The Zickgraffs showed us this a couple of months ago and I think it's so awesome. If you haven't seen the original video by Fergy, you should check it out first.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Abby's Hippo Cake
Ashley asked me to help her make a fondant cake for Abby's birthday. I was so excited, but I have only made one, and that was with a lot of help from an amazing teacher, Karen P. So I decided to practice and I made a bunch of flowers on a circle platter and frosted them in purple, orange and pink fondant. It turned out SO cute, and of course, I lost the photos somehow when downloading them to my comp. So, I have requested any my family has, but we will see if they ever make it here onto this post. Sufficeth to say, it was SO CUTE and I was so proud of it so I felt very confident to help Ashley with her pink hippo with a tu-tu. I thought, "Yeah, no problem." And then we started. It turned out to be a bit more challenging than I expected. First off, we didn't have the right sized pans to make the pieces of cake that we wanted, so we really had to sculpt. So it was hilarious from the start. When we had almost finished, we called our husbands in to take a look at our work and, well, let's just say, they had a "little" constructive criticism for us, meaning we were enticed to do MAJOR reconstructive hippo surgery on the poor guys face. And anyone who knows anything about fondant knows reconstructive surgery is likely to backfire. We cut and sliced and felt like surgeons and stretched the "skin" over the lips once the nose was enhanced, and let's just say that fondant isn't the most forgiving and he ended up looking a little bit more like a stuffed bubblegum pig on a spit than a cute little hippo. Maybe the ears are too big, nose still too small, eyes too big, mouth too black... I don't know, but well, it was a rolling fun time to make it and it tasted great and all of our friends were super supportive and said that it "looks just like a hippo", but we know deep down, that the next time we want to make a hippo cake, we are going to both think again.
Cooking club
I had a great time at cooking club this week. These women made some amazing food! I probably shouldn't mention any specifically because it was all so good, I would have to mention it all. Oh well, I can't resist. Brenda made this drink that was to die for. Thanks Brenda, I will never be the same again.
At the Park
A funny thing happened at the park today. As we pulled up we noticed huge black rainclouds rolling in from the north. I knew we wouldn't have much time, but we got out anyway. There is a small fenced in area at Jaycee Park for the daycare kids to play. No one else is allowed in this area. Of course we had to park right in front of it so when we got out Eirik walked to the fence and stood there watching the kids. I felt bad that he was the little outsider when I could tell he wanted to go play so badly. After a minute or two a couple of the little kids came over to Eirik and held his hands through the fence and talked to him. Then about 8 more kids all came over and stood by Eirik. He looked up at me with this, "What in the world is going on mom?" expression. I was sort of thinking the same thing myself. All of these kids were staring and cooing at Eirik. A few minutes later the teachers opened the gates and the kids all came out. The teachers were trying to get the kids to line up, but all of these kids surrounded Eirik and patted his hair, his shoulders, his back, talked to him, kissed his head. I think there were like 11 kids that came over and touched him. It was sweet and pretty strange too. Eirik looked at me like, "let's get out of here mom" so we went over to the swings were we met Erin and Benjamin for like two minutes before giant raindrops started to fall. By the time we had grabbed the kids and the bags and RAN to the car, we were both DRENCHED. It was such a downpour.
So overall the park experience today was completely different than I expected, and overall, quite strange.
So overall the park experience today was completely different than I expected, and overall, quite strange.
The House Hunting Saga
Just like so many of our K-ville friends, we are counting down the days until we pick up our moving van and drive out of town. Everything was moving along at a normal, anticipation of a big event, pace, until yesterday when we found out that the apartment that we have been counting on renting is not going to be available like we expected. We turned in our (2) 26 page notarized applications, a $70 application fee, copies of our drivers licenses, birth certificates, SS cards, our taxes from last year, a self employment affidavit and copies of our loan papers and our budget created by the school, and these people are still waiting to tell us if we are approved after a month!! We finally emailed them and asked them if we needed to send some blood samples or genetics screenings or anything. I mean, "COME ON!!". Anyway, after all of this trouble and waiting to find out for over a month, we finally got the distinct impression from an email from them that we were not going to get approved, so we have begun a frantic search to find a great place to live in the next 2 weeks. We are moving to a town that is completely depressed by Ford layoffs and everyone is trying to sell their house, but everyone wants to get so out of town that they don't want to rent. At least, if they do, it's a last resort. So, we are calling people who are selling and asking them if they would be willing to rent to us. What a pain! It would be so much better to just drive up there. Maybe I still will. That's 24 hours in the car, plus the time driving around town looking and that just doesn't sound like any fun with a baby that hates to be tied to a carseat.
Anyway, the point is, the first place just wasn't meant to be and we are sure that something great is going to land in our lap. We're just hoping we've said enough prayers and been good enough. Please oh please.
Anyway, the point is, the first place just wasn't meant to be and we are sure that something great is going to land in our lap. We're just hoping we've said enough prayers and been good enough. Please oh please.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
The delinquent blogger finally shows her face...
Well, after a long three week vacation I have a slew of wonderful things to share.
But first, I must say Ashley was a pro at spotting fairies in the woods and Tasheena and I had a blast getting "caught in the act". I will have a slide show of the rest of the fairy sightings for your viewing pleasure and laughs shortly. I have been surprised at how few people have said, "you guys are so weird" which I appreciate, but I would not be a bit surprised at that type of response, and to those of you who think there is something strange about us, I say, "Please just love us and our weird selves anyway."
And with that said, on to the matter of the vacation. Paul was in the deepest of med school trenches studying night and day for the boards exams. I felt like I was about to be tied over the spit and roasted. Paul later told me that my escaping to Utah to be with the family was like me swimming to shore while he took the raft over the rapids right when he needed me. So, I showed me weakness and caved in and for that I do feel terrible and I hope he will forgive me. On the other hand, the trip was great for Eirik and my spirits were lifted so that I have so much more to give, so hopefully it all evens out. To Paul's credit the raft did very well over the rapids and he made it through the boards without any scrapes or bruises. He's amazing.
It doesn't seem right now to tell how much fun we had in Utah, but here goes anyway. WE LOVE YOU PAUL.
Eirik LOVED the airplane. He got so excited about every plane he saw and had so much fun taking off and landing. What a fun travel buddy.
We got to Springville during Art City Days, a great week-long town party. We got to see a parade, a carnival, a craft fair, ride in a hot air balloon, see the art exhibit at the museum and lots of other fun events.
We also got to go to the zoo and camping with Amy, Adam and their kids, and Grandma and Grandpa.
Being with family was AWESOME and made me love and admire them even more. They were so fabulous with Eirik and it was so fun to have Aunts and Uncles to play with him and give him so many experiences. My parents are a delight and such an inspiration. My sisters and brothers and brother in law are just plain cool. They are fun to be with and doing great things. I love them all so much. Big props to my brothers for growing up to be such cool guys. Super big props to Daniel who got ordained to be an Elder while I was there. It was probably the highlight of my trip. He was beaming like he was lit from the inside. It was awesome. Love you man! I can't wait to hear where he gets to go on his mission!
But first, I must say Ashley was a pro at spotting fairies in the woods and Tasheena and I had a blast getting "caught in the act". I will have a slide show of the rest of the fairy sightings for your viewing pleasure and laughs shortly. I have been surprised at how few people have said, "you guys are so weird" which I appreciate, but I would not be a bit surprised at that type of response, and to those of you who think there is something strange about us, I say, "Please just love us and our weird selves anyway."
And with that said, on to the matter of the vacation. Paul was in the deepest of med school trenches studying night and day for the boards exams. I felt like I was about to be tied over the spit and roasted. Paul later told me that my escaping to Utah to be with the family was like me swimming to shore while he took the raft over the rapids right when he needed me. So, I showed me weakness and caved in and for that I do feel terrible and I hope he will forgive me. On the other hand, the trip was great for Eirik and my spirits were lifted so that I have so much more to give, so hopefully it all evens out. To Paul's credit the raft did very well over the rapids and he made it through the boards without any scrapes or bruises. He's amazing.
It doesn't seem right now to tell how much fun we had in Utah, but here goes anyway. WE LOVE YOU PAUL.
Eirik LOVED the airplane. He got so excited about every plane he saw and had so much fun taking off and landing. What a fun travel buddy.
We got to Springville during Art City Days, a great week-long town party. We got to see a parade, a carnival, a craft fair, ride in a hot air balloon, see the art exhibit at the museum and lots of other fun events.
We also got to go to the zoo and camping with Amy, Adam and their kids, and Grandma and Grandpa.
Being with family was AWESOME and made me love and admire them even more. They were so fabulous with Eirik and it was so fun to have Aunts and Uncles to play with him and give him so many experiences. My parents are a delight and such an inspiration. My sisters and brothers and brother in law are just plain cool. They are fun to be with and doing great things. I love them all so much. Big props to my brothers for growing up to be such cool guys. Super big props to Daniel who got ordained to be an Elder while I was there. It was probably the highlight of my trip. He was beaming like he was lit from the inside. It was awesome. Love you man! I can't wait to hear where he gets to go on his mission!
Saturday, June 02, 2007
My beautiful friend Ashley and I went to Truman to take some pics of the kids. Eirik and Abby love each other. We tried to get them hugging, but there was more malling and ear pulling happening than hugging... We think that will come with age. Paul says that their little relationship makes sense politically. I agree. :)
Friday, June 01, 2007
Mommy, Am I in trouble for this??
This morning Eirik decided it was the absolute end of the world when I wouldn't let him play with the eggs while I was making breakfast. He threw an enormous tantrum, and then of course, every subsequent thing we tried to do turned into an unbearable tragedy for him, until I left him crying in the kitchen while I went to my bedroom to grab some jeans and everything was suddenly eerily quiet in the kitchen. My clever 14 month old saw me put the egg carton in the trash can and since nothing gets by him, he had to explore this intriguing option.
Luckily, he had unrolled about a whole roll of toilet paper just a few minutes before breakfast, so we had plenty of paper to clean up the egg shell mess with. :) What a sweetheart!
Luckily, he had unrolled about a whole roll of toilet paper just a few minutes before breakfast, so we had plenty of paper to clean up the egg shell mess with. :) What a sweetheart!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
AWESOME WEEKEND!
There comes a time in life when a vacation is just essential. When a change of scenery makes the difference between going completely insane and dying slowly of a painful sickening internal death, and on the other hand, being filled with a great resounding joy and a new vitality that will carry you through. This is how this weekend was for me. I was at the end of my limit. You could probably tell from my last few increasingly miserable posts.. but I have good news. I have been refreshed and renewed and now I can carry on. Paul planned a trip that lasted a total of less than 2 days, but it made all the difference.
We left early Sunday morning, which I probably shouldn't say, but it was fabulous to shirk our Sunday duties for a week and let the wind blow through our hair as we recklessly drove further and further away from our responsibilities. To augment the Sabbath breaking we went to a full on white trash, beer soaked, live metal music, tattoo covered Rib Festival downtown St. Louis.
We got ourselves a big plate of fatty beef brisket, sweet corn on the cob, beans, potato salad and a fresh squeezed lemon aid and then sat down to watch the music. We had to move a couple of times to find ourselves a safe hearing distance from the amazingly loud speakers, but when we finally did sit down on the top of the steps of a great building with doors flanked with giant statues of horses (which Eirik loved!) I looked at Paul and and darling exploring son and said, "I am SO Happy!" and I was! I was so glad to be in Urban America again, where people are doing things and there are events and shows and things to see. Just being in a crowd did so much for my chi. I was happy!
When we had had enough of the really really crappy music, we went to the free St. Louis Zoo. We had a blast. We loved showing Eirik the animals. He was all eyes. He couldn't get enough. We loved the hippos and the anteaters. It was all awesome though. The best part was when we sat down for a break and ate some chocolate pudding. When we got up to go, someone had put a serving tray over the hole in the top of the trash can, I moved it and was attacked by an angry starling who had been stuck in the trash can! I screamed and Paul jumped and then we laughed and laughed. It was a good joke!
The next morning we woke up to go to the Gypsy Caravan, a huge flea market/ antique show that was across the street from our Hotel. Paul however, didn't wake up happy. We had eaten all the same things, but Paul woke up with violent food poisoning. Eirik and I left him in the hotel to throw up 30 times while we shopped and had fun. :) Poor Poor Paul!!!! His one vacation!!! We ended up coming home at noon, but to break up the trip home, we stopped at the lake in Columbia and took a dip. It was a clean beach and warm and so much fun! Eirik had lots of fun swimming in the lake for the first time this year. We can't wait to go back!
So even though it was short, we had an awesome, much needed time and all I can say is "Thank goodness for vacations!!"
We left early Sunday morning, which I probably shouldn't say, but it was fabulous to shirk our Sunday duties for a week and let the wind blow through our hair as we recklessly drove further and further away from our responsibilities. To augment the Sabbath breaking we went to a full on white trash, beer soaked, live metal music, tattoo covered Rib Festival downtown St. Louis.
We got ourselves a big plate of fatty beef brisket, sweet corn on the cob, beans, potato salad and a fresh squeezed lemon aid and then sat down to watch the music. We had to move a couple of times to find ourselves a safe hearing distance from the amazingly loud speakers, but when we finally did sit down on the top of the steps of a great building with doors flanked with giant statues of horses (which Eirik loved!) I looked at Paul and and darling exploring son and said, "I am SO Happy!" and I was! I was so glad to be in Urban America again, where people are doing things and there are events and shows and things to see. Just being in a crowd did so much for my chi. I was happy!
When we had had enough of the really really crappy music, we went to the free St. Louis Zoo. We had a blast. We loved showing Eirik the animals. He was all eyes. He couldn't get enough. We loved the hippos and the anteaters. It was all awesome though. The best part was when we sat down for a break and ate some chocolate pudding. When we got up to go, someone had put a serving tray over the hole in the top of the trash can, I moved it and was attacked by an angry starling who had been stuck in the trash can! I screamed and Paul jumped and then we laughed and laughed. It was a good joke!
The next morning we woke up to go to the Gypsy Caravan, a huge flea market/ antique show that was across the street from our Hotel. Paul however, didn't wake up happy. We had eaten all the same things, but Paul woke up with violent food poisoning. Eirik and I left him in the hotel to throw up 30 times while we shopped and had fun. :) Poor Poor Paul!!!! His one vacation!!! We ended up coming home at noon, but to break up the trip home, we stopped at the lake in Columbia and took a dip. It was a clean beach and warm and so much fun! Eirik had lots of fun swimming in the lake for the first time this year. We can't wait to go back!
So even though it was short, we had an awesome, much needed time and all I can say is "Thank goodness for vacations!!"
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Black and White clean sleep
I purged my room of almost all color to make it the most restful place I could imagine. It's been just what I've needed. There's something about crisp white sheets that just does it for me.
I do the best I got with the brain I can
So my husband admitted to me today that he has told a few people that his wife is "not quite her usual sharp self". Ha Ha.... I remember it was the same last time I was pregnant... I just get super forgetful. Paul is usually the first to notice (before me) that I can't seem to have a full conversation, can't make a complete sentence, can't remember what I was getting out of the cupboard, where I got in the car to go, not to mention the missed meetings, appointments and the like. I practically have to hold my schedule and lists in my hands all day long to not miss anything. I just forget!! I am ready to get back to myself again. I feel like I have been functioning in a cloud where I can't wait to go back to bed.
My friend Jayne sent me a comic that says that I will look back on these days and say, "Those were the good old days." What have I gotten myself into!! My mom likes to remind me every time we talk that I am at just the beginning of motherhood. It's going to be a long time before I can throw away all the plastic cups I just bought. (Apparently that's the mark of having grown up kids). I guess I can bank on having a little more energy for the fun times ahead in about 4 weeks.
My next post is going to be a picture of my bed... Ahhhh bed. :)
My friend Jayne sent me a comic that says that I will look back on these days and say, "Those were the good old days." What have I gotten myself into!! My mom likes to remind me every time we talk that I am at just the beginning of motherhood. It's going to be a long time before I can throw away all the plastic cups I just bought. (Apparently that's the mark of having grown up kids). I guess I can bank on having a little more energy for the fun times ahead in about 4 weeks.
My next post is going to be a picture of my bed... Ahhhh bed. :)
Saturday, May 19, 2007
My husband and I laid down on the couch together today and relaxed for the first time in .. I can't tell you how long.. I finally have my husband back!!
This last week has been.. I'll be honest.. just hell. On Friday morning the day of his last final, I could feel the excruciating pain as Paul woke up after only a few hours of sleep and went over the last 50 pages of notes of the 600-700 that he went through for that test (all on Thursday!) He said his brain felt like lead. The stress of the past few weeks has just pervaded the house. Other wives can separate, but I feel stressed while Paul is stressed and we are both sighing big sighs of relief today. It is such a great feeling to be able to cross that last final off the calendar and know he made it!! He stuck it out and we are almost through these first two years. I don't know how he's done it! I'm so proud of him!!
Although.... he keeps asking me not to talk about the end drawing near because he has to stay focused. Boards are just two weeks away.. so the stress isn't lifted, just changed and today is a day for relaxation and gearing up for two more weeks of the same day over and over and over again.
This last week was just so miserable and while I am supposed to be the wife that is supportive and helpful while my husband goes through one of the hardest weeks of his life, I was the wife complaining of being sick, tired, and bored. What a sad and selfish woman I have been for the last week. Not to give myself any excuses, but pregnancy is hard! Also, I have been missing my evening pick-me-ups where I work on projects I love and read and write and reconnect with myself since bed has been more appealing. (I've been simply crashing around 6 or 7 and hopefully making it until 9 or so when there's just no going on!) I wasn't this tired while prego with Eirik. So while all waking hours are spent with Eirik and trying to keep him from banging on the study door and crying for his father, I haven't had the me time that usually keeps me chipper.
So today, we have a day where Paul has designated his time to relaxation and I have racked my brain, searched the web and nearly gone crazy trying to think of something exciting, fun and uplifting that would brighten our spirits and help us reconnect with life. Sadly, what keeps coming to mind are ... the narrows, Zions, Mt. Nebo, Park City, Galleries, Arts Festivals, hiking Immigration canyon, Barnes and Noble, The Gateway, Hobble Creek, and a million other fabulous places to explore and play in my home territory. I must be so boring, but the Tom Sawyer Caves and farmland just aren't comparable and they don't get the blood going like being home would. I sure miss my family right now. (Shout out to all of you!)
So before this long desperate post gets too sad and borring, let me say that we watched "Pursuit of Happiness" last night and there's nothing like a movie like that to help you remember just how good we have it. We are so blessed and my gratitude is keeping me going. I do love my life even in the hard times!
This last week has been.. I'll be honest.. just hell. On Friday morning the day of his last final, I could feel the excruciating pain as Paul woke up after only a few hours of sleep and went over the last 50 pages of notes of the 600-700 that he went through for that test (all on Thursday!) He said his brain felt like lead. The stress of the past few weeks has just pervaded the house. Other wives can separate, but I feel stressed while Paul is stressed and we are both sighing big sighs of relief today. It is such a great feeling to be able to cross that last final off the calendar and know he made it!! He stuck it out and we are almost through these first two years. I don't know how he's done it! I'm so proud of him!!
Although.... he keeps asking me not to talk about the end drawing near because he has to stay focused. Boards are just two weeks away.. so the stress isn't lifted, just changed and today is a day for relaxation and gearing up for two more weeks of the same day over and over and over again.
This last week was just so miserable and while I am supposed to be the wife that is supportive and helpful while my husband goes through one of the hardest weeks of his life, I was the wife complaining of being sick, tired, and bored. What a sad and selfish woman I have been for the last week. Not to give myself any excuses, but pregnancy is hard! Also, I have been missing my evening pick-me-ups where I work on projects I love and read and write and reconnect with myself since bed has been more appealing. (I've been simply crashing around 6 or 7 and hopefully making it until 9 or so when there's just no going on!) I wasn't this tired while prego with Eirik. So while all waking hours are spent with Eirik and trying to keep him from banging on the study door and crying for his father, I haven't had the me time that usually keeps me chipper.
So today, we have a day where Paul has designated his time to relaxation and I have racked my brain, searched the web and nearly gone crazy trying to think of something exciting, fun and uplifting that would brighten our spirits and help us reconnect with life. Sadly, what keeps coming to mind are ... the narrows, Zions, Mt. Nebo, Park City, Galleries, Arts Festivals, hiking Immigration canyon, Barnes and Noble, The Gateway, Hobble Creek, and a million other fabulous places to explore and play in my home territory. I must be so boring, but the Tom Sawyer Caves and farmland just aren't comparable and they don't get the blood going like being home would. I sure miss my family right now. (Shout out to all of you!)
So before this long desperate post gets too sad and borring, let me say that we watched "Pursuit of Happiness" last night and there's nothing like a movie like that to help you remember just how good we have it. We are so blessed and my gratitude is keeping me going. I do love my life even in the hard times!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Spring Birthday
Our friend Eugena had the brilliant idea to start a cafe "Eugena Ruth's Cafe" in her backyard to bring this restaurant deprived town a touch of her divine food preparation skills. I immediately signed us up for a special evening Birthday celebration dinner for Paul's 27th. We had the privilege of celebrating with our good friends Ashley and Justin who were also celebrating Justin's birthday. The food was amazing, herbed focaccia bread, spicy shrimp, lemon risotto, served in a lemon, cranberry juice with Perrier, and three deserts to top it off- red velvet cupcakes with toffee chocolate frosting, key lime pie (delicious!) and citrus raspberry gelatto. It was a warm romantic wonderful evening (great service) and beautiful scenery. Thanks Eugena Ruth.
As a side note, I painted the hollyhocks on Eugena's table top.
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