Pizza Scrambler

This is one of our family favorites!! It's so YUMMY! It might look a little scary from the picture, but it's not. We all love it, which doesn't happen too often. And to top it off, it's really easy to make. Here's how:

Get frozen rhodes rolls (from your local grocer) and thaw.
Then, smash two rolls together.
Top with your favorite pizza toppings.
We use:
pepperoni
ham
peppers
onions
cheese
olives
Then (this sounds tricky, but it's not) sort of wrap the rolls up so that all the toppings are inside and then you kind of chop it all together with a knife. It looks really messy, but it works.
Bake in the oven at 350 for about 15-20 minutes.
Then, ENJOY!!

My kids also love this because they get to build their own scrambler. You can also dip it in ranch dressing or pizza sauce.

I've Been Tagged!

Toronto Teacher Mom tagged me, so here goes:

7 things I want to do before I die:
1. Go on a cruise
2. Serve a mission with DH
3. Loose weight
4. See all my children married in the temple
5. Get my Bachelor's Degree
6. Travel
7. Get out of debt

7 things I can't do:
1. Crochet
2. Play the piano
3. Sing
4. Whistle
5. Not worry about my kids
6. Stay mad at DH
7. Figure out how to get the WFMW banner on my blog

7 things that attracted me to my spouse:
1. He's hot.
2. His butt (I know looks aren't everything, but I can't help it).
3. He makes me laugh.
4. He's fun to be with.
5. He's honest.
6. He served a mission.
7. He was attracted to me.

7 things I say often:
1. Make someone happy (my kids reply with: and you'll be happy too!).
2. I love you.
3. Did you make your bed?
4. Brush your teeth.
5. Don't fight.
6. Babe
7. I love you sooooo much!!

7 books I love:
1. Harry Potter
2. The Work and the Glory Series
3. Where the Wild Things Are
4. The Book of Mormon
5. Letters for Emily
6. Anita Stansfield Books
7. I Love You Forever

7 movies I could watch over and over again:
(not sure on this one, but here are some I love)
1. Harry Potter
2. Beaches
3. Dirty Dancing
4. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
5. Legacy
6. Armageddon
7. Annie

7 people I'm going to tag:
This is a hard one for me since I'm just barely getting into the whole blogging community. Most people whose blogs I look at have already been tagged. But if you read this and you haven't been, then I tag you!

Batman

Spencer loves Batman!! He dresses up as him almost everyday. I remember in Sept. he was in costume (this time it was Spiderman-but costume nonetheless), and a little old lady said how cute he was all ready for Halloween. Little did she know that this is his everday attire. For a long time he wouldn't even answer to Spencer. We had to call him Bruce. He is quite a character.
When S went to have his surgery he packed his backpack full of things he thought he might need. Yep, his Batman mask was included as one of the necessities. I love that kid, he is such a cutie!!

Modern Medicine

On Friday, I had talked to one of my good friends' off and on all day. She had told me that she had been having contractions all day. She was only 31 weeks. I told her to go home and lay down to see if they would stop. At about 7:00 I was talking to her and she said she wanted a treat, but didn't want to get up to make any. Well, I had just made brownies, so I brought some to her, and when I got there she looked miserable. I told her we should go to the hospital. She didn't want to for fear of "looking" stupid if nothing was wrong. I told her it was better to be safe then sorry. Finally I had her convinced to go. We took her two darling girls to my house and headed for the hospital. When we got there, she was already dilated to a 5. I felt so bad for her. She just broke down in tears. The nurses gave her: steroids to help the baby's lungs develop, antibiotics for the baby to prevent infection, magnesium to try and stop labor, and saline to keep her hydrated. She was told that she wouldn't be leaving the hospital until the baby was born, whether that be in a day or in 6 weeks. She look horrified. I tried to reassure her that everything would work out o.k. But, being a mom I completely understood where she was coming from. Her DH finally arrived at about 11:30 p.m., so I left and went to help my DH. When I got home, he already (thankfully) had all 6 darlings tucked into bed.

Kendra called me the next morning to tell me that Santos David was born at 12:50 at 3lb. 6oz. and 17 inches long by emergency C-section. She was fine and Santos was healthy, except for his lungs being underdeveloped. The blessings of modern medicine!! I'm so grateful for the advancements that have been made in the medical field. If this event were to have taken place even 40 years ago, the survival rate would have been very slim. Santos is doing amazing. Yesterday he was taken off the ventilator, and is now only needing oxygen. He will be in there for about 7-9 weeks unless something goes amazingly well. I hope for the best for their dear little family. They are wonderful people and dear friends to me.

When I got home it made me think about the blessings in my life. While we've had our challenges in the medical field recently (S had a potentially cancerous birthmark removed in Aug. J had an umbilical hernia repair in Sept. I had a hysterectomy in Nov. S had a hydrocele repair in Mar. and DH blew out his knee in Mar.) we have all managed to come out well. I'm thankful for our health and for all that we have been given. Thank-you modern medicine!!

Our Only Quiet Moments

The only quiet time we get in our house is when all the kids are sleeping. I don't know what it is about watching kids sleep that I love so much. I remember watching them sleep from the time they were just newborns. Maybe it's the quiet or the peacefulness that seems to surround them. I look at them and think how innocent they are right now and how much I want them to have a good, happy, fulfilling life. I look them and hope that I'm doing all I can to raise them up well in this crazy world. I have so many dreams and hopes for them, and as I watch them sleep I imagine those dreams coming true. I thank the Lord every day for sending me these four little angels. Oh, how I love each of them!

A Work in Progress

This year we decided that we really wanted to plant a garden. Well, that meant a lot of work. The ground was so hard that we had to put water on it to soften it up. After that we tilled it, and cleaned out all the weeds.


We got the ground a little too wet, so now we have to wait for it to dry a little. Then we'll till it again, fertilize it, and plant our little seeds. I'm hoping to get this done this evening after Ry gets home from work, if it's not too late. Hopefully we can get something to grow. We've never planted a garden before so we'll see.

For the last couple of years our friends had the most amazing garden. It was probably at least 5 times the size of our little spot. We never asked, but they always offered us food from it. They had more than they could eat, and shared with all the neighbors. Then, they moved in Nov. I was so sad. They were wonderful friends. So, when spring came around, I started thinking about gardens, and thought oh no, Amber won't be here. That's when I decided we should try one for ourselves. We can do it, right? I love fresh veggies, they are so yummy!! Hopefully ours will be plentiful. We are trying just a small spot this year, to see if we can figure out what we're doing. I can't wait!

Scouts

Tanner turned 8 in March, and with that he became a scout!! A little overwhelming for me since I've never been a scout nor have a raised a scout. But for him it has been so exciting. He loves going to pack night, and working on goals. Last night he got his first badge!! He got his Bobcat. He was all smiles it was so cute. Then, he was told that he had to pin his mom. He got a little nervous, but did a great job. I got my first pin as a scout mom!! It was very exciting for me as well. I love watching how excited he is about scouts, and about learning new things. He is always wanting to be working on a new goal, or trying to pass of some of the achievements in his book. Now he will be working towards getting his Wolf. I never thought I would be excited about Scouts, but watching him and seeing the joy and excitement in his eyes makes it just as good for me.

I Hate Tags!!

Spencer got this new tank top and wanted to wear it today. However, I forgot to cut out the tags, so he kindly reminded me by saying, "Mom, remember I Hate Tags?" How could I forget? We have to cut the tags out of all his shirts. What a weird thing for a kid to have. But, he definitly notices if there is a tag in his shirt. Sometimes if we're in a hurry he won't notice until later, but then it causes problems because he might notice at the grocery store or at the park where we have no access to scissors. I'm pretty sure we don't have too many with tags left in them though. I should go through them all and just cut them off to eliminate all problems, but I never seem to get around to that. Oh well, our system works for now. If he puts on a shirt with a tag, I get that gentle reminder, and then we cut it off, and all is well.

I blame this weird thing on his dad. When Ry was younger he had to make sure his socks were on evenly. If one sock was pulled up higher on one foot than the other, he would have to adjust one so that they could be just right. Then, he'd put his shoes on, and they would both have to be tied the same. If one was tighter than the other he would have to retie. What a strange man. I love him though, and wouldn't trade him for the world. I guess I'll live with my boys and their quircky habits.

Letter Game, I Got "T"

Object of game: Think of 10 words that start with that letter, and tell why they have meaning to you.

1. Tanner - My first born. I love this guy so much. He means the world to me. I hope that I will be able to raise him to be an honorable, hard-working man.

2. Texas - I'm going there in 20 days!! I can hardly wait. My sister and her family live there, as well as my parents. It's so far away, I wish we lived closer.

3. Trouble - Something my kids seem to get into a lot of. Not bad trouble most of the time, but trouble nevertheless. Putting makeup on their faces, making mud pies, painting the mirrors, pouring water into the karaoke machine, putting gum and toys into the surround sound speakers, stuffing rocks into VCR's, making their own recipes, pinching, poking, yelling, fighting, you name it TROUBLE!!

4. Time - Something I used to take for granted until very recently. We had a friend pass away and it has really made me think about time. I hope to cherish all the time I have, good and bad. We never know what is in store for us. Time is a very precious thing.

5. Taxes - I hate doing them, think they are pain, but love when I get a refund!!

6. True Love - I believe I have it!! How lucky am I? I have been blessed to be with a wonderful man. He is my best friend, the one who I confide in, the one I want to be with for eternity. I love him so much!

7. Truth - I hope to be able to teach my kids the truth and how to tell it. A very important thing in the world today.

8. Touch - A very important part of life. Gentle ones you give your children. Those of passion. A friendly one. A warm, kind one you give to one in need.

9. Treaures - Tanner, Mackenzie, Spencer, Jojo, Ryan, my family, my friends, the gospel, the atonement, Christ.

10. Treats - I love to eat them, bake them, buy them, share them. I love them!!

Big Brother

Several times now I have gone in to check on the kids and have found someone sleeping with Tanner. This particular night it was Jojo. I guess she didn't want to sleep by herself, so she cuddled up with big brother. T is such a good sport about it too. I have heard him "taking care" of the other kids, comforting them, singing to them, or other such things. He has always had such a tender heart. When he's not running around causing fights, jumping off things, climbing walls, building, swimming, making trouble, I guess being a boy, he really is a sweetheart. He has always been particularly good with babies. When M was born he was only 16 months old. I remember how he would always want to hold her and love her. He was always so gentle with her, and it has been that way with the other two as well. Now that they are all older, rough play comes in too, but he is still that same sweet little boy, with such a gentle touch.

OUCH!!

Poor Mackenzie! She got a bladder infection and was put on antibiotics. That helped with the infection but she had a severe allergic reaction to the medicine. Apparently she is allergic to sulfa drugs. We will definitely be sure she never gets that again. She was so miserable, I felt so bad for her. She was such a good sport about it though. (I'm kind of using this blog as my journal, so some of this stuff is a little bit old, but I want to remember everything, so I'm posting it anyway.)

Snug as a Bug in A Pair of Pants

Sometimes the kids will wake up in the middle of the night and want to sleep with us. Occasionally we will let them, but most of the time we tell they can sleep in our room, but they have to sleep on the floor. One night at about 3 a.m. I woke up to go to the bathroom. As I was coming out, I saw a bundle on the floor. Tanner had apparently woken up and come into our room. Neither Ryan or I had heard him. I guess he knew we would tell him to sleep on the floor, so he found the first thing he could to wrap himself up in, cuddled up, and went to sleep. He is inside his dad's pants. I couldn't resist, I woke Ry up and we had to take some pictures of him. Isn't this one of the cutest things you have ever seen? Children really are precious. I hope to cherish all of these wonderful memories I have as my children grow and learn.

My Own Little Harry Potter

We were shopping at Sam's Club one day, and Tanner and Mackenzie thought it would be fun to run around the store with their eyes closed. M was supposed to be leading T but apparently got too bored with that. So, T kept going with his eyes closed and no direction. He ran right into the corner of a metal podium. He came up to us and said that he had hit his head. His hand was over his forhead, so I told him to move his hand. Blood starting dripping all down his face and all over the ground. I rushed him into the bathroom, where about 10 people followed. We washed him up and got the bleeding to stop as much as possible. Then we wrapped up his head and headed for the clinic. He got 3 stitches right down the middle of his forhead. Now he looks like Harry Potter, which he of course thinks is very cool. We had to take him to the hospital for a CT. Luckily everything came back normal and no serious damage was done. What makes kids do the things they do?

Preschool Program

Spencer's preschool program was so cute. The kids sang several songs that were adorable. One of our favorites was "A Tutty Tat". Everyone in the room was laughing at them. I can't believe that Spencer is already done with preschool. He was so excited to be registered for Kindergarten. For some reason it seems so weird to me that he'll be going to school next year. With T and M it seemed fine, but for S it's just weird. I can't really explain it. Maybe it's because I will only have J at home for half the day. I'm so used to everyone being with me all the time, and that is quickly changing.

Spencer loved Miss Elaine, she was a wonderful teacher. Miss Barbara was the helper, but she fell down the stairs and hurt herself pretty bad the day before, so she couldn't make it. We all felt so bad about that because we knew she would've really wanted to be there. Spencer did a great job with all the songs in the program. I was really pleased with how much he's grown, and how much he's learned this year. It was the perfect transition to Kindergarten for him. Miss Elaine told us at the end of the program that Jordyn got in for next year. I'm so excited!! She has been wanting to go to school so bad. Now she'll be able to.

Easter

I'm so excited that I finally know how to post pictures. Now my sisters can't think I'm totally lame. These are some Easter pictures. It was pretty windy, so they aren't the best. But they work. Look how handsome Spencer looks in his little suit. What a man!! Tanner's teeth aren't really that big. After we took the pix I realized he had been wearing vampire teeth. Go figure. Boys will be boys. The girls loved their matching dresses. Of course I think everyone looks great, except for me. That's how life goes I guess. I'm so grateful for such a wonderful family!

The Chef

This is what happens every time I start cooking. Jordyn loves to cook with me. It doesn't matter what I'm doing. I could be cutting veggies, making cake, boiling water, you name it, she's there. I even had to make her a little apron to wear, however she isn't wearing it in these particular pictures. She is such a sweet little girl. I love having her cook with me. It is a special time that we can spend together, although sometimes, it is a little crazy. But, she loves it, and I have to let her do it while she wants to.

Miss Prepared

This is what Mackenzie's room looks like every night before she goes to bed. She likes to lay her clothes out, so she knows exactly what she is going to be wearing the next day. And she doesn't leave anything out. She puts out pants, shirt, socks, shoes, and even her panties. Then she is all ready. She likes to be prepared for the day. She is like this with a lot of things that she does. She packs a bag if she's going somewhere, just in case she needs anything. She is my "Miss Prepared".


Sometimes Spencer follows her example. He's not quite as faithful at it as she is though.

Last Minute Trips to the School

About an hour after I did my last post, I got a call and they needed me at the school to bring the cash box. So, I brought it there and they asked me if there was any money in it. There wasn't. I ran home to get the check book, went back to the school to get a second signature, and hurried to the bank. It was 4:56, and the bank was closing in 4 minutes. I pulled in right at 5:00 (I'm sure they were so happy I was there). Well, I got the money, ran it back to the school and made just in time for the carnival to start. We ended up just staying there, so the kids had 3 1/2 hours of play time. Luckily I bought them bracelets that gave them unlimited rides. After the carnival, I counted the money, went to the bank with the PTA pres. to do a night deposit, and then went to the school yet again to drop her off at her car. I was exhausted. I guess that was about 3 or 4 extra trips to the school, I finally stopped counting.

How Many Times Can A Mom Go To The School?

This morning after I got T and M off to school, I started to get everyone else ready. I dropped S off at preschool, and then hurried home to get J ready so that we could go to the bank with Ry. We got there and out in a timely manner!! Then, I ran up to the school to drop off my order form for carnival tickets. After that I went to the school bank to make a deposit (one of my fun PTA jobs). Then, I hurried to Springville to get J to a make up ballet class on time. I left her there to go get S from school, and then head straight back to pick J up. On our way home we stopped and got Matthew so the boys could play. However, I forgot that I needed to be back to the school to count all the money from presale orders. So, lucky me took three little munchkins to go count the money. While we were there S had to go to the bathroom. Fine, I thought. I was wrong. He had gone poop and couldn't wipe. I had to run around the whole school to get T out of class so he could go help his bro. We got back to the bathroom and they were in there for like 5 min. Then, S was crying. He couldn't get it all out because it was hurting. So finally T convinced him to pull up his pants and leave the bathroom. I then took him in to the teacher's bathroom, helped him finish, and started counting money again. Finally I was done!! Left the school, took the kids home so they could play and eat. Well, about 15 min. later M called. She had an accident at school and needed new panties. So I brought them to her, but when I got there she said she didn't know, but she also needed to new pants. I turned around, went home, got the pants, and brought them back to the school. She changed, I got the wet clothes, loaded the kids in the car again, and went home. Now we just finished homework, I'm doing laundry, and we are getting ready to go to the carnival. At first I was looking forward to it. I would let the kids play for a little bit, then at 7:30 when Ry gets home from work, he would get the kids and I would stay and count all the money for a final deposit. Well, I forgot that he has 2 baseball games tonight and probably won't be home until midnight. So now I get to count money with all my wonderful helpers when they should be in bed and when they are going to be very tired from all the carnival fun. I'm so excited. I love being a mom!! So, I guess that means I will have been to the school 7 times today!

The Good Things in Life

I've just been thinking a lot lately about how wonderful my life is. I have four beautiful children who I just adore. They bring such a joy to me. I know I can be a better mom to them, and I'm trying. I love watching each of them as they grow and learn new things every day. T is busy with baseball, scouts, school, friends, and so many other things. He loves being in scouts. I'm so glad I have a wonderful husband who was a scout himself, and who is willing and wants to help him. M is such a sweet little girl. She has such a sweet heart. She is always writing notes to me, 0r drawing me a picture. She is usually willing to help and plays great with her siblings. She is also enjoying ballet very much. The girls are getting ready for their recital, and she can hardly wait. She really has improved a ton this year. S just turned five, and is getting more independent than ever. He also loves sports and can't wait until Aug. when he'll get to play soccer. He is definitly all boy. He is very active (sometimes too much), but is also very sweet. Often times he will come up behing me, and just kiss me. It doesn't matter where. I've been kissed by him on the hand, knee, shoulder, cheek, lips, arm, foot, back, head, you name it. He is a very loving little boy. And then we come to my little Jojo. She is so darn cute. She stills loves to be held, and I guess since she is my "baby", I find that I'm holding her a lot. But, I don't mind, the time will come when she doesn't want to be held anymore, so I will enjoy it while it lasts. She is also a very cute little dancer. She loves reading, doing her workbook, dancing, being a "mom", cooking and many other things.

I'm also so thankful for Ryan. He is a wonderful husband. We have so much fun together. He is always making me laugh. I'm grateful for the way he fathers our children and for the fact that he works so hard for our family to provide for our needs. Heavenly Father has really blessed my life. I don't know what I would do without the loving husband that I have.

Other great things:
School is almost out (which means it's almost TX time)!! The count down is on! The weather is great. Mom and Dad will be here soon. Kyle gets to come home this weekend from Iraq and visit his family. I lost two pounds (not much, but any weight gone is good for me). I have wonderful friends and an amazing family. Amazing Race is on tonight, go hippies!!

Life is good!

PTA

I have been so busy with the PTA this year. Somehow I got suckered in to being the Treasurer. At first I thought, sure I can do that. Write checks, pay bills, buy things, no problem. What I really get to do is all that plus, balance the checkbook, do audits, pay taxes, record and file all receipts, make lists for each activity (how much was spent, on what, buy who etc.), and go to every single activity (sometimes more than once a day) count all the money, stamp checks, make deposits, and the list goes on. It has been a really big job. I love helping at school, and being invovled (the kids really like it too), but this has been a bit overwhelming. Luckily the school year is almost over, and I get to pass the buck on to someone else.

This week is the carnival, which is one of the biggest events of the school year. So, I will be very busy with PTA every day. The carnival is a lot of fun though. Even S and J enjoy it very much. I can't believe the kids only have two and half weeks of school left.

My Cinco de Mayo Boy

Well, last Friday, my little Bubba turned five! I can hardly believe it. He is growing up so fast. We had a nice, small party. It was wonderful. The boys decorated their party bags for about half an hour (which was fabulous because the party was only an hour and a half). Then, we played games, opened presents, had spiderman cake, and then they all went outside. He had a really great time, and I'm so glad. Now that he's five he thinks he needs to be in kindergarten right now. It'll be here soon enough. Tanner and Mackenzie were a big help. It's nice to be able to have helpers, I haven't had that yet. But, I guess everyone is growing so quickly that now I do. I remember when S was born and my dear sister Anna, called and asked me if I could name him Paco or Jose since he was born on cinco de mayo. Well, sorry for the disappointment Anna but we like Spencer better.

Baseball Season

Tanner started practice for baseball today. It is so fun to watch him play. He has such a love for sports. He has really improved a lot from last year. This year he is one the Yankees. If I ever stop being lame I might just one day, post a picture. Imagine that!! Tanner can really throw the ball far, and is learning to catch very well. He can hit the ball too, but he probably needs to practice on that the most.

Spencer really wants to play too. He often tries to sneak out on the field. He's made it there several times, and we still have a whole season to go. He could've played on the t-ball starters, but I feel like it's a total waste of time and money. I think Ryan has already taught him much more than he would learn there anyway. Next year he'll be ready to play. Luckily he'll get to play Soccer in the fall.

I love watching my boys grow up. When I was first pregnant with Tanner I remember worrying how I would be as a mom to a boy. I didn't know what I was going to do with them. But, since the moment he was born, I have enjoyed every minute. Boys are so different than girls, and it is so fun to have the diversity. My boys love dirt, mud, running, jumping, climbing walls, having battles, building, experimenting, fighting, you name it, they like it. And, I really enjoy being able to experience all that with them. Although at times, things do get a little crazy, and I feel like I'm losing my mind. But all in all I love my boys, and am so grateful Heavenly Father sent them to our family. I hate to think about what my life would be like without them.