Our Stewart Ship

White Friday - Nov 24, 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Sybrina) — Mon, 22 May 2023 17:53:00 +0000

What a JOY it was to wait our turn to do ordinance work at the temple this White Friday. The Provo City Center temple was busy! The temple worker said they were afraid no one would come, ha! Such a special time seeing Kaden experience this for the first time!

Damon's "birthday cake" -Nov 8, 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Sybrina) — Mon, 22 May 2023 16:47:00 +0000

Damon's "birthday cake" about ready to go in the oven! #birthdayweek. #posthalloween #enoughsugar

Some Memories from our BYU days

noreply@blogger.com (Sybrina) — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 02:32:00 +0000

Tunnel Singing -I did this often

Mormon Swear Word Euphemisms- What do you think?

noreply@blogger.com (Sybrina) — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 23:16:00 +0000

If you've lived in or even driven in Utah, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about....

"Fetch" "Flip" "Heck" "Fudge" and so on...

I heard once when we'd first moved to Provo that the Stake Presidency had counseled the youth to refrain from using such euphemeisms or substitute swear words. In my opinion, I say it's about time! I totally agree with the Stake Presidency. These words have always bothered me. But, being that they're so prevalent, I even catch myself slipping and using one or two (like in a recent facebook update -oops). Although they seem like innocent and ridiculous nonsense words, they are in reality pretty much insinuating the same thing as the harsher word (although refraining to say the actual word).

We have been teaching our kids not to use these substitute swear words- and that's just us. They're especially not allowed to say "Oh ,my Gosh." In fact, it's kind of funny, but when they hear other kids say that, they totally think they heard a swear word. Same with the word, "Stupid". It's hilarious how many Disney cartoons our kids have shockingly pointed at and said, "Oh!!! He said a swear word!"

Frankly, I think we need to start teaching the youth of today to live and speak with higher standards.

The thing is, Damon and I were just talking about it, but we ALL probably do it... Words like "Shoot!" "Dang!" etc. It's funny how common it is, when you stop and try to just carry on a normal conversation without doing it! It sort of reminds me of when I was a teenager and used to say, "Like" and "Totally" ALL THE TIME. I vividly remember exactly where I was sitting when my Dad was listening to me talk on the phone once and would grunt every time I would say "Totally". Talk about annoying! ...But, I confess he was right, it was a habit I needed to be aware of (probably still do), and perhaps with the swear word euphemisms this is also a habit we could improve on. Maybe Damon and I will see who gets the lowest score by the end of the week, and the loser has to clean Captain's next big catch?

Anyhoo....probably not a deal killer in terms of whether or not you'll be able to get into the Celestial Kingdom...

So, what do you think? Do I just have way too much time to think about stuff?

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with Donald

noreply@blogger.com (Sybrina) — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 23:13:00 +0000

One of my favorite childhood memories is building club houses. Mr K and Miss M make it a DAILY event to build a clubhouse somewhere in the house. I thought it was cute how Mr K brought Donald and Mickey to his club house while watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Service List

noreply@blogger.com (Sybrina) — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 23:04:00 +0000

Kids sharing candy with others-no trade required.
Captain giving up his vanilla shake for M, then M returning the favor and giving it back to him
M hugging K when he got hurt
B picking up K's toys
The friend who shared a treat when Mr K was hungry
Daddy makes the bed for me every morning
Daddy put all the laundry away last week
Daddy took all the garbage out tonight- before even leaving town
B doing Mr K's buckle

Captin and his jornal.

noreply@blogger.com (It's all about the "Crew") — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 23:03:00 +0000

Captin wrote in his jornal at school for a long time.He brought it home one day and wrote to 1009!.At the end of his book he is going to write to next book.

This was Captain's post he must have written himself, which I found in the drafts of my blog years later. What is funny about this is that we later went to parent teacher conferences and discovered that he had been using his writing time in his journal to write numbers instead of journal entries. Still can'teleive he got away with that to 1009!!!

"It's a Good Thing" -My favorite things

noreply@blogger.com (It's all about the "Crew") — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 22:57:00 +0000

Raspberries, Raspberry shakes, Raspberry sticks, Raspberry anything really, Jello, a clean house, diamond stud earrings, hot showers, hot baths, clean romantic comedies, parties, shopping for anything but groceries, adult sized swings, swimming, the beach, wave runners, ice blocking, dishes, shoes, the scent of orange blossoms, Eternity, trees, thunder and lightening storms, tall tulips, irises, german chocolate bars with the pop rocks in them, hazelnut gourmet cocoa, strawberry cheesecsake icecream, nuts about berries salad from Zupas, lettuce in general, gardening, the smell of tomatoe plants, butter and salt on just about anything, homemade rolls, a good steak, capris, going for walks along the river, sunsets, nice dreams, juice, honey wheat thins, sconces, slurpees, yogurt, almonds, vacuuming the kitchen with the hose vac, mail, gummies, strawberries, cats, bunnies, rainbows, windows, jewelry, burts bees chapstick, campfires, hiking, quiet, family get togethers,

Windex for killing flies -it immobilizes them, and you can easily wipe off the window with what you sprayed him with.

Half sheets of paper towel -I rarely need a full sheet.

Captain's day at school

noreply@blogger.com (It's all about the "Crew") — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 22:55:00 +0000

i went to school. and i got to were my costume to school. it was fun. i was a vampire. first we read books. then when you come to sit . you needed to say what you are.

Pranks to Play on Your Kids

noreply@blogger.com (It's all about the "Crew") — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 22:54:00 +0000

Bore into an apple and stuff a gummy worm inside. Send it to school in your kid's lunchbox.
• Alien milk. If your kids eat cereal for breakfast, put a few drops of food coloring - green is especially good - into the milk carton.
• Musical beds. The night before April Fools' Day, after the kids are asleep, sneak into their rooms and switch them. Gently carry them into a sibling's room and put them in that bed. Warning: Your 10-year-old son might be miffed about waking up in his sister's Barbie sheets.
• Stiff drink. Make Jell-O as directed on the package and pour into drinking glasses. Place a plastic straw in each and put in refrigerator to set. Orange Jell-O looks most like iced tea - float a lemon wedge in it; raspberry and strawberry look like fruit punch. This concept also works with mugs of hot chocolate - or what looks like mugs of hot chocolate. Freeze the milk mixed with chocolate instead.
• Sweet "grilled cheese." Cut pound cake into breadlike slices and toast in a toaster oven just until brown. Let cool. Stack two slices and cut diagonally. Tint frosting with yellow and red food coloring to create a shade of orange that resembles American cheese. Carefully spread frosting between slices of cake. Gently press down so frosting oozes out to look like melted cheese.
• Fun with underwear. Lay a half-dozen pairs of underwear side-by-side on a table. Use a needle and threat to sew them together, using just a few stitches at the side seam of the waistband. Neatly fold and replace in drawer.
• Time warp. Set all the clocks ahead by an hour. A little later than usual - according to the clocks - get the kids up and rush them to get ready for school. No time for breakfast. As you push them out the front door, yell "April Fools!" To make it up to them, take them to IHOP for pancakes before school.
• Make meatloaf cupcakes. Make meatloaf as usual but shape into a muffin tin. Put cooked meatloaf into foil baking cups. Make mashed potatoes and color with food coloring - pink and blue look best. Spread a dollop on each cupcake and serve.
• Super glue coins to the sidewalk out front and watch the neighborhood kids try to pry them up.
• Wrap a rubber band around the handle on the kitchen sink's sprayer so it is stuck on. Aim the nozzle so that it sprays anyone who turns on the faucet. Be sure to let your spouse in on this one.
Ah, the sweet sound of your kids yelling, "Very funny, Mom!" But be prepared. Your kids are likely to strike back.

You Made a Difference

noreply@blogger.com (It's all about the "Crew") — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 22:25:00 +0000

Maybe it was you, maybe it wasn't, but YOU have made a profound difference. If not in my life, in the life of another's. So, I wanted to take this moment to thank all of you out there who have done these things -or things similar. And, even if it wasn't YOU, maybe it will inspire you as it has inspired me to live a little better and to glorify God who inspires all men to do good.

ONE of the most influential people in my life I never talk to, am not related to, and have never seen since. This person sat down with us when we were first married and sincerely inquired about our lives, our future, and what our plans were. He expressed great admiration and confidence in us- almost knowing. It was so nice to hear someone express such personal interest in our future. But, finally after inquiring back, we came to learn that the very man we communicated with had experienced amazing things, had foregone tremendous financial success for spiritual opportunities, and had let humility take charge of his life. Thus, it was even more incredible to me, to feel so sincerely admired by one so much more admirable. Thank YOU for teaching me true sincerity and humility.

Likewise, there are many others who have made a similar difference in who I've become. They probably don't even realize they did these things. That is just who they are.

I'll never forget what YOU said as we hugged goodbye, "Remember, you are happiest when you are serving others." You were right. I sensed a great spirituality in you then, and still do today. You are a true example to me of honoring our commitments and living how we should, despite the inconvenience. Thank you for taking the time to share your vision of my potential.

YOU bring sunshine whenever you enter a room. You teach me to love and laugh and smile a lot. You always try to do the right thing and have a powerful spirit with you. I am glad you're here- to show me the brighter way. You were definitely sent here to teach me.

It meant so much that you offered to sing with me that day. I think that was something I feared the most -having to sing alone. You will probably never know how relieved I was to have you there. And, I feel that I am much stronger and confident now -and part of that is because of YOU. Thanks for just being there, and especially for using your talent to help me.

You seemed to always direct your lessons to me. The way you smiled and looked my way, used my name, invited me to participate. You made me feel important in your eyes. You gave me confidence in who I was and in crucial decisions I was making. Thank YOU for giving me the confidence to be what you taught me to be.

YOU are probably many, but I don't know for sure. You made a few Christmases so special for our family-we really felt the true spirit of giving because of your generosity. It is so humbling to be on the receiving end, but I know that there is a time to give and a time to receive. We will all remember what was done to us, to do in return.

Every day you sacrificed for me. You could have done other things. But, you were there for me. EVERY DAY! You still are. You've listened, you've comforted, you've laughed, you've encouraged. You did it ALL. And, no one knows me better than you. Thank you for taking all the time you have for me. Thank YOU for your love.

Maybe you remember, it was the hardest experience of my adolescent life, and you told me, "Cast your net on the other side of the boat." It was the best advice you ever gave me. I also loved how you often admired me in my newest gown and said, "You look nice, but remember it is the girl inside who matters the most." It wasn't what I wanted to hear at the time. But, looking back, you were great on advice and still are! Thanks for teaching me- always teaching. Those lessons have given me so much more faith and understanding of the bigger picture.

You didn't even know it, but I had just gone through major heartache. Suddenly, there you were by my side to help lighten the load. How blind was I that this was more than just being nice. Thank you for being the only one I never had to chase, who courageously took that chance on me. I am eternally grateful for your courage and incredible dedication!

I don't even know you and you don't know me. But, you are one of many who has been sensitive to my plight to get through that grocery store line faster. You are so thoughtful. I won't forget you.

I originally imagined you and I were so different from each other, that I could never keep a friendship with you. But, you have become one of my very best friends. Thank you for being the listening ear, the friend I can laugh with (and at), and the one who I have learned so much from! You have taught me that differences are the sprinkles of life, and to remember to love myself. And, actually, we are more alike than I ever imagined. I've always needed a friend like you.

And finally, to YOU. You know who you are for sure. Thank you for what you did. I will be forever grateful for your very personal and gentle love and kindness to me. You are truly my best friend.

Our Favortite Tricks!

noreply@blogger.com (It's all about the "Crew") — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 22:21:00 +0000

Kids Meals at restaurants are for special occasions in our family. So, on road trips and such, here is one of our favorite ways to cuts costs- At Wendy's, you can buy side salads and chicken nuggets. So, we make chicken salads for our kids! They love it! We love Wendy's! Plus, when you do get Kid's meals there- they come with frosties!

I freeze my SOS pads in a little sandwich bag after their first use- thaw them in warm water, and they are good to go a second time! No more rusty SOS pads on the back of the sink!

We love Cascade Complete, but it is sure expensive. So, we buy two boxes of detergent, and use a little of the regular and a little of the good stuff!

I just shredded and froze all my zucchini in 2 cup portions! That is the exact amount needed per zucchini bread recipe. Use the juice and all! And, it is also a great mix in to stretch and add even more nutrition to spaghetti sauce and other dishes!

It finally occurred to me, that using place mats will cut down the amount of time I have to spend scrubbing the table off. Love em!

Tide Pens! Keep one in my diaper bag because Mr. K loves to color -ME and himself! Takes off crayon well.

Laundry done in a day- I wash it all through the day and we fold everything together after the kids go down Monday nights after FHE and watch our favorite old TV shows. No more doing laundry till the next week! (Probably won't work as well with infants in the house).

Kitchen shears for cutting practically everything that needs to be cut.

Slicing lots of apples? Use the melon baller for coring an apple It's super quick!

Instead of buying fruit or pudding cups, buy the mini Gladware and put your own things in school lunches- home made fruit salads, jello, puddings, salad dressings for dipping vegies, caramel for dipping apples.

For the winter season, put warm foods or hot cocoa in their lunch!

Also, keep you whole family healthy by including a little hand sanitizer in their lunch.

Label the shelves of your kitchen cabinets and your husband will have no excuse for not knowing where to put things away!

Tell them the ice cream man is the pizza man- you'll have much less begging! Side note- when is he ever going to get a new song!???

After dinner, have the kids do their jobs- everyone working together while you clean the table. Miss M. washed the table off. Captain takes all the garbages out. Bonus- they will all be empty the next day. Mr. K likes to help unload the dish washer (dirty or clean -hee, hee).

Feed unused dinner water to the plants!

Last the best of all the game.....If you don't want to do it- make the kids do it! :)

LOVE THE MOMENT

noreply@blogger.com (It's all about the "Crew") — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 22:14:00 +0000

Why is it that nearly everything makes me want to cry? I am just sort of emotional lately? It's kind of silly, really -or I wouldn't share it. Mostly I just want to be alone. I'm not depressed. It's not that. And, I'm not really sure why. Watching the Olympic puts a big lump in my throat. I love the inspirational stories they tell, and some of the reporters just have an amazing way of helping you really internalize how incredible these athletes are. But, that's not it. The Olympics has always affected me that way. Random things are setting me off, too. And, i can't really pinpoint when it will happen, either. Anyway. But, over all it has made me take a deeper look at what I am doing as a mother- how I spend my time, how I feel in my heart during various interactions with my children, and where this is all taking me eternally. I think a lot about it in terms of my friends, as well. I put a lot of effort into this blog. It is afterall, a record of our stewardship. And, I don't regret spending time here and there on it. But, i am more and more conscious of the progress I am making in other areas of my life. Seeing how my time is spent, and what goals are actually getting accomplished- all these things have been weighing heavily on my mind.

I knew with Damon gone (He's in Minnesota for a few days), it was going to be the opposite of what I was yearning for- at least until the end of each day -So, I resolved to try especially hard to make the days more special for the kids. Well and for me. Sunday night as I was especially emotional, I happened to read over Nephi's well known response to the work he'd been asked to do, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." And, that triggered in my mind President Hinckley's father's advice to him while struggling on his mission, "Forget yourself and go to work." Then, while I was out and about today, I spotted this sign that said, "Love the Moment" and I've thought I should go back and get it for our home as a reminder.

Today- I took NO pictures, and tried harder to LOVE THE MOMENT! I didn't do everything just for them. Some of the things we did had selfish motives, too. But, I tried so hard to make it enjoyable for them.

Here's what we did today-

Woke up early, served oatmeal/ wheat berries for breakfast. Exercised hard for 15 minutes on the rebounder after Miss M started on a learning game on the computer. Got Mr K breakfast -he's the late riser. Got, K a bath -he stunk. Checked email. Put away most of the clothes from yesterday (laundry day), and folded the last batch we were to tired to do last night. Still need to put those away- maybe tomorrow. Dressed the crew for the day, did hair. Got myself ready. Loaded the kids in the van, loaded the bikes in the van -went to the churhc to ride bikes for a while. You'd think with our huge long driveway we coudl just stay home. But, it is fun to have the whole parking lot, I guess. Came home for lunch -spaghetti. Loaded the dishwasher, started the cycle. Loaded the kids to head out to do errands. We went to FYE and bought 3 CDs I"ve wanted for a while, books for them (one each), a movie for tonight, and a movie I've wanted for a while- just for me (maybe tomorrow night?). Miss M and Mr K were getting quite cranky and Mr K was lying on the floor of at one point. So, I decided groceries would have to wait till after nap time. Miss M took a nap. Mr K did not. Oh, well. Meanwhile, I caught up on the latest with my Mom, and then briefly chatted with Mom S. I woke Miss M up an hour later, and her friend stopped over to play. I sat with them to play a game -encouraging team work and taking turns -as there were suddenly more people than could play. I went to work shredding zucchini to freeze, made dinner, and then went out for groceries. I'd promised them movie night, and that they could invite their two friends over. Movie night turned into ice cream as well, since we found bubble gum flavor. It's their absolute favorite- I had no idea it was sold in stores. So, I indulged them this one time thereafter being known as the "Nicest Mom in the Whole World!"

Pensive

noreply@blogger.com (It's all about the "Crew") — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 22:08:00 +0000

Lately, I've become more pensive. A few things have made me become a little more introverted in the way I am doing things as a mother. I am setting new goals, and trying to be better -because honestly I don't feel like I am half as good as I make myself look. Recently, on one of those emotional days, I saw a plaque in a store. I was tempted to buy it. There are so many I would love to buy and hang on my walls. And, though my walls go up higher than most, I still don't have room for them all. Here's a few of quotes I would hang.

1. Love the moment.
2. Forget yourself and go to work.
I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them, that they may accomplish the thing which he hath given them.
3. Timeless Words- Words of a Prophet
4. Have I done any good in the world today?
5. CHARITY -suffereth long, is kind, envieth not, is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things
6. Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the reality of how much you already have.7. Witch parking (just for fun for inside the garage)8. The Glory of God is Intelligence.9. CHRIST center of our home, guest at every table, listener of each conversation
(This one I do have)10. “Humility is like underwear, essential, but indecent if it shows”
Wash out your ego every once in a while, as cleanliness is next to godliness not just in body but in humility as well.
11. If you can't take it with you, don't stress over it so much.

A Piano or a Sound System?

noreply@blogger.com (It's all about the "Crew") — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 22:06:00 +0000

We are absolutely so excited! We finally got our first piano -digital! It is a fulfillment of my life long wish to have a piano in our home. Anyone who knew me growing up, knows I was raised with piano. I have wonderful memories as young kids singing around the piano while Dad played honky tonk style,

Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worries on the door step
Just direct your feet
To the Sunny side of the street.

Can't you hear that pitter pat.
And that happy tune is your step
Gold flecks at your feet
On the sunny side of the street

I used to walk in the shade
With those blues on parade
But I'm not afraid
This rover, cross over...

Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worries on the door step
Just direct your feet
To the sunny side, the sunny side of the street!

My dad's a piano tuner. When he was restoring pianos, we always had at least a couple pianos around. When I was young, I loved to de-stress by limbering up my fingers on the ivories. I never took more than one level of lessons. But, Dad showed me that I could play the chords- if they were listed above the music. So, I sort of cheated- but became okay at that method. When Damon and I met in college, one of our favorite activities was going down to the basement in the Heritage Halls piano room while he played Yanni for me -with nervous hands. Times got tough for my family, and Dad called one year to ask me if we could sell my piano so my family could have dental work done. Then, we got another piano that needed lots of work. My parents brought it to us on a truck from Massachusetts. It sat in the garage for a long time. I tried to do some of the work on it, but eventually we both decided we wanted something lighter to move, and that wasn't a big project for me. So, we pretty much gave it away.

Finally, after lots of nagging on my part and shopping around for the right price, we found one at a place going out of business here. I have a feeling I am going to get the line, "What anniversary present? Remember that piano I got you?" Although it is also for him. Unlike me, Damon actually does play the piano -and has even had the calling of playing the organ in church a couple times. He always had to practice at the church. So, it will be good for him to keep up his skills, too. Already, we have loved the beginning stages of brushing up our skills -when the kids will let us. Damon played a Yanni song the first day -and it sounded awesome! Then he told me how he played the left hand really slow, recorded it, and then played it back faster while he played the right hand. Kinda fun, though!

The kids really enjoy it a lot, too- but is it a piano or a sound system?

Mr K and Miss M showing their stuff. Miss M is muli-talented- she not only sings but can lead music, too. Even when she's singing. ;)

I have this goal to sing around the piano every Sunday. This morning I was playing a song, and Mr K and Miss M joined me. I could tell they loved the spirit that music brings into our home, and Mr K even pulled out the microphone and sang along with me -although he didn't even know the song. It was so sweet to hear his voice. I actually think he will be quite good at an instrument -he seems he could be ambidextrous ...Always switching hands when coloring
(he gets it from Damon).

Help!

noreply@blogger.com (It's all about the "Crew") — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 22:01:00 +0000

Okay, I admit there are times I need some help...

First off, how do you organize the endless books we collect for our children?

Secondly, how to you get a two year old to stop his screaming game?

Third, does everyone else serve pizza once a week? Please tell me you do! AAAAAGH!

The Perfect Day!

noreply@blogger.com (It's all about the "Crew") — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 22:00:00 +0000

Today, I decided I would do it all! So, I set my alarm for 5 AM so I could do everything a perfect wife and mother should do . In the wonderful silence of the morning, I began by studying my scriptures for half an hour using the Ensign and Sunday School schedule . At 5:30 I had a marvelous workout for 20 minutes, and at 6 AM started making a hearty and healthy breakfast for my family -complete with food storage based wheat pancakes, bacon and eggs, orange juice, and fruit from the yard. Opened the windows and curtains for fresh air and sunlight, lit some candles, gathered everyone for family prayer and scriptures, and kissed goodbye to my husband with homemade lunch in hand. I combed the children's hair, clipped their nails, and checked all the knees to make sure they were nice and clean. Sent them to make their beds before leaving to pick up the kids in the carpool and drop them off for school.

At 8:15 AM I took a speedy shower, and set my hair while I super cleaned the house -dusting, then vacuuming, a load of laundry, and picked up all the clutter. At 9 AM I finished my hair and makeup. Then, it was off to do my visiting teaching and attend the Relief Society Presidency meeting at 10 AM. Came home and decided to get ahead with dinner since I was sending a meal for a sister who just had a baby. Popped some food in the crockpot and oven, and headed out to volunteer at the school at 11:30, and pick up the groceries- milk, eggs, butter, toilet paper. Came home, put it away. Invited my less active neighbor over for lunch, and then headed over to an Elderly sister's yard to weed her garden. Then, decided my own garden needed some tending. I found some extra veggies to bring over to the Community Center. And, then dashed home to meet the kids when they got off the bus at 3 PM.

Took the kids to lessons. Dropped off some items for DI and the dinner I'd prepared, picked up the kids again and headed home to get ready for the soccer game. Once we got home from the game, I threw together a quick salad, pulled dinner out and sat everyone down to talk about their day. Homework time right after!

Bathed the kids, and had family prayer, and got them down to bed by 8 PM. Washed the dishes, mopped the floor, cleaned out the sink, and listened to a general Conference talk on my ipod. Folded the clothes, signed permission slips and homework papers, and decided it was time to write in my journal. Read my scriptures for half an hour, and set out the clothes for the kids for the next day. Practiced my own talents and sat down at the computer to answer emails, blog, and do a little family history.

Went up to get ready for bed, wash my face and study the Book of Mormon. Turned to set my alarm clock for 5 AM , and realized I only had one hour till it was time to wake up.

FHE -72 Hour Kit

noreply@blogger.com (It's all about the "Crew") — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 21:57:00 +0000

Over a year ago we acquired most of our 72 hour kit supplies and divided them into backpacks -2 frame, and one large adult size for the kids to share. So, for FHE last night we went through them again and let the kids eat the food/drink the water that needed to be cycled through. We decided this is really good too, cause it helps us choose foods we will eat and like. But, it was a huge project to do together -and so I am feeling better about completing our list soon. Here is what we have learned:

We kept really good records of what we did last year, but this year it would be good to have the master lists ad menus laminated so we know what we have in each bag.
We need to be better at doing this each year- some of our meds. and food items had spoiled or will these next couple months. And that is sad and wasteful. But, we're glad we did it when we did. We were able to enjoy some of it.
Probably time for another backpack! Our little family has grown!
We should have at least acquired all the food we needed. Had we needed them last year, we would have lived (or should I say starved) off of water, suckers, granola bars, apple sauce, and oatmeal.
We should pack more money into our bags! With gas inflation, we think $15 is probably not adequate anymore.
We need to store them with other main items we would want to grab in a hurry-ie.: fire safe with important documents, tent, lantern, camp stove, sleeping bags, etc.
Some year we should do a practice emergency and see how we do living off our kits for three days. That would be another fun FHE!
I have read that in some cases, it might be handy to have a small wagon or garbage can with wheels to pull it all in -in case we can't use cars. We don't own a wagon, but I guess the garbage can would work. During Hurricane Katrina, they used things like that cause they could float them through the water. So, maybe that's our solution.
Also, in one case we did let the kids have some suckers during a power outage, so we need to remember to replace those if ever we use them. :)

This week I need to get to the store and grab the remaining items we decided we need. I think this will be a great tradition for our General Conference FHE each spring.

Contagiou s and fun -Dec 12, 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Sybrina) — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 17:40:00 +0000

When you feel fine, but can't play with anyone cause you're sick and contagious.

Jedi Christmas Returns -Dec 28, 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Sybrina) — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 18:31:00 +0000

After two days of trying to get his other Christmas present to work (the Jedi "Challenged" Augmented Reality headset), this patient boy finally traded in his gift for this much better alternative. And it is SO much fun!

two more videos

Hey, Santa! Dec 23, 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Sybrina) — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 23:19:00 +0000

The great thing about seeing Santa so late in the season- no line! We pulled into the mall and were in n out 5 min later!

Elf on Shelf-Dec 18, 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Sybrina) — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 23:57:00 +0000

Yesterday, while I was zapped on the couch with a nasty bug, Santa delivered this early Christmas gift on our door step. The result- SQUEALS of delight!!! You have NEVER seen such a happy Alyssa, who has talked about nothing else the last couple weeks! Now, I admit I have never been a fan of the Elf on the Shelf for one reason- I already have too much to worry about at Christmas time. Then, I realized that all my kids, OLD and young, will enjoy the experience that this new tradition will give them - keeping the magic of Christmas alive! And the beauty of it, I don't have to do a thing!

Welcome home! -Dec 14, 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Sybrina) — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 13:05:00 +0000

As I sat in the car, our kitty decided she wanted me to come in. She peered over the windows, meowing and meowing, trying to find a way to get to me.

Quotables - Dec 5, 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Sybrina) — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 05:55:00 +0000

FHE quotables: "Mom, we don't know most of the songs you sing." "Sounds to me like you need to listen to some more uplifting music." "We do! ...It's called Justin Bieber!" Um...

Pray for Ventura

noreply@blogger.com (Sybrina) — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 19:11:00 +0000

Pray for Ventura! My cousin posted this picture, and it is not looking good there. Lots of homes burned already.