Life As We Know It

Cameron's Eagle Project

2011-11-01T11:25:00.000-04:00

Cameron's Eagle Project was removing 100 feet of an old fence at a park and installing 100 feet of a new fence. We had a lot of help throughout the entire process and we are very grateful.

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T11:16:00.002-04:00

Halloween weekend was sure a busy one, lot's of parties and lot's of food and lot's of candy- of course! We had good weather and ton's of fun.

Devyn and Grant as Ghostbusters!

Some Breakfast Wonderfulness

2011-10-21T10:13:00.000-04:00

Pancakes are... so so, right?! They hit the spot a couple times a year, but I've just discovered pumpkin pancakes and they were fantastic, I highly recommend them, my kids loved them.

Here's the recipe I hijacked online:

Mix together:
1.5 c. milk
1 c. pumpkin puree
1. egg
2 TBSP. oil
2 TBSP. vinegar- I used apple cider...

Then sift together:
3 TBSP brown sugar
2 c. flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda ( I have to admit on the soda and powder I did TBSP- no wonder they were SO fluffy, ha ha)
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. salt

Then mix together.

This is what happens...

2011-10-18T18:20:00.001-04:00

This is what happens when you have 4 big brothers! You don't look at things the in same way as most 5 year olds, things aren't so innocent. Hudson's assignment at school was to make a Humpty Dumpty. He did... but made a MUMMY version of humpty dumpty. It's pretty funny I have to admit.

See, Hudson didn't grow up on the usual "diet" of Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers, it was more like Jurassic Park, King Kong and air-soft wars, you catch my drift. He knows things a 5 year old shouldn't know, and he has a sense of humor beyond his years. Sometimes, it's entertaining and sometimes, I get looks like what the heck!? :) When he was three his favorite color wasn't blue or red, it was camouflage (is that normal?). This month he asked if he could be a zombie for Halloween, really?! I told him, "no 5 year old should be a zombie, they usually want to be superman or a knight, and you need to be something a 5 year old should be"! Which is bizarre, because it's not like any of my boys have been zombies... ( I am not a fan of gore)

I tried my best to preserve his innocence and shelter him, I swear I did but pointing fingers at his teenage brothers... when Hudson would watch his Nick Jr. or Sprout shows, his brothers would sit and do a sort-of Mystery Science Theater with the shows. Hudson quickly caught on to their tone and then banned the show! So, while they were at school I'd do all I could to cram in toddler/preschool appropriate shows and books.

Luckily, we've hit a happy medium and he watches shows about animals now. Preschool and Kindergarten have given him an appreciation for younger things.

It's not all bad, I am half laughing at all of this. Hudson adores his big brothers and they adore him. All in all they are very good examples to him. But when people ask, don't you want a daughter??? Can you just imagine, insanity- I'll wait for granddaughters!

It's Your Birthday and the 1 Year Mark

2011-10-13T20:01:00.000-04:00

Bryce,

Today you turned 20! I just can't believe it, how did you grow up so fast? You have been on your mission (6 days short of) a year, so this is a pretty amazing week! Each month on the 19th, I wake up and go over to our month countdown blocks and turn the number back. Each Monday, my alarm goes off at 5:55 a.m. and I roll over to check my phone for an email from you. Each day I'm in the kitchen, I look at your photo on our counter-top.

A friend called today, to ask how I was (knowing it was your birthday) and I answered "just fine, I'm doing fine", and that was an honest answer! I was fine and I am fine, cause I know you are fine, more than fine- you are amazing, thriving and thrilled to be on your mission. I will admit over the past year we talk about you every single day, it's like you are still here. We always say things like "wouldn't Bryce love this" or "remember when Bryce did..." or "I wonder what Bryce would do/think". You are in our constant thoughts and in our every prayer. But we are all very positive and excited and just simply miss your company.

For the first 3 days after you had left on your mission, I cried... a lot. It was like you had left, forever. Coming home from the airport was really hard. I didn't want to talk to anyone, in fact I didn't answer the phone. It didn't help that I had to wash your clothing, unmake your bed and put away your computer etc. But after a few days, that peace came back (or perhaps never left). I knew you were right where your Heavenly Father wanted you to be, and I knew you were going to be OK, in-fact, I never doubted it, not even for a second. I in all honesty was so grateful for such an amazing son who would be willing to make such a sacrifice. I often wondered if I would be willing to do such a thing. I felt so grateful for what an example and loving brother you have been to your little brothers, you are larger than life to all of them, they really look up to you.

I haven't cried since those first three days... until tonight. We made a cake in your honor,(Cameron tried to get us to take everyone out to dinner in your honor as well, ha ha-nice try Cameron). The kids were so excited to find African animals and decorate your cake. We all stood around the counter and sang to you, we sang Happy Birthday and half way through the song, I lost it. I must admit I'm struggling right now, but know that tomorrow when I wake up, I'll be fine again. The truth is, I am so happy!

I am happy to be your mother, I'm happy for all I've learned being your mother and for our family. I am happy for the exciting changes that lie ahead in your future. I share joy in your success on your mission and am so proud of your growth. You've encouraged us all to try a little harder and I've seen the blessings from it, especially in your brothers.

So, happy birthday son, it certainly will be a memorable one, the people of Africa are lucky to have you.

Another Orchard- Fall is Great!

2011-10-09T19:34:00.000-04:00

Some Weekend Happenings

2011-10-08T15:01:00.004-04:00

Devyn doing the happy dance? It's Friday!

He looks just like Bryce to me in this photo!

Mark having a blast in his Miata!

Hudson picking the biggest pumpkin he could find.

Doesn't get much better than an donut from the cider mill in Michigan during the fall.

Ok beautiful boys, I have to say! :)

Caught, I will admit there was an apple in the other hand- honey crisp apples are such a treat of the fall time as well.

This was a fun new addition to the Plymouth Orchards since we were last there.

Hudson's not so sure of that goat, ha ha!

Pumpkin painting is so much more fun than carving!

I'll let them tell you what they were laughing so hard about!

Mark working on his honey-do list!

Finished products.

Sweet Little Ella Elizabeth Nauseda is finally here!

2011-10-01T20:15:00.001-04:00

So I will spare my sister-in-law Camilla pregnancy photo's... :) Last Friday night Ella was born, yay! She actually share's Cameron's birthday which is so fun! I had the honor to be with Camilla thru her labor but the poor dear had to have a c-section at 9 centimeters dialted... isn't that always the way! Anyway, Camilla was a trooper! But the good news was that Ella was not in distress and the surgery went well. Clint (above) getting ready after 12 hours in the hospital to go into the E.R. with Camilla.

OK the bonus of this whole thing... as soon as I saw her... I was like "she looks like me when I was a baby"... everyone was like yeah, yeah... but after they saw baby pictures of me... they had to agree, so yay me! :) If she looks like her daddy then naturally she looks like me cause it's so obvious that Clint and I are brother and sister. And you can't tell who's younger... ha ha, OK that's a stretch! But anyway... I"m sure she'll look like her mama as she grows older but I'm loving it right now. She was a 8 lbs 11 oz... a nice size baby.

Here I get to hold her, she's only about an hour old... it was a good 1 a.m. by this time... man we were tired.

I love this photo of Ella looking at her Daddy, I'm sure he's smitten and she will be spoiled as all daddy's little girl's should be.

Here's Ella at 6 day's old ( in jammies her favorite Aunt bought). I've been over twice in a week and we just bond, Hudson is SO jealous. He actually said babies creep him out, ha ha! They did Clint too till Ella came! :)

Cameron's 17! And Saline Homecoming...

2011-10-01T20:01:00.002-04:00

Cameron now into his senior year has turned 17... this seems impossible! But he's a great kid to say the least.

All the Saline LDS kids decided to go as a group to Saline Homecoming, which is so wonderful, what a great group of kids. They all went to Mongolian BBQ in downtown Ann Arbor first. Can't wait to see more photos of the group all together.

Devyn... knows he looks good! :)

I think Devyn was pretending to be "Bond" here.

What handsome boys if I say so myself... I'm one lucky mom, they exceed my expectations all the time.

Can you tell that Cameron was in the mood for Devyn's nonsense!!

OK Sweet Devyn wanted to take a picture with his mom. I 'm going to pretend I'm not vain and post it anyway... This is my Saturday, no make up, sweat pants... super messy hair, cleaning the house look! :)

Grant is 10!!

2011-09-07T15:04:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Grant!!!

Just the sweetest boy ever! Not too many photo's, a bummer... the battery died- poor planning mom! He got some fun presents, one of which was a baby bearded dragon.

He picked this cake out from DQ, it was an oreo blizzard cake and we enjoyed it, to our surprise! :) He was very excited, the entire day in fact...he could barely sit still, waiting to open his presents just killed him almost! Not to mention the pixie sticks he and Hudosn ate...made them insane!

Grandpa gave him his 10 birthday spankings, ha ha!

His dinner choice was pizza, go figure!

First day of school, 4th grade, new school.

His second day and his actual birthday!

A New Chapter, so to speak.

2011-09-07T13:56:00.000-04:00

I am sort of beginning a new chapter in life (well several of them lately it seems) but today's is... the baby of the family is off to school! I am not sure who was the most nervous, probably me... I didn't cry amazingly, but I think preschool helped with that. But as I write this and look at his photos and think of all my boys first this and first that photos and moments, it quickly brings me to tears (seriously wasn't Bryce just this small?). It reminds me how life passes so suddenly and how precious every moment is and how I need to enjoy each minute I have.

I just love Hudson, he's so entertaining and he's great company. An easy kid to have around so I'll admit I'm sad about it but it will be exciting to watch him grow (must focus on the positive right?).

This morning i wanted to take a photo of him... it turned into a photo shoot- he had me laughing.

Today was a success, I picked him up from the bus, he was starving but happy! How wonderful that he came running to me with his arms ready to hug, he told me this morning not to be sad that he would give me lots of hugs and kisses when he got home, he kept his promises. Children are such blessings and a great privilege, I am grateful to have so many of them, that bless my life in so many ways, I can't imagine life without them, they help me grow and learn, they encourage me to be more like the person I'd like to be.

Where the 18 ton's ended up...and a new kitchen color

2011-07-20T15:21:00.000-04:00

Happy Summer Boys!!! So glad you are home...now here's 18 Tons (to start) of Rock to keep you busy! Love you...enjoy! :)

We had mulch all around the house...yes, we've been here for 9 years and still no landscaping...it's a work in progress, what can I say? We have decided we don't like mulch...too much up keep!

Mark finally got the rest of the stone applied to the foundation of the house as well- which looks a millions times better, don't ya think?! It's been on his to-do list for years. He did 3 sides of the house about 6 years ago...but we just never got the back done.

Cameron and Devyn put the rocks all around the house, which wasn't the hard work, they discovered, it was the week plus of prep work... 10 hours a day, it was back breaking and so flippin' hot outside.

They were certainly missing Bryce during this project, ha ha! Cameron said, "I wish Bryce was here, it's nice to have an OX around"... Mom just had to keep the Gatoroaide and meals coming. It still all looks a little bit rough but now we can move onto other plans for around the house- the fun stuff, that being said it looks so much better already. We have to finishing painting where the wall stone was stored and that random wood beam will be painted and a horizontal slatted wood wall will be built.

We are actually going, ok we...meaning... Mark (love ya honey!) is going to build a horizontal wood fence along the stone/grass line to give more privacy to the driveway and create a courtyard feel...plants next year perhaps.

Also we finally got bored enough of the kitchen color to change it. It was a robins egg blue with a bit more green to it...loving this yellow, it's almost a butter color and the kitchen is much brighter.

Lake Huron and da' UP!

2011-06-30T14:48:00.000-04:00

Cameron and Devyn coming back from kayaking, they had a blast!

There is my man...working on vacation! :)Good looking guy!

Hudson loves Grant and wants to be just like him...Grant tolerates him well! :)

Devyn being a good big brother, playing with Hudson. Hudson was waiting his turn for the peddle boat.

Grant learned how to kayak, Devyn was a good teacher. Dad was a mother hen, watching his flock! :) Grant was a bit stressed out, but I think he enjoyed the freedom of doing it himself.

Hudson= Ham! :)

Beautiful wild flowers.

For those non-Michiganders. That is the Mackinaw Bridge, it connects the lower peninsula of Michigan to the Upper Peninsula. IT "divides" lake Michigan from Lake Huron. The Bridge is 5 miles long.

You can see Mackinaw Island in the distance...we decided to wait till another trip up north to see those sites.

Grant just thought this was great and had to have a photo!

The cutest little thing, he is a flying squirell!

Last Few, I promise!

2011-06-20T18:06:00.000-04:00

We had a great weekend in South Haven and Saugatuck, MI.

Lake Michigan has to be one of my most favorite places on earth, just beautiful. Like the Ocean but better! Lake Michigan is the third largest Great Lake by surface area and the sixth largest freshwater lake in the world- for you non-Michiganders! With the world's largest freshwater dunes. As a kid my dad took us camping on Lake Michigan on a few occasions- can't say I'd camp now...but I surely enjoyed it then!

We had great weather, great food, great shopping, site seeing (Saugatuck has some cool homes too) and the best of all, a great time as a family making memories.

We missed you Bryce and it just wasn't the same without you, we'd find our selves saying..."Bryce would be doing this or remember when Bryce did that?!" We'll go again when you are home Bryce-E-Boy!

Cameron is just growing up too fast!

2011-06-20T17:43:00.000-04:00

Devyn being....Devyn!

2011-06-20T17:36:00.000-04:00

A few Group Shots

2011-06-20T17:34:00.000-04:00

Playing Star Wars

2011-06-20T17:31:00.000-04:00

A few Photo's from Lake Michigan, More Posts to Follow

2011-06-20T17:28:00.000-04:00

What's New With Grant!?

2011-06-12T10:31:00.000-04:00

Grant is finishing up 3rd grade this week, he had a great year with a great teacher. His teacher was in fact Cameron's way back when and the result was that Grant was called Cameron on almost a daily basis, ha ha! He was never put out about it, just surprised it lasted 9 months. He's made some good friends and is ready to move onto a new school and new challenges. He is hoping for a male teacher this next year- we put in a request, we will see what happens.

I am however, not ready for him to grow up, he is just the sweetest boy. He has been a great child to raise, he is kind and loving all the time. He has been a great role model for Hudson and Hudson looks up to him. In Hudson's 'report card' this week his teacher mentioned that he talks about his brothers a lot, esp. Grant.

Here is a photo of Grant at swim practice, he joined a swim team. He loves to swim.

Here are some photos from a class performance, he was the bailiff.

Got his face painted....no surprise, camo!

He is still involved with cub scouts, yesterday in fact he and Mark went to a Day Cub Camp. Grant spends a lot of time reading, building legos, making forts and castles out of Lincoln logs and blocks, playing with knights, star wars action figures, playing Indiana Jones and Lego Star Wars on Xbox. He likes to ride his bike, catch frogs, play in the sand box, play air soft with his brothers and he loves to draw!

Preschool Graduation

2011-06-11T14:57:00.000-04:00

Last night was Hudson's preschool graduation and you know what, it was bitter-sweet. I found myself getting a little emotional, crazy I know. Change is good, but to see a phase of my life, that I enjoyed so much end... is a little sad. We had a great experience these two years at the COOP, even Hudson feels conflicted. He's sad to leave his friends and teacher but excited to see what lies ahead. Here comes Kindergarten!

A few more...

2011-05-30T23:40:00.000-04:00

Papa's Birthday/Memorial Day

2011-05-30T23:34:00.000-04:00

Hudson Wrote A Song For Me!

2011-05-14T14:05:00.000-04:00

It is hard to hear it but it's so cute, Hudson wrote a song for me! Click on this link -> I Love My Mudher

Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-23T13:31:00.000-04:00

We had the most beautiful weather for an Easter Egg hunt today, near 70 and sunny- perfect! Friends from Church hosted a "hunt" and a bbq, it was a blast (only thing missing was Mark, he's out of town)! It rained so hard last night...but luckily it wasn't muddy.

Here's everyone getting the instructions.

Devyn being a good sport helping out Hudson.

They were SO organized, they had the yard broken up by the year you were born to keep it fair.

Not sure if he love the money or the candy best?

Grant felt he found the grand prize, a frog- no doubt! :)

Hudson also decorates...himself!

2011-04-22T21:17:00.000-04:00

For those not on Facebook or those who happened to miss it. Hudson decided to "decorate" him self in two ways, 1. "Like and Easter egg" 2. He wanted "scars".

I was so mad but at the same time it took everything I had not to laugh uncontrollably, it was so funny.

He had it EVERYWHERE, even on the bottom of his feet! Luckily he has boundaries and didn't remove his underwear! :)

Coloring Easter Eggs

2011-04-22T21:10:00.000-04:00

Showing off Grant and Hudson's creations. They were so cute and got SO excited. Hudson is a little devastated that we will crack them open and eat them...guess all good things must end?! Explain that to a 4 year old. However, Grant (9) wanted to keep some in his room for an undisclosed time...

Now I'd better go supervise; there are 6 teenage boys in the kitchen...they JUST ate dinner but that doesn't seem to matter, ha ha ha!

Put It Down!

2011-04-14T09:23:00.000-04:00

While picking up Hudson from preschool yesterday, my friend Lisa was sporting her super chubby and beautiful baby boy, he is probably about 9-10 month's old, I just HAD to hold him!She obliged.

So I went down the stairs with baby on hip and over to Hudson (who hasn't seen me come in) and said to him, "Hudson (with great enthusiasm), Look what I got when you were at school today!!!"

Hudson dropped the book he was reading on the floor and said in a very serious tone "Is it real?" I said "yes".

He did not look happy and said "Put it down...now! I don't want to take him home, I want to go home right now!"

I could not contain my laughter. Yes, torturing him, evil I know.

So I told him to get ready and we'd go home (grab his papers and backpack). He kept insisting in a whiny but constant voice to take him home and put the baby down. He did it quietly I think so the kids wouldn't hear him in his panic.

When I finally told him it was his classmates brother he was relieved but couldn't leave fast enough. He ran to the car and before getting in said, "I didn't want to take him home, he'd chew on my toys, I'll take him when he grows up!"

But I had to just hold and squeeze that cute little guy, thanks Lisa!

Spring Has Sprung (finally- it's way over due)!

2011-04-11T16:32:00.001-04:00

Spring is here, we had a wicked thunderstorm last night...I would have enjoyed it had I not needed to wake up early today (not as early as some, sorry Devyn+Cameron=Seminary).

2 flats of flowers, hooray, I am just thrilled. Aren't they beautiful? Note the strawberries in the background...they are beginning to taste so good, (not to mention the plethora of asparagus) . Hudson loves them more than anyone (the strawberries NOT the green stuff). Last week we had a bowl of them (sliced) with vanilla whipped cream, divine!

Our cat Link...what a life, a sun worshiper like me- I know sun=bad for skin but I love it none the less. Mark has called me a lizard for years as I love to feel the sun's warmth on my skin while basking!

Hudson made this most precious bird at school today, I'm totally in love with it!

Spring is such a happy time, a time of renewal and hope. It bring motivation and remembrance of blessings- to me at least.

Boys Will Be Boys

2011-04-10T19:29:00.000-04:00

Spring equals some excitement in the McChesney household...frogs, snakes and bugs!

Happy, Happy....Mad!

2011-04-10T19:24:00.000-04:00

Mark drawing to Hudson's wish (ahem...command), sea creatures, he's thrilled and impressed.

A bit silly, biding his time.

I have no idea...but funny!

It was cracking him up...whatever was going on in his mind.

"Evil" Dad drew a mermaid on his sea picture...that was it, no more happy! He was ticked!

I shouldn't make fun of his distress but he's so cute...even when he's mad.

Myrtle Beach

2011-04-06T16:24:00.000-04:00

Cute little Hudson spying all kinds of things with Sterlings binoculars, cool.

Grant and Sterling.

Such good friends, they just love Sterling and Sterling is SO good to Hudson.

Look out Bryce, ha ha! Devyn and Elizabeth.

Devyn, Cameron and Elizabeth went for a beach jog...then Cameron and Victoria went, Cameron was feeling it later. :)

Hudson had pool burn and was hobbling, it didn't stop him.

The boys dug a huge hole.

Victoria and Danette, we had a windy day but it was nice and warm none the less.

Hudson taking a break from the sun.

Ripley's Aquarium, it was not the best but the boys liked it.

In the shark display, Elizabeth looked so cute.

A hit with the boys.

The music was SO loud in this tunnel, we started to go insane.

Victoria and Devyn playing in the gift shop, I think they turned on everything they could find.

We ate way too much taffy.

Cameron helping Hudson get fish food and feed the fish.

We missed Craig, Mark was there but often behind the Camera. We really enjoyed our long weekend.

Southern Swamp !

2011-04-02T15:55:00.001-04:00

We just had to pull to the side of the road to take some snap shots of this swamp, hadn't ever seen one like this in person.

This old sign, we found it fun.

A Party Just For Me!

2011-03-28T14:10:00.001-04:00

Oh look! Hudson made a "party" just for me, aren't I lucky!? How could I get upset with him, he was so excited to show me. Can I say how much I hate "Easter Grass" but have to admit loved the "stuff" that came with it! Glad at least it's not the plastic kind, bust out the broom and Dyson.

Pinewood Derby 2011

2011-03-26T11:59:00.000-04:00

So it may not have won first place for speed BUT it's pretty dang cool, don't ya think? Grant was so excited, he designed it and dad carried it out. Grant helped with the painting.

Mark will not be thrilled with this photo, he needs to shave...wouldn't you agree? :)

He is just the sweetest little boy ever, I just love my Grant!

Hudson

2011-03-26T11:52:00.000-04:00

Hudson is such a ball of energy and he keeps us laughing, just a few random photos, he's growing up so fast!

I don't know what inspired this when I called his name to take a photo.

He got these new shoes...and has worn them every minute of the day, he must think they are cool?! He takes them off by the side of his bed and night and won't wear them outdoors (yet) so they will stay clean.

When you are a boy, anything can be a weapon!

Kinda Like California Pizza Kitchen

2011-03-23T18:18:00.000-04:00

Never mind the cheap paper plate ...my dishwasher is broken and a new one is on order. (Don't Judge Me!) :p

BUT I had to share because I just ate the yummiest salad. I tried to replicate California Pizza Kitchen's newest addition and it turned out well (really, what could go wrong?).

Fresh Baby Arugula
Fresh Asparagus-Blanched
Sliced Almonds
Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Sliced Sun Dried Tomatoes
Lemon Vinaigrette - I cheated and added freshly squeezed lemons to Paul Newmans light balsamic vinaigrette.

Yummy New Find

2011-02-07T10:58:00.000-05:00

I love salads, tossed or chopped...and often find myself at the salad dressing section of the grocery store looking for something new. If you know me well, you'd know that I find something I love to eat and I eat so much of it I get sick of it and need something new... the other day, I hit the jackpot for something new and had to share!

It's the Raspberry Walnut dressing, made by Golding Farms and I found it at Busch's, be sure to get the specialty dressing. I think what makes it different is the horseradish in it...gives it a nice kick, I highly recommend it!

My other latest favorite salad accompaniments (outside of veggies) are all the Fresh Gourmet products...often many of them together. They have crispy onions, wonton strips and flavored nuts, oh my gosh I'm hungry now.

Have You Jumped On The Amazon Band Wagon Yet?

2011-02-03T22:03:00.000-05:00

Amazon, oh Amazon how did I ever live without you??? Let's see...my shopping history with Amazon.

Year- Orders
2003- 9
2004- 32
2005- 64
2006- 66
2007- 70
2008- 40
2009- 117
2010- 81
2011- 25 (note we are only 5 weeks into the year, I think this year will see a much larger number)

Amazon is changing the way I shop and I love it! Here are some of the benefits I enjoy. I'll sing the praises of Amazon to anyone that wants to know because it makes my life easier.

In the beginning I thought Amazon was terrific because they saved my credit card information so I didn't have to type it in each time, like paypal (I'm kinda lazy that way, like now I hate to even sign a receipt at the registers, pathetic I know...it mainly comes from my impatience) I found myself doing most all my Christmas shopping with them because I hate crowded stores.
Amazon started to really draw me in by the attractive used prices as well like on movies or books, even though most weren't really used (great for college books). So much less work than ebay and no wait, I hate waiting for anything! :)
Then the 1 click ordering came into play and I was sold! All I had to do was hit 1 click order and bam...it was on it's way.
They made shipping so easy, most items ship free and it's at your door quick, if it didnt ship free they had flat rates so no more scalping shipping rates (coughEBAYcough). We are on a first name basis with our UPS lady, she has watched Hudson grow up, hugged Bryce bye before his mission...we use online shopping quite a bit.
Amazon is great becase they also make recommendations for you based on your shopping and they do a good job of recommending items (unlike iTunes), I have found all kinds of things based on their recommendations, I love, love and love movies so this was a great benefit to me.
Also...they have the customers rate items and it saves me a bunch of homework or taking any chances.
Amazon Prime... all I can say is, I check amazon for everything now and I mean everything! Amazon Prime ships most everything to your house in 2 days for free! Did you know you can use your amazon account to shop at Target.com as well?
Now meet subscribe and save! Here's hook, line and sinker! This is just getting better all the time, I find items I use a lot of and all the time and buy them thru Amazon and they give me a discount (15-30% off)for having them shipped to my house at regular intervals...from every 1 month to 6 months. I've used this for breakfast bars, paper towels, spinach pasta, , soap, pull ups etc... I love it!!! Often items are on sale plus the subscribe discount, double yeah!

All that aside Amazon really has it down, your account page is easy to navigate, neatly organized and their customer service is fantastic (timely and helpful, wow). You can buy songs, download movies, buy items with one click on your ipod/iphone, make lists and many many more benefits, if I haven't bored you already I will if I go on.

Net net....if you aren't using Amazon, you should be! What's your favorite amazon feature?

January 2011- A few family photo's

2011-01-26T15:33:00.000-05:00

Hudson and Devyn coloring the snow.

January Birthday's

Hudson knows its coming!

Everybody, Somebody, Nobody and Anybody

2011-01-24T23:21:00.000-05:00

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

Tonight we had a Family Home Evening Lesson on family unity, we used this story to talk about being selfless and serving each other. We talked about how our words and(re)actions affect one another and our family unity which all ties into our happiness. We talked about how each one of us has strengths and weakness' and how we individually can accomplish many great things but with the support of each other we can be so much more effective.  

It has been said that if you think you know a perfect family, you don’t know the family very well! We took this opportunity to remind ourselves that we are pretty good but we can be so much better.

This word cloud is made up with the lyrics of the hymn; Love At Home which was inspired from the verse found in John 15:12 "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you".

Love AT Home

1. There is beauty all around
When there’s love at home;
There is joy in ev’ry sound
When there’s love at home.
Peace and plenty here abide,
Smiling sweet on ev’ry side.
Time doth softly, sweetly glide
When there’s love at home.
Love at home, love at home;
Time doth softly, sweetly glide
When there’s love at home.

2. In the cottage there is joy
When there’s love at home;
Hate and envy ne’er annoy
When there’s love at home.
Roses bloom beneath our feet;
All the earth’s a garden sweet,
Making life a bliss complete
When there’s love at home.
Love at home, love at home;
Making life a bliss complete
When there’s love at home.

3. Kindly heaven smiles above
When there’s love at home;
All the world is filled with love
When there’s love at home.
Sweeter sings the brooklet by;
Brighter beams the azure sky.
Oh, there’s One who smiles on high
When there’s love at home.
Love at home, love at home;
Oh, there’s One who smiles on high
When there’s love at home.

What Is Precious and Lovely To Me?

2011-01-16T21:35:00.003-05:00

In Relief Society today the question was posed: What is precious to me? The answers were kept private ( I only had about 4 at that time) but I've been thinking about the question all day and these are the answers that have come to my mind (in no particular order, though I'd put the 5th one pretty high on the list). Then the list turns into things that I love or bring me joy.

Knowledge of my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Knowledge that I am a Child of God.
A testimony of many gospel doctrines/truths.
The atonement.
A husband that loves me more than I could have ever dreamed.
To be a mother, an only daughter, a sister, a wife and a friend.
5 sons that are amazing, hilarious, kind and that have the desire to be the type of men that Heavenly Father knows they can be.
Health.
To be an American.
Each day that I am blessed with.
Forgiveness.
The Priesthood.
Good Friends and Family.
The Temple.
Prayer.
Blessings and Thankfulness.
The Gift of the Holy Ghost.
The Sabbath Day.
Faith and Hope.
Family Prayer.
Warm sunny days without a lot of things on the to-do list.
Eternal Families.
The Scriptures.
The spring time which brings joy, hope and renewal.
When my kids come home after school and want to share their day.
Watching movies with my family and there is a not enough sides of mom to share.
Watching my kids make good choices, practicing gospel principles, hearing their testimonies and seeing their joy from it all.
Spending time with my husbands family that produces hours of side splitting laughter.
The fleeting moments of feeling like I'm on top of it all: Order.
Watching all my sons sitting around together just because they enjoy each others company.
Food that tastes so good I can't wait to eat it again.
Oh my word social networking, ha I said it! I love the internet.
Nice pens and pretty notebooks.
Old classic movies.
Books.
The warm feeling of a ward family.
The A-ha moment of a new truth you've just learned.
Waking up with out an alarm clock because you don't have to be any where soon.
My bed being made...climbing in to bed with just cleaned sheets.
The smell of laundry when you take it out of the dryer.
A big soft fluffy blanket to wrap up in.
Shoes and new handbags.
Feeling appreciated.
Shades of green.
Ice water.
Music.
My itouch.
Going to the dentist and they don't need to see me again for 6 months.
My water kettle.
Hand written letters and notes.
Chemicals that prevent weeds in my lawn.
My car being totally clean inside and out.
The opportunity to be a mother of a missionary.
12 weeks in the summer that my kids are all for me.
I love women that are good examples to me and inspire me to be better.
General Conference talks.
New makeup.
A genuine hug from family or a friend.
A picture drawn just for me (from my boys).
When the boys were small or the ones that still are pick a flower (or weed) and are so proud to give it to me.
Making dinner from our garden.
A hot (and I mean scalding) bath, actually I quit shower man years ago.
When my house is so clean it looks like no one actually lives in it.
Times when I realized I've made a good choice, lived the law of sacrifice and feel totally happy.

And Lists!

Happy and Well in Africa!

2011-01-12T09:49:00.000-05:00

Mark's Design Theme Rocks!

2011-01-10T21:15:00.004-05:00

Mark's theme for the 2011 Explorer won the North American Truck of the Year Award, congratulations Mark! He will not toot his own horn but I can, besides if you are reading this blog...you must have an interest in our lives and thought you'd like me to share.

This award was handed out today at the North American International Auto Show, what is the NAIAS? It is a big deal for the auto companies and all the supplies to the auto industry, it is an exciting time for Detroit. It is a time that car companies from around the world unveil their latest and greatest and also their concepts for the future. The event lasts for two weeks and approxiametly 3/4 of a million people brave the Detroit January weather to attend.

Mark designs cars for Ford Motor Company. He helps create the design or look of the exterior and interior of their cars and trucks. He can look at a body panel, fender or tail light of every Ford product and know which designer designed it. As you can imagine (or maybe not) most every car ride we take together, doesn't matter distance is filled with car design critique. I'd like to think I've learned (from Mark's keen eye and design sense) to have a good eye for design when it comes to cars so therefore we size up every car we are behind or next too.

Final car designs or the products that you see have many hands and years that have shaped it but it all starts from someones theme or design. And years ago Mark created the winning design for the new redesigned explorer. His original theme was taken to a market research clinic and not only did it do well, he had the highest clinic numbers that Ford had ever seen that was great in and of it's self.

This Soup Is Good! Looking For Comfort Food?

2011-01-10T20:36:00.004-05:00

My motto is...add fat and it's going to taste good! Cream or butter and you are on your way to something fantastic. We tried this soup a few weeks ago (a mash up of two recipes, with a few alterations) and loved it, it's on the menu again tomorrow.

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Saute with a little butter or olive oil in a large pot until tender:
A couple of carrots, diced (I actually used my food storage dehydrated carrots-rehydrated)
A couple of stalks of celery sliced thin
A medium onion, chopped small
I always add some garlic or garlic salt

Then add about 1 stick of butter, let melt and
Then add about 1 cup of flour with salt and pepper. Use a whisk to move around the flour (esp. when you add the liquid), constantly stirring till it covers the vegetables.

Add about 10/11 cups of chicken broth (you may need more later). But add this slowly to the flour about 1 cup at a time, as it thickens, add more.

Add about 4 chicken breasts (hard to say they vary in size and it depends on how much chicken you want in it.) that have been cooked and shredded. ( I like to cook them with skin and bones in my crock pot with garlic salt and powdered onion and then use the broth).

Bring to a simmer and add:

about 3 or 4 cups of half and half then add 2 packages (4.5 oz. each) of wild rice that has been cooked previously (Wild rice is so easy to cook, easier than white rice, you don't even need to cover it. I don't even bust out the rice cooker for it)

Add more cream or broth as needed. This will make a large pot! The recipe I adapted this from had more flour and it was too thick. I always cook according to taste and look.. so if you need exact you may not want to try what I share.

Enjoy with some crusty bread and Irish butter and yum, comfort food! Another addition that is great is browned sliced almonds!

Another Product I Couldn't Live Without And A Secret!

2011-01-10T19:58:00.005-05:00

We all inherit traits from our parents and grandparents...and I'm going to let you in on a little secret about mine...gray hair (sorry mom and sorry son's, it's in your future)! They gray (and white) early, it snow balls actually, well...more like an avalanche! So guess what...I was introduced to my very own first gray hair in my mid 20's and now...I'm going to the hair salon every 4-5 weeks, but I'm totally OK with it...easy fix! On the flip side...my parents hardly have wrinkles, so I've got that in my corner! :)

Anyway...my mom showed me the most awesome product about 10 years ago (she does hair professionally) and it's a great find, I am so grateful to have it and thought if you weren't aware, you'd be thrilled too. It's a type of concealer up stick for roots...when you are a week overdue for a touch up it will save the day.

It's called Roux Tween Time Hair Color Stick, you can buy it online or at Sally's Beauty Supply. It's shaped like a lipstick, to use it you run it under the tap and rub it over your roots and it applies instant color. It's temporary and it will wash out the next shampoo.

Happy Birthday Devyn!

2011-01-10T19:35:00.004-05:00

Devyn is now 15, I can't believe it! We are lucky to have him in our family, he is truly an original and so fun to be around. He is always making us laugh! You'll be hard pressed to meet another 15 year like him. Happy Birthday Devyn! Thanks for keeping life fun!

Weirdo making strange noises to express his excitement, ha ha!

I have no idea what was so funny but it must have been good.

We went to the Mongolian BBQ in Ann Arbor to celebrate, it was great fun and we left stuffed! We finished the evening with a chocolate raspberry tart from Whole Foods and watch Hogans Hero's on DVD (one of Devyn's Christmas presents), see clip below.

Photo of Ann Arbor...bbbrrrr!

The pilot was in black and white but the series was in color.

Grant's 9th Birthday Party

2011-01-06T17:03:00.003-05:00

Grant's 9th birthday was in September, I am a little behind...but I feel I have good reason...A missionary leaving for instance (don't judge me) :) Anyway before more time got away I wanted to post a few pictures.

He did have a family party (which is always my favorite) and we had great weather for that family party, I love September weather. I can't remember if I posted photos from that...will have to look back.

Every other year the kids have a kid party and it was Grant's year so he had a swim party. About 9/10 friends come, it was great! We had a make your own sub buffet and a bouncy castle too. I am a firm believer in having kid parties not in your home! :)

Mark had to work that day of the party...lucky him! Mark luckily had pity from my father who volunteered for the job (Thanks Papa). My dad said "it's good to have your son in-law owe you". Grandpa had the job of bouncy castle duty and HOLY COW, they put the bouncy castle in the racquet ball room and the sound was unbeliveable.!!! His ears rang for an hour, ha ha...funny now! The party was a success and the kids didn't' want to stop swimming. We finished the day by hanging out with Grandpa, watching movies and eating dinner, it was a perfect Saturday.

The boys spent half the time playing dunk the Devyn! Devyn was a good sport. I know Bryce would have loved it but he was in Georgia at the time.

Grant is such a joy in my life. He is sweet, tender and patient, I feel blessed to be his mother. I am enjoying him every day and watching him grow up, though I must admit the years are going too quickly. He is an asset to our family.

Grants favorite things are: Frogs, Insects, Nature, Legos and Star Wars.

Grant's School Holiday Party

2011-01-06T16:54:00.002-05:00

Note I said Holiday, don't dare say Christmas at the public schools...but we won't go there!!! Grant had a good time, they had your usual games, crafts and snacks and they had a service project, which was nice. Hudson, he was overwhelmed by two third grade classes moving about not to mention both Hudson and Grant's parties were on the same day, we were beat.

`

Hudson's Preschool Christmas Party

2011-01-06T16:44:00.002-05:00

It is SO much fun to be part of a coop so you can actually be a "fly on a wall". This is his second year at preschool, he has grown so much. I can't believe he will actually start kindergarten this year! Hudson is a funny kind of kid, it' hard to believe he's the baby, when in fact he acts like he's the oldest! He thinks he is an equal to his brothers, it's quite amusing at times and challenging at others.

This year they got a present from Santa, which worked really well. Last year they did a book/present exchange and there were tears let me tell you! When the 3 year old's saw their friends opening the present they brought...it was ugly, ha ha. This worked out much better.

They sang a few songs.

He presented his present to me.

Playing pin the nose on the snowman. We followed up all the fun with a potluck lunch, how nice.

There Is Much Work To Be Done

2011-01-05T21:58:00.003-05:00

Here above is the LDS Church meeting house map for Africa etc (meeting houses in red). Note the contrast of meeting houses from the U.S. or South America to Africa...I think we will here of many more missions to Africa in years to come not to mention the Middle East and Aisa.

I Bet You'd Like To Have Our Home Teacher?!

2011-01-05T21:00:00.005-05:00

Devyn is turning 15 tomorrow, which seems impossible but nonetheless he is!!!

We heard a knock on the door this evening, which is an infrequent occasion around here. Let me explain why this is a big deal, we live on a dirt road (don't ask me why I ever agreed to that) with no outlet and we are the last house, so one does not just happen to be driving by here. Plus it's winter and it's cold so most mid-westerners hybernate, espically once the sun has set.

Our home teacher and his youngest daughter (our other home teacher, ha!) came by to wish Devyn a happy birthday and they brought a treat, how nice! Who can resist a gigantic chocolate chip cookie? Thank you for thinking of us Adrian and Katie, I'm sorry we didn't offer to share! :)

What are home teachers? Home teaching is the responsibility of all Melchizekek Priesthood holders in our church and of those who are teachers and priests in the Aaronic Priesthood (most 14-17 year old young men). As part of their responsibility to watch over the members of the Church, home teachers visit their assigned families at least once each month to teach and strengthen them. Home teachers establish a relationship of trust with these families so that the families can call upon them in times of need. We also have a program of visiting teachers which is a similar program for the women.

Home teachers rock and we've had some of the best! They have blessed our family in numerous ways both temporally and spiritually and we have gained close friendships. In fact here are our Home Teachers here...they showed up totally unexpected to help us paint our house!

A Perfect Prodcut IMHO

2011-01-05T20:19:00.004-05:00

Tonight, while I was clearing off the kitchen table I reminded myself how much I love my placemats and how happy I am that I found them. (Don't get the impression that I'm easy to please, I just appreciate things that make my life easier which equals better). These placemats are cork backed with a hard plastic coated top (See photo below). We always had placemats like these while living in the UK but upon my return to the U.S., I never saw anything like them, perhaps I didn't look very hard.

I've used every type of placemat you could ever think of...from plastic to chenille, straw to polyester and numerous cotton ones ( I will note my banana leaf placemats from Ikea, now 12 years old still look like new but disclaimer, the kids don't' use them ). I've gone through perhaps hundreds of them, some washed well and lasted months while others looked like garbage after weeks or even one wash. Most were not made for real use, I'm convinced of it!

Anyway if you are still reading this (wow) and if you have kids you know that after they eat ONCE you are trying to salvage the placemat, sometimes you can wipe it clean, turn it clockwise, other times you can flip it over but more often than not, you throw it in the wash and who needs extra work?

Every once in awhile I'd give tablecloths (mainly out of boredom) a try but I found that to be even more frustrating again trying every fabric and pattern known to man. Heck, I even sewed a few.

So about 2 years ago I happened upon these at Target (one of my 3 weekly shopping destinations and that is the most exciting of them all so I'll spare you). I should note that I haven't seen them at Target since. They are bullet proof (but we haven't tested that theory...yet). I highly recommend them....some of you may be thinking, why use placemats at all? The answer to that is kids of course, they will destroy the table. One would think...they are just eating but you would be wrong! Amazing what fork tongs can do or grape juice for instance. Trust me, placemats are the way to go and since Amazon is the best thing next to sliced bread you will have a wide choice of colors and patterns.

Amazon, who can resist 1 click ordering and free shipping? But that is for another day!

What products have exceeded your expectations? I'd LOVE to know!!!

Bryce

2010-12-31T15:14:00.000-05:00

Cameron Being Cameron

2010-12-31T15:11:00.001-05:00

Christmas

2010-12-31T15:00:00.003-05:00

The South had some snow, so beautiful!

Papa (Pete) Nauseda, stopped cooking for a second to give us a smile.

Jeff and Beth Nauseda, cute photo!

Grandpa and Grandma Ahrns via webcam in Florida.

The Newlyweds, Kim and Doug.

Devyn,

Christmas brunch we ate and ate and ate!

Christmas at my mom's.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-31T14:53:00.002-05:00

On our way to Georgia, he's SO focused!

Grant.

Trying to sneak more candy! :0
Merry Christmas!

Hudson putting out some cake and cookies for Santa.

More Georgia!

2010-12-31T14:51:00.004-05:00

Chris McChesney and Natalie.

Baby Cambria McChesney (little Chris and Natalie, really) She's dressed in the cutest outfit that Chris brought back from China!

A Perfect End to 2010

2010-12-31T14:42:00.004-05:00

Hudson and Tabitha McChesney

Lindsay Wernli (off to BYU Idaho in a few months)

Tyler Wernli (not on the phone, ha ha).

Mom (Aileen) McChesney

Dad (Ed) McChesney
Leah and Elizabeth Hasek

Linda Wernli (Mark's sister) and Constance McChesney

Aaron McChesney

Beautiful Natalie McChesney

A Few Perfect December Activities

2010-12-06T20:39:00.010-05:00

My dad, Step-Mom, Mark and I went to a performance of Handel's Messiah at the University of Michigan in the Hill Audition and it was fantastic! It was preformed by the University Musical Society and they were impressive! After our cold walk to the car we enjoyed some hot chocolate at home with the kids. The little boys of course think Grandpas a toy and used him as a jungle gym and a human vice the entire visit! We enjoyed our day and visit with them.

Later that evening, our family enjoyed the annual First Presidency Christmas Devotional while planning our family home evening for Monday. We decorated gingerbread houses!

So how many of you think Grant ate more than went on the house? :)
Grant's.

Aren't the people so cute? Then I thought about who these people were suppose to be...Hansel and Gretel (After I blurt this out, Devyn tells me I'm pronouncing the names wrong, they need a German accent, apparently, ha ha). Remember, the old German fairy tale (some fairy tale), the old lady in the tale lures them to her candy house, kidnapped them, fed them to fatten them up so she could EAT THEM! Then the children pushed her into THE OVEN!
This is Hudson's masterpiece!
Devyn giving some pointers.
Hudson being oh so careful.
The first think said after they were done...more like asked..."When can we eat it?"

They all thought this was a good idea after Dad suggested it to Devyn...until they got a taste... not so yummy, raw egg whites, lemon juice and powdered sugar!

Devyn, true to form! :)

A few years old!

2010-11-30T13:45:00.002-05:00

A few years ago Mark and I went to Salt Lake for General Conference with the Smiths and the photos never made it to my picture files...probably because I don't think I ever put makeup on and think I looked just sickly but this one is far enough away...ha ha! This one is in front of the Salt Lake Temple.

Almost to the Airport

2010-11-30T13:39:00.002-05:00

A very serious look, I imagine it was a lot to take in, he was about to embark on quite a journey.

All he'll own for two years, hard to believe.

This expression was how Devyn felt about not seeing Bryce for two years.

October 16th 2010

2010-11-30T13:33:00.002-05:00

We had a pumpkin painting contest, it was tons of fun!
Uncle Randy, Bryce and Kimmy
Getting ready to award the prizes for the pumpkins.
I know this is just wrong! This is what happens when you have a group of boys, the baby doesn't stay a baby...they use him as an action figure...like a doll for boys but last I looked, baby dolls don't pack heat! But look at Grant's face, ha ha ha!

A Few Photo's Before Bryce left!

2010-11-30T13:27:00.001-05:00

Kimmy's Wedding!

2010-11-30T13:23:00.000-05:00

Old Video

2010-09-30T11:51:00.004-04:00

I have almost 200 video clips that I needed to create movies with, my camcorder is full... This one is from October 2008, Hudson was 2, Grant was 7, this must have been the fall birthday party, looks like a nice day outside!

Court of Honor

2010-09-29T19:56:00.002-04:00

Last night was a court of honor for troop 400. Cameron earned 4 merit badges...Tom joked " Did you stay all week?" Ha! We are just happy when Cameron comes home from a scout activity not via a hospital! ;) Cameron loves scout camp and especially hanging out with his friends at camp (maybe too much). We need to get going on the Eagle project soon!

Devyn, he earned 10 merit badges! That is the most anyone in the troop has earned before, a new record! He came home and lined them all up along the counter top. He also earned the World Conservation Badge, he and his friend were the only ones in our troop to ever earn that one and he also moved up in rank to Star, good job Devyn!

Hudson Being Silly Hudson

2010-09-29T19:49:00.001-04:00

I'm not even sure who took this but it made me laugh.

The fall is fattening!

2010-09-29T17:46:00.005-04:00

What's fall in Michigan without cider and donuts? Dexter Cider Mill has the best donuts, I won't admit to how many I ate, I now hate myself but I'm really content too! I LOVE cider, we can't get enough of it around here! We, of course stocked up on honey and apple butter, gotta love those carbs. We stopped to take a few photos of the kids by the river. Just try to take a good photo of 5 boys hyped up on sugar...not! I think I took 14 photo's and just realized, this is how they truly are, someone always making a crazy face or hitting the brother.

Cameron's 16 Holy Cow!

2010-09-29T17:41:00.001-04:00

He's on the road, look out! Happy Birthday Cameron, you are awesome!

Taking Bryce to the Temple

2010-09-23T09:55:00.004-04:00

Sorry this post has to be repeated on my blog... :)

Last night we had the most marvelous experience of taking Bryce to the Temple for the first time. What a mix of emotions, we are so proud of him! The first thing he said to me afterwards was, I would like to come as often as I can before I leave for my mission. Bryce we are blessed by your testimony and your strength of conviction, you are an amazing young man and we are so grateful to be your parents.

Here is a great video about Temples and why "Mormons" build Temples.

About Temples all over the world found HERE.

Alright August!

2010-09-13T19:04:00.004-04:00

So here we go...

We had a lot of doctors visits!!! Bryce had a laundry list of shots, other boys had their annual and guess what...Hudson got pneumonia!
Oh wait! I forgot in July, I got a new car!!! That is always the best!
Bryce, Cameron and Devyn went to New York and were there for 3 weeks! We really missed them (just not the laundry).
Mark went to L.A. for a car show, he met up with Craig (Elizabeths' dad) and Jeremy (his brother). They actually drove up to Monterrey for a long weekend of car drooling. He took over 400 photo's, yes 400!
We celebrated our 20th anniversary, holy cow! I love you honey!

JULY... trying to catch up! Almost there.

2010-09-13T18:41:00.005-04:00

He's rich! You know what...he said I'm going to buy Grant and I a toy, he shared his birthday money, what a sweet kid. He knew he got 1 toy and Grant got one (lego's of course).
Bryce about to tell us where he is going to serve his mission.
A present from Great Grandma.
Bryce primering his car.
All three on an iphone/itouch, love it!

"Lovely Detroit", it was a perfect day for a tiger's game. I think we spent a small fortune in snacks between the two families!
Cameron acting like...Cameron!

Cameron and Devyn went to Scout Camp for a week, it was quiet around here.
Grant had a ton of swim lessons, he's getting pretty darn good.
Bryce house sat for our friends the Alexis' for a month and thank goodness. While they were gone...we lost power for over 24 hours (I know, what wimps) BUT we had a house full of guests, it was flippin hot outside and my fridges were pack full of food, hence the company. SO my reason for telling you this, the Alexis' graciously let us shower at their house!
BRYCE GOT HIS MISSION CALL!!! HOLY COW, AFRICA! Did NOT see that one coming.
Devyn gave a talk (speech) at church in front of the entire congregation, he did a great job!
Devyn tried a new sport...Tennis.
The Hasek's came into town for a long weekend, it was a blast! Kids went to Cedar Point ( I think on the hottest day of the year, also day we lost power). We went to Green Field Village, Henry Ford Museum, the movies and a Tigers game.
Elizabeth stayed for an additional 9 days, love her even more!
Grant got pneumonia, seriously!
Cameron and Devyn stayed the night at Uncle Clint and Camilla's and pretty much pulled an all-nighter! They also went to a gun and knife show, Cameron was thrilled to say the least!
Lastly but most importantly, Hudson turned 4!!

Bryce's Mission Blog

2010-08-23T16:19:00.002-04:00

I am creating a blog for Bryce while he is on his mission, you can follow it here.

Bryce is on a mission!

June, Hooray school is done! Summer is here!

2010-08-15T22:28:00.004-04:00

I always look forward to summer vacation.

This year we went to Atlanta before school was out, it was the annual houseboat week, we had a blast! We stayed at Chris', Jeremy and Laura Lee were with us too, we had some nice visiting time. Poor Constance were seriously sick and missed out on most of the fun, but was still a gracious host with all the people who took over her house, thanks Constance. We came home, Cameron and Devyn took finals and we're done!

The boys went to youth conference and Bryce started house sitting for the Alexis' for a month. Poor Cameron was so super sick, he had to leave half way through conference. I had to make 2 round trips on the same day to Howell, it was a lot of driving, blech! Bryce got pretty bored on his own at the Alexis' so eventually he had his brothers spend the night. One night he had Grant come and they woke up early the next morning to go fishing, such a sweet big brother.

We finished all of Bryce's mission papers and he began his interviews.

We did have a special Stake Conference with Elder Bednar, that was wonderful! We had our summer Primary Quarterly Activity, it was a picnic at the park, we had a balloon launcher, it was great fun!

We celebrate Ed's 81st Birthday, he was blessed to have everyone around for his birthday.

The water slide is the perfect way too cool off, the upper deck was so hot in the mid-day Atlanta heat!
Hudson said, " Look, I wrote my name in the sand". He actually did a good job.
Bryce water skiing. Elizabeth spent everyday with us too, that was nice.

May was just a busy month!

2010-08-15T22:12:00.004-04:00

May=busy life stuff.

A few fun things...We did go play putt putt for FHE, that was fun! Grant beat me!

We celebrated my Dad's birthday and went to the Woodmere cemetery and finally found some grave stones we had been looking for.

Bryce went to Atlanta to go to Prom with Elizabeth. Cameron and Devyn went to the Temple with the youth and Mark...the rest is boring!

April in St. Petersburg, Florida

2010-08-15T21:55:00.004-04:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to visit with my Grandma Jewel and Grandpa Pete this spring in Florida. Grandma is nearly 89 and Grandpa almost 99! They are so amazing and so much fun, I enjoyed every minute. This trip was also special because I got to go with my Dad and my brother Clint, we had such a good time together, it was so relaxing. Wow, is that side of the state beautiful.

We spent a day shopping and had a great lunch at a Greek restaurant, it was delish! I can't get over the energy Grandma has. She spent the entire day walking around in the Florida sun, then the minute she get's home, she starts on dinner (of course all 3 meals times 4 days were already planned and shopped for) and after she cleans up, she insists on doing everything! She jumps in the car to go with us to pick up a video. I seriously don't know whats in the water down there, but I want in! As soon as Grandma was done with cleaning up for one meal, she set the table for the next, after dinner she set the table for breakfast, wow! Not to mention the meals were wonderful!
Papa and Clint acting silly on the beach! I wasn't in on the original plan to go down but some how was able to weasel my way in, so my poor brother was stuck sleeping on a love seat, my dad on a sofa bed and I got a room to my self, sorry guys! But what great men, I have so many of them in my life, I'm a lucky girl.

Bryce pretty much held down the fort while I was gone, he got the kids to school, made lunches etc. Thanks Bryce!

April in Cocoa

2010-08-15T21:43:00.006-04:00

We went to Cocoa Beach, to see Mark's parents, Linda, Steve and Lindsay were there. We also enjoyed a visit from Chris, Kim and their kids. Bryce wasn't able to join us the entire trip, he had some school but flew down for a few days. We went to the beach as much as possible. Devyn did go to Disney for a day. The boys went fishing (caught nothing) and went go carting too. Grant catches lizards every waking moment and Hudson follows in his shadow.

Devyn body boarding.
Cameron acting like a goof, of course!

Nasa had a launch, it was about 6 a.m.! It shook the entire house and was SO loud, but so cool.

Our drive down there was the worst, we usually do it in one day but it took us two! There was so much traffic and accidents and road construction. Sadly, I think that was our last trip down there, just too stressful of a drive. We had a nice visit.

TRYING TO CATCH UP- 3 MONTHS, 1 POST!

2010-03-29T09:23:00.014-04:00

The further away I get from my last post, the harder it is to post again. I'll give one of those condensed versions of what's been happening in the life of the Mark McChesney's. Not a very interesting way to share it, but I feel compelled to get back on track. I'm good about it on facebook, but if you are not on facebook or check it very often, you wouldn't know, so here ya go!

December: The holiday's are always wonderful.

We spent a week in Atlanta (Wait, Leah. Didn't you just go there for Thanksgiving? Yes, we did, we love it there, what can I say? 700 miles really isn't that bad) with Mark's family after Christmas, fun as usual. We stayed at Chris' this time (usually taking turn's between Linda's and Chris'), which is so perfect for Grant and Hudson, they both have cousins their age, which they spend every waking moment with. Chris and Constance have 7 kids. We spend a lot of time in the theater room watching movies and eating way too much, I wasn't sure if my skirt would fit at the end of the week for church (it did, but only just). Linda and Steve's kids came too (Chris and Kim with their 2 girls) (Brandon and Cassie and their 2 girls), Jason, Tyler and Lindsey (still at home). Mom and Dad McChesney came up from Florida.
We had lot's of dinner with friends and family, always one of my favorite things. Basically December was a month of eating, which explains the tightness of my clothing for the next 3 months and counting.
Parent teacher conference's, Jeff (step-brother) has a baby, well his wife did, lol! Went to visit the little guy, names James Tyler, smallest baby I'd ever held- 5 lbs! Visiting teaching, ward Christmas party, tithing settlement, Temple.
Marti, ripped from me in Primary, that left a hole! I was heart broken, I'm mending. I miss her constant contact and insights.
I did a lame-OH! Vendor event for Uppercase living, what a waste of $ and time...I guess some are good and some are not, chalk it up to a learning experience. At least I got to spend the day with Camilla and Dana and met a new friend.
Dinner with the Nauseda side of the family. Let' see that day was NUTS, or I guess it's really me that's insane! We went to church (11-2), drove to Uncle Randy's straight from church, spent the day and eve. there, came home at nine-ish, packed for Georgia and left early the next morning! What was I thinking???? Well, that was better than the year before. We had Christmas morning, the usual, then went to my dad's for celebration, then came home at 6 ish and left for Georgia, that was not smart! I thought my head would explode.

January: We are bracing for winter, I'm not excited about it.

Back to school and reality.
Devyn turned 14, wow!!! Became a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood, had a family birthday party. He and his friends went to the movies to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie.
Bryce had his final Eagle Scout board of review-it's over! Whew!
The rest is pretty mundane, Church meetings, Scouts, home and visiting teaching, seminary, institute, dentist appointments, preschool, uppercase living party...the usual. Well we did have 1 wicked fun dinner party here, that was my highlight of January, which is cold and dark. :)
Mark had a sacrament talk. Subject: My testimony of the Book of Mormon.

February: All we have to do is get through February, and Spring will come.

Hudson has special person's night at Preschool, he took his dad, it was a good experience.
Went to dinner and shopping with my sister in-law Camilla and friend Dana, fun!
Couple of snow day's, hooray!
Elizabeth came to visit for a long weekend, that was nice. It was just so nice to have another female in the house!
The boys had a full-out snow fight!
Boys went to a stake youth dance.
We went to the Henry Ford Museum.
Bryce had his Eagle Court of Honor! Congratulations Bryce, we are so proud of you. (1 down 4 to go, sigh).
Bryce flew to Georgia to go see (guess who?) Elizabeth! Linda and Steve have become second parents.
Cub scout blue and gold banquet. Grant decorated a cake (frog cake, go figure).
Again, each Sunday was church and other meetings, Scout camp fundraisers, BYN, Primary Presidency meetings, sharing time, ward council, swimming lessons for Grant, Preschool and assist days, Bryce-Institute, Cameron-Seminary, home teaching, car maintenance, Elders come for visits, FHE, ya know!
Devyn went camping, up north.
Oh, 1 good thing we got to do was make and serve dinner at the Ann Arbor Alpha House. Cameron watched the little boys so Devyn, Mark and I could go. It is a place for homeless families, they are assisted with finding a new home, jobs, skills etc.
We did a minor remodel of the boys bathroom, it's 100% better. Let's just say, 5 boys- 8 years...it almost needed a sledge hammer!

They hate this photo, lol!

March: Hooray, we are happy, it's sunny, warming and the warm weather is coming!

Stake Conference, Stake meetings.
Pinewood derby-Grant got 3rd place, he was thrilled! Hudson had to have a car too (of course!)
Scout training for Mark.
Turn the clocks forward!!!!!
Trimester ends and a new begins. Cameron's last trimester was nothing less than grueling.
Went on a field trip with Devyn and his German class, that was fun, I don't get to do thing like that very often. Bryce took care of Hudson, thank you, thank you. The only way I embarrassed Devyn (only 1, wow!) was to have his friend take a picture of us. The horror, can you imagine? Mark was worse, he came by for a visit when Devyn had a field trip to the Henry Ford, I'll let him tell you about it! :)
Grant had a science fair, his submission...frogs- surprise, I know!
We had a party with 9 couples, a blast!
Mark, Bryce, Cameron and Devyn went to Atlanta, they went to go to the High Museum to see an exhibit about the allure of the automobile with the Hasek's (Elizabeth's family). Mark said it was better than he imagined! The boys went to Young Men's down there, they love that ward. It was 5 days with just Grant and Hudson for me, very strange, very quiet!
Rest of the month...you guessed, seminary, institute, swimming, scouts, ward council, sharing time, gospel principle lessons, baptism (that was good!), presidency meetings, Relief society meeting (one of the best ever!), stake youth activity, ortho appointments for Bryce and Devyn (yes, we get to pay for Bryce to have round 2, lucky us). One other highlight, I get to spend 3 hours bleaching every 1 inch toy in the preschool with 4 others, crazy!
Took Grant, Hudson and a friend to the movies to see "Diary of a Wimpy Kid", how was it you ask? Well let me tell you by sharing this, thank goodness I had some new pod cast on my ipod! Yeah, that good.

Looking ahead for the next 3 months: Florida, school ends, Bryce turns in papers for his mission,Nauvoo, Time out for Women in Indiana, Georgia, Youth Conference, Primary Quarterly Activity, a Special Stake Conference (?), Birthday's...I promise I wont' wait till they are all past!

Keeping the Spirit of Christmas

2009-12-16T10:13:00.003-05:00

Every December, I combed the web, magazines and books for thought provoking stories and talks to inspire my family to keep the spirit of Christmas as intended.

I was thinking about the actual 12 days of Christmas and came across an article on the Christian meaning and history of the song: Twelve Days of Christmas. I cannot attest that's its all factual, but I think we often do things robotically, not thinking of the meaning or origins and this shed new light on this song.

Catholics in England were prohibited by law from practicing their faith, both in private and in public from 1558 to 1829, So in secret they continued to teach their children their Christian religion.

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written in England during this time frame. It was written to help children learn about their religion. The entire song is writing in symbolism and hidden meanings because it was illegal to have anything in writing that would indicate adherence to the Catholic faith. To be caught could mean imprisonment, hanging, or drawn and quartered.

Christmas referred to a twelve day period that starts with Christmas day. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" referred to a twelve day period that began Christmas day. While the world may have celebrated Christmas for about twelve hours, these Christians celebrated it for twelve days as a reminder that the gifts of God are with us for twelve months of the year. It also represented the idea that we should be thankful for the gifts of God and follow His teachings for all twelve months of the year and not just one day a year.

The song begins, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me..." The "true love" represents God, as our greatest love should be for Him. The word worship means that which we love the most. The "me" who receives these presents is the Christian man or woman.

1. The "partridge in a pear tree" was Jesus Christ who died on a structure made from the wood of a tree. In ancient times a partridge was often used as mythological symbol of a divine, sacred king.

2. The "two turtle doves" were the Old and New Testaments - another gift from God. Doves symbolize peace and the Gospel contained in these scriptures, when practiced, brings peace.

3. The "three French hens" were faith, hope and love - the three gifts of the Spirit that abide

(I Corinthians 13). The French hens can also represent God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.

4. The "four calling birds" were the four Gospels which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.

5. The "five golden rings" were the first five books of the Bible also called the "Books of Moses."

6. The "six geese a-laying" were the six days of creation.

7. The "seven swans a swimming" were "seven gifts of the Holy Spirit." (I Corinthians 12:8-11, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4:10-11)

"For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word o knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to other divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues; But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."

(I Corinthians 12:8-11)

8. The "eight maids a milking" were the eight beatitudes.

9. The "nine ladies dancing" were nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22)

10. The "ten lords a-leaping" were the Ten Commandments.

11. The "eleven pipers piping" were the eleven faithful disciples.

12. The "twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of the Apostles' Creed.

I. Believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

II. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:

III. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:

IV. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried:

V. The third day He rose again from the dead:

VI. He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty:

VII. From thence he shall come to judge the Quick and the dead:

VIII. I believe in the Holy Ghost:

IX. Belief in the communion of saints:

X. The forgiveness of sins:

XI. The resurrection of the body:

XII. And the life everlasting. AMEN.

What's on the Menu this week?

2009-12-14T10:59:00.003-05:00

Since I'm just too mentally involved elsewhere lately but I don't want you think think I've abandoned my blog... I thought I would add a recipe of a menu item for this week.

Beef Goulash

1/4 c. Butter
1/4 c. Olive Oil
5 lbs. Beef Chuck, cut into 1 inch pieces
Salt and Pepper
5 lbs. Yellow Onions, chopped
1/4 c. Hungarian paprika ( I like a combo of sweet and hot)
3 c. Beef stock
Sour cream
2 lbs. Egg Noodles
Chopped Chives

Heat 1 TBSP. butter and 1 TBSP. oil in pan, season meat with salt and pepper, cook meat in batches adding butter and oil as needed. Cook until well browned about 3-5 minutes. Remove from pan.

Reduce heat to low and add onions and cook until translucent-about 15/20 minutes.

Add meat, paprika and stock, stir well, cook covered over low heat, stir occasionally until meat is tender and sauce has thickened about 1.5 to 2 hours. Adjust seasoning and serve over egg noodles with a dollop of sour cream and chives.

Truth be told, I will probably add minced garlic or garlic salt to this recipe, I love garlic!

Enjoy!

One of My Best Mommy Idea's for Clutter Control

2009-10-22T13:35:00.004-04:00

As you may know, when you are a mom, laundry is your LIFE!!! It never stops, not even for one day.

If I could do my house over again, I would have made the laundry room everyone's closet (well for Hubby and kids anyway) and a huge problem solved. Well, I didn't know as much 15 years ago so I made do with the best contraption that I could think of given the space I have, it's been serving me well for a couple of years.

I have 4 guys with socks all the same size, so when I match their socks they all go in 1 bin labled socks,which happens to be 3 feet away from all their shoes. Another sock bin for the non-matched and each one of us has a basket with our name on it, which holds almost a weeks worth of Laundry. By time Hudson was 3 he could locate his basket and find his own underpants.

I like this method because if someone cannot find something, they do not have to rummage through a basket and mess up all the clothes, either they are in their basket or they know it's not clean...

Other baskets are for cleaning products, sunscreen and bug spray, shoe shining kit, dry cleaning, rags etc.

So for what it's worth, this is my mommy tip!

Bet we've got more than you!

2009-10-20T17:37:00.004-04:00

So every year we have a plague or should I say the same plague! First it's box elder beetles (they are messy) and then it's biting lady bugs. They like to warm themselves in the sun on our house, )they also like to get inside our house)! Oh, one of the joys of living in the "country"...stupid nature, do your business elsewhere!

The woodpeckers, and bugs seem to love our house, but not my neighbors! We also get a good dozen or so birds that fly into our tall windows, but that is kinda a form of entertainment, if you are twisted (2 today so far)... sorry, my boys have rubbed off on me.

Bryce is 18!

2009-10-20T13:16:00.005-04:00

He thinks he is SO funny, this is Bryce on his 18th birthday and this is the "good" photo. Bryce you are such an awesome kid, we don't know what we did to deserve you...keep up the good work! And note...the open cell phone, oh my if we were to not get a text the second it came in, the world my end! Bryce didn't want to go out to get a bite to eat, he requested subs from Dibella's in Ann Arbor, we grabbed 2 huge platters.

Let's see, what is Bryce up to right now...well working at Steve Custom signs, going to college, working on his car, working out at the gym, being a cub scout leader, getting things ready for his Eagle Court of Honor, preparing to take an American Heritage final, going to Institute each Tuesday night...

Uppercase Living Expressions in my Home

2009-10-20T13:05:00.003-04:00

In the mudroom, to remind us how to "be" as we leave the house everyday.
In the kitchen it say's, With God, All things are Possible. Bryce installed this one for me.
Above my desk, Never lose a chance to say a kind word.
This wall in my bedroom has been bare for 8 years, but this was the perfect addition.

Crockpot Shredded five-spice Pork

2009-10-16T19:29:00.005-04:00

This is another one of our favorite meals (I love it because, well...did you notice the word crockpot?).

1 pork Roast (not a large one, sometimes I've used a loin, you don't want something too fatty)-Place in crockpot.

Mix together in a bowl:

4 cloves of garlic, minced (to me that means refrigerated minced garlic out of a jar-my gourmet days are over!).
1 TBSP Chinese five spice
1/4 c. sugar -brown preferably but if the white sugar bowl is full...
1/4 c. soy sauce
1/8 c. hoisin sauce
1/8 c. oyster sauce
1 TBSP balsamic vinegar
couple shakes of red pepper flakes
1 c. water

Pour mixed ingredients over crock pot and cook (duh!).

When it's done, shred it...if you have too much liquid after shredding, I would not throw it out, I would thicken it with cornstarch, while the crockpot is still hot.

Put Pork over cooked white rice.

Then top with:

Shredded napa cabbage
sliced green onions
fresh cilantro
bean sprouts
chopped peanuts
plum sauce

So this recipe evolved through the years, hope you like it!

See, women are born this way!

2009-10-16T19:20:00.001-04:00

Mark said that I was just telling him the same thing yesterday!

Marble Cookies

2009-10-13T07:07:00.004-04:00

So after the dinner posted below, I had a sweet tooth and made some cookies. They are made with sour cream and are cake like, Grant thought they smelled like ice cream.

I doubled the recipe when I made them though.

2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
pinch of salt
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 stick salted butter, softened
1 egg
1/2 c. sour cream (I always add a little extra)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 300.

Sift flour, powder and salt into a bowl (yeah right, that is extra work, do it if you wish).

Beat together butter and sugar until well blended.

Add egg, sour cream and vanilla, beat until light and fluffy.

Add flour mixture and blend until just combined.

Melt chocolate chips (forget the double boiler, the microwave works just as well). Pour into cookie mixture, use a wooden spoon or spatuala and fold to get the marble look and taste.

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls, 2 inches apart on baking sheet.

Bake 20 minutes, transfer to a flat cool surface to cool.

something yummy we ate this weekend

2009-10-12T21:47:00.002-04:00

Chicken Florentine (an easy version)

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup butter
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice ( I added 2 x that)
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup half-and-half
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and excess water drained.
4 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
2/3 cup bacon bits (Costco has the best)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (We used fresh sliced mozzarella, it was so cheesey)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the chicken breast halves on a baking sheet ( I brushed with oil to brown); bake 20 to 30 minutes, until no longer pink and juices run clear. Remove from heat, and set aside.I sliced it afterwards.
Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stirring constantly, mix in the garlic, lemon juice, cream of mushroom soup, Italian seasoning, half-and-half, and Parmesan cheese.
Arrange the spinach over the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish. Cover the spinach with the mushrooms. Pour half the mixture from the saucepan over the mushrooms. Arrange chicken breasts in the dish, and cover with the remaining sauce mixture. Sprinkle with bacon bits, and top with mozzarella cheese.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes in the 400 degrees F oven, until bubbly and lightly browned.
Serve with Angel hair pasta.

I doubled it, it was really good.

Then we had marble cookies. They are made with sour cream, they are delish!

This Weekend's Happenings

2009-10-12T21:20:00.004-04:00

Well its way too cold for October, I need to feel a few more days in the 70's.

On the brighter side, Mark finished tiling the front stairs in slate (photo coming soon) the garage will fit my car again (thank you Bryce), we ordered halloween costumes and Cameron went to homecoming. Saturday we had a primary quarterly activity, we practiced our sacrament program, had pizza and ice cream, I was SO tired afterwards but it was fun, the kids are so awesome! Sunday we went to church, came home and had dinner then relaxed together, it' my favorite day of the week.

A New Venture

2009-09-30T20:14:00.007-04:00

So...I've decided I am going to be one of those annoying ladies that wants everyone to buy what she has to sell, and have parties at your house...(I hope I won't become annoying).

Well... I came across the coolest thing (Uppercase Living) thanks to Camilla (my sister in-law) she sells Scentsy btw and it was like BOOM! Sign me up, I gotta have this stuff and want to sell it too and there you have it, it was a sudden decision and now here I am a Uppercase Living Demonstrator they call me and I am actually really excited about it, seriously!

Uppercase Living has word art for your walls and images too, it is great way to decorate and personalize. It is made from vinyl and can be taken off as easily as it is put on without damaging your walls (actually you can use it outside, on your car, on a platter, your table, your floors, your laptop, you get the idea).

I set up a e-commerce site (see here) so I wouldn't' have to do the whole check/cash thing and now I find myself trying to figure out what walls I want to COVER (just kidding Mark, I wont go crazy), actually Mark really likes the stuff, esp. since he can design his own.

This will actually be a great opportunity to make some extra money (who doesn't need extra money) and it won't cause any stress or conflict with my taxi service that I run every day from 6 a.m. until about 9 p.m. (call far in advance I book up fast! ha ha ha)

I'll be having a party soon combined with my sister-in-law and a friend who sells Butterfly accessories...for those who live near me (those that don't-check it out online here)

Summer 09 in a Flash!

2009-09-30T19:23:00.009-04:00

Doesn't everyone bring their potty on day trips?
McChesney boy cousins
Mark and Leah in L.A. (if you could not tell :))
Bryce working on his eagle project, along with 24 other set's of helping hands!
Grant is a cub scout and Hudson thinks the WORLD of him!
Miata engine swap, makes sense to put a faster engine in a smaller car doesn't it?
Grant's baptism day
Devyn looking handsome and cool!
Grant opening a present for his 3rd birthday
Bryce with friends at youth conference
Such a good looking boy and growing fast I might add!
So, I haven't blogged all summer-my bad. We just had too much fun, let's see...

Bryce went to New York
Cameron went to New York
Cameron and Bryce went to Youth Conference
We went to Silver Lake a few times (with friends and with family)
Went out to dinner with many friends
Cameron, Devyn and Mark went to the Temple a couple of times
Mark and Leah went to the Temple many times
Enjoyed watching our garden grow
Cleaned the Temple (that was a sweat breaking experience)
Went to the dentist
Grant turned 8
Hudson turned 3
Mark turned...oh we won't mention that!
Father's Day
Grant got baptized, by Bryce!
Boys spent the night at Grandma's.
Boys spent the night at Grandpa and Grandma's.
We went to the movies
Went to the dentist
Did dry canning for food storage
Went to family BBQ's
Went to the dentist
Went to Greektown
Went to Cranbrook
Went to the dentist
Went to the doctor's
Preschool playdate
Went to Georgia
Shot off fireworks
Went to the dentist
Had a house guest for a couple of weeks
Went to scouts
Boys went camping
Mark bought a Miata
Our 19 year anniversary
Went to the dentist
Mark and Leah went away for 4 days on our own to Lake Michigan
Went to the dentist
Bryce went to Georgia again
Grant started cub scouts
Cameron had a sleepover
Bryce started college and he did a BYU online course
Bryce did his Eagle Project
Bryce went on split's with the missionaires
Mark and Leah went to L.A.
Cameron went to a dance
Ate a lot of fresh salsa
Bryce did an engine swap
Read the twilight series in a matter of days
Watched a bazillion movies
Cleaned the basement (believe me if you did this, you know why I'm adding it!)
Had a wasp nest in our basement ceiling, it took weeks to combat them, we all got stung!

Did I mention we went to the dentist?

Birthdays, A Bomb, Chocolate and Frogs!

2009-06-27T11:23:00.008-04:00

Mark's birthday dinner (steak and potatoes...go figure), Bryce and Grandpa posing by the their favorite toy! Bryce took to the back hoe like a fish to water, no surprise! Wish I had footage of him using the machine. Mark on the roof of his father's truck brought back a rush of memories, doesn't he just look as cute as ever?

So I made Mark's favorite dessert for father's day/ birthday...chocolate mousse pie (made 2 of them, it only took 90 minutes!!!), I didn't even try to guess the calories it was too good to consider that. C in NY working hard for Grandpa, we missed him. Bryce spent a week in NY then C for a week. They enjoyed spending one on one time with their grandparents.
About to sing happy birthday to Mark and here is G peering down a sewer grate, there were many frogs "stuck" down there and he spent HOURS trying to figure out how to get them out, there were many tears involved, we tried to convince them they would get out, but he assumed they were doomed. Grandma felt so bad for him she too, him to a pond to find some frogs for his pond...it did the trick, whew!
When Mark had his actual birthday, I made him dinner but only Bryce was home, so we celebrated Whole Food's style for dessert! H has found his funny side, who would have guessed with 4 older brothers encouraging nonsense?!?! It was bound to happen.
For father's day, Bryce spent 16 HOURS non stop and hired a friend to help clean out the garage for his dad, while he was away for the day. It was SO hot and muggy too! He built a work bench, borrowed a hammer drill for the concrete wall, bought peg board and organized, OH and bought a huge vice too, which was also from C and D. Mark was thrilled, so to bring in the good fortune the right way he went and bought an air compressor, and when i say air compressor...it is almost 6 feet tall! They are all salivating, waiting to get it going. For those of you who are saying, what do you use those for...well they are going to use it to paint Bryce's car, other than that...I dunno, you can pump up tires! :)
Lastly, when C posted on facebook, that he was looking for a bomb in his Grandpa's garage...he wasn't kidding! Grandpa had this from his day's in the airforce. C has found his favorite bedroom prop, which he might actually turn into a mobile! He sanded it and spray painted it. If you know C, or have seen his collections, this was the mother load, what a perfect gift for him!

Summer's Here!

2009-06-05T14:21:00.010-04:00

Every year when summer begins it is a tradition for us to go to the scrap box, we usually go the first week after school let's out. The boys look forward to it (we've been doing it for 9 years now). I love/hate the place. The kids come home with large paper sacks full of 'junk', 6' long tubes and it keeps them busy for days! But the downside is there is junk all over my house and yard for at least a week or more. For those who don't know the scrap box, they describe the stuff they sell as this, "unique materials which manufacturers and businesses would otherwise send to landfills: remnants, samples, seconds, and scraps".

So I am bracing myself for that, but have just prepared their craft materials to keep them busy (Grant and Hudson will be the main beneficiaries to this), it's all organized and ready to go after a quick drive to Michael's to restock a few items. We have clay, markers of every size and color, crayons (regular, glitter and metallic), colored pencils, googley eyes, craft sticks, siccors that cut funny shapes, foam, paint, wood shapes and animals to paint, tracing paper, graph paper, card stock, pom poms, gell pens, stickers, coloring books, buttons, paper airplane books, how to draw books, activity books etc... They really love this creative outlet and I love that the TV isn't on.

My kids (the older ones) often grumble over our summer schedule, but yes we keep a schedule (but it isn't too rigid). They must be up by a reasonable hour, the usual routine of teeth...breakfast, then some jobs which rotate. We have used various methods of passing out jobs, some have been more fun and creative than others. We have reading time (individual) and work book time to keep up on their skills. Of course we have time to lounge in front of the TV and they always beg for video games but most of all I love the lazy days at the lake, the trips to get ice cream, frequent bbq's with family and friends, the 4th of Julycelebration, the waterparks and out of state trips to visit family, friends and sight seeing.

Bryce graduates High School!

2009-06-03T21:39:00.006-04:00

Bryce has officially graduated high school and seminary. He came home late Saturday night from L.A., gave a talk in church on Sunday, went to school to practice commencements, had a graduation party, then commencements then made the end of seminary graduation. Whew, what a weekend. Here are a few photo's.

He thinks he is SO funny!

LOT'S of food, we are still eating it!
Bryce, Chase and Andrew.