oh my gravy! I am pooped!! Johnna and I have been walking to the wharf and back (5 mile round trip) a couple of days a week. We decided it would be fun to walk around the lake and it''s "only 7.5" miles.

We did it...but whew! it was a long walk and up and down and all around, over hill and over dale and through the mud and over trees is a lot different than a paved walked through town!

We made it though!

friends and soups and haunted houses

Last night we had some friends over for dinner. I made chili, and an Italian pasta soup and a pumpkin soup. We had corn bread and salad and everything was delish!

After dinner we made haunted gingerbread houses. More candy got in everyone's tummies than on the houses but that's fine!

The menfolk had serious things to discuss.

Little architect.

Thanks friends for playing with us!

welcome welcome sabbath morning

We are having beautiful fall weather and it's going to be a lovely day. Today is the primary program, which I always love. The children have memorized their parts and Lu has been practicing every, every day. "I believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."

busy October Saturday

Everyone is busy today. Big has to work, of course. S is also working. (after work she is going to Philly for the weekend) J is taking the ACT and then working. Work Work Work, it's like I live with the 7 dwarfs!! (which I am glad about, working is good)

Lucy is the only one who didn't have plans so she is free to go to "Trick or Treat" in the park with me. Here she is with her herd :) Such a cute mamma elephant.

Millie is guarding the house from her crystal-all -seeing-welcome the burglars in with a lick and wag of a tail-ball.

Little is at the Cub o Ree! He had a late night playing soccer and is not a morning person so when I had to drag him out of bed before the sun came up he wasn't too happy. I think, however, he will have a cubtastic time!

Han is going with Chelsea to Melanie's. They are bringing their bikes, hanging out and riding to buy french fries near Melanie's home. Should be fun. Hope they are careful. I am not a big fan of the learning to be independent years. I like the stay home where mom can watch you years:) Hannah has really nice friends, which I am so glad about.

YW

Last night we had class activities. The Mia Maids learned how to make pizzas.

The Laurel's made Halloween candle holders.

The Beehives made haunted houses.

Everyone had a fun time. Our girls are so wonderful, it is a treat to work with them and to meet with them each week. They are fun and sweet and I have the best calling in the world! We have 32 girls and they are each so special and unique.

Other than that things are rolling along. We've had some rain. Everyone is feeling well and back to school. H still struggles in the morning but it is so early. We have found that if she showers and gets ready at night and then goes to bed early she does okay in the morning. It's hard to do that but we're aiming for that.

Millie is getting regular walks :) and now I have company, Johnna usually joins me and that makes it quite fun.

Happy day. We got bills from the dentist and our portion as $0!!! I was so thrilled we have had astronomically huge medical bills this year, lots of random stuff and it's killing us so that was a treat.

H and J have both been practicing the piano. They started lessons this week.

Read a couple of good books this week. I read "Solomon's Oak" which I enjoyed. The other day S came home from school mad because she is taking an African American Literature class that she hates and she told me I had to read all the books with her from now on so we could talk about it, since it's my fault she's in the class :) Well I don't really mind. So I read the first one "Passing" which I liked quite a lot and I enjoyed talking with her about it, discussing gender roles, and race and the freedoms we very much take for granted now but which we didn't always universally enjoy. We still don't, in a global sense, but here in the US we are lucky and Sierra is lucky individually she has all the choices in the world open to her. What a tremendous blessing.

Now I am in the middle of "The Silence of God" and she just gave me another book to read so I will read that too.

We're enjoying the cooler weather, looking forward to a busy weekend. Oh and Hannah had an appointment with the orthodontist. I liked him a lot. Her teeth are actually pretty straight but she has an over bite. He suggested we wait until she is 12 or 13 and see if her jaw continues to grow. Her mouth is small but if that bottom jaw does some growing then she'll be in better shape and in braces for a much shorter time when we do get them.

my morning, so far
5:15 little b comes stumbling in saying he has to throw up. When he's done he snuggles into the middle and falls back asleep...he is the only one.
5:25 Big gets up, he's mad, not at little but at work stuff and can't sleep anymore. He gets in the shower.
5:35 start dragging H from bed. An ordeal every morning, but this morning is particularly bad. Leave her in the bathroom with a towel and robe in hand.
5:40 listen to Big's woes.
6:05 this little one comes into the room because she is "hund-ree"


(an early a.m. snuggle on a less hectic day)

Head down stairs to make oatmeal.
6:15 J needs to borrow my car for seminary because hers is out of gas.
6:20 H and Lu both complain because the dinosaurs melted and I made it wrong.
6:30 send H out the door.
6:30.5 H back, crying, "she's not going"
6:31 repeat
6:32 repeat
6:33 give her a long long hug
6:35 send her out the door for the fourth time
6:36 she is back
6:37 threaten her with grounding, tell her I don't have a car to take her, shove her out the door (gently) and lock it
6:38 Lu, who was standing watch reports H is walking towards the bus stop


Guess my plan to go to the temple with Amy, Lori and Darlene is out.

Caramel Apple Cake

Yumm!

for the caramel and apples
4 T butter
3 cups sugar
5T light corn syrup
1 cup heavy cream
4 large golden delicious apples

for the batter
3 cups all purpose flour
2 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1 t salt
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup fresh oj
1 T vanilla
1 stick butter
1 1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs

Butter a 9x 3 inch round cake pan. Make the caramel: cook the sugar and corn syrup in a large skillet over medium high head, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is dark amber, 7-10 min.
Reduce heat to med. Carefully add the cream and 4 t butter (it will splatter) and cook, stirring, until combined about 3 minutes.
Remove skillet from heat and let sit 1 minute. Pour 1 1/2 cups caramel into a glass measuring cup and set aside. Pour the remaining caramel into prepared pan and set aside until set. About 30 minutes.
Cut 3 apples into quarters and cut out the cores with a paring knife. Arrange pieces skin side down in the pan to from a rind around the edge. Save any pieces that don't fit for later.
Halve the remaining whole apple crosswise and scoop out the seeds with a melon baller or spoon, leaving the stem on. Chop the bottom and any of the leftover quartered apples into pieces and set aside.
Arrange the apple top, stem side down in the center of the pan.
Pre heat oven to 350
Make the batter:
whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.
Whisk sour cream, oj and vanilla
Using a stand mixer beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Crack the eggs in one at a time.
Add sour cream mixture
then flour mixture
Spread batter over the apples.
Top with apple pieces.
Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Invert and serve with reserved caramel sauce.

saturday fun

It was our turn to clean the church this week so we headed over this morning with the Ray's and had a cleaning party.

Everyone helped and it went pretty quickly, I think we were there less than 2 hours.

This afternoon we had a soccer game. Our first tie of the season. E is number 8.

Tonight is date night, H is going to a party, J and S are both working and Alexis is babysitting the two little ones.

Fall Carnival

Tonight was the fall carnival at the elementary school. Hannah and many of her friends volunteered and ran booths and the haunted house.

I walked around with the little two, after our shift running a booth, and we had a fun time. They won lots of fabulous plastic prizes and had lots of fun seeing their friends and eating pizza.

good day

It's a beautiful fall day. The air is crisp and it's sunny out. Tonight is the school carnival and the kids are excited. Best of all this morning J and I filled out her BYU application!! Yeah!! My life long dream and I finally convinced a girl to apply. Dani wanted nothing to do with BYU, neither does Sierra but J does! She has "back up" schools too but I am crossing my fingers, saying a prayer, lighting a candle and anything else that comes to mind.

Also had parent teacher conferences this morning. Always fun. Lu is doing well. She is in the high reading group, is a helper and compassionate to her friends and is cheerful and has lots to contribute. This is happy news as she is a big sassperilla at home and driving me a bit crazy as I try to figure out how to best parent her. I love my Sassy pants girl!

E is also doing well. He tested "off the charts" and is well rounded and a leader. He is also not the class clown this year, which is good. He has a few other high achieving boys in his class and a wonderful teacher so it's going well. She strongly recommended STEM for next year. She said he likes to do things "his own way" and has a "unique perspective". Fortunately she thinks these are real strengths and likes him. Lots of teachers like kids who sit quietly and look attentive. He looks distracted with a book, drawing or thought in his head and still produces "A" work. I am really grateful that he's in Mrs E's class.

she loves it!

remember the dress? Look how much she loves it :)

YWIE

Last night we had our Young Women in Excellence night. I think it went really well. We had an "endure to the end on your journey through life" theme and the girls did great presentations. I was happy with how it went. It's always nice to be done with a big event.

It's raining today. The air smells fresh. Love it!

That's all :)

Halloween fun

cute cute babies and sisters :)
Anna and Joneaux, Andrea and Reggie, JaNee (Michael's cute girlfriend, who he should marry) holding Tate. How fun!

Tate and Baby J, little best friends :)

randomness

The kids are outside running in the sprinklers and throwing water balloons at each other. It's not really all that warm outside, but it is warmer than it has been and it's sunny so I guess they are taking advantage of nice weather. I was going to take a picture of them, but a small boy pirated all the batteries out of the cameras around to run his wii remotes.

I had some chores to do this morning and am now ready to shower but I can't, because they are outside and I need to hear them. To make sure they are safe and being nice. So I will wait.

Jenna went to the grocery store. She offered, I think so I couldn't assign her another chore instead :), and so I made a list and off she went. I told her to look at the prices of things and choose wisely. I don't really like to shop and she thinks it's exciting so that's a good thing.

Big is off at work. It's been a struggle for him lately, things are super stressful and he is caught in the crossfires. At best he is a far cry from a "Mr Rogers" kind of a guy, he's intense and black/white and quick to act. That's not a bad thing, in fact in many circumstances that's just the kind of guy you want to have around. However, dealing with stress is not his strongest suit.

J just got back, she spent less than I told her and brought home "festive Halloween cookies" :) So I guess I can go shower now.

Gospel Doctrine was very interesting yesterday. We are in Isaiah, not my fav, but Bro Mitchell had so many insights and so much cultural background that Big and I really enjoyed it. Sacrament was also very nice, Johna sang a beautiful musical number and the talks were good. The Rays invited us to dinner and we had a very nice visit and the food was delish!!

making Tori's Char Siu for dinner.

surprise detour

We have a long weekend this week and Big has really been wanting to get out of town. We had planned to go to Ohio and even planned to leave mid day on Friday.

All week there was some ? about if he would be able to get away. Would the plane fly or not? yes? no? I just tried to be really supportive and be ready to go if we could and if not then okay. The kids were really excited.

Friday late morning he said "we're going and I am going to be home early". I got the kids from school and loaded up the car. Then he called and said "I'm going to be a little later" Ok. Then he said "I am on the way home". Then he got home...and work called and he went back to work.

I told the kids we wouldn't go. They went off to playwith friends.

Eventually he got home and was not happy. Even though it was late he wanted to go anyway, so I gathered the kids and we took off. It was much later than we wanted and we hit terrible traffic. After a few hours on the road, and making little progress, and the GPS telling us we'd get there at 5am we had to abort and turn around.

Eventually we decided to head over to Williamsburg and maybe go to Busch Gardens, we were about half way there anyway.

After finding a room for the night we hopped into bed and discussed what we would do the next day. In the morning we found out the price of tickets to Busch Gardens and quickly came up with plan C.

Jamestown and Yorktown.

It turned out to be a really fun day. Both towns were lovely with lots to see and do, very interesting historical reenactors and beautiful weather.

There was lots of hands on activities. We enjoyed going on a replica boat, into a fort, through an Indian village and to a couple of museums.

The kids learned how to load a cannon, how to salt meat, and how to weave a basket. We heard a very interesting presentation on revolutionary era medicine and many other things. I wish we had more time for Jamestown because it was a bit rushed for us but over all it was a lovely day and just what the doctor ordered.

After we were done the kiddos really wanted to take daddy to the Yankee Candle Flagship Store. We did and it was lovely, like last time. And guess who was there...

Santa! Himself!

Here they are signing their names on the "nice list". We got snowed on, bought some fudge, ate some ice cream and headed back home.

cutie patootie

We are having beautiful weather today. Perfect day for going to the MVS, then back home because I didn't have the right paper, then to Mr Tire to try and get another copy. Then to the HS to drive through the parking lotS looking for J's car to try and find said paperwork, then back to MVS, only to find out I still didn't have the right one. Then home to do chores.

oh wait, no day is the perfect day for that :)

dentist

I strongly dislike going to the dentist. So much so that it's been close to three years since I've been. I've taken the children of course, just not me. Frankly I'd rather have a mammogram, or a check "under the hood" or clean the bathroom or listen to a new violinist practice than go to the dentist.

Recently my concern for my oral health began to weigh heavily on my mind so I made appointments for us all. Today was day one of our dental extravaganza and with a sick feeling in my stomach and freshly flossed teeth we headed out.

I actually liked our dentist and his office. That being said my dental neglect was punished by a deep clean :( The hygienist did put numbing topical stuff on my gums first and that worked quite well (why don't they always do that?). At the end of the hour I left with a new toothbrush and a solemn promise to come back in 6 months. I did not get a sticker. But the children did. I did get a scolding, they did not. C'est la vie!

Sierra, Lu and little b all had appointments today too. Four mouths= no cavities!!!
The rest of the gang will go soon.

on a happier note, this evening we finally go to try out the fire pit. It started raining soon after the menfolk finished building it so we've been waiting for the chance. Tonight was it. The wood was a little damp but it lit and we had a fun marshmallow roast!

so this afternoon my whole family. My two younger brothers and 4 younger sisters and their spouses/girlfriend (in Michael's case) and their kids, and Dani and Greg and Tate will gather at the SLC airport holding "WELCOME HOME" signs and they will, well, welcome home Elder and Sister Arhets from their faithful 2 year mission to Brussels Belgium/Netherlands Mission that half way thru switched to the Paris France Mission.

Not me though. I will be here doing laundry. insert: prolonged, pitiful sigh

I do want to state, for the record, that I am awfully proud of them. I am grateful for their good and righteous example, all their sacrifices on my behalf, and for having such wonderful parents.

In other news. It continues to rain, and many of my neighbors are having basement flooding issues and many others are running out to buy emergency generators and I am grateful that Big B insisted we get a walk out because we are nice and dry. I am also grateful that school was not cancelled again and that the children could go forth and learn.

making stuff

we made some stuff today. Lu and I sewed this cute pillowcase dress out of scraps that were around. The main piece was Jenna's trek skirt, taken apart and sewn up like a pillowcase. The rest of the pieces were just bits of this and that. Lu enjoyed making a puzzle out of the pieces. I think it will look really cute with a brown shirt and tights.

I also made my new favorite beet salad a'la Caroline. So delish! and just so it wasn't too healthy we also had philly cheese steak sandwiches :)

1 raw beet, grated

1 apple, grated

1 carrot, grated

1/2 cup cabbage, finely sliced

2 tbs sunflower seeds (I used candied pecans)

Small handful dried fruit, i.e. currants or cranberries (I used crazins)

2 tsp olive oil

1 tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice or unsweetened orange juice (fresh squeezed orange)

1 tsp honey

Combine beet, apple, carrot, cabbage, sunflower seed, and cranberries. Mix olive oil, lemon, and honey in a separate bowl until well blended. Pour over salad mix and toss

For dessert I made another new fav:pumpkin roll.

I also made lists and notes, lots of great advice and council at conference today.

And the kids made lanyards. The idea was busy hands, quiet mouths...not a screaming success but they did enjoy it.

Tonight S got back from her trip. She had a very fun time.

something useful

a backyard fire pit.

Very excited to try it out we are.

Conference weekend

Big and little ready to go to the priesthood session of conference together.

Conference weekend is always a time I look forward to. Saturday is sometimes, okay, often, a bit hectic for us but with the Internet it's wonderful because we can catch up.

When I was growing up I always remember the early sessions, but here on the east coast the first session doesn't start until noon. We got chores done this morning, and Big went on a long long bike ride. When he got back we just had time to go to lunch. We had a wonderful time together as we talked and laughed and ate. (not always the case at family meal times~ but always the goal)

Big got the laptop hooked to the TV and I settled down to watch. Shortly there after 3 of Hannah's friends came over. Then one of Ethan's...then two random girls I didn't know but they told me "their dad didn't like kids playing at their house because it was too noisy". So they joined the melee. I found out later when talking to Big, who was finishing up the lawn at that time, that he kept shooing kids inside so he wouldn't mow over them and they happily followed our kids and their friends. Anyway, I watched..but it wasn't too quiet :) Several girls did ask me what I was watching and I told them it was a special conference given by the Prophet of the Lord twice a year. They watched a little and then moved on. Which was fine. I know the kids sometimes talk to their friends about different things in the gospel or invite them to activities and I am happy to take them but I don't ever "preach to them" and always try to be respectful of their families beliefs. When kids come here they see us pray, they know our standards, they know about the importance of the Sabbath and following Christ in all things. They learn that by observation and example. Who knows? maybe when they are grown that will be a pleasant memory or seedling for them. Anyway, the point is I didn't hear much :)

During the afternoon session we were at a birthday party for one of the boys on E's soccer team. The whole family went and skated and played at the park. It was really nice, except that H hurt her foot. So when the boys left for their session I was anxious to get watching. I put Lu to bed, H plopped down on my bed and I went to watch the morning session again. It was really wonderful.

I love Pres. Uchtdorf, he is so funny and so wise. Slow Down! got it. Focus on what's most important. Live a consecrated life.

I also loved the story that, was it David McConkie ?? who talked about it?, about the Old Dutchman that was called to teach a bunch of rowdy 15 year olds. And even though it didn't seem like a natural fit he was wonderful and had a great attitude and love of the Savior, and those kids could "warm their hands by the fire of his testimony". I loved that quote so much. I would love to be that fire. I also love to warm my hands! It's a beautiful circle.

It's almost 10. The boys will be done soon and then having ice cream, as per ward tradition :)

I am closing things down for the night but am so looking forward to the two sessions tomorrow and to hearing this afternoons too. Maybe in the morning!

how boys play

how girls play

sneak peak

Little b is working his way to wolf. He has two more things to do. "build something useful" and "do your chores for 30 day" (that one is by far the hardest he's had).

This weekend he's knocking out the build something useful. Can you guess what it's going to be?

He has 24 days left of chores and he can be a wolf!!

"I think I can, I think I can"

bad weather~ edit again to add pictures

my original plan for the day:
Plan A
finish the very last load of laundry, ending yesterday's laundry marathon in a rousing success and a round of cheers (at least in my own mind).
A quick trip to the ortho for E's hip.
Go to wal mart to leisurely get our weeks groceries and look at the cute holiday decor.
Go out to lunch with Big.
Soccer practice in the evening.

My actual day:
Plan B (thanks to street flooding that closed the schools)
all the kids are home.
My friend Jen's kids are also home (my home) she had a surgery scheduled and could get to her clinic (...so why couldn't the buses get through?)
6 pajamaed kids running up and down two flights of stairs and in and out of house and Handy Mandy in the back ground and crayons on the floor.
Then at 4 we take E for an MRI of that troublesome hip.

How can I get a job when my life requires such flexibility? and I think when you have an employer they want you to show up regularly.

update:
actual kid count in the house is 9.
4 middle schoolers making brownies and listening to music
2 medium size boys right now on the computer, recently playing soccer
2 small girls "playing school" and changing clothes (part of the laundry issue around here is how many times the girls change clothes, and how many friends wear said clothes)
1 small boy running around

it's making me rethink the wisdom of saying no to Big's 5:30 am whispered request of "lets just pack up now and drive to Ohio"

picnic on the deck, the little girls are having a "pajama party".

E ad Robert defend the goal

Webb takes a shot.

and the schools are closed why??