two weeks of catching up
Are any of you still checking my blog? I know! It has been over two weeks since I posted, but I hope to catch you up on what I've been doing and get back into blogging mode. I started a blog on Monday, May 29th so, I'll start there. I jotted some things down most days since then, so I could blog later and later is now! So, here are the highlights/low lights since my last blog. Don't feel like you have to read it all- I'm doing this so that I have a record more than anything.
MONDAY, MAY 29th
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!
I LOVE this time of the year! Today is the day that I pull out my Americana decorations (the ones that aren't already out!) and they will stay out until Labor Day (when I change it over for fall). I have two boxes full of red, white and blue treasures, much of it I made myself!! There is one thing that I find disconcertin
g and that is the country flair that my house takes on with hearts, birdhouses, teddy bears and samplers. But I get over it pretty quick because I love the colors, the stars and the reminder of how blessed I am to live here in the United States! My very favorite decoration- the swags that hang on the front of my house!! It makes me giddy when I drive up to my house and see my big front porch, my white rocking chairs, and my patriotic swags waving in the wind (there is always wind in Lehi)!!!Come over and take a look! I'll keep the lemonade cold!
TUESDAY, MAY 30th
FONDUE COOKING
Tonight was my fondue class at Thanksgiving Point. The teacher was Amy Hansen, manager of The Melting Pot in Salt Lake. I was hoping for a more advanced class, but I still had a great time! Amy made two kinds of cheese fondue, fiesta and traditional swiss. (Did you know that although fondue is a french word for to melt, fondue was developed in Switzerland as a way to use up old cheese?)
Then she made two pots for the main course. Both used vegetable broth as the base but one had orange, lime and seasoning, the other had a red wine. She cooked shrimp, duck, lobster, salmon, peppercorn pork, beef tenderloin, filet minion, teryaki chicken, and sirloin steak, as well as potatoes, zuccini, and mushrooms. It was SO yummy! (Did you know that this style of cooking isn't truly fondue? It was developed on the frontier- men would pack all their food in small bundles then drop one in a pot of boiling water and eat straight from the pot as their food finished cooking!)
Finally, DESSERT!! We had Oreo Crush with milk chocolate, marshmellowe creme, and crushed oreos and Tempting Turtle with milk chocolate, caramel, and crushed pecans. (Have I mentioned how much I love the USA!! Chocolate fondue was developed in the 1960's in NEW YORK CITY!!)
And I learned how to make "gourmet" marshmellows! We dipped them in our chocolate fondue along with strawberries and brownies. Directions: crush whatever you want to coat your mashmellows in until it is very fine (we used oreos and graham crackers). Then mist your marshmellow with a spray bottle full of water. The water makes the marshmellow tacky!! Roll, dry and ENJOY!
The hard part about a fondue class is that everything uses alcohol, which they swear burns off or they couldn't be a family restaurant. The drinking ladies next to me were having a grand time talking about what to add to their next fondue pot but I didn't even recognize half of what was mentioned! I still don't feel brave enough to walk into the liquor store, so I'll be finding substitutes for now. But I feel more confident about my fondue and I am excited to try the broth base instead of oil (which was developed by the chinese!!). Did you want to come try my experiments?
THURSDAY, JUNE 1st
ALMOST OVER
Tomorrow is my kids' last day of school. They go for a whole hour and a half!! Soren's poor teacher will have 60 kindergarteners at one time because of the district's brilliant scheduling! So, today is the day for programs and graduations.
I went to see Kate's Third Grade Dance Festival this morning. She was WAY cute, doing a twist to Johnny Be Good and the Electric Slide!! Other classes did the Grand March (It was impressive Mom!! They could have kept up with us just fine!!), the Virginia Reel, the Macarena (sp?), and the Boot Scoot 'n Boogie. The organization and sound were TERRIBLE!! But the kids were patient and well behaved, so what can you do?
Soren had his Kindergarten graduation program. It lasted 10 minutes! All they did was sing their three favorite songs of the year. It was a little disappointing, especially since Kelly came from work for it! But, it meant A LOT to Soren that we were there and that's why we do it! He was all smiles when he sang, very proud of himself and what he's done this year. His teacher had such good things to say about him! So, Hooray for Soren! He's moving on to first grade!
FRIDAY, JUNE 2nd
HOWDY Y'ALL!!
I am headed to Texas for a baby blessing. My brother, Jon, is blessing his first, Kyra, on Sunday. It is the WIERDEST feeling to pack in just a carry on and a purse! No kids, no diaper bags, no strollers or car seats... it is so NOT what I am used to that I had to take this picture! I will miss the blog party tonight- SO sad about that! But I feel like I am supposed to go and I am excited for the time with my family!SATURDAY, JUNE 3rd
BABY, SHOPPING, EATING, more BABY...
Remember how much I love babies? If not, let me just tell you- I LOVE babies!! And it has been SO wonderful to hold this little girl on and off for the last two days! I don't think I could ever get my fill, but it has been a good healthy dose! And I have one more day!
In addition to holding the baby, I have been shopping without kids and without time restraints! What a treat!! We had a girls lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, hit up IKEA (oh the anticipation of one in Utah!!), ran into Costco and after dinner wandered Old Navy and Target. I bought some clothes that I tried on before leaving the store!!
It has been a great trip! I have enjoyed every minute! It is delightful to see Angela and Micah, talk with my mom, hold Jon and Val's baby... can't I stay for a week?
MONDAY, JUNE 5th
driving...
Nathan and I drove ALL day and ALL night to get back to Utah from Texas. Just when we thought we were making good time, it started to feel like FOREVER until we'd get home! We made it to my house about 12:30am and I am glad we got here safe! But it was a whole heck of a lot of driving! I am SO glad I didn't drive both ways! Thanks Nate, you did! And I couldn't have made the trip if you hadn't!! I had a great time! It was too short and worth it for a hundred reasons!
TUESDAY, JUNE 6th
coming home sucks!!
So, the kids had lots of fun with Dad and now that Mom is home and enforcing the rules, they hate me, they scream at me, they scream at each other... it's a good thing I had such a great trip or I'd wonder if it was worth this! I am trying to catch up on laundry (but ran out of soap!) and housework (why is summer so sticky?) and primary stuff, and read my book for bookclub... I forget how much I hate coming home!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7th
there's a DOG in my house!!?@#
Yes, we are dog sitting. If you are an animal lover, you might want to stop reading now. I am not an animal lover. I am more an animal tolerator, on my good days. I have NO de
sire to own a dog. Or a cat. Or even a fish! Owning an animal is not something I can even fathom. Kelly laughs at this because my objections to animals (especially dogs) are all the same for having children too, but I was willing to have five of those! For me, there is a difference. Baby slobber is much more acceptable than dog slobber. If I lived in Monstropolis, I would be wearing Sour Milk, NOT Smelly Dog! But, my kids love this dog and she has been good. She takes Ethan's abuse, lays on my kids while they watch tv, and sleeps in her kennel through the night. The annoying thing is that she favors me even though I don't like her! I don't hate her though, so I let her lay on my lap and follow me around the kitchen. Kelly thinks I'm going soft. Trust me, I'm NOT! I would watch Roxie again but DON'T ask me to buy her or any other four legged, furry animal!THURSDAY, JUNE 8th
GILEAD
Bookclub is tonight. I am racing to get through this book! It is only 250 pages, but it is such slow reading for me! And I want to love it! The writing, the wisdom, the humor. But, I just feel forced to read it and that always ruins the experience for me. I know my bookclub friends will save it for me, they have saved just about everything but Two From Galilee and that's why I LOVE bookclub!
SATURDAY, JUNE 9th
CARS
We went and saw Cars today for Megan's birthday (which is actually tomorrow). I felt really put out at going because of all I have to do and Ethan slept for half the movie which of course means no nap AND extra tired for him but- it was really cute! I think the credits were my favorite part! But the whole thing really was well done. I kept wondering what Collette would think of it- I know she has a thing against talking animals but I don't know how she feels about talking cars!
SUNDAY, JUNE 11th
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN!!!
Today is Megan's 8th birthday!! I can't believe she is eight! We celebrated with waffles for breakfast, chicken rolls for dinner, and cupcakes with cookie dough ice cream for dessert. Nathan, Ben and Melissa joined us for dessert and presents. She had quite
a stash by the end with sidewalk chalk and velvet coloring posters from Ben and Melissa, new scriptures from Grandma and Grandpa Texas, money to spend from Grandma and Grandpa Hot Tub (who are on a cruise and couldn't join us), a book from Kate, the Chicken Little dvd from Emily, a game from Soren, and Dance Dance Revolution with dance pads from Mom and Dad.I hope she had a great day! It was hard with family gone and church today. But her baptism is in just a couple weeks and we will celebrate then too! Happy Birthday Megan!
posted by jenn | 6/12/2006
13 Comments:
It's good to catch up! I do think that you have the most appropriate bog name of all of us! Your life gives new meaning to the word busy!
Wow. I'm glad you did this update, because I have been checking in every day and was getting sad about no new posts. Here are my responses:
1. I LOVE your patriotic swags. And your porch. And your rocking chairs. Jealous.
2. Your fondue class sounds way fun. You know you can experiment on me anytime. I love it when you do fondue.
3. I'm so glad you got to go on a trip by yourself. You deserve it. And I'm glad that it involved lots of baby-holding. If only it weren't so difficult to come back home. Don't you feel like you need another vacation to recover?
4. I used to think that I loved dogs. Then we got one and I realized that I just really like other people's dogs. I don't want one to live at my house.
5. Happy birthday Megan! I can't believe you have another child old enough to be baptized. And I'm a little bit jealous of her Dance Dance Revolution!
Welcome back, Jenn...
I am so glad you are back. You did a great job of catching us up! Your front room is so cute. I love that you change it for the seasons.
The fondue class sounds fun. I would like to know how to do that better. I hear you are the master!
My kids also want to see cars. I have only heard good things so far... I think we will be going soon.
I am glad you had a great kid free vacation, too bad you couldn't come home to clean and peaceful.
I also am NOT an animal lover. I can deal if they are outside (that means NEVER coming in, not even one paw) and I don't have to care for them. I don't harm them I just want them to steer clear of me. You are VERY kind to dog sit.
Whew wee! Great to catch up! I do think I will watch "Cars." Besides talking animals, I don't really care for cartoons but it has rec'd good press. We saw "the break-up." My vote is to pass.
Do you even have to ask if anyone wants to try your fondue. I was chuckling to myself when you said you went to a class - my thought is that you could teach them a thing or 2.
So glad your trip went well and you are back safe and sound.
I'm so impressed with your comprehensive catch-up post. I've been checking your blog often and fearing for what kind of busyness your silence means.
I was driving home from my parents' house tonight and actually wondered if I should drive by your house to see if your swags were up. I love those, and love how much you love them too.
I think of you as the fondue queen so it's funny that you took a class, but I guess if you looking to become the advanced fondue queen then maybe we should all contribute to the price of the class since we benefit so much from your tasty skills.
We definitely missed you at the blog party, but clearly you needed to go on that trip so it was meant to be.
I can't believe that dog is in your house!
Happy Birthday to beautiful Megan, that picture of everyone is so cute. It's too bad you're not in it. Perhaps you need a tripod and self-timer so you can be included in cute shots like that. Emily's curls are darling as well.
I'm glad that you're back. I hate coming home from vacation, too. By the time you get the laundry caught up, it's time for another vacation or something ridiculous like that.
I didn't know that you were taking a fondue class. Good for you. Fondue pots are on my list of I would absolutely love to have them, but how can I justify buying them for myself?
I think that you should hire yourself out as a professional baby holder. You would make a killing!
I LOVED having you here and wish you could have stayed much longer. So much fun for all of us. And your orange purse and orange suitcase just made us happy.
The drive home is never as fun as going TO somewhere, especially when it's 20 hours long. But at least you didn't have kids crying and throwing up.
Re-entry into real life is the pits. I've heard people climb mountains because when they come down they're changed; I hope your mini-vacation is a boon for you.
I love your Americana house too. And your beautiful children. Not the dog, but I love your willingness to take it in.
Thanks for the pictures, and can we get the fondue ideas into the family cookbook?
Come back soon. I miss you!
Glad you are back! I have missed reading your blog for sure. I am very jealous about the fondue class- I LOVE the Melting Pot! The Tempting Turtle dessert fondue is one of my favorites! I have used both broth and wine bases and both turn out great, so don't feel left out about not wanting to go to a liquor store.
Hooray!! I'm so glad you're back. I've been checking your blog every day to see if you'd posted anything new!
I also love all of your Americana stuff. I would love nothing more than to sit on your rocking chairs sipping lemonade with you!
You're already the master at fondue. Why are you taking a class? It sounds like the class was interesting though, and I'm sure all your friends will benefit greatly from your knowledge! I wish I could be there to help them test it all! But I may have to try those gourmet marshmallows. Yum!
Rachel's last day of school is tomorrow. She has loved kindergarten! They're not doing any kind of ceremony for kindergarten graduation, but that's fine by me. She actually doesn't go on the very last day of school. It's an early dismissal day, so only the morning kindergarteners go. Congratulation to Soren! He made it through his first year of school! I'd have loved to see all the dancing your kids did. Our school doesn't do anything that cool.
I really wish I could have been there for the baby blessing. It sounds like it was a fabulous weekend! We have friends who blessed their baby as well that Sunday, but I would have greatly preferred to be in Texas with you!
You're really brave to have a dog in your house. I cringed the evening a neighbor brought a new puppy over for 15 minutes. I'm with you. I don't want a dog in my house. You are a very good friend to dog sit!
My kids would also like to see Cars, but I'm not sure we'll make it. I think it'll be another one we wait for the dvd to see. :(
I can't believe Megan is 8 years old!! That picture is so cute! Happy Birthday Megan! (What's up with Nate's hair?)
I love that you haven't blogged for so long simply because I am sooo behind on my blog reading and commenting. I love the updates.
So I'm going to copy Michelle:
1. I love the front porch and the swings and I'll be right over for some cold lemonade.
2. I love to make fondue, we have 2 sets and use the alcohol. For being non drinkers, we have a fair amount of alcohol. The alcohol does burn off but do what you are comfortable with. We had a fondue Christmas, 2 different cheese fondue for the appetizers and 2 different chocolates for dessert, how do you make gourmet marshmellows?
3. It sounds like you had a good time in Tx. Good for you! It does suck to come home and all hell has broken loose.
4. I love dogs, I love my dog and can't imagine my life without him, he is very cathartic for me but I try to appreciate that not everyone loves dogs the way I do and that's ok. You have 5 kids to keep up with, I can't imagine adding a 4 legged hairy beast into the mix, (I don't know how my sister does it, 4 kids, 2 horses, 1 dog, 1 cat and 1 hampster)
5. what a fun and busy couple of weeks you've had, now I feel caught up, happy b. day to your little girl, 8 is such a mile stone.
Oh and I loved Cars too, it was a laugh out loud movie for me.
So glad you caught up with us. I felt like it had been so long since we heard from you and was really disappointed you were unable to go to the blog party. Many people asked where you were.
I think your patriotic decorations look great. I love anything patriotic. I'm impressed your taking a fondue class. We have pizza fondue every christmas eve. I love it and we only make it then so it's special. I'll give you the recipe if you're interested. It's truly fabulous. I too am not a dog lover. I love them over the fence, but not at my house. They take too much time and energy. I am a cat person because they take care of themselves, except for food now and then. By the way I noticed the couch in your picture of the dog, we have the same one.
We took our kids to Cars the day it opened. I thought it was great and have to agree with whoever said the credits were funniest. But it also had a great message. I say two thumbs up for this movie.
And last, I'm glad you had a great kid-free vacation. Welcome back to reality hu?
Post a Comment
<< Home