Simple fix for too many stuffed animals

Just use some toole and a little ribbon and problem solved!

Muffins

We've been amazed that Cass has weathered through these storms of sickness this year. Last night the fevers finally caught up with her. But what a better thing to do when you're stuck at home- make homemade blueberry muffins! My, does it make the house smell wonderful!

new babysitter

Luke's now stepping up to the challenge! I wish I could have captured all the silly faces he was making to entertain Jake!

Tax refunds in CA- giving out I.O.U.'s

"Due to the state's persistent cash and budget problems, the State Controller announced on Friday, January 16, 2009, that because of the state's cash shortfall he will have to delay refunds for 30 days starting February 1, 2009 for Personal Income Tax and Business Entity taxpayers. Refund payments will resume when the State Controller indicates there is enough cash available to make refund payments. "
-State of California Tax Franchise Board


Hmmm when do you think there will be cash available in California? I'm thinking it will take more than 30 days to come up with that. An I.O.U. for a tax refund? What a joke.

Great idea for a reality television show- (I would watch it!!)

"The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood" by M. Russell Ballard is a wonderful talk about the Family Proclamation. I thoroughly enjoyed this part....

"Sometimes you sisters may feel like the Brethren do not appreciate you and the important contribution you make to your families and to the work of the Lord. Perhaps if husbands and fathers experienced what someone suggested might be planned for the next Survivor show, it would make a difference:

Six men will be dropped on an island with one van and four children each--for six weeks. Each child plays two sports and either takes music or dance classes. There is no access to fast food.
Each man must take care of his four children, keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, complete science projects, cook, do laundry, etc.
The men only have access to television when the children are asleep and all chores are done: There is only one TV, and there is no remote control.
The men must put on makeup daily, applying it themselves either while driving or while making four lunches. They must attend weekly PTA meetings; clean up after their sick children at 3:00 a.m.; make an Indian hut model with six toothpicks, a tortilla, and one marker; and get a four-year-old to eat a serving of peas.
The children vote them off the island based on performance. The winner is the first one voted off who gets to go back to work. [Various versions available on the World Wide Web]

Although that may be slightly exaggerated, it does convey a vivid picture of the demands of motherhood. Never doubt, sisters, that you are the heart of the home. Your attitude--whether happy, sad, positive, or negative--will likely be reflected in the feelings of your husband and your children."


I am so grateful to have a husband who works his tail off for us during the week and then is so helpful with the kids when he is home! We are very blessed to have him. Thanks for all your hard work, Warren! Can't wait to see you tonight!

Decisions Determine Destiny

This was a great talk given by President Thomas S. Monson. Here's just an exerpt. (I've been doing a lot of BYU TV watching while feeding the baby the past few months) He has some really fun stories he tells in the beginning- but here is the jist:

"May I provide a simple formula by which you can measure the choices which confront you. It’s easy to remember, sometimes difficult to apply: You can’t be right by doing wrong; you can’t be wrong by doing right. Your personal conscience always warns you as a friend before it punishes you as a judge."

Back in business

Well, I started teaching piano lessons again today. I was away from it for 10 months. That's my longest break in 7 years. I've really missed it. I really miss my students I left in Merced! It's wonderful to be exercising my talents again. So, if you know anyone who needs a teacher- I'm back at it!

Got my wish

Showing me icicles. The pics don't quite depict the gravity of the ice situation. It's EVERYWHERE! Covering the walls of the house, the fence, trees, grass...amazing.

They were so fascinated by the ice they proceeded to come in the house and make ice of their own in the freezer. Apparently they forgot we always have ice in the freezer- it's called "ice cubes". When I walked into the kitchen and saw them playing with their newly made blocks of ice and the steak knives- that's when it was time to take some action!

School was cancelled today due to the ice storm. I'm still amazed by Texas weather. Never seen anything like it spending my whole life in the West. Wonderful having Cass home, but I am exhausted tonight. I miss my husband and I'm wiped. Ice is such a novelty the kids tried to play in the way most normal kids would play in snow... hopefully they'll get a chance to tryout snow sometime.

Looks like Jake and Cade are getting sick again. We were healthy for what? A few days?! Maybe it's this crazy weather?

Jenny- I love this!

I stole this pic from my friend's blog- it identifies me perfectly (my hair even looks like that in the summer with the humidity here!)- just add 3 more kids toting behind! :) Jenny- you're not alone!

feeling jealous

Almost every other school district in our area is closed today due to the freezing rain. I wish we could be off school, too!!!

Small world

Warren just flew into Colorado for some work meetings. Guess who he saw in the airport? Uncle Glenn! Small world, huh?

The greatest doctors are in Texas

Not only do I not have to leave the privacy of my home to get great healthcare- but I don't even have to stop what I am doing- like changing a diaper in this instance! A listen to my heart, a shot in my knee, what a great way to start the day! :)

oops

If you can't read the clock it reads 10:27- this is PM on a school night!!! I don't think she's seen this hour since we were on vacation last summer!

Don't you love it when your kids forget to remind you when they have a huge project due? Luckily, I did have a note posted on the fridge that caught my eye last night. Cass had an "8 is great" meeting that we were rushing off to (as we were in the car I look down and guess what I am wearing with my Sunday dress? SLIPPERS!! AHH! We walked in during the opening song and there was only the front row without chairs, the whole primary room was packed. So we had to sit there with me and my slippers right in front of the bishopric and primary presidency...oh, boy. Poor Cass has such a wacky mom.) and we saw the note as we were leaving. When we returned home we frantically got going. We had to make a timeline of her life to be displayed in the hallway at her school. I think it turned out pretty cute, but I'm not a fan of cramming late at night with a 7 year old with school the next day!!!

Oh, and for those of you who are wondering- "8 is great" was a meeting for kids preparing to be baptized this year. Very informative for them and the parents. Our date is September 5th. Labor Day weekend. We'd love to have you come!

Taking a break

Luke hops on the couch, "Daddy, toad toad!" (cold, cold). Snug as 3 bugs...

Doo Doo Mon!

Luke's lingo is classic these days. One of his favorite things to do is "Doo Doo Mon!" with Daddy (Superman).

Happy 32nd Birthday, Warren!

We didn't notice this until after we were taking pictures. We couldn't figure out what Jake was reaching for when we were trying to get his attention. Watch him as the pics scroll down.

We thought it was lamby- but nope....

almost there....

gotcha!!

is this boy teething or what?!!

Warren blowing out his candles

Candy bar cake

We were really glad to have Warren fly home in time for his birthday party! I don't know how fun it is to spend it with 3 kids that have fevers- but atleast we were together. He had a lousy day- a rep quit on him without any notice and his computer crashed. Hopefully we finished it off for him on a sweet note!

Misson Organization

Anyone ever seen that show on HGTV "Mission Organization" or TLC's "Clean Sweep" where they organize all their clutter? Well, I've been inspired as of late. When we moved in, I'd planned on moving again 6 months later, and being pregnant and by myself with the kids a lot, I didn't have the energy or motivation to do much in the organizing department. Well, we didn't end up selling our house in CA, so we never moved the 6 months later. So now I have organizing fever again! I needed to tackle the kitchen. Since Warren is gone a lot, all my projects have had to wait till the weekend. I heard our sister missionaries were looking for service projects, so I invited them to help me with my kitchen. They did a marvelous job! It took 4 of us 3 hours (it would have taken me 3 days on my own!!)- and I'm very happy about how it turned out! Thanks ladies!

Now that the kitchen was taken care of, and I was so happy in my organizational heaven, I decided to take on the kids' rooms. We moved Cass back out of the bunk bed room and into the carpet room with the crib (Jake sleeps in our closet anyway). All the girl toys are in her closet and all the boy toys in their closet in clear bins to better see where to put things. Cass was really sad the other day and said she missed her pink room in California. So, we're trying to give her back her own space again. We still have to organize the clothes, but everything else is done, whew!

The boys' room- everything done, but Luke's bed hadn't been made...

Now, I just have to brave the paper clutter....LOTS of filing ahead of me. Guess I better get started with tax season ahead of me! Then the master bedroom....

The force is strong with this one....

Where's the fun in this? Everyone else is playing Star Wars!

This is much more my style....

Luke helping Jake- teaching him the proper way to play Star Wars

Cade, the Jedi master, thrilled to death that he's got another padawan learner apprentice

Still sick

Last night as I was up for the umpteenth time with a crying child, all I could think about was how I was going to blog my sorrows out this morning. But now the sun is up, and though I am exhausted, I just feel so grateful we are just bothered by little things like fevers and stomach sicknesses. It could be so much worse. How blessed am I- at least if when we are sick we get to be in a warm home, together, and safe. I was watching the new "Emma" movie on Sunday while I was staying home with the boys from church (about the life of Emma Smith). I can't imagine being chased out of my home, children dying, my husband constantly persecuted and then murdered. I have such a blessed, quiet life. I am so grateful to be able to worship as I choose, live where I want, and have health care (even if I do grumble about the expense and the coverage). Still, a good night's sleep would be wonderful!

24

I've been on pins and needles all morning. I told Warren I would wait to watch last night's DVR'd episode of 24 when he returns from his trip on his birthday tomorrow. We're so excited it's back on now after their long break. Jack Bauer is one of our all time favorite characters. 24 was a life saver during Warren's back injury- hours and hours of entertainment!

Chore motivators this week

We started with chore lists decorated with High School Musical for Cass and Star Wars the Clone Wars for Cade. We got moving a little bit with these, but were still struggling to finish our chores.
So, a couple days ago, we had a visit from "The Fly Lady" or "Cleaning Fairy" as we call her. Many of you may be familiar with her website. She decided to visit us in the night and leave the kids a list of jobs. She came back last night and left a treat for the kids for the chores they finished. I think she was a little over ambitious with her list- they did a great job with over half the jobs, but still have some left for today. She said she'd come back one more time tonight to check and see if they get any additional treats. I read a book The Side Tracked Home Executives, by Pam Young and Peggy Jones, where they would be "house fairies" for each other. Since, I didn't have any funny friends to come dressed up as house fairies, I was glad the FLY Lady could help us out.

Jake helping me with the laundry...

Here is another device we've had to use in years past...The Monster Box. He came out yesterday when I heard Cassidy tell Cade in a rushed whispered tone when I was walking down the hall to their room, "Hurry, Cade! Pretend you're cleaning!!" I then gave them 15 minutes to clean before the Monster Box came to eat up their toys. He keeps them for a week. They can pay me for items inside if they want them before the week is up. Tears were flowing when he reared his ugly head! Even Jake was crying when the Monster Box came out! I guess the growl was a little too scary.

What are some of your ideas?

Cassidy's look this week

After weeks of protesting any hair fixing, Cass is finally happy with a hair doo. Though, it takes longer than some, she loves it and has worn it this way all week. Such a princess! :)

Grandpa's oranges

We got a treat in the mail for Warren's birthday from Grandpa Hess. We are

really missing his orange tree this year! The kids can't get enough! Thanks so much for sending these our way! There's nothing better than homegrown California oranges!!

The Granola Bake Off continues...

This one has been the best so far....

2 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups orange juice

6 TBSP oil

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 tsp salt

10 cups rolled oats

In a pan combine the sugar, OJ, oil and salt. Heat until sugar is dissolved, but do not boil. Add Vanilla. Pour syrup over the oats and stir until well coated. Place in sheets 1/2 inch deep. Bake at 425 degrees F, 20-30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Makes 11 cups.

We added some extra things to it to give it some extra flavor. Warren's favorite had sunflower seeds, peanuts and craisins. My favorite had pecans, coconut and dried apricots. ENJOY!!

Sick- AGAIN!!!

Cade and jake have been miserable with fevers this week. We had almost gone a full week without being sick! This has been one of the sickest winters we've had. Maybe it's adjusting from California to Texas? Or maybe it's having more kids in virus laden environments? Whatever it is- we need to find a way to stay away from germs! I'm exhausted. Hence the no posting for over a week- I think this is a record for me.