Morning Chorus

Ready for the primary program?

We practiced this for family night once, and I was amazed at how fast they learned it! This hymn ("How Firm a Foundation") has become a favorite. They sing it every night before bed, among other times and places throughout the day, including, but not limited to, the bathroom.

Here, Kyle and Lance are on their way to Lance's preschool, starting their day out right.

Baby Blue

... was the color of [his] eyes... I was playing around one day and used Kyle's eyes to make the background color. Unbelievable! ('til you see it.)

Ahh! I love this handsome little man.

Ballet Slippers

When I was just a little girl

I asked my mother, what will I be?

Will I be pretty, will I be rich?

Here's what she said to me.

Que Sera, Sera,

Whatever will be, will be

The future's not ours, to see

Que Sera, Sera

What will be, will be.

When I was young,

I fell in love

I asked my sweetheart

what lies ahead?

Will we have rainbows,

day after day?

Here's what my sweetheart said.

Que Sera, Sera,

Whatever will be, will be

The future's not ours, to see

Que Sera, Sera

What will be, will be.

Now I have children of my own

They ask their mother, what will I be?

Will I be handsome, will I be rich?

I tell them tenderly.

Que Sera, Sera,

Whatever will be, will be

The future's not ours, to see

Que Sera, Sera

What will be, will be...

Today, I was doing one of my favorite daily routines, changing Camille's outfit, when I looked down and noticed her feet posed like this:

... She took another step and made another cute pose:

(photos courtesy of Jace)

(...and darling cute camo booties, from Jeni R.- I love them!)

It's almost a curtsy! I think she likes being on her toes. Will she be a natural-born ballerina? Only time will tell... Que Sera, Sera...

For today, I will enjoy this sweetness...

...as will some brothers of her's...

Winner Recipes from my Mom

Tonight I made a Couscous salad for a BBQ and a few people asked for the recipe. Thanks, Mom! It was a hit! Here it is:



Black Bean, Corn, and Couscous Salad

(I doubled this)



1 (10 oz.) box dry plain couscous

1 (16 oz.) bag frozen white or yellow corn, thawed and drained

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained

4 medium green onions, sliced (white and green parts)

1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced (I doubled this, too, but it was a little spicy, so if you double it, I would keep this amt. the same unless you're into spicy)

Juice of two lemons (I didn't have 2 lemons and used lemon juice from the bottle - but I added the juice of a lime I happened to have)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon salt ( I didn't measure this out, just sprinkled to taste)

Coarsely ground black pepper

cilantro (Optional)

1. Prepare couscous according to pkg. directions. To cool quickly, spread the couscous on a large baking sheet in a thin layer and let stand for 10 minutes. (I just stuck a bowl of it in the 'fridge for about 1/2 hour)


2. Combine cooled couscous, corn, beans, green onions, bell pepper, and garlic in a bowl; Mix gently. Add lemon juice and olive oil; toss well. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 12.


3. I added cilantro, and the recipe also gives these ideas: To enhance the flavor, add a bit of grated lemon rind, minced jalapeno chili, or cilantro.

Also, this is the soup my mom made for my birthday lunch for those that wanted it (Also another hit, thanks, Mom!)



Taco Soup


4 chicken breast halves 1 bunch green onions 1 green pepper
2 cans tomato soup 2 cans enchilada sauce 1 can corn
2 – 4 c. cooked rice 1 c. sour cream 1 c. milk
¼ c. taco seasoning 1 c. grated cheese bunch cilantro
1 can black beans 1 can kidney beans 1 can pinto beans
1 tsp. each chili powder, black pepper, powdered garlic


Stir-fry chicken with sliced green onions & chopped green pepper (or use canned chicken). Cut up cilantro. Combine all ingredients (including liquids in cans) in large pot & simmer on low ~ an hour. Top with tortilla chips & additional cheese.

A First

Today I got a phone call asking if Dr. Martin was available. I told her he was not, and that he is not a doctor. She laughed and told me she had him written down as a med. student, but she knows that he is a future doctor. She was with some job placement company that is sending info. about their program for Jared after he is finished with his residency. Man, they must see something I don't because that seems like forever away! (Jared met them this week during his 4 day trip to Chicago for a medical conference where he met with several residency programs.)
It was fun hearing Jared be called a doctor, even if he isn't. Yet.

4 Months Old!

Taken today for kicks and giggles

It doesn't seem fair that time travels so fast. I'm sad that Cami is already out of the first sizes of her clothes (They were so cute!), and almost is grown out of her 3-6 mo. clothing!

But I'm delighted at how much she is growing. She has gotten strong! She rolls over from her stomach to her back, and almost back to her tummy; Also enjoys sitting up and standing with support. We got the walker out, and Kyle and Lance enjoy playing in it almost as much as she does... when she's awake.

Taken tonight, I guess I didn't realize it was her bedtime already

The sounds she makes when she cannot contain her happiness is so sweet! She is delighted when she is looked at and talked to - loves watching mom talk on the phone. Her big brothers give hugs to her every night and love holding her. She enjoys hearing us sing our bedtime songs and probably can't wait to join soon.

Sweet baby, Camille

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

We celebrated Cinco De Mayo for Family Night last night. Did you know that it actually is the celebration of winning a war against the French that Mexico didn't think they would win because their army was smaller? And I always thought it was their Independence day! (That's actually on Sept. 15th)
So on this night we had Tacos for dinner (Jace shredded the cheese and Lance broke the lettuce into pieces.) and Mexican wedding cookies for desert. The boys loved taking turns chopping the almonds and shaping the dough. Here, Kyle is showing the boys how it's done. It was my first time making these and they were SO YUMMY!

I tried to get Jace to do a Mexican Hat Dance, but he wasn't all that for it.

Wanted: A Neighbor...

Must be able to do the following:

• Holler out the window (from the 2nd floor) when we leave or come home, "Hello!", "Good Morning!" and "Where are you guys going?" even if you're in the middle of brushing your teeth. Those windows are too dark and quiet these days.
  
• Call and ask if my boys can come play with your only son so you can "get things done" :) Never mind that it does at least that for Jenny.


• Quote from scripture how natural my feelings are when I share my trials in life.


• Make dinners with me and teach me quick and easy ideas. Also tell me what I can make for dinner with the ingredients that I see in my 'fridge.


• Make an April Fool's dinner with me. Show by example how laughter brightens the day in any situation.
  
• Be pregnant and due at about the same time as me so we can share the experience.


• Help me survive the winter by letting my kids and I come hang out in your huge living room when it's too cold to play outside.
  
• When you come over, exclaim to Lance, Kyle, and Jace: "Hello, my favorite people!"


• Make cookies for us just because you love us, and you know that cookies ARE MY FAVORITE THING!


• When my water breaks at home, be able to come right over and stay with my two napping boys so I can get to a hospital. In the mean time, explain to your sweet, inquisitive son why Jenny is laying on the carpet in pain while enduring another contraction and also while reminding Jenny to breathe! If Jenny doesn't get to the planned hospital in time, call Jenny's doctor yet again to inform him of the last minute change of hospitals. Oh, my goodness! That was crazy!

Please give me my neighbor back!

(Our housing unit is changing some of their rules. One is that they no longer let medical residents live here. Mandy, along with another resident wife that I know and love, has been evicted from her cozy, comfortable apartment. She moved her stuff, including a newborn and 5 year old, in a matter of 2 days across the playground to a smaller apt. on the 13th floor of another housing unit. Her husband was unable to help due to his very busy schedule as a resident. Neighbors came together to help Mandy with this situation. I don't think there is a woman around here that doesn't absolutely love Mandy. I think she would have made a great pioneer traveling across the plains. For me, she was, without a doubt, an answer to my prayers and worries of how to survive Jared's 3rd year of medical school.)

I miss you, Mandy!

Lance's Favorite Song

and Kyle.

Let me sleep!

Mom, please, just let me sleep!

The Boring Place

Yesterday, when I picked up Lance from preschool, I explained to him the plan: We would go home and get some snacks, books, and small toys to prepare for an errand (We had to take paperwork in to get recertified for insurance. I had already gone earlier that morning, but they needed more paperwork so I had to make another trip.)

"Where are we going?" Lance asked.
"To a boring place." was my quick, preoccupied answer. Better not get his hopes up. I think I have a talent for giving non-well-thought-out answers to Lance. Gotta work on that. I should at least try to be positive and give my children a better outlook on life.

Once we got there, Lance and Kyle sat down by me and set out to enjoy their snacks and things they brought. I was so impressed with how good they were!

Today, when I picked Lance up from preschool, he asked, "Are we going to the 'boring place' again?"

"Nope." (Thank goodness!)

A bummed Lance said, "Why not? I want to go to the 'boring place'!"

I think I've been blessed with children that might be able to create their own great outlooks on life, despite their mom.

Pinewood Derby 2009

Jared began his Family Medicine rotation in Heber this week, and it also happened to be Jace's Spring Break, so we packed up and headed out to a place just 30 minutes away from work... The Cabin!
Here, the boys watch Dad... Ooops!... drill a hole all the way through the car. Meant to just make a hole for the weight. We'll have to fill that in. Probably one of the funniest parts of our cabin trip besides when I found Kyle outside in the snow with nothing on but his diaper!
But that's another story. Back to the Derby car...

Anticipating the next step...

Melted metal pouring into the car - fascinating!

Dad's helpers. Elmer's glue seemed to be a good idea to fill that darned hole in.

Jace trying not to smile as he does a paint job.

Finished product. Model name: LAVA

Let the games begin! Lance and Kyle were awesome cheerleaders, yelling, "Go Lava!" each time it was Jace's turn.

Jared was so funny. Between each race, he added graphite to the wheels. I guess it's s'posed to make the wheels go faster. But Jared's not a competitive kind of guy.

Not that it matters, but the ending results? Jace got 3rd place! He was so pleased! Way to go, Jace!

Easter 2009

Make a Wish Foundation Easter Egg hunt at "This is the Place". Lance asked for a spider balloon, Kyle, a dog, and Jace, a toad.

A closer look at these painted faces: Lance, crocodile, Kyle, monkey, and, of course, a toad for Jace.

Easter Egg hunt at Gramma Kimmy's- my best efforts at a simultanious smile from 3 goofy boys!

Here, Mom, I'll take it for ya! (I think I know who my mysterious photographer is.)

Cami and Gramma Kimmy

Grampa G and Cami

Easter Morning. I guess I didn't get a shot of Jace with his loot, but later that morning he made this great-looking sandwich out of marshmallows, crackers, and candy.

I love purple and yellow together!

Grandma and Grandpa Martin with Cami

The boys love visiting Evan's grave. It's cute and sweet to listen to the things they say to him. I am so grateful for Easter and the knowledge that our family will all be together again.

3 Months

I took these tonight in celebration of Cami's 3 month birthday!

... Already! It's only been 3 months, and Cami has discovered that life is a lot better when there's someone to talk to. She brightens up and coos when anyone comes to smile at her, talk, or to just look at her. And tonight, I think I heard her giggle... twice! I called Jared to listen and she didn't do it again, she was just teasing.

She continues to be a joy to each of her brothers and such a blessing to Jared and I. Oh, and she sleeps 8 hours at night! I'm counting my blessings...

Love Day

Since St. Patrick's Day, Lance has been creating themes for each day. Usually it's something like this:

"Today is gonna be camouflage day. Anyone that isn't wearing camo is going to get pinched!"
or: "Tonight is Leopard night. Anyone that isn't wearing leopard P.J.'s is gonna get pinched!"
Or "Red day" or "Yellow day". Whatever color he happens to be wearing that day. (Those also happen to be his favorite colors. He says he likes, "hot colors") We usually play along because he doesn't pinch hard.
This morning, he woke up a bit grumpy. I told him to come eat breakfast when he has a smile on his face. He said it was hard to smile. I asked him if he needed some love. He said, "Yes" and we had a great big hug. With a smile on his face he said, "Look at my face."
"Your smiling!" I told him, pretending to be shocked.
...And then he said, "Today is Love Day."
And so it is. We went outside and had a wonderful time in the sunshine with great neighbors. When it was time to go in, he came with no complaints about it. He even went to his bed with books for quiet time without any grumpy words. Lance doesn't usually nap, but he is now sleeping at the same time as his little brother and sister.
We need more "Love Day[s]"!

April Fool's!

Today Mandy (my wonderful upstairs neighbor, and also the reason I am surviving through med school :) and I made dinner, er, dessert together for April Fool's Day. Boy, were our families fooled! The kids couldn't wait to have some Strawberry Pie! And Mandy and I laughed our heads off as we made it. It was a great way to add sunshine to our day despite the snow outside in April. Did I mention how fun this was?

Here are the masterpieces.

Look at these happy April Fooled boys :)

Here's the recipe I found from Family Fun website:
Fauxberry Pie

At first glance, a slice of this pie appears to offer something sweet: chocolate filling topped with strawberry whipped cream. But unsuspect­ing diners are in for a surprise.... It's really a shepherd's pie in disguise! Cocoa, molasses, and barbecue sauce give the meat its chocolaty color, while whipped potatoes infused with beet juice complete the deception. The best part of the prank is that you're also making dinner!

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:

"Chocolate" Meat Loaf Filling
1/3 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon dark, unsulfured molasses
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2/3 cup bread crumbs
1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef
1 egg, lightly beaten

"Strawberry" Potato Topping

2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
Salt
1/2 cup canned sliced beets (not pickled)
1/4 cup (or more) warm milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Piecrust
Frozen pie shell (use your favorite brand)

1. Heat the oven to 350°. In a small saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, milk, molasses, cocoa, and chili powder. Set the pan over medium heat and whisk the mixture until it is lukewarm and the cocoa is completely dissolved. Set it aside to cool.

2. Sauté the onions in the tablespoon of canola oil until they are transparent, about 7 minutes.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the salt, celery salt, pepper, and bread crumbs. Then add the beef, egg, sauce mixture, and onion. Thoroughly mix the ingredients using your hands or a wooden spoon.

4. Remove the pie shell from the freezer. (We placed ours in a Pyrex dish to help ensure that the pie would bake evenly.) Transfer the meat to the shell, spreading it evenly with a spoon. Bake it until the meat is cooked through, about 60 minutes.

5. While the pie is baking, prepare the mashed potato topping. Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough water to completely submerge them. Salt the water lightly, cover the pot, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat slightly and cook the potatoes at a low boil until they are tender, about 12 minutes.

6. While the potatoes cook, puree the beets and 1/4 cup warm milk in a blender until only small bits of beet are left in the mixture. Set aside.

7. Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and pureed beets and, using an electric mixer, whip the mixture until it's smooth and fluffy. Add more milk if needed and salt to taste.

8. Spread the whipped potatoes over the top of the cooked meat pie with a spatula, as you would whipped cream, mounding it slightly in the center. Slice and serve the pie while the potatoes are still hot. Makes 8 servings.

Definition of Insanity

Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

(Here’s a quick history lesson from Wikipedia:
“Question: Who first said the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over and expect different results?
Answer: That is often incorrectly attributed to Benjamin Franklin or Albert Einstein. In fact, it is a quote from a 1980s mystery novel (called "Sudden Death") by Rita Mae Brown. Sorry, folks - there's no great genius behind this one.”
Did you know this? I didn’t know that!)

Every morning, Kyle brings his basket of trains into the living room and dumps them in exactly the same spot on the couch, where he hopes to sit and watch his favorite movie, “All Aboard!” (from the Fisher Price Geo Trax that Jace and Lance got for Christmas.) Lance made a good point. Kyle didn’t even ask Santa for a train. He wanted a big fire truck. And now he claims ALL the trains as well. He’s lucky he has nice brothers, most of the time.
But anyway, it has been getting too repetitive for me to ask Kyle to put them back in the basket, which after some persuasion, he does obediently, only for me to find that within minutes they are dumped out at exactly the same spot, where he hopes to watch his favorite movie. You should hear him say it enthusiastically, “I want to watch Aaaallll Aboooooaaard!” It is adorable while, at the same time, touching my insanity buttons. He only gets this movie once a day, if that, but he continues to hope for a different result.
This week in an effort to protect my sanity, I began a new rule of, “No toys in the living room unless you are playing with the one you have at the moment.” And I moved the trains out of the basket in the living room to a box in the boys’ bedroom. They are welcome to dump toys in their bedroom for all their enjoyment and pleasure.
This morning, I caught Kyle sliding a box of toys, including the trains, toward the living room. I told him I was sorry that he may not bring his toys into the living room except for 2 trains.
I was so proud of him for obeying and stopping in the hallway with his box of toys, and continued with my chores, when I heard Kyle dump the toys out right there into the hallway. I muttered, “Thank you for not dumping the toys in the living room, but I would really like to be able to walk in the hallway.” as I carried on my morning routine. I didn't think much more about it, but when I came out of the kitchen a few minutes later, there was Kyle, sitting in his, now empty, box with the toys obediently out of the hallway (and moved into the laundry room). How thoughtful and sweet!



After which he insisted on taking more pictures like this:

Kyle and Lance in Sunday best

Somewhere Special

Today, we were scrambling to get going on a few errands, including Fashion Place Mall where the boys got to meet the Easter Bunny. I really wanted them to move quickly to get ready, and as I rushed to get them going, I explained where we were going a bit absentmindedly, in my efforts to get them more excited to go out.

"Where are we going?"

Trying to think what else I need to get, "Umm... somewhere special."

Lance asked, "Are we going to the Kingdom?"

Got my attention. "What Kingdom? The Celestial Kingdom?"

"Yes."

Although it sounds great, "No, why did you think that?"

"Because you said we were going somewhere special."

"Aww!" (*Hugs*)

How sweet is that? I tried explaining, a little better, what we would be doing today. I hope the mall was special enough. Hey, we went to the grocery store after, where the boys each got a balloon!

Happy Birthday to Me and Cami :)

Today marks my 31st birthday and Camille's 11th week. How 'bout that?


This is me with my party hat. (Protecting my IV- I had tons of blood transfusions) I guess you could say I partied from the start!

But what a great day! Mandy upstairs threw me a party and I was surrounded with wonderful friends and my mom, who brought a delicious lunch along with baby pictures of me!

(Photo compliments of Lance)
Check out this apron! Jeni made it - It matches Cami's Camo booties (that she also made). Can you see them? Or are they too well hidden?

What a blast! I'm so grateful for friends and family that made today so much fun!