Nykreim News

2011-07-12T14:23:00.000-06:00

Image Source: http://www.hdwallpapers.in/view/cool_summer-1680x1050.html

Summer is here! I can't believe it! With our move in may, and wrapping up PTA for the year, then scout day camp one week, and 11 year old camp another week, and sending Vance off to boy scout camp this week, it is just beginning to feel like summer!! I LOVE summer. But to be honest it is so rare here in Washington that even when the calander says it is summer, that it feels that way.

We had Kjari's 5th birthday party over the weekend, which included great sunny weather, swimming, water balloon fights, tons of good BBQ foods with friends and family! It felt like it had truly begun.

Life has been so busy, that I really want to enjoy it when I can this summer. I want to soke up the little sun we get, and not stress about my house and laundry, I want to play with my kids in the pool and not think about all I should be doing inside. It is so short... summer and time with my kids. I hope I can hold on to this time as long as I have it.

I give up....

2011-02-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

I am done with the 30 day, whatever... I should really never set my self up for those sorts of things!! Ok so lets see if I have any pictures I can post about to get back to normal and off of that train wreck...

This was on our trip to Idaho for Christmas!! We had an unexpected stay when on our way to a job for Kjell to look at his truck broke down!! The kids didn't mind at all as you can see!!

Ok, I have now officially moved on from that craziness and plan to post more of my normal randomness!!

Skipping Day 3 and on to 4, Habit...

2010-12-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, so really annoyed now, I seriously do not have any pictures of my self with friends that I would want to post....I hate pictures of me period. So I let that craziness get me off track!! That is going to be my new years resolution, to try and not let one thing hang me up for it all. I do it often. I guess that leads me to Day 4...A habit you wish you didn't have. I have no idea how to explain it, but this really is a perfect example. If I set out to do something and a stumbling block shows up, of any size or shape, it puts me in freeze mode and I can't move forward. Why do I do that? Really no one is actually reading this anyway, its really truly for my own journaling purposes anyway, is there anyone out there that was going to go, wow, her blog really sucks, she didn't even do day 3!!! Haa haa, I know it is crazy, but it is me. I do it with alot of aspects of my life, if I can't do something the way I really want to, or as good as I vision it happening, then I simply stop and don't do it!! Any ideas of how to change that are welcome!! I think I need to let things go.. I truly put too much on my plate and then I can't do anything as well as I would like. Ughhh how to begin choosing what to cut out of my life for the new year. I know what I would like to cut out, but what I actually can is a whole other story!! :) I am crazy, but guess what.... I posted day 4!!! :)

Day 2: The meaning behind my Blog name

2010-11-15T19:58:00.002-07:00

Well, this is interesting because I have been thinking recently of changing it! I wish I could say there was some real creative thought behind the title, but It just came to me, long before blogging, but back when I was trying to send out monthly updates to my parents and family who lived away. So i guess since those updates were about our latest news....it just became that!! Not too exciteing, but that is what it is!!

Day 1: Recent Picture and 15 interesting facts about Me!!

2010-11-13T17:10:00.002-07:00

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

Ok, Kjellsen took this of me playing with the camera sometime in September. I honestly could not find anything else of me....note to self. I played with it and edited it, but he is a pretty good little camera man!! I now have black hair....so if you know me well, my look changes on a monthly basis....so oh well!!

Ok this will be tough.... I am not that interesting.... 15 things.......

1. I miss my family and friends in Idaho alot. I hate that we have always lived away from home, and as much as we have always made "homes" where ever we lived, there is ALWAYS apart of me who hopes we return to Idaho someday.

2. I learned to play the piano by ear when I was young. A curse and a blessing. I have a strong ear for pitch because of it. But I can't read notes very fast. I LOVE to sing, wish I sang in perfect pitch. The curse is, it is really hard for me to sing around or hear someone singing off pitch.

3. I secretly wish I was a home school mom. I love NOT being forced to live on a schedule, NOT having to answer to others about MY children, just simply having time with my kids and being apart of those moments when they add things to there brains they will keep forever.

4. I am easily distracted. I can be very passionate about something one day and on to something new the next.

5. I worry alot. I have a hard time getting things out of my mind. Especially things about my children.

6. I am easily pleased as far as gifts go. I don't really take alot to be happy or to feel loved. Works great for my husband. I seriously would be annoyed with expensive jewelry. I honestly don't see the appeal. Its not just my stage of life either, I just seriously don't see why you would spend so much money on rocks, no matter how pretty they are. Take me on a trip, a vacation, or an experience I won't forget, not some jewelry that could be lost in a second and gone forever. Flowers too, I think roses are pretty, but not worth the money, now pick me some wild flowers to fill my house with, and I am a happy girl!! Chocolates, ok, but give me some Greek olives and Gouda cheese... I will smile for a long time. If someone, including my husband, forgets a birthday, or anniversary or whatever, no big deal, I get it!! I am the worst at remember such things. If he tells me he loves me everyday, I am happy!

7. I love funny things my kids will say. Especially when they are not trying to be funny!!

8. I am a consistent parent.........on two thing, and two things only. My kids know that I love them. Unconditionally!! My children know that I know, why I am here and what our purpose on this earth is.

Other then that, I could use alot of help, getting on the consistent train!! Hence my wild children...whom I love.

9. I LOVE going to the movies!! It happens about twice every 3 or 4 years, but I love it!! I need to live in a town that has a dollar theatre!! I would defiantly go more often, like maybe 4 times in 3 or 4 years!! :) (Yes I know I live in a town that has a $7 theatre, but I am just that cheap!!)

10. I love my mom. The older I get, I realize how sooo much alike we are. She loves me unconditionally. And she doesn't wine when I don't call her every week!! We love the talks we both have, but we don't hold it against each other when we don't get the chance. My mom is an amazing, strong women. I hope to be more like her when I grow up!!

11. On that note, I am not a good friend. Interesting? I don't know, but its true. What I mean is, I am not a very consistent friend. (there is that word again...consistent...hows a girl like me with so many thoughts and ideas, suppose to be that way!!)

My family comes first. Always. And Always will. Like it or not, it just is. But even before family, I was kind of the same way. I will be there when you need me. No question. Just ask and I am there, to listen, to help, whatever. But if you don't tell me you need me, you might not hear from me for a while. My best of best friends know this about me. We can pick up from where we left off, and no one is hurt by it at all. I want to be better at this, but it is what it is for now. I have been this way since I was a child. I think it might come from being born with two best friends. I never had to really learn to make friends, they were just there. And when you have known each other that long, you sort of have to take it how it is... you know, you are locked in for life!! haa haa So I hope to be a better friend someday.

12. My husband is hot. This is really not about me, but it sort of is. When I was younger, I was very, very dumb. I dated a guy, who lets just say, wasn't the best looking guy around. He ended up not being so nice either, It didn't go so well, From then on, I simply thought that looks were sooooo important!! HAAHHAA so little did I know. I was really mean, first off, I would never have even considered going out with any guy who was shorter then me. And if he didn't have just the right look, I would seriously become really annoyed and avoid them. Mind you I am almost 6 feet tall!! I am sure I missed out on some really great guys who simply were inches shorter then me....but I digress! I am very fortunate to have ended up with a really good looking, but also amazing, giving man. I say lucky, because I am sure I couldn't have know all that during our short dating period before I agreed to marry him! But I did know that one thing.... He is hot!! :)

Ok this is really hard...... what else????

13. I hated reading growing up. I am sure with my Narcolepsy I just simply could never get into a book before falling asleep, so I understand why, but I always felt really dumb about it. Now that I am older I have learned that when I read something I am really interested in, then I love it!! I need something new to read though, it has been awhile since I have read much that keeps me interested.

14. I really hate the daily tasks of keeping a house up. BUT... something I LOVE to do, is to have the house empty... with no children around.... with good music cranked up really loud, and have a whole day to clean. The kind of cleaning when you are done, your house smells clean. Your sheets are new and crisp, and smell of fabric softener. It is seriously mood altering for me....I am sick I know..... :)

Ok, one more, I think I can do this.....

15. I have an unwavering testimony of who my Savior Jesus Christ is, and what he has done for me. Because of this, I am very forgiving. There is nothing that I cannot get over, and nothing that goes unforgiven in my book. I am grateful for this, and I take it as a blessing.

Wow, I did it, I don't know if it is very interesting, but it will be fun to look back on this someday and learn more about who I am now! If anyone actually read all of this! Feel free to comment!!

Boost to get me Blogging again!!!

2010-11-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

This is a challenge going around and I decided to take it. I have really been slacking on blogging. I know not to many people even read this, but that was never my goal. It is my way of journaling my thoughts, and pictures of our growing family! So....in order to re boost my goal, I think this will really get me going!! I challenge anyone else out there who wants to joing me to go for it!! :)

Here are the rules....

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself (this will take some time... I hate talking about myself, I am not that interesting!)

day 2- the meaning behind your blog name

day 3- a picture of you and your friends

day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have

day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been to

day 6- favorite super hero and why

day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

day 8- short term goals for this month and why

day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days

day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

day 11- another picture of you and your friends

day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one

day 13- a letter to someone

day 14- a picture of you and your family

day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play

day 16- another picture of yourself

day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have

day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them

day 20- someone you love.

day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy

day 22- what makes you different from everyone else

day 23- something you crave for a lot

day 24- your last five facebook status'

day 25- what I would find in your bag

day 26- what do you think about your friends

day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge

day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then? "

Halloween Jib Jab Video

2010-10-29T11:17:00.001-06:00

Check this out!!! I always crack up with these silly things!! Enjoy!
http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/itui6sgeOURxGUJd?cmpid=hw_fb_self

Idaho Cousins......

2010-10-10T18:04:00.000-06:00

Last month I was able to attend Time out for Women in Idaho with my sister, mom, sister and law and some friends and there mom. It was so fun. In the meantime, my truly amazing husband had the kids and they got to hop around and visit all of the Idaho cousins. They spent Friday evening with my Brother Aaron and his three kids. They Spent the night and had tons of fun. The next day, Kjell drove out to see my sister's kids, and took them all seven fishing!! They had so much fun!! I wish we had pictures of that, Vance says he took some but can't find his camera.... could come later! That evening, my brother's kids came over. By this time we were home from the conference. They had a sleep over at Grandma and Grandpa's. I caught them all in the middle of watching a movie!! My kids love to visit all of there cousins in Idaho. It too bad there is so much time between when they can see each other!!

Summer 2010........Kjari

2010-09-27T22:26:00.001-06:00

Kjari turned four this summer!!! I know it is hard to tell from the picture, but she just slightly LOVES all things girly! She still loves these girly toys she got as gifts! She is tough, but oh so sweet! We love our little wild, loveable, sweet Kjari!! She adds so much to our family! Sometimes I forget she is only four! She suprises me daily, with her funny sense of humor, that would make you think she was much much older! She LOVES her older brothers and misses them desprately when they go off to school!!

A few 2010 summer highlights.......Kjellsen!!

2010-09-27T22:20:00.000-06:00

Kjellsen, our little artist!! He was so proud to have his painting be apart of the all things beautiful Art exhibit this summer!! He truly has a talent I hope he continues to grow and do more as he gets older!! Kjellsen has a sweet tender side, that brings out beautiful artwork that suprises even me at times. I love this little guy!!

Back again!

2010-09-22T20:23:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I have really been slacking lately and want to renew my commitment to keeping my online journal. We have been so busy with alot of current things going on, but for now I want to catch up on a few important things that have happened. So if the next few posts are a bit out of order, then you will know why! Enjoy the ramblings of a crazy women!! I love my life as crazy as it is.

Contest giveaway.....

2010-09-20T19:42:00.000-06:00

A favorite blog of mine is giving away this adorable dress and headband....wouldn't Kjari look adorible...You can enter the contest too, check it out....

http://hairbowsforgirls.blogspot.com/2010/09/its-big-one-dress-and-matching-headband.html

9/11 Day of Remembrance Service Project

2010-09-15T11:48:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday our family participated in a Day of Rememberance Day of service for 9/11. It was really a great way to teach the kids to do good things and make negative things positve. This was Kjari getting ready to pull weeds. Our friend shot this picture, I thought it was adorible of course.

Here is Vance helping scrape paint at the high school football stadium.

Vance and his Scout trip had a beautiful heart touching, flag ceremony and moment of silence. It was an amazing thing and for a moment you could see the honorable, good men these young crazy 12 and 13 year old boy will be someday!! Makes a mother proud!! :)

A friends blog...

2010-06-15T21:20:00.001-06:00

Thought I would pass on a cute giveaway going on over at a friends blog. Her blog is really cute, and she often has such fun ideas!! She is currently haveing a fun givaway and a link to a place to find really cute fabric... check it out!!
http://mcillecespot.blogspot.com/2010/06/sewing-frenzy-giveaway.html

That day at recess...

2010-05-10T10:23:00.000-06:00

My cousin Jo, one of the coolest people I know by the way, shared with me a blog that is currently having a contest going on by a teacher who writes the blog. She wants to find out, or should I say prove to her students that recess is not all its cracked up to be. You know, how every child if asked what there favorite part of the school day is, will always answer recess. Because of all the things a teacher does to make the day what it is, it seems hard for her to understand why the only part of the day that a teacher is not apart of, happens to be the favorite. So... she is asking for our stories. We all have them, but the kinds of stories that we remember something dramatic happening in school, and yes, it was usually during recess. If you are intersted in entering her contest here is the link to her blog: http://spinmewriteround.blogspot.com/2010/05/ridiculous-recess-or-my-first-contest.html
So... here is my story...

I remember sitting in class with my 2nd grade attention span, waiting for our teacher Mrs Jo, to dismiss us for recess. It was nothing new for Mrs. Jo, who was only a few inches taller then most of us, but had us scared into believing she was taller then most of our fathers, to keep us in to the very last second. In fact I am pretty sure she enjoyed watching us wiggle in our seats as we would watch all the other 2nd grade classrooms march down the hall, watching the back of the person in front of them, as to not step out of line and have to return to the classroom to "try it again". As the last child could be seen walking out the door, then and only then, we would be released! As long as we walked quietly to the door and remained that way until we were out of site of Mrs. Jo, then we were free!!
This particular afternoon I was very excited to meet up with my best friend because we had each brought a brown paper sack, full of picture of our favorite song artists, and secret crushes. My friends bag was full of pictures of Micheal Jackson, and mine full of the singer Prince!! Our future husbands of course! (Gag...) We were so excited to share them with each other, and met up where we had planned the night before on the phone, at the merry go round.
We were busy swapping, and dreaming about our pictures as we straddled the seats of the old wooden merry go round. Oblivious to anything else going on around us, the time flew quickly and eventually we heard the bell ring. I will never forget that moment, as I stood to run inside, and the back of my navy blue polyester pants caught the rusty bolt near where I was sitting. I can still hear in my mind today the slow rip.....and feel the cold breeze on my then exposed back side!! My friend had ran ahead, and I was left standing alone. Watching all the kids running into the back side of the large brown building of our school and seeing kids snickering as they ran past me, I felt frozen in time.
It felt like hours before my friend realized she was running alone, and stopped and came running back to rescue me! I explained to her what had happened and we stood wondering what we could do to get inside with out anyone else seeing me, and in time to not receive the wrath of Mrs. Jo, for being late.
Eventually, my hero, and friend to this day, helped me transform our brown paper sacks into a mock skirt, and she walked with me slowly all the way to the office to make that 911 call to mom.
Looking back, I am sure this is not the worst thing that could have ever happened to a child at recess, but it is one I will never forget. Those moments that cause insecurity in our minds, truly believing and fearing to myself that I would aways be known as the kid who's pants ripped open at recess, was a fear of mine for the rest of second grade!!
As I got older, I realized through experience that there would be many bigger and much more embarrassing things to become known as. More things that in those moment seem to change our lives forever. Funny thing is I would guess, that not one person from Lincoln school that year, besides me and my hero, even remember that day. But when we live those moments, they are so real and seem so important. Each event is written in the journal of our minds, and I suppose in away, made us who we are today and not to forget, gave us funny stories to write about in the future!!

6th grade Science Project

2010-04-14T23:37:00.000-06:00

Vance did a great job on his sixth grade science project. We picked a pretty simple project because he sort of forgot to tell me about it during spring break!! :) We still had two weeks though, so we did fine. Vance is such a smart kid. I was very proud watching him, and talking with them about all the aspects of why the planes flew or didn't fly as well, and how we should arrange things. I love my little man!

Our Visit to Grandma Zola

2010-04-14T22:56:00.001-06:00

It was so nice to see Grandma Zola during spring break this month. We went down with Kjell on some jobs in Portland. We visited some of our old homes we lived in, and even dropped by Vance's elementary school and got to see his teacher that he had for kindergarten and first grade. He loved that!!
It was really hard seeing Grandma this way, she is very tired. Kjari and her really hit if off, it was so cute, they were dancing together! It was really special to see. The boys were a little nervous, but I think it was good for them. I stayed for an extra hour alone and Kjell took the kids back to Aunt Linda's house. It was bitter sweet. It is hard seeing someone you love in front of you, but not sure if they really know you are there. Kjell gave her a blessing before we left. She did not want us to go, adn that was heart breaking. I love my Grandma. She is an amazing women who has lived a wonderful, honorable life.

St. Patricks Day

2010-04-14T22:42:00.000-06:00

I didn't catch any photo's of the mischief the leprachans left this year, but we did have a fun "beautiful" dinner as Kjari would say!! I love the fun simple holidays!!!

Great Job Gjori and Kjellsen!!!

2010-03-15T15:01:00.000-06:00

This last friday, Gjori and Kjellsen participated in there school Talent show!! It was SOOO fun, and they both did so well. Kjellsen has a love and a talent for drawing. He ended up being the only one to submit art, so they actually had him do a reviel type thing as the first act. He was so cute after he revieled it he ask if anyone had any questions, but the lady didn't here him ask, so they moved on, and so his anxiety started up and he ran off the stage and we found him in the corner of the gym crying. I felt so bad for him because he really was so excited about it and did such a good job. We finally got him to come sit down and watch the rest of the show, and with in a few minutes he was having a good time again. Gjori chose to do a magic show!! It was really awesome! He did three tricks including one where he had his principal come up. He did such a good job!! My only worry for Gjori was that he would giggle thu it and he ended up having everyone in the croud laughing and it was just really fun!! I was so proud of both of them. After the show, Kjellsen was overwhelmed by how many people came and looked at his drawings and loved them. So many people talked to him and it really made him feel so much better. The best part is his principal ask him if it would be ok if they displayed them in the new school display cabinet for a few months. That made his day. I think he is going to love seeing that at school today.
They also had a bake sale silent auction, so I made up 5 plates of truffles!! It was fun and I really like how they did it, I think they raised a lot of money for the school.

Monty's 40th Birthday Party

2010-03-15T13:53:00.000-06:00

I thought I would post the awesome party that our friend Carrie threw for her husband Monty's bithday. Kjell and some of there friends went and played air soft to keep him busy while we set up everything at the church building. Carrie worked for months on this party and it turned out so cute. It was a hunting/red neck theme. She had all sorts of decorations, a slide show, and tons of games, including a gunny sack type race that she used deer bags for. Everyone came in camo or hunting clothes. It was really fun. Carrie actually cut and shaped the deer cake made from Red Velvet cake!! It turned out really cute!!

Kjari......

2010-02-22T11:18:00.004-07:00

Before.....(This was in October)

After.......

From the Salon fix up....

Ok, now that I have dried my tears, and can talk about it...(sort of teasing..) I had to post about Kjari's self hair cut!!Another thing we do for Valentines day is, for the month of February, we each have little mail boxes, and I have supplies for Valentines to be made in hopes that everyone will leave little notes to each other. So hence scissors were out.......Gjori was home sick that day and I was upstairs cleaning. Gjori came running up telling me, "mom you are going to be so mad at Kjari..." Then around the corner comes the little princess herself!!

I was so impressed with what the stylist was able to do!! Her hair actually looks really cute now, but not exactly what I would have chosen for her!! The funny thing is the last few days she has gotten upset with ME because I wont put braids in her hair!! :)

Classroom Valentines

2010-02-22T11:05:00.003-07:00

I had fun making the kids Class Valentines this year!! With Kjellsens allergy to red dye, I decided no candy this year on the cards. (He got plenty at the party to give away!) So I found this adorible idea on the Insanity blog, (you can find link on my list of blogs, she always has fun party etc.. ideas) Anyway. I made up 5 batches of play dough and made it as red as possible, and we cut out 55 3/4 inch hearts and put them in celephane bags, and attatched little cards the kids signed!! The picture only shows the first half!! It took forever but was worth it! I was at the parties and the kids loved that they got something they could take home and play with!! It was sad that Vance, now a big middle schooler, didn't need Valentines this year!! He didn't seem to mind, but sad for me!! :) For the teachers this year, I found the cutes little fuzzy Valentines Socks!! I couldn't resist and got a pair for me too!! :)

Valentines Day!!

2010-02-22T10:44:00.005-07:00

I had lost a cord to get pictures on my computer, so I am way behind on our blog. Since I plan on printing this off someday as my make shift journal, I will be posting over the next few days some photos from our adventures over the last 6 months, out of date but at least they are here, for today though, I am going to post our fun annual Valentines Dinner, as Kjari has now named them our beautiful dinners. Everynight since that night she asks if we can have a "beautiful dinner"again, meaning I think that she wants candles and our fancy glasses. Here are some pictures from our dinner!

Happy Valentines Day!!

2010-02-09T18:42:00.003-07:00

Kjell and I both LOVE Valentines day!! We make it all about our family!! Probably because we celebrate our anniversary just a few weeks before!! But I still wanted to post a picture of my Valentine and me!! I won't get too gushy since I did just post about him, but to be honest he is pretty great and it is hard not too!! I love being married!! Married love it so awesome, I never have to wonder if I have a Valentine or not!! I am glad to know that forever and all Eternity, I will always have not just any Valentine but I will always have him!!

Last night at Family Home Evening, we were talking about standards, and why it is important to protect our standards that we are given, because Satan is always trying to get us to break them even in little ways. We talked about how the next 10 to 15 years for them will be so important and that Satan knows that, and he will try to get them to break the standards our Heavenly Father has given us to protect us. Now is the time more then ever that Satan wants them to break those standards because some of the most important decisions they will ever make such as going on a mission and who and where they marry will be effected. Making little choices that break there standards can make it very difficult to achieve these goals. So we talked about how, it was important for both Kjell and I to find someone who honored those standards in the same way....So Gjori piped in right away and said, "wow, you guys are really lucky, no more challenges for you." Well... that gave us a pretty good laugh, and made us both think hard. By no means has Satan left us alone... and he never will. We have seen his influence in our lives many times and had to really hold to those same standards to fight him off. But it did make me so grateful for my temple marriage and for a man who knows what is right and knows what he needs to do to protect himself and our family from challenges that we don't need so that we can have the strength to fight the ones that come anyway!! I love you Valentine!!

Carissa

2010-01-30T15:17:00.004-07:00

Photo Credit: Martie @ http://martieshouse.blogspot.com/

Many hearts are broken today. And many tears are being shed. A wonderful family has been temporarily seperated from one of their own. My awesome, friend from Montana and her family, lost her little girl yesterday. I have been in tears all morning, and feel so helpless being here so far away from a this family. I was so lucky to watch Carissa once a week for the begining parts of her life. I remember seriously waking her up, so I could snuggy with her!! Knowing that if I didn't she would be perfectly content to just sweetly sleep in her car seat for the few hours her mom was at the school. Kjari would be off playing with the older two girls so it was just me and Rissa!! She really filled a much needed baby fix!! Like ALL the little girls and the one little man, in this amazing family, her smile would melt you. The spirit felt from this family alone was always one of love and sweetness. Carissa will be sooo missed. It really never makes sense to me when things like this happen, but I do have a testimonly of our Loveing Heavenly Father's plan for us, and that includes his sweet daughter Rissa. So my heart mostly breaks for the family and for the friends who will miss out on her sweet smile and wonderful spirit!!
Our family continues to pray for you Amy and Blair, and we love and miss you too!!

Happy Anniversary

2010-01-19T16:50:00.002-07:00

Yesterday Kjell and I celebrated our 13th anniversary. It was a pretty normal day, the kids had off for MLK day, so we did have a nice sleeping in, and despite new year diets I made Kjell's favorite sweedish pancakes with whip cream and blueberries, Kjell made fried potatoes and bacon and Kjellsen made scrambled eggs. It was fun for all of us, and we all enjoyed it. Kjell took the kids to the park for a few hours and let me just relax and get ready for our date. We went to Outback, and had an awesome meal. Then we had to go to Cold Stone!! Kjell was so sad to find out... no more black cherry topping! But he enjoyed a huge blueberry sweet cream. My good friend watched Kjari for us, so we swung by and picked her up and came home. It was a fun night. I can't believe we have been married 13 years. Time has really flown. We will both be 35 this year!! It really hit me the other day when I realized we only have 3 years until our 20 year reunions!! So wierd.

Well one thing that Kjell has always done is make me feel young! So I am grateful for that. I love you honey!! Thanks for putting up with me for all these years! He is amazing, really, those who have ever lived with me are nodding there heads!! :)

Hello again!!

2010-01-13T19:16:00.002-07:00

Ok, I am going to try with the new year to get back to my blog. I have a ton of pictures I would like to update on here, so there may be a few old posts, but I will try to keep up to date too!! My newest adventure is training for a 5 k run in March, so I am hopeing to journal a bit each week on that too. I am feeling pretty good about it, it really isn't a big deal, 5k is only a little over 3 miles.
So, as soon as I get my pictures up and loaded I will start posting again!! I love getting on here, because it reminds me to check all my friends and families blogs too and it makes me feel closer to everyone! So... enjoy!

Our new home!

2009-10-28T11:37:00.002-06:00

I know I have taken forever on this, but I have finally gotten the photos in the computer. As some may know, I loved decorateing. I always decorate on a dime. Meaning I love to see what I can do without spending crazy amounds of money. My new favorite obsession is re doing furniture. Painting, covering whatever it takes. So fun.

The challenge in this house is, (not to mention the loss of about 900 square feet) I have brought all my decorateing with me from my house, and the colors don't go so well with this home we are renting. I don't want to go out and change everything I have since of course we don't plan on renting here forever, so I have had to really change alot of things, as simply as I could. So, here are the pics of our temporary home here in Washington!!

2009-10-28T11:13:00.002-06:00

I finally decided to cut her hair!! She has such beautiful hair but unfortunately it is like mine, takes constant up keep to keep from not looking stringy. She was so excited and loved the thought of getting her hair done. I put a before picture so you could see how long it had gotten. I love it now the way it is!!

Update!!!

2009-08-07T11:31:00.002-06:00

Ok, there is no way I can really do justice to a real update, but I will make the very long story short. We pulled the house from the market and our now renting to a really nice couple and there two little girls. All in all it has really been a blessing finding them. So... finally I packed up the last of our things, and we left to head to be with Daddy!! YEAH!! We just got here two nights ago, we are going to look at a few homes today. It really hasn't hit me until just recently how tired I am. This last year has really draned me but we made it!!! Kjell is so happy to have us here, and even more happy that it worked out that we didn't have to sell our home, he is hopeing that means he can continue to hunt in Montana over the years!!! I am just happy we don't have to sell in this really low market.

I will try to update again soon, we already miss our wonderful friends in Montana. Kjari has already started asking to go home. It may be a while, but I dream that we may be able to do that someday. Thank you to everyone who helped us get going!! We will miss you all!!

Our Home!

2009-06-10T10:53:00.002-06:00

It is official! It is on the market! Sad and exciting at the same time! Here is a link to some photo's of our home. I wish we had taken some before, we pretty much re did almost all rooms!! Enjoy!

http://crazymomwife.smugmug.com/photos/swfpopup.mg?AlbumID=8508793&AlbumKey=kemE3

I Heart Faces - week 17

2009-05-05T21:31:00.011-06:00

http://www.iheartfaces.com/
Kids catagory:
I have never done this before and by no means consider myself a proffesional, but I love photography!!! This week's contest is asking for faces with hats! I remembered this photo I had taken of Kjari, it has always been one of my favorites.

If you want to see more of the photo's entered check it out at http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/

Misc Easter

2009-04-24T11:27:00.002-06:00

We bought and boiled 5 dozen eggs this year and simply never got around to coloring them. When I saw a bowl of these white eggs, it reminded me of this picture of the savior and how much I love it. I think I like the white eggs better?? What do you think?

I made these yummy treats that I found the recip for on the blog that is listed on my list of blogs it is the My insanity one! They turned out so cute and so yummy!

I didn't get many great pictures on Easter Sunday, but I did catch a few, she looked so cute!! She LOVED it, it was really longs so of course she felt like a princess!!

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-24T11:16:00.002-06:00

WE went to the biggest Easter egg hunt I have ever heard of. A local family holds this on there ranch every year, typically with 5000 eggs. Alot already, but this year in honor of her husbands 50th birthday, they had 50,000 eggs, no joke, they were spread out for miles on all these rolling hills it was truly amazing to see!! It was a little crazy, as you can see from the cars, so many people came from all over. They had tons of prizes and an airplane that dropped 50 stuffed animals thru out the hunt. This family does this all on there own with a few donations from local businesses. It was really fun!!

It took a bit to get her to look at the bunny, but once she did her eyes were locked!!! I love this age!!

A tradition...changed a bit...

2009-04-24T11:09:00.002-06:00

Ok, so if you look back in my archives I believe I have posted the last few years of our passover dinners. We have been doing that too, since the kids were really young. We usually do costumes etc.. and eat tradition foods. This year, we changed it a bit. It is sort of funny, but Kjell and I went to the store to pick up some flat bread, and some where along the way our whole menu changed and we got really excited about making Felafel's!! Way off, wrong part of the world, but as we started it just started sounding so good, we ended up making hummus and an yummy yogurt cucumber sauce!! We had asperigus and a yummy fruit salad. Everything was soooo yummy! We talked about he passover, but not quite like we have in the passed. But it was a really fun night! We were so glad that Kjell was home for Easter, this was his first home with us in two years!!!

My favorite days....

2009-04-24T10:58:00.002-06:00

My APSOLUTE favorite way to spend a day!! I say it all the time, but seriously, NOTHING brings me more just pure happiness then a day alone with my family at some form or water. I don't care if it the ocean beach, the bank of a river, whatever. Cold, warm, windy, whatever I don't care. These are the the images I always want in my mind, always!

We took advantage of the first day that daddy came home, right before spring break, and we packed a pic nic and spent the whole afternoon into the evening there. (missing Vance's swimming party for scouts, sorry again Vance!)

It was so fun watching Kjari join the big boys in there exploring under the bridge, throwing rocks, laughing and smileing! Pure Joy!!! I can't wait until we are together again, and we can do this more often! I guess it will be the Ocean beaches again in Washington, I can't wait, but we will miss these beautiful holes we find to play in here in Montana!!

Conference Donuts

2009-04-24T10:44:00.004-06:00

We started a "tradition" of sorts years, and years ago, when our oldest two were just very little. Every Saturday morning before Conference we start out with donuts. I believe it began because one year when we were in Portland, a Krispy Cream had just opened near us, and I believe Kjell just wanted an excuse to go get some!! Well it stuck. There have been years, especially when we were in school, that we did not splurge on store bought donuts, but we would make them!! But either way we have never stopped. This last few conferences, except for this last one, Kjell was actually in town and had taken charge of makeing sure we had our donuts. We have a bakery here in town called Hemple's ( I think that is what it is called!) Wonderful!! Anyway, this last time, I really just had not remembered to even plan. But that Saturday morning, Vance woke me up early and said, hey are we going to get the donuts? I was like, ok, sure. I said I'll just run over to Smith's and pick some up. He said, no way! He reminded me that this would be our last conference here in Great Falls, and Daddy had always taken him with him to Hemples and he really wanted to do that while he could. I couldn't resist, so we headed off, early to Hemples. It was great. We had donuts to munch on all weekend! Strange how much longer they last with out Daddy around! hee hee :)

Middle aged (not quite) Mommy Musing

2009-04-22T08:35:00.006-06:00

I have been talking about age alot lately. I guess it is happening, I have entered my mid thirties I guess I should start acting like it. But it hit me this morning, what effects age has done to me, and I am not talking physical, that is a whole other story and time that I probly won't share with you all!

But again, I am realizing h0w wonderful it is to truly begin to know yourself. It can also be scary. I am more and more aware of my faults, and in a strange way, knowing them makes them easier to accept and change if I ever decide I want to.

One fault that I believe I will be working on eternally is learning to be punctual. Seriously anyone who is reading this now and knows me is saying uh huh, about time you figured that one out! Sadly, I see myself in the spirit world, after life, and some great, great grandchild is coming and I will show up late for there welcome. Ok that was a little disturbing, but my point is, I am always late. It doesn't matter how much I prepare ahead of time, how early I get up, I am always late.....(side note, somehow I married a man, exactly like me in this area, my poor poor children) :)

Ok, I am going to take a moment to try to counter act those negative thought in case the "Secret" is true. **SMILE** **I am on time always** ** I make time to relax after prepareing to get ready** Hee hee!!! Ok, back to my thoughts....

BUT... what I am learning now is to let go of the reasons before that I hated being late. I hated disappointing other people, not because it would effect them, I still feel bad about that, but I would hate them thinking less of me. HELLO, anyone who knows me knows that I am this way, and I do still have a few people who love me and hang on to my life. :)

So this last year I am doing it for me, and for my kids, so I can attempt to change this for them. Not that I believe it is passed on, if that were the case, we would not even be having this discussion, my parents have ALWAYS been the type that if you were not 10 minutes early you are late. WHY COULDN'T THAT BE PASSED ON!! But I don't know someone could argue that I have always been a bit rebellious, maybe I am going against that, odd, though I don't think it is punishing my parents now, so what is the point!! :)

Anyway, I have been letting go of perfection and accepting my limitations. My Narcolepsy, really does make it difficult. One of the symptoms that not to many people are aware of is called Automatic Behavior. I may look like I am moving forward doing things, but my mind has shut down, what would normally take someone 10 minutes to do, I might do it in 35. So combine that crazy thing with the distractions of taking care of 4 kids at the same time... well it simply is a recipe for disaster. BUT... I am not giving up.

This morning, as I was dropping the boys off to school, mind you before the last bell had rung, the boys waved there goodbyes, breakfast in hand as they ran. This nice man, leaned over to my truck and said, "quick breakfast today huh?" In the past that would have crushed me. Who knows why, this man was really just trying to be funny and probably related since he too, was just now dropping them off. But today, as I drove away, I thought to myself. YES, that was a quick breakfast. But if he only knew, that we had seriously only woken up 12 minutes before that moment!! If he only knew that this is what we had accomplished in those 12 short minutes:

Got all three boys up

Got myself dressed

Got my oldest in the shower with a towel and orders to wash his long shaggy hair or I was going to cut it...

Found socks for all of them

Actually did cut my 6 year old's hair, mostly a repair from the job he did when he was mad at his teacher the day before...

Ordered them all to brush teeth and wash faces (although can't confirm at the moment if all 3 complide with this one) :)

Signed homework folders

Signed a note from a teacher, telling me that my second son had reached Orange.. again....

Had a quick talk on responsibility and how he was going to make that not happen again..

Another quick talk about the fact that he will keep getting on Orange if he keeps seeing it as 'Her' problem and not his.

Prepared a quick but totally nutritious breakfast for them to carry out.... Peanut butter (protein) on whole grain bread. Yes I said bread not toast, but they didn't seem to mind! :)

AND... Drumb roll.... Got them to the school before the second bell!!!!

I have to say I am impressed myself just seeing it all in print!!!

Don't even ask my we only woke up at 8:12 am......... :)

Daddies Girl

2009-04-17T13:55:00.005-06:00

Kjari woke up this morning, (in my bed of course, bad habit that must be broken soon!) and she was so excited. I mean you could see it in her eyes, she told me this:

Kjari: "Daddy came and visited me last night!!"

Mom: "Really what did you guys do?"

Kjari: "We played with toys, and he put on music... all kinds of music mommy!"

It was so sweet, she loves him so much. In her whole life, he has been gone probably 70% of the time, but she knows he is HER Daddy! She always tells me that. She always asks me, if she can call "my daddy". When ever she see's other men, she says that is "her" daddy, or "his" daddy. She ALWAYS knows where her daddy is, and calls him whenever she wants. She seriously will have 20 minute full conversations with him on the phone in a way that most 2 and half year olds can't even begin to communicate. She asks him, what he is doing, she tells him about what she is doing, what her brothers are doing, what her stuffed animals are doing etc.... If she can't think of what to day she says, "Daddy...um...um....um.... Daddy......um....um....um..."Just making sure to keep him on the phone until she can come up with something else to say!! It cracks me up every time. I am so happy for her that she has a daddy, who is patient enough to listen to all her stories and ask her questions. Anyway, just had to journal that cute dream, I told her to come get me next time and we call all play with toys and dance to the music together, and she said, OK!! mommy, I will!!!

Happy Birthday Kim!!!!

2009-04-11T10:47:00.008-06:00

Today is my big sister's birthday!! Happy Birthday Kimmy!!

Memories of Kim:

1. All her horse pictures on our wall.

2. Her pictures of Wham!!!
3. Her awesome clothes I always stole from her!!

4. Playing Little House on the Prairie on our bunk beds.

5. Her being so concerned about my fingernails, and making sure they are beautiful!! ;0

6. Getting our "Share" barbie dolls along with our Donny Osmond, complete with purple socks.

7. Her letting me play with her and her friends.

8. That she LOVED to read!!

9. Her love for Drama!! I loved seeing her in her school plays. And knowing my big sister was almost always the lead role!!

10. Making movies!! :)

11. Working together @ Micky D's!! Talking her into things since she was the manager!!

12. Hanging out at her apartment!!!

13. Being in the young adult ward together.

14. Her coming to visit in Seattle, hanging out at Pikes Market!!

15. Knowing now that we are best friends, and still look out for each other even after all these years.

I love you Kim!!! Thanks for being a wonderful big sister and Friend!!

Random Thoughts about....... ME!

2009-04-03T12:19:00.004-06:00

I haven't post in a while. Busy with life as usual. My wonderful friend took Kjari earlier this morning so I could get some much needed projects going. It was so nice to work for hours un interupted, music blairing of course!! I got so much done in what felt like so litte time. I am running to the school now for the afternoon. I am going to so miss the wonderful people like Amy. It takes time to develope these kinds of friendships and I am so sad to have to start all over again. I am so grateful for the gospel. I think about how many times we have moved, and how we feel at home right away in our new ward, surrounded by family. That is a wonderful feeling. I am not sure if I could have done all this moving with out that. But even with that it takes time.

I miss my hubby so much though, and it will be so worth it.

I am feeling reflective today. Maybe it is that I had two hours alone..... my mind could acutally think. It doesn't happen often enough. But I am truly grateful for all I have. I am grateful to be older today too. Odd that I would think that, but I really am starting to feel like, I am me. I think only time can help you really get to know yourself. For the first time I don't miss being younger, not really knowing what I wanted to do or who I wanted to be. My life is perfect. I mean sure, I have MANY things I want to change, many things about my body, my home, my kids, my life even, but really it is what it is. It is exactly how I made it. And things will happen when I decide to make them happen, or they won't. I guess I have just grown over the years into me. I don't feel the need to apologize for things that other people really could care less about. I know I am imperfect, I know I have a million things I want to improve in my life, but I am no longer using others scales to figure out what. I know longer feel like I even have the power to really do that alone. I don't feel like I have to do anything for anyone else, so some how that makes me open to want to do everything I can FOR anyone else. Does that make sense?? I know I am rambling, but hey this is my random thoughts right?

I am going to quote a song, I love. It was a song from a play that our RS performed a year or so ago.

"Am I enough.... what do other see...

when they pass me by I wonder what they think...

If they knew... how I really felt inside,

oh I want to change the insecurities I hide...

simple and plain, nothing and beautiful and grand...

what could I be, if place in your hands.....

Could I be more.... Confident and happy

Could I be more.... SURE OF WHO I AM...

Will you polish and refine me, make me stronger then before,

thru you I hope to become more......

Thru You I will become............ MORE."

I am just so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ, and feel like I need to say that to everyone. I know that He Lives and only thru him can I make it in this life so imperfect, and only thru him I can become more of what He and I want for me and my life. I hope that I can always remember that.

Wow, I need more moments alone.... :)

Homemade Bread

2009-03-23T22:40:00.002-06:00

(I took this great picture from a wonderful site, asweetpea.wordpress.com/category/sp-boulangerie/)

It is late, I am waiting for the last of the six loafs of bread I made to come out of the oven. In an attempt to lower the grocery bill, I thought, hey I can make bread?? But I am wondering, as the first two loafs came out and was devoured quickly by 3 boys and a tiny little girl, I thought, ok, well, I might be saving the money, but I do have to make four times what I need just to have enough for the things I would normally need bread for!! :) Maybe the novelty will wear off soon. I don't know, I personally don't think I will ever be able to resist a hot piece of homemade bread with butter right out of the oven. :)

MY DYSON!!

2009-03-17T10:41:00.003-06:00

Ok, so I did it! I bought a DYSON!!! My hoover died on me. I was so disapointed. I loved it for about a month! I mean LOVED it! And then, the suction died. Now, the suction was still awesome on the hose, so I would seriously vacuum all my rugs, by hand with this hose! Ok, so that only lasted another month or so, and I had to return it.
I was so blessed to seriously come accross a dyson that was on clearance and rung up even a hundred dollers less then that clearance price!!! YEAH!! I was so excited and even picked one up for a fellow Dyson dreamer!! It is awesome.
Vance is convinced that i have lost it! My excitetment about my new tool, has his rolling his eyes so much I am sure he is going to lose them!! He just doesn't get it!!!

Fun Give away!

2009-03-10T23:07:00.002-06:00

I have become obsessed with the cutest things, so one of my favorite sites is on the side bar, the princess and her hair! I find so many cute things there, right now she is having an awesome give away from a very cute affordable site. I just checked it out today, and even if I don't win, I am going to order. The beanys are adorible!! Check it out.
http://flowerzinherhair.com/
If you want to enter the give away too, click on the link on my side bar to The Princess and her hair! You'll love them both!

Vance let me take pictures of him!!!

2009-03-01T18:32:00.004-07:00

My funny Vance. He HATES having his pictures taken. He is so cute, I can't understand why, but I guess I am his mom. It might be that he has had a camera in his face most his life living with me, but who knows. :)

So this morning before church I got all the boys taken!! I love my boys. Boys are amazing, knowing what they can become makes me appreciate them everyday even more. They are wild, crazy, busy, and so loving! I love you Vance, Gjori and Kjellsen!

Music

2009-02-26T10:06:00.005-07:00

Ok, my sweet neighbor and friend turned or should I say tuned me into Pandora.com!! Holy smokes I am in love. Some of you may know some may be surprised, but I am a 70's and 80's music junkie, literally, sometimes I need it as a drug. No seriously, you just don't understand! :) My poor sweet husband really doesn't understand!

Sad I know, I blame my narcolepsy, but whatever it is, when I can not seem to get motivated or start to feel overwhelmed, like lately with all the moving and sorting and packing etc... if I can crank the music and loud, I literally dance my way thru it. I need to dance, as I move from room to room! (I know probably not a picture you wanted in your head)

Finding this station is amazing! You can put in a song or artist you like, and it literally creates a station suited to you. The more you listen the more perfect it gets, if it picks a song you don't like, you just click it and it sends it to a different directions. You can also have more then one station going, for example I have my ANYTHING BOX station!! One of my favorites, it now pretty much plays them, (one of my ultimate favorites) and Pet Shop boys, (a close second) and Depeche mode, The smiths, OMD, etc... I love it!!

Then there is my other side, lets just call it my Abba and Belida Carlile side! Oh, yeah, I love to pump this loud when I have tons of work ahead of me, It is great, Kjari loves it too, I have the Mama Mia sound track and she LOVES to dance with me to it.

Short Movie review by Crystal:
(first warning, I only watch movies on my clearplay machine, so if I recommend a movie to you, take note, there might be things I don't know about them... :))

This movie is my new lifetime favorite! Funny things is the first time I watched it I didn't like it. Mistake: I watched it with my hubby! Ok, so we were both laughing and thought it was just too silly, who knows you know how you get going and that is just what it seemed like. We also got int a ton, so the next evening when Kjell was not around, I put it back in to see the whole thing thru! I LOVED IT!! Oh, my and of course already being a ABBA fan, made it even more fun!

Ok, back to the subject, so as you can see I have wide varying tastes in music, because my third channel has all Led Zeplin, Pink Floyd, etc... I mean really how soothing is hearing a talented awesome guitar solo so loud that you feel it in your blood! Seriously a drug for me.....I am not kidding.

I love Reggae and some techno pop, I mean seriously I am everywhere!

I honestly don't know what inspires me to choose one to listen too one day and another the next, but music is it for me! I just need it.

Now I also have days I need to feed my spirit and I love to listen to, here you go, don't laugh, but old Seminary stuff, like Afterglow! But I do have new favorites too, like I love love love, a shocker here for me since I am not really a country fan, but Joseph: A Nashville tribute!

So, I have always thought I was odd, because I like such diversity in music. In my dark hair, white face, all black stage of Junior high (yes that was me for a short time) I would have hated someone like me! Now I just know that I love music! All of it.

(Ok, still can't handle much twangy country, or rap or lets just say most garbage or anything that is heavy yuck rock with no point like metalica etc..) Ok, So I am still a bit of a music snob, but what can I say, I have good taste!!

Snow Day!

2009-02-25T16:43:00.002-07:00

The last few weeks have been typical Montana weather, one day playing at the park, and the next day waking up to snow. This day last week was so nice, it was almost warm out, but the snow hadn't melted yet! I love this first picture of Kjari throwing the snowball at Vance!!

I couldn't keep up with the boys as they were running around the nieghbor hood in what became an all nieghboor hood snow ball fight! I love it, I will miss that part of this nieghbor hood!

Vance

2009-02-24T09:18:00.004-07:00

Vance has been begging me for a few weeks now to help him make a pie. He checked out a really old cook book from the library and decided he wanted to make a coconut cream pie. I bought him all the ingredients quite some time ago, but finally on Saturday we got too it. In the middle of two painting projects and alot of cleaning! But it turned out really good. I think that Daddy has a new partner for Thanksgiving and Christmas late night pie making session!

A House of Order

2009-02-21T08:16:00.004-07:00

Ok, I am trying to remember that I started this blog originally so that I would actually journal the crazy life of the Nykreim's. I have done some of that, and some more on top of that. But, as my word for 2009 is ORDER, I remembered that I need to add some order to my blog. Right now my life is about as crazy as I think it can get, with Kjell being gone since September, trying to prepare an already fixer upper for sale, packing and sorting for an out of state move, and taking care of four kids under ten, Oh... and on top of that trying to maintain some sense of ORDER!! Ok, but I am reminding my self every morning that the Lord PROMISES he will not give us things we cannot handle. So.....back to my word. I need to establish more order again. I strongly believe in baby steps. These are my goal for the next week.

1. Maintain what is working and simply add another step:

My kids of course thrive (and so do I) on order, we will maintain our usual devotionals at night, bedtime routine, but we will add having them lay out there clothes for the next day.
See my perfectionist brain tells me, oh that isn't that big of deal that should be easy right? But I am going to stop myself and add that ONE thing for this week.

2. Flylady:
I am going back to my flylady routines, (if you don't know who she is, you must be new to the Internet, or a born organized person and if so you might not enjoy my blog too much! Just teasing, I will let born organized people read, you just can't comment!! .......No I am teasing again, I would love your comments....... unless they go something like, (order is so easy, you just simply do it!! :)) (Or my kids just do all the work GAG!) (Or I just get up 3 hours before the rest of the family!!!) Ok :) Ok. http://www.flylady.net/

So, back to my basic morning routines of flylady and adding......two 27 fling boogies a day.
(This should be easy and very helpful for me since I am moving)
***Definition: 27 fling boogie- Take a garbage bag and pick a room, and throw away 27 things. Then go back and pick 27 things to donate) If your not moving, and just want to declutter, and you are already not too messy, you could make this 10 or 15 or whatever you need. You would be surprised, when you look at things and think, does this truly bring me happiness or am I just hanging onto it because my crazy third Aunt (choose that one because I don't have a third Aunt, not even sure that exist...anyway) gave it to me for my wedding day. The throwing away might seem harder in rooms like your living room on some days, so pick a drawer in the room etc... But really it doesn't seem to be hard for me in most rooms, with 4 kids. I count everything... a candy wrapper, a torn piece of paper lost on the floor. (This is where you born organized people might get lost....., your thinking... "why didn't they just put those in the garbage" if you do find yourself thinking that, again, you probably don't need this at all!! ....Plus I will really repent of the bad thoughts that I might have of you. :) Teasing... I think.

3. Personal:
I am GOING to add some exercise in there too. I know it seems to me right now I have too much going on, but its like reading the scriptures we all know that when we do that first thing, our day goes so much better. No question. I know I will feel better and have more energy to do the rest if I devote some love to my body too!! It needs a lot of love right now!! :(
Ok, so to be more specific, I am going to add a work out, after I return from getting the kids to school. I will post more about that when I get started.

Ok, so I am off, to get back to my life!! It is Saturday, the kids did good helping with there Friday jobs yesterday so I know they won't be too excited when I let them know what we have planned for today......So here I go.....

Food Storage

2009-02-18T10:39:00.005-07:00

I don't know about any of you, but I have wanted for years, those awesome rotating shelves for food storage. But... have no desire to pay the thousands of dollars they would cost to have what I need. I found this on a blog today, and am in love! I am resisting starting the project today, since that certainly wouldn't be moving me forward closer to our move, though I have been really good at finding all kinds of projects to keep my busy so I can avoid packing or whatever. But I am going to hold off, really excited that when we do move, I will have tons of cardboard to work with!! I had an idea to cover them with colored duct tape to make them more sturdy. You can buy white duct tape, that would look nice, or you could even do like yellow for fruit, green for veggies, blue for soup, etc.... Anyway, thought I would pass this on!

Here is a link to a PDF form of the exact out line of how to make it.

http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/fsme/docs/shelfplan.pdf

This is the origional site that shows pictures of the shelves. This is a great blog!

http://mormonfoodstorage.blogspot.com/2008/09/pantry-paragon-or-how-to-make-your-own.html

This blog gives awesome step by step instructions and even has a video also a wonderful fun site for all kinds of food storage ideas:

http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/

( I will post pictures here as soon as I have permission from the wonderful author!)

Anyway, happy storing!!

Kjari

2009-02-17T15:13:00.005-07:00

Another cute hair idea I did for Kjari over Valentines day, even though we all stayed home all weekend with three of them sick!!

Questions for Kids, Valentines Day

2009-02-14T11:35:00.003-07:00

This was on a friends blog who asks these questions every year to her kids, I love it, I am stealing it!!

Vance (10 1/2) Gjori (9) Kjellsen (6) and Kjari (2 1/2)

1. How will you know when you are in love?
Vance: Ok, this is not cool.....
Gjori: I actually have no clue?
Kjellsen: When you get older
Kjari: I love Jesus
2. Why do kids give Valentine cards at school?
Vance: There teacher tells them to.
Gjori: Because I like them
Kjellsen: because I want to be nice
Kjari: yeah you got parties?
3a. How would you like to be proposed to (girls)?
Kjari: Uh, daddy yeah daddy
3b. How will you propose to your wife (boys)?
Vance: I am not doing this.... (took a while but we got him to come back!! :))
Gjori: By giveing her presents and other stuff
Kjellsen: I don't know
4. Why do people get engaged?
Vance: I don't know
Gjori: To love each other
Kjellsen: because they love each other.
Kjari: nice
5. How will you know when someone loves you?
Vance: well I wouldn't know
Gjori: I don't know
Kjellsen: They will tell me
Kjari: uhhh Jesus
6. How do you know your mom loves your dad?
Vance: hmmmmmm she sent him presents on Valentines day
Gjori: Because I hear you say it.
Kjellsen: Because they got married
Kjari: uhh
7. How do you know your dad loves your mom?
Vance: He sent her a card, overnighted
Gjori: Because he wants to stay home with her, and he cries when he leaves.
Kjellsen: Because they kiss
8. What do you think your mom and dad did on their first date?
Vance: Danced in washington
Gjori: Kiss each other.
Kjellsen: they danced
9. What is romance?
Vance: crap
Gjori: No clue
Kjellsen: I don't know
10. What is Valentines day?
Vance: birthday for St. Valentine
Gjori: A day for loving
Kjellsen: A day when you give people presents and a time that you love
Kjari: my diamonds?
11. Who is cupid?
Vance: A made up fairy tale character
Gjori: Person who shoots arrows at peoples butts and they fall in love.
Kjellsen: (Shrugged shoulders)
12. Did you get any special valentines this year?
Vance: no
Gjori: Yes
Kjellsen: Yes, it was from my mom
13. How old do you think you'll be when you fall in love?
Vance: 22 1/2
Gjori: 36
Kjellsen: 16
Kjari: I get married
14. What do you think about your parents' rule that you can't date until you're 16?:
Vance: Cool
Gjori: good
Kjellsen: Against the law?
15. Why do people get married?
Vance: Because they want to look inside the temple
Gjori: Because they want to.
Kjellsen: they love each other
16. Where do you want to get married?
Vance: The Temple in Rome
Gjori: A Utah temple
Kjellsen: At the temple
Kjari: uhh temple
17. What qualities do you look for in a boy/girl?
Vance: Smart, no facial hair, tall I guess, brunette, I won't marry a blond.
Gjori: Nice
Kjellsen: if they look pretty
.18. What would be a fun date?
Vance: fast food restraunt and playing on the equiptment
Gjori: bowling
Kjellsen: the movies
19. What do you want to get for Valentine's Day?
Vance: A lamborgini
Gjori: chock full of candy
Kjellsen: Another pokemon thing, because I lost mine
.20.Why do men give women flowers or chocolate?
Vance: because there on a diet
Gjori: Because they love each other.
Kjellsen: Because they love the girl
21. What do you think about kissing?
Vance: It is crap
Gjori: crap
Kjellsen: That it is bad, when you are not 16
Kjari: uhhh married
22. What will you wear when you get married?
Vance: White
Gjori: black
Kjellsen: Black
23. What will your husband/wife look like?
Vance: Brunette with green eyes, freckles.
Gjori: Probably skinny, and nice.
Kjellsen: short, blond hair, pretty

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-14T11:11:00.003-07:00

I usually make the traditional heart shape pancakes for breakfast today, but today I did something different. The eggs turned out perfect, the Cinnamon rolls were suppose to be hearts, but oh well, they tasted great! We toasted with your milk and water to Daddy! Wish he was here!

Kjari and Friends

2009-02-11T10:29:00.002-07:00

We had a little princess day! They are all such beautiful girls!

Valentines Tag

2009-02-10T14:43:00.004-07:00

♥ How long have you been together? 12 and 1/2 years

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating? A month or two.

♥ Who asked who out? I ask him!

♥ How old are each of you? He is 34 and I am 33.

♥ Whose siblings do/did you see the most? About the same for both.

♥ Do you have any children together? Four

♥ What about pets? Apsolultly not, one thing we love about each other! :)

♥ Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple? Of course right now, being apart!

♥ Did you go to the same school? No, I did take a class or two at the college he was going to at the time!

♥ Are you from the same home town? Nope. He is from Washington and I am from Idaho.

♥ Who is the smartest? Hmmm, he is definatly more math smart, I am more common sense and reading and writeing smart.

♥ Who is the most sensitive? Definitely me.

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple? We don't very often, but if we ever get the chance and we are alone it is usually some sort of mexican.

♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? Wisconsin I think? Butnot alone, with the kids of course. Alone, I think Missouri?

♥ Who has the craziest exes? Definitely him. He only had one or two, but from what I know they are crazy.

♥ Who has the worst temper? Me, no question.

♥ Who does the cooking? Definitely me, though he loves to cook and is willing to anytime.

♥ Who is more social? Definatly him! I make more close friends but in large groups he is always the loud one!

♥ Who is the neat freak? Hard to say, sadly neather of us are, but I like things to be neat and he doesn't seem to care much, so I would be more I guess.

♥ Who is the more stubborn? Both us us. I can prove that because I would say him and he would say me.

♥ Who hogs the bed? This would depend on who you ask.... :O)

♥ Who wakes up earlier? Definatly him!

♥ Where was your first date? To dinner and a dance.

♥ Who has the bigger family? We both have 4 kids in our families, but my extended family is definatly bigger, and my siblings have alot more kids!

♥ Do you get flowers often? Not very often but he knows I wouldn't like that, so when he does do it it means more.

♥ Who is more jealous? Definitely me.

♥ How long did it take to get serious? Are we serious yet? I guess that is what you would call us? Just teasing, not long, not long at all! :)

♥ Who eats more? Him.

♥ Who does/did the laundry? When I am home I do the most, but when he is around, he does it all!! (I know you are jelous!) :)

♥ Who’s better with the computer? Hmmm, depends on what you need on the computer, I would guess we are about the same.

♥ Who drives when you are together? If it is a short distance thing, I almost always drive, long trips, always him, he won't let me! He can't handle it! :)

Tag! You're it! (Pretty please??)

Music

2009-02-06T18:10:00.002-07:00

Music is always apart of my kids lives. We all love it, but nothing makes me smile more when they make up there own little bands. Even Kjari gets involved. This time they used the paino, the guitar, and some interesting homemade instruments!

2009-02-06T18:01:00.002-07:00

One of the hardest things about having Kjell gone is of course we all miss him so much, and he misses us too. This last time he was here, Kjari would not let him leave her side. She loves her daddy so much. I love the looks on her face when he walks in the room, and his too when he sees her! I love it!

Happy Birthday Kjell!!!

2009-02-03T22:02:00.004-07:00

Last Friday was Kjell's birthday, we were so glad that he was home with us. We celebrated it with some good friends, at one of our favorite mexican restraunts, (ok it is truly the only mexican restraunt around here that is decent, and decent is about the best word I can use), anyway, we went to dinner and then they came over and played Rock band with us! It was really fun! I made Kjell's favorite cake. I think as he puts it he made it up. It is chocolate cake, with chocolate pudding, cherry pie filling and whip cream on top, oh, and it HAS to be homemade whip cream. I made it special this year instead of the usual way, I made two 8X8 cakes and layered it all, then stuck it in the freezer! It was so yummy!!

Happy Birthday Kjell, I love you!

Valentines Day!

2009-02-02T09:30:00.002-07:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Valentines day!! I usually start celebrateing on February first. Well, Daddy was home this weekend, so we really just enjoyed our time together, celebrated his birthday (on the 30th) and we will be sending him on his way today back to Seattle. :(

But I have to confess, I bought things for some crafts, I want to do with the kids, and bought some things and have already planned a Valentines party with Kjari and her little friends, so I guess I did start even before February came around!

Every year since we had Vance, so for the last 10 years, we have always had a big fancy dinner with the kids for Valentines day. It has always been more of a family event for us since, we celebrate our Anniversary only a month before. The kids love it. The last few years we have added a mailbox to each send secret notes to everyone in our family the whole month of February. I just love hearing the kids express there love for each other. I found a cute idea on another blog about making there own little mailboxes, and she said she found these cute little ones at Target at there $ section, I bet you can guess where Kjari and I are running after we kiss Kjell goodbye!!! I love target! I heart Target, I am going to send them a Valentine for sure!!!

Anyway, we will be sad to not have daddy with us this year, but we will just have to pull out that handy web cam, not the same but makes it fun!

It's official, we are moving again!!

2009-01-26T12:01:00.003-07:00

Ok, I think it has been official for a while, but we have been dragging around hopeing something would change, but looks like it wont. We are moving to Seattle!! Its not the worse place in the world to live, in fact I loved it when I lived there when I was 20. That is where we met. All of Kjell's family is in the area. We have tons of old friends who are still around. There are alot of plus things about going there. The apsolute number one will be that we will be together all the time. Kjell has traveled the whole 4 years he has been with the company. I don't just mean minor travel here and there but usually a month at a time type thing and home for a few days. So we are soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ready to be together again.

The downs are all about leaving here. We are soooo sad to leave Great Falls. We LOVE IT HERE! We are already planning on retireing somewhere around here. We love the boys school, we love our ward, we love our nieghborhood, we love all our wonderful friends we have made here.

Ok, so I have to let those wonderful and awesome things go. And I do know that we will find new friends and wonderful things in addition to what we already know about the Seattle area. But it will definatly take some time to get over the loss.

12 years!!

2009-01-18T15:25:00.004-07:00

My sweet husband! I was so surprised this morning. Unlike ever before. I don't know what it is about me, but I am not easily surprised about most anything. Our 12 year anniversary is today. Not a big surprise that he is still out of town. I think this will be the third year that he has been gone on the day of our anniversary. I know some women would freak about that, but really I don't mind. We always do something when he does get home. But this time, wow. I am so surprised. This morning, at 8:30 I was finishing up some prep work for my sharing time for Primary today, and Kjell called. I was chatting and had decided a few days ago, I wasn't going to say anything. I usually do say something but this year I didn't. I really thought he forgot. We chatted a bit, and he told me they were going to an early sacrament meeting because they had to help out with the clean up after the horrible flooding they have been having in the Seattle are. So I just said, that's to bad, you'll have to do that on your special day, he totally played it off, like what do you mean... and I finally said, you forgot huh? And, yes my husband truly scares me at how well he can still tell me untruths! He did the whole, oh, I am so sorry. I can't believe I forgot. I even said to him "you are so lucky you have me for a wife." Some women would really care. We just laughed, and looking back I am so glad that I wasn't like some of those women who would have thrown a tantrum or I would have been really embarrassed. Anyway, just then my doorbell rang, and there were the Huston family. A dozen roses in hand, a pretty box from Victoria Secret, and a beautiful gift bag. My first thought was "how sweet of them." I had surprised Kathiann with just a small treat the night before for her birthday. I figured she just felt sorry for me and decided to be a Sweet friend. But then she told me that Kjell had been planning it all week with her. It answered why she had called the other day to ask me if I had any ideas for her, she wanted to go buy some new perfume and wanted ideas. She is too tricky! I seriously had no idea. So after really quizzing her to be sure she didn't just orchestrate the whole thing, I was very surprised and very happy. I LOVE the perfume! The roses are beautiful. They are called Velvet roses. Because they have little lines that make them look velvety. The other gift bag, was two boxes of Life cereal. One Cinnamon, and original. That was so sweet. He knows that they are my favorite. He also wrote me a very sweet letter, with a poem like thing on top. It was so sweet. I love him. Twelve years have gone by, I know a sweet friend told me that was cute, because she has been married much longer, but it feels like a long time. And it also feels like it just flew by. We have both grown up together really. We have both changed so much since we got married. I am so grateful that he is who I get to spend this life with and through Eternity!

I love you honey! Happy Anniversary!

My new hobby, enjoyment, addiction, not sure...

2009-01-16T09:18:00.003-07:00

I made my second set of baby doll dress and dress for Kjari. This is too much fun. I seriously think I could do this everyday! But, life went on of course, as I put everything aside and played, I mean sewed this yesterday. So I will be playing catch up on the house today, after I get back from the school later with Kjellsen. Ok, so here are the pictures. I know some of you are amazing seamstresses, so just remember this is my first dress that wasn't just a basic jumper style. I love it, I messed up on the zipper so that will be my next goal to get that down. But... i did my first sleeves on this baby doll dress, and it wasn't too bad!!

Another fun friend!

2009-01-15T09:46:00.004-07:00

For Christmas this year, Kjari got a stroller from Santa. This was something that, all her friends had, and usually was a sorce of contention when ever she went play at there houses. The other thing she got was this adorible barbie backpack! Her aunt got this for her for Christmas and I am pretty sure had no idea how much she would love it. This little friend who we play with often has had this princess backpack whenever she comes. Kjari could never let it go, she loved it so much, that would usually cause some problems too. So yesterday when this little girl came to play she brought her stoller and back pack, and they played the whole time, pushing there babies, all over the house. They were talking to them like they were little mommies! I couldn't resist, snapping a few pictures of the fun day!

Kjari's friends

2009-01-15T09:30:00.005-07:00

Kjari has so much fun with all her little girlfriends. I have fun with them too of course, perfect opportunity to dig out my camera! They are all too cute to resist! The stools are very poplular when these too come over, the funny things is they all established a long time ago, who gets what stool, and it stays that way everytime! They are watching, Barbie Diamond Castle, something. It's one of my favorites too! :)

Happy Birthday Kjellsen!!!

2009-01-07T16:36:00.003-07:00

Our wonderful Kjellsen turned 6 on New Years Eve, we know you were all celebrateing with us, as does the whole world, he is that awesome!

I just wanted to tell Kjellsen how much we love him and what a wonderful kid he is. Kjellsen is such a wonderful big and little brother. He loves all of his siblings and would stand up for any of them, and has many times! hee hee

Kjellsen makes us laugh! Non stop! He is so funny for such a little guy, that is why we call him littleman Shooter.

Kjellsen is an artist, when he sits down and draws, amazing thoughts are communicated! I just love seeing him doing something that he enjoys!

Kjellsen we love you! Happy Birthday!

Love, Mom, Dad, Vance, Gjori, and Kjari

Little girls....

2009-01-07T15:25:00.004-07:00

As most of you who know me know, I always wanted boys. If I could have had 12 boys, that is what I wanted. But, from the day I found out little Kjari was a girl, I thought to myself, it might be fun?! Then as wonderful caring friends and family began mailing me pink things, I thought, Oh no, I am definatly not one of those pink moms. Well... it didn't take long! Before she was a week or so old, I began LOVEING pink! I mean in all shades! I like it all. Purple too, and baby blue, all those fun cute girly colors! I just love them.

So I just wanted to post a few pictures of my adorible, wonderful, strong willed, amazing little girl. I love you Kjari!

Winter Blue's

2009-01-07T11:47:00.003-07:00

A wonderful friend posted about what kinds of thing they do to keep the kiddies busy, when it is so cold out this time of year. Christmas is over, no more major things coming up, (yeah!). So for us too, this is a wonderful time, to just relax, but that also means keeping busy. So this was our idea today, I love making playdough, but just didn't really feel like it today, so I pulled out our huge box of coookie cutters a good freind gave us years ago. I have used these cookie cutters for a million different things, and very rairly use them for cookies!! :)

So, lately when Kjari even see's a crayon she wants me to trace her hand. Then she wants me to trace it again, and then again, then my hand, then her's again. Anyway, you get the point, so today I pulled the cutters out and let her learn to trace in them! She loved it! I was planning on letting her at it and having 10 or 15 minutes to get some things done, but I have to admit, I had fun doing it too!

So, any of my readers, who would like to post something on your blog about what you do to keep the kids happy and busy and learning, post on your blog and be sure to leave a comment here to let us know to check it out!

My New Vacuum

2009-01-01T17:40:00.004-07:00

Ok, so I am sure I will never hear from Dyson, though I would still be up to it, I just simply couldn't wait! I needed a good vacuum now. So I continued my internet search and eventually ended up in Walmart. I really, wanted that Dyson.... but just simply didn't have $400 to spare. So... I bought my first hoover. It is the Hoover Mach 5. So far..... I am in love!! I love it. I had broken my decision making down to this one or a new one called the Infinity. I really like it and it looked great, but it came down to sticking to a brand I knew. And I have to admit, that the sticker on the box that read, "better then Dyson" sold me. Since it was at least half the cost. So... I brought it home. It is amazing. I have always had fairly cheap Vacuums, I just never realized sooo much why they are cheap. I emediatly opened it up and started Vacuuming! Seriously, I doubt many of you were Vacuuming your house at 7:00pm on New Years Eve... sad.. I know... Anyway, I vacuumed the area rugs on the main floor and the hallways and the family room! Oh my goodness, I could have been a vacuum sales person, gross, I can't believe I am showing you all this now, but I am! I am sold. So, now if Dyson were to want a real opinion on the earlier statement about weather or not the Hoover truly is better then the Dyson, I would still be very happy to give them a try, so for now, I will have to be a Hoover.... hmmm, nothing sounds very nice...... :) so we will see if I ever become a Dyson Diva!

I WANT TO BE A DYSON DIVA!

2008-12-29T10:01:00.003-07:00

I have to tell you a funny (probably long) story. As most or all of you if you know me at all, know I am a tight wad. Some would say that that was an understatement, but I will go on anyway.

The two years in our new home have been a floor challenge. As you know we had issues with the floor laying but that is another subject. We now have laminate flooring on our whole main floor. And carpet on the downstairs floor and hallways, and hard wood in all the bedrooms. Ok, I have always been a Bissell fan. Looking back probably because the cost was so great, and really it was a great vacuum and I loved the tools. But... sadly to say, I have ended up buying 3, count them 3 Bissells in the last 5 years. Ok, in my mind I was thinking, well that's ok, I love new things. But....one day, one of those vacuum sales guys came knocking. I was too nice to say no, and honestly my rugs on the main floor did need vacuuming, so I said why not. Of course as set up, I was horrified at the dirt he got out of my area rugs. And then to see what came out of my mattresses. UGH! He left me in shock. But being who I am he left with out a sale too. I immediately got online and was determine to find a good deal on that Vacuum. He quoted me something in the range of $2000. Of course before he left and had called his superior I think at least 3 times, he had said he could bring it down to, I think around $1400, but of course he wouldn't be getting any commission at that price, blah blah blah, but he just wanted sales. He had promised his fiance he would sell a certain amount of vacuums before he would come home. They were apart........How sad......but your talking to me. So I wished him luck with that, but no sale. That was over a year ago, I think about him every once in a while, I hope he made it home.... :)
Anyway, I did find online the same vacuum amazingly at at last half the cost, but then I was just disgusted with that company to find that out, so that began my real search for a "great" vacuum.

I am cheap, but I am picky. This is what I wanted:

* I wanted one that could go from rug to hard floor.
* One that would never lose suction
* One with great attachments
* One that is light weight
* Has a long cord
* Easy to clean

Oh, and I didn't want to pay to much of course.......

So, after a lot of research online, I went to a Vacuum store. I really thought I was going to put some money into a good machine this time, and not go just for the price. After a long time in the store, hearing all about different brands, but really not one solid opinion. My two youngest were running all over, knocking things down, spraying air fresheners etc... I decided that maybe I was just getting the wrong type of Vacuum, and bought a canister instead. He sold me big time on the Eureka boss, and told me that even though it was cheap I would not be disappointed. Exactly the right words for me. Thinking back, he was probably thinking, get this lady and her kids out of here! So....at first I loved it. It has all the wonderful attachments that I had just recently discovered in that other vacuum, and the suction appeared to be wonderful. And it did transition great to the hard floors. And I loved the special attachment handle for the stairs! That went on good for about 6 months. I would lose suction, but that was usually easily remedied by taking it apart, and un clogging it. Now a year later, the bottom part just simply isn't sucking at all. In fact it blows out. With out that on, the suction still works fine, but vacuuming a 2200 square foot home, with a tube, just isn't realistic.
So, my husband has begged me now, to buy a vacuum that will last. Again I am on my search. He said to me the other day, what about one of those Dyson ones? I really didn't know much about Dyson. I remember seeing it with that funky ball and thinking it seemed really expensive and moving on. So today I finally went online to do some more research and found the Dyson Diva site. So, I want to be a Dyson Diva. I want to try it and let all of you know how it works. If it is worth the cost and if it will provide my wish list from a vacuum above. So I hope I hear from them. I will keep you all up to date! My only hold back, is now that I have seen the videos on the site, I have to decide if I want to wait to hear from them, or go buy one now.....

Merry Chirstmas Eve!!!

2008-12-24T12:26:00.005-07:00

Kjell made it home safely yesterday just in time, for me to run out to a wonderful baptism of a new member of out ward. It was such a great reminder of why we are hear and what this life is all for. I saw Christmas different last night. As I get older (ugh) I feel like every year that "true meaning of Christmas" becomes so much more clear. Or maybe just different. I think as a child you know we are celebrating something very important. I know I was always taught that it was so much more then Santa Clause, Christmas tree's and presents. I have always known that. But last night. Having the opportunity to see what the true purpose of His birth was for, was such a wonderful, experience. To see another daughter of God, receive through the power of the Priesthood the blessings of baptism. That same power of the Priesthood that was restored on this earth and given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, through John the Baptist, and Peter, James, and John, who had directly received that power and that authority through Jesus Christ Himself. To receive the blessings that come with that, and to begin a new life, was exactly what the season is for. That is the reason that our Heavenly Father sent his son Jesus Christ to be born hear. To live a life that we can follow and learn from, to be baptized. I am so grateful for Him. I am grateful for his gift of the atonement. That He died for us and that He rose again. As imperfect as I am, I need Him. I need that Gift, and so does everyone. No other gift matters.

Thoughts for today.

2008-12-23T12:42:00.002-07:00

Yeah!! Daddy is coming home today!! We are all so excited. Its like Christmas break and vacation won't really even start until he gets here. That might be party because I have been a drill sargent trying to get everyone to help get the house in order, so we can ALL relax and enjoy our Christmas time with Daddy!
The weather has made it a long drive for him, he stayed in Spokane last night, and is going over the Idaho passes right now. He says it is pretty bad.
I am off, to make some more treats! I swear the first of the year.......................

I have a new hobby!

2008-12-21T18:40:00.002-07:00

Ok, I use to look at all those cute blogs out there, of women who serious post the pictures with instructions on how they have done there daughters hair, and think.....well it really wouldn't be nice to say, since now I loves these ladies!! One night I just decided that I wanted to do her hair in a way that we could wake up an go. I thought, I could try braids. I seriously and not very good at this sort of thing usually. I have never been able to figure out how to french braid. Even when I was little, my older sister would french braid my hair, she has always been good at it, even when we were both very young.
Anyway, I am now hooked! And Kjari loves it! Besides making her look like a "princess" which she loves, I have been doing her hair at night after her bath, and seriously, she has fallen asleep while I am doing it every time! She loves it.
So, I will not be posting my daily pics like all those wonderful talented women do, but I thought I would share a few. The great thing about alot of these looks is, I seriously put her to bed and in the morning just a little sprits and comb and she looks beautiful. Many times too, when I take the brades or twists out, her hair looks so pretty and full!
It is just too fun! Being the girly girl, I personally am, I really never thought I would enjoy this sort of thing as much as I do.

Easy Peasy!!

2008-12-16T20:47:00.002-07:00

A friend has ask me a few times now to post my new found favorite, easy recipes and a few other new ones I threw together for the bake sale. I LOVE LOVE LOVE things that do not require, crazy exotic ingredients, major amounts of waiting and sitting, and rising. I love things that I can throw together in a few minutes, and look and taste like I slaved over it with a perfect candy thermometer until it hits that just right ball (whatever the heck that is) stage. I simply don't have the desire or time. But... I love sweets, especially around this time of year, and I LOVE to make them to give away to friends. Personally I love to explore wonderful yummy healthy options too, but not to easy to find in this catagory!!
Here is my first favorite.
I am going to call this one:
EASY PEASY Peanut butter pleasy, (ok whatever!)
I found this recipe for the peanut butter fudge, and I added the chocolate, to make it peanut butter chocolate heaven! I am really not a peanut butter fudge fan and all! It is my least favorite of all holiday treats. But this..... I LOVE.
You simply take, two cubes of butter (a cup), and a cup of peanut butter and put it in a microwave safe bowl. Then put it in the microwave for 3 minutes. Take it out, and stir it until the butter and peanut butter blend and are creamy smooth. Return to the microwave for an additional 3 minutes, It does boil, so make sure your bowl is big enough to take that. When you get it out, (it will be hot!) add a teaspoon of vanilla, it kind of bubbles it all, just stir it in. Then pour it into a bowl of a half bag of powdered sugar and stir. It will get thick pretty fast, so just keep stirring with a wooden spoon until it blends. Then you pour it into a 8X8 pan that you have lined with wax paper that you greased with butter. I take another piece of wax paper and lay it across the top and push it all down so that it fills the pan evenly. Then I pour chocolate chips on top, and let is sit for a few seconds, it should still be pretty hot, and then spread out on top. Put the whole thing in the fridge to cool. Then just pop it out of the pan and cut! Sooooo good!

Saltine Toffee

2008-12-16T19:18:00.004-07:00

This is a classic recipe I am sure everyone has there own version of, but I just made it for the first time and fell in love. It took 15 minutes tops!

You melt in a pan two cubes of butter and one cup brown sugar, ( I think I might try two cups brown sugar next time). You lay out in a jelly roll pan......

(I just learned the other day that someone didn't know what a jelly roll sheet was. I guess growing up in Mormon home with big eaters, I might not of known those little pans that others know as cookie sheets actually existed! So anyway, in case you didn't know, to me it is just the larger Cookie sheet!)

Anyway....you lay out a sheet of foil on a your pan and butter it. Then you lay out 40 saltine crackers, (sounds funny, but so yummy!). When your sugar and butter get boil and get frothy, (see no dumb "ball" stage stuff" this should take about 3 minutes, then you pour that over your crackers and completely cover. You then put it in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.

As soon as you take it out, pour a whole bag of chocolate chips on top, and let melt and then spread out. Cool in the fridge to harden. Then just break and enjoy!

From what I hear, if you are not going to eat them right away, store in a a zip lock bag in the fridge or they will lose there crunch! Enjoy!!

Baskets For Bake Sale

2008-12-16T19:10:00.003-07:00

These are the baskets I threw together the night before the bake sale. I love this idea, of putting together something that is homemade and thought out, but won't break the budget. I made each of these basket including the basket themselves and grass, and covers etc... (not including the treats) for $5 to $6 a piece. We sold most of them for $15 to $20!! The mugs I put together for $1.75, and sold them for $5.

I love this sort of thing, and I love receiving this sort of thing too! I hope those who bought them enjoyed them.

Salty and Sweet

2008-12-16T19:02:00.003-07:00

Ok, these I found on a bake sale site, and loved the idea that you could make so many in such a short time. They tasted wonderful so I made my own variations.

There recipe said to take pretzels and line them on a cookie sheet, add a Hershey kiss to the top of each one, (i was making so many and being the cheap skate I am, I bought the huge Hershey candy bars, they have for a dollar and broke them in to little squares, worked great).

You put them like this in the oven at around 400 for 4 minutes. When you take them off you immediately put a peanut m&m on top of each one. SOOOO yummy, salty and sweet!

The variations I did, was to use mint m&m. I also used mint patties and but they melted and didn't look as pretty, but tasted wonderful. I would do them again, just not for the sale.

Ok, the other one I found I loved too. They were called "poor man turtles"

You lay your pretzels out, and put Rollo's on each one. (I used dollar store Carmel chocolate bells) You bake them the same and push one pecan on top when they come out, they ooze out, but cool nicely. OH these were so good, better then turtles!!

Marshmallow Treats

2008-12-16T18:57:00.002-07:00

These I found online somewhere, wish I could remember. But they really are cute, and surprisingly taste really good.

You simply melt what ever chips you want, I did chocolate here, and then put a pretzel stick into a large marshmallow and dip, then roll in your favorite topping. I did toffee bits!

I was thinking you could do, chocolate, and mini m&m's, you could do butter scotch chips with coconut flakes? not sure on that one, how about chocolate chips and candy sprinkles. White chocolate chips and candy sprinkles.

The ideas are endless, but it is late, and my creative mind already went to sleep!!

Montana is cold!!

2008-12-15T11:00:00.002-07:00

Now when I grew up in Idaho, we had much longer winters then they do now, but nothing, and I mean nothing can compare to the cold we feel here in Montana! (Ok maybe Alaska or whatever, but for me, it is Montana)

It has been so cold, I mean freezing here this weekend. Church was cancelled Sunday, because of the weather. The high yesterday was -12. Ok, and since we are one of the windiest cities in the nation, the wind chill factor added on that, they say, makes it feel like -45!!

It is truly insane. It got alot colder too, remember that was the high for the day!!!

This morning, I was sure school would be cancelled, frost bite sets in in this weather within 10 minutes!! But no, no cancellation! My car would not start, (I forgot to plug it in last night, too cold to go out, and kept putting it off) So a sweet nieghbor had to give the boys a ride to school. My plan was to get the last few things I need to mail out to the post office today, to make it by Christmas, so I hope my car decides to start soon!

Saturday, when it wasn't as cold, (closer to -7 hee hee) they big boys bundled up with a grand plan to make a slideing area off the deck by building up snow. Well, it only lasted about 6 minutes until it was just too cold! They each took turns once in a while running out and jumping on the trampoline for a few seconds (with out coats mind you) and running back in! Can you tell who these boys are related too?????

Anyway, it has been a cold and long weekend, and it doesn't show much signs of warming up!

But guess what...... I STILL LOVE MONTANA!!!! :)

2008-12-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

Here are each of the boys at the Christmas program duing the bake sale. Vance couldn't be in more pain I think! He hates this sort of thing! I loved watching them all!

Vance Scout play

2008-12-13T15:37:00.001-07:00

Vance was in Christmas play with his webelo troup at pack meeting this week. He was an angel. They did a really good job.

Need my links back!

2008-12-13T15:28:00.003-07:00

Ok, while making my blog cute for the season, I somehow deleted all of my links! AUGH, so if I know you and you want me to see your blog, since that is how I check up on everyone else, could you please send me your link again!! Oops!

New SpringWidget

2008-12-12T11:17:00.001-07:00

Get this widget!

Visit the Widget Gallery

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

2008-12-11T20:55:00.002-07:00

Twas the month before Christmas**When all through our land,**Not a Christian was praying**Nor taking a stand.**Why the PC Police had taken away,**The reason for Christmas - no one could say.**The children were told by their schools not to sing,**About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.**It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say** December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.**Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit**Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!**CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod**Something was changing, something quite odd! **Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa**In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.**As Targets were hanging their trees upside down** At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.**At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears**You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.**Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty**Are words that were used to intimidate me.**Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen**On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!**At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter**To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.**And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith** Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace**The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded**The reason for the season, stopped before it started.**So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'**Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.**Choose your words carefully, choose what you say**Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS , not Happ y Holiday!*Please, all join together and wish everyone you meet during the holidays a MERRY CHRISTMAS. Christ is 'The Reason' for the
Christmas Season!

Its all over!!! YEAH!

2008-12-11T20:30:00.002-07:00

The bake sale is over!! Yeah, it was a wonderful success. I was nervous having a smaller committee this year but we have a great school, and such wonderful supportive families, tons of people brought things whom I hadn't even been contacted!

It was alot of work. A lot of work. But...it was really worth it, we raised
du du du dum......(ok, suppose to be a drum roll, but I am tired being up till 3:30 baking and working the sale all day, cut me some slack!!)
Just under...

$1400!!!!

I am very happy with the success of it all, and so ready to crash in bed!! If I didn't have to go back to the school tomorrow I would just keep them all home and sleep in. But.... on to another day!

Questoins for kids! Tag your it if you read this!

2008-12-10T19:49:00.002-07:00

Interview one of your children, asking them the following 20 questions.
I thought this was fun so I am going to all three boys:

Here is Kjellsen who will be six in a few weeks:

What is something that Dad always says to you? "I love you"

What makes Dad happy? "playing and hunting with him"

What makes Dad sad? "when I hurt him."

How does your Dad make you laugh? "doing jokes"

What was your Dad like as a child? "he liked going with his dad hunting"

How old is your Dad? "I don't know"

How tall is your Dad? "ten inches"

What is his favorite thing to do with you? "go hunting"
What does your Dad do when you're not around? "has to go on trips with out us"

If your Dad becomes famous what would it be for? "for doing a job and being so good"

What is your Dad really good at? "hunting"

What is your Dad not very good at? "nothing"

What does your Dad do for his job? "fixes the roofs"

What is Dad's favorite food? “deer"

What makes you proud of Dad? "because he plays with me"

If your Dad was a cartoon character who would he be? "superman"

What do you and your Dad do together? "go to the storage unit, and hunting"

How are you and your Dad the same? "we have the same skin"

How are you and your Dad different? "cause he is big and I am little"

How do you know your Dad loves you? "cause moms and dads love there sons"

Here is Vance who is ten and a half:

What is something that Dad always says to you? “love you pumpkin"

What makes Dad happy? “getting a deer when hunting"

What makes Dad sad? "I never see him cry"

How does your Dad make you laugh? “he tickles me"

What was your Dad like as a child? “crazy"

How old is your Dad? “33"

How tall is your Dad? “6 foot 5"

What is his favorite thing to do with you? “going on trips with me"
What does your Dad do when you're not around? “eat.....works"

If your Dad becomes famous what would it be for? “nothing”

What is your Dad really good at? “roofing"

What is your Dad not very good at? “video games"

What does your Dad do for his job? “sit on roofs"

What is Dad's favorite food? “mexican"

What makes you proud of Dad? “That he is strong”

If your Dad was a cartoon character who would he be? “a loony toon”

What do you and your Dad do together? “hunt”

How are you and your Dad the same? “we're both tall”

How are you and your Dad different? “He has a gun and I don't”

How do you know your Dad loves you? “he says pumpkin alot”
(as you can see Vance is a jokster)

Here is Gjori who is 9:

What is something that Dad always says to you? “I love you”

What makes Dad happy? “having time with us"

What makes Dad sad? “When he has to go away”

How does your Dad make you laugh? “jokes”

What was your Dad like as a child? “nice”

How old is your Dad? “33”

How tall is your Dad? “seven foot, maybe eight”

What is his favorite thing to do with you? “hunting"
What does your Dad do when you're not around? “do work”

If your Dad becomes famous what would it be for? “helping sick people”

What is your Dad really good at? “listening to jokes”

What is your Dad not very good at? “stoping doing paper work”

What does your Dad do for his job? “roof inspector”

What is Dad's favorite food? “I would guess turkey, no, no deer"”

What makes you proud of Dad? “having fun with me, playing games, lots of things”

If your Dad was a cartoon character who would he be? “whoever the top star is”

What do you and your Dad do together? “have fun”

How are you and your Dad the same? “both nice”

How are you and your Dad different? “different height"

How do you know your Dad loves you? “I don't know”

2008-12-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

My Mom!

2008-12-06T21:52:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday Mom! I love you! You are an amazing women. I know it is normal to be able to see more and more how much we appreciate our parents as we get older, but you truly are amazing. You are a women that I admire. I hope you know that and how much you are loved. I wish I could have been there for your birthday! I miss you like crazy.

I love you mom!

Happy Anniversary!!

2008-12-06T21:26:00.004-07:00

Happy Anniversary to Beverly and Kermit (Kjell's mom and dad)! Hope you had a wonderful time to enjoy the day and reflect on the many years and memories you have experienced together! We love you both!

The wedding and my beautiful cast!

2008-12-06T21:22:00.004-07:00

Ok, I had a few people curious to see me in all my glory in the beautiful cast I got to wear to Heather's wedding!!! Yuck! It was a such a fun week, but just bummed by the one problem! I broke it leaving the bachlorette party! And yes I was sober!! At least I got a cast in the wedding colors!!!

THE FLOOR IS DONE!!!

2008-12-06T21:12:00.003-07:00

Ok, these are apsolutly horrible pictures. My battery charger is still coming in the mail to my camera, so these were taken from Kjell's cell phone. But as you can see it is done!!! Ok, we still have trim to do all around, but after having ply wood and hard lanolium for the last two years in the dineing room, I am so happy! We have had to wood in the living room the whole time, but I added pics so those who wanted to see and haven't been here could see how the two rooms flow together.

We just painted in the dineing room, so no pics hanging yet and sorry we have the undecorated tree up, but anyway! I am so happy Kjell got this done before he has to leave tomorrow! :(

We will miss haveing him home, he was home for two weeks and that is the longest he has been home in one stretch for a long time. Thank you honey for finishing the floor!! I love you!

THE FLOOR IS ALMOST DONE!!!

2008-12-06T16:15:00.004-07:00

Oh, my goodness, I never really thought the day would come! As some of you know, our floor has been the biggest headache of this house! The addition that the previous owners made to extend the dining room out, and add a breakfast room, was sinking. This is a pretty common problem in our neighbor hood of course, but ours was bad. When we bought the house, we tore out all the carpet on the main floor and prepared to have laminate wood floors installed. The did that right away, but the guy who was laying it, when he was half way thru, said the slope was too great and he couldn't finish it! So we then proceded to look into haveing that back end of the house jacked up! Well after getting bids anywhere from $5000 (that guy left town) and up to $30,000. We just simply didn't have that extra cash around. So we have just been waiting. Now I am sure if Kjell had actually been home for more then a few days at a time in the last two years, this would have been done a long time ago. But, now with the chance of haveing to move to Seattle, we have been for forced to get on it. We finally decided to just lay the floor and hope for the best, and I am happy and sad (only because we could have had this for the last two years) but it is laying beautifully. I love it! Kjell and I have worked together on it, and it has really been pretty fun. So, we took some pictures of what the kids and I drew, little messages to the future about our family on the ply wood floor (the plywood floor that I have been sweeping and mopping for the last two years!) The boys have helped finish things up today alot. It has really been a fun project and I am so relieved for it to look like a normal house, not only that I think it is beautiful. I will post some pictures when it is totally complete and cleaned up. I can't wait!!!!

Tag: fourth and fourth

2008-12-06T09:50:00.005-07:00

A freind tagged me on this, so I tag you if you are reading this and leave me a comment so I can check yours out!

Directions: Post the fourth picture in the fourth folder on your computer.

Unfoturnaly I am on Kjell's computer so this isn't a great picture, it is a work picture of someone's sad roof!

Random Thoughts about the kids....

2008-12-04T10:02:00.005-07:00

We always talk about writing down funny things that the kids said when they were little. I am going to write what I can remember now, before it is to late.

Vance: at about 2, "Boo Ti Ti" for peek a boo, everytime!!

Gjori: "Fire burned da birdie" (He was about 2, we have no idea why, but he said it often.)

We always called Vance, Vancie Pants, and Gjori, Gjori buggy.

Kjellsen has always been called shooter! No idea why, but it stuck from when he was just a little baby. Sometimes it is Shooter Magavin!

When Kjellsen wanted to go to McDonalds. He always said, "lets go to SayUncles" or "SuDoncles" No idea why.

Kjari for some reason started out saying flowers as "Fockers". No matter how clear we would say it for her, she would always later say, "look pretty Fockers!" She did that for about 3 months, and just now says it pretty clear.

The other day, I was having a really rough day, and I was crying. Kjell had just left to get some things for our painting job, this is what happened.

Kjari: Are you sad mommy?

Me: yes

Kjari: Do you miss your Daddy?......... He'll come home soon.

I loved it. I gave her a big hug, and texted my dad! I do miss my Daddy many times.

My boys on Sunday, were so upset and I couldn't figure out why. The young man who blessed the sacrament had made an error, and had to repeat it. I looked over at my two oldest boys and they were in deep discussion and seemed really mad. Later I ask Gjori what was going on and he ask me why he had to repeat it. I told him that it was a very important prayer and it was taught by Jesus Christ and its important we do it His way. He was so flustered and upset, he kept saying that is wrong, that is wrong. (Remember this is my sweet Gjori, everything is very literal to him!) He looked at me, and told me:

"Mom Jesus does not expect perfection from us. He understands when we make mistakes. That just isn't right." I told Kjell he was going to have to have a discussion with him on it, because at that moment there was no talking to him.

I ask Kjell this morning if he talked to them yet, and he said yes. He said he talked to them for about 3 or 4 minutes, and they were totally like, ok, yeah that makes sense. Go figure!!

Anyway, I am off to get some work done today!

Holiday Bake Sale

2008-12-02T10:49:00.002-07:00

Ok, calling all bakers!! I am chair this year of our PTA Holiday Bake Sale. I have worked it the last two years but have never been in charge! I am trying to be creative and think of ways to make it even better. I for one will also have to do alot of baking over the next week since the committee I got this year is about half of what we had last year.

So what I am wanting to know is if anyone has any easy recipes that i can make large quantities of, or if anyone has had any great successes with something else in a bake sale!

I can't wait to hear your ideas!

Crystal

Snowy day!

2008-12-02T08:39:00.004-07:00

So we finally woke up to snow! For here, that is really late!

I am so proud of myself, small accomplishment, but I got the boys to school on time this morning, happy and feed! YEAH! One did get away with a serious need for finger nail clipping, but I have to look at the positive! hee hee

Kjari said the funniest thing last night, she ask me is we could watch the "scary Jesus" movie. It took me a minute, then I remembered we had been watching the Testaments on Sunday. I put it in for her, and she loved it up until the part where Jesus begins to be taken away, and she said, "shut if off, this is scary."

Then she wanted me to re start it again. She is too funny!

I am still suffering with this sore throat, I know, I know I need to get in to be seen. I just need to find some time, or make it I guess.

Well, I am off to begin a new day! Yeah for snow!

Thoughts for today....

2008-12-01T09:33:00.002-07:00

I am going to to try to remember this. I have always gotten for some reason that we were never promised an easy life. Sadly when I hear that, the first memory that comes to mind is my dad walking out of the bathroom and every time singing, "I beg your pardon.....I never pormised you a rose garden!" But I will try to stay on task to my thought!

I guess I have been so blessed that I really don't struggle with focusing on the difficult parts of life, but of course there are times when that is neccesary. Maybe it is because of Thanksgiving, but I am full of gratitude today for all the things I have been so blessed with. I wonder, what do I have to complain of. I won't go there, but for now I would love to share as many have all over the blog world, what I am most thankful for.

My testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. With out this knowlege, I know life would be much more of a struggle.

For a Heavenly Father that loves us so much, he never leaves us alone. He has given a a modern day propeht to lead us in the crazy easily distracted world.

I am grateful to live in a country that we can live free, and we can learn from others mistakes and out own.

I am sooooo grateful for my sweet husband. I truly don't know if any other man could put up with me, and he does it with a smile, a gorgous one at that. :)

I am grateful for my son Vance. He is amazing. He is always teaching me. I love that he is an intellegent thinker, and he truly has a desire for truth always. He is my right hand when daddy is gone, and I am so grateful for that.

I am thankful for Gjori. He is so full of joy. He always keeps me in check with my own truth. He is so literally I have to be. He is so tender with his little sister, that it reminds me of what kind of love I want to show all of them.

I am grateful for Kjellsen! He is such a trooper. He is always making me re evaluate my parenting, he reminds me that kindness is always the best way. He is always ready for a snuggle time and there is no greater stress reliever then that!

I am thankful for Kjari! She of course helps me be not so out numbered by all of these wonderful men. We call her our little ball of sunshine! She truly is that. Just looking at her makes you smile. She makes me want to be a better mom and person.

I am thankful for a healthy body and mind. I am thankful that my kids are healthy, and strong.

I am grateful for friends. Our families away from family. We are so blessed.

I am grateful to work in Primary again, and remember how much love our Heavenly Father has for each and every individual human on this earth. I am grateful that He gives us opportunities ot feel that love for each of his children in our care.

I am grateful for extended family. For forgiveness, for tollorence, for patience, for unconditional love.

Ok, I could go on forever, which I plan to do. But of course, laundry awaits and a two year old who is not opening here tenth bandage and asking me to put it on her "Owey". So life goes on...I love it, i truly do.

Hives from Juice???

2008-11-29T12:31:00.002-07:00

Kjari has had the most bizarre hives comeing and going for a few weeks lately! I think I have discoved the culprit! Apple and Orange juice. We really don't drink much around here other then water and milk, but recently when she was sick she had to take an antibiotic, so I bought some apple juice to mix with it to give it to her. I hadn't noticed it much then but she was really only getting about a 1/8 of a cup with the medicine at a time. But of course since then she started asking for juice all the time. We started noticeing the hives last week. I bought some Orange juice this week, since we are all fighting off some colds, and thought we could all use the vitamin C. Well anyway slowly with out fail, after every drink of juice, more and more hives would appear. Who would have known! Benedryl always clears it up, and my doc didn't seem to concerned. So I am going to give it a day or so and give her some juice again, just to comfirm our suspicians. Anyone else out there ever experience this with there kids??

Happy Birthday Gjori!

2008-11-19T13:06:00.003-07:00

Gjori

Powerful

Couragous

Tender

Curious

Loveing

Gjori you are amazing! I am honored to be chosen to be your mother in this life! You make my life exciting, you touch my heart, you surprise me and you make me be a better person! Your smile.... WOW... you light up a room! Thank you for that! I love you so much! I hope you enjoy your special day!

I love you!

Love, Mom

My thoughts

2008-11-19T10:47:00.003-07:00

Ok, I have not written in a while, and need to get a battery charger before I can post more pictures, I mean I don't know why I don't have it yet, I mean, I am only a temporary single mom of four, busy with a primary calling that keeps my up at night and trying to get a house ready to sell, and pack and move in less then a few months! No big deal right????
Funny, but I am really happy right now. Wierd how that is though, how the busier I am the happier I am. Odd, I know but

So, I am busy, nothing new. But promised myself I would get on here and post something!! Vance and I have made a committment to each other to read The book of Alma and write in our journal everyday for the next two weeks. So, I am honoring that commitment, so if I don't write here I will write in my journal, but this seems for some odd reason easier! Who knows!

Our primary program is over and it was amazing! It was wonderful. I forget how much the spirit always steps in and makes it great! It feels good to have that behind us, and ready to move on as a new presidancy!

Gjori's birthday is this Saturday, I am on it! I am usually so last minute, but we have a party planned and he is sooo excited. The very best part is Daddy will be home!!!!! YEAH!!!!

I am babysitting today, so have to run! Kjari has to be watched!!! I will have to post the funniest picture of her in her camo pants with a tutu, she dressed herself in. Sooooo her! A little bit of sweet, with a lot of rough!!

Multi Grain Indulgence

2008-10-13T13:45:00.000-06:00

I got this recipe from an article that a friend of mine wrote for the paper. She is a member of the Great Falls Action for Healthy Kids. I am really trying to provide the kids with healthy options with out loseing my sanity! These kinds of things make this easy! They are just like the granola bars you buy in the store!!! Kids love them!! Thought I would pass this on:

Multi Grain Indulgence:
(Suzette Bruggeman)

4 Cups whole Grain Oats
1/2 cup ground Golden Flaxseed (just so you know, Walmart has this really inexpensive, I add it to everything)
1 cup Almonds
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp sea salt
1 cup prunes
2 eggs
1/2 cup natural brown sugar
2/3 cup honey
3/4 cup virgin coconut oil (Hear in Great Falls, you can get this at A Healthy Horizon on 10th Ave)
1 cup dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 X13 pan. Using a food processor, pulse oats until they become a fine flour. Remove oats until they become a fine flour. Remove oat flour into a large bowl and add whole wheat flour, salt and baking soda. Pulse almonds into a fine meal and add to dry ingredients. Wisk dry ingredients to combine thoroughly and set aside. In food processor, pulse the prunes until they become a paste. Add honey, sugar, coconut oil and eggs to prune paste in food processor and mix well. Pour wet ingredients into bowl with dry ingredients. With a large spoon incorporate wet and dry ingredients together. It will take some muscle, but you can do it. Pour thick mixture into greased pan and press down evenly with greased fingers. Bake 20-25 minutes until edges start to brown. Cool and cut in to small squares. Enjoy!