good-bye to summer, part 1:

We've had such a FUN summer! Lots of places to go and people to see...

Stop #1

THE SPLASH POOL

sensory overload

Desperately needing to update. I'm in catch up mode after two weeks of pink eye and flu ... didn't we just go through this a couple months ago? I seriously feel like my life is a broken record sometimes!

Update coming soon with pics from our summer adventures and Laci's first day of school!

lost that loving feeling?

Not me! I started adding things up and realized that our dinner tonight cost a whole $2.68. Basically a stir-fry, I already had the brown rice and seasonings in my pantry, split the 79 cents per pound broccoli between two meals , 1 yellow bell pepper, and Italian sausage - also split between a second meal. Fed 4. I am feeling pretty dang proud of myself!

Want the recipe? Find it HERE. (You'll notice I didn't use the sausage she recommends - mainly because I couldn't find it.)

So, next time I've lost that loving feeling in the monotony of dinner-making, I'm going to see how cheap I can get the pricetag on my next meal!

starting a new tribe

We just started the 4th chapter in the book of Mormon, reading about the Josephites, Jacobites and Nephites. Suddenly, we hear Laci's high-pitched, curiosity-filled voice:

Why aren't there any Laci-ites?

if you are a s'more lover

then you will like this RECIPE. Just tried it out for a new FHE treat tonight.

mouthwatering.

rich.

yummy.

***

As of this week, Jason completed his first semester toward his MRED program.

{Masters in Real Estate Development.}

3 more to go!

I'm a mean mom

I'm not a big fan of video or computer games. I detest the mind-numbing, sedentary-ness, and noise of it all! Let me illustrate how strongly I feel about this: When Jon Kerry was running for president, his wife revealed in an interview that while raising her children, she would only allow them to watch TV for 30 minutes a day. They also had to write a report on the program they watched. I have been VERY tempted. As it is, I do monitor what my kids watch, how long they watch, and when Laci is in school the TV won't be on during weekdays. Children need to be running, playing, exploring, learning. Not sitting on a couch or chair for hours on end, engaging in brainless activities. TV, video and computer games, in and of themselves aren't bad. But, I just don't want to provide an opportunity for turning into a slave of the TV/computer.

So, even though Laci is almost 5, I haven't allowed her to play video or computer games.

...until recently.

My mom, having worked in the primary for several years, told me about THIS. It's the Friend magazine online. Laci loves the scripture reader section, doing puzzles, and coloring the temple. She especially loves the primary music that plays in the background. I even let her do it on Sunday as a reverent activity (since those can be hard to come by and we don't let our kids play outside).

So, then I explored around a bit, and she can go onto the Disney and PBS websites. She loves the Disney Princess section, and I'm all for developing reading skills! I monitor how long she plays on it, so it's not ALL she does. And, I have to say, it's been a fun discovery for the both of us.

But, I'm curious: what do you think about the subject? (Am I too extreme?) What are your favorite websites for your kids? Do you recommend other educational websites?

a little miffed

So, I took the kids to the community splash pool today, which we've done every week this summer - minus a few when I was potty-training Jacob. The kids have a blast. I enjoy having a free place to take them and a reason to get out of the house. I always shoot for 10am, but usually don't get there till around 10:30 or 11. We actually made to the pool at on time...for the first time this summer. I even packed a small picnic so we could stay a little longer, if the kids wanted to. Having accomplished this - as many of you know, is no small feat - I was feeling pretty good about myself. When we arrived, my satisfaction multiplied when I noticed I was the first one there.

Oh, this excitement was quickly dashed when I was approached by the pool watcher (apparently, he's not a lifeguard; so I'm calling him pool watcher.) He's essentially there to make sure we have our pool cards and - as I learned today, that children under the age of 3 have a swim diaper AND plastic cover over the top. Okay, as a fellow parent, I can appreciate the gesture. The last thing I want is for one of my kids to be swimming in a pool when another child has a #2 accident (because let's be honest, here, every child pees in the pool). But, I started to get little annoyed when I told him that Jacob is potty-trained, and the pool watcher responded that he's still under the age of 3. And, I got really annoyed when he told me I could purchase a diaper cover for $10. Ten dollars! That's the same price as a whole pack of swim diapers! I enjoy the splash pool, but not that much.

So, I packed the kids up and we went home. They weren't too disappointed when I suggested a bubble bath with their swimsuits on. They played in there for almost a full hour! Note to self, arrive late at the pool from now on so that the pool watcher will be too busy to notice my 2 1/2 year old without his $10 swim cover!