New Blog

Well, with starting work and school starting for the younger folks in the Nutty Farm, we have been plumb busy!  I am sure it is the same with all other folks out there.  This is my excuse, however, for not blogging in what seems to have been an eternity.

Folks, I have mentioned here and there that I have had a little project in the works for the past year and a half.  It is done and complete so here it is in all its glory:  (insert drumroll here)

I have a new blog!!!!

Come visit me on http://catchingaiden.com 

It is taking me a minute to get back into the swing of blogging so be patient and send me lots of love in comments!!  :)
I will not delete my Nutty Farm but will leave it nice and abandoned in case I ever decide to come back and revisit days of past!
Much love and thanks for the company here!
Amber

mOnstER FaCEs

Happy Patriot Day!

Waiting for sparkler fun:

Waiting for the display!

Trying to get the perfect family photo......And missing big time.

The reason we don't do BIG fireworks:

Reason One

Reason Two

He just announced the good news:  He's no longer afraid of fireworks!  So, Former Reason Three.

  Trying to get the picture with this cute kid and he turns his head.  I don't get no respect! 

I think I am dying

Is anyone else dying from allergies out there?  It has been about a month now.  Symptoms include:

1. Keeping the house boarded up.  No windows or doors are allowed to open.  Ever. 
2. Sneezing 20 times in a minute.  It's my new workout.
3. Inability to do anything.  At any time. 
4. My contacts have been laid to rest.  Glasses are en vogue!
5. Wet compresses on my face at night.  Look out baby, I am one hot momma!!

I am ready for this season to be over!!!

A Shopping I Will Go!

Here is my shopping list for the week.  Grayson was very helpful in letting me know what we need. 

Milk and grapes were the first on the list (that was what was cut off).

That was followed by cheese, mushrooms, turkey meat, hamburgers, pickles, catsup, mac and cheese, pop (the cereal if you're wondering), and popcorn. 

What can I say?  We eat healthy around here!!  ")

**Sidenote for the Fantastic Falcon award...it is an award from the school that children can earn by completing 10 requirements throughout the year.

Fantastic Falcon

Ahhh, the end of the year awards!  Grayson received his Fantastic Falcon today.  Go Bud!
(There are a few random pics trying to keep some other kiddos entertained until the assembly started...)

Our first dance recital

Does anyone remember their first dance recital?  I have some vague memories of mine but the picture that came from that day is one of my favorites! (I was going to upload it but alas, it is not easily found!)

Here is the budding ballerina pre-recital:

Some of her tricky dance moves:

And finally, post-dance with our wonderful teacher, Heidi.  (She really has the patience of Job.)

A few decorations later...

It's finally coming together!

After living here for almost a year and a half, I am proud to announce that I am satisfied with one room in the house!   

Before:

A few decorations later and I am much happier!

Next on the list for this room is hardwood flooring (that will hopefully be next year's tax return) and a baby grand (that will be a little longer in coming.....)

Faux Pa

Have you ever done something so embarrassing that you couldn't stop laughing at yourself?

I did on Monday.

I was standing right next to a student while talking to a teacher.  I felt a rumble in my tummy and tried to have some control but failed.  I let out a faint "pop, pop, pop!!"  I hoped the student didn't hear but sure enough I saw her grab the girl sitting next to her and start whispering.  I then saw the other girl say, "What!?!?" and then the whispering continued and both girls started laughing.  I finished the conversation quickly, walked nonchalantly out the room then ran to my office where I bust out laughing and call Dan.

Well, what can I say?   I farted in a student's face!!  Really, I think it is every educators dream come true.

Random photos

Since I've been a bit of a bore lately, I thought I'd post some random photos.

Enjoy!

Goofy Grayson

Always ready for the camera!

Woodward Grandchildren

Aiden enjoying a caramel apple.

The Silhouettes that still need some fixings!

Cousins Logan and Alora

Deserved Censure

Yes, my dear cousin, I deserve the comment on the post below. I have been away for so long and only gave my opinion of the weather. So here's what been cookin' at the Nutty Farm!

Nothing!!! But I'll give you some boring updates anyway.

I bought a bunch of quiet book pages that I have been busily working on. Hoping these produce some miracle for Sacrament meeting time. I'll keep you posted on that.

I also started and finished some file folder family home evening games that my dear buddy, Sarah, gave to me about 4 1/2 years ago! Now we might have a family home evening a few times a year!

I have also been much more diligent in taking care of my body though I am not losing weight. Oh, well. I am gaining muscle and I believe my tummy is getting smaller. Yay! I have lost over 2.5% of body fat since September. Go me! I am feeling nice an healthy which is my main objective so I am very proud of myself.

Tbe kids are in swimming lessons on three different days of the week, so that does keep my hopping. I am looking to get Grayson into golfing lessons. Alora is still in dance. I'll have to get a video of that one of these times. That class is one of the funniest things ever!!!

I had a little project in the works back in March of last year. I have just received notice that it is almost done so I just might be switching things around here. Exciting!

Loves,
Amber

April Fools!

April Fool's from Mother Nature!

Here we are in April with several inches of snow. What a jokester she is!

Her First Date

Alora had her first date last night.

She attended the Daddy Daughter Grand Princess Ball at our gym.

Isn't she beautiful???

Her date was very patient in standing in long lines for butterfly balloon art and Disney Princess Signatures. His feet were pretty sore at the end of the night!

Thanks Prince Charming!!

Voting is important!!

I believe in voting.

I vote every year.

I try to gain a knowledge of what I am voting for.

This is worth voting for:

Please click on the photo above.

It will direct you to one the profile of one of my Young Women.

She is FANTASTIC!!

Vote for her photographs! Support her future career!!

Thanks a gazillion.

Go Maizy!!!!

Best Ever Taco Soup

Need Something Quick and Yummy for Dinner?

This is an easily made and easily adapted dinner. Dan hates all beans except black so I just substitute one can of black for the 3 of the chili. My kids think this dinner is the best because they can basically make it by themselves!! Added bonus: all three eat it!

Taco Soup:

1 lb. ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

3 cans (15 oz) Mexican Style Chili Beans, undrained

1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, undrained

1 can ( 15 oz) tomato sauce

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chiles

1 envelope (1 1/4 oz) taco seasoning

1 envelope (1 oz) Ranch-style dressing mix

1 1/2 cups water

Toppings: corn chips, shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, sour cream, shredded Cheddar

Cook beef and onions in Dutch oven until meat is browned. Drain.

Stir beans and next 7 ingredients into beef mixture; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Spoon into bowls, top with toppings, ENJOY!!

Actual photo of my child's dinner bowl!

A Desperate Cry For Help

How do I teach this??????

New Year's Resolution

Grayson decided to run away today.

It is not his first attempt (I am a VERY mean mom!!)

But, I realized that I REALLY wanted a picture of this!

Which lead me to make My New Year's Resolution:

I promise I will be more faithful in documenting the emotional turmoil my children experience in their daily lives.

Here we go!!

I was kind enough to remind him to take his coat. He apparently did not need shoes. I told him next time he might want to remember those, too.

I was going to post a video of Grayson describing his horrific ordeal of having the worst mother in the world but it has been uploading since 3:30 this afternoon. It is now 9:45 and I am officially throwing in the towell.

ksl.com - Fire continues to smolder at carpet company

Holy Cow!! You have to watch this link (there is an add right before it comes up). This business is right on the corner of our former townhome. You can see the townhomes in the story...they are referred to as apartments. I couldn't believe this! I hope all friends were safe. I heard that noone was allowed in or out.........

ksl.com - Fire continues to smolder at carpet company