I'm a Barbie girl...

Lydia loves Barbie. Most 10 year olds have outgrown this past-time, but not my child. Today she grabbed my camera and starting taking pics.

Here's the group on a double date. Don't they all look great? Well, Except for Stephen, he forgot to dress-up for the occasion. Guess he's pretty confident, since hes out with Beyonce..

And don't forget the guys: metro-sexual Ken , with his Matthew McConaghey look-alike friend, Stephen.

Here is Barbie and Ken on their date, she's totally checking him out!

Hope you enjoyed this Barbie theater..lol

courtesy of Lydia..

Scrapbooking anyone?

.....Well, I finally got to scrapbook yesterday. I did 6 pages! That's a lot for me. Poor Jacob has maybe two pages completed since his birth..I'm just so busy! I did manage to get his 1st birthday photos done( see below)

I don't seem to have time for scrap booking anymore. It's too bad because, I love it so much, and it's a great hobby that benefits my family at the same time :)

Thank goodness for my Conway friends I scrap with once a month! I thought I would share a few pages....

My TV addiction...

You know I once hated TV. I hated the noise, flipping through the channels trying to find something to watch. That was all before TIVO.

Oh my gosh, now I can watch the shows I know I love, but I can also tape those ones that I keep hearing about. You can often find me (after putting the kiddos down for the night) watching my fav. new shows:

Trust Me on TNT

90210 on CW

John and Kate plus 8 on TLC

and my old standbys:

House

American Idol

Ugly Betty

Moonlight on Sci Fi

When did this happen? I swear, I have enough to do in my life, do I really need to watch that much this TV? I guess I can think of it as an escape. Yes, we can even call it therapy, and everyone can have it for about 40$ a month..lol

til next time...

Love is in the air

February is here and love is in the air.

When I was a kid I often dreamed about the man I would marry. I had no idea who it would be, just someone that made me feel special. As I got into my teen years and early 20's, I dated a lot. I made some really cool friends, but I just felt that something was missing. I knew I wanted someone who kind, caring, and someone who lifted me up. I didn't plan on marrying my best friend.

See, I've know Derek since I was 17. He moved from Utah, to Arkansas, in 87, the year I graduated from High School. He was a geeky kind of guy, long, thin, had glasses, but this geek had a really cool personality. He kinda intrigued me. We became friends as I headed of to college in Idaho in 88'. We kept in contact by letters mostly, still just friends. Then he got his mission call, and was sent to Japan. I think I wrote him 3 times, that was pretty good considering I had a boyfriend at the time. He reminds me " You always had a boyfriend!" I couldn't help it I was needy..lol Funny story: when I was 17, probably the second time I saw him at a church dance, I was with my then boyfriend, Joel. Derek asked me to dance, and my boyfriend answered for me

" she doesn't want to dance with you. Being the gentlemen that he was, he walked away without incident. Looking back, he says, I should have said something smart like "I didn't ask to dance with you", but he didn't want to start a fight.

We kept in touch a little bit through his mission, and by the time he came home, I was needing to get out of Arkansas. I had a dead end job at Harvest Foods, and my boyfriend Joey was on his in mission in Utah. I packed up my small Civic and moved to Utah to live my brother and his new wife, Becky.

On my trip to Utah, my stopping point was Albuquerque, NM. I had booked a hotel to stay at, but I got a call at home, a couple of days before I left on my trip. It was Derek and he informed that he was now home,and that his family had moved from Arkansas to New Mexico while he was on his mission. His family was inviting me to stay at their home over the weekend.

I reluctantly agreed, ( i hated meeting new people)but, his family was so warm and welcoming. We went to a single adult activity at the State Fair, and met a bunch of his cool friends. This was new for me, a guy I could be just friends with.

Now for the serious part, sometimes the transition from friends, to more than friends, is not always easy. I was torn. I had a boyfriend at the time. What should I do? I did a lot of thinking, and contemplating. I don't like to hurt people. I have been hurt many times, and its no fun.

Because I was young, and stupid, I didn't break up properly. Left my boyfriend just hanging, stopped writing altogether. It was a terrible thing. I know it happens all the time, but that doesn't make it right.

Meanwhile Derek and I were still getting to know each other, he living in NM, and I in Utah. I was so busy in Utah, working, involved in a singles branch, and helping watching my niece Whitney, while her mom worked. It was a good time for me. I was on my own, and able to take a step back, and take stock of myself. I knew there were some things I needed to change about myself. I needed to find out who I was, and what I wanted.

I wanted to be happy. I wanted to wake up everyday being positive, and not dwelling on what could have been. I wanted to get married in the temple, and change my life. That was Fall of 1991.

Derek finally moved up to Utah in August of 1992. Two days later he totally surprised me, by asking me to marry him. I said yes. It felt so right. We were married Decmeber 23rd 1992.

So how is it being married to your best friend? It's wonderful. I don't have to act a certain way, or put on a show. He loves me anyways. We just ceebrated our 16th year together. Although there has been many trials, and hardships, in our married life( that post would be really long!)

we made it through. I feel so blessed to have found him.

I hope at this time of year you, will take a look at your spouse, and remember the reason you fell in love with them. Forget their faults. We are all human. Some of our friends who married around the same time are divorced now. They say they fell out of love. I don't believe it.

They just forgot the reason they loved them in the first place.

So Happy Valentines Day. til next time...

who do you look like?

I found this neat site, through my friend Tiffany. It shows you what celebrity you look like.
It's pretty cool, although I look like someone (Bridget Fonda) who most people have never even heard of !
Take a look at the side bar ...go try it!
http://www.myheritage.com/celebrity-face-recognition?morph=1

You all know how much I love to cook. Well, recently I have been taking a look at my favorite meals and converting them into healthier versions. A lot of you are familiar with the Sneaky Chef books where you hide pureed veggies in children's food. I recently found another book by the same author, called How to Cheat on Your Man in the Kitchen. The title intrigued me, and of course it's for men who are picky eaters. You know who you are, you only eat one

vegetable - potatoes! I had to laugh thinking, okay, we have to even treat our men like children. lol... Anyhow here is one of my favs, we have tried at home....

Brawny Brownies

- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 ounces good-quality dark chocolate (not unsweetened), coarsely chopped (or use 3/4
cup semi-sweet chocolate chips)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup Purple Puree (see Make-Ahead Recipe #1)
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Flour Blend (see Make-Ahead Recipe #13)
- 1/4 cup oat bran
- One-half teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Butter or non-stick cooking spray
- Optional extra boost: 1 cup chopped walnuts
> Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
> Butter or spray only the bottom, not the sides, of a 13-by- 9-inch or 9-inch square
baking pan.
> Melt the butter and dark chocolate together in a double boiler or metal bowl over
simmering water (or in a microwave, checking every 15 seconds). Remove from heat
and allow mixture to cool a bit. Meanwhile, in another bowl, stir together the eggs,
vanilla, sugar, and Purple Puree. Combine this purple egg mixture with the cooled
chocolate mixture.
> In a mixing bowl, stir together Flour Blend, oat bran, cinnamon, coffee powder, cocoa
powder, and salt. Add this to the chocolate mixture and blend thoroughly. Mix in the
chopped walnuts, if using, then pour the entire mixture into the baking pan.
> Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely
in pan before cutting the brownies and use a plastic or butter knife. Dust with powdered
sugar, if desired.

You really cannot tell that there is spinach in it. They are so moist! Of course I modify the recipe using rice flour, and leave out the oats, for my gluten-free friends.

books and more books

I don't know what has gotten into me lately! Since we have had a break from home-schooling, i have some time to do one of my favorite things, Reading! I just cant seems to get enough. On our vacation to Utah, I read the last of the Harry Potter series, Deathly Hallows.
Now those of you that know me, I usually like to read about believable things, not fantasy or make believe, but last year after going to see Order of the Phoenix with Derek, I knew I had to start reading the books. I think I was the only one on the planet who had never read a Harry Potter book. I started in January and finished the series in December. We made a deal, if I read the Potter series, Derek would read all the Twilight series. He actually enjoyed the books(except for some crazy parts in the 4th book)

In our branch we have book club also. I love getting together and discussing the finer points of a book. Last year we read: The Deerslayer,Les Miserables and Little Women, just to name a few.
I love to escape with a good book, so this indulgence is purely selfish on my part.
This past weekend I read 2 books, Jacob Have I Loved(my selection for Book Club in January), and Sonia O Brien's Epicenter. I really enjoyed her book, kind of departure from her usual storyline.

Today is Monday and the end of Christmas vacation. Back to more 5th grade reading text. Not
that I'm complaining, I'm learning so much too. I must have been asleep in 5th grade Science, because the assignments are so interesting to me now.
Well, I'm off to wake up the sleepy-head, so we can get started....

Happy New year and Family part 2

Hope everyone had a great New Years Eve and Day. We spent ours reading, eating lil. smokies, baby carrots, cheese and crackers.We watched football and folded mounds of laundry. I hate coming back from a trip becasue we usually have a pile of clothes to wash!

All in all, it was pretty quiet here, except for the neighbors popping off firecrackers!

I cant believe it is 2009. It s kinda scary, Kate will start Kindergarten in the fall, leaving me and Jacob at home.That will be different.

Dereks contract runs out at Saint Anthonys this year, so we will be shopping around probably for a new job by years end. Lots of changes on the horizion for our family.

Anyhow, and now onto our Utah trip..part 2 the Harrison Clan. As I said before, my parents were in Utah too for Christmas, and it was nice to be around my brother and his children. Well, they really arent children anymore, they are teenagers. Whitney is 16 and Curt 14. They are good kids. When I am around them they remind me so much of thier Mom. It was still hard to be in their house.I kept expecting to see Becky pop around a corner. She's been gone 3 years now.

Anyhow, we had fun Karoke-ing, Steve and I did some duets from the 80's- we both love to sing. My parents put up with our antics, and our noise. Christmas Day we had a big meal, and watched a lot of TV. I only wish that my sisters could have been there too. Here's a shot of the family on Sunday before Christmas. Thats my mom on the left, Whitney, my brother Steve, my dad and Curtis. What a good-looking bunch!

I got to meet my brothers girlfriend, Stephanie also. She seems pretty nice. I wish we lived closer so I could get to know her and her family better. As usual the mountains in Utah were beautiful. Derek snapped this picture outside my brothers front door:

Utah cetainly is beautiful, but there are so many people there! I'll stick with my littel po'dunk town here in AR ;)

family..family..and more family..part1

One of the best thing about our trip to Utah, was visiting with various family members.

All of Derek siblings, and his parents, live in the valley. My brother, and niece and nephew, live in Spanish Fork. My parents were even in Utah for Christmas visiting too! We spent a major amount of time driving in the car to every ones home, but it was well worth it.

It snowed every day we were in Utah. In one day, in West Jordan we had almost 9 inches of snow. Nine inches would shut down Arkansas for 3 days..lol

The children had fun tromping around in it and having snowball fights! Notice the street sign!

On our wedding anniversary we celebrated Christmas with the Thueson Clan. Here's the whole family!

The dinner was hosted at Diane's house with her husband Steve, as Chef of the evening. He is quite the cook.

We had cedar planked smoked salmon, spiral sliced ham, and turkey. All of the siblings brought side dishes, and there was even homemade rolls. They smelled delicious. We also took quite a few pictures, and had a cookie decorating contest. My creation won most professional looking (I was a cake decorator at one time) The kids had so much fun rolling out the dough, baking and decorating. Some of the creations were quite colorful!

All of the cousins cracked me up!The boys spent most of time downstairs in the den playing video games, and the girl cousins upstairs playing barbies. They only joined together for food and pictures..lol

That was not all the family we visited - the next post will be devoted to the Harrison Clan.

Till next time....

christmas lights

On Christmas Eve we went up to Temple square and saw the Christmas lights. The kids were thrilled with the ride up on the Traxx, we even got to see someone get arrested on our ride up-thrilling!

The kids really enjoyed the lights. Kate's comment about the annex was "look a princess castle!"My favorite part of the night was walking around the corner of the Tabernacle and seeing the huge white Christus statue. It always takes my breath away. The temple was also especially beautiful. We finished the night off with a stop at the Joseph Smith building, for a restroom break, and to get some snacks for our ride back down to Sandy.

What a nice way to spend Christmas Eve...

winter weather

Why is it, in Arkansas, we can never have normal winter weather? I swear, we are cursed.

The dreaded stuff started falling yesterday morning, and finally quit sometime during the following night. Everything is just covered. The ice is so heavy, our downspouts fell off the gutters. No, that is not our Mountain dew bottle left behind in the car carnage. lol...

Of course Derek was expected to be at work. It was so bad, his boss had to stay the night, in the Rehab Dept at the hospital! Derek did get his little Mazda hatchback stuck in the ice, so I had to give him a push to get him onto the road. That was fun!

School is out, so the neighbor kids are making the best of it. I kept hearing screams and discovered our teenager neighbors sledding down the hill tandem style on a plastic sled. It doesn't look it, but the hill is pretty steep. It runs along the side of our house.They cracked me up!

Of course my kids think it's so unfair that they aren't out in it. I keep explaining its just ice , not snow, and all they can do is get wet. I just don't want to chance anything since vacation is around the corner! I know, I'm such a terrible Mom....

Merry Christmas!

It's here, only a couple of weeks until Christmas and I'm not even ready! It seems every night we have some place to be, or go, I haven't even had much time to enjoy the holidays!
Luckily for us, our vacation is coming up. Cant wait to see the lights at Temple Square. Derek and I were sealed in the SLC temple, so it holds a special place in our hearts. While in Utah, we will celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary. Crazy..it has flown by.
So grateful for such a sweet husband who listens to me, and help me sort out the chaos when needed.

This will probably be my only Christmas post, but I wanted all of you to know, you have touched our lives, and we are so grateful for your friendship. Merry Christmas!

Almost December..

Here it is, the last day of the month. The leaves falling in the yard, and the air has a nip in it. I usually loathe the fall. It makes me depressed with all the vegetation dying, but on good note, I don't have to mow the lawn anymore...lol

My favorite Holiday is just around the corner- Christmas! I love to decorate my door, put up the Christmas tree, and put lights on the house. Derek hates doing all that, but it just doesn't feel like Christmas without it. Truth be told, I do 90% of it!
This year is a bit different, we will being Utah for part of the Christmas holiday, so I beg to ask- should I go through the trouble of putting it all up? Hmmm...

So what are your traditions for the holidays? I'd love to hear them.

thanksgiving and other news

Okay, what does everyone have planned for Thanksgiving? I would love to hear it. We are staying close to home, as Derek is on call at the the Hospital for this holiday weekend. I'm still planning on a full festivities- turkey, corn bread stuffing, cranberries, green bean almondine, sweet potatoes, rolls, and Apple Butter Pumpkin pie( more on that later!)

I have to say this is probably my favorite meal of the year. Usually the hospital provides us with a bird, but this year it is a Petite Jean Ham( which is processed right here in Morrilton), but I'm just not a ham kinda gal. So it will probably be put in our deep freeze for later( ham does freeze right????) I'm hoping you all have a nice day planned with your family and remember , we have so much to be grateful for.

Well on the home-schooling front, we are planning on switching from the ARVA academy program to traditional home-schooling as of Jan 1. Lydia and I have been so stressed on this program. They cover too much, too fast, but it has had some good points too. It is a good program for new home-schoolers who aren't quite ready to cut ties with public school. Your are still accountable to a board-certified teacher, and you are required to take attendance. I like the schedule of core classes everyday- Math, Spelling, Vocab,Lit, American History, with the alternating subjects of Science, Music, and Art. I want to make learning fun again and not a drudgery.What do you remember the most from your schooling? Probably something you really enjoyed! I want the home-schooling memories to be pleasant ones they can look back on with fondness, not frustration!

Anyhow, oh yeah I got some new wheels.

My old Greenie was having some problems and we had a great deal practically fall into our lap. We ended up geting a 2004 Toyota Sienna( our old one was a 98' Sienna), with leather and a DVD. My children beg me to put a movie in every time we go some where. We made a rule though, no watching unless the trip is more than 30 minutes. Today we went to Little Rock to do some shopping at Sam's Club( omgosh, it was crowded!) and they were thrilled they got to watch 2 movies..lol..kids.

Here is my recipe for the month.This is from Miss Southern Belle herself: Paula Deen.

Try it its easy, just one extra thing to add to the traditional recipe: Apple Butter :)

Mine will look nothing like this btw...

Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie

1 cup apple butter

1 cup fresh or canned pumpkin

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

3 eggs, slightly beaten

3/4 cup evaporated milk

1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell

Sweetened whipped cream, for garnish

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Combine apple butter, pumpkin, sugar, salt and spices in a bowl. Stir in eggs. Gradually add milk and mix well. Pour into pie shell. Bake for about 40 minutes or until set.

Cook's Notes:

-If the crust begins to burn, place tin foil around the crust and lower the temperature of the oven.

-A tasty topping for this pie is praline pecans.

He's so cheesy!

My friend Michelle said I would post these pictures, and she was right!!!

Today Jacob was eating his lunch quietly, probably too quiet. I peeked around the corner and found this:

I guess he decided to wear it instead. Just for a reference point, macaroni and cheese is difficult to get out of hair! After taking off his jacket, and taking him outside to pick his hair(have I said how difficult this is..lol.. its like glue!), He's all clean now. Crazy kid...

7 things I am thankful for... tag!

Wow, this year has just flown! Thanksgiving is coming, no major plans this year. We are saving those for Christmas and our trip to Utah.

Since it is that time of year, I thought I might start a tag:
here's who I'd like to tag:
Tiffany O
Lindsee S
Amy R
Christen C
Maureen M
Jen R

7 things I am thankful for:

1. My husband. He supports me tirelessly, and cares for our children when I need a break.
2. My health. Although I'm not my optimum weight, I am still able to do the things I want.
I'm glad I'm not fanatical about my appearance and I can still look nice, no matter what my size.
3. My testimony. This has taken me many years to develop.
4. My friends. What a diverse bunch, but each of them make my life better, just by knowing them.
5. My freedom. Until you been to another oppressed country, I don think we fully understand the scope of freedom. I love America.
6.My children. Challenges do arise and conflict too, but I still love them, and they love me too, even when I make a mistake.
7. My Mom and Dad. They did the best they could do. Thanks for taking the time. Love you..

Trunk or Treat

I'm not sure if Halloween is my favorite holiday, but it's right up at the top of the list!

As a child, I have fond memories of dressing up as a hobo in my dads over sized shirts, my sister being a cool Crest toothpaste tube, complete with a toothpaste cap hat! My brother was always something gross, like the Grim Reaper, or a mummy(go figure) We were lined up, in front of the fireplace for our annual photo taken with the Kodak camera.
At the time we live in California, so after about an hour of walking in our neighborhood, our buckets would be overflowing and we headed home to dump out all the booty and let the candy trading begin!

Then it all changed..I met and fell in love with a man who did not celebrate Halloween as a child.
When I first found this out I thought: oh my gosh you are crazy! What????
When we were engaged, I did manage to get dress him up in a Doctors costume to take me to the
Singles Ward Halloween dance. Oh, the things you do for love! ( His name badge read Dr. I C Rectum) lol..can u guess what kind of doctor?

When Lydia was born and her first Halloween came, I begged Derek to let me dress her up. Then night came, and I snuck a costume on her. He wasn't happy, but let me do it anyways.
I'm happy to say this is one battle I have won.

Tonight was trunk-or-treat at our Branch. Lydia was a witch, and Kate a butterfly. Kate won 2nd place with her costume! Jacob was a bee, but was so crabby/tired I couldn't get a picture of him. Oh well, real Halloween is only 2 days away :)

Pumpkin patch

Well, it's that time of year, Fall brings our annual
pilgrimage to the Johnston Pumpkin Farm in Spring hill.

My kids never tire of this place.(although I do) Yes, I am a bah-humbug kinda gal when it comes to Halloween. I know I'm not normal..I think Derek is rubbing off on me....lol( his family never celebrated Halloween)

Anyhow, we headed off to the Patch with our good friends, the Moll's . I should have known that there would be a mishap. As I was parking, I noticed the ground was very soft, well needless to say, I got our van stuck in the mud. (Luckily Derek was able to get it out when we left)

So off we go, to select our pumpkins. Jacob was picking up and trying to throw all the little pumpkins like balls, Kate couldn't decide which one to get, and of course Lydia picked one, but it was on the other side of the field! I was so afraid she was going to drop it. So we finally got our pumpkins in the cart.
After looking at the animals, a lot of photo ops, and a hayride, it was time to leave.
Thank goodness, I was ready to go get some dinner. I'm sure we looked a sight at Chili's, with our muddy shoes. Oh well, I wasn't going back home to get cleaned up.
We had a really good time though. It was a nice change of pace from Soccer.


Speaking of which, next Saturday is Lydia's last game. It's been good having Derek coach her team. He does really well with the kids. They had only had 3 losses this year.
Not too bad, for a new team...
Till next time...

Who's it gonna be?

Well, get ready.

This has been bugging me for weeks. I feel its my right as an American to speak my mind.

We have 3 weeks to get our acts together and vote for a new President to lead this country.

If your like me, your so sick of the mud-slinging, unsolicited e-mails from family and so-called friends, reminding us of the candidates weaknesses and shortcomings.

For most of America, this election will boil down to the Economy. Forget the issues of yesteryear, same-sex marriage, abortion, taxes(well, maybe this one is not too removed this time)(especially for those that make 250K a year). If your like me I was a bit confused:

I really had to ask myself, what do I believe? I believe in God, of course, and i believe in those people who have died for our country, so I could not worry about someone coming and telling me where I can live, what religion to practice, and how many children I can have. This is America folks! I know at times we would like to tell some of these crazed supporters where to go!

Ive heard it all.

Obama: he's not American, didn't live in the States very long, not a Christian, he's black,

has an Islamic name, well..that's what is great about America.

Anyone can become President if they meet the criteria. Does he have some viable ideas? Yes, he does.

Mcain: he's too old, too out of touch, too conservative, in the oil companies pocket( Just like ole' George)more of the same, just a different name. Gun toting NRA member.

btw...( love how the above Mccain/Palin website has the plea for donations right on the home page(not shy are they?)

Here it is in a nutshell for me:

As citizens we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects our communities and nation today and in the future.
Latter-day Saints as citizens are to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are wise, good, and honest. Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties.
Therefore, in this election year, we urge you to register to vote, to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully, and then to vote for and actively support those you believe will most nearly carry out your ideas of good government.
The Church affirms its neutrality regarding political parties, platforms, and candidates. The Church also affirms its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues.

Sincerely yours,

Thomas S. Monson

Henry B. Eyring

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The First Presidency

I've been tagged.

Okay, this is my first official tag! Hopefully i do this thing right..lol Here goes!

7 things I can do:
sing
scrapbook
listen
cook
organize
teach
spend money

7 things I cannot do:
draw
back handspring
run for long periods of time
save money
stop baking
stop talking on my cell
stop dreaming of the future

7things that attracted me to Derek:
his kind face
his smile
the way he treated me
his patience
his loyalty
his skinny little self
sense of humor

7 things I say most often:
knock it off
whatever
oh my gosh
pick that up
take that to your room
dinners ready
What???

7 Celebrity Admirers
Stacey Julian(scrapbook guru)
Julie Beck ( LDS women's leader)
Gordon B. Hinkley
Hugh Laurie-actor
Stephanie Meyer-author
Bobby Flay-chef
Sheryl Crow- musician

7 favorite foods:
eclairs
pizza
fettuccine Alfredo
garlic bread
ice cream
chex mix
Coke

7 people I tag:
Tiffany O.
Michelle M.
Steve H.
Courtney S.
Christen C.
Katie B.

October

Sickness has made it rounds in the Thueson household. I'm most sure it was Kate, who brought it home from Pre-school. After hearing about "a boy who barfed in a trash can" story, I'm pretty sure it was her! It's okay for the kids to be sick, but when the Mom gets it, the whole house is in chaos. I drug myself to the docs yesterday and told him, just make me better as quick as you can. Never say that to a doc, because they will give you shots, instead of pills! lol..

No really, I feel much better today with a Rocephen shot and another round of antibiotics in my system. Hopefully we can get back into the swing of things. We have fallen a bit behind on school and housework, but it will be there tomorrow.


We have been working on our Halloween costumes. Lydia is going to be a Japanese girl, and Kate has changed her mind about 6 times. She was Dora last year, but has no interest in that now.

Jacob is going to be his cute self in a Halloween t-shirt from Target. Isn't he a cutie? He is developing quite a temper if he doesn't get his way, so it's a good thing he is so cute.




I have found a new food obsession: Mary Jane. Anyone remember these? They had these in the store when I was a kid, and I found them on the Halloween candy aisle at Walmart the other day. Yum- go try some :)


I'm getting ready for my annual scrapbook retreat at Ferncliff- 48 hours of scrapbooking with my friends. Its beautiful up there, they have cute cabins and you don't even have to leave the camp for meals. Here's a link:http://www.ferncliff.org/conferencecenter.shtml

This is my 5th year to go to the retreat. I really enjoy my "me" time, especially this year since I took on the role of school teacher too.


I'm not including a recipe this month. I think we dont need any additonal sugar !
Happy Halloween to everyone....don't eat too much candy!

blogs and the zoo...

We have been pretty busy with school, but we have taken some field trips recently. ARVA sponsored a free day at the LR Zoo. We got in one hour early(before it was opened to the public) and had our run of the place. We didn't have to fight to get to the front. It was awesome!

They have added a few rides since the last time we were there. Kate and I rode a carousel, it was pretty fast and it went up and down instead of a steady round. I wasn't scared, but I thought this is almost a thrill ride..lol How about them ugly animal skulls????

Kate freaked out about this bird. It does look pretty menacing, and it was eye level with her!

Anyhow, even though it was a humid, overcast day, it was still lots of fun. Plus, we got to meet other ARVA families. We went out to eat at Pei Wei, (yum) and finished up with some shoppingat Sam's Club.

Big thanks to Lydia, who stayed up with me last night and helped me to put a background and music on my blog. You know you are behind the times, when your ten year old has to help you update your blog..lol

blogs,hurricanes and chocolate cake!

Okay all you bloggers out there, you all have these really cute scrapbook-looking, fashionable blogs( you know who you are) and of course the lady that does scrapbook, cant get the stupid things to work here on blogspot.
Can someome take an old lady by the hand and explain it to her???? I mean jeez, it can't be that difficult right?

Today I am feeling my age(39). When Ike went through it really reeked havoc in our yard. We have this huge Pin Oak tree in the front, its about 40 years old.I hate the thing!It has acorns, tiny tiny leaves, and thin branches. It litters the ground with the slightest breeze. The thing literally sheds! With all the wind even our neighbors perfect lawns looked trashed! Well, of course, they are all old people who have nothing better to do than to watch grass grow, so thier yards were back to pefection by sundown. I spent good part of yesterday raking piles of tree parts, and then another chunk of my day, dragging large limbs to the curb. I definately made some noise with the blower, just to let my neighbors know I was working on my yard. You know they think your yard is bad when the say things like:
"I hope your not doing that because of me" or my favorite "It's okay honey, we know you have kids" Grrrrr....Anyhow back to my point- Im a little sore today. Getting old sucks(pardon me)

dont I sound like a old lady today??? lol...

I almost forgot..my recipe for the month. I have had so many people asking me for good Gluten-free recipes lately. Here is one I shared recently with a friend.

One Bowl Happy Birthday Cake Makes

1 cup rice flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk1 egg
1/2 cup hot water(this is important)
Mix first nine ingredients in a bowl until smooth. The batter will be thick.Then add the hot water( this breaks down the grain in the rice flour better, and results in a better texture for the cake.)Pour batter into a greased 9x9 pan, and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.If you want to frost the cake, Pillsbury Brand chocolate and vanilla ready made frosting, is gluten-free.

First day of school

Well, here it is, another First Day of school. Last year I was worried about Lydia going into Middle school( 4th grade) and now Im worrying about how much time home-schooling will take. Well, let me tell you, about 6 hours a day! Kate has no worries however, she has started a MDO program and is happy to be away from the chaos. My house is a complete mess. I'm sure Derek is wondering what happened to his neat little world. He hasn't said a thing, bless his heart! Here is a picture of Kate on the first day:

She looks so small doesn't she???? She already has a boy staking claim on her" she's my girlfriend!" he says
and has been invited to a a birthday party already. She's only been in school for 2 weeks...lol social butterfly...



And that brings me to Lydia. Sad to say with the confusion of the morning, I forgot to take her picture, but it wasn't pretty anyways! Lol...she asked to go back to public school about 5 times that morning. She cried and said "we don't do this much work in school in a week!" touche'....just my point. The reason I took her out in the first place.

I'm still wading my way through my Primary calling.Its never ending, I wonder how I can do everything Homeschooling, Primary Prez, and various family duties. Some days I feel pretty overwhelmed. It would be nicer to have some family closer to help out in those rough times. I just keep reminding myself that I will not always be in the stage of life. Thank goodness!
Until next time...

August

Hi all..Its August and that means back to school in Arkansas. School is tomorrow! As many of you know Im homeschooling Lydia this year. I hope we make it through the day. Someone may need to call me and check on us by 3pm tomorrow :)

Kate is going to a MDO program here @ the Methodist church, and she is loving it! She thinks she is so big, and loves that she has a teacher she can talk about too. Jacob is finally starting to walk, and likes to cruise around the living room at night after his bath. Both girls just had thier birthdays and we are celebrating by having a pool party at our city pool tomorrow night. Cant wait!

Lydia wants to do soccer this fall, and Dad has agreed to be her coach. Seems like the only thing she is really concerned about it making sure her cleats are pink..lol
So the hunt for pink cleats is on.

Derek is working and planning on going to his 20 year high-school reunion next month. 20 year goes by so fast. He's anxious to see his old soccer buddies, some of who went on to coach professional women teams.

I've just been busy switching rooms around. Lydia now has her own room. We painted Jacobs old room, went to Hancocks and picked out coordinating fabric and sewed some nice panels.
We also moved our high-top table into her room, and bought a comfy bar stool, and set up her computer, monitor and printer in her room(this is required for her homeschooling group ARVA)
She is really pleased to have her own space, However she is finding that she cant blame her messy room on her sister now..lol

Im still plugging away in Primary. Each sunday seems to brings a new obstacle to overcome. Ahh, the life of a Primary worker..lol

Happy back to school!

july

Hi everyone. Yep, it's been another month..where did the time go? We had visitors from Utah( Derek's parents) and the 2 weeks went by way too fast. We really didn't want to see them go. But unfortunately all good things come to an end.

It's starting to get uncomfortable now. Yesterday we reached 100 degrees finally, but the humidity what is killing us! Our branch had its annual Pioneer Day Celebration starting at 8am- it was already sweltering! I was praying for a breeze, but none came. Oh well. I hurt my back in the stick pull game. I had to redeem myself from my loss last year :) I actually beat a couple of people.

Jacob is growing like a weed. He has started walking some, but is lazy and likes to go back to crawling on his knees. His knees are so calloused! Two more months and he is in nursery. I know Derek is glad..lol.

Kate's birthday is this week. She will be 4. Lydia and Kate have decided that since their birhtdays are only 2 weeks apart that they are going to combine their parties into one- a pool party, so we are renting out the local pool and inviting a few people. Should be fun.

Lydia just finished swimming lessons, and has showed much improvement over last time. She is finally starting to overcome some of her fears( yea!) dogs, water etc...)
As a matter of fact, her and another neighbor girl are starting a business. They will be dog-walking small breed dogs. We will have to wait to see how successful it will be :) She is also going for braces this week- I don't remember getting ready for braces until I was 15! They start way early now.

Well for all of you reading this, we will be in Utah for Christmas, so hopefully we can see a lot of you then. I'm not sure how long the visit will be( you think I could ask Derek to just leave me there for several weeks? lol..)My parents will also be in Utah at Christmas, so it's a Christmas away from home.

I'm staying busy with Primary. My first counselor just had her baby and my 2ND counselor is getting married in September, so its been more stressful that usual, but I sure do love seeing those children each week. Today was especially nice, as the Branch President sat in on Sharing Time. Its nice to have a priesthood holder in Primary.

For my gluten free friends, Im going to start posting a recipe every other month. This will be a new recipe for me, that I have tested sing my flours. I thought this wa a good way to share some recipes. All you glutened people out thier can try them too if you like ;) This month it is Eclairs, yum!

ECLAIRS
1/2 cup butter
1 cup water
1 cup all-purpose flour, or 1 cup GF Potato Starch flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 1/2 cups cold milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons hot water


DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Grease a cookie sheet.
In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, stirring until butter melts completely. Reduce heat to low, and add flour and salt. Stir vigorously until mixture leaves the sides of the pan and begins to form a stiff ball. Remove from heat. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well to incorporate completely after each addition.
With a spoon or a pastry bag fitted with a No. 10, or larger, tip, spoon or pipe dough onto cookie sheet in 1 1/2 x 4 inch strips.
Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven, then reduce heat to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and bake 20 minutes more, until hollow sounding when lightly tapped on the bottom. Cool completely on a wire rack.
For the filling, combine pudding mix and milk in medium bowl according to package directions. In a separate bowl, beat the cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Beat in 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Fold whipped cream into pudding. Cut tops off of cooled pastry shells with a sharp knife. Fill shells with pudding mixture and replace tops.
For the icing, melt the chocolate and 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1 cup confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until icing is smooth and has reached desired consistency. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and drizzle over filled eclairs. Refrigerate until serving.


Anyhoo, until next month...
oh yeah, I'll try to post some new pictures.

June

yes, yes, I know..it's been a while since my last post.

I have been very busy, especially with my church calling. We have also put in a garden this year. It's been fun watching things sprout from seeds, and then enjoying the stuff after all the hard work! So far we have enjoyed peas, and radishes.
We are still waiting on our corn, sweet potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, yellow and zucchini squash, and watermelons. I figured I better learn how to grow my own food, with the cost of gas at 4$ a gallon..lol

Summer is here and with it, the humidity. Oh yes, all of you that live in desert
( Utah, Arizona) I am definately jealous of you now. It just hits you in the face as soon as you are outside. I love Arkansas, but this is not one part I will miss.
No, we are not moving anywhere. (I heard some of you sigh, with relief, or some that said "Not again!")

I have discovered a new computer world- Facebook. I love it that some of my family is on there, and we can keep in touch. If you want to join Facebook, head on over and sign up and do a search for me, I would be glad to be your freind!

In a couple of weeks, I will turn 39! Where have the years gone? I hate getting closer to 40. I once said I would never ever consider Botox, but as things arent where they used to be 10 years ago, Im not so adverse to it anymore! Plus watching these makeover shows is not helping either!

The kids are doing well. Jacob has learned how to climg up onto things. He can get up in chairs on his own. It scares me, he hasnt learned how to get down yet, so I'm afraid he will fall. Kate is Kate, as funny as ever. Today she told me in Sacrament Meeting to draw a poo-poo flower. I told her I didnt know that flower, and we started to crack up! Lydia informed me it was supposed to be a poof-poof flower.
( She meant a dandelion or wish flower as kids call them.
Lydia continues to be my biggest help. She now takes out the trash, helps with the dishes, and helps me with Jacob while I am weeding in the garden among other things. I couldnt make it without her.

Derek continues to work, and bring home the bacon..lol

Until next time...

Spring is here!

It's been quite a month here in Arkansas with snow, tornadoes, and flooding! Just proves if you don't like the weather stick around, it will change! We are safe,and not much affected us except high winds, our gutters blew off the house, and Derek got our little Mazda hatchback stuck in the mud in our side yard. Had to call our friend Jack to come tow us out! It was quite amusing!

Anyhow, Jacob has his first birthday a couple of weekends ago! He's still not walking, but pulls up on everything and will walk if you hold his hands. He has starting stringing sounds together like yee-ya for Lydia and still days Mama and Dada, uh-oh and no. Can you tell what we say all the time???lol..
We just got back from visiting the Sonneborn family in Highland Village, TX. We had such an enjoyable time, we really didn't want to come home. It was a nice relaxing Easter weekend. Of course the Easter Bunny still found us, but we enjoyed some shopping and eating out, the go-kart tracks(that was fun!) and some late night games of Mexican Train. We always enjoy our visits with the Sonneborns.

On the home front here, Kate will probably be starting Pre-K next year, if a space opens up. We have her on 2 waiting lists, so we will see what happens there. We are considering Home-schooling Lydia next year( I can hear some of you gasping!) We thinks it's the best thing for her at this time. It will require me to be a bit more prepared, but there are so many curriculum options out there! At least we have the summer to get down the schedule and the curriculum together.

I have gone over to the dark-side. I am now digi scrapping. Wow, it's so much easier than dragging out all that stuff! I am sharing my very first page with you- it's very simple but to the point. See above :)

I hope this spring is finding you well and we miss you, as always! Come by and visit us sometime!

blog heaven

I'm so excited. I finally have a link on someone Else's blog(thanks Tiff) So glad I 'm just a click away from checking on my Friends too :)

Here it is February. There has been a lot of sickness in the house. Kate has been hit the hardest. It just kills me to see her laying around the house, so lethargic. Its so not like her. The doc says its just a virus going around.

Jacob will be one next month! Where is my little baby boy! He is pulling himself to standing in his crib and trying it on every piece of furniture in the house too. (by the way, things like chairs tend to move) I'm spending a lot of time doing damage control. Poor guy, has a new bump everyday.

Lydia is trudging along in school. She's coming to a realization that school is not all fun and games. 4th grade is serious business!!

I am staying busy with my Primary calling and still writing articles for the Scrapjazz website every once in a while. Ive been toying around with the idea of teaching a Cricut class at Hobby Lobby.The machines are getting more common place and the employees are constantly being asked what else can you do with the machines other than scrapbooking. Well let me just tell you, a bunch of home Dec projects! That's the hot new trend.

Derek is still just as busy as ever with work. He really loves his job and his co-workers so we will be here for a while.

We are planning a trip to Dallas for Spring break. We really need to get away. We really haven't been anywhere since Jacob was born, so this is a welcome retreat.

FYI my parents just celebrated thier 50th wedding anniversary, so we had a great dinner with all of the family on the 2nd. I got to see my brother Steve and his meet his girlfriend. It was so nice to have all of my siblings together. I wish we could have stayed together longer.

Th picture is from our dinner at OG>

Until next month...

Amy

new year, new goals

Ahh, here it is again that time of year, when we all have well intentioned goals, that remained unattained by the end of the month! lol...

No, really, I have a few this year too. I just completed reading the book of Mormon-took me 4 months, but I did it. I learned so much more this time around! It made me start thinking of other goals I have been meaning to reach, so here's a list of a few. Hope you don't mind me sharing

1. Lose 20 pounds. I'm close to my goal weight, having Jacob nursing always helps me lose, but he is slowly weaning himself. So i will have to be extra careful and pay attention to what I put in my mouth! lol...and start exercising and lifting again. My goal is to get in size 12 again.

2. Be more kind and lose the negativity. I have a tendency to look at life cynically, so I am going to do my best to look at things positively. No more half-glass empty mentality for me! I also want to be kinder in my thoughts of others. My natural reaction is to "get back" at someone if they wrong me, but his year I am going to try my best to just "walk away" and not worry about it. Now from this confession, some of you might think I have been out , street fighting with people..lol..but I am just talking about my everyday life.

Not yelling at the do-do who pulls out in front of me(by the way the kids are listening...lol),

or the person who is taking up the whole aisle with her cart at the grocery store, or the lovely neighbor who says one things to your face, but tells all the other neighbors what she really thinks about you!

3. Spend more quality time with my children and take advantage of those teaching moments when they come.

I'm hoping that you too, will take some time, and think of a few areas that could be improved in your life. I hope that your "your weak things may become strong" as it states in the Book of Mormon, with this coming year.

Amy

Are you ready???

Are you ready for Christmas? I cant believe its in 4 days. My presents are bought and some are handmade, but not wrapped yet, but that's okay. I've been working hard to complete all my assignments at church, and now I am starting to enjoy the season, instead of all the stress that goes along with it.

The children are anxiously waiting for the big day. We are heading to Mom and Dad Harrison's for Christmas Day. We have a big Christmas Diner planned. Mom is making Ham, Bread and green beans, Debbie is bringing a salad, Kathy is doing the potatoes( you know it will be good) I am making dessert and have decided on a cheesecake. It will travel well and I think my dad really likes them :)

I thought I would include a copy of our Christmas card, for those that may be lost in the mail somewhere. About half of them have been received already.

I don't know whats up with the US Mail.

Anyhow, hope you are having a great Holiday! We love you, and look forward to the New Year which will bring Derek's parents home from thier mission in Mongolia, Jacob's first birthday, and Kate starting Pre-school next Fall, and many other firsts for the Thueson family.

Amy

tis the season!

Here it is again Christmastime. The other night we just finished taking our picture in the front yard for our Christmas cards, while simultaneously bagging millions of

Pin Oak leaves from the tree in the front. Got this cute one of Jacob in his shear ling vest.

Was able to hang a few decorations outside the house(minus Derek) he's still holding fast to his no lights on the house rule. (Really, I just think he doesn't want to climb up there)

The Christmas tree is out of the shed, but not out of the box, or fluffed or decorated. It's the 5th already people!!!! I am so behind! My shopping is done however, just a few more handmade gifts to finish up before mailing. Half of my Christmas cards are addressed, but need postage.

I just need to complete one thing.

On top of all that I am making our costumes for the Christmas program(a walk in Bethlehem), for the whole family, and a special costume for the "Ten Virgins" readers theater I am in at church. Go figure I am one of the foolish virgins..lol

On the children front:

Jacob is scooting everywhere and has 3 teeth now. The top one was really painful, because he sure was a fussy booger! He loves to eat "real" food, and is growing tired of baby food. He loves his sisters though. He is always quick with a grin when they come near him.

Kate is still in the throws of potty training. Some days are great, others not. I keep trying to convince her that she cant go to pre-K next year unless she is fully trained, which is the truth.

Lydia is in 4th grade and got on the Honor Roll for the first time. I'm very proud of her accomplishment. She worked really hard to get an "A" in math.

Derek renewed his contract with Saint Anthony's Hospital, so we will be her contractually for the next 2 years. So starting early 2008, the house hunting will begin again. I'm so ready to have our own space, and to plant garden. We actually have a couple of good leads on houses, so were pretty excited!

I'm just staying busy with the kids and my Relief Society calling at church. So many of my close Friends are pregnant now. I'm so glad they are going through all that this year, and not me...lol

Im not doing much scrap booking anymore, just the occasional page, or card. I submit ideas every once in a while to the Hobby Lobby magazine(had 2 layouts in there this year), and only did a few articles this year for Scrapjazz. I am just too busy to do more. My family is keeping me hopping, but that's just fine. I can't think of anything else that I'd rather do.

Well, I hope you are enjoying the Christmas season, and not getting too stressed out.

Love to all, and look for those Christmas cards in the mail...

1 whole year!

okay what has happened? I lost my blogger password, so no posts. I also had a baby, moved, and did a million things in between!
Where to start? Jacob was born on March 15th this year. He is an excellent baby, and is now 7 months olf. He has three teeth, and is working on 2 more on the top. He loves baby food, but still likes mom too :) Im glad , I really enjoy him.
Lydia is in 4th grade this year and enjoying it. Kate is a bundle of energy, and is still sitting on the fence with the potty training issue. Some days she is just great, and others, well you know. Kate will start pre-K next year, if I can get her trained by then. If not she will spend another year at hom with mom :)

Derek is still at Saint Anthonys, even though he was offered a better job at a nearby hospital. Money if not always the most important thing when looking at a job. He would have commuted about 2 hours a day total, cutting into our family time. Im so glad he didnt take the job.

I am still at home with the kids, although, I actually got a call back for an interview with the local library. At least it made me feel good tht someone thought I was qualified for something other than changing diapers...lol I am still writing every once in a while for a scrapbooking website and just had another page published in the Hobby Lobby scrapbook circular. You can pick it up at any hobby lobby store for 1.99

Halloween is around the corner and the girls have thier costumes all ready. Lydia is going as Hannah Montana(isnt everyone!) and Kate is going as a Pixie Fairy. I actually made her costume! Jacob is going as hiself, and of course Dad does not dress up, and Im a little old for that.
Between school parties, church parties, and Halloween night, they will get to dress up 3 times!
anhow, thats enough of our boring life for now. Write more later.
Amy