Long Time, No Chat

Wow, my last post was a year ago and what a busy year! We are fully settled into San Antonio and loving it! If things go like I think they should, I'll finally finished that magical Bachelor's Degree with Texas A&M San Antonio (GO Jaggies!) For now however, I found this amazing website for sewers that tells you the pattern and accessories to get the full look you see in the mags! Check it out and have some fun! Make This Look Here's a little sample of how it looks!

Can't Talk, The Dr. is On!

Can't talk, time for a new season of the Dr. I'm super excited, the new season opens with a scary series. I love the scary ones!!! Grab some snacks and let's hunker on the sofa together!

I'm turning off the phone and maybe the lights. Ooooh!

The Place Where I Live

I finally am getting around to updating and uploading some pictures onto my Flickr account and ran across these. I love looking at my new hometown.
These photos were taken in my favorite part of the city- Riverwalk. No matter what day or time I go, there is something wonderful to see. This is a city full of laughter, friendly faces and amazing food. We can't forget about the food! I have never eaten such delicious Mexican food!

Biology Bites

Sooo, I've been fighting the good fight this semester and trying to finish my Associates. I've of course left myself all of my favorite classes like Biology and math.

I studied, took some time with the professor, printed out all the lectures. You name it, I tried it... got my last test back and made a whopping 40%. 40%?!?! DAAANNNG! That's just crappy.

The Trek West- Man, Do I Have it Easy!

In Seminary, we are about to begin the Trek West lessons. I'm not sure how many days I can make the kids do but I could spend days, weeks, months, reading about all the stories. One of the interesting things I found was the supply list printed in the Nauvoo Neighbor, the main newspaper in Nauvoo at the time. I also found a blog, called Utah Preppers who had a list they converted to modern times.Here is the original items:
BILL OF PARTICULARS
For the emigrants leaving this government next spring.
Each family consisting of five persons, to be provided with—
1 good strong wagon well covered with a light box.
2 or 3 good yoke of oxen between the age of 4 and 10 years.
2 or more milch cows.
1 or more good beefs.
3 sheep if they can be obtained.
1000 lbs. of flour or other bread, or bread stuffs in good sacks. 1 good musket or rifle to each male over the age of twelve years.
1 lb. powder.
4 lbs. lead.
1 do. Tea.
5 do. coffee.
100 do. sugar.
1 do. cayenne pepper.
2 do. black do.
1/2 lb. mustard.
10 do. rice for each family.
1 do. cinnamon.
1/2 do. cloves.
1 doz. nutmegs.
25 lbs. salt.
5 lbs. saleratus.
10 do. dried apples.
1 bush. of beans.
A few lbs. of dried beef or bacon.
5 lbs. dried peaches.
20 do. do. pumpkin.
25 do. seed grain.
1 gal. alcohol.
20 lbs. of soap each family.
4 or 5 fish hooks and lines.
15 lbs. iron and steel.
A few lbs. of wrought nails.
One or more sets of saw or grist mill irons to company of 100 families. 1 good seine and hook for each company.
2 sets of pulley blocks and ropes to each company for crossing rivers.
From 25 to 100 lbs. of farming and mechanical tools.
Cooking utensils to consist of bake kettle, frying pan. coffee pot, and tea kettle.
Tin cups, plates. knives, forks, spoons, and pans as few as will do.
A good tent and furniture to each 2 families.
Clothing and bedding to each family, not to exceed 500 pounds.
Ten extra teams for each company of 100 families.
N. B.—In addition to the above list, horse and mule teams can be used as well as oxen. Many items of comfort and convenience will suggest themselves to a wise and provident people, and can be laid, in in season; but none should start without filling the original bill.

Here is Utah Preppers list converted to fit modern days:
A strong 4 wheel drive with a large trailer attached
100 pounds of powdered milk (I’m attempting guess how much they would need in the time it took them to travel and considering that today most people can’t keep a milk cow)
300 – 400 pounds of preserved beef (again, trying to estimate considering most people can’t keep beef cattle
150 – 200 pounds of preserved mutton
1,000 pounds of flour, wheat, or bread
1/2 lbs mustard
600 lbs of rice (I’m assuming that they are referring to a dozen 50 pound bags of rice)
12 sticks of cinnamon? I’m not sure about cinnamon at all, never used it
6 cloves? Again, I’m not sure how to convert this
12 nutmegs? I’m going to assume for these spices that one spice bottle from the grocery store would be sufficient
25 lbs salt
5 lbs baking powder (saleratus)
5 #10 cans of dried apples
50 lbs of beans
5 lbs dried bacon (bacon bits?)
2 #10 cans of dried peaches
20 cans of pumpkin (I think this may have been to make pies with regularly but I’m really not sure, maybe replace it with cans of pie filling?)
25 lbs of seed for planting
1 gal 91% isopropal alcohol
40 bars of soap (I think a bar is about 1/2 pound or so)
fishing poles, hooks, line and other tackle
Iron and Steel tools i.e. hammers, saws, drills, etc (I think carrying raw steel was to forge tools with which we don’t really do these days)
5 pounds of nails, 8, 10 and 16 penny
Wheat grinder
1 good rifle per person (we won’t exclude the women)
250 bullets per rifle
24 lbs powdered drink mix (kool-aid, coffee, tea, etc)
100 lbs sugar
3 bottles of cayenne pepper (Cayenne pepper is a very good herbal treatment as well as a flavoring)
1 Heavy Duty Pulley block with hook or possibly a powered winch on your 4×4
2 good pulley blocks
Shovels, rakes, hoes, other gardening tools – as well as a tiller and gas
Outdoor Cookware – dutch ovens, frying pans, cooking pots, kettles, etc
Eating Utensiles, forks, spoons, knives, plates, bowls, cups
A good tent, collapsible chairs, tables, cots etc as desired
Several changes of clothes per person
1 Good sleeping bag per person
More gas than you need to get where you’re going, spare hoses, fuses, various vehicle parts, tools to repair vehicles

Food, Inc or Why is My Food Biting Back?

I've never considered myself a foodie or anything fancy like that. I admit there's not too many hamburgers I've said no to but last night, Hubby and I watched "Food, Inc". That movie might've changed our food habits forever. Sadly, I knew many of the facts presented but something finally clicked. Maybe it was seeing the cow's legs turned backwards, the chickens who can't support their own weight or some combination but it's time to turn over a new leaf and pay attention to what goes in my family's mouths.

The amount of garbage coming through even foods we thought should be safe was frightening. We started today by making a trip to Whole Foods, doing a little shopping and research into buying healthier options.

I'm going to start using my blog, turning over some new, improved habits and let's see where we go from there!

Ch-ch-changes!

Things have changed dramatically around our household as in, well, the whole house. We have moved to San Antonio, TX and are loving it! We have been here about three weeks now and the dust is finally starting to settle and the family is in a routine. The kids are learning whole new outlooks on life and people which pleases me to no end. There is so much variety to experience here and we want to dig in deep to our new home!

*Photo is not mine. I wish!

What!?!?!

Sooo, I have a teenager who is being every bit a teenager.

The Boy: "have you done my laundry?" (he asked me nicely yesterday to do it)
Me: "Oh, I need to dry it but ya."
The Boy: "Oh no, all of my stuff needs to be turned inside out or it will fade"
Me: "If you want special requests, maybe you should do it yourself."
The Boy: (In an accusatory tone) "Aren't you supposed to be the mom?"

I don't know where he got this attitude but part of me wants to put my foot up his butt. I'm pulling a full load of courses, (managing a 3.75-3.5, doing lessons for Seminary, maintaing the house and The Boy... played Need for Speed and not much more. Where did this sense of entitlement come from??

I Think, Therefore This Sucks

Ugh, this semester has been a bit hard. I am into the final, don't wanna take courses. This semester has been Philosophy, History of Western Civ I, Public Speaking and Creative Writing. Most of them I'm doing alright but the Philosophy... UGH UGH UGH. I find almost no valid reason for it and am just hanging on for dear life.

Most of the time, I don't understand the Why of it- Why do the philosophers feel the need to ask if they exist? If they can ask, doesn't that therefore mean they exist? I find myself unable to make any connections and that makes it hard to study. Hubby says this is one of those things that goes in one ear, hang on long enough to pass the test and dump it... I agree.

To be is to have to study harder! ACK!

Life in High Speed

The horses are out of the gate and they're off! Things used to run in slow motion around here but no longer. The semester is in full swing and homework commenses! I've already had and submitted homework and just finished more homework. The knitting has taken a bit of a backseat but it's still there. If you're good boys and girls, I might even take some pictures! REALLY!
Ravelympics is about to start in conjunction with the Olympics. I shall be embarking on a trip to Estonia to participate. I know, I know, the Olympics are not in Estonia but the project is from there. I shall be traveling the path of many more fabulous and talented knitters than I as I attempt to conquer the wild Nub!
Stay tuned- will the homework beast devour me in an ever growing pile of books and papers? Will I get lost and hopelessly tangled in Estonia?

Calm Before the Storm

Well boys and girls, here we are on our last day of Christmas vacation from college. Tomorrow is the beginning of my second semester as a returning student- think I can do it again? I think so too!!

This semester is filled with scary things- Philosophy, History of Western Civ, Gen Physical Science (which Bubba could probably do!!) and Creative Writing. I'm really looking forward to the writing class. I've been wanting to sharpen those rather dull skills for awhile.

I did get one of the BEST things in the mail the other day- A certificate for being on the Dean's Honor Roll last semester. ME! Now to turn in a repeat performance. Hold onto your butts!!

Back to the Grind (Mostly)

School is back in session for the boys and Seminary is off and running (kind of). It feels good to be back on schedule. Classes don't resume for me until the 19th, which is fine. Gives me a little time to get things together.

In the land of knitting, a Ravelry pal and I are going to take a trip to Estonia. She has designed a lovely little itinerary consisting of a rectangular shawl. She just sent the chart so I could try a swatch. This should be an exciting journey into the unknown! I'll take pictures of the journey as we go!

Things have been ridiculously cold- Two degrees with a windchill of -13 during the day... YIKE!! We survived quite nicely, cooking a lot of soups and warm meals. It is nice to have so many yummy soups in our arsenal. I've been trying to include more broth type soups instead of my beloved cream-based soups in an effort to be more health conscious. The Pants on Ravelry has started a thread and a group to support each other. I lost three pounds already this week!! I still need to include MUCH more exercise into my routine but...

Almost A New Year

Well kiddies, here it is almost a new year. A lot has changed and much has stayed the same. I'm not sure what it is about this time of year that makes us want to look back but... here we are. It's time to look back at where we've fallen down and where we've succeeded. Hopefully we find more successes. I don't want to say "failure" either, but rather an opportunity for improvement.

I've gotten myself happily back into college so that's a change for the better. Dale is still stuck in a job he isn't happy with but he's making progress towards certifications so somewhat positive (or at least there is hope). I still haven't gotten into shape... er, well, round is a shape but not the one I was hoping for. Room for improvement, a place to make some good personal goals. Doesn't that sound better then "FAIL"? I sure think so.

We have been blessed much this year even when we don't see it as such. I hope as the new year approaches, all will look back with something positive. I hope we look forward to all the opportunities that present us in the new year.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone had as lovely a day as we had. We began with brunch with my mom and Grandmother before opening presents. The kids happily played with their new things, Dale excercised with his new Wii Fit. We all just kicked back for awhile before all meeting for dinner at my sister's house.

On our way home, it seemed bittersweet. It has all come and gone. Time moves on to the next thing. I would like to keep this feeling around all year. There wasn't a lot under the tree but what there was was exactally what we all wanted. We enjoyed each other's company and were together with family. I think that's what it should be like. Tomorrow we keep the fun going with friends. I'm so excited!!! We are going to serve soups and play games. I'm totally looking forward to great company and delicious food.

Baby It's Cold Outside

Okay, so it's not THAT cold outside but there's not much else going on to report. The weather is supposed to turn cold in the next few days. Heck, we could have a white Christmas. That would be cool... get it? I amuse me.

Still waiting and hoping for a couple of checks to come in, the house is about as clean as it's going to get and Hubby is winging his way home. I like that last part best.

These last few days have not been fun (but I made it through, whew!) Hubby has been gone doing work in New York. They worked him pretty stinking hard too. Was there any overtime or bonuses? AHAHA... ahem... sorry about that. ANYWAY, he is finally on his way home after a few delays in O'Hara airport, I'm expecting him in about an hour. ONE hour!! YIPPEEE!!! I might just stick a big bow on him and consider that enough present.

Overlooked Gifts

Today, after re watching The Ultimate Gift, I sat thinking. This is the season we think of gifts in a more material sense. More importantly, it should be about looking at our other gifts. I'm not sure what's going on but this year under the tree will be very sparse. This has really been bothering me. Nothing bad has happened, but the money just isn't there for much right now. Is that really where my focus should be?

What's under the tree really doesn't matter. It's the people around the tree, the fact that I have a family to love, a spouse I adore (and vice-versa) and a house for said tree to be in. We have employment. While it's a bugger of job on Dale- relentless in unpaid overtime and he is completely under appreciated, it's still a job. We can pay the bills, have plenty of food and manage pretty well. That's sadly more then many people can say.

It's hard to see the bright side but there really is one. I want to look at what's good at my life. There is so much to be thankful and grateful for.

Long Overdue

This last 18 weeks have flown by in a blur. After about twenty, yes twenty years, I finally returned to college. I took twelve hours at Butler Community College with the original intent to transfer to Newman University. I enjoyed the experience of Butler so much (and I admit the cheaper tuition) so much that I am not going to transfer to Newman just yet.

Throughout the semester, as part of English Comp II we kept on online journal then last night I watched Julie and Julia. I enjoyed the online journal idea and now it has come to a close. After watching the movie, it inspired me to keep the idea alive. The optimum was three times a week and that was fairly easy to keep up with. I think that while I have nothing monumental and no real challenge like cooking 500 recipes, I will challenge myself. My challenge is to record next semester using my sadly neglected blog.

The experience of going back to school was remarkably enjoyable. After all this time trying to figure out what to do with myself, the struggle of trying to find who I really am and a real purpose outside of being a mother or wife was there. I've taught the last three years and have always loved English- writing and literature. The answer was there- teach. That is my goal- improve my writing and complete my Masters Degree in Secondary Education.

I finished this last semester with a 3.75 on the Dean's Honor Roll. I'm going to do it again and keep this ball rolling!

Oh.My.Gosh!

I have been so busy playing with Ravelry that my poor blog has been sorely neglected. I'm going to try and fix that this summer!

School is almost at an end. Monday was 3rd grade Field Day and you can see Beastie's excitement! (Such an understated child...) Today was Jordan's 6th grade awards and he got three! I'm so proud!! There are only three days of school and five days of Seminary for me. I love teaching but it will be nice to take a break also!

This summer we are going to try something new- we're going to try to get out more and use our local resources for learning and exercise. It sounds like a good goal and now that I have typed it out, it seems more realistic. We shall see!!

Merry Christmas

The holidays are fast upon us. Most of the shopping is done, meals are being planned and we are all safe at home.

Today is the kid's last day of school with parties and snacks aplenty. Hubby took the week off so happily he can attend also. The presents are mostly all wrapped and all is well.

Part of me is a bit sad, money has been tight so I was concerned that the gift load would be light. A week ago, some friends had a serious house fire and lost most everything. While helping sort through what was left of their lives, the one thing we say but sometimes don't always mean was "at least we have each other" and everyone was safe. Isn't that what Christmas is really about?

I found at that my ward donated over $2300 with no official announcements made, just donations from any who desired, the high school band donated $870 from ONE night's concert donations and the high school (students and parents) donated $1200 to this family. Hubby got some friends together from MOG and they put together enough money that hubby was able to purchase three MP3 players.

In a time where the economy and all of us are struggling, we still came together to help a family in true need. My hopes and my heart are renewed. The presents are nice, but I have what truly counts. Love.

Halloween Came Early

Halloween came a day early and we had visitors!! Maverick (get it, Top Gun) and a hanger-on. That woman loves a Maverick ya know!!

Okay, so it's me doing a Palin impression (and not so well). Hubby wanted something subtle and came up with the maverick idea. I took his idea and went with a less then subtle compliemntary costume. Me? Subtle?? I wouldn't know the meaning of the word if it hit me in the head. T

Tonight was our church Trunk or Treat so we dressed up the kiddies (they wanted to take pictures tomorrow). Two days of dressing up and candy gathering fun!! It's the best!!