My 10 B's

"B" ready for some fun!!

My Aunt Bev was playing this game on her blog and I signed up to play. If you want to play, leave me a comment and I will assign you a letter of the alphabet. Then you post 10 things you love... that all start with that letter.

My letter was.......

Benson, Monson, Hinckley, Smith. Just to name a few. We are so blessed to have Prophets who are called of god to give us direction in these latter days. It's always amazed me at how in tune with our Heavenly Father these men are. Whether it be their talks in conference, articles in the Ensign, or just the way they live their lives. It's not hard to listen and obey these great men when you know they have your eternal progression in mind.

BROTHERS! I am so thankful for my brothers. We may not have always seen eye to eye but looking back on our childhood....... we had fun. I always wanted a sister. Now that I look back, I doubt very much that playing princess and wearing hand me down clothes would have been much fun. Instead, I got to build forts, play muscle men, rabbit hunt, play smear the guy with the ball, learn wrestling moves and do push ups during commercials. Yes, I'm sure, if it wasn't for having brothers I wouldn't be the strong, and non prissy person I am today. I love you guys!
Blogging! I'm not sure who I have to thank for getting me started on this whole blogging thing. I'm pretty sure it was Amie and Linda (because theirs was so darn cute and informative). I'm proud to say I am a blog addict, for posterity's sake of course! Everything I do, every day I think "Hey, I could blog this". I don't have the most exciting life but....it's mine and I love sharing it! I love everyone that shares their life with me too. I've reconnected with people from years past by blogging, I've stayed in contact with high school friends, and I've journaled things I would have otherwise forgotten about. Imagine, my children growing up not knowing their mother was a Strep throat pink eye magnet! That would be tragic!!


BONZO. My baby, my best friend, my cat! The best friend and pet I have ever had (besides Angus), and whom I miss the most.


Broccoli! I love broccoli. My favorite way to eat broccoli is steamed with a little salt and pepper.... Yummy! My kids love, love, love to eat their Trees!

Board games! Who doesn't love a good game of Candy Land! I don't remember playing many board games growing up, besides the occasional Monopoly game (that lasted FOR-EV-ER ) or chess match. Once we started dating and bringing friends over after high school we made it a weekend tradition to play Mexican Train with as many people around the table as we could fit. It was always snack time at the Stanley's!

Black Bean Soup, is a family favorite of ours. It's so easy to make, and warms you up on a cold day. We like to make it in the summertime too. I throw it in the crockpot, cook it, let cool, break out the grated cheese and the tortilla chips. You have one Yummy snack!

BEACH! Who doesn't love the beach! I don't get to see the beach as often as I would like. I envy those who get to live right by the beach. The sounds..... the smells..... the sand...... the tans...... the water. I LOVE THE BEACH!

Babies! they can cry, they can spit up, they can sleep, they can poop..... I'll still love every minute I get to spend with them. I'm one of those annoying people that LOVE to hold, and talk to, and touch, and babysit any baby I can! How in the world I got blessed with ONLY two I will never know. I'm so looking forward to all my nieces and nephews that my sister in-laws can have! Need a good babysitter, call Aunt ROXY!

Birthdays! Not the whole getting older part but the cake and ice cream and presents part. I love to open presents. I love to give presents. I love to wrap presents. I've tried to teach my kids the shake and listen technique for their Christmas presents but they could care less. My Christmas presents are never wrapped until Christmas Eve because Clay won't let me shake them! I don't mind getting older every year as long as there are plenty of presents to keep my mind off my age.

Happy "B" Day! So there you have it. My 10 favorite B things. If you would like to play (and I hope you do) leave me a Comment and I'll assign you a letter. It was a little tough but fun. I look forward to seeing your 10 favorite things.

Who put the pink in pink eye??

NOT I said the fly! So after being poked, having my eye dyed a hideous yellow color, and prodded at the doctors office this is what we found out. Some how, I got a scratch on my cornea. Don't ask me how this happened, you would think I would remember something that painful! Anyways..... YAY for me no illness this time. The yellow junk in the corners of my eye is from the yucky dye they had to put in my eye. The dye made the scratch very visible with a blacklight. BOOO for me I have to go to Tucson tomorrow for an emergency ophthalmologist appointment. The doctor today gave me some GOOD goop to put in my eye to make it feel better. We'll see what tomorrow's doc says. Hopefully I can go back to work Friday, keep your fingers crossed!

Sunset and a broken eye.

We were all sitting at the dinner table last night eating, when Alex asked if we could go look at the sunset. After we finished our dinner, the girls got their shoes on and headed out back. I was a little slow, couldn't find my shoes anywhere. When I finally found my shoes this is what I found outside. Of course I couldn't see it very well but I'm getting to that!
Well, the girls soon got bored of watching the sky and went to jump on the trampoline. This is as far as we got with watching the sunset.

Now, those of you with weak stomachs may want to stop reading now! Don't say I didn't warn you.

So I woke up yesterday morning with a goopy eye. I thought, great pink eye AGAIN! This can't be happening, not this week.

All this week I am acting secretary at school. Our secretaries daughter is having a baby and she flew out to be a proud and helpful Grammy. I am so excited. I love answering phones, love everything about being a secretary. My dream job!

Then, the goopy eye. Uuugggghhh!! So I went to work anyways and made it through the day. By the end of the day my eye was REALLY goopy and completely swollen shut. Last time I had pink eye it never swelled. So....... no dream job for me today. Instead I get to lay on the couch and wait for the kids to get home from school then go to my doctors appointment. Last night our home teachers came by (I of course, forgot that they had set up the appointment on Sunday, I was already in my PJ's). They took one look at me and asked if I needed a blessing. Of course!! Clay threatened to take a picture of me so I snapped one myself. Pretty gross. Hopefully we can find out what's wrong with me THIS TIME! I hope this twilight episode ends soon because I am SICK of being ILL!

Clean House....... Happy Heart!

My mom quitting her job has to be the best thing that has happened to me in a long time! I love to call her and say, "Mom, one of the girls is sick and I can't miss work, can you come?". All I hear next is her car starting and her shouting, "I'm on my way!!!". She had to watch Alex last week because she had pink eye and I had missed so much work the past few weeks that I couldn't miss anymore. Little did I know she would not only make Alex feel better but she would also make me a lot happier. I got home that day after Alex's doctors appointment, after a long day of school, to find my house so clean and tidy. Not just the front room, every room!! She even had something cooking for dinner. AMAZING!

The girls nice clean room!

The clean playroom/guest room!


Clean living room!

Clean kitchen!

A tidy laundry room!

This room was my gift to Clay for V-Day. This used to be a catch all room/ storage room/ junk room. It made him so mad just to go back there. I don't have a before picture but I'm sure my mom didn't know what she was up against when I asked for her help. We love this room now!

Clean storage room #1!

We finally got our storage room at least organized. I think we need to dump about half of whats in there but at least you can walk in there now. We worked all day from the time Clay left for work to the time he called and said he was on his way home. He was soooooo happy with our work that he took us all out for dinner! I'm just so glad I had help with the job. Mom I love you! Thanks for all the help, I'm glad you're happier without a job because I'm sure glad I have you more often!

Clean storage room #2!

It's been a week since my mom cleaned and my house is still so nice and tidy. I love coming home. It got way out of control when I was sick. I'm happy my mom loves to clean, what a blessing. Thanks mom! Aunt Bev, what do you think? Who has the better house cleaner?? Me. Better decorated and newer house? You hands down!!

We have people!

In case you need help. Let me spell it out for you!! I have never been one to fret over doing my taxes. Since I had my first job at McDonald's I have been going to H&R Block to get my taxes done (I love my people, more like my lady. I've gone to the same lady for years now. She's great! She's always pleasant, very friendly, knows me well, and gives me money. What more could you ask for during tax time? I LOVE my lady!). I rather enjoy tax time. We haven't ever had to pay and having a little extra money when the check comes in is always nice.
In today's economy whose money doesn't say goodbye. Like that commercial says..... Too much month at the end of your money? I really feel for all those people out there that HAVE to live pay check to pay check. I'm sure all of us have had at least a little experience in having to do this. I did and for way longer than I would like to admit. Not a comfortable way of life. I'm not sure how we'll come out this year on our taxes. I do know that with the majority of our refund we're going to put it away, we may use a little for a household item or two. Everyone is talking about the economy and how we need to spend spend spend to jump start the recovery. I think that's what got us here. I just can't see how running out and buying a new car or a big screen T.V. is going to help me in the long run. So as soon as our check gets here (no matter how big or how small), we'll be kissing it GOODBYE and sending it on it's way straight to our savings account. I'd like to know what all of you are planning to do with your refunds. Leave a comment!

I'm obviously not dead or dying so I guess I'll be paying my people to do my taxes. I'm very thankful to live in this country, to pay taxes that support this country, to have a job to go to, and ultimately get a refund check in the mail. Wooohooooo, I love tax season!

Be Prepared...... for anything!

I saw this on a friends blog and I just had to share it with everyone! What a great idea. In this day and age when everything seems to be going down the tubes it's comforting to know that our church leaders are called of god. It's nice to know that Heavenly Father wants us to be prepared for the future, come what may. Food storage is a must, being as debt free as possible is a must, tithing a must, and following our prophets council is a must. I for one have been working on getting food storage, 72 hour kits, and other survivals things my family may need in an emergency. I thought this clothes washing bucket fit right in! Be prepared....... it can't hurt! This would make a great homemaking activity, a gift to someone, or a family home evening activity. It's so easy and it may come in very handy some day. Thanks Susan for posting it!

Doing The Laundry Without a Washer/Dryer

Clothes Washing Kit:

A way to do your laundry in an emergency. You can easily put this together yourself.

CLOTHES WASHING KIT:

• 5-gallon bucket with lid (cut hole in middle of lid for plunger handle to fit through)
• Toilet plunger (brand-new, clean)Store in bucket
• Liquid laundry detergent
• Stain remover/stain stick
• Vinegar (add 1/2 cup to rinse water) helps remove soap
• Rope (for clothes line)
• Clothes pins

To Use:Empty contents of bucket.Place water, small amount of detergent, and clothes in bucket.Move plunger up and down for a few minutes or until clothes are clean.Remove soapy clothes and ring them out.Dump out soapy water (on your garden or lawn.)Place soapy clothes in bucket and fill with clear, clean water.Add 1/2 cup vinegar to rinse water.Move plunger up and down to rinse clothing.Wring out clothes and hang to dry.Conserve water - use rinse water for next load of laundry.

NOTE: You could store two 5-gallon buckets, stack one inside of the other. Use one bucket for the soapy water and the other for the rinse water. You may be able to wash and rinse a couple of batches of clothes without changing the soapy water depending on how dirty the clothes are.

Cutting costs

It's really sad to think that our children are going to have to struggle for years to come just because money hungry executives have been in charge for too long. I think half these executives should go back to school and learn economics 101 and finance 102! I am glad that I was taught how to save money, how to live within our means, and how to make wise financial decisions. Money is big news now a days. From the stimulus package, job losses, and housing, to education, health care, and the car industry. Our country is in sad shape when it comes to hard earned cash. Well budget cuts have finally reached the schools. Just the other day at the school board meeting, our school officials voted for a four day work week starting next year. Without any discussion from the public it was passed. Supposedly shutting down school, not running buses, having longer classes not to mention larger class sizes, we will be saving a fortune. I have to ask the obvious. At what cost to the kids? My kids will now be in school from 8:00Am to 3:30Pm, and if I work next year they will be spending an extra hour after school each day. Not getting home until 4:30Pm doesn't sound too great to me. There are pros and cons galore to this problem. I just hope those in charge of making the BIG decisions have my kids best interest at heart. I am excited about having every Friday off and getting another whole day to spend with my kids. What about those kids whose parents HAVE to work? What about those kids whose main source of food comes from breakfast and lunch served at school? I'm a little worried and excited at the same time. I think what ever happens will hopefully benefit all kids.

I am a selfish mom, I admit it! I love my kids! I love having them home, doing things with them, I even love getting down on the floor and playing with them. Why do you think I started working at the school?? I couldn't share. So, I for one am very excited to have another day off to spend with the kids!! Yes, it's going to mean longer days, more instruction time, and tired and cranky kids. I'm just hoping the good will out weigh the bad and it will all be worth it come Friday. I also feel very sorry for those parents that HAVE to work just to make ends meet and can't spend time with their kids. I hope our economy gets better soon. The longer our economy suffers the more our future will suffer. I say leave education alone and make cuts from some place else. These kids today are going to be running our country tomorrow. They need all the help they can get to learn from our mistakes.

Happy Love Day!

I for one have never had this problem. I told Clay years ago not to waste money on flowers that were just going to die. Instead he'll buy me a plant or something. Over the years he has learned what I really like.

Not flowers that's for sure. CHOCOLATE...... now that's what I'm talking about!! Every year he buys me a box of Dove Truffles and I'm in chocolate heaven for a week! I've also recently fallen in love with M&M's premiums, the green mint ones. Two words describe them best... Yummy and Addictive!

I also love all the handmade things the kids bring home from school. I still have most of all the handmade things they have brought home over the years, and I look forward to many more. I love when Clay makes handmade cards. Their so sweet and to the point, not to mention free.

So, I hope all you lovers out there have a wonderful Valentine's Day. I know I will. I'll be spending the day with my knight in shining armour, our two little princesses, and we'll be living happily ever after! Today, Tomorrow, and for all eternity........ I love you Clay!

My favorite conversation hearts

I saw these cute conversation hearts on my Aunt Bev's blog. I thought I would try to make some myself. If I were in charge of making those yummy little conversation hearts, here is what mine would say......

Snow Day..... Part 2!

So...... by 7:30Am the girls were dressed and ready to go play in the snow. They just threw on whatever they could find, they were so excited. I told them I thought they might need to add a few layers, but what the heck does mom know! Just had to have a picture of mom as were walking out the door! At least I showered!!

Probably not the best time to take a picture but when it's snowing in Arizona you have to make good use of every opportunity you get!

We wanted to go up on top of the tunnel and play. There is always a lot of kids up there playing when it snows. We get to our favorite road and it's closed! It was icy and very cold and still snowing. We decided to walk up.

I don't know if the road was closed to just vehicle traffic or what. We were the only CRAZY people out at that time in the morning, just us and the snow plows. I have no idea what I was thinking. My poor little tootsies are still recovering. That will teach me to wear the prettier rain galoshes over the ugly insulated snow boots!

It was a hike let me tell you! In our truck it would have taken 2 minutes maybe to get to the top but on foot.... more like 20 minutes! We were all huffing and puffing and freezing our buns off!My little angels were so much fun. I feel bad Daddy had to miss out on our adventure. He could have probably done without the snow today. He probably had a grand adventure of his own on a snow covered freezing mountain.

It's almost noon now and all we have left is slush and mud. This is my kind of storm! One day of snow is enough for me. It was so much fun while it lasted!! Any excuse to be out of school is ok with me. Yes, I hate to tell my little girlies I told you so but we would have played a lot longer if you had layered!!!