Smuggs Park

I mentioned that there were 9 playgrounds. I believe that's what I had read. I also mentioned that we only found two of them. That's because we didn't have time to locate them all with our very busy schedule.

The first one we found was up near the aquatics center. It had lots of different climbing and riding toys that the kids loved and which they don't normally see at a park. It didn't take a minute for the kids to be off and running.... and for Peter to insist on being out of his sling! :)

At one point Bob tried to get Gabi to try out the "climbing wall". I thought she'd have fun and got ready to take pictures, but as soon as she started, she decided she couldn't do it. I'm not sure how much of that was just because there was so much else she wanted to be doing, or fear that she's not be able to do it yet because it was new, or that she really thought she couldn't. In any case, she choose to go off and enjoy the rest of the playground instead!

Each of the kids enjoyed being able to go round and round on the various different turning toys. My favorite part was when they gathered at the turning ring (like a merry-go-round without the bars to hang on to and a hole in the middle). They took turns pushing each other for a minute and then enlisted Daddy to push them. Well, this ring not only turns, but it's set so that as it spins it goes up a little and then back down . So, Peter thought he needed to be involved. He ran over to the low side, and while it was still spinning, grabbed it with both hands and pulled. He got up just enough to hang over it a little, hanging on with all his strength and legs hanging down the other side! He hung on for several spins around before he let go and then did it again! :)

They fought over who got to sit on this sea-saw like thing that was in an arch, like a big blue rainbow. In order to really make that work, Daddy had to grab onto the little handles around the inside and pull it back and forth. The kids thought it was great fun, but with only two seats, well, they had to learn to take turns all over again! :)

The other playground had slides and swings, but we never actually went over to play on it. I did take the boys over to the first one again while the girls were swimming and they didn't want to be. That was when I didn't take my camera and Peter decided to get on the actual sea-saw and loved to bounce on it. Jeremy figured out that, although it was a little high, he could pull himself up on the seat of that too!

Smuggs Outdoors

So, on to the great outdoors. Although there are lots of buildings around, you don't feel it. There are so many mountains, trees, and the sounds of nature with a river near, that you just get lost in the great beauty of outdoors. A short walk down the "sidewalk" takes you to the river where you can choose to wander along snowshoe and cross country ski trials. It was really nice. We didn't have to go very far for the kids to get lost in the natural excitement of throwing rocks into the river. And climbing the larger rocks, or finding sticks (or mini-logs) to lug around!

There were a couple of patches of icy-snow where it hadn't yet melted, and the kids enjoyed a slight "skate" across them. The mud wasn't too bad either, having mostly been dried out except a few places where the sunlight didn't get to it for long during the day.

Since I had been allowed to sleep in the day everyone headed to the river, I joined up with them later. Peter was excited to see me arrive and Bob let him down. Peter tried to climb a slight incline toward me and stumbled and fell a couple times. One time, he landed in some blackberry bushes. His right leg had scratches all over it. But, he didn't seem to have a problem with it after the initial fall.

On the way back, Gabi started to grumble. (Nothing new.) But Bob has a wonderful way of getting her (and any of the other kids) to start smiling and laughing again... especially when there's a camera near by! He had Gabi make her grumpiest face and then kept telling her she could do better than that. Enjoy those pics!













This is just the stuff we did, and considering our particular schedule, we didn't have much time to really explore the place fully. I'd love to go back and really get around the place more! I feel like we really missed something.

On my "hike" with Peter, I took off down to the river again, but then headed up the Logger trail. Just before we turned off, we saw a squirrel! Onward and upward I noticed moose tracks and pointed them out to Peter. Being as little as he is, he probably didn't understand much of what I was trying to tell him. Not too long up the trail, Peter started babbling something to me and pointing back the way we came. So I asked him which way to go. He pointed back. I guess he was missing the rest of the family. Never-the-less, although I was enjoying myself and hadn't gone nearly as far as I'd have liked, I figured an upset Peter was something I was trying to avoid!

Still, the time was great and soothing! Nature has an amazing way to naturally calm and sooth the body, mind and soul!

Smuggs Indoors

I should have taken pictures, but I thought of it after it looked more lived in than fresh. I did get a few, though.

We were on the second story, which gave us the incredible view. There was a balcony looking right out at the great Smuggler's Notch Mountains, complete with evidence of ski slopes no longer in use as the season was past. I couldn't help but be drawn to just staring out the window when inside, or going out to the deck and staring from there! I guess I've either been gone from Vermont too long, or I've just been starved for the beautiful green and alive look that comes from Spring time in the great outdoors!

We had a full kitchen. A complete L couch with two reading chairs to make up the living room. The dinning area was directly between the kitchen and the living room (seating 8). There was a gas fireplace (which I had to turn on just to say we did, but only once)! :) It was a two bedroom, although there are other units with more. Three beds, sleeping four, in one room with a bathroom located between that and the kitchen; and then the master bedroom, complete with jacuzzi bathroom (which the kids loved when they weren't in the pool)! Gabi and Beth marveled over the four TV's (a great excitement since we only have one and only good for movie watching)!

Sunday night the master bed got some extra attention - the normal dog-pile on Dad after prayers and scriptures was done on the bed. It gave some bounce, and a lot of cushion! I got some pictures right at the end, but both Beth and Peter had decided they were done by then. Still, the beds saw a lot more of the "monkey jumping" kind of action throughout the week! Lots of jumping, lots of laughing, and lots of Mom telling them to "be careful!" I can't help it, I'm a paranoid mother! :)

Jeremy slept on the twin bed right along the wall full of windows. When he'd wake up in the morning, he'd just lay there, staring out into the great outdoors and watching the sunrise! That was, by far, his favorite part of the vacation home!

Smuggler's And Family

So we're back... or sort of back. We're back from vacation anyway. Here's the shortened version of the trip with a couple of pictures. As I find a little time over the next week, I'll tell more stories about the different adventures and include more pictures for your enjoyment.

As usual, we left in a mode of chaos, but settled in peacefully the further we got from the house. It certainly seems as though that sense that no one can find us and bother us is really quite settling on the nerves. Although, this time around there were several people who "could" get a hold of us... if we'd had reception all along the way!

Sunday was wonderful! Though it involved a further drive that was necessary for us, we met up with my brother and his family to go to church at the ward they just moved into. They had not yet had their daughter blessed, so that was arranged (along with the blessing of my sister's baby) and Bob was able to be the mouth piece for the Lord for both. As with every blessing I've been witness to, it was very special! I surely love the power of the Spirit when the Priesthood is being used according to the will of the Lord!

After that, we had an impromptu visit with my grandparents! It was a wonderful visit over dinner, and really helped to pass the Sunday in a grand way! Our kids really like to visit at "great grandma and grandpa" Boone's house!

Monday we spent up at Smuggler's! It's the off season, so all skiing was shut down and the (on site) water park was not yet open. Neither were the camps and all the stuff that goes along with that! But, it is a wonderful family resort with 9 playgrounds (we found two) hidden throughout (the resort is huge)!

There were snowshoe and cross country trails without snow and great for some hiking! We followed the river a little way and then threw rocks, and another morning I took Peter and hiked up the Logger path! The best part for the kids, an indoor pool! And not just any pool - An indoor, heated pool playground designed with the little kid in mind! The deepest part of the "playground" was only 1 foot 6 inches. There was a "swim pool" which was 3 feet 6 inches all the way around. And two hot tubs with jets! The kids really enjoyed this!

The girls went earlier with Dad, and while the boys napped, I relaxed by staring out at the wonderful view! When the boys awoke from their naps, I took them over to join the
Bob and the girls at the pools. The boys didn't like the noise much and weren't sure about all the water stuff at first. But it didn't take long for them to be splashing around and running in and out! They were done after about 2 hours, although the girls stayed later with Daddy! When they came back to our "home", Gabi was all red, itchy, slightly puffy, very puffy eyed and bloodshot! She's our sensitive child - as in allergic to things. Apparently she's allergic to chlorine. She's fine with smaller doses, always washing off afterwards, but 4 hours straight was too much. She rebounded rather quickly after soaking and scrubbing though!

When I brought the boys back, there were signs that said "wet paint" and listed things like the door trim! The doors were propped slightly open so the paint could dry. I told Jeremy that there was wet paint and not to touch the doors. He said okay and then pulled his hands in near his chest. However, to his little mind there was no reason why the door should be stuck partway open! He reached out to push it closed and ended up with paint all over his right hand! So I told him not to touch anything as we walked up the stairs to our room. He did great...until he started to stumble! He reached out and put his hand on the wall to steady himself! As Bob noted when he got back we had our own little "Curious George"!

That night, Peter was unusually fussy. He ended up with us, and before we could get him back to sleep, be threw up all over me, all over himself and our bedspread! Poor kid. It seems he's not getting well as fast as we'd like. Actually, he had a blessing that said he'd be over that by morning. And he was....although the after effects have been banned from all fruits (save bananas) right now.

The middle of week was spent with a baby shower and birthday party... the shower for my sister-in-law and the birthday party for Bob.... And just before all that, Gabi caught her first ball in her glove! (I, of course, missed it because it was the one time I didn't snap the picture of her trying to catch. Silly me, she'd missed so many I figured it wasn't necessary to juggle that and Peter at the same time! I did have her hold it up to take her picture afterward, and she had several bounce outs after that!)

Kayleen didn't know the shower was happening, and my sister was suppose to pick her up. However, as she was coming down, she thought the pass through Smuggler's Notch would be open and tried to go through it. She didn't make it too far and had to call for help. I'm sure it was eventful for her with the two little ones in tow and she didn't make it done. The shower happened three hours late since my mother had to go over and get Kayleen! Still, it was a nice time and the other cousins enjoyed their time together.

Our kids made presents for Daddy, all in secret. Gabi wrote and illustrated a book about fishing (the brainstorming involved my mother and Beth and therefore Gabi included everyone's names on the book). Beth made a special birthday hat. And Jeremy painted a rock. It was fun to watch them be so excited about doing something for Daddy... and coming up with it all on their own!

The rest of the week (a day and a few hours) was spent at the resort again. The boys didn't want to go back to the loud pool, so the girls went and I took the boys to the playground. I wish I'd taken the camera again that day because Peter decided he could ride the see-saw too! It was so cute to see him on it and making it bounce!

Peter is still not much for long car rides! All the way back, except when he was napping (and thank goodness of that), he fussed. We found things from time to time which turned his attention, but they never seemed to last very long. That is until I gave him the cell phone! He took that and made as it if to dial someone, then he'd put it to his ear, start talking, lay the phone next to his ear, but resting on his shoulder! It was funny to watch him do this over and over again!

The the three older kids love to sing along to three Cd's of random children's music we've put together (over 5 hours worth). We got a kick out of today's "favorite song"....or rather the girls' version of it: "I just can't wait to be A king!" (They've added that little "A" to the line, not knowing it's wrong, and Bob and I just got a chuckle out it!)

Eventually we made it back and even made some progress with getting things taken care of and trying to work through the chaos we left behind!

And just in time... tomorrow starts the week of Dance marathon! (I mean, rehearsal tomorrow, Monday, Tuesday, Friday and recital next Saturday!) Let's hope I learn how to take things one day at a time! :)

Bagels, Please

A couple of days ago, Beth asked me if we had any bagels because that's what she wanted for breakfast. Since our family was not in a bagel-eating-zone (we go back and forth), we didn't have any for her. She was disappointed and simply said "I wish we had some bagels."

I had been meaning to try my hand at making some, so we went on-line and found a recipe. Last night, after everyone was in bed, I set out to try (Beth didn't know I was going to actually do it). She had a pleasant surprise this morning! And, if I do say so myself, they came out pretty good! Good enough that I think I've found another thing I'll be making myself instead of buying at the store. I'm sure I'll play around with the recipe because that's what I do, and in the process find several different ones we like. But for now, if you're interested, here's the link to the recipe I used!

Homemade Bagels Recipe From The Food Network

Firefly - Dreams Come True

When Gabi started school, we heard the questions "When do I get to do a play?" an awful lot! It has been hard for her to wait to learn how to do a play, to get a part, and to perform in it! Well, after waiting for so long, The Children's Stage Adventures group came to her school to work with the kids and perform a real play! They did "The Princess and the Pea: A Musical Comedy" by Don Kukla. It was really cute, funny, and most importantly, enjoyable!


I did not record the entire show (it was probably just under an hour), but I did record Gabi's three little parts. So you'll see them here. You'll also see some cute pictures of her in her costume! She's had a lot of fun being a firefly!

Daddy Bed Time

Most of this week has been Daddy's turn to put kids to bed. A relief to me, as bedtime is usually mine (and the kids) breaking point because everyone is so tired and run down from the days adventures. Still, if Bob and I are both home at bedtime, the kids usual request me, and often go into hysterics if they don't get me to put them to bed! It always levels out when Dad gets up there and starts tossing them onto their beds and playing games before they say their prayers. Often he'd stay up talking with one or more and bedtime would go from half an hour to an hour or more!

Last week, at Stake Conference, one of our general authorities (I honestly couldn't tell you which one, as the talk was presented in the Priesthood session) spoke about the types of stories we needed to be sharing with our children, especially at bedtime. From my understanding of the talk, we were strongly encouraged to spend our story telling time, and especially while sitting upon the child's bed before they go to sleep, sharing stories from real life experiences which were faith promoting. Especially, when applicable, mission stories.

Well, anyone who knows anyone who went on a mission knows that mission stories seem to be endless. And those of us who didn't go on missions (for one reason or another) often get to feeling out of the loop. But when it's your Dad telling you stories from his own life, they are enrapturing!

Our children love this new ritual! When Daddy is home, they head up the stairs, eagerly (and quietly) awaiting his entry when he'll not only go through the prayer and tuck-in routine, but then sit (first in one room, then the other) telling stories from his mission! They love it! And they want to hear those stories!

When he wasn't here, they wanted me to tell them stories too! I didn't go on a mission, so I don't have that seemingly endless supply! But I do remember when the girls were smaller, before the boys came along, when I would lay with them and tell them stories from when I was a little girl, or when Grandma was a little girl! So, the rest of the week I've been thinking back to my favorite, uplifting and fun experiences! Because, after all, Daddy isn't here every night at bedtime, so I want to be able to share such experiences with them as well!

**A call to family: If you have stories that you are willing to write down or to type and then send or email to us, we'd love to have similar stories (uplifting, faith building, fun, real) from you to tell our children as well. It's a great way for the kids to learn about their extended family!

Family Green-Up Adventure

It didn't start out that way.... when we'd finished some chores and lunch, we noticed it was 65 outside! So everything else got left behind and, with Peter up from his nap, we headed outside for the rest of the day! I tried to work some on preparations for my calling in church while the three younger kids enjoyed playing on the deck! Jeremy realized there was still snow on the lower step, so he decided he had a duty to clear it. Peter tried to help, tried to climb the bench back, and just had a good time! Beth had trouble adjusting to the sun-light, but once she found ice crystals she forgot about all that and decided it was time to have an experiment!

She took some little ice crystals into the house, put them in a cup and added a little water. See, since ice cubes melt in our water, then the ice needed water to make it melt. I told her it was a great experiment, but that she needed to do it outside. She loved that because she could gather many more little ice crystals and add them to the cup.

At one point the cup tipped for a moment and some of the water and ice crystals landed on the bench. She apologized and I told her it was a good thing it was outside because the ice would still melt and the water would dry quickly. She agreed, so I asked her if she knew what made the ice melt. Her response, referencing to the ice crystal she was playing with:

"It doesn't like the sunshine. And the sunshine makes it go away."

After that she went into typical Beth-mode of entering into a world all her own. She was pretending to have a conversation with the same ice crystal:

Beth: You're going to get dried up.
Ice Crystal: Forever?
Beth: Yes!...until you come back.

Shortly after, Gabi got off the bus, away we went on a walk! We hadn't thought of anything except keeping everyone safe and getting along with our exciting outing. Not long down the road Gabi noticed some trash and wanted to pick it up. We were far enough from the house that we couldn't really go back, so we just picked that up and put it in the little bag like thing on the back of the stroller. We did that with some of the little trash we saw, but left the big stuff because we had no way to get it back to the house. We soon had to stop gathering trash, but knew Daddy would be along on his way home while we were out.

Sure enough, as we headed back, Daddy came down. Gabi asked if he had a bag and I explained what was going on. He headed home, grabbed a bag and walked back to us. We hadn't gotten very far because the kids had stopped to throw rocks into the "melt off stream". The rest of the way home we gathered everything we saw except the three broken glass bottles.

It was so refreshing to have spent almost two hours walking with the kids and having them take a sincere interest in making their town a better place! It was wonderful to share in cleaning the earth a little, and showing our Father in Heaven how much we love and appreciate this beautiful world!

As Requested: The Recipe

I didn't include the recipe this last time because the blog was so long by itself... but I guess I should have! You'll love it if you've never tried it! And if you have tried it, you'll love to have the recipe (although I know many of you have it in our ward cookbook).

Betsey's Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

1c. butter, softened; 1c. brown sugar; 1c. sugar; 2 eggs; 2 tsp. vanilla; 2c. flour; 1 tsp. baking soda; 1 tsp. baking powder; 1 tsp. salt; 2 1/2c. oatmeal, ground; 16oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1c. milk chocolate chips

Cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and beat well. Add flour with soda, baking powder and salt. Mix well. Grind oatmeal into flour in a blender; add and mix. Mix in chips.

Roll into ping pong size balls. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for 7 to 8 minutes. Cool on sheet for 1 minute and removed to cool completely on rack.

*I'll admit that I put both eggs in at the same time. I also put in the soda, powder and salt before the flours and blend them well and then add the flours.

*I also only use 1c. of chips total. Sometimes I mix the above two types, most often it's just one type (and usually we choose to do dark chocolate instead of either above), and I've done them with M&Ms which the kids love for the colors.

**I was told that to flatten the cookies a little (they get really puffy) to take the pan out 1 minute before they were done and "drop" the pan onto the stove. I've noticed that this is not necessary when I bake with my confection mode.

Chocolate Chip Cookies, Laugher & Memories

I never thought there was a true best chocolate chip cookie out there. Chocolate chip was chocolate chip and they were all good...after all, they were cookies. But a few years ago, when I'd make chocolate chip cookies, Bob would ask if they were Betsey's. I never understood what was so exciting about those particular cookies (but I also didn't really eat the cookies much, I generally made them for everyone else). Bob had noticed a difference the first time he'd had Betsey's chocolate chip cookies. He didn't know what was different, just that something was different!

So, I called and got her recipe! Indeed, something was different, and I have since decided that there really is a best chocolate chip cookie out there! This is the only chocolate chip cookie recipe I use and I eat at least as many (and most likely more) than everyone else in the family now! I even participate in eating the dough!...okay, story time:

When I was a rather young teen, my aunt and her family came out to visit. I was the family chocolate chip cookie maker (in my immediate family and extended in the area). So, true to my nature, I was making chocolate chip cookies one afternoon when my aunt stopped by. She starting eating the cookie dough!

I was polite for one taste, but, as my nature would have it, I got mad after that (short temper, hot fuse). She and her kids were eating up all the cookie dough! A small taste I could understand, but cookie dough was for making cookies, not for eating! She told me that back home they would make a batch of cookie dough just to eat it! I was horrified! And even more so when my mother said it was fine we could make more cookie dough!

I have since come around. After all, it's fun to let kids have a spoonful of dough after they've helped to make it. (It also keeps them out of my hair long enough for me to get at least one pan made up and in the oven!). And since Bob loves cookie dough so much, I've gotten good about putting aside a few large spoonfuls for him to have as a treat when he arrives home on our cookie baking days! The most amazing thing (shhh don't tell anyone) I actually eat the dough too and a few times we've actually eaten all the dough without cooking any of it! I bet my aunt's laughing now.

Today Peter helped make the cookies. He didn't mind me putting things in and just watching until it was time to grind the oatmeal. He had a blast! By far his favorite part of making cookies! Just watch the video below and you'll see what I mean!

In Case He Missed One

As the family gathered for dinner the other night:

Beth: "Did you know we have four kids, Dad?"

A Personal Witness

It has been an amazing weekend! Our entire stake was asked to participate in the reorganization of the stake presidency by fasting and praying. My thoughts turned to the topic over and over throughout this past month and half. I found myself praying that the Lord would strengthen and enlighten those who were sent to call the new stake presidency. We had been promised that if we did this we'd have a direct and immediate confirmation, by way of the Holy Ghost, that the men called were truly called of the Lord! This is indeed what happened!

It was amazing to have felt the prompting over and over again to pray in behalf of those involved. I do not believe I've ever felt so compelled to pray about the same thing so many times in a single day as I felt on Friday and Saturday. Indeed I found I was communing with the Lord on a level that I had never experienced before! I am so grateful for this opportunity!

Each time I prayed, I felt the spirit bare witness that this was what the Lord would have done. And that, as the scriptures tell us, it is by the faith of the people that the Lord reviles such great and marvelous things. I felt that same spirit witness to me that these three men called to serve at this time in the stake presidency are the men He has chosen. There could be no denying the power and surety of the spirit as it bore witness of this to me today.

During this conference, we heard and felt the testimonies of our former stake presidency, the new stake presidency and members of the seventy. Each also taught important principles and reminded us of what really matters here. Who we are, whose church we are a part of, and how we can reach out to others through Christ-like love - to help them and to love them. What matters is that each one of us listens to the calls (or promptings) the Lord gives to us so that we might help one another in returning to be with Him again.

It was wonderful to feel the love, once again, of those who had served us for so many years. It will be hard to not see them up there at stake conferences in the future for I've gotten use to them being there, and have loved feeling their love and concern for me, my family, and my friends. But knowing that the men in this new stake presidency have been called of God, and hearing them speak with the same love and devotion, I know that the Lord is with them and that they will help the people, get to know the people, and love the people as the former stake presidency did. They will speak for the Lord and teach us the things the Lord would have us know.

There is so much that was shared and so much that has filled my heart that I cannot even begin to share it all. I am so grateful for all that I have learned, all that the Spirit has witnessed to me, and for, once again, the strengthening and the growth of my own testimony of the work of the Lord.

Helping Spring Along

Okay, so I posted number 100 just before this, and no, I did not follow the "blogger tradition" and I don't plan to. This is, after all, my blog. (And anyone who wants to know 100 things about me probably already knows them).

But what I will do is finally post some more pictures... sorry that I've been so awful at that lately.

Since spring is here... remember we heard the geese and saw the robin...we've simply been waiting for the snow to melt away so we can get outside without loosing the kids in those snowy black holes. Well, I had the bright idea that my kids needed to just run...but where? The backyard is too full of snow to shovel out (yes, I actually do that when it's low enough to make sure the kids play section is the first to be dry). But then, as I saw the snow melting away from the benches on the deck I thought about how they could run on the deck, up and down the walk to it, and I could sit outside and read! :)

Great idea... but the deck and walk were still covered in snow....and ice!

But the great man I have around here heard mention of my idea and one night, while I was having a bit of a melt down because my long time dream had almost come true and I couldn't complete it then, went outside in the dark and shoveled his way through half the walk - snow and ice both! Dreams or no, that brought me back to what mattered! People who love you!

Since there was so much ice, he's been out again and the walk and part of the deck are now clear. Gabi thought she'd help out the other day... and today, well, you can see for yourself! The boys and I got out there too! No, the deck still isn't clear, but it's getting there...

I Did It!

I did it! I completed the 6 month Book of Mormon challenge this morning! Okay, so many of you are thinking that's nothing special, but I say you're wrong. It's been years since I read it straight through without interruptions... things like having babies and never sleeping! I have to admit that in some ways it was still hard (not the reading it... getting through it). Kids are truly demanding and there is always something that seems to be more important than Mom reading her scriptures!

But I must say it was refreshing to be able to complete this challenge. Not only was I able to feel good about myself (I hate to not complete a challenge), but it only strengthened my testimony. I always seemed to be at the right place in the Book of Mormon for the challenges that came into my life over the last six months. Some lessons were simply reinforced, others were understood on a deeper level. In all cases, my testimony grew! I love it when my testimony grows because I feel like I see things in a much clearer light! Understanding is increased!

I do believe that as we go off to Stake Conference this weekend, that having completed this challenge will have only been the preparation for the knowledge to come! I am excited!

It's Boring!

The unforgettable, all-kids-say-it, makes the parent laugh and then get irritated because somehow the kids-really-believe-it saying! No day is complete without those dreadful words "It's boring!"

So, what do kids do when they're bored... they find ways to get into trouble.... when you're my kids (or rather, Bob's kids) you pick and poke and annoy laughing all the way!

So I say to Jeremy "You need to leave Bethie alone now. Why don't you come in the other room so you won't have the temptation."

I go in the living room hoping he'll follow me.

Enter Jeremy. Places both hands on hips. Stomps right foot. Tries to make a grumpy face.

"IT'S BORING not bothrin' Bethie!"

(Can you tell I'm still laughing?)

Little Robin Redbreast

Gabi spotted a robin hopping along our driveway this morning. We were both pretty excited and watched him for a minute. Then I thought I ought to take a picture... to prove that spring was really here (even if we can't see the ground). I grabbed the camera and took one through the window so as not to scare him off (though it didn't turn out too well). I then opened the door, hoping he'd not run off too fast, and he stayed long enough that I could have gotten a picture if my camera battery hadn't died just at that moment!

Still, Gabi gathered up her toast crust to sprinkle out along the drive so that maybe he'd come back and visit us again! Regardless, we are in greater spirits because now we've heard the geese honking, since the snow shrinking, have bright and longer sun light, and now we've seen a robin! Welcome Spring... the snow won't be around much longer now! :)

MUNCHKIE Baby Sling!

Okay... I should have posted this awhile ago! I have a friend who makes slings! I have other friends who have and use slings (and she does too). I have never thought of myself as someone who would use a sling. I figured it would pull on my shoulder too much, cutting into my neck or whatever. Or, I figured all that trouble to adjust the sling only to have it slip and have to readjust it was not worth it! (It depends on the style you get as to which "problem" you'd deal with)

So, in visiting my friend who makes slings, she had me try one on... and put my baby in it! I was immediately amazed because it was comfortable! It didn't cut in... it's a pouch style so there's no adjusting and no rings to have slip and all that! I could not believe I'd gone through four babies (the one being over a year now) without a sling! My kids are crazy attached... physically attached... for a long time....I couldn't get anything done with screaming, crying, whining, fussing, pulling my hair out... you get the picture!

So, having not used a sling with Peter before, I figured he'd not be too happy with the "trapped" feel of it at this point. Boy was I wrong! At first he'd fuss a little and then realize that he was able to snuggle while I still got things done! Bob was even able to use it when I had to go to the doctor's during all that illness... Peter hates to not have mom right now!

One night, I had used the sling while making pizza. Peter was fussy and trying to push me away so that dinner wouldn't get done. I remembered the sling and got it and put him in it. I even braved putting him on my back which I thought I could never bring myself to do... it was great! He snuggled me from behind watching over my shoulder everything I was doing. The best part... He was silent!

Later that night, after dinner, Bob and I were talking by the sink. Peter started to fuss and come towards me. He hates to compete with Dad...so he started over like he was going to push Daddy away. Suddenly he stops. Turns around and walks over to the lower shelf in the kitchen. He grabs the sling, folded there right in his reach, and brings it to me. Hands it to me and then reaches up towards me like he does when he wants me to pick him up. So I put on the sling, picked him up and put him in it, and he snuggled me for a good 30 minutes or more while I finished my discussion with Dad!

Since then, when he wants to snuggle and I'm busy, he runs over and grabs the sling and brings it to me! It has been a life saver! Anyone interested in a sling, get one... I can put you in touch with my friend. She sells them and they are great... comes in three sizes and three colors (although there are some fabric designs from the start up that she's no longer using that she's selling too)! Can be used from birth to at least 3 years old (she can lug her 3 year old around in it)! Her sling name is Munchkie and can be found online for purchase here.

Baseball Season

Baseball season has officially begun in our neck of the woods! Gabi has never had the opportunity to play T-Ball since there was not a program for it here last year and she was too young when we lived in the other house. But, this year they've kicked up the program. Two different aged baseball teams, a softball team and a T-Ball team! Gabi is 6, which means she could play T-Ball or the first baseball team. She's playing baseball! (She needs the games, and T-Ball doesn't do games up here).

Tonight was her first practice. With three feet of snow in most places and nothing less than two and half feet around here, they held practice in the gym of her school. It went well... and considering she knew nothing about the game or the practices, she seemed to catch on quickly! She's almost the smallest person on the team... I think there is one boy who is her same height. It will be fun and exciting, and if all goes well Bob will be helping out!

Beth and Jeremy want to know why T-Ball hasn't started yet! I told them they'd have to wait until the snow left the field! They don't like to wait. Since T-Ball here is for ages 3-6, Beth was excited to know she'd get to do a sport. And since they need parental help, I asked if Jeremy could do it this year even though he doesn't turn three until the end of the season. They said he could... the Peter can be in the sling and I can help out!

It Just Marched Away!

Last night Gabi came down (as she often does when she doesn't think she's tired enough to go to sleep yet). She informed Bob and I that she had a nightmare. To which I promptly told her she hadn't been asleep yet, so that wasn't possible. So she told us that she had all these scary thoughts in her head and she just couldn't get them out. I told her to think of something silly and funny and then go back to bed.

She said "I can't because my brain just left my head and marched away!"

Bob helped her think of funny things and I guess her brains just "marched" back because she seemed satisfied enough and went back to bed after that.

This morning, Beth was talking about breakfast and how she just didn't know what we had to eat because her "head just marched away"!

I wonder where the head and brain go when they march away....I certainly hope they have a wonderful trip!

General Conference

It was General Conference weekend. That means we had the wonderful opportunity to hear our Prophet and other general authorities speak to us! It also meant 4 two hour sessions for the general audience over Saturday and Sunday! Certainly well worth it!

As we have dance class (and recital only 4 weeks away) on Saturday and I knew I wouldn't get anything out of what was being said with the boys up and around, I waited and watched conference with my girls on Saturday after the boys were in bed! Let's hear it for BYU TV online!

The girls really enjoyed much of conference. Of course, it was long for such little girls. They did really well while listening and putting together puzzles for a while. Then they played other games and managed to listen to all but the last hour of the last session! There were some special remarks to the children in that last hour which we called the kids over to hear and they were especially excited to know they were being spoken directly to! We even listened to that part twice!

Many of the speakers spoke in regards to several of our articles of faith which had particular interest for our girls. Whenever one was recited, one of the girls would excitedly announce that it was an article of faith. And Gabi would tell us right off which number it was!

There was so much to love about conference. I wish I could have shared my thoughts and feelings as it went along! I was deeply touched by all that was said. I especially enjoyed (and was uplifted) by the remarks about family, specifically strengthening family. And, of course, the talk about mothers and their sacred role and how each member of the family and the church can assist mothers in their divine callings! I needed to hear much of that! To feel in my heart someone speaking upon the divine calling, the struggles, the blessings, and how to best be able to fulfill such a divine role!

Many shared their testimonies about the prophetic mantel, prophets, and divine revelation both olden and modern. They spoke of the convincing power of the Holy Ghost to the divine calling of President Thomas S. Monson as our Prophet today.

I cannot do justice to what was said and the power therein. But I wanted to share my own feelings about the concept of sustaining these individuals in their callings! I've always sustained (believed in and accepted) each Prophet to be such. I've done the same for others who have been called of God in various callings throughout the church. And though I knew I was sustaining them, saying that I accepted them because the Lord had chosen them for a time, and was willing to support them (through obedience, through preforming my own callings, through prayer, through faith), I had never really thought about it before.

I was deeply touched by the comments shared regarding the difference in sustaining someone and blind obedience. And it caused me to reflect upon how I had accepted each individual in the past. With our Stake Presidency to be reorganized next weekend, it also caused me to reflect upon how prepared I really was to sustain whomever the Lord would call. I came away with a new understanding and acceptance of what sustaining someone really means.

It's not blind obedience. It's having faith in Christ and in His ability to call someone to the work and then to make that known. In other words, it's having faith that the call comes from God. And then, having faith enough to pray and ask for a confirmation of that calling. It's then having faith enough to pray for the individual so that they can have all the blessings the Lord has for them so they can continue in their calling to thus bless the lives of others. It's also having faith enough to move forward doing what we are called and asked to do, based on confirmation from the Lord.

Blind obedience would lead one to just do, without question, without learning for oneself that something should be. Sustaining someone means moving out of blind obedience in order to receive that confirmation for ourselves. And thus, being able and willing to do what the Lord asks of us. In the case of our leaders, like our Prophet, the Apostles, the seventies, our stake presidency, our bishoprics, and continuing on, it means also accepting what the Lord asks of us through His servants. Always, we are able to, and should ask for, direct confirmation of such things from the Lord through his Holy Spirit.

By asking for and receiving direct confirmation, our conviction to the gospel is enhanced! Our faith is increased. And our lives, and the things we do, take on more significant meaning.

I am so grateful for conference! I can't wait to receive my conference edition of the Ensign in early May! There is much that I want to review and more fully study for greater understanding and ability to put things into practice in my own life! If you did not get a chance to watch conference, BYU TV allows you to go back by date and time to select something they have aired (and they aired conference). Don't wait for the Ensign to come! Watch it! It was so good! Very uplifting and worth seeing and hearing over again!

Good As....

Bethie is surely one who keeps us smiling! She loves to make up things and use words that she's heard even when she has no idea what they mean. And she loves to come up with her own phrases!

We were having popcorn yesterday and she excitedly announced "Good as grass!" This is her new catch phrase! :)

Bummer!

Jeremy is easily "excited" at this stage in his life. By excited I mean that when he doesn't like something he's very vocal, loud and emotionally explosive. I've been very lucky, though. When he doesn't like something I've told him he has to do (and he recognizes there is no negotiating), he turns red in the face, tears start coming, and he screams "Bummer! Bummer, Bummer, Bummer!"

Could be a lot worse.

What's With The Snow?

So it's April 4th....and the snow was coming down. Not just a light, friendly, good-bye-until-next-winter kind of snow.... it was the heavy, wet, messy, stress-out-because-they-don't-plow kind of snow! Not a big deal because it didn't start until afternoon....or was it?

Bob needed some paperwork and Peter had not-so-gently killed our other (cordless) mouse by running off and dropping it too many times! So, instead of scanning things in for him to print and take with him, I picked up Gabi early and we headed down. The snow was already sticking, but since we were going to be in town anyway, I was bound and determined I was getting a mouse! (And milk and yogurt). So we did just that. In town the snow wasn't sticking when we got there, but it was when we left. I knew that meant trouble back on the home road.

Sure enough, turn onto that nice long road home and it's nothing but wet, sticky, icy, messy, please-let-us-get-home-without-going-off-the-road snow covered! Never mind the fact that the town officers were writing a letter to whomever was contracted to plow the roads letting them know they had done, and were doing, an "unsatisfactory job." Not even a mark of plow! And it had been two and half hours since I had been going out to town!

The special thing was that I told the kids what we were up against and they got really quiet so I could concentrate. And then they each took a turn saying a prayer asking that we'd make it home without going off the road or getting in an accident! I have such wonderful, faith-filled children! I love it!

Our prayers were answered...after the van slid to within about an inch or two of being completely stuck in the mess on the side of the road 4 times... the 4th time being when we tried to turn across the street into our driveway! We managed to get things straighted out even that last time and backed our way into the garage...where the van is resting peacefully awaiting tomorrow's morning adventure to dance class!

I am truly grateful for a loving Father in heaven who watches out for our family! We are safely in home... the power went out (and no yelling or complaints from the kids) and is now back on. And soon, I know the Lord will bring Bob home too...safe and sound....as he does every Friday and Saturday night!

When You Have Monkeys, Make Monkey Bread

Our house has turned into a bitter, whiny, life-is-unfair zone. Has anything really happened to make it this way? Well, no. Just that we should be able to be outside playing on swings, flying kites, taking walks, and playing at the playground! We can't, though, because there's still too much snow to safely walk with kids down the road that cars travel, the snow is in the melting-away-so-you-sink-into-black-holes mode (and still 2 1/2 feet or more at places), the swing set is still buried, the decks aren't clear yet, and what little ground is open is full of mud! I thought Cabin Fever was bad a month ago... it was nothing like this!

Yesterday afternoon I realized the kids just need a change of scenery, but where? Not wanting to drive some place to just keep them inside again, I figure we need to change things around here. Gabi and Beth even tried to go outside yesterday, but didn't last long for the above mentioned reasons.

Today, with my little monkey... and my big one... I thought "Monkey Bread!" When I can't do anything else, I bake.....and since Peter wants to be held ALL-THE-TIME, I can't do anything else. But this was a great idea because it changed the routine for Beth and Jeremy! (I'll be racking my brain for something Gabi can do to change things up when she gets home). They loved it, and are now happily playing, giving each other space, playing together quietly.....my house is s different place!

So, my new saying, "When you have monkeys, make Monkey Bread!" Hey, it worked today!

Here's our recipe (thanks to Grandma Nielsen who, I believe, found it in a cooking magazine a few years ago):

Dough: Take 2T of butter and butter a bundt pan. Set aside. In a small sauce pan, melt 2T butter (yes, another 2T) with 1 c. milk and 1/3 c. water just until warm. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 c. sugar and 1 pkg yeast. Add milk mixture, let set until yeast is bubbly. Add 2t. salt and lightly blend. Add 3 3/4 c. flour. Knead in mixer until dough forms a ball. Knead lightly the rest of the way by hand. Place in greased bowl, roll slightly to coat, cover lightly and allow to rise until double (about 1 hour).

Pat dough into an 8" square. Cut into 64 pieces. Combine 1 c. brown sugar and 2 t. cinnamon in a bowl. Melt 8 T. butter (one stick or 1/2 c.) in a separate bowl. Roll each piece of dough in the melted butter, then in the sugar mixture then drop in the bundt pan. Do this until all pieces are coated and in the pan. Sprinkle the extra sugar mixture over the pieces in the pan and drizzle the last of the butter over that. Cover lightly and allow to rise until puffy and 1-2"above pan (about 1 hour).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 30-35 minutes until sugar mixture bubbles. Cool 5 minutes. Turn out onto a platter. Cool 10 minutes. The drizzle the glaze over the top (recipe below). Or, if you have picky kids who don't like the glaze (Gabi doesn't like glaze or most frostings) then put the glaze in a dish and allow the kids to dip their pieces in it.

Glaze: Mix together 1 c. powdered sugar and 2T milk.

Enjoy!

I Not Little, I Big

This morning I was watching Peter push a chair over to the table and climb up so that he could get to whatever it was that Beth had there. (We're in that dreaded nothing-is-safe stage). I called over to him telling him that he was "a little monkey." Jeremy giggled and said "and I'm a big monkey."

That reminded me of when Gabi was around two years old. We use to call her a silly goose or a little turkey when she'd do something funny or get into something we didn't want her to. One time I called her a "little turkey" and she looked right at me smiling and said "I not a little turkey! I big turkey! Gobble, gobble."

Rock, Paper, Scissors

The battle for who's turn it is or who gets what is never ending around here. Gabi brings home all sorts of new ideas (some good, some questionable, and some that make no sense at all) from school, and Beth and Jeremy quickly latch on. Well, remember the Eenie, Meanie, Minie, Moe, Chocolate Tail....? That's been the way to choose things... or rather to have someone else make the choice for you.

This, of course, is truly unfair because it doesn't take much to manipulate where to start to end where you want (once you figure it out), or to just keep saying words and waving your hand around until you like the results. Since Beth and Gabi have both figured this out (and knows the other knows it too), no one is willing to assume that chance played a roll. So, down come the tears, up go the wails....and what happens? Mom gets an ingenious thought!

"Okay, girls! Time to learn something new!" I then proceed to show them how to play Rock, Paper, Scissors! Eyes light up! Okay! Fun! It only took them five tries to figure out how to play the game and realize that they couldn't control the outcome and had to just live with it!

That was yesterday! Tonight Gabi and Beth were fighting over who got to read what part of the scripture stories!

"Hey, I know" says Gabi. "Rock, Paper, Scissors" Both girls get ready, but before they can start counting off, she adds "But Bethie, let me win this time."

But I Still Love You

I've always heard that most kids will go through an "I hate you!!!!" stage. So far, I think I have to count my blessings. See, although I vaguely recall Gabi trying it out, I must have been far too prepared or far too insensitive because instead of having that "rip-your-heart-out, what-have-I-done" feeling, I had to quickly turn away from her so she wouldn't catch me laughing at the absurdity of the whole thing!

Like I said, I'm counting my blessings, because I've had two others come through this same stage in some form or another. I don't think Beth knows how to put those dreaded words to use on Mom or Dad... her siblings, sure, but then she makes up pretty quick. Jeremy, though, has entered the stage in a rather humorous fashion! One which makes me smile, so I have to bite down on the corners of my mouth while he's so seriously looking at me!

See, it's been a wonderful thing to listen to Jeremy say he loves me. That later turned to "Your my Valentine" because, after all (and as the girls pointed out) your valentine is someone you love a lot! So, Valentine's Day or not, he likes to use this!

A few weeks ago he got mad about a decision I had made. In his stomping off, bend the eyebrows as low as you can, and make your best grouchy face and voice mode, he says "Mom! You're not my valentine any more!!!!" Later that evening, he curled up on my lap, snuggled in, gave me his best "I-love-you and aren't-I-so-cute-and-sweet" look and told me that I was, once again his valentine!

Two nights ago, it's time for bed. This is a time to be dreaded, if you're the kid, and so Jeremy is rather vocal about the "it's not fair" - ness of the whole thing. Then, just as mad and loud as he can possibly say "You're not my valentine! You're not my best friend any more!" (Oh, I think, as I try not to laugh, we've changed the value) As he stomps off towards the stairs (still making his best "I'm-so-mad" face and stomping for all he's worth), he calls back over his shoulder "But I still love you!"

It's so nice to know that love is not something he's willing to trade off!

Welcome, Baby Anna

Okay, so I thought I was done posting! Nope! I have to say welcome to Anna! Her family knows I'm talking to her! To me this is special for so many reasons.

First, a birth is always a special thing. It's one of the few moments we have in life where our Spirit is connected to the other side of the veil, even though for only a small moment. That moment when a new life enters into this world! The Spirit within the room is always so strong, there are never words to truly describe that peaceful and amazingly strong love! A birth is indeed so awe-inspiring. It's special. Each one is very special.

Second, this is my best friend's first! I'm not there... we live far enough apart (and I'm sick enough) that it's not possible. But my heart is with her. Throughout this week, I have continually thought about her and wondered when that call would come. Not wanting to push that emotional envelop (which all pregnant women manage to have overflowing at the end of their pregnancy anyway), I've just prayed for her and waited. I know she will be an amazing mother! I watched the way she was with kids of so many ages all growing up! She's incredible! Now the little one whom she'll be helping along in life will be hers! I'm so happy and excited for her! (And for the Daddy too.... they are best of friends, so together they're an unbeatable team!)

Third, with so many sad things creeping up on our family, it's so nice to have that bright happy something to remind us of the true value of life! A new birth is a symbol of so many things. A symbol of baptism as we commit ourselves to follow Christ. A symbol of death, as we leave this life to go on to the next - for our spirits live on and we will be resurrected one day! A symbol of love - for out of sorrow and pain have come the greatest love ever (out of the Atonement, has come Charity, the true love of Christ).

So, welcome baby Anna! You are a precious gift, already loved beyond measure! And your birth is a symbol of the love that surrounds you and the love you possess, ready to assist and aid those in need! You are a treasure!

What Goes Down Must Come Up!

A while back, Peter received a Fisher-Price Ball Popper toy. He loves it! So does everyone else. Everyone, that is, except Mom and Dad at the very moments we hear "it's broken again" coming from the kids. Until that moment, even Mom and Dad can enjoy it because it has an amazing way of giving us a little "quiet" time from the kids' noises (although it has a noise all its own).

So, the "it's broken" does not, in fact, mean that it's really broken. But rather, that some kid (Peter, if we're naming names) finds random items that seem small enough to fit, make them fit, and then finds out that the air meant to blow the balls back out isn't strong enough to blow out whatever else he's found to put down the tube! We just disassemble, and put it back together. The kids (again, this means mostly Peter) are beginning to realize that only certain things can "fit" and should be put down the tube.

Tonight, this included a new "toy".... a crumpled piece of junk mail. One of those flier cards. To Peter's wonderful delight, this "toy" was light enough to find it's way out. But, due to the nature of the crumpling, it only worked when the ball came up from behind it! Thought you might enjoy seeing this. It was so much fun the first few times, but I didn't have the camera. So, you'll get the joy of seeing two movie clips. The first because it shows his delight with the air blowing out over his own face! And then the second because you can see how he makes it all work.

Since the camera was out, you'll also hear the "jealous" brother wanting his fair share of the lime-light too! Ahh... the stage where cameras are still enjoyed!

Making The Come Back

So I think I might finally be back. I'm not all well yet, but I think this time I might actually get there. See, after all the illness that's been passing around the house, I got hit with the worst... a head cold. Being me, and not some normal person, this means that in addition to the congestion, I have a runny nose and two runny eyes. I have a splitting headache that medicine won't touch and am lucky to fall asleep for five to ten minutes before waking to try to clear things again and spending another half hour or more getting back to sleep. I also feel like loosing my stomach all day long. Okay, so I'm sure there are others like me out there. Just seems that everyone else I know gets miserable, but at least can still see!

Anyway, the worst of it was last weekend when Bob stayed home. I started on what seemed like the upswing of things. I figured I'd take it easy, continue on the sudafed, and in a few days I'd be better. Oh, what a joke! I felt like I was getting better for a couple of days, and then, wham! All the pain that had been evenly distributed across my face had settled into my left cheek bone and across that same upper jaw! This was an unshakeable pain! Nothing to do now but call the doctor.

By Thursday evening, I was diagnosed with a severe sinus infection, was on antibiotics, and was home to bed with Bob having come down with the head cold. Poor guy has fought right through it so that I could rest and get better, but that means no extra rest yet for him. He did start the sudafed right away, so he's not likely to get as bad as I did.

Friday (yesterday) I spent feeling like someone was repeatedly smashing my face in! Not an old pro at sinus infections, I figured being on the antibiotic meant I could stop the sudafed and pain killers. I quickly learned that was not the best route to go. I'm still in pain today, feeling more like I have a bruised face (but not looking like it), and some what functional!

So, though I'm doing more and feeling a bit better, don't expect to see me until this is licked. I can't fathom trying to do too much too soon and landing another round of some illness or another! And pray that Bob's head clears quickly!