Sisters...

I have been blessed in my life to have 10 amazingingly beautful, sisters.  4 of which are my sisters I grew up with and 6 who are sisters by marriage.  Either way, I love having sisters, and I love being a sister!  Sisters have a bond that can not be forged.  We are tight and we stick together.  Seriously don't mess with sisters, especially MY sisters.  You are putting your life on the line if you do.  I'm just sayin...
I don't see my sisters NEAR as often as I would like.  But let me just tell you, when we are together, watch out!!!  As Mari says, "I think our maturity levels go down when we are together."  Yes ma'am I believe you are right.  We do some of the funniest (and stupidest) things when we are together.  I laugh so hard I...well nevermind, but my sisters know what I mean,  even James knows, but he's kind of like a sister.  Love you James. :)
My sisters can make me do things I didn't think I could or would ever do, (actually James can get me to do things I NEVER thought I would do, James are you sure you aren't my sister?)  we laugh with each other and at each other,  we call each other when we need a shoulder to cry on, or just need to talk.  They are honest with me when I ask them if I look ok, or if I need an opinion about an outfit or things of that nature (husbands aren't allowed to give honest opinions in that department, that's why God made sisters!)
I can't imagine my life with out my 10 sisters (and James).   Each one of my sisters is beautiful and has been such an inspiration and example to me.  I have learned so much from each one.  I am thankful for each of you and hope you know how much I love you.  The Lord has truly blessed me by allowing me to have 10 awesome sisters to love and that love me, even when I am a turd. 
And James, I know you aren't my sister, obviously, but you are there just as much as they are.  You are an amazing brother that would do anything for his sisters!  I love you too brother!

13 inchaes and counting....

So...all those who prayed for snow, here you go, We got snow. 

And a TON of it!!!

Family pictures

Today we had our family pictures done for our Chrsitmas cards. I was hoping for a little bit of snow in the back ground, but instead we got dead grass, leaves, and a beautiful pine tree. Believe it or not it was a hot day. It was difficult to believe we were doing Christmas pictures.

December...

 I am so excited for this holiday season.  I can't wait to get started with gift wrapping, parties, cooking delicious sweets, gift giving, family, friends, gift buying, the hustle and bustle, the lights, the music, and so much more.  But what I am most excited for is the spirit that Christmas brings the whole month long.  I love that everyday I think of my Savior and his humble birth. 

December also brings a bucket full of emotions for me.  I remember several years ago feeling the spirit so strong that I wasn't interested in the gifts, and the parties and all the normal Christmas activities.  The spirit enveloped me and my family, and taught me that the most important thing I could ever have or want is my family.  I remember praying that what I was feeling would never leave me.  Every year as December approaches I begin to have anxiety attacks, dreams brought on by fear, and I break into to tears just a little bit easier than normal because I want so badly to feel that feeling I had 11 years ago.  I lost so much that year, but also gained more than I could have imagined.  I lost my brother to cancer, something I could not bare to go through again, but I gained such a testimony of my Heavenly Father, my Savior, and the atonement, that I wouldn't change the events of December 1999 if I were given the chance.  The love I felt, the spirit I felt, and the peace I felt can never be described.  Don't get me wrong, if I could have Jared here I would, but that wasn't the Lord's plan for him, and I am thankful that the Lord was able to teach me through Jared's death.  I cherish that more than any gift I have ever been given.

Over the year's I have learned to enjoy the traditional Christmas activities again, but never without the memory that brought me so close to my Heavenly Father, and my family! 

I hope that everyone has the most wonderful Christmas.  I pray that it will bring peace, joy and love to each of you!  Merry Christmas!!!

Attitude of Gratitude...

During general conference President Monson gave a talk about gratitude.  This talk stuck with me and I think about it daily.  I refer to it when I am feeling picked on, or just having a no good, horrible day.  I try to remember that no matter what I am going through at that moment, it could always be worse, and that I am so extremely blessed.  I find myself feeling guilty for allowing myself to think that I am anything less than blessed.  I truly have so much to be thankful for.  I need to be better about remembering that, and thanking my Heavenly Father sincerely each day for  all that I have been and will be blessed with.  It's hard to be selfish if you are always grateful.  It's is easier for me to serve the Lord, serve my family, and serve my friends when I have "an attitude of grattitude".  I feel like smiling more, and I feel more in tune with the Spirit.
In Presdident Monson's talk He said, "My brothers and sisters, do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love. My beloved friend President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives.”
As we draw near to Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is my prayer that we all will take the time to sincerely thank Heavenly Father for all the blessings we each recieve daily, even if life isn't going just as planned (it never does) try to remember what you have at that moment, and what you have been blessed with in the past.  Life can and is rough, I know I have had my fair share of trials, and will continue to have them, but I am going to try more diligently to be thankful.  There is always something to be thankful for even if it is the dirty dishes in your sink, the dirty clothes in your laundry room, or the messy house.  Because if you have dirty dishes, you have full bellies, if you have mounds of laundry you have clothes bodies, and if your house is a mess (like mine always is), then you have a roof over your head and place you can call home.

16 years and going strong...

Happy anniversary Mr. Schiess! 

I love you and am so blessed to have you for a husband and best friend! 

I can't imagine my life without you and your smile!

LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU WILL KNOW!!!

Ok, Ok so our anniversary was a week ago! October 29 to be exact. But, as I always say, better late than never!

Vernal Sunset...

Have you ever  stopped to look at the sunset?  If you haven't, you should try it!
I love looking at sunsets.  I try to count all the different colors and  the beautiful shapes the clouds make.  When I look at the sunset I am reminded of how beautiful this world really is.  We just need to stop for a moment, walk outside, and allow ourselves to see the beauty the world has to offer.  Each time I look at a sunset, the day seems to melt away, and I know that I can handle another day, good or bad!  It's art at my fingertips. I don't have to visit the Louve (although I would love to), or an art musuem to witness the array of colors blended together to form a masterpiece!   I don't have to leave my home or spend untold amounts of money to see one of life most spectacular masterpieces form before my eyes.  Life is great!
This year we have had some pretty awesom sunsets.  I have been able to capture a few of them.  Although the camera just doesn't do it justice.  Nonetheless, they are still beautiful!

A day at the Gorge...

We decided to have one last adventure before winter made it's way to Vernal.  So we packed a cooler, loaded the fishing poles, and drove to Flaming Gorge.  It was beautiful!  I couldn't believe how clear the water was and that it was still warm enough to go swimming.  Of course we didn't think about bringing swim suits so, Alek went in is undies!  What can I say?  He really wanted to swim.  Don't worry, we were in a little cove and nobody was around.  It was safe.  The boys tried to convince me to swim in my underwear, but, we all know how that would have turned out, so I politely turned them down. 
Jayce and Grant fished a little ways down from where Alek was swimming.  Jayce caught his first BIG fish.  It was probably around 3 pounds and put up a pretty good fight.  Jayce was all sorts of excited, that is until Grant handed him the knife and told to clean it.  Then he wanted to throw it back.  Unfortunatley the fish was already dead so we had to keep it.  Jayce did a great job gutting and cleaning it, even if his cute little hands were shaking the whole time.  He was proud of himself after is was done, and Alek just kept saying "man I am glad I didn't fish, Jayce you should have swam with me!"  Funny boys!

Eggs coming out my...EARS

When we fisrt decided to get chickens we started with three pullets. In my head three eggs a day sounded like a good deal. Then we found out one of our hens was a rooster. And all of the sudden two eggs a day seemed like a small number!  I WANT MORE!!! SoOoOo...I got two more hens. NOW, we get 4 eggs a day, 28 eggs a week, and roughly 120 eggs a month. What was I thinking ??? I should have stuck with the two. But, I have been able to give eggs to people in my neighborhood and ward, and that makes me feel good. I am also learning all sorts of ways to make eggs and preserve them.  It has been a fun adventure and I actaully love the chickens. 

Except Cleo!  He's naughty! 



Charlie
Beautful, but shy!




Pearl
Super hyper and runs all over the coop sqwaking!





Rex
She is supposed to be sweet and calm,
but she doens't really like us to touch her,
look at her, or talk to her.  Especially when
she is laying an egg!  Watch out... 

 

Six
 the sweetest chicken in the world!
She runs to us everytime we come out
and always thinks she deserves a treat!
And, she usually gets one!
Six is our favorite chicken! 

Cleo
The horrible, mean, no good rooster!
Actually, I think he is beautiful and I love hearing his crow.
He's just mean, charges at me and tries to peck me to death! 
So for that, he will soon be dinner on my table!
That will teach him to charge me and peck at me! 
Take that rooster!

Alek and a Migraine

My poor Alek has always had a problem with migraines.  They hit him hard and they hit him fast.  The poor kid doesn't stand a chance.  Once a headache starts, Alek almost immediately starts throwing up.  This morning when Alek woke up he mentioned that he didn't feel good and that his head hurt a little.  Of course I thought he was just trying to stay home from school.  You would think after years of this happening I would recognoze the signs. But I never do, and just like always I sent him to school, and, just like always, I got a call from the school before first hour was over that Alek had thrown up and he needed me to come pick me up.  I felt terrible! 
When I picked him up, I told him I was sorry that he wasn't feeling well.  He told me when he was on the bus he closed his eyes hoping that the headache would go away.  It didn't go away before he got to school.  So when he got to his locker he put his head inside and said a little prayer that he would be able to make it through the day.  He told me that he didn't know why his prayer wasn't answered.  I explained to him that only Heavenly Father knows what is best for us, and even though we may not get the answer we are hoping for we need to trust that He knows what we need.  He just looked at me and said, "hmm, Heavenly Father must have known I needed to spend a day with my mom."  I love that kid!!! 
It was fun to have him home even though he was sick.  I enjoyed being able to take care of him. 
Alek is a sweetheart and I love him so very much!!  I am glad he is feeling better, but sad that he won't be home tomorrow with me.  I will never get used to my boys not being home with me.  I cherish every moment that they are home, even if they are sick!

Vernal Derby...

This post is a bit late.  But better late than never.

On July 31 Grant and I took the boys to crash derby.  It was lame, but we had fun.  It was the first time for Jayce and Alek.  They thought it was awesome to see cars hit each other...ON PURPOSE!!!  They both want to do it now when they are old enough. 

Grant likes his cotton candy...

A new year, a new school

The day came and the day went.  And it wasn't near as bad as I expected!!! 

Jayce and Alek are officially middle school boys.  They are loving the change in pace and all the friends they are making.  Out here our middle school covers a tri-county area so they are getting to know people from all over. 

They love that they have lockers and that the lunch room has "McDonalds style" seating.  The homework hasn't been to bad YET!  But they seem to be ok with having homework (for now). 

I am very proud of how well we have all adjusted to middle school life.  It has been a fun change and not near as scary as I thought it would be. 

The Harvest

I am just so excited that our garden did as well as it did this year.  I had to take pictures of some of the fun things we picked. 

This is our prize tomato.  It was about 4 pounds.

Canning, canning, and more canning...

I remember as a little girl my mom canning vegetables and fruits we had grown through the year.  It seemed like such a process, but the end result was always so amazing to me.  Now it's my turn and I still have the same feelings.  It's a huge process, but I love the end result.

Over the weekend I canned 16 bottles of salsa, 18 bottles of zucchini relish, 19 bottles of corn, 7 bags of freezer corn, and 40 bottles of applesauce.  My feet hurt and my hands have a strange new tint and smell to them, but the end result was this...

corn and salsa

Applesauce

Zucchini relish

Some of the canned goods.  I am still trying to find a place for the rest.

Dear me...

F.Y.I. ...This post is a little bit long and mostly for me...sorry!!!
Lately it seems as though life has been throwing a lot of curve balls. I have been surprised at how well I have been able to keep up! Then tonight as I was sitting here watching TV, I realized that all I am doing is keeping up. I'm not doing anything extra, I'm not striving to do anything better, I'm not going above and beyond. I am simply sailing by. I don't want to just "get by". So I am re-committing myself to being a better wife, a better mom, a better sister, a better daughter, a better friend, and a better example, A BETTER ME.
So I asked myself, how can I achieve this? This is what I came up with.
1. Be more patient with my sweet, amazing husband and wonderful children.
2. Tell those I love that I love them more often.
3. Call my family more often just to see how they are doing.
4. Listen!!!
5. Be less judgmental
6. Be more forgiving
7. Be the kind of friend that I would want to have.
8. No more carrying grudges. (It's to exauhsting)
9. Be more thoughtful.
10. Read my scriptures more faithfully.
11. Remember my morning AND evening prayers.
12. Fulfill my church calling with a little more dedication.
13. Exercise a little bit more often.
14. Be a little more forgiving of myself.
15. Remeber that no matter what trials I have been handed, I will never be given more than I can handle. And if I am having a tough time handling it I can always turn to my Heavenly Father for help.
And that's pretty much it. The list seems a little bit long, but I think I can handle it. I like lists. I am a "to do list" kind of girl. It gives me a challenge and helps me to stay on track.
I hope to notice changes with in myself. I hope to feel like I am going above and beyond what life expects. I don't want to leave this life and be known for not going the distance. I want to be known for smiling when life gave me a challenge, and being thoughtful and kind. I have a lot of work to do, but I know I can do it. Life is good. I am blessed WAY beyond what I deserve. I have 2 of the most adorable children known to man, I have the most supportive, sweet, kind, loving husband a girl could ask for. I really have a great life. I love it and I am going to enjoy it.
The End...

12 years old...
I can't believe 12 years ago today I met my boys for the first time!
August 10, 1998 was a whirlwind of a day. I went into labor at 12:01, 10 weeks earlier than expected. Nervous and scared we packed up and left for the hospital. When we got there the nurses and staff weren't really sure what to do. They called my doctor, and he came in to check me, he looked at me and said these guys are going to be little and they will have a rough start. Baby A is stressed and his heartbeat is fading in and out. Baby B is breach but doesn't seem to be stressed. The doctor gave us a few options. He said we could stay at Alta View Hospital and hope for the best, or we could be transferred to U of U hospital where they were a little more equipped to handle premature babies. We left the decision up to Dr. Larsen as we felt he knew best. He decided to call life flight to have them on hand just in case anything went wrong but he felt confident that he and the hosptial staff could handle their births.
After 14 1/2 hours of labor Jayce was born. He was so beautiful. He was wide eyed and content. He didn't cry, he just looked around at his new surroundings. I got to look at him for just a minute then they whisked him away to make sure he was healthy. A few minutes later Dr. Larsen explained that Baby B was more breach than he expected and was being very stubborn. He had to literally pull Alek out. He was born feet first, face up and not breathing. He was purple and lifeless. I didn't get to see him but Grant said it was very scarey. The nurses were all quiet while the doctor's worked on Alek. It seemed like an eternity. Finally I heard them say he is breathing, then I heard a tiny little whimper, then they whisked him away too! Because of his condition I didn't get to see him until he was almost 2 hours old.
Jayce was 3 lbs 11 oz born at 2:33 p.m. and Alek was 5 lbs 3 oz born at 2:38 p.m. Only 5 minutes apart.
Shortly after they were born, Alek was diagnosed with Hyaline Membrane Disease and a broken left clavical. It was decided that he would be better treated at Primary Children's and that he needed to be placed on life support to sustain him. It was heart-wrenching. When Alek was 8 hours old he was hooked up to a life support machine and life flighted to PCMC. I had to say goodbye to him without ever getting to hold him. Jayce was as healthy as could be, but iddy bitty! So he stayed at Alta View with me. Five days after they were born I was released from the hospital. Jayce had to stay because he was struggeling with keeping his body temperature up.
Grant and I drove up to PCMC as fast as we could. When we got there Alek was hooked up to all sorts of machines, but the doctors re-assured me he was doing great and that if all went well he would be off life support with-in a day or two. Alek surprised everyone and was taken off life support the next day! He's a fighter! I was finaly able to hold him.
After many long days in the hospital's Jayce and Alek both came home. It was a happy day.
Now 12 years later, it's hard to believe that they had such a hard start in life.
I am so proud of you Jayce and Alek. I can't believe you are 12. I love you! Happy Birthday!

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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Scouting celebrates 100 years - Vernal.com - The Vernal Express

July 24th was a crazy day! When Grant was called as the Stake Young Mens President he was given the task of organizing Vernal's Scout-O-Rama. It was a challenge and it brought just an iddy bit if stress, but the Scout-O-Rama was a great success. Grant did a great job and there was lots of fun to be had. It looked like everyone that came had a great time. There was face painting, balloon tying, miniature golf, wood working, and much, much more.
Jayce and Alek ran two booths. Alek ran the merit badge memory game, and Jayce manned the nail stacking booth. They both got their pictures taken for the news paper, but only Jayce made the final cut!
The three boys also marched in the Vernal City parade in honor of 100 years of scouting. It was very fun to watch them walk down main street with about 100 or more boys shouting "BSA, 100 years" It actually brought a tear to my eye.
Below is the newspaper article that was in The Vernal Express about the Scout-O-Rama.


Scouting celebrates 100 years - Vernal.com - The Vernal Express

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Top 10 things that make me smile everyday...

10. My family! even though we are spread out, I love that I can talk to each one whenever I want. Either by phone, text, email, or Faebook!

9. My beautiful home

8. My garden growing delicious vegetables

7. My chickens

6. Talking to my mom!

5. The ability to love, the ablilty to be loved, and the ability to laugh. I love to laugh!!!

4. Going to the temple with my best friend.

3. My two wonderful, amazing, adorable, loving boys!

2. Grant! Seriously, I don't know how I got so lucky!

1. That I am a daughter of God, and that my self worth is not based on the worldly things in life, but my Heavenly Father's love for ME!!!

I never have to go to McDonalds again!!!

I hate McDonalds, but I LOVE their chicken nuggets. Weirdness, I know!!! However, I never have to go to McDonalds again. I figured out how to make chicken nuggets almost exactly the same way as McDonalds. And they are soooo delicious! YAY!!! They even look like McDonalds chicken nuggets. (See above picture) My kids loved them, Grant loved them and I loved them. The best part is that they are super easy to make! Maybe I will save a little bit of money!

Grant + Lizz = True Love!!!

I am so blessed to have Grant as my husband and best friend. As with most things in life, he just gets better with age!

Thank you for all you do and continue to do for our family Grant. You are an amazing husband, and fabulous dad! I don't know what we would ever do without you!

We LOVE you!!!!

Something scarey this way comes...

Friday was the last day of school. All week long I have dreaded this day. Not for the reason's you might think. I actually enjoy having my kids home for the summer. I have dreaded THIS last day of school more than any other because my boys are no longer elementary kids.

Next year they start middle school and I am terrified.
First of all, because they are growing up to fast. Second, they are on to new and different experiences, some good and some bad. It's the bad that has me scared. Jayce and Alek are so smart and so ready for this next chapter. They are excited to move on to "teenagerhood". I, however, am struggeling with it. So much, that I actually ALMOST home-schooled them next year. After many restless nights, many long prayers, and much counceling with Grant, I decided I was taking their right away from them to become mature, responsible adults, and that I was hindering them by not allowing them to have these new experiences that are about to come their way. In essence, I would have controlled their every move. Not allowing them to grow and have the life experiences they will recieve and that they will need so they can teach their own children. And though "the bad" that they will have the pleasure of seeing each day in the halls scares the you know what out of me, I have come to the realization that they need to experience the bad so that they will know the good, and be able to choose for themselves which way they want to go.

Grant and I have taught them, we have bared my testimony to them, Grant gives them blessings, and we express often to them Heavenly Father's love for them, and that he has a plan for them. It is up to them to choose the right, and be an example.

A friend once told me that if I shelter my kids TO much that I deprive those around them the chance to see the example they will set. And by doing so I deprive those around them from feeling our Heavenly Father's love.

Jayce and Alek both are such amazing boys. I will struggle this coming school year, but I hope to also grow.

I don't know why I let myself freak out like this, but these are my children and they are about to enter a world that I prayed they wouldn't ever have to see. BUT, like I keep telling myself, how will they KNOW to choose the right if they never see the bad. It just sucks, that's all!

When I had Jayce and Alek, I never pictured them above the age of 5. I guess that was just wishful thinking. Now they are 11 and will recieve the priesthood in about 2 1/2 months. I don't know how to be a mom to teenagers.

I guess when it boils down to it, it's not the boys going to middle school that REALLY scares me. I think it's ME and my inabilities that REALLY scare me.

Thankfully I have awesome parents and in-laws that have been through this that I can rely on for advice. Most importantly I have a Heavenly Father who help me guide my children to safety.

Just a thought or two...

Today a friend of mine shared two thoughts with me. I LOVED them, and wanted to share them with you.

#1 thought...

"It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and all situations. They presented him the words: "And this, too, shall pass away.""

~Abraham Lincoln

I loved this thought. In times that seem especially difficult it seems as though the time has slowed down, and that I am stuck and will never be able to dig myself out. But everything does pass away, and eventually things will get better.

#2 thought...

"When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place."

~Unkown

This needs no explanation!!!

Thank you Aubrey for sharing these two amazing thoughts. I needed them!

To whom it may concern...

Lately it seems like too many people that I LOVE with all my heart are faced with intense trials and challenges. I wish I could do or say something to make everything go away, or vanish into thin air. I wish I had that power, but I don't! I am so sorry!

I know this won't mean much, or even really help! But I love you and I continue to pray each and every day for the well being of those I love! I pray that you will find peace and strength in Heavenly Father. I pray that you will find peace with in yourself, and I pray that you will know how grateful I am to have you in my life.

I am not going to name names. But you know who you are! And though I don't call as often as I should, and I am not the best sister/friend that I should be, I truly do thank Heavenly Father for you!

Be strong, be brave, and endure to the end. The Lord knows your needs, He knows your heart, He knows how to bless you, and most importantly He knows YOU and He loves YOU!

Listening...

Yesterday in primary we learned about the Holy Ghost and how we can recognize the still small voice, and how as long as we are "plugged in" or in tune, we will be able to feel and hear the Holy Ghost direct us and keep us safe. As I was talking to the children I remembered times in my life that I have been guided and directed by the Holy Ghost and it made me realize that as of late I have been slacking. My Scriptrue study and personal prayers have been spotty at best. I have found myself saying, "I will do it in a minute" or "I am to tired, I will do it in the morning", or (this one is embarassing) not kneeling to say my prayers. I haven't been in tune like I should be. In turn I haven't been as receptive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

When I got home, I was reflecting on the things I taught, I realized that The Lord had planned for me to teach this lesson so that I could re-group and re-dedicate myself to my scripture studies, and my personal prayers.

I am so grateful that I can have these experiences and that I can recognize and learn from them. I am grateful that The Lord cares for me, and that he will never give up on me, even when I give up on myself.

I am grateful for the Gift of The Holy Ghost. There have been so many times in my life that I have felt His guidance.

I can't imagine my life without the gospel. It is such a comfort to me.

I am especially grateful that I have been given the opportunity to serve in the primary. I learn so much each and every week. The children teach me unconditional love, and help me to feel the pure love of Christ. I am grateful for the women I have the priveldge of serving in the presidency with, for their amazing strength, their continual dedication, and their beautiful testimonies.

I am truly blessed beyond measure, probably more than I deserve.

I know I wouldn't be where I am today if I had not listened to the Holy Ghost to kneel in humble prayer, submit to the Lord's will and allow the Lord to guide me. I know we were lead to Vernal as part of the plan Heavenly Father has for me and my family. I am so grateful that I listened to that prompting. I love Vernal, I love the friends I have made here, and I love that my family is happy. I haven't ever regreted moving here, because I submitted to the Lord's will knowing that he would bless and watch over us. And though I miss my family with all my heart I know that I won't be away from them forever, because the Lord has promised that we can be together forever!!!

Ah Ha...

This is the little fart that has been eating my tomoto plants.

As we were watering the garden Grant noticed it's tracks. Then the little stinker came back for seconds. Luckily we were outside when he returned and hopefully we scared him away. But just to make sure we sprayed all our plants with garlic water. That ought to do the trick. If not, I guess we will bring out the big guns! And by big guns I mean deer repelent. Don't worry I wouldn't shoot it. At least not until deer season! :)

Gardening...

I love to garden. Or at least I am learning to love it! My plants are coming in nicely and the and the weather is finally cooperating.
The only problem I am having is the stinking animals. I have a skunk, a racoon, a couple thousand cats, a couple rogue dogs, a coyote, a few field mice, and a possible deer or two. I have sprayed my plants with garlic water, and soap water, but it isn't working as a deterant for what ever animal is nibbeling in my tomato leaves. If you know a miracle cure for keeping the wildlife out of my garden I would love to hear it! I want my garden to produce nice, juicy, plump veggies, and my furry little friends are making it hard for me!!!

Garden's, and Grass, and Chickens, Oh my...

We have been a busy little family. Since April we have...

Planted grass...

Planted a garden...
AND...

We bought chickens.

Disclaimer...these are not our chickens. We have bought our chicken's but they have not arrived yet, but hopefully they should be here this Wednesday or Thursday.

It's been an adventure, but it's been fun! We are very excited to have a grass (FINALLY). The boys aren't very excited about the garden. Mostly because we turned it over to them to weed, water, and tend. However, they are excited for the chickens. I am too. We have meat chickens and egg layers. I am not sure what we are thinking! We will see how well it works!

What's wrong with this picture?

I don't know why I even try?

Calling all sisters...

Dear Marissa, Amy, Mari, and Aly...

UPDATE YOUR BLOGS!!!! Ok? Thanks!

Love Always,

Lizz

Dear Jerrica, Stephanie, Suzanne, and Aleen

Good job for keeping yours updated. You deserve a BIG high five!

Love your favorite sister-in-law,

Lizz

As American as apple pie...

I know, I post a lot about food. What can I say? I LOVE TO COOK!!! So with that being said, I present my newest culinary adventure. Apple pie with a lattice top! Beautiful isn't it! It was a joint effort really. Between me and Marissa, I think we make the worlds best apple pie!!! And we don't even live in the same state. How's that for culinary genius's?

Uncooked...

Cooked...

All gone...

Yum...

This little piggy had pigs in a blanket...

Dinner at my house is not the most exctiting time of the day. My children (not including Grant) are extremely picky little eaters. I struggle to to find food that they will eat, that isn't corn dogs, mac and cheese, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Last night I found a winner (I hope). And because I am so excited I am sharing it with you.
I have made pigs in a blanket more than a few times and my kids have never really enjoyed them. They pick out the hot dog, or they eat the bread, or sometimes just stare at them. So yesterday as I was thinking about what to make for dinner, I thought I would try again. Except this time I used the boys favorite bread recipe and cheese stuffed hot dogs. I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner. For the first time in a really long time Jayce and Alek ate dinner (all of it) without complaining. I even served pea's with it and they ate them. I don't know maybe it was just a fluke, maybe the stars were aligned just right , or maybe it was the moon phase, who know's! I am holding out hope though that I have found a dinner that I can make often and that my kids will enjoy.