I
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Hart Happenings
We ended up canning peaches this week, so nice to have boys who are old enough to really help! We picked apples with a friend, and attended two weddings and a funeral. We are gearing up for our pie night tonight with a bunch of friends. We all bring pies and then feast and visit! Awesome!
We got a surprise visit from Mom on Saturday which was the definite highlight of the week. Guys, we seriously have the best mom ever! She didn't get to stay long but I don't think the boys stopped talking long enough to take a breath the whole time she was here.
Here are a few pics from the week. Love to everyone and hope to see you sometime soon!
Nilsson News
The big news for this week is that we started on our basement!!! Garrett's dad came up and helped us rough in our bathroom. It is a start and that is something to be excited about. I don't really foresee an end any time soon but that is okay. This week we have continued the potty training with Eliza. Some days are better than others but I think for the most part she is getting the hang of it. It is wonderful only having one in diapers now!
Tomorrow we officially start school again. We have some fun things planned and I am really looking forward to having a set routine and I think the kids will appreciate it too. I am thrilled about our chemistry unit we will be studying. I never really took chemistry so I can't wait to dive in and learn a ton too! You're never too old to learn.
Mom and Dad came by with 10 dozen ears of corn and I must say it is utterly delicious! We were able to freeze 33 bags and that will be wonderful since our beans didn't go as far as we'd hoped. Our nectarines are flourishing and we are feasting upon them every day. Tomatoes ripened much faster than I can remember and I will probably start canning them this week. REQUEST FOR JENN: Please post Scott's aunts tomato soup recipe!!!! It can no longer be kept a family secret. I guess I can keep it a secret as long as you share it with me! I have zucchini coming out my ears like everyone else in our neighborhood and because of that, I've discovered some good recipes to use it up.
Random thing I learned this week at a baby shower: If you want to know how tall your kids are going to be when they grow up, take their height at three years old and triple it. That will give you an estimate on how tall they will be.
I'm going to end my random post today with sharing the neat experience Garrett and I had in the temple yesterday. Our friends, the Winsors (Tara took our family pictures), have not been able to have children of their own and were able to adopt their first son. They were placed with another baby boy last year and have been working so hard to get the adoption to go through. It finally went through on Thursday and we attended their sealing in the Salt Lake Temple. It was so amazing to feel of the spirit there and the power of the sealing. When we are sealed as couples at marriage I don't think we realize the profound meaning of that, and I was reminded of its significance as I saw this couple and their baby and other son become an eternal family. Nothing in life compares to those moments found in the temple. The power there is real and eternal! The church is so true and it will always be so!
Tomorrow we officially start school again. We have some fun things planned and I am really looking forward to having a set routine and I think the kids will appreciate it too. I am thrilled about our chemistry unit we will be studying. I never really took chemistry so I can't wait to dive in and learn a ton too! You're never too old to learn.
Mom and Dad came by with 10 dozen ears of corn and I must say it is utterly delicious! We were able to freeze 33 bags and that will be wonderful since our beans didn't go as far as we'd hoped. Our nectarines are flourishing and we are feasting upon them every day. Tomatoes ripened much faster than I can remember and I will probably start canning them this week. REQUEST FOR JENN: Please post Scott's aunts tomato soup recipe!!!! It can no longer be kept a family secret. I guess I can keep it a secret as long as you share it with me! I have zucchini coming out my ears like everyone else in our neighborhood and because of that, I've discovered some good recipes to use it up.
Random thing I learned this week at a baby shower: If you want to know how tall your kids are going to be when they grow up, take their height at three years old and triple it. That will give you an estimate on how tall they will be.
I'm going to end my random post today with sharing the neat experience Garrett and I had in the temple yesterday. Our friends, the Winsors (Tara took our family pictures), have not been able to have children of their own and were able to adopt their first son. They were placed with another baby boy last year and have been working so hard to get the adoption to go through. It finally went through on Thursday and we attended their sealing in the Salt Lake Temple. It was so amazing to feel of the spirit there and the power of the sealing. When we are sealed as couples at marriage I don't think we realize the profound meaning of that, and I was reminded of its significance as I saw this couple and their baby and other son become an eternal family. Nothing in life compares to those moments found in the temple. The power there is real and eternal! The church is so true and it will always be so!
Flake Fun
30 August 2015 - Where has this month gone? There wasn't much out of the ordinary this week. We have been harvesting a bit and filling up our new freezer. Yesterday we froze 2 heads of broccoli from our garden. Never done that before so we'll see how it works out. We also froze some peaches, a chicken broccoli casserole, some chicken breasts and some pork chops.
Tomato worms and potato beetles continue to plague our garden. Any good ideas on how to get rid of them?
Our tomatoes are starting to turn so I think in a week or so we'll have a good crop to bottle.
I think that is about it for our week! Hope everyone had a good week and is anticipating a great upcoming week!
Tomato worms and potato beetles continue to plague our garden. Any good ideas on how to get rid of them?
Our tomatoes are starting to turn so I think in a week or so we'll have a good crop to bottle.
I think that is about it for our week! Hope everyone had a good week and is anticipating a great upcoming week!
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Flake Fun
23 August 2015 - In looking back over the week we can't believe all that has happened!
On Monday I got a phone call that our new freezer was in so after work we drove to Show Low to pick it up. On the way we rounded a bend and I saw my first wild tarantula saunter across the road. It is a little freaky to be able to be in a truck, driving at 65 mph and see (and recognize) a spider! It gave me the heebie jeebies!
On Tuesday Scott got together with some of the Elder's quorum to play basketball and I ran to the store for 2 pork loins since we now have room to freeze them! Oh, and the visiting neighbor boys came over to help us find tomato worms. We found a couple of doozies and they were very excited to feed them to their grandma's chickens.
Wednesday we participated in the community clean up and irrigated our garden.
Thursday I moved offices at work which I think will be much nicer. Walking out of work I was talking with a coworker and neither of us were paying much attention to our surroundings. As we opened the back door and stepped outside we heard a hissing. Looking to the right we noticed a coiled and MAD snake ready to strike at us. We both yelped and jumped. Luckily it wasn't a rattle snake but we called the people inside to let them know it was outside. Ryan (the only guy at the office that day) escorted it away from the door hissing and striking at the broom handle. A few minutes after I arrived home there was a knock at the door. Ryan, the visiting neighbor boy and not the one that helped with the snake, wanted to know when we would be picking our corn! I told him perhaps after dinner and he waited very patiently while we ate! I ran to a scouting event right after dinner while Scott husked corn with the Ryan and his brother! We were able to get 6 or 7 bags full which we were pretty happy with.
Friday Scott was off of work so we decided to go and chop some firewood. If anyone needs a good workout, I have one for you!
7:30 - leave the house to drive to the ranger station to buy a wood permit.
8:30 - head up the mountain to find the wood
9:30 - find some wood. Drag, cut, stack, repeat
12:15 - take a short lunch break
4:30 - look at the load of wood and decide it is time to go home.
5:45 - arrive home, shower, and wait for the sun to start going down to cool things off
7:30 - Unload the truck
It was exhausting and took all day. We were able to get a 1/2 cord.
Saturday - Repeat of Friday in the woodcutting realm. We saw some wild turkeys running around.We did get home around 3:30 and we immediately unloaded the truck instead of waiting for the sun to go down. At 5:15 we headed to the church to help set up for the ward party. After the party we went grocery shopping.
So that is our week in a nutshell...a fairly large nutshell!
On Monday I got a phone call that our new freezer was in so after work we drove to Show Low to pick it up. On the way we rounded a bend and I saw my first wild tarantula saunter across the road. It is a little freaky to be able to be in a truck, driving at 65 mph and see (and recognize) a spider! It gave me the heebie jeebies!
On Tuesday Scott got together with some of the Elder's quorum to play basketball and I ran to the store for 2 pork loins since we now have room to freeze them! Oh, and the visiting neighbor boys came over to help us find tomato worms. We found a couple of doozies and they were very excited to feed them to their grandma's chickens.
Wednesday we participated in the community clean up and irrigated our garden.
Thursday I moved offices at work which I think will be much nicer. Walking out of work I was talking with a coworker and neither of us were paying much attention to our surroundings. As we opened the back door and stepped outside we heard a hissing. Looking to the right we noticed a coiled and MAD snake ready to strike at us. We both yelped and jumped. Luckily it wasn't a rattle snake but we called the people inside to let them know it was outside. Ryan (the only guy at the office that day) escorted it away from the door hissing and striking at the broom handle. A few minutes after I arrived home there was a knock at the door. Ryan, the visiting neighbor boy and not the one that helped with the snake, wanted to know when we would be picking our corn! I told him perhaps after dinner and he waited very patiently while we ate! I ran to a scouting event right after dinner while Scott husked corn with the Ryan and his brother! We were able to get 6 or 7 bags full which we were pretty happy with.
Friday Scott was off of work so we decided to go and chop some firewood. If anyone needs a good workout, I have one for you!
7:30 - leave the house to drive to the ranger station to buy a wood permit.
8:30 - head up the mountain to find the wood
9:30 - find some wood. Drag, cut, stack, repeat
12:15 - take a short lunch break
4:30 - look at the load of wood and decide it is time to go home.
5:45 - arrive home, shower, and wait for the sun to start going down to cool things off
7:30 - Unload the truck
It was exhausting and took all day. We were able to get a 1/2 cord.
Saturday - Repeat of Friday in the woodcutting realm. We saw some wild turkeys running around.We did get home around 3:30 and we immediately unloaded the truck instead of waiting for the sun to go down. At 5:15 we headed to the church to help set up for the ward party. After the party we went grocery shopping.
So that is our week in a nutshell...a fairly large nutshell!
Happy in Hyde Park
Yesterday Dad and I attended a funeral. On the way home we stopped at the farmer's market to see if anyone was selling corn. We found a family from Benson who had lots of yummy produce. They have 20 acres of vegetables! We decided to forego other plans for the day and freeze some corn and bought 15 dozen ears.
2:21 - Began husking corn
4:30 - I go inside to finish defrosting and reorganizing the freezer, make dinner; Dad and Emma keep husking
5:25 - Dinner is ready, freezer is clean, corn is all husked
6:45 - Emma has gone to a band performance, Dad and I begin blanching, cutting and bagging corn
8:45 - Corn is all in the freezer (29 quart size bags) and the garage is all cleaned up
I have included the details so you can appreciate what comes next..... We are offering a free traveling corn-freezing service to any family who wants to freeze some corn! We would bring our cache cooker, pots, bowls, knives, and our handy-dandy homemade corn cutting table to your home and provide the team work to get the job accomplished in no time! You provide the corn, freezer bags, water, and time to visit and play with the children! You probably won't want to do 15 dozen ears, so it would go much faster. Dad likes to have one bag of corn per week for a year's supply, but since we usually only use half a bag per meal these days, we figure we have about a year's supply with our 29 bags. We saved a dozen for eating fresh from the cob, so we froze 14 dozen ears. That info is to help you calculate how much you might want to get. Let us know when you want the Belliston Corn-Freezing Traveling Service to come to your house!! (Emma would prefer to have families come here so she can participate! And that would be absolutely fine as well!)
Congratulations to Eliza who has been a successful potty-trainee this week, and to her mother for her successful potty-training!! What a nice day that is in the life of a mother - especially with other diapers to change.
Emma's glad to be back at school and Thomas is looking forward to starting next week. Lauren and Nick are ... well, I'm not sure if they are anticipating or dragging their feet, but they'll be starting next week, too. Dad's gearing up for the return of students and I'm trying to hold it all together. Isn't the adventure great??!!
2:21 - Began husking corn
4:30 - I go inside to finish defrosting and reorganizing the freezer, make dinner; Dad and Emma keep husking
5:25 - Dinner is ready, freezer is clean, corn is all husked
6:45 - Emma has gone to a band performance, Dad and I begin blanching, cutting and bagging corn
8:45 - Corn is all in the freezer (29 quart size bags) and the garage is all cleaned up
I have included the details so you can appreciate what comes next..... We are offering a free traveling corn-freezing service to any family who wants to freeze some corn! We would bring our cache cooker, pots, bowls, knives, and our handy-dandy homemade corn cutting table to your home and provide the team work to get the job accomplished in no time! You provide the corn, freezer bags, water, and time to visit and play with the children! You probably won't want to do 15 dozen ears, so it would go much faster. Dad likes to have one bag of corn per week for a year's supply, but since we usually only use half a bag per meal these days, we figure we have about a year's supply with our 29 bags. We saved a dozen for eating fresh from the cob, so we froze 14 dozen ears. That info is to help you calculate how much you might want to get. Let us know when you want the Belliston Corn-Freezing Traveling Service to come to your house!! (Emma would prefer to have families come here so she can participate! And that would be absolutely fine as well!)
Congratulations to Eliza who has been a successful potty-trainee this week, and to her mother for her successful potty-training!! What a nice day that is in the life of a mother - especially with other diapers to change.
Emma's glad to be back at school and Thomas is looking forward to starting next week. Lauren and Nick are ... well, I'm not sure if they are anticipating or dragging their feet, but they'll be starting next week, too. Dad's gearing up for the return of students and I'm trying to hold it all together. Isn't the adventure great??!!
Hart Happenings
Here is our "blob" (what Jack calls it) contribution for the week. It has been a full and lovely summer. We got to take the boys to a Ryan Shupe concert which was delightful. Good to pass that kind of stuff on to the next generation. Speaking of which, Thomas, will you please take in the responsibility of introducing Emma to The Princess Bride? 
The bearded fellow with his hand in the air was Alex's mission companion who moved into our ward a few years ago. We love them!
The boys loved spending time with Grandma while Alex and I attended a business retreat in Park City. It was a great getaway for all of us! Thanks Mom and Dad and Ruth!
We've been taking full advantage of the long summer days playing in the parks around town, making jam, running in the rain and just enjoying each others' company.
Alex got to go hiking with some buddies last weekend. It was so great. Most of them have gone away so it was really fun to gather the group and reconnect. We have met so many great, excellent people here and are glad those relationships continue even when the geography changes.
A couple months ago Alex bought me a ticket to Education week which is what I got to do all last week. Alex and the boys Had a blast here at home and I was thoroughly inspired and uplifted down at BYU. Something that I really enjoyed but hadn't really expected or planned on was all the visiting that I got to do with Grandpa and Kristi, Joe and his family, Janine and her kids, and Ruth's clan. And talking to the home base people with the Mannings thrown in was a treat! It was truly delightful! We have the best family ever!
This is just a sample of how the boys enjoyed themselves while the mom was away......
It is supposed to be a video. I hope it works.
I'm rambling, but I feel like we haven't blogged for a while. So there you have it!
Friday, August 21, 2015
Nilsson News
I decided I would just post a few random stories from the week, most of them being provided by Eliza.
So, we celebrated Emerson's 6th birthday and it was most enjoyable. Hiking, bowling, watching a movie and of course the presents were a few of the highlights. I made a piggy bank cake since Emerson is obsessed with coins and that was a fun thing. However, right before the cake cutting, we were singing the birthday song and getting to blow out the candles. It was almost to the exciting climax when Eliza promptly took charge and blew out all the candles before Emerson had a chance to take a breath. I'm sure you can imagine Emerson's reaction to that, so we quickly relit the candles and this time had a successful outcome.
I just need to say a few words about our Eliza. Don't Be Fooled! She might seem cute and cuddly, but she is full of fire! I was asking Eliza's nursery leader how she was doing in nursery. Her response was, "Interesting..." I asked her to explain. She said Eliza just seems to have a mind of her own and lately she has taken to climbing up onto the tables and dancing on them and does not care if the leaders ask her to get down.
One time I heard quite the ruckus in the other room and went to check it out. Not surprisingly, Eliza was in there doing some kind of treachery. I asked her what she was doing and she responded, "I bake it into smidoweens!"
Garrett and I had the privilege (if that's what you'd call it) to go to our first Stake High Priest activity. In case you are curious, we were the youngest ones in the room of 260 people. As we were eating dinner, the women across the table from us asked Garrett, "Since you clearly aren't a High Priest, what are you doing here?" Garrett replied, "Well actually, I'm a bishop." Her face was a classic! At the same activity, the Stake President introduced us to the General Authority who came to speak. When he was told that Garrett was one of the bishops, he responded, "Wow! You look like you should be chewing bubble gum and washing with Clearasil!" In all honesty, Garrett looked at me and said, "How did he know? I did that just today!"
I wish I had some pictures to share but I haven't figured out how to transfer them from my new phone. Oh well!
So, we celebrated Emerson's 6th birthday and it was most enjoyable. Hiking, bowling, watching a movie and of course the presents were a few of the highlights. I made a piggy bank cake since Emerson is obsessed with coins and that was a fun thing. However, right before the cake cutting, we were singing the birthday song and getting to blow out the candles. It was almost to the exciting climax when Eliza promptly took charge and blew out all the candles before Emerson had a chance to take a breath. I'm sure you can imagine Emerson's reaction to that, so we quickly relit the candles and this time had a successful outcome.
I just need to say a few words about our Eliza. Don't Be Fooled! She might seem cute and cuddly, but she is full of fire! I was asking Eliza's nursery leader how she was doing in nursery. Her response was, "Interesting..." I asked her to explain. She said Eliza just seems to have a mind of her own and lately she has taken to climbing up onto the tables and dancing on them and does not care if the leaders ask her to get down.
One time I heard quite the ruckus in the other room and went to check it out. Not surprisingly, Eliza was in there doing some kind of treachery. I asked her what she was doing and she responded, "I bake it into smidoweens!"
Garrett and I had the privilege (if that's what you'd call it) to go to our first Stake High Priest activity. In case you are curious, we were the youngest ones in the room of 260 people. As we were eating dinner, the women across the table from us asked Garrett, "Since you clearly aren't a High Priest, what are you doing here?" Garrett replied, "Well actually, I'm a bishop." Her face was a classic! At the same activity, the Stake President introduced us to the General Authority who came to speak. When he was told that Garrett was one of the bishops, he responded, "Wow! You look like you should be chewing bubble gum and washing with Clearasil!" In all honesty, Garrett looked at me and said, "How did he know? I did that just today!"
I wish I had some pictures to share but I haven't figured out how to transfer them from my new phone. Oh well!
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Flake Fun
16 August 2015 - We just closed the door on our Sunday night company. We invited Scott's cousin, TJ, and his family for dinner and conversation. They have 6 adorable kids and we enjoy hanging out together. They are the ones who "loaned" us their furniture and beds! They still haven't found a rental. Great people with adorable kids.
This week was pretty good. Our tomatoes have started to turn red and we are waiting the explosion that will start us canning them. The green beans are all but done. We shared them with some neighbors and will probably freeze the stragglers. We have 2 heads of broccoli. The cucumbers are still going like gang busters.
We went on a hike yesterday with Randy & Dona. It was pretty hot but it was a nice little hike.
Sorry to hear about the broken air conditioner and lawn mower! Things always break at the most inopportune times, don't they?
The recipe looks delicious and we hope to try it soon! As far as Lauren's thoughts on parenting, I would add, just go to primary for a few weeks!
We didn't know Grace had taken to the stage! How exciting! We would love to see pictures!
Well, I think that is all for us! Hope that everyone has a great week!
This week was pretty good. Our tomatoes have started to turn red and we are waiting the explosion that will start us canning them. The green beans are all but done. We shared them with some neighbors and will probably freeze the stragglers. We have 2 heads of broccoli. The cucumbers are still going like gang busters.
We went on a hike yesterday with Randy & Dona. It was pretty hot but it was a nice little hike.
Sorry to hear about the broken air conditioner and lawn mower! Things always break at the most inopportune times, don't they?
The recipe looks delicious and we hope to try it soon! As far as Lauren's thoughts on parenting, I would add, just go to primary for a few weeks!
We didn't know Grace had taken to the stage! How exciting! We would love to see pictures!
Well, I think that is all for us! Hope that everyone has a great week!
More from Hyde Park
So, I've been thinking...
Emma does not like being alone with her parents for FHE. Who can blame her?! Well, I've been rolling an idea around in my mind today and want to run it past you all. Some families we know have monthly FHEs with their extended family, but that doesn't seem feasible for us. However, would it be possible, or desirable, for us to have an FHE with one of the married families via FaceTime or Google Hangout once or twice a month?
The idea: Connect with one family and sing together, have a prayer, share a lesson - we could tell a story as part of your lesson or we could teach a lesson and the kids could tell a story. We might even be able to play a game if it was a guessing game, like charades. We'd each have to make our own refreshments, I guess, but we could visit while eating them!
What do you think? If you'd be willing to consider it and get back to us, that would be great. If anyone wants to volunteer to test it out, let me know and we can try it and let the rest of you know how it goes. Dad thought we could even travel now and then on a Monday and bring the refreshments along. I'm not sure we'd make it to Snowflake, but we could probably get to the other families now and then!
We are just trying to figure out how to stay connected with our children and grandchildren and be part of their lives more than just occasionally. We feel like we are not succeeding like we want to in this arena and are trying to find ways to develop closer bonds. If you have other ideas you think might work better, we are open to any and all suggestions!
Can't wait to hear from you all...
Emma does not like being alone with her parents for FHE. Who can blame her?! Well, I've been rolling an idea around in my mind today and want to run it past you all. Some families we know have monthly FHEs with their extended family, but that doesn't seem feasible for us. However, would it be possible, or desirable, for us to have an FHE with one of the married families via FaceTime or Google Hangout once or twice a month?
The idea: Connect with one family and sing together, have a prayer, share a lesson - we could tell a story as part of your lesson or we could teach a lesson and the kids could tell a story. We might even be able to play a game if it was a guessing game, like charades. We'd each have to make our own refreshments, I guess, but we could visit while eating them!
What do you think? If you'd be willing to consider it and get back to us, that would be great. If anyone wants to volunteer to test it out, let me know and we can try it and let the rest of you know how it goes. Dad thought we could even travel now and then on a Monday and bring the refreshments along. I'm not sure we'd make it to Snowflake, but we could probably get to the other families now and then!
We are just trying to figure out how to stay connected with our children and grandchildren and be part of their lives more than just occasionally. We feel like we are not succeeding like we want to in this arena and are trying to find ways to develop closer bonds. If you have other ideas you think might work better, we are open to any and all suggestions!
Can't wait to hear from you all...
Manning Musings
First of all, we took a look at Ruth's recipe and want to try it this week! Nick says if anyone needs Balsamic vinegar we can mail it to you because we have about 4 bottles of it. Why? I don't know.
Nothing too out of the ordinary this week. Just teaching, prepping for school and trying to be outside before the weather turns bitter.
I have been reading a book called "Just Married," by Mark Ogletree that Grandpa Belliston gave to us. It is a delightful read (probably just for newlyweds though). Today I was reading the chapter about parenting and (no, this is not an announcement) it tickled my funny bone so I thought I would share since some of you might relate. The author included a piece he found on the Internet called, "11 Step Program for Those Thinking of Having Kids." I won't put all the lessons down but here is a taste... Lesson 1.
1. Go to the Grocery Store.
2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
3. Go Home.
4. Pick up the paper.
5. Read it for the last time.
Lesson 2.
Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...
1. Methods of discipline.
2. Lack of patience.
3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.
4. Allowing their children to run wild.
5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's sleep habits, toilet training, table manners and overall behavior. Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.
Lesson 5.
Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.
1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.
Time allowed for this: all morning.
Lesson 6.
Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.
1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there.
2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.
3. Take a family-size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the backseat. Sprinkle Cheerios all over the floor, then smash them.
4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car. There, doesn't that look nice?
Lesson 7. (I related to this one)
Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a preschool child. (A full grown goat is an excellent choice.) If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.
I know you want to hear the rest now but hopefully it got you laughing! Love you all!
Nothing too out of the ordinary this week. Just teaching, prepping for school and trying to be outside before the weather turns bitter.
I have been reading a book called "Just Married," by Mark Ogletree that Grandpa Belliston gave to us. It is a delightful read (probably just for newlyweds though). Today I was reading the chapter about parenting and (no, this is not an announcement) it tickled my funny bone so I thought I would share since some of you might relate. The author included a piece he found on the Internet called, "11 Step Program for Those Thinking of Having Kids." I won't put all the lessons down but here is a taste... Lesson 1.
1. Go to the Grocery Store.
2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
3. Go Home.
4. Pick up the paper.
5. Read it for the last time.
Lesson 2.
Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...
1. Methods of discipline.
2. Lack of patience.
3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.
4. Allowing their children to run wild.
5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's sleep habits, toilet training, table manners and overall behavior. Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.
Lesson 5.
Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.
1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.
Time allowed for this: all morning.
Lesson 6.
Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.
1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there.
2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.
3. Take a family-size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the backseat. Sprinkle Cheerios all over the floor, then smash them.
4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car. There, doesn't that look nice?
Lesson 7. (I related to this one)
Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a preschool child. (A full grown goat is an excellent choice.) If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.
I know you want to hear the rest now but hopefully it got you laughing! Love you all!
Happy (kind of) in Hyde Park
From my journal entry today:
"Well, I am winning the award for the worst Belliston grandma ever. Not only did I forget the twins birthday this year, I also got mixed up on the dates for Grace's performance in 'James and the Giant Peach' in Springville this week. I'm so embarrassed, not to mention frustrated and angry at myself for doing such a dumb thing. The worst part is, there is no way to make it up to her. It's done and over and I missed it. I hope she, and her parents, can forgive me."
Urrrrgggh! I have no idea why my brain waves won't reach as far as Springville... I do hope the Joe and Lori Belliston crew will still talk to me and let me in next time I make it down there! I am very sorry. I was really looking forward to seeing her theatre debut.
Last Sunday, Thomas came home early from church because his back was hurting so much he couldn't sit any longer. He threw up as soon as he got home. Then his head began to ache. I put some oils on his head and stomach that night, which took the headache and stomach ache away, but when he got up the next morning, his neck was swollen and sore and he couldn't swallow. Now, you know Thomas is sick when he doesn't go to his mandatory Big Blue practice or to his coaching job. He stayed in bed until I could get him to the doctor. The diagnosis was a raging case of tonsillitis and he was told to go home and gargle with salt water. Miserable. He went back to bed until he had to go to Pickleville (there is no substitute for Chester the monkey) and Dad had to drive him there because he couldn't turn his head. Anyway, we nursed him for the better part of the week with salt water, herbs and vitamins. Yesterday he reported feeling 87% better.
The lawn was very long when Dad returned from Cedar City, but when he tried to mow, it was too much for the poor lawn mower and it gave up the ghost. He purchased a new one and was getting used to it yesterday. The yard now looks like someone lives here and cares about it. It's just a bit dry. Our air conditioner also decided to take a break as the temperature increased this week. It's as hot inside as it is outside, so I may have to come visit someone who has air conditioning...
Emma is done with band practices until after school starts (which happens to be this Thursday), so she has lots of plans for her spare time for the next few days. Thomas' Pickleville schedule is easing up, so he has a little more time, too. I've got most of the babies here that I've been waiting for so now maybe we can get some of the unfinished projects done that we've had to keep postponing!
Happy week to all! Please accept my apologies if I've forgotten or misunderstood important events in your lives. I do love you all very much and am trying to get my brain to function better. Thanks for your patience and forgiveness.
"Well, I am winning the award for the worst Belliston grandma ever. Not only did I forget the twins birthday this year, I also got mixed up on the dates for Grace's performance in 'James and the Giant Peach' in Springville this week. I'm so embarrassed, not to mention frustrated and angry at myself for doing such a dumb thing. The worst part is, there is no way to make it up to her. It's done and over and I missed it. I hope she, and her parents, can forgive me."
Urrrrgggh! I have no idea why my brain waves won't reach as far as Springville... I do hope the Joe and Lori Belliston crew will still talk to me and let me in next time I make it down there! I am very sorry. I was really looking forward to seeing her theatre debut.
Last Sunday, Thomas came home early from church because his back was hurting so much he couldn't sit any longer. He threw up as soon as he got home. Then his head began to ache. I put some oils on his head and stomach that night, which took the headache and stomach ache away, but when he got up the next morning, his neck was swollen and sore and he couldn't swallow. Now, you know Thomas is sick when he doesn't go to his mandatory Big Blue practice or to his coaching job. He stayed in bed until I could get him to the doctor. The diagnosis was a raging case of tonsillitis and he was told to go home and gargle with salt water. Miserable. He went back to bed until he had to go to Pickleville (there is no substitute for Chester the monkey) and Dad had to drive him there because he couldn't turn his head. Anyway, we nursed him for the better part of the week with salt water, herbs and vitamins. Yesterday he reported feeling 87% better.
The lawn was very long when Dad returned from Cedar City, but when he tried to mow, it was too much for the poor lawn mower and it gave up the ghost. He purchased a new one and was getting used to it yesterday. The yard now looks like someone lives here and cares about it. It's just a bit dry. Our air conditioner also decided to take a break as the temperature increased this week. It's as hot inside as it is outside, so I may have to come visit someone who has air conditioning...
Emma is done with band practices until after school starts (which happens to be this Thursday), so she has lots of plans for her spare time for the next few days. Thomas' Pickleville schedule is easing up, so he has a little more time, too. I've got most of the babies here that I've been waiting for so now maybe we can get some of the unfinished projects done that we've had to keep postponing!
Happy week to all! Please accept my apologies if I've forgotten or misunderstood important events in your lives. I do love you all very much and am trying to get my brain to function better. Thanks for your patience and forgiveness.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
A Delectable Recipe!
Okay folks, hold on to your hats because this recipe will just about blow you away. First of all, the reason I am raving about this recipe is because my picky eater does not like new recipes and he actually ate this and.....LIKED IT!!! The other reason I like it is because it is pretty forgiving, meaning that you don't need to have exact measurements. It is also perfect with the fresh garden veggies that are coming on. Without further ado I present to you:
Bruschetta Chicken Pesto Wraps
Recipe by Our Best Bites (with variations by Ruth)
Recipe by Our Best Bites (with variations by Ruth)
Bruschetta:
1 tomato, diced (seeds removed)
1 tablespoon minced onion
1-2 tablespoons fresh minced basil or 1 teaspoon dry basil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
kosher salt
black pepper
1 tablespoon minced onion
1-2 tablespoons fresh minced basil or 1 teaspoon dry basil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
kosher salt
black pepper
Pesto chicken filling:
1 tablespoon mayo
1 tablespoon light sour cream or plain greek yogurt
2 tablespoons pesto
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice and a little zest
1 cup shredded or diced cooked chicken breast, about 4 ounces (I used some chicken that we had grilled and had put in the freezer)
1 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted (I did not use these)
1/2 cup shredded romaine lettuce or spinach leaves
greek pita flat bread (I like the flat bread over the pockets because it is much more moist and flavorful) Shredded cheese
1 tablespoon light sour cream or plain greek yogurt
2 tablespoons pesto
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice and a little zest
1 cup shredded or diced cooked chicken breast, about 4 ounces (I used some chicken that we had grilled and had put in the freezer)
1 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted (I did not use these)
1/2 cup shredded romaine lettuce or spinach leaves
greek pita flat bread (I like the flat bread over the pockets because it is much more moist and flavorful) Shredded cheese
Combine diced tomato, onion, basil, and balsamic vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Combine mayo, sour cream, pesto, lemon juice and a few grates of the lemon zest. Stir mixture and combine it with chicken and pine nuts (if using), stirring until combined. Layer lettuce on pita, top with chicken mixture, and then bruschetta. Add cheese if desired
This recipe originally serves 2 so I just cut up a few more things and doubled the chicken filling. I think that cilantro on top would also taste amazing! If you have leftover bruschetta, try using it on home made pizza, it's delish!
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Nilsson News
Apologies for not posting in forever but you haven't missed a whole lot. It is funny to think about how fast and busy this summer has been and then when I think back, I can't think of anything to write about. We have been harvesting some things and I canned the first batch of beans. I wish that school didn't start at the exact same time as canning season, but I guess my kids just get a crash course in home economics.
I think that Davis county has done something right and paid a little too much tithing because we have been getting drenched! On Monday, the rain began at 5 in the morning, increasing in strength through the day and didn't let up once until 5 that evening. The kids wanted to go out and do something fun so we decided to go to the pet store. The streets were like rivers and many of the intersections had turned to lakes. On main street there is a ton of construction so all of the gutters were non existent and that took puddle jumping to a whole new level. It was quite amazing actually. Like mom mentioned, we got another huge storm on Friday as well. It helped us to have an early harvest of peaches.
It was fun going up to Mom's this week and playing with the Hart boys. We went to the rodeo and the fair and that always brings back wondrous memories for me. You know, we had such a great life growing up. Thanks to great parents who knew what was good for us! Happy wedding day tomorrow! Sure glad that Dad will be home and you won't be stuck at the fair.
Hope to post some pictures soon after I get a hold of Garrett's phone.
I think that Davis county has done something right and paid a little too much tithing because we have been getting drenched! On Monday, the rain began at 5 in the morning, increasing in strength through the day and didn't let up once until 5 that evening. The kids wanted to go out and do something fun so we decided to go to the pet store. The streets were like rivers and many of the intersections had turned to lakes. On main street there is a ton of construction so all of the gutters were non existent and that took puddle jumping to a whole new level. It was quite amazing actually. Like mom mentioned, we got another huge storm on Friday as well. It helped us to have an early harvest of peaches.
It was fun going up to Mom's this week and playing with the Hart boys. We went to the rodeo and the fair and that always brings back wondrous memories for me. You know, we had such a great life growing up. Thanks to great parents who knew what was good for us! Happy wedding day tomorrow! Sure glad that Dad will be home and you won't be stuck at the fair.
Hope to post some pictures soon after I get a hold of Garrett's phone.
Flake Fun
9 August 2015 - Happy anniversary to the best parents ever!!
This week has been one that was out of the ordinary. Nothing very exciting happened per say but things were just a little different. Scott attended a business conference so he left on Wednesday morning and returned Friday night. The conference was beneficial in that he was able to get the CPE credits he needs to maintain his license.
On Wednesday I participated in an active shooter exercise for work. That was quite the adventure! I was one of 3 photographers so I got up close and personal with the action. The drill was held at the local community college. The humorous/sad part was that the exercise coordinators must have forgotten to inform some key community members so a couple of nearby elementary and high schools went into lock down! Luckily school wasn't in session so it was only the teachers and staff that were affected!
We have cucumbers coming out of our ears. I think I mentioned that I learned how to pickle last weekend. Now I am learning how to give cucumbers away! Luckily we have great neighbors who are willing to take the extras off of our hands! We froze some corn from our garden for FHE on Monday. I also experimented yesterday and froze some green beans. This week's experiment will be freezing broccoli and maybe carrots. Perhaps I'll just freeze them all together and make ready to go stir fry mixes...
Isn't harvest time fun? I know that it can be time consuming, sticky and hot but it gives me a feeling of satisfaction and security. And we feel blessed that our garden is producing so well that we can help others be prepared with stocked pantries too.
This was the weekend of fun purchases - we bought a new weed eater (we burned our old one out tackling a "wilderness" portion of our yard), an ax (since we now have a wood burning stove), a chainsaw with all the accoutrements (we just need a wood permit now) and a chest freezer (since we are quickly running out of room in our current freezer.
Yesterday was a very productive day. I did a batch of freezer beans. Scott weed ate? eated? around the yard. Scott split some firewood that was on the back porch. I stacked a new load of wood blocks on the back porch. Scott started to build the wood sides for his pickup (so we can get a bigger load of wood when we go and cut fire wood). I paid bills.
Have a great week!
This week has been one that was out of the ordinary. Nothing very exciting happened per say but things were just a little different. Scott attended a business conference so he left on Wednesday morning and returned Friday night. The conference was beneficial in that he was able to get the CPE credits he needs to maintain his license.
On Wednesday I participated in an active shooter exercise for work. That was quite the adventure! I was one of 3 photographers so I got up close and personal with the action. The drill was held at the local community college. The humorous/sad part was that the exercise coordinators must have forgotten to inform some key community members so a couple of nearby elementary and high schools went into lock down! Luckily school wasn't in session so it was only the teachers and staff that were affected!
We have cucumbers coming out of our ears. I think I mentioned that I learned how to pickle last weekend. Now I am learning how to give cucumbers away! Luckily we have great neighbors who are willing to take the extras off of our hands! We froze some corn from our garden for FHE on Monday. I also experimented yesterday and froze some green beans. This week's experiment will be freezing broccoli and maybe carrots. Perhaps I'll just freeze them all together and make ready to go stir fry mixes...
Isn't harvest time fun? I know that it can be time consuming, sticky and hot but it gives me a feeling of satisfaction and security. And we feel blessed that our garden is producing so well that we can help others be prepared with stocked pantries too.
This was the weekend of fun purchases - we bought a new weed eater (we burned our old one out tackling a "wilderness" portion of our yard), an ax (since we now have a wood burning stove), a chainsaw with all the accoutrements (we just need a wood permit now) and a chest freezer (since we are quickly running out of room in our current freezer.
Yesterday was a very productive day. I did a batch of freezer beans. Scott weed ate? eated? around the yard. Scott split some firewood that was on the back porch. I stacked a new load of wood blocks on the back porch. Scott started to build the wood sides for his pickup (so we can get a bigger load of wood when we go and cut fire wood). I paid bills.
Have a great week!
Happy in Hyde Park
The rain has made things very green and cool this week. It was nice for Emma to not get scorched at marching band camp - though she is a bit darker! She had a good time, made lots of friends and was a fine example of what an excellent marcher should be. She's looking forward to the competitions and to registering for a few concurrent enrollment classes at Sky View this year.
It's been delightful to have Ruth's family and the Hart boys here for a few days this week. We went to the fair, picked berries, gathered eggs, chased Gem who decided to make a run for freedom, played games, and otherwise enjoyed ourselves. Mostly, the kids played with each other and Ruth and I tried to keep up with them.
The baby that we were waiting for clear back at the Snowflake gathering finally made his appearance yesterday morning! Nice, healthy, big boy and the family is glad he's finally here. Thanks to Ruth for being here and holding down the fort while Dad, Emma and I were gone. She should be the mother of a few extra boys since she does such a good job of it!
I think Dad's done traveling for a little while! He got home from Arizona just in time to go to Washington. Returned from there just in time to head to Provo. Got back and left for Cedar City a couple of days later. Found his way home, finally, after forging a flooded freeway and hurricane winds, then slept a few hours and headed back to Salt Lake for a wedding. He tried to mow the jungle in the back yard last night, but it was too much for the mower. He's glad to be back in the home territory.
Grandpa's news was sobering - I hope you've all read the email I forwarded to you. It makes my heart heavy, but I "have no problem with the Plan of Salvation!" He is definitely one of the most prepared people that I know. Please keep them in your prayers.
It should be a great week coming up.... Our 36th anniversary, Emerson's 6th birthday, lots of other fun things, I'm sure! Have a great week!!!
It's been delightful to have Ruth's family and the Hart boys here for a few days this week. We went to the fair, picked berries, gathered eggs, chased Gem who decided to make a run for freedom, played games, and otherwise enjoyed ourselves. Mostly, the kids played with each other and Ruth and I tried to keep up with them.
The baby that we were waiting for clear back at the Snowflake gathering finally made his appearance yesterday morning! Nice, healthy, big boy and the family is glad he's finally here. Thanks to Ruth for being here and holding down the fort while Dad, Emma and I were gone. She should be the mother of a few extra boys since she does such a good job of it!
I think Dad's done traveling for a little while! He got home from Arizona just in time to go to Washington. Returned from there just in time to head to Provo. Got back and left for Cedar City a couple of days later. Found his way home, finally, after forging a flooded freeway and hurricane winds, then slept a few hours and headed back to Salt Lake for a wedding. He tried to mow the jungle in the back yard last night, but it was too much for the mower. He's glad to be back in the home territory.
Grandpa's news was sobering - I hope you've all read the email I forwarded to you. It makes my heart heavy, but I "have no problem with the Plan of Salvation!" He is definitely one of the most prepared people that I know. Please keep them in your prayers.
It should be a great week coming up.... Our 36th anniversary, Emerson's 6th birthday, lots of other fun things, I'm sure! Have a great week!!!
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Hart Happenings
Fun week! Monday and Tuesday were spent putting. Our house back together after the reunion. I swear we basically packed everything we owned in that van! Wednesday we decided to join the ranks of true Idahoans who make pilgrimages to the mountains every summer to pick huckleberries which are basically Idaho's version of a blueberry, but smaller. We took a friend again on Thursday and she was convinced that we should have had more to show for our efforts by the time we were done but the tiny little berries don't look like much. We're going to comine them with our raspberries to make some jam.
Wednesday night Ian and I went to a benefit sing off to raise funds for the domestic violence center here. There were some amazing participants including a little 8 year old girl who opened her mouth and blew our socks off! The winner gets to go to Nashville and record with a producer back there. Needless to say, Ian was inspired and wants to give it a go next year. 
The boys have been participating in the summer reading program hosted by our local library and one of their prizes was tickets to the minor league baseball game here in town. We usually go once a year and have a blast! This year was no different! Why can you eat a hot dog at a baseball game and feel American when at all other times they gross you out? 
Have a lovely week everyone!
Go Chukkars!
The raspberries are going strong, the flowers are blooming like crazy, what more can you ask for? This is the life!
Manning Musings
Finally we made it on the blog! Sundays just like to slip through our fingers and I always regret that I haven't posted on the blog. But no regrets today baby! The significant news of the week was going down to Layton and Kaysville to spend time with the Mannings and specifically to watch Jason Budge at the Thrive Life Convention. Some of you may know about Thrive Life but it is a company that Jason started (Nick's brother-in-law). It is a food/food storage company that provides freeze dried foods that can be stored for 25 years and then rehydrated and they taste like the fresh food! We tried their snack foods that are healthy, blueberries, peaches, milk and cheese. Pretty cool! We are pretty interested in looking into it a little more. After the convention Nick and I went to Hogle Zoo because we have been wanting to go for a while. It was a great time to go because the animals seemed unusually active. The giraffes were running, the zebras kicking and biting each other, and the gorilla, seals, rhinos, polar bear, wolf, and tiger were all so close to the glass we could've touched most of them! It was a great day at the zoo! On Wednesday, Nick injured his back while riding his bike to teach guitar. He has been a little stiff but is doing much better and has been a trooper! We look forward to a fantastic week!
Hyde Park Happiness
Well, strange things have been happening in our kitchen this week. Lauren was here helping make dinner the other night. I was making some guacamole to put on our taco salad. It was a bit thick, so I was stirring it with a spoon and turning the blender off and on. I guess I turned on the blender before the spoon was out of the way - or something, because all of a sudden there was a noise, then a big hole in the side of the blender and guacamole spurting out all over the place!! It got all over Lauren, me, the rug, the floor... Chester just stared at us for a moment, then ran under the table. It was crazy!
Then today I was getting dinner ready and had opened a can of tomato sauce to use in the sloppy joes and left it on the counter. I got the watermelon out to cut up and kind of plunked it on the counter. I didn't think it plunked too hard, but it sent the open can of tomato sauce flying and it looked like a repeat of the guacamole incident, only in red instead of green (and no Lauren this time)!! Crazy again!
Dad enjoyed his week in Washington state and got home just in time to pack and head to Provo. We had a great time at the reunion there, with your grandpa, aunts and uncles, and cousins. We played some old games to bring back memories, some new games for fun, had lots of good food, watched old movies and shared memories. It was delightful all around. Joe, Lori and their kiddos came, and Emma. Wish you could all have been there.
Although there are surely more adventures ahead, I must say I'm glad to be home for a few days. (Dad's headed to Cedar City on Wednesday for his annual pilgrimage there, then he might like staying home for a short time, too.) Anyone who is ready to brave more travel is welcome to come join me as I stick around here for a little while : )
Hip Hooray and many thanks again to the Flakes for such a wonderful gathering experience, small town style. Next time we're there for Pioneer Day, I'd love to go on the tour of the old homes in the town and see Scott's team win the softball championship! It was so great to be together with all of you. Isn't family the best thing ever?!
Then today I was getting dinner ready and had opened a can of tomato sauce to use in the sloppy joes and left it on the counter. I got the watermelon out to cut up and kind of plunked it on the counter. I didn't think it plunked too hard, but it sent the open can of tomato sauce flying and it looked like a repeat of the guacamole incident, only in red instead of green (and no Lauren this time)!! Crazy again!
Dad enjoyed his week in Washington state and got home just in time to pack and head to Provo. We had a great time at the reunion there, with your grandpa, aunts and uncles, and cousins. We played some old games to bring back memories, some new games for fun, had lots of good food, watched old movies and shared memories. It was delightful all around. Joe, Lori and their kiddos came, and Emma. Wish you could all have been there.
Although there are surely more adventures ahead, I must say I'm glad to be home for a few days. (Dad's headed to Cedar City on Wednesday for his annual pilgrimage there, then he might like staying home for a short time, too.) Anyone who is ready to brave more travel is welcome to come join me as I stick around here for a little while : )
Hip Hooray and many thanks again to the Flakes for such a wonderful gathering experience, small town style. Next time we're there for Pioneer Day, I'd love to go on the tour of the old homes in the town and see Scott's team win the softball championship! It was so great to be together with all of you. Isn't family the best thing ever?!
Flake Fun
2 August 2015 - July is now over. Can you believe it? Last week was back to normal with work, work and work. We did get a terrific rainstorm yesterday which was fun.
I should have had you all go and pick from the garden before you left! I was compelled to learn how to pickle on Friday because we had so many cucumbers! Our corn is ready (we were going to freeze it yesterday but the garden was too soggy for picking!) and our green beans are going crazy! We have to get back into the harvest mode. No ripe tomatoes yet...
I should have had you all go and pick from the garden before you left! I was compelled to learn how to pickle on Friday because we had so many cucumbers! Our corn is ready (we were going to freeze it yesterday but the garden was too soggy for picking!) and our green beans are going crazy! We have to get back into the harvest mode. No ripe tomatoes yet...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)