Cupcakes for Dinner?!?!?

With inspiration from one of my best friends/old roommates Heidi we decided to make April Fools day a little more memorable. I planned a dinner of meatloaf and cornbread with pudding for dessert. The kids were excited to play a "trick" on daddy as we were preparing the food. they watched me prepare the whole thing and were especially excited to when we set the table and the saw the "cupcakes."

Even though they had helped me make the meatloaf and watched me color the mashed potatoes blue, They couldn't believe that Mommy was actually letting them have cupcakes for dinner.

When Cameron got home he was a bit surprised too, but quickly became skeptical when the kids yelled happy April fools day.

They couldn't wait to get everyone seated to try out these cupcakes and that's when the fun ended. Katelyn licked the blue "frosting" and said "mommy, these taste kinda yucky" Dallin looked up with confusion and said, "these taste like... like... tatoes?" and they refused to take another bite. Dallin's favorite food is patatoes but the disappointment that the cupcakes weren't cupcakes at all was too great. and the meal went unappreciated as is often the case. I would just like to reinforce that the kids helped me make dinner, this should not have been a surprise.

Grant didn't care what it was suppose to be, he loved them, ate them, and wanted more.

Everyone loved dessert of course.

celebrating a rainy day

When Summer weather starts settling in by mid February we celebrate the cool days, especially if they involve rain or at the very least, sprinkling. Last week we encountered one such day and the kids begged me to take them out with the umbrellas. by the time we got out there it had stopped raining but the kids insisted on running around with their umbrellas just long enough to snap a few pictures, and then we realized we were too cold to have fun and we went back upstairs for a warm bath.

Grant was especially cold, He was the one that made me realize that perhaps it was too cold for shorts and sandals.

Katelyn refuses to take a cute picture, any cute picture This one is completely unintentional on her part.


Dallin is very serious as he heads down stairs with his umbrella

A visit from Grandma Net

My mom came to celebrate Match day with us and stayed for the weekend. we don't get to see her much so we kept her pretty busy.

Friday we went to the temple, (Thank you Carrie for babysitting!)

Saturday we spent at the zoo.

and Sunday was of course church, Katelyn was in an especially uncooperative mood.

Temple Texas here we come

That's right, Cameron matched in Temple Texas doing radiology. so we need to start practicing our "howdys" and Y'alls" Cameron fell in love with Temple when he went for his interview in January. and where is Temple you might ask? it's about an hour north of Austin TX, more or less right in the middle of TX. the current population is a little over 60,000. Temple is home to more physicians per capita than any other community in the nation. ... pretty impressive huh, are we are going to add to that number... sort of, I"m sure residents will be leaving, so actually we are keep that number alive.

I am a bit bummed to be leaving family and friends. We have loved living in Tampa, we love being close to family and we love the friends we have made here.
we will be moving sometime in June. if you know anyone from that area let me know, I have a million questions to ask.

some pictures from Match Day.

Grant and Cameron enjoying some after "match" relief.

Dallin with Great Grandpa Bennett

it's been a busy week for us, we've had swim lessons,

Dallin refuses to even touch the water, but we take him every time and try to encourage him. he sits on the edge of the pool and cries or glares.

It's so tempting to just toss him in the water, but I restrain myself.

Katelyn on the other hand is actually swimming by herself.

she loves it. she would have us go swimming everyday if we would.

she likes to wear the little "bubble" because everyone else in her class wears one even though she doesn't need it and she always swims terribly after she's had one on.

Grant is kept a save distance from the pool in the YMCA nursery, completely oblivious to the fact that he could be having fun in the pool.

I stubbed my toe on Tuesday, my little pinkie toe and it hurts, I have a bruise that goes all the way around it like a toe ring, it would be cute if it didn't hurt so much.
hum what else happened this week.... oh yeah, I went to Joann's and bought some supper cute fabric to make an Easter dress for Katelyn and a skirt for me, I'm so in love with it.

we are teaching the young women to sew, we are making aprons, some of them are good and others have never seen a sewing machine in action. it's fun though. it has rekindled my love for sewing so I'm spending a lot of time trying to sew, it slow going because my kids would love to be in the middle of it and try their darnedest to "help" so I have to try and distract them with something, then sneak into my room to sew a bit then after they wonder back there again I have to distract them again, it keeps me busy and at the end of the day I haven't accomplished much, but hey, that's ok I'm still enjoying life.

Katelyn and Dallin have been so cute playing together this week, they have this game that they play where they pretend they are going to different places together, mostly made up places, they pack all their toys into their back packs and go to a room in the house, unload the bags and set up a cavalry of toys then move to another room to set up more toys, it's funny to watch them interact with each other, they play well together and completely destroy the house in the process.

Grant is in a funny stage, he loves to wave to things, sometimes he waves to people but he especially loves waving to dogs and birds. Ducks are his favorite. he loves dogs, we were at the playground yesterday and he caught sight of a dog and starts running as fast as he can, waving his arms wildly calling to the dog as loud as he can, personally I think it would be a terrifying sight for a dog but he stood there and received his pats like a good dog. the owner suggested that Grant might need a dog of his own, I don't see that happening anytime soon though, so for now he will just have to terrorize everyone elses dogs.

Cameron is in a busy rotation, he is up and out the door by 6am which also happens to be the hour the kids have been waking up for me...coincidence? I don't think so...

bad hair day, a family affair.

(I don't particularly like this picture but it's the only one I have that shows how curly my hair has become. )

you might think this is another post about my hair, and how out of control it has gotten and you might be right if I had posted this yesterday when I tried all two of my hair styles and decided to go with a wig to stake conference. Cameron's solution to this problem... "why don't you wear a hat?"


but it's today and we have a whole other set of hair problems in this family,
each of my kids is in dyer need of a haircut so since I've been playing hair salon since preschool I didn't think twice about popping a lollypop in Grant's mouth and plopping him down in the bathroom sink for a quick cut, unfortunately despite the lollypop he was not thrilled about that and kept jerking his head away from me and push my hand away. and to make matters worse the clippers had a mind of their own and only worked when I held them at a certain angle, making hair cutting a bit tricky to say the least, no matter, I almost got most of the back done and decide this kid needs some more distraction, so I plop him in the bathtub to finish the job, to make a long story a bit shorter, the job never got finished before I moved on to child haircut number two.

Dallin noticing the distribution of lollypops gladly signs up for the next hair cut, he was sure to be easier, he holds still... sometimes. and he did, mostly, that is for the first 2 minutes until the clippers malfunctioned again, this time not working more then working, so another kid is plopped in the bathtub to finish the job, Dallin, not being too keen on the idea of scissors scoots himself to the other end of the bathtub as far away from me as possible making it incredibly hard to do a good job.

Katelyn was the next victim, she consented only after receiving the lollypop and great reassurance that I would only cut 2 or 3 inches off, and I wouldn't shave her head bald. I decided to start Katelyn in the bathtub because she still had yesterdays, slept on hairdo and there is no way I can brush that bad boy out without conditioner. after attempting a few random snips, I realize this is much too difficult in the bathtub, trying to get lower then she is to cut her hair straight, so I give up, and pull it into a cute ponytail.

so yes, in one morning I have managed to butcher three heads of hair and I didn't take a single picture, but don't worry we are going to the zoo tomorrow and the only way I will have time to fix it before we go is if the kids wake up at 6am... like they did every morning last week.. yes in deed that would be the very week after the time change... crazy kids.

Match Maker, Match Maker, Make me a Match!

Cameron found out at noon today that he has indeed matched! Those of you who are unaware, or completely confused about how this whole process works you're not alone.

4th year medical students interview at different residency programs from November to January, the students pay for everything, airline tickets, hotels, car rentals etc. Cameron had 12 interviews. after the interviews are finished the student rank the programs and the programs rank the students. those lists are sent to a computer system that matches the student to the residency program based on the ranking. and that's where you go period, no questions asked. The Monday before match day each student receives an email telling them if they have ranked or not. if you've ranked you just sit and wait until Thursday to find out where, if you haven't matched you do what's called a "scramble" I'm not sure if that's the official term, but basically you get a list of the programs that have openings and you frantically call or email trying to get into an open program. then on match day all the 4th years and their families meet at a restaurant and at noon one by one they go up to a podium and are handed an envelope they open it and tell everyone where they will be going for residency. so stayed tuned to find out where we will spend the next 5 or 6 years...

Modest is HOTTEST!

My miamaids are in charge of the midweek activities this month for Young Womens, so we decided to plan a modest is hottest night. We invited the girls to bring clothes that they have made modest by either adding a layer or sewing on sleeves or whatever. Then we had a fashion show. It turned out to be so fun.

Cherry and Kelsey on the catwalk

Sister Grow and Alex getting ready to Stuart their stuff.

our DJs sister Johnson and sister Williams

Amy and Diane, doing a final pose.

A Doggie Day

Now that I am finished with radiation and can admit that I am trying to lose weight we have been making our appearance at the gym again, this morning it didn't happen, I had planned on it, I even got my gym clothes on, and the kids had their shoes on. That's how serious I was, until I sat down to check my email, and then check out some blogs, then work on a project on the computer, and then i wanted to finish this beading project I'm working on. The kids were playing so nicely and next thing I knew it was lunch time, and much too late to go to the gym and get naps in, so I attempted to do a Pilates DVD and that lasted 6 minutes and ended because all of my kids were "excercising" with me and somehow managed to maneuver themselves so they were actually on top of me, , I know resistance training right?

While I was making lunch the kids decided to play dog. Katelyn wanted to be the dog and Dallin be her little boy and Dallin wanted to be the Daddy doggie and Katelyn be the mommy doggy and Grant be the baby dog, so after some debate that's what they agreed to do. it was so cute, we ate a doggie dinner, on the floor with water dishes and all. I think that makes up for not going to the gym, don't you?

Grant really wanted to get down and eat on the floor with the others, he just didn't want to revert to crawling again, so that was as close as he got and then I gave him his "doggie dinner at the table.

When I asked for a doggie face this is what I got. they aren't exposed to too many dogs.

Dallin, attempting to roll over, I think.

Katelyn with her "water dish"

my excuse for not going to the gym is my kids runny nose, and here is the proof, Gross huh?

All Done!

I am officially finished with cancer treatments. It's gone fast huh? at least that's what everyone tells me... Friday was my last round of radiation. over all it went well. I never did get that sunburn effect everyone warned me about, and I was ready for it too, three different super intense lotions that don't smell that great and aloe vera to boot. I do have a spot under my arm that is tender. but it's a small spot and will not need a whole bottle of aloe vera, so I guess I'm good. . my skin did turn red, in fact I have a big red box that covers that entire side of my chest.

the appointments themselves went well, thankfully each appointment was short, sometimes very short, the part that made it long was dropping off and picking up my kids from various babysitters and the fact that the Moffitt is 40 minutes away from my house. if we hadn't moved over a year ago it would have been 3 minutes away, but then we wouldn't have free rent, I guess those are just some of the choices you make.

The radiation itself went fast, most days I would sit down open a magazine and they would call me back, have me change into one of those oh so flattering gowns that every hospital sports, and lay down on an adjustable table where they would spent 10 minutes tugging and pulling on a sheet under me until my tattoos were lined perfectly with the light beams, then they would leave the room while I received the radiation, which was a lot like getting an X-Ray, I felt nothing, and I didn't even glow afterwards, I checked. and that's it. I was done, it took longer waiting for Valet to return my car then it does for the actual appointment. and that's how it went everyday for five weeks. and now I'm done.

Not on my watch

Dallin has found a new love in the kitchen, he loves to cook, loves it, and wants to do it all the time, it doesn't matter what we are making he wants to be part of it. so Cameron and the kids were going to make some dinner, Katelyn soon lost interest so she and I went to go do something while the boys finished up. Later as I was downloading the pictures from our camera I discovered these shots.

Yes in deed that is a HUGE, sharp completely dangerous real actual knife.

and yes he is indeed cutting carrots with this knife. Carrots? seriously? I suppose if he were cutting something easier then carrots he wouldn't need a knife bigger then his arm, but seriously?

Thankfully he survived with all fingers and toes attached. next time I'll send Cameron to hang out with Katelyn and I'll so the supervising in the kitchen. who know maybe these cooking experience will turn him into a great chief. I would still rather he reach his third birthday before using those kind of tools.

Happy Valentine's Day

We realize that this type of letter is generally sent out with Christmas cards, and indeed we had this written before Christmas, that is everything but the last paragraph. So we’ve updated it in time for Valentine’s day.

Elisabeth has had a crazy year, she was minding her own business doing usual mother things: cooking, cleaning, making hair bows, playing with her 3 kids, taking trips to the library and playgroups and going to the YMCA to exercise everyday, when in late June she was diagnosed with stage 3, grade 3, triple hormone negative, invasive ductal carcmoma. Or in other words breast cancer. She has since gone through chemo therapy, and has had surgery; she is currently doing radiation and has been a trooper though it all. She rarely complains and manages to remain positive and happy through it all.

If you talk to Cameron and ask “what’s up”, he is likely to say, “nothing. Same old, same old…” This is not exactly true. Besides the craziness mentioned above, He is also almost finished with medical school and has applied to do a 5 year residency in radiology. He has had interviews in Jacksonville FL, Mobil Alabama, Phoenix AZ, Albuquerque NM, Knoxville TN and Richmond VA, Houston and Temple TX, and Miami, Tampa and Gainesville FL. To say the least he has been out of town a lot. He will turn in his rank list the end of this month and we find out March 19th where we will be spending the next five years of our exciting life.

Katelyn is a sweet charming 4 year old. She loves everything princess, pink and beautiful. She is terrified of haircuts, I think she worries that mommy wants to cut her hair to be bald, so they can be the same. She has recently discovered Spanish Disney princess music and sings along to “Besala” (Kiss the Girl). She is a little mommy. She loves taking care of her baby dolls and younger brothers. Unfortunately little brothers aren’t always as cooperative as baby dolls and has, on occasion turned to Grant and in an exasperated voice said, “you are driving me Crazy!” (where did she hear that one?) she loves to dance and sing. She is into rhyming but doesn’t quite have it. She loves to come to us and say “watch this, Piiink, Dreeeam! They’re the same.” The proper response to that is, “Yep, they both have the long E sound huh?”

Dallin is a cheerful, excited, smart two and a half year old and is greatly influenced by his older sister. He this year requested a Pink Spiderman for Christmas, I’m not sure there is a big market for those. But if you find one let me know. Or you may want to keep it for yourself as I’m sure it will be a collector’s item. He has recently developed a fascination with “bad guys” which includes any toy that looks scary. He has also developed a deep, loud, nasally; sing song voice that he uses any time he plays. It reminds Cameron of Dumb and Dumber where Jim Carrey says “do you want to hear the most annoying sound in the world? Naaheahh” imagine that sound ALL DAY. Dallin is our most cuddly child, if he could have his way mommy and daddy would do nothing but hold him everyday, including holidays. He gives the best compliments. We often find him telling Katelyn that she has pretty hair or mommy that she looks beautiful.

Grant is a cute, happy, and excited about life one year old. He has recently joined us in the world of the walking. He has traded his speedy crawl (I’m telling you this kid could crawl faster then most kids can run.) for a much slower, unsteady penguin walk. Every now and then he tries to go turbo speed with walking….it’s frightening. Now that he can walk like the “big kids” he also feels that he can and should be able to do everything else they do. including eating with a spoon drinking with a big cup, and brushing his teeth by himself, in fact his favorite companion is a toothbrush, not a day goes by where he isn’t found trotting around with one in his hand, and he’s not picky about whose it is or where it gets left either. He does all of his communications by way of point and grunt and when that doesn’t get him what he wants he has been known to dramatically throw himself on the floor and have a full out tantrum, fake cries and all. Unfortunately for him Katelyn introduced us to that a while ago and so has lost its shock factor. Come to think of it, each year seems to reduce the shock value of so many wonderful kid behaviors….except for Dallin’s constant noise.

So that’s us in a nut shell, We love you and hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day…. That is if it hasn’t already come and gone before we actually get it sent off… Just to be safe, Happy St. Patrick’s Day too.

Two Princesses, a pajama baby and spiderman

Katelyn's best friend Emily came over to play at our house yesterday. although my kids have been to Emily's house countless time this was the first time Emily had come to our house and stayed. usually she is with her mom dropping something off. we had a great time hanging out with her.

we started off with a little "tea" party. Grant was thrilled to be a part of the fun. in fact after this he refused to sit in his high chair all day. Grant has been a bit under the weather the past few days, so yes in deed those are his PJ's... for the record he is feeling much better.

Next we broke out the play dough. The kids had a great time creating funny looking animals and "cookies" Thankfully most of the cookies went uneaten.

after that we turned on the music and before long the princesses came out in full bloom completely accessorised.

Dallin wasn't about to be left out and went searching for his "prince" outfit. (it's actually a pirate costume, but we would appreciate it if you didn't let him know...) unfortunately, the prince costume was no where to be found. but have no fear for Spiderman and Super Underwear Boy appeared in his place.

A day such as this wouldn't be complete without Dallin's classic "Cheese"