Sunday Activities

So,  yesterday instead of relaxing after church, and mostly because we played all day Saturday, we had a bit of canning to do.  We had purchased a bunch of London Broil and strawberries and chicken to restock our supply.  We decided to can most of the beef--we left only 3 roasts for the freezer--and canned the rest. We use it all the time for French Dips, BBQ Beef Sandwiches, Shredded Beef Tacos or Burritos and in Chili or whatever else we can think of.  We borrowed our friend's pressure cooker (thanks Nelsons) and went to town. 

We also made strawberry freezer jam and froze whole strawberries, about 20 lbs worth of the red beauties.  Brad also boiled up all of our chicken parts we have been saving for chicken stock and that made 8 quarts of chicken stock. 

Needless to say we were busy and soo ready for bed by 10 pm but had to stay up till 11:30 to get everything done!  But, now we are stocked on beef and freezer jam and only have to do the chicken next.  We aren't going to bottle it, just bag it and freeze it! (probably 40-60 lbs worth!)  Yep, everything seems to be on sale this week so we have to strike when the iron is hot!!

You are looking at:
18  half pints freezer jam
12 pints freezer jam
5 1-lb bags whole frozen strawberries
8 quarts chicken stock
14 quarts of london broil (about 2-2 1/2 lbs in each jar)

chicken stock and canned beef

strawberries

Snowboarders

The girls had lots of fun this year in Flagstaff snowboarding.  They went up quite a few times and most of the time I'd just drop them off and pick them up.  They were brave enough to do it all by themselves and really enjoyed riding the lift alone.  The first 2 times they went up, my mom had them enroll in classes just as a refresher for the year.  They had so much fun.  I know they'd like to have their own boards and not wear borrowed pants and stuff but when you only go 5-6 times a year, it just isn't worth it.  So if you have hand-me-down snow gear, pass it our way!! 

One day Amie brought Leksi up for the afternoon and they went up the big lift all the way to the top and came down through some trees.  Helen said "It was so fun Mommy, I only hit trees 3 times!"  Mary said, "Once I stopped being scared, it was really fun and I only crashed a few times."  So glad they have a positive attitude!  They definitely want to do it again with Amie.  But, sadly, it's over for this year--just next year to look forward to!

My little Citizen of the Month

Yes, Griffin had been made the "Citizen of the Month" in his class.  March's character trait they were working on was honesty and Grif is one honest boy.  He was so thrilled to get this award and we were thrilled for him. 

His teacher Miss Canale had this to say: "He earned it! He has done such a great job of following the rules, following directions, being a friend to others...he has come so far this year and I'm so proud of him!"

Here he is with the spoils of winning.  A certificate, a pencil, a medal and a Sizzler kids meal coupon (kinda funny since we have never paid for Sizzler food--ever)  He was so happy!

Bike Destruction

Did I mention that when we were coming home from our Christmas in California vacation that all our bikes had a bit of a bad day?  Just as we were passing the HOLLYWOOD sign in Los Angeles we felt this thunk from the back of our car.  We were going 70 on the freeway and were in the fast lane so we had to get over 4 lanes to pull over.  Luckily everyone around us could see our bikes dragging and were kind enough to slow down so it only took about a half of a mile but that was enough.  Total bike destruction.  The only bike that survived unharmed was Griffin's bike.  Mine, Brad's, Helen and Mary's all were thrashed.  Helen needs 2 new tires and a little paint touch up, Mary needs new tires and her frame is bent, Brad needs 2 new tires and I need 1 new tire.  The bike rack is totally bent and Brad isn't sure he can fix it.  The only thing that saved us from having bikes all over the freeway was the 2 bike chains we always string through the bikes and lock them onto the bike rack.  Thank heavens for those chains!

My tire is the one in front, the one that the rim is totally missing.

Brad turns 41

Brad hit the big 41 in the middle of our move into our new house.  So we didn't do much but have a yummy dinner.  When all the boxes are cleared out we plan on having a big BBQ and pool party with all our friends....maybe in May? :)

180th General Conference

I really loved General Conference.  Here are some of my favorite quotes....I know there are more but I didn't have my pen and pencil with me for most of it.

Speaking of his children and grandchildren about the internet: "Tragically the same internet that can help me to do my family history work and prepare names for temple ordiances can, without filters and controls, allow access to a global cesspool that can blast a crater in their brains forever." Elder Holland

"The advisary is busy 'extending his coverage' to cell phones, video games and iPods" Elder Holland

"Just run, run as far away as you can get from whom ever or whatever it is that can beguile you...

and please, when fleeing the scene of temptation, do not leave a forwarding address." Elder Holland

From Elder Cook: "It is appropriate to disagree it is not appropriate to be disagreeable."

"Moms, as you speak of Jesus to your children, you will feel all the power of the Lord. Your testimony will remain in your child's mind and soul. Your testimony will never leave your children." Elder Anderson

"It is not enough to just know, we must DO!" Elder Hales

"As we participate in gospel activities with our children we will bond with them in faith."  Elder Hales 

Do your children know that you know?"  Elder Hales

Happy Birthday Handsome

Happy Happy Birthday

May all your dreams come true

Happy Happy Birthday

My sweet boy Griffin to you!

My big boy had his birthday on Easter. What fun. He said the Easter Bunny brought his presents. He was so excited. We didn't have a party but we will in a couple of weeks with some friends.  Luckily he had a great day with just his plain old family!  :>

one left!

all out!

We even had an Easter Earthquake. It was kinda like we were on the ocean with gentle rolling waves, no shaking. I just thought I was light headed but then Brad said he felt it too and we looked at the pool and it was like a wave pool sloshing over the sides.  The kids were thrilled to be able to say they lived through an earthquake since they have heard Brad and I talk about having been in an earthquake.  I hope this is the worst one they are ever in!!! 

So not fair!

Dear God,

Exactly what were you thinking when you made it super easy for men to loose weight and women have to fight for every ounce? I am no longer talking to you today since I learned Brad has lost 25 lbs since we bought our new house. How did I come by this info? I was excidedly sharing the fact that I'd lost 6 lbs in the same timeframe. Thanks for ruining my day!

Kathy

Weekly Forecast--Heaven!

This is the best time of the year here!!!  A great time to be painting and cleaning a new house, not too hot and not too cold, just right!

Valentines Day

So what are you getting for Valentines Day this year?  My honey is getting me this....

...and the house that goes with it!!!! YIPPEE!!!!!!  If you want to see more of the house go back to THIS 6 MONTH OLD POST!! 

We got the keys yesterday and Brad is beginning the painting today, sorry for all you PINK lovers, it had to go!!!  We are so excited and greatful for Helen and Claude helping us get this house! 

Unfortunately it stinks bad from being vacant for almost a year and the indoor cats that lived there so we gotta go scrub the heck out of it today, tomorrow and Monday so not a lot of fun happening on this 4 day weekend!  But the results--totally worth it!!!