At the Cabin with the Dustins

To kick off our summer vacation...we went to the Cabin with the Dustins! We had so much fun with them. It wasn't as hot this week as it was last year so we were thankful for cool breezes and pleasant summer nights.

Wednesday, Brandon and Kevin enjoyed a round of golf and took everyone but Mandi, Makinley, and I on the 'Head of the Ditch' hike.

On their way back, they raced leaves down the irrigation ditch. Tradition. After lunch, the kids went swimming in the lake. We enjoyed canoeing, paddle boating, and lounging around on the floaties. By the end of the week the little ones were jumping off the deep end of the dock...'the Man Jump', Chaser called it. Love him.

Thursday, Brandon and Kevin enjoyed another round of golf. And after many board games and lunch, we headed down to the lake for more swimming. Brandon and Keving showed the kids what happens when you capsize a canoe. Then they tried to stand on it while it was turned over. We laughed so hard. I finished my book...Wicked! What a depressing book. I'll never read it again and was told it is nothing like the musical. So glad.

Friday, We took the kids fishing...didn't catch anything but a Sucker...come to find out that they aren't fish you want to eat! So Kevin just threw it in the bushes to die. Not a fish you want to throw back in the water either as it steals food from other fish. Not a nice fish.

The kids had fun playing in the sand while we waited for bites and chasing butterflies. There were so many! When we got back to the Cabin after fishing...new sand had been delivered to the lake. The kids were in heaven.

Mandi and I were able to head into town for a 'Girls Day Out'. It was so peaceful shopping without all the kids. Last year, Jenn taught us how to crank homemade ice cream. So this year we took her recipe and tried it on our own. So for our last night at the Cabin we made homemade ice cream. It turned out pretty yummy but I sure did miss Jenn's ice cream. We invited Brandon's cousin, Janelle, and her 3 girls to come over and play games Thursday and Friday night. It was good to get to know her better. Mandi taught us 'Nines' and Brandon and Kevin battled in Sequence and Ace Duce.

We had such a great week! Thanks, Dustins for coming to the Cabin with us.

We had so much fun catching up with you and making fun memories. Next year...your Cabin!

Princess!

You Are Jasmine!

Independent and adventurous. You don't want much; just to break out of the guilded cage society has put you in and experience life to the fullest. Following orders isn't really one of your strong points, and you would rather live a life of poverty than being forced into something that you hate.

Which Disney Princess Are You?
Thanks for the link, Kristi! What a cute quiz.

Cubs in Space

Adam just finished his first year at Cub Scout Day Camp! Three fun filled days in space! He had so much fun. And BONUS...he passed off so many achievements in his Wolf book. Adam is thrilled.

I was able to help on Wednesday with Adam's group and we had a great time together. Adam got to pet a live baby python and a 4 foot iguana. He learned how to shoot a bow and arrow...and was the only boy in his group to hit the hay! He also got to shoot a beebee gun. He was way excited for that! The Cub Scouts played LOTS of water games...made lots of crafts...and learned tons of cool information about Space. Since that was their theme. He can't wait for next year.

Sisters

Sisters, Sisters

There were never such devoted sisters.

Never had to have a chaperone, no sir,

I'm here to keep my eye on her.

Caring, sharing

Every little thing that we are wearing.

When a certain gentleman arrives from Rome

She wore the dress and I stayed home.

All kinds of weather we stick together

The same in the rain or sun.

Two different faces

But in tight places we think and we act as one... uh-huh.

Those who've seen us

Know that not a thing could come between us.

Many men have tried to split us up but no one can.

Lord help the misterWho comes between me and my sister

And lord help the sister who comes between me and my man!

Father's Day!

As I sat in church, yesterday, listening to the talks on Father's, I was able to relect upon my own father.

My dad, Luis Enrique Sanchez-Rivera was born in Puerto Rico in the 1940's. When he was about 7 years old, his family moved to the United States and settled in New Jersey. This is where he met my mom, married, had my sister and me. Dad was in the 82nd Airbourne Division in the Army. The military took us many places like California, Texas, and North Carolina. My dad took several different languages courses while in the Army...Russian, Polish, German...and I remember him eating Polish Sausages for lunch with mustard and lots of Saur Kraut. I can't spell. I remember seeing him in his Army BDUs. I remember that when he got out of the military he wanted to move the family to Missouri.

We called it Misery. He went back to school to get his Masters and taught Spanish at a high school. Missouri is where most of my fondest memories are of my dad. He taught me to play basketball. I love basketball. Back then I played for the middle school and Junior High teams so height wasn't an issue for me. However, my dad taught me that I would have to be quick and a good shot to succeed. I remember practicing with him and it seemed like he never missed a shot. It was incredible.

Once my team was playing in a tournament and one of the games fell on Sunday. He told me that I could choose what to do. Well I chose poorly and decided to play on Sunday. He took my agency away from me and told me that I had been taught to keep the Sabbath day holy and playing basketball on Sunday was not the right decision. However, he did let me go and cheer my team on. Some of my teammates were mad at me...they lost...I felt terrible. I know my dad made the right decision for me because I think of the choices my children are making now...and they are so much more righteous than me. They know that we don't go to birthday parties on Sunday...or attend baseball practices on Sunday...and I am thankful for that. I am thankful for my dad teaching me that at a young age and for making the correct decision for me so that I could teach my children to choose the right.

My dad is battling Dimensia now and doesn't remember a lot. Sometimes he forgets that I don't live near him or he forgets the names of my children. This can be frusterating for him and me...but as long as I have those memories...I can share them with him. What a blessing that is to me. And will help me to remember him. I have been so blessed with a father who loves me. I have never had to think twice about that. He's always been there for me when I've needed him and I love watching him with my kids. They love him so much. One Christmas, Kennidy came to me and said, 'I know who Santa Claus is!' I was stunned. 'Who is it?' I asked. 'It's Grandpa Sanchez!' A couple of years later when she was carpooling to school...she informed all her friends that her Grandpa was Santa. She's convinced all our kids that Grandpa Sanchez is the really Santa Claus. I love it.

Happy Father's Day, Dad! We love you.

Two Babies and a Wedding

It was so nice to spend time with my sister and her new little ones for a week. Scott and Andersen came home from the hospital about 3 weeks ago and are almost 5lbs. each. They are so tiny. And both so different. Scott has a nice olive complection with dark hair and a very easy going attitude. While Andersen is fair with light hair, including a receeding hair line...poor boy, and tends to be a bit more up tight. He loves to sleep and if woken from his sweet slumber is a very cranky baby. While Scott wakes up every 3 hours on the dot. Both are skinny and sweet and I really enjoyed helping out with feedings, burping, and changing diapers. And as much as I loved helping...I was glad that it was just helping. I am getting too old for midnight feedings and such. I was so tired one day that I went to take a short power nap one day and ended up sleeping 6 hours. But then I was ready for the night feedings. We also did a photo shoot with these little ones in their nursery. I loved the way this room was painted. You did a great job, Amanda. And once the room is finished those little boys will not want to leave it. So cute. Each wall was painted a different color to match the crib bedding. A brick red, apple green, sky blue, sunshine yellow, and a deep chocolate brown. And 2 half walls that my sister painted with chalkboard paint. Oh I just loved it. I miss our toy room but know how I can paint the next one! Here are a couple of sneak peaks. Those boys were super cute. Anderson even pooped in my sister's lap.

And my brother, Lehi, got married the weekend I was there.

So happy to be home. I really missed my family. I always say that I need a vacation but sometimes just saying it is enough. When it actually comes around to leaving...I really do miss them. Thanks, Honey, for taking good care of everything while I was gone. Love you.

Mazatlan, Mexico

Okay I know you are all probably tired of my blogging about M and Del Sol. But you don't have to comment...this is my journal and one day she will read it and I just want her to know how proud and excited I am for her about this. It's exciting to see your child's face in a magazine or on a STORE FRONT! So this post is really for her. I love you, M! This is the Del Sol Store in Mazatlan, Mexico. So exciting.

Seasons Ending....School, Sports, Spring

Last week...

Wednesday: Super Student Awards- K and A both received the Super Student Award...and I accidentally deleted their pics before I downloaded them to my computer from my camera, idiot! This Award is given to students who got 6 out of 8 Student of the Months. We are so proud of A and K for working so hard this school year. They have both done really well. They don't award Kindergarteners but M did exceptionally well this year and we are just as proud of her!

Friday: 4th Grade Math Olympics- K was a little nervous but she did really well. She was glad she got out when she did because she didn't want to be faced with the hard division!

All Star Soccer- K made the All Star team this year and is really excited. Their first practice was great. I am sad I won't be able to watch her game but I am looking forward to her telling me all about it.

Ten kids- We had K's 2 friends over after school on Friday until 7. And the Workman kids (4) while their parents went to the temple. They were all so good and played really well together but man were they loud. Loud laughter! When Brandon came home I met him in the garage and said, 'I am so glad we don't have 10 kids!' He surprised us with 2 new movies. 'Little Rascals', can't get enough of this movie...so cute...and 'Night at the Museum'. Both really good movies. When I came home from K's soccer practice the kids were watching 'Mary Poppins'. The little girls were really into it but the boys just wanted to play the XBox. Sorry guys...maybe next time.

Saturday: Soccer and Baseball. K's team played the Hammerheads again. Last time the Hammerheads beat them 6-0. This time around they tied 1-1. I was so proud of all of them. They did awesome.

The Indians, A's team, played their first playoff game and won 6-1. It was strange the first 4 innings neither team was hitting. All strike outs. Our guys kept asking when the game was going to end and I told them, I was dug out mom, 'In the playoffs teams play until someone wins (they were tied 1-1)'. So they upped their game. They made 5 runs the next inning and prevented any runs to secure their win in the last inning. It's amazing what a little motivation will do...someone has to win!

Monday: Talent Show. M's kindergarten class sang and danced to the cutest rock rendition of Itsy Bitsy Spider. They all wore black and made these cute spider hats. So cute.

K played 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow', a new composition by her piano teacher, and she did really well. I was so pleased.

Then her 4th grade class performed 'American Rap'. Too funny.

A's friend, Timothy played his violin with Mrs. Kotik...Koby and Emma sang 'I Am a Child of God', so sweet...and the Fraser brothers (aka Sibling Rivalry) rocked out closing the Talent Show. It was so fun to see all the talent.

Tuesday: Fun in the Sun. Today the kids will get to play...ALL DAY LONG. I'll let you know all the activities they had when I get the report after school.

Spring is going and Summer is coming. I can't wait! We have May Flies and I hate them. All over the house and hovering over the lawn...when it gets hotter...they leave. Or so I'm told. It can't get hot quick enough. We are enjoying our spring and we love this weather. Same as Utah so far.

Bowling

The 4th graders went Bowling for their last field trip of the year. I am not a good bowler but K and Marleah did so well. I let M and F tag along and they loved it as well! F was so cute too. He would grab his ball, 6 lbs., and carry it to the line...then roll it down the lane. Thank goodness for bumpers! Most of the time his ball would go really slow then knock down 2 or 3 pins. But no matter how many he seemed to knock down it was always, 'YES! I did it!'. And we would all give him a 'high 5'. So cute.

M was way cute too. She would get her whole body into it. And she did really well. After every roll she would come check the monitor to see how many points she got.

K and Marlead were a bit competitive but for the most part they were just like 'oh well, if I knock some down that's good'. Too funny. After we finished our games we got cinnamon rolls and pretzels. I love soft pretzels with mustard. So yummy. And the cinnamon rolls were so big. We had a great time with them.

Memorial Day Weekend

This was what our Memorial Day weekend looked like. Cloudy...Rainy...Cold. Saturday we had planned to go hiking with another family in our ward. But when Saturday rolled around there was snow in the mountains and rain on the valley floor. So we went to plan B. Kickball at the church! We had so much fun! Then it was over to the Workman's house for hot dogs and a movie. National Treasurer 2. Not as good as the first one. We bbq-ed our hot dogs over an open fire (aka. wood burning fireplace) in their living room. It was cool. The kids felt like we were really camping but enjoyed being warm inside while roasting their dogs. We even roasted marshmellows for some yummy S'mores! They were sooooo good. I didn't used to like them when I was younger but these marshmellows were so yummy. Thanks kids! You did a great job.

Sunday, we had some really great talks about our country and those who have served in the military to protect our freedoms. It seems that lately our soldiers have been fighting for the rights of others but still...I am so thankful for all who serve to keep our freedoms in tact. I have so many freedoms I enjoy everyday...some that I take for granted or utilize without realizing...how blessed we are to live in this promised land. I am so grateful for this land, America.

Monday, Brandon and some guys went golfing. Thanks to Brian's FREE golf pass...they didn't have to pay a penny. That's what I call a Great Golf Day. While the guys golfed, I took the kids to the gym with me. Then it was home to clean the house, weed the front yard/landscaping, and mow the lawn. And thanks to Lynette's help with the lawn mower last year...I was able to mow the lawn for Brandon. He was so glad not to have to do it. He doesn't mind it but it was a nice surprise. The weather was still cloudy but by 3:30 the sun made a special appearance just in time for our Memorial Day BBQ. The Workmans and the Baileys came over and we had some really yummy food and the kids and dads played Freeze Tag outside. I was so happy that they were able to enjoy the backyard. I was worried with all the bugs that have been back their but due to the rain and cold...I haven't seen any bugs. The rain is good for a few things.

Snake Charmer

Field Trip! A's class went to the Snake and Insect Museum in Reno yesterday. They saw lots of insects like Preying Mantus, Centipedes and Milipedes, Scorpians, and Tarantullas! Then the snakes. This is A with an albino Python. He really enjoyed holding this large snake but would not hold the centipede. To funny.

Beehive Bread

K is doing a 'Shoebox Project' for school. She chose to do her project on Utah. She's aquired lots of postcards and picture books from her Grandma Creswell to put inside her box. She has decorated it all by herself. I was very careful not to take over. This was very hard for me. And she did a great job on her box.

Since I have been making bread, as of late, I thought it would be fun for her to bring in some 'Beehive Bread', as part of her project. She loved the idea when I showed her a picture of the bread. It's only called 'Beehive Bread' because of the shape. If you flip it over, one could use it as a basket to put chips in or rolls. I thought it looked really cool so we decided to try it. And here it is. It was more work than I originally thought but we are going to make another one on Thursday so she'll have a fresh loaf to take to school. Doesn't it just make your mouth water? I can't wait to eat it for dinner! Yum.

Going International

My SIL, Emilie sent me a book today. On every cruiseline in the world that Del Sol advertises with...in each cabin there is a advertisement book. M has a page in this book.

She was so excited when I showed her...HER! She said, 'That's Me!' Thanks Em for this keepsake. M asked, 'Could you make a copy of this page for me, Mom?' I then told her the book was hers. 'I get to keep it?'...Yes! F was excited for her and said, 'Take my picture with her!' Too cute.

Another Saturday

Saturday was once again filled with a soccer game and a baseball game, cleaning the house, a Primary Activity and playing in the sprinklers.

K's soccer game was very interesting. It was Silent Saturday. All the coaches and parents couldn't talk. We couldn't talk to our players, except for before the game, subs, and half time. If anyone spoke to the players they were given a lollipop to stick in their mouths. I wish I had my video camera because we all looked like a bunch of fools trying to use our best hand signals and facial expressions. The Minatuars did a great job the first half. The second half they did an okay job. The game ended in a tie 3-3.

A's baseball game was good. It was hot and we sat under the only columner tree out there. A did a great job. We still have to work on staying away from the high pitches... The other team was on fire! Wacking the ball to the out field every time..they were really pumped and it was kind of hard for us because we were short players, our coach is a lazy @#!*@, has to work every Saturday, so his 2 kids don't come! I have issues with him. Anywho...the kids did really well. Brandon has been able to help on Saturdays with warm ups and base coaching. I think he really enjoys doing that. He's really good with the boys.

While the kids went to their Primary Activity, I worked on my temple dress and Brandon washed the cars. F played XBox. When the kids got home they pulled out the slip and slide and tried to beat the heat. They were successful and didn't want to come in for dinner. They were out there for 3 hours.

This is how I found F. Trying to get warm. Silly boy. I just love him. Yes, that's a snow sled.

Pregnancy Q & A

Ang made me LOL today when I read this email. So funny. Thanks Ang.

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.

Q: I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.

Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A: So what's your question?

Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural ?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q: Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word 'alimony' means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q: Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

I needed this today! Brandon devised a new plan for A to earn money for Indiana Jones legos. He told A, 'I will give you $2.00 everyday you don't make your mom yell at you.' I laughed. I told A he better have a plan. It all started last Friday. He didn't have a plan. So I typed one up for him and made him sign it.

Saturday after we asked him to follow his plan, he says, 'The plan doesn't include Saturdays and Sundays!' Brandon was the one who yelled at him Saturday so he still got his $2.00 because I didn't do the yelling. He was doing really well Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. So he's got $8.00 now and today I thought...if he wants to be stubborn and defiant...let him. Two can play this game. I was controlling myself so well and for what? For him to be defiant and disrespectful again. I told him, 'Just because I'm not yelling at you doesn't mean you're making good choices. You will not get your $2.00 if you keep this up. I will get your $2.00.' He grunted at me. Then came the spanking...still no obedience...then I decided...yes, I decided, to also choose poorly. I yelled. So now who gets the money? Brandon.

Happy Mother's Day

I am positive there are millions of quotes about mothers...

that express how important your role is.

But I thought I'd keep it simple.

Each of you have been placed in my path at different times in my life...

to help me become a better person, mother, and wife.

Thank you for inspiring me...

teaching me...

and being a friend...

Happy Mother's Day.

Slugger

We love baseball. Yesterday, Brandon and tossing the ball back and forth, getting A warmed up for his game. Throwing the ball high into the air, A was ready to catch a pop fly. The ball came down, bounced off A's mit, and nailed A in the lip. Blood everywhere.

I came home from K's soccer game to find Brandon's truck in the garage. I asked him where A was and he said, 'You didn't get my message?' He then tells me to take a look at A and see if he needs stitches. 'Stitches!' I think. I go look at my son layed out on my couch, watching Indiana Jones, with a pack of ice on his lip. It was definitely split and, yes, needed stitches. So Brandon took him to the ER and A came back with 2 stitches. Way to hang in there, A!

Feeling Domestic

Okay in all my married life I have never made jam. I know, I know, it is super easy and yummy and I should have done it many many years ago. So yesterday, F and I took a trip to Wal-Mart to buy the necessary items for freezer jam. I bought the most delicious strawberries at Costco and just needed pectin and ziplock bowls. I got a No Cook Strawberry Freezer Jam recipe online and got to work...after the kids were in bed of course. It was so easy and fun. I loved it. Thanks, Jen for inspiring me. Feeling domestic.

Sunday in RS, our RS pres. talked about different aspects of being prepared. She first touched on gardening. So while I was at Wal-Mart, I bought 2 tomato plants. I am really excited to see if they produce anything. I have tried growing them from seeds with no success so I am hoping that this will work. I potted them in organic soil and manuer and gave them plenty to drink. Last night I brought them inside because it's still too cold for them. Feeling domestic.

I am really excited to try my jam but don't have bread worthy of it so I am making bread today. I have really enjoyed my KitchenAid and have made lots of dough. I freeze lots of it too which I have never done but love that I'm not wasting any of it. It's really nice because I just pull it out in the morning and we can have pizza rolls for lunch on homemade wheat bread. So good. So today I am going to make white bread. Warm homemade white bread with butter and homemade strawberry jam will be a delicious treat. My mouth is watering. Feeling domestic.

A Gift From Us To You...& From You To Us

Lynette, you will totally understand my excitement about this post.

Yesterday, I went to the mailbox to collect my weeks worth of mail only to find a package addressed to me from my grandmother. I love packages. Any kind of mail for that matter. So as soon as I got home I opened it. I had no idea what she might be sending me. I ripped open the large envelope and pulled out this.

What is 'this' you ask? Well let me tell you a little story.

Christmas 2006, I was struggling what to get family. Lynette had a wonderful idea! History journals with questions in a jar. She showed me her crafty way of making it look cute....and I can't resist crafty cute ideas...so I asked her to help me. We decorated simple notebooks with scrapbook paper, love scrapbook paper, and ribbon. I added black and white wallet size photos of my family in 2006 to the divider pages and fun vintage clip art as well for a custom look and feel. Then we downloaded geneaology questions from sited online and cut them into strips, put them in a jar, made a special label for the jar, and decorated the top. For Christmas, each on of the grandparents & great grandparents received a notebook and jar. I was so excited for them. Some of them weren't excited about the challenge I gave but none the less...I want my children to know about their grandparents.

365 questions later...my grandmother is the first to complete this book. I cried when I saw what it was and flipped through the pages to find her handwriting, photos, and drawings.

This is such a wonderful priceless gift that I can share with my kids. K was flipping through it and found a song that my grandparents wrote and composed together and I sat down at the piano and plunked it out. Every few minutes K would come in my bathroom where I was getting ready for the day and say, 'Mom, look at this.' 'Mom, did you know Great Grandma Gore was in the military?' 'Mom, look it's Great Grandma's wedding picture.' and 'Mom, Great Grandma looks like Aunt Abby in this picture' (I didn't have the heart to tell her that Great Grandma Gore is Grandma Sanchez' adopted Mom, because I thought it was so cute how she made a physical comparison between family members).

Thank you so much, Grandma for taking this challenge and completing this book for us. And for those Grandparents that are still working on this...keep going. I don't care how long it takes you to finish...just finish. Your grandkids will love you all the more for it. They will have pieces of you for generations to come. This is certainly a family treasure.

Lava Cake Recipe

Chocolate Lava Cake

6 oz. of semi-sweet baking chocolate (I used 1/2 bag of chocolate chips)
6 oz. of butter
3 eggs
1/2 c. sugar
1/3 c. flour
Greased Ramekins

Directions:
Preheat oven 350 degrees. Melt chocolate in double boiler. When chocolate is melted remove it from heat and add butter. Stir till butter is melted. In a small bowl, beat eggs and add sugar. Stir in chocolate mix and add flour. Pour batter into greased ramekins and place in oven. Bake for 10 min. Don't over bake. Bake until you get the perfect liquid~solid consistancy. When done, turn ramekin over onto plate. I poured Double Chocolate Syrup around the cake and topped with Vanilla Ice Cream. I topped the Ice Cream with crumbled Score bar. Makes 4 cakes. Using ramekin dishes.

Variations:
Cupcake pan instead of Ramekins.
Raspberry sauce instead of Chocolate Syrup.
Orange Sherbet instead of Vanilla Ice Cream with orange slices for garnish.

This recipe is so simple I was able to remember it by heart. The trick part is how long to cook it. I had to try 3 times to get it perfect. I put the ramekin dishes on a baking sheet in water, then on a baking stone...if you do this you will need to double your baking time. I still haven't figured out the approximate time. But I will be trying this again tomorrow with a friend.

Along with Pinto Bean Fudge. You are kringing at the very sound of that I know, but I have heard it is the best some have tasted and since we are trying to make things using our food storage I have to make it. I will let you all know how that goes. And yes, Veronica, I am trying to lose 25 lbs. but have been for the past 6 months. At least I was sharing. That's gotta count for something. I don't think I could eat a whole one by myself because it's so rich.

Enjoy! And let me know how yours turn out!