there.</div>
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Now for some levity (still stupid in comparison to dealing with fire danger but NOT as stupid as Ugly Summer) two of my favorite things recently:</div>
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Going<a href="http://umfa.utah.edu/"> here</a> and seeing </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRzHqXkhGUY/T-t31yiXvMI/AAAAAAAACxQ/9N9zFgsQ8ug/s1600/IMG_1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRzHqXkhGUY/T-t31yiXvMI/AAAAAAAACxQ/9N9zFgsQ8ug/s320/IMG_1525.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mormon_Meteor"> this.</a> </div>
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If you get a chance, watch<a href="http://www.boysofbonneville.com/synopsis/"> this.</a> </div>
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For my local friends, we own a copy if you are interested. </div>
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My second favorite thing: My clothes line in my garage. Several years ago, I had the idea to put a retractable clothes line in my garage. All summer, it has our wet swim suits and towels on it. In our hot garage, everything dries fast and it is out of the way and no wet stuff in my house. In the winter, snowy ski clothes hang on it. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pRcIy1XoZbw/T-t3-wlSOKI/AAAAAAAACxo/8KynBdaIlYU/s1600/IMG_1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pRcIy1XoZbw/T-t3-wlSOKI/AAAAAAAACxo/8KynBdaIlYU/s320/IMG_1820.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Again, in light of things going on around the world, who cares but since we must live, these two things have made my life easier and happier. </div>
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<br /></div>Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-4960399585854762572012-06-14T12:24:00.002-07:002012-06-14T12:33:04.491-07:00Summer, glorious summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since school got out, we have tried to take full advantage of summer. Our mornings look like this:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9rz4HM7Ujs/T9o4CMmQkVI/AAAAAAAACwo/FsIyXnuOi7M/s1600/IMG_1410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9rz4HM7Ujs/T9o4CMmQkVI/AAAAAAAACwo/FsIyXnuOi7M/s320/IMG_1410.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Until 9:00 am that is, because that is when I enforce: shower, clean rooms and piano practicing. </div>
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Then, we go back to fun summer. Most days that means going to the neighborhood pool. I was raised going to the pool daily in the summer and I am so glad I can continue to do that with my kids. Great memories. </div>
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On the weekends, we try to do something more involved.</div>
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Years ago, Dentist Husband purchased a go-kart and at my father-in-law's cabin, he built a go-kart track. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tcAZGALOINQ/T9o3T--fBPI/AAAAAAAACvs/PZ2FKg-wzME/s1600/IMG_1429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tcAZGALOINQ/T9o3T--fBPI/AAAAAAAACvs/PZ2FKg-wzME/s320/IMG_1429.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Using this tractor to make/form the course. </div>
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And if you have a son who LOVES sharks, I highly recommend this jacket from Chasing Fireflies. (Notice he is wearing his Hannah Andersson shark shirt underneath.) </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dvFZwvaeOZs/T9o3cztuo6I/AAAAAAAACwE/doY9pPxBt_U/s1600/IMG_1794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dvFZwvaeOZs/T9o3cztuo6I/AAAAAAAACwE/doY9pPxBt_U/s320/IMG_1794.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Chasing Fireflies also has these wonderful nightgowns. Honestly, these are made with the softest cotton I have ever felt. You may remember, my girls have<a href="http://www.toothsomefamily.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-weekend.html"> Halloween ones t</a>oo. </div>
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And finally, the BIG news of June was Toothsome #1 getting his braces off. Getting him to smile for the camera is not so easy. </div>
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<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-41692550035254330142012-06-10T16:04:00.002-07:002012-06-10T16:08:20.454-07:00Turkey Loaf: It is not just for Thanksgiving anymore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
About twice a year, I realize I have purchased too many things on sale at the grocery store and I start insisting that dinner (and any other meal that we can) comes from the freezer. Since it is "popsicle" season, I need to make room for them. </div>
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Let me remind you of <a href="http://www.toothsomefamily.blogspot.com/2011/11/viva-las-vegas-thanksgiving.html">this post</a> about our trip to Las Vegas over Thanksgiving. Because we were in a hotel, we went the easy way out and had Jennie-O turkey loaf as our turkey for Thanksgiving. </div>
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So, I had an extra one in our freezer and pulled it out for dinner one night this past week. My kids all started saying, "Why are we having that? Isn't that just reserved for Thanksgiving?" My husband and I laughed out loud at the absurdity of it. Most people would be shocked that we bastardized a Thanksgiving meal with a turkey loaf. My kids think we have having a "too fancy" dinner at home with turkey loaf. Honestly, I can't tell you the humor we got from all of this. The phrase all week said between my husband and I has been, "Turkey Loaf. It is not just for Thanksgiving anymore." </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ppqWkjBWoeY/T9UgHV-uH5I/AAAAAAAACvA/mhhVPL_Hv2k/s1600/IMG_1442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ppqWkjBWoeY/T9UgHV-uH5I/AAAAAAAACvA/mhhVPL_Hv2k/s320/IMG_1442.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Onto to other things . . . this ladder has been in our master bedroom for about 3 weeks. Three weeks ago, at 5:00 am, one of our fire alarm started chirping, indicating we needed to change the battery. (My husband has actually researched why it is common for them to beep in the middle of night and it deals with batteries in cold temperatures not working as effectively and since houses cool down at night . . . blah, blah blah.) So, during broad day light, I brought this in the house and planned on changing the battery. But then, it hasn't chirped since. And frugal me, thinks, until it starts to chirp again, I don't need to change it. "Let's wait this out." I honestly thought it would chirp again sooner but it hasn't and I don't want to be stuck in the middle of the night without the ladder. It is all very stupid. As Dentist Husband has pointed out, I spend the cost of a battery in my Diet Coke habit in one day, I should just change the battery. But, no, I have not. Now, having the ladder in the master bedroom is driving me crazy. Again, all very stupid. But, think of all of the Diet Cokes I can drink with the money saved on this one battery.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcxCgbKgK3s/T9UgqsYbpPI/AAAAAAAACvQ/_Didr164-XE/s1600/IMG_1409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcxCgbKgK3s/T9UgqsYbpPI/AAAAAAAACvQ/_Didr164-XE/s320/IMG_1409.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And with summer, I brought out my favorite Teva flip flops.</div>
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Check out the bottoms . . .</div>
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I LOVE these shoes. I plan on wearing them until they just give way. I would definitely say I have gotten my money's worth.</div>
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<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-79239313922937865642012-06-06T11:05:00.001-07:002012-06-06T11:05:59.357-07:00First and Last Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First day of 2nd, 4th and 6th grade</div>
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First Day of Pre-school</div>
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Last day of preschool</div>
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Last day of 2nd, 4th and 6th grade</div>
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Here is too a great school year and great summer ahead!</div>
<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-80733332510313413912012-06-03T20:23:00.001-07:002012-06-03T20:23:53.387-07:00Start of Summer Canyon Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
School isn't officially out but this Saturday we did our "School is Out" canyon trip. Being raised by mountains, and living my whole adult-life around them, I am truly a mountain girl. I try to not take them for granted and my husband and I have tried to make the mountains part of my kids growing up. Canyon trips (since we live close to many of them) have become a regular part of summer for us. It is not uncommon for Dentist Husband to call me on his way home from work and say, "Load up the car" and we head up for the evening. I have my "canyon supplies" box ready in the garage all summer. </div>
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But first, unrelated, this is my brother's son. I took him to the <a href="http://www.mtc.byu.edu/themtc.htm">MTC</a> this week. It is always an emotional experience for me. It is also probably one of my favorite things about living here in Utah. I LOVE being the aunt that drives them down to the MTC. Here he is eating his final meal as a non-missionary. Go Five Guys. </div>
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Back to the canyon . . .We have a favorite, somewhat hidden spot that we like to go. There are lots of great rocks to climb on and a fire pit. </div>
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Here was dinner. We found a flat rock and cooked everything on it. It took way too long. But it was a fun experiment anyway.</div>
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We don't have many pictures of us together. This isn't great but it shows we still like each other. As of Memorial Day, we have known each other 17 years. </div>
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There is nothing better to me than a roaring canyon fire . . . the smells, the warmth, the flame; I love it.</div>
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Oh and we broke out our official "song of summer" on this trip. (Every summer, we pick a song that will be the "song of summer" and we play it at the start of every day, on car trips, etc.,) This year, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X_1o3Qw4KM">"Praise You" by FatBoy Slim</a> was chosen. </div>
<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-83928473095222531972012-05-29T13:05:00.000-07:002012-05-29T13:05:17.126-07:00Memorial Day Weekend Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We stayed locally here again this year. </div>
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It rained most of the weekend (until Monday), so we spent a lot of time watching "How It's Made" on Netflex. </div>
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And because of the rain, I started reorganizing my house.</div>
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Here is a picture of my "sunscreen" shelf. I'm ready for summer.</div>
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On Friday, I went to Costco. (FYI: My kids love sushi and before any holiday weekend, I run to Costco and buy a ton of their sushi that they can eat to their heart's content all three days. It is just another of my, "trying to create a memory moment" for my kids around holidays.) I also got a pile of stuff for my husband's office and a bunch of "summer is coming" supplies for my house. Part of that was a new bag of plastic cups. Because of the rain, we broke them out and built towers with them in our basement.</div>
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On Memorial Day, we woke up bright and early and headed up the canyon for our first (of hopefully many) canyon trips of the year. <br />
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On a side note, being from Boulder, CO, I always ran the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolder_Boulder">Bolder Boulder</a> every Memorial Day. Every year, I say, "I'll fly home with the kids and have us all run in the Bolder Boulder." And every year, May is a crazy month with end of the year school projects, scout stuff, dance stuff, work stuff, etc., and we never do. This year, because once again, I was not in Boulder on Memorial Day, I spent several minutes just thinking about home. As I always say, "I love, adore my life here in Utah but Boulder, CO (specifically Boulder) will always be home." </div>
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Back to the canyon excursion . . . I told all of my kids they had to wear long pants. This is what Toothsome #4 came up with. . .</div>
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We built a fire and then spent most of the time skipping rocks on on the side of the river. </div>
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They all got their shoes and socks soaking wet, so we dried everything out by the fire. </div>
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After meeting friends at <a href="http://www.moochiesmeatballs.com/moochies.htm">Moochies</a> for lunch, we headed over to the <a href="http://www.gilgalgarden.org/">Gilgal Garden</a>. This has been on my "to do" list for over 10 years and I was glad to finally make it there. If you don't know exactly where to go, it is hard to find, but once there, it is worth it. It is a little gem in downtown Salt Lake. You can read about it's history<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilgal_Sculpture_Garden"> here.</a> <br />
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I also finished Dickens' "The Old Curiosity Shop" (a tragic, moving read) and started "The Once and Future King" by T H White and "Barnaby Rudge" (another Dickens). My current Dickens' favorite is Nicholas Nickleby. </div>
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All and all a successful, Memorial weekend. </div>
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<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-26183450751822800662012-05-27T19:02:00.001-07:002012-05-27T19:02:31.561-07:00Forsythia!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Many years ago, when my husband and I were brand-new home owners, I called a local nursery and asked when was the right time to put <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preemergent_herbicides">pre-emergent </a>down on our grass. I remember the lady saying, "Do you know what a forsythia is?" I said, "Yes" (which I actually didn't but I knew I could find out from someone else and I didn't want to sound too stupid on the phone with her.) And she said, "When the forsythia is blooming, you should put pre-emergent down."<br />
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I have never forgotten this rule or the fact that I didn't know what forsythia was and so every Spring, when the forsythia is blooming, I holler out whenever I see it, "Forsythia!" My kids (my oldest was about 2 when I started doing this) all join in with me whenever we see a forsythia bush. Because as a mom, I was often in the car with my kids and their friends, their friends started picking up on this and joined in. So now, over 10 years later, the people in my car burst out into shouts of "forsythia!" all Spring long. Even the "cool" pre teen boys in my car this Spring all hollered it. It was so great. <br />
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Well, this week, I finally planted a forsythia bush of our own. I hope it takes. It is in a spot that I have had trouble with in the past but I am hoping with all of the good vibes we send that plant in general, it will grow and thrive there. I just can't wait until next Spring, when we can look out our window and all shout, "Forsythia!" to our own forsythia bush in our own yard.Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5578424551314366111.post-12657837723345282792012-05-23T11:32:00.002-07:002012-05-23T13:49:56.832-07:00Some pictures from this week--ballet and other things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday was dance picture day at my daughter's dance studio. Our studio is doing "Sleeping Beauty" and it is an absolutely stunning ballet program. My oldest daughter needed to have her hair in a certain type of braid. A picture was sent and after practicing all weekend, I thought I had it right. I didn't. We showed up at the studio and I realized right away I had her hair wrong. This, on top of a series of other poorly timed events earlier in the day was close to the last straw for me. Thankfully, the mom of one of the other girls, sensed my mental state and said, "Don't worry. I can fix it." And, she did happily, while I watched. I now get what I did wrong. <br />
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Below, is Toothsome #4 in her skunk costume, minus the hat. (And unintentionally, the mom who redid my daughter's hair.) </div>
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Toothsome #2 her in beautiful costume</div>
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And her very fancy hair</div>
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And because of this ridiculous heat we are having in Utah and my refusal to run the air conditioning until June, my Rhodes rolls turned into a square piece of bread. They were still awesome with honey butter. </div>
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Today, I get to read aloud to my daughter's 4th grade class. I am reading a chapter from this wonderful book. If you have a reluctant 4th grade reader, I highly recommend this series. His, "Papa Married a Mormon" is also excellent.</div>
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And, this morning, I got a taste of what next year holds for me. Toothsome #1 starts junior high and they start later than the elementary kids. He was home with me today in the morning to go an orthodontics appointment (his braces come off permanently next month!) and he and Toothsome #4 played like crazy. This was, "I can't see you" game. The laughter made my morning. </div>
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Finally, this Spring I pass this row of beautiful purple flowers when I drive my kids to school. It adds such beauty to my drive. (I wish I knew what they were, so if anyone knows, leave a comment). </div>
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<br />Janicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289465149087442009noreply@blogger.com3