Dear Matt,

→ is it okay if i check them all {but one. can you guess?}?

Piggin' Out

It's official:

I've become obsessed with the whole Swine Flu thing. I don't mind telling you I'm a little freaked out about it all. They've already closed some schools here. The push in emergency prepardness and provident living is all making sense to me now.

In honor of the Swine Flu, I present to you my recipe for homemade anti-bac hand sanitizer:

1/4 cup Pure Aloe Vera Gel
1/4 scant cup Witch Hazel
1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
15 drops Tea Tree Oil
Essential Oils:
Grapefruit
Lemon
Sweet Orange
Coconut
Lavender
Rosemary

Mix and match what oils you would like to customize your scent. About 10 drops of what ever you choose should do it. If you want a stronger scent add more. The list above is just suggestions you can use any essential oils that you would like.

This works best if you use a lidded jar to mix the ingredients. Just place all of the above ingredients into the jar and shake in till mixed. Then pour into a small squeeze or spray bottles. I often use empty Bath and Body Works soap bottles. You can also check the travel section at your local store. That's it. Carry it in your purse or send it in your child's backpack for a quick cleaning when water and soap are not available.


♫ Happy Sanitizing ♫

Cursed

The house next door is cursed.

I've become convinced of this over the past few years. We live in a wonderful neighborhood. People take care of their homes, inside and out. We have HOA rules to keep the neighborhood from looking like a junk yard. And yet......

The house next door has always been occupied by renters. Different renters may come and go, but they've all been less than ideal.

First there was the family who asked me if their dogs could use our yard as a bathroom because they didn't like to "go" on the dirt. I don't know if I said yes or no; all I remember was standing there in shock. I guess they took that as a yes, and so I spent 6 months or so shoveling dog crap back on to their yard. {at least clean it up, people!}. I was once tempted to deposit it on their front porch, but I refrained.

Then came the family that let their children run wild. By this I mean knocking on our door at 7 a.m. wanting to play, constantly playing in our backyard, breaking glass beer bottles in our yard just for fun, and being all around annoying.

Next was the family {I'm not really sure how many there were. they were dodgy} who I'm pretty sure were illegal immigrants. They didn't speak English, and one day a man with a badge knocked on my door & asked me what I knew of the neighbors. He showed me various mug shots & asked if I'd seen any of them. I told him not really, they're dodgy. These neighbors were my favorite. They stayed out of my yard, were quiet {except for their chihuahua who was kind of annoying at times. but at least it didn't poop on my lawn}, and kept to themselves. I did get whiffs of what smelled like burnt toast coming from their house all the time, though. Anyone know what a meth lab smells like? They left behind some sweet ceramic frogs in the front yard that the new renters seem to love just as much.

Now we have the worst ones yet. A family who has 4 kids who are left to their own devises pretty much all the time, from what I've seen. I met the parents once, a few days after they moved in, when I had to tell them to please shut off their hose that had been "watering" our lawn for the past 2 hours {there was still snow on the ground at the time}. One of their kids thought it would be a good idea to turn it on, I guess. Since then it's been one thing after the other. Kids playing in our yard and peeking in our windows. Kids riding their bikes on our grass and down the middle of the street for that matter, and leaving them on our driveway for me to run over {trust me, I've been tempted}. Broken glass all over our driveway and gravel all over our back lawn from the gravel pit that is their yard. Shredded moving boxes appear almost daily out back. Matt's nice- he throws them away. I just chuck them back into their yard.

Did I mention that their smoke alarms have been beeping since they moved in? And that they usually have the windows open? And that I have to hear the infernal beep all day long? Change the batteries, people! I don't know how they live with it. Honestly.

The two girls {7 & 5} come over all the time to ask me questions for their mom. First it was if I could take them to the bus every day and pick them up. Um, no. 1. I don't know these people
2. they don't know me. How could you leave your children's care in the hands of a stranger? One time they came over with a note the mom had written saying "this is so&so. Could you drive me to Southtowne Mall today at 5:00?". What? It was ten to five. I had plans. If you need something why don't you come over and ask me yourself, instead of sending your kids over??!!!

I'm very irritated. I know I should be more forgiving. I should be nicer to these poor kids who are on their own {I've got the number for child services ready to go}. I just can't seem to get there. We've spent a lot of time and money on our yard, and it kills me to see people who have no respect for property {theirs or other people's} ruining it. I clean up messes all day- I HATE cleaning up other people's messes, too. I so wish we had a fence.

Okay, I'm done. At least the guy 2 houses up who's on the sex offenders registry keeps to himself.........

Viva La Love Story

I ♥ Jon Schmidt.

I think it started with EFY. Man, they had some good music every year. My friends & I were notorious for singing EFY songs {I think Taking It Home with Me was the fav. Am I right?} at our lockers at the end of the day. People thought we were not annoying at all {but that's another story....}. I digress-

I've always loved Jon's arrangements. He's got a gift, I tell you. Alayna, can you still play Waterfall??

Well, I just happened upon this gem today & I love it! It's LOVE STORY (Taylor Swift) meets VIVA LA VIDA (Coldplay) for piano & cello {his friend, Steven Sharp Nelson, is playing cello}.




*want to hear more? here you go!

Happy Earth Day!

I only have to look out my window and I am reminded constantly that this earth we live on is a wonderous/beautiful/mysterious place. I love living in a place that allows me to see the miraculous changes in nature through every season.

I love the quiet peacefulness of a winter snowfall. The beauty of untouched snow. The way it makes me want to hibernate and cozy up to those I love.

I love the first blades of grass peaking up through the melting snow. The first blossoms and the sounds of birds at sunrise. The smell of a rainstorm. Open windows on cool nights.

I love the smell of the earth as I dig and plant. The sound of crickets in the warmth of the night. The feel of hot concrete on my bare feet.

I love the day that brings autumn. The crisp breeze and smell of changing leaves. The taste of garden vegetables. The urge to harvest; to prepare.

I have no doubt that this world we live in was created for our benefit and use, and I feel so blessed to be able to enjoy it- and to do my part to make sure that it can be enjoyed by generations to come.




p.s. is anyone else loving Susan Boyle as much as I am??

Hit Me Baby

Britney was in town recently.

I'm not really a fan. Some of her songs are catchy and all, but her voice is like nails on a chalkboard to me. Good thing she didn't end up as my sister-in-law.

Seriously, it could have happened. Right after her first album came out my dad was flying {somewhere} and just happened to sit next to her mother. Of course my chatty dad {who had no clue who Britney Spears was} got talking to Lynne and told her all about my brothers. He might have even given her a Book of Mormon. Who knows?! Anyway, she said something like "boy, those are the kind of guys my daughter should be dating" {little did she know how right she would be} and gave my dad her card & phone number. Neither of my brothers seemed interested.

We dodged a bullet on that one!

I'd rather hear this, anyway:


i ♥ travis.

some spring break.....

Easter Revelry

Saturday was spent attending the SunCrest egg hunt, which had a better turn out than I was anticipating considering the snow still on the ground and the fact that it was cold and rainy! I'm always amazed at the greed of some children {and their parents!!} at these things. The lengths some people will go to to get a plastic egg..........mindblowing! We probably walked away with a total of 10 eggs, but did get to see the Easter Bunny {pour soul!} which was Jackson's favorite part. He cried when we left.

We also prettied up our eggs for the Easter Bunny to hide.

This was the extent of Jackon's participation. He was more interested in jelly beans and rolling around than egg-dying.

Easter morning was exciting, as usual. The Easter Bunny left some great stuff in the kids' baskets and hid the eggs exceptionally well!

Naturally, we took the obligatory photos of the kids in their Easter attire before church.

After church we headed to my parents house for a delicious dinner, more Easter Bunny baskets & egg finding, and great company! Today we've been playing outside with one of the favorite basket items......

"Thank you, Easter Bunny! Bawk Bawk!!"

♦ Happy Easter ♦

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life"

John 3:16

Easter Activities

I once thought Easter activities were limited to the dying of eggs. How wrong I was. Over the past few years I've discovered many ideas & I thought I'd share a few of our favorites:



Birds In A Nest Breakfast


from gourmet mom on the go

Easter Egg Braided Wreath

from the idea room

Crushed Egg Shells

from make and takes

Easter Cookie Story

To be made the evening before Easter, or whenever you want to give this lesson. This is a great object lesson to do with the kids & it helps everyone remember the real reason we celebrate Easter.

You will need:

1c. whole pecans

1 tsp. vinegar

3 egg whites

a pinch salt

1c. sugar

zipper baggie

wooden spoon

tape

Bible

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

2. Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, that the Roman soldiers beat him. Read John 19:1-3.

3. Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.

4. Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

5. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

6. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1c. sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

7. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

8. Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matt. 27:57-60.

9. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matt.27:65-66.

10. GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

11. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

You Know You're A SunCrest Resident When....

1. You know each of the five Draper City Council members and the mayor by name. And they know yours.
2. You know more about dirt and soil than anyone should have to learn about in a lifetime.
3. You politely explain that SunCrest isn't any windier than anywhere else, and is actually LESS windy than the houses just East of the hangliding park.
4. You pleasantly point out on a regular basis that SunCrest is NOT located at the point of the mountain on a pile of sand. That's Traverse Mountain.
5. You continually educate friends about geological feaures in the SunCrest area, filling them in on little known secrets such as SUNCREST IS NOT A LANDSLIDE WAITING TO HAPPEN!
6. You know what liquefaction is, and you take great pleasure in pointing out to others that there won't be any in SunCrest when the Big One hits!
7. You've ever gotten a letter from attorneys explaining bankruptcy issues.
8. You know what "the auger" or "Big Red" are, and run excitedly to the window to watch them pass by after a big snow storm.
9. Your kids have ever missed school because you haven't been able to make it to the bus stop due to the snow and ice. Even when you have 4WD.
10. You stop and appreciate the breathtakingly gorgeous views on a daily basis.
11. You miss the market.
12. You've been counting the days, no, weeks, no, months, no, YEARS til the Clubhouse is completed.
13. You know what the algae farm is.
14. You regularly explain that yes, there is TOO a UT County section of Draper! And have argued about it with police dispatch.
15. You replace your brakes three times a year.
16. Your transmission has gone out at least once since you've lived here.
17. You find yourself sorely out of place down in the valley b/c you're wearing a winter coat and snowboots. In May.
18. Your children have bikes that are never ridden because it's just too dang steep.
19. You know what BetterBoundaries.org accomplished.
20. You know who your State Representatives are b/c they've helped fix so many issues for us.
21. You go sledding down a steep hill. In your backyard.
22. You have deer in your yard quite often.
23. Every spring you have to replace a tree or two because the weight of the snow broke and killed them.
24. It's not unusual for it to snow once in May, sometimes in June, and then again a couple of times in September.
25. You're more involved in the community than you ever thought you would be!!!
26. You plan your day on which side of the mountain you plan to take a trip down.
27. You REALLY REALLY miss the market.
28. When you tell people where you live they reply with "Oooh, nice." and you say "Yup".
29. You can identify different animals forms of fecal matter
30. You know what Voles are


*I stole this from the SunCrest facebook page. DeLaina, you kill me!!