Endure (with joy) to the End

Amidst all the whining and crying this morning, I decided the kids and I needed a break. It would have to be together, so I gave them a choice. Walmart or Costco. What a choice huh. In the car I had the music on a little louder than usual to drown out a particularly persistent whiney noise coming from the backseat, and as I felt a headache popping by for a visit, a thought came to my head, "Endure to the end, and do it with joy." Now I'm not saying my life is something I need to "endure", sure there are certainly enduring moments, some days have more than others, but I did it. I took a deep breath (something I was coaching Shayla to do in between sobs), drove to Costco, enjoyed the scenery, and by the time we were all situated in the cart and heading inside the store, the two big kids were giving me hugs and kisses, and baby Liam was almost asleep. The rest of the day has been much more enjoyable for all, and I appreciate the smiles and play noises more than I would have before. I think life IS like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're going to get. But come on...whether it's good or bad...it's all chocolate!

The Little Red Hen

After wiping off months of dust, we pulled out our brand new wheat grinder and decided to see how user friendly it was. After screwing a handle on and placing the hopper on top, I wondered why I hadn't gotten it out sooner...it wasn't as intimidating as I had imagined. The kids each took a turn grinding wheat, and I felt like the proud little red hen that did find some helpers to plant, harvest, and make the bread. The kids LOVED making and eating whole wheat pancakes, and suddenly the stores of wheat in our garage seemed a little more practical. I think I'll leave the grinder set up for a couple days, since we want to see how our whole wheat bread recipe tastes, and the kids will do a few turns every time they walk by. I feel so pioneer-y!!!

What not to eat

Last night I got creative and let the kids make either a pizza or calzone, making and kneading the dough, spreading tomato paste, toppings, etc. We learned measuring and cooking, some of us learned patience (when I noticed tomato paste being scraped under the table and on a light pink shirt). So I'm thinking, this dinner is going to be fantastic! I also whipped up a pasta salad from a box...as a filler. During dinner the kids are beaming as we compliment them on their pizza. Moments later, I hear a spitting and gagging sound, and turn to see Ammon spitting out pieces of pasta salad. "Mom! I can't EAT that! It tastes like...like tires!" Josh and I cracked up, now come on...I can't make him eat tires! :) Funny.

And a word to the wise...if you're going to eat a bowl of cereal, toast, and a glass of milk, don't try to do an intense DVD workout right afterwards. Even if it's the DVD you ordered from Amazon.com that's taken forever to get here and you can't wait to get started. It's not worth it.

My semiannual blip of clean

I finally summoned enough courage and energy to clean the fridge this week. It looks so great I almost hate to put anything in it now. Things are cleaned, rearranged, and up to date. Ahh...the feeling. I just had to share, since it doesn't happen but a couple times a year. Now I just need to tackle the rest of the house. But that's what the rainy season is for, right? Staying indoors and cleaning? I can't wait.

A dream come true

Josh and I went and saw the Phantom of the Opera at the Paramount Theater in Seattle, and it was as dreamy and surreal as I'd imagined. Everyone was great, but the best of course, was the Phantom! Josh had to remind me that the Phantom was a murderer, but with that voice, I don't know ladies...he could sing me to sleep every night if he wanted to. wink wink... It was a great date, Josh was ever the gentleman, opening my door for me, being so sweet. Like usual of course. And the Flanders watched our kids for us...thank you so much!!!

If you ever get a chance to see this production, go and do it. It is SO worth it. I'm looking for someone to head to Vegas with me now and see the Phantom show playing down there. And I'm also looking for the airfare and tickets...anyone?

Frogs and Fire

I decided to grill a few burgers last week, and in the process I saw a little green frog hop onto the grill side burner, so I swiped him up and ran...well...walked quickly into the front yard to show the kids. They loved that little frog and each took a turn holding him, except Liam. Liam tried to eat him. So we agreed to return him to the backyard, and as we were trekking to the backyard, Josh gasped. Serious, it was a gasp. I looked around, thinking I burned the burgers to a charbroiled crisp (it could happen...for sure..) but instead it was something a little more exciting.

Have you ever seen a side burner plate on fire like that? Or a pipe? It was amazing. As Josh was grabbing the hose I grabbed the camera. A true blogger I am! The kids were excited to see a real fire right on our very own deck, and now we have the charcoal wood to memorialize this day forever. By the way, the frog made it home safely and the burgers were great!

Big Zucchini

I had to put this picture in here of the kids displaying our proud harvest from the garden out back. We grew a monster zucchini that survived a massive slug assault and horrible neglect from the gardener. It's our miracle zucchini, and so we treated it as such. It sat in its place of honor on the counter for about 5 days, and now resides in baggies all shredded up and frozen, minus about three cups that ended up in our zucchini chocolate chip bread. I may have to go have a piece of it right now...is it too late to eat?