Thoughts....

My thoughts are here today...

found here

 

Out With The Old....

Nope, not a recipe. (he he he....)

Don't be sad.  I have PLENTY more to share. I just chose something different today.

Even with the busyness of the holidays, I have managed a FEW itty bitty household projects.  Actually, it was because of the holidays that these repairs came about.

First off.....

I have strongly disliked our stinkin' kitchen lighting fixtures since the day we moved in.

 I mean, are we running a poker parlor or something?  Who buys this kind of stuff?  Seriously?  

I have been dragging my feet, as far as doing anything about it, for several months now (I blame pinterest for that...too many ideas).  But, as I attempted to decorate for Christmas, I tried a few things to dress it up, make it less ugly, to no avail.  THAT IS IT!

A trip to Walmart-o and $16 dollars later........ 

I'd still have plans to spray paint it something other than gold, but a VAST improvement, if I do say so myself.

Still haven't found anything size appropriate for this one but, heck, it's still improved from before, don't you think? 

Secondly, we finally broke down and ordered a new computer.  I, personally, was just fine with our 8 year old one, but Roberto felt it was time to upgrade.  Sigh....  I REALLY didn't want to spend the money on it....but finally gave up after Rob's relentless pestering.  

We're still waiting for it to get here but, resigned, I dismantled what was left of the old one, and finally.....yes....FINALLY threw this old mouse away.  Taped button and all.

(I hope all you frugal-(possible super cheap)-hold-onto-things-until-they-are-absolutely-unusable-taped- button haters are happy (aka Ken).)

 

Chocolatey Sweet and Salty Energy Bar

It's no secret that I've been trying to lose weight lately (4 weeks, 9lbs down, 5lbs to go). In order to do so, I had to make a few changes to my current lifestyle. I ramped back up my exercise regime from 3 days a week to 5-6 days a week, started making better food choices, and have been far more careful about portion size.  The way I keep track of it all?  MyFitnessPal.com  (super quick MFP plug--It's free, easy, and a fantastic resource to help you set goals, keep track of food and exercise, and encourage friends and family who are on the same journey.)  It seriously rocks the house. Go check it out.  :) 

But for me it's not just about losing weight, it's about becoming healthier, for both me and for household of boys/men.  Believe me...I didn't put on the extra weight by eating what was good for me (unless you count candy and ice cream in large quantities every day good for me....he he he).

To describe how drastically things have changed in the last 5 weeks, I give you a direct quote from Roberto last night, "Mel, I don't remember the last time we went so long without candy in the house (minus the week of Halloween, or course).  Sometimes I hate it, but most of the time I don't even think about it."  Ha ha ha....makes me laugh.

Anyhow.....

It was while I was browsing the recipe forum on myfitnesspal.com today that I came across a recipe, well, not even a recipe, they call it a FORMULA, for The Ultimate Energy Bar.  The idea behind this "formula" is that you are given the basic components and their measurements.  Next you are given a list of recommended options for each component.  It's amazing.  The possibilities are endless....I mean ENDLESS.  The woman who made the formula even gives 3 "recipes" built from the formula to give you a jumping off point. 

I just about died, or cried, or shouted for joy.  It doesn't matter.  I was THAT excited.

I put my kiddos down for naps and went to work.

I was in the mood for chocolate so I took the formula and let my thoughts roll in that direction.  Here's what I came up with: 

But first, my recipe posting disclaimer:  I do not pretend to take fantastic pictures.  Please do not be turned off of the recipe because of my lack of photographic abilities.  I do, however, possess excellent taste testing skills and only post things I deem worthy of my taste buds.

 Chocolatey Sweet and Salty Energy Bar

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (or 1.5 cups cooked beans)
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (they sell this GV brand at Walmart now)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp sea salt
1-1/2 cups oats
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 cup brown rice flour (see pics below)
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup crushed pretzels

1/2 cup chocolate chips

First things first:  I chose to use brown rice flour.  Since I didn't have any on hand, and have actually never bought it from the store, I had to make my own.  Really simple.

Place 1-2 cups of brown rice in a blender.

Pulse or blend until you reached the consistency your are looking for.  I was going for fine.

That's it.  Now you have extra for next time too.

In a food processor, combine beans, peanut butter, honey, applesauce, vanilla and salt until smooth. 

for an even smoother texture smash or blend beans beforehand

Add oats, cocoa, rice flour, and whole-wheat flour and pulse just to combine.  Add crushed pretzels and chocolate chips and pulse, again, just to combine.  If consistency seems to be spreadable, you are done.  If it seems to dry, add 1/4 cup water, if it's too runny, add an additional 1/4 cup wheat or rice flour.

Grease 9 x 13 pan with baking spray or rub pan with 1 TBSP oil, then spread in mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes.

Makes 12 servings

They turned out pretty darn tasty and most of my boys ate and liked them (success).  My super picky (unless it is covered in Ketchup) one saw a whole-ish bean and asked "What is this, mom?"  When I chose not to answer him, he chose not to finish it.  (ha ha ha!)  He ain't no dummy.

Next time I'll blend the beans until they are unrecognizable.  Muahahahaha!   

I think I will try pumpkin something or other next.


Nutrition Information (provided by myfitnesspal.com) 1 serving:  

Calories 243, Carbohydrates 37g, Fat 9g, Protein 8g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 159mg, Sugars 12g, Fiber 6g

 

Blender Wheat Pancakes and syrup recipes too.

Yeah, I know I've been sharing a lot of recipes lately.  And there are more to come.  I just can't help it.  I've been looking at/for a lot of recipes lately and have found some real goodies. 

This one is not only quick to make, easy to follow, extremely easy to clean up after, but it can be made entirely from food storage.  Not that I make it all from food storage but I COULD if I wanted to.  And I think that is pretty dang cool.

Blender Wheat Pancakes 

recipe from Everyday Food Storage  (buttermilk substitution added by yours truly)

1 Cup Milk (translation for powdered milk is 3 T. Milk and 1 C. Water) **

1 Cup Wheat Kernels, whole & uncooked
2 Eggs (2 T. powdered eggs 1/4 C. Water)
2 tsp Baking Powder
1-1/2 tsp Salt
2 Tbs. Oil
2 Tbs. Honey or Sugar

**Milk can be substituted for buttermilk.  Don't have buttermilk?  Try this.  Put 1 TBSP lemon juice (or vinegar) in a one cup measuring cup and fill the rest of the way with milk.  Let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow time for the milk to curdle and use in recipe as directed.

Put milk ( or buttermilk) and wheat kernels in blender.Blend on highest speed for 4 or 5 minutes or until batter is smooth. Add eggs, oil, baking powder, salt and honey or sugar to above batter. Blend on low. Pour out batter into pancakes from the actual blender jar (only one thing to wash!) onto a hot greased or Pam prepared griddle or large frying pan.Cook; flipping pancakes when bubbles pop and create holes.

Berry Syrup 
2 C. Mixed Berries (Raspberries, Blueberries, & Marionberries or any mix that are red and blue
3 T. Sugar
Mix together and let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.

I love pancakes.  Lots of room for interpretation. 

Other topping ideas:
I LOVE peanut butter and bananas on mine.  Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein and a good addition of flavor without a bunch of empty calories, like most syrups.  Try adding peanut butter to the berry syrup recipe above.  Yummy.  Like a PB and J sandwich.

If you think pancakes just aren't the same without syrup (my boys wouldn't DREAM of venturing away from their beloved syrup), try this amazing recipe from Our Best Bites, Buttermilk Caramel Syrup.  You may just think you have died and gone to heaven.  Sigh.

Or

Here is a basic of all basic maple syrup recipes.  A great alternative to store bought (super bad for you) syrups with additives and high fructose corn syrup.

Homemade Maple Syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1/2 tsp maple extract (or any flavor you desire)

Place sugars and water in small pan.  Bring to a boil on med-high or high heat.  Allow to boil for 30 seconds, or until sugar is completely dissolved.  Take off heat and add extract.

Note:  This syrup is a lot runnier that you would find in the store (because it is made without thick corn syrup).  If you want a thicker syrup, try whisking in corn starch or refrigerate for several hours before use.  Warm to serve. 

Happy Pancaking!

Do YOU have any yummy topping combos to share?
 

Heaven on Earth "Skinny" Soda Bread (commonly known as Beer Batter Bread)

Have you ever heard of Tastefully Simple? I LOVE Tastefully Simple food. So, so good. So many favorites...this Beer Batter Bread being right at the top.  Others super tasties include, but are not limited to their Key Lime Cheese Ball and my newest indulgence the Irish Cream Fudge Sauce  (added a TBSP to my hot chocolate yesterday.  Squeal! I think I may be drooling...yep, I'm drooling.) 

Anyhow...

I'm not trying to steal their thunder here. I promise.  I LOVE them.  And it's not the price of their products either, okay....maybe a little...but usually I am totally willing to pay that kind of money for that kind of perfection.

That's not the problem .  The problem for us is that a lot of my favorite products, including the Beer Batter Bread, are manufactured in a plant with peanuts/tree nuts. That doesn't bode well for my child who is deathly allergic to cashews. I can make it here but he can't have any.  Which means I can't give any to my other kids ("not fair").  Which means I end up making it AFTER the kids are in bed.  And then it's just the hubby and I.  And then I end up eating half of the loaf on my own (true story, happened yesterday).....and that doesn't go along so well with the whole "trying to lose weight" thing so I just HAD to find a better solution. These kids should not have to be deprived of such a delicacy and I should not be allowed to indulge alone in it.

I found a simple copy cat recipe and tweaked it a bit, making it a bit more skinnylicious.

So, without further ado.

Heaven on Earth "Skinny" Soda Bread  

(commonly known as Beer Batter Bread)

adapted from this recipe at Food.com

Ingredients:
3 cups flour
1 TBSP baking powder
3 TBSP sugar
1 tsp salt
1 (12oz) can carbonated soda**--see notes
3 TBSP unsalted butter, melted (omit for "skinny"--trust me, it doesn't need it)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  In a mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.  Add soda/beer all at once.  Mix vigorously for 20-30 seconds, just until well combined.  Batter will be thick and lumpy.  Scrape and spread batter into a greased 9x5inch loaf pan.  Bake in the oven 35-40 minutes, until sides separate from pan and knife in the center comes out clean.  Turn out onto rack to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.   12 servings per loaf  (Nutrition Info--each slice:  calories: 125, carbs: 30g, fat: 0g, protein 3g)

Notes:
The sweeter the soda, the sweeter the end product will be.  Lemon-lime is fairly middle ground.  Orange soda will make it VERY sweet and ginger-ale or club soda will drastically cut it down.  Play with the recipe.  Experiment.  You can even use rootbeer, cola, or carbonated juice.  Whatever.  The carbonation is the key.

 This recipe is fantastic as is.  FANTASTIC!

But it's also very versatile.  If you feel like mixin' it up a bit, here are a few variations.


Melanie's (that's me) Cinnamon and Sugar Soda Bread (pictured above)
Prepare recipe as directed above.  Once the loaf is spread into the pan, pour 1 TBSP melted, unsalted butter over the dough.  Combine 3 TBSP sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon.  Sprinkle over melted butter and bake as directed above.   Or divide into muffin tins for a scrumptious breakfast treat.  12 servings per loaf. (Nutrition info--each slice:  calories: 145, carbs: 33g, fat: 1g, protein: 3g)

Other ideas from Tastefully Simple, themselves:
*Mix Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese into batter for an Italian twist. 
*Add carbonated juice, nuts, and diced fruit to make muffins or breakfast breads.
*Make cornbread by substituting liquid with a 16 oz can of creamed corn and 1/3 cup oil.
* Drizzle with honey
*Spread with butter and sprinkle with Seasoned Salt; then grill.
* Use cubed bread for bread pudding.

Also...a not so sweet version of this is SO SO SO GOOD with warm dips.  Think spinach, and/or artichoke, nacho cheese, you get the idea.  Ooohhhh...I think I may need a bib.

I hope you enjoy it.  I know I will.
 

Where has the time gone? Playing Fall Catch-up

I'm typing this now as the first snow of the year is falling.

I can NOT believe we are a third of the way through November. What the heck....where has the time gone?

It's crazy to think about how this year has virtually flown by.  I feel like I've been in a bubble since we moved here to Okanogan way back in April.  Has it really been 7 months?  Holy Cow.

Anyway....

How's life around here, you ask?  Crazy as usual.  Just all-in-all out crazy.  What more would you expect?
 
Leaves
After living for 3 years in a house without a single tree, these big boys have been quite the adventure.  Leaves when we first moved in, lots and LOTS of tree climbing in the summer and now that fall is here.....more leaves.  This picture was taken just before all these suckers fell off.  Holy Moly!  They were everywhere. 

 A few days ago, I spent over an hour raking.  The pile was ginormous. 

I had to leave for an appointment soon after, and Rob let the boys out to play. 

When I got home my pile was destroyed and the yard looked worse than it had before I started (except that the lawn was mowed underneath).  All that hard work, undone.  Sigh...a mothers lot in life, I suppose.  However, Rob said the boys had SO MUCH FUN!  That made it all better (almost).  Besides, do you know how many extra calories I burned during that hour.  :)

Pumpkins

We grew our own pumpkins this year.  They ended up being massive.  Massive!  We saved a lot of seeds from them to plant next year.  I wonder if we will have the same success?

The biggest three weighed in at 78lbs, 76lbs, and 58lbs. There are also a few "babies", coming in around 25-30 lbs. Ohhh...and a 12lb zucchini.

Some friends and the local missionaries came over to help us carve these bad boys.  We were so grateful for the help.  We wouldn't have been able to tackle them all on our own...and wouldn't really have wanted to either. 

We were looking at this picture the other day.  Kian points to the scary side of the two faced pumpkin (Dr. Jeckel and Mr. Hyde) and says, "He have a bad dream, Mom?"  So cute.

All a-glow.  This picture is missing one, maybe two, that were still being carved.

Halloween 2012

 This year was the Halloween of homemade costumes.  Gabe wanted to be Harry Potter and Cael, a dementor (although he ended up looking more like Senator Palpatine because he really didn't like the black make-up all over his face and neck).  We looked for costumes online and, after realizing I wouldn't get by spending less than $50, I decided to make them myself.  I thought they turned out well (only that's hard to make out in this picture) and it cost me less than $8 combined.  Isaac and Kian went as Batman to our ward trunk-or-treat (which costumes we already had) and switched to CTR guy's on Halloween night.  Fine by me.  Free, free and...oh yeah....free!

We were told we would get between 300-400 trick or treaters and prepared likewise.  Unfortunately the pouring rain....I mean, POURING RAIN (note how soaked the kids are...make-up running down Gabe's face)...deterred a lot of people from venturing out.  We only got 265 kids.  He he he.....ONLY!  We kept a tally sheet.  Yeah, we're that weird.  

Mr. Kian
Silly Mister Kian.  He came up to me the other day, "Wook Mommy, I wear Babe's lasses."  Funny thing is...they look really "normal" on him.  I wonder if he'll be sporting them for real sooner than later. 

Such a sweet (and slightly naughty) boy.  He he he....

Other Items of news.......

*Rob is still enjoying his job.  All except the 2 or 3 days of the month he has to do conservation loans.  He hates those.  He just got the new Halo game (oh joy) and is quite enjoying that too.

*Gabe is doing well in school.  By the second week of school he had already qualified for the semesters ice cream party for readers and hasn't slowed down since.  He is blooming with personality and quite the funny boy (at least in a nine year old way).

*Cael is enjoying school and is finally willing to show us just how good of a reader he is (because he is forced to for homework).  The way he reads reminds me a lot of how I used to play the piano.  Instead of slowing down and taking the time to read my music (and him, sounding out the words) I would just plunk at the key until I hit the right one (by ear), and he just starts spewing out words until he finally finds the right one.  It can be irritating but how do you blame the kid for something they inherited from you.  :)  Instead I try to be patient and help him sound out the words.  Sometimes it just really makes me want to laugh.  Cael really misses his friends from the Tri-Cities.  He had an awesome gang (8 or so) of boys his age in the ward and we loved to have them around.  He just doesn't have the same thing here.  Sad.  But, his relationship with Gabe is blooming and they have quite the time playing together (most of the time).  It's very fun to watch.  Cael's smile just keeps getting bigger and brighter (if that's possible) and I love to see it.

*Isaac is blossoming on his own.  His independent nature takes him on all sorts of adventures (some of which his mother wishes she did not have to be a part of--like peeing in the chapel of the church during aerobics---yeah, that was a fun one).  He really wishes he was in school but enjoys the "special time" he and I are able to have after I put Kian down for a nap.  We do puzzles, games, and sometimes just work on "preschool" type things.  He loves the attention and I love having the time with just him and me.  He is quite the sweet boy when he wants to be.  He's always telling me, at least on days when I actually shower and get ready for the day, "Mom, you look beautiful."  Melts my heart, sweet thing.

*Kian, for all his cuteness, has really hit that two to three year old stage.  You know the one.  The one where they turn from adorable toddler to crazy demon child.  Kidding.  Sort of.  He has long been a pupil of Isaac's and is quickly becoming quite the scholar, except with his own twist of Kian thrown in there.  Oh boy....am I ever doomed.  I find it hard to keep up with his independent "ideas" and we often find ourselves in a battle of wills. 
His biggest "battle" lately being over nap time/bedtime.  It was quite touch and go for a while. We finally came to some sort of treaty.  It's working out fairly well for both parties.  Mommy (or Daddy) sets up camp for Kian by the crack of his door, and for his part, he stays in his room and goes to sleep.  Seems to be working.  Most of the time.  For now.

Fortunately for all parties involved, Kian is actually fairly easy to reason with.  It surprises me how well he understands choice and consequence and is willing to do what needs to be done (when he want to) in order to get what he wants.

 *As for me, I have finally woken up out of the stressful/hormonal/emotional haze that has held me captive for the better part of this year.  I'm really enjoying teaching aerobics at the church (and recently contacted the ONLY local gym about a job...still waiting for follow up on that) and have started all sorts of new hobbies.  Cooking/Baking being one of them.  And I actually don't burn everything like I used to.  :)  I also found the determination, that seems to have alluded me for the last 18 months or so, and am GOAL BOUND to losing weight.  I've been waiting over 2 1/2 years to reach my "pre-Kian" weight and am on the home stretch now.  5 lbs to go.  It's taken a while to feel up to the challenge but here I am.  Able to get back into my old clothes and just feeling good about pursing something I've set my mind to.  It's been a while since I've even tried.

Ohhh....one more thing.  Rob and I are finally catching up on some of our "to do" / "to spend way too much time,effort, and money on" list and finally, FINALLY got our coat rack up with very minimal swearing (on my part) and only a little bit of giving up (on his part).  All I have to say is that it's about diggity dang time. 

Now just to finish the boys closets, finish painting Gabe and Kian's room, install a new garage door/opener, finish weather proofing doors, start Christmas shopping, Christmas goodie baking, etc, etc, etc........  Oh Boy!

I guess that's all the "catch up" news I have for now.

Until next time.

Love,

Mystery of the Evil Window well Lurker Solved

It all started several months back.

Rob had taken an evening trip to Wenatchee (2 hours away) and I was home alone with the boys.  I sat watching a movie in the basement when I heard a distinct rustling noise outside the window.  Thinking it was the breeze stirring the dry, dead leaves, I didn't give it much thought and went on with my night. 

Days pass....the noise continues.  Each time I'm in the basement in the evening I hear this rustling.  I'm baffled and maybe even a little bit scared.  What could it be? 

Most of the time I'm on my own.  Rob's not home to be my hero.  Besides, Rob thinks I'm crazy.  He's never heard anything out of the ordinary.  But I know there is something out there.  I just know it.

Then the weather warms up and the windows are, more often than not, closed against the heat of the summers day.  I forget all about the mysterious noises.

Then fall weather hits.  The days and nights are pleasantly cool.  We open up the windows to enjoy the crispness in the air and, once again, are plagued by "the noise".

Now Rob believes me.  He hears it too.  Something just HAS TO be out there.   

I do several daytime investigations of the window well.  Nothing but rocks and a few leaves.  Nothing.

Then a few nights ago I had a "girls night" with some friends.  We were watching a movie and the, now familiar, rustlings starts up again.  "Did you hear that?" I say, and continue on to explain the mysterious situation.  "What do you think it could be?"

We start brainstorming. 


Cat?   Maybe. A large spider?   Probably not.  Squirrel?   Hmmmmm.  Mouse?  Most likely!

Sick!  I HATE MICE.


Every time the noise sounds, both myself and another one of the ladies glance towards the window with trepidation.  Okay, maybe I can't speak for her, and why she kept looking at the window, but I was completely disgusted by now.  I mean, what if it chews it's way through the screen. 

My friends go home.  I tell Rob my theory and we talk about setting a traps, regardless of the lack of evidence (as in droppings) that it was, indeed, a mouse.

It just never happened.  

I become increasingly unsettled about spending time in the basement , which really puts a damper on night time couch snuggling with El Jefe.

Something just had to be done.  I was determined to take care of this problem.  

So...last night, Roberto and I were just sitting down to a show when it starts.  The dreaded leaf crunching.

"That's it," I declare, "I'm going out there."

After a few minutes of sleuthful strategizing (aka I stood really still against the fence waiting for the culprit to make another move) I gave up and crept closer.  Leaning over, ever so slightly, to peer inside the window well, my eyes roam around until they settle on this......

"It's a FROG", I exclaimed loud enough for Rob to hear through the open window.  Then I may have let out a gleeful giggle followed with a "It's SO CUTE".    

My mind was VERY relieved to discover our little hopper friend instead of a mouse.  VERY RELIEVED!  I just love little froggies.

He seemed so intent on coming into visit with us.  See how pleading his little buggy eyes are.  "Please let me in.  We could be good friends."

After solving the case, our night continued as planned.  Plenty of snuggling.

Each time I heard the "noise of mystery", instead of feeling scared and worried, a smile came to my face.

 I took this shot just before we headed to bed.  Isn't he sweet?

We told the boys about him this morning.  They were so excited.  "Can we catch him and keep him in the house?" we heard (to which the answer was no).  But I took them out to see him instead.  Much to my sorrow, the results of this search proved to be the same as every other daytime investigation.  

He was nowhere to be found.

Sad.

But we'll see/hear him again.  Of that I am sure.

I wonder where our little nocturnal friend goes during the day?

 

Paint, Pustules and Prayer

I've been under the false impression that in order to make blogging worth it, each and every post had to be some sort of literary masterpiece. Since I'm not in the frame of mind for such dabblings (or babblings) I have instead chosen NOT to blog much.

I guess I forgot that this blog was originally put together so that our families and close friends could enjoy the doings and going ons of our growing family and as a sorts of "family journal". 

For those of you who are neither family nor "close" friends, keep that thought in mind as today I "dazzle" you with two very boring updates (that only a mother could love) and one rather silly story.

First, I finally took the plunge and painted our living room.

I've been itching to do it since the day we moved in but was delayed by actually closing on the house, and then a miscarriage, and then life as it generally is.  At the beginning of the summer I didn't quite make it to Home Depot's memorial day paint sale.  I was rather disappointed.  Now I would have to pay full price for paint because there was NO way I was going to wait until Labor day for their next paint sale.  Fast forward several months.  Let's just say I have a rebate coming in the mail.

Here is a before shot (which I remembered to do only after I had taped off):

 and the afters (gives a whole new meaning to accent wall, yes?):

 Now I'm sure most people would have waited to take after shots until they had cleaned up, put the furniture back, and re-decorated.  Not me.  Because I have only accomplished the first two.  Still working on the putting things back on the walls.  Give me a break.  It's only been a couple of weeks now.  :)

On another note the dreaded hand, foot and mouth disease has come to visit us. 

Kian's poor face.  If you think this looks bad you should see his sad bottom.  I did restrain from taking a picture of it and posting it here.  That would just be bad on several levels but you can take my word for it.  It's SO SAD!

Looking back, I seem to recall when Gabe had it, and again when Cael did, their cases were very similar to Kians.  My kids have gotten off fairly easy. I've seen pictures online.  This is nothing.

As you can see he's as happy as can be.  No worse for the ware.

Which is where the funny story comes in.

Yesterday as we were sitting down to dinner it was my turn to pray.  I began with several things we were grateful for, one of which being the ease our children had seen throughout this particular sickness (Gabe also got a fever and sore throat...no spots) and thanked Heavenly Father that Kian was so happy despite the discomfort and pain he must be in.  I tried to go on but Kian, who had obviously been actually listening to the words of the prayer (which caught me completely by surprise...I mean he's only 2), so rudely interrupts my prayer, by yelling out, "I NOT HAPPY!!!!!", in his loudest, grumpiest voice ever.

A few snickers here and there from the older boys but I shrugged it off and tried to continue.

Again, "I NOT HAPPY."  (snicker, snicker in the background)

I look at Rob, who was obviously waiting for my cue.  I seized the moment, setting aside my usual "must set an exceptional example" way of thinking and burst out laughing.  That set Rob off and soon we were all laughing loud and clear.  Except Kian....who was still yelling, "I NOT HAPPY."

After a few seconds of truly delightful lightheartedness (of which we do NOT see a lot of), I quieted things down and quickly finished the prayer.

Our night continued as usual, except with an air of contentedness we hadn't felt around here in a long time.  It was awesome!

So, I thank you, Mr. Golden Locks for adding a bit of lightness into our lives.  You truly are a blessing from God.  The glue that has bound our broken family back together.

I love you dearly....

even if the sight of you kinda grosses me out right now.  :) 

 

"But I'm trying...."

Tonight Cael got a nasty bump on his eyebrow and had quite the cry about it.  In my efforts to console him, I reminded him that I knew just how it felt.  "Remember the story I told you about when I got hurt there and had to get stitches." (my older brother Andrew threw a tin can at my head and it sliced open my brow.  He also pushed me off the bathroom counter causing my chin to split open...more stitches...but that's another story).

Apparently the mention of this story caused Isaac some serious concern.  He followed me with haste as I exited the room.

With a great look of hurt Isaac asked, "Mom.  Why was Uncle Andrew so mean to you?"

To which I replied, "Well...why are you mean to your brothers sometimes?"

As I go on to explain that siblings just get frustrated with each and hurt each other, etc, Isaac interrupts to answer my previous question.

"But, I'm not."  (frowning)  "I'm trying to do what is right.  I'm trying to be like Jesus."

His husky little voice was pleading for me to understand.

I was such a proud mama at that moment. 

Yes...he IS trying.  He's been praying for help every night to do just those things.

And so I reassured him...

"You are right.  You are trying hard, aren't you?"

and then taught him a small lesson about repentance and forgiveness...

"And I think Uncle Andrew was trying too.  Sometimes, even when we are trying, we still mess up.  Then we need to say we are sorry and try to do better."

He looked mighty relieved.  "Okay!" he says.

And off he went.

What a truly sweet (even if he is my most naughty) boy.

 

School Daze...I mean days...2012

I used to wonder why I would always hear mothers exclaim in exasperation, "I can't WAIT for school to start." Then I became a mother.

Now I get it.

I'm always happy when summer comes around and more than thankful for a reprieve from "structure" and schedules. I usually carry this on through June and even most of the way through July. Then August hits and I am DYING to say "goodbye freedom" and "hello order".

This year was no exception.

 I must say, however, that having TWO kids in full time school made the commencement of this year even more exciting. (squeal)

I'd like to say we went all out. You know, school shopped until we dropped, made a fancy shmancy dinner to welcome in the school year, gorged our pantry with lots of sack lunch goodies, and even woke up early on the first day to create a culinary masterpiece of wholesome breakfast goodness to get the brain going.

But...we didn't.

Instead we dug through buckets of hand-me-down clothes and found some pants that were in "first day of school shape" (otherwise known as hole-less and stain-less), ordered a few shirts from Target.com (which haven't arrived yet)and pulled dinner together at the last minute with very little thought.  But...we DID go to Burger King for $.50 ice cream cones to "celebrate" the end of summer, I DID get up and make oatmeal for breakfast and I DID put a little extra something in their otherwise boring lunches....a string cheese.  Yeah...I'm the BEST mom. 

Don't be too jealous, though. I made up for my greatness rather quickly. 

Gabe spent most of the morning in tears because I INSISTED on doing a bit of painful "doctoring" that just "couldn't be put off a moment longer".  Yeah.....poor kid.  I should have waited.  Sigh....

I may not make "mom of the year" but the kids got out the door to school on time, with excitement in their eyes and smiles on their faces.  Yeay for school!

"Aw MOM...we're gonna be late."

Gabe- 4th Grade

Cael 1st Grade

 It kills me to know that I could have had three in school this year.  However, we decide to keep Isaac at home until next year (bummer). He didn't turn 5 until early August and my "mommy feelings" tell me he's just not ready yet.  Even bigger sigh...... For now he will stay at home and help me entertain Kian.

There are HUGE benefits in that.

Happy School days everyone.  Enjoy it while it lasts.
 

Omak Warrior Stampede 2012

Going for a "tough girl" look...came out with a "there's something in my eye" look instead.

I went...I conquered...I found my "inner warrior". 

Today I competed in the 2nd Annual Omak Warrior Stampede here in our very own adjacent town of Omak, WA.

 Now, while these types of "warrior" races are popping up all over the country, THIS race has something NO OTHER VENUE does. "Suicide Hill" followed by a swim across the Okanogan River, then directly into the stadium for the last 2 obstacles.  It was seriously intense.
 

Photo of Suicide Hill taken from the stadium by Rob

I decided months ago that I wanted to do this race.  Why not, right?  It's only a 3+ mile run and a few obstacles. "It doesn't matter that I really haven't been running a lot lately.  I can do it."

I tried to recruit to no avail.  Instead, I got a lot of "maybe next year" 's and "try it out for me and let me know" 's.  "Alright then....I'll do it alone." 

As the summer wore on I only went running a few times.  I was so busy teaching aerobics at the church 3 times a week and having fun with my new ZUMBA fitness game that I just didn't make the time.  "That's okay", I thought.  "I'll do it anyway" (yep...get that from my dad, remember?).

So I FINALLY signed up for it on Monday of this week and went for a 5 mile run on Tuesday (complete with several high knees, hills, and butt kick exercises) in a final lame attempt to "train" for this thing.  Hah.....  First of all, the run just about killed me....and second....NOTHING could have prepared me for these obstacles. 

There were ten of them, each put together by one of the race sponsers.

"Barbarian Barracade":  4 chest high barriers interspersed with low lying barbed wire.  Over the barrier, under the wire.

Apple bins:  4 waist high, water filled apple bins loaded onto a flat bed trailer.  Climb up onto the trailer, climb in and out of the bins (get soaking wet), slide down a long slide to get off trailer, and biff it at the end....just like everyone else.  

"Knee High Hades":  Tire Runs, climb over a heaping tower of tires, and more tire runs.  Whew!

"Hay Fever":  A series of hay bales to climb over including a 3 story pyramid.  Exhausting...and itchy.  I tried pulling some quirky ninja moves and was complimented on my "grace" by one of the volunteers.  Ha ha ha!

picture taken by Rob just as I passed the first water station just passed "Hay Fever"

"Junker Jump":  Climbing up and over, and up and over, 6 cars with VERY little room for recovery.  UGH!  But I had a bit of fun with this one.  There was a photographer in the 5th car filming the contestants.  I got right up next to the windshield and made, what I hope turned out to be, an authentic warrior scowl (as in super ugly) complete with "battle cry".  I seriously hope I get to see that footage later. 

"Warrior Wall":  After ascending a long, steep hill we were immediately required to climb up and over a ladder type wooded wall.  Holy Cow!  It took me a while to catch my breath after this one.  This was the FIRST time in the race I just about tossed my cookies.

"Black Out":  Nearing the home stretch we had to drop down into a 15 yard (or so) underground tunnel.  The top was sealed off with wood boards (which I was grateful for...I thought it was going to be completely constructed of dirt) and the ends were tarped off, making it very dark in there.  I was crawling at a moderate pace but heard someone coming up behind me.  I thought they were gaining on me and I couldn't let that happen.  So I sped up. 

"Suicide Hill":  By far the funnest part of the course.  A 225 foot, 66% grade,  soft dirt (thank you horses) Hill.  I was exhausted by this point and worried that my legs were going to buckle at any given moment, but I didn't care. I ran down that sucker, hoopen' and hollerin' the whole way.  It was exhilarating.  

(Because of camera malfunctions, Rob didn't actually get ME coming down the hill but shot a few people coming down after me ,once he lost sight of me in the river)


Then on to the most grueling part of the race (for me).

"River Run":  The Okanogan River.  The current was very swift, and it get's deep so fast that you can't touch the bottom.  I didn't even try at first.  I plunged in and took off.  There was a split second, after less than a dozen strokes, that I reminded myself of how horrible of a swimmer I am and wondered if I would make it.  "What if I can't do it?"  I remember thinking.  But I wasn't about to just give up.  I closed my eyes and focused on swinging one arm after another.  I tried to get in a few kicks here and there but my legs were just SO tired and weighed down by my shoes.  The current was so fast it would cause my legs to criss-cross anyway.  When I could finally touch on the other side, I tried to stand up and wade through it but the current was still too fast.  It knocked me over several times but I just kept going.  I was SURE the 4-5 people who were right behind me, before the hill, were going to catch up but when I looked back, I realized they were still in the river.  I wanted to shout for joy but was too busy trying to stop my head from spinning and swallowing down the bile that was crawling up my throat.  Yeah...that was the SECOND time during the race I almost vomited.

At this point I was so beat.  The river bank on the other side was almost more than I could bare.  I wasn't sure I had anything left.  I struggled with myself for a second, because I NEVER allow myself to stop and walk during a run, but eventually gave in.  For just a few seconds, I allowed myself to walk up the hill...take a few steps on flat ground....and then, once my head cleared....I started jogging again.  VERY, VERY SLOWLY.

As I headed toward the stadium...and the last two obstacles ("Muddy Mayhem" and "Warrior Roast")...I made a decision.  I was either going to give it my all...or die trying (which didn't seem like such a foreign concept at the time).  I just couldn't give up.

I heard my children cheering just before I rounded the gate into the stadium and it gave me the energy boost I needed to keep going.  I picked up my pace and finished the race with all the energy I had left.  I even found enough energy to add in my "Family Circus signature move" (In your honor DAD!)....The Cartwheel!  See for yourself...



I thought I was pretty close to the front of the pack but really had no idea how I'd done.  As I crossed the finish line, the volunteer told me that I was the FIRST GIRL to finish.

NOW THAT FELT AWESOME!!!!

Turns out there were only 3 men head of me too.
  
I couldn't believe it.  I mean, WOW!  4th in my heat....never would have guessed it.

It's always amazing to me what you can do when you put your mind to it.

When I would feel myself slowing down, or mentally getting tired, I would repeat to myself things like, "You're okay."  "You can do it."  "Just keep going."  "One foot in front of the other."  Once I even yelled to myself (in my head, of course) "YOU ARE A WARRIOR!"  Me, myself, and I had a good outward chuckle about that one.   I'm sure anyone near thought I was delusional or suffering from heat stroke.  Ha ha ha!!!

In the end...I'm so glad I did it.  What an experience!

Post Race with the kiddos

Next year, I think maybe I'll even train for it.

Can't wait to see the final results posted tonight.