April is almost gone - Where did it go?

Wow, where should I start? We have been so busy playing, eating, playing and eating more. I forget how much little growing bodies eat. Sometimes I can't remember what I should buy so they have kid food. I guess I am out of practice. Duh. But we have managed. I hope.
We have now determined that Alden prefers Molly over Copper. I think it is because he likes Molly's tail. He thinks Copper's tail is sharp.
While Alden and Eli have been here I have bought a few older Fisher Price toys off ebay for them to play with. Today another toy set came, I was afraid that it wouldn't make it in time. I hadn't ever seen the FP pop-up camper set before. Its kinda cute. Alden immediately wanted the whole set to himself. So we had to do the "sharing" thing again. Anyway, money well spent.
Alden thinks French toast is when Grandpa makes toast and puts peanut butter and jam on it.
I have been taking some sewing classes and learning some awesome tricks and things on my new machine. It has been nice to mingle with other people who share the same interests. That along with the blogging I have been doing. It is nice to connect with people who you can laugh with and learn from at the same time. And I am not the only one in the group who has more than quilt in the works. They do what I do and change projects when needing a change. Our projects are laughing referred to as UFO's. However, we are all working on the same project. I am a bit behind compared to the others. So I am getting a bit of a jab. ;) Someday I will learn how to post a picture or two here.

We're Not Crazy Yet

Jaron and Becky arrived safely with the two boys and we have already had a good time catching up on many things.  Alden is a very busy almost three-year-old.  He cracked us up the other day. I was sitting down to lunch and was telling Becky that there was edemame in my veggies.  Alden, in his innocent little head thought he heard me say "eat-a-mommie".  He got this very puzzled look and repeated it.  We laughed at that one for a few minutes.  Then I proceeded to say that I have looked all over town at the stores I typically shop at and Fred Meyer's is the only store that carries these veggies I like, which I said "are made by Green Giant".  Again Alden exclaims "A green giant!?"  Little kids, so cute.

Today Alden felt like he needed to warn us about him playing.  As he dumped the bucket of cars out he says, "I'm going to make a mess!" Which is also what he told his mother early this morning as he was looking through the storage bins downstairs that contain all the "old" toys. And boy did he hold true to his word.  

Jaron has braved the snow, wind and rain to begin pruning.  It is a cold, slow process.  He is averaging 30 trees in 3 or so hours.

After I was sustained as the liason for the YSA branch RS, I have been attending.  It is very nice to get to know the girls a bit better.  In the past I have only seen them for an occasional FHE at our house.  I am hoping that I can be of some use to them, someday.  They are very capable, sweet sisters.

Right now I have about seven quilts in progress.  They are in varying stages of development. I was going to say "like me" but what would that mean when I get one done.  Would that mean I am finished too? 

Mmmm

So I had this hankerin' for the store bought bread I really liked.  And then I had this "ah-ha" moment.  So I got on the internet and found this recipe that today turned out pretty YUM.

Coleen asked me to share it.

In a bread machine -

3/4 c. water 

1 TB butter or marg.

1 tsp salt

2 TB sunflower seeds 

1 TB each of sesame, flax, millet

and quinoa seeds

1 c. bread flour

1 c. ww flour

1 TB dry milk powder

1/4 c. brown sugar

1  tsp. bread machine yeast

OKAY, that was the basic recipe - I tweaked it with 1 TB gluten and dough enhancer, and it required an additional 1 1/2 TB water.  I think next time I will up the yeast by 1/2 tsp because I think it needs to be lighter.  And I used all whole wheat.  The seeds were very inexpensive. Quinoa cost the most.  I only bought like a half cup of each because I wasn't sure if I was going to like the recipe.  BUT I DO!!  It is every bit as good, or better than the store brand.  Next time as it raises I will sprinkle some dry oats on top.  

James came off the bus today with a goose egg on the eyebrow.  He was going down the aisle and a girl stood up and their heads collided.  The scary part is the swelling is following the temporal (?) bone.  He seems a bit tired.  I am sure he is fine, yesterday was the annual fifth grade square dance and then he came home and watched Star Wars until ten pm.  (not that I didn't try to get them off to bed). 

And last of all - finally sports on regular TV.  YEA!!!  

The weekend passed.  Friday and Saturday, Dad released birds with Craig Davis and Isaac and a friend.  So I stayed indoors and quilted until I was happy!!  I got three squares done Friday and Saturday I went and spent some more "me" time.  I cut my hair and colored my hair and got groceries and lunch, yum.  Then, Abe and Kayla came and the first thing Abe said was "Mom, what did you do to your hair?"  Well, I wasn't sure how to take that. So I said nothing. Anyway, I liked my hair then and still do. Abe probably didn't mean it the way it sounded, right?

I then took Piper so the kids could do their school studies.  

The weather has warmed up so nice!! We actually hit 50 degrees today.  

I have also taken to blogging on two quilt blogs!!  Fun, eh?  Are you all surprised?  

Wow!!

Well, if Jaron and Becky are really headed out for the beautiful blue Caribbean then I have mixed emotions!! I am so happy for your new experiences in life...but I am already crying at the prospect of missing you guys. ;-( 

However, we will make your stay with us pleasant and hope that you will be happy while you are here.  I totally understand, Becky, that you want to go visit your family in Canada...can I be selfish and tell you to leave Alden and Eli with me??  Yeah, thought not.  

Congrats to everyones hard work in school.  

I picked up a ACT test prep for Michael. He is scheduled for the exam on the 4th of April.  Now if I can just get him to crack open the book.

Sunday, in the singles branch, I was sustained as the RS advisor (liaison). That calling extended my three hour block to another 1 and 1/2 hours.  It will be nice to get to know the YSA's better. Right now I only see them when our FHE rotation comes around.  

Hello!!

Okay family, I hope you will be patient with me as I figure this creating a blog out.  I blog on my siblings, so I know the basics, but being in charge of one is a bit different...so if anyone wants to see or have me add something - let me know, K?

So let's get blogging!!!