Seriously, what is up with this place?

Okay, so the Arbor Lane apartments (our living quarters) are gaining a bad reputation. Today, right after church, Mike came home to about 5 police officers, an ambulance, and a fire truck sitting in our apartment complex parking lot. Someone was being put onto a stretcher and crime scene tape had already been put up. I wasn't there for that, but at around 5:00 as I was driving home from my YW meeting, another ambulance, fire truck, and police car entered the complex right before I did. I didn't know what to think of all that and figured I wouldn't be able to get much info about it anyway, even if I wanted to. Then tonight while hanging out at with some friends, a fellow neighbor and ward member called the Green's residence saying he had just watched the news about a man in our complex who stabbed his wife 16 times with a screwdriver and then went outside and hung (hanged?) himself from the carport. Now, if you recall, an incident happened just this last summer involving a guy getting shot at our apartment. I thought this was a decent place to live, but now I'm reconsidering.

My Favorite Things of 2007

Karen tagged me so here I go. And anyone who reads this blog, consider yourself tagged now too.

The best things of 2007 (in no particular order)

1. Learning---I have learned so much this year. I have learned a lot about myself. I have learned several new skills like crocheting, making jewelry, and cooking new things. I have learned how to let things go. I have learned (with Vessel’s help) how to take care of a baby. I have learned that life is what you make of it.

2. Getting one more semester of school out of the way.

3. Doing my mother’s temple work.

4. Going to the Price is Right and seeing my beloved Bob Barker.

5. Getting my longboard and cruising around all summer.

6. Getting a digital camera. Which leads to my next favorite thing:

7. Blogging. I love posting pictures and updates.

8. Going to concerts.

9. Camping and building fires.

10. Snocones

11. Being active. Playing soccer, frisbee and hitting the softball with Mike in the park. Taking a dance class together, swimming, rock climbing, and hiking in the canyon.

12. Our motorcycle and the Burple car.

13. Vessel’s 1^st birthday party.

14. Vessel sleeping through the night.

15. New friendships.

16. Mike’s internship (that actually pays him.)

17. Watching Vessel grow and learn new things.

18. When Dan lived in Salt Lake last semester and we got to hang like everyday. Oh, and Dan’s mission call.

19. Little AJ was born.

20. My growing music collection.

21. My beautiful family. I have a great husband and a sweet son. We are healthy, happy and enjoying our lives together.

Christmas

I always get so sad when the day after Christmas arrives. Bummer. Really, January has nothing to offer, am I right? I think I love the days leading up to a major holiday more than the holiday itself. And then when it's all past and gone, I feel a bit empty inside. But Christmas was a good one this year. Since we had gone to Idaho a few weeks previously, we spent this Christmas with Mike's family. We drove there Christmas Eve in a crazy snow storm. That night we ate dinner together and then exchanged gifts afterwards. All the siblings and their children were able to attend. Mike and I ended up staying the night and spent Christmas morning with his family. We watched a lot of episodes of The Office, played a lot of Guitar Hero, and ate a lot of junkfood. When the 3 of us got home that evening we opened the gifts that my Dad and Grandparents had sent. Then Mike and I opened our presents to each other and Vessel opened the gifts we gave to him. Christmas day was pretty fun and laid back this year.
It was a pretty crazy month though. As I said in a previous post, I made all my gifts this year (with a few exceptions for Vessel and Mike.) You can see some of the things I made by clicking here. I also made a variety of food to give as gifts, which you can view by clicking here. I hope everybody's Christmas season was as festive as ours was! On a side note, I would just like to thank everyone for the sweet gifts that were given to us. Your generosity and kindness did not go unnoticed! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We have been very blessed this year.

Our little tree

Daddy helping Vessel open up gift from Danny

Mommy and Vessel on Christmas day
Mommy helping Vessel open a gift
Sexy Stache. Mike thought it would be great to grow a mustache and luckily we got some Christmas pictures with his lil' caterpillar. Here he is with his sister Jenny.

Bad biker boy!

Vessel playing with a new toy from great Grandma and Grandpa Hiner.

Holiday Treats

Dried Oranges

I made a bunch of dried oranges in my food dehydrator this year. Wrapped in cellophane bags and tied with a pretty bow, they make a wonderful and cheap gift to give a friend. Dried oranges look beautiful on a tree, but can be used in potpouri, as decorations in holiday cider, or can be simmered in a pot with orange oil, cinnamon and cloves for a great room freshener.

Caramel Corn

Caramel corn is one of my favorite snacks and this recipe is so good. So, it will probably kill ya, but we're all gonna die anyway, right? :) I got this recipe from Claire Allred.

Makes approximately 4 big bowls

2 Cups brown sugar
1 Cup Karo syrup
1 Can Sweetened condensed milk (1 cup)
1 Cube butter

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a low boil over medium heat, stirring often. Cook to firm ball stage. (Use a candy thermometer or use the cold water test.) Pour mixture over popcorn & cover evenly by mixing with spoons or rubber spatulas.

*Note---do not use microwave popcorn for this. You must air pop it yourself or pop it in a pan. To do this just add enough oil to cover the bottom of a pot. Pour corn kernels (I used Jolly Time) in the bottom (just enough to cover the surface of the bottom of the pot) and stir to coat the kernels. Put a lid on the pot and turn the heat to med-high. Take off heat when popping stops.

Chocolate Covered Pretzels


1/2 pound almond bark, (or other melting chocolate)
1 pound small pretzels or pretzel sticks
1/4 pound candy-coated chocolate pieces (optional)

1. Pour candy-coated chocolate pieces into a small bowl.
2. Melt almond bark in the top of a double boiler.
3. Dip pretzels into the melted chocolate and then lay on waxed paper. Or if you'd like, roll chocolate-covered pretzels in bowl of candy-covered chocolate pieces; a few pieces will stick to each pretzel.
4. Lay resulting clusters on wax paper to cool. Serve when chocolate is no longer sticky to the touch; refrigerate.

Makes 16 pieces.

Whipped Shortbread
This has to be the simplest recipe of all time. I got it from Kathy Harker.

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 Cup butter (not margerine)
1 1/2 Cups flour
pinch of salt

Cream butter. Add remaining ingredients. Beat 8-10 minutes. Drop by spoon on cookie sheet. Bake at 300 degrees for 20-30 minutes. If you like, you can make an indention with your finger or a spoon before baking and then after baking, fill the indention with raspberry or another fruit preserve.


Orange Chex Mix
This is my all time favorite Chex Mix and I could eat it all day.

4 Cups Corn Chex
4 Cups Rice Chex
4 Cups Wheat Chex
Pretzels
One bag of Craisins

Melt: 1/4 cup butter (or margerine if you prefer)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4-1/2 can orange juice concentrate

Mix dry ingredients in large bowl (except Craisins.) Pour melted ingredients over dry mix. Spread on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 325 for 10 minutes. (I like to cover my cookie sheet with aluminum foil for less mess.) Stir on cookie sheet, then bake for another 10 minutes. Watch it closely because it can easily burn. Immediately put on waxed paper or into a bowl. Add one bag of Craisins.

*Note---I have adapted this recipe to my liking by using less Wheat Chex and more of the other kinds. I have also added slivered almonds, yogurt covered dried cranberries, and white chocolate chips in the past. I like to use butter, but margerine works if you don't have butter. I also like to make mine more orangy by using orange flavored Craisins. YUM-O!


Truffles
8 oz. (2 bars) Ghiradelli chocolate (dark not milk)

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

6 Tbsp. unsalted butter cut into small pieces

Unsweetened cocoa for coating

Bring cream to a simmer in a small saucepan. Add butter and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and pour chocolate into a shallow bowl. Cool, cover and refrigerate until firm at least 2 hours. Roll mixture into 1 inch balls. Roll each ball in coating. Keep in a cool place to avoid melting.

Santa or No Santa *Updated*

Mike and I are trying to decide if we should do the whole Santa thing with our kids. On one hand, we think it would be fun for our kids, but on the other hand, we don't want to lie to them and make them believe in something that doesn't exist. Does Santa divert too much attention away from the real meaning of Christmas, or is the idea of Santa fun and harmless? I'd love to get your votes and comments on why we should or why we shouldn't have Santa Clause be a Christmas tradition.


***Update---The poll is now closed and 6 of you voted YES, that Santa should be a part of children's lives, and 1 of you voted NO. I wish the "NO" person would've commented on why because the whole point of this little poll was to get ideas on both sides. Anyway, thanks for all your comments and votes!

The Ups and Downs of my December Thus Far

December is supposed to be a month of peace, right? I don’t know about you all, but there has been nothing peaceful about this month since it started. I feel like I’m always on the go running errands, attending this social function, attending that social function, making and wrapping lots of gifts and food to give away, cleaning, putting up decorations, traveling, etc. etc. Don’t get me wrong, I really love it all….I just wish things could slow down so I could actually take a breath before it completely passes me by.

Earlier in the month a group of us girls had our monthly “girls’ night in” get together. We all brought a little something to eat and worked on our projects and talked the night away. I wish I would’ve gotten more accomplished because I had been looking forward to that night so much. In my head I thought of all the things I was going to get done while snatching some time away from the kid. I ended up bringing some necklaces to work on, but got very frustrated since I had to undo my work several times due to silly mistakes. The company was good, although I kind of shut down socially because I was so wrapped up in my own projects. Hopefully nobody thought I was as incredibly lame as I appeared to be. The evening after that was the Young Women in Excellence program that all the girls and leaders had been working on. At the beginning we all sang a beautiful song called “Keepers of His Light” while cupping little battery operated candles in our hands. The young women set up tables to show off their personal progress and then they talked a little about their goal achievements. At the end we ate “refreshments” but is there anything refreshing about ice cream with molten lava cake? Just one more indulgence I try to rationalize because “it’s the holidays.” As good as the cake was, I think if I see one more fat and sugar laden treat I’m going to throw my cookies. From the beginning of October until the end of the year I feel like any good intentions to eat well and maintain self control goes right out the window. And then by the time mid December rolls around (yup, right now) I have no energy and get so sluggish. It’s like I can literally feel the added weight I’m carrying around and my body is screaming at me to eat a dang carrot instead of that plate of fudge. Oh, but I have no will power. Anyway, this topic is another story, so let me move on.

So the following week I spent a lot of my time addressing Christmas cards and going to the post office to send off packages or making little gifts. But mostly that week was all about getting ready for our trip to Idaho. Friday morning was hectic trying to pack and load up the car and then realizing that I had to make some last minute things before our departure. So much for leaving at 9:00 a.m. like I had planned. The whole morning I felt under the weather and it just got worse in the car since I get really motion sick. I had such a throbbing headache and nausea, I just wanted to go to sleep. Finally we stopped and I had Mike buy me a cherry Coke. Let me tell ya, that cherry Coke is a miracle drug for me. It gets rid of headaches without fail. Leaves me a little jittery, but I’d rather experience mild shakiness than have throbbing pain shooting through my skull. Once I started feeling better I enjoyed the ride a bit more. We arrived in Idaho Falls late afternoon and spent the time visiting with Grandma Miller. Of course, we played a few rounds of Yahtzee, and I must say grandma and I both did swimmingly. Not to brag (cough cough) but uh, I scored 629! That’s four Yahtzee’s baby! I now consider it one of my greatest lifetime achievements. Mike felt it necessary to stick our score sheets on the refrigerator.

Saturday morning was a big day for us. It’s the real reason I wanted to write this post. It was a big day because I was able to do my mom’s temple work! My 2 aunts from out of town and my uncle and his wife were able to be there (as well as Mike.) My uncle and one of my aunts were able to be proxies for my Grandma and Grandpa when we sealed my mom to her parents. I want to describe the feelings I had, but at the same time I don’t even know the words to use. I don’t know what to say. It was such a special and sacred event for me that I don’t want to discuss my experience in detail, but it was wonderful and I feel so privileged and blessed to be apart of it. Thanks to my aunt for getting all the paperwork together so we could finally do it. I couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas present!

After Mike and I ate some yummy pasta at my favorite Italian restaurant Johnny Carino’s (the place where we had one of our first dates) we went back to my uncle’s house and just visited with my relatives. My cousin Steven was there for a while with his daughter and my cousin Dale’s daughter Wyntre (pronounced Winter) was there as well visiting with her grandma. I had never really had the opportunity to visit with Wyntre until that day, and she is so flip’n cute I couldn’t believe it. And she’s so smart and amazingly talkative for a two year old. This was about how our first conversation went.

I go into the bathroom to change Vessel’s diaper and the next thing I know she opens the door and comes inside with us.

Wyntre: What are you doing?

Me: Changing a diaper.

Wyntre: Why?

Me: Because he pooped.

Wyntre: Why?

Me: Because we all poop. Don’t you poop too?

Wyntre: Yeah sometimes, but sometimes I go pee.

Me: Oh, do you use the toilet?

Wyntre: Yeah. That’s the toilet right there.

Me: Wow, you’re a big girl using the toilet by yourself.

Wyntre: Yeah……..What are you doing?

Me: (chuckling, having already answered the question once) I’m changing his diaper.

Wyntre: Yeah, he needs a new one. talking to Vessel Hi Baby! You pooped huh! Cute baby. (giggles while patting Vessel’s head.)

I love how little children are so candid, and Wyntre was no exception.

After playing a rousing game of catch phrase we all went to bed. I would like to give props to my team for our consecutive winning streak. Sorry for your loss babe!

Anyway, Vessel slept like an angel again, and surprisingly stayed asleep for about 13 hours. Right before we left for the day, Vessel got sick and threw up all over my aunt and uncle’s hardwood floor. Mike was holding him and he described the scene as something out of the movie “the Exorcist.” I felt so bad for our little guy and didn’t even see it coming since he was completely fine the night before, all happy and smiley and energetic. After digging through the newly packed trunk for another shirt for Mike and a clean outfit for Vessel (which there wasn’t) we finally left my aunt and uncle’s house and headed north towards my Dad’s house. On our way there we stopped at the Archer cemetery so that my sister and I could visit my mom’s grave. It was very quiet and serene with untouched snow covering the ground. Despite the biting wind and icy snow up to my ankles, I felt a warmth inside that my mom was with us in some way. My sister and I talked for a few minutes about how Mom always made sure us girls had a good Christmas every year. We talked a little about how much we missed her, especially during the holidays and how it’s just not the same. I guess one of the tragic things about this time of year is that it brings a more substantial reminder of loved ones gone.

It was so good to see my sister. I have really missed her. The 3 of us had a fun time belting out Macy Gray songs in the car up to my dad’s house. Nothing like a raspy soul sista sing-a-long to brighten your mood, eh? We made a pit stop at my aunt and uncle’s house near Rexburg and visited with them for awhile.

At dad’s my sister and I exchanged gifts and I had also made gifts for my dad, Chris (my dad’s girlfriend) and my grandparents, who also came up to eat dinner with us. While Chris was making dinner she had some treats for us to munch on while we waited. She had made homemade apple juice from the apple tree that sits in the backyard of my childhood. It was yummy, and I was impressed.

It all went well except for the fact that Vessel was sick. I was hoping he’d be more sociable since my family rarely gets to see him. I tried to feed him and he wasn’t interested. After chugging down a whole bottle of diluted juice, he threw it up. And then he had one major blow out. The kid was miserable. I felt so bad for him.

He was so unhappy pretty much the whole way home. The four hour drive isn’t fun anyway, but having a sick kid in the car just makes it that much worse. At one point he threw up in the car again and then about an hour and a half away from home he had another blowout. Since we didn’t have any clean or dry clothes left for him to wear, he just had to sit there in it until we got to our apartment. At least he somehow managed to fall asleep.

When Monday rolled around, Vessel was still sick and had lots of diarrhea. He wouldn’t eat or drink anything and generally acted despondent. He was also whiny for most of the day, which was rough on Mike and me. But whaddayagonnado? That night the Elder’s Quorum presidency and their wives were invited to dinner at the Allen’s home. We hesitated going, not knowing for sure if Vessel’s anal leakage was under control, but we had been looking forward to it, so we went anyway. Amber had provided a booster seat just for Vessie and we all sat at the table to a wonderful feast. Vessel however, just wasn’t content with anything I tried to feed him. Finally Amber gave him a tall sippy cup full of juice and he guzzled it down like he hadn’t had something to drink for days, and then wanted more. I was weary giving him that much juice, but I didn’t want to give him milk on an upset stomach and we didn’t bring any of the Pedialyte he had been chugging all day. He was getting incredibly fussy and he was shivering like crazy so I unstrapped him and set him on my lap only to find out that he had just had an explosive onslaught of diarrhea that went all the way up his back and down his leg. The booster chair was covered in it and I was red with embarrassment thinking that everyone was very unimpressed with that not-so-enjoyable dinner scene. Luckily we brought an extra pair of jammies and got him cleaned up. Amber and Steve were so nice about everything and wanted to help. We joked to Amber that if Steve really wanted to help then he should call a priest.

So after that ordeal we decided we better get Vessel home and bathed and off to bed. But the second we got home something in my gut was a rumblin’ and I spent the rest of the night in and out of the bathroom. I slept in my clothes and couldn’t even manage getting under the blankets on our bed. I was so sick I could barely move except when I was forced to use the toilet. The next day Mike was feeling the same way and the 3 of us spent the entire day cooped up in our apartment wanting to die. I was so sick I thought I was going to die and I swear I must’ve lost 3 or 4 pounds. I was on the couch or on the toilet all day. Being sick is never good, but being sick and obligated to care for a sick child is a nightmare.

By Wednesday I was luckily over it and feeling fine again. Mike was still a little queasy. But poor Vessie, he is still fighting whatever bug he’s got. He’s getting better and eating more and not needing to down Pedialyte any longer. But while I was at Mardene’s house this afternoon, Mike decided to go shopping with Vessel. He was looking around the store with Vessel in the stroller, and glanced down to see something incredibly disturbing. Yup, Vessel and his stroller were covered in poo. Mike panicked and took Vessel out right away. Not having a pair of clean clothes to change him into he was forced to put Vessel in his car seat the way he was and fold up the poopy stroller and pack it away into the trunk. Glad it wasn’t me….

Anyhoo, I just wish Vessel would get better because I have more important things to do than wash his sheets and soiled clothes. Okay, really I just want him to get better because it breaks my little heart when he’s not well.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that now I’m getting a cold. Yay.

I guess I’ll end on that note. Hope everyone else is having a good December!

4 Years and Going Strong!

Yesterday was Mike's and my 4 year anniversary! Mike has made these last 4 years the best years of my life. I'm so happy everyday that he married me despite all my flaws and shortcomings. Vessel and I are very lucky indeed. I love you babe! Thanks for making me feel so special everyday!

Sneaker Skates

This month Mike and I cleaned out our house to find stuff to give to good will, and in our coat closet under a pile of junk, I found my old sneaker skates! I bought these for myself on my 21st birthday (woot woot) and my roommate Chelsea and I made a documentary on my camcorder about Sneaker Skates vs. Rollerblades. Trust me, it was great. Anyway, we've had some good memories me and these skates, but I just had to let them go. I hope someone else can get as much enjoyment out of them as I did!

Zach and Geraldy

More 5th grade drama, courtesy of Sophie's classroom.

4 Kitchen Applilances I Can't Live Without

1. Breville Gourmet Wok. I got this wok for Mike's birthday and we use it ALL THE TIME. We make stir-fry, curry, gyoza (pot stickers,) vegetable tempura, and just about anything you can imagine in it. And it is so easy to clean. Now I'm starting to sound like an infomercial, but seriously, we love our wok.


2. Nesco Food Dehydrator. I think this particular dehydrator is on the low end of the scale money wise. But quality wise, it is great. When Mike first got this for me a couple of Christmases ago I had a hay day drying batches & batches of fruit. Don't ask me why, but I just love dried fruit, even more than fresh. You can dry fruit for snacks, make fruit roll ups, make soup mixes, corn chips, even jerky. You can also dry certain crafts. This time of year I like to dry orange slices. They make excellent tree decorations and non-caustic air fresheners. I love my dehydrator.


3. KitchenAid Stand Mixer. The mixer we have is one of the older models and was passed down to us by my grandma. But don't be fooled, it still works like a dream. We use this mixer for so many everyday things. It came with a bread hook, so no more kneading dough for me! It also has a wire whip which is great for mixing cake or waffle batter. We use the flat beater for thick, sticky things like pumpkin cookie dough. We love our KitchenAid Mixer.


4. Presto Griddle. Saturday mornings just wouldn't be the same in our home without pancakes, and it's hard to make pancakes without a nice big griddle. We love our Presto griddle.


Now you know how boring my life is when I have to make a post about kitchen appliances. :)