Gym Class

I went to the gym today with the intention of running like a trained mouse on the treadmill in front of the Rachael Ray show. However, my plans changed as I was checking my two cute kids into the childcare. I saw that many women were going to "class" and so I decided that I would go to "class" too. Glad I did. It was a power pump/step class taught by Becky. Any class taught by Becky is a class worth taking.

So we started with plie' squats with the bar with light weights (after a thorough warm-up) and we did MANY sets. So many in fact that my legs were begging me to stop. We also did shoulders, back, biceps, triceps, chest, hams/gluets and abs.

After the pump section of the class (50 minutes or so) I walked over to the drinking fountain and as I bent over the water I passed loud gas. Not really, but wouldn't that have been embarrassing! Actually, my legs almost faltered which would have been just as bad.

I was muscularly spent. I decided to stay for the step portion and I was completely beside myself with the choreography. Everyone else was in sync, but alas, I was not. Forward when I should be backward. Kicking when everyone else was doing an Elvis move. Too much! When she announced the final routine I called it quits. I was spending too much time whirling about that I wasn't getting enough workout. I was dizzy, tired and smelly. But I will be back on Wednesday for Sports Training--thankfully basic step skills are the only requirement.

Video Games

I have many things that I am embarrassed to admit and enjoying video games is one of them. I enjoy puzzle games like Azada, time management and sometimes match three. In California, I loved playing Canasta. I love playing that game with warm bodies or cyber bodies. Occasionally, I will get into a gaming jag, or binge and then I will be able to let it go for a while. Right now, I am feeling the need to binge. Slightly embarrassed - yes. Think I should be doing something else like studying, reading, listening to classical music - sometimes. But, I will probably always enjoy video games. Thankfully we don't have a gaming console like a Wii or xbox. So I will enjoy the pleasure of gaming while it lasts.

Minutes

Why does the minute needed to use mouthwash take forever? This morning while I used my new mouthwash, ACT, I was surprised to see how long that required minute took. Minutes pass by all the time without notice, but I knew each second of this minute intimately. Thankfully , my ACT wasn't burning the top layer off my mouth or dissolving my tooth enamel like other less gentle brands (Listerine anyone?).

I remember having to sit on a chair for being naughty and that 5 minutes, just 300 seconds, was beyond eternal. Not able to talk, nothing to do was pure torture. Funny, now I would enjoy 5 minutes or so of peace, no answering 5 billion questions, facilitating needs....Interesting how perspective changes.

Lawn Mowing in December 2008

Yesterday afternoon, I primed the gas pump of our trusty lawn mower. After 50 pulls or so, I was on my way to a leaf-free yard. Yes, our two beautiful, LARGE, Norway maples finally gave up their last golden leaves. I even mowed up the super tiny leaves of our next-door-neighbor's flowering hawthorne tree. I stood back to look at my handiwork after, and to scrape the same neighbor's doggie doo off my boot, and was in awe. Mainly in awe because I was mowing the lawn IN DECEMBER! Lawn Mowing and In December just don't belong in the same sentence, especially since this lawn mowing took place at the base of the ROCKY MOUNTAINS in Utah county. I don't think I ever mowed our moss-grass in California in December because it had stopped growing by then. Paradise, the town we lived in, claimed to be above the fog and below the snow. Not mediterranean by any stretch, but lovely just the same.

So, thank you Mother Nature for giving me one last day to enjoy the warm sun on my cheek, the smell of grass, dust and gasoline and one more day to admire my freshly manicured lawn before you dump your sparkly powder. If you don't mind, please speed it up. The kids and I are dying to go sledding and sip hot chocolate.

Sucked In

I just spent one hour redesigning my blog background and I feel like I just sat down. Amazing.

Nothing like the Smell of Fresh Baked Bread

Yes, the aroma of perfectly browned crust enclosing the tender soft center of my bread is permeating my home as I type. It is like a nice fuzzy blanket and I love, love, love it.

You can have this aroma in your house too, if you like. Here is my recipe:

Melissa's Bread
Start with this in your mixer:
4.5 teaspoons yeast (I only use SAF)
2 Tablespoons sugar or any other sweetener you like
2.5 cups very warm water (around 120 degrees)

Then Add:
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup vital wheat gluten
1/4 cup powdered milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
5-6 cups flour (with the gluten, you could go all whole wheat)

The flour is your variable, so please do not add all six cups at once. Your flour may be feeling bloated that day and you will end up with a brick on bread instead of a loaf.

Let rise once - then shape into whatever you want and let rise until double. For loaves - 350 for 30 minutes. Rolls 350 for 20 or so minutes, until golden.

Now here is the secret...if you want really soft, bakery style - place plastic wrap, bag or whatever over the bread after about 10 minutes of cooling. It "sweats" the bread and makes it oh so soft. This works really well for hot dog buns or rolls.

I made Kimchi!

You may wonder why I would spend my precious food budget money on making something stinky and unappealing to most people. Well, I for one like kimchi and I wanted to try my hand at making this pickled/fermented vegetable for myself. I mean, I did not want to spend around $5.00 for a PINT jar of the stuff when I could make 2 large napa cabbages worth of it for far less. It is still fermenting in my garage (for obvious olfactory reasons) and should be good to go by tomorrow. I have visions of eating this delicious concoction with fresh steamed rice and making kimchi chigae - my mouth is watering!

Now for some shameless plugs:

I happened upon a great resource for Korean cooking on youtube. The star of the cooking is Maangchi. She has produced numerous cooking spots on her blog that show in detail, the wondrous art of Korean cooking. If you have a hankering for some kimchi, mandu or some of those tasty side dishes, then please visit http://www.maangchi.com.

If you become inspired to create some of these dishes and need a good Korean Market, then I will point you in the direction of First Oriental Market in Orem, UT. It is on State Street just north of Hancock Fabrics, behind the Greek Grill. They have everything you need and more to create all of Maangchi's recipes. Wahoo!

Take a Breather

Proposition 8 passed in California with 52% of the vote. In the days that followed, I am appalled at the "hate" that I read about in the news and on the radio. Yes, this is a heated issue. Yes, there are super strong feeling involved -- BUT -- people should not forget who they are - human beings- not animals, spoiled brats who demonstrate loudly, destructively and embarrassingly. Come on folks! I am not telling you to get over it, but I am telling you to show some respect for other human beings. You may say "Well, they did not show respect to me by taking away my (same sex) marriage." Violence, destruction of property and using profanity only shows how immature and selfish you really are. When Prop 22 was overruled by 4 judges did you see supporters of Prop 22 demonstrating in front of your religious places? Did you hear news reports of bullying and property destruction? No. You saw quiet dignity. I suggest you do the same.

Twilight Movie

I am just going to admit it and be done. I am looking forward to seeing this movie. There.

I actually got change!

Yes, that's right! Today when I filled up the trusty jeep, I was shocked and then elated that I was going to receive change! Every two weeks I have $60.00 to fuel the Palmer family transport and during the peak of the fuel pricing, $60.00 would fill me up to half. HALF!! Granted my tank is about 23 gallons, but still - HALF!!
It wasn't a large amount of money, but a few bills and some silver can now be used to perhaps wash the lovely antiqued look off the jeep. I don't even have deer hunting as an excuse for the layer of dust. However, it is going to rain tomorrow - perhaps this change will just have to wait.

Now I know some of you are wondering what change is because of the beauty of electronic money. We have instigated the "envelope system" at our house. This means that I have an envelope with cash for my gas money, food money, household money (diapers, TP, soap, etc...), date night money, and so on. This means once the money is gone from the envelope, you're done spending. This system has really worked for us. I don't carry plastic anymore (ok, I do have a fresh values card) and I just have to plan out my day - meaning no impulse buying. So there you go. If you want to know more, just ask Toby. He loves sharing the Palmer family budget success story.

Winner! Young Living Pumpkin Carving Contest

So Toby and his team of pumpkin carving experts created this amazing creation entitled "Oh Vomit." I personally like the barfed candles.

Spider bites

Sundance had a large "mosquito" bite on his leg this week. I was somewhat alarmed because this very large "mosquito" bite created a very large welt that was red and hot. He insisted that it itched and hurt. I inspected the bite, hoping not to see a bulls eye pattern or the beginnings of flesh deterioration. However, if the words "spider" bite had escaped my lips, I am not sure if Sundance would ever go back outside. So, I monitored the bite, cleansed it and applied triple antibiotic like nobody's business. Thankfully, this insect bite is starting to clear up and no longer itches and hurts. Tim, our brother-in-law inspected the bite and declared it to probably be a hobo spider bite - noting that a black widow or recluse bite would be well on its way to putrescence. Ewe.
So, my next question was, where did the spider come from and are there more. So, a brilliant idea pops into my head on the way home from grandma's house. I told Sundance that he was bitten by a spider while he was either sleeping or playing. In order for spiders to not sleep with us in our beds, we need to make sure that our beds are made and free of wrinkles where the spiders can hide. Clothes also need to be put back in drawers, away from spiders so we don't end up wearing them. He listened closely and tonight he made sure there were no wrinkles in his bed.
I hope I did not scare him too much and I am looking forward to a more tidy room and made bed. This experience reminded me of something a sweet Taiwanese sister missionary told me when I first arrive to my apartment in Hawaii as a greenie. She told me to make sure that when I made my bed to tuck the sheets in all the way around. She said this way, the 7 inch long centipedes wouldn't crawl into bed with me. I always tucked...still do.

Attempted Adventure

Yesterday, my sister and I were feeling the need to be adventurous moms. We decided it would be so much fun to take all the children up to Deer Creek to play on the beach at the North shore. We loaded up blankets, towels, treats and various sand paraphernalia. Upon arrival we scouted out the best spot amidst the other beach revelers, unloaded our loot and descended upon the beach.
The water looks so nice and clear from the road. I know that each time I drive past Deer Creek I am somewhat envious of those who are frolicking in the cool, clear water. Our beach spot did not resemble this vision of cleanliness. Thankfully, the water level has gone up, however, this creates the problem of severe floaties lapping up on the beach, not to mention hidden water hazards lurking beneath.
The children were ecstatic that we were FINALLY out of the van and they hit the water at full tilt. Michelle and I were panic stricken as we saw how strongly the waves were washing upon the shore and at how quickly little bodies disappeared beneath the not so clear water. Two inches of visibility was about all our little water oasis offered that day. Needless to say, water play lasted for about five minutes and sand play ensued thereafter. We endured gale force winds and flying sand insects for about an hour and were glad to suggest that we go back HOME to play in the BACKYARD in the inflatable pool with crystal clear potable water. The kids were once again ecstatic about this proposition and were cheerful the entire way home. More cheerful perhaps because of the promise of brownies--who knows. Needless to say, we learned some valuable lessons such as more adults are indeed better at water outings and that we can still keep trying to be adventurous moms.

Talk on Tithing

Lael asked me if I would post my talk. Sure!

The Best Investment

How many times a week do you hear people talking about investments? Investments in real estate, 401k’s, Annuitites, trust funds, the list goes on and on. While taking time to learn about and utilize the power of investment returns is a good thing, in General Conference, Elder Sheldon F. Child teaches that we should always include tithing and fast offerings in our investment portfolios as they are the best investments.

Brief History of Tithing
Anciently Abraham and Jacob obeyed the commandment to pay a tithe of one-tenth of their increase (see Hebrews 7:1–10; Genesis 28:20–22).
In modern times the Prophet Joseph Smith prayed, “O Lord, show unto thy servants how much thou requirest of the properties of thy people for a tithing” (D&C 119, section introduction). The Lord answered: “This shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people. And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever” (D&C 119:3–4).
The law of tithing is not only an Old Testament practice, but a commandment directly from the Savior to the people of our day (Dallin H. Oaks, “Tithing,” Ensign, May 1994, 33).

What it tithing?
A tithe is one-tenth of our increase. This means that we give one-tenth of all we earn before we pay for our own needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. If our increase is in the form of flocks, herds, or crops rather than money, we give one-tenth of those things (see Leviticus 27:30–32).

What is it used for?
Tithing is used by the Church for many purposes. Some of these are to:
1. Build, maintain, and operate temples, meetinghouses, and other buildings.
2. Provide operating funds for stakes, wards, and other units of the Church. (These units use the funds to carry out the ecclesiastical programs of the Church, which include teaching the gospel and recreation and social activities.)
3. Help the missionary program.
4. Educate young people in Church schools, seminaries, and institutes.
5. Print and distribute lesson materials.
6. Help in family history and temple work. (“Chapter 32: Tithes and Offerings,” Gospel Principles, 207).

Why do we do it?
President John Taylor gave us some reasons why we pay our tithing. He said, “If we have life, or health, or possessions; if we have children, and friends and homes, if we have the light of truth, the blessings of the everlasting gospel, the revelations of God, the holy priesthood, with all its blessings and government and rule, all these and every true enjoyment that we possess come from God. We do not always realize this, but it is nevertheless true that to God we are indebted for every good and perfect gift [see James 1:17]. He organized our bodies as they exist in all their perfection, symmetry and beauty. He is merciful and kind and benevolent towards all his creatures, and it is well for us to reflect upon these things sometimes, for we thus realize our dependence upon the Almighty.

God is our God in whom we put our trust; we have nothing ourselves to boast of. Have we wealth? Who gave it to us? The Lord. Have we property? Who put us in possession of it? The Lord. Our horses, cattle and sheep, our flocks, herds and possessions, are his gifts. The gold and the silver and the precious things of earth, and also the cattle upon a thousand hills, are his, and we are his, and in his hands, and all nations are in his hands, and he will do with us and with them as seemeth him good. And as a kind, wise Father, he will watch over their interests; and when the time of judgment comes, it will not be withheld. We ought always to remember that our strength is in God; we have nothing to boast of ourselves, we have no intelligence that God has not given unto us; we have nothing in life, or property, but what has been given unto us of the Lord. Everything we possess pertaining to time and eternity has been imparted to us by him. 7
We have been given commandments to help us prepare in every way to live in the presence of our Heavenly Father. He has given us a way to thank him for our blessings. Willingly paying tithes and offerings is one way we thank him. As we pay these offerings, we show the Savior that we love him and will obey his counsel: “And verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people” (D&C 64:23).

What is required of us?
I have come to understand that the main ingredient in paying tithing is Faith. When we pay our tithing we show our faithfulness to the Lord. It gives us the opportunity to prove the Lord herewith, “if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it”(Mal. 3:8–10). Paying tithing is something that everyone can do.
During the Great Depression, President Grant continued to remind the Saints that the payment of tithing would open the windows of heaven for blessings needed by the faithful. In that stressful period, some of our bishops observed that members who paid their tithing were able to support their families more effectively than those who did not. The tithe payers tended to keep their employment, enjoy good health, and be free from the most devastating effects of economic and spiritual depression (see Church News, 9 Dec. 1961, p. 16.
In 1936, at the height of the Great Depression in the United States, when people were struggling to make ends meet, Elder John A. Widtsoe admonished the Saints to pay their tithing because of the spiritual blessings they would receive. He said: “Obedience to the law of tithing . . . brings a deep, inward joy . . . that can be won in no other way. . . . The principles of truth become clearer. . . . Prayer becomes easier. . . . The spiritual sense is sharpened [and] . . . man becomes more like his Father in Heaven.”5
We are living in challenging economic times. However, if we look back over the past years, we find there have been, and will continue to be, times of relative prosperity and times of financial uncertainty. But regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves, if we first pay our obligation to the Lord and then use wisdom and good judgment, the Lord will help us manage the resources He has given us.
President Heber J. Grant stated, “I want to say to you, if you will be honest with the Lord, paying your tithing and keeping His commandments, He will not only bless you with the light and inspiration of His Holy Spirit, but you will be blessed in dollars and cents; you will be enabled to pay your debts, and the Lord will pour out temporal blessings upon you in great abundance.”4
The Lord said, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith … if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10).
Latter-day revelation tells of another blessing for those who tithe: “Verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming” (D&C 64:23).
The blessings we have been promised are both material and spiritual. If we give willingly, Heavenly Father will provide our daily needs for food, clothes, and shelter. He will also help us grow “in a knowledge of God, in a testimony, in the power to live the gospel and to inspire our families to do the same” (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 58).

Time to Breathe

Today was a busy Sunday for me and my family. Well, more for me than for the kids. I spoke in Sacrament meeting today and my topic was tithing. I was asked to speak about 3 weeks ago and the topic was to pick a conference talk that I really enjoyed. So, while watching conference, I was really trying to be in tune with the Spirit to choose the talk that needed to be shared with my ward. Elder Sheldon Child's talk really spoke to me and so tithing became my topic.
There is no way on this earth that I would have been able to write this talk without the help of the Spirit and for that I am truly grateful. I also taught the Relief Society lesson today about the restoration of the Priesthood and I certainly would not have been able to convey the lesson without the help of the Spirit. So, thank you Heavenly Father for looking out for me and for the rest of the people who would hear me speak. Thank you for the inspiration, the experiences, the challenges and everything that helped me with today's tasks.
My parents were troopers today also as they had the job of managing the children while I was on the stand. My firstborn kept himself busy with writing and drawing. My second born fell asleep on grandpa and my last, well, she was trying to get my attention and ended up out in the hallway with grandma. My mom said when I started to speak, Sage started looking all around for me in the hallway. She could hear my voice and was wondering where mom was. Needless to say, she got frustrated and I could hear her bawling out in the hall. After the meeting, my mom brought her back in and she was asleep, but she was sniffling like she had a hard cry. Oh my heartstrings!
I love my children and I cannot wait for Toby to come home and share his adventures in Paris.

Single Parenting

This week I am learning what it is like to be a single parent. Well, I guess not exactly what it is like, since I do not have to earn a living, make arrangements for childcare, etc...So I experienced a watered down version of Single Parenting.
We have been blessed to have Toby working from home for the past couple of months. The children really enjoy being able to see dad upstairs in his office whenever they like - until the door gets locked due to multiple visits. No problem, it's fair. I mean, he is working and talking on the phone with a client with "dad, I gotta go poop" in the background is less than ideal.
So, my faithful, fair-skinned husband is in Paris right now with his father filming conferences about media censorship in China during the Olympics.
As the date of his departure got closer and closer, the feeling of uneasiness and dread got stronger and stronger. I have never been completely alone with the three children before and I was nervous. It is also Spring Break and I will have all three children all day. Also, all of our friends will be out of town so there will be no play dates. I have always had the assurance of relief, of a break, of being able to use the bathroom, of being able to talk to an adult. So, how are things going? Very well.
Definitely inspired ideas have flooded my mind. We have been busy and having fun. We went to a children's garden today and the kids got in some much needed running amok time with their cousins. We are planning a movie tomorrow and we have been working in the yard, going to the gym, riding bikes and trikes, watching TV, laughing at Mr. Bean and enjoying ice cream Thursdays.
Tomorrow I get to spearhead Bagel Saturday. The boys were worried that I would not know how to do it since I am usually still in bed when they leave with their father for this weekend ritual. I figure I know where the store is, I have money and can drive...I think the boys will take care of the rest.

Dogs

I remember my mom telling me about their dog Sadie and her peculiar habits. She would saunter to each neighbor's house, show her big brown dog eyes and would receive a treat. We did not know how good her treats were until one neighbor confessed that when the BBQ'd, they always made a serving for Sadie. Her route was so specific, that she actually wore a path into the grass of our neighbors.

I think we should have recognized something was going on...dog food is still full, dog is getting really fat. Hmmm. Other memorable habits included rolling in dead animals. I am not sure what pleasure she derived from this disgusting ritual-maybe it was a status symbol. "Hey do you smell like 7-day raccoon? Snifffff. Yep. My hero."

It is with sadness I discovered that our beloved Zip cannot get enough of dead bird. I thought she smelled different yesterday and I kept smelling her odor every time she was within 20 feet of me. I could not understand what was causing the stink - was she in heat (nope, fixed), did she get sprayed by a cat...and then the evidence presented itself. Yep, dead bird. Gross, gross, gross. Tonight I washed her and after the cream rinse, she smelled like she just stepped out of a salon. I am afraid of letting the dog outside for fear of her finding something else to roll all over herself.

Snowy April Day

Snowy day today. It snowed, then it was sunny only to be followed with snow yet again. I baked bread today and it worked. It seems anytime I try to show someone how to make bread - it never turns our right - even though I do the exact same thing with the exact same ingredients. Michelle came over today to use my blender to whiz up her tomatoes for salsa.

My children and I bought seeds for our garden today. I selected the varieties that I buy at the store, for example: English cucumbers, French green beans, red and yellow bell peppers. I am so excited yet I know I must be patient. We also picked up a watering can that will be a much coveted piece of equipment this summer.

The boys tested the watering can today and it works well. They ended up watering the dog with the hose and getting themselves drenched - smiling all the way. Did I mention it was snowing during this watery bliss.

Toby's website is looking really good. Professional. He is really learning the tools of his trade.

One of my greatest accomplishments today was running 3 miles. Yea! I felt really good and not killing myself. I took it nice and easy. I hope my body doesn't rebel by throwing out my back again, but man oh man, it felt good. The shower tonight felt great also - nothing like getting the salt off. I hate to admit, but I don't remember when I last showered either....the blessing and the curse of ponytail hair.

I am speaking in Sacrament Meeting on the 20Th and I think I will talk about tithing. I was asked to share a conference talk and I have 13 minutes. I want to be well prepared so hopefully I can.

Well, off to bed. One last thing. This evening Skyler went downstairs to get his blankie and we didn't see him again. Somewhat worried, I went downstairs and found him curled up in the laundry basket covered with his blankie. Freshly dried laundry was scattered all over the floor and he was lost in peaceful slumber. Oh Skyler - the boy who can fall asleep just about anywhere. BTW, he is still asleep too.

We love Spring

Today Allen brought over a video camera for Toby to practice video recording. You see, Toby and Allen are taking a trans-Atlantic trip to the magnificent city of Paris. I know, twist his arm, but someone has to go and set up the equipment. I hope he has a great time and doesn't raise his eyebrows too much when he discovers my closet full of new Springy clothes.

We love Spring. The fresh air has done much for attitudes at our home. I must admit it is lovely to have another bullet in my arsenal of things to keep the kids busy. Sending the children outside at the pinnacle of exasperation has saved our family relationship many times. They love bouncing on the trampoline, riding bikes and trikes and playing in the mud (not mom's favorite).

Diapers a go go!

Well, Skyler finally decided to be diaper free this past week. It was such a surprise for me - I thought he would be in diapers forever! We were getting ready to go to school when lo and behold I hear the greatest words of the year "Mommy, I have to go potty." I had to do a double take, a quick double take, and then off we went to the potty. He got to celebrate his week of toileting by popping tokens into games at Chuck E Cheese last night. He went through tokens faster than I could give them to him. Sundance was more judicious with his tokens and at the end of the evening, everyone had a great time.

Sundance started sports camp this week and he loved his first session. They learned how to dribble a soccer ball and how to kick it properly. Sundance is the tallest and most coordinated in his class, but he has always been a great athlete. The next class is basketball and then baseball. He starts swimming lessons next week too......a little oversight by me in overlapping activities - but with it being so cold outside, I think the boys will welcome the diversion. Skyler is starting swimming lessons too. Good timing for the potty training.

Life Changes

I was thinking today that Toby and I have had quite a few major life changes during the past year. First we moved from California to Utah. We purchased a home, moved again, and had a baby two days later. Toby was laid off from his job, and we are strongly considering running our own business. So, it has been a really fast year for us. I thought I would be completely stressed out - considering our current state of economical uncertainty, but I am not. I can only say that the peaceful feeling in my heart and mind comes from God. I am very grateful. Toby and I feel good about this situation - sometimes it is good to be forced to do something difficult so that you can have something better. Our prospects look really good. For those who know Toby, he is a really great planner. So who knows (well someone knows) how and what we will do but all I know is that this is the right thing for our family at this time.

Let it Snow!!!

Oh how we love the snow. It let's us use the plow. Plow the streets, plow the walks but best of all the plow.



Ok, my feeble attempt at song writing. Thanks for the kind comments on the blog. We woke up yesterday morning to seven inches of thick, moisture laden snow. I had a dentist appointment in Pleasant Grove and it was the most harrowing drive I have ever experienced. But I must say that driving on my own neighborhood streets is a lot of fun - plowing through piles of snow, driving in the slush and spraying it everywhere - I have missed this during the past 5 years!



Zip, formerly known as Bear, is a sweet dog. So far, we have not had any accidents (that I can find or smell) and she is very patient towards the kids. I have even trained her to not lick Sage's face. The only thing that is quirky right now is that she does not want to eat her dog food so she just follows you around the kitchen hoping for a few morsels to drop to the ground. Needless to say, my kitchen floor is always crumb free.

Cabin Fun

We went to the cabin the day after Christmas and this is what we found - lots and lots (about 4 feet) of fluffy, white, wonderful snow!

First of many

Good Sunday evening to everyone! We just returned from my parent's home. We enjoyed sweet and savory crepes, AKA Swedish Pancakes tonight with the McClure clan. My dad's mom used to make them every now and then and he is continuing on with the tradition. Yummy.

Today we had our first 2:00 church. It wasn't too bad. Sage and Skyler slept through Sacrament Meeting until we were 1/2 way through Sunday School. Sage is just a darling at church. She smiles at everyone and brightens the lives of many many people. Skyler is still in nursery and Sundance is now a CTR 6, complete with a CTR ring. His friend, Kyson, is in his class now and so he is really excited.

Yesterday we welcomed our third daughter into our family. She is black, brown and white, medium build and a cheerful disposition. Her name is debateable. She came with the name Bear, but, the kids want to call her Zip. So we will see what she decides to respond to and we will go with that name. Oh, yes, we adopted a dog. I always said my fourth child would be a dog...I just didn't realize she would come so soon. She is a good girl though - housebroken, loves children and babies (and not their diapers, yet) and is very, very smart. She is an Australian Shepherd mix and Lori says she looks very much like Duchess for all the Palmers who knew and loved Duchess.

I am keeping busy with kids and exercise and running a house and now adding a dog. I am enjoying the benefits of exercise and being able to train with a good friend, Merrilee, from church. Toby is doing well at his job and is looking for the perfect winter time activity to do in his limited spare time.

Sage is working on tooth number 5. I can't believe how many teeth this child has! Tonight she was preparing to pull herself up on the table at my parents house. She is growing up so fast. Such a darling.

Well, that's about it for now. Have a great week and look forward to pictures from the Palmers.