Favorites Day 21 - Fresh

We had a mini tea party this morning.

With our new All Sass'd Up necklaces

from Marci Coombs' giveaway.

So Cute!!!!

 Our lemonade was made with fresh lemons we picked and Macey's mint that we grew. It was sooo good! 

 This isn't a normal time of year for me to be thinking about growing veggies, but here you plant once around early April and then again around October.
And it's the perfect time for oranges and lemons.

I love growing fresh vegetables and fruit. 

Someday, someday, I will have my very own garden and fruit trees.

 For now, we will see if we can get a community garden plot and enjoy the oranges and lemons in our neighborhood.

 There's something so rewarding about planting your own garden and actually getting things to grow.

And eating them!

My favorites are peas, raspberries, fresh salsa, strawberries.

Maybe I'll even be able to grow our own salad next year:) 

Favorites Day 20 - Conversing with Kids

Talking to kids

I love the unpredictability and innocence. I realized the other day that I haven't been really listening to my kids- really listening. It's amazing what I hear and even how entertaining it is when I do.
I copied some into my phone yesterday throughout the day.

Me: "I swear he would lose his head if it wasn't attached."

Macey: "I wish it was."

Me: "It is."

Mackayla: "Let's go find it."

I'm confused but the kids have a certain satisfied silence.

_______________________

Mackayla and I were playing a game. She knows eyes, ears, mouth and nose, but I was teaching her eyelashes, eyebrows, etc.
Mackayla: "What is that?"
Me: "It's my eyelashes."
Mackayla: [She carefully touches all my eyelashes.] "I like that. It's pretty. What is that?"
Me: "It's my eyebrow. These are lips."
Mackayla: "Let me see in your mouth...I don't like that. It's yucky."
Me: "They're gums."
Mackayla: [Stabs my gums with her nails. Suddenly, she is aware that it hurts. She glares.] "Don't look at me."
Me: [I look away.]
Mackayla: Very curiously, "What are you looking at?"
______________________
During church in sacrament meeting (the one where we all meet together with our families) one of the speakers was repeating the young women's theme. It starts "We are daughters of our Heavenly Father..." As soon as the speaker said that, as if on cue, Mackayla turned to me and said, "I'm a princess. And you a princess. I'm a princess." Out of the mouths of babes!
______________________
I was rushing off to a meeting as the kids were going to bed. Macey was using mouthwash and going to the bathroom as I rushed in to kiss her. First, she laughed and spit mouthwash all over my face. We laughed and then I quickly kissed her on her forehead and left. Running out the door, I could hear her anguished cries. I had no idea why. Early this morning, way before wake up time, she tiptoed in and said "I never got my kiss last night." She kissed my lips and she tiptoed back to bed. Love her:)

Favorites Day 19 - Some Songs I Love

Music

Brave - Vocal Point
What do you want to do to be brave?
Wait! Don't answer until you watch the video...then DECIDE then.

Radioactive - Pentatonix and Lindsey Stirling

My sister in law made a Crosland Family Rock CD for us for Christmas. Great idea right?!

Cody was trying to choose his favorite song and he knew he wanted instrumental music because he loves that, but he wasn't sure what. We listened to a bunch of Lindsey Stirling music - she's great. Then we happened onto this, Radioactive, and it was his fave. It sounds hardcore but it's more about overcoming things that are hard.

I Have a Life That's Good - Lennon and Maisy

Nashville, the show this is on has less than commendable, dysfunctional characters, but the music is awesome. If you like country. And you do.

Turning Tables - Gwyneth Paltrow

This song is just depressing, but it's beautiful. So if you decide not to listen to one, because clearly you have listened to them all, skip this one.

And this is for my girls, who insisted.

Let it Go - Frozen

I have always had an incredible appreciation for people who are gifted singers.
and I love instrumental music - strings.
And country. And pop:)
Who invented 80s though? It shouldn't exist.
What can I say? Music has power and I love it!

Favorites Day 18 - Cody

I adore this sweet fun-loving little man of mine.

Current favorites include:

*Ninjago and Legos of all kinds

*Ninjago the tv series

*Chess. Chess. and more Chess. Anyone want to come play chess at our house? I will pay you.

 *Handball - played every single recess and most weekends. And there is a name for every type of move the ball could possibly make.

*Informational books from the library. (My favorite books and the cute children's literature books and Cody's favorite books are over in the encyclopedia section. He really feels left out if I don't read at least one to him besides the other books.)

*Least favorite food: potatoes in all their forms, and honey. and blueberries unless they're fresh picked. I miss Oregon berries.

*Wrestling and competing. In fact, he is the most competitive little stinker. We are still working on being gracious even in a game loss, and I see bits of progress here and there. 

*On a school paper he wrote that he loves to play, he loves to play with his sisters, and he loves projects.

He is adorable with Mackayla.

The moment Cody was born changed our lives forever.

But the moment Cody become mobile ruined our house forever. 

I say that in a non-bitter, I realize I have kids, way. Because he is such a good kid, not a destructive one. Definitely not on purpose anyway:)

I know many of you have children that, when they are looking for a toy, in their search they unconsciously empty every toy bin in the entire house. True here with our mad scientist.

The first week we got a new couch Cody cut a huge hole in the arm of it with scissors (he was two, but still).

This past year I refinished our table and was simultaneously so proud and VOWED I would never refinish a piece of furniture again.

The heavens must have laughed.

Just a month later Cody began what was probably an awesome project including a thin piece of cardboard and a screwdriver on our table, stabbing millions of little holes all. over. I would have left it but the thought of tiny particles of food stuck in the holes was kind of disgusting.

So I re-refinished our table.

How can you be mad at that face?:)

I learned one of my most important mother lessons from him.

It was our first week in Oregon. I couldn't wait to check out the bike trail that was at our house's edge.

We geared up with the girls in the double stroller and Cody on his bike. He had never ridden his bike alone with me pushing the stroller this far before. We went 4 miles. On our way back he was weaving and got tangled in between me and the stroller and tripped me. I lunged forward but not wanting to let the stroller go flying down the hill I held on and pinned my fingers under the handle of my 90 pound stroller, skidding down the road. I cursed loudly. Cody was terrified and felt so bad. And he fell too! Of course it wasn't his fault but I was so mad. I gingerly looked at my fingers. I could see bone and started to black out, but luckily didn't.

I am scarred on most of my fingers and do you know what I think of every time I see them?

Children don't need to be yelled at, they need to be loved. 

I have adopted this phrase a lot now..."It's ok, it was an accident."

It's a good reminder. Cause apparently I need a lot of those reminders.

I love this little guy.

Everything is exciting to him. 

Really, everything.

He makes being a mom a fun job and is appreciative of all our efforts as parents.

He is a such a sweet good kid.

We love you Cody!

He's turning SEVEN soon!!! 

OK and because this is a new concept and I love this guy and know he will want to remember this too:)...

"doesn't" is a contraction. It can be split one of two ways...

doesn't = does + not

or, my personal favorite,

doesn't = does + nutnegs

In case you did nutnegs know.

Favorite Day 17 - When Sharting is Funny

Who doesn't love to laugh.

I have been somewhat immobile the last couple of days, and I'm fine btw, but these were welcome pick me ups.

Gummi Bears

As I looked at the instagram picture of the face of my sister-in-laws friend I knew that I had to know the mystery of the Haribo sugar free gummi bears 5 lb. bag reviews on Amazon. (Click on that little sentence:)) Who knew innocent gummi bears were so gastrointestinally violent? But, if you had not indulged in a little potty humor lately...you HAVE TO read at least 5 of the "most helpful" posts. They induce streaming tears of laughter, in public, by yourself.

Facebook

Who doesn't love a good facebook spoof? It's fairly comical. Identify yourself. I realize that I am hopelessly behind the times. I'm not afraid to admit it. Then enjoy identifying all the people you associate with on fb that fit the profile. hahahaha I'm totally thinking of mine.

This, this (at the very end) and this are welcome pick me up memories as well:) Part of me wishes I could freeze Macey at two and record everything she ever did. It was dang. funny.

Do You have time to kill? (who knows, it could happen)
Watch these top 2013 videos from my favorite school: BYU top 2013 videos.

Favorites Day 16 - Macey

Macey is my child of opposites.

She is so fascinating. It's fun to watch her grow up and see what she loves.

Macey is so friendly and outgoing, yet she hates being in the spotlight in a crowd.

She is so physically fragile/clumsy (and she might yell at you if you try to help when she's hurt) yet if she's sick she's tough as nails.

She isn't afraid to rip someone's head off but is simultaneously one of the most sensitive people to others feelings.

Basically she has an incredibly dynamic personality

and while I'm supposed to be the parent teaching her how to do things

I sit back in awe and watch this girl teach me and keep me in line.

Who else would remind me what I need to remember

and keep the other kids in line;)

She learned to read well over a year ago. Kindergarten is going to be a breeze.

She doesn't just understand; doing her work meticulously and detailed is important too. Each paper is a work of art.

But she is not one to rub in her smartness, she patiently and quietly watches others learn and is very aware of their feelings and wants them to feel smart too. That is my favorite part of her brilliance.

She can ride a wiggle rider fast. If there were wiggle rider competitions I'm sure she would win. Her multiple ruined shoes will prove it.

She loves hanging out with adults who like talking to kids.

They are some of her favorite people.

She is left handed. I'm glad she has a left handed aunt to teach her some things that might be tough to teach opposite handed!

She is my child of drama. Many times she will be crying very hard but I know she isn't hurt and I have decided not to always respond to her at those times. Unfortunately, other people think I'm a bad lazy mom and go to her rescue. Ah, I don't know the right answer:)! Overall, she is such a good kid and very charming if I do say so myself.

She is highly inspired, and motivated, by food. She loves a good lollipop and ice cream. Going to the bank is always exciting for the treats. She loves fruit of all kinds and avocado. She also has a sixth sense for when it is around. Once Ben ate a piece of licorice and had it swallowed before he even got in the car. Macey, who was in the very back of the minivan and had no idea we even had licorice said, "I smell licorice. And I want some."

She is my most observant child. Nothing gets past her. We've seriously already had the time of the month discussion because she noticed and asked me enough pointed questions that I had to explain.

I literally cannot imagine life without any of our kids. They make our family so fun, so chaotic, so dramatic, so happy, so complete. We love your sass, your charm, and your sensitivity Macey Begacey.
You are definitely without a doubt one of my most favorite people on this earth, and I'm confident one of my most favorite people in the eternities. That makes our bond pretty special:) I love you.

Favorites Day 15 - Blog

Blogging

Yes, I love blogging! Obviously! Anyone that knows me knows I have a terrible memory and this is a perfect way to document events before I forget them:) Sometimes, because we have moved so much, I feel like its my chance to tell what happened in my day even though I have no one to tell it to in person. I KNOW I have two faithful readers: my mom and my mother in law. This way, they catch the main events at our house in pictures. This isn't a catch all, every memory doesn't have to be recorded. Some aren't for everyone to read about. But the fun ones are. The highlights of our fun days are. And that's what I want recorded. Sometimes I share struggles, everyone has them and we can learn from each other, but I don't always.

I don't have as much time as I would love to pine away looking at blogs, but I do think people have so many talents to offer and blogs are a great way to share them. Here are some of my favorite creative blogs:

marcicoombs.blogspot.com

Love her spunk, testimony, tips, shopping gift, disneyland expertise, and more.

And I won some darling necklaces off her blog yesterday! Woohoo! It makes me love it that much more!!!!!

http://www.makeit-loveit.com

This is where I learned the basics of sewing. When I had just one little one I had time to sit down and figure that stuff out and I'm so glad I did. Now, I'm glad I at least have the basics down and may even do another project sometime!

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com

I love that she shares her convictions openly. I read her book and it was touching. I haven't ever heard her speak in person it would be interesting to see what she is like.

http://www.maskcara.com/

I love how down to earth this girl is. She explains make up not like a ditz or an obsessed I'm-gorgeous-and-you-don't-get-it type of person, but like someone that really wants to share their talent. She is dang talented. And I am make up ILLITERATE so it's pretty dang helpful. Wish I had more time to actually learn.

Most of these are on my side bar cause I check them occasionally when there's updates.
One other thing...
I learned a lesson a long time ago that jealousy is a huge waste of time. I think a lot of people spend a lot of time being jealous of other's awesome lives and posts. Be happy for people. Everyone puts their best foot forward online ...and EVERYONE has problems. Even people you think are beautiful and rich and always have a clean house with perfect children. (they don't:)) So my theory is be happy for others successes and have sympathy and compassion for their flaws.

What are your favorite blogs?????????????????????????????

Favorites Day 14 - Firsts

Learning Firsts

All firsts are exciting with every kid. First steps, first words, first time doing so many things. Here are a couple firsts in the last two weeks:

Macey learned to ride her bike with no training wheels! She was soooo ready, but we didn't feel the need to rush her on this one. I'm so proud of her for trying. She did awesome and caught on in no time at all.

Cody went skiing for the first time.

I was so excited for him to go.

I have such great memories of skiing at Grand Targhee. Hopefully we can go there again someday!
This is Blake and Cody. Blake and Callie are pretty much professionals...Callie is two. Yes, 2.

He went down the last run by himself and loved it the most!

He also learned to cross the bars recently:) I'm not sure he had really tried before, but he loves it!

 Mackayla saw snow (she has before of course but it's safe to say she doesn't really remember)

I'm pretty sure seeing kids experience things for the first time or accomplish something they've been trying to learn is better than anything else.

Favorites day 13 - Pear Pita Pizza

Pear Pita Pizza

Pita Bread (from Harmon's it is partially cooked)

Arugula

Sweet Cheddar Cheese

One Bartlett Pear, very thinly sliced

Cook on a pizza stone 400 degrees for 10 minutes

or on a baking sheet at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes

Amazing!!!!!!!!!!

My sister made this for us tonight. I Love it.

Favorites Day 12 - Kid Books

I love children's literature.

Illustrations are huge. Writing is huge.

Both = a perfect children's book.

Another thing. I don't love books that try so hard to rhyme that the meaning is lost on kids. It is a kids' book after all.
Macey seems to love books that have a repeating theme, like a phrase that is repeated throughout the book. Lots of kids books do that.
I don't know if it's because of her, but I really love those books now too.
(Like pout pout fish and king bidgood below)

We are frequenters of the library. Dinner was on them at In N Out burger once for reading some books!  

Our library has a story time that is a lottery to get in. It's that good. We got in again! I think it has to do with my obsession:)

Here are a couple of favorites. I could do this all day, but these are just a few.

Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen. I was quoting this book for weeks. Mackayla still makes me draw pout pout fishes.

King Bidgood's in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood and Don Wood
Napping House by Audrey Wood and Don Wood (They are great authors!)

(Cody loves the war illustration page)

Pinkalicious (Macey loves)

Fancy Nancy (a cute way to learn new words)

The Oxcart Man by Don Hall (a personal favorite the kids like too)

Mo Willems - all books. All. Read if you want to laugh.
Bill Pete - long but the kids will listen!
The Tale of Benjamin Bunny
Dr. Seuss (why do my kids love these so much? They do.)

Some older kids books (Cody and Macey like these)
Mary Pope Osborne - Jack and Annie Treehouse books.
Dav Pilkey - Captain Underpants
Charlotte's Web
James and the Giant Peach
...there are tons of classic kids' books

My mother in law, an avid reader, gave me a book

Jim Trelease's "Read Aloud Handbook"

If you love books, you need this book.

It is FILLED with suggestions of great books for kids of every age.

Sometimes I take this book to the library with me and get as many as I can find.

Favorites Day 11 - Dinner

Here's some of our favorite
DINNERS

Also with dinner we usually have a smoothie for some of our fruits and veggies...one of the kids' favorite topics at dinner is guessing all the ingredients in the smoothie!

Salads

Sometimes I forget how much I really do like salad. I hate that lettuce goes bad so quickly, but eating salad feels so healthy, and options are limitless!

Since my husband doesn't think a meal is a meal without meat (which is ironic because I swear I could be vegetarian), we usually add some and it's usually chicken. 

Here are some favorites:

Chicken Waldorf Salad

Chicken Waldorf is Ben's newest favorite dinner we've had. Cody too!

Barbecue Chicken Salad

Great recommendation from a friend's blog.

Chicken Cobb Salad

This one is easy. Just add to mixed greens: chicken, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, croutons, parmesan cheese...whatever really! Often I'll just use chicken nuggets for chicken:)

Here are a couple other favorites that we have:

Sausage Eggs

always a good one at easter.

One pot spaghetti

One pot...yes, please. With a secret ingredient!

Eggs

Our go to quick dinners usually involve eggs, in all their forms: poached on toast, scrambled with pancakes, breakfast burritos, fried on toast, etc. We also have a quick grilled cheese and tomato soup on occasion. Probably more often than I realize:)!
Here's one we love, but be careful not to get the spicy sauce unless you like it!

Salsa Verde Eggs

Pizza

Pizza dough is so easy to make and a really inexpensive meal.

Toppings:

BBQ Chicken pizza

Ham 

Tomatoes
...whatever I can find
I usually just use spaghetti sauce for sauce, or tomato sauce with spaghetti sauce seasoning and a little honey.

Ham Loaf

This unusual combination of meat is dang good!
2 c ground ham (I use my cheese grater!)
1 lb. ground sausage uncooked
1 lb. ground beef uncooked
1 c milk
2 eggs
1 cup cracker crumbs
pepper
Mix together well and place in loaf pan. Make syrup and spread over top of meat loaf. Bake at 350 for 1 1/2 hours.

Syrup:
3/4 c brown sugar
1/4 c vinegar
1 t mustard

Navajo Tacos

This was my first "meal" from a mom in our ward after I had my first baby and it was DELICIOUS!!! I make this for new moms and it's easy to transport. (Is everything delicious when you're a new nursing mom?!)
Fry Bread:
2 cups flour
3 t. baking powder
3/4 t. salt
1 cup warm water
1 1/2 c shortening for deep frying

Pinch off pieces of dough about tennis balls size. Flatten in a round circle about 6 in diameter. Place shortening in fry pan and when hot add dough. Turn over when golden. Makes 6.

Spanish Beans and Meat:
2 cans kidney beans
1 lb ground beef, cooked and seasoned
1 pkg taco seasoning or chili seasoning (whatever you like best)
1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)

Heat on stove for about 15 min.

Top with tomatoes, shredded lettuce, cheese, and/or onions.


For my own benefit...
Sausage Eggs Directions:

7 large eggs
3/4 cup flour
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup dried breadcrumbs
1 lb sausage
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme (optional)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Boil eggs.

Add the fresh thyme and parsley, if using, to sausage and mix them through the sausage with a fork, stirring well until they’re evenly combined.

Now you’re ready to assemble the eggs. Scoop out a large ball of sausage meat and flatten it into an oval shape in your hand. (The sausage mixture will probably be quite wet and sticky to work with, so try flouring your hands first or lightly dusting the dollop of the mixture that you’re going to work with before flattening it out.) Wrap the sausage meat around the egg, pinching it together at the seam, then smoothing the meat around the eggs, making sure there are no gaps where the egg is peeking through. Dredge the sausage-covered egg in the flour, tapping off any excess. At this stage, set aside the wrapped and floured egg on the lined baking sheet and repeat this process with the remaining eggs (doing it this way instead of fully assembling each egg will keep your hands cleaner and make it easier to work).

Once all the eggs have their sausage blanket and their dusting of flour, dip each one in the beaten egg, making sure it all gets coated, then roll it in the breadcrumbs, making sure it’s fully covered in crumbs. Place the finished egg on the lined baking sheet, then repeat with the remaining eggs.

Place the eggs in the oven and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are crispy and the sausage is cooked through. Scotch eggs can be eaten warm, cold or at room temperature.

Favorites Day 10 - The Book of Mormon

It's Sunday! So, here is one of my favorite books:

The Book of Mormon

If you search Book of Mormon in google it gives an equal amount of links to the play as it does to the actual book. The irony:)

One of my favorite general conference talks about the actual Book of Mormon is Jeffrey R. Holland's "Safety for the Soul." That man does not mince words. Really, it should be listened to because his delivery is so powerful. All his talks leave no question of where he stands...

"I ask that my testimony of the Book of Mormon and all that it implies, given today under my own oath and office, be recorded by men on earth and angels in heaven. I hope I have a few years left in my “last days,” but whether I do or do not, I want it absolutely clear when I stand before the judgment bar of God that I declared to the world, in the most straightforward language I could summon, that the Book of Mormon is true, that it came forth the way Joseph said it came forth and was given to bring happiness and hope to the faithful in the travail of the latter days."

We have a Book of Mormon chart up on our wall and our goal this year is to read the Book of Mormon before Cody gets baptized next year! 

I love this book.