I asked this question of my mother-in-law at about 4:00 in the afternoon last Saturday. Her answer: "It's gone to PEACHES." She was right about that. We spent a good 5 hours preserving fresh Utah peaches - the absolute best kind. It's quite the process and definitely requires at least two people especially while taking care of two rambunctious boys at the same time. We bottled 54 pints of peaches, froze 3 or 4 quart sized bags for breakfast drinks and saved more than a dozen for enjoying over the next few days. I've already sneaked one on top of vanilla ice cream. YUM! I love preserving and preparing.
That evening I went to the Relief Society Broadcast and it was just what I needed. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE listening to President Uchtdorf speak. I was so uplifted and motivated to fulfill my role by creating and being compassionate. Perhaps I'll listen to his talk again today. It was great!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Check out my skills...
says Mr. B. Yesterday he took 16 consecutive and very stable steps. Today... 27 steps. What talent he has at just 10 months! He gets so proud of himself and just laughs and laughs. I really do love my boys and am so blessed. We had lots of fun this morning playing legos and dancing while we sang "Shake your bootie." They loved it. Perhaps I should think of a different song to reinforce into their minds though :)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The Best Christmas Gift EVER...
You may say that it's a little early to start thinking about the holidays, but I say it can never be too early :) As the choir director I've already picked out the Christmas songs we'll be singing since we have to start practicing early enough. I'm ready to break out the Christmas decorations. Likewise I've started thinking about the perfect Christmas gifts - something timeless, sentimental, something that will never go out of style and that can be enjoyed and gawked over for years and years... something that reflects the true joy of the season. What could be better than getting family pictures to display and remind ourselves that families are what it's all about. Families do last forever.
My amazingly talented sister is getting ready to book photoshoots. NOW is the time to book your time slot before they all fill up because this is the perfect time of year to get them done. The sun is setting earlier, it's not so blasted hot (or cold... the time will come for cold... I have faith), and if you don't do it soon it'll be Christmas before you know it :). Your new family pictures will make the cutest Christmas cards and really so simple. You won't have to pay for family prints AND a card - just make it all in one!
If you haven't checked out her websites you've got to! Her work really is amazing. So go ahead, indulge your curiosity and click on the links below. Tell your friends and family about it while you're at it :)
Love you Mind!
My amazingly talented sister is getting ready to book photoshoots. NOW is the time to book your time slot before they all fill up because this is the perfect time of year to get them done. The sun is setting earlier, it's not so blasted hot (or cold... the time will come for cold... I have faith), and if you don't do it soon it'll be Christmas before you know it :). Your new family pictures will make the cutest Christmas cards and really so simple. You won't have to pay for family prints AND a card - just make it all in one!
If you haven't checked out her websites you've got to! Her work really is amazing. So go ahead, indulge your curiosity and click on the links below. Tell your friends and family about it while you're at it :)
Love you Mind!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Oh, if we could all be so funny!
Can my Grandpa really be any funnier!? I sure do love him. He makes me happy. I had to document this picture for future generations because it is a guarateed "pick-me-up" picture. I can't help but laugh every time I see it - that would make my Grandma happy. She always tells me how much she loves my laugh and her "Karli Girl." I'm so lucky to have the grandparents I do. Both sets really do teach me so much through their example and love.
PS. Does anyone have a picture of G&G Loveland together? I love them and wish they lived in AZ again!
Monday, September 15, 2008
See ya later, Alligator!
That's what we said to our kids and the babysitter last Saturday night as we went out on a date.
"See ya later, Alligator!" Without much of a plan (besides being together without the boys) we set out for an adventurous night. We decided to try out the restaurant at Bass Pro Shops named "The Fish Company." I must admit that I haven't had much experience with seafood even though I did live in Washington state for a year and my Dad built a fishing barge while we were there. Anyway, we wanted to go out on a limb and try something totally exotic and new. What, you ask? ALLIGATOR! We got it as an appetizer... and it was interesting. I'd describe it as kind of like chicken but kind of translucent, squishier, difficult to chew, and has an odd aftertaste. My entree was delicious. I think it was called Islandomara Portofino - grilled tillapia with shrimp in a lobster cream sauce with veggies and mashed potatoes. Now that was GOOD! After dinner we walked around Bass Pro Shops and looked at some pretty amazing knives hand carved and made out of Damascus Steel.
It was nice to get out and spend some one-on-one time. Like our "Marriage and Family" Institute teacher Brother Wright always said... "Going out on a date every week will be far less expensive than marriage counselling ever will!" There's some good advice for you.
Anyway, see ya later, alligator!
"See ya later, Alligator!" Without much of a plan (besides being together without the boys) we set out for an adventurous night. We decided to try out the restaurant at Bass Pro Shops named "The Fish Company." I must admit that I haven't had much experience with seafood even though I did live in Washington state for a year and my Dad built a fishing barge while we were there. Anyway, we wanted to go out on a limb and try something totally exotic and new. What, you ask? ALLIGATOR! We got it as an appetizer... and it was interesting. I'd describe it as kind of like chicken but kind of translucent, squishier, difficult to chew, and has an odd aftertaste. My entree was delicious. I think it was called Islandomara Portofino - grilled tillapia with shrimp in a lobster cream sauce with veggies and mashed potatoes. Now that was GOOD! After dinner we walked around Bass Pro Shops and looked at some pretty amazing knives hand carved and made out of Damascus Steel.
It was nice to get out and spend some one-on-one time. Like our "Marriage and Family" Institute teacher Brother Wright always said... "Going out on a date every week will be far less expensive than marriage counselling ever will!" There's some good advice for you.
Anyway, see ya later, alligator!
It's amazing what little minds can learn.
Within the last week I have experienced one of my proudest moments as a parent. There are lots of moments that are frustrating, moments that are fun, moments that are tender. This particular moment was what I would call pure joy and fulfillment. A moment that reassures me that I'm doing something right with these little boys.
It was an evening much like any other. We were sitting down to have dinner after Jared got home from work when we asked G to fold his arms so we could say the prayer. Just before beginning the prayer I glanced over at B. You'd never believe it but I watch him fold his arms so reverently. Perhaps just a fluke, I thought. Every meal since then he continues to fold his arms when we ask him to. That makes me so happy and joyful. More than anything else I want my kids to learn the power of prayer. Prayer can get you through anything.
B turns 10 months tomorrow. He's growing up so fast. He wants to walk so badly and I'm sure that he could if he'd stop thinking about it so hard. His most stable walking has occurred when he sees something he wants and without any hesitation just walks over and gets it - usually consisting of about 4 steps. He's also learned how to sign "All Done." We're working on "More" and "Please" and hope that he learns them soon so that the amount of high-pitched screaming gets reduced to a minimum.
It's moments like these that affirm to me the importance and value of being a mother. What JOY!
It was an evening much like any other. We were sitting down to have dinner after Jared got home from work when we asked G to fold his arms so we could say the prayer. Just before beginning the prayer I glanced over at B. You'd never believe it but I watch him fold his arms so reverently. Perhaps just a fluke, I thought. Every meal since then he continues to fold his arms when we ask him to. That makes me so happy and joyful. More than anything else I want my kids to learn the power of prayer. Prayer can get you through anything.
B turns 10 months tomorrow. He's growing up so fast. He wants to walk so badly and I'm sure that he could if he'd stop thinking about it so hard. His most stable walking has occurred when he sees something he wants and without any hesitation just walks over and gets it - usually consisting of about 4 steps. He's also learned how to sign "All Done." We're working on "More" and "Please" and hope that he learns them soon so that the amount of high-pitched screaming gets reduced to a minimum.
It's moments like these that affirm to me the importance and value of being a mother. What JOY!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Quirks...
So I've become aware of a few quirks in this family of ours. I found them a little comical and perhaps it'll give you more insight to how we work...
1. G actually LOVES getting groomed. He'll beg me to clip his fingernails and de-booger his nose (he's not crazy about kleenexes, but he loves when we get his sticky boogers - very carefully - with q-tips).
2. G's addicted to scratching at his mosquito bites until they bleed, scab, bleed, scab, over, and over, and over again. I'm forced to keep him in pants despite the ridiculously hot temperatures.
3. I've been aware of this next quirk for as long as I can remember, but I never thought it super strange until Jared noticed it and thought I was crazy. After I brush my teeth at night I MUST stick the corner bristles of my toothbrush in the small hole at the top between my two front teeth to make sure that I can suck air through it. (You might say... floss your teeth, but that makes my gums puff up and bleed. I don't like flossing - I know, bad)
4. Throughout the coarse of ONE day we probably put G's socks and shoes on his feet and take them off FIFTEEN times. He changes his mind a lot. I'm guessing the reason that he wants them put on so many times is because he's hopeful that we'll leave the house or go outside. We don't really have anywhere safe to go (aka. where I can't accidentally spend money) that's indoors...
5. Until now... We went the Arizona Museum for Youth not once, but TWO days in a row. It really is that great. We purchased a membership and can now go as much as we want for a year. They've got a great setup for 0-4 year olds complete with slides, toys, kitchen with play food, family room with books, tike sized couches and chairs, puzzles, a jeep they can sit in and steer, a pretend piano, art center, legos, a garden that you can plant and harvest, and even a "Tot Square" reserved for 0-2 year olds. FABULOUS! It allows them to play, learn, and interact with other kids their age. I'm going to be a frequenter. That's for SURE! So go ahead and get a membership and join me!
1. G actually LOVES getting groomed. He'll beg me to clip his fingernails and de-booger his nose (he's not crazy about kleenexes, but he loves when we get his sticky boogers - very carefully - with q-tips).
2. G's addicted to scratching at his mosquito bites until they bleed, scab, bleed, scab, over, and over, and over again. I'm forced to keep him in pants despite the ridiculously hot temperatures.
3. I've been aware of this next quirk for as long as I can remember, but I never thought it super strange until Jared noticed it and thought I was crazy. After I brush my teeth at night I MUST stick the corner bristles of my toothbrush in the small hole at the top between my two front teeth to make sure that I can suck air through it. (You might say... floss your teeth, but that makes my gums puff up and bleed. I don't like flossing - I know, bad)
4. Throughout the coarse of ONE day we probably put G's socks and shoes on his feet and take them off FIFTEEN times. He changes his mind a lot. I'm guessing the reason that he wants them put on so many times is because he's hopeful that we'll leave the house or go outside. We don't really have anywhere safe to go (aka. where I can't accidentally spend money) that's indoors...
5. Until now... We went the Arizona Museum for Youth not once, but TWO days in a row. It really is that great. We purchased a membership and can now go as much as we want for a year. They've got a great setup for 0-4 year olds complete with slides, toys, kitchen with play food, family room with books, tike sized couches and chairs, puzzles, a jeep they can sit in and steer, a pretend piano, art center, legos, a garden that you can plant and harvest, and even a "Tot Square" reserved for 0-2 year olds. FABULOUS! It allows them to play, learn, and interact with other kids their age. I'm going to be a frequenter. That's for SURE! So go ahead and get a membership and join me!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
In case you wanted to know...
Mountain House (maker of delicious freeze dried food storage that lasts 30+ years and all you have to do is add water) is raising their prices by 30% on September 1... just 5 days away. That's a HUGE increase!!! If you have ever wanted to get some NOW is the time. If I had the money I'd buy 6 more months worth. If you want to get some before it's too late just email mistymatthews@peoplepc.com with your order ASAP. **I think if you mention that I sent you she'll even let you buy at her distributor pricing ($10 cheaper/case than the online price). Products can be seen at http://www.thereadystore.com/freezedriedfoods.php?load=new
Thanks! Karli
Thanks! Karli
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
It's official...
G is allergic to nuts. I haven't had him tested by any doctors, but I'm putting two and two together. I noticed that shortly after he turned one that he refused to eat a peanut butter sandwich - strange for any child to reject a PB&J. He would take a bite or smell it and get totally repulsed. After his one bite he would get a little rash around his mouth and scratch at his throat. The same thing has happened when he's had a peanut M&M. Since making that conclusion we've tried to keep him away from peanuts. I'm so grateful that his allergy is not to the extent of his 2nd cousin (or whatever her relation is to him). We don't have to worry about other foods that have been processed in a factory where peanuts have been. I wasn't sure if it was just peanuts though.
The other day he found a Cashew granola bar and I decided to let him have a small bite knowing that I'd have to keep an eye on him for any reactions. Sure enough, about an hour after his small bite he puked everywhere! He got a rash all over his tummy and legs. He was drooling like crazy... crazy like a faucet. I kept checking for swelling and difficulty of breathing, but there was none of that. I gave him a bath and then turned on the CARS movie while he slowly recovered. We knew he'd be okay when his friend Caleb came over and he was his usual happy energetic self.
So, a warning to you all. Please do not share any tasty snacks with G that contain any type of nut! Thank you in advance!
The other day he found a Cashew granola bar and I decided to let him have a small bite knowing that I'd have to keep an eye on him for any reactions. Sure enough, about an hour after his small bite he puked everywhere! He got a rash all over his tummy and legs. He was drooling like crazy... crazy like a faucet. I kept checking for swelling and difficulty of breathing, but there was none of that. I gave him a bath and then turned on the CARS movie while he slowly recovered. We knew he'd be okay when his friend Caleb came over and he was his usual happy energetic self.
So, a warning to you all. Please do not share any tasty snacks with G that contain any type of nut! Thank you in advance!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
I read on a friend's blog that...
it's good to say five good things for every bad one. So it looks like your in for some positive thoughts after that last post! Okay so I owe you 35 "good things" (in no particular order) - if it sounds like some of these are random... they are. I put down the first things that came to my head. Enjoy!
1. A working oven - thank goodness!
2. Pocket sized digital camera - works great for camping, fishing, hiking, ball games, etc.
3. Sleeping babies
4. Disposable diapers
5. Music
6. Going to Grandma's and Grandpa's house
7. Mountains
8. Rain
9. Relief Society - Enrichment tomorrow night!
10. My piano
11. Mountain House Dried Food
12. Pressure Canner
13. I'm healthy
14. So are my kids and hubby
15. Legos - G loves them!
16. Baby showers
17. True friends
18. Good sales - peaches are 39 cents/lb at Sprouts
19. Sisters
20. Crafts
21. Banana Bread
22. Freshly mowed yard
23. Ice cold water
24. Olympics
25. Mi Casa Tortillas from Thatcher
26. Cool Weather
27. Catching fish
28. Spending time with loved ones
29. Eating good food
30. Playing games
31. Watching movies
32. Coloring
33. Going on walks in the mountains
34. Relaxing
35. "Cabin camping"
Those last 10 sum up our recent vacation to Alpine, AZ with my in-laws. It was nice to have a "reunion" of sorts with Jared's immediate family (minus Kirk who's on a mission) where we could just be together without distractions.
The excitement began as they were loading up the vehicles. G wanted to be outside with the action but Jared and Gregg didn't want to have to worry about him running into the street. So they strapped him in the front seat of the truck. A few minutes later they went to check on him and this is what they found - a face covered in chocolate as he snarfs down Gregg's cookies... Do you blame him? If these were in my arms reach, I'd probably stick them on my lap and eat as fast as I could too! :)
All B wanted to do was walk everywhere. He's nowhere near having the balance needed to walk, but he LOVES for you to hold his hands and help him along - he'd much rather that than crawling which he does just fine and at a decent rate. My little 9 month old... man, he's cute!
G had the best time exploring outside and Grandma T soaked up all the "grandma time" she had - doing whatever it was that he wanted her to do with him.
G's next favorite thing to do was hang out on the shore and throw rocks into the water. I'm positive he'd never seen anyone else ever throw rocks into water but somehow he knew that it had to be fun. He was right! Although he did just about launch himself right into the lake with the size of some of his rocks - funny kid!
The guys spent most of every day fishing the surrounding lakes and rivers with minimal luck. Evan got "skunked" but Jared and Gregg caught a few. I caught one that wriggled off my line about 2 feet from the shore. (I still count it though)
The weather was fantastic with highs in the 70's and a brief shower of rain almost every day to bring it to the 50's. It wasn't without its share of drama, but this trip was much needed and so enjoyable!
1. A working oven - thank goodness!
2. Pocket sized digital camera - works great for camping, fishing, hiking, ball games, etc.
3. Sleeping babies
4. Disposable diapers
5. Music
6. Going to Grandma's and Grandpa's house
7. Mountains
8. Rain
9. Relief Society - Enrichment tomorrow night!
10. My piano
11. Mountain House Dried Food
12. Pressure Canner
13. I'm healthy
14. So are my kids and hubby
15. Legos - G loves them!
16. Baby showers
17. True friends
18. Good sales - peaches are 39 cents/lb at Sprouts
19. Sisters
20. Crafts
21. Banana Bread
22. Freshly mowed yard
23. Ice cold water
24. Olympics
25. Mi Casa Tortillas from Thatcher
26. Cool Weather
27. Catching fish
28. Spending time with loved ones
29. Eating good food
30. Playing games
31. Watching movies
32. Coloring
33. Going on walks in the mountains
34. Relaxing
35. "Cabin camping"
Those last 10 sum up our recent vacation to Alpine, AZ with my in-laws. It was nice to have a "reunion" of sorts with Jared's immediate family (minus Kirk who's on a mission) where we could just be together without distractions.
The excitement began as they were loading up the vehicles. G wanted to be outside with the action but Jared and Gregg didn't want to have to worry about him running into the street. So they strapped him in the front seat of the truck. A few minutes later they went to check on him and this is what they found - a face covered in chocolate as he snarfs down Gregg's cookies... Do you blame him? If these were in my arms reach, I'd probably stick them on my lap and eat as fast as I could too! :)
We stopped in Pinedale on our way there to visit my grandparents. I just love them. They are so kind and hospitable. We enjoyed the most amazing lunch ever - as soon as they found out we were coming they insisted that they provide lunch for us: corn on the cob, garden green beans, grilled chicken, and the tastiest potato salad I've ever eaten. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!
All B wanted to do was walk everywhere. He's nowhere near having the balance needed to walk, but he LOVES for you to hold his hands and help him along - he'd much rather that than crawling which he does just fine and at a decent rate. My little 9 month old... man, he's cute!
G had the best time exploring outside and Grandma T soaked up all the "grandma time" she had - doing whatever it was that he wanted her to do with him.
G's next favorite thing to do was hang out on the shore and throw rocks into the water. I'm positive he'd never seen anyone else ever throw rocks into water but somehow he knew that it had to be fun. He was right! Although he did just about launch himself right into the lake with the size of some of his rocks - funny kid!
The guys spent most of every day fishing the surrounding lakes and rivers with minimal luck. Evan got "skunked" but Jared and Gregg caught a few. I caught one that wriggled off my line about 2 feet from the shore. (I still count it though)
I have to put this next picture in just for posterity's sake - or to make Evan laugh. He needed a backpack to put some of his things in while we hiked along the Black River, but the only one we had available was G's small backpack. Reluctantly he conceded to wear it - he definitely has the most fashion sense out of all of us. He doesn't know it, but I snuck a picture. Love ya Evan!
Proof that I really was there :)
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