Christmas

Every year Grandma May makes Christmas dresses for the girls. This year she really out did herself and the girls look beautiful!

Now if I could just figure out how to get 5 kids to sit still long enough for a picture.....

DWTS

Last night was a great show. Especially when Tom Bergeron quipped "If you don't vote and you don't like the outcome whatever you do don't shoot your TV". My all time favorite performer last night was Kyle. Jennifer definitely didn't deserve a 30 for her free style. And Bristol was great not fantastic just great. Here's my favorite dance from last night.

Team Schmergles!!

Birthday Boy

Before:
To start his birthday weekend we gave this little guy a haircut. Daddy said he needed it before he started looking like a girl...

During:

After:
The end of his birthday all tuckered out from cake and presents.

Shocked!!

For the last 5 years I have faithfully watched Dancing with the Stars. I don't watch much TV, and this is the one program on TV that I can watch with my girls. Last night I was laying in bed snuggling Bear and Vannah, Dan was studying for his last CPA exam.
I was watching DWTS and thinking that it would either be a Jennifer and Brandy or Brandy and Kyle finale. When they announced that Brandy was going home, you could have knocked me out of bed. All I could think about was the backlash that Bristol is going to have to deal with. Then I was looking on YouTube and found this great video.

Bristol is very lucky to have the partner she does.
Now, more then ever, I want Kyle to win. I don't think he will.

DWTS

Last nights episode had some great dances. Did I think that Jennifer deserved two perfect scores? No. Do I think they underscored Brandy? Yes. Bristol did great but, I think that she is going home. Kyle is my dark horse of the season (no pun intended).
My favorite from last night.

Shock

Who else was shocked that Bristol didn't go home?

DWTS

I was shocked......
I thought for sure that Bristol Palin was going home.
I think she was shocked too.
I wasn't that thrilled with Rick Fox, so he wasn't that much of a surprise.
Should be interesting to see how the judges react next week with Bristol because she stayed, and someone they see as more deserving of staying didn't.

DWTS

My favorite from last nights show....



I believe that Bristol will end up going home tonight. My least favorite from last night was Rick Fox. He looked like a pimp in his green suit it was TERRIBLE. I think that Jennifer Grey is having a hard time with the rigors of the show. I think she is doing a great job but, we'll see how much longer she stays on.

Boys!!?!

So Sunday morning 5:45 am Bear up.

Get up give him his bottle.

He won't go back to sleep proceeds to talk for an hour.

Put him in bed with his dad and get in the shower (church @9).

Get done start waking up the girls and Dan gets in the shower.

One of the girls leave their bathroom light on.

Go walking past their bathroom and have to backtrack because I see a pj clad little boy trying to CLIMB INTO THE TOILET.

Growl at him take him to his dad who is done getting dressed and have his dad put him in the tub.

Finish getting dressed while this is happening the girls go into see Bear and come out screaming that he has POOPED IN THE TUB AND IS PLAYING WITH IT!!!!!

Dan turns on the shower and cleans Bear (while wearing church clothes).

At this point I am dressed and am trying to do 5 heads of hair (all those girls).

Take Bear from Dan get him dressed while Dan cleans the tub in his church clothes.

The sad part of all of this. We were going to be on time for church. And when this all happened.......

This little boy is going to either give me lots of laugh lines or kill me. I prefer the laugh lines.

Halloween

Sophie/Gabriella

Sabrina/Sharpay

Sariah/Aphrodite

Savannah/Little Kitty

Bear/Bear

Helping Daddy pass out candy at Trunk or Treat.

Salmon

With Dan working at a place where there are Yakama Indians. He asked for a Salmon and was brought what you see above. Fresh from the Columbia River.

He cleaned it and filleted it with the girls watching. The above pic shows the eggs.

I love the faces in this pic and the one below.

Sophie is adorable. Watching Dad chop off the head.

Pumpkins

A week ago we went to the pumpkin patch.

We searched and searched for the perfect pumpkin.

Some of us just chilled.

Then we carved pumpkins.

Dan and I worked very hard on this masterpiece.

DWTS

Dancing has been going for a few weeks I have my favorites.
But, tonight, wow!

Brandy and Maks were amazing!


Bristol and Mark did a great job.


Kyle and Lacey well, he's just adorable.

Pet Peeve

I really dislike how the newest trend is messy hair with a fancy dress. I was recently looking at pics on People.com and in every one the girls had these fantastic dresses and the worst hair. If you get a dress for free because you're so-called famous at least do your hair so you look decent!

Have to share

I have bragged about my AMAZINGLY talented sister before, well she has done it again!!

Check out this amazing backpack that she made. My nephew is pretty adorable too.

I have no idea where she gets this amazing inspiration from but, I think I need some.....

Projects

A month ago my sister introduced me to this new blog, Knock-Off Wood. The lady behind this blog, Ana White, is amazing! She has plans for almost everything. I am still looking for a dvd bookshelf that we can build. Until then we have built a couple of other things.

When we first started looking at the site we found a kids size picnic table. We have been looking for one for our patio for a while now and were thrilled to see this.

So last Saturday my parents came to visit and Grandpa May and Dan built this in about 3 hours. The wood and hardware cost about $30. But, this thing is rock solid!
This is a just been finished picture.

After we added deck sealer to the table.

We chose not to paint ours.

The next project we found was a living room table collection.
I am in love with this collection. And I am equally impressed with how quickly it comes together.
This is the side table.

I am trying to decide if I want to paint it or just stain. Can't decide mainly because I love the natural look. Next up I am going to have Dan build me the console table. It looks to be the perfect height to put plants on and keep little kid fingers from.

I am so excited about this blog that I just had to share the awesomeness with all of my friends. And yes I just used awesomeness to describe the site.

DWTS

The season is almost over and there have been many things I have like and disliked about this season. My favorite from this week was watching Erin and Maks do their Argentine Tango.

Guess What?

So remember that thing I was coveting?

The new thing my sister created.

I have one. And it's just as beautiful in person.

And yes, I am gloating.

My Sister

I just did a post about her. I know but, she has amazing news.

Someone showed her stuff to someone at Martha Stewart and she was put on a list for "Martha Stewart's Spring Gift Guide".

Exciting right? So I am telling every person who reads this blog (all 3 of you), that I have an amazingly talented sister.

Go check her out. Tell her I sent you maybe I'll get something cool out of it. (Not)

My Sister

I have this super talented sister. She's always coming up with amazing things. Her newest creation I am coveting and I think I need one. This would be the perfect thing for summertime. If it ever decides to warm up here....

Easter

Easter dresses and poor way-to-loved Bear.

DWTS

Once again a new show is here, with a whole new cast. I have my favorites this season, Erin, Evan, Nichole. And my so least favorite it's painful for me to watch her dance or even talk. She's a walking/dancing disaster. I don't even want to type her name. Please tell me I'm not the only one who can't stand this chick.

My beautiful daughters of God

A few weeks ago I read a post on one of my favorite blogs.

I pondered it. In fact my brain subconsciously came back to it several times. I have always believed that being a feminist is someone who believes in the equality of the sexes. The funny thing about believing that is, there is no equality and really I wouldn't want there to be.

Fast forward to this morning. And this beautiful written post from the same blog.

Having four daughters I have always believed that the most important thing I can teach them is, they are "Daughters of God". That He loves them, that He knows them. I believe that if I can teach my daughters one thing in this life. Being daughters of God is the most important one. So thank you C Jane for this beautifully written post.

Random Thoughts

A few random thoughts.

Found out a couple of weeks ago my dad has accepted a position in NY (Bronx) area. He will be the early morning seminary coordinator for three stakes, start up the institute program for the Bronx area Young Adults, and will be teaching an institute class once a week at West Point (yes, that West Point).

I am excited for them and have begun to get used to the idea. I am looking forward to being able to take my kids back east. And taking them to NYC. One thing I am NOT looking forward to is, having grandparents that we have just gotten used to being close to again so far away. I guess that's why we have the internet and Skype.

I realized the other day that my little boy is already 4 months old. He's getting so big, and we just adore him!

I took the girls to get haircuts the other day and after we were done their dad took one look at Sariah and said "when did she get to be so old?" I can't believe she's going to be 10 in a month.

Well these are my random thoughts for the week.

Mama's Boy

See this little guy?

He is turning into a Mama's boy.
The good kind, not the kind that his Mama still does his laundry, cooks his meals, makes his bed, and still tells him who to date. No he's the kind of Mama's boy that will treat his Mama with respect and girls will want to date him because of that.

He has been suffering from a cold and let's just say Mama is the only one he wants to snuggle with. Daddy would be offended but, he has is own problems.

Her name is Savannah...

Boys!?!?

I read this post yesterday.
I realized a couple of things.

1. Boys are disgusting (what have I gotten myself into)
2. It's not just my Big Guy, his brothers, and friends who do disgusting stuff.
3. My little 3 month innocent little boy thinks it's hilarious when he poops and stinks up the house and his sisters squeal and tell him he's disgusting. (who knew it started so young)
and
4. Oh boy, I think he's going to torture his sisters.

Confessions from a Mormon Bachelor Pad: Mystery

Poor Baby

My poor little guy, he doesn't feel to hot.
Unfortunately he has a man cold.

I sure hope he feels better soon.

Bear

If there was ever any doubt that Bear wasn't a Boy, Here's a picture to prove it.

Bear's blessing outfit, he's so handsome....but, I'm a little prejudice.

Bear's Blessing

First and updated family pic, Don't our girls look just thrilled to get their picture taken?

Next..

All of the Bosted men including little Bear. And yes they are an imposing bunch, Not one under 6'2. We had an awesome day blessing Bear and watching the Super Bowl. Anyone who knows Dan knows this was a perfect day to bless his only son.

My Opinion, for what it's worth....

The other day I found this blog....And after reading it and laughing about it I realized a few things. I am a Stay-at-home-Mom, always have been, really haven't wanted to be anything else. I love that I get to do this, and I am thankful that I have a Husband who gives me the ability to do this.

That being said. I know that there are women in our church who have to work, or choose to work. Do I look down upon them for these decisions? NO. I respect the decision that they and their husbands have made. However, I do have a problem with women (and sometimes men) who look down or have a problem with a decision that is NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS. And yes, I do know what the prophets have said about this, they have also said it is a decision that should be made between a husband and wife.

Now this poor boy over at MBP made a list of deal breakers for himself. Instead of taking him seriously as apparently some women in this world have (read the comments, of course Rush Limbaugh says that if you want to lower your opinion of the human race that read the comments of any article posted). I chose to laugh at the whole thing and think to myself what a funny boy he is. He is allowed his opinion. Leave the poor guy alone. Some day he will be married. And then his little world will come crashing down around him.

Dan always likes to say: A man gets married hoping the women won't change and she does, a women gets married thinking she can change the man but he will not.

Confessions from a Mormon Bachelor Pad: Calvin's Deal Breakers

Side Note

Dear Nicole(Matt) and Kimmie(Joey),

I love you and think you are amazing...and not just for putting up with my brothers. I just like to tease them about marrying girls that are vertically challenged.

Love Naomi

Being Snarky...

I love sarcastic people. I love when sarcastic things are said. I love when things are said and people will not even come close to understanding that this person is being sarcastic. In fact sarcasm is a lost art form.

That being said, I have recently (as in today) happened upon a blog that I have totally fallen in love with. This blog makes me think of all the things that my girlfriends and I used to talk about when we were single, and the boys we would torture while doing this.

For instance: My brothers liked to say that I had a "burger-of-the-week" club. Now, in my defense I wasn't that bad but, there were times when I did date several different guys in a month. I am also the same girl who said if he is under 6 foot he's not an eligible candidate for marriage but, there's nothing wrong with maybe kissing him (sorry daddy). This same girl also said, "Guys are like nylons, after a couple of wearings they're a little stretched out have some runs in them and it's time to throw them out and get a new pair".

Should I feel bad when my sister asked me if it makes her a snob if she tells short guys she won't date them. And I told her Heck NO!!! If they have a problem with it that's their problem. I know cruel right? But, when you're 6'0 tall you have to have standards and really when a Tall guy (6'2 or taller) dates a girl under 5'6 and then marries that girl (that's right Matt and Joey I'm talking to you) Then you can expect to have short children. Also what a waste of a wonderful Tall guy.

Someone once asked me how I ended up marrying a Tall guy (he's 6'3), I tell them I just never dated anyone short too seriously. I know once again I'm being mean.

So back to this blog it made me think, and I realized that things are a little harder then, you know 13 years ago when I was in the dating world. But, that things are still the same, and probably always will be.

the loved Brownies (for Brenda Nevitt)

Dang Good Brownies

1 1/2 cup Powder Milk
1 cup Cocoa Powder
4 cups Sugar
3/4 tsp Salt
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
6 Eggs beaten (I beat in separate bowl)
3 cubes Melted Butter
3/4 cup Water
1 Tbsp Vanilla
4 cups Flour

Mix dry ingredients together, then add wet ingredients mix well. Add flour last. Pour into a large cookie sheet or scoop into mini muffin tin, remember to spray before. Bake at 350 for cookie sheet 22-25 min. For mini muffin tin 16 min.

For frosting:

1 cube butter softened
1 tsp vanilla
a little milk
powder sugar
cocoa powder.

Super popular in my house and very yummy.

To my AZ ladies

First a picture of the most handsome adorable little man I know. He is now 21/2 months old and has doubled his weight and he has grown 7 inches. Which means he's 13 lbs and 24 inches.
He is a very adored little man in our house.

Next the brownies that I used to make when we lived in AZ.

My mom started putting the dough into mini muffin pans. I found that these would be perfect for baby showers, YW activities, Relief Society or even little hands. Just beware: a mini muffin pan has 24, this recipe makes about 100 mini brownies.

Still the yummiest brownies ever.

Happy New Year

On New Years day the girls and Dan went sledding (we got 6 inches of snow on New Years eve). They had a lot of fun playing in the snow.

Christmas day, Savannah received a new baby all her own (she has been stealing her big sisters) and Bear got his very first Tonka truck. Yes, it's steel.

It may be a while before he can play with it but, mommy couldn't resist. It was also fun buying a gift that wasn't a Barbie doll or baby doll.