the henrie happenings

Conversations with the nearly 3-year-old

2012-02-06T23:27:00.004-05:00

Bella, with sadness - "My zebra's gone" (referring to her prune hands earned after a lengthy bath)

Silence.

Out of nowhere - "WHAAAA-CHOO!" (awaits my reaction)

Silence.

Oh, she's sitting in the laundry basket.

Bella - "Dragons eat the girl?"

Me - "No, Bella. Dragons are nice. They don't eat girls"

Bella with a hopeful tone - "Dragons eat the food?"

Me, ready for bed - "Yes, Bella. Dragons eat food."

My Cooking Mojo

2012-01-22T22:13:00.002-05:00

...has finally returned.

Tonight was Masman Curry.

And since I don't remember if I already posted this recipe, this might be a repeat. But it's a must-have, must-keep, must-remember. Something like that.

Ingredients:

2 TBSP olive oil

1 red onion. Or is it purple?

2 heaping TBSP masman curry paste (found at an asian market for $2.69)

3 or 4 chicken breasts cubed

2 - 14.5 oz. cans coconut milk

1 - 14.5oz can broth (I used vegetable, but chicken is fine)

4 russet potatoes, bite size

3 carrots, bite size

2 TBSP fish sauce for the salt (nasty smelling stuff from asian market)

3 TBSP brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

1 red pepper, bite size

Serve over rice with peanuts and raisins on top!

In large pot, pour OO. Add red onion and curry paste. Stir.

Then add chicken until cooked through and looks like the right pic.

Then add 2 two cans of coconut milk, 1 can broth, potatoes, carrots, fish sauce, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Boil med-high heat for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are done. It will start to thicken from starch in potatoes.

Add red pepper during last 5 minutes.

Add more fish sauce, sugar and cinnamon to taste.

I forgot to take a picture of the final product, but it smells better than it looks, so that's okay!

Serve over rice of choice and top with peanuts and raisins!

My friends who lived in Thailand made this for me a few times and I watched and learned. It's definitely not as good as I remember it tasting, but it's as close as I can get! YUM!

Bella was mad at me for blocking her view of the TV.

But thankfully she's easy to distract.

So I've finally figured out how NOT to make a blob out of my cookies. KEEP THE BUTTER COLD. Never let it get to room temperature. And don't mix too long, cuz the heat generated from beating it will warm the butter. Took me 10 years to figure out why it was hit-or-miss!

Yes I ate the 4 missing from this batch. And maybe a few more from another.

The cooking mojo is back!! yay! :0)

My Love Her

2012-01-19T22:15:00.003-05:00

She watches way too much tv...she knew that throwing snowballs was hilarious.

And she knew how to make a snow angel.

Thank you, Kipper the dog.

"My eat da snow!!" she tells me.

She makes me laugh when she...

talks. Whenever she opens her mouth, it's something hilarious with some adorable voice inflection leaving me rolling. "My" replaces "I" at our house, and drama is her middle name.

acts. She pretends to be a baby and while fake crying, tells me, "My a baby, mama..WHaaa". When she pretends to eat something, she does the "Nom, Nom, Nom", along with the squishy faces.

walks. For the most part, this kid's vertically challenged. She makes a grand entrance daily as she comes running full speed, then takes an ungraceful tumble to the floor. Then pops right back up.

goes potty. First she announces it. "MY GOIN' DA POTTY", grabs herself, then joyfully canters off to the toilet on her toes. Oh, but there's more. She now describes each BM by declaring it's resemblance to, oh, I don't know...

a train.

Or a boat. Or a snake.

It's, "Wook, mommy, my make a train!"

or "Wook, my make a big one boat!"

Always with much enthusiasm and satisfaction with her creations.

Would it be weird to say that maybe she's an artist?

This girl keeps me on my toes, and is probably increasing my life expectancy with all the laughter.

My love her.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T01:04:00.000-05:00

What's Christmas Eve without a walk with bare feet?

I love the trees and plant life in FL.

The volleyball pit makes a great sandbox.

Mom taught us how she makes her homemade spaghetti sauce, originally from her brother Jaime (he use to work at an Italian restaurant). Holy YUM!

From memory:

6 cans Hunts tomato sauce

5 cups water

4 TBSP olive oil

5 cloves garlic, sliced

2 onions, sliced

3 TBSP basil

3 TBSP oregano

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Saute onions in olive oil. Add garlic. Add basil and oregano. Once onions are opaque, and things are smelling yummy, add the tomato sauce and water. To thicken and give it some salt, add the parmesan cheese.

She then made homemade meatballs with parmesan, basil, oregano, italian bread crumbs, and popped them in the sauce for maybe 5 or 6 hours? The house smelled amazing. Oh my.

During our FFA (Forced Family Activity), we made these cute ornaments.

Bum shots. Bwahaha.

Ty and Isabelle planned out their "Adventure Time" drawings.

Christmas Eve dinner was beautiful and and delicious!

After dinner, the traditional one-gift-opening.

Bella adored her pink build-a-bear named Rapunzel from Isabelle.

A wonderful blessed day. I am so lucky to have my family all around me this time of year.

Feeling like a kid about tomorrow.

Not a creature is stirring.

Christmas Eve Eve

2011-12-23T23:31:00.000-05:00

Santa came to visit the neighborhood on a fire truck, and I love Bella's uninterested look while sitting on his lap.

Ty puts on his best face when the camera comes his way.

An Electronic Greeting Card

2011-12-22T20:10:00.001-05:00

This is an inside joke from our dear friend Jake Reary, and only Ty and I get it....but I had to post for my memory! LOL!!!!!!

Swam All Day

2011-12-21T22:59:00.000-05:00

We woke up and swam.

Ate blueberries before swimming some more.

Beautiful Savanna and cute little Sadie.

And we swam some more.

Dancing Lights

2011-12-21T19:59:00.000-05:00

This house (yes, every square inch of it) was programmed to a local radio station playing Christmas tunes...and not only did we listen and watch with awe - we DANCED!

Yes. In their driveway. And it was so fun.

I love making memories with my sisters. It's so nice to be together. This is what the holidays are about. My heart goes out to those serving our country or for whatever reason cannot be with their loved ones at this time.

Bless you all this holiday season and a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Florida Bliss

2011-12-20T22:00:00.000-05:00

At the airport...waiting and waiting....

Bella just can't hold still. Ever.

That's my wiggly girl.

She climbs on things to pass the time and I play with my camera. Ty wonders if my parenting skills are in jeopardy while behind the lens.

After the 4 hour flight, she fell asleep AS WE LANDED. Thank you bella.

Overjoyed. All of us. It was so nice to be back in the warmth where my hands wouldn't crack and my skin could feel the sun.

Bella had her own little tree waiting for her decoration, so we all pitched in our decorating skills.

The long-awaited visit is finally here! Feeling happy to be here and excited for Christmas!

I love this girl

2011-12-20T18:01:00.000-05:00

"WOOK MAH BIG EYES" - Bella

I love the contentedness in Bella's face below. I wish I could hold this tiny girl in my arms forever.

How to Keep the 2 year old still...

2011-12-19T16:07:00.000-05:00

Load her favorite kids tunes to an ipod shuffle! Minimal damage when dropped, easy to transport, and the best part:

Listening to her hum and sing along while I get things done!

Laundry was never more fun.

Lights on Temple Square

2011-12-17T23:20:00.000-05:00

This year we visited the lights on Temple Square. It was wonderful!

Mary Beekman came down from BYU-I for one night on her way to Florida for Christmas break and it was SOO good to see her!!!

I wore a warm hand-me-down coat from my grandma Connie and yes, it was Barney-purple and went clear to my ankles. A guy wearing a kilt playing his bagpipes even complimented me on it. I think everyone's gonna want one now. Haha.

Angel Moroni (the gold statue resting atop the Salt Lake Temple) is centered in this picture.

Bella was pretty awestruck by all of the lights. She kept pointing and talking about them. She especially loved seeing a temple in person for the first time. She remarked over and over, while gesturing with her arms, "BIG one. Up Up Up!"

Directly in front of the temple, floating lights glittered the reflection pond. So pretty!

I had a lot of fun, and most especially enjoyed pondering the meaning of this visit for me.

I felt the spirit of Christmas and for a moment left behind the things of the world and relaxed. This is the relief the Savior offers to the world and I am so grateful to feel that over and over again in my life.

Gratitude fills me. Good night.

Ginger Bread Madness

2011-12-11T01:15:00.000-05:00

Ours should have won "Most Original with Collapsing Walls".

With the Thompsons (our fabulous neighbors and friends) we partied the night away.

Kash, Cooper and Bella wrestled and played ring around the rosie. They taught her some WWF moves, and she taught them to be tiny dancers. Made for each other, me thinks.

Courtland is one of my young women and never takes a bad picture.

Happy for food and friends.

Nicole, our hostess with the mostess. She decked her halls and decked them out GOOD. Everything was perfectly cute and awesome. Thanks for hosting!

Delicate ornaments are another one of those magnets that sucks kids in.

Our walls caved in. So much profound life-application here. This is where Ty would be yawning at another one of my 'life parables'.

Such concentration and focus.

Nicole shared a true story from their family's history, then we resumed the football game. Whichever one it was.

Fun was to be had! Thanks again for everything!

Santa lives at the Mall

2011-12-07T01:06:00.000-05:00

When I was little, my mom would ask,

"Where does Santa live, Emily?"

My reply:

"At the mall"

Although a little shy, Bella seemed very comfortable with sitting on Santa's lap. No one was in line, so she just took her time chattin' it up with Santa. Adorable.

We couldn't get a picture with Santa without having to pay the $17 for a 5x7 photo, so opted out and took a parting picture.

These are on my list of lovely things to plagiarize. They retailed for $29!!!!! Whaaaaaa?

Our mall has this dang carousel in the middle of the food court to attract children like mosquitoes to a light. So nuggets and fries lose their appeal quick to the rotating musical horse. It's a losing battle and I usually give up...and just take pictures.

Neener Neener.

Christmas Poster Child

2011-12-03T00:35:00.000-05:00

The only way I could get her to do this was by bribing with this:

I know. I need new parenting skills. Right now they mostly consist of bribes and threats. Help!

We went to the grocery store and library wearing Christmas jammies and a santa hat. I felt like we were announcing our joy for Christmas like a neon advertisement.

Blocks are fun at the library! They keep 2.5 year olds quiet. Miracles happen people.

And princess got some early Christmas dresses so we don't have to haul them down to Florida. She was in heaven much.

Hike and Seek

2011-12-02T00:11:00.000-05:00

Favorite-ist game ever.

She loves taking turns counting and hiding, and hasn't figured out that she can peek yet.

She usually gives herself away when I get close to where she is...

Under the bed...

The suitcase was a new one.

I love playing with her!

Bargain Bin

2011-11-28T16:09:00.000-05:00

The Bargain Bin is a tiny thrift store in North Platte Nebraska where I go WAY back!

When I was little, my mom volunteered there, and apparently she'd trap me in a pack-n-play while she organized the mountains of jeans and junk.

So maybe that's why I love this place more than the average person.

Last year my Grandma took me there at my request so I could find buttons.

So I had to try for more this year!!

Jar of buttons:$2

Bag of yarn: $.50

Wool yarn: $1

Lovely Lovely junk = my treasure.

My Grandma Marion still volunteers there monthly!

My cousins took care of Bella while we went digging.

Lastly, I scored these awesome clip-ons for $.25

I know they really aren't that cute, but for some reason I LOVED them!

Thanksgiving in Nebraska Pt. 2

2011-11-27T23:26:00.000-05:00

The house was packed, but oh so fun.

My beautiful aunt Justine and her boy Joe.

Dinner for three! My awesome aunt Barb with her new hubby Steve. Such a cute couple!!

My favorite squeeze.

Besties.

Showin' my card tricks to the cousins, and snuggling with Grandpa.

On the old brown couch!

Madi came to see us the first night we arrived in Colorado, and we finally got to meet her hubby-to-be, TJ! He was adorable and awesome. I had a fun time getting to know him!!

Bella snuck out of the bath tub while at my dad's house, and decided to venture into another room. I found her wearing this. In the buff. I could not stop laughing.

Bella was so comfy with TJ and Madi, and their tiny puppy wedged between!

Lovin' on the puppy.

Maxin and Relaxin. Bella does this best of all.

Madi be funny.

Madi rocked at making her first Thanksgiving feast!!! This was our mom's stuffing recipe. DE-LISH.

Their cute doggie and then the stuffed turkey. I think the dog was wishin' he could get in on that action.

Chef Ramsey bossin' around the line cook. Poor TJ. Haha

TJ is an excellent helper

All the yummy foods.

Bella really had fun with her Grandma "Shell" the last few days we were there. It was just the two of them, since my dad left back to work, and Bella loved spending time with her! They went to the park one day, read books, and basically wore each other out. Maybe Michelle and little more than Bella. :0)

And one to prove I was there.

One of Five

2011-11-25T20:54:00.001-05:00

According to Nathan Meunier, Ty's game is one of five to watch for in 2012... Exciting much?

Gamespy.com did an article and Ty's game was included in the review. Ty says it well via FB, "This is an insane list of indie games and Catapult for Hire was included?! Can you please pass me some of that humble pie? Thanks."

Here is Nathan's review: (Thanks Nathan!)

Hurling large destructive projectiles at things and sending them toppling in piles of sweet wreckage is always pretty awesome, but it's not every day that you get to put yourself into the shoes of a professional freelance catapultist. When the realm's greedy King-Lords make off with their secret gold stashes, the resulting economic downturn spurs knight-turned-rock hurler Sir Knottingsforth to set out on his own in an attempt to make a quick buck by slinging his catapult for the highest bidder. Tyrone Henrie's one-man effort, Catapult For Hire, puts an inventive twist on physics-based bombardment games that goes beyond wanton destruction -- though there's plenty of that too.

The main campaign has you lugging your huge catapult around the land taking on jobs for clients. This earns you money that lets you upgrade your rig, unlock new kinds of things to fling with it, and construct a mighty stronghold to store and protect your arsenal. Money shouldn't be too scarce, since it seems the wacky local citizens will have plenty of tasks for you to accomplish, ranging from smashing castles and slaying tentacle monsters to tracking down ancient artifacts and finding creative ways to clean up an underwater oil slick.

Then there's catapult fishing, which might just be the coolest way to fish -- short of using dynamite and chainsaws. Wrangling fish for extra coin requires special lures for various types of fish. Attaching other unique parts and munitions to your rig opens up a whole new world of uses for the thing too, and this upbeat indie's well-rounded approach aims to showcase just how far you can push the creative envelope with a giant war machine.

Bella and I are so proud of you Ty. We wish you were with us this Thanksgiving, but we certainly felt thanks for your hard work during this last stretch. You can do it!! We love and miss you. See you soon! ... On the beach...movin' with the waves, in the sea. Nothin like you an' me. :0)

Thanksgiving in Nebraska Pt.1

2011-11-25T20:20:00.001-05:00

This little monkey loved jumping on the bed!

While in Nebraska, we saw all of my cousins and family except Amber and her family who is in New York. It was so good to see everyone! In the purple hat is 20 month old Emma - the most adorable thing I have laid eyes on ever! And throwing leaves at me with the adorable hat on is Harrison. He loved teasing me while I had my camera on hand!

The kids quickly discovered how much fun it was to throw leaves onto the blowing A/C unit. Clean up was to follow after Grandpa Bob busted us.

My uncle Mike, my dad Randy and Randy's better half Michelle.

I love this picture! Jackie was workin' it when I told her to flip her hair for me! haha. And Bella with the dirty bum...The was the only one never wearing real clothes. Ugh.

Bella sat with her Great-Grandma Marion after a bribe. Emma sat perfectly still with her Great-Grandpa Bob, and Marley refused any pictures since it was nap time. Can't blame her! So my aunt Justine held her for just one quick picture of all the great-grandbabies that were there!

Grandpa enjoyed watching Emma shake her bon bon. She's got MOVES!

All grandkids and their significant others. Well, I guess Amber, Marc and Nick aren't pictured. We wish they were there! Maybe we'll just photoshop them in!

Mike, Randy, Gary, Steve, and Barbie with their parents, Robert and Marion. And Jackie and Josh posin all cute for me.

Steve and Drae with their adorable silly boys - Levi (twin), Simon (twin) and Harrison. In that order!

Kissing cousins. No wait, that was Katie and Josh. LOL. So good to see my Katie.

Simon wasn't feelin the love. Haha...Too much closeness. Ew. Girls.

My cousins. Adorable and the BEST babysitters ever. Bella adored them. She'd say, "Come GET me boys!" then quickly run away.

My Grandpa Robert. I still sit in his lap in the old brown chair. That thing really needs to be replaced!!!

Cousins. Presh.

The lighting right here was magical. I can't adore the way these turned out enough. Used my 50mm f/1.8 lens from Christmas last year. In love.

Most photogenic family. Ever. They just kept smiling. So I kept shooting. They were all just so cute!!!

My papa. I realized this year that I'm an only child AND the oldest child. So I'm a spoiled brat and extra responsible. Haha. I thought it was funny. And so so true.

Blue shirt: Cousin Joseph. Simon in the red shirt and my dad showing off his array of facial expressions. Oh the talent I inherited.

My dad and his beautiful wife, Michelle. And last but not least, Levi, giving me his usual look of excitement.

Looking like Christmas! Weee!

2011-11-21T23:39:00.000-05:00

Opening boxes.

Some key lime pie never hurt nobody, right?

Oh Christmas Tree

We decorated our sticks with bells.

Some good ol' Christmastime Barney for the evening.

My little helper.

We left Ty behind for 10 days, so we're glad we set up our Christmas cheer so he wasn't feeling so lonely. Fun night.

Minecon in Vegas

2011-11-21T02:24:00.000-05:00

Aunt Jeanne and Grandpa Lou (Bella's Great Grandpa!)

Grandpa Lou painted these in his 40s. He just decided to take painting lessons one day. I would have never known about these unless I was nosy-ing around in his closet! COOL! My Grandpa said he loved the wrinkles and the hair of these native american women. He said they seemed to tell so many stories, and he liked that.

This middle picture is my Grandma Sheila from a wedding where she was a bridesmaid. How beautiful!!!

The whole reason we made a trip to Vegas was for the Minecon Convention (held at Mandalay Bay Resort) that the makers of the popular game Minecraft put on. Ty was selected to join the fun, and talk about his game for half hour in a low-key setting. Fun! He decided it would be a more productive trip to also purchase a kiosk where people could play test his game. SO glad he did that!

Look closely on right - there's Ty's name!

Many came outfitted for the occasion sporting some of the game's characters and creatures. Ty's kiosk on right. He loved watching people play and give feedback. It seemed well received!

No doubt, a sold out event! 5,000 in attendance from all over the world!

I was able to get permission to "sneak in" to see Ty do his presentation. We had fun together, and I'm thankful to my grandparents who watched Bella for most of the day! They were just a little bit worn out! haha.

We attended the class on making game music, where his friend Mattias was on the panel. Surprisingly I found the topic interesting and fun!

Mattias in the middle. He made the opening music for Ty's game and it's fabulous!

On Saturday, while Ty went back to the Minecon fun, I visited with my Grandma Connie and my Uncle Joe. M

Uncle Joe and Gramma. These Australian swans had apparently made the news recently for their presence in Las Vegas!

Loving her Great Grandma Connie.

This duck? didn't have a chance!

Macaroni and tomato juice. It's a family favorite and just plain comfort food. It

Grandma wore her right out!

Grandma's cute new apartment!

Aunt Janice and her fiery red hair! Love! And Grandma Sheila with my Aunt Terri.

Cousin Amanda contemplating life and Grandpa grillin'.

Bella was using this duck noise maker and laughing tears at the reactions of everyone when she squawked.

Amanda embraces life to the fullest.

Doggie Bella.

On our way back from Las Vegas, Bella decided she didn't want to go potty in her diaper. She refused. So we pulled over, and while mommy held her ankles, and daddy held under her armpits, the went potty on the rocks. And that was apparently really cool.

So we did it one more time during the 7 hour drive home.

When we made it to a gas station later, she told me "NO" and said "Go potty on rocks, mommy". She's just becoming one with nature. That's all.

We stopped in St. George to see old friends and it was awesome to see the Deleeuws!

My friend, Tami. She da bomb.

Vegas was fab.

Now off to Colorado and Nebraska!

A Beautiful Spirit

2011-11-12T01:55:00.000-05:00

This beautiful red head shared a beautiful spirit with me today.

Her name is Alice Nielsen Raynes.

Her life sketch, written by her daughter, and also my dear friend, Stefanie Farnsworth, is as follows:

Alice Nielsen Raynes, age 63, passed away peacefully November 9, 2011, surrounded by her eternal family.

She was born March 31,1948, in Provo, Utah to Vernon C and Olive Nielsen; she was the oldest of eight children. Her childhood was happy and filled with love. She graduated from Granger High School; kind and fun, she was voted by her student body as the Lady Lancer.

While attending BYU, Alice met Joe, her Prince Charming—it was love at first sight. They married in the Salt Lake Temple on May 27, 1969. They have ten children, all redheads like their parents. Being a mother was central to Alice’s life. She was a constant example of Christ, especially evident in the nurturing of her family.

Life is all about choices, and Alice humbly made the right choices. Alice always chose kindness. If you have met Alice, you have felt the Savior’s love. She never said an unkind word about anyone. She loved others the way the Savior asked us to love—unconditionally and without reserve.

She chose to have ten children. They were born to a mother who cherished them and their differences, a mother who was constant in her love, guidance and example. All of her children know secretly that they are their mother's favorite. Her grandchildren also felt her never-ending love. She spent every moment she could with them, cuddling and "smell-kissing" them. Her home was always open and everyone felt welcomed and known by her. She was a mother to all.

Alice chose lifelong learning and had an amazing mind. She graduated from BYU with her Bachelor's Degree and used it every day in raising her children. She participated on the BYU Ballroom Dance Team, and could rumba and cha-cha like no other. She read voraciously, played and graciously won all trivia and word games. She was a master of the English and Spanish languages. She was an accomplished tailor and clothing designer. She sewed each of her daughters’ wedding dresses, each one custom made. She drafted designs for her homes, and Joe built them—for her.

Alice chose music as her talent and love. She played the piano, organ and cello with incredible aptitude and found great joy in music. As a teenager, she took organ lessons at Temple Square in the Assembly Hall. She instilled a love of music in her children, and was happiest when they were singing. She shared her talent by happily accompanying vocalists. There was always music playing in her head. Joe would often ask her what song was in her head and she would name the song and composer and hum him a few lines. Heaven will be richer because of her music.

Alice happily chose to serve; spending her days in constant service of others. She was a proud and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She magnified her every calling, serving as Relief Society President, temple worker, organist, and in a myriad of auxiliary positions at both the ward and stake level. She spent thirty years playing the organ weekly in the temple, offering peace through music.

Alice chose to follow Joe to the distant corners of the earth. Wherever he was, running water or no, Alice was by his side. When her eternal love and companion in life was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Alice chose optimism and faith. She led her family with her example of turning to Christ and finding strength in Him.

She chose to be humble. She chose to be loving. She chose to be charitable. And her children watched and learned. They know where to turn for peace because they watched their mother find it in Christ.

We choose now to honor her legacy by being happy, ever-serving and faithful.

Alice Nielsen Raynes is preceded in death (by only 10 months) by her adoring husband Joseph Lincoln Raynes, and her parents, Vernon C and Olive Nielsen. She is survived by her ten children: Janelle (Nathan) Gerber, Michelle, Denise (Paul) Pitcher, Alison (Marshall) Smith, Melanee, Stefanie (Nate) Farnsworth, Jonathan (Daniela), Danielle (Bryan) Kennedy, Derrick (Alexa), David (Sydney), and 17 & 8/9 grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Ruth (Tom) Rich, Chad (Karen) Nielsen, James (Giana) Nielsen, Kathleen Nielsen, John (Gayla) Nielsen, Lillian (Sterling) Clark, and Jocelyn (Michael) Goldberg.

Her funeral service was beautiful. Family members shared their talents through testimony and song, and shared with us the spirit of this amazing woman.

The music testified of Christ and of the life of this amazing woman. "Love in Spoken Here", "I Know that My Redeemer Liveth", "How Great Thou Art" to name a few.

"She served everyone and she made you feel like it was her privilege to be serving you...She could find anything good about anyone" (Paraphrased) - Alison Smith, daughter

"She made certain we knew she loved us. I would not question her love for me, as I would not question the existence of oxygen" (Paraphrased) - Jonathan Raynes, son

"Our mother didn't like anything crude or crass, and we weren't allowed to use the word 'hate'. After a school lesson about Hitler, mother replied to her child's feelings about him with 'Hitler was a stinker' " (Paraphrased) - Alison Smith, daughter

"When I lost my dad, I lost my hero. When I lost my mom, I lost my first love" (Paraphrased) - Jonathan Raynes, son

"Her life was her testimony...That Christ loves you, the Atonement is real and that to know Christ you have to be like Him" (Paraphrased) - Alison Smith, daughter

"Tough times are an invitation to decide which side we'll stand on. We decide to either let the hard things consume us or we can give it to Christ, who is waiting to take our burden...What is the Raynes family without Joe (father) and without Alice? ... When we ache for our parents, we choose to find comfort in Christ. This is the Raynes family" (Paraphrased) - Jonathan Raynes, son

I drove home that night in the slow lane and sang at the top of my lungs. I felt joy.

I talked with Bella with more patience than I knew I ever had in me. I felt different.

This life is so short. We have been given these bodies temporarily so that we may be tested. What will I do with this mind and these hands? Will I serve our neighbor? Will I speak words of love in my home? Will I choose to emulate the life of my Savior?

Alice chose to be happy, and has left her family with a legacy of love. What greater gift can you give to those you love?

Thank you Raynes family for letting me celebrate with you the beautiful life that was your mother's.

A 30-year-old

2011-11-10T23:01:00.000-05:00

Take a good look at this man. Now look at yours. Now back at mine.

Sadly, he's not yours. But if your man would stop wearing lady scented body wash, he could smell like my man! If you haven't seen the Old Spice commercials yet, go and laugh. When I looked at this picture it made me think of the guy who does those commercials. lol.

We celebrated Ty's 30th in style. Bella and I made this very elementary/ghetto banner the night before, and with child-like precision, Bella gave away it's location the next morning.

I think the very fact that she spoiled it made it more fun.

Ty was very excited to turn 30. No, I guess that's a lie.

All day we delivered our gifts. Homemade gingersnap cookies, that he protected with his life over the course of a week. The Eco Collection game with Shadow of the Colossus in the bundle (an all-time fav), and maybe a few mushy cards somewhere in there.

We love our daddy. He's the best one, and we appreciate all he does, cause we know he does it for us.

Happy birthday my love.

Love this sound

2011-11-06T12:15:00.001-05:00

Whispers and giggles.

Bella and daddy wrestle and hide in the tangle of blankets on our bed.

My heart smiles.

Best morning ever.

First Snow!

2011-11-05T10:42:00.000-04:00

I knew it was coming, but it's a reality check once it comes! Time for summer gear to hibernate, and winter gear to come out and play! These are the adorable light up boots I snagged at that consignment kids sale for $5! And the snow pants and jacket for a steal as well. So we played in our new gear!

Bella kept eating the "ice". She corrected me every time I referred to it as snow.

I asked her if she wanted to visit her friends on our walk, or Grandma Linda, and apparently that was a no-brainer! GRAMMA LINDA!!! So we visited and she treated us with hot coco and muffins. Bella loves going over there!!

Refusing to put clothes on, I had to get some "ice" for the Bossy Bell to play with inside. Oh, AND her snow-covered baby, too.

Door to Table Conversion

2011-11-03T01:48:00.002-04:00

So the real "before" didn't get it's picture taken. It looked more like a cream white beat up door, as you can see on the underside.

I borrowed a friend's sander and got rid of most of the paint chips. Then bought $3 hinge thingys, begged my carpenter friend for free screws, and gave the honey something TO DO!

Actually, I will admit I tried my hand at the power drill...that things got a mind of it's own!

My fabulous neighbor, friend and decorator helped me stain it after I gave it a light coat of paint. Okay, she did most of the work.

MAN she's good! I only did this one side.

Looks KEWL right? Even the husband thought it fabulous. He had the bright idea that we could make money off of this, and that's when I put on the brakes. This is a one time project, I told him...cuz it seriously took me 3 months to complete!!!!!

So that's all. Just feeling good about finally finishing one of my many, and I mean many, projects!

And a sign

2011-11-03T01:45:00.000-04:00

Tina helped me give my front porch a make over, and included was adding stain to this darling sign that my fabulous, talented sister-in-law Yarnell made for me!

I think it's adorable. Didn't want to hog the eye-candy all to myself.

Halloweiner!

2011-10-31T01:39:00.000-04:00

Yeah baby. I married that hunk.

This was for our church trunk-or-treat night. Most people did not recognize us!!

We went to "Grandma Linda's" on Friday night and carved pumpkins with the rest of her party. Bella adores Linda, and asks to see her every day. She says "Ohn see Winda". So we saw our Winda!

Death by cake balls...I never want to see another one AGAIN!

Halloween night, we bailed on our neighborhood and partied in the in-laws hood.

Fun-ness was to be had.

Despite Bella's ensuing constipation, she managed to have a good time asking people for treats. Good times.

Boondocks

2011-10-29T01:30:00.000-04:00

So we celebrated Prenat's 2nd birthday at Boondocks and had a BLAST!

Teju and Naveen were the proud parents, and are also my dear friends!

Bella was a blur at this place. This picture is so fitting. And Ashley with her darling girl Katie, took pictures for us while we raced in the go karts!

Boondocks was a blast! Thanks for inviting us and for being our friend, Pranet!

Am I in Heaven?

2011-10-28T00:47:00.000-04:00

Really...look at that sunset!
Sometimes I actually remember to take a moment and look around me. It's kinda purdy. Okay, it's freaking beautiful here, and when one of these sunsets start glowing, I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy.

Family bike rides will be missed with the fast approaching cold weather!!!
But we look forward to some snowy fun. My friend took me to a sweet consignment sale and I scored some princess light up snow boots for Bella for $5! Along with the snow pants and jacket of course - all $10 used. Can't beat it!

Nerf Gun Fun

2011-10-27T22:32:00.000-04:00

Wanna know what we taught Bella today?
Nerf guns are great pest control! Well, not really...but it's fun to try.

The poor wasp snuck in and was really trying hard to break through the window.

I guess this is what it takes to get the husband out of his working man cave...let him SAVE THE DAY!!! Look at him in all his nerf gun glory.

So yeah, Bella learned that this is a fun past time, and really a wasp is no match for my wasp-shooting sniper!

Letting Go

2011-10-26T00:37:00.000-04:00

I don't like messes, sticky hands or things that just aren't supposed to "be that way" (in my mind).

So I let go a little...yes I let Bella paint my fingernails with the water colors...

And it was actually nice for a change to let go of my own stupid creative-restricting rules!

Go try it! Just ask a two year old to paint your fingernails. And f this 2-year-old decides to paint your arm, don't make a peep and enjoy the moment!!!

PS. Feeling blessed that the fever was done after day 5. The ensuing cough was bearable considering the week before. Then mommy and daddy got sick. But we are now all immune to that invasive viral something...well, at least that strain. It's cousin may come along next week.

Fever Day 5

2011-10-20T23:44:00.002-04:00

Being sick sucks...

And based on that statement, I have learned this thing about myself....

I GRUMBLE DURING MY TRIALS!!!! Yarg.

Yes, this fever has persisted going on 5 days now (for Bella, in case that wasn't obvious by the pictures), and it's been hard to "see the bright side" and be positive! WHY? I don't know. Maybe you can tell me.

Feeling better on day 2, we ventured outside and found this grasshopper.

So here's how I need to think:

I am blessed with a healthy happy girl most of the year.

I get to hold this busy little bee in her sweet calm slumber.

I get to memorize "How to Train Your Dragon" and speak like a viking! (okay, that one wasn't quite as sincere)

I get to be Bella's hero, from morning through night.

I have amazing neighbors and friends who express concern and love for my Bell via text, prayers, and yummy popcicles!

Seriously, I am soo freaking blessed it's RIDICULOUS!

Behold, the sin of ingratitude is upon me.

Here's to thinking happy thoughts!

Beginning to Understand

2011-10-19T14:18:00.003-04:00

So, the husband sends this to me in an email today regarding his game...

I think I'm beginning to understand the mood swings! Poor guy!

All Girls are Princesses

2011-10-13T23:51:00.000-04:00

Bella loves her new princess shoes to wear with her princess dress. She asks for this outfit almost daily.

So if you haven't seen the movie The Little Princess, then you need to watch it right now.

"ALL girls are princesses, even mean old women like you, Miss Menchin"

It's a must see.

So yes, in case you haven't heard, Bella is a princess. And so am I.

We may not look like the typical princess, but I believe all girls are princesses, too. We have a Heavenly King and we are each royally divine with an adventure to live and a happily ever after to claim.

If you enjoy good speeches, then listen to this one and be filled:

Your Happily Ever After

Faith is like a Seed

2011-10-12T00:51:00.000-04:00

The stake Young Women in Excellence program was this night, and I thought it was FABULOUS!

Here is our table, displaying our gardening skills we have been acquiring as a youth group. The Personal Progress program is what inspires the whole "Night of Excellence" to begin with. It's to help young girls, ages 12-18, set goals, learn about their true identity, and ultimately help them build a relationship with their Savior.

It started off with testimony from the youth regarding each value in the program, followed by a beautiful presentation where the Cox's painted this picture of the Savior. At first it was hard to determine what it was, but eventually you could see the whole picture. It really set the mood and spirit for the evening. Sister Cox spoke about virtue and something she quoted that stood out to me was this.

"What we love, we shall grow to resemble" - Bernard of Clairveaux

It seemed so fitting with the painting they had just created.

Uplifting night, without a doubt.

A Wintry Day

2011-10-06T17:18:00.001-04:00

Today was a wintry day...

Behold the first snow this fall! Already??

So we picked up our friend Boo, and headed on down to the library. That place is where it's AT!

On Thursdays they have discovery time for her age group, and Bella loves it. She's such a ring leader!

They loved the craft table with the scissors...They only left the table a few times to see what the other kids were doing during song and dance time.Goofy kids!

My princess butterfly ladybug. She's not sure what this outfit is supposed to be! And the lovely card my mom sent me.

Just needs some spiders I think, and maybe some lights.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-06T16:59:00.001-04:00

We went to the pumpkin patch with our friends the Fonotisateles and the Hyatts this weekend, and unfortunately I didn't plan ahead with the weather factor. I dressed Bella in a short sleeved sun dress in flip flops....and I hadn't done her hair for the day. SO I found some warmer clothes in my trunk in the donation pile, and bundled her hair up in a clip. With all the adorable clothes she has, this was the best I could do on a day when I knew I'd be taking pictures. Go me.

Bella's friend Halia found a cute little pumpkin, while Bella decided to make this horridly squishy thing hers.Thankfully they let me pick out another one for her, since Bella chose one of the undesirables.

My new friend and neighbor Kelli came with her adorable little boy Connor. They make such a cute picture! And the donkeys really like carrots!

Bella sliding down a hay bale slide wearing a sundress. Her poor little legs were all scratched up from climbing up the thing and from walking through the pumpkin patch. Mother of the year award much?

The storm looming nearby was really cool to watch roll in, but not so cool to be in once it started kicking up all the dust!

Once the party was over, Bella and I were treated to dinner, and felt pretty grateful they let us be the third wheel! I'm pretty sure everyone needs amazing friends like I have!

Jus' braggin' about my man

2011-10-06T01:41:00.003-04:00

Just thought I'd brag a little.

Ty has been getting some media attention here and there, but this one was pretty cool.

It's an interview, detailing the mind of the gamer himself, Tyrone.

Click HERE for the link.

And for my own sake, I'm pasting a copy here for when I print my blog to book.

ALSO...He was chosen with 9 others to talk about his game for 30 minutes on stage at a huge gamer convention called MineCon in Las Vegas next month, and he's totally STOKED! We are soo grateful and soo blessed with the progress of this game.

You GO BOY! Love your guts!!

Here is the link to his Catapult for Hire website for real-time updates.

Interview: PixelMEGA’s Tyrone Henrie discusses Catapult for Hire

Posted on 09.06.11

Games featuring catapults aren’t exactly a rarity these days. Even the wildly-successful Angry Birds uses such a mechanic (albeit via a slingshot, rather than a catapult), and you can’t throw a stone into the Flash gaming scene without hitting some physics-based title starring a trebuchet.

In addition to demolishing things by flinging heavy ordinance, however, Tyrone Henrie’s upcomingCatapult for Hire seeks to expand what we’ve come to understand as traditional catapulting fare. Including a full-fledged narrative-driven experience, Henrie has already teased one of the upcoming game’s more atypical catapult-based activities in the first of a series of trailers. Fishing, anyone?

I recently reached out to Henrie, founder of PixelMEGA Games–and the sole developer behind Catapult for Hire–to chat about how the game is coming along, its inspiration, and how the experience will elevate the art of catapulting beyond single-faceted flinging and destroying.

Indie Games Channel: Tell us a little about your game development experience, and what led you to form PixelMEGA Games.

Tyrone Henrie: I’ve always been a jack of all trades, master of none, so I never thought I would break into game development as it seemed that most of the game companies want specialists. I could never just decide on one facet of game development to specialize in because I love all of it. I created a few games using Flash, but really didn’t know what I was doing. For whatever reason, I had never heard of any of the game development tools out there and was under the impression that to create games I would have to learn to code my own engine, so I never go into it.

I continued to work as a web software engineer by day and studied 3D animation by night to pursue a career in animation. I remember discovering the indie game dev scene through the 1up show and then started to get involved with sites like tigsource. Every day at work, I listened to various video game podcasts (especially Weekend Confirmed!) and I obsessed over game design and what made good games good.

After getting involved in the indie scene I found that my skills weren’t a weakness because of lack of specialization, but were a strength that would allow me to create games on my own.

At that point, I had to do something because I quickly lost focus at my job. All I could do was think about making games. I was desperate and was ready to take any step to begin. Believing in yourself is one thing, but you have to be willing to bet the farm on it. I quit my job and moved in with my in-laws 2,400 miles away to keep expenses low and started to chase some dreams. Things happened to come together really fast and a year later I’m back here working on games full-time.

Indie Games Channel: You’re currently hard at work on Catapult for Hire. Can you talk some about what inspired the game (both mechanically and narratively), and how long you’ve been working on it so far?

Tyrone Henrie: Originally, I wanted to enter a game into a competition and so I decided to do something involving catapults. I wanted the game to be 3D because I love the sense of freedom you get by throwing and following a projectile through a 3D environment. I wanted the game to overcome typical 3D artillery game downfalls like complex control schemes and an awkward camera. I think the game is on its way to achieving that.

I didn’t want to do just another game where you throw stuff and hit stuff and so I contemplated ways to allow for more varied gameplay, which was a little hard as catapults are mostly stationary. From there I thought up the idea of a freelance catapultist and that story conceit worked in every way. It would allow for levels to happen in any environment doing any insane task that I could dream up.

Narratively, the game takes place in a medieval society with modern day issues like economic collapse, pollution and urbanization. I didn’t realize this at first, but the story is inspired heavily by my own experiences of growing up on a farm. As a kid, I had legendary fun and the world was perfect. After growing up and having lots of life experiences–good and bad–when I revisit the same places I played as a kid, it’s not the same. From a gameplay standpoint, my goal is to create a sense of childlike wonder where the world is your little plaything.

I started working on the game, along with a few other prototypes in October 2009. After it was was awarded the “Staff Pick” in the IndiePub Independent Developer Competition, I started full-time development in November 2010. I am super grateful to IndiePub for believing in the game and taking a chance on me.

Indie Games Channel: Catapult for Hire doesn’t seem like your standard, run-of-the-mill catapult game. Sure, we all like flinging plenty of things at other things using physics, but would you describe some of the more atypical activities players will be able to undertake in the game?

Tyrone Henrie: In the game you are a freelance catapultist hired to do various jobs. In one job you need to stop an underwater oil spill. There is more than one way to stop the oil flow, but you must first figure out how to get past the underwater creature that caused the problem in the first place. You will be rewarded differently, based on how you do it. Once you stop the oil, you find that the creature is a protected species and killing them results in a fine. Conversely, you will be rewarded for stopping the spill without killing it, as you have helped preserve their natural habitat.

Another client is an adventurer of sorts that wants to recover treasure from a series of ancient ruins, but he isn’t brave enough to do it alone. In helping him solve the puzzles and navigate the traps safely, he offers half of the legendary treasures found within.

In another job you have been summoned to help a small village of mages that have been irresponsibly disposing of expired and spoiled potions in a local body of water. This potion pollution has created a mutated creature that is now threatening the safety of the village.

Throughout the campaign you can also collect items for crafting upgraded catapults and payloads. I want exploration to play a key role in the game so you will be rewarded for checking every nook and cranny.

Indie Games Channel: Working as a one-man development powerhouse is sure to have notable advantages, but it’s bound to create some challenges, too. In your own experience, how has solo-development informed the evolution of Catapult for Hire?

Tyrone Henrie: Working alone has its ups and downs. The main difference is that instead of having meetings with other departments and debating what it most important, you are constantly meeting with yourself. It’s an endless meeting. In a group environment, each department would be vying to have their concerns be heard whether it’s the development team wanting to lower polygon count, or the art team wanting to add more explosions. I’m constantly questioning every decision I make and over-analyzing. Realizing this has helped a lot. I’m not doubting myself, I’m just trying to reconcile the different goals of each aspect of development within myself.

I’ve really enjoyed it so far, but at some point, I would love to find more people to work with. I suppose that will just happen as I continue to be involved. The biggest disadvantage to working alone is you don’t have anyone to bounce ideas off of. That immediate feedback and reality check is super helpful.

Indie Games Channel: On your development blog, you mention that you gravitate towards an “iterative” design approach, to help mitigate things like creative burnout. Can you discuss this approach specifically as it relates to the development of Catapult for Hire?

Tyrone Henrie: Games are an insane amount of work. It’s easy to lose motivation when you look at the epic-sized to-do list as a whole. I like to work in a more experimental manner that allows me to constantly try new things.

Not being locked into a feature-set allows you to constantly find new fun. There are a lot of exciting features that I have planned, but sometimes they simply don’t work out. Working in an iterative manner, I’m not married to any idea so there is no separation anxiety by scrapping a feature since I didn’t spend too much time on it in the first place.

Ask any game developer, and you’ll probably find they enjoy the prototyping phase of game development most. Coming up with something completely new is totally fun, so I like to try to do that throughout the project. Once you have a functioning game it’s pretty easy to try new things and laugh at how easy it is to break everything. Breaking everything happens more often than not, but there is always a chance that you’ll find a new little gem. It helps keep everything fresh.

A downside to working this way is that you won’t have a lot of work to show the public, at least at first, because you won’t spend any time polishing.

I think the process of development is more about discovery than dictation. If you’re open to new ideas the game can always get better. If you set everything in stone then the game is limited, and in that case, you better hope you got it right the first time.

Indie Games Channel: Understanding that the game is still in a pre-alpha state, what things inspired the colorful and cartoonish art-style? What are some of the key things you’re trying to convey with Catapult for Hire’s presentation? Can you talk a bit about some of your favorite characters?

Tyrone Henrie: I’ve been playing games since the Commodore 64, and with each subsequent generation of game consoles came a sort of Renaissance period in my life. When Donkey Kong Country came out I was blown away. 32 bit graphics! Are you kidding? Surely nothing could get better than that!

Prior to the release of the Nintendo 64, the amount of hype that I had personally built up for the release of that system was so epic, I’m forever trying to get back to that era.

That’s why I think the Nintendo 64 is the main inspiration for the feel of the game. Banjo Kazooie’s environments, in particular, I have thought a lot about. Now that I think of it, I haven’t looked at screenshots but I’m trying to capture how I remember the game–the “rose-tinted” version. Whenever I need some art or game design inspiration, I’ve been playing a lot of Yoshi’s Island because that game is chock full of it.

As far as favorite characters in the game I have a couple. The village idiot was a fun one [to design] because he’s this little eccentric self-proclaimed fashionista. But really, he’s just a village idiot that likes to gamble. He’s full of sass and pizazz and will get you into some trouble. That, and the character model itself came out kind of cute and funny.

Another is the lazy ogre. He’s inspired by the Rockbiter from Neverending Story. Rockbiter always seemed so scary and capable but in the film he comes off as so helpless. It’s funny to think of a creature that could do so many things so easily, given its enormous size, yet he’s so lazy that he chooses to hire someone else to do things for him–and that’s the lazy ogre.

Indie Games Channel: It sounds like Catapult for Hire will have a ton of different things for the player to do. Just how epic will Sir Knottingsforth’s campaign be? Any chance there will be additional game modes, challenges, leaderboards, or multiplayer?

Tyrone Henrie: Extremely epic. Let’s just say “Cybernetic Laser Space Kraken.”

The story plays a key role in the game. It’s not a bunch of throwaway words that simply coincide with the game’s action. I’m also trying to approach a few typical gameplay elements a little differently. There are many tropes that we are used to as gamers like save points and respawns. What if in real life whenever we failed we could just hit the “reset” button and pick up from a save point? What kind of implications would that have in how we carried out our lives? In the campaign, the player can’t just go back to previous jobs and try again–at least not at first. I’m hoping to have a few moments that matter based on the fact that you can’t always go back.

There is a challenge mode in the game that will have more arcadey type action. There may be leaderboards but I, unfortunately, don’t have time for multiplayer. That is something I would love to pursue at some point though.

Indie Games Channel: How was your experience collaborating with Mattias Gerdt on Catapult for Hire’s charmingly crunchy, upbeat soundtrack?

Tyrone Henrie: I randomly met Mattias at the Kill Screen vs. Scandinavia party at GDC 2011. He’s like a big furry huggy bear. He’s a totally warm, friendly guy. After I got back from GDC I was really happy to find that he was willing to do some work for the game. From there I sent him a build of the game and an esoteric formula I wanted for the title music (upbeat + medieval + a little chiptune / retro = win) and he came back with something super incredible. He’s amazingly talented so I’m always blown away by what he can produce.

Indie Games Channel: What have you been playing lately (indie or otherwise) that you’ve found to be particularly great or inspiring?

Tyrone Henrie: Lately, I tried Terraria for the first time and that was ridiculous, in the best possible way. I felt like I was playing the most amazing Super Nintendo game of all time. The experience that has stuck with me the most though has to be when I played Solace at GDC. It’s a shooter that takes you through the stages of grief, like literally each stage is a stage of grief. By the time I reached acceptance I was almost in tears because I couldn’t believe how well everything was communicated and through a freaking shooter game! Yeah, Solace.

Indie Games Channel: Any idea when folks will be able to get their hands on Catapult for Hire?

Tyrone Henrie: There’s nothing official just yet, but if all goes well, that should happen this winter!

Indie Games Channel: Thanks very much, Tyrone! Best of luck with Catapult for Hire!

We’ll be sure to keep our eye on Catapult for Hire, here on Indie Games Channel, as it nears completion.

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A hike

2011-10-04T16:44:00.004-04:00

I love nature walks with my two loves. We went in between sessions on Saturday. We always have the best talks when we're out in nature. It was a blast!

On Sunday Bella helped me make some rolls for a delicious dinner at Camille's and LOVED playing with the dough. Excitedly, she'd announce, "Wook, mommy, a snake!" That's her favorite thing to make.

It's Conference Again!

2011-10-01T10:52:00.006-04:00

Twice yearly, our church does a worldwide conference held for members and nonmembers alike. Everyone can benefit from these addresses, as they speak on topics like Facing the Future with Faith, Hope, and Becoming as a Little Child.

It's a special time when we hear our prophet's voice and other servants of Jesus Christ, and it's also a time of review for the individual.

For me, I receive answers to questions I have, like - How can I be a better parent? and How can I be a better spouse? So yeah, I look forward to General Conference, and enjoy rereading the talks over the following 6 months.

A friend of mine had a tent up in her living room the other day, and I thought how fun it would be for Bella to have a tent up...and what better time than Conference to do that? So, just like the people in the Book of Mormon during King Benjamin's address (Mosiah 2:6), we too have our tents set up so we can listen to the prophet's voice.

Armed with coloring activities and games, and TREATS, I think we're a little excited about Conference this year! Let me know what your favorite talks were, if you listen!!

During the closing song, "I Am a Child of God", Bella was singing along and it was such a tender moment. I learned a lot this first session. Bella was a crazy lady, but if I kept her fed, she was happy.

Tiny Bubbles

2011-09-29T01:10:00.004-04:00

Ty is the master bubble blower.

I tried to act all smart by telling him I figured out how to make this bubble blower ROCK. Yeah. He squashed that arrogance in no time. Just LOOK AT THOSE BUBBLES!

We were certain that the nearby grocery store would think it was raining bubbles. These suckers float forEVER!

Bella thought it was a party.

She grabbed her bubble popper (the ore for the blow up boat) and owned those bubbles!

Our friend Ellie Bean came by to visit with her mommy. She's so adorable!

Ty making them big time.

Bella adoringly looked on. She looks so submissive and heart-meltingly cute here. I love how she looks like she's thinking her daddy is the coolest person EVER for making the coolest bubble party EVER.

It was fun to get some time, what seemed more like quality time, with Ty. He's got a deadline on Monday for his publishers, so he's been feeling pressure to get it ready. He also feels the pressure from home, too though. I'm not letting him slip through our fingers so easily. We are going to work together to make meal times more planned and the time after meals be more intentional. Family time is going to be a more sacred time, when I don't let my interruptions creep in, and same for Ty.

Thai on the Inside?

2011-09-26T18:15:00.012-04:00

So about 6 weeks ago, we attended the Kaysville farmers market where I tasted the most delicious Som Tom ever before. See earlier post HERE. There I met two wonderful Thai women who know how to cook! Ever since then, I have been making Som Tom every week from watching them make it.

Well, on Saturday night, I went to the Ogden Harvest Festival on 25th street where I found these same two wonderful Thai women selling their mouth-watering food!!! What a pleasant surprise!!!! The woman on the left is grandma (We call her "Mom". Her name is Gohnkamohn.) and on the right of me is Kanita (She goes by Gah, pronounced Gay).

They happily fed Bella and I what they had left before they closed, while we talked about everything. There seem to be no barriers to their hearts and I loved talking with them!!! They seemed more like old friends than new acquaintances. We talked about Mormons, being an asian minority in Utah, making friends, job searching, and being a mother.

What a fun reunion!!! At my departure, Gah invited me to her daughter's 15th birthday party the next night. OF COURSE I'LL GO, I told her!!! How fun!!! And of course, they didn' t let me leave without taking home their last few spring and egg rolls.

So we went...

And it was a blast.

Herbs and spices blended, then boiled for quality flavor in the dish called "Laab". Lots of mint, ginger, and onion. Good smells all over!

Hacking away at the pork for the Laab.

"Mom" chopping up the bamboo for one of the dishes.

Kanita and her 6 year old daughter Deana, and Deana with her friend.

YUMMY!

Green papaya and carrot...the beginning of making Som Tom!

Kanita showed me how they make Som Tom and I've been doing it all wrong!

Kanita snuck an extra red pepper in my Som Tom and my whole face was perspiring!!!! What a stinker! All the little Thai ladies thought it was hilarious and seemed impressed I kept eating it!

Pringle sandwich anyone? This was what Bella chose to eat and we totally didn't feel like fighting it.

This is called "Laab" and is wonderfully delicious!

Some kind of curry noodle with chicken and veggies...SOO delicious!

All of these wonderful Thai women made me feel so at home! I remember most of their names, like Ad and Took (pronounced Dook), Lue (pron. Lou), Kin (Pron. King), and "Mom" is the adorable short one hugging me. My favorite little old lady was Kin, wearing the aqua/blue color shirt, who talked about her "honey" in Ogden and other hilarious things. We felt a mutual adoration for each other at the end of the night. She's so cute!!

Dream was the birthday girl, and she was super friendly and sounded more american than the others. She only learned English 5 years ago, too!

This is Ad. She was hilarious and spoke English really well for having never been to school!

Bella played in Deanna's very girlie room, and loved playing with "Nong".

Ty was sassing me for taking his picture...and this tree was begging for a picture!

The connection with these wonderful people was instant and I am so grateful for their hospitality and love.

Ad told me she thought I was born into the wrong culture. I think it's true! Maybe I'm Thai on the inside?

Sometimes, I wear stretchy pants. In the mud.

2011-09-24T23:14:00.008-04:00

Sometimes it's just nice to play in the mud.

My fabulous neighbor Raquel hooked me up with a free pass to the 2nd annual Dirty Dash this year, and I'm thinking she's pretty awesome for doing that. THANK YOU!!!

We ran a 10k (6.2miles) through tubes of mud, endured gale-force wind pressured water hoses, waded through a swampy channel, dove down a giant slide, climbed over a towering spiderweb rope thing, and the HILLS! Oh the hills. Bless those beautiful hills that made me hammies sing! WHEW!

Gettin' my green energy juice on!!! Power up!

Jenny brought her green smoothie, too!!!

SHOE POWER!!! Mine gave me blisters. And PoWER to the porta-potties! AKA Honey Buckets. Really? Nothing about those things are SWEET.

Spiderman dude made me laugh. Oh, and the bobsledders and the rednecks with MULLETS.

Onlooking the 1-miler for kids. Bowen and Riley were ready to get DIRTY

Behold the beauty of Soldier Hollow.

The post-race peaches were to DIE for. Made in Midvale at some farm. Don't worry, I saved the seed and I'm gonna grow mah OWN! And look at all those shoes. I had never seen such a pile of shoes before. And for such a good cause!

The end-of-race MUD PIT!!!!!!!

We're a little dirty.

It was kind of a fun Saturday. Just kind of.

Bella Prayers

2011-09-22T18:30:00.002-04:00

So about 3 weeks ago, Bella decided without warning, that she would say the bedtime prayer. It went something like this:

"Heanly fadder. Thanks day. (some mumbling) Aubrey and Ava. Amen"

(Aubrey and Ava are her cousins.) Since then, she has added "the food, mommy daddy, Bryan, Jasper, gramma grampa, her other friends," and closes with Jesus's name.

Tonights prayer was on my top ten list. She added a few things to her thankful list: "The sandwich, movie, and shaun sheep". (Shaun the Sheep is her favorite show.)

Bella is my little teacher.

Thanks be to God who sent me this tiny person to teach me every day.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

2011-09-22T14:47:00.004-04:00

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is rocking my world right now..

The hubby (hater of vegetables) said he wanted more CHUNKS of the RED PEPPER in each bite. Whaa??

This one was a winner for sure. I think I'm excited about cooking again. Yeah, it's comin' back.

The aftermath of peeling the peppers looks like a crime scene!!

Hogle Zoo

2011-09-16T23:37:00.006-04:00

The baby elephant had us all captivated as it pushed a huge plastic toy around the area.

If it were up to Bella, she would have her own carousel and she would ride it all day long. She whined and cried and kicked and screamed for more rides... Really, what is it about going in circles to Elvis music that gets them so excited?

My awesome friend Tami came up to visit and suggested this whole idea! And I'm glad she did. The overcast weather kept us all cool and happy, and it was so nice to see her again!

This sign made me laugh, because the indoor area had an echoing effect and with all the little kids, it seemed like an impossible feat.. Keeping voices down seemed more like a joke!

Bella was seriously a blur, just like this picture of her running. She couldn't wait to see the next thing. And this monkey really had me laughing. Just look at that hair-do!

Choo Choo rides are a must, even if you can barely understand the poor girl who has to repeat the same thing over and over, speed-talking into her microphone....and then puts the train in overdrive to get it over with. Thank goodness other people are willing to do that for a job!

Overall, a very fun day!

Or Not To Cook

2011-09-09T19:48:00.005-04:00

I have lost all inspiration. To cook that is.

If canning pickles and salsa counts as cooking, then I guess I've cooked TWICE this week!

But really, I want more in my meals. More variety. More veggies. More satisfying goodness.

So I remembered this blog a friend told me about. Oh She Glows.

The girl who writes it used to have an eating disorder, but overcame and learned to love food. Read her "About" section.

Here are some I really want to try...

15 Minute Creamy Avacado Pasta

Curried Lentil Soup

Homemade Salt and Vinegar Chips

Lightened up Protein Power Goddess Bowl

Carrot Apple Ginger Soup

Gazpacho

Layered Eggplant and Zucchini Casserole

Spicy Rainbow Rice and Bean Salad

Vegetable and Edamame Pasta with Basil Cream Sauce

Carrot Raisin Spelt Berry Salad with Cumin and Cilantro

Spiced Apple Pie Chips

Sour Cream and Onion Kale Chips

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

If you try any of these before I do, please tell!

I'm feeling a bit more hopeful about meal time, to say the least. Happy cooking!

My Mary

2011-09-08T09:28:00.003-04:00

Mary Beekman is my girl.

"My Girl" means I was once her young womens leader, making her 'mine'.

I feel this sort of possessive mother-like love for all my girls that I work with in young womens.

I think it just comes with the calling.

A little over a year ago, we talked about college as this distant, elusive thing.

Mary is the oldest of 6 kids, making her a huge help to her family.

How can she leave her large (supportive!) family behind in Florida?

Mary was encouraged by many to explore all options for college, but felt like going to a church-school would be her best option.

How would she pay for tuition, books, a flight?

I was determined to get this girl off to college! While living in Florida, I remember making a packet for Mary with every ounce of college information she'd need.

FAFSA was one of those things. Mary had never heard of it, but after qualifying she now has the opportunity of attending BYU-I! If you aren't aware of this federal student aid, check out their website now! http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

So now she's here. A first-time flyer and the first to go to college in her family. I am so proud of her for chasing her dreams and for having the faith to just DO it!

She didn't have all of her questions answered and all of her concerns laid to rest when she wanted (especially with regards to her financial aid!), but she faithfully stuck to her plan and knew it would all work out!

They just left this morning and I can't help but feel so happy!

I am so proud of Mary and wish her the best in all she does!