Speedy Delivery

 Nathan has been having so much fun playing with the presents under the tree.  He organizes them and pretends to hand them out to people. Then he loads them in his truck and delivers them.  This has been such a fun game, I wish I would have just wrapped up some empty boxes a long time ago!  But he knows you can't open them until Christmas.  He will hand it to you and then say, no, no, not until Christmas.  Delightful.

7 Layer Rainbow Jello

My mother in law gave me this recipe years ago, and it is a family favorite now.  Just so you know, I have never made mine look this cute before, but I would like to!  I always do mine in a 9x13 glass dish and then you have to try and cut perfect little squares.  It is still a hit every time!  There are tons of these recipes floating around, and I have tried a couple of others, but it never turns out quite right.  So, if you want a for sure hit, stick with this one.  All of the jello flavors are just suggestions, use whatever you want.  You can change it up for 4th of July or any holiday. 

7 layer jello

#1 Black Cherry

#2 Cherry

#3 Lime

#4 Lemon

#5 Orange

#6 Strawberry

#7 Grape

Mix one layer at a time in a bowl and then pour into serving dish. Make sure you mix in the hot water really well and then add the cold water. Set at least 40 minutes, then do another layer on top.  Continue until you have all 7 layers.

Mix jello #1, 3, 5, 7 with 3/4 cup hot water and 3/4 cup cold water.

Mix jello #2, 4, 6 with 1/2 cup hot water, 1/2 cup cold water, 1/2 cup carnation milk.

Top with cool whip or whipped cream.

Happy Halloween!

Mario's Father, Cowboy, Buzz Lightyear, Moon Knight (a lesser known super hero who works with Spiderman)

Family Carving

 Pumpkin carving is one of my favorite family activities.  The boys all love to participate and do their own pumpkins.  We had fun with my sister's cute family this year. 

Just a little project

All day long

My 2 year old screamed at me for a very long time because he wanted this "cereal". My days begin and end with my fourth child screaming and crying at me.  Apparently I am doing everything wrong.  When I finally do figure out what he is trying to communicate to me, he then changes his mind and there is more screaming and crying.  You know that saying, You get what you get and you don't throw a fit?  My child has changed it to, You throw a fit until you get what you get, and then you change your mind.  Good thing he is so cute or I wouldn't survive. 

It's Both

The first few bites were delicious!  It really tasted just like bacon.  Yum.  Then I started to get disgusted by the smell and greasy film on the roof of my mouth.  Yuck. 

The Best Present

We celebrated Jeremy's b-day.  I am now married to a very old man, and couldn't be happier!  So, to make his day extra special I found this popcorn. I really thought this would be the crowning glory present, you know the one he just couldn't believe I found, and would be so amazed at my ability to find spectacular and unique presents.  I thought it looked so yummy,  Jeremy not so much.  He is very apprehensive about trying this, he thinks it might be gross.  What do you think?  Delicious or Disgusting? 

Labor the Day

We went camping for labor day weekend.  I know what you are thinking, it's not even labor day yet. True. We are planning on spending the holiday laboring around the house.  We finished off our camping season with a lovely weekend in McCall.  The boys finished their first week of school.  Back to school makes me feel grouchy.  Grrr.  I am hoping to get past that icky, panicky, wondering if my kids are going to be ok feeeling this week.  Because all is well. Have a lovely labor (free) day! 

Here we go again!

 Jump!

 The third grader

 The 6th grader, I love Sam peeking.

 Wow, look at that excitment!!  These two have to wear uniforms this year.

 The first grader

Olympic Athlete

So, I am turning 35 in a couple of months and it is kind of freaking me out.  Watching the olympics has made me realize that I am not too old to do this.  This is totally possible for me.  First up, picking the right sport.  You can use this picture as inspiration when helping me choose.  This is me trying to climb a palm tree.

Here are the sports that I think might be good options.  Swimming, I was on the swim team for a couple of years.  I rocked the backstroke.  Cycling is another good option.  I could train with Kristen Armstrong here in Boise.  I am a little worried about getting hit by a car while training, that seems to happen a lot around here.  We just got a trampoline, so that is obviously an option now.  Although, I don't want to be mocked when I make my big debut in 2016.  We also have a kayak, so I figure I can start that training ASAP as well.  White water does scare me a little, but it seems like olympic training is a great way to conquer your fears.  I played frisbee golf once, and really liked it.  I'm sure throwing the discus is very similar.  What are your thoughts?  Where do you see me shining in Rio in 2016?  Lets face it, I'm going to need a lot of support, jump in right now and be a part of my amazing story.

The Oregon Coast

We just got back from a whole week at the Oregon coast.  What a lovely week it was.  Oregon beaches are so beautiful, we loved every minute.  This was a last minute vacation decision and one we will remember for a very, very long time.  I hope you are all getting away too!

Summer Boys