kissable

The light

2012-02-10T23:39:00.000-08:00

I was just having a typical afternoon of art at school. Working on projects, singing along to beautiful kids music, soaking in all of the creativity and gentle compliments of encouragement my kids were giving to each other. Feeling overcome with peace, happiness and love for all of them. And knowing I was where I was suppose to be. Like the song says, "the world has shifted" Realizing that my world has shifted into something else I did not expect it to be. There has been a price that has been paid, and I am grateful that Jeff is available to pay it for me at home while I am here...But I felt like at that moment all of the words of the song came so powerfully...and I have been led here. It is just a small part to play in the grand scheme of things. No more important than so many other things that so many others are doing...but it is my part. And it is messy, difficult, wonderful, exhausting, exhilarating, challenging, and perfect. This is my life. "now that I see you".

Understood

2011-12-18T13:19:00.000-08:00

Jeff came up last night from his office and told me he just sent me a link I had to watch. He knows me really well. He knows what my type of music is and knew I would absolutly love this song and the video. He was right. He knows me. It is a rare thing to really be understood. I am thankful everyday for my relationship with him. I feel lucky. And I love him too!

High Def Version: http://www.kinagrannis.com/

This week

2011-11-06T11:40:00.000-08:00

This week I finished my first report cards and had my first parent/teacher conferences. I have amazing parents. I was a little nervous at first. And I was nervous about my report cards too. But it's over now, and I feel pretty good about the entire thing.

After conferences, and working four 12 hour days back to back, I got my first "comp" day. Something I never got working at Private School. And as much as I loved working at my first school, which happened to be private, I love my new, public school about 100 times more. I have always absolutely adored my students, in every school I have ever taught in. That is not the issue. It is more that I have an amazingly supportive principal who seems me more as a professional, and not as someone who needs to be taught how to teach in a certain way.

I am grateful for my experience in private school. In many ways, that is how I learned to be a good teacher. But it was painful and exhausting at times. And kind of bad for my self-esteem.

I am learning now that there are several methods that can be used to teach the same thing. All can be equally effective. I strongly believe the main factor for any child to be able to learn is to just be in a compassionate classroom where students can safely take risks and not be afraid to learn. A happy place where learning happens because you are immersed in it. Where there is more to evaluating you students than just giving them tests. Where they can learn at their own pace, and be the very best that they can be.

I am still working out the kinks in how my classroom works, but it is moving along nicely, and I am loving every day.

Teaching is a hard job mostly because you are "on" every day. Every minute. Performing in front of the class. The hardest thing for me is just getting ready and starting. Then once I am in it, I'm there. And it's kind of like a high. The day zooms past, and the time is always short. I always run out of time. Which really is a good thing.

At first, I was trying to walk with one foot in both of my 2 worlds. Trying to hold on to everything I have built up over the past 6 years until everything changed. It was awful when Jeff lost his job. And the uncertainty of everything. Looking back, it is amazing how everything has slowly fallen into place. And I feel so thankful to Heavenly Father who knew where I should be headed all along. But I couldn't keep up with everything in both worlds. My home life has been stripped down to the bare minimum. My Martha Stewart experiments and neighborhood parties have been put on the back burner for now. My house will get clean maybe once every 2 weeks...but the upside is that no one is really here anymore to mess it up.

This long weekend, which included my "comp" day allowed me to re-connect with some of my old hobbies...spending a few hours on Facebook and Pinterest, watching the kids play in the snow and taking tons of pictures...staying in my sweats all day and not doing my hair and make-up was so nice. I looked awful when I went to Target, but just really didn't care. But most of my free-time was spent researching how to help some of my kids read better and understand money. Figuring out what kind of party I can have when we study fairy tales in February...thinking of what I am getting all of the sweet kids in my class for Christmas...finding music for our holiday program...and cutting out patterns for our next art project. I am now almost "in" with both feet!Oh yeah, it was Halloween too! It's been 15 years since I actually bought a Halloween costume for myself. Clint was The Riddler, and pretty much put that whole costume together himself. Pretty cool. Derek had an assortment of superhero costumes to wear and decided to go with Iron Man...he is my personal favorite, after all.

I think he's funny

2011-10-29T09:03:00.001-07:00

I want to try to do better and keep track of the funny things my kids say. Because they are both pretty funny!

While driving up the canyon last Sunday on the way to Quarry Bend:
Derek: Mom I lost my homework folder
Me: No you didn't, its on the kitchen floor.
Derek: No it's not. I lost it.
Me: I know where it is, Derek.
Derek: Well, if it's lost you will just have to buy me some new homework
(Everyone in the car laughs)

Jeff: Mom loves Derek the most, and everyone else in the family is 40%
Clint: (High-fives Jeff) "Hey 20%"

Derek: (While playing Zombieville on Jeff's phone)Can I buy Doodle jump?
Jeff: NO
Derek: So you don't love your son?
Jeff: (nothing)
Derek: Okay, I'm telling mom

Mistakes

2011-10-12T19:58:00.000-07:00

"Ellie and Zach are finished with 6 min. solution"
The reason I gave my class when they asked why Zach and Ellie were paired up with a few of my readers who were struggling.

Some of my other high reading level girls had daggers coming out of their eyes for Ellie and Zach.

"But why are THEY done?!!" whined Josh, right before he started crying from frustration.

My class has been at each other for the past few days. Name calling, poking, pushing, tattling, mean comments, dirty looks. We have been together all day, 5 days a week, for the past 7 weeks. The honeymoon was definitely over. I realized I had made a mistake by putting Ellie and Zach above the rest of the class with that simple announcement, even though they have passed off all of the reading assignments in fast time. They had begun to read so fast that they were slurring words, and skipping expression and comprehension all together. I put them with slower readers to help them as well, I just said the wrong thing to the rest of the class.

I realized I had made a mistake. Now how to fix it. I told the class that even though Zach and Ellie were the fastest readers, it didn't mean they were the best readers. It's true. Trinity was the only one in the class who scored 100% for accuracy on the CBM test they had just taken last week, even though her time had been a little slower. Kemry has the best scores for math. Aryanna by far has the best penmanship. Wes is the friendliest...

Everyone had been upset by me putting Ellie and Zach in a position of superiority that I made evident to the entire class. Now I had to fix it.

Zach was willing to help. "Just because Zach is one of the fastest readers, doesn't mean he is the best" he was perceptive and realized others felt bad, and he was willing to try to make it right with me. "Yep," he agreed "Mrs. Bingham always tells me to slow down" he said with a smile.

"Thank you to Zach" I whispered to myself. But it wasn't enough. I looked around and realized that I needed to do more to correct my mistake. I took a deep breath and apologized for announcing the new jobs of Zach and Ellie. I pointed out to everyone that Zach and Ellie did not score the highest in the class on some of the tests. I said that all the students in my class were all wonderful and all good at different things. I looked around the room and prayed that I would be able to come up with at least one good thing for each of them. Some of them would be harder than others.

I started with Brynlee and" what a beautiful singing voice she has". "Trinity is the most meticulous and neatest student I have ever known. Tanner is FUNNY! Ella is about the kindest girl in the world. Ary is an amazing artist. Zach has a great memory. Ellie is an awesome reader. Brooklyn is a comedian, Kemry is a super gymnast, Tatyana is a mother to the entire class."
Then I came to Hunter. He has a pretty rough home life. He goes to resource and works hard every day for very little result. He works hard in class, and still, lots of times doesn't understand. But he always tries his very best. It is an ongoing theme when he tells me he really can't do what I ask him to do and I tell him to try his very best, he does. So when I came to Hunter, I looked at him, and I could tell he was afraid that I wouldn't have anything to say.

I said: "Hunter TRIES harder and works harder than anyone in this class..."

He went down on his desk and started to cry.

The feeling of love that was suddenly in our class was so strong and overwhelming...I choked down my own tears, and continued with how Haley was the best dressed, and Payton was the bravest one. Kennedy spoke and expressed herself so well, Julie loved her family so much, Wes was so outgoing and friendly with everyone. Josh is hilarious. Eli is so respectful and kind. Austin is so thoughtful and sharing...

The bell rang and I sent everyone to lunch and came back to my room and cried. After a good 10 minuets I washed my face and went to the faculty room to go and get a diet coke so I could pull myself together. I ran into the DK teacher who works with special needs kindergarten kids. She could tell I had been crying, and I was embarrassed and just told her it wasn't a bad thing, but just a really good feeling and experience I just had. I tried to tell her a little about it before I started crying again. She just understood and said when we pray for our kids, and then somehow we get an answer to that prayer, it can really be a powerful thing. I told her to stop because she was making it worse. We both laughed a little and then I cried on my way back to class.

I was able to pull myself together before my kids came back. We had a good afternoon because the good feeling stayed for the rest of the day.

The last few min. of class, I was playing music while my kids were coloring in their planets for the last activity of our space unit. I was walking around, looking at the beautiful colors they were using, and the music was playing and everyone was enjoying each other. Now I have not had many days like this, and I know there will be many days that are hard and trying, but it was good today. And I looked outside of myself somehow, for just a moment, and realized for a split-second what kind of a place my classroom was and realized...it really is kind of a beautiful place. And I am really where I am suppose to be. And it is a good place to be.

My New LIfe

2011-09-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

I'm tired. That would be the one word I use to describe my feelings right now. I am not tired in necessarily a bad way. I mean, I am exhausted. Emotionally, mentally, physically, and just about any other way there is to be tired. But at the same time, I feel content. I would be a basket case if I had had to go back to work sooner, when Derek was little. Even though I was working part time from the time he was 4. 3 if you count the year I worked as PTA President. That is just as consuming as a part time job.
I am starting to just now get a handle on my new life. I am trying to find a balance, now that after almost 5 weeks I have found my footing. I am still stumbling a lot. And I often have fear rise up when something happens at school that makes me think of my time working 7 years ago at a private school that was exactly like Crunchum Hall in Matilda by Roald Dahl. But my new school is nice. So are the kids and the parents, and the other teachers. It is a nice place to work. I am hard on myself and know what I am capable of. I have a lot of big plans, but no time to make them happen. I feel I am a good teacher. I am in my element. I feel confident, and competent. And my pay-off every day is imediate from 22 of the most adorable kids I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.At first, I missed my old life horribly. Hanging out at the park with Derek and his friends, being the one in charge of schedules for my kids. Dreaming up fun things to include the entire neighborhood. Making really great memories for my kids and their friends. Following Martha Stewart recipes and craft projects to make my home a home. Going to lunch with girlfriends, and having time to watch movies at night with Jeff. Now I run from 7:00 AM to 6PM at night, come home and prepare lesson plans, find teaching ideas, do dishes and laundry, correct papers, answer emails, and try to connect with Derek and Clint about something before 8:30 PM when I get them in bed. I love my story time with Derek and it has become more sacred than ever. Clint usually listens too, or a least reads a Batman comic book in the same room. I have great boys. I miss them.I miss Derek. But remind myself that he would be at school all day anyways. I miss Clint, but he has so much going on in his own life right now I would just be watching him run in and out constantly. He is such a great kid. Early morning seminary, National Honors Society, Guitar lessons, Cross Country Team, Scouts, MESA, Chess Club, Lawn Mowing, Homework, he is pretty amazing. I am so lucky.
Jeff sent me flowers at work yesterday. I ended up hiding them because I felt a little embarrased. He is pretty wonderful too. He is in school full time and still doing tile when he can. I am not sure how much my paycheck is going to add up to. Especially since we will be paying for insurance now. But I am hoping it will be enough.
When I think of how we got to this place, where we can stand on our own feet again, and how everything has pointed me in this direction for so long, it makes me grateful. It has not been fun. And it is still to early to see how it is all going to work out. But I know my life is unfolding as it should. I am trying to focus on the things that matter most and be happy in the moment I am in. Petty things don't bother me as much. I have cut most of the drama out of my life, and am in a peaceful place where I am focusing on my family, my kids in my class, and my trip to Disneyland!!! We need to have things to live and work for...and now I have mine. Life is good, because we make it that way no matter what we have to deal with.There is joy to find in the journey, and I am going to find it with the ones I love the most. That includes my family, friends, and 22 of the sweetest faces I get to see every day.My classroom is a happy place, and I don't think my students know how happy they make me. And it's worth it all.

Pioneers

2011-07-26T11:52:00.001-07:00

Last week while Jeff and Clint were gone to scout camp, Derek and I did some fun things too. One of the things we were able to do was to go to This Is The place Park, thanks to my friend Karla, who gave us a 2 for 1 coupon. It was hot. But fun. We saw our cute neighbors who work there, Skylar (below) and Brook who drives the train and gives tour guides.

Derek rode horses and saw baby animals. We rode the train and walked along the old-fashioned streets and talked about the Pioneers.

Derek asked about the Bingham Copper Mine and wanted me to tell the story about his great grandfather, one of the Bingham Brothers, who discovered it. I have told him the story before. How Sanford and Thomas Bingham discovered copper in the canyon.

They went back to report it to Brigham Young. They told him there could be gold there. They were very excited to mine for it. But the Prophet, Brigham Young told them to leave it...

...And they did. There was more important work for them to do. For some reason, when I told Derek this time, at this moment, in this place, I just really felt gratitude and understanding more than ever before. Just realizing how truly amazing it was to be a part of something so wonderful. Something bigger than all of us. More valuable than a fortune of gold and copper. Something so important and powerful and beautiful, and perfect that others had forsaken all worldly pursuits to make it a reality I sometimes feel a disconnect on Pioneer day because I have no real "Utah Pioneer Heritage". But I know that it doesn't really matter where my blood line came from, I have a claim to all of the blessings that any other member of the church has because of my belief, and my effort to live it and be a part of it.

I find myself getting defensive of others who don't respect and appreciate what the pioneers have done for everyone who now lives in Utah, and for those who are now Latter day members of the Church.

I do celebrate Pioneer Day, July 24, in my own way. We don't go to the Parade, or the Fireworks. We have a quite day at home, with a BBQ with friends or neighbors. And we do remember, and give thanks for all of the sacrifices that were made so we can have a beautiful place to live here in the mountains.

We remember how lucky we are to live in a community where so many know us and support us. A place where we fit in. A place where my boys can learn who they are and not only understand what it means to be a Bingham, but to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

And no one better say anything bad about those Pioneers!

Pirate Party 2011

2011-07-25T15:02:00.001-07:00

Derek found a map floating in a pirate bottle in the kiddie pool this morning! It's a good thing there were some other pirates around!

Pirates ready for adventure!

The map got wet. But it wasn't really a map. It just had the first piece of a map with a letter telling us that the writer of a map was beginning to be turned into a zombie. He had the treasure, and would share, but needed to be saved first. We needed to not only find the place where the treasure was burried, but also find a cure for the zombie!

Pirates are ready!!!!

One by one they found the clues in the surrounding yards

Inside a swing set,

Under a Trampoline, In an apple tree, in a neighbors freezer...

And in a shed. Each piece of the map had a clue on the back that led to the next piece of map.

Finally all of the map pieces were put back together, and they could see where the treasure was. And the last clue said something about rootbeer being the cure for the zombies...we found a pack of rootbeer in the neighbors fridge!

Zombies were gaurding the treasure and had water guns! But the rootbeer worked!!!!

And then the zombies even helped us dig up the treasure!

There were gold coins, candy, rings, beads, and lots of other treasures that all the pirates shared.

But don't try to take anything away from THESE pirates!!!

**This activity was a great idea for my 13 yr. old and his friends who helped to bury the treasure, and then guard it for all the little kids in the neighborhood. They really liked participating and helping this way.

Fairy Tale Princesses

2011-07-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

Redd Riding Hood isn't a Princess But she looks like she could be Snow White...I wish I had a redder apple. I tried Photoshop, but it just looked way to fake. I will re-shoot some with a better apple

But Laney still makes a pretty Snow White

Ching Ching makes a pretty Snow White too.

She could even pass for the evil queen here.

Snow White lost in the woods

And after the apple...

Sleeping Beauty in my old Wedding Dress

Laney had the greatest expressions

It's fun to be a Princess!

Harry's Final Stand

2011-07-16T20:47:00.001-07:00

We had the biggest Harry Potter Block Party ever! Since we have our own charter of Hogwarts in the neighborhood we decided to show our support and stand with Harry one last time!

Each wizard received a scroll written in invisible ink (white crayon) with a note attached that read: To reveal the secret message, you must paint the scroll with wizards blood, or a few drops of food coloring in some water works too.

The note just read: Calling all wizards, stand with us! Hogwarts (address) (time and date)
Since I was in charge of Slytherin, I didn't get all the photos I wanted so I will still try to recap as best I can.We started at Diagon Alley and made wands with thin dowels and wooden beads glued on the handle part, with colored smaller beads in betweenThere was also Berti Botts candy Shop where wizards got every-flavored beans.
A few Death Eaters showed up, but they were reformed and ended up helping in potions class
There were quite a few celebrities who arrived...Luna Lovegood, and Professor Trelawney to name a few...
Wizards also made spell books, that were already bound together, they just needed to add a back and a front with card stock and decorate them. There was a page for autographs, and some pages for photos that parents could download from facebook later. There were also pages to glue directions for potions that they would get in potions class.Then we moved on to Ravenclaw to be sorted.The 4 houses were in the sorting hat on folded card stock and each student sat on the stool and I shook the hat over their heads until one of the slips of folded card stock came out with the house name on it.The the wizards colored card stock ties with elastic around the neck the same colors as their house colors. Gryffindor: Red and Gold/ Ravenclaw: Blue and Bronze/ Slytherin: Silver and Green/ Hufflepuff: Yellow and Black

Then we moved to Slytherin. I made signs like this for all 4 of the Hogwarts Houses
Potions class consisted of making Oobleck: 2 parts cornstarch, 1 part water, with a little food coloring mixed in. And Soda Potions with mentos. Any kind of soda concoction you can think of, with a little mentos thrown in.Did I mention Hermonie and Harry were there?Oobleck looks like this
Drink Potions

Then it was off to Hufflepuff House to make the giant spiderweb.After 2 hours of fun, we were finally headed off to Gryffindor for Transfiguration class with body paint and water fun.

It was the best Harry Potter Premier Part EVER!!! Cant wait to see Deathly Hallows 2.2! What a way to Celebrate!!!!!

How to make a Fairy dress from a plastic bag

2011-07-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

I don't have a daughter of my own. I am very lucky to have the 2 amazing boys that I have and not a day goes by that I don't think about how grateful I am to play with Lego's and color in Transformer coloring books. But I feel overwhelmed with the love that I feel for the daughters in my neighborhood who are not my own, but whom I love as if they were. I love the parents who welcome my boys into there homes and let there children come to play and visit in mine. There is something so beautiful about the power of a good and caring community that continues to provide hope for a future nation, where children who have had the opportunity to have fulfilling childhoods will grow with minds full of imaginations and problem-solving skills to tackle the issues that the future will hold. Memories that they can hold on to so they can face the world with confidence ready to take on all the needs and demands of society with wells full of hope and love for others. Knowing that they can re-create the same type of environment that they grew up in, but on a larger scale. Believing in the possibilities of the Future, moving forward with a beautiful vision of they way things can be. It is our responsibility to provide them with that. I am so glad I live someplace where we do.

This all began with Delaney and Derek in my kitchen talking about Dragons. I took out the garbage bag under the sink and wondered if I could make a fairy dress out of it. I have seen pictures of black garbage bags turned into dresses by some kids in a magazine. White was much prettier.

Delaney was a willing participant, with her own ideas of how to make the bag work. We used the first one to cut holes for head and arms in the top.
Then we started shredding them for strands and tied them all over the dress. We made a belt around her waist and poked holes along the neck line and added more.
I cut one garbage bag into 3 long strips and braided real flowers into it and then tied it around her head.
She makes such a pretty fairy.

Tree Fairy Tea Party

2011-07-13T00:33:00.000-07:00

Midsummer night's dream

2011-07-13T00:19:00.000-07:00

My darling little niece Leah came over to visit and I just had to try the fairy dress on her too!

Change

2011-05-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

"You know how you have that fear in the back of your mind that even though you have done everything you can to get your teaching certificate, the state would find some problem with your application or with the 100 educator points you have worked so hard to get, or some other loophole that you overlooked and they would deny your application and you wouldn't have a job anymore next year??? Well, I don't have to worry about that anymore...It's official, and it came in the mail today. And.....Derek won a medal in the science fair after I prepped him all weekend for being a good sport when he didn't win...Somehow, I think I can get through the rest of the hard stuff, at least for today."--taken from my facebook page last Tuesday My life is about to change.

I know teaching is what I am good at. I know it is what I am suppose to do. It's just that it is hard to say goodbye to the old life I have had for the past 6 years that I have loved so much. So many days after Derek was finally born, I just couldn't believe how lucky I was to have 2 amazing boys, and a wonderful husband who supported me to be the kind of mom I wanted to be.

Sometimes I would pray and feel like I wasn't doing enough in the world to make a difference and would ask Heavenly Father for guidance so I could do more. I always had a very clear thought in my mind as a response to enjoy every minute with my kids, because this is what I was suppose to be doing, for now. And with time, more would come.

I did love and enjoy all of it. There were times where it was hard. Money has always been tight, and I have gone without, but my kids never did. And I have the pictures to prove it, and I am so grateful I do.

This last year has been hard and full of twists and turns. Jeff losing his job has by far been the most difficult. Every month I have written a tithing check, praying that somehow, by some miracle we would get through the next month. And so far, we have. What has been the most difficult is my loss of time that I used to have. Re-certifying and picking up all the extra hours at work has been hard. I miss my time with Derek most of all. Hanging out all day with him, really talking to him, having fun with him and his friends, walking to the park, playing outside all day...

I teach writing on Monday and Tuesday afternoons to a class of 5th graders. I love it. I really do, but it sucks my creativity, and patience, and there is not a ton left for when I get home for my own kids. And then there are the car repairs that need to be taken care of, and I still don't know how...there are dealing with Jeff's bad days, shuffling my kids around to do what I have to get done during the day at work and classes. Then there are still my old insecurities that have always been with me that manifest themselves even stronger and uglier when things get hard. And I still don't know how to break the debilitating hold they can have over me.

I am feeling overwhelmed with the amount of preparations that I need to make for next year teaching 2nd grade. I am so grateful for the job, and it is a miracle how it has happened, and I would have never pursued it if Jeff hadn't lost his job. I know it is what I am suppose to be doing, but today I just miss Derek. And I worry about whether or not I will be able to do a good job, and be a good mom. It is hard to do both. I just hope I can.

Easter Egg Hunt 2011

2011-05-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

I just really love Peyton's basket!!!

We caught the YW on their service project. Cute Girls!!!!

Ry Ry

2011-04-05T20:55:00.001-07:00

Both of my boys are getting so big. Derek doesn't fit on my lap like he used to. Clint is bigger than me. When I pick Derek up, his legs almost drag on the floor. He still loves to cuddle up and read with me occasionally, but boys grow up. I know Derek is only 6, and I am so thankful he is still little. Clint is 13, and I really only have him for another 5 years. I wish so much that I could slow down the clock.... So what am I going to do? Thank goodness for Ry Ry.... My little nephew. Is he still my nephew if he is my nieces little boy? I think so.

I can get lots of kisses and hugs from him! He has perfect little cheeks....and pudgy little arms that make the best hugs.

He has that cute little walk on legs that are still to short to have much of a stride.

He is just starting to realize all the wonderful things that are in the world...

I am eternally grateful for families that branch out and let all of us share in the love of these adorable little guys....

What a sad world it would be without the sweet hugs and kisses of 2-yr-olds!

April Fools 2011

2011-04-01T23:31:00.000-07:00

This year I tried meatloaf cupcakes with mashed potato frosting. And Fruit Pizza for dessert.

Jacquie and Hannah were a little leary at first

But they loved them. So did Clint and Jeff.

Of course Derek didn't even try one...but he did go for my April Fool's stand-by of the Jello in the cup with a straw.

He wasn't suprised, but he played along anyways.

Happy April Fool's Day!!!!!!!

It's ON!!!

2011-03-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

Taking cupcake pops to a whole new level...Jacquie and Hannah, my sweet BYU nieces came over to make cupcake pops And being the creative geniuses that they are, they took cupcake pops to a whole new level. Even Bakerella herself would be proud. In fact I am going to have to send her a few photos of these. It started with Mario Mushrooms, and then each cupcake pop became more creative and elaborate than the last. Jacquie's pot of gold... The owl and the penguin... But I have to say...the winner of the night, was....HANNAH'S EVA!!!!!

But Jacquie, I love all of yours too!

Window Painting St. Patricks Day

2011-03-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

For window paint that you can scrape right off and vacuum up just use 1 part cornstarch, 1 part tempera paint and 1 part water. All parts equal. It scrapes off nicely with a credit card or a spatula and vacuums right up!

Eva, Kooy and Nathan are ready to start

But Eva was a little stressed about the whole mess..."I don't think we should be doing this..."

Derek and Kooy discussing the scheme of the window and what they want to create...

Nathan dove right in and loved making a mess

Derek's "vortex"

Little Ry Ry is soooooooo cute!!!! Derek reaches high to get the top of the window

This is what they looked like when I sent them home. Boys are definitely better window painters than the girls!!!

God loves Dogs

2011-03-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

I came home from church today and found this giant bag of dog food on the front porch. There was a note written on the bag "We love you guys and your dog". It had kind of been at the back of my mind since this whole ordeal with Jeff's employment situation that Rex would possibly one of the next things to go. But I guess we are keeping him. Another sweet miracle for my kids, and that dog. I know for certain...God loves dogs. Especially Rex!

"They Will Hold"

2011-03-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

"They will hold." What Aragon said when Gandolf told him he would find reinforcements on the 5th day. The people of Rohan were going to the fortress of Helms Deep to flee from the army of Saurumon. "The defenses will HAVE to hold."
"They will hold."
There was no doubt or question in his answer. "They will hold."

I have watched the 3 Lord of the Rings movies a lot the past few weeks. I know many people would not understand. But there are those who understand perfectly. That these movies, and the truths that are evidence in them are a source of strength. An analogy of all that is hopeful. Enduring to the end, never losing faith, and that THE SUN WILL RISE. If we can just hold on, as best we can, even though the enemy is beating down the gates, and the walls are caving in. Even if our courage hangs by a thread. If we can believe in eachother, and stand together, even though we think the night cannot possibly get blacker, and then it starts to rain. If we can gather our resources of strength about us and fall back when we have to, but still never surrender...the reinforcements will arrive.

I am waiting for the reinforcements. Struggling against everything that I feel is stacked against me. Being so depressed about the circumstances that I am currently in. Pretending to be happy and optimistic, when in reality I feel hopeless and scared about getting through the next couple of months. I try to live my life like nothing has changed. Trying to stay happy and make life fun for my kids, and myself. I try to find things to look forward to, but my schedule is starting to catch up with me. Between working extra hours whenever I can and taking classes to re-certify, I am getting pretty used up. Physically and emotionally. It's hard. And I have days when I am mad about the whole situation and start to place blame...on Jeff. Even though he is wonderful and I know he is trying, it's hard. But then I watch the Two Towers again, and I remember: My defenses will have to hold. I don't know how long this is going to take. The night is dark. The Orcs are pounding and chanting at the gates, and it is just about to rain. But I know if I can get through the night...if I can just continue to be in survival mode...if I can keep fulfilling my callings and keep my faith even when things are hard, the sun will rise.

I just hope it's soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQPFwgQi8z8

Tornados, Volcanos and Rainbows

2011-03-10T22:10:00.000-08:00

Oh the things you can do with a few empty bottles...

And some angularly cut hard plastic that rays of the sun shine through.

And a volcano made of salt dough along with a few various baking items.

Life is good.

Celebrating Dr. Seuss

2011-03-02T19:40:00.000-08:00

Life is hard. There is no way around it. It just is. Which is why I need to remember to look for the little reasons to celebrate. And Dr. Seuss's birthday is just as good a reason as any. Not Green Eggs and Ham again. Maybe a stack of Pancakes like the mountian in Horton Hears a Who...
With homemade pink and purple syrup, and sprinkles that we can pretend are rocks...
After all...
What's NOT to celebrate???
(I got this idea from Cheeky Kitchen's Babble link)

Snow

2011-03-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

Jeff is good at making things in the snow. Before blogging, I made scrapbook pages of all of the forts and snowcreatures he and Clint used to make.He was even in the paper when he was in High School for making a huge Dragon out of snow with his friends. I need to do a blog post about all of those other things.

He made an igloo for the boys yesterday.

The snow was wet and the day was warm...I don't think the igloo will last for long.

But remembering will.

My memories are really getting me through right now. I am a little worried about providing good memories for my boys this year. The summer may be a little rough. It may be a whole lot rough.

I am not sure what is in store for us, but we will always have eachother...

And memories that will keep us safe, and together.

Unexpected

2011-02-28T19:07:00.000-08:00

I told our Bishop that we would be fine for a few months. He suggested we conserve our cash and get a food order. No way. We have beans and rice. We have tuna fish and pancake mix. I survived on Ramen and frozen burritos in college. We will get by on our own just fine. I don't need any help. I have never taken it. I won't take it. We are givers not takers. We contribute to the solution, not the problem. All of the harsh criticisms that I have thought of others taking assistance over the years came into my mind. I do not need charity or welfare...I don't need it. I don't need it. I won't I won't I won't...

Then I thought, we could seriously lose everything here. We may be without Jeff's income for awhile. We could lose our house. This is a lot harder than I was thinking it would be those first few weeks. This all kind of sucks.

I talk to myself a lot these days. Mostly pep talks, but now that reality is setting in, there is also a bit of fear and doubt. I can't see where any of this is going. And even though there is still a steady stream of little miracles, I am scared. Scared enough to realize that maybe I need more humility in my life. And that I may need a little help. I would rather take a food order than have to ask for a house payment...which may at some point still be the case. But for now, I am realizing that everyone needs help sometime...and after my trip to the Bishop's Storehouse, I understand how being in this position can change you, forever. And there is so much we can learn from any point in the road we may be on, and blessings that follow with every step.

Derek went with us today to the Storehouse to pick up the food. As we were checking out, he asked if we could buy some cute socks that were on a rack nearby. He persisted after I told him no, because they were very cool looking socks. I had to tell him that those socks were not for sale and were just for people who didn't have any socks. I reminded him that he had plenty of socks at home, and we were just there to get food. He already knew that the church was helping us to get some food so we could save our money since Dad was out of work. He helped me to put the food in bags and I could tell he was thinking about the socks, and some little kids who really didn't have any. On the way out to the car he said "Our church is the nicest place in the world to help all of those people like that...."

Yes, Derek, it really is.

And just like that, a testimony takes hold, and begins. In the humblest of circumstances, in the most unexpected places, a moment I wouldn't trade for anything. I'll take it, and be grateful to be where I am right now.

Valentines Day

2011-02-14T20:16:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day... I woke up to this....

What more could a girl want???

Home-made Valentines

2011-02-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

Still putting my "spin-art" machine to good use. Derek made these cool hearts for his class valentines.

And I made these for the girls at work.

I love Valentines Day.

Five Dollars

2011-02-09T21:44:00.000-08:00

"I thought you said you had 'eight' dollars" I yelled at Jeff. Irritated that we were going to have to get back in the car and go find an ATM. "No," Jeff replied. "I said 'A' dollar". This is nothing new. Whenever I attempt to go to the temple, nothing ever works out. Today was no exception. Neither one of us have temple clothes that fit. We would have to rent a dress and suit. We needed a few dollars. We started to go back into the car. I got in and noticed Jeff talking to someone in a car that stopped behind ours. I thought it was just someone he knew. I waited, looking at my clock on my cell phone. This was going to be much longer than I had expected. What else is new?
Jeff came to my side of the car and opened my door. "That lady just stopped and noticed that we were getting back into the car and asked if there was something she could do to help...I told her we forgot to bring some cash for clothes, she just gave me five dollars...I tried to get her info so I could pay her back...but she insisted that we just keep it."

I felt completely unworthy, and grateful at the same time. I was determined to not feel unworthy, since that is what I always struggle with when I come to the temple. I have recently come to realize that it has to do with my pride. I tried to shrug all of my self-centered and insecure feelings off before I entered. I tried really hard to replace them with gratitude. I almost started crying when the cute and sweet little Japanese man at the entrance took my recommend and said "Sister Bingham, Welcome to the Temple."

I got dressed and went up to the chapel to wait for Jeff. He was taking awhile, so I felt like I should really go back out to see if he was waiting for me downstairs. I went to the seating area outside the dressing room, and there were 3 temple workers around this little lady who seemed a little distressed. They told her to sit down, and huddled together away from her, talking in whispers, trying to work something out. I tried not to look like I was interested, and sat down to wait for Jeff. I tried not to look at the little lady sitting down, but she did catch my eye from across the room and said softly, "espanol?"

"Si", I replied. She clapped her hands and started talking to me in Spanish about how she was from Peru, and her husband was here, she couldn't find him and he may have mis-understood what ordinance they were suppose to do first and she needed to find him, and no one understood where he was and that he didin 't speak english...and no one understood what she was asking...just then the other 3 ladies came over and I was able to tell them what she needed. They found her husband. Then she told me that he needed clothes, and she didn't bring any cash, and she wasn't sure how much it would cost. Just then Jeff came out, and he gave the last 3 dollars from the five that the lady in the parking lot had given us. Miracles all around. Sometimes there just is absolutly no doubt...the church is true, and Heavenly Father is leading us. And it is the little things that mean the most.

The Tide

2011-02-05T06:38:00.000-08:00

This was suppose to be the year. The year the tide finally turned and all of our financial problems would come to an end. I had an indisputable urge this past fall to get my teaching certificate re-newed, and by this time next year we would be on top of the world. All of our money troubles would be over with. Both my boys would be in school at the same time I would be. We would have two decent sized incomes. I started dreaming of new cars and family vacations. Everything was going to be wonderful. Easy. Perfect. For the first time ever, money would not be an issue.
But I had no right to dream of such things. In fact, I feel like I am being punished for thinking them. And maybe I am.
Jeff lost his job yesterday. I am in shock. I shouldn't be. Jeff has had to let a lot of people go the over the past 2 years. I guess I just really thought he was safe. He wasn't. No one really is. The whole thing has come at a really bad time. For the first time in our married life, we won't have insurance, which is what I am the most worried about. Clint needs braces, we are still in strep and flu season, Derek gets toothaches sometimes...
Next year, if I can get hired as a teacher somewhere, we will have insurance again. And the education system has great insurance...and now I fully understand, and am so grateful for the overwhelming need I had to re-certify. I know Heavenly Father was looking out for us then, and was trying to tell me what I needed to prepare for. I am ready to do it. I am also ready to do what is necessary to help our family understand what it is Heavenly Father wants us to learn from this. Or where he wants us to go. In spite of how awful the whole thing is, and how typical of me it is to think the worse, the only thing I feel right now it gratitude. I am so grateful that Jeff didn't lose his job when Derek was a baby. I am so grateful I was able to be a stay at home mom when it was so important. I am so grateful that I have a teaching certificate. I am so grateful we are healthy and strong, have a good community and families to help get us through this. I am grateful for Jeff, Clint and Derek. I am feeling strong at the moment. Opening myself up for the possibilities the future holds. Getting ready to accept whatever happens next. Realizing I need Heavenly Father now more than ever. I know I won't be able to hold on to this feeling forever, but I guess I thought maybe if I wrote about it, it just might stick around a little longer. I hope I can stay strong. I will do the best I can.

Derek's photography

2011-02-03T19:26:00.000-08:00

Derek was inspired to do his own photo shoot after I showed him some really cool photos on Flickr by Chrissie White. A 17 year old girl who has an amazing eye and natural talent. He had his own vision, and I just let him do it.

Pink Pops

2011-02-01T21:18:00.000-08:00

Oh How I love Bakerella!!! I made these for my friends baby Shower...all 85 of them. I took about 6 hours. But I love how they turned out! Cant wait to make more for St. Patricks Day!!!

Ninja Birthday

2011-02-01T20:28:00.000-08:00

Derek The NinjaInvitations
Ninjago Cake and Cupcakes--Made from Pretzles and Chocolate. The top of the Dojo is chocolate. I had to support it with Graham Cracker pillars in the back, and fill the cake with melted chocolate where the pretzles went in to hold them up.

Meet The other Ninjas!

And the littlest Ninja

Travis taught the Ninjas in Training to make Origami Throwing Stars, and how to play Ninja Warrior

Clint played Ninja Warrior too

The last two standing for Ninja Warrior face off

Derek insisted on Pin the Sword on the Ninja

And he got lots of Legos, and Ninjago stuff too

A better shot of my cake...it was late and so the photography is not to good

I made these cupcake toppers from priniting off a poster from the Lego website and then used my square punch to clip them out and mount them on paper...

I wonder where that square punch is now...

6 years old!

My little Ninja

And Grandma and Grandpa Rawlins were able to come all the way from Michigan! Thanks to Aunt Shelli!

This really was one of the greatest Birthdays Ever!!!

Community Christmas Award

2011-01-02T21:34:00.000-08:00

We have great appreciation for our wonderful Neighbors who go through all of that extra effort every year to make our neighborhood festive and beautiful at Christmas. We love their lights so much, we decided to thank them and recognize them this year for all of their hard work. All 4 of us signed the certificates, and took them to our deserving neighbors who we adore. We assingned each one a catagorie and took them to our 12 favorite houses. It was really fun!

I forgot what the awards were for all of the houses, I wish I would have written them down, but I do remember that Michelle's was for the best Wreath!!!!

I think we'll do it again next year!!!

I see the Light

2010-11-29T19:28:00.000-08:00

Self-esteem

2010-11-23T06:34:00.000-08:00

It's always been really important for me to have everyone like me. Sometimes I do and say things that are stupid. Sometimes I don't know how to deal with situations and am not completely straight forward because I am worried and think of the easiest way to deal with things. I feel like I have lost a lot of friends over the years. I find myself tearing my personality apart agonizing over things I could or should have done differently. I wonder what people say about me when I am not around. I wonder who my friends really are. I feel alone, and turn back to Heavenly Father. I try to focus on my relationship with him, and I know that really, the only thing I truly need to worry about is where I stand with him. I get mad at myself that I let so many other distractions continue to get in the way with my relationship with him, and things that keep me doing what I can for others who need my help. I seem to focus on people who don't really like me and try to think of ways to bring them back around while there are good, sweet, loyal and wonderful people waiting for me to bring them more into my life. So much of my energy is wasted on people who don't want or care what I have to offer. I feel like my relationship with Jeff is better than I deserve. I often feel like I have to tone my relationship down when I hear other people talking about their marriages because I love Jeff so much and he is so sweet and patient with me and he is always there. I love my nieces and my sisters. I love my brother. I love my kids and I LOVE all of the kids in my little community. I sometimes feel unappreciated. I wish I didn't care. But again, the only one I have to feel okay with is Heavenly Father. I need to remember to focus on that. I need to forgive, and move on and fill my life with people who care. I just wish I could remember that.

A few days ago my friend called me to get a recipe for lemon bars. She had to make them for a work meeting she had the following day. I could tell she was stressed. She had been working all day, had a family to take care of when she got home, had church meetings that night, and had to make lemon bars on top of that somewhere during the evening. I asked her if she just wanted me to make them for her. "NO NO no no no...no...I just need the recipe." I read it to her over the phone and she hung up. I had this nagging feeling that I should just call her and make them. But I have over-stepped my bounds before. I have even offended people by wanting to help. Every time you offer service, you run a risk of doing something wrong or being rejected. I have done it. Many times. The key is to be closer to Heavenly Father so you can know when someone really needs you or not. I am only there maybe 20% of the time. So I feel like I always run a risk. But I couldn't stop thinking about it. So I called her and told her I had already started and was making the bars for her...complete silence on the other end of the phone followed by "thank you.....you have no idea..." I hung up the phone and felt the overwhelming acknowledgement of the Holy Ghost that covered me with that confirmation that at least this time I had gotten it right. The feeling didn't last. A few minuets later I was overcome by all of the times the previous week that I hadn't done anything right...I recognized the work of a very different power immediately and prayed to Heavenly Father there standing in the kitchen to make it go away...and it did. With me asking for forgiveness and the ability to recognize and accomplish the things I should do. I'm trying. Falling short constantly, but trying. Thinking of so many people I should apologize to, and looking for ways to realize that others who have hurt me are just trying to get by as best they can. Realizing that every day I can start again and try to be even better. I am so grateful for time. More than anything else, for time, so I can try to keep getting it right.

Painting Proficiency

2010-11-06T22:21:00.000-07:00

But there are just so many ways to paint.... Marble Painting...

Makes the coolest composite of lines....

Printmaking by painting on one side of the paper and then folding your paper in half to make the print...

Drawing your favorite animals and objects with paintbrushes...

Printing using different objects and textures...

These big sheets of butcher paper will be used for wrapping paper this Christmas. It really looks amazing with thick gold ribbon. Always a hit with the grandparents...It's best to paint right on the objects with a paintbrush to get a mix of colors before making the print on the paper... Looks Good!!!

Then there is the race car painting...always a hit to make those colorful roads all over!

And it's fun to experiment with whatever we can find in the kitchen drawers....

Painting is fun....

And even "funner" with friends!

A Peacock and A Cheetah

2010-11-05T22:56:00.000-07:00

Derek was the yellow power ranger this year so he could fit in with the big boys. But he changed into Harry Potter on the actual Halloween which was on Sunday. When a Peacock and a Cheetah showed in, he didn't want to be a Power Ranger anymore.
I love these girls so much. I am so happy they come up from Provo every once in a while to hang out with us. We roamed the neighborhood for awhile and had our wildlife Halloween photo shoot.

Jacquie doing her Peacock version of Karate Kid...

I talked Hannah into doing a lazy cat shot in our neighbors hammock. It was harder than it looks to get in that Hammock with those heels on...

And Clint also decided to change up his costume. The green power ranger does not look as cool without his entourage...But Master Chief looks awesome with a couple of wildlife babes...
The shoes make the jungle animal...

We had Halloween Nachos for dinner. And pumpkin pancakes with cinnamon black syrup for dessert, along with pumpkin pie, and trick or treat candy.Jacquie and Hannah sang all of the songs from the Prince of Egypt and Wicked during dinner. Then we watched Stardust because Jacquie had never seen it. A very good choice of a lovely Halloween movie night.

My nachos were yummy!!! And so was everything else.

Ninjas

2010-10-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

There are actually 4 ninjas in this photo. Can you see the other 3? (Yes, they really are that good). I think it will be a very sad day when Clint and his friends no longer get excited about Halloween.

For now, I sit back and watch and soak all of the moments in. Grateful for another year of silliness and imagination that becomes ever more sophisticated, but is still, nevertheless, there.

Rushing ever forward, with each year bringing new and unexpected twists. Occasionally I get glimpses of my life, and realize that in spite of everything that is wrong in the world, there are still little boys who believe they can overcome evil and save the world. And who am I, or any other adult, for that matter to tell them that they can't?

When in all reality, the only difference between big boys, and little boys, is the SIZE of their superhero costumes, and the AMOUNTS of the food they eat.

I am just happy that they still come around.

And even if it means spending an entire day sewing 5 ninja costumes and seeing the contents of the fridge emptying before my eyes, I will do everything I can to make sure that they always do.

* The guys originally wanted to be Power Rangers, but since I didn't want to make paper mache' helmets, I convinced them to be the Might Morphin Power Rangers in their Ninja Form. They went for it, luckily. And are happy with the costumes.

To make the costumes: I bought inexpensive over-sized T-shirts. 2 for each. One is used for the ninja mask. You can see how to tie it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ifK9lqNPVA
With the other shirt, I cut off the neck and sleeves, and slit it down the middle to make a robe- type shirt. I bought an inexpensive black bed sheet and cut it up into strips for the belt. Just because it was 4 dollars for about 5 yards of fabric as opposed to 5 dollars a yard if I had just bought black material. (I also use sheets for all of the curtains in my house. Such a great way to buy fabric! So much cheaper!) I sewed the edges of all of the shirts around the neck, arms, and up the middle. I also sewed the edges of all the belts. The belt strips I left all long, just like a real black belt.
The finial costumes are a cross between Mighty Morphin Ninjas, and Power Rangers Ninja Storm. The Power Rangers Ninja Storm wear gray armor under their Ranger Tunics...Hence, the gray long-johns.

Happy Halloween!!!

2010-10-24T21:55:00.000-07:00

Scarecrow necklaces

2010-10-24T13:44:00.000-07:00

Hot Glue, Raffia, Candy.... We cut the sucker sticks in half and glued them onto the nerds boxes. Hot glued all of the other candy right on to the box, and then tied the raffia around the necks of the suckers. Candace wanted to use beads instead of googly eyes for the eyes...definately much more Scarecrowey

Make sure to tie a raffia bow around the neck to make sure it looks cute instead of like a noose.

Maybe they do look a little like Blair Witch Voodoo dolls...

But they definately taste good!

Jeff"s 40th Birthday

2010-10-16T01:54:00.000-07:00

Jeff's 40th birthday went like this: I got pizza from Papa Murphys. I called Derek from Target and he told me to get the Harry Potter Cake. I bought party hats, giant balloons with the rubber bands on them so you can bob them back and forth, I got oreo cookie ice cream.

Garrett, Preston, Kooyman, Clint, and Derek looked around the house for Harry Potter stuff. The broomstick, and the Quidditch snitch. We sang happy birthday while Jeff tried to blow out the trick candles. Perfect magic candles for the Harry Potter theme.

I secretely took the boys into the living room and handed them each a cold Bundeberg Ginger beer and told them to think of something they liked about Jeff. Each one said what they liked while they handed them his bottle. Derek: Your really Fun, Garrett : You're nice, Preston: you're funny, Kooy: Deer Hunting (?) Clint: Glad you're my Dad.

Then we ate Pizza and the kids told Jeff about letterboxing at Wheeler Farm earlier today and not being able to find any but one letterbox...Then Jeff said something about leaving the gold plates on the farm alone but looking under the golden plates for the letterbox and I realized again how much I love him.

He had all the little boys laughing so hard rootbeer was coming out their noses.

I spun the cake around and had the boys close their eyes and grab a ring from the top of the cake where ever it stopped. Jeff and Derek cheated and got Griffindor.

I think I ended up with Ravenclaw. Clint wasn't happy at all about getting Slytherin. But we all know he is a real Griffindor boy. Jeff got all the Bunderberg Ginger Beer he could drink for about 2 weeks. Not a bad birthday at all.

The next night we went to Jeff's favorite restaurant with the grown-ups at The Gateway downtown. It was a lovely evening...but I didn't laugh even half as much. I love my family, and I love being home. And I love Jeff. Happy Birthday!

A New View

2010-10-12T06:12:00.000-07:00

Last week was bad. One of those weeks where absolutely nothing goes right. I felt completely alone and so depressed. So many things in my life were wrong and beyond my control. I have always struggled with depression. I have hang-ups about medication and have never taken anti-depressants, but was thinking last week that it may be my only option for survival this winter. Of course I haven't been exercising. My schedule has changed again this year, and getting up at 5:30 am every morning again is just too hard. It was hard last year. amidst my feelings of self-pity and self-loathing, I gathered my wits about me to ask for a blessing. It helped. Then my sweet sister suggested we fast and pray. I felt guilty having her fast for me. It has been a long time since I have done a 24 hour fast. By Sunday afternoon I felt better. My calling in our ward right now is compassionate service leader. A sweet older man in our neighborhood passed away and I was in charge of the Funeral. I went through the motions of calling the neighbors and ward members to make food assignments for the lunch. I was touched by each persons response when I asked them to help. Not the slightest hesitation to help and do whatever was necessary to serve this family in some small way. By the time I called the 6th person, I think I was just so overwhelmed by the kindness of my community that when Kathy saw my name on her caller ID and answered the phone by saying "Rachel...what do you need?" I just started crying. I was so filled with the spirit of love that comes from service and felt so grateful to have the opportunity to do something useful and not in any way for myself. Service in itself is it's own reward. The best anti-depressant there is. After the funeral preparations yesterday I was driving home and just caught a glimpse of the mountains right behind me in my rear view mirror in my car. I have seen those mountains a million times. But for some reason, the way the sun was shining, and the view from my mirror was so much more beautiful than usual, I just started crying again. Out of gratitude, love, feeling close to Heavenly Father, all of it. Sometimes it just takes looking at things in a new way to re-discover the beauty and greatness of it all. I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way to find peace in this life. Gods laws are not open for discussion or interpretation. He is the truth, the light, and the way. We need to love everyone, serve everyone, stand for what is right, be unmovable in the gospel. Be committed when we need to get through the hard times. Pray about things we are unsure of. We can't know and understand everything now. But we need to just focus on the positive aspects of life and look for ways to serve. It is funny how in the new book/movie/mantra of Eat, Pray, Love she goes through this journey of self-discovery that no real life person could ever possibly experience for themselves to find out what we already know. Through service and a love of others is the only way to deep, profound and true happiness. So I am temporarily on a spiritual high. I know it won't last. And I am not discounting in anyway medication for depression...in fact if my winter this year is as bad as last year, it is one of my options for myself. I just needed to write all of this down before I forgot so I can help myself to try to remember how I am feeling right now. I am so grateful for my life. I wouldn't change a thing.

GAK Mastry

2010-09-28T22:00:00.001-07:00

Tricks for making the very best Gak...

Step one: Mix 1C. glue with 3/4 C. water. Mix it very well. Then add a few drops of food coloring. Any color is good for Gak.

Next mix 1 T. of Borax in 1/2 C. HOT water. Make sure it is dissolved if you want nice and smooth Gak.

Then add the Borax mixture to the glue mixture all at once and stir. The Gak will start to form immediately.

Kooy used Elmer's school glue and got monster brains.

Derek used Elmer's All Purpose Glue and got a nice smooth and stretchy Gak.

But monster brains are still cool too.

Aiden made his red.

The mix is runny at first and needs to be worked on a hard surface until it dries slightly giving the Gak the consistency desired.

Kooy showing his monster brains.

Beautiful stretchy Gak.

Perfection!

(Gak will store nicely in zip-lock bags for a few weeks.)

*Borax can be found on the Laundry aisle, and costs about $4 for a box I have had for 5 years.

Mini-treehouses

2010-09-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

Branches, Popsicle sticks, twigs and a glue gun.... The possibilities are endless.....

What Real Men Look Like...

2010-08-29T22:32:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, I had in mind the kind of man I wanted to marry. He was going to be a cross between Prince Phillip, from Disney's Sleeping Beauty, Han Solo from Star Wars, and John Wayne...

Lucky for me, Jeff grew up reading Louis L'Amour books, watching lots of John Wayne movies, and playing in the woods outside in whatever state he happened to be living in at the time. He usually grew up in the country, and took being a Boy Scout very seriously. He and his brother Scott even put all of their survival skills to good use when they decided to leave home and live in the woods when they got mad at their grandmother for making them help clean out the attic. They headed off to Turkey Creek and took their sleeping bags, some carrots and their fishing poles. They took their BB guns too and knew they could live on rabbits they would catch with traps made of string.

They lasted one night, but only because they fire they build wasn't big enough to keep them warm. They headed back home and their Dad found them walking along the road back from Turkey Creek. Dad didn't scold preach. He just told them how worried he and Mom were, and was glad that they had decided to come back home.

But I have no doubt that Jeff and his brother Scott could have gotten along just fine in the wilderness by the age of 10 with everything they learned from their father, and by discovering all the skills they would ever need by themselves.
I feel like the world has changed, and that I can't just send my boys off into the mountains by themselves to shoot rabbits with BB guns, or to head off to the local river to fish by themselves all day while they float down the stream on inner tubes. Life is more complicated now, and dangerous.So I am even more appreciative for a Father-in-law, and a husband who are willing to take my boys and teach them how to be men. A Grandfather to my boys, who has done so well not only by teaching his own sons to appreciate nature and the world, but also to survive in it.

And not only in nature. But in the real world as well. His sons love their families and their wives. They work hard and know how mechanical things work. They fix things. They are street wise. They can take care of their families. They are dependable and help others. They are strong, brave, capable, problem-solvers.

They are real men. They live it. They define it.

And my boys will grow up knowing what an amazing thing it is in this world to be one of those Bingham Boys, too.

(More Photos from the Reunion on Facebook Here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=254991&id=592617316&saved#!/album.php?aid=254991&id=592617316_)

Trip to WA 2010

2010-07-31T12:02:00.001-07:00

Summer Day 2010

2010-07-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

Pretty enough to eat...

2010-07-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

But we wouldn't recommend it... Mud pies and cakes, made to order

From the Neighborhood Bakery

We use only the most Organic Ingredients

The freshest mud around.

So many things you can do with mud.

Not your average cave man's rock painting...

2010-07-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

Derek found our inspiration at the library. Lots of very cute ideas for painting rocks. It's too bad I never have any "ORIGINAL" ideas...

Mudworks

2010-07-09T16:10:00.000-07:00

Ingredients: 1 part Water

1 part Dirt

Several parts Kids

2 parts Plaster of Paris

1 more part water to mix with plaster

Mix Well first 3 ingredients

Make hand prints in mud and add rocks, shells, stones, and any other treasuresPour Plaster of Paris into treasure filled hand prints. Wait 1 hour. Dig out around hands with shovel, and let dry overnight.
In the morning, put hands in bucket of water and carefully wash off remaining dirt. We also put nails on the back of the hands to tie a ribbon around in case someone wanted to hang one on the wall...(most of the moms didn't)...

But I think they will look awesome in the garden, or maybe even hanging on a tree?

4th of July Pie

2010-07-03T22:20:00.000-07:00

Can you possibly get more American than this???

Colors of Summer

2010-06-29T22:17:00.000-07:00

Making our own chalk I just bought one of those crayola ocean chalk kits, but I know how to make our own with plaster of Paris too...

We took the easy route this time

We can re-use the ocean life molds if I feel ambitious to make chalk from scratch sometime this year.

It dried really quickly.

"We made chalk!"

Guitar Recital 2010

2010-06-23T22:01:00.000-07:00

Clint is gone at scout camp for the week, and we really miss him. Especially Derek. But we know he is good hands. These are the photos I took of him at his guitar recital a few weeks ago. He is such a good little musician. I didn't have the video camera charged up, but he promised to play a few songs and let me tape them when he comes home.

Water Balloons

2010-06-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

1&1/2 hours to fill up..... About 5 min. to throw.

Maybe 15 min. We did a few rounds and the kids were patient while I filled up more for 20 to 30 min. in between.

And they all helped clean up the balloons afterwards. What a bunch of great kids!

Cars

2010-06-22T21:59:00.000-07:00

We came home a few nights ago to see Landen and Candace from down the street driving a couple of boxes around. Only they weren't ordinary boxes...Their cute Dad made them into cars, complete with turning steering wheels, a removable key that fits in a slot, and opening doors.

What a great Dad they have to take the time to make such a cool and creative thing. Of course, Derek asked for a turn.

I wish I would have thought of making them!

Sisters say it best

2010-06-22T21:30:00.000-07:00

I copied this off of my sister Wendy's facebook page. Sisters understand eachother, and if the Disney gene of emotion runs in your family, you just might understand it too... Wendy Rawlins Stebar

Pixar’s Parable – Toy Story 3 …or… “Why the heck am I crying?”

What is it about Truth that makes our eyes tear up? ...Like:

“If we all hold hands and stick together, we can get through anything.

That we never leave anybody behind stuck in a trash bin.

That sometimes our Rescue is at the very last minute when hope is only hanging by a thread;
and that Help can come in the most unlikely and unexpected ways.

That Loyalty, Friendship, and Love are the most valuable attributes one can have in life, no matter how long or short that life may be…

And that “looking up” is always the answer.

Lastly, that the absolute WORST THING You can become is a bitter, selfish, controlling and miserable old Bear!"

Lego Champ

2010-06-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

We haven't been to the library for ages. We all were sitting around one evening and decided to go and grab a few things to read. Clint just happened to see a flyer for a Lego competition the following week. He came home and went to work coming up with a creation that would be original. He is a LegoManiac by nature, and has been for years.

He showed up on the night of the competition with a really cool Lego Book, that opened and closed like a real book, and had pages made of Legos with pictures on them.

I was very impressed. But when we got to the Library, I was also really impressed by a lot of the other designs. That red car on the table took first place. Clint took third, and we were really excited.

His creation is on display at the Library for the next few weeks, and he won a gift card to Toys R Us. I went up to the library today and saw a girl taking a picture of his book with her phone...I almost told her my son made it, but she may have thought I was weird, and why would she believe me? But still, it was cool to see someone appreciating it. And I couldn't help saying to myself "yep, that's my boy!"

Introducing the Na'vi

2010-06-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

Remember a week or so ago, the first Avatars were lost, and looking for Pandora? (Click Here to see the first adventure) Kooy, Aiden and Derek made it back to Pandora after being lost for awhile. They were met by their fellow Na'vians. It is good to be back home.

2 parts washable tempra paint, 1 part cornstarch, 1 part water. It's fun to add a little washable glitter paint in there too.The cornstarch makes it come off easily and keeps it from staining.

There comes a time....

2010-06-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

"There comes a time in every rightly constructed boy's life when he has a raging desire to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure"--Mark Twain ...even if that treasure was just hidden by someone's mom,

and the map is really not that old is hidden in the garage, and the edges are burned with matches,

and it just shows the neighborhood instead of a desert island,

and you don't really understand where the treasure is hidden,

and then you find it and ask someone to hide it again,
and the treasure is just a bunch of old jewelry and rocks,
it is the very best treasure of all. And so is the life of a Pirate.

Utopia

2010-06-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

The flowers around here this year are even more beautiful than usual. It might have something to do with all the rain we have had this spring.I was looking around at the wonderful flowers in our neighborhood and of the equally wonderful people whose yards they were in and it got me thinking....

A few days ago I walked outside to see my next door neighbor scolding Derek and Kooy, one of his best friends from down the street. She shook her finger at them and got right in their faces...and I stood quietly at the door and smiled to myself. She wasn't scolding them because they had broken her window, or stepped in her flower beds. She was implementing the importance of not walking behind running cars in driveways where a driver may not be able to see you, something they had just done.

I walked over and thanked her afterwards. And listened to her complain about fast drivers that she yells at when they occasionally speed down our street. And how the boys have got to be more careful...I told her how much more meaning it has for them coming from her. She understands. And I won't tell her how much it means to me that she is always out in her front garden looking out for all the kids. I won't tell her how much easier she makes my job of being a mom by being concerned and unafraid to correct the boys when their safety is in jeopardy. I appreciate her so much.

I look across the street to see my other neighbors beautiful rose filled front yard. It reminds me of a cottage in the woods from one of my favorite fairy tales. A place where a young princess would live. When we first moved into the neighborhood and Clint and some of the other kids were climbing on her green picket fence, I yelled at them to get off. She corrected me and told me that there was nothing in her yard that hadn't already been broken. She has welcomed all the kids in the neighborhood to go and swing on the hammock, play with Theo the dog, or just sit in the cool and quiet shade while she hands out root beers and popsicles.

Last year when Clint was house sitting for them, he left their sprinkler on. It flooded the basement. 2 inches of water by morning. I was completely mortified. We spent the entire day moving their furniture out of the water, and pulling up carpet...assessing the damage. They came home to find us rushing over to them, me in tears, telling them what happened. Not even the slightest hint of anger from them. Laughter, followed by hugs and them trying to make me feel better...them telling us how sorry they were that we had to move all of their furniture. Them insisting on paying Clint and reminding how much more important he was to them than any furniture or carpet. Not another word about it for almost a year afterwards, except for when Jeff tried to offer to tile their basement for them, and they refused.

Being the perfect example of unconditional love and the importance and worth of every soul. I have never seen them turn anyone, friend or otherwise, away from their door. In fact, most are invited inside for a cool drink.They give all they have, and then give more. Time, money, service, equipment. All of it. They make us all want to be the same: Giving, kind, open, wonderful.Giving runs in the neighborhood. To the opposite side of my house is another neighbor with an open yard policy where anyone can come and swing on the swing. Toys litter the yard because kids are the most important thing there. And every child feels welcome and at home.

Down the street, another mom has gotten me through a very difficult year. I could not have worked last year without her. She deals with Derek in a no-nonsense matter. Tough love mixed with patience and understanding. Letting him be upset when he needed to, getting him to preschool, helping me to understand that he will be just fine while I am at work in spite of his temper-tantrums. Derek has a best friend right down the street. She has listened to me on countless occasions complain and stress. Compassion and sympathy, and an occasional "Snap out of it" when I need it. A real friend who is willingly to help when I need it.

From down our own street to around the corner and down the blocks and back are more friends who love and care about Derek and Clint. Good friends who make them feel welcome and are always fun to have at our house. And we love them too.

Half way around the block is my sweet friend who puts up with me no matter what and can always help me see things as they really are, and to JUST NOT WORRY about it. It always has been and will always be one of our favorite places in the neighborhood to visit. And their family is such an example of perfect faith, and realizing what is really important in life. They are so open and welcoming to all. An example of the majority of the homes in our little neighborhood.

A few houses down from her and across the street is a family that has helped us for years. Giving in so many ways. They have been in Clint's life for a very long time. I used to drop him off before school before I had Derek when I was still teaching. They have older boys who are a huge influence in Clint's life. They let him tag along for yard work in the neighborhood, they let him borrow their sporting equipment, They are examples to him of good priesthood holders. The mom was there for me when I struggled with Clint's first year in first grade, which was hard on him. And I made so many mistakes. She just happened to show up before a nervous breakdown right after Derek was born and I couldn't get him to nurse. She has been someone I have looked to as another mom when I have had problems with Clint becoming a teenager. I don't think she knows how much she has done for me. But she has been another major blessing in my life. Her family has.

Across the main street and one block down is another sweet friend that I could not have gotten through this past year without. Someone who never asked for anything in return for helping with Derek when I was sometimes at the end of my rope. Again, I think she has no idea how much she helped our family just by her attitude and compassion. And she is an amazing mom.
2 streets over is another family who has literally saved us in many ways. From helping us with major furnace problems to taking care of Clint after school for years while I was working, gave me a blessing when I was going through my post-pardum when I didn't even know what I had. Dropped everything every time I have showed up on their doorstep. Let Clint and Derek borrow countless videos, been the perfect example of compassion for everyone. Welcomed everyone into their homes and lives.

One more street over is another friend who makes me laugh and has so much positive energy that I feel like the sun is shining whenever she is around. And we love just being with her family. She effortlessly keeps everything together, and has a lovely outlook on life that is infectious. I feel so lucky to have her influence in our lives.
Ultimately, there are many more houses in our little community that I would like to include...all my adopted sisters who have listened to me on countless occasions over lunch at Zupa's and the Olive Garden, or who have allowed their sweet and beautiful children to play with mine, girls I have gone to movies at Jordan Commons with, and had pedicures at a variety of nail salons with. In good times and bad, through insecurities and happy times. Letting me fill the empty parts of my heart from living so far away from my family with their lighthearted laughs and quick wits, their interest and support. I have found enough surrogates here to make my life complete. In a working class neighborhood where no one really has much of anything, I feel like we have the greatest riches of all. I feel like I have found Utopia.

Superheros II

2010-06-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

Clint decided to make a superhero movie. He is going through a little movie-making phase...I think Steven Spielberg started around the same age... These are the princesses that the superheros have to rescue.

And this is everyone taking a lunch break.

The superhero council.

The rescue. Don't worry. We will post the entire movie as soon as Clint edits it...and charges up his video camera battery.

Swimming Season 2010

2010-06-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

Last week I just took Clint's camera to the pool because I don't like taking mine around the water. I had a hard time with not being able to look in the eye-piece. You have to just look on the screen on the back. It was hard to see the screen in the sun.My eye was a little off because I didn't know for sure what I was shooting.Derek is a fish. And Clint made the best of it, but he is definately growing out of pool time. Still, he has to come with us...it gets him out of the house and away from the x-box. Sometimes I hate that Clint and Derek are so far apart in age. Derek is at such a fun and magical age. Clint is a real sweetheart, but is definately old enough to prefer friends and electronics to playtime and family. But he goes along. At least for now.

The pictures definately didn't turn out as good...but there is nothing like the pool....

There is nothing like summer.

Summer Science 1

2010-06-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

Musical Glasses We were able to tap out Mary had a little lamb.Burn Or Melt?

They loved this one.

Plastic, wax and ice seemed to be the only things we tried that melted. Everything else burned.
I was so impressed to find Derek and Kooy had made up a game of throwing the water yo-yo into Jeff's shoe. Creative kids at work. (Just don't look to closely at my garage entrance basement floor...or at the stairs that are still not done.)

To Do List

2010-06-09T07:13:00.001-07:00

I woke up this morning with a To Do List...because my house has been neglected for a long long time. I have so much respect and admiration for women who have clean houses. I really don't think you can have a good spirit in your house if it is a mess all the time....like mine. Occasionally I can keep it together, sometimes for a few weeks.

I always have some kind of excuse that I give myself. Having to work, or PTA, or boys, or, whatever. Never acknowledging that so many others have more on their daily to do list than I have, and they can still keep their house clean. I really do think I have some form of ADD...but that is another post.

I woke up determined to get some things done...I put on cleaning clothes and ripped all the sheets and pillowcases from all the beds, went right downstairs to drop them in the washer and got to work folding all the clean clothes in the TV room, reminding Derek and Clint that it was house cleaning day today.Then I caught a glimpse of the perfectly crystal blue sky...not a cloud in sight. Have we even had a morning so perfect yet this year? Even the temperature was perfect. I told myself there would be more days like this...Focus!!! Then I heard the neighbor girls laughing outside...How could I let a day like this go to waste? How could I live in my yucky house for one more day without cleaning it?The Answer: Stay outside! Throw a painting party!

How could I do anything else?

I did still manage to load the dishwasher and make dinner afterwards.And I have a patient husband who supports childhood. But now I still have to contend with my house.Maybe tomorrow won't be quite as lovely outside...

But tomorrow,

We are going to the pool....

Kool-Aid For Sale

2010-06-08T07:25:00.001-07:00

Pink Lemonade and Grape today.

Derek and Kooy ended up with $6 at the end of the day!

Want Some?

Searching for Pandora

2010-06-05T20:48:00.000-07:00

"We have an indigenous population of humanoids called the Na'vi. "
"Mask on!"
"You are not in Kansas anymore. You are on Pandora, ladies and gentleman."
"Just hold your ground..."" I may not be much of a horse guy, but I was born to do this. "
"I see you..."
"You have a strong Heart...""Eywa has heard you...""Out there is the true world, and in here is the dream...." "The wealth of this world isn't in the ground - it's all around us..."

Body paint is liquid blue tempra paint mixed with water and cornstarch. It was easy to hose off afterwards.

Why am I doing this again?

2010-06-03T23:44:00.000-07:00

Why am I doing this again? I asked myself as I rushed home from school after having to finish up cleaning our classroom 45 min. later than when I needed to leave to get everything ready for my end of school year party.We were doing tye-dye. And I was thinking I was really the only person who cared. "Why am I doing this?" I rushed in and told Lisa, who was on her way over, "Don't let me do this again next year..."She promised she would. Sonja showed up early and helped me set up, and was sweet and supportive. "Why am I doing this?" She smiled and patted my back.

"Why am I doing this again?" I asked myself as I left the setting up to Ching Ching, Nicole, and Sonja as I jumped into the car and rushed back up to the school to pick up a few other kids.

Rushed back home, turned on the grill and threw the hot dogs on as kids and moms started filling up the backyard. I turned the hot dog grilling over to Lisa and enlisted the moms to start on with the mixing of the dye.... And I glanced around and realized...."Why am I doing this???? Well, isn't it kind of obvious???

It's worth every minuet. And that's why we do it. Happy Summer Memory Making.

Summer Water Shenanigans

2010-06-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

Now......

Then....(taken last year at this same time)

They are much braver this year with the shooting water spout. And they are a little taller too.

Spider Webs 2010

2010-06-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

Usually by this time every year we can get out the kiddie pool and slip and slide, but it has been so cold and gray all spring, we havn't been able to. But at least we can do our spider webs.

Derek, Kooy and Aiden raided the neighbors yarn supply again and got to work.

I love seeing how they work it, but it is still a drag to cut it all down.

Still worth the clean up effort if it keeps the boys busy for a few hours.

Landen put some finishing touches on when he got home from school. The neighbors shake their heads and laugh and comment on how it is much more intricate every year. Pretty soon those boys will be expert spiders.

Or expert Spidermen.

Happy Summer.

Pirates II

2010-06-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

Secret found Pirate message: (We had to hold it over the stove to reveal the letters). And Map:

And "Sharkie" the one who gaurds the treasures....

Ahhhh, Pirates.

Welcome to the Black Pearl. It's Pirate Season again.

The best Pirates I've ever seen.

Yo ho yo ho A PI--RATS--LIFE--FOR--ME!!!!!

Viva Italia!!!

2010-06-02T07:05:00.000-07:00

The best thing that happened to us a few years ago was when Chelsea came to BYU. Clint and Derek's cousin whose family currently lives in Georgia. She and Derek especially had an instant bond. And we love her.
She just got her mission call to Italy, Rome. We will miss her, but Jacquie, her sister, who just got back from her mission in Taiwan, fortunately, will be around instead, along with Hannah! Who will come to BYU this Fall. So we are getting 2 for the price of 1! But we will still miss Chelsea.

But we took this opportunity to have an Italian party. Chelsea and Jacquie took some of these photos...the best ones, of course.

And Jacquie and Chelsea frosted and decorated and artistically placed the red velvet cupcakes.

Live long and prosper...

I was going to make the Vatican out of cupcakes, but decided at the last minuet to just make an artist pallet instead. Since Chelsea is an artist, after all.

Italian Carbonara, Cesar Salad, and bread. That's Italian.

Jeff, Clint and Derek were also going to have a camp out in the backyard because the next day was Memorial Day. Jeff set up the tent and we had a fire and had s'mores. And Jeff cooked a roast over an open fire as an experiment. We were not really planning on eating it, because we already had dinner. We all just had a few little pieces to try it out, and before we knew it, it was gone.
Jacquie is about the funniest person that I have ever known, and she kept going on about how she and Chelsea needed to just cook a big piece of meat in the courtyard of their apartment complex to meet guys. But they have plenty of dates without the meat. I just hope they can keep fitting us into their schedules. Jacquie's birthday is next month...I am planning on having a summer Chinese New Year! I can't wait!

Scribbles and Blind Contours

2010-06-02T06:52:00.000-07:00

Artist: Juan MiroScribbles that look like something

And Blind Contours. It's hard to draw with your eyes shut!

Ends of Eras

2010-06-02T05:32:00.000-07:00

Derek graduated from preschool.

He will be going to Kindergarten next year.

Clint started Jr. High. He rides his bike to school most days. And he takes a lot of his own pictures....He has some really great friends, but I don't really know any of them all that well.

His favorite teacher is his math teacher, Mrs. Sorino. She adores him. He always has been a good student.

I am learning that older boys love food...and that is one way to win them over. But instead of otter pops, they need Pizza, and soda.I am worried that they wont be around as much. I don't really know how to entertain them...other than to let them play x-box, and feed them. They don't need as much entertainment. They can take care of themselves in lots of ways. They can ride their bikes to 7-11, or the movie theater. They can play air soft in the gully for hours. They can organize their own night games. In fact the only thing I feel useful for is tellling them to "turn off the x-box, do your homework, practice guitar, go to bed, get up out of bed, brush your teeth, feed the dog, mow the lawn, take out the garbage, clean your room..."I have become a nag instead of a fun mom, "be home before it gets dark, don't forget to call me, stop teasing your brother..."I hope I can still be the mom that Clint needs me to be. But adolescence is a whole new world.

At least I still have a few good years left with Derek and his friends.

(Clint took most the pictures at Jr. High)

Pollock Prints

2010-05-27T22:35:00.000-07:00

It's true, anyone could do it....It's just that....How many adults....Would really want to?So thanks Jackson Pollock....For giving us a reason....To throw paint....And call it...Art.

Part of this post is from last year. It's just my favorite project that I teach and I love how the finished products turn out.

Synchronism and Line

2010-05-27T07:04:00.001-07:00

Warhol Flowers

2010-05-24T13:46:00.001-07:00

Pop Art with Andy Warhol: The Example by the Master Warhol Above...Our workshop below:

Calendar pictures of flowers close-up, Acrylic paints, and 8"x 8" canvas.Spencer making sure to use his mom's favorite colors. Such a sweetie.Sam's amazing Sunflower

Abby's lovely water sprinkled tulip

Jacyee's pretty Pansy

Jada's beautiful color choice.

This one is my favorite, by Alex. Almost Van Goghesk....

Amazing Art. I would hang it in my house!

Play-dough 101

2010-05-24T12:58:00.000-07:00

3 Reasons why I love Homemade Play-dough:1. I love to play with it when it is still warm.
2. The colors turn out so pretty and can be completely custom.
3. It's Science.

I would say it's less expensive, but store bought play-dough is not very pricey at all. Still, I love to make it at home for the fun of it.

1 C. Flour

1 C. Water

1/2 C. Salt

1 t. Vegetable Oil

1/2 t. Cream of Tarter

food coloring, or unsweetened kool-aid for color

Combine all ingredients except for food coloring in sauce pan and cook over medium heat until it holds together. Keep mixing or it will stick to the bottom of the pan. When the mixture is cool enough to touch, knead it on a floured surface, divide it into smaller balls, and add a different shade of food coloring to each ball. Store in an airtight container.

We made up a batch Friday after we ran out of the model magic. Derek and his buddies played with it for about 15 min. Fortunately, Allison and Candice showed up and made it worth my time to make it. They created bunnies and ladybugs, and were excited that they could keep their creations.

They entire time they were telling me how creative and talented I was...Oh how I wish I had a girl....

I'm just grateful I have some sweet neighbors who let me borrow theirs from time to time....

Oh, and by the way...my hands will always most definately look like this for a few days afterwards. But I don't mind. It's the mark of a mom who makes play-dough. And according to Allison and Candice, that is nothing to feel too bad about!

Casts and Cakes

2010-05-22T23:20:00.000-07:00

Six long weeks.

1 very very long cast.

So glad it's over.
So long big red cast.

Derek wanted a Mata Nui Bionicle cake to celebrate getting his cast off. I came up with the volcano idea, and told him he could put his bionicles on it. I just baked a chocolate cake in 2 pyrex bowls. One smaller than the other. Put them on top of each other and cut a hole in the top. That is whip cream, and homemade hard candy with red food coloring on the top.

Derek wanted to invite friends over, but he started in on the cake without them. And then Clint and Jeff had some for breakfast the next morning. Finally a few friends made it over to the house for a piece before it was gone. It was really dry because I made the cake from scratch and improvised the butter cake recipe to try to make it chocolate, and then cooking it in the Pyrex bowls didn't bake it evenly. But it looked good. And the homemade buttercream frosting is always heavenly...And the red candy lava looks awesome! Overall, I won't complain. The cast is gone! That's all the matters.

I won't bother with the cake recipe here because it was not a good one for the bowls I had to use. But here is the recipe for the Lava, and the best frosting in the world:

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:

2 sticks slightly softend butter

7 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 t. vanilla

1/2 c. cocoa

1/2 c. milk

Cream butter, and then gradually add all other ingredients together. Add more milk if needed for desired consistency.

Candy Lava

1 c. sugar

1/2 c. light corn syrup

1/4 c. water

In heavy saucepan, bring the sugar, syrup, and water to a boil. Continew boiling until the mixture reaches 295 degrees on a candy thermometer.
Remove mix from heat and add red food coloring.
Allow liquid to cool for a min. or 2 before pouring it on a foil covered cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Pour candy into lava like shapes and let it harden and cool completley before handeling.
If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can tell the candy mixture is at the hard ball stage if a drop is placed in a cup of cold water and it hardens immediately. The mixture will turn thick, bubbly, and dark when it is ready.

Goodbye Cast, Hello Summer

2010-05-22T23:15:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we went to our secret picnic spot and had our first picnic of the summer. Chocolate covered Strawberries and BLT wraps. Goodbye cast. So glad you are leaving before summer. And welcome summer. Your late. Please get here soon. We're waiting.

Dino-cakes

2010-05-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

I made these for a birthday party a few weeks ago for my friend's son. He loves Dinos. I know, I know, this was my first one and it looks like a turtle. I like this one much better. The first one I didn't take a picture of. It went in the garbage. I tried to use Twinkies for the head and neck...it just really doesn't work. I did keep the Twinkies for the legs and feet. I ended up just using sugar cookies for the head and tail. I was disappointed because they are flat instead of being 3D. But everyone seemed happy enough, except me....

The body is an 8 in. round cake cut in half and then stuck together. I cut sugar cookie heads and tails, and used a Twinkie cut in half for the leg and foot. Chocolate chips for the toenails, and Starburst candy heated in the microwave for just a few seconds to get it hot so I could stretch it out and cut it in half with scissors.

This one is just a sheet cake with a dinosaur skeleton that I made out of sugar cookie dough. There are chocolate chips around the border, and crushed chocolate teddy grams on top.

Science Perrinals I

2010-05-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

A few science experiments that we have done on a regular basis because they never get old..

The old Volcano/baking soda/vinegar trick.

I keep the volcano these days. We used to make a new one out of salt dough every time we wanted to do the experiment. Now I just keep it in the closet with the other science stuff. Putting it on a cookie sheet makes it more fun to make a Bionicle or Lego landscape that the lava can overrun. FYI, Model Magic makes a much better volcano than salt dough. It dries a lot better, and doesn't melt with the vinegar. We always make sure to add the red food coloring.

To make things easier for Derek, I pour the vinegar in a bowl so he doesn't have to pour it. He just dips his little measuring cup in the bowl and adds a little vinegar at a time to the volcano. I put the baking soda in a bowl too and give him a measuring spoon to add it in. And I always remind him to keep it all on the cookie sheet.....all on the cookie sheet, on the cookie sheet, on the cookie sheet on the cookie sheet....
Milk and Food Coloring Trick.

I love this experiment too. I never get tired of those swirling colors. The experiment calls for Milk (The fatter the better), food coloring, and dish soap...and toothpicks.

This is why it works. Milk is made of 3 things. Water, Fat and Protein. The Fat absorbs the food coloring, and the dish soap breaks down the fat. Hence, the swirling colors.

And you don't have to swirl the colors around. Just barley touch a drop of color with a dab of soap on the top of a toothpick. The colors explode automatically. It is the perfect activity for a boring day. And like I said, I love to play with it too. That is the best thing about being a mom. Playing. So glad I get to play. I just can't wait until summer so I have the time. It's been a hard year back at work. I know, I know. It's only part time. But I love being home. And I can't wait til I get to be there all the time this summer...except of course when I am at the POOL!!!!!!!!!!

Revolution

2010-05-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

I saw this documentary on the History Channel for the first time 5 years ago. It's a 13 part mini-series. Excellent. I have watched the entire series twice since then. I just finished it again.

I feel sad because I feel like at one time, we really, as a people and a nation, really understood. We understood what it meant to be an American. Not in a prideful way, but in a responsible way. As in being responsible,and helpful to the rest of the world. Being a light to the world. A beacon of hope, Freedom, and Possibility. Freedom, in the real sense. Freedom to make a life for ourselves and for our families. Having what you work for manifest itself. Having your life mean something. Whatever you want it to mean. I know it's complicated. So many legalities, and personal "rights". But I feel like somewhere along the line in our search, as a nation, for equality, we have lost it all. It makes me sad. It makes me sad to see a NATION full of takers. Takers, takers, takers. Entitlement. Demanding. Penalties for working hard and putting to good use the fundamentals of Capitalism, and then being punished for it because you were able to get ahead by being resourceful and making free market principals work for you.

I am not wealthy. And my family and I struggle to make ends meet. But that does not mean that I do not believe in Capitalism. I do believe in it. I have chosen my income level by the life I lead. I accept it. In America, still, for the time being, we choose our lifestyle. We choose where we live. We choose the type of work we do. We choose the income we make. We choose the level of education we acquire. We are all self made in this country. With the freedom to rise above any circumstances we are dealt. We were, at one time, a nation that believed in God. And with God, all things are possible. Christianity has changed the world. Along with the United States of America. The first country where, it didn't matter who you were, or in what circumstances you were born into. We are ALL equal in the eyes of God. Every man. The Constitution was written with everyone in mind. Thomas Jefferson was furious that the anti-slave clauses had to be removed during the revision processes. All the founding fathers knew slavery was too big of a problem for them to deal with at the time and they were busy revolutionizing the world. They knew slavery would have to wait. But the slaves from Rhode Island who willingly chose to fight in the war had hope and faith in the rhetoric of this new nation that one day freedom would be for all in this country. And they were right. Culminating in the election of an African American to the highest political position in this nation. It is an amazing thing.

So while we progress in certain areas, like overcoming race as an issue for anything, we are letting other important things slip. Mainly our belief in a nation under God. Can anyone who knows and understands the history of our nation doubt the divine influence in the creation and perseverance of the United States of America? No. You cannot. There is too much evidence if you take the time to learn about it. It is kind of like the power that comes with actually reading the Book of Mormon. If you read it, the book itself has a power. In the language as well as the history in it...and you know it's true. And if you really know the history of what really happened at Trenton with General Washington, and compare it with what happened with Helaman's 2000 stripling warriors...You can't deny the help of a God in Heaven who had set things in motion with men who were willing to pay the price for Freedom on this earth. There is always a price to be paid by mortals for any divine purpose. And it was paid for by blood. Just like the Atonement was paid for the freedom of our souls.

There are just too many miracles. Like when Washington assumed command at Monmouth just like Captain Moroni, and the entire British Army open fired on him as he rode in front of his troops trying to regain leadership after dismissing the cowardly officer in charge, and not a single bullet found it's mark.

Or what Nathaniel Green was able to accomplish at Cowpen, and no one even knows who he was. The most humble, and closest to God of all of Washington's Generals, who received little glory here, did it all for the right reason. Was able to accomplish unbelievable things that no one could accomplish alone.

And then, the War of 1812...when we almost lost America again, right after we had won. It was the earthquakes, hurricanes and tornados that wiped the enemy out then. Sometimes, God steps in sooner to take care of business. War is horrible. And I use to struggle with if it was necessary. But like the Atonement, a price needs to be paid. Don't forget the sacrifice. Pray for Peace. And never ever forget, this is a nation under God. Like it or not. It really has to be, if it is to endure.

"There's a butterfly in there..."

2010-05-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

We ordered our caterpillars from Insectlore.Derek was surprised and pleased to get them. They are so cute and little and black and fuzzy when they arrive. Delaney and Derek named each one....and somehow were able to tell them apart? Lander, Flyer, Cane, Sponge Bob, and Jordan.You can watch the video from our first experience with raising butterflies Here But like so many of my early blog science posts, my photos are horrible. It was before I got my good camera. The video is darling of Derek though. The caterpillars get big and harry quickly. In about 3 weeks, they spin their cocoons. They change and become butterflies in about 10 days. They are Painted Lady butterflies. Very short life spans. But great for watching and observing metamorphosis.
About 10 days after they spun their cocoons, Jeff announced at breakfast: "Hey, there's a butterfly in there..." Derek and Clint jumped from their stools to see the first butterfly that had emerged. That day, the rest also made their appearance in their new bodies. We put flowers sprinkled with honey water in the bottom of their house, along with some orange slices. They spent the first 2 days drying their wings and sucking sugar with long black tongues. They only live for 2 weeks as butterflies, but there was no room to fly in their little house. But it has been so cold outside to let them go.
Finally we had one nice Saturday where it was almost warm. I knew the time had come for them to have to take their chance outside. Derek and Kooy said their goodbyes, and set them free near some dandelions and strawberry flowers in the front yard.
Good luck little butterflies....If you flap your wings fast enough tonight, maybe you won't freeze...