Christmas Lights to Music

Christmas.lights

Grant, Tyson and I just got back from seeing a cool home display of Christmas lights choreographed to music. Last year we went to the house clear out in Iona, but the one we went to tonight is actually on the west side of town. It's a smaller house, but still very cool. You tune into a radio station to listen, and they said they used over 70,000 lights and a mile of extension cords! They even have an American-themed song with red, white, and blue lights. I recommend going and taking your kids. It's fun! To get there, turn right off Bellin onto Newman, drive past Westside Elementary and turn right on Lowell. You can't miss it. Hope you are all enjoying the holidays!

Evidence of love...

1. Books strewn all over the house
2. DVDs in the laundry room
3. Christmas ornament in the kitchen drawer
4. Cutting board by the computer (??)
5. Hand prints on the mirror
6. Raisins smashed into the carpet
7. Overflowing laundry basket
8. Sticky piano keys
9. Trucks in the bathroom
10. Sleeping toddler

I am so grateful for my little boy. I love him.

PS. I took a bit of a blogging hiatus, but I think I'm back. I have a love/hate relationship with blogging. We're working it out.

Making an Appearance Again...

Yes folks, it's the Mickey cake. Because as we all know, today the Mouse turns 80. He hides his age well, don't ya say? Mickey made his debut in 1928 as the memorable black-and-white mouse in Steamboat Willie. (I'm always learning interesting Disney facts from Tyson.) All I know is that he sure tastes good!

Plans for tonight:
Eat the cake. (Some of it at least. We will have leftovers, so feel free to stop by!)
Watch Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. Totally awesome, dude.

And here's our mini-Mozart at the piano.

(Sidenote: We recently watched Amadeus and I realized that most geniuses of their trade acquired greatness at a significant personal cost....)

Turning to the Dark Side

Anyone who knows Tyson knows that he loves Star Wars. I'm not a big fan. (Although I have watched all 6 movies, more than once!) And I don't like this mask, but Grant has taken a liking to it. When I see these pictures, I can hear that distinct breathing. How do you write it? Khoh-kaaah...khoh-kaaah. Creepy!






He's much cuter than the real Vader.

Where's the Ice Cream?

This morning I brought Grant into our bed to snuggle for a few minutes before we got up. Tyson was awake, or so I thought. He talked a little to Grant and then had him lay down between us. Then there was a long pause and then he asked Grant, "Where's the ice cream?" I looked around the dark room and remained confused. Maybe he had played a game with Grant before about ice cream? He didn't say anything else, so I asked Tyson what he was talking about. He said, "I thought we were watching Baby Einstein." Uhhhhh. Yeah, he's not actually awake yet. He was pretty confused for a minute. Then I started laughing and Grant sat up and laughed at me laughing. Maybe this doesn't sound funny to anyone else, but it was great to start the day out laughing! I needed it.

Mud Lake

I forgot to post these pictures last week. We went to a Parker reunion in Mud Lake and had an awesome time eating tons of food, shooting skeet, playing volleyball, and hanging out with family. Pam and Taylor were nice enough to host the whole thing. Thanks!! October might seem kind of late for a reunion, but it's the week of Tyson's Grandma Parker's birthday, so we do it at this time every year. Tyson loves to practice kicking field goals. (Thanks Kelly, for showing me how to do a mosaic!) Grant with Brinnalee and Max, the dog, being pulled around by Crystalee. Preston with a kitty. Grant with the Shetland ponies. Grant in a bike helmet. The reunion was tons of fun and we enjoyed being with family!

And side note: after feeling guilty all weekend about the bus stop encounter, today is a happy day. All the kids lined up on the sidewalk and all were good!! Our Primary program was yesterday and I feel so blessed to be able to spend time with those kids! Truly the only way to enter into the kingdom of God is to become as a little child. (Matt 18:3-4)

Mean Neighborhood Lady

I really like kids. I like being around them and listening to the great things they say and learning from them. That's why I went into teaching! But one thing I really didn't like about teaching was when I had to "lay down the law." I had to do this today with the kids that wait in front of our house for the bus stop. Most of them are great. Really there are only a few that throw rocks in the window well, ring our doorbell, leave the spigot on, etc. I had talked to these individuals several times asking them to stay away from the house. And I had decided that today I would go ask all the kids to wait on the sidewalk instead of our driveway. When I went outside, one of the kids was leaning over the window well with his hands on the house looking like he was about to fall in. So I ended up using a not-so-nice voice to tell the kids to wait on the sidewalk and that I didn't want them by the house and especially by the window well or I would call their parents. Now I feel bad for all of the other kids who hadn't done anything wrong and who know me through Primary or piano or just the neighborhood. I think I made them think of me as the mean neighborhood lady. Maybe I really am! :(

A tag, so I can have something to post about!

I am too lazy to upload pictures right now and I was having a hard time thinking of something to write, so thanks Carmen for the tag! Here are seven things about me:

1. Right now I only have one pair of jeans that fits and doesn't have holes in the knees. I reeeeeeeeeeeeally need to go shopping.
2. I teach13 piano students and I'm loving it. It's just the right amount of time commitment so I'm not bored but not too busy. Plus I get to be around music, the piano, and 13 hilarious kids!
3. This is nothing new, but I absolutely hate scary movies. I don't even like to talk about them. Even in the middle of a sunny day around lots of people. The last one I watched was The Sixth Sense while it was still in theaters. I realize that came out a long time ago. The night after I watched it, I made my mom sleep out in the family room with me. I had nightmares for weeks. (Oh, and even some books scare me because I just get too emotionally involved. Don't laugh, but I was pretty scared during Fablehaven. Yep, the kid's book. And after enjoying The Hobbit, I started the Lord of the Rings trilogy. But I just got too scared to finish the first book. Pathetic, I know!)
4. I have a few sewing projects in the works. But I just can't get motivated to bring them out right now. Not because they aren't fun, but it's just that I can only do it when Grant's napping and it's so much work to get everything out to only work on it for half an hour. And I'm lazy. So they remain in bags in the laundry room.
5. Meal planning, grocery shopping, and budgeting are hobbies to me.
6. I'm a people watcher. I love watching people interact! This is why when I go to a BYU game with Tyson, it takes me about an hour to "settle" in enough to actually watch the game. I just get so overwhelmed by all the people to watch! Am I weird?
7. I lead the music in junior Primary and I love it. And I'm always up for new ideas, so feel free to share!
I tag both Heathers, both Erins, both Kims, Julie M., Annalee, Sharee, Staci B., Kelly S. and anyone who wants to do this!!

Blinking

In between piano lessons this morning, I came to see how breakfast was going. Grant was doing this and I had to run and grab the camera.



I don't know where he picked it up, but of course he kept doing it because we kept laughing. (I've noticed that he's also encouraged to burp and do other things we shouldn't laugh at. I glare at Tyson when he laughs, but I'm a hypocrite because during the day when Tyson's not around, I laugh too. I can't help it!)

Electronics+Toddler= Problem

Lately Grant has loved climbing up to the computer and pretending to type. I thought it was adorable. Except today I left him alone for a few minutes and he broke a key on the keyboard. The k. I have to push the little green squishy thing. Does anyone know how to fix it?


And a few days ago I left the digital camera too close to his high chair. He grabbed it and took this picture. The camera was covered in peanut butter before I noticed. Luckily it's pretty durable. I couldn't really be mad because it was my fault for leaving it within his reach!

USU vs. BYU

Yesterday we left Grant with the grandparents and headed down to Logan for the day. Fall is the best time of year to be in Logan- it is beautiful! I love the USU campus. We made a stop at the Firehouse to have dinner and of course, a Phazookie. Wow, those are good! Then we headed to the game with my sister Lindsey. It was interesting to be cheering for the team opposite of Tyson's. I'll admit though, my allegiance was torn. As a graduate of Utah State, the fourth quarter was crazy exciting!! When is the last time we've scored two touchdowns against a team ranked in the top ten?! (Let's be honest, when's the last time we've scored a touchdown at all? Haha) However, I am married to Tyson. So naturally I was worried with him about BYU's performance at the end. I think it was the first game where my voice was more hoarse than Tyson's. But, Oh it was fun. Turnovers, blocked kicks, personal fouls all over the place, taunting fans. The score was 34-14, BYU winning by a lot, but I could leave that stadium with my pride for USU intact. Despite his disappointment with the end of the game, Tyson had lots of fun, too.

Wheat Bread, Trial Two

A few weeks ago, I tried making wheat bread for the first time. I used freshly ground wheat. Grant screamed and cried while the grinder was running. It sounded like a jet plane was taking off in our kitchen so I don't blame him! Anyway, I was feeling pretty good about my domestic capabilities until I pulled the loaves out of the oven. I slipped them out of the pan and they landed with a thud on the counter. The yeast didn't work too well. Or perhaps it was my inexperience. I did laugh, eventually. After I stopped feeling bad for myself. I decided to try again today. This time, they turned out okay! Now I just have to go have a taste....
Here's the recipe:
2 cups warm water
2 Tbsp milk
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups whole wheat flour
4 tsp instant active dry yeast
Combine first six ingredients and stir. Add flours and yeast and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place dough in greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let raise until doubled, about 40 minutes. Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes until dough is smooth. Then split dough into two pieces and form into loaves. Place in greased bread pans. Cover and let raise until almost doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. If bread starts browning too early, cover with a sheet of tin foil. Cool on wire racks.

All About Grant

Grant was tagged by his friend, Landon. Before I start, I just have to say thanks to everyone who commented about mopping tile! Now I can make a very informed decision and I have lots of cleaning products to choose from. Thanks!

Name: Grant Tyson

Age: 14 months

Favorite Color: blue (BYU, duh!)

Favorite Song: anything I can dance to (the other day, it was "Stayin' Alive." Hilarious to watch a little kid dance to that!)

Favorite Movie: any Baby Einstein

Favorite Toys: books, trucks, Mom's makeup, brushes, silverware from the dishwasher, rocks

Things I'm Scared of: being in any crib but my own

Favorite Food: peaches, grapes, plums, bananas, May-po (thanks, Carolyn!), cheese, spaghetti

Pet Peeves: being strapped in my car seat

Favorite Things to Do: play at both Grandma's houses, be around other people, play outside in the dirt

Bad Habits: throwing my head back when I am mad and hitting it on whatever is the closest (wall, cupboard, Dad's head)

Good Habits: going down for naps and bedtime without even a whimper, snuggling, giving wet, slobbery kisses, laughing and smiling lots

My Favorite Thing to Say: jabber, mostly. Although I have tried to say important words like truck, cheese, and Grandma. But not mom or dad.

What I Do That Make My Mommy Laugh the Hardest: Grant is the silliest dancer- I need to get it on video! He shakes his head back and forth and throws his arms all over. I love it!


I just learned how to walk a few weeks ago, so here's a video of me.



I tag anyone who hasn't already done this!

Mopping Tile

The stench from our mop means it's time to throw it out and find a new one. So question to anyone who has cleaned tile floor: what type of mop and what type of cleaner do you use? I've tried several different things and can't do it without streaks. Ideas?

Yum-O and Scum-O

I have to share this recipe. I was going to wait until Tuesday to hook up with Stevie's Try-it-Tuesdays, but I just couldn't wait! It's from kraftfoods.com.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Dessert

12 oreos, crushed
2 Tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 c. cold milk
2 pkg (4 servings each) instant chocolate pudding
2 c. whipped topping
2 Tbsp hot fudge ice cream topping
1/4 candy coated peanut butter pieces.
Put peanut butter in a bowl and gradually add milk, stirring with wire whisk until well blended. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat 2 min. or until well blended. (Mixture will be thick.) Stir in 1 cup of the whipped topping. Spread onto prepared crust; top evenly with remaining 1 cup whipped topping.
Refrigerate 3 hours or until set. When ready to serve, microwave fudge topping as directed on package; drizzle over dessert. Sprinkle with candies. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

I didn't have fudge topping or candy but it was still incredibly delicious. Try it and let me know what you think!

And I am sharing a story about how I didn't help someone. I wish I did, which makes me feel like a scum. I was waiting in line at the library to check out one dvd for Grant. Just one item. I was standing in a really long line. I was focused, listing my to-dos in my head and thinking about where we were headed to next. The lady in front of me was carrying a rowdy toddler. The woman was older, probably the grandma to the little guy. She had a huge bin of books and was really struggling with the boy. So I watched and felt bad. But did nothing. The woman in front of her asked if she could take the boy to the fish pond while the older lady checked her books out. It took her two minutes to go out of her way and it really made a difference to the lady. And I was thinking, why am I so focused on myself!? Sigh. Next time, I am going to be a better person offer help to someone who needs it!!!

Family Reunions

Last week we had two family reunions in Island Park and West Piney. As the second youngest of 6, I have lots of nieces and nephews and I love being with them! Those of my siblings that live far away come once a year so it's a really special time. Even the newest addition, Jaxon came! The weather was absolutely gorgeous when we went to our traditional lake in Montana. The water is cold but so clear. My sister took some professional pictures of the whole clan, so there will be more pictures to come. I love my family and feel so blessed to be a part of it! The second reunion was for my mom's family. The slide was the center attraction. My cousin Gabe went down so many times...I lost track at fifty! Grant loved being outside and it was so fun to be around lots of family. So thanks to everyone who helped put the reunions together!!

Flyboys

Tyson and I just finished watching Flyboys. I had read an article in our newspaper recently about a movie called Flyboys that was played at Spud Fest, the director was from here, etc. I got on Netflix and at the bottom of recommended movies, there's a listing of favorites from your home town. I saw a movie called Flyboys and figured it was the same one. I put it on our queue. When we got the movie, I of course thought nothing of the fact that James Franco (Spiderman anyone?), the main character, and Tony Bill, the Oscar-winning director, would obviously not be doing a film that was shown here at Spud Fest. The movie was excellent. Though somewhat graphic as war movies often are, I was intrigued by the story (based on truth) and loved how Franco's character developed. Plus Tyson and I both just recently read a biography about the Wright brothers, so we knew something about the planes they were flying. After the movie I did some searching and realized that what I had read about in the newspaper was actually The Flyboys.
Confusing! How can they have practically the same name? Anyway, that movie is set to come out some time in the fall and the director is from here. It's about two 12-year-olds who end up as stowaways on a plane, rather than a group of Americans who fly planes for the French in World War I. So I laughed. I guess we can enjoy both now!

Growing up

Climbing in... Grant is growing up. He climbs everywhere and gets into everything. He looks like such a big boy! I can't help but feel a little sad about it. Does every mom wish her children would stay young forever?

Jaxon

Introducing baby Jaxon! My brother and sister-in-law had their second baby on Saturday. He is so sweet! He's helping boost the number of boys in the family, because let's face it, girls dominate right now. Here is his proud older sister. And here's the cute family.

Grass!

If you can't tell, that is our grass coming up. The picture is already a week old though! I am slow with blogging. Here's Grant modeling a pair of sunglasses I got for my birthday last week. By the way, thank you to all my family and friends for making it a wonderful day!
This pretty pot is from my mother-in-law. Grant loves it and I have a hard time keeping his hands out of it. I also got a porch swing from my parents and siblings, which I LOVE. It is so relaxing to sit there in the evenings and listen to the sprinklers and watch the sun set. Grant had a great time with the tissue paper. His face cracks me up!



Tyson got me a NetFlix subscription. So far we've enjoyed The Bucket List, and No Reservations is on its way. Any movie suggestions?

While I fix my hair...