What's for dinner?

This question is bad enough in the present day when we have all the resources we could possibly need to make a great meal for our families. Imagine how you would dread this same question if there came a time when you are relying solely on your own food storage and preparedness items! scary thought, but it doesn't have to be!
Last month my ward had a prepardness enrichment class and our prepardness leader showed us all kinds of ways to use powdered milk in your meals. I got lots of great new ideas and a recipe packet and she even made a delicious chocolate decadent dessert.
I shared ideas about sealing in jars items (such as dried fruit, dry pasta, chocolate chips, granola bars...endless possibilities!) that don't require a pressure canner, just a Food Saver jar saver attachment. It's so great to have these foods on a shelf, ready to use for years-- no refrigeration required. I also brought my manual washing machine, which uses the same technique a washing machine does only manually.
My favorite emergency item is my sun oven. If the sun is shining, which it is 99% of the time here, then you can cook almost anything! I've made a chicken and rice casserole and other dishes and plan to experiment with a lot more. the sun oven is like having an outdoor crockpot. the temperature can only reach about 325 degrees, so everything takes about twice as long to cook. that's okay, because you're not wasting a ton of electricity, precious fuel, propane, wood, or charcoal, just to get a pot of water boiling! it's so easy to use and there are so many great reasons to have one.
Pictured below is a dinner that I made in January -65 degrees, with the round roaster that came with my sun oven using just the sunshine as a heat source! You can add whatever vegetables(freeze dried too) to make it a well rounded meal. You can see that the chicken is fully cooked. I removed the chicken and arranged it on top of a bed of rice & veggies. Next time I will have to snap a picture of homemade bread in there!
what are your favorite food storage/emergency preparedness items or tips?

Monticello House SOLD

We celebrated by spending the afternoon looking at homes for sale and eating out...

Thanks Quinn for all of your help in getting it sold. You are an excellent realtor!

4 years old...finally!

Kyle has been waiting for his birthday to come since Thanksgiving! We went out to eat with our friends and then to his favorite place in the whole world-HOME. He was dying to open and play with his birthday presents! Kyle is our happy-go-lucky, laughing wiggly boy. He loves to joke and wrestle around with his dad. He enjoys singing and has a talent for it. He really can carry a perfect tune! He's always asking me to sing songs to him so he can learn the words and sing them himself. He is very athletic, coordinated & agile. I believe he can already run faster than Braden. The boy cannot sit still either. He is so pumped with energy, he's constantly jumpy. His voice is naturally high like a chipmunk so he likes to put his church tie on & speak in a low voice so he feels like a big boy. He is our ray of light. He brings so much joy in our home and lives!

Kyle's first years...

I love his cute face and goofy/sweet personality! Happy birthday Ky-bug!

Did you thank Quinn?

That was Shane's question to me after Quinn (Shane's brother, a realtor in Utah) gave the qualifying broker of the most reputable real-estate company in our city an ultimatum. One that would not be in their favor if things didn't go exactly the way Quinn wanted them. Turns out that all the changes I had made on the house amounted to nothing when the kitchen cabinets came last week and did not fit because the space was too small. They had mis-measured....AGAIN. Around the same time the cabinets came in, the builder was trying to get us involved with an illegal scheme that would only benefit them and be to our detriment in the long run. That was the straw that broke the camels back. Red flags everywhere!! We told the builder on Monday that we wanted to terminate the contract immediately. His reply was, you will have to pay us for all the changes "you" made, which would amount to $15,000-22,000. We had initially planned a meeting with the builders for yesterday but we knew they were going to play dirty and we were very worried. However, a couple days before the meeting, Shane said he was going to call Quinn and see what he thought about all of this. That's when all of our troubles seemed to disappear in an instant.

Shane told Quinn everything that had happened from start to finish. Quinn knew all too well about this illegal scheme they were trying to pull on us. Recently a couple of builders in Utah were imprisoned 20 years for doing the same thing! He called up the qualifying broker(owner)over the builders agent and told him in no uncertain terms that if the builder did not let us out of the contract immediately, that he was going to the National Realtors Association and have that agent fired on the spot and possibly imprisoned and the whole company's reputation on the line. Shane and I got a call that night from the owner of the real-estate company telling us we can rest that all of our troubles would be over by the morning! Last night we signed two termination contracts and they apologized to us up and down and we are free!! I was in such turmoil there for a day thinking I was going to have to live with this house the way it is! They were off by 3 feet in the kitchen! In the builders haste to get going on this project poured the concrete without even measuring! They just put the figures down on paper.
We want to thank the Lord for taking care of this so quickly for us. This couldn't have turned out any better. No legal action taken, no money lost...only sweat and tears and I learned a lot. This gives us a chance to start over and do things a little differently or buy a home.
So, to answer your question Shane, I did say thank you to Quinn. But together we want to thank you again Quinn!! You saved us from what could have been a very traumatic situation! We couldn't have done this without you. I even called several attorneys here in town and they couldn't promise anything. We can't thank you enough!!!

Off the subject, my sister came down to visit and watch the kids for us while we attended a Farm Bureau awards banquet at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque last week. Bless her heart, all the kids got sick with the stomach flu while we were away. I felt so bad for her but was secretly relieved I wasn't there!! It was nice to be able to hang up the phone and enjoy the suite and go shopping. Terrible of me to say, I know. But there will be plenty of this for me later, right?! Thanks for all you do Lis. Love you.

When Shane saw this picture for the first time he said, "look how fat we are." Baby, only one of us is getting fat...ME! You are looking great! Congratulations on your Silver award and all your other recognitions last week!

Our Annivesary

Today marks 7 years since our marriage & sealing in the Seattle, Washington temple. The ‘seven year itch’ hasn't touched us. As a matter of fact it's been the other way around for us. We are more devoted and in love than ever. I am eternally grateful to be married to this wonderful man. He is the rock of our family. He keeps me grounded, laughing, protected, striving, content, HAPPY! He is everything I asked for and more. He is a man of honesty, faith, integrity. He works so hard for our family while making all the time in the world to be with us. He shows us each day and in every way that he loves us and that we are his top priority.

I was tagged to answer these questions about us. What a perfect day to reminisce about how it all began...

What is your hubby's name? Shane, but I never call him that…it’s mostly Baby, Babe, Luv, Sweetie, or Daddy
How long have you been together? Married 7 years
How long did you date? 8 months
Who said I love you first? Shane
Who is taller? Shane by half a foot!
Who is smarter? Shane is smarter, but I’m pretty good with the stuff we need to know for raising babies. We balance each other well!
Who does the laundry? 100% me
Who does the dishes? 100% me
Who cleans the house? 100% me and Dees Cleaning Service
Who sleeps on the right? Shane. I always sleep on the left side closest to the door so I can check on the baby.
Who pays the bills? 100% Shane.
Who mows the lawn? 90% Shane 10% me
Who cooks dinner? 100% me
Who drives when you are together? 90% Shane 10% Me
Who is more stubborn? Me
Who kissed who first? Shane kissed me first. I remember he wanted to hurry and get over that “first kiss” akwardness!
Who asked who out first? We met at FHE at the Bishops house. Shane introduced himself and offered me a cookie. Later that evening as we were playing games, I remember watching him closely for a minute & suddenly the thought came to my mind, “I need to find me a guy just like HIM!" The next week at break-the-fast, he asked for my phone number & invited me to go with him to a fireside~right in front of a couple guys that were also showing interest. Shane marked his territory and they all backed down. The rest was history!
Who proposed? Shane. His proposal speech was out of this world!!
Who has more siblings? He does—6 brothers and 1 sister. I have 1 sister.
Who wears the pants? I’d like to say Shane does, but I'm sure he let’s me have my way more than I realize.

I love you Baby! 7 years down and Eternity to go! I am the luckiest wife ever!!!

I tag Tangi, Teresa, Lindsay, Kendra, Lisa L. Melanni, Dana, Natalie & all of my sis-in-laws!

The baking bug~

I love to bake goodies, eat and share with others...especially during the holidays when I can get the kids involved. And what better time to make frosted heart-shaped sugar cookies then now! My boys and their friends got together yesterday for a fun day playing in the dough. (Check out Kyle's new favorite attire--pajamas and a necktie... what a funny kid!)
The girlkins............. Since the girls are too young, I had the boys make valentine hearts. Poor guys!! They loved it!!
Duck-duck goose was a great way for the kids to release all of their energy after the sugar fest. Colby liked to 'whack' instead of 'pat' our heads, OUCH!!

and six is bliss!

How can I resist this guy??

Baby stats:
5 months(21 weeks) gestation
Due date: June 2, 2009
Gender: it's a GIRL!!

A look at the bump

Home Update

interior picture of our future living room!

Here are some updated photos of our house. I don't think we will put the plush white carpet in the living room now, but other then that it is the same. You can't see much in the picture but the dining room is to the left and the kitchen & family room to the right. This whole process has been enlightening. I think you learn a lot about yourself when you build a home. I've always thought I was a fairly laid back person but have come to realize how particular and finicky I can be--Shane says 'hard to please.' I think I am extra cautious about getting it done right the first time so that there are no regrets in the end. Shane finally let me take over this baby, and has been very pleased with the outcome so far. He is certainly not laid back when it comes to his job, so he understands me well!

The builders have been great to work with, you just have to stay on top of them to get things exacty the way you want. They added 3 ft. to the dining room, beefed up the circular entrance a bit, moved a hall a few ft. over so we could add 2 full sets of cabinets to the kitchen, added on to our masterbedroom closet, took out the arches in the patio outside, added a full deck upstairs, and 2 windows. They are going to use ironrod staircase(pictured above). They have made these changes at no extra cost. We are really happy with their quality (2x6 construction, quality insulation, and build good resale homes) and would recommend them to anyone.

A brand new year

2008 was filled with many highs and lows--from politics to the ecomomy, and from a historic year for the Church to the Presidential elections, I believe it was definately a year for the record books. As we reflect on the last year, there have been a lot of changes in our lives... a move to a state we never thought in our wildest dreams we'd live in, Shane's new job that he loves doing every day, having a third child turning one, building our 'dream' home, and more. Words cannot express are gratitude for all of these blessings.
So far...we have tried to stay on track with everything by doing the simple yet important things like daily family prayer & scripture study. This is the glue that holds us together. Yet we feel that there is more to be done in 2009. So we each made resolutions for the year ahead. To help us not forget our new commitements, we did some fun activities New Year's Eve. Shane wrote his goals down in his planner(and a few times on paper), I beaded a bracelet with a charm, and the boys each made a fun and simple scrapbook page to remember.

The kids outside enjoying our (nearly) 70 degree weather!
Finding joy in the journey
Though we have been blessed inmeasurably this year, I know that life is a series of ups and downs and there are difficult times ahead. I don't know what they are or when they will come. I don't look forward to them. But I do know that they eventually come when we least expect it. How we respond can have a huge impact on our lives. I know that through our trials we can gain wisdom and faith if we turn to the Lord. So this year one of our goals as a family is to become better prepared both spiritually and temporaly.

Braden and Kyle's goals for the year
Our neighbors across the street have nine children! They invited us over for more goodies and fireworks to end the night. The kids had a ball. They could not keep their eyes open past 11pm, so we put them to bed and brought in the new year alone together. xoxoxo! I love you honey, go get em' this year!

Fake or Real?

Last night, on our way home from the church after delivering dinner to Shane(he's now the ward clerk and had to stay with the Bishop for Tithing settlement appointments), Braden surprised me and insisted that "I tricked him" and that Santa wasn't real afterall.

Braden: "Mom, I need to tell you something. I found something under your bed. You tricked me"(shaking his head with a half smile on his face).

Mom:(OHhh dear!!!!!!!)
"Oh really. What did you find under my bed honey."

Braden: "Just let me show you as soon as we get home. I don't want to talk about this right now.......Mom, I can't believe this. You tricked me."

Mom: "Tricked you? I don't know what you are talking about. You can tell me now if you'd like... I really want to know what it is you found under my bed" (shooting off a text message to Shane-- "Oh no, Braden found the special wrapping paper from santa and he keeps saying "U tricked me." help! what do i tell him"

Braden: "Mom, just let me show you when we get home."

Shane's text back: Tell him, "Santa left it behind because we were the last house and rudolf was too tired to carry all the extra paper home. Santa said he will be back next year and will pick it up then"

Mom:(hmmm, not sure he's going to fall for that line)
"Hey Braden, when we get home, let's make popcorn and watch one of the Book of Mormon story movies! What do you say?"

Braden: "Oh YES! I love Popcorn. I know exactly where it is too. I will get it for you when we get home. And, I know which Book of Mormon story I want to watch. When the Savior comes to America!!"

Mom: "Sound good to you Kyle?

Kyle: "YEAH!!!!!!!"

Mom: "Ok, but we have to clean up your toys in the front room first. Will you do that for me?"

Boys: Yes!

Mom: "Thanks" (whew, that was a close call).

Later that night before bed Braden comes in my room...

Braden: "Mom, let me show you what I found under your bed"

Mom: (DANG! He remembered).
"Sure honey. What is it?"

Braden: See, this wrapping paper, is from Santa but it's under your bed. (hand on hip)

Mom: Oh, I didn't know that was there? Wow, that was so nice of Santa to leave some of his wrapping paper behind for me to use next year. We must have been his last stop for the night. Afterall, remember how late you guys were up on Christmas Eve?"

Braden: (surprised and happy) "Ohhhhhhhhh! Ok that makes a lot of sense. This is great news."

Mom: "Yeah, (stooping down to see if there was anymore paper), infact, I remember a few times growing up when Santa left behind extra paper for Grandma K because we were his last stop. She was so grateful. Look at all this paper! He left a few rolls behind for us! How nice of him. Thanks for pointing this out to me!

Braden: "YES! I'm so glad we figured this out. It's all making sense now. Let's go show daddy!!"

I can't believe that he would even question if Santa is real?!

Merry Christmas!

Here are a few traditional late night pictures that mark the moment when we can breathe a sigh of relief and start getting excited for what's to come! Lisa baked Mom's mouthwatering homemade chocolate chip cookies. Santa drank all his milk and ate all but half a cookie!

We had such a nice, quiet, slow Christmas morning. We loved staying in our pajamas and playing with new toys all day! It was the perfect way to spend Christmas together as a family. We finished off the night with a big turkey dinner that included turkey, stuffing, mash potatoes & gravy, rolls, green bean casserole, yummy yams, sweet corn, cranberry sauce, great grandma Butler's raspberry jello salad, pie and icecream.

A special red dress, sweaters and Santa

We love Christmas and everything it entails. We get to spend a whole month as family, friends and community celebrating our Lord and Saviors birth. We know that He is God's greatest gift to us, and that all of our greatest gifts come through Christ our Lord and Redeemer. He suffered every affliction so that we may live with him again and be a forever family. This time of year simply, but powerfully brings us closer together and allows us to reflect again upon the Savior's perfect example. We love the peaceful heartwarming feelings we feel. It is the time we become less selfish and more generous, giving warm smiles, hugs and well wishes to all. We think and attend to others in small but special ways. We are a little more kind, loving, and giving. There is laughter, music, well prepared homemade meals, baked goodies and gift exchanges. We count our blessings and witness miracles. It is a time to carry on our old family traditions and begin new ones for our own family. We are filled to the brim with gratitude and take as many opportunities as possible to gather together with family and friends. The decor and beautiful lights remind us of the one true Light of The World, Jesus Christ.

I love the color red, especially this time of year.
My sister Lisa, was able to spend the Christmas holiday with us and it was a real treat having her here. She and I baked, cooked, gift wrapped, talked, laughed, cried, shopped till we dropped, played with the kids, and gabbed on the phone together with family and friends. I hope that she will come back soon because we had so much fun. It is our hope to never be away from each other for the holidays. Words cannot express my appreciation for all of her help with everything. Christmas would not have been the same or possible without her. The boys keep saying, "We have two moms!" Everytime we read scriptures and say family prayers instead of wanting to cuddle up next to me, they want to snuggle with Lisa!


Shane and I enjoyed a Christmas Eve lunch together.
Mom and Dad sent a few special presents early on... We were able to enjoy these gifts before Christmas: a darling little red Christmas dress for Aleah which we LOVE, a Christmas carosaul we all treasure, and a new wolfgang puck breadmaker & recipes which we have savored!

O Christmas Tree and Chocolates

On Saturday mornings, Lowes building supply store does something special for kids--so a few weeks ago, Dad decided he wanted to take the boys on a special Father & Sons there. The boys put on their aprons and got to work building... goal posts! At home, Shane captured a picture of their final product:

The goal posts were finally put to use for our Family Home Evening this week. The lesson was on becoming a Forever Family. I printed out a football field and used the homemade goal posts the boys made to complete the football field. One side of the field says "Forever Family Team" and the other side says "Sad Team." We put a football in the middle and had an official kick-off. At each yardline we had to decide together as a team, what our "game plan" was...for example, whether to be kind or fight with each other. We discussed each principle right or wrong, and how it effects our family. Then I did a special recognition by reading a sentence about each member of the family. Everyone had to guess who the person was. It was a great way for us to get to know and appreciate eachother's gifts and talents. Then we signed our name on a special paper that says we promise to do the things discussed on our family game plan. We finished off the night with another special activity...

After our family tree went up last week, I asked the boys what they wanted for Christmas. Braden wanted to make a Gingerbread house and Kyle wanted his very own little Christmas tree. So this year I got a 4 foot tree for Braden and Kyle's room. They were thrilled to be able to decorate it with little ornaments we bought especially for their tree. They think they're so cool to have a Christmas tree in their room! Their first present was a box of chocolates...

Thanksgiving 2008

We had a nice Thanksgiving feast thanks to Chef Bouy R' Laura! The kids loved every minute of our visit. We enjoyed playing a game late one night. You get all of the family together late at night to play a game and it gets pretty hilarious. Laura kept falling asleep and just as she was dozing off, Randy would shout in her ear to keep her awake. Needless to say, she was a trooper and hung in there until the end of the game. Thanksgiving dinner, game night and going to see Twilight were some highlights of Thanksgiving!
Here are a few pictures of our wonderful Thanksgiving with Shane's family...


The girls saw the movie "TWILIGHT"...

Pictures of our house

It's getting close and every day is more and more exciting! I've been busy picking out colors, cabinets, countertops and every other little detail you can imagine. This part has been so fun for me and not too stressful. It nice if you already kind of know beforehand what you like. I have had to go back a few times and add something here or there. Today I decided I like the look of staggered kitchen cabinets. Surprise Debra! Good thing we haven't ordered them just yet. We set it up so that most of the square footage is on the bottom floor of the house. The bottom floor has everything including the master bedroom and an extra guest room w/private bath on the opposite end of the house. The upstairs consists of 3 bedrooms. One with it's own private bath and the other two with jack and jill, and each has walk in closets. There is also a laundry room upstairs and one downstairs in the master bedroom closet. Sound odd? Well it is different, but I think it's going to be nice to have. The one in our master will be just for our clothes and the one upstairs will be for the kids clothes. Then I won't have to drag clothes up and down the stairs each way... Plus, when we go to sell, we open the market up to older folks who can't or don't want to climb stairs to do their laundry.

We tried to build the home with the future in mind...so that when the kids marry there would be plenty of room for their families when they come home for the holidays. Three families will have the upstairs to themselves, and one family will have the huge room downstairs. Details that will be interesting to us later: We had them kick out the living room wall 3 feet; we added a 6 foot hall from the rotundra to the library, put a door instead of archway from dining room to the hall, and had them tear down and redesign an archway from the living to the family room. Really everything has gone smoothly and as planned. We go to the site just about every day and take pictures. It's getting more exciting as the house comes together. Here are a couple pictures we took along the way. The last five we took this morning.


what the lot looked like before foundation was laid

looking out at the gorgeous mountains that expand across the valley on the east side of the house

Foundation

Michelle's 1 yr supply storage room (back) and 3 month supply storage room (front)

courtyard and circular entrance

Shane's garage

circular staircase

circular driveway will go here
front of house