Could this be heaven in a tub?

The other day, when I was at HEB, I happened upon this. I stood there for a minute looking at it, with drool coming out of my mouth. The next thing I know, an HEB worker was loading a cart full of this stuff. She said she couldn't stay out of it, she ate it by the spoonful. She went on the explain that she was making a cake with this sinful cheesecake like filling. She was doing a demo if you will. Well, I even waited around for a piece of it, but to my disappointment...even though I waited around for way too long, and found way too many things that weren't on my list (ice cream scooper :) she still wasn't finished when I was done shopping/wasting time. Afterall, it was only 10:30 AM. Bummer for me. But I did pull the recipe for Chocolate Dream Cake and just might make it soon, maybe Valentine's Day. By the way, I didn't buy any yet, I didn't trust myself with that tub of goodness.

I like my new ice cream scooper.

If you are, by chance, in the market for an ice creamer scooper, I bought one the other day that I love. It makes me happy. I love the color too. I even bought ice cream. I mean...I'm stocked. I've got Blue Bell strawberry, cookies and cream and homemade vanilla, and Breyer's mint chocolate chip. See, I told you.

On to more important matters...the move. We are still waiting on our house in WA to close (we have NO firm date yet either, and the bank doesn't care!). It could happen this week or in a month. No wonder these banks are in such a world of hurt. This house we are buying is in pre-foreclosure. I can't believe just how long it takes these banks to approve a sale. I was on the phone today lining up temporary housing...oh joy (but just in case). Let the good times roll. Me, Scott, four kids, a 70 lb golden retriever all in a 3 bedroom apartment. I really have been so proud of myself though. I have been Miss Flexible! I just keep reminding myself (on an hourly basis) this house is worth waiting for, and in the long run, what's another month????

something new

I was just talking to my sister Heidi on the phone. She had just gotten back from snow shoeing. Boy did that sound fun. I love to climb up mountains. When we were there in the summer, we climbed up several. I've always said I'd rather go up than down. Meaning, I don't ever care to snow ski, really. The going down, out of control speed is not for me. But the climbing up and slowing coming back down sounds like fun. I wonder if I'll be able to do that in WA? I think I will. I'm excited to be outside more. Camping for one. I like being outside, just not here in the summer. The heat and humidity just make it not so fun. And you know what else, I told her I've always wanted to play the cello or violin. And I'm going to do it. I'm going to look into it when I move. I'm leaning more to the cello, it has such a rich sound. I don't know when I'll take lessons, but you better watch out, I'm going to do it!!!

Hope:my little "darling"

Just up from her nap.
Playing at the park. She is showing us "this" or "that".
Digging for gold.

Hope is...well really "coming into her own" these last few days. When I pick Hope up from the gym kid's club, I always ask how she did. Well, usually I get "she was good" or something like it. Yesterday, I asked, and I was told she was a little bully...oh boy. She was taking toys and pulling stickers off the other kids. Today, more of the same. I asked today, and they started to laugh. (not a good sign) Ann told me today she must have told Hope 30 times not to take stickers off the kids. (sticker are placed on all the kids with their info and Mom's info...kinda important) At least she wasn't pushing kids today, or taking their toys. Yesterday, I had to put her into time-out (all be it for 30 seconds on the stair with me hold her down the entire time) because she hit Hunter so hard on the nose with her "nish" (gold fish) snack bowl, it brought tears to his eyes. On Sunday, she was down by another little girl her age, I was standing talking outside the primary room and the little girls were down the hall outside the nursery rooms. All of a sudden, the other little girl starts to cry...loud. Since neither little one could talk, I kind of assumed Hope did something. She has really found her vocals cords lately too. Talking up a storm, plus screaming/screeching when something isn't going her way. I really am laughing, I know she is a completely normal 15 month little girl (who is the 4th child in the family...who has Hayden and Hannah as older siblings-I'm not quite sure who has taught her more :) haha). But still, a bully...nice.

Hunter said it best...

I told the kids this morning the sad news about President Hinckley's passing. Hunter looked at me and said, "well that's a great way to ruin my day". It is so sad, I was completely taken off guard. I don't really know why, afterall he was a 97 year old man, but still. I just keep thinking about the wonderful reception he got on the other side. Wow. That must have been something. What a wonderful man though. He always made me want to do and be better. Still trying, thanks President Hinckley.

President Hinckley's 6 B's

Be Grateful

Be Smart

Be Clean

Be True

Be Humble

Be Prayerful

New hair cut report.

I did it. Rosanna cut my hair. She did a good job. It took her 1 1/2 hours to cut my hair from start (hair wash) to finish (walking out the door). She kept saying how much hair I had. So, she is thorough...if nothing else. haha. But I like it. I told her going in, the same person has (pretty much) cut my hair for the last 8 years. I did "cheat" on Josh a few years ago for a couple hair cuts, but it didn't last long. I went back to him. I actually wish he was still around. But I'd have to find a "new do" anyway so...

The crazy day of running kids around is almost over, I want to sit down and watch a good movie tonight. I wish Juno was out on DVD already.

My dinner out with the girls was fun last night. I'm going to miss my friends so much when I leave!! I know I'll make other friends, but I've got history with these guys. Oh well, such is life I guess. Suck a duck, right Hayley??? I'll try not to get too upset about it today. We ordered that chocolate cake at Buca's and my friend Kellie was funny. She hadn't had it before. She took a bite, and you could see her eyes roll to the back of her head, and she said, "this is the best chocolate cake I've ever had". Yes in deed. I just wish I had a piece of it today. YUM!!

What WAS I thinking?

Apparently I wasn't. My neighbor asked me to take them to the airport today at 12. Right in the middle of Hope's nap. Now, I'm not a super flexible person. I like a schedule, and so do my kids. I put Hope down, in hopes that she would fall asleep a little early... you know. She didn't EVER fall asleep and now she is crankin' around. She was acting tired...oh well. **Update, I just got back from the airport, and she stayed awake like a little champ in the car, and is now sawing logs in her own bed. While I finish this, and then go off to read my book and eat some licorice.

Okay, here is the other thing. Remember Josh, my haircutter, stopped cutting hair to pursue his "product line". Well, it's time, I need my haircut. I have put it off long enough. He gave me a number for somebody to cut my hair, "just like he cuts". Whatever. If I weren't moving I'd probably call that person, but I am. So what's the point. So, I decided to go to Lifetime. The land of free child care. The last time Hannah got her hair cut, this one lady cut it and I said to myself, "Self, she would do a good job on your hair". Well, I couldn't remember her name. And neither can anybody at Lifetime. Hmmmm. When I made appointments for the boys, I said I want that lady that at the end. When I showed up, it was the wrong lady. They put the boys with the lady next to the end. Okay for the boys, but not me. Anyway, I didn't love her. So, I made an appointment, and I called just to make sure I had the right person booked. WRONG again! Now I'm feeling all out of sorts, and just want Josh back. Why does it have to be so hard??

Oh, and I'm officially sick of being in limbo with this move. I'm trying to keep a happy face on, but I was up early this morning...just thinking. And somebody "fished" us and stole 1000$$ out of our new Wells Fargo checking account yesterday. GRRRRR.

I've been tagged.

Okay Sarah, here you go. A little something about my other half.

What is his name? Scott. Actually, it's William Scott, but he has never gone by William. That's his Dad.
How long have you been married? 16 years! How can that be? It doesn't help that I got married when I was still in diapers.
How long did you date? About a year.
How old is he? He is 41, 6 1/2 years older than me. Old.
Who eats more sweets? Me of course. He likes salty. He'll take a bag of chips over a bag of licorice any day. Not me.
Who said I love you first? People that was a long time ago, I think he did...
Who is taller? Scott
Who can sing better? Him. Please, have you ever heard me sing? I get smiles from the kids and Scott during family night!!
Who is smarter? Him. He has a mind like a trap.
Who does the laundry? Usually, when he is home, I wash and (usually-sometimes he does that too) fold and he puts away. Except for the kid's clothes, they put away their own stuff. It's a match made in heaven.
Who pays the bills? Me. I always have, although, he might do a better job.
Who sleeps on the right side? Me.
Who mows the lawn? Scott. I take out the garbage (sometimes) and I always pull weeds, but I don't move.
Who cooks dinner? Me. Although, that man can whip something out of nothing in the fridge. Meaning...he can take leftovers and make something totally...new. He would always be willing to make dinner if I didn't feel like it. It might not be terribly healthy, but you better be darn sure it would taste good.
Who drives? Usually he does when we are together, but not always.
Who is more stubborn? Me. Now come on are you surprised??
Who kissed who first? He kissed me good night on our first date.
Who asked who out first? He asked me out first. He was an "older man" and had to wait for me to graduate from high school.
Who proposed? Scott did.
Who has more siblings? We both have 3 siblings. He is the oldest and I'm number 2.
Who wears the pants? Well...I would say I do. I think I'm more of a controlling person than he is. He relaxes a lot more.

Yes, that is a one year old playing a video game!

Hope likes to sit right by me when I get ready in the morning. Well, yesterday she pulled down the hair drier onto her head. I actually thought for a minute she might need that glue on her head. It wouldn't stop bleeding, poor girl. BUT, the reason for these pictures is not to showcase my child's wound, but to showcase my wonderful Mothering skills. Yes, that is Hope, the one year old, playing Hannah's DS. She will sit there, for as long as Hannah will let her, and play NintendDogs. She'll sit there and say DOWG, and touch the dog with the little stylus. She is fascinated! It cracks us all up.
This is us at the park over the weekend. We were waiting for the inspection to finish up. As you can tell, Hayden got himself dressed, (camo pants and a striped shirt :) And yes, he is climbing on the outside of the playscape. He will always be my little monkey. I loved that picture of Hope and Hunter. Hannah in her puffy coat, she was nice and toasty.

Back in the saddle again...

I'm singing that song in my mind...okay so I'm finally feeling like a human again. It's been a long weekend. I felt the best I felt for several days that very first afternoon on Tami flu. It might not be the miracle drug I initially thought it was. Or, I was a lot sicker than I thought and the Tami-flu lessened the blow, whatever. Life sucked for a few days. But, we are better now. Still not 100%, but MUCH better. I even made it to the gym today. You know I'm sick if I 'm not going to the gym :)

Scott came home on Friday night. We were all so excited to see him! I was supposed to be out to dinner "with the girls", but had to cancel because I was sick. (rescheduled for this Friday!) The kids screamed so loud when he drove up, that the neighbor emailed me later to tell me she started to cry when she heard all the commotion, she knew what had just happened. Some friends had a nice Open House for us on Saturday night for church friends. It kind of went by in a blur, and I forgot to take pictures! Just forgot. Being sick does that. I was afraid nobody would show up, so it was nice to see we had a few friends!! haha. Wouldn't that be terrible :)!!

On Sunday, after the talks and stuff in Sacrament Meeting, the counselor got up and announced we were moving and another family. Then proceeded to call me up to the stand to bear my testimony. Usually, that would be a big no no! BUT, I had taken some Vicks-NyQuil the night before (and was still feeling it) so I was as calm as could be. My only complaint was that after I sat down, I thought of all kinds of things I wanted to say, but hey, it was over before I could even get nervous.

All is going well with the sell of our house. We had the inspection done and nothing major was found. Always a relief!! Still waiting to get final bank approval on our house in WA. It's in pre-forclosure...so that could happen at any time, literally. Waiting is so fun...

Tami flu=miracle drug. I started getting sick last night. Uhhhg the dreaded flu. Chills, fever, body aches, congestion, headache, fainting, nausea...what am I missing besides complete and total misery. I got some Tami flu in my system today and a few hours later I started feeling better. Next time you get the flu (has to be influenza not a common cold) RUN to the doctor and get some Tami flu. Ahhh relief.

Chili you need to try

Try this chili. It was seriously good, and so healthy. I do know it's too small to read, so click on the picture it does enlarge it. I had to scan it from the cookbook.

You've got to love a good sale

Oh my goodness, can I just say that the Old Navy 75% off sale COULDN'T have come at a better time. With moving to a colder climate and all...I have gone two days in a row. (yes even with sick kids I managed) I went back today for myself and filled two large bags with warm stuff, all for $60!! I have even scored for the kids. I called Scott and said "you must go to Old Navy". He did. He scored too. Hope had on her $4 outfit today, little polar fleece pants and a hoodie. So cute! I'm excited to wear sweaters again!

shoulda, woulda, coulda

I've got two sickies home today. Hannah is the next to fall. Poor kids though. Last night Hunter had a fever of 104.9*! Hannah's was 102*. Needless to say, I called the doctor at 7:20 and they were there by 7:50. Tamiflu baby. Hopefully, it helps. Hunter was close to bronchitis too so he has an antibiotic. Wouldn't you know, they are all out of the flu shot. Bummer. We have gotten before a few years ago, but I didn't do it this year. Should have. Shoulda, woulda, coulda. My friend Kellie came over to watch the other kids. Thank heavens for good neighbors!

it's the little things

Hannah wrote Hunter a get well note last night that I thought was sweet. She's good that way-sweet girl!

Hayden has been going with me at night to walk the dog. Usually, it's "special time" for us. Last night he looked up at me with a big old smile and said "thanks Mom for going on a walk with me". Makes my heart melt.

Picture collage of Hope and Hunter. I bought that cheap little phone for her the other day, in a moment of weakness ;) and she has enjoyed it sooo much. go figure. Sometimes it's those cheap little toys they love.

Hunter is still home today. Poor kid.

Hope's feet, I just like them. The picture of her with her naked piggies is how she sits in her high-chair most of the time. As soon as she gets into bed, she turns over, pushes the button for her aquarium and rolls BACK over and puts her thumb in her mouth. That girl has her routine.

Good article here. Fountain of youth foods...

It's SOLD!

They offered, we countered, they countered and we accepted. All within about 20...I was out on my run the whole time! Yippppeeee!!

Quick catch up...

I came down with pink eye yesterday. Glasses and no make-up for me today. Wow I love pink eye. Goopy, itchy eye. Lovely.

Hunter has a fever of almost 102 last night and also this morning. But he told me was definitely going to school. Until he woke up, showered and almost fainted. Uhhhh, I don't think so. That kids has had perfect attendance at school for most of his school years, I kid you not. Hannah too. Hayden too, but it's his first year. My kids usually time it right and are sick on the weekend, or just not sick at all. I guess all those veggies and whole grains pay off haha. Not today.

AND, we are getting an offer on our house this morning!!! Somebody came to look at it yesterday and spent forever here. At least that's what the nosey neighbors said :) haha. I hope it's a good one. I'll keep you posted. Did I tell you we bid on a house last weekend, the seller accepted, but they have missed some payments, so the bank has to "grant" it's approval. We are waiting, but if they don't watch it...I'm going to start calling and bugging. It's game time now people.

whining and complaining

On Wednesday somebody came to see our house. He even set up an appointment to come back and see it with his wife, this morning. So, this morning, I went into full Bree mode. If you don't know this about me, I can be somewhat compulsive. For example, as a young teenager, I washed my hands rather compulsively until I needed to use a "special soap", or the time I needed oral surgery because I scrubbed my teeth too hard. Just a couple of examples. You've heard us talk about "one tracking" right? Well, literally some of us in this family one track. I have mellowed a lot. Scott has been good for me in that respect. Well, Scott and 4 kids I guess. Although, I do still wear flip flops in public showers/locker rooms. (Even at Lifetime) But I digress.

So, I was cleaning. Hope was screaming and fussing and wanting my attention. I was sweating. I was trying to pick up and get out of this house. Really I didn't need to clean much, but a certain somebody peed in the community bed, so I had to change sheets and Fabreeze the mattress and comforter, until I could wash it that is. (it's washed now) Plus, I had to vacuum Hope and I out of the house. :) okay so I think I'm done doing that too. So, I was busy getting stuff done. I would say I was even a little stressed, what with Hope screaming and the fact I really didn't know when these people were coming and all. So, by 9:15 I'm out of the house, headed for Target and then the gym.

At 11:45, I finish up at the gym, thinking that "Friday morning" is over and it's safe to return to my house. My phone is in the locker room beeping. Oh great. Well, the guy and his wife didn't come after all, they want to re-schedule. All that cleaning for nothing. Really for nothing because the darn bathrooms were already clean. I 'm going to give Bree the weekend off, maybe even the month off. I might even put Mr. Pee Body back into his own bed, AND I showered in my own bathroom, just because I can. Darn it all, I just didn't want to mess up the caulking I did earlier this week. Oh well, it's already been defiled, and it's just fine.

Less is more

If I have learned one thing from this whole moving thing, it's less is more. Less toys, less shoes, less clothes, less kitchen stuff, less less less. Okay, so I don't mean to brag ;) but right now I could be teaching lessons at Fly Lady. haha Just kidding, but I did sweep my porch this morning.

So, you know we have filled, yes filled, a storage unit, full o-stuff/crap! Full of what??? Stuff that I don't need. Why did I need that cabinet full of Tupperware and Gladware?? The new house (if all goes well- it will be our house) has a full basement, and I can't wait. I'll just treat that space like the storage unit...a storage unit that I can actually go and get stuff. So, for instance toys. Everybody has toys, it's just very streamlined. Why can't I just rotate toys?? Lots of people do it. Another thing, I love having clear counter tops and clear surfaces. NO piles and NO clutter and NO junk! (now this is easier without Scott...he does tend to have his "piles" of stuff:) It is so refreshing. Seriously though, I'm even liking to clean up.

As for the simplifying part, did I tell you that I stopped showering in my shower?? We are just dirtying up one bathroom these days. AND the kids are all sleeping in the guest room. It's a big "sleep over" every night. I wonder how long that will last. But it is loads easier making one bed instead of 3. (They make the bed, but let's face it...I was remaking. The kids make up the bed fine when you aren't showing the house)

Cleaning is so much easier when you live like this. Yesterday, the realtor called at 12:55, and said he was "in the neighborhood and wanted to show the house, was that okay?" Well, since I was at TARGET, and didn't have time to run home and pick up, I said yes! Good thing Fly Lady has taught me so well. Maybe you should be calling me Bree Van de Kamp.

Switch Your Thinking

I was reading my Lifetime magazine called Experience Life, which you can access on the web and even subscribe too (i think) without being a member at Lifetime, and I REALLY recommend this magazine. It's written for "real" people. I like it more than ANY fitness magazine I have EVER read...really.



But anyway, there is an article in there called The Fit Way To Weight Loss, that just has me so excited. I think they do a great job with it, and it really reflects a lot of the things I know and this is how I look at fitness and dieting. Don't diet to get skinny, diet to be healthy and fit. Please, for all of you guys that are playing along with the "Biggest Loser" game, go read it!!!!! All of it, here is a little sample of some of the article. Okay, I'll get off my soap box now.



Switch Your Thinking by Gina DeMillo Wagner



Still Depending on calorie-skimping diets and deadly boring “calorie burning” workouts for your weight-loss strategy? Then you’re doing yourself a disservice. Here are some tips to help you switch into a fitness-centric mode:


Just for now, agree to set aside what you think you know about weight loss. If what you’ve been doing hasn’t worked as well as you’d like, a fresh approach may be just what you need. Taking the emphasis off your weight and putting it on fitness improvements instead will not only transform your approach to nutrition and activity, it will help “reboot” your whole mindset in a healthier direction. (For inspiration and direction, see “Weight-Loss Rules to Rethink” in the October 2006 archives.)


Give up the diet and “low-cal” foods. For a period of two to three months, focus entirely on empowering your body and fueling your fitness activities with frequent, small meals based on whole-food nutrition. (For tips, see “Eating for Energy” in the June 2007 archives and “Poor Substitutes” in the December 2007 archives.) As long as you keep your activity levels high and your intake of processed flours and sugars to a minimum, you’ll likely lose weight without even trying.


Pick up a heart-rate monitor and discover how much more motivating and more effective it is to work out in your appropriate heart-rate zones. Start out relatively easy, particularly if you’re new to exercise, then increase the intensity level as your fitness improves. Your monitor will let you know how hard you’re working and let you see the progress you’re making along the way. Consider fitness testing — available at better health clubs and sports clinics — to help you gauge your current level of fitness, identify your ideal zones and plot out an appropriate fitness-building plan. (See “Fitness Testing 1-2-3: Cardio Capacity” in the May 2006 archives and “A Better Way to Burn Fat” in the January/February 2007 archives.)


Set your anxieties aside. It’s OK if you don’t think of yourself as the athletic type. It’s OK if you “don’t know how” to exercise. It’s even OK if you’re not in love with the way your body looks or feels right now, or if you’re scared to set foot in a gym shoe, much less an actual gym. Just keep telling yourself this is an experiment — one you’re doing out of love for yourself and the loyal, hard-working body that’s brought you this far. Need help? Peruse this article lineup: “Overcoming Gym Jitters” (July/August 2005); “Feeling Groovy: A Fitness Primer” (July/August 2005); “Plan for Success” (January/February 2007); and “Ready, Set, Go!”(November 2006). Above all, focus on cultivating a mutually respectful partnership with your body. After all, you’re in this together — for the long haul.

a light bulb moment

I've meant to blog about this, but well, I just haven't. Somebody gave a talk on it a few weeks ago. When I heard it, it was a light bulb moment, but I've kind of forgotten about it. Until yesterday, when I was getting a little frustrated, and it came flooding back. So, anyway the thing is this...you know how you pray for stuff? Okay, so I pray all the time to be nicer to my kids and have more patience. I'll admit it here and now, I'm not perfect in that department :) So, what I learned is that, Heavenly Father isn't going to bless you *bing* with more patience...he will give you many many opportunities to BE patient. Duh, no wonder "it" wasn't working. So all along, I've been praying to be more patient and I keep feeling like "it's not working". BUT that's not how it's supposed to work. Heavenly Father has blessed me with more opportunities to practice being patient. So, I don't know...maybe watch what you pray for, you'll be getting lots of practice on it :)!!

Hayden making "snow angels" in the new carpet.

What a great Sunday! I have forgotten just how much I love early church. Our ward goes at 9 am now, instead of 1 PM!! What a difference. We were even a few minutes early. I know gasp, Dad. Usually, we are pulling in right on time. For my Dad, if you aren't 10 minutes early, you are late. haha. The kids were all good. Hope was good a church, granted I had to take her out a few times, but nothing terrible. The first full day as a single parent was okay. I'm feeling like I can do this. Plus, school starts up on Tues. Tomorrow, I think we are trying to go to Lifetime to swim and play with some friends. Should be a great day. I plan on taking the kids out to eat, they will be happy. Aren't kids great? Have a good night. I'm off to read my book, The Historian. It's another vampire book, for all of you Eclipse fans. It's a good one.

the sign is in the yard

After two loooong weeks, this house is finally ready, and the sign is in the yard. I am loving the streamlined version of my house. There-is-no-clutter!!!!! Yippeeee. A clean, neat house really does make me happy. AHHHHH. Now I can sit back and enjoy all the hard hard work of the last 2 weeks. Scott leaves tomorrow, so I will be on my own+ 4 :) We bid on a foreclosed house, that we are still waiting to hear on. We found another house, that I like even better (at least on-line) so, Scott is getting his buns over to see it ASAP tomorrow. If he likes it, we are going for it!

how I'm spending the day

I'm sitting here at the kitchen table, with so much to do...but not able to do any of it. It's actually kind of refreshing. Scott came home for lunch and Hannah and I took off for Target.

Okay, let me back up...the carpet guys are here installing new carpet. They have their "Mexican music" going upstairs (as Hannah said) so this place is a rockin' :) The painters that were here for a week, were so quiet you never even knew they were here. Not the carpet guys. From their music to their hammers, wowzer. But the new carpet looks nice.

Scott's last day at HP is today. He is home right now trying to down load all of his "stuff" onto the external hard drive. He isn't sure he is keeping his lap top. That's okay, he still has connections, he'll get a new one.

The big kiddies have gone to the tennis park. Hunter and his friend are playing tennis while Hannah and Hayden play at the park. Hope is fussing and wants to go to sleep.

I'm back after a break. Hope got so fussy I couldn't stand it anymore and took her over to the neighbors, where she promptly fell asleep and is sleeping the afternoon away. OH THANK heavens. More work to be done. I'm going to pack up more of the kitchen. Bye for now.

***Update...it's almost 8 pm and they are still here, the "Mexican music" is still going strong. Ahhhhhh what a "fun" day. I'm nearing the end of my patience. It's been a cold day (at least for here) and of course this is the day the doors have to be open all day. New carpet has toxic fumes, I guess. Oh, and Hunter can't find his ipod. It better be in this house. Or else I'm deducting some $$ from the carpet fee :0 I'm sure it's here....somewhere...

Welcome Hunter to the blogging world!!