Friday, November 19, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Baby Holland Rose
I'm sorry it's taken a while for me to post some pictures of Holland, no excuse except that a new baby always rocks my world. But without further adieu . . .
Oh no, I was in the process of uploading pictures into the blog and I cannot find my pictures. They were there just a couple of days ago and now they are not, I am so heartbroken, and I already erased them from the camera disk.
Oh no, I was in the process of uploading pictures into the blog and I cannot find my pictures. They were there just a couple of days ago and now they are not, I am so heartbroken, and I already erased them from the camera disk.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
A penny for my thoughts
I'm not sure my thoughts are even worth a penny, but nonetheless, (is nonetheless all one word or 3 separate words, I'm not sure) here they are.
1st thought: Yesterday afternoon I discovered we had no water, this was about 2 or 3 in the afternoon, I was thinking that it would surely be back on by 5 or 6, since I figured the reason for the water being off was because of a major city water overhaul which is taking place this year. Well, the water wasn't on and didn't come on until around 9pm. It's hard to go without water especially when you have kids, as I'm sure most of you know. Anyways, thankfully I have been filling water in the empty juice containers that we get every so often as a splurge at the store, so I knew I could use those at least to satisfy some thirsty kids. Now to my point. I realized I am relying far too much on my city for basic needs, such as water, but I have taken the initiative to stock pile a few of those basic needs so in case of an emergency my family could get by. And the bigger picture to me is that unfortunately some Americans are relying far too much on our government to supply them with "basic" needs. But what if our government collapses and is not willing to supply those "basics" anymore. Then what happens. I realize this is a very simplistic view but I think a good lesson I've learned and I wish other's out there would learn as well, i.e., our representatives.
2nd thought: We have a dvd player in our minivan, and since we live in the country and have to drive for longer periods of time to get anywhere I often have a movie playing for the kids. Lately the kids have been watching Madagascar 2. I actually do enjoy listening to the movies and listening and watching the kids in the rear view mirror laughing and commenting on these movies. But I also realize that often there are lines in the movie that are extremely true to our life and times. For example, in Madagascar 2 there is a scene where an obsurd idea is posed to the populace by the self appointed king. He suggests that in order to get the water back into the watering hole they need to make a sacrifice to the fire gods in the volcano. After convincing a hopeless giraffe to jump in and sacrifice himself, the onlookers cheer, and the king exclames "hurry up, before we all come to our senses." Doesn't this sound like what our current government is doing?
3rd thought: One of the trailers before this movie starts is advertising Monsters vs Aliens. I love the line that introduces BOB. The announcers says that one of the monsters is a gelatinous mass, which obviously has no brain. BOB's response is "and turns out, you don't need one." Again doesn't this sound like quite a few of our representatives who are running our current government?
There you have it, if you feel these thoughts have been worth a penny please send a penny my way. All donations are non-refundable and are not tax-deductible. Thank you.
1st thought: Yesterday afternoon I discovered we had no water, this was about 2 or 3 in the afternoon, I was thinking that it would surely be back on by 5 or 6, since I figured the reason for the water being off was because of a major city water overhaul which is taking place this year. Well, the water wasn't on and didn't come on until around 9pm. It's hard to go without water especially when you have kids, as I'm sure most of you know. Anyways, thankfully I have been filling water in the empty juice containers that we get every so often as a splurge at the store, so I knew I could use those at least to satisfy some thirsty kids. Now to my point. I realized I am relying far too much on my city for basic needs, such as water, but I have taken the initiative to stock pile a few of those basic needs so in case of an emergency my family could get by. And the bigger picture to me is that unfortunately some Americans are relying far too much on our government to supply them with "basic" needs. But what if our government collapses and is not willing to supply those "basics" anymore. Then what happens. I realize this is a very simplistic view but I think a good lesson I've learned and I wish other's out there would learn as well, i.e., our representatives.
2nd thought: We have a dvd player in our minivan, and since we live in the country and have to drive for longer periods of time to get anywhere I often have a movie playing for the kids. Lately the kids have been watching Madagascar 2. I actually do enjoy listening to the movies and listening and watching the kids in the rear view mirror laughing and commenting on these movies. But I also realize that often there are lines in the movie that are extremely true to our life and times. For example, in Madagascar 2 there is a scene where an obsurd idea is posed to the populace by the self appointed king. He suggests that in order to get the water back into the watering hole they need to make a sacrifice to the fire gods in the volcano. After convincing a hopeless giraffe to jump in and sacrifice himself, the onlookers cheer, and the king exclames "hurry up, before we all come to our senses." Doesn't this sound like what our current government is doing?
3rd thought: One of the trailers before this movie starts is advertising Monsters vs Aliens. I love the line that introduces BOB. The announcers says that one of the monsters is a gelatinous mass, which obviously has no brain. BOB's response is "and turns out, you don't need one." Again doesn't this sound like quite a few of our representatives who are running our current government?
There you have it, if you feel these thoughts have been worth a penny please send a penny my way. All donations are non-refundable and are not tax-deductible. Thank you.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Christmas Letter
I apologize for not mailing out an actual Christmas letter, but I hope this makes an acceptible substitute.
This year has flown by, I remember last June hoping for some sunshine when it seemed like the state of Idaho was floating away to the Pacific Northwest, and now the sunshine has come and gone along with some wonderful moments as a family.
Doug is as busy as ever, more than he would like to be. There actually is a downside to being so busy as a small business owner, so if anyone knows of a good Physical Therapist looking for a job send them our way. We, especially Doug, would welcome the relief. Even though work has been at neck breaking speeds, we have been blessed with fill-ins so Doug could spend some time with us on our many mini summer vacations. We've enjoyed boating with friends and family in Arizona, family reunions in Utah, a mini camping adventure with friends and most of family on both sides coming to visit with us here in our beautiful neck of the woods. Doug has even enjoyed hunting, unfortunately, the elk and deer and turkeys still outwit him.
My days are spent keeping up with the kids, okay, mostly Hayden. It still amazes me how a 21 month old can keep you running. All I seem to be able to do is get the basics done. I have a long list of extras, that just keeps getting longer, which will have to take a back seat right now. I was called to be the cub scout leader just in time for me to tell them that they have me until May when our LAST baby is due. Can you tell I'm excited about this LAST pregnancy. I'm excited about our last addition, but I will in no way, shape or form miss pregnancy, sianara, and good bye, now it's up to all the younger siblings to populate our gene pool.
Brock's big accomplishment this summer was turning 8 and being baptized. He had been looking forward to this big event for a couple of years and was so excited that the day also included his cousin Logan and family. He is now in 3rd grade and enjoys every minute in school, though I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with the academic rigors of school, but I am grateful that he excells in academics. He loves being in cub scouts and trying out different sports. He is saving up for a motor bike to be able to ride on his uncle's farm, I figure it will take him until he's 12, by that time I hope he is less reckless. He is still Dad's shadow, it's hard to keep him at home when he see's how exciting day's with his dad are. He's been pheasant hunting, ice fishing and even flying with his dad. You know, I think this kid has almost expirenced more in his short life than I have.
Emma is now a big 1st grader and loves going to school full time, she has been in speech therapy since before kindergarten and has made tremendous strides, we are so proud of her and how hard she has worked to improve herself. I keep telling everyone that her hard headedness is actually a blessing in disguise, I'm sure it will serve her well throughout her life as it has me. I never worry about Emma, she's so capable. She is my biggest helper when it comes to Hayden. Her and Hayden are best friends, they must have missed each other so much before Hayden joined our family 4 1/2 years after Emma. I also am the joyous recipient of a child prodigee of housework, she can clean a room like no other. Most of all though we enjoy her spunky outlook on life.
Our little Addison has become quite the grown up this year, in reverse. Before she turned 4 in January she was always telling people she was 23, or 67, or 81, or 73 or some other "older" age when they inquired, but as soon as she turned 4, she was 4 and you could'nt tell her otherwise. She continues to improve her vocabulary with long words, she's our very own "Fancy Nancy". She has learned to love her little sister Addison and they even get along most of the day now. This is her last year of pre-school at Miss Melia's and continues to inform us that when she turns five at the beginning of the year she will be attending kindergarten, oh if only that were true. But honestly I don't know what I would do if Addison were not part of my daily routine, she makes me laugh, even when I don't want her to, i.e., she was very naughty, but in a very funny kind of way.
And last but not least, Hayden Collette Ball. We have loved to watch her personality grow each day. Of course this year saw many firsts for our little girl, learning to walk quickly turned into running, her first word (as per protocal with all of our little ones) was not mommy or daddy, but her favorite thing, "Tonka" (our horse), she also quikly learned how to say each of the other kids names, and many other very useful words such as; please, thank you, woo hoo, move!, treats, water, swimming, bathroom (her word for potty), and she continues to amaze us with a growing vocabulary each day. She is one of the funniest kids we've ever seen and can't wait to see what the coming year brings.
We hope this has given you a small snap shot of our growing family. We hope this season finds you surrounded by family and friends, and the love of our Savior as we celebrate His birth and life.
We love you all.
This year has flown by, I remember last June hoping for some sunshine when it seemed like the state of Idaho was floating away to the Pacific Northwest, and now the sunshine has come and gone along with some wonderful moments as a family.
Doug is as busy as ever, more than he would like to be. There actually is a downside to being so busy as a small business owner, so if anyone knows of a good Physical Therapist looking for a job send them our way. We, especially Doug, would welcome the relief. Even though work has been at neck breaking speeds, we have been blessed with fill-ins so Doug could spend some time with us on our many mini summer vacations. We've enjoyed boating with friends and family in Arizona, family reunions in Utah, a mini camping adventure with friends and most of family on both sides coming to visit with us here in our beautiful neck of the woods. Doug has even enjoyed hunting, unfortunately, the elk and deer and turkeys still outwit him.
My days are spent keeping up with the kids, okay, mostly Hayden. It still amazes me how a 21 month old can keep you running. All I seem to be able to do is get the basics done. I have a long list of extras, that just keeps getting longer, which will have to take a back seat right now. I was called to be the cub scout leader just in time for me to tell them that they have me until May when our LAST baby is due. Can you tell I'm excited about this LAST pregnancy. I'm excited about our last addition, but I will in no way, shape or form miss pregnancy, sianara, and good bye, now it's up to all the younger siblings to populate our gene pool.
Brock's big accomplishment this summer was turning 8 and being baptized. He had been looking forward to this big event for a couple of years and was so excited that the day also included his cousin Logan and family. He is now in 3rd grade and enjoys every minute in school, though I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with the academic rigors of school, but I am grateful that he excells in academics. He loves being in cub scouts and trying out different sports. He is saving up for a motor bike to be able to ride on his uncle's farm, I figure it will take him until he's 12, by that time I hope he is less reckless. He is still Dad's shadow, it's hard to keep him at home when he see's how exciting day's with his dad are. He's been pheasant hunting, ice fishing and even flying with his dad. You know, I think this kid has almost expirenced more in his short life than I have.
Emma is now a big 1st grader and loves going to school full time, she has been in speech therapy since before kindergarten and has made tremendous strides, we are so proud of her and how hard she has worked to improve herself. I keep telling everyone that her hard headedness is actually a blessing in disguise, I'm sure it will serve her well throughout her life as it has me. I never worry about Emma, she's so capable. She is my biggest helper when it comes to Hayden. Her and Hayden are best friends, they must have missed each other so much before Hayden joined our family 4 1/2 years after Emma. I also am the joyous recipient of a child prodigee of housework, she can clean a room like no other. Most of all though we enjoy her spunky outlook on life.
Our little Addison has become quite the grown up this year, in reverse. Before she turned 4 in January she was always telling people she was 23, or 67, or 81, or 73 or some other "older" age when they inquired, but as soon as she turned 4, she was 4 and you could'nt tell her otherwise. She continues to improve her vocabulary with long words, she's our very own "Fancy Nancy". She has learned to love her little sister Addison and they even get along most of the day now. This is her last year of pre-school at Miss Melia's and continues to inform us that when she turns five at the beginning of the year she will be attending kindergarten, oh if only that were true. But honestly I don't know what I would do if Addison were not part of my daily routine, she makes me laugh, even when I don't want her to, i.e., she was very naughty, but in a very funny kind of way.
And last but not least, Hayden Collette Ball. We have loved to watch her personality grow each day. Of course this year saw many firsts for our little girl, learning to walk quickly turned into running, her first word (as per protocal with all of our little ones) was not mommy or daddy, but her favorite thing, "Tonka" (our horse), she also quikly learned how to say each of the other kids names, and many other very useful words such as; please, thank you, woo hoo, move!, treats, water, swimming, bathroom (her word for potty), and she continues to amaze us with a growing vocabulary each day. She is one of the funniest kids we've ever seen and can't wait to see what the coming year brings.
We hope this has given you a small snap shot of our growing family. We hope this season finds you surrounded by family and friends, and the love of our Savior as we celebrate His birth and life.
We love you all.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Nutin' much here
I've got to say that there really isn't much going on in our lives right now, kids in school, Doug busy at work and me, I'm just trying to mark things off on my to-do list. And, because of my long to do list, I just don't have time for deep thoughts. So until I can think of something brilliant to say or do, I'm just going to leave you with nutin' much going on here.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Question
I would like to know what you think of a 4 day school week for kids? I know that my audience is pretty small here but I still would like your opinion. I'm doing an informal research project. Thanks for your imput.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Welcome to Lydia's, may I take your order?
Addison: "Mom, can you bring me a cup of water with ice in it?"
Mom: "If you stay in bed for 5 minutes, then I will bring you some."
Addison: "Okay."
Emma walks up beside Addison and asks for the same thing.
Addison: turns to Emma and says, "I already ordered it."
Post note: I was not even given a tip.
Mom: "If you stay in bed for 5 minutes, then I will bring you some."
Addison: "Okay."
Emma walks up beside Addison and asks for the same thing.
Addison: turns to Emma and says, "I already ordered it."
Post note: I was not even given a tip.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Just to Clarify
Apparently a few of you missed the message encoded between the lines of my last blog. So, just to clarify, we haven't actually moved to the Pacific North West, it just seems like the state of Idaho was annexed into that region. We have had constant rain since the beginning of June, but alas, today it is sunny and expected to stay like that all day, whoopee. I guess with all the rain the state may have floated back to it's original locale. I hope I didn't mess with your minds too much.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
We've Moved ! ! !
Just wanted to let everyone know that we have moved to the Pacific North West, however, we still have the same address and phone number. As always we invite anyone to come and visit us and enjoy our beautiful slice of America.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Dan Dan Noodles
This is a wonderful, super easy, super yummy, kid friendly dish, what we're all looking for right?!
PF Chang's Dan Dan Noodles
Noodles
1 tsp oil (I used some peanut and some sesame)
1/4 ounce green onion, minced (I excluded because the kids don't like them)
1/2 tsp. garlic, minced (I quadrupled, because I like garlic)
1/2 tsp. chili paste, (be careful and adjust accordingly)
4 ounces ground chicken (I grind my own with my kitchen aide, better than storebought)
1 pkg rice noodles, about 1/4 inch in thickness, or you can use spaghetti, cooked
Liquid Mixture
2 ounces soy sauce (I used less sodium version)
1 ounce rice wine
1 tsp oyster sauce (again, I quadrupled)
1 tsp sugar
1 Tbl. cornstarch
8 ounces chicken broth
Heat oil in wok or large skillet on high, add garlic and chili paste and saute for 10 seconds. Add chicken and cook till done. Add chicken broth. Combine remaining "liquid mixture" ingredients and add to chicken mixture. Cook until mixture is thickened, you may thicken more to your liking by making more cornstarch slurry with cold water and cornstarch. Add noodles to chicken sauce and serve hot.
I like to add more chili paste and some rice vinegar after I dish up my plate. But that's just me and authentic to the orient.
I doubled for leftovers. This was a huge hit for dinner tonight. Enjoy.
PF Chang's Dan Dan Noodles
Noodles
1 tsp oil (I used some peanut and some sesame)
1/4 ounce green onion, minced (I excluded because the kids don't like them)
1/2 tsp. garlic, minced (I quadrupled, because I like garlic)
1/2 tsp. chili paste, (be careful and adjust accordingly)
4 ounces ground chicken (I grind my own with my kitchen aide, better than storebought)
1 pkg rice noodles, about 1/4 inch in thickness, or you can use spaghetti, cooked
Liquid Mixture
2 ounces soy sauce (I used less sodium version)
1 ounce rice wine
1 tsp oyster sauce (again, I quadrupled)
1 tsp sugar
1 Tbl. cornstarch
8 ounces chicken broth
Heat oil in wok or large skillet on high, add garlic and chili paste and saute for 10 seconds. Add chicken and cook till done. Add chicken broth. Combine remaining "liquid mixture" ingredients and add to chicken mixture. Cook until mixture is thickened, you may thicken more to your liking by making more cornstarch slurry with cold water and cornstarch. Add noodles to chicken sauce and serve hot.
I like to add more chili paste and some rice vinegar after I dish up my plate. But that's just me and authentic to the orient.
I doubled for leftovers. This was a huge hit for dinner tonight. Enjoy.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Obituary
We just had a very sad happening at our house this morning. I was headed to pick Brock up from piano lessons and I accidently ran over Cream Scicle, one of 2 family cats. It's a very sad time for all.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Back in the olden days
I had to hurry and post this before I forgot.
Brock: "Mom, what year were you born?"
Me: "1972"
Brock: "Wow, that was back in the olden days!"
Me: chuckle . . . "Yep, I guess it was."
Brock: "So did you only have black and white clothes to wear?"
Me: "We had a few colors."
Brock: "You probably didn't have very many stores then."
And this is coming from a kid who lives in a town of 990 people with 1 gas station, 1 very small grocery store and 1 very greasy burger joint.
Until next time, have a good laugh.
Brock: "Mom, what year were you born?"
Me: "1972"
Brock: "Wow, that was back in the olden days!"
Me: chuckle . . . "Yep, I guess it was."
Brock: "So did you only have black and white clothes to wear?"
Me: "We had a few colors."
Brock: "You probably didn't have very many stores then."
And this is coming from a kid who lives in a town of 990 people with 1 gas station, 1 very small grocery store and 1 very greasy burger joint.
Until next time, have a good laugh.
Friday, December 26, 2008
And the aftermath. A good time was had by all, except little Hayden who by the stooper on her face must have thought this morning was completely upsurd. However, she was the one who woke up hungry and wet at 6 am. Brock of course heard her cry and thought it was santa. He rolled out of bed onto some reindeer poop and immediately knew Santa had come, then proceeded to turn on lights and wake everyone else up. Thus, little Hayden did not get her early morning alone time with mom, thus the stooper.
Christmas Day
This is the before photo. I stayed up to clean so everyone could have a wonderful carefree Christmas Day.
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