Tra la li lo

So, poor Keven has been really sick since Friday. He's had high fevers and a NASTY, deep cough. He even "mostly" lost his voice for the 1st time ever. Well, no fever today so he'll get to return to school after a nice, 4-day weekend for him! Except, the news was saying we are supposed to get pounded with snow starting super early in the morning. I hope it doesn't effect school, because he needs to go since there's an actual 4-day weekend this week!

I went to the temple last week with Kanoe and Donna and did our bi-monthly initiatories. As usual, it was an uplifting experience and to go with my best friends, it makes it even better. I think I'll call to go again later this month and not just on our ward day. I truly enjoy it! Now, if Ben and I could just get a move on and go! Hmmm... Maybe we'll go on Monday since he doesn't have to work. I'll have to see if Mom has plans that day.

Keven has his pinewood derby a few weeks ago. I haven't taken a pic of his car yet (bad me) but will and post it. The cutout was his idea but the paintjob was mine and I helped him with it. Again, most of the kids LOVED how his looked. He didn't win, but he got in the top 10! And that's out of almost 40 kids, so GOOD JOB KEVEN! His design was great. I told him that next year, the painting is ALL him and Ben is going to let him try to cut the piece of wood. (with a lil help)

Well, that's about it on our uneventful lives. haha!

Move, Christmas and Trip

So, we finally finished moving into my parents house and due to the snow, we ended up staying here for Christmas. That was fine. I think my parents enjoyed having someone else here, especially my Dad! Here's a few pics from Christmas.

Keven got Nana some gluten-free chips and she was excited!

Keven got Papa a Grumpy hat that says "Bad Attitude". He has a matching one!


We left the next day and headed to Boise for the night. On our way, we had a tragic loss. It was so horrible that we almost turned around. We were driving in the Cascade Mountains and it was snowing and it was icy on the roads. After we got on the other side of the pass, there's a rest stop. So, we stopped there and came back from the potty's and noticed it. Please help us pay respect to our lost friend, back-passenger side hubcap. May he live long in the Cascades!

So, we stayed in Boise overnight, then headed out to SLC the next morning. The roads between Boise and Twin Falls were NOT fun to drive in. Things got a little scary at times, especially when idiots would pass us in the lane that was LOADED with snow and ice! We saw several SUV's and F-250 size trucks in the median. No cars though. Hmmmm... Maybe these people and their big cars aren't so indestructable?? YOU CAN'T BEAT ICE SO SLOW DOWN!!!

We did make it to SLC in safety. It just took us 2 1/2 hours longer than normal! We stayed at Audra's house for 2 nights and enjoyed the time there. Keven loves playing with his cousins!


My birthday was Dec. 28 and I spent it at Audra's and a few of my cousins came over to hang with us. It was nice to see them. Alishia was too lazy to come and drive 40 minutes to come visit me on my birthday. Her loss! haha!

So, then we headed out to Soda Springs, ID (where Ben is from) to go visit his grandma and his Dad. We went to the lil steamer there called "Half Pint". It's a lil train engine that was found in the bottom of the reservoir many many years ago. They pulled it out, painted it and now it's in their park. Someone wrote a book about it and we have 3 copies! So, here's Keven in front of it and then Ben, Keven and Ben's dad in front of it.

We stayed at Ben's grandma's house and I think she enjoyed the company. Keven has one more inch and he's as tall as her. haha! His Aunt made a Hawaiian dinner for his b-day, which was the 30th and that was yummy. Then, on Wednesday morning, we headed back to Boise.

We spent the remainder of the time in Boise (3 days) and all Keven did most of the time was play video games with Ben's brother, Jeffrey. We didn't do a whole lot, but it was nice to just talk and rest a little. We had been moving and cleaning for so long that we were plain exhausted and welcomed the rest.

On Saturday, Jan. 3, we headed home. The Blue Mtns were a little scary and stressful, but the rest of the drive was a piece of cake. Between Baker City, OR and La Grande, OR it got down to 4 degrees! The roads were icy, but we managed. Our PT Cruiser drove like a saint through the snow we had here before we left (16" in a few days) and over those mountains and hills on our road trip. The road trip was 2200 miles and we don't plan on doing that again anytime soon! We were so exhausted when we got home!

There... Now I've updated my blog! Have you?!?!

Gettin' closer and STUPID SNOW!

So, we are now living at my parents house. We have everything but a few bins and the big freezer to bring over here. BUT.... we have A LOT to pack to put in the storage unit, which we have yet to get. Ben through out his back a while ago and put us back nearly 2 weeks in packing. (Well, I was going through stuff best I could, but it's hard to do it alone!) I had the flu on Monday-Tuesday and dealing with a cold, so my energy is WAY low. Now, the SNOW came last night and we got 6", which cancelled school and prevented me from going over to the other house to purge kitchen items and pack it up. My hope was to take Keven to school this morning and head over to the house and have the kitchen completely done by the time I had to pick him up from school. STUPID SNOW!!! So, Ben is taking 1/2 day tomorrow and we'll be going strong at the house trying to get through stuff and get it packed. Our hope was to be to the stage of everything out and cleaning on Sunday, but I don't know, considering we're supposed to have MORE STUPID SNOW on Saturday. Now, mind you, I do love the snow, but not when I'm trying to move!!! GRRR!

Anyway, I've got most of the things unpacked here and emptied lots of bins to take back to load up at the house. I think we'll need to purchase more bins, but I'm not sure. So stressful not knowing.... I just pray that the snow holds off until Sunday morning or something, so we can pretty much get things completed. Everyone have prayers for us to hold off on the snow!!

I hope everyone stays safe in this weather, no matter where you're at.

My nephew, Jacob

So, my nephew has been in the hospital for a few days with complications with his diabetes. He is 16 and has type 1 diabetes (juvenile). Poor kid had his wisdom teeth out and the medications they gave him for pain somehow reacted with his other medication he's on and sent his body out of whack. So, he'll be in the hospital for a few more days to make sure his liver stops secreting so much sugar and that the insulin starts working again. He just wants out of the hospital, but said he's feeling OK. My sister, Alishia has been at the hospital with him, except a few hours each day to go home and shower. She is so good to do that, because not everyone would. So, I am hoping that when he gets home, he'll do well and take good care of himself. Jacob was born when I was 15 and in 9th grade. He holds a VERY special place in my heart. I love all my nieces and nephews, but he was the 1st, and used to run up to me when he'd see me and always hug me 1st. Of course, this ended around the time he turned 12 or 13. I still get hugs, but not quite the enthusiasm. HAHA! So, keep him in your prayers please.

cupcakes and church stuff

So, we tried more cupcakes a few days ago and I failed to tell you about them. I tried the vanilla cake with choco frosting one from Trophy and DID NOT like the frosting. BLAH! Tasted semi-sweet, which I don't like. So, Ben and Keven ate it. I also tried the Hummingbird one from Trophy. It was banana cake (like a muffin) with coconut and pineapple in it(hardly any) with a cream cheese frosting. HOLY MOLY! Can you say, YUMMY?!?! That one was hands down the best one of all. I think I am going to attempt making these (minus the pineapple and coconut, since I didn't even taste them).

Ben had the triple chocolate from Trophy (he shared with Keven) and he said it was really tasty, except it was a bit dry. Now, mind you, it had been a few days since these were purchased, so they were probably more dry than the 1st day. Keven REALLY liked this one. He said it was, "SO YUMMY" and made a lip smacking sound. haha! He just loves chocolate.

So, only a few more, which Ben will eat tonight (the coconut ones) and say which one was better, but again... it's been 5 days now, so they won't be so great.

Onto ward business... (I sound like I'm at the pulpit)

My dad was called as 1st counselor in the Bishopric today. He's been in before, but it's been a little while. He was needed to be in there because he's a go getter and makes sure things get done. He doesn't leave stuff hanging. The other new counselor is a young fella. I want to say he's around 26 or 27 and has 4 young children. It will be very challenging for their family, but his wife is strong and there's plenty of us to help out during sacrament.

We have also received word that the ward could be splitting in about 6 months, which is a good thing. We have 100 active Primary/Nursery children (which is NOT normal for our area... remember, we aren't a Utah ward that is primarily young families in the ward that's a 2 block radius!). No one but the Bishop knows the boundaries he submitted for the split. I have a feeling on how it will go, but won't bother saying anything about it, because I really have no clue. We'll see what the next few months brings.

Ben's back is still bothering him, thus hindering our move process. I'll just have to get my butt in gear this week getting things packed and over to my mom's house. I can at least get that going without Ben's help. Time is creeping up on us and it seems nothing is done. I hate when this happens and I hate moving. At least with this move, most of our stuff will be in storage, so when we move out of my parents house, it'll be a MUCH easier move!

That's all for this glorious day. I have stake choir practice tonight, so I need to get ready for that. Goodnight for now!

More Cupcakes and Backpain

So, we tried a few more cupcakes. I tried the Plain Vanilla (vanilla cake with vanilla icing) from Cupcake Royale and Ben tried the Eggnog (vanilla cake with eggnog icing) from Cupcake Royale. They look almost the same, except the eggnog one was slightly darker in cream color and it had a sprinkle of what appeared to be nutmeg on it. They both tasted like they had coffee in them. I think it's because they're in a coffee shop and that shop REEKED of coffee. I mean, it was strong! So, we figured that the flavor in the air must've mixed with it. The cake on both was dry and the frosting was pretty dense. I think it's because it gets cold at night here and we don't have the heat on downstairs, but still... Not impressed again. Such a disappointment thus far.

Well, Ben hurt his back on Thursday playing football with a bunch of guys from the ward. He then decided that going to judo on Tuesday was a good thing and has been in a lot of pain all day. Today, we were supposed to take a HUGE load to the dump and possibly squeeze in another one, but NOPE. He can't even bend over, so he's heading to the chiropractor in the morning and I hope he's able to make it better, because we need to get going on the moving business soon! I'd like to take over some stuff to my parents on Sunday, after church. He's been taking ibuprophen and vicodin to help with the pain. He walks crooked and it looks hilarious. Since we didn't go to the dump, I slept for several hours because Ben's snoring is SOOOOO horrible, but since his back was hurting I let him sleep in the bed last night. Thus, I only got 2-3 hours of sleep before I got up and got Keven off to school. Once I woke up, Ben had to head out to go to a manditory meeting at work, but couldn't take the KIA, because it's too low to the ground and he has to shift and it all hurt his back. So, I told him to take the Cruiser, since it's MUCH higher off the ground and no shifting. While he was gone, I got to work on our room. This is a room we have SERIOUSLY neglected over this whole year we've lived here. I threw away so much crap and purged a lot of stuff. I filled several garbage bags full and I feel MUCH better about moving things out of this room now. I threw away old bathroom stuff from under the sink and it's down to one bag that is going to my parents this weekend. YEAH! Keven and I are going to work on his room tomorrow and get a nice, large bin FULL for the goodwill. He has way too many toys and can only take a bin-full over to my parents house, because when he has too many toys, he just makes an enormous mess!

OK, I'm done. Will continue to post on the cupcakes. I told Ben we have to get them eaten soon or they'll go bad! So, we'll shoot for 2 each tomorrow. They're so rich that I have a hard time finishing them! Until then, sleep well and dream of large women... or men. HA!

Temple, Cupcakes & Lunch

So, today was the day for my gal pals and I to go to the temple. We go every other month as a group. Today was a smaller group, but still great! Kanoe, Donna and I trekked out early this morning and headed to the temple. 1st stop, drop off Sydney with Donna's parents. Next stop, the temple.

Next stop, Deseret Book near the temple to buy a few things. Donna managed to find quite a bit of stuff. I think some might be for Christmas gifts. Not so sure. Kanoe bought a very lovely calendar.

Next stop, Cupcake Royale in Seattle. We called Ben to get directions because both Donna and I failed to remember to print them! HAHA! We have heard lots about the fancy cupcakes all over the nation (especially in NY) and my friend's wife is a cupcake connossieur and recommended this place and another, so off we went! Each of us got 1/2 dozen to try. Here are the ones I chose: Starting from the top left they are: Eggnog, triple chocolate, orange creme. Then, bottom left: Coconut, Peppermint and Plain vanilla. You choose either chocolate or vanilla cake, then the frosting seems to be the flavored part. I ate the orange creme one and although the frosting was tastey, I noticed the cake was a bit dry and I was dying for some milk or something to drink! Ben ate the triple chocolate and said he tasted some coffee in it. I did tell him that they were placed next to the mocha ones, so the flavor could've rubbed off on it and this place is also a coffee shop, so that's another explanation. He said it just tasted like chocolate cake, nothing special.

Next stop: Trophy Cupcakes in Seattle. This place was a little more challenging to find because the street was N on one side of the freeway and NE on the other side of the freeway and we didn't have that tiny detail, so we drove around for probably 20 minutes before we stopped at UW and asked these people. We said, "Are there any cupcake places around here?" This guys says, "Are you talking about the erotic bakery?" WE ALL DIED LAUGHING! Then he said, "It's actually pretty good", so we decided that next time, we'll stop for a booby cake. HAHAHA! No, for real, we were laughing pretty good over it. He then told us about the whole N and NE thing and off we went and found it. This place was more fancy and the cupcakes, although smaller, seemed to be fancier. They have cupcakes for certain days of the week, so Donna couldn't get her coveted toasted marshmallow s'mores one, because they are only on Sun and Mon. Another day, Donna! So, we all got 1/2 dozen again, but these were a little more pricey. So, here's the ones that I got. Again, starting in the upper left side, moving across and then the lower left moving across: Hummingbird (Has banana, pineapple and something else), Vanilla cake with vanilla frosting, coconut (coconut cake, frosting and coconut on top), triple threat (choco cake, choco frosting and choco sprinkles all over the top), vanilla cake with choco frosting, vanilla cake with lemon frosting. So, I tried the vanilla cake w/ vanilla frosting. The frosting was VERY thick and the cake was more dense than the other place. It was more moist, but very rich! I couldn't finish it, so I put the rest back for tomorrow. The frosting tasted like it had a hint of lemon in it as well. So far, not overly impressed. I can make cupcakes just as good or better. I guess we'll see with the other ones!

After we hit the cupcake places, it was off to Azteca for lunch. We were all starved and wanted something besides cupcakes! We all enjoyed a very inexpensive lunch, which I didn't know they had!

Next stop: Pick-up Sydney from Donna's parents house.

Then, back to Donna's where I grabbed my car and dropped off Kanoe at home. Then, off to my mom's I went to get Keven and then I came home! Ben and Keven headed to judo and I took a much needed power nap. Probably about 1/2 hour long, but worth it. Ben and Keven returned home with great news that Keven had done VERY well at judo and his sensei said he could be ready for the tournament in January, but we'll have to pay by next week, which I don't know if we'll have the money for it. Guess we'll see. He said he didn't get in any trouble at all this week for goofing off with the other kids and that everyone but him had to keep doing pushups for not focusing. I reminded him that when he actually focuses, he can do a lot! I'm so proud that he's doing so well and will be testing for his yellow belt next Tuesday. YEAH KEVEN! He's really enjoying it and is getting so much better each week!

So, that's all. Will post more as the cupcakes start disappearing from the boxes and our finds. So far, they aren't worth my trip back to Seattle and the price they are! I am sure my sister, Audra, is salivating over the pics of the cupcakes! HAHA!