Prime Rib, Family, Late Night Texting

I hope everyone had a fun and delicious day. I know we did. Much food preparation yielded the best Thanksgiving Dinner I've ever had. It could be because I am not a big fan of turkey, or everything was just wonderful. We had many cooks in the kitchen.
Here is Amy, Lindsay, and Grandma Kris.

Nate threw the prime rib on the BBQ and let it smoke for several hours. It was soooo delish. Here is the finished result. Mmmmmmmmm.
We also had a small turkey breast to keep up with tradition.
I just can't say it enough, thanks to all who traveled so long and far to spend the holiday with us.

Black Friday. I debated back and forth in my head about going. I knew I would have to work Friday, so I opted not to go shopping. And while I was okay with my decision, inside I was feeling a little bit bad for myself. But I put it completely out of my head and went to bed. At 3:10 this morning my phone starts beeping at me. It took me a minute to realize what it was. I rolled over and realized I had a text from my sister. R U UP? it reads. I panic a little bit thinking something tragical has happened that she needs to tell me or talk to me about. I text her back to call me. She was just wondering if I was out shopping. We always call each other when we are out shopping. Nate comes stumbling out, wondering what in the world is going on. I get back to bed, and I realize that for the first time in almost three years I am homesick. And I can't sleep. And there is no where I would rather be than standing out in 20 degree weather with my mom and sister. Sigh. Nate told me I should get up and go to Kohls, but it wouldn't be the same. Next year, maybe? Mom? Mindi?

I got up and went to work this morning, thinking that I was in for a 6-8 hour day. To joy and delight, I was done in 2 1/2 hours. Just in the nick of time I made it to the movie with everyone else. Luckily for me, Grandma Kris was willing to take the girls to High School Musical, and the rest of us went to see Four Christmases. I thought it was funnier than I was expecting. Afterwards we came home and finished of the prime rib. Still yummy! We are having a great time with cousins and family members!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone is getting ready to have a great Thanksgiving! Can you believe it is here already??? I am feeling very grateful today. Most of all, I am grateful to have family here at my house! Thank you to you all for making the long journey to be here. Sorry about the rainy weather ;)

I was feeling pretty goofy last night for choosing to go to the store at 6:00 right when everyone was getting off of work and trying to do their shopping. Alas, I got the very first parking spot after the handicap spot! WooHoo!

I have been very busy this week getting back into school. I realize it has only been three days, but I am so happy and excited to be going. It has been a big adjustment for the family, but I am grateful for their support. The girls think it is fabulous that I have homework now. "Now you know how we feel, mom!" Yeah, because I've never had homework before :)

I was cracking myself up the other day. I was thinking about our Thanksgiving Dinner, and how Nate always does such a great job with the food. And I was thinking that it is so great that he can cook. Instead of a big turkey today, Nate bought a 15 pound prime rib. He has big plans for the dinner. But this is what cracked me up. This is my food assignment.




This is just my speed and it is pretty hard to mess it up. Have a great day! Be grateful!

FOOtball

I have to admit. Today was a long day. Chore day at our house tends to make me want to pull my hair out. I got the girls started at 10:00. I think Megan was done by 1:00. This was after I had sat both the girls down on the couch and had a stern talk. And after I reminded them about 20/20 last night and all those kids whose parents took them to Nebraska with the new Safe Haven law. I'm kidding. Anyway, I got a lot done, Megan got a lot done. Sammy finally got a lot done. She was done at 5:00. I'm not even kidding. They both could have been done by 11:00. Ahhhh, the choices we make.

Moving on. Nate got home from work and asked me if I was ready to go. Huh? Oh, that's right! The Larson's kindly invited us over to watch the BYU/Utah game, even though they knew that we were Utes fans;) It was a fun night. Quite a few people over there, a plethora of kids all running around outside. My kids went to bed quite easily tonight! And we had a happy ending for Nate. Alice commented that I would be the only woman going home with a happy husband. Hahahaha. We had to hurry home so Nate could call my dad and gloat. And sure enough, my dad was waiting for the phone call, but he is a good sport!

My week thus far

Facebook is seriously hacking into my blogging. I need to ration my time more carefully. Monday was Nate's day off and we did our weekly yard work. I do believe that we mowed the lawn for the last time this year. No winter grass this year. We didn't want to maintain it. This time there was a bonus. We planted ourselves a new lemon tree! It is very cute. Hopefully in 2-5 years we will have a lemon:)
We went to the grocery store that night. I needed an onion to make Megan some spaghetti sauce. We spent $40. Most expensive onion ever. There's a great reason not to let 4 starving people into a grocery store at dinner time.
Our neighbor has a new black light that you use to go scorpion hunting. Nate and I went over that night and we only saw one. They positively glow in the black light.EWWWW! Even after it was smashed it was still glowing. It is pretty cool and creepy at the same time. After we saw that one, I kept thinking that I could feel bugs crawl up my legs, so I went inside.
Tuesday...let me see. I had Young Womens. We met at the church for a pizza dinner and then headed over to the bowling alley for a night of fun. My kids were excited because I had invited them to come with. Lo and behold, it is league night. LEAGUE NIGHT!!! This happened to me in my last ward when we tried to go bowling. Mental note to self: no bowling for church activities.
Wednesday. I went substitute visiting teaching with Sara. It was fun to be her partner again.
That night was Sammy's play. So cute. I love the school plays. She had a speaking part and said that she was thankful for her violin. And all the kids had their paper pilgrim outfits on. LOVE it! We had Claire with us. I like bringing Claire with because she actually looks like she could be one of my kids. When we are out and about, people assume she is my daughter. Curly hair unite!

If you are wondering who that weird hairy head belongs to, it is her doll that she is holding.

Megan couldn't be found when I went to take this picture, and right when I snapped it, she popped her head up. That is our friend Claire with the girls.

" I am thankful for my violin!"

Thursday. Oh yeah, that is today! I worked all morning and then I babysat Jack this afternoon. Poor little guy has been sick. Diana got home and then I went to go get my own kids from school. Joyful news! Megan has been struggling with math all year, and today she got 100% on a math test!
I felt giddy happy for her. I took them to Sonic to celebrate. Brought the girls home and then I went to Target by myself. And I bought my school supplies. Yay me! Only 4 days to go! (BTW Piper, I am taking a Dental Assistant course)
I downloaded my pictures tonight and saw this one that Megan took of herself after her bath tonight. Cutie:)

Light at the end of the tunnel?

Sammy approached me on Sunday and she was a little bit concerned. It turns out that her thumb is starting to taste boring. She isn't getting out of it all she used to. I somehow managed to keep the screams of joy in my throat and informed her that this is a sure sign that she is growing up. She is still sucking it, but I hope that it continues to get more and more boring. For my orthodontists sake:)

Preparing

Today was very special. Nate had today off. (Kind of. He still went in at 6:00 and came home at 10:00. Not enough hours in his week) He never has Saturdays off. This afternoon we went to a woodworking shop. We let the girls pick out some wood pieces that they had for sale for 10 cents. They were set allll afternoon in the garage. They are making furniture for the dolls they are hoping to get for Christmas. (They have asked for American Girl Dolls) I should have gotten my camera out. Maybe tomorrow they will keep working on it.

I needed to go and get some new sneakers for school. I have to wear white sneakers with white laces. Let me just say that I hate to wear sneakers. These are the third pair that I have purchased since I have been married. They are so nerdy! There isn't a huge selection in sneakers in just plain white. I saw a lot in other cool colors that I liked, but I'll get some after I graduate.

I wouldn't mind some of these Danskos! All I need now are a few school supplies. And a book bag. I kind of like this one :)
I should like it. It is $500!!! Can you believe it? The school provides a backpack, perhaps I'll use that one. At least that one will match my scrubs.

We headed off to Costco. I got out of my car, shut the door, and what to my wondering eyes should appear? A huge, gross poopy diaper that someone left open and threw into our parking spot. EWWWW! At least wrap it up!!! Anyway, Costco on Saturday is always an adventure. We are starting to stock up for Thanksgiving dinner. Only a week and a half to go! We are excited to have everyone here.

I am teaching the Beehives tomorrow. The lesson is on "Preparing for Change." Seems appropriate for these times that we are living in! Along with all the regular changes we always seem to be going through, this month has seen a lot of change for our country. And for me personally as well, getting ready to head back to school for the first time since high school. It's always fun to see what the girls perspectives are when we teach them.

All in all, a very nice day with all of us in high spirits and getting along! I'm loving this weather and seeing the kids outside all day playing hard and sleeping well.

MMMMMMM!

Nate made some pizza dough the other night and we made our own pizzas for dinner. I don't quite understand why we don't do this more often. We all love it and it tastes so good! And it is cheap as well. Win win. Get a towel, your mouth will water when you see our pizzas after they cooked on the BBQ!

They were so good! Especially on the grill. Nice smoky flavor.

Something else yummy is brewing. My little oranges are turning orange! Proof we haven't killed the tree yet. Very exciting.

And, of course, something not so yummy. Housekeeper of the year here. I discovered this beauty in the hall today. Not only do I have a huge spider web dangling there, but even that is dusty!!! Hahahaha!
At least the homeowner wasn't around.

I am a sheep

Okay, so it wasn't my favorite book series, but I like to be in on the fun. Take the quiz!


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KaRazy and Busy!

We are very lucky to have family coming down this year for the Thanksgiving weekend. Great opportunity to get everything in shape and clean, right? Saturday I got the front room moved around so I could get all the cat hair from under the couches, and cleaned. Today I woke up and did massive amounts of laundry. (I am typing this with a band aid on the tip of my index finger. Pretty tricky.) Nate and I moved the girls bedroom furniture around. They are thrilled with the new look. They don't realize that we do that so they have to clean out their dressers and under their beds. (Evil laughter) Nate spent all day cooking, so I have had three loads of dishes to do. And tonight I babysat. We had Claire over and two little ones and the kids had sooo much fun. 5 kids. All wanting something different to eat despite the fact that Nate cooked all day. Just when I think everyone is taken care of, food and drinks, Megan stands up and pukes all over the kitchen floor. And even though all the kids were absolutely fabulous, I am EXHAUSTED! I don't know how all you moms out there with more than two kids do it. Kudos to you.
One kid has gone home, three are asleep, and Megan is working on cleaning her room. The dishwasher just finished, so I can do one last load, and the towels in the dryer are almost done. So what is in store for tomorrow? Nothing I hope! Oh wait, no school tomorrow!

Fave socks, doctors office, and talent show

This morning was the day I've anxiously awaited. I turned on the furnace. And Nate turned it off, but I turned it back on. Ahh the sweet smell of a dusty furnace that hasn't been used all year. Last year when Sammy smelled it, she said it smelled like Christmas. This morning she said it smells like burnt hair. What a difference. So I broke out my favorite socks in the whole world and lounged in my robe. Sexy lady. Nate is a lucky guy.
I helped out at the school today. I had some Art Masterpiece stuff to do and then I was in Sam's class. I noticed her walking gingerly. Come to think of it, she has been complaining all week of pain in her hips. I became concerned because I knew she had been on that heavy medication. So I made her a follow up appointment. That little stinker was such a turd at the doctor. She wouldn't even let the doctor move her legs around to see what was going on. ARGHHHHH! Does she even get it how much effort I put into getting and keeping her healthy? Nope. And she won't until she has a little angel of her own.
To get Sammy to cooperate with me earlier today, I promised her I would take her to the Teacher Talent Show at school. Bah Humbug for me, I try not to go to those school functions, a million people crammed in the gym, sitting on the floor and you can't see anything. Well, tonight was fun! Lucky for me I saw some friends from church and they were sitting in the front row. So I had a great seat and I let the girls go sit on the floor. It turned out to be a really fun and funny night. I had absolutely no idea that our principal could dance like that! She did a hip hop number and a ballroom dance number and she was really good!
We had Claire with us tonight and after the Talent Show we headed over to Wendy's for treats. And as I type this I realize that I told the three girls they could have a sleepover. Didn't I promise myself that I wouldn't do those anymore?
P.S. I read a really great article on ksl.com. You can check it out here.

Warm and Fuzzy

Last night I finally told the girls about my plans to go back to school. Megan's reaction made my whole month. She told me that she was really proud of me and that she knows this is something that I've always wanted to do and she was excited about it. Awwwww. She even asked if she could tell all her friends! I feel proud to know that I am doing something that my girls can look up to and that I am setting a good example. That is NOT to take away from the fact that I have been a stay at home mom. To me that has been the most important job. This will just be a new phase. Sammy is worried that I'll never let her eat sugar again. That is just silly. That would mean that I would have to give up Dr. Pepper. Just three weeks to go!

I worked all day yesterday. My boss picked me up right before the kids went to school and I got home about 5:30. We had to go out to Maricopa and it worked out really well since it was Nate's day off. When I got home it was like I had been gone for weeks. You would never know that I had only missed an hour and a half of their day. Sammy was glued to my side and I had to carry her everywhere. Guess I didn't have to, I must have missed them too:)

Seeing all the voting lines on t.v. I sure am happy that I was smart enough to vote by mail-in ballot today. It's exciting to see how many people are turning out. My kids get to vote today at school. So get out and DO IT!!!

Fun with Cousins

Nope, this post isn't about my kids. We got a call yesterday from Nate's cousin Kari and she is in town and wanted to get together! Kari and Ranier live in Vegas and we had dinner with them when we were passing through their neck of the woods so I'm glad they could check out what we are doing! I'm thinking and thinking. I do believe that we are the only ones that have moved far from home. It is nice to have that in common and visit with each other:)
We met for breakfast at our favorite Farm House Restaurant this morning bright and early since Nate needed to be to work at 9:30. Unfortunately they are staying clear across the valley and we were thinking it would take them an hour to get to us. Lucky on two counts, they didn't mind driving out here and it didn't take them that long. We had a yummy breakfast, great conversation and then we all headed back so that they could see our house. (Ahem, to the members of my immediate family that haven't visited yet...you know who you are.) I proudly showed off the oranges on my little tree and tried to shove all the crap into hiding places as I gave them a tour. You would think I would have thought ahead and picked up a little bit. I'm sure they weren't too offended.
It was great to see you both! Thanks!