The trip to California

So we had a blast on the way out to California (yes, I realize that this is over 3 weeks old but I went though my camera and had over 600 pictures so I figured I would post the cute ones from the trip)


We got to see both sides of my parents family in Denver, (top picture is my maternal grandmother, bottom picture is my paternal grandmother)

This is my great grandmother in my father's mothers side, so Cameron and Kevin are her 5th generation. She is 98!


This was us in front of a dinosaur at the Museum of nature and science in Denver. And Kevin was very intriged when he got to make a dinosaur tooth inside. (doesn't he look so well behaved in this picture)

We got to do all sorts of cool dinosaur stuff at the museum including uncovering dinosaur bones, building bigger than Kevin sized puzzles and of course being scared of the T-rex.


Maybe he'll be an archaeologist some day!


Here is Kevin and Cameron jumping on Uncle Kens trampoline (or his neighbors), we stayed two nights in Provo, but apparently only took pictures on the trampoline, instead of with all the cousins they got to visit. It was a great trip and if I had a dollar for every time someone said "it was great to see you, it would be even better if it wasn't under these circumstances" we wouldn't have ANY medical bills!

Halloween and the pumpkin patch

So I know I am late posting my Halloween pictures and we went to the pumpkin patch when we were in Oklahoma so those are even later but the pictures turned out so darn cute I have to share them.

My kids went as a tiger (third year we have used this costume) and Optimus Prime... Kevin's favorite transformer.. it was kinda funny none of the kids his age knew what he was but all the older kids did.. (especially the high schoolers)


This ward doesn't have trunk o treat so we went to a shopping district with cousins Cambria and Capri for trick or treatin,

Kevin climbed up in this tractor wheel well an was so darn cute when he said he wanted to hold baby!

Here was our family in front of this cool pumpkin at the pumpkin patch!

Cameron didn't really want to walk around in the prickly pumpkin plants so he got a ride on Granma Vicki's shoulders.

Kevin trying to find the perfect pumpkin.. he loved be able to run in a large field!

Tyler picking out his perfect pumpkin.

Cameron's baby blanket

So while my Mom was in town I got Cameron's baby blanket made (yes I understand that he is 13 months old.. he will never know that I didn't have it done for him at his birth) the great news is that it is done and that he loves it!

PEEK

A

BOO!

Is that possible?

Yep it is possible, I didn't know it could be, but it happened. I couldn't start Chemo today, because they are out of one of the drugs I need for treatment, One that starts with a V, I don't remember which one it was but it is a nation wide shortage. It was funny, I went in had my blood work done, waited in the waiting room for like 2 hours and then when through the information stage with the fellow, then when he left to go get my doctor, he came back and said there was bad news that he and Dr. Advani had just been informed that there was none of this "v" drug. So we did get great infomation about side effects, how many drugs I will be on when and stuff but no Chemo today ( I actually am more than Ok with this) They are hoping they will get more in soon, So I could start next wednesday or the wednesday after that. If I am unable to get in next week, they want to take a new PET scan (they want it within a month of when I start treatment, this delay would put me over a month) So really we are just waiting again... (Don't worry this is such a slow growing cancer that I am not in any more danger.. cure rate will still be the same next week or the week after)

Good news

Looks like the "core" sample was enough so I will be starting Chemo on Wednesday! No Biopsy needed!

I got cored!

Yep that is right.. I went in for what was supposed to be a surgical consultation on what was going to be a biopsy tomorrow. Well apparently they thought they could do a "core" to get a sample, if it works then there is no need to do surgery, the whole anesthesia, O.R., thing.. stuff that doesn't seem like fun to me anyways. So this "core-ing" thing is basically the same thing thing the did in Oklahoma the "fine needle aspirate" only they didn't use a "fine needle" they used a friggin straw!... and no I am not kidding!... I am so glad I didn't see the "corer" until they were done.. I still did manage to pass out... yep... I passed out... lol. During the first pass... he got nothing. Then he says are you willing to try again.. I asked what his odds of getting something this time would be.. "50/50".. Well I would rather try that again then have surgery, and put off chemo another week, so lets try again. nothing. So again..... hmmm. maybe from a different angle... he got a little that time. So lets try it one more time.... That time.. yes 5 times!... I got cored 5 times! we still don't know if he got enough but he thinks so, if not, I have surgery scheduled for next wednesday, with pre op the day before... yuk! atleast I get to sleep through that one. If they did get enough then they cancel that surgery and chemo goes on as planned. So that is what is going on here. passing out, more needles... atleast it leads to a good story huh? Well ya wanna see a picture of my owweee... (that is what Cameron called it when I got home, he noticed it before I got to hold him.. he said "owww, ooooo" and pointed while staring at it... cute kid)

Guilty pleasures

Jackee tagged me a while back and seem to be putting it off for some reason.. so here it is..

1. Sleeping in.. way to late
2. Napping.. (do you see a pattern here?)
3. Blogging
4. Watching old TV episodes Online (Gilmore girls, Veronica Mars...etc)
5. Reading other peoples blogs for way to long...
6. ICECREAM
7. Dried fruit
8. Chips with salsa, Fritos with dip
9. Eating food that I bought "for Tyler's lunch"
10. My parents buying something for the boys that I knew I would have had to buy anyways, therefore freeing up money for something "fun" (that sounds way worse than I thought it would)

I tag Kristi, Jen (both of you), and anyone else who cares to share...

Standford apt...

So we just got back from Standford, I have Stage 2A (favorable) hodgkins lymphoma... I will be having a biopsy next Wednesday and will start 8 weeks of chemo the next week. I will take chemo once a week except for two of the weeks I will have it twice. Chances are I will loose my hair..lol. After the chemo is over I will have radiation. I am supposed to remember that this is curable and that the goal is to have me back to as good as new by this time next year. After chemo and radiation and I am found "clean" I am considered to be in remission until it comes back, or I hit 5 years at which time I am considered "cured"... so we have a goal= 5 years. FYI, this shouldn't do anything to my fertility, but we are not supposed to get pregnant for 2 years... which was in our plans anyways... but I sure do hate it when people make my decisions for me...(stubborn, bigheaded.. I know, but really...) Anyways... that is all I we know now.. I am planing on taking a class about managing life with chemo soon, it will be good to get details like what I should and shouldn't eat and why I can't be around animals (thank goodness, for this purpose my kids are not considered animals) ... thanks for the prayers! Although the treatment won't be pretty, the unknown is the hard part!.. and now we know.

Kevin's first day of pre school

So today was Kevin's 1st day of preschool... and the teacher even said he could come back!. He was so adorable, Today was orange day and he wore an orange shirt.. (his favorite with a light up dinosaur on it).. Here are some pictures... the teacher said he asked for me, but didn't throw any big fits or anything and when I went to pick him up he showed me the picture of a pumpkin he colored and his orange project (gluing of a bunch of orange things to a piece of paper)... Him and cousin Cambria seem to enjoy it... and I have to say with his routine all messed up it will be good for him to have something to count on. Check him out!

so...

What do you think of my new background?.. I LOVE IT!!! Thanks Tammy... it's a keeper!

Woohoo!

Well for some real news... my surgeon called Stanford and found out that we have all they need to get me in the program out there... so... I have my first appointment in two weeks! I still may need a biopsy, but they will decide when I get there... so I could be having treatment in as soon as three weeks! So we are gonna leave on Monday or Tuesday and take a while to get out there... We will probably stop by and see some family in Provo (all of me and Tyler's brothers live in Provo).. and then head our way out there to get settled. Hopefully we will be back sooner than later so Tyler can get back to his PhD...

Update..

So I got the PET/CT scan done today and we heard back from the surgeon. I have cancer in my neck (duh) in a couple places and some in my chest. "some good news and some bad news" From research I have done on Hodgkins this means I have stage 2 cancer. Which is good and bad.. but here in my mind we only look at the good. This means that it is only above my diaphram, if it were above and below.. we would have even more issues... So the surgeon wanted to talk to the radiologist a bit more and is also calling Stanford to find out what else they need so I can start treatment out there. My Mom is flying in tomorrow to help me get through whatever else I need done here; another CT scan and a bioposy probly and then help me pack and drive with me and the kids out to California. (Tyler will be staying out here to finish the semester and Mom will probly be staying with me until Tyler can come out and stay in California.. his PhD is getting put on hold until this mess is under control....)
Today was ruff... in a funny sort of way.. I passed out.. yes yes.. I know... laugh your heart out.. I have low blood pressure... whatever.. I am a wuss, I get it.... It was pretty funny listening to the guy tell the other guy how he was just sitting there talking to me and all of a sudden I start "slipping out of my chair"... have I ever mentioned how I hate needles..grrr..
Anyways the hard part of the day was not being able to touch my kids... I was to keep them at arms lengths away because I was radioactive... funny, yes... for no reason was I supposed to hold them in my lap and really didn't want them to be close at all. (I had to drink lots of water and it all flushs into my urine, which is held in my bladder... hence the no kids in my lap thing....) I have to flush twice!.. is that not the funniest thing ever.... Thank heavens Tyler can be home on Tuesdays except for one class in the evening... and thank Godness for Lori who has no problem holding my children for me.. Although it was nice to get out of changing diapers for a day.. I missed holding my babies... oh and no more breastfeeding... had to give that up with all of this. Poor kid. Oh well I think he will live...(1 year and 25 lbs later.. he is healthy) Well best be going to bed.. need my sleep! Wish me luck on hearing from the doctor, so I can get to treatment faster!

Kevin cuteness..

Ok, so a while back when Kevin would wake up in the morning or from a nap I would ask.. did you sleep good?.. he always answers yeah! and then later he started asking ... mommy did you sleep good in your bed.. yeah I did.. then later on he started to ask.. did baby sleep good in his bed.. yeah he did. And just recently it is turing into a long conversation... did mommy sleep good? Did baby sleep good? did daddy sleep good? did Andrew (his best friend) sleep good? Did Lori(Andrews mommy) sleep good?... yep, they all slept good. in fact when he doesn't want to go to sleep he lets me know "but Mommy I sleep good all day!".. in other words "I can't sleep now!"

And over the past month he has started noticing the dark at night.. I have explained that it gets dark because the sun has gone to sleep (which means it is night time) and it is almost time for him to go to sleep... then the next morning he says where did the dark go and I explain... the sun woke up and now it is light outside... ver fun stage I must say... he says something new everyday and asks the cutest questions.. I think I'll keep him around! :)

Camerons 12 month pictures

Here are my two favorite collages

I refused when Kevin was little to have pictures of Kevin taken in the nude but for some reason I thought this was cute... and this tall one was cute with his eyes!

I loved these ones!

I thought this one was adorable with the cupcake mess... I totally think I will do this with the rest of my kids.. he loved it and we got some cute shots!

Come on.... he is like a model... for cake frosting(not biased am I?)

Adorable!.. I could stare at my kids all day..

You know this is why Mom's have blogs.. to show off there kids!!

Cameron 1 birthday apt

Cameron had his 1 year apt today...

he is 30 inches in length (I think he is longer

but he won't sit still) which is 50th percentile

and

he weighs 25lbs which is 75th percentile.

Update..

So, we are in the waiting game again. I went and visited the surgeon on Tuesday and he wants to have a PET/CT scan so they can see where else the cancer is. The small needle biopsy seems to have the cancer cells of Hodkins Lymphoma but they like to see a whole node with it to be sure. So this PET/CT scan is basically them shotting me with radioactive sugar and then watching how the cells in my body use them (cancer cells use sugars faster-by the way I find this stuff very interesting) So after this test we will see where else the cancer is in my body, (and be able to tell me what stage I am in) and maybe see if they want to biopsy something else. We are looking into different places to do treatment.. here, in California and in Washington- (California and Washington to see if we could stay with family so the boys will be ok while I don't feel well) My appointment for the PET/CT is next tuesday morning. So we are waiting until next tuseday to see, oh and we should have the results to that test next wednesday.

OK.. here is the story..

Ok so the news travelled quickly... I just want to let you all know that I am fine.. we don't have any definite answers.. we are in the waiting mode right now
Two or so weeks ago I noticed a lump on my neck and after a few days of shrugging it off, I mentioned it Tyler and he being across the room from me told me He could see it, I thought hmm that is weird. Then Tyler talked to his Brother, Dr. Mark and asked him about it... he said go see the doctor.. and I thought.. that is weird. well it came up again while I was making appointments for Kevin's 3 year and Cameron's 1 year well baby apt, I Figured I could go in and show the doctor so that I could check it off my list. He ordered blood work to see if I had Hypothyroidism (it runs in the family).. blood work comes back normal the next day and the doctor schedules an ultrasound to see if it is a thyroid goiter.. So in I go into the ultrasound. Tyler wierdy decides to go with me and gets a babysitter even though we know we won't be getting any results that day anyways.. weird I know. So that was Wednesday, they show me that left side of my thyroid and how weird it looks, this "lump" is 5-6 centimeters and usually goiters are about 2 centimeters. Worry and fear sets in.. the ultrasound lady says she is gonna get the pathologist to come in and look at it. They decided it would be best to do a biopsy and do it right then! I don't even get to sit up.. they do three biopsies, by needle...(I almost pass out about it just thinking about it) and I come home with a sore neck and an ice pack. Friday they call with the results.. p.s. that wasn't actually your thyroid (the cells wern't thyroid cells) they think they were actually lymph cells and they are thinking it is more Lymphoma or Hodgkins lymphoma. He says he is sorry that he has to tell me this over the phone because he knows I will have questions but that he wants to make appointment with a surgeon to have a (larger) sample taken of this "lump" so that they can "get me to the right people" which in my head means an Oncologist. There is still a possiblility that this isn't cancer at all but Tuesday at 10:30 I go in for a pre-Op consultaion.. we don't know when surgery will be or if I will stay over night, if they will test the sample while I am on the table, or if I will come home and wait some more but that is the idea... I may have Cancer.. just saying that is kinda sureal. Long term.. if I do have lymphoma there is surgery and Chemo in store... so that is the story.. don't feel bad if you did not get a personal call.. we were kinda keeping it on the down low until we found out everything... but really we are laughing and making jokes becuase at this point there is nothing else to do.
Me after my FNA- Fine needle aspiration

We got callings...

yep they need us to "feed his sheep" so Tyler has been called as a Ward Missionary.. (fits him perfectly) and I am in a whole new world.. no girls camp or canning for me.. I am working in Compassionate service.. (what that entails. I have no clue, but I am sure I will figure it out when it is needed)

He is 1!

Happy Birthday little one: we love you so much! We are so glad you came to us and that you smile for us everyday! Your brother has a surprise for you.. he helped make your cake... and he will definitely help you eat it too! Thanks for bringing your personality into our home and making our family that much warmer!

Here is my little dare devil... apparently this is how you are supposed to ride in the stroller.. ( I can't believe that I have had it wrong all these years!)

These I took on his last night being 11 months old.. right before he went to bed.. next time we see him he will be birthday boy!



Here is a video of him walking a couple of days ago... now he is walking room to room and not even thinking about it!.. he is so much fun (mostly because he still isn't fast enough to get away from me)

Kevin birthday pics..

I Know its been a while.. but life keeps getting in the way of my plans... Apparently we didn't get very many good pictures.. I never like the ones of them opening gifts.. cause they are usually hidden behind it... (see above)

Its been a busy week...

for my little one... he got two more teeth AND started walking... that is right... here we are days before his birthday and he just started walking... All of a sudden is letting of of things, putting his hands high in the air and going for it... cracks me up how cute he is... fist time was 8 steps then 15! He just keeps doing it.. he even did it for Grandma and Grandpa on the web cam last night. Kevin keeps trying to lift him up on his feet and telling him to "walk that way" while he points... I just told him that he should ask baby to "come here!, come here baby!" it almost worked... once.

Cameron...

...got his 7th tooth! It is the top one second to his right... yep two days ago... Yeah.. at least I can be done nursing in 3 days.. count them three! woohoo.. bring on the chocolate!!!

**after I posted this I had another look and his 8th tooth broke threw! the top second to the left...lol

Kevin's 3 year checkup

Kevin had his checkup last week and He is healthy and has great lungs... he screamed the whole time... and he is 75th percentile height and weight, which has never happened before.. he has always been like 10 percentile height and 90th weight... funny kid.. but we are now in the proportional life... lol. go Kevin!

72 hour kits

Here are the assumptions you need to think about when planning your 72 hour kits:

(These are general assumptions if you want to see what kind of emergencies are most likely in your area check out www.weather.com/ready click on the map to find what you should plan for)

Planning Assumptions

• Electricity will be out for 3-4 days.
• Drinkable water will not be available for 2-3 days.
• Telephone service will be out
• Gasoline pumps will not be working.
• Trees and debris or flooding will block some roadways.
• Minor medical services will be required.
• Emergency services (police, fire, and rescue) will be unavailable for 2-3 days.

Food
You should always have three days worth of non-perishable food (that does not require refrigeration.) Examples include: canned meats and vegetables, canned milk and juice, peanut butter, granola/energy bars, crackers, cookies, candy and food that meets special dietary needs. Your supplies should be checked and/or replaced every six months. (Review them when you change your clocks for daylight savings time.) Make sure to include a manual can opener and cooking utensils.

Drinking Water
Keep a minimum of three gallons of drinking water for each person in your household. In a disaster water may become contaminated or pipes may break leaving you without safe water.

Water for Cooking and Cleaning
In addition to drinking water, you also need three days worth of water for cooking meals and personal hygiene. Another gallon per person per day is the rule of thumb.

Medication
Have at least one week's worth of critical medications in case of emergency. In addition, a comprehensive first aid kit is critical.

Children
Emergencies can be overwhelming to kids. Have an activity kit ready for them. Suggested items are: favorite books, crayons & coloring books, stuffed animals, dolls, cards, board games.

Elderly
Physical strain is difficult for the elderly. They are especially susceptible to heat and dehydration. Take extra precautions to keep them cool and well hydrated. Make sure to stock up on all required medications. If you have a relative in an assisted living residence, learn about their plans for dealing with disaster and evacuation.

Mentally or Physically Challenged Individuals
Make sure to consider how mentally or physically challenged relatives condition will affect them during an emergency. If they take medication or require the use of specialized equipment, make sure that you have enough to last a week. If you don't live with this gingival, contact their local police department or caregiver and find out what local officials are doing to ensure their safety.

Pets
Not all shelters allow pets because of hygiene issues. Contact your local emergency shelters and find out their policy. If you are allowed to bring your pet, you will have to show a copy of their latest vaccination record. Also, make sure your pet has a leash, collar, ID tag, food, water, bowls for food and water, and a carrying case. DO NOT ABANDON YOUR PET. If your home is not safe for you, it's not safe for them. Locate pet-friendly motels nearby and keep their phone numbers handy. Have three days of food and water for your pet on hand.

Now that you have some assumptions in mind here are some ideas as to what to have in your 72 hour kits...

https://registration.weather.com/ursa/ready/form

Now I know what you are thinking... this is gonna be a lot of work.. but I must say start small... after Tyler and I got married. Our 72 hour kits started in a gallon sized Ziploc bag.. and all it had it it was free stuff we had taken from a hotel room, a sewing kit, shampoo, conditioner, travel sized soap, etc. From there we got back packs: (and no we still don't have everything, but a good start)

That is the next thing to think about... where and what are you gonna store all this good stuff in:

I like the backpack idea, but have figured out... there is a lot of stuff to put in a back pack.. at some point the boys are going to have to carry some of their own stuff, of course a great idea came from my sister in law: she has a back pack for everybody and they are all stored in a rolling tote(Rubber maid hard plastic): so if she can she just throw the rolling tote in the car and go, if that isn't possible they roll the tote as far as possible and then carry the backpacks from there. If rolling isn't a good idea, they put their back packs on and get a move on... Tyler and I love the idea of "rolling with the punches" wheels would make it a lot easier, especially for the elderly who can't carry much! (Of course if sheltering in place is he best option, then you don't have to take your packs anywhere)

I personally have a stroller in my car as well as at home waiting if I need it. with little ones who can't "carry their own weight" this is a must! Carrying your children is not a very good plan if you plan on getting very far or getting anywhere very fast!.. (of course if flood waters are deep-strollers won't work)

So find out what emergencies you need to plan for, how you are gonna store it, and where, then start collecting- most of the stuff you already have around your house. Now for the first-aid kits, the best way to get started is to go buy a kit already put together at wal-mart (or other like stores) they usually cost about $10 and have all the essentials named in the link above.. (gloves, antacids, bandages, gauze... etc) if you want to add to it.. great!.. but it will get you headed in the right direction)

And you have to remember if you are told to evacuate.. do it! There are always thing outside of your 72 hour kit that most people would want to take if the idea is the your house will not be standing there when you get back: (things on my list)


1. the dogs- People and pets are the most important!
2. my pictures- Everything can be replaced except pictures
3. our fire box with all the important documents (some important docs should be in your 72 hour kits too)
4. any extra water

And one hint to always be prepared: keep you gas tank on the top half- you get better gas mileage and you might be able to get a little further if needed.
Oh and other good links to check out:

Ready.gov - they have a great place for kids to "get ready too!"
FEMA.gov - they have a plan for ya
beprepared.com - they have already-made 72 hour kits that you can buy or just steal ideas from

ok so this is already mondo long so I will be adding more posts later: I know there will atleast be posts on car kits, office kits, school kits and the like.. have any specific quesitons about what is stated above or what is to come... just leave a comment for me.. thanks! and good luck packing!

And the winner is...

72 hour kits/ car kits/ office kits/ school kits.. So look for that coming soon! Thanks to everybody who voted!.. I will get on that soon.. Then I might follow up with the household items (room by room) and the food basics (what to store and where).. I haven't decided...

So we are in for it..

A pretty good storm is headed our way. We do happen to be under "hazardous weather outlook" but we aren't under flood warning or watches or under tornado warnings or anything from Hurricane Ike. If Hurricane Gustav had hit like expected I was supposed to see the "biggest storm of my life" but thank goodness for everybody it didn't hit as expected. Hurricane Ike on the other hand is scaring quite a few people and for good reason... It is HUGE! Thank goodness that it isn't as strong as it could be. Anyways.. my whole point is to say.. we are expecting rain.. out of all the things that could be getting us from Hurricane Ike... rain is something I think I can handle... (who knows this could be a whole different kind of rain from what I am used to) How are you doing Kelsey? I know Texas is holding their breathe to see where he will fall...

Anybody else, feeling the effects of Hurricane season?... I have really become a fan of weather.com.. and am learning quite alot about how our weather is effected by what is going on in the "upper atmosphere" Sometimes I wonder what else is going on "up there"...

He is three!

Today was Kevin's 3rd Birthday! Tyler very nicely reminded me where I was three years ago... Thank goodness we get amazing little kids out of all that hard work... As for his birthday... We celebrated it yesterday because Tyler works all day on Mondays, but they did get to talk to each other on the web cam.. We had a Lightening McQueen cake, a few dinosaurs and one very excited kid... A true party! (Pictures to come)


And...


Cameron took 2 steps and didn't fall... he walked from the futon to the pillow to get to.. his older brother! My baby is turning into one amazing toddler...

This is so cool!

So the Church recently came out with a Nursery manual. "Behold Your Little Ones" I love it! Kevin has come home and actually been able to tell me about what is going on a church... So I looked it up and everything is available online.. so now I can help him remember last weeks lesson and get him ready for this weeks lesson... how cool is that? I can even adapt it for FHE.. yeah! Check it out here or go and buy one online.. it is only $5.50 and I am sure I will use it!... If you have nursery age kids it is great.. I especially loved the letter to parents. (especially the" don't bring your kids to nursery when" part...) Check it all out and let me know what you think!

And I came across this today...

Let me know!

Ok so I posted a poll on my Blog.. I need you guys to answer a question for me... Let me know what you think...you have until next Friday to answer.. Thanks! and remember I research stuff all the time so send me your questions!

Why didn't anyone tell me...?

yeah that is right we are in the middle of potty training Kevin (seriously now) and lets just say it has been the biggest roller coaster of my life. Can I get off now? Yesterday he had an accident free day! but the day before that we had like 4 "accidents"! Up and then down up and then down! He loves to go "number 1" in the potty... but number 2 is a problem... guess what I don't want to clean that up!.. grrr! So yesterday.. lets focus on the positive... We went to institute, we went to Wal-Mart, we came home all in Underwear and had no accidents... woohoo! but now he is sick and doesn't want to tell Mommy.... he understands, he just is as stuborn as the rest of this family.. he doesn't want to!.... So how do we get over this "hump" of not wanting to go numer 2?... He is even staying dry during nap time.. Yeeah!... but really.. how do we get to "no accidents"???

And as a side note.. Cameron is trying to walk, falls alot but is trying, he is now crawling off of things by himslef without falling, the couch the bed...etc.. now the house is just a big jungle gym to him!

Grrr...

So we are all sick again... I can't believe it.. now we all have head colds, which means I feel like I am swimming in dirty Kleenex... I can't keep up with three running noses (Tyler usually takes care of his own) Every four seconds I hear "Mommy buggers..." which is my cue to come clean some up... Yuck... sorry to share.. was that to much information? I think I am gonna starting blaming the great state of Oklahoma for doing this to us.. ( I don't know how it is the states fault but I have to blame something!) just kiddin!

3 month supply -extras (5/5)

So on top of stuff you need in all your recipes it is a good idea to have this type of stuff lying around for good measure!

Drinking Water!!
Bleach

Baking powder
Baking soda
Cornstarch
Oil & shortening
Corn meal
Yeast
Spices
Bouillon
Things that your family always needs: ketchup, mustard, toilet paper..etc

As well as having a financial reserve..

So what else have you stocked up on for good measure? As always... fill me in on your secrets so others can partake!

Next series?... should it be on good household items to keep around?... any other ideas?

3 Month Supply- Snacks (4/5)

Now I know this is the one you all have been waiting for... because well, I love snacks!

So the easiest great recipe I have snack wise is:

Cake mix cookies
1 box cake mix- (any flavor our favorite is white)
2 eggs (powdered work just find)
1/2 C. oil

Mix all together drop by tsp on to baking sheet bake at 350 for 8 min (just a little brown around the edges)

I am always trying new cake flavors with different mix-ins- butter sctoch chips, heath chips, nuts, anything really (this recipe is one of 1000 reasons why I hope to have 52 cake mixes in my food storage one day)

Chex Muddy Buddies or puppy chow (whatever you wanna call it)
9 cups chex mix
melt: 1 cup choc chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 c margarine
1 tsp vanilla
pour over chex
once good and covered pour 1 1/2 c powdered sugar over and shake well.

Best Brownies
1/2 C butter/margarine
1 C. sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 C flour
1/3 C Cocoa
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Heat oven to 350 grease 8 or 9 inch square pan
Stir together butter sugar and Vanilla, Add eggs beat well with spoon, stir together cocoa, baking powder and salt, gradually add egg mixture, beat until well blended stir in flour, spread evenly into pan
Bake 20-25 minutes or until brownies start to pull away from sides.
They are so good... do not double the batch! it doesn't turn out the same! doesn't even need frosting!

I also gave one of my favorite snack recipes in an earlier post see here. I have plenty more including a wonderful sticky bun recipe but I figured that this would get us started... more emergency preparedness coming soon... do you have any questions or suggestions... let me know!

11 Months old...

I can't even believe it.... he is 11 months old... the little daredevil is reaking havoc everytime I turn around.. and then he just grins cause He know it makes me melt... With Cameron on the verge of walking and becoming more independent he still loves to cuddle (thank goodness!) I can't believe within in the next month I'll be a Mom a a three year old and a one Year old, man I feel old!... well, just a quick glance at the smile that makes me melt..

Yuck...

I hate being sick... I hate it when my kids are sick... its gross and I don't like it one bit, yep all of us had it, some worse than others, either way, it's no fun... and we still aren't 100%...yuck...

3 Month Supply - Lunch ( 3/5)

So for lunch it doesn't seem probable to have 3 month supply of bread around (although it does freeze well), so I have all the stuff to make 3 months of bread, including 3lbs of yeast that I store in the freezer... on top of the bread stuff it is really easy to store the following:

Tuna, canned chicken, canned ham- the stuff you buy in the store now has 2011 or 2012 exp dates
Miricle Whip/ Mayo
Peanut butter (or other nut butters)
Jelly
Cheese (can be frozen)(for those die hard grilled cheese sandwich eaters-Tyler)
Butter(can be frozen or canned)
Canned soup
Canned/dried Fruit

Basically I have sandwiches or soup planned for lunches, but I was thinking the other day that Tortiallas store pretty well in the freezer and we could could have wraps as well. I Always think to throw in a fruit on the side- dried or canned- it will help off set nutirents you aren't getting in the event of an emergency, or loss of job or whatever else comes our way! I have been thinking that maybe I could have the stuff to make pasta salad (simply salad in a box or just noodles and italian dressing) for side dishes or even crackers for the kids- What do you think? Have anyother ideas for me? ( and bags and bags of chicken nuggets not an options-(Kevin)

3 Month supply- Breakfast (installment 2 of the series of 5)

So for breakfast I have things like:

Add water only pancake/waffle mix
Syrup (sugar water flavoring)
Canned apples to put on top of the waffles
All the stuff for granola

Powdered milk
Frozen/ powdered juice
Canned/frozen fruit ( have to have fruit some where)

(and yes this is the same recipe I posted earlier)

Granola

Mix:

4 cups regular oats

4 cups quick oats

½ cup wheat germ

1T. Cinnamon

½ cup chopped almonds

½ cup brown sugar

½ flaked coconut

½ cup powdered milk

½ cup honey

½ cup light corn syrup

1 ½ tsp. Vanilla

2 T. Water

Melt wet ingredients in microwave 1 min; stir halfway through.

Pour over dry mixture

mix.

Pour into two shallow baking pans and bake until lightly toasted, for chewy granola 15 minutes, for crunchy 25-30 min.

(300 degrees) Add dried cranberries or raisins… eat plain or in milk!

Breakfast for us would be a little monotonous (although we all love granola and Tyler loves pancakes and waffles)... what do you think I could add? (adding bags and bags of malt-o-meal cereal... not an option(sorry Ty)

3 Month supply- Dinner

So lots of people haven't heard that the Church has changed their stance on the 1 year supply thing. They no longer wish us to have one year supply of the basics, they want us to have three months of the stuff we eat everyday and then 9 months of the basics on top of that. ( the good thing about this is everything rotates pretty quickly) So I am going to start posting some of the recipes that I have been stocking up on as part of my Three month supply. If you have any easy recipes that use shelf stable ingredients and use some the basics(rice, beans, wheat...etc.), leave them in a comment for me and everyone else can partake! The way I did it was to start with dinner and choose 7 meals that I can make 12 times. (7 days in a weeks, 12 weeks in 3 months) So I can easily grab an extra of something I need for these recipes every time I head to the store. (I try to choose things that can store on a shelf or in the freezer, I try not to use recipes with sour cream, eggs, and milk, unless I am willing to used the powdered kind.. cause who knows what kind of conditions we would need these things in.

Now for 4 of my dinner meals I chose my Sweet & sour Chicken with rice, my homemade chili and corn bread, spaghetti or other shaped pasta with bread sticks, and Taco chip dip. I always stock up on frozen vegetables when they go one sale (canned works too) so that in the event we had to live on this stuff we could get some vegetables in with dinner.

Let me know if you have any good ones! Down the road a little, I will post what I have done for breakfast, lunch and snack time...(even adults need snack time) So stay tuned!

1. Sweet & Sour Chicken
8 oz apricot preserves
1 C. Catalina dressing ( I heard the Russia dressing works well too)
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
mix together and pour over chicken breasts and bake at 400 degrees until cooked through,serve on top of rice and with vegetables (stir fry mix is always good with this one)

2. Homemade Chili
Brown 1/2 to 1 lb of ground beef (or buffalo if you have it) drain, add:
1 can (15-16oz) dark red kidney beans (rinsed)
1 Can tomato soup
1/2 can water
1 TBSP chilli powder
onion or onion powder to taste
(feel free to add stuff like frozen corn or anything else you like in your chili)
Warm through and serve with cornbread

Cornbread
Mix:
1/2 C. Whole wheat flour
1/2 C. White flour
1 C. Corn meal
4 TBSP sugar
1 TBSP baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

then in seperate bowl mix:
2 eggs
1 C. milk
1/4 C. oil

Stir wet and dry ingredients together just til moistened, (the less you mix the better)
Bake in greased 8X8 pan at 425 for 20 min or until toothpick comes out clean

3. Spaghetti or other shaped pasta
boil noodles, serve with sauce of your choice, I serve with bread sticks.. see below

Bread sticks
preheat oven to 350
add 1 TBSP yeast to 1 1/2 C. warm water
inseperate bowl mix:
2 TBSP sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3 1/2 to 4 cups flour (use whole wheat white or a mixture of the two)

Blend together and let rise for 10 min (if you have time if not just keep going) spread in to shortcake pan and bake for11-15 minutes then use a pizza cutter to cut into "sticks"

if you want to make spread, mix:
1/4 C. butter (melted)
1/4 C mayonnaise
1/4 C. Parmesan Cheese
1/4 tsp parsley flakes
1/2 tsp garlic salt
spread on top of bread sticks after baking

4.Taco Dip:
Brown 1 lb of ground hamburger (if you want to add taco seasoning go ahead)
while your doing that, in 9x13 pan spread a large can of refried beans into the bottom of pan... once the meat is cooked through place that on top of the beans, then spread a layer of salsa on top of meat then throw on a layer of cheese (cheedar or Mexican blend) on top of the salsa, then spread a layer of sour cream on top of that, cook in the oven at 350 for 15 minutes until warmed through... serve in tortillas or on tortilla chips.. a great frozen meal or for leftovers...

So let me know if you guys try any of these out, if you have any great recipes you are stocking up on, or if you want more!

I got a new toy!

That's right I got an iPod touch... For FREE! Very cool... I use it for my grocery list, email, calendar, etc. I am using it right now...to post this! More layers -cat

Oopps...

So a while a back I promised a picture of my van.. this isn't a very good one but you get the idea

My little dare devil...

Oh wait, haven't I had a blog about this very same subject before?.. Oh wait... this is about my second dare devil...I am really in for it now.. This is how I found this little guy today.. he had crawled out of his high chair, which you see is at his feet he had one foot still on it and his belly laying on the table,(I even made Tyler take the picture) I think he was trying to get to the toast that was on Kevins plate on the table but I can't be sure, All I do know is that when I walked around to corner and found him like this, I about peed my pants.. we were so lucky he hadn't fallen yet. and I know you are thinking, lock that boy in that high chair, but there is no belt to lock him in with... I know between my two little daredevels, I better stay on my toes.

So at church I ended up in the foyer with both of my kids during Tylers talk, and although Cameron was being great in someone else's hands, Kevin was being Kevin and didn't want to be quiet or sit still, I actaully got a few comments about being the fastest mom ever!... I think I will take this title and run with it.. pardon the pun... so if you ever find your self with two little boys running in opposite directions that best advice I can give you is, have good runing shoes (even at church) make sure they will stay on at all costs and run after the fastest one first, unless the slowest one is right next to you and then you take him with you...:) (Nicole knows what I am talking about.)

Here is he is fully belted in, ready for a walk! (I just thought the pic was cute)(See Gig, here is my sit and stand!)

Candied pecans

So here is the recipe we will be trying out with the pecans.. I was at a former teachers house in high school (Hi Jones!) when she made these amazing pecans and well, this looks like the same recipe so we are gonna try it out... I let ya know when that time comes around..

Candied Pecans

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cold water
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pound shelled pecans

Combine all ingredients in a skillet except pecans. Simmer for 4 minutes or until mixture spins small thread from spoon.

Remove from heat and stir in pecans. Continue stirring until syrup forms a sugar coating over the pecans. Gently separate nuts while cooling. Yields 1 pound.

It's Over!

That is right, we talked in Sacrament meeting today and it is over! Whoo hoo! I think I actually made it 7 minutes! Tyler actually congratulated me during his talk for it...it's pretty horrible that neither one of us get's to here the other one's talk because both kids freak out and we end up in the foyer with screaming kids but... oh well. We did end the meeting a little short, so the Bishop had to get up and fill in some time.. I did warn him... he thanked us and said we did great! and that it was his fault, they should have had a youth speaker... oh well. I think I had a pretty good talk(for me) and I even cracked a joke....I don't know if it was funny but I will survive...and it looked like the audience did to!

So I am not sure I posted about this yet.. but we canned apples (it was a blast and they taste wonderful) Lori says she is up for anything in the kitchen and I totally believe here, she, unlike my weird husband, has no use for plain canned apples, so she made pie filling... I even brought a few home!.. they were wonderful! So our next venture in the kitchen will be pumpkin stuff...last year I made some and froze it... but I don't know if we will have the freezer space so maybe I will can it too.. who knows? Then, about the same time, we will be candying some pecans... we have a huge pecan tree in our yard and I have heard they are extra delicious.. so we are gonna try them out. Then I am guessing our next thing after that will have to be strawberries next spring? maybe?.. I don't know.... I do know that we are going to have to keep Lori's son John on retainer or something... he peeled apples for us like a crazy man.. he was so much faster then Lori or me... He said he might have to charge us $.10 and apple next year... but then he liked the apple pie so much.. that just might be his reward!

Anybody have any cool things to try out in the kitchen?.. Lori says she is up for anything.. .and I will try anything with a friend around?... let me know!

We went on a date!

Woohoo!.. that is right, this is our first date (without the kids) is over a year! Our friends.. John and Lori (thanks guys) watched Kevin and Cameron for us and we went out to dinner! and then came home and worked on our sacrement talks.. It was great not to have to worry about how far Kevin was going to run away or how to stop Cameron with his high pitch scream.. We went to Eskimo Joes, a very famous burger joint around here (former president Bush loves their cheese fries) I unfortunatly wasn't feeling well and didn't want more then a bite.. oh well. The Rootbeer float I had was wonderful! Oh, and when we go home to work on our talks I went to look up my last talk so I could reuse my little "meet our family introduction" and guess what... our talks are on the exact same topics that we spoke on last time... how hilarious is that... Aparently the Lord is trying to tell us we didn't learn what we should of last time.. lol. So we started to revamp them a little... but really how funny is that! Maybe I will even make it past 4 min 30 seconds this time...

Anyways the best part of the night was knowing my kids were having fun, and safe.. and when we went to pick them up... they we excited to see me! Kevin came running over saying "Mommy!" (by the way it lasted about 2 seconds until he went back to playing) and Cameron saw me and got a big grin on his face and started jumping up and down.. Lori even asked if he did this everytime he saw me... and the answer is no... he just hasn't been awayfrom me very much! (usually he thinks I am gonna take something from him or dig the dog food out of his mouth and he turns and tries to crawl away!)..lol

Questions...

So can colic leave and then come back? My 10 month old is so cranky.. all the time... I think he is tried or hungry or just wants to be held but no.. he doesn't want anything but to scream! I am gonna go crazy! And what exactly am I supposed to feed him other than crackers and bread. He has 6 teeth but isn't a year old so he can't have strawberries or peanut butter or honey or dairy or anything else yet! He is MR. Independent and doesn't want to be feed, he wants to feed himself! Well sorry bud but all the graduates food has cheese or other contraband items ( I secretly have been forgetting this point just to TRY to make him happy) He eats fruits and vegetables just fine but that last about a minute before he is hungry again! Help! What can I do to make him happy?

Well other than that, Tyler started work on Monday- he is preparing for the course he is going to be teaching starting this coming Monday. He also has his three courses he is taking himself and the research assistantship he is working on with John. Lets just say his plate is full and He is now is college mode....I'm just glad he is ready to get into it. The next four years are gonna be interesting (yes Tyler, I did say 4) I am really glad for these short work days this week (8 or so hours) so the boys could get used to him being gone longer periods of time from here on out. This summer is the most time we have ever seen him and I didn't want to shock the kids.. this way they get used to having Dad "at school" again.

I am excited about our date nights, Tyler has mentioned that he would like to go on a date twice a month and it looks like it might actually occur! We figured this week we should really grab a bite to eat and then sit down and work on our sacrement meeting talks.. yep that is right the Bishop caught us and we are speaking this Sunday on "Being insturments in the Lords hands"- anybody have any material for me?... I told the Bishop that I am lucky to make it 5 minutes up there so he should have a third speaker so Tyler doesn't have to fill the other 35 minutes (although he did do a great job last time) I wonder if he believes me?

Well I best get going... I doubt ignoring the kids is the best way to make them happy.