The not so anonymous cooking haters club

While Josh was throwing together dinner for us tonight I had a thought.

"My poor husband really got shafted."

If he ever decides to trade me in it won't be for a younger skinnier model, it will be for one that feeds him on a regular basis.

I've gone through spurts where I make out a menu for the week and I usually do pretty good for a while but then it fizzles out. I thought about dragging out the cookbooks again tonight but decided instead to search the Internet for new recipes.

I found some recipes that I'm really excited about like grilled lime chicken with black bean sauce, and chocolate mint cupcakes. And since I need a little motivation I thought I would do another cooking week for all you other club members, only this time I will try the recipes first and then let you know what the family thought.

So, get ready folks, I'm going to break out the pots and pans. And use them for something other than mac'n cheese!

I have a camera!!!

I've been dying to get a camera so that I could post all sorts of fun pictures, but I've been so busy and lazy this week that I either didn't have time to post or just didn't feel like it. I'm really not in the blogging mood right now either, but Josh just commented on how long it's been since I posted so here are just a few pictures from our trip to the zoo this week.

There is beauty all around

When there's love at home

Much thanks to the nice man for not being a baby snatcher!

We went to the post office this morning to get stamps because I keep forgetting that I am out and our garbage bill is now past due. And since it was early and not very busy I decided to pull up some counter space and just write out my checks right there so I could get the bills all paid.

James could not stop climbing on things though so I almost packed up to leave but instead decided to use my spectacular parenting skills and invited him over to be my big helper.

After the first bill was ready to go I handed it off to him to stick in the mail slot, only he couldn't reach it so I went over to pick him up. Then went back to my temporarily borrowed office space to write check number two.

About ten seconds later I realized that the post office was really quiet. Much to quiet.

I turned to the left. Then to the right.

"James, where is Macy?"

He shrugged. " I don't know"

You know that panic you get when you suddenly realize you don't know where your child is?

Well, that panic was quickly replaced by an adrenaline rush when the postal worker shouted " there she is, out front!"

Uh, ya. Out front as in out in the parking lot!

I don't know how long she had been out there, but I vaguely remember a man being in the post office and when he left she must have followed him out. The doors are all handicap accessible so they stay open for a few seconds, and I doubt he even knew she was behind him.

When I raced out to grab her he was still sitting in his truck though. Probably waiting for the lunatic lady to realize she lost her kid, because as soon as I went in he drove off.

So of course feeling like a stellar mom, I took the kids to the park to make up for it.

Styling cream of the future

We call it Hold the cookies, just the cream.

Trust me, it's gonna be big!!!

Good music and good exercise

Yesterday I cleaned my house while the William Tell overture (not that version) played in the background and right on Que at about the 8 minute mark Macy came running into the room and started marching around. Then she reached out for me and I just couldn't help myself so I picked her up and we galloped around the room. (something we used to do as kids)

I could actually see myself crouching behind the couch during the slow part of the music waiting for the bad guys to pass so we could come out and run around again. Or maybe my Dad was the bad guy. I don't remember the specifics just the feeling of it. The excitement.

So Dad, the legacy of the horsey song continues.

Seriously, just try and play that song without galloping around. I don't think it's possible.

It's a matter of opinion

First of all let me say "Thank You" to everyone who wished me a Happy Mother's day and commented on what a good mom you think I am. However, here are some questions for you..

Do good mom's get distracted while out in the hall during church and allow their baby to lock themselves in the kitchen during sacrament meeting?

Do good mom's have little girls who "accidentally" kick their cousins in the throat and then tell that same cousin that she "hates her mommy" because she got in trouble?

Do good mom's have boys who knock over their little sister every time they walk by her just because they can?

Do good mom's occasionally allow their children to stand on the table because it's entertaining?

So, you don't have to actually answer those questions because like I said "It's all a matter of opinion."

But I happen to think Yes. Yes they do!

I am a good mom because...

My mom taught me that my children are more important than my things. She taught me that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important gift I can give them. She taught me to have compassion, to love, and to give. And she taught me that moms aren't perfect, but that's OK. Our kids love us anyway!

I love you Mom!

"This is an emergency"

Our bed time routine:

• Get pajamas on


• brush teeth


• read stories


• read scriptures


• say prayer


• tuck kids in bed


• ask what their favorite thing from the day was


• kisses goodnight


• wait 30 seconds for one to come back out for whatever reason they can think up

It used to be little things like another drink or "I'm too hot" but lately it's been getting a little ridiculous. I wish I could remember all the things Samm came out for last night but by the 3rd or 4th I wasn't even really listening. She is very creative though I will give her that.

It has gotten so bad now that we have to threaten with spankings (don't judge, sometimes it's the only thing that works!) and we have to tell them "don't come out again unless it's an emergency!"

Well, I'm pretty sure Samm sat in her room for the next ten minutes combing her brain for what might be considered a true emergency, because she marched herself out with purpose and declared.

"Mom, Dad, this is an emergency!"

"What is it Samm?"

"I have a splinter right here in my toe!"

I turned to Josh. "Splinters are all you."

"Get a needle and my head lamp." he ordered

OK, so the needle was necessary, but I'm thinking the headlamp was more for fun, but I could be wrong. He is almost a doctor after all.

Crisis averted and finally asleep at 9:15

Oh May oh my!

It feels like December right now!

Not the actual temperature, although I wouldn't mind the mercury rising a few notches. No, what I mean is the craziness! When did May become so busy?

For starters, today kicked off teacher appreciation week. And don't get me wrong, I think teachers are incredible, but do they really need a whole week? I mean, I've devoted myself to a lifetime of mothering and I only get one day out of 365 to be appreciated.

And speaking of mother's day because that is coming up quickly and I've got gifts to make and send still, who decided it should be on Sunday? Give me a Friday night at least! That way we can get a sitter and go out. Or does that defeat the purpose of Mother's day?

Anyway, I Failed to mention that my own Mother's birthday also happens to fall on Mother's day this year. And since she is the worlds greatest Mom I need to make sure I put together something extra special for her. I also have a brother celebrating his birthday on the 9th.

After that my presence is required at the elementary school for the last assembly of the year so I can watch Samm's class sing a 20 second song. Then my volunteer services are required for super kids day. What happens when I have more than one kid in school?

OOH, I almost forgot On the 26th Josh and I celebrate 9 years of marriage! How could I forget that? ps. You don't need to get me a gift honey, just help contribute to my new camera fund!

And, once I make it through all that we have the last day of school. YAY! The pool opens. DOUBLE YAY! and Samm has her dance recital. I've already been instructed that flowers are a must!

Wow, you know I actually feel a lot better getting that all down in writing.