Rant and Rave

Don't read this if you want to hear something cheery and happy because I'm not gonna give you what you want. Today I was told that Phoenix has me wrapped around her little finger and I need to start spanking her and show her who's mom. Hmm...Not ok. Everything about this is not ok. Here is why... 1. No one knows me and the way I am during the day with the kids. Not even Brandon because they are totally different when he's around. 2. Why is it any of their business how I am with my kids?? It's not their kid or grand kid so back off. 3. They don't know me! If they did they would know that I have an anger problem and spanking is the last thing I should be doing. Loving them and playing with them comes first. 4. They don't know Phoenix! They don't know what she responds to and what makes her stop listening and obeying. They don't know her personality and what's best for her! That's MY baby! 5. I am raising latter-day babies. They are strong against the adversary which means that they are strong willed. I love it. I am proud of her for standing up for what she thinks is right. 6. Even if this person was all knowing and knows what's best for my baby...BACK OFF! I am the mother and there's a reason I'm her mother. She needs ME not YOU! If there was a hand book on how to raise children then we wouldn't learn anything. Maybe, just maybe...God might know what hes doing...definitely. For all you moms who struggle with knowing what's best for your children, Remember this. Remember that those babies were sent to you for a reason. You are best for them and they are best for you! Do what is best for you and them. Do what's in your heart, not in the books! Also, If all else fails, ask our Heavenly Father. He knows you and your children. He sees you all day as you parent. I find that when I pray and ask to find out if I'm doing His will, He tells me that I'm doing great and he's proud of me. If you are not the mom, BACK OFF!! Or be nice enough to give loving advice if they ask for it!

Mommy, Where's Brando?

Dear Brandon, You are working like an accountant this week. Lots of hours. I guess I shouldn't complain...because you are an accountant. We have been so blessed that you have been able to come home at 5ish every night except during budgets and year end. Things have been great here but it's hard to hear the kids ask about you all the time. It's hard to put them to bed knowing that they have missed you all day and probably won't see you tomorrow. So we are pulling some late nights so that we can all see you. Today I couldn't find the kids. I was frantically looking for them when I found them. They were inside the raspberry bushes eating the not quite ripe (by your standards) berries. It seems that Atti is only happy when he's eating berries. Lately he just cries and cries when we are outside. I have a sneaking suspicion that it's the dog he doesn't like. Cali always licks his face. Yuck. Funny Story: Phoenix was out side swimming in the swimming pool and said..."Mommy, Where is Brando?" Anyways, I'm sorry you have to work so hard and miss all those silly moments! We love you for it! Love, Brittany PS Today I did a horrible thing... These are chocolate cupcakes with a peanut butter filling and strawberry jam on top. The best pb and j I've ever had!!

Prayers for Atticus

Dear Atticus, We are so worried about you. You have been really sick for 8 days now. You have been throwing up and having diarrhea. We took you in to the Dr. on Thursday and the blood test showed that you were getting over a bacterial infection and that you should be better soon. You're not getting better. 8 days of little eating has made you very skinny. Your bones stick out all over so badly that I am afraid to hold you too tight. Your eyes are sunken in so badly that you look like you havn't slept for days. Your cheekies are gone. You weigh 26lbs when you weighed only one pound less 6 months ago. They say you're not dehydrated because you've been drinking every now and again and I am glad at that. I have never worried more then I am about you. Last night you threw up a few times and I couldn't sleep. Finally I told Daddy that you needed another blessing. (Maybe I should have gotten one too.) Your Grandpa and Uncle Devon helped give the blessing too. It said that you would recover and that your family would learn how to help you. I stayed up for a long time thinking, worrying, crying. I hurt for you, sweet boy. And, through it all you have been such a good boy. You rarely complain and fuss. You really are my "Blue Baby". Please hang in there. If you throw up again tonight I will take you into the Dr. again on Monday. Until then, until tomorrow, please keep blessing you with your big shining eyes and loving smile. Your daddy and I love you very much, Truly Yours, Forever and Ever, Mother

Laura...Forgive me!

This is Laura. She is incredible. She is confident, happy, funny, and most of all...she is silly. She lets me and all the women around her know that it's ok to be silly. It's ok to be confident. Laura, if your only mission in life is to teach the girls and women around you to have fun and laugh it off...you've achieved it. (Even when you have a pin sticking you in your bummy!)

Note to self...

Wow, Phoenix is with Grandma and I can't believe how calm and quiet things are around here. I keep thinking, "Self, why did you fuss about being so busy when you only had one kid?" But Brittany, you have to remember that Nix was the first, she's a girl, and you've learned a lot in 3 years. You are able to handle more then when you didn't have children. Atti really is calm and quite normally but even more so now. He had a tummy bug and has been under the weather since Saturday night. Under the weather is an understatement, he's beein throwing up for 6 days. Ugh. Wither way...Phoenix, I miss you and can't wait to see you tonight! Seattle, Here I come!

So, How do you save money?

A lot of people ask me how we save money on every day things. I don't know how good we are with finances but I do take a few steps to save money. BUT FIRST...This is just me. Don't take this personal and thing I judge other people and how they spend their money because I don't. Honestly I don't really care how much money other people spend. All I care about is what we spend. :) Some spend on jewelry and cars and we spend on food and vacations. Decide on what you think is most important and keep those things in mind when you're deciding where you can cut back. So now that that's cleared up...here are a few things that I've been thinking. (I learned a lot about money and saving as a mom from Jennifer.) Tip 1. Don't do to the store! If you don't go then you won't buy. 2. Make a menu. You can make a month menu and buy all of the non perishables at once and go back only once a week for the others. That keeps you out of the store. You forget it, you didn't need it badly enough. 3. (goes with 2) ALWAYS have a list! If it's not on the list don't get it!!! You have to go home and write it on the list for next week if you want it that badly. 4. Sounds strange but NEVER buy things on sale unless they are on your list! You think you're saving but really you're still spending. That's not saving. 5. Make it yourself. Pizza dough, bread, cakes and icing, cookies, corn muffins, tortillas, pancake syrup. If you can...MAKE IT! 6. It's JUST a few dollars. Say that a few times and it'll JUST be a few hundred by the end of the year. (Is it on the list?) 7. Cancel your cable! 8. Did I mention pay your tithing? If you feel like you'll go under without 10%...you're likely going under with it... 9. We buy everything on a credit card because we get a better cash return on it. The card also has a great online account that helps us budget. Never buy unless you have the money for it. Sell books, movies, clothes...anything but don't go into debt. 10. Raises, tax returns, birthday money, extra money all should go to debt or savings. If you're struggling with money you don't need to be spending the extra money. There are always inexpensive or free activities you can do for dates, birthdays and activities with your family. So that's just what I do. I'd love to hear what you do to save money!!!

My Biggest Achievement EVER!

This is a poo poo story.... So about 2 weeks ago I talked to my sister and found out that my little nephew is now potty trained. I thought, I have been trying to potty train Nix since the was born practically. She started going when she was 9 mo. whenever she took a bath but never more then that. All my friends (it seemed like at the time) were potty training. I seriously tried again when she was 18 mo, 2 yr and 2 1/2. UGH!!! I felt like I was the worst mom because I couldn't potty train my kid. I tried everything...bribes, forcing, timing it. Nothing. After talking to my sister I decided it was time. Nix would be 3 and needed to be potty trained. I immediately grabbed her and forced her on the toilet. I held her on the toilet as long as my bleeding heart would allow. Didn't work. The next day I had an idea!!! I ran to the bathroom and went pee. Then I ran around the house saying, "I went pee, I get a yummy!" Oh Phoenix didn't like that I got a yummy and she didn't. So there we go. I did that ever and over for about 3 days and she's not potty trained. EXCEPT.... #2 is another story. She has only gone #2 a few times. Tomorrow I am going to with hold movies from her still she goes in the potty. Also, a lady told me to bring her potty 20 min after she eats and it will work. Lets give it a try! Can you think of any good bribes that don't include candy??

Fun in the Sun!

Today was very warm! We did all of our outside chores and by the time we were done we were HOT! So when the kids woke up from their nape we decided to fill up the pool. YAY! Later we were watching some friends' kids and one of their girls stepped on part of the septic that was sticking up out of the ground. We had to call her parents to take her in for stitches. The good news is that they just glued it together. "Sorry guys! We'll owe you one!"

Our Garden

We were SO excited to find that we had peas ready to pick from the garden! Yesterday I used spinach too! YAY! Here are some pictures of our garden...some not edible. These are blackberries, pretty huh?

Primary Pioneer Trek

Because I am in the primary presidency in our ward I get to do all kinds of things with the kids out here. It has been so good for me as a mother to see where I need to develop and where I need to let go. One of the biggest improvements in my parenting came when I realized that I'm not as knowledgeable in the Gospel as the children that I'm teaching. I decided to read my scriptures every day and I just about have. I have learned so much from the President, counselor, song leaders and teachers that I serve with...but most of all I have learned from the children. Even if my children are screaming and fighting all through sacrament meeting, I can't help but smile when I get to primary. Yesterday we did a Pioneer trek which was SO fun! We walked just over a mile pushing and pulling handcarts. We stopped along the way to see the Indians and to have lessons and hear stories of the pioneers. (I was so touched to hear the stories that I called my mom and asked her to tell me my ancestor's stories.) When we made it half way we celebrated with dehydrated apples and figs. We also drank from the cooler with our hands just like if we were drinking from a stream. By the end the little ones were tired (although they didn't really complain) so they rode in the handcart.

click here for more pictures

This picture is especially special to me. They did not pose for this but I was touched when I saw the girls standing cuddled by their teacher I was reminded of a story about Emma Smith, The Prophet Joseph Smith's wife.

This is from

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith

Responding to Persecution with Faith and Courage

In the winter of 1838–39, the Missouri state militia was under orders from the governor to drive the Latter-day Saints from the state, and the Prophet Joseph Smith was imprisoned in Liberty Jail. That winter and the following spring, a scene of terrible suffering unfolded as thousands of Saints were forced to flee their homes in Missouri. Leaving much of their property behind, they began making their way 200 miles eastward to western Illinois, under the direction of Brigham Young and other Church leaders. Few of the Saints had good wagons and horses, and many slept unsheltered in the rain and snow. Some who did not have shoes wrapped their feet in rags as they walked across the snow.

In February 1839, a kind neighbor helped Emma Smith place her four children and her few belongings into a wagon lined with straw. When their party came to the frozen Mississippi River, Emma walked across the ice with her children, carrying the manuscripts of the Prophet’s Bible translation in two cloth bags tied around her waist under her skirt. She and many other destitute Saints took refuge in the community of Quincy, Illinois, where they continued to suffer from hunger, cold, and sickness, though these sufferings were alleviated by many acts of kindness from a caring community.

Although the Prophet Joseph yearned to help the Saints, he could do little but pray and give direction through letters to Brigham Young and the other brethren who were leading the Saints in his absence. In these desperate circumstances, he wrote words of encouragement and peace to Church members: “Dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed” (D&C 123:17).

This picture just reminds me of the picture of Emma with her children wrapped in her arms. I thought of the similarities we have to Emma as teachers and parents to these children. Just as she was protecting the manuscripts from boing stolen or lost, we protect our heritage and the stories of our parents and grandparents from being lost. We also protect them from the cold and winds of the world.

Pioneer Trek Pictures

Geneology Spotlight

This is my mother's mother's father's father's parents. I am related through Hiram (the tall one in the middle). And this is their story....

Jens Swensen was born in Hogsted, Hjorring County Jutland Denmark. His first wife was Malene Christensen. They had one daughter, Kirsten. When he joined the church in Denmark and wanted to come to America. Malene would not come with him so they were divorced. He later married Maren Jorgensen. They with two sons came to America. One son became ill and died on the voyage across the ocean and was buried at sea. Their other son was named Peter.

Jens received his naturalization papers, April 13, 1857 at the age of 51. He was allotted land to work and live on in Big Cottonwood near Salt Lake City. This was his first home in America.

Mette Jensen was born in Bergterp County Jutland Denmark, September 26, 1832. She was converted to the L.D.S. faith in Denmark. She worked as a servant girl in Copenhagen to make enough money to come to America. She came from New York City to Council Bluffs, Iowa on the train and from there crossed the plains with a Mormon emigrant train. The wagons were drawn by oxen but she with many other young me and women walked the entire distance pushing or pulling a hand cart.

In April 1865, on the 29^th she married Jens Swensen in the old Endowment House in Salt Lake City. They settled on a farm near Big Cottonwood, later moving to Huntsville, near Ogden, Utah in 1871. In the fall of 1878 they moved to Gem Valley, later named Lago. They had five children: James, Joseph, Cristen, Hirum and Mary. They had two wagons, one yoke of oxen and a team of horses, quite a number of cattle and sheep besides their household goods. They settled on the farm now owned by Percy Norcutt. The second year they were in Idaho proved severe and they lost most of their cows, but they held on, and through their faith persevered and built a fine farm.

Mrs. Swensen was appointed to serve as one of the first block teachers for the Trout Creek Ward with Mrs. A. A. Ruun. Mrs. Maria Hansen, (grandmother to Emil Hansen), and Mrs. John Turner.

Jens Swensen passed away at his home in 1887 at the age of 81. He was buried in the Mound Valley Cemetery. Because or Mette’s perserverence, thrift and faith she was able to raise her family and live to see them all grown and two sons married before her death October 20, 1901 at the age of 79. She was buried in Lago cemetery.

Where's Atti?

Atticus loves to get into things. He is always on the table, chairs, tv, dishwasher, in the dryer and now in the cabinets. I feel like it's a full time job just keeping him out of trouble! Phoenix on the other hand has never been really curious or into things. I remember that she was 18 months before she could get on the couch by herself. But now that she has a teacher....

Ginger Soy Tilapia with Asian Cabbage Salad

Dinner tonight was so YUMMY! I had planned on having lemon chicken but I don't have any chicken. I looked in the cupboard and say sesame oil and I thought, "Hmmm...what can I make with that?" So I went online to Kalyn's Kitchen and found Asian Cabbage Salad with Grilled Ginger-Soy Pork Chops. Well all was fine and dandy but I wanted Tilapia. So....I used the pork chop marinade for the tilapia. I used all natural peanut butter instead of the peanut oil and pan fried it in olive oil. I added a little cayenne pepper instead of the red pepper flakes because of the kids. With the cabbage salad I left out the seseme seeds because I fifn't have any and used minced garlic. I also used dried ginger because I didn't have any fresh. I also added a few shrimp. IMPROVISE! YUM!!! It sounds weird but you gotta try it!

Asian Cabbage Salad with Sesame Seeds (Makes about 4 servings, recipe adapted from the original South Beach Diet Book.) 6 cups green cabbage, sliced in strips (about 1/2 large head of cabbage) 2 T sesame seeds, toasted 2 T peanuts (or more) Dressing: 2 T rice vinegar (don't use seasoned vinegar, which contains sugar) 1 T sesame oil 1 T agave nectar (can use honey but agave nectar is lower on the glycemic index) 1/8 tsp. Thai Chili Garlic Paste (or use a few drops of your favorite hot sauce) 1/8 tsp. grated ginger (I used ginger puree from a jar)

Slice cabbage in strips about 3/8 inch wide, cutting strips in half crosswise is they are too long. Mix rice vinegar, sesame oil, agave nectar, Thai Chili Garlic Paste and ginger in a small jar and shake to combine. (Can also wisk together in a bowl.) Toast sesame seeds about 1 minute in a small dry pan, until they start to be fragrant and slightly browned. Put cabbage strips into mixing bowl, toss well with dressing, arrange on individual serving plates and sprinkle with sesame seeds and peanuts.

GRILLED GINGER-SOY PORK CHOPS (4-6 servings, recipe created by Kalyn) 4-6 boneless pork chops Marinade: 1/4 cup peanut oil 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup rice vinegar (be sure not to get seasoned rice vinegar, it contains sugar) 1 tsp. dried chili pepper flakes (You could use cayenne pepper, but reduce the amount.) 2 tsp. ginger puree (also called ground ginger) 2 tsp. garlic puree (also called ground garlic) 1 tsp. dried mustard

Doc's Chili

Doc's Chili This recipe is from The Biggest Loser.

Ingredients

3 cups chopped yellow onions 1 pound lean ground turkey (or lean turkey sausage) 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried) 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground mustard 2 tablespoons chopped garlic 1 1/2 cups cooked pinto beans (one 15-ounce can, rinsed and drained ) 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (one 15-ounce can, rinsed and drained ) 3 cups diced tomatoes (or one 28-ounce can roasted diced tomatoes, undrained) 1 cup fat free chicken broth 1/2 cup black olives 1/2 cup chopped green onions or chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Spray a large saucepan or Dutch oven with a few sprays of cooking oil spray. Add onion and sautà over medium-high heat until soft and just starting to brown. Add ground turkey or sausage; cook over medium high heat, breaking up meat with a spoon, until cooked through; about 6 minutes. Add chili powder, oregano, cumin, mustard, garlic, beans, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes.

Garnish with olives and green onions or cilantro and serve immediately. Yield: 2 ¼ quarts; twelve (1-cup) servings This is GREAT! I make it mostly in the crockpot and double the recipe so that I can freeze some for a rainy day!

Crock Pot Recipe for Southwestern Pot Roast

As you know I have been raving about Kalyn's Kitchen. I found this recipe under Recipes with 5 ingredients or less.

Click below for her link!

Crock Pot Recipe for Southwestern Pot Roast

(Makes about 4 servings, recipe created by Kalyn) 3 lb. boneless chuck roast, trimmed of visible fat 1 can reduced sodium beef broth 1 cup + 1/4 cup your favorite salsa (I used Pace Picante Sauce - mild. For South Beach Diet choose salsa with less than 2 grams sugar per serving) steak rub or your favorite seasoning for steak to rub on meat before browning (I like Pride of Szeged Steak Rub) 1-2 tsp. olive oil for browning meat

Put beef broth in a small saucepan, removing any fat that has collected on top in the can. Boil until the broth is reduced to 1/2 cup. While beef broth is reducing, trim all visible fat from chuck roast. You may need to cut the roast into several pieces to remove big pockets of fat. Rub pot roast on all side with steak rub (or your favorite seasonings for steak.) Heat olive oil in heavy frying pan (pans that aren't nonstick will give the best browning.) Brown roast well on all sides. Don't rush this step because browning provides flavor, and I think it's especially important in crockpot cooking. When roast is browned on all sides, put pieces of meat in crockpot, arranging them in a single layer. Pour reduced beef broth into frying pan and use a metal turner to scrape off any carmelized bits from the browned meat. Add salsa and stir into broth, then pour salsa/beef broth mixture over pot roast. Cook on high for one hour, then turn to low and cook 3-4 more hours, or until meat is very tender when pierced with a fork. (You could also cook for a longer time on low setting. If you don't have a slow cooker, cook in a heavy dutch oven on stovetop at lowest setting for 2-3 hours.) Remove meat from crockpot and pour sauce into small saucepan. (If there is a lot of fat on top of the sauce, spoon it off or use a fat separator to remove the fat. You may not need to do this if you did a good job trimming.) Put meat back into crockpot to keep warm, then add final 1/4 cup salsa to the sauce and simmer until reduced to about 1 cup. To serve, slice meat across the grain and serve hot, with sauce spooned over the top. I also think this meat would be great served as a filling for tacos or burritos.

Cali Girl

We got a new dog! Cali is 3 years old and is a collie/german shepherd mix. She is so well behaved. She truly is a dream for a free dog! Another bonus...she is exactly like the dog, Crystal, that I had through childhood.

Oh no mommy!

We were watching Robin Hood the cartoon and it was at the part when they were singing about the ups and downs...it says, "Sometimes the ups outnumber the downs, but not in Nottingham." Phoenix got a really sad look on her face and said, "Oh no Mommy! They don't have any ham." Later in the afternoon.... Brittany - Phoenix, do you have to do the poopies? Phoenix - No Brittany - Are you sure? Do you feel the poopies in your bummy? Phoenix - No mommy, the shark ate my poopies.

Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl!

I can't believe that you're three! It feels like just yesterday that you were just a thought, my popcorn popping. I love you through and through. You are my angel girl. You are my little friend. Always by my side, we cook, we clean and we work together. You are so forgiving and nurturing. You have a special heart. Phoenix, I love you. You are everything to me. You amaze me. I hope you have a wonderful Birthday! And I look forward to many years to come...