Happy Night

 

For family night last night I told the kids we were having a "happy night".  I told them all to be prepared to tell 2 jokes, funny stories or embarrassing moments.  For dinner I surprised everyone with 7 happy meals from McDonald's.  We don't usually eat McDonald's and some of my kids haven't had a happy meal for years, but it went with the theme. (What do I do with 7 kungfu panda swans toys?) We sat on a blanket in the house and told all of our corny jokes.  The funniest part was that Joseph continued to try to make up funny stories that he said were jokes.  We all tried to figure out what the punch line was and would laugh.  We then played the "happy hanky" game.  Someone threw the hanky in the air and everyone laughed until it touched the ground.  Those who continued to laugh were out.  After this we all had fun playing on the playground at the park.   This was the scripture that went with the family night. 2 Ne  2:25  "Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy".  

More pants

Caroline wanted some t-shirt pants like Al's.  She took Jake's shirt he made last summer that was too small and turned them into some wild pants.  She says they are her dancing pants.  

Cousin water day

 

 Al brought her 6 cute children (8 and under) and hung out for the day.  All the kids entertained each other and I had fun holding 2 month old Henry.  Al thanks for driving down it was a fun day.

This is Joseph and his cousin James.  Joseph really looks up to his older cousin.  He is always impressed with the cool lego structure James creates when he comes over to our house. 

T-SHIRT PANTS

Al cutting up t-shirt for future pants for Becca.

Al came down to Mapleton with her kids and as always was motivated to work on a project. The pants Natalie and I are wearing used to be t-shirts.  Natalie's blue tie dye was Johnny's shirt --hopefully he will not remember it when he gets home in a year.  Mine was a black t-shirt with the Swiss army logo centered on the front.  Al made some out of a more wild colored tie dye shirt but didn't want to be photographed.  We cut up the bottom of different older shirts for the foldover waist band.  It was a fun project that used otherwise unwanted shirts.  They are super comfortable.  We made a pair for Becca for transition post baby wear.  Al is making some for her little girls but using a pattern and laying it on the finished edge.  The idea is from Al's friend blogspot www.thismamamakesstuff.com.  It has a link on directions.  Great easy summer project. 

Boy Scouts Timberline--by Jake

I had a great time at Timberline.  It was a good experience and I learned a lot. I made a lot of new friends. We camped and cooked our own food the whole week.  It was cold 2 of the days so I wore all my clothes under my uniform those days (including my pjs).  The picture is of a jungle gym we constructed by ourselves.  We played scalp the scout on it.  My mom thought I was a little dirty when she picked me up.

I was TAGGED twice so I thought I better do this before being tagged again.  The hardest one I had with was what to put for my joys--since I find joy in so many different things and a lot of things bring a smile to my face.  I tag my sisters or friends who have not done this.

My Joys:

1. My family

2. Eating good food that someone else prepares

3.    The beginning of each season

My Fears:

1. mice

2. cancer

3. heights

My Goals

1. clean out and organize my home (I am having a garage sale this weekend!)

2. to take time out for myself to do the things that I enjoy

3. figure out my new computer before I buy a new camera

My obsessions/collections

1. reading

2. garage sales/vintage items (this is probably why I need the goal to clean out my house)

3. healthy fast and tasty recipes

Random surprising facts about myself

1. Even though, John and I were at some of the same stake church activities as we grew up in Michigan, I did not meet him until the summer after my Freshman year of college. 

2. I was once quoted on the front page of the wall street journal--They did an article on my family of 17.

3. I love to dance to any kind of music--free style-- my children think I am really weird.

Fort Building

This is was built yesterday while I took a Sunday nap.  Jake and Joseph built this and Joseph is very proud of it.  All the kids may sleep in it tonight.  Since it is in the basement, I will let remain until it starts to collapse.

Happy Father's Day

When I was a little girl some of my fondest memories were when my dad came home and I would sing "I'm so glad when Daddy comes home"--I always loved giving him a big hug and kiss at the end. Also when he would come home after a long day of surgery or patients he would collapse in his leather chair and the kids would try to pull off his support stockings. They were so tight that when they finally came off we would go tumbling backwards. I loved waltzing with him while standing on his feet. I loved his whisker kisses and big bear hugs. I always felt special to my dad and I never doubted his love for me. He was always very strict and rules were not up for discussion, but I feel this helped us all feel safe and secure. I grew up surrounded by 6 rambunctious brothers and my dad was always a buddy and protector. He loved having someone around him always. I loved when he chose me to go on rounds with him at the hospital. I always admired him as he cared for his patients and talked to other doctors and nurses. My favorite dances in High School were the Daddy Daughter ones--I always thought it was cool that my Dad could still boogie to "twist and shout". My dad works hard and plays hard. He has so many interest and hobbies. One of those is cooking. It is fun to discuss recipes with him. My kids love his ribs, steak, and sourdough bread he makes. He is always the first to get the newest kitchen gadget and try it out. My Dad also is a great story teller and everyone especially the grandchildren like to hear his African lion hunt stories. I could go on and on with many other examples of why my Dad is so special. I feel frustated because it is hard to adequately express my appreciation for the great father he was and continues to be. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful father that raised so many children who all love him. I love you Dad!!

Emily

Johnny transfered to kavala, Greece

Johnny was transfered to Kavala, Greece.  Johnny's apartment is at the top of a hill that has a great view of the Aegan Sea.  It is a beautiful city.  It was recently open for missionary work so Johnny and 3 other missionaries are the only members of the church there.  He is excited about this new area and says the people are a lot friendlier than in Athens.  His companion is from Norway and was on Norway's national soccer team.  The other two missionaries are from Germany.  Johnny said last week he only spoke a few words in English.  We miss him but are so proud of him. 

Josh at EFY

I went to EFY(especially for youth) at University of Utah.  I liked playing all the games and there were a lot of cute girls in my group.  I met a lot of nice kids and had a funny counselor.  I stayed in the dorms with my friend Brandon.  I also had fun at the dances.

by Josh

My High School Musical 3 Birthday

On my birthday I took Josh and Natalie up to Salt Lake to East High School (Grandma's old high school) where they were filming Disney's High School Musical 3.  Natalie and Josh were scheduled to be extras in a scene being filmed that day.  Caroline begged to come with me so perhaps she could get a glimpse at some of the stars.  When I checked the kids in I ask the lady if I could stay and watch with my daughter?  She replied, "Why don't you be an extra too and you will be paid to watch."   So despite not shaving my legs, having my hair done and having a suitcase of clothing options like the other adult extras, I agreed.   Caroline and her cousin Becca were thrilled to be able to stay and watch.  Most of the time we all waited in the auditorium.  The scene we were in along with 200 other extras was one of all the kids arriving at school and the buses unloading.  Caroline was thrilled that Corban Blue(sp?) waved to her and Natalie actually talked to Vanessa.  My children loved it.  I don't think any one of us will be seen in the movie but it was fun to watch the process and my children and I each made 82 dollars (more money to upgrade the birthday camera I am purchasing). :)  Actually, you may see John's Hyundai parked in front of the school.  It was the most random thing I've ever done on my birthday, but John was out of town and I just wanted to be with and have fun with my children.   

Art City Fun Run

Saturday morning (7:30 am) the kids and I ran the 5K Nestle Art City Days Fun Run.  This is an annual family tradition that started when Natalie was 6 months old and I was trying to lose the baby weight and ran various 5ks to keep motivated.  This particular race is in our community and very family orientated with at least 1,800 racers of all different ages. This was the first year Joseph walk/ran the whole way without riding in the stroller.  It was a test on my patience as he sprinted to a dead stopped and then preceded to jump in puddles and dawdle.  I would not have minded except it was raining and cold and I was trying to keep the umbrella over both of us.  At the finish line he was excited and sprinted all out for a time of 48:56 (he was proud to beat me).   The 200 items given away in the prize drawing is what my children look forward to the most.  They also enjoy the Nestle/Stouffers hot pizza at the end and all you can eat ice cream bars, popsicles, etc.  Over the years the kids have won various prizes: Johnny won 500.00 towards a Disneyland vacation (that ended up costing us an extra 700.00 so the whole family could go), Josh won a new bike, John won case of soda and tennis balls, and this year Jake won a sweatshirt and a home cordless phone(he plans on returning it to wallmart for credit). Joseph also won this year a emergency car tool kit.  He was so excited and could barely carry it when he received it.  He immediately exclaimed, "I'm going to surprise Dad with this for Father's Day."  Though cold and wet, a great time!

Quick and Easy Wheat Bread Recipe

Here is the no fail recipe Natalie used.  I usually make a different recipe that uses honey and applesauce instead of oil and less yeast--but that recipe is a little more tempermental.  This one turns out great every time.

In mixer(like a Bosch) combine:

4 Cups warm water

4 Cups whole wheat Flour

Mix on low speed until combined

Add :

1/4 Cup SAF instant yeast

Mix and let sit for 5-10 minutes

Add:

1/2 C sugar

1 Tablespoon Sea Salt

1/2 C oil

Mix on low speed.  Add 4-6 cups of wheat flour (one cup at a time) until it starts to pull away from sides of bowl, --smooth but still tacky.  Knead with mixer on medium speed for 6 minutes.

Turn on oven to 350 degrees.

I always either wet my hands with cold water or put shortening or butter on my hands when I form the loaves so they don't stick to my hands.   spray pans.  Let rise until 1/2-1" above pan rim.  Bake for 25 minutes.  Take out of pans and let cool.  YUM!

Makes 4 loaves

Natalie's First Homemade Bread

My Mom is making me make the wheat bread for this summer. This was my first time ever making homemade bread. It was so fun to see that lump of dough turn into something tasty. I was so happy when it came out, that I made both my mom and Caroline come and see what I accomplished. From now on I am going to be making 4 loaves of bread every week so that I get it down by the end of the summer.

written by Natalie