Simple Pleasures in Life

Tonight I found a new activity for Brennan. I tied a string to two chairs and made a car transporter out of a toilet paper roll and a straw. How simple , but this entertained him most of the evening. He had to keep switching out his cars, to make sure they all had a turn. (I had to use a big blob of play dough, to help the cars from falling out, but that didn't solve the problem completly) I'm sure this will become one of his new favorite games. Whatever keeps him from destroying my house, right?

A side note: This morning we were going through Brennan's closest and I ran across a pair of PJ's that Aunt Kristen had given him a few months ago. Since they are summer PJ's I put them on the shelf for when the weather gets warmer, but when he saw the shorts it was love at first sight. He wanted to switch the pants he was wearing for them right away. We were going to the store a bit later, so I convinced that he wait till we get back. He agreed, surprisingly without to much of a struggle. But that boy has way too good of a memory. The second we got home from running errands, he ran straight to his room to put them on and he's had them on ever since. I guess the battle of what he wants to wear and what I want him to wear is just beginning. You may never see him match again, that is until he's married and his wife can dress him. He'll be hopeless just like his father!

Dad's car

As Good as Cafe Rio

I made the Chicken Barbacoa Salad from Mom's ward cookbook for dinner tonight. It was so tasty that I just had to take a picture for the blog! If you like the salads from Cafe Rio, then you better try this recipe. It was so easy! For those of you that don't have the cookbook here is the recipe: (The origanal recipe makes a ton, so I cut it down and still have lots of leftovers. My alterations are typed next to the origanal.)

7-8 lbs boneless pork roast or boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 chicken breasts)
1 liter Cola (1 can cola)
2 lbs brown sugar (10 oz)
10 oz. ketchup (about 3.5 oz)

Simmer in crockpot about 8 hours. Shred meat with 2 large forks.

Tomatillo Ranch dressing:

2 pkgs Ranch salad dressing(milk recipe)
2 c. mayo
1 c. milk
1 (7 oz) can salsa verde (with tomatillos, not jalapenos)

(I halfed the dressing, and still have tons left.)

Layer:
Barbacoa meat, Rice (cooked with chicken bouillon), black or pinto beans, grated Cheddar jack cheese, guacamole, chopped tomatoes or fresh salsa, torn romaine lettuce, Tomatillo Ranch Dressing, and crunchy tortilla strips.

Enjoy

Painting the garage

This job is taking longer then I thought. I hope to be done by this weekend. If anyone wants to come and help they are more then welcome.

Painting the

Twins

Cindy and I had fun wearing our twin outfits over the weekend. Jason and Brian thought we were kinda silly walking around with our GAP sweatshirts, white undershirt and black pants. We think we look pretty cute.

We stayed up late one night making CUTE cards.

We had some good laughs while making cards.

Our cards turned out super cute.

Joan Working In The Snow

Our Trip to Phoenix

We made it back to Snowflake today. We had a great time in Phoenix this week for Jason's training and getting to visit Lori, Brian, and Abby. We enjoyed the good weather and I of course enjoyed all the shopping. I had to get it all in, since I don't know when we'll go back down there or make it up to Utah. I must say I found some really good deals and some super cute baby girl clothes!

We went shopping at Arizona Mills and they have a Rainforest Cafe with big, fake animals all over. Brennan was a little unsure about the whole thing.

Brennan's dream job when he's older!

Jason and Brennan tried out the swimming pool(I'm too big of a wimp), it was heated but they still didn't last too long in it. They did spend a lot of time in the hot tube while I just dangled my feet.

We went to the park and Brennan loved chasing all the pigeons. He couldn't understand why they would fly away when he'd get close. I have to give him credit, he never did give up. He ran and ran all over that park till I made him go back to the hotel for lunch and a nap.

Brennan just gettin' cozy at the hotel.

Best day of our lives

We stopped at the Sam's Club Grand Opening. We knew it would be a great visit when we got the Ritz Cracker Sample. Let us share with you all the samples:

1. Ritz Cracker (we didn't know what we were getting into when we took the first bite)
2. Animal Crackers
3. Chocolate Cookies
4. Sausage
5. Prime Rib
6. Seasoned Chicken
7. Mozzarella Cheese
8. Cheddar Cheese shaped for the Superbowl
9. Jumbo Shrimp
10. Cuttie oranges
11. Fruit Smoothie
12. Buffalo wings
13. Chocolate Cake
14. Fried Green Beans
15. Chicken Quesillida
16. Meatballs
17. Frozen Pasta dish
18. Deli Pizza
19. Frozen Pizza
20. Crystal Light
21. Ranch - baby carrot
22. Tortilla
23. Chips
24. Bagel - cream cheese
25. Sourdough bread
26. Cindy's favorite: a cup of Bacon Bits
27. Nacho Cheese sauce
28. Oatmeal pack
29. Coffee- (the only sample we passed on)
30. Hot dog in a bun
31. Croissant roll and roasted chicken
32. Seafood salad on a cracker
We may be forgetting some. But the point is we had a great time at Sam's Club. A 5 minute trip turned into 2 hours. (Thanks Mary Twede for the Sam's card!) You all missed out aka. Brian, Jason and Brennan.
Lori and Cindy
(comments or posts are welcome aka Mom, Dad, Steven, Kelly, Rob, Ann, Brian, Jason and Brent.)

Abby and Brennan

Brennan had fun playing with Abby this week.

Brennan enjoyed chasing Abby around the house. I think Abby has gained a few pounds from all the treats Brennan gave her.

Brennan gave Abby all of her toys. Abby is going to miss Brennan when he leaves.

What Brennan does best...Eat

We gave Brennan a haircut tonight and he was not happy about it, so we bribed him with a popsicle. Aren't we such great parents!? It worked though:)Brennan just being cute, showing off his new haircut!

He's still trying to get the whole spoon thing down. He's aim still a little off!

Jason's Resolutions

Here are my New Year's resolutions:

Budget better:
Yes, I have one of the same goals as Lori, but my way of achieving it differs slightly. I figure there are two ways to save money: spending less and earning more. I plan on spending less by cutting unnecessary expenditures like tithing and fast offerings, and canceling our subscription to the Ensign. I plan on earning more with my Online Poker winnings.

Being more spiritual:
Okay, so I have two goals in common with Lori, but my way of achieving this one is slightly different as well. I figure that I've learned most of what Mormonism has to offer. There are so many more religions out there. I figure, to be more spiritual, I need to study more religions. We have the Jehovah Witnesses coming over for dinner in two weeks and the Unitarians shortly after that. I've expanded our cable service so that we get all the evangelical stations. The most promising course of study thus far, though, is that of Buddhism and other Eastern religions. I've bought several books on the topic from Amazon. They are quite accepting, and I do not think I'll have any problem being both Buddhism and Mormon, and thus more spiritual. I'm currently reading the Three-fold Lotus Sutra. I'll let you know how it is. If it's good, I'll get you all copies with your names imprinted on the front in gold lettering.
Also, I figure I should go to the temple at least once a month. That shouldn't be a problem now that I've got my "Mormon's aren't Christians" poster is finished. Heck, when the weather gets warmer, I might even be able to go twice a month.

Be Healthy:
This one's easy: eat less, exercise, and take a glass of wine a day. Piece of cake (figure of speach, not part of diet).

Reduce Stress:
This one will sort of take care of itself as Bush's two terms are up, but for the greatest amount of stress reduction, I plan on voting Democrat, no matter who the candidate. I'm hoping it'll be Obama.

Fulfill my life-long dream by posing for Playgirl:
Okay, this one's a joke. I figured since my other goals were so serious, I had to lighten the tone a little.

I may need you help in accomplishing these. Thank you in advance.

Jason

Lori's New Year Resolutons

My New Year Resolutions

It is that time of year again were we look at our lives and set new goals for improvement.

Goal #1 Fit into my jeans: Yes I have gained a few pounds since I have been married. It doesn't help that I have a husband that can eat anything and everything and not gain a pound. How am I going to complete this goal you may ask. Well these are my short term goals:

• Walk Abby every night for 30 minutes
• Get up 3 times a week before work and workout
• Eat more fruits and vegetables

Goal #2 Start a budget: Well this is a hard goal for me. Before I know it I have spent too much money at Target. Brian and 1 have sat down and talked about financial goals for the up coming year. I pray that we will meet our financial goals. These are my financial short term goals:

• Get my car paid off by June
• Set a limit on entertainment, shopping and food. I am going to pull cash out every month and when it is gone it is gone for the month
• Set up a Roth IRA

Goal #3 Become more spiritual: Today at church the Bishop issued a 30 day challenge that I am going to strive hard to complete. In this challenge he talked about reading your scriptures daily, have family and personal prayers, attend your meetings and 100% on visiting and home teaching. Well I can say I have 1 out 4 mastered (attending my meetings). The Bishop gave us a check sheet that I would like to have filled in by the end of the month. I have one by my bed and on the fridge. This goal I am going to work hard on. I know that if I work hard on my spirituality that the rest of my live will be in order.

These are my three goals I am going to work on. What are your goals? I would love to hear them and then we can all help each other complete our goals.

I will keep you all posted because I know you all want to know.

Love you all!!!

Lori

Fish Hatchery

Brian and I had fun going up to Show Low for the night. After Cindy's doctors appointment we went for a nice drive to the fish hatchery. We think John worked here for a short time. There was a lot of snow and the road to the hatchery was not plowed very well. Brian had fun driving through the snow in Cindy's Mini Van.

I think we were the first visitors of 2008

Brennen had fun looking at all the fish. It was a little cold for us Phoenix-ites.

After the fish hatchery we enjoyed some good ol' BBQ.

It's a Girl!

She's waving to everyone in this one!

She had her legs crossed like this through the whole ultrasound. She's such a little lady!

We are so excited we are having a little girl. Jason's thrilled over the fact that now I have a new excuse to go shopping! Thanks again Brain and Lori for coming up. It was fun having you up here for the day!

Fun with Fingerpaints

Here we are having fun with the fingerpaints Grandma gave Brennan for Christmas. At first Brennan wasn't sure about having the paints on his fingers. But eventualy the paint went from paintbrush to fingers to face!

Campout in the Livingroom

Brennan is sure enjoying his tent he got from Grandma Twede for Christmas. He's always playing in it. Today when I was getting him ready for his nap he wanted to read his books in it. Then when books were done, he said he wanted to sleep in it. I thought, "I'll give it a try". So I closed it all up and within a matter of minutes he was sound asleep. Isn't he sweet?