Sticker fun

Who knew stickers could be so much fun?

Train time again

We went to the Train as part of Hannah's birthday celebration it was a lot of fun and they did a fabulous job, as always, of incorporating the Savior into the celebration. Mason is in the "I'm obsessed with trains" phase so it was especially fun for him!

Tradition I don't understand!

Ok it's my blog so let me just ramble for a minute. Can anyone tell me the reasoning behind blowing out the candles on a birthday cake? Happy Birthday to me I just spit all over the cake that I'm about to serve my guests! Thanks for coming! You know I may be a bit of a germ freak but it's just gross! Lately Nana our famous cake maker has been putting the candles stuck in frosting next to the cake rather than in the cake itself, so smart Nana don't know if you're doing it on purpose but it's should be the new trend. Hey how about we cut a piece and put the candles in that piece, give it to the guest of honor, they blow spit all over their own cake and then eat it sounds great!

Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas. Mason decided that opening presents wasn't his thang so he went down stairs and watched T.V. while the rest of us opened gifts. After everyone got done the kids were able to coax him upstairs and "help" him open gifts. He woke up from an early nap with 102 fever so that was part of it. Jay gave him a blessing and I gave him some medicine to take the fever down. He was fine all day but the fever came back that night. Jay had gone to plow snow and I was putting him to bed he looked at me and said he needed "a bless" from dad. These little ones have such faith! The next morning he woke up without any sign of fever or other illness. Jay has been sick now for a few days and I'm hoping no one else gets what he has.

Hannah

What a great day my Hannah had a birthday. She got sick so we had to postpone her party twice but eventually I had a house full of kids, parties at that age are great for an hour. One tip I learned (I don't love cake and it's a mess) I decided to serve rice krispy treats instead of cake. I dished up the treats onto napkins and started passing them out what I didn't realize was most of the kids couldn't get the treats off the napkin. Stuck like glue poor kids were trying to eat around paper to no avail glad I noticed before I had to throw them all away. We played electricity, the bean game, and penny penny who has the penny.

Hannah has an amazing sense of humor. She is an incredible cleaner. Hannah is willing to share about anything she has treats, money, toys, you name it. She is a great little singer and enjoys primary. She's easily pleased and a super good eater always willing to try new things. We sure love her and are glad she's a part of our family!

Train Time

Mason has decided to use the potty (again) and has been amazing, since Thanksgiving no accidents. My brother Matt came over to "play" the other day (the kids had almost as much fun as we did). He asked Mason what Santa was bringing him for Christmas. Let me back up by saying that he is totally into the train phase that all boys seem to go through, but is also potty training right now. Mason looks at Matt and replies "Santa's going to bring me a potty train!" I'm not sure if those go around the track but we thought it was hilarious!

Leftovers cont.

So I had to write that I did in fact use the cheese that I put in the fridge. I think it was the subtle prompting from Megan that I remembered to use it (went great on my pizza). Funny thing is that I need to clean out the Thanksgiving leftovers, along with about 4 lunches worth of leftovers. Yeah why is that we save them? Mine can't be the only house where they turn green in the fridge and THEN I get rid of them! Oh well at least we used the cheese!

Leftovers

So last night I had made a dish for dinner that requires shredded mozzarella cheese mixed with dried oregano. I had quite a bit left over and was hesitant to throw it out I said to Megan "what should I do with this leftover cheese?" (she was doing the dishes with me) She told me to throw it away. I replied that I thought it was a lot of cheese and wasteful to just chuck it in the trash. She said "well you could just put it in a bag until it goes rotten" yeah funny thing about that is she was dead serious. Apparently I store leftovers in the fridge only to be thrown out later rather than actually remembering to use them. I still need to come up with a way to use that cheese....lasagna? maybe?

old post

this is an old video from october 12th but I just figured out how to post a video (thanks Dani) it's not that exciting but Mason sure had fun!

Golfing Time!

Well alas the garden season has come to a close every year Jay gets a kick out of cleaning up the garden sometimes it's a baseball bat, other times it's a good pitching arm, shotgun or this year a golf club. I'm sure the neighbors love the splattered produce but the kids and Jay have a blast!

IT'S A BOY!

We had our ultrasound on Friday and I was so shocked because I really thought I was having a girl but there is no mistaking this little guy! Pleasantly surprised and very excited, the interesting thing about it is I now have the same family I grew up in, Michael, Julie, Kristy, Sean, and Matt are my siblings and I in that order, very excited to get my Matt! Anyway just to update those who read this that I haven't gotten in touch with already It's a BOY! We are thinking about Miles Jamieson for a name and we usually don't change our minds on that so if you have any negative opinions we don't care haha! Miles is after the first Riley that came to America and Jamieson is the last name of the people that brought my dad into the church.

Big?

Ok so the snowgal wasn't that tall of course Mason is a monster 2 and a half year old! Look over here!

Sister Snowman

Yes this was made on Sunday, you gotta work fast when the snow will melt and may not be back for weeks October 12th? really? way to early to lose my tomato plants!

Winter already?

Yes folks that is a snowman or should I say woman? The purple petunia's for eyes make it a bit more feminine!

VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 8

I'm writing this post to show my support to propostition 8.  I know you're thinking Jules you don't live in California so why are you spending your time on this issue?  Why do you care if homosexuals are given marriage status?  Why are you being so intolerent of others?  I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman.  That union is essential to the very foundation of our society.  The wording of this prop 8 will not only affect California it will have a ripple effect across this nation.  Here are some bullet points.

§                                

Having tolerance without condoning.

We can love someone while still maintaining and advocating our standards and beliefs.

§                                Unless Proposition 8 passes, California society will soon undergo a profound change in its basic understanding of marriage and family life.

That will affect everyone in numerous ways. Over time, greater acceptance of nontraditional marriage will be demanded of all people. This could impact the ability of any religion to teach and practice its beliefs.

§                                Proposition 8 will not hurt gays.

In California, the law provides for marriage-related benefits to be given to civil unions and domestic partnerships. Proposition 8 does not diminish these benefits.

§                                Failure to pass Proposition 8 will hurt children.

If gay marriage remains legal, public schools will put it on equal footing with traditional marriage. Children will likely receive “age appropriate” information about sexual relations within heterosexual and homosexual marriages.  (This is already happening in Mass. one man was hauled away in handcuffs after not wanting pamphlets on same sex marriage handed to his kindergartener.  He was told it was against the law to protest where was his freedom of speech? Y'all want to home school?)

§                                Failure to pass Proposition 8 will hurt churches.

The court’s decision will inevitably lead to conflicts with religious liberty and free speech rights. Society will become more and more hostile to traditional beliefs about marriage and family.

I have a strong testimony of family, Satan is powerful and has waged an all out war on the family we must not lie down we must fight back!  Jesus Christ lives He loves us all.  The battle is waging, the exciting thing is we know who will win, now who's on the Lord's side who!  

I challenge all who read this to blog, facebook, whatever it is you do to get the word out vote yes on proposition 8 if nothing else we testify of family! http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/

 

Hayden

On the 23rd of September 1998 I welcomed my first son into the world. We just celebrated his 10th birthday so I thought I'd list ten reasons I'm glad to have Hayden as a son
10- he makes me laugh the other day Jay told Mason to stay out of the back of his truck saying "the only thing back there is disappointment and grease" too which Hayden, standing close by with his buddy Devin quipped "yeah just like Devin's life".
9-a great student
8-the best older brother especially to his buddy Mason
7-hard worker
6-reads his scriptures
5-tries hard to make people feel included and happy if they are sad
4- makes friends easily I went in for his birthday treat at school and his teacher told me that there was a new kid in school and Hayden had really gone the extra mile to make him feel included and welcome.
3-he listens during family home evening
2-he's obedient and tries his best to do what he's asked
1-just an amazing kid I'm so glad that he's my son and that Heavenly Father let me be the one to raise such an amazing young man!
Happy Birthday (late)

Fall

Fall! I love it when the leaves change and sweaters come out, General Conference, hot apple cider, cooler (but not too cold) days and the sun goes down just a little sooner. Jay took the three older kids up the canyon (while Mason and I took a nap) I haven't posted pictures for so long so I thought it best to post what I had! If anyone is aware of a school that I could send my kids to for a quick course on smiling I would love the number, the fake, cheesies are getting old. (Hannah's dead serious about her leaves!)

From the chronicles of Hannah

The other night at dinner Hannah came right up to my ear and started singing and whispering nothing that I could understand. I turned to her and said "Hannah what are you doing?" she looked at me and said "I'm creating a DIVERSION" I'm thinking we'll cut back on the Scooby Doo? I thought it was pretty funny, I'm still not sure what she was trying to divert my attention away from!

Sweet Freedom

I went to the Doctor and I am off my restrictions which means the complication healed itself and I can now return to normal activity. What I didn't realize was my body would totally atrophy and become worthless. So now that I have my freedom returned I'm to tired to do anything with it. Ok I can't complain this is such a blessing it's just taking longer than I would like to get back to "normal" whatever that is when you're pregnant! Thanks again for all the prayers!

Hannahisms they just keep coming

So today I get into the car and sit down and Hannah says "mom do you think people will laugh at you when they see ketchup on your bum?" why would there be ketchup on my bum Hannah? Apparently she had found a stray ketchup packet (which on a side rant why do they have to give you 45 of those things for the 10 fry shards they throw at you?) in the van and not being much of a reader yet decided to open it up to see what was inside. In the process getting it all over my seat the seat next to me and the carport (honestly they hold way more then you think) lucky for me I had opted for the black capri's instead of the light tan ones so no Hannah nobody laughed at me, because they couldn't see it.

Baby update

Well I have a hard time "taking it easy" so I asked the doctor exactly what I could do, now I'm on house arrest he said "you can walk around the house and go to the grocery store". Thank heavens my mom and mother-in-law are close and many others have stepped in to help. On top of the drama that is my life, my husband works out of town Monday through Thursday every week. My kids have really stepped up as well so taking it easy hasn't been so bad. On a brighter note my doc said that if I don't have any bleeding for 2 weeks then he will give me some of my freedom back! I'm looking forward to that day! The gospel really is an amazing blessing in my life! I'm so thankful to have the Priesthood in my home. Jay and my dad gave me a blessing the other night and I really feel confident that as I listen to my doctor, and follow his counsel all will be well with this baby. Thanks to all who have been keeping us in your prayers there is indeed power in prayer!

Baby

Yesterday I spent half the day with the doctor getting freaked out because he couldn't find a heart beat. I spent the other half of the day getting an ultrasound and a very strong heart beat! Everything looks really great with the baby (yeah for those of you who didn't know number 5 is on the horizon March 21, 2009) but there is a little bleeding around the placenta so I have to "take it easy" so my trip up to the top of Mount Timp has been canceled on Saturday and I will not be water skiing tonight! Anyhow that is the update on the riley clan and should explain why my blog is suffering. I don't get really sick like some but I definitely feel crappy. Jay has been working out of town four days a week for the last 4 weeks and he takes my internet access with him so not great excuses but the truth anyhow hope all is well with everyone who reads this!

Scroll Down

I can't figure out how to get these in the right order so scroll to the bottom of today it will make more sense to read it from the bottom up!

These kids Rock!

Hayden got into the act and thought it would be a good idea to stand on the corner (like the t-mobile guy) waving traffic to the area with a cardboard arrow! He also agreed to set up their "sound system" and was paid a dollar for it!

Singing Stand

Ok I think this is pretty smart although it's rather embarrassing. I went outside to find my niece (Kristy's, Brynn) and Megan doing a singing stand. If you like their singing you are supposed to put a dollar in the jar. I thought it was cheaper for me than lemonade and figured they wouldn't make any money on their idea. They however have made at least 10 bucks now and I haven't even put any money in the jar. Hannah and Hayden saw the financial benefits and got in on the act as well. This reminds me of a time that Hayden was doing a lemonade stand with his buddies. I went to pick him up and he wasn't at the stand further inquiry led me to understand that he was going door to door pre-selling lemonade to ward members and then dutifully took them their pre-purchased beverage. Crazy kids!

words

Ok am I the only one who goes back into my blog and changes mis-spelled words (or is that misspelled)? I will sometimes go back in 3 and 4 times to a post and fix all my spelling mistakes so it's annoying when (like tonight) I was looking through my blog and noticed a bunch of errors. Maybe it's just me!

Trains

Mason and "LaLa" were upstairs watching a train go by. I thought the photo op was too cute to pass up but I really got rewarded when Lexi posed! Can you tell her grandma is a professional photographer? Can you tell her mom is also really handy with the camera? Loved these shots. yeah their two!

pool time

When I was much younger we had a youth activity where we played kick ball and the bases were swimming pools and homeplate was a slip and slide (well actually a big sheet of plastic from Home Depot with water on it since I've yet to find a slip and slide for adults, 12 and unders have all the fun)! It was one of my favorite activities ever. We played it at our family reunion (I was in charge of water games) and was such a hit there that we played it on the Fourth at my Brothers house with all of his in-laws. This is after the big game was over (which the Peterson's won!) we were all lounging and enjoying good company, otter pops, and the spirit of the holiday!

Hannahisms (yeah there's more)

Today we went to church for the first time in our new building and our time had changed from 11 to 9 so things were not your everyday Sunday. Half way through the sacrament Jay heard Hannah mumble under her breath that "this wasn't fast!" He said "what?" and she said "Mom said today was fast Sunday and this is not fast at all!!" For those of you who don't know on the first sunday of each month we are asked to fast for 24 hours and give the money that we would have spent on food (or any donation of our choice) to the church as a fast offering. Fasting with a purpose is such a blessing some trials or questions we have can only come about by "fasting and prayer". When I had told Hannah that morning that it was Fast Sunday she had clearly misunderstood me.

Smoke Bombs

I love smoke bombs and those snake fireworks that go from a tiny dot to a black swirling mass of foamy charcoal in 2 seconds. I hate loud screaming hold your ears fountains. The noisiest I get are those poppers, lots of fun, I could throw those things at the ground all day. I realized amidst fireworks (we do ours during the day so smoke bombs are a lot more exciting) that I am always the one taking the pictures (as noted in an earlier post) so I'm posting both shots of the kids one with each of their parents. Notice Mason's face, he is not to happy about not getting to hold a smoke bomb in the picture.

Happy Fourth (on the sixth)

I'm one of those patriotic people that chokes down a lump every time I sing or hear the national anthem, I also get really bugged when people aren't being very still and reverent during the passing of a flag in a parade or looking around them as they spout off the pledge of allegiance. I guess then, it goes without saying that I love America! I love the freedoms that we enjoy and the opportunity we have to worship how we want. I appreciate the men and women who sacrifice all they have to protect us, Thank You! Happy Birthday America and God Bless The USA

Brazillian Lemonade‏

This tastes like the Lemonade they serve at Tucanos Brazillian Grill here. It is my latest crave I can't get enough of the stuff. Great for a baby/bridal shower or just a cool refreshing summer drink. I always make a gallon to use up the sweet and condensed milk I've heard it lasts in the fridge but not in my house it's long gone before it ever makes it there!

2 limes-wash and cut the ends off. Then quarter and put in blender with the skins.
Add 3 Tbsp of sweet and condensed milk, 3 cups water and 1/2 cup sugar. Blend for about 1 minute. STRAIN using a wire mesh strainer, pour over ice and enjoy. Makes about 1 quart. If you do four batches it ends up using the whole can of s&c milk and makes about a gallon.

Two kids? That's nothing!

So yeah I have no great pictures of myself as I'm always the one taking the pictures so ignore the critically caucasian (sp?) gal in the middle...but wow check out her calves! ha ha

Reunion Time

I love my family reunions we've been getting together on my moms side since before I was born! I treasure my relationships with my cousins and my aunts and uncles and all the amazing in-laws that we drag into the mix. We woke up Thursday morning already to go to the much anticipated reunion, Hannah had a temperature of 102 so I left her and Mason home in my hubby's capable hands and set out to Arches with my oldest two. It was awesome no fighting no whining just road tripping with my kids. I had a tent for Meg and I and let Hayden (the snore monster) sleep in his own tent. We had so much fun! I took this picture laying on the ground looking up at the arch! What a beautiful place Heavenly Father has blessed us with!

Spicy Cashew Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts diced in bite size pieces
sesame seed oil
1 t ginger (I use fresh from the produce section it comes in little jars already grated so if you need to use powder use 1/2 t)
1 cup chicken stock
1 T sugar
1 T white vinegar
2 T soy sauce
2 T corn starch
1/4 t cayenne pepper (can kick this up to make it spicier)
Cashews

bell pepper, onion, garlic (I don't use but I know it was in the original recipe), snow peas, asparagus, shrimp is good in this (add last 3-4 minutes)! Whatever you want I just use about 2 cups total veggies for my family.

Heat sesame oil until smoking (about a T can add more if needed) pat the chicken dry with a paper towel so it doesn't make the grease pop when you throw it in the pan. Add the ginger (cook until chicken is done) only takes 5-7 minutes) remove chicken from pan put into a bowl cover with tin foil set aside. put some more sesame oil in the pan and get it smoking hot add any or all veggies that you want and cook till crisp tender put garlic in whenever you want I guess. mix all remaining ingredients together (except cashew) wisk well so the corn starch doesn't clump add chicken and any juice that's come out of it back to the pan pour in sauce and stir on med hi heat until it thickens. I eyeball the veggies so it's just how ever much all together will equal enough to feed your family. I cook up 2 cups of long grain rice (not the instant stuff) and serve it over rice topped with cashews! I double this all the time and the original recipe only called for 1/4 cup chicken stock so I upped the stock and the corn starch to make more sauce. oh sesame oil is really cheap at the oriental markets but pretty pricey in the grocery store there is an asian market on about 5 north and state street south of weinerschnitzel here in Orem. ENJOY

Camp Riley

So I haven't posted for awhile and it's because I got sucked into facebook which is another blog option really anyhow I haven't shared my girls camp experience and this is really more journaling stuff for me so feel free to skip ahead to something more entertaining. It started out as any normal camp year the stake leaders were gearing us up to head to the mountains (Mia Shalom up Fairview Canyon) the first week of June. By memorial day we still had not been told if we would be able to get to the mountain due to snow. Well if you'll remember (haha memorial day ok I'll stop) it snowed here on Memorial Day so you can imagine the snow that was dumped in the mountains. Still we don't get word until Thursday (after memorial day but 5 days before camp was to start) that we were moving the camp to a place called Willow Park in Lehi. We make a few adjustments and get geared up to go a little closer to home (actually a lot closer to home) the girls were troopers and we were able to get a young women that sports a wheelchair to come because all the trails are paved. We get to camp set up our tents have a great Stake program and dinner and then head to bed. The next day it rained and rained we were prepared and warm and dry but our fellow campers were not so lucky. By 1:00 that afternoon a decision needed to be made should we stay or go. The camp directors and young women presidents from each ward gathered together to make a decision. It was decided to go home to indiviudual ward locations and then meet together as a stake (about 240 young women 12-18 years old plus leaders) the next day at our church. This is where Camp Riley comes into play yes I brought my girls to my home cleared out the furniture in my family room and squished 11 girls down there. The leaders slept in my front room we had just enough room for all. I learned that sometimes what we are asked to do by our leaders doesn't always make sense. We had a weather forecast why not just put camp off for a couple months? In life we have to be flexible (Shalom, Willow Park, Camp Riley) With each decision that was made much prayer was put into it and as we followed the will of the Lord we were blessed. Friendships were forged, memories were made and testimonies of our Savior Jesus Christ were strenghthened. Although our plans seemed to keep falling apart all of our goals were accomplished it just took a little more creativity. I'm thankful for parents who taught me to be flexible, for a Father in Heaven that does know each of us individually and is there if we will only ask, and gives us trials to make us stronger. What could have been a horrible experience was instead an amazing experience.

Fireworks display and....

Ok so I had to put this on it was during the fireworks (the closing to the festivities) and although my post has nothing to do with the fireworks that night at least you'll get a look at what his face might have looked like when Hannah said Dad I think it's funny that you can stick out your tummy and hold it out like that all the time! Time to lay off the mountain dew!!

Firetruck

Mason loved the fire truck we finally talked him into getting out of the truck because he needed to go see the helicopter.

SUMMERFEST

Ok can I just comment on the weirdo's that attend carnivals. We went to Summerfest in Orem Utah (at least I thought I was in orem until I arrived) As it turns out I was transported to Freaksville USA wow and can I just add that obesity is alive and well in America! On a brighter note I didn't lose any of my kids and we were able to spend all of our money and get out of there in under 3 hours. Ok I realize spending the money only took 3 minutes, and just to get it in writing before everyone posts the obvious I must be a weirdo if I went to the carny there it's been said!

BOYS!

Hayden with all the 3rd grade boys he is in the white sox hat in the back on the left they were all supposed to wear purple so I spent the night before dyeing white shirts to purple you can tell the four I did, they didn't come out quite as dark as I wanted them too!

last day of 1st grade

This is Megan's 1st grade class they were a really cute class! Noah in the front with the green hat on always cracked me up when I would go help in her class! These kids they grow up so fast!

Rock Climber

Another shot at the park! I have to say that parks were the best invention ever! A place where kids can wear themselves out and moms can just enjoy being outdoors! I will be sad when it's to hot to sit and read outside I am loving these perfect temperatures!

Wahoo!

We went to the park yesterday the kids had a blast! Mason kept saying higher, higher, then would holler WAHOO!

Happy Birthday Jay

Yesterday my sweetheart turned 35 so I thought I'd take a minute to blog the many things I love about me husband. I love that he is an amazing father he hates it when he's home with the kids and someone asks if he's "babysitting" no he's being a dad. I love that he is easy to please happy with pancakes if that's all I could drum up for dinner. He still is constantly making me laugh. He has an incredible ability to make people feel comfortable. Hard worker and provides well for his family. One time someone asked us if we were a duo income family Jay said yes and I looked at him confused and he just smiled and said "what I have two jobs!" Thankfully those duo days are past but he has always worked hard so I can be home with our four kids. He has a strong testimony and loves his Savior. Willing to serve others and goes out of his way to help those in need. I guess I could fill up pages with all of the amazing things you do but I'll stop with "loves me even when I haven't deserved it!" Happy Birthday!

My Favorites? Your Favorites!

Tonight we were changing the sheets on the girls bed Hannah had chosen a bright red sheet. Megan had chosen a BYU blue sheet and pointed out that she was BYU blue! (we brain wash them early around here). Hannah seemed to think that red wasn't as great a color to which her dad pointed out the red was Uncle Dennis' favorite color (Ute fan and family...I KNOW) anyhow, it must have sparked something in Hannah because she said excitedly "yeah and I'm wearing yellow underwear which was President Hinckley's favorite color!" Megan had come home from church one day with the yellow information not sure of her sources but Hannah picked up on it right away. Since Dennis is one of her favorite people and he likes red she went to bed without any trouble! Oh and the yellow undies helped as well!

the many sides of mason

I made the mistake of leaving Mason alone for a few minutes and when he came and found me covered in butter, I took him upstairs to clean him off. He had managed to dump over the bucket of mop water as well as a liter of root beer (remember that the floor had just been mopped!) anyhow he keeps us on our toes! This is him in his new scooby doo undies and his sisters mask he was trying to disguise his naughtiness!

1-2-3-4

Hannah started counting the other day and didn't make a mistake until she got to 32 so I was very shocked and excited that she hasn't even started pre-school yet and can already count that high. She is constantly asking me how to spell words and can write most of her letters. She loves to trace onto paper the covers of her books then ask me what she has "written".

That's no fish story!

Hayden has been taking a fishing class he is doing really well. This is a picture of a 14 inch trout he caught! We took a picture with the tape measure so he wouldn't be accused of a "fish story". Grandpa Peterson takes him every week where he's learning how to do it all (that's right grandpa made him gut the thing too). Thanks to uncle Matt's chef abilities all three of the fish Hayden caught were eaten up (the other two were 10-12 inches not really picture worthy;)