Me and My House

Disneyland

2011-07-20T00:39:00.001-06:00

Someone requested that I put Disneyland pictures on our blog, so since I'm very nice, I decided I'd do it. We all loved our Disney trip so much, and really had the time of our lives. I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did, but I'd go back in a heartbeat.

The boys got to do the Jedi Training Academy and were in heaven. I read some tips beforehand on how to have your kids get chosen, and I'm glad I did. When they both got picked we were so happy!

Ethan looks a little nervous here, but I don't think he was very scared. As he was going up to fight Darth Vader, the Jedi Master said, "Thirty-six pounds of unbridled fury!" That's our Ethan.

As Kevin was going up to take his turn Darth Vader said, "The force is strong with this one." And if you know Kevin at all, you know he is almost always smiling and laughing. Which he did all throughout his fight with Darth Vader. So it was great when, as Kevin was walking away the Jedi Master said, "Keep smiling, he hates that."

I think this picture was on Dumbo, which was definitely one of the less interesting Fantasyland rides, but it's a classic. We didn't get very many pictures in Fantasyland.

I didn't ride on the teacups. All that spinning would definitely make me sick. But it was perfect because then I could take a picture.

You can't go to Disneyland without meeting Mickey Mouse!

And Minnie!

This was on one of the rides in A Bug's Land, and was probably the ride at Disneyland that made me the sickest. Riding backwards will do that for me.

I love my boys! I think this was on Small World.

The first time we went on Tower of Terror the boys were scared out of their minds. But then they wanted to do it again, and the next time they were all cool about it, like it wasn't scary at all. If you've never been on this ride before, the first time is definitely a rush. This is just a picture of a picture, so it's not great.

Just a fun picture in Toontown.

Here's another picture of a picture. We had a lot of fun on Splash Mountain. This was our second time in a row riding, and we knew when the picture would be taken, so we were all supposed to have our best scared faces. Troy's scared face is not very good. The funny thing is, Ethan's face looked exactly the same the first time we rode on it, so this really is his scared face.

I have a lot more pictures (although not as many as I liked, I learned lessons for next time we go), but I feel like I've already done more pictures than anyone who reads my blog would care to see. Like I said, we all had the best time, and were sad that our vacation was done. My favorite ride was definitely Star Tours, and all I can say is the fast pass system is the best, especially since Star Tours had just been redone and had ridiculously long lines. We got to go on it three times.

I have some pictures from our day at the beach that I'll try to post another time.

Stew Recipe

2011-02-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite stew--I just toss it all in the crock pot and it's really good.

1 lb (about 2 large) peeled sweet potatoes (you can use regular, too)
1 lb carrots
1 medium yellow onion
2 lb top sirloin
3 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp ground flaxseed meal
1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 1/2 cups water

And that's it. I cook it all day in the crock pot, and add a bit of flour near the end if it seems like it needs thickened up.

Sweethearts 5k

2011-02-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

I finished my first 5k today. I think my time was about 28:05, but I'm not positive. That's way faster than I expected, because I'm a fairly slow runner. I ran with my dad just about the whole way, and I think we pushed each other a little bit, so that was nice. I only wanted to stop and throw up for the last half mile or so, so it wasn't as bad as it could have been. :)

Here's a picture of me, Mindy, and Aubrey. I don't take very good pictures when I'm trying to hold the camera.
Here are all the girls who ran it--Geoff and Dad also ran, but Geoff was off somewhere and Dad was taking the picture.

I can't really say it was a fun time, because I still have not fallen in love with running, but it was fun to spend time with family. It was also nice to run with my dad the whole time, even though neither of us talk when we run (I know for me it's because I can't, I'm just concentrating on breathing).

Cauliflower Soup

2011-02-08T21:54:00.003-07:00

Tonight for dinner I made cheesy cauliflower soup. I was a little worried beforehand, because I thought it might not be good, and nobody would eat it. I needn't have worried. It was so delicious. Kevin licked his bowl clean and asked if I could make it again tomorrow. I had a big huge bowl. Ethan didn't really eat it, but he doesn't eat anything these days. Troy and Kaitlyn both liked it as well.

So, here's how I made it:

Combine:
1 16 oz. bag frozen cauliflower
2 cups milk (whatever you normally drink)
2 cups water
salt and pepper to taste
heat until boiling, then turn the heat down, cover and simmer for 8 minutes

Slowly stir in 3 Tbs flour (you can do more or less depending on how thick you like your soup), then cook for a couple more minutes.

Remove from heat and add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a little bit of lemon juice.

That's the basic recipe, and it can be altered to suit your tastes. I added a bit of herbs (I can't even remember what at the moment). You could add onions if you like them. The only thing I would do differently was that maybe I would chop the cauliflower before adding it, because some of them were pretty big, but once it's cooked the cauliflower is easy enough to cut up with your soup spoon.

Besides the soup I also made cheesy pita bread. I used whole wheat pitas, sprinkled a very small amount of cheese on the top (the cheese is just supposed to add flavor, it's not meant to be a gooey sandwich), then broiled it in the oven for a few minutes. It was a delicious side to the soup, and my whole meal was only 6 weight watchers points. To give non weight watcher people a reference, I'm supposed to have 29 points per day, so 6 for dinner is a low number, but the meal was very filling and yummy.

I got this recipe off the weekly meal plan at e-mealz, but I did alter the soup recipe a bit.

Slash toast

2011-02-04T17:31:00.002-07:00

I was trying to figure out what to cook for dinner tonight when Ethan came in and asked for toast. So I said, "Okay, tonight can be a leftover slash soup slash toast night". And Ethan said, "I want slash toast."

In other news, I ran 4 miles today, and felt like I could have gone longer but the treadmill was stupid and automatically started with a cooldown at 45 minutes. I'm feeling a lot more ready to run a 5k next Saturday. If you would have asked me if I would be running like this even a few months ago, I would have called you a crazy person. I have always really, really hated running. But I've ran three times this week, and I'm not hating it. I still don't love it. The whole time I'm running I kind of want to stop, but it's getting better. We'll see how much I continue to run after the 5k.

Troy is working today on his day off and it's making me ornery pants, but there's nothing I, or he, can do about it, so I'm trying not to be. At least he's getting the weekend off while others at his job will still have to work. I hate employers who seem to have so little respect for their employees, but that's a rant I won't get into.

February!

2011-02-03T16:34:00.002-07:00

I haven't blogged since Thanksgiving. Could be because we haven't done anything since Thanksgiving. Except for a wonderful Christmas, that's mostly true. We all just keep plugging along, and here it is February already, and I'm so ready for summer. Cold weather is not good. I'm pretty sure it makes puppies cry.

So I think I'm going to try to blog more. Or at least, I'm going to blog more today than I have so far this year. That's a good goal, and one I think I can accomplish. In the past I've made about 20 bazillion different blogs about different things, but (besides my book review blog) I think I'm going to just move it all here. It's not that I'm spending time blogging anywhere else (besides my book review blog), but I might as well fail at blogging in just one place.

So, health and fitness-wise, I'm doing okay. I've been exercising, and while I don't always love it, I do like that I'm getting stronger. My biggest problem was that my body changed in some ways, but my midsection is not changing at all. And I'm starting to realize that no, I can't eat whatever I want and hope that the exercise will take care of it. Because it won't. After half a year or so, it hasn't worked. So I decided I've really got to make some eating changes and stick to it. Since my sister-in-law had quite a bit of success with Weight Watchers, I decided to give it a try. I started on Monday, so I can't really say whether or not it's working yet, so we'll see. In a way, keeping track of everything I eat has been good for me. In another way, it's a pain in the behind.

What else have I blogged about on other blogs? I don't think I've bored anyone quite to death yet, and since that's my goal, I've got to keep going until at least one person dies. Movies! We haven't actually watched a whole lot of movies lately. Mostly we've been making our way through Stargate Atlantis (which ties Friends as my all time favorite TV show) on DVD. We finished the series not long ago, and I was sad. I wish it was still going. I watched Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, which might be one of the weirdest movies I've ever seen. It was definitely interesting, but not one I'd watch more than once. I'm sure I've seen a few others here and there, but I can't think of any. Right now we're mostly watching season two of Dollhouse, another show that got canceled too early.

So . . . there's got to be something else I can say---wait, I think I just saw someone drop dead. Either that, or they're just faking it so I'll stop. Either way, I'm done.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T13:18:00.003-07:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. For dinner we went to my parents house, where the food was delicious, and where I had more confirmation that I'm not the only funny looking one in my family. I sure love these guys! (Thanks Felicia for letting me steal this picture, even though I didn't ask)

We played the paper bag game again (you have to learn over and pick up a paper bag with your mouth, then tear off the piece you bit, and you can't touch the ground with your hands or knees or anything), and later that day my back was really sore. I'm too old for that stuff! It was fun spending time with my family, and it was great seeing my grandma and grandpa, who I haven't seen for years.

Then we went to Troys parents for pie, and we mostly just sat around and talked and looked at the ads for Black Friday. It was a wonderful day, and I'm so glad I have so many people to love!

Fun Things to Do

2010-11-17T18:28:00.007-07:00

I've had this list on my sidebar, but I decided to compile all my links into one post, and then just link to the post. While browsing the web, I often come across things I'd like to try later, and that I think other people might be interested in. So that's what you'll find in this post. So, if you ever find yourself this bored:See if there's something here that interests you:

30 Meal Plan (I do something similar to this, except I'd call it the 14 meal plan)
Acorns are Fun
Adventure bags
Covered Notebook
DIY Wallies
Felt Advent Calendars
Furoshiki
Homemade Play-doh
Magnetic Calendar
Make your own fruit picks
Making books
Organization station
Organize your art supplies
Paper Love
Sew your own cloth diapers
Silk-dyed Easter eggs

Bountiful Baskets

2010-11-13T11:26:00.004-07:00

I kept hearing about Bountiful Baskets, and this week I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did--look at what we get to eat this week!

In case you can't tell what's in the photo, here's what we got (for $15):
Bananas
Apples
Grapes
Pears
Oranges
Persimmons
Corn
Celery
Lettuce
Brussel Sprouts
Acorn Squash
Potatoes

When you order, you don't get to pick what you get. Everybody gets the same things. I'm not sure about the brussel sprouts, but we'll see. Maybe I can find a good recipe for cooking them. I'd never had persimmons before, and actually didn't even know what they were. But I looked it up online, found out it was a fruit that can be peeled and sliced and eaten like an apple (I thought it was something more like a tomato). I had one for lunch, and it was different, but good.

If you live in one of the areas that does Bountiful Baskets, I'd highly recommend it. You definitely are getting a deal!

We found this wonderful photographer . . .

2010-11-10T16:07:00.005-07:00

Mindy (my sister) took some family pictures of us a few weeks ago, and I wanted to share some. They were all awesome, and I had a really hard time narrowing down which pictures to post. I'd like to post them all, but I can't. So, here are some of my favorites, in no particular order (just the order they loaded on blogger).

It's a Start!

2010-11-09T14:16:00.005-07:00

Today was my first day on my new adventure that I talked about yesterday. I started with a bowl of steel cut oats that I had cooked overnight in the slow cooker. After I skimmed a layer of what I can only describe as goo off the top, they were delicious. I added a little brown sugar and some chopped pecans. Most of us ate and liked the oatmeal, except Ethan wouldn't even try it. He had some All Bran instead. Tomorrow I'm planning to do pancakes.

Also, on the budgeting/saving money front, I decided to try to take shorter showers. I remember reading somewhere about an actress (can't remember who, at the moment) who said she took five minute showers. At the time, I thought that was ridiculous. No one with long hair can wash and condition their hair, wash their body, and also shave their legs in five minutes. But guess what? I did it in 5 1/2 minutes this morning. Legs shaved and everything.

----------------
Okay, it is now day two, but my keyboard stopped working in the middle of typing my blog post yesterday, so I couldn't finish it. I made pancakes for the rest of the family this morning, but I should have made a double batch because I forgot how much they eat. So they got eaten, but I had leftover oatmeal, and it was still good. And I had so much energy today at the gym--way more than I usually have. I don't know if it was the oatmeal, or the fact that Ethan has been sick and I've not gone to the gym for the last two days (I had to work out at home). Whatever it was, I'll take it, and I hope it continues!

Trying to eat better

2010-11-08T11:56:00.003-07:00

The other day I watched the movie Food, Inc. If you haven't seen it, and you want to be able to keep eating whatever you want, for heaven sakes don't watch it! It will change the way you think. It has actually made me a bit miserable, because I'd love to be able to eat healthy, locally made or grown foods, and it's just such a huge undertaking from where I am right now.

But I decided it doesn't have to be all or nothing. I can start with baby steps and change one thing at a time until eventually we are where I would like to be with what we're eating.

So, I decided to start with meat, since that one is a biggie for me. Both in that we really like to eat meat around here and that where meat comes from is quite possibly one of the most horrifying things in the food industry. We've just made our first order for a quarter of a cow at Utah Natural Meat. This is my first baby step. This is just about all I can talk my husband into at the moment. Eventually I'd like to get all of our meat from local sources, but my chicken and fish will still have to be bought at the grocery store. For now. I have to keep telling myself I'm going in little steps. Otherwise my family (and probably me, too) would rebel.

I'm thinking even though I can't change everything completely at once, I still need to make healthier choices for our food. Even if my food can't be completely locally purchased, it can still be as healthy, organic, and unprocessed as possible. This means a big change in our breakfasts. My boys eat the sugary breakfast cereal nearly every morning. It's quick, cheap and easy, especially since my boys wake up between 6:00 and 6:30 wanting to eat right away, and I am so not a morning person. But I need to quit with the laziness and think about what's best for my kids.

So I need help. I need some good breakfast ideas that are not processed, yucky foods. I already have a recipe for pancakes made from scratch that I will do sometimes. I plan to make the pancake batter the night before so it's all ready to go in the morning. But I need more ideas, and I know they're out there. And another big thing for me is that I don't want to spend a ton of money. Eating healthier is more expensive. For some reason, our country has it backwards and the more unhealthy a food is for you, the cheaper it is, it seems.

Here begins my new adventure of eating better while trying to stay on a budget. Anyone want to join me? Start by watching this:

Also, I'm reading and really enjoying Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver, and I know there are a ton of other resources out there. It's always more fun and easier to do things when you have other people trying to do the same things you are, so I'm looking for a support system. I'd love to hear from other people who are already eating healthy and local, or from those who, like me, want to start.

(Sorry to any of you who read my blog and also read Apron Girls. I'm cross-posting today)

Working on the orange belt

2010-10-28T12:51:00.003-06:00

Here's a couple videos of Kevin practicing--working towards his orange belt in karate. I think my video camera is horrible, and I need a new one.

Dragons Kata

Karate creed

Ethan's first day of school

2010-10-28T12:46:00.002-06:00

No, I'm not behind at all. Why do you ask? Just because Ethan's first day of school (and the day this picture was taken) was a couple months ago doesn't mean I'm not right on target with my posting. Ethan started preschool this year. His teachers name is Miss Megan, and he loves it.

Funnies

2010-10-01T18:32:00.004-06:00

We were looking at pictures, and we saw one with Ethan as a baby (his eyes are red in the photo), and I said "that's Ethan", and Kevin said, "Really? I had red eyes when I was puny."

The rest of these are things Ethan said (he's at a good age):

"I'm going to spank your bum in the face."

"I'm the best E-bear in the galaxy."

"I'm a kid because I have a penis."

Bee's Game

2010-09-05T20:19:00.008-06:00

Last night we went to a Bee's game with Geoff, Felicia, and their boys. We love spending time with them, and had a great time. Here are a few pictures:

Kaitlyn's first day of school

2010-09-01T11:15:00.003-06:00

Kaitlyn started 8th grade this year, which is totally unacceptable, but I can't seem to figure out how to stop time. I'm so thankful for by sweet, beautiful daughter.

Ethan's Birthday

2010-09-01T10:54:00.005-06:00

Ethan just celebrated his 4th birthday, and we had some family and friends over to help us celebrate.

He wanted a dinosaur theme, and since we waited until the last minute to look for a cake, we couldn't find a dinosaur one, so I had to just buy a regular frosted cake and decorate it with dinosaurs myself.Ethan was really excited about some of his presents. He'd say, "awesome!" when he really liked something. Here's a little dog he got from Grandma Howell.
We got little pill-type things that you put in water and they grow into dinosaurs. It was the one activity I did.

Here's Allston taking a swing at the pinata. I think it was after this picture that I realized I needed to go to the other side to take pictures so I could get faces. I'm a little slow sometimes.And here's Ethan (he actually went first, before Allston). He's got some good form here.
And that's pretty much it. Thanks to our family and friends who came to help us celebrate. We love you!

Dinosaur Park

2010-08-14T22:06:00.007-06:00

This is the last blog post of the day, I promise. And then you probably won't hear from me again for a few months. That's how I roll.

Today we went with Geoff, Felicia, their boys, and Danay to the Dinosaur Park in Ogden. I can't remember if I've ever been there, but if I had, it's been a long time. The kids really loved it. Too bad it's so far away. There are a ton of pictures here. I just liked them all too much.

Here are my very dangerous children. I think the sign in baby colors really adds to the element of danger.
The boys played in the dirt here for awhile. Allston was so funny--he was holding a paintbrush in one hand, and clearing the dirt off the stuff with his other.Thank goodness for Geoff. Who else could I get to break the rules so I can get fun pictures.
Although I guess breaking the rules wasn't that scary, since Kaitlyn is holding this dinosaurs hand (you weren't supposed to go off the path, but come on, how fun is that?).

Felicia is good for fun pictures too. I sure love these guys!

I thought this dinosaur was kind of cool looking.

Kaitlyn looks as tall as Geoff here.

Here's a group picture. We should have had someone take it, so we could have gotten everybody, instead of having the men take the pictures. It's impossible to get everybody looking at the camera. This is the best we can do.
They were supposed to be looking scared here. I'm not sure if I believe it.

This bear . . . there are just no words.

I love this one of all the kids (except Jake). It's one of my favorites of the day.

Here's Kevin with his favorite dinosaur.

The bones of this dinosaur look really cool. But when we saw the "real thing" outside, we really really disappointed. It could never have picked Geoff's nose.
Wooly rhino. Has anyone ever heard of one? I never had before today.

You can never accuse any of us of being normal, that's for sure.

A few pictures

2010-08-14T22:02:00.005-06:00

There was a grand opening for the new building where Ethan will be going to preschool. They had facepainting. Both of the boys wanted to get batman paint, so they're matching.

Here's Kevin on his first day of second grade:

And Ethan felt left out, so I took his picture too.

2010 Summer Trip - Crazy Horse

2010-08-14T21:49:00.005-06:00

I know this is a lot of blog posts in one day, but I'm so far behind, and I figured since I was going to sit down and do one, I might as well do them all. Our last stop was Crazy Horse memorial. I really liked this place, maybe even more than Mt. Rushmore. It was cool, but I wish we could have gone closer to the actual memorial. Here are some pictures:

2010 Summer Trip - Mt. Rushmore

2010-08-14T21:38:00.004-06:00

Our next stop was Mt. Rushmore. It's a neat place to see, but our boys were a little young for it. This first picture was on a short hike that you can take to get closer to the faces.
This picture is about as close as you can get. We could look up their noses.This was the Avenue of Flags.
The kids did the ranger program and became junior rangers. Kevin is the only one whose picture I got with his ranger stuff.
This may be the only picture of all of us we got on the whole trip.

One day we rode on the 1880 train. It was pretty cool, but the seats were really uncomfortable, so an hour long ride (each way) is not as fun as you might think. The boys actually fell asleep on the return trip.

2010 Summer trip- Little Bighorn Battlefield

2010-08-14T21:27:00.004-06:00

Our next stop was Little Bighorn Battlefield. This area memorializes the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry and the Sioux and Cheyenne in one of the Indian's last armed efforts to preserve their way of life. Here on June 25 and 26 of 1876, 263 soldiers, including Lt. Col. George A. Custer and attached personnel of the U.S. Army, died fighting several thousand Lakota, and Cheyenne warriors.

It was a cool place to see, but it really made my heart hurt. It's kind of in the middle of nowhere, but it happened to be right by where we camped on our way between Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore.

2010 Summer trip- Yellowstone

2010-08-14T21:08:00.005-06:00

For our family trip this year, we decided to do a road trip. Our first stop was Yellowstone. It was a beautiful place--there's so much more to see there than I thought. We spent three days there, and didn't even see everything.

This was Lower Falls. I think this is the biggest waterfall in Yellowstone, but I'm not sure. The canyon around it is really pretty.
The boys always have the funniest expressions in their pictures. I can never get them both looking at the camera and smiling normal, as you can see in the next two pictures.
This is Mammoth Hot Springs. We stopped here on our way out, so we didn't have a lot of time to see everything. What we saw was pretty cool, though.
One cool thing is that you can get really close to animals. We saw a lot of buffalo. Kaitlyn and I wanted to see a moose, but we never did. Troy and the boys wanted to see a bear, but we didn't see one of those either.
The weather was freezing a lot of the time, and we weren't really prepared for it. We thought shirts and shorts in July would be okay, but they weren't at all. In this picture the boys weren't being cooperative, and so Troy said he would throw them in the lake, and then they started pouting. So this was the best I could get.
This was my favorite thing in Yellowstone. I love the color, and wish we would have had time to see more like it.
Here's one of the waterfalls we saw. I think this one is called Firehole Falls.
This was one of the first pictures we took. It was on our way into Yellowstone.

Palisade Park

2010-08-14T20:59:00.003-06:00

Every year we go to Palisade Park with the Larsen family. It's always a good time, and it's a beautiful place. We love to play in the lake. Here's a bunch of pictures.

I've been too nice

2010-06-20T14:15:00.005-06:00

Felicia and I took our kids to the Classic Fun Center in Layton. I feel like I've been too nice to my kids lately. They've been doing too many fun things, and I don't want them to get unrealistic expectations about me being a fun mom. ;)

But look how happy it made them:

I'm not sure if happy is the right word here. Scared, maybe?

It looks like Kevin is just laying there, but he's actually sliding down the slide.

I read the rules later, and you were only supposed to go down the slide one at a time, but it's much more fun as a group!

On one slide, Ethan kept going down, and then faceplanting it at the end. I did catch it on video, but it's sideways, so just rest your head on your shoulder and enjoy.

Nickelcade

2010-06-20T14:11:00.003-06:00

We went with Geoff and Felicia and their boys to Nickelcade. The kids had a lot of fun. So much fun that Kevin couldn't take a break to go to the bathroom.

Memorial Day Camping Trip

2010-06-20T13:50:00.005-06:00

This post might be a little picture heavy. But it's only cause I think my family is so darn cute.

On the way back from a hike:
At the top of our hike, we came to this really cool boulder field. I liked this one of Ethan.How can you pass up a butt crack picture? You can't.
Here's another picture at the boulder field. I like that I'm not in any of the pictures. Seriously--I'm not happy with myself in pictures lately.

We found this skull on our hike.

It wasn't as pretty as other places we've been, because everything seemed to be dead or dying.

The kids got to fish, but we didn't catch anything, which is more than okay with me.

We got to feed the ducks, too, and boy did they like to be fed.

I didn't get any pictures on Sunday night or Monday. I was all pictured out, so I let other people take pictures.

Dance performance at school

2010-06-20T13:40:00.002-06:00

At Kevin's school they had each grade do a dance performance. Kevin's class did a country type dance. Here's my little cutie:

And I tried so hard to get a picture of him dancing, but between the lady with the white stretch pants and no underwear in front of me, and the kids dancing in front of him, I couldn't quite get it. This is the best I could do. It's kind of like a Where's Waldo picture. You have to look real hard for him.

Kevin's Birthday

2010-06-20T13:29:00.002-06:00

I'm way behind on blog posts, so I'm going to try to catch up on a few today. Here are a few pictures from Kevin's birthday (last March).

Here's a picture of his pinata. This is the only picture I got, since it came apart after one hit, and I didn't get out there in time. Stupid pinata.

But all was not lost. We are resourceful around here, and we made it into a mask.

Then we all had some fun with the other masks.

There must be something really cool about this present, with all the kids crowding around like that. It looks like a pad of paper and pencil to me, but I guess that's pretty cool.

I wish I was talented enough to make a cool Star Wars cake, but since I'm not, we did the good old standby: cupcakes.

Kevin getting his yellow belt

2010-05-22T15:25:00.003-06:00

Kevin got his yellow belt earlier today. Here are a few pictures and videos, although our camera is crap and so none of the pictures are great.

Here's Kevin with Hanshi Darren Cox (his teacher):

Here's Kevin doing the star block kata:

His teacher signing his board. He signed it "awsome!" And the yellow belt is huge on Kevin, but it's the smallest one they have.

Kevin waiting to test. What's most surprising here is that he's not wiggling around. It seems he's either wiggling or off in another world.

Here's Kevin doing all the self-defense moves. I'm so mad that I turned the video off when I did because his teacher said something about how laughing when you're fighting someone makes you look crazy, and then went on to do a demonstration that was hilarious.

Kevin breaking a board. I didn't know Troy had already turned the video on when he handed it to me.

Star Wars Day

2010-05-04T11:11:00.000-06:00

Happy Star Wars Day--May the fourth be with you!

Kids Safety Fair & Book Blogger Social

2010-03-04T22:12:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we took the kids to the kids safety fair. It really wasn't that great, but I guess the kids liked it okay. The highlight was that the boys got to meet Batman, and you wouldn't believe how excited they were about that, especially Ethan. After they talked to him for a minute, Ethan just stood there staring up at Batman. He was quite starstruck, and didn't want to leave.

Then on Saturday night Troy and I went to a book blogger social, and I figured out that I'm not social. Just kidding. I already knew I wasn't. I just don't like to talk to strangers, even if I've had interactions with them online. Maybe I'll go to the next one. We'll see if I'm feeling more social by then. So anyway, here's a picture someone took of me, sitting next to the husband of an author that came. This guy was fun. Also, I flicked some cottage cheese on his sleeve. It was one of those fantastic awkward moments.

Stop looking at me!

2010-02-10T12:19:00.001-07:00

Lately whenever we've been in the car and the sun is shining in the windows, Ethan gets really annoyed and says, "The sun keeps looking at my cheeks!"

Prayer for a Friend

2010-01-21T23:12:00.001-07:00

My friend, Lori, could use some extra prayers right now. I can't even begin to imagine what they've had to go through these past 10+ months as they have been dealing with a contested adoption. Visit her most recent post here: We need your prayers. You can also read Matthew's story here.

Awesome Stuff

2010-01-21T11:33:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was kind of awesome, and I'll tell you why.

First, Daughtry is finally coming to Utah! Last time I saw them in concert, Troy and I had to drive 10 hours (each way!). They kept announcing tours, and there were never any stops in Utah. But they'll be at the E-Center on April 22nd. Just in time for my birthday. We got seats on row 12, which is further than I'd like (if only I would have gotten on my computer earlier, darn it), but closer than Troy would like, so I guess it all evens out.

The second cool thing was that I got this Word of Promise New Testament Audio Bible in the mail yesterday. And guess what? I didn't have to pay for it. I review books for Thomas Nelson publishers, so it was free! I feel incredibly lucky for this opportunity, because this audio Bible is regularly $50.

What I've listened to so far is wonderful! It's not just someone reading the Bible, it's told in different voices for different people, with background music and effects. I really love it so far. I'll be reviewing it in full on my book blog after I've finished listening to it all.

Girls Night

2010-01-19T15:39:00.002-07:00

Last night we had a Howell family girls night out, and even though we weren't like these totally awesome boogiers, we had a lot of fun. It would be nicer if Mindy lived closer, so everybody could be there, but some people think Vernal's just too cool to leave, I guess.

We went to see Leap Year, since that seemed to be the only movie that nobody said they really didn't want to see. We all had different opinions about it, ranging from loving it to not liking it. I thought it was just okay--very typical predictable chick-flick.

Then we went to Red Robin for dinner, and their smoothie blender was broken (yes, they only have one) which disappointed Mom and Felicia quite a bit. Felicia had to settle for just a coke with two lemons. The service was definitely not great, but the company was excellent, and I think we all had a good time.

There were times when some people almost got kicked out of the family (Felicia doesn't like Lord of the Rings, which should be punishable by death, if not at least banishment), there was lukewarm soup, there were also really loud laughers in the movie, which is one of the things I hate about going to theaters, but mostly there was lots of fun and good times.

Editing to add: And lo, Dallas was there, and she has very quiet sneezes that make me laugh, and she is much loved. :)

Kaitlyn blinking . . . or not

2010-01-13T21:25:00.005-07:00

I got a workout video from the library, and it had a section to work out your face and neck. Kaitlyn did it with me. Most of our workout came from laughing. There was one part where you're supposed to blink rapidly, and Kaitlyn has a bit of a hard time. You can see for yourself here:

I think it's funnier if you've watched the workout video, too, but we were laughing so hard I almost peed my pants.

*Adding on, we decided to get Kaitlyn doing the workout video, for your viewing enjoyment. (It was a little dark in there, so the video is not great)

Just like hobbits

2010-01-12T23:54:00.003-07:00

From Lord of the Rings:

Aragorn: Gentlemen! We do not stop 'til nightfall.

Pippin: But what about breakfast?

Aragorn: You've already had it.

Pippin: We've had one, yes. But what about second breakfast?

[Aragorn stares at him, then walks off.]

Merry: Don't think he knows about second breakfast, Pip.

Pippin: What about elevensies? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? He knows about them, doesn't he?

Merry: I wouldn't count on it.

This has been my boys lately. I might just start calling them Merry and Pippin. Kevin is off track from school, and all they want to do all day is eat. By 9:00 they've had breakfast plus three snacks. By 10:30 they are asking about lunch. I don't know how they can't fit all the food in their tiny stomachs.

Dod's in my best

2010-01-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

Tonight Ethan was reading one of his Bibles, and he looked up at me, and we had a conversation that went like this:

Ethan: "You know Dod's in my best?"
Me: "God's in your chest?"
Ethan: "Yeah."
Me: "You mean Jesus is in your heart?"
Ethan: "Yeah."

Kevin's Karate

2010-01-02T19:14:00.003-07:00

Kevin has been taking karate, and he loves it. I wish it was more than forty-five minutes a week, but I don't want to pay more than we do, so I guess it'll have to be enough.

Ethan Funnies

2010-01-02T19:02:00.001-07:00

Here's a few funny things Ethan has said. I didn't want to forget them.

The first was when we were eating dinner, and he wanted more of something. I told him to ask me nicely, and he said, "Nicely."
Along the same line, Kevin was making him mad in the car today. Ethan was telling me he didn't want Kevin to talk to him, so I said ask him not to, and he turned to Kevin and said, "Not to."

Kevin was copying him the other day, and Ethan really doesn't like to be copied. He kept saying, "You not E-bear (that's his nickname), I E-bear. I not Kevin. I E-bear."

On Christmas morning, Kevin opened a Bakugan toy, and Ethan said, "Sorry, you have to share that."

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2009-12-07T13:32:00.004-07:00

I love this time of year so much. I just wish it didn't fly by so fast. I'm even learning to love the cold and snow. I don't really like being cold, but there's something about bundling up, going outside, and feeling the brisk air on my face that I do like. I also love the warm, giving spirit that it puts people in. Even though I was quite enjoying shoveling the driveway (and I'm being serious), I appreciate my neighbor coming to help me with his snow blower. Of course there are occasionally people that completely miss the spirit of the season, but I usually just try to avoid them, if possible.

My sweet Ethan wanted to come outside with me while I was shoveling, but I didn't want him to get all wet. So while I was outside, he decided to get himself ready to come and help me, and he came outside looking just like this. What you can't see in this picture is how he's only wearing one sock, and no shoes.

I was going to edit the other post with a picture of our Christmas tree, but instead, I'll just post it here.

Getting ready for Christmas

2009-11-30T22:19:00.003-07:00

This year has just flown by, and my favorite time of the year is here. Advent began yesterday, and already I feel the need to start playing catch-up, since we missed it. Last year we made a cute little handprint wreath, and I was late last year, too. It seems time has a way of sneaking up on me, and I'm never ready for anything on time.

We also put up our Christmas tree tonight. I still need to do one more string of popcorn, but then I'll edit this post and add a picture. The kids put the ornaments on the tree this year, for the most part, and it makes it fun. Ethan likes to put four or five ornaments on one branch.

I'm really looking forward to a joyful season full of Jesus. It's the most wonderful time of the year. :) And to that I'll add one of my favorite Bible passages for Christmas:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-5,14)

Family Pictures

2009-11-17T19:35:00.002-07:00

Jason took some pictures of our family the other day, and he did a really good job! It was a little too sunny, so that made it hard, but I really like how they turned out anyway. Now I'm trying to decide which one to print and put in our 8X10 frame. Maybe eventually we'll get a bigger family picture printed, but since I can't think of a wall to put one on, it'd have to be that small.

So, help me decide. I think I already have my favorite, but I want to hear some opinions. There were a few others he took, but since blogger is being so slow uploading, and I think the choice is between these ones anyway, I'm not going to post them right now. I'll post some of the other pictures in another post later. Which one is your favorite? (Make sure you click on the pictures--these little ones don't look very good)

A Sad Boy

2009-11-16T16:16:00.002-07:00

Last Friday, when Mom and Dad were here visiting, Ethan decided he was going to be really ornery. We've been trying to potty train him (which is not going well at all), and I can't really remember exactly what he wanted, except that he was crying non-stop.

Finally he sobbed, "I can't take this anymore!" How can you not ~~laugh at~~ feel bad for the poor boy after that? He really is my ornery boy, but he sure is cute.

Jason took the picture in this post, by the way. He's a great photographer!

All baby animal shows aren't good for kids

2009-11-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

Last night the kids and I were watching a how on PBS about baby animals. One segment was about ring-tailed lemurs. First the show explained that lemurs traveled in groups for their own safety. Then it showed a baby lemur clinging to it's mama's belly, but said that the baby lemur was too weak, and it dropped to the ground. Lemurs aren't strong enough to carry their babies, so if the baby is too weak to hold on, it can't be carried.

The rest of the pack was leaving the mom and baby behind, and the mother couldn't decide whether to stay with her baby (and probably both die), or to leave it behind and rejoin the group. She would walk a few feet away, and then come back, and then a little further and come back, and you could tell she was having a hard time leaving her baby.

But then she finally left, and both my boys starting sobbing. They were so heartbroken. I've never seen them cry over something that didn't affect them. It was a little bit funny, but sad at the same time. More sad, though. I kind of wished we hadn't have watched the show. Because the segment before that was about male lions killing small cubs so that they could mate with the female/mother lions themselves. Couldn't we have stumbled upon a happy baby animal show?

An example of love

2009-10-07T13:01:00.002-06:00

What difference do it make?

2009-09-24T13:26:00.002-06:00

I received a book for review from Thomas Nelson Publishers (if you read my book blog, you'll have read my review already). It's the follow up book to one called Same Kind of Different as Me, which I haven't read, but plan to. You can read more about what the book is about here.

I felt like this book was talking directly to me--like I just got a good smack upside the head from God to get my attention. I needed it! Here are a few good quotes from the book:

After talking about how some people go out and serve the homeless on Thanksgiving or Christmas, one of the authors (a former homeless man) says this:
"I ain't got no way to read the mind a' God, but I 'xpect part a' His business is makin it Christmas for somebody ever day. If all the Christians--I mean all of 'em-- got outta the pews on Sunday and into the streets, we'd shut the city down.
We'd shut down hunger.
We'd shut down loneliness.
We'd shut down the notion that there is any such of a thing as a person that don't deserve a kind word and a second chance."

"A lotta homeless folks has been hurt and abused since we was little bitty. At one time or another we loved or was loved by somebody. We had hope. We believed. Then hope flew out the door, and everything we had was gone. For a lot of us there come a time when nobody was willin to take us in. Nobody was willin to help in no kinda way. All the doors was slammed in our faces, and next thing you know, we just sittin on the curb with everbody passin us by, won't even look at us.
Even though you is still a human bein inside, even though you mighta been a little boy once with a mama, even though you mighta been married once with a house and a job, now you ain't nothin. And once that happens, people rather come up and pet a stray dog than even say hello."

This book seriously broke my heart. But I think that's a good thing. I think God's heart is broken over all of the poverty, the hurt, the people in need. I want my heart to be broken over the things that break God's heart.

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
(from Hosanna by Hillsong United)

Help meeeeee!

2009-09-15T13:12:00.005-06:00

I can't stop myself. I've left the look of this blog alone for the most part, but I keep changing my book blog. I'm talking daily. I don't know why. It's fine how it is, and then I think, "maybe I'll just see what it looks like if I make a different header, or use different colors."

And I never seem to be satisfied with it. It's never perfect. I kind of wish there was no editing options. Can someone take the option away from me? I want to quit trying to change my blog, and just post like a normal person. I can't do it, though! I need an intervention.

Less Posting, More Other Posting

2009-09-09T17:31:00.002-06:00

I haven't been posting very much here on this blog. First, because I don't have a lot to blog about. Sure, I could blog about our trip to Arches, and I will. But I really don't have any good pictures. I'm still waiting for certain people who said they would e-mail me some pictures to e-mail them to me.

Otherwise, not a whole lot of interesting things happening. I started women's Bible study this morning. We're doing a study on Genesis, and I'm pretty excited for that. I didn't do women's Bible study all last year, because I was so busy with MOPS, so I'm glad to be back into it.

If you're a reader, I've been posting more on my book blog than here, if you'd like to follow that blog or read it to get suggestions. I have excellent taste. ;) Reading is pretty much all I've been doing for fun lately (besides other things that I can't think of to blog about), so that's where you'll find me. The link is on my sidebar.

Summit Triathlon

2009-09-03T16:35:00.001-06:00

Last weekend I completed my first (maybe only) triathlon. It was a beginner triathlon: 1.5 mile run, 6.5 mile bike, and 200 yard swim. My time was 50:57, which was almost 10 minutes faster than my goal. I was pretty darn pooped by the end, but it was nice to say I've done one. I might try again next year if I'm in better shape (and I plan to be!). Here are some pictures, thanks to Dallas for taking them!

Finally---woo hoo!

2009-08-27T13:42:00.005-06:00

After a few years, I FINALLY got my pictures from Paris framed. These have been sitting rolled up in a tube since we went, I think back in 2005. I am a huge procrastinator, and sometimes I just need to decide to do things and get them done.

So we went to Michaels, and despite being shocked at the cost, we went ahead and ordered the framing. When I picked them up yesterday, I was very pleased. They looked better than I expected. I wanted them hung on the wall by my staircase, and couldn't decide how to hang them. Troy wanted to do side by side, but I didn't think it looked as good. Plus, if you're a tiny bit off, and they're not even, it's really noticeable. So I suggested putting one lower than the other. The stairway goes down anyway, so I thought it would look okay.

And I think it does look okay. I couldn't for the life of me take a good picture of them, though. The right one was always blurry. And in this picture they look crooked to me, although they're not crooked on the wall. Anyway, here is the finished product. I love them so much, and I bet they're happy to be out of the tube.

Wasting Time

2009-08-26T21:42:00.002-06:00

Today was the first day that I had both of my older kids in school for a full day, and just Ethan and me at home. I got to thinking how little I get done in a day, and I can't really figure out where my time goes. I want to be more productive. There are so many things that I want to do around my house, books that I want to read, etc., but nothing ever gets done.

I think the internet is my worst time waster. I tell myself I'll just check my e-mail, or check Facebook for just a minute, and I find myself sitting at the computer for hours. So, I've started thinking about what wasteful things I can cut out so I can start doing the more important things.

The first thing I did was cut down on the blog links that I have in my sidebar. I tried multiple times to catch up on my blog reading, and I never could. There was just too much, and I don't need to read that many blogs. So I narrowed it down to 10 that I can read every day. Then I saved the rest in a blog folder under my bookmarks. If I ever find my house clean and everything I want done, Ethan asleep and the kids at school, I'll have a nice, relaxing time reading blogs. Why are you laughing? One of these days it could happen.

My second thing I'm planning to do is cut back on TV watching. I really don't watch that much. Just one or two shows about three days a week. But I know that fall is coming soon, and all the new fall shows will be starting. If I start watching something, I'll get sucked in and won't want to miss it. And I want evening time after dinner to be family time. I don't want the TV to always be on. I'm ashamed to admit that at just about every dinner, we have the TV on. I don't want that, but it's not always my choice, unfortunately. So my plan for the fall is to maybe pick one show to watch, or if I can, none at all.

But back to the internet. I need to think of a better plan to not spend so much time on the computer, but still get the enjoyment that I get out of certain parts of it. I really like to read blogs. I love getting new ideas for my house, and just seeing what other people are doing. But I want to be reasonable. I like staying in touch with people on Facebook, but I don't need to spend so much time there either. So I'm going to have to think of a computer time schedule, or some way to limit myself that is enforceable. Like maybe a computer seat with an automatic ejector that will throw me out when my time is up.

Just some goals I'm thinking of with the kids back in school. I'm going to keep thinking about ways to be more productive and to actually feel like I've gotten something done at the end of each day.

A quick chuckle

2009-08-25T22:36:00.002-06:00

I have pictures in my camera of our trip to Arches with my family, and I could probably think of a thing or two to say about it. It was a great time, and being out there in God's creation was wonderful, even if someone put fine sand all over that I had to hike through. ;)

But before I forget, I wanted to share something funny Kevin said. We had just hiked up to one of the arches, and were on our way down, and Kevin said, "I was almost to God." Hey, at least he's not trying to build a tower or anything.

It's a Sickness

2009-08-19T09:40:00.002-06:00

I can't stop messing with my blog. Even when I like it, I get the urge to change it. And right now I don't care for the header all that much, but I finally had to give up last night because my computer was being so slow, and it was two in the morning. Good thing Troy's gone on a business trip, or he'd think I was crazy staying up that late.

I almost wish there wasn't the option to edit the looks of my blog, because as long as it's there, I'm going to keep changing it. I can't stop myself.

Editing to add: I changed back to my old header. I really do like it. Maybe I'll satisfy my changing urges with just changing the background and the text colors and stuff.

Gifts at My House

2009-08-17T23:27:00.004-06:00

Awhile ago I tried joining along with Ann at A Holy Experience listing things I was thankful for. I didn't keep up with it, and I'd like to begin again. So, a few gifts for today:

~Ethan cuddling next to me on the couch
~Digging my feet in the sand at a beach, in Utah!
~A friend to call at any time, to talk or to hang out with
~Phone calls from a husband gone on a business trip
~Walking on soft green grass
~Playing with my chubby little nephew
~Bounty from the Earth at the local farmer's market
~Seeing a grandpa and his grandson work side by side

Anniversary

2009-08-14T23:37:00.003-06:00

After 10 years, you still make me smile. You still make me laugh. You're still my best friend, the one person I can talk to about anything. You still make my heart race. You still mean the world to me. You're still my favoritest person in the whole world. I love you, Troy!

Decorating

2009-08-14T14:18:00.003-06:00

I've been trying to add some more cute touches to my house. If there wasn't so much clutter all over the place, I think it would look a lot nicer. Where can I hide my clutter? ;) The counter tops in my kitchen seem to be a magnet for every single thing in our house.

I just bought the case thing that says Paris at Hobby Lobby. It was half off, and I thought it would go cute. I'm not sure I love the setup on the top of these cabinets, but I don't know what else to do. I'll take any ideas!

I bought this flower container that I was going to put above my cupboards, but it didn't work. So I decided to pretty up my mantle. It'll never look fancy like in the magazines because my TV is up there, but I'll do what I can, I guess.

Fun at the Pool

2009-08-13T10:18:00.006-06:00

Yesterday Christy invited us to go swimming with her and her girls in the pool by her house.

Kaitlyn wanted me to get a picture of her jumping in the pool.

Kevin does a lot better in the pool with his floaty swimsuit.

Here's Ethan with his usual ornery face. Although I don't think he was ornery at the moment.

Christy and I. Please ignore my chin and droopy eye.

Here's Christy's youngest, Gigi. She didn't want me to take a picture.

World of Blogging

2009-08-12T15:22:00.004-06:00

I have been blogging, but it has been on my other blogs (links to the right). I would put it all on one blog, but I don't want this one to become inundated with posts about my runs. No, I haven't been spending a lot of extra time in the bathroom. I'm talking about getting outside and running. But come to think of it, neither of those are particularly enjoyable. I have a hard time deciding which is worst, almost.

I also read a lot (although I have been slowing down lately), so I blog about my books on a different book blog. Same thing with movies, when I remember.

And lately I've been spending WAY too much time looking at other peoples' blogs. Do you know how much time you can waste doing that? You could spend hours. You could even find that's it's 1:00 in the morning, and you're still on the internet, looking at blogs. And then there are blogs that spotlight other blogs. It's getting a bit ridiculous, if you want to know the truth. Not that those blogs are ridiculous, just the time I'm wasting. What's even worse is that I'm looking at all these blogs and websites about homemaking, getting all these great ideas, but never having any time to do anything because I'm looking at all these blogs and websites about homemaking to get all these great ideas. Do you see my problem?

Anyway, I will share a couple of my recent favorites. We'll start with Organizing Junkie. Then move on to Like a Warm Cup of Coffee. Then mosey on over to At the Well . I'm not even going to tell you about Today's Creative Blog, where you'll find out about a bunch of OTHER blogs. Because I'm not mean, and I don't want to pass on my time-wasting problems to you.

Night in Park City

2009-08-10T09:47:00.002-06:00

For our anniversary, Troy and I went and stayed at a bed and breakfast in Park City last Friday night. Mom and Dad were nice enough to watch our kids, so we could have some time to ourselves. We stayed at the Woodside Inn. There were some nice things about it, but we wouldn't stay there again because the bed was hard and uncomfortable. Our bed at home is ten times nicer.

On Friday night we did a lot of walking along historic Main Street. We stopped in a few shops waiting until the restaurants opened for dinner because we were both starving. Finally it was eating time, and we went to The Eating Establishment. We had gotten a coupon at the B&B for a 2 for 1 entree. On the coupon, it also said they would add a 17% gratuity to the bill. Well, the food was good and we were stuffed, but we got our bill and the waiter had added about 30% gratuity. We really didn't want to pay that much, but it feels petty to call the waiter over to tell him we didn't want to give him that big of a tip. If he had made a mistake on the other portion of the bill, it wouldn't have been a big deal. So we didn't say anything.

The rest of the night was spent walking around Main Street, and walking back and forth to our bed and breakfast. There were some really cute houses on the walk. There was one that was purple that I really loved. I don't know if I personally would like a purple house, but this one sure was cute.

On Saturday we went to the outlet mall. We thought we'd spend maybe an hour, and then have time to do something else before we had to pick up the kids. That didn't happen. We ended up spending about four hours there, and shopped right through lunchtime. We both got a new wallet, new watches, and a few clothes. I'm not used to wearing a watch, so it felt a little weird at first, but I found one that was cute enough that it made up for the weirdness.

It was a fun couple of days, and I love spending time with my honey. I wish it would have been longer, only with a softer bed.

Coupla Pictures

2009-08-07T09:36:00.002-06:00

Here are a couple of pictures from the women's retreat. Nothing too exciting. In the first one I'm in the pinkish red shirt, and in the second one I'm in the green shirt.

Easily fixing up your blog

2009-08-04T18:29:00.006-06:00

A couple people have asked me how to do the blog prettifying thingy, so I'm going to explain here exactly what I do. Then you'll all know how easy it is, and no one will think I'm amazing and talented anymore, but that's okay. I will teach you how to fake it like I do.

To make a header, I go to scrapblog. If you already have an account there, go ahead and sign in, if not, click on "get started for free". From there, you can either choose a theme, or just start from scratch. In the past, I've always started with a theme, because then it's all matchy to begin with, and it's easier. This time I started with a theme, but then didn't use a thing from it, so I may as well have started from scratch. So that's where I get my headers. Once you make it, you have to publish it, and then you can save it to your computer by clicking "export as jpeg" under the file tab.

I also usually grab a couple of backgrounds from scrapblog and save them to my computer, because they'll have something that matches my header. My current background, though, I found by doing a search for fabrics that matched the patterns in my header. You can also search through scrapbook paper online and find backgrounds that way.

On the blog template, I believe I used minima. To add your own background, upload whatever background you want to photobucket or the like, then use this code when editing your html:

background:url("Your image URL goes here");
background-attachment: fixed;

That portion will go underneath the part that says
body {
background:$bgcolor;

You will then need to upload a background for your writing portion. You'll add that under the outer-wrapper portion, underneath the width. Copy and paste this:
background:url("http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o205/endoux/trees_Page_41.jpg") repeat left bottom;

You can use the above URL, if you're just looking for plain cream colored background, or upload your own the same way you did the other background.

Then, to widen your blog area, you just need to change a few numbers. Find where it says #header wrapper; underneath that, change the width to 940. Then find #outer wrapper; change that width to 940 as well. Underneath that, find #main wrapper, and change that number to 674.

If you don't want the border around your header, then under the header-wrapper section, where it says border, change that to 0px. And under the #header section, change the margin and border to 0px.

I believe that's it. You don't have to have a lot of knowledge of html. Just look through and play with it a little, and then preview after each change, so you'll know what didn't work if something looks wrong. If someone wants to make some changes and needs help, let me know and I can walk you through it.

Ooh Boy

2009-08-04T14:59:00.002-06:00

I kind of want this. It looks like it would be tough, but if I could commit to it, I could get in pretty good shape. Maybe get rid of my belly. Oh Beachbody, why do you tempt me so?

On another note, I'll post some instructions for spiffying up and widening your blog later. It's not hard at all.

WILD Weekend

2009-08-02T22:09:00.002-06:00

This weekend I went to a women's retreat at Big Canyon Ranch. I'm tired and sore, but it was an awesome weekend. We did so many fun things, and it was a great time of fellowship as well. On Friday night we went on a hike, and the view at the top might be one of the most beautiful places I've seen in Utah. It was green and absolutely gorgeous.

On Saturday we did rock wall climbing, and a bunch of other team activities. That's where I got my bruises and soreness. This morning my group did paintball. I've never done it before, and it was really fun. I'd love to do this kind of thing every weekend. I took my camera but didn't have an opportunity to take any pictures. I'm hoping to get some copies of pictures. I hear there's even a video of me getting hit by (or running into and bouncing off) a giant ball and doing some rolls. I'm not sure if I want to re-live that, though.

Done!

2009-07-29T17:03:00.002-06:00

I have spent hours today figuring out my blog design, and tweaking it to make it wider, designing the header--all with a killer headache. But I like it! This is what I've been wanting, but couldn't quite get before now. So I'm leaving it, except for possibly changing the background sometime.

Still Playing Around

2009-07-28T22:08:00.002-06:00

I'm still messing around with my blog look. I kinda like the simplicity of this look, with very little wasted space. I also like the white. But then sometimes I miss having a background pattern. I know what I like when I see it in blog design, but for some reason, I just can't get mine there. Maybe it's because it's mine, and I'm too big of a perfectionist.

So, if every time you come to my blog it looks different, it's because I can't make up my mind and I'll just keep changing and changing it forever.

Happy Homemaker

2009-07-28T17:17:00.004-06:00

I have a confession to make. I would love to be the kind of woman who sews beautiful quilts, who could sew my own curtains, basically one who is crafty and stuff. Sometimes I see something that is way cute, and I think, "I could get out my sewing machine and do that. It can't be that hard." And then I remember what happens every time I pull out my sewing machine. It starts bad and gets badder. Yes, badder. I end up wanting to get a baseball bat and smash the thing to pieces, a la Office Space (with the copier).

I wish I could be a pro at that kind of stuff, but I don't know how to get from the bumbling sewing machine idiot I am to that place. How does one do it? Is there a special gene that I'm missing? I have a hard time even threading the thing. And don't think it's because I haven't read the directions, because I have. Also don't think it's because I need someone to show me, because I've had that too.

So I don't know whether to keep torturing myself, or to figure that it's just not one of my talents, and never will be. I'm okay at other stuff. I can design my own blogs without any problems. I can read a book like nobody's business. The thing is, I really would love to be able to sew. I love going to fabric stores and picking out cute fabrics, I just can't do anything with them.

Stuff

2009-07-27T16:56:00.002-06:00

I recently read Passionate Housewives Desperate for God. It was a book that definitely gave me mixed feelings. As I was reading, I kept thinking "but what about . . .", and then I realized that most of the time there really were no buts. This book definitely goes against the popular culture of today, but it really was backed by all kinds of Biblical support. So often we discount what the Bible says because it isn't relevant or it's not current, but God's word is unchanging.

This book made a very strong case for women staying at home, submitting to their husbands, having a serving attitude, among other things. I think I read this at exactly the right time for me, because I often feel like I hate being the mom, I hate staying home all day, I hate being the one who has to cook, clean, etc. That attitude is so against what God wants for me. So many times in the Bible we read about Jesus serving others. That was the example He set. Dying to self---it's a very hard concept, and one I suspect I will continually struggle with, but reading this book definitely helped.

Yesterday Kaitlyn and I went to see the new Harry Potter movie. It's been a long time since I read the books, so I can't really say if it followed the books or not. I think I liked the movie. What I remember of the nearly three hours in the movie theater was being really cold. I had goosebumps the whole time. It was unpleasant. Next time I'll remember, even if it's 90+ degrees outside, to wear pants and bring a jacket.

I decided to try the triathlon at the end of August with my Dad and Jason. It'll give me a reason to exercise, and right now I need some kind of motivation. I'll be writing more about it on my fitness blog (link to the right). I will say that this morning I biked about 3 miles, then I thought I'd try a little bit of a run because I felt pretty okay. I ran about a half a mile, and then I wanted to pass out. No, I don't mean that I felt like I was going to pass out (even though I did), I mean I wanted to. I hate running that bad, and passing out would have been an end to it, I think. At least the triathlon is only a mile and a half. I think I can work up to that, and then never run again. Ever.

Sour!

2009-07-25T14:27:00.002-06:00

Well, I tasted a plum from the tree. It was edible, in the same way a lemon is edible. I'm hoping it's just not all the way ripe, though. We'll give it a couple more weeks and see.

Tree

2009-07-24T10:42:00.003-06:00

Last year we bought a tree for our front yard. We bought what we thought was a decorative flowering plum tree. Not so much. There is definitely fruit on this puppy. I'm thinking it's probably edible, but no one wants to be the guinea pig. We really didn't want a fruit tree, because they're messy, but now that we have it, I'm really hoping we can eat the fruit, otherwise it's twice as bad. So, is it edible? Anyone know?

Bee's Game

2009-07-24T10:34:00.002-06:00

Last night we went with our small group to a Bee's game. It was a lot of fun, but it was really hot. By the time we got to our car at 10:30, it was still 95 degrees outside. I usually don't mind heat, but my hands and feet were swollen from the heat, which is not pleasant.

Here's me and my honey:

Kaitlyn doesn't like this picture, and to that I say too bad. I think she's cute.

Here's Kevin:

Ethan enjoying cotton candy:

Trying a new look

2009-07-23T14:37:00.003-06:00

I decided to try a completely different look. I get annoyed with all the wasted space on the sides of my blog, and I wanted something a little simpler. I'm not sure if I love this, though, so it may change again.

I have spent hours changing things around, trying different things, and so I think I need to be done, at least for now.

Prayerful Decisions

2009-07-21T11:39:00.002-06:00

First, before I talk about anything, I wanted to point toward an excellent blog post I read this morning at Holy Experience. It's found here. That blog has consistently been my favorite.

Onto the other matter, I have the opportunity next April to go on a two week missions trip to Kenya. I really want to go, but would it be good to leave my kids for two weeks? Ethan will be 3 1/2, which I think is probably around the age Kevin was when Troy and I went to Europe for two weeks. And this is for something so much better.

The main thing I'm worried about is the cost. I know that if that's where God wants me to go, He will provide. Somehow I will be able to get the money. This is something I really want to do, but I'm not sure that Troy will agree on the costs or the time I would be gone. It would also take a lot of support from family and friends.

I've been praying about it, and will continue to do so, but I would also appreciate prayers. Thanks!

Date Night

2009-07-10T22:19:00.002-06:00

Troy and I went out for dinner at MacCool's. The two times we had been before I ordered the chicken, which is huge, and is like half a chicken. I wanted to get something different this time, so I ordered the lamb shank. We weren't sure what a shank was, but I figured meat is meat. Turns out it's a leg. It was all delicious, but I'm sure it didn't help me in my weight loss goals.

Then we walked around at the District, went to Target and bought a couple of movies, looked in clothing stores where everything is made for teeny tiny girls, walked by the ice cream place and thought about getting ice cream, but Troy was too stuffed. I coulda made room for some dark chocolate and peanut butter ice cream, but whatever. It's always nice getting out with my favorite man.

Alpine Lake Hike

2009-07-09T19:01:00.006-06:00

Here are some pictures of the scenery on our hike. I'm not a great photographer, but these pictures practically took themselves.

Alpine Lake Hike (with people)

2009-07-09T18:50:00.003-06:00

We took a 3 mile hike around some lakes. It was so beautiful! The next three pictures were at the end of the hike, when we were all tired, but it was such a pretty place for picture taking, we had to take advantage.

Here's one of the lakes we passed by. We took a break so the kids could play and rest a bit. Kevin was such a trooper. He walked most of the way, and only cried a little bit.

The kids thought this was a cool tree for picture taking.

This was the first lake we passed.

Ethan had it good on the hike. He sat on Troy's shoulders for most of the way, and mine for a little bit. He's small, but when you're hiking uphill he gets pretty heavy.
We passed this little creek a few times along the way. Either that, or there was more than one creek.

Taking a break.

There was a stump that was perfectly shaped like a chair. It even had a back and everything. You can't see it, but it was a good place for the kids to rest.

Lehman's Cave

2009-07-09T18:35:00.003-06:00

For our family vacation this year, we went to Great Basin National Park in Nevada. We took a tour of Lehman's Cave, and it was really neat. I kind of wish the lady had talked less and showed us more, but I guess some people like the stories. Here are some pictures of the cave:

July 4th at Lagoon

2009-07-09T18:15:00.006-06:00

For the 4th of July, we went with some of my favoritest people (Jason and Dallas, Geoff and Felicia, and their fun kids) to Lagoon. It wasn't very crowded at all, and we had a fun time!

During lunch, Allston decided to feed Ethan. He did it for awhile, and it was so cute!

These are all out of order. At the end of the night, while the girls were waiting in line to go on a roller coaster, Ethan and Kevin went on this car ride over and over. As soon as they got done, they'd run back around to the line and get on again.

Here are the boys on an airplane ride.

The men and kids rode the skyride, while Dallas and I walked across to the other side (cause of the strollers). Ethan is so little there in the corner.

Here's Troy taking a bunch of the kids on a boat ride thingy.

These next two pictures crack me up. Good faces!

Troy and Kevin

Ethan and Allston

All the little kids (and Olivia) on some ride that I don't think I've ever seen. It looks like a cool spaceship or something.

We had a lot of fun, and it was a good day. Thanks, Jason, for planning it!

Random Pictures

2009-07-09T18:07:00.002-06:00

Here are a few various pictures from the past couple of months.

This is Kaitlyn and her friends from school.
Here's our lizard, Willow. She likes to climb up and sit on the glass like this. You can see Loki sitting on the log. He's our lazy one.

If Ethan doesn't get enough nap (or doesn't get one at all), he gets very tired during dinner. There were other times I wish I would have had the camera, because he was drinking from his cup with his eyes closed and his head swaying.

Kaitlyn was in a Shakespeare play at school. They did Hamlet, and she played Laertes. This was the best picture we got. We really need a new camera!

Thomas the Train

2009-07-09T17:52:00.003-06:00

A couple months ago we went with Trudy's family to Heber City to ride on the train there. The theme was Thomas the Train. I guess the kids liked it okay, but we were kind of disappointed, because all it did was ride down the track for about 10 minutes and then come back the same way. We probably wouldn't do it again, especially for how much it cost.

Here are a few pictures:

Blogging Slacker

2009-06-10T16:38:00.003-06:00

I've really been slacking in the blogging department. There really is no reason other than that I haven't been in the mood. I'm sure I have some pictures on my camera to upload. We've done one or two fun things. I'm just too lazy to get anything on my blog, I guess.

Troy took this week off work. He wanted to get our grass up on the side of the driveway and house so that we can put cement there, but the constant rain has prevented that. So instead we've been trying to organize the unfinished part of the basement (which we haven't even really touched since we moved in). We're going to make a workout room in the unfinished area. We'll see if it'll motivate me to work out. Most likely not, but at least all my workout stuff will be in one place.

We also bought a cute chair and ottoman to go in my window area in my bedroom so I can have a reading area. I like it. That's pretty much all that is going on right now. When I don't have a sleeping child on my lap maybe I'll pick up the really heavy camera, pull out the memory card, and upload pictures to my computer. I'll have to rest up before I attempt any of that.

Kaitlyn and Weslynn

2009-05-11T23:30:00.003-06:00

A couple of Sundays ago we had Steven and Chanell and Scott and Robin (and their darling baby, Weslynn) over for dinner. It's always fun having family over, and I wish we could do it more often. We just don't think ahead enough, I guess.

Soccer

2009-05-03T21:29:00.005-06:00

Kevin is playing soccer. He's a funny kid. I don't think he ever touches the ball. I'm not sure he even realizes that's what he's out there for. I have to yell at him (in a nice way, I'm not a mean sports mom) every once in awhile to go play, and motion towards the ball. He's having fun anyway, so that's all that matters.

Here he is at his first game. He's the one facing the camera. It was freezing that day.
And here he is in his uniform that is probably 5 sizes too big. Why can't they get these tiny kids uniforms that will fit?

New Pet

2009-04-19T14:39:00.004-06:00

I'm really not a pet person. Anything that doesn't poop in a toilet, I've generally tried to stay away from. But for something to do, I took the kids to Petco yesterday. We looked at the lizards, and I fell in love. They're just so darn cute. They also seemed cheap. $7.99 for a lizard didn't seem too bad at all. It's only after we've paid over $100 for the housing, food (crickets), housing for the food (we didn't even buy the food for the food), that I realized a lizard is not a cheap pet at all.

These pictures are kind of backwards (because I'm adding a couple later, so they're on top). We bought a bahama anole lizard, and we named him Loki. Here is the finished product:

And a close up:
Here he is pretty close after we first put him in. He was nearly black. Here's another picture of him hiding inside the log that I ended up returning, because logs make sap, and sap isn't good. He's still pretty dark. (If you click on the pictures, you can see him better)

Here's a picture of him later, in between when I was changing the scenery in his home. He's quite a bit lighter here, and it's not the lighting either. He changes color depending on his mood.

Easter

2009-04-19T14:25:00.004-06:00

I'm finally getting my Easter post up. I'm a bit behind. We had a busy weekend, with a lot of fun times and a couple of wonderful church services. On Saturday morning we went out to breakfast with Troy's family. We do this every year, and it's a nice tradition. This year we went to Jim's Family Restaurant, and I don't think we'll go there again. The food was not great.

Kevin and Drake found an empty table where they could play with Kevin's new Transformers. They get along really well, but then Kevin gets along with everyone.Here are all the kids waiting to go outside for their egg hunt. We decided to go to Grandma and Grandpa Price's house to do it instead of a city one at a park. It worked out so much better, and the kids enjoyed it more, too.

Hunting for eggs.

Troy told Kaitlyn she could only get the high up eggs, which made it so she didn't get very many eggs, but she was still a good sport.

Here's Ethan showing off an egg. Look how green the grass is! Ours is still nice and straw colored.

Here's most everyone that was there, except for a couple of people who were taking pictures. It was a nice day, and later on Saturday we went back for a yummy BBQ.

And at the end of the day, the kids couldn't pass up a motorcycle ride on Uncle Steven's bike (here's Kevin riding with Uncle Jared). He did wear a helmet, just not for the picture.

Jazz Game

2009-03-31T15:41:00.004-06:00

Last night we went to a Jazz game with a bunch of the family. We had a really fun time, and we're glad Geoff invited us. First we went out to dinner at the California Pizza kitchen, and that was nice. Then we all walked over to the game. We were on the very top row, as high as you could get, but you could still see everything, so it really wasn't bad at all. We took up a whole row on the top, and then a few seats three rows ahead.

Kevin and Allston really get along well, and I think Allston prefers playing with him over Ethan, even though Ethan is closer to his age. They both sat on Felicia's mom's lap for awhile. In this picture you can also see Felicia's sister and Geoff, and the back of Felicia's head. I think Ethan was a big help in the Jazz win. He sat there and "shot" at the players. Although he wasn't very discriminating, so maybe it was all a wash.

Here are my boys trying to make Allston cry. Not really, although they did. Make him cry, I mean. I think he's probably not used to all the hugs and touches from other kids.

Here's Kaitlyn with Grandpa. I love this picture!

And one last picture. Ethan kept walking up and down the row, and the first time Felicia grabbed him and kissed him. Then on the second or third pass, he expected everyone to do it, so he'd stop in front of them and stare at them until they did it.

Hulk Smash!

2009-03-23T14:38:00.004-06:00

The kids have been watching a lot of superhero movies lately, and Ethan's favorite is Hulk. He even says "Hulk smash!" I got him on video, and it was so funny because he's sick and was losing his voice a little. His "Hulk" is pretty scary, but the "smash" part, maybe not so much. :)

Kevin's Birthday

2009-03-23T14:18:00.005-06:00

We had Kevin's Birthday party last Saturday, and his birthday was last Thursday. These pictures are all backwards from what I wanted, but that's okay.

Here's Kevin on his birthday. He got a bunch of superhero toys, and a Power Rangers toy. It's getting really hard to get this boy to smile normal for pictures. Especially when he wants to look at his new toys and not the camera.

As a party favor for the kids, I made superhero capes (Troy helped, too). I don't really like to sew, so there was some frustration, and maybe a little bit of yelling to go along with it. Here was Allston's cape, which was one of my favorites:

Here's Zack hitting the pinata. The candy went flying everywhere. Even over the fence into the neighbors yard. I guess they got some free candy.

Kaitlyn is usually the oldest kid at birthday parties, and so she almost always is the one to break it open. This time Zack wanted a turn, though, so Kaitlyn had to hold back.

This is DJ hitting the pinata. I just included this picture because it's another cape that I liked.

When it was Ethan's turn to hit the pinata (very near the beginning), he gave it a little tap, and that bottom part just popped open. The kids came running, and I think it scared him, and he started to cry. We taped it up, because that's not how a pinata is supposed to work!

Here's the birthday boy having a turn. The wind made his cape look pretty cool.

Here's Kevin blowing out his birthday candles. I decided to do cupcakes instead of a cake, and then I put letters spelling out "Happy 6th Birthday, Kevin" on each cupcake. (Pictured here are Sunny, Talia, Drake, and Kaitlyn's torso)

This is Kevin the day after his actual birthday, when we gave him his new Spiderman bike. He loves it, and it'll be nice for him to have. Just the day before he was out playing with a couple neighbor boys who are very good bike riders, and Kevin only had his little tricycle. They wanted to ride around the block, but Kevin couldn't keep up on his tricycle, so he gave it up and just ran behind them. The poor kid!

Please join me in prayer

2009-03-14T13:22:00.002-06:00

My friend, Lori, just adopted a beautiful baby boy. But now the birth father is trying to contest the adoption, and they're going to have to go through a legal battle. Please join me in praying for this sweet baby and for Lori and her family. You can read more details on her blog.

Jeremy Riddle concert

2009-03-09T21:50:00.002-06:00

Kaitlyn and I went to a Jeremy Riddle concert tonight. He is one of my very favorite singers, so I was really excited when I found out he was coming to a church near us. He was sick with a cold, but he was still amazing, and has a beautiful voice and a passion for God.

I only got one picture, but since my camera is a huge ball of suck in this type of setting, it really didn't matter anyway. If you're sitting there wondering who in the world Jeremy Riddle is, I feel bad for you, because you've been missing out on some awesome music. But, in my pity for you, I will provide a link: More Than a Friend This song is my favorite of his. I can't hear it without getting choked up. It's also a good song to listen to when you just want to get on your knees and worship God.

To listen to more of his music, visit his myspace page here.

Survivor

2009-03-06T11:34:00.002-07:00

Survivor has been awesome this season so far. Especially if you're looking for funny quotes. My favorites so far have been:

"I'm too true to exist around people who smile . . . evily."

"People stereotype me as the blonde girl who doesn't have a lot to say, and sits there and be pretty . . . but that doesn't mean, like . . . I don't know. It's hard to explain."

I love this

2009-03-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

Last night in my Bible reading, I came across some verses that I really loved. They are found in John 3:29-30:

29The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30He must become greater; I must become less.

This was part of John the Baptists testimony about Jesus. I loved the part where he said, "He must become greater; I must become less." Because isn't that true for us all? We all need to make Jesus (and His glory) the greater part in our lives.

This goes along really well with what I'm reading in The Purpose Driven Life. Today I'm on day 5 of 40, and I'm really getting a lot out of this book. I like it much better than Captivating, and I think the reason is that Captivating is so me-centered. The focus on Christ is hardly there at all, and I think it will probably come later in the book, but for right now, it's just really not what I need. I don't need to examine every aspect of my childhood to know if I was made to feel lovely.

It's not about me, and I really dislike books like this, and that may be why I'm having such a hard time with small group right now, because this is what we're reading for it.

Some good reading

2009-03-04T10:16:00.002-07:00

I've mentioned this blog before, but I want to mention it again. If you have some free time, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and head over to Holy Experience. It's my very favorite blog to read, and if I had even 1/100th of the talent for writing that Ann has, I would be so happy.

Every time I read this blog, I just feel so . . . filled. I don't know how to describe it. It's a calming and peaceful feeling. So, take some time, read a few of her blog posts, and be blessed.

Ugh--I don't feel so good

2009-02-22T22:21:00.003-07:00

Today I went to a party for my friend Theresa's birthday. It was way up the mountain, and even though there's a nice view, I sure wouldn't want that long of a drive to get anywhere, especially if there was snow.

Anyway, the party was at another friend, Lisa's, house. I guess her husband likes to cook, so that's what he did. He cooked. And cooked and cooked. He's from Israel, so he cooked a lot of Israeli food, and it was so yummy. So yummy, in fact, that I ate a lot of it. More than I thought I ate, I guess. And then he blended up some all fruit smoothies (which were very filling). And then we had cheesecake (which is also very filling).

When I got home tonight I was (and still am) feeling so sick. I guess I ate a little bit too much, but it was a fun time anyway. I guess next time I need to pace myself a bit more.

A Good Prayer

2009-02-20T20:32:00.003-07:00

Tonight when Kevin was praying, he said, "God, I wish Transformers were real." And then he got up really close to my face and whispered, "I can wish Transformers were real?" And I said, you can pray for whatever you want, buddy. He also prayed for school to be funner, and more recess. I think he's pretty much a normal kid. Except for maybe the Transformers part, but you have to admit that would be pretty cool.

Tired today

2009-02-17T21:33:00.002-07:00

I was really tired today. The boys and I were sitting on the couch, watching Transformers (I was half watching, half reading a book), and the boys fell asleep. And then I couldn't keep my eyes open. So I laid down and had a little nap. And when I woke up, I still felt tired. And I'm kind of tired right now, which could probably be solved by going to bed.

Yes, this is the most boring blog post you've ever read, anywhere. What else did you expect? I have nothing exciting going on. I have been posting a few times on my fitness blog, so just in case you think I've dropped off the face of the earth, or bored even myself to death, you can check there, and see that I'm still alive and kickin'.

Fast and Furious Trailer

2009-02-13T15:58:00.001-07:00

Yay! Another Vin movie for me to look forward to. Always a good time. :D

Another Blog

2009-02-12T23:30:00.003-07:00

Someone keeps making me make more and more blogs, and I can't say no to them. Okay, it's just me, but I can be very persuasive. It's a book/reading blog. I had one before, and then I decided I'd just merge all my blogs into one, and that's just not working. I never put book reviews on this blog, because I don't want to. I read a lot, and I don't want this one to become filled with book stuff. Even though I really like books.

So, if you're ever bored, and are looking for book recommendations or whatever---okay, not whatever, you're not going to find, say, sushi recipes, if that's what you're looking for---come check it out. I'll also have a link on the side with the links to my other 2,000 blogs.

Oh yeah, here's the link: http://brendalovesbooks.blogspot.com/