Jody is M.I.A. (missing in action)

Where have I gone... Between family vacation to San Fransisco, volunteering in Katelyn's school, field trips, music class, soccer practice, t-ball, homework, Primary, birthdays, retiling our bathtub, doctors appointments for the kids, and of course doctor appointments for me, etc. etc. etc., it seems as if life is just cruisin' by. Here is a recap of our last couple of months.

We drove to Gilroy, CA (south of San Fran) to visit my sister and bro-in-law. We had a great time and the kids were soooo good in the car. We only wish we could have stayed longer and not left a day earlier than planned so Carter could go to the dr. because of a Carter horrible cough and an ear infection. He was such a trooper and was still so good despite his sickness.

Kirk went to the preschool zoo day field trip with Kaleb so I wouldn't have to walk all day long. Thanks Kirk!!! Luckily another dad came along so Kirk wasn't alone. Being the only men, Kirk and Ryan got to pull Ms. Peggy's wagon the whole way (kids and all)

Ever since we moved into our house we have being meaning to tear out the bathtub surround and retile. Some of the tiles were broken and the previous owners "fixed" them by spraying expanding foam into the hole. The result was a really discusting looking bathtub. But I am happy to announce that there is no more expanding foam plaguing our bathroom- yeah!!!

Look at that expanding foam. I can't believe we lived with it for so long.

Kirk and I wondered if our bathroom would ever be a working bathroom again. Amazingly enough we did it!!! We are so proud of ourselves. Now, don't get me wrong... it is not perfect by any means but we learned a ton and it looks pretty darn good and clean. I will post the "after" pictures later. (see disclaimer below)

Carter had many baths in the kitchen sink while the bathtub was under construction. He didn't mind one bit, the only trouble was that the sink needed to be free of dishes before he could take a bath.

Kaleb & Carter had dr. check-ups. Kaleb got 4 shots so he is now eligible for school. He started complaining that night about his arm hurting and so we looked and it was red, swollen, and hard. It lasted for a couple of days and then he was sick to his stomach and threw up. This is the first time any of our children have had a weird reaction to immunizations.

Kaleb weighs 42 lbs and is 43 1/2" tall
Carter weighs 20 lbs, and is 28" tall

DISCLAIMER: I don't have pictures for all of these things listed because our lovely hard drive that is less than a year old crashed and has left me pictureless and fileless. We have never had a hard drive crash so needless to say we haven't been diligent in backing up our files. The last time we did a back up was in 2007- oops!!! Luckily for us Kirk has his ipod that had most of our pictures (small files, but we will take whatever we can get) on it. But as for all my other files, they have vanished in thin air, and I am using a half functioning computer.
P.S. Never buy a Seagate hard drive. Even though the hard drive was recalled they refuse to do anything about it.

"I spy with my temple eye"

This year's theme in Primary is My Eternal Family and so as I thought about the quarterly activities for this year I continually felt like we needed to do some activity that revolved around the temple. I hesitated a little because I wanted the kids to be excited and have fun but also to understand and feel of the importance and sacredness of the temple.

I love the pictures that are carved into each corner of the temple walls and wanted the kids to realize they were there and what they meant so I put together an "I spy with my temple eye" game. It was fun to look at the carvings more carefully and put together rhymes for the kids and so I couldn't help but feel excited as I put together my group activity for the temple. I had such a fun time creating this so hopefully you have a fun time playing it :)

Before we started I gave each child a telescope (Party favors from the party store $2.99/dz) and briefly explained that the pictures represent the gathering of Israel and so all different people and cultures are represented.

Start on the North west corner of the Temple and work counter-clockwise

1. I spy with my temple eye
A woman with a basket, a man with a cane
3 small children crossing the plain.

2. I spy with my temple eye
A scarf, a ship or a boat,
And a man with a very heavy tote.

3. I spy with my temple eye
2 women carrying babies close to their heart,
And a large wheel on a handcart.

4. I spy with my temple eye
A sombrero, a water pitcher on a lady’s head,
And a small donkey that is being led.





I spy with my temple eye
A horse, a headdress with a feather,
And moccasins most likely made of leather.

The Mesa, AZ temple was the 7th one
can you spy when it was done?





7. I spy with my temple eye
A grass skirt, big fish and a ukulele,


8. I spy with my temple eye
A book and an Italian sitting on a box,
And a gentleman wearing tall socks.


9. I spy with my temple eye
7 sets of wooden shoes,
And a windmill with a house nearby.


For more info on the pictures go to http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=3d6f74536cf0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

FYI: The other groups we did at the temple were:
Pictures of the children with temple as background (for Mother's Day)

Christus presentation by missionaries and looking at pictures on the hallway walls of Visitor Center with treats outside.

Family Photos

These are the dreaded family photos. I'll admit it, I cringe when my mother mentions she would like family photos but I am always so glad when it is over and I get the adorable pictures back. This time was no different. The family was all together for Christmas so that called for more family pictures. The day was absolutely freezing and windy but luckily pictures don't tell how cold it was. We would bundle up the babies in between photo shoots and everyone managed to survive. Although Abby's arms were blue and purple when we got done. Our photographer, onehm did an excellent job of capturing pictures in between gusts of wind and no one but us would know this was a cold AZ day.

Mmmm Good!!!

My cousin has been telling me for months that her family drinks "green smoothies" everyday, which sounded pretty gross to tell you the truth. The base of the drink is made from spinach or kale, or whatever you have on hand. I asked her how she actually gets her girls to drink it and she replied "it's good". Well this is one thing you actually have to try before you can believe it. So don't take my word for it(but it really is good), get out your blender and start whipping up your own "green smoothie" concoction. We have had it for breakfast 3x's this week and my kids love it.

Check out greensmoothiegirl for great ideas, especially if your New Year's Resolution was to eat better this year.

I didn't have a real recipe I just threw in what I bought at the Ranch market the day before.

JODY'S RECIPE:

I started with about 1-2 cups water and filled my blender to the top with spinach (not packed in). Blend that until it is about the consistancy of water. Then I cut up about 2-3 lemon slices*(peel and all) and blended that. Then a couple of slices of apple (core and all). Next I threw in frozen banana and berries (blackberry, strawberry, and blueberries). I also put in a couple of tablespoons of honey and then crushed up ice cubes.

*The second time I made it I substituted the lemon slices with orange slices, just depending on what flavor you want that day

It is pretty simple because you literally just throw everything in the blender. When my cousin made it for me she really threw in a whole lemon and apple because her blender can handle it but depending on the power of your blender make sure to add things one at a time and blend each time.

This is the only way my children will eat spinach so it is totally worth having to clean the blender everyday :) Kirk even agreed to try it after much hesitation and does agree it is by far the best way to eat spinach.

Thanks Kim for introducing us to the world of "green smoothies"

Carter's first Christmas and the Polor Bear Club

Christmas was wonderful. This year it seemed like we were able to enjoy the kids, traditions, and the true meaning of Christmas more than ever. In years past we always stretched ourself and wallet too thin but we decided to go easy this year so we didn't regret it. The past 2 Christmas's we got presents we regretted (trampoline, and a dog) so we made a pack that we would not impulse buy and stick to our plan. We did pretty good although a few small unplanned gifts snuck their way under the tree (PS2). It was kinda a flash back retro Christmas. The kids got things we got as children like Hungry Hippos, Lite Brite, Easy Bake Oven, Operation, and the movie Annie, along with a few other more "modern" toys.
We were having too much fun on Christmas with the kids and their toys that we actually forgot to take pictures- oops. We did manage to capture one of Carter enjoying his wrapping paper.

He love the wrapping paper better than anything and was so sad when it got too soggy and we took it away.

Kirk and Jason started a new tradition this year... The Polar Bear Club. Kirk had mentioned a few weeks before Christmas that he was jumping in the pool but I thought it was all talk. I was surprised when they actually jumped in despite the cold and rain. Well, he showed me!

Kirk was glad to have his Bro. In-law Jason join in on the freezing fun.

Merry Christmas

Look at these awesome Christmas photos.  The photographer is amazing and the kids are darling!  I couldn't be happier with them.  I just wanted to share them with everyone.  

Carter was a little sad which is very ironic because he is such a good baby, but everytime we get his pictures done he isn't a big fan- oh well.  

Santa's Workshop

Of course after all that Halloween sewing I just couldn't stop.  I saw this idea on etsy and modified it a little bit. It is a reversible batman/superman cape.  I made a couple for my friend and one for Kaleb.  I think Kaleb will love it.  Hopefully it will help him want to be a good guy rather than a bad guy :)  We have been watching too much Star Wars around here (which I never watched as a child) I think it is time to take a break from lightsabers and Darth Vader. 

Kirk was with me at JoAnns and we  saw this fleece BYU fabric.  He casually mentioned me making him a blanket so I went ahead and did it :)  I put fleece binding all around the edge.  It was a little bit harder to get it straight and even on both sides, but I figure the people using it won't be too critical.