Oldies but Goodies!

I love reading blogs. I especially enjoy reading other people's blogs...but I've noticed one big difference between most of the blogs I read and my own: our kids' ages. I'm feeling kinda old today. Dot's just about a teenager, and Yakko and Wakko aren't exactly toddlers either. It may seem corny, but when people say that you should not rush your kids growing up, LISTEN! It happens so quickly!

So, I hope you'll endulge me as I post some pictures of my cuties when they were little.

Here's Yakko in 1st grade at the Science Fair (he got 2nd place):

And Dot in 4th grade, about to make homemade ice cream:

Oh, and Wakko when he was 4 (yeah, it's Christmas--I used to be terrible about not taking a lot of pictures):

Alright. Those are not super old, but how about this one!

This picture is from 2002--yeah, those are the babies I remember. I guess time flies when you're having fun!

Happy Easter!

I love Easter!

I love springtime, bunnies, new church clothes, candy, ham, and salads.

I love watching the kids look for hidden treasures and getting excited when they find them.

We usually get to have several egg hunts (one at Grandma and Grandpa Bear's, one at home, and one in Springdale), but this year we had just one at home. I don't think the kids minded.

It was so great to see the whole family in crisp spring colors--so clean. Easter was topped off with a yummy ham dinner with salads and cakes. It was a peaceful, clear, beautiful day; just perfect.

Blurred Vision

Have you ever had one of those days where you're going so fast in so many directions that things seem blurred? Every day this week (oh, and pretty much all of last) is just like that! Here's what's going on: Savior of the World opens tonight, we just cast Bye Bye Birdie (I'm choreographing it), the Relief Society Birthday Social (yep, I'm in charge of it) is on Tuesday, Dad finished a class, Wakko's baseball practices start tonight, Yakko's practice is also tonight, Easter is this weekend (and you know what that means...), Easter dinner is here, and we go to Disneyland next week.

So folks, I don't have any witty comments or cute pictures for today, but here's a random recipe for you to enjoy!

My Almost Famous Brownies
Mix together:
3 c. sugar
1 c. melted Blue Bonnet margarine sticks (yep.)
3 t. vanilla

Add:
1 t. salt
3/4 c. cocoa powder
6 eggs
2 1/4 c. flour
1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 . chopped pecans (if your family will let you)

Spread in sprayed jelly roll size pan. Top with swirls of caramel topping. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Eat warm, cool, with ice cream (or not), or whatever. You may want to share because it makes a lot!

Ah, To Be A Kid Again

The joys of childhood are too precious to ignore. I'm amazed at what is entertaining and fun when inhibitions don't exist; like riding a bike that's way too small for you.

Or sitting on cold and squishy grass under an umbrella.

Even shooting hoops with your friend while freezing.

I am grateful every day for the chance to watch innocence in action. Now, if only there was a way to package their excess energy...

Spring, Spring, Spring!!!!

Spring is just around the corner, and it's previewing everywhere I look.

There's no more snow on the ground,

the kids are playing baseball,

buds are poking out on the trees,

and Girl Scout Cookies are here.

This is not some shmoozy blog about the beauty of Spring, but rather a moment to sing the praises of the Samoa and Thin Mint. A time to reflect on how quickly that first box was half gone. A time to morn the fact that it didn't even last 20 minutes from the time it was delivered until it was nearly gone... and the kids didn't even know the box was opened until after dinner; they each got one.

I guess I get to use up all my extra "points" for the week tonight.

Ode To Dr. Seuss

I may not be as young as I once was, but I still love Dr. Seuss. I love his witty stories, his knack for rhyming, and his clever plots which teach without being preachy. I love that "Green Eggs and Ham" is still my kids' favorite book, and that I still have it (practically) memorized. "If I Ran The Zoo" is another favorite; the lengths and depths of creativity coming from that story simply amaze me. It was an honor to follow my mom's footsteps and choreograph a ballet to that story. What would Christmas be without "How The Grinch Stole Christmas"? Our homage to this classic tale is a tradition within our family: Grinch Fudge. I clearly recall reading "The Lorax" and soon after watching the movie. This story of conservation touched me deeply. I wanted to "speak for the trees". I learned from Horton the lesson of watching out for others, too small to watch out for themselves. The Sneetches teach us not to label others, and to be happy with ourselves, exactly the way we are. "Oh, The Places You'll Go" gives me joy in remembering my childhood, and tickles my heart with remembrance of my own children's journeys in life. Yes, I can truly say I've been touched by Dr. Seuss.

Here are some things you may not have known about Dr. Seuss:

1. His real name is Theodor Seuss Geisel (Seuss is his mother's maiden name).

2. He was born March 2, 1904 (he'd be 104 this year!).

3. Dr. Seuss invented the words "nerd" and "Grinch", which are now used daily within our culture.

4. He began illustrating professionally by drawing political cartoons.

5. Although his books were wildly popular, Dr. Seuss didn't like being in the public eye; he was a very private man.

6. He was known, in his adult years, to often wear a bow tie.

7. Ted was voted "Class Artist" and "Class Wit" in high school.

8. "Green Eggs and Ham" is entirely made up of 50 words.

9. He never actually earned his doctorate, but many feel that his 44 books and honorary doctorates are close enough.

10. He died on September 24, 1991 at the age of 87.

By the way, the above picture is of Dot and Yakko on Dr. Seuss Day, 2006. They're Whos from Who-Ville.

Lee-la May, It's Supper-time! Your mother's calling you!

Please tell me that I am not the only person who, at 5:00ish, wonders "what am I fixing for dinner?". I am completely out of ideas tonight. Seriously... nothing at all is coming to mind. I can't do the old "lean to" (pizza) since we started Pizza Night Fridays a few months ago. Truly--no ideas whatsoever.
There are days that having a paid full-time job look appealing; only for the benefit of having someone else responsible for meal time. Today is one of those days. Maybe it would be nice to be obsenely wealthy so that my personal chef could decide what to have for dinner. Perhaps I could find a MWDKWTF meeting. You know the one: Moms who don't know what to fix. I could stand up, introduce myself, and confess that I have no idea what to prepare for our evening meal, and haven't for the last week. I've fallen off the band-wagon and am seeking support from moms who know what their families are eating! Then, one day when I'm on top of things, I could say "I'm Stephanie, and my family's eating ___________ tonight." That'd be great.
Meanwhile, the following is a list of what we're NOT eating for dinner:
1. peanut butter and jam sandwiches
2. tuna anything
3. dog food
4. pizza
Okay, that's all the food I can even think of. Looks like cold cereal wins.