The Word of Wisdom

I had a spiritual experience last night in my microbiology class. Maybe it was just a realization. Anyway, the professor was lecturing about bacteria and got into good and bad bacteria and so forth. She mentioned that there is more good bacteria in fruits, vegetables, grains, and herbs and that there is more bad bacteria in meats. I began thinking about the Word of Wisdom and how it says to eat meats sparingly, but eat fruits and herbs with prudence and thanksgiving. Section 89 of Doctrine and Covenents was written in 1833. The discovery of different bacterias- namely good and bad bacteria- wasn't until years later. This just proves that Heavenly Father knows so much more than we do and wants us to have healthy bodies. It's comforting to know that by not drinking coffee (which I still crave everyday of my life!), I am keeping my body safe from something that we don't necessarily know about yet. Also, 99% of bacteria can't even be seen! Can you believe that?! We can only see 1% of all bacteria! That's just scary. Especially with what I've seen through the microscope this week. Yuck! FYI- make sure you clean your ears really well. You have know idea what is growing on and inside your ears and I don't think you want to know either.

And It Begins Again...

Today I begin my month long intensive summer course in Microbiology. My two-week break was just too short. I got some stuff done, but not nearly as much as I wanted to. It's only four days a week for one month, so I know that it won't be bad. I'm actually looking forward to it, believe it or not, but I really enjoyed my two weeks of no school. There shouldn't be too much work cause it's only one class.

Onto other news, Scott got a new church calling that I'm finally allowed to speak about. He's the new Elders Quorum President of the "west" division of our ward. I'm excited for him. His prior calling as second counselor was such a blessing to our family. It really helped build his testimony and strengthen his love for Christ. I think his new calling will be challenging for him and stressful, but I think it will be good for him. I hope I can support him the way he needs to be supported. I mean, I know how I would want to be supported, but that may not be what he wants. He's a different breed. He'll do fine though. I have complete faith in Heavenly Father and I know that Scott was given this calling for a reason. And I know that Heavenly Father would never give any of us anything we couldn't handle. Good luck, Scott! I love you!

The Substitute Teacher

Yup, that's me. I subbed at Cameron and Jenny's preschool a few weeks ago- right in the middle of finals actually. Anyway, we had so much fun! Preschool aged kids are hilarious! Maybe that's why I have so much fun in my Sunbeam class. They make me laugh. It was really tiring though. Eric totally passed out in the car and then again when we got home. He was tuckered out, man.

Bluefish Game

Scott gets season tickets to the Bluefish games through his work, so we went to a game a few weeks ago for Family Home Evening. My parents came with us. The kids had a blast and were very well behaved. Cameron got a foul ball and they got their picture taken with the mascot. It was a fun night and a good night for some yummy hot chocolate.

School's Out for the Summer...

Well, not really. School's out for me for two weeks and then I start a month full of intensive Microbiology. Fun. So I know you are dying to know how it all turned out. I am pleased to announce that I got all As! Actually three As and an A-, but whatever. I am still in shock. I knew I did excellent in Biology, okay in Chemistry and Sociology, but Art History- not so much. I aced the assignments and the exams that I did, but I also missed a lot of assignments and discussion boards (it was an online class). Apparently, that didn't matter cause my professor gave me an A-. Yay! I am so not stressed right now. It's wonderful! Scott and the kids took me out to dinner last night to celebrate. We went to Longhorn's Steakhouse. It was muy yummy. They have this fried cheesecake dessert that I wanted so bad, but I was way too full. Maybe next time.

So obviously I haven't posted in a while for obvious reasons, but I have tons to blog about and lots of pictures to share. However, my darling hubby has the camera today at work, so I will try to catch up tomorrow. I love ya'll and thanks so much for supporting me this semester.

Mushy Arms

I was sitting next to Cameron at dinner last night when he grabbed my arm and said, "Mama, your arms are mushy." "Thanks!" I said with all enthusiasm. The truth is, I have been meaning to start the Jillian Michaels Powersculpt workout for a few weeks now, but I've been procrastinating as usual. Well, thanks to my poison ivy- covered son, I started it today. It's pretty intense for a 15 minute workout. My sister swears by it and she said if I do it five days a week, I should be good to go by the summer. We shall see. Oh, and Cameron and Jenny were both watching me and telling me what to do during the workout. Lovely, huh?

I got into the oh-so-dreadful habit of taking catnaps in the afternoon on the couch. Not good. I was hit with the realization that the semester will be over in three weeks and I need to buckle down and stop putting off my assignments. I am behind in two of my classes and I have a few papers/essays to do too. So I have resorted to energy drinks to keep me up during my afternoon slump. Is that bad? I'm not sure, but they are working. At least in my head they are. So feel free to post your opinion on energy drinks and similar energy-enhancing products.

Sunbeams and Poison Ivy!

So yesterday one of the Sunbeam teachers called out sick at the last minute and the substitute did not have time to plan a lesson. So I had two Sunbeam classes! Let me tell you- I had so much fun with them! When I found out about all of this nonsense, I was like, "Heavenly Father, you are really challenging me today, aren't you?" But it turned out not to be a challenge at all. They were so into my lesson and so well-behaved and so much fun. I am still amazed. I love those Sunbeams. They are amazing and precious little souls. They are cute and smart and funny. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with them and teach them and get to know them each week. So I'd like to give a shout-out to my Sunbeam class: Ryan, Dallon, Katy, Leah, and Madison and my add-on Sunbeam class: Chloe, May, Carsen, and Rachel. I love you guys! You make me smile!

While I was teaching my awesome Sunbeams, Scott was taking Cameron to the doctor because of a mysterious rash on his face. It turned out to be poison ivy which I think is in the woods in our backyard. Poor little man. He's on prednisone now which is making him hyper which is driving me nuts! You should've seen him running around BJs today. People must of thought he was off his medication if you know what I mean. His face looks a lot better now, but he's still very itchy. I feel bad for him, but he did know to stay out of the woods. We warned him several times not to go in there. Hopefully this will be the last poison-ivy experience for him, but I kind of doubt it.

The Mole

The mole is the bane of my existence. The mole is a unit of measurement used in chemistry that is equivalent to Avagadro's number, or 6.022 X 10 to the 24th power. It seems pretty self explanatory, but that it is not. The mole has caused me to stay up until the wee hours of the morning. The mole has caused me to wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night. The mole has caused me to shake with anxiety. The mole has caused me to spend over an hour an a half on an exam. The mole has caused tears to shed from my eyes after that dreadful exam. I do not like the mole. I did not like the mole in high school, but since I have an awesome chemistry professor, I kept an open mind about it. Nope, I still do not like it. Why is this bothering me so much? I have a perfect A average in all of my classes. I have gotten all As on my exams and quizzes and assignments. I have been striving to keep that perfection going, but now I fear that my streak has been ruined. All because of the mole. Who is this Avagadro guy anyway? And why did he ruin the lives of chemistry students by inventing this unit of measurement? Couldn't he have taken up a hobby instead?

Calculate the number of grams of C3H8 required to produce 36.0g of H2O. Use the balanced equation: C3H8 (g) + 5O2 (g) = 3CO2 (g) + 4H2O (g). (The equal sign is supposed to be an arrow.)

If you can do this problem, I'll give you a sticker.

Bio Exam

For those of you who are wondering (cause I've been really stressing about it), I got a 93 on my Biology exam today on cells, cell division, and genetics! I am so thankful to all of my incredibly supportive friends and to my Heavenly Father for helping me deal with all of the stress and nastiness of science. Next up, sociology and art history online. Yay. Just when one exam is done, another one just creeps up on me. Errrrrrr.

I'm Losing It!

Not in the sense you may think. I'm actually losing weight! In June of 2006, I was at my non-pregnant heaviest. Since then I've lost 15 pounds. The first ten pounds were really easy, but the last five were awful. Finally, they are gone. I'm not done by any means. I want to lose 30 more altogether, but my goal for now is 10 more. I find that if I make smaller/shorter goals, they are easier to reach. I think going back to school has helped me tremendously by keep me busy and out of the kitchen. A lot of people eat when they get stressed. Not I. I starve myself. I went through this really bad depression in high school and lost 20 pounds. No lie.

I am losing it with my kids too. They are driving me nuts! I think they know I have a big exam on Saturday and they are just looking to make me crazy. Right now they are okay though. Eric is napping and Cameron and Jenny are in the playroom. I just heard Jenny say that she has two babies in her tummy. So I think it's safe to say that they are playing house- or paramedics. Who knows?! I love them. Cameron said to me last night, "Mama, I think you are the best chef cook in the whole world!" I melted. I love when they compliment my cooking. Eric is starting to give me kisses with his hand which is super-cute. Jenny is always telling me that when she grows up she wants to be a mommy just like me. So sweet. They really are good kids- they certainly know how to push my buttons though.

I Am...

Take the Quiz here!

Our New Washer!

You likey???

You are looking at the wonderful and beautiful Whirlpool Cabrio. It's a top-loader, but still water and energy efficient. If you're wondering about the check mark on it, the Cabrio has been named one of the top washers. It's got a see-through glass top and many different cycle options. We went to the Sears appliance outlet to get it. It has a scratch on the side but other than that, it's perfect. We saved about $200 on it! It was definitely well worth the wait. Thanks Mom and Dad, for letting us do tons and tons of laundry at your house. We won't be needing your washing machine anymore, but your kindness is greatly appreciated. I'm washing my comforter now. Hehe. You know, when I was a teenager, I used to get so excited about purchasing a new cell phone or stereo. Never did I imagine I would get this excited and sentimental about a washing machine! I think I'll sleep in the basement with it tonight.

Valentine's Day!

Cameron and Jenny frosting their cupcakes. Like their costumes?

Jenny ate more frosting than she actually used to frost the cupcakes.

Awwwwwww, so pretty!

I was very stressed on Valentine's Day. I had tons of homework and reading and a huge exam to study for. Scott got me a nice card and the Glenn Beck book I've been wanting. I got him some Valentine's coupons (hehe), a CD he wanted, and a book. He didn't get the CD or the book til the next day though. Long story. Cameron got a tie and two belts (he really wanted them for church), Jenny got a Tinkerbell hair tie and some HSM lip gloss, and Eric got a little truck and a Shrek sippy cup. Anyway, I made some red velvet cupcakes which were very yummy and instead of using fresh cream cheese frosting, I used the premade version and added food coloring. They were so good. Cameron and Jenny ate the ones that I frosted and decorated and Scott and I ate theirs. Isn't that funny how that happens?

Back to Preschool!

After homeschooling Cameron and Jenny for about 5 months, I decided to send them back to preschool. It just got too hard, especially when I went back to school in January. Cameron was very excited to see his teachers and friends again and Jenny was happy just to be there. Note our dining room floor. Scott's been working on refinishing it for, um, a while now. I can't wait til it's done. It looks so dull. Also note the charts on the wall behind them. The dining room was also our classroom.

Eric's 2nd Birthday!

Everyone knew of Eric's love of Mickey Mouse and Shrek, but Eric was still amazed at all of the Mickeys and Shreks he got on his big day. Notice Princess Fiona on the TV. We played Shrek movies throughout the party.

Eric loved his new Mickey sippy cup- except he won't use it. He's so pickey when it comes to sippy cups.

Here is Eric reading a birthday card featuring, you guessed it, M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!

Eric's cousin Julie is showing him how to make his new Shrek talk. His smile looks even cuter without the binky. Trust me. Note Jenny sitting on Scott's lap. She had a random nose bleed while Eric was opening his gifts. I love the smile on Scott's face too. I hardly have any pictures of him smiling!

The following day was Eric's actual birthday. Scott picked out a set of Hotwheels cars for him. He just started playing with them like Cameron did when he was two- lining them up. It's so cute.

I saw a Mickey book and a Shrek book at the grocery store, so I snatched them up. I think I've read them to Eric a few dozen times each.

Here's Eric playing with the Bass Pro Shops truck that Scott picked out for him. He doesn't play with it much now. Cameron kind of inherited it.

Eric blowing out the candle on his Shrek cupcake. Don't you love his jammies??? They remind me of Gingy from Shrek. He's my favorite!

Christmas Morning 2007

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree! Santa was so organized this year! Each child had their own wrapping paper so they knew which presents were theirs. Cameron=Spiderman, Jenny=Tinkerbell, and Eric=Mickey Mouse. I think the kids made out pretty darn well this year.Eric playing with his new barn. There is one just like this in his nursery class at church and he loves it, so when Scott saw this one, he snatched it up. And gave it to Santa of course.

Cameron looooooooves legos. He was thrilled to get his own tub to do whatever he wanted to with.

Sorry Jenny. We didn't get a good picture of you with your presents. But you know you enjoyed them!

Our Christmas Picture

This was the picture featured on our Christmas card this year. Actually, one of the pictures. The other picture was the one from the pumpkin patch which is also on this blog. My aunt was like, "Wow, you got a picture of Eric without his binky!" Yes we did, and it was quite a feat.

Santa, Santa, HO, HO, HO!!!

I know, I've been neglecting the blog again. So I'm reliving Christmas today. Here are the kids with Santa Claus at my father's company Christmas party. Incredibly, no one cried on his lap. Cameron and Jenny were more than happy to tell Santa what they wanted. Note Eric's stern look downward. He was unsure about this Santa thing, but very cute at the same time!

Our Pit-Stop

My sister with Anna, the crabby one.

Me and Eva.

On the way home from Virginia, we had a brief pit-stop in Jersey at my sister's house. I got to see and hold the babies!!! I miss them so much. They have gotten so big!

Thanksgiving 2007

Eric eating his first s'more.
Cameron and Jenny eating their s'mores.

Eric passed out on the couch after being diagnosed with a double ear infection.

Eric attempting to fish on Thanksgiving.

Cameron looking a little like a young Forest Gump.

Jenny fishing.

Our infamous turducken a few hours before our feast.

Eric excited to have his cousin in his room with him and Cameron.

Cameron and Colton bonding over Spiderman.

Jenny with Oakleigh and Larkin.

November 15, my sister-in-law and family came up to stay with us for a few days. We had a funeral to attend. The kids had a great time together. Just two days after they left, we traveled to Virginia to visit them for Thanksgiving. Again, the kids had a wonderful time together. Scott and I got to take Eric out alone which he loved, while Cameron and Jenny played with Colton, Larkin, and Oakleigh. Thanksgiving Day we had turducken (so yummy), stuffing, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, corn, and cranberry sauce. My sister-in-law did a great job making everything. I tried to help a little, but she pretty much did it all. The night before I had made pumpkin cookies and my nana's pumpkin pie. Oh, and I made mulled cider too. Everything was delicious. Two days after Thanksgiving I made my Thanksgiving paninis with the left overs. Kristina and I went shopping on Black Friday which was crazy and fun. We went to the Science Museum on Saturday where we uncovered Eric's obsession with trains and my dislike for some of the old men who build them. Sunday we went to church where I finally got to go to Relief Society for the first time in over a year. Monday, Scott took Eric to the walk-in after he kept us up all night with what turned out to be his second double ear infection in a month. Eric was soooooooo miserable, but he's feeling better now. Monday night we went to the Botanical Gardens for Family Home Evening. The kids had fun seeing all of the Christmas lights, roasting marshmallows for smores, and seeing more trains. Tuesday we hung out and got ready to leave Wednesday morning. We made pumpkin soup Tuesday night and watched the Dancing with the Stars finale. I'm so happy Helio won! Anyway, we're home now and establishing some form of normalcy. We're preparing for Christmas. Today, the kids helped me vacuum and clean and move the furniture so when Scott gets home later we can put up the tree. Eric is walking now more than he is crawling, so he kind of gets in the way, but he's so flippin cute! He just wants to be like his brother and sister. Enjoy the pics...