Friday, October 31, 2008

Scary!

Kinda Creepy I wanted to do a Halloween flashback with cute pictures of the youngsters in their costumes, but the scanner is apparently taking the day off--it is a holiday after all. So instead, here's a picture of Sam today--Shayla is the make-up artist and his wardrobe is courtesy of Treasure House.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The Art of Compromise

Today's post is about compromising to make a dream come true... Andy has worked so hard on my dream: the cabin. And finally, he got his dream: satellite TV.
We only had to cut down half the forest--that's compromise for you.
And now the satellite dish clings triumphantly to the side of the cabin.
Kind of like a wart on a hog's nose


And my view in the morning, as I awake and gaze out the window is... a wart on a hog's nose.
But that, Gentle Reader, is the art of compromise. True love.
And if I squint a little, it fades into the scenery.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Favorite Things

Today I have an amazing invention to share with you...
...A Marvelous Little GadgetIt looks so simple, yet does so much. This is one of the few purchases I have made
that actually EXCEEDED my expectations!

It peels and slices apples with a simple turn of a handle. No electronics to fail. Nothing complicated to break down.


The best part? Kids LOVE to use it.

It turns them into cheerful little helpy helpertons!



Monday, October 27, 2008

Brotherly Love

To prepare Scott for some upcoming events in the life of new parents, I thought I would share this little memory today:

When Shanna was a newborn, I took her in for her immunizations. This was a major undertaking because I had to pack up Scott (age 3) Siara (age 19 months) and Shanna along with carseats, diaper bag, books and games for distraction etc. We got to the Kaiser clinic and waited our turn in the waiting room. When we got called back, I packed up my menagerie and followed the nurse. She had me lay Shanna on the table and Scott and Siara were standing next to it. I had no trouble keeping them near me because Siara had a tight grip on my leg and Scott was enthralled with all the gadgets and was busy asking a lot of questions. But soon he saw what was happening--the nurse turned around with a big needle and turned Shanna over. As she gave Shanna the shot, Shanna gave a little whimper but Scott burst into tears. I gathered everyone up to leave and as we walked through the waiting room some nice elderly people saw Scott crying and said,
"Oh! Did you have to get a shot today? Did it hurt?"
And Scott said,
"No! They shot my BABY!"

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Overheard

Last week we had a full week of school and other projects around here. One day we made applesauce and the boys made a fire in the kitchen wood stove. While the apples were cooking, we gathered around the kitchen table next to the wood stove to discuss Van Gogh's painting: "The Starry Night". There was an insightful article about it in the Wall Street Journal and here at the
Gale Academy of Classical Education
we strive to provide a well-rounded education: one week it's dead coyotes, the next it's van Gogh...so we were having a lively discussion about color prompted by the article. Andy walked through the kitchen, heading out to pick up Seth and Shayla from their morning classes. He commented that we looked cozy and asked what we were learning.

I said, "This is heaven! A warm fire, canning applesauce and discussing art...it doesn't get any better than this." Then I got up to stir the applesauce on the stove.

Sam: (Loud whisper to Andy) "HELP ME"

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Master of Disaster

Dad's latest project...The well pump-house-- or what's left of it!

He likes to take it from scratch and start fresh.



Oops!

CORRECTION: 1 stick of butter=1/2 Cup butter
Yesterday I printed the Oatmeal Cake recipe with the wrong amount for the butter--sorry about that! I'll fix it on the post as well.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Having My Cake and Eating it Too

Back (wayyyyyyyy back) when I was pregnant with Scott, we lived in a tiny little house that had once been a chicken coop. Dad was working part-time and finishing up at BYU in accounting and finance and I was working as an accounts receivable clerk for Bradshaw Auto Parts in Provo. I pretty much just worked and slept as Scott was draining me of all energy -- he was developing a body that would eventually top out at 6' 5". I did have to take time to eat though, and because of our tight budget, we ate a lot of Top Ramen. But from time to time I would do a little baking to liven up our dreary diet. So, one day I had a craving for Oatmeal Cake. An old family recipe that filled the little cottage with a delicious aroma of vanilla and spice. Andy was on campus and I figured we would have it for dessert after dinner. But I couldn't resist one piece while it was warm. Then just one more. One more. And one more. Soon, half the cake was gone! How embarassing! I couldn't have Andy thinking I was a glutton...what to do, what to do. The perfect solution? Eat the other half of the cake. Then wash the pan and put it away. And open the windows and air out the house.

I made the mistake of telling this story to the youngsters--now they bring it up whenever we make oatmeal cake for family night treat. Really, I only did that the one time--though I could still eat a whole oatmeal cake. Luckily, now I have plenty of people around to share it with.



Here is the recipe for Oatmeal Cake: (I suggest making it when other people are around so you won't be tempted to eat the whole thing yourself)


1 stick butter (1/2 C.)

1 cup oatmeal

1 1/4 cups boiling water

Pour the boiling water over the butter and oatmeal, stir, cover and let stand for 20 minutes.

Add:
1 C. white sugar
1 C. brown sugar
1 1/2 C. sifted flour
1 tsp. soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix well and pour into 9X11 baking pan. Bake @ 350 for 30-35 minutes.

Topping:

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 C. evaporated milk

1/2 C. sugar

1/2 C. coconut

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 C. chopped nuts (walnuts are good)

Mix and spread over cake while it is hot. Then eat just one piece. If you can.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Doing a Little Yardwork

Our Stump Garden
Now that yardwork involves a chainsaw instead of a lawnmower,
Seth doesn't mind helping.

"When we're helping, we're happy and we sing as we go.
For we like to help Daddy for we all love him so!"
"Ta la la la la la la la, tra la"....oh I got a little carried away there.
They don't actually sing while they work--whine a little maybe.
But never sing.



Since yardwork involves FIRE the kids are happy to pitch in!




Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Outtakes

What can I tell you? Seth is a natural-born silly. And we all encouraged it with our laughter from the time he was old enough to make a funny face.

The camp caretaker is thanking Spencer for the picnic tables that his amazing Eagle leadership provided...she is really, really, happy. Spencer is medium happy.



Sunday, October 19, 2008

The Eagle Has Landed

Our Newest Eagle ScoutSpencer flew home this weekend for his Eagle Board of Review (Even though he's an Eagle, he didn't literally FLY home--he took Southwest airlines). He passed the board so now he just awaits the official word from National Eagle Headquarters ...or whatever they call it.

These pictures are from his Eagle Project
Here you see Sam awaiting instruction from his big brother.


The Volunteers-- minus all the Cub Scouts we took home early because they were hammering everything in sight.




Thanks for helping, Dad!
(If he looks a little haggard it's from working so hard on the cabin!)




Even Shanna was there!






"HI HO, HI HO, It's off to work Shane goes!"






The final result gets the THUMBS UP from Seth
(He keeps trying to delete this pic but I think it's a keeper!)










Lumberjack Jo

Taming the Wilderness
So, I ran into a tree with my car, but you're letting me drive this?

This is a track hoe: a big huge tree grabber.

Hey, I'm getting pretty good-- I could see this as a future career.














OK -- step away from the track hoe.
What?







Saturday, October 18, 2008

The Bimbo in My Laundry Room

I am normally a practical person. I look for value and good workmanship in my appliances. As the mother of many, I expect a lot from my washing machine. The constant flow of dirty laundry through my laundry room requires constant vigilance to keep it under control.
But, when it came to picking out the washer and dryer for the cabin, I have to admit to being drawn in by only one thing: the color RED
It was calling to me from across the store, "Look at me, I'm reeedddd. See how beautiful and shiny and RED I am"
All common sense left my brain and I pointed and said, "I want the RED one."
Truth be told, it is GE--a supposedly reputable manufacturer of appliances--so I didn't go completely off the deep end. I figured it was a brand I could trust.

It turns out I ended up with a pretty, shiny, RED washer...that is useless.
A dumb bimbo.
Oh, she sure looks good, but should I ask her to spin out the towels I get this response:

BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! as she rocks back and forth.

Me: "Uh, what are you doing? You're supposed to be spinning the water out of the towels."
Her: "Huh?"
Me: "SPIN! You're supposed to spin!"
Her: "I like to rock around the laundry room-- I don't really do the spin thing."
Me: "These towels are soggy and drippy. They have to be spinned so your friend here can dry them."
Her: "OK, I'll try"

BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM!

Me: "Yeah. That's not spinning, that's useless rocking back and forth."
Her: "What exactly am I supposed to do again?"
Me: (rearranging soggy towels hoping to configure them just right so the spin cycle will work)
"Come on honey, you can do it. SPIN!"

BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM!

Me: (Sigh) "Well, you are RED."

Friday, October 17, 2008

Tell Me a Story

A few days ago I took the boys to one of our favorite places: THE BOOK STORE. After they each picked out a new favorite, we passed the toddler book section and stopped to reminisce. "Oh! I remember this book!" "This was my favorite book!" "I remember every picture in this book!" It was a sweet moment remembering those days of cuddling up with a favorite book for a story. I suggested they each pick one of the books they love to give to Bailey. Maybe one of their favorites will become one of her favorites. They couldn't choose just one, so they each picked a couple. I chose a book by Scott's favorite childhood author, Richard Scarry. Scott's book came from D.I. when he was about a year old. It was a big picture book with funny animal characters and a lot of detail. He loved to look carefully at each page and search for Goldbug.

Later at home, I got the books out to put name labels in them for Bailey. I noticed the plastic wrapper had been removed from "Pat the Bunny". Shane smiled and said "I just had to read it. I love that book."

So, from us to you, Bailey, some well-loved books.
* * *
"I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves." Anna Quindlen

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." Groucho Marx

"Always read something that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it." PJ O'Rourke

"The love of learning, the sequestered nooks. And all the sweet serenity of books." Longfellow




Thursday, October 16, 2008

If a Tree Falls in the Forest....

...this guy probably chopped it down: TIMMMMBER!!


Seth & Shayla making their way through the debris to get a ride to school.



Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Hmmmm...

Mom: What are you eating?
Shane: Cheez-its
Mom: You're going to turn into a Cheez-it!
Shane: Good. Then I'll eat myself.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Labor of Love


Our FHE activity last night was tying a quilt for our soon-to-arrive addition to the family. Granddaughter and niece: Bailey! The youngsters are excited to be aunt and uncles (saying "Uncle Sam" makes us laugh) and I could not begin to express how THRILLED I am to be a Grandma!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Up to Our Ears in Corn

--The Bowl of Misfit Corn--

One of the tender mercies in this time of turmoil and uncertainty was that we were able to sell our house so quickly and for a great price. I try to remember that when I think of the garden I left behind there. I am trying to look forward and not back like Lot's Wife. I don't want to turn into a pillar of salt. I hope the new owners enjoy the harvest. But it made it very sweet when "Silly Grandpa" and Sherrie brought us fresh food from their massive garden. They brought green onions, tomatoes and lots and lots of corn! We all shucked corn yesterday and I froze some that we will enjoy later in the winter. That taste of summer's end in the middle of winter will be another tender mercy.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Favorite Things

This is the balcony off of the master bedroom in...you guessed it! The cabin.Our friend Brett refurbished and cleaned the entire roof--now we will be safe and dry this winter.
Andy re-did the decking and we had a log railing made for it. The old one was very low and rickety-- a little scary.

Now we can step out and enjoy a beautiful view of our river. Ok, it's not really OUR river but the part that runs in front of our cabin belongs to us. Not that you can really posess running water that is flowing to the ocean. But it is beautiful.



Thursday, October 9, 2008

Just Tryin' to Help

You see some trees here with numbers--because their days are numbered. We have to clear a 70 foot perimeter for fire safety around the cabin. The logging company keeps delaying because of weather. So I thought I would do my part to get the trees down.
I mowed one over with the car...

I try to do my part.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

The Itchy and Scratchy Show

A few weeks ago I noticed a little spot on my leg that was itchy. I scratched around it and decided it might be a mosquito bite. I thought, "Those bats aren't keeping up with their end of the bargain!" The next day it was big and red and itchier. I upgraded it to a spider bite. The youngsters were thoughtful enough to begin speculating on the type of spider and then looked up the symptoms online. Some possibilities that stood out: "necrotic tissue" and "possible death". Comforting. By the third day it was bright red and oozing as well as spreading in a red line. This fit some of the symptoms of the scarier spider bites, so I called the doctor. I was told to come in right away. Comforting. The doctor on duty took one look at it and said: "Poison Ivy". Comforting. Really it was a relief. "Death" isn't a possible outcome of poison ivy. The outcome of poison ivy is "itching like the dickens". What exactly does that mean? It feels like a thousand mosquito bites in one spot. Like a whole case of chicken pox on the front of my leg. Agony. But at least I'm going to live.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Good-bye to Brother Roberts

Yesterday Dad and I went to Tony Roberts' funeral. It's hard to believe that he was 72 years old. He seemed much younger. Tony and Linda Roberts moved into our ward about a week after Dad and I moved in back in 1984. She worked with Dad at Landa and then C-tech up until a few years ago. She was his assistant for a long time. Shanna knew Linda as "Sista Wobuts"--she was the nursery leader when Shanna was little. Brother Roberts served as a Bishop twice and a Branch President as well. He had a pilot's license and was also a professional scuba diver. He was best known for being kind. He was just about the nicest guy you could ever hope to know. He worked for a large construction equipment company and when Dad needed to paint the front of our house on 24th Ave. (the one with the VERY STEEP driveway) he brought over a bucket truck and let Dad use that. They often sat in front of us at church and I always worried that we were disrupting their peaceful sabbath as I wrestled with three restless children while Dad was up on the stand. One testimony day, Bro. Roberts got up to bear his testimony and he said, "I don't know what my mother in Heaven is like, but I imagine her to be very much like Sister Gale. She treats her children with so much love and patience." I didn't actually hear him say it because I was in the mother's room dealing with one of my children (with love and patience I hope) and later someone else told me: "Wow! Brother Roberts paid you the highest compliment." and when I looked baffled, she went on to tell me what he had said. His kindness was so Christlike because he could have been critical (seriously, our kids were bouncing around like yahoos in the pew behind him every Sunday!) and that would have made me feel defensive but he chose to look for a positive to compliment and that made me want to live up to it. From what I heard about him at his funeral yesterday, everyone who ever knew him had an experience like that with him.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Dinner Conversation

I made turkey stew today with the leftovers from our Conference turkey. Because it includes VEGETABLES the children were complaining. Since they insulted the stew, I felt the need to point out that they were scarfing down the biscuits...
Mom: These biscuits are delicious--if I do say so myself.
Shayla: Well, aren't you a little full of yourself?
Dad: (Sucking up as a good husband should) They are perfect--golden brown, flaky and delicious.
Shane: Just like an orange kitten.
Everyone: Huh?

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Blood and Fire and Vapors of Smoke

We all enjoyed a great Conference Weekend. It was an adventure listening to it on dial-up audio.
After Conference, it was a little chilly so we thought a fire would be nice. We haven't had a fire in our giant fireplace yet. We did have it inspected by a chim-chimanee chimney sweep. He said it might have trouble drawing the smoke up unless we start with a small hot fire. Apparently it was either not hot enough or not small enough because smoke began to fill the house. Of course Dad responded with his usual "calm, cool, collectedness". Soon, it looked like he was going to pop a blood vessel in his head. In the meantime the smoke was billowing through the house. Our main worry was setting off the alarm because it goes directly to our security company and they call the fire department. They charge large amounts of money if you cause a false alarm, so you can understand why Dad was so alarmed. Somehow we managed to gather from his shouting: "OPEN A DOOR! OPEN A DOOR! OPEN A DOOR!" That someone should open a door. I opened a door. But he couldn't see the open door because of the smoke. So naturally he continued to shout: "OPEN A DOOR! OPEN A DOOR! OPEN A DOOR!" While we all stood in the smoke wondering if he would stop shouting long enough to hear us say "The door is open." Shane responded to the primitive "fight or flight" instinct and ran to his room and shut the door. The problem was finally solved with a fire extinguisher. This brought up the problem of everything being covered with the powdery residue from that. It was a lovely ending to our peaceful, uplifting Conference weekend.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Newsletter: Month 264

Dear Shanna,
Today you are 264 months old. Wow! You are growing up so fast! It seems like it was just yesterday I was in labor--waiting for you to come into the world. That was a Conference Saturday too. Your October Birthday has always been a fun celebration of Fall, Halloween and Shanna. A Jack-O-Lantern cake from Safeway and a Barbie and life is good. We love to laugh about the funny highlights of your life: eating a slug, eating too much orange frosting and candy corn at the Joy School Halloween party and barfing down my shirt. ("What's the matter Nunny?" "My tummy hur....BLEAHHHHH" "OK time to go". Stomping your foot and clenching your fists when you got mad...
I think of your early teen-age years as the "SPARKLE" era. Everything involved glitter and I could never get it all cleaned up. Glitter on the t-shirts, glitter on the spirit pants, glitter on the posters, glitter on the knick-knacks you made for your friends--not to mention the sparkly lip-gloss and eyeshadow!

You are a beloved sister--loved those brothers even when you swore you wouldn't. You and Siara were almost like twins--you did everything together. I know it hasn't been easy to be part of a big, crazy family--but you have made the best of it.


On your baptism day, dressed in white. Sweet and pure and full of faith. Our family was balanced--temporarily: three girls, three boys.



I feel so blessed to have your sunny smile in my life-- it reflects the light in your soul and warms everyone around you.




This was the year we had to let you go in a way. Share you with Austin. It's a good thing he's such a good guy. It makes me happy to see you happy in this next stage of your life. Make a wish and blow out the candles, have some cake (maybe there will be a pumpkin one at Safeway). And know that you are loved.
Love,
Mama





Happy Birthday Scott!

 It has been awhile since I updated this little family scrapbook on the internet. I like to pop over here from time to time and look at our ...