February 2014 – Page 2

President’s Day (run, sales and school)

Happy President’s Day! One of the pictures I neglected to take yesterday was of the town right outside of Zion. The entire Main Street was lined with flags, and that helped put us in a patriotic, grateful spirit. On our run this morning, we decided that we would rather lead our very own happy lives than lead the country, and we are so grateful to those who are elected and willing to do the latter.

We went on a run to City Creek Canyon this morning, but since we were both exhausted, we did a lot of talking and walking on our “run.” By the end, Lydia was begging to go to the park, and so Abe took the girls to the park while I showered and did some homework. When they came back to the house, Lydia was a wreck because she did not want to sit in the middle of the messy jogger for even a minute longer. The jogger was full of spilled snacks, sippy cups, random toys, and rumpled blankets. Lydia was screaming and trying to wriggle out of her seat belt when they pulled up to the door. I felt a lot of sympathy because that’s exactly how I feel when the van gets trashed. Maybe she got it from me.

Anyhow, before Lydia’s jogger meltdown, she and Mary had a lot of fun at the park. Mary has started throwing herself off any height she can climb to because she expects Abe to catch her. Abe made me promise to never leave her unattended at the park for even a split second from this point forward. Duly noted.

We calmed down by having a banana swirl party. Here is Lydia pitching in our family effort to get Mary to eat.

Lydia is more successful than her parents.

Then we took a family nap (except for Lydia, who came into our room periodically to do puzzles, ask for food, and color). Then my Auntie Geri called and we got to talk for a long time. I have been meaning to call her for over a month, so it was really wonderful to chat.

And then we took advantage of all the sales at the outlet mall in Lehi. Abe got a whole bunch of new clothes, and I got a sweater and some jeans. I swore off jeans when I discovered leggings last year and made a commitment to myself that I wouldn’t wear anything that’s not at least as comfy as my pj’s. That commitment has been extremely comfortable, but I find myself doing crazy things…like not changing my outfit for days because it’s just too easy to wear what I wore during the day to bed…and when I wake up, guess what? I’m already dressed! So the sad, unhygienic continues until the absolute need for a shower intervenes. Also, I am excited to have jeans that fit.

Then I took my midterm for my concepts and theories class. It was really easy, and I suspect the teachers have a lot of pressure from the administration to spoon feed success to the students as much as possible. I’m not complaining, though.

Then we came home and discovered a package from Balu to the girls! Lydia was asleep, so Mary got to sleep with both new stuffed toys:

February Camping trip

We just came back from our St. George and Zion camping trip. I took ninety-five pictures, so I will try to whittle them down (somewhat) and just post the highlights here:

Our neighbors left us some chocolate covered strawberries on our back porch right before we left on our trip. Here's Mary chowing down at a gas station en route. — Our neighbors left us some chocolate covered strawberries on our back porch right before we left on our trip. Here’s Mary chowing down at a gas station en route. (Lydia just finished hers — with evident satisfaction.)

We borrowed Lydia's friend, Cole, for the afternoon and evening. The first thing we did was go to Abe's cousin's soccer game. — We borrowed Lydia’s friend, Cole, for the afternoon and evening. The first thing we did was go to Abe’s cousin’s soccer game.

Charlie won his game! Posing with the victor.

Then we went back to our campground to set up tent. The kids shared a bag of chips, ran around, and even helped a bit.

It looked a little wonky because we didn't set up the vestibule properly. But it was huge! This is the first time we've used it, and we fit a queen sized air mattress AND a twin air mattress (I have a bad back) in there with plenty of room to spare. — It looked a little wonky because we didn’t set up the vestibule properly. But it was huge! This is the first time we’ve used it, and we fit a queen sized air mattress AND a twin air mattress (I have a bad back) in there with plenty of room to spare.

The next morning, eating granola bars and fruit.

After breaking camp and attending Sacrament meeting, we went to Zion National Park.

Entering Zion National Park. The pictures do not do it justice at all. The majesty, splendor, and vast scale of the rock formations just took our breaths away.

Abe wears an adventure hat, and so Lydia does too. Here she is before hike #1 with a pine cone and leaf.

Abe in his adventure hat. I have so many versions of this picture, and they are all so cute.

Oops! I'm supposed to be taking pictures of the scenery!! — Oops! I’m supposed to be taking pictures of the scenery!!

This is what's behind where we're crouching in the last shot. The kind man who took our picture focused on the people instead of the view (hey! That sounds like someone I know!). — This is what’s behind where we’re crouching in the last shot. The kind man who took our picture focused on the people instead of the view (hey! That sounds like someone I know!).

Double play date, roses, and midterm grades

This morning started off with a double play date. Abe’s high school friends, Jill and Katie, came over with their kids for a couple hours. I love everyone I’ve ever met who went to Abe’s high school, and Jill and Katie are so fun. I laughed a lot and enjoyed the whole time. I sneaked a couple pictures, too:

In spite of what you saw in that picture of Mary, she was incredibly clingy today and basically screamed every time I tried to put her down. I thought we’d passed that phase, but I guess not. She did have a couple rare moments (like the one pictured) where she managed to get distracted by something, but most of the day she spent firmly planted on my hip.

And Abe sent me the most beautiful roses!

And then I did a bunch of homework and headed to class. Tonight we worked on vegetables, and I made veggies tempura (again–this time without incident!) and glazed beets. I also got my midterm back. I got an 84%, which was disappointing. My mayonnaise brought me down, as did my Hollandaise. To my shock, my carrots got high scores. Everything else was kind of mediocre. Oh, well. I guess that means it’s good I’m in school because I have a long ways to go!

I won’t blog tomorrow because we are heading to St. George to see some friends and go camping. I don’t think the campsite has internet, so until Sunday around midnight, adieu and happy Valentine’s Day!

Midterm part 2 and a love triangle

I spent this morning trying to get homework done. I can’t remember much more that happened today, honestly. I think I fed the kids a bunch, read some in my book, played with the kids, and went to school. That’s about it. I didn’t even get a chance to talk with Abe at all, so I have no idea if he had a good day or not. He sent me a super sweet Valentine’s email, but he didn’t mention how his day went in it, so I’m guessing it was good? I hope it was good.

Here are the pictures I took this morning:

We have a love triangle at our house. That is Lydia's cat, Tabitha. Now, Tabitha isn't THE cat that Lydia's obsessed with, but Tabitha's in second place. Mary, however, has developed a recent fondness for Tabitha and carries her around whenever she gets a chance. — We have a love triangle at our house. That is Lydia’s cat, Tabitha. Now, Tabitha isn’t THE cat that Lydia’s obsessed with, but Tabitha’s in second place. Mary, however, has developed a recent fondness for Tabitha and carries her around whenever she gets a chance.

Mary fell asleep at lunch with a graham cracker in her mouth. I ran for my camera, but by the time I got it, the graham cracker had dropped to her lap. She was a little sleepy today.

Abe's aunt, Christina, sent us some Valentine's cookies. I took a bite of mine before I realized that my camera was literally right in front of me. The cookies deserved a photo, don't you think? — Abe’s aunt, Christina, sent us some Valentine’s cookies. I took a bite of mine before I realized that my camera was literally right in front of me. The cookies deserved a photo, don’t you think?

At school today, we had the second part of our midterms. I made a bechamel sauce, minced parsley, did one tomato concasse, and spent about two and a half hours making mayonnaise by hand. Did you know you can break mayonnaise even after it’s come together? I sure didn’t. After an hour of beating, I got impatient and broke my mayonnaise with a couple big squirts of oil. Drat. I think I gave myself carpal tunnel, but another hour and a half later, I managed to rescue my mayonnaise.

Play date, soup and FHE

This morning I sneaked in a trip to the library and grocery store before our fun play date with Paige, Ada, and Liv.

Here are some pictures from the play date:

We did a lot of art: painting, coloring, stamping, and playing with chalk.

Paige brought over some polymer sand that was incredible. It looked and felt like sand, but it cleans up like cotton candy--a no mess kind of sand that just makes you marvel at technology. — Paige brought over some polymer sand that was incredible. It looked and felt like sand, but it cleans up like cotton candy–a no mess kind of sand that just makes you marvel at technology.

Then the girls were so worn out from the fun that they took a three hour nap. Hallelujah. I read a chapter in my book and then proceeded to do the same.

By the time we woke up, I just had time to make some soup, feed the girls dinner, and eat the last piece of last week’s cake before Abe came home.

We finished up with a Family Home Evening lesson on what it means to be children of God. Of course, we ended by playing parachute…

Early Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day! Well, it was for Abe and me. We celebrated early since babysitters are booked on Friday. Pre-date, the day was so relaxing. Lydia was exhausted from all the highs of yesterday and took an almost three hour nap. Mary slept too. Abe got home by 5:15 and we left on our six hour date right away–which just might be the longest date we’ve ever been on.

Here are the pictures from early in the day:

Mary dancing (before her outfit change post-messy meal).

Playing "fish, fish, fish, fish, FREEZE!" We learned this game yesterday, and Mary especially loves putting her hands together and pretending to swim like a fish. — Playing “fish, fish, fish, fish, FREEZE!” We learned this game yesterday, and Mary especially loves putting her hands together and pretending to swim like a fish.

And from our date:

We went to a restaurant called Cedars of Lebanon. The food was amazing. I would love to work here (part time) and learn how to make that yummy food sometime down the road!

Then we tried to go see Saving Mr. Banks, but it was only showing in Layton, and we were late. So we saw Catching Fire instead and have talked nothing but rebellion, revolution, and fantasy lit ever since.

A series of delightful events

Days like this make me wonder why every day can’t just be like today. Why can’t they? I can’t figure it out, but I’m really glad when days like this happen.

This morning Lydia crawled into bed with me and wanted the iPad. I trade the iPad for practice time reciting scriptures, and today I actually recorded her reciting her scripture.

Then we went to a Valentine’s day party at preschool:

Lydia spent the rest of the day going through the valentines from her friends over and over. She had so much fun.

Then I took the kids to Gateway for Dairy Queen Blizzards and some pizza:

Again, this part of the day made us all unreasonably happy.

Then I gathered my courage and took both girls to the movie, Frozen.

This was their first movie, and they loved it. Well, Mary spent most of the movie climbing up and down the stairs and running around the theater while I chased her. Thankfully, there was only one other family in the theater, and they had small kids too. At one point, Mary ran right under the huge screen just as a big boom from the movie rang out. She let out a delighted yelp and ran as fast as her little legs could carry her straight back to me. She’s my little thrill seeker.

Then we came home and took naps. They napped so long that I didn’t have the heart to wake them in time for me to get to class, so I just read all of the class slides and did a bunch of homework instead.

The only low point was when I lost my temper at Lydia after dinner because she was screaming for cake. But that really was the only low point for Lydia and me, and the rest of the day was just a delightful series of fun events. I guess if this happened every day, I wouldn’t appreciate these good times the same way…but really, it would be so nice.

On top of it all, Abe got moved up into a track that positions him for the next round of promotions today, so honestly, every one of us had a great day.

Now it’s time for baths and bed. I think I even have time to read my book tonight. Yay!

Here are some more pictures from the day (mainly for Mom and Grandma!):

Lydia wanted them to see her cat's pink smile. — Lydia wanted them to see her cat’s pink smile.

She spent a lot of time trying to get them to see her cat.

Here's her cat's "pink" smile. He needs a bath... — Here’s her cat’s “pink” smile. He needs a bath…

I did Mary's hair while we were on the phone. Clearly, I need to focus more when I'm attempting pigtails. — I did Mary’s hair while we were on the phone. Clearly, I need to focus more when I’m attempting pigtails.

After naps. Trying to figure out the iPad

Because I don't understand the "less is more" principle when it comes to pictures of my kids. — Because I don’t understand the “less is more” principle when it comes to pictures of my kids.

Olympics obsessed

Church this morning was incredibly inspiring and uplifting. In Relief Society, we had a lesson on adversity, and then in Sunday School, we talked about Noah’s Ark–and again, hit upon the theme of adversity. The whole time I was thinking about Malcolm Gladwell’s recent book, David and Goliath, wherein Gladwell argues that people who suffer great adversity or battle huge disadvantages in life sometimes find the key to their success in those very problems. Noah probably suffered a lot of loneliness and social isolation during the course of his long, long life–but he also walked with God; I wonder if that experience of isolation helped solidify his relationship with God, since God was his refuge.

Speaking of social isolation, we were hermits today. The Andersons invited us over for dinner, but we reluctantly said no because we thought we were going to Suzanne’s family party tonight. I realized too late that I didn’t have time to make the dish I promised to make if we attended, and so we just stayed home and watched the Olympics instead.

I love the Olympics. In the next life, I want to figure skate. I hope there’s a rink and some patient coaches waiting for me in heaven. In the meantime, Mary watched the screen and alternated between lifting her arms in triumph and trying to balance on one leg. Maybe I can be one of those scary moms who lives vicariously.

Here are the pictures from today:

I heart matching (ha! there are hearts in their dress...and Abe's punning has rubbed off on me). — I heart matching (ha! there are hearts in their dress…and Abe’s punning has rubbed off on me).

After we ate lunch, Mary napped and the three of us headed to the basement to make Valentines for preschool tomorrow.

Abe rearranged the treadmill yesterday. I was complaining (again) about how difficult it is to find time to work out, and so now I can! This way I can see the girls, and there's even a TV monitor set up on the wall so I can see what they're doing in the part of the basement that's out of eyesight. — Abe rearranged the treadmill yesterday. I was complaining (again) about how difficult it is to find time to work out, and so now I can! This way I can see the girls, and there’s even a TV monitor set up on the wall so I can see what they’re doing in the part of the basement that’s out of eyesight.

And now back to the Olympics. I don’t want to miss the ice dancing pairs!

A year ago this morning…

I am totally exhausted but Abe, who has been working like crazy all day, is downstairs feeding Mary (again) so I can blog and go to bed. I love him.

I almost missed yoga this morning but thankfully woke up at 5:40 and made it into class by 6. Cynthia met me there, and I was relieved that I didn’t sleep through it, since I forgot to set my alarm last night.

After yoga, I showered at the studio and headed straight to school. I started the day practicing knife cuts, but I had to make up the eggs class I missed Thursday…so for the next three hours I did nothing but attempt to make French omelets and flip eggs. For the record, I make eggs all the time at home, but they are in a nonstick pan, and I flip them with a spatula. Also, I make Western omelets (that are brown and folded vs. yellow and rolled).

In the two hours I practiced, I never once flipped an egg successfully. I had eggs land on the floor, on the range, on the counter, and the ones that landed in the pan either turned funny or got their yolks broken by the fall. It was nothing short of disastrous. I am pretty sure the chef thought I was mentally challenged. The fact that I battle terrific shyness, self-consciousness, and a constant terror that I am incapable of performing the task at hand is no help. I just try to smile and say as little as possible, because when I try to talk, I either stutter or say something monumentally stupid. What’s worse is everyone there is incredibly friendly, and I would love to be friends with all of them if I could work up the courage and wit to talk coherently.

At any rate, here is something I plated (under explicit instruction) at the end of the day:

I came home and laughed and cried a little about the experience with Abe, who was so reassuring. It’s nice to have someone to come home to who is familiar with your weaknesses and can still say positive, loving things. Again, I love my husband.

Then I lay in bed until it was time to go to the Alvarez party for Leah. Carolina, Nefi, and Leah live in Bountiful, so we drove there and spent the evening with them. One of the best parts was that my favorite young women’s leader of all time, Camey Hadlock (Elder Anderson’s daughter), showed up! We chatted the whole party. She is one of my life-long inspirations. She has four kids and is about to start a doctorate program in education and technology, and in anticipation of starting the program, she has published an article in the main journal of her new field. She’s also written much of the new church instructional material for Come Follow Me. She’s just an amazing person who has stayed in touch with the young women she’s taught all over the country, and I admire her so much. Here’s a picture of her posing with Carolina and me. She looks the youngest of all of us (even though she has a teenage daughter while Carolina and I have babies).

Here are some more from the party:

Lydia was waking up from her car ride, and Leah was so cute and wanted to play.

Mary, Lydia AND Abe all wanted pictures taken with the Bubble Guppies:

Midterms, Abe is happy, and our little Olympian

I have to get up really early tomorrow, so just a quick post. I had the first part of my midterm today. I think I made my small dice carrots too small, and I had SERIOUS problems with my hollandaise. Grandma, you taught me to make hollandaise, and I’ve loved it ever since, but the thing is, when I make it at home, I make it in your double boiler. Making it in a mixing bowl over a big saucepan is much more awkward. I scrambled my eggs twice before I finally coaxed them into a sauce.

Abe blew it out of the ball park today at work and doubled his quota at the call center. He is super excited and feeling a little relieved. Today is the second day in a row that he’s surpassed his quota, and he’s feeling blessed and even happier (if that’s possible) to be at his new job. When I told the girls that Daddy had a great day at work, Mary raised both hands high in the air just like she does at the triumphant ending of the book, Potty (where the baby succeeds at going potty and gets to wear undies).

Here are today’s pictures:

Exhausted from feeding my children every two hours from morn until night, I announced today that there would be no meals between breakfast and lunch. This is what ensued. — Exhausted from feeding my children every two hours from morn until night, I announced today that there would be no meals between breakfast and lunch today. This is what ensued.

A little later, they are happy as clams.

Mary is demonstrating her mount/dismount move she's been practicing non stop for the past two days. This is the first step of her mount. — Mary is demonstrating her mount/dismount move she’s been practicing non stop for the past two days (this set-up is next to my bed, which I have occupied almost non-stop for that same time). This is the first step of her mount.

Lydia spent a solid hour coloring her new scripture. Memorizing it was a whole 'nother story... — Lydia spent a solid hour coloring her new scripture. Memorizing it was a whole ‘nother story…

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