Things Don't Always Go As Planned

Actually it seems like life never goes as planned.  Yesterday after I tried to jog to my car and was reminded that I am still healing from a pretty major surgery.  So for the rest of the day I was going to "take it easy".  I took a 2 hour nap, then when Hailee got home from school I had to take her to piano lessons.  Not a difficult task... normally.  Again we get shoes on everyone and into their car seats.  Because this is quite a challenge, Hailee does the majority of our little task.  We decided to all stay at the Erickson's house while Hailee had her lesson, then I wouldn't have to unload and load all the kids again.  Good times, I sat on the porch while they played.  Then Hailee helped get all the kids back in the truck and home we go.  Then I remember, I have an auxiliary training meeting that I need to go to.  Damon isn't home so I make a simple dinner, pancakes, sitter arranged and off to the stake center to meet with my presidency, to carpool together down town.  Here is where my day changes from "take it easy" to "walk a lot".  NOT a good idea.  The training was good and I'm glad we went (even if we did show up 20min. late.  We thought it started at 7, not 6:30pm).  So that is where I again had to remind myself "TAKE IT EASY".  I just wanted to sleep.   My little Phoenix decided otherwise.  She wanted some company, so we brought her into bed with us.  Not such an unusual thing, well until she threw up all over.  Luckily neither Damon nor I were asleep, we moved just in time, but our pillows were not so lucky.   We throw everything into the washer and relocated Phoenix to her crib and we moved to the spare room.  Just as we are about to fall asleep, again we hear our little one.  Change out her bedding and now we are down for the night.  So much for a restful night, it was 2:30am before I got to sleep.

Today has been a very "take it easy" day.  To tell you the truth, I didn't even get dressed until 2pm, and really that was only half-hearted.  But let's be serious... I have 4 children, who need my help, plus my house is seriously looking like a tornado hit.  I can't stand it any more.  I sweep the kitchen, Blake helps with the dustpan.  Hailee unloads and loads the dishwasher.  I make an easy spaghetti dinner.  I really need to sit and i want to cry.  Where is my husband?  Why do I still hurt?  How am I supposed to be a mom when I can't do the simplest task (like my bra- no I'm not wearing one and yes it is almost 7pm).  The kids are fighting, the living room is full of laundry, there are toys everywhere.  uuugh! But right now I am sitting on the couch, typing, because I do as I'm told, I'm taking it easy--- just as I planned.  Some things have to go as planned right?

Don't you hate when you forget.

Today I decided that I can do most of my normal routine.  Kids bathed and breakfast, dressed then play.  I would do a few "easy" chores, then drop the little girls off at a neighbors and take Blake to speech school (my first real errand, by myself, since having surgery), then take it easy the rest of the day.

I guess I forgot how long it takes kids to get their shoes on, or even find them for that matter.  Plus with only having 1 good arm, it makes for a bit of a challenge.  So now we're running late on a simple morning.  I hurry and drop the kids off and run & jump in the car to try and make it to school on time.  Let's just say it was a bad idea to run, an even worse idea to jump off the bottom step of their porch.  It only took 1 step before I was reminded that I had surgery not only on my shoulder.  Stupid idea Jen, remember what everyone has been telling you... "take it easy".  It can be hard to remember not to do certain things when you aren't in constant pain.

We'll I guess I will continue on with my day as planned.  I am going to take a nap with the kiddies, then be lazy the rest of the day.

Cafe Rio copycat

I have tried a number of different recipes for Cafe Rio, but really I have learned you just have to adjust them to the way you like.  Well I finally figured out what my family likes, but how do you convert those recipes to feed 200 people?  And I guess the better question would be, how much meat, rice, beans, lettuce, pico, dressing, chips, sour cream... will 200 people eat?  Another question could be, will you have 50 people or 500 people?  How do you calculate?  I guess we'll figure it out.  Here are the recipes I use if you want them. 

Cafe Rio Recipe- Jen Pearson
Pork-
Pork roast or boneless spare ribs- cut into medium pieces, then boil in water until tender. (30 min)
(about 3 lbs)
1 can Coke
1 1/2 C brown sugar
1 can green chili's
1 can red enchilada sauce
Combine all ingredients, cook over medium heat until meat can be shredded and sauce is thickened.
Chicken-
3lbs Chicken breast
1/2 bottle Kraft zesty italian dressing
1 T Cumin
1 T Chili Powder
2-3 Garlic cloves- minced
Grill chicken with  some zesty italian.  Then combine all ingredients, cook over medium heat until meat can be shredded.
Rice-	Creamy tomatillo dressing-
1:2 -Rice: Chicken broth or water and 1tsp bouillon	1 ranch dressing mix packet
chopped garlic	1 C mayo
juice from 1 lime	1 C buttermilk (I use milk)
	2 chopped tomatillos
Combine and cook rice as usual.	chopped cilantro
	chopped garlic
Stir in:	juice from 2 limes
1 tbsp. sugar
chopped cilantro	Combine all ingredients in blender.
juice from 1 lime	Dressing will thicken in refrigerator.
salt and pepper
	Pico-
Beans-	3/4: diced tomatoes
black or pinto beans	1/4: diced onions
1 tbsp olive oil	chopped garlic
chopped garlic	chopped cilantro
chopped cilantro	lime juice
2 tsp cumin	jalapeno- optional
jalapeno- optional
Drain 1/2 beans, combine all ingredients, cook over medium heat.

For the General Young Women's broadcast, our stake did a mother-daughter dinner in hopes that we would have a great turn-out.  Well to make a long story short.  We had a wonderful evening. Lots of yw, mothers and leaders, plenty of food for all (with some leftovers), plenty of help to set up and clean up, and a wonderful conference with a wonderful spirit.  But a couple things to note... don't make an entire 20lb bag of rice and make sure you keep the churro's warm until ready to eat.

I am so grateful for the gospel in my life, that I can serve others and influence them for good.  I am grateful for the wonderful family that I have, for their love and support.  Also, I am so grateful for all my friends who help keep me on the right path.  Thank you.

Blake Turns 5!

It simply amazes me how fast kids grow, or shall I say grow out of their clothes.  Blake needs all new pants.  I think every single pair is either too short or has holes in the knees.  But no matter, I am so happy for my Blake.  He turned 5, so he got to have a friend birthday party (these only come around every few years).  Sunday was his actual birthday so Daddy "attempted" to make it fun, he made blue German pancakes.  They tasted okay, but it was hard to eat them because they looked like cooked play-dough.

Then Daddy made a delicious cake for after dinner.  Even if you don't have a "party" on your birthday, you still have to party and have cake.  While waiting at the table...

Ryann, Blake, & Hailee



Chocolate swirl cake on his birthday (Mar. 20)

 Then for his party the following Friday.  The kids played games, had a pinata (which was by far the favorite of the afternoon), had hot dogs for dinner, cake and ice cream, and of course presents (Blake's favorite).

Blake trying to hit the moving target.

Damon Kept moving the pinata, so they wouldn't get a good swing and accidentally hit him.



"Hailee, don't hit yourself"



This was fun to make. Amanda- tell your friend thanks for the idea.



Fred, Phoenix, Ryann, Blake, Dakota



Freddy, Joe, Ian, Mason, Blake, Lincoln, Hailee

Kaycee, Hailee, Ryann, Bo, Joe, Fred, Ian, Blake, Lincoln, Mason, Dakota

Did you see?  The holes in Blake's jeans.  I guess that is what we should have got him for his birthday.  Either way, I'm glad he had a great time with all his friends.  Happy Birthday my little Bloke-man, I love you.

My Beautiful Example

Much has happened in the last week and I'm sure it will take me a bit to catch up.  But for today, I will share the example of my beautiful Hailee. 

She has been growing her hair for as long as I can remember, probably longer than she can remember.  "I want my hair to be as long as Tiana's", she would always say.  Then a few months ago she told me that she wanted to cut her hair, maybe she could donate it to someone who needs it. 

Also, for as long as I can remember, my little Hailee wanted to have her hair french-braided into a crown for her baptism.  We decided that we would wait and decide then if she would cut her hair.

Morning of her baptism: hair french-braided as requested,
with her new scriptures from mom and dad.

Well during the "waiting" time to cut her hair, our neighbor, a friend, Izzy Abernethy, was diagnosed with cancer.  Izzy is only 4, she has been sick for awhile with treatments and she even lost her hair (she is so cute with her little peach fuzz).  Hailee could only think of one thing.  After her baptism, she would have her hair cut and donated to Locks of Love, (who helps children who have lost their hair to illness).  She could hardly wait to help little girls like Izzy.  

After a sleepover with a friend, still not brushed.

So excited, yet so nervous.

The longest hair cut is 18in.

Cute hair, funny smerk.

Let's just say, she will be needing a lot less shampoo.  I love her haircut and I think she does too.  She flips her hair constantly and loves looking in the mirror to admire her new look.  The only bad thing, is it makes my baby look so grown up.  But truly she is growing up, growing up an example to all of us.

The Life of a Mother

At times I think life is hard.  I cook and clean just so I can do it again tomorrow.  The laundry and dishes never seem to end, the toys are never put away, the weeds are never pulled, the windows rarely washed.  I can never keep up and just when I think I'm almost there, something else it put on my plate.  I try to be a good mother, wife, friend, neighbor, leader... but when it comes down to it, I always fall a little short.

Then I take a moment... sit down and rest (which I have done a lot lately).  Ponder what is really important in life.  I have a wonderful husband who will be mine for eternity.  He loves me for me, no matter if I fall a little short.  He loves me enough to do anything for me (even help me go to the bathroom when I am broken).  I feel like the luckiest woman alive.   I want to be a better woman not only for me, but for Damon.

I have 4 beautiful children that truly make me happy.  I get to help Hailee with homework, piano, and reading. I get to help Blake with his speech, letters and numbers. I get to help Ryann learn her shapes, colors and of course playing games. I get to help Phoenix walk down the stairs and onto her favorite rocking horse.  Sure there are the not so fun things to teach, like potty training and to not pick mommy's flowers.  But what about the little dirty hands, the happy ice cream faces, the sweet little toes I get to wash in the tub.  These little "frustrations" will grow up soon, they will have lives of their own, and move away one day.  I can't let a single moment pass without making it special. 

I have some of the best friends a girl could ask for.  Especially of late, I realize how wonderful they are.  I have had friends wash my dishes, do my laundry, bathe my children, even do my hair.  They let me cry on their shoulders and they bring me treats when I am down.  They make dinner for my family and play with the kids when I need a break.  I truly believe that friends make life great.  I hope I can be the same kind of friend that they are to me.

Right now in my life I feel so blessed.  I don't necessarily want to say the luckiest, but definitely one of the most blessed.  When I think of the world around us, there is so much devastation and tragedy, so much sadness.  But for me, my little world couldn't be much better.  I am happy.  It is not the things in life that make us happy, it is the people.  I want to thank each of you for making my life great.

You Caught Me

Okay Lacey... you caught me.  I took yesterdays pictures myself.  I was really bored.  I have been stuck at home for days and I think my blog has become my imaginary friend to talk to. 
I really was sitting on the heater playing with the kids.  I just thought it would be fun to show my "imaginary friend" how good of a mom I am, and take pictures of us.  I'm a good mom. (I have to keep telling myself this)
The hardest part was getting up and down to push the timer on the camera, then get back into position. 

I know... it was silly, but it was fun.

Babies Don't Keep

What do you do on a cold morning when you are supposed to be "taking it easy"?
Play with the kids while getting warm sitting on the heater...

and you play on the computer with your scrapbooking software.

World's Best Neighbors

My neighbor called me earlier to see if I needed some dinner brought over.  I told her we were going to just warm up leftovers because the kids were with their aunts.  She then asked if she could come and get some laundry to wash for us.  Same thing, with the kids gone, we don't have much laundry right now.  She then says, she will bring dinner over Monday and get the kids laundry to do for us then.  What can I say?
 
Last Saturday at Hailee's baptism, this same neighbor asked what she could do to help when I had my surgery.  She arranged for her daughter to take the kids the day of surgery and they would make sure they had pleanty to eat for lunch and dinner.  Then she offered to take a day off work to help if I needed it.  I truly am blessed to have this wonderful woman in my life.  Thanks Collett for everything you do for me and my family.  I love you.

It's Quiet, a Little Too Quiet.

My husband has some really great sisters.  Rose, Denise & Veronica were so great to take the kids for the weekend.  I am sure they're all having more fun at the "Aunt Hill", than we are having here.  Actually it has been wonderful.  I can rest and heal without having to worry if my babies are taken care of.  Thanks a ton ladies.  I owe you... big time.

This was taken Christmas Eve when I gave them their robes.
They love to take their robes on every overnighter they go on.

It's Beautiful Outside...

and I'm stuck in the house watching the clock.  I have to keep up on my pain meds or I think I might die.  Okay maybe not die, but it does hurt.  When I first wrecked on my bike, it hurt so bad, I could barely move.  Once I had surgery, I felt great.  I went to Damon's flag football game, then to watch the young women play volleyball that very night. 

Pre-op, ready to get this thing done

Not this time.  I was worried about my hip, but I think my arm is hurting just as bad.  Also, coming out of surgery was a lot more difficult this time.  I was weak, very pale, nauseated, and I just felt terrible.  I'm trying to smile, but really I just feel miserable.

Best part of the whole thing, my sweetheart.  Helping me every step of the way (literally).  He helped me go to the bathroom and helped me as I threw up into the little baggie.  That's what I call true love.  Sadly I have to admit, that it takes these little (gross) things to remind me how lucky I am.  I love Damon and wouldn't trade him for the world.

Damon makes my life great.

Pain, Here I Come

Truck fixed, new dishwasher installed, dishes done, laundry all washed, house is as clean as it's gonna get, bills paid, Blake's hair cut (for reals), my hair highlighted...  I think I'm ready for a bit of pain now.  I'm supposed to be at the hospital at 1:00pm for surgery.  I'm not too worried, a little excited actually.  It has been 6 months since I first wrecked on my bike.  I'm done with the waiting game, hoping that my clavicle will heal.  I get to now go in for a bone graft that should fix it for good.  I guess the part that I am worried about, is everyone tells me that my hip will really hurt, from where they get the bone from. 
Well wish me luck, I'll make sure to get back on as soon as I'm feeling up to writing.

Here's a picture of Blakes hair and my newly highlighted hair.

Blokeman's Spring Haircut

Grow out Blake's hair all winter just for this...

At school today he was so excited to show his teacher and tell her all about it.  I think his mohawk is a bit long.  I'll cut it shorter, but for now he can keep, at least for a little while.

Here is the 2010 version...



What a cute little thing, I think we'll keep him.

A Perfect Day

Eight years ago, I had the best call a mom could ever hope for.  My little Hailee was born 6 weeks early and was expected to stay in the NICU for 5-6 weeks.  My pediatrician called to tell me that my premie baby was ready to come home after staying in the NICU for only 15 days.  What joy to be able to bring your first baby home.  Now eight years later, what a joy to see that little girl be baptized by her daddy.  Two of the most special people in my life, doing the things that our Heavenly Father would have them.  I am so greatful for Hailee and the decision she has made.  I am so greatful for my husband, Damon, to be worthy of the priesthood he holds, to be able to baptize and confirm our daughter.  I love both of you.

 After a very tearful morning, we were able to celebrate with family and friends, and don't forget, plenty of food.  I am so greatful for the wonderful people in our lives, for those who love and support our family, through our ups and downs.  Thank you, we love each of you.

Mary, Chloe, Kailin, Hailee, Blake, Andrea

The perfect day continued...
The kids went to Grandma Pack's house for dinner and a movie, while Damon and I went to dinner and a movie.  We met up with some of the greatest friends for Sheri's Birthday at Texas Roadhouse.  Good times, Good times.  After dinner we all went to see The Adjustment Bureau.  We haven't been to a movie in over a year, and I have to tell you, it was awesome.   Big screen is definitely the way to go. 


Nanny, Lacey, Sheri, Jen - Kevin, Galen, Damon, Rob

 I love being with friends and making memories.  I am so greatful for the friends that we have, and couldn't ask for any better.  I love you guys.  Thanks for the great day!

I actually finished something early

I have a tendency to procrastinate, a lot.  I seem to work better with a little pressure.  I finished a number of the things I assigned myself yesterday, and I finished a couple of things that weren't on the list.  The big project that I finished is Hailee's dress for her baptism.  I still have 2 days, but it's already done.  I guess that would be a good thing since I have a ton of other things to do.  I took pictures of Hailee in her dress last week, for her invites, but it wasn't really finished. 

I took in the sides a bit, to make it a little more fitted and then I finished sewing all the lining.  Hooray for checking something off on the list.  I'll make sure to take plenty of pictures of her wearing it on Saturday, but for now, here it is all finished.  Also, I took a close up to show the fabric.  I think it is really pretty.  It is a pale pink with little glitter sparkles on it.  I think it is really pretty, and it is exactly what Hailee wanted.  "Not white, sparkly, like a princess."

Next items on my agenda, which I am also excited about:

~Making yummy cupcakes for our luncheon after the baptism.  Today I'll bake them, then tomorrow I get to do the fun part, decorating. 

~Registering my little Blake-man for kindergarten.  I can't even believe that he will be going to school this year.  They truly do grow up fast.  I guess that is why we have to make life great everyday.

On your mark, get set....

It seems like there is so much to do, but so little time.  So I need to make it a little game for myself.  If I have a deadline or have to report to someone, I tend to work harder and get things accomplished faster.

First off, let's make a list.  What do I need to do?
Chores of course, they never end.  but lets simplify... Laundry- wash, fold and put away.  Dishes- also, never go away.  Sweep and Mop.  Make beds, and my worst chore ever... Bathrooms.
Bills- Sometimes this can be a stress in my life, but right now, I just procrastinate writing and mailing.
Grocery Shopping- I need to order hoagies for Hailee's baptism, and buy lots of cake mixes to go along with the regular groceries.
Bank- always gotta go to the bank
Car- new windshield, inspection, registration
Feed and Play with the kiddies.  Make sure they are clean and dressed.

I think that is plenty to start with, as I get things done, there will surely be more things added.  But lets make sure we have fun in the process.  I will be sure to put on some tunes.

I do have to make note that today is Dr. Suess' Birthday.  At school to celebrate the kids get to wear crazy socks and do their hair crazy.  So here are a few pictures of my little Hailee, ready for school.

Sometimes I wish they actually did give prizes for the best hair and socks.  Hailee would win every time.

On your mark, get set, Go... make it happen, because, no one else will do it for you.