Is there Sushi in Montana?

Action Shot!

2012-03-01T10:33:00.003-08:00

I do not have any pictures of Jonny making any shots, stealing the ball, or playing defense. I do however have many pictures of him celebrating. This is one of the more successful chest bumps.

I want some kind of refund!

2012-02-27T12:47:00.003-08:00

There was an unwritten rule when Dave and I got married. First, I would teach the boys all about sports. Second, Dave in turn would handle all science fairs. So, you can understand my frustration. I have been doing nothing but Science Fair this week. Now, I understand that Dave had to travel to D.C. to present his own "Science Fair project." I can see how it would be stressful presenting it to the top science minds in the country, but seriously we had a deal. What's the point in marrying a science geek, if I still have to do the Science Fair.

Tomorrow, Nate and Dave will both be presenting their projects. I was going to post a picture of both their posters and Dave said that was illegal and he could get banned from all "Science Fairs" for the next three years. Yeh, I guess I won't post a picture. Good luck to both my boys in the Science Fair tomorrow and next time the boys need help with a lay-up Dave is in charge. (or maybe not)

The Curse of the Youngest

2012-02-13T16:14:00.000-08:00

Picture this. Evanston, Wy. 1984. The four Hatch kids are happily playing next door. Jenny (the oldest) was obviously not happy having to haul the poor youngest (me) along with her on her adventures.

Jen: "Jill you have to sit on this bench until I come and get you."
Me: "Jenny, I don't want to sit on the bench."
Jen: "If you leave the bench, there is a huge dog that will come and eat you."

I sat on the bench for hours.

Inside the house playing war downstairs:
Jason: "Jill you are the secretary. Stay here and take notes."
Me: " Jason, I want to play. I can hold a gun."
Jared hands me a broken golf club and says it's my gun.
Jason: "If you leave this room, they will shoot you first."

I stayed in the room for hours, until I realized they had all left for next door and I was alone in the basement.

Today:
I walked into the kitchen to find this.
Me: "Ben, what are you doing?"
Ben: "I couldn't find my music stand."

It's all about perspective

2012-02-09T10:43:00.000-08:00

I just picked up my 3rd case of happy gas station cheese today. I have to order it through my favorite gas station because where else am I going to find 5 lb bags of cheese. It has been almost 1 year since I was given my cheese machine . I noticed today that there is less than .6 grams of sugar per serving. ( might as well eat a carrot) I also noticed that there are 15 grams of fat. So, in the last year my family has consumed uhhhh let's see 3 cases of cheese, 6 bags per case, each bag has about 50 servings times 15 grams of fat.....OK, math wasn't my strong subject. On to the positive point. With such a small amount of sugar you might as well eat one of my new flavors of cotton candy.

I am proud of his mad dancing skills

2012-02-04T14:50:00.001-08:00

In sports, it's not so much about your skills on the court, as it is about the entertainment factor. Jonny has an abundance of this. The first day of practice we walked in and some random family said: "Oh! We were hoping we would get this kid on our team." After Jonny scores, he always does a victory dance. I have seen:
The Robot. (For this he ran to center court before he started and did not stop, even when both teams ran around him to get to the opposite basket.)
An Irish jig. (Last week after the Irish dance he tried to chest bump another player and they both fell down.)
Today was some sort of break-dance move. The guy sitting by me turns and says:
"I have heard of this kid's victory dances and he didn't disappoint."
When Jonny ran up to me to get his water bottle, the guy just laughed. What can I say, I was so proud.

I have a teenager!

2012-01-28T10:24:00.000-08:00

Nate just turned 13. I don't know what makes me sadder, that he is now officially a teenager, or that I can never find size 28/34 jeans. We just had family pictures taken and Nate was excited because even in the picture he looks taller than me. I said it was because I was slouching

A huge thanks to our friend Rachel, who used her mad skills to take all of these pictures. If you live in Logan she can also take cute pictures of you. She is so good that she could probably photoshop a child to appear shorter than you as well. To see more of them go here. . http://photosbyratch.wordpress.com/

Changes

2012-01-26T18:32:00.000-08:00

My favorite little grocery store has been sold to a bigger chain.
Positives: We now can get "Western Family."
Negatives: They took the frozen rabbit out of the freezer section.
Positive: At the lab Dave got a text saying "when you come upstairs bring rabbit serum." So if all else fails, I guess Dave can bring dinner home from work.

Some Lady Went Postal at K-Mart...Oh wait that was me.

2012-01-24T12:05:00.001-08:00

I have a love-hate relationship with K-mart. Unfortunately, it leaned more towards the hate last night. I feel like I have started to adjust to not having any shopping except for when I have to plan some event. I started out yesterday, optimistically, searching for Wilton candy melts and pink ribbon. A couple of hours later, I was giving everyone I saw a dirty look- like somehow they were contributing to the fact that I can't buy any ribbon here. I finally ended up at K-mart where they didn't have a single thing I was looking for but I did pick up some new pens.

Assistant Manager checking me out: "Good Evening, find everything you were looking for?"

Me: "Yea, thanks"
Him: "That's great."
Me: (Realization of what I just said) "WAIT! NO, I didn't find a single bloody thing I was looking for. It is so hard to have pink ribbon."
Him: "uhhhhhh, I am sorry."
Me: "I came in for 5 simple things and you did not have one of them."
Him: (Looking uncomfortable and glancing at the people behind me in line) "Ahhh, I can give you a hug."
Me: "I hang my head in shame, say it's o.k. and walk out."

CATCH-UP not to be confused with Ketsup

2012-01-21T15:28:00.000-08:00

I have been a blogging loser lately. Here are some of the reasons.

1. New Years. I had an Epic New Years Eve party. O.K. it wasn't epic, and all my guest were gone by 10:30 p.m. so we had to have a fake ball dropping ceremony at 10:00 just so I could use all my noise-makers and fake champagne. (It was still better than our first year of marriage where Dave fell asleep at 10:15p.m. and I cried and drank Martinelli's by myself... He has learned his lesson since then.)

2. I turned 35.
1. A new Cake Cricut machine. If you don't know what this is, Google it and then be jealous of me.
2. New Mickey mouse cooking utensils. Ahhhhh now my toast and eggs will be happy every morning.
3. My Gas station party. Oh yes, some of my friends wanted to take me out for ice-cream but at 9:15 p.m the entire town was shut down except for my trusty gas station. I had a fur-real shake. ( Not to be confused with the Fureal toy pets)

3. Tax Season
I don't even do Hatch Patch taxes, but just getting the stuff ready for my accountant makes me want to drink Drano.

4. Our ward split. O.K. this has nothing to do with blogging but it is BIG news in our little valley so I thought I should mention it.

5. Guy's celebrity cook-off. I know what you are thinking. The Revelli's need Food Network therapy. I would have to agree since Jonny has decided to be a Sugar Artist when he grows up.

Mid-Life Crises through Cereal

2012-01-10T11:21:00.000-08:00

Our grocery store had a fantastic sale this week on cereal. Not the lame "Tootie Fruties", but the good stuff like "Fruity Pebbles", "Cookie Crisp", and "S'mores". I naturally started filling my cart. I then spotted my friend Travis down the aisle. He was buying "Cheerios", "Honey bunches of stuff", and "Oatmeal" ( He is also the kind of guy who runs marathons). After being slightly embarrassed that he saw the 22 boxes of happy cereal that was in my cart, I decided that since I was turning the big 35 this week I would expand my horizons. I threw a couple of "Not so happy cereals" into my cart for good measure. Yesterday I decided instead of "Fruity Pebbles" I would eat "Frosted Flakes" ( I know it's not shredded wheat... baby steps my friends) anyway after the first bite I realized something was wrong with my "Adult" cereal. I looked at the box and it said in very small writing. "Now with 1/2 of the sugar." They were basically CORN FLAKES. Which we all know the only reason you buy corn flakes is to bread something and fry it. So my mid life crises was short lived, I have now gone back to all my happy cereal. After all, it IS fortified.

Christmas Re-cap

2012-01-02T17:12:00.000-08:00

There are so many things to catch up on from the holidays it's hard to know where to start.

1. My friend Kristy sent me "Garden Gnome Head Christmas ornaments." When Ben saw them on the tree he said, "Why is Jesus wearing a big red hat?"

2. I started another "Cute home business." My only problem was when the nice lady at the Hamilton City building asked me for the name of my new rock star company, I had to ask her for suggestions.

3. Dave signed a contract with the University of Montana to teach a few classes. Go Bobcats!! Ha ha, seriously don't paint my house maroon. I know they are the Grizz.

4. Christmas Eve night was not so silent as I screamed at the top of my lungs when I thought I was going to die. (This story really needs it's own blog entry)

5. Dave did not surprise me with a snow cone machine this year. Huh, well my birthday is next week so maybe Dave is saving it. However, he did announce from the pulpit yesterday that I was not getting one.

6. I did eat lots of Candy Cane Oreos. (shhhhhh I still have about 16 cookies left. I change their hiding place every day just in case Ben finds them.) Don't you wish I was your mother?

Do temple workers swear?

2011-12-20T09:05:00.000-08:00

I am not a big swearer. I think the last time I swore was in my sophomore year in high school. It was #18 from Rock Springs. hmm. Sheryl something. ( If you think this might be you, know that I still don't like you.) Last night, I came close. Ben and I were putting lights on our tree. I know it is less than a week away, I know that I already have 7 trees up, but I have been busier than normal lately. Anyway, all of a sudden, half of the trees lights went out. I ended up ripping out a couple hundred lights and throwing them. (It was one of my more stellar moments. I am glad that Ben is the only one who witnessed it.)

This is before the tantrum.

Last week when I wasn't searching for Oreo's, we took our family to see the lights at Temple Square. We haven't been there at Christmas for over a decade so we really wanted our kids to see it. It was beautiful as always, but it made me wonder if the workers ever swear and throw the temple lights at the nearest statue. I kind of doubt it, which means I will never get a Christmas Job putting up lights at the temple.

Nabisco, Why do you hate me?

2011-12-16T08:21:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows that I have a small obsession with Candy Cane Oreos. So starting in Early November I started my watch. My heart would skip a beat when I saw the Nabisco truck. (Ok, just kidding I have never seen a Nabisco truck and since I don’t see Wal-mart trucks anymore this was a total lie.) Anyway, I waited and waited but no happy Candy Cane Oreos came to our little valley. So when I traveled to Utah this last week finding Oreos was my main quest. Besides the whole Grandma’s 90th birthday party. So you can guess how excited I was when my brother Jason called me on my cell and said that the Target in Centerville had them. I naturally rushed to Centerville and promptly bought 5 boxes of Peppermint Oreos.

Not the Candy cane Oreos of my dreams, but they had a candy cane on the label so they had to be close right?
Problem: I ate two of the boxes on my 9 hour drive home. (I did share a few of these with my family)
That only left me with 3 boxes; I ate one yesterday leaving me with only 2 boxes.
Never Fear, my friend Kristy sent me 3 boxes of the actual happy “Candy Cane Oreos”

Ohhhhhhhh, delightful little chunks of candy cane goodness in every bite. So I have discovered if you want the almost perfect “Peppermint” Oreos, you can move to Utah. For the ultimate “Candy Cane Oreos” you will have to move to Colorado, or become friends with Kristy so she can send you some.

32,872

2011-12-13T07:51:00.000-08:00

32,872 Days ago:

Gas cost .10 cents a gallon

Warren Harding was president. (Who? obviously they didn't cover him in the 5th grade at Aspen Elementary)

Al Capone was on the loose.

Everyone was dancing the Charleston ( I actually taught the youth this dance last week)

Last but not least my Grandma Hatch was born.

Yes, for all of you who are not math majors that makes her 90 years old today. My grandma still drives around, makes yummy breakfasts, and remembers every single grand kid and great grand kids birthdays. I pray I get her genes. Even if my bad eating habits knock 5 years off, 85 is still really good. So Happy Birthday to my Grandma Hatch.

(Ok, she was only 89 in this photo, but you get the point)

All those years of Monopoly have paid off

2011-12-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

Ben's favorite game is Monopoly. He owns numerous versions, and would play every day something bigger.

Ben: "Hey mom, I made 8 starbucks today" (remember the whole fake money thing at school. This earns them extra time for assignments, extra recess, prizes, etc. Also on a good day you might get one or two.
Me: "Oh my Nellie! That is awesome! How did you get so many?"
Ben " Huuuhh, hmmmm, I kind of started a new program"
Me: (starting to doubt)”Huh, what kind of program?"
Ben: “I got a few people to invest their starbucks and then I opened a bank"
Me: "What?"
Ben: (Again, looking at me like I'm a little slow today) When someone needs star bucks for an assignment or other thing, I loan them some and they pay me back with 1 star buck interest."

Now due to his skills at Monopoly, Ben will not have to do any homework for the rest of the year.
is someone was willing. I now realize that these years of playing have trained him for

Turkey Day High and Low

2011-11-28T10:59:00.000-08:00

High: We reached a new high when it came to our deep frying skills. Oh yes my friends, Dave deep fried mashed potatoes. Why eat plain old mashed potatoes when you can add 3 kinds of cheese, onions, cream, and fry them.

Low: I made an extremely happy pumpkin dessert. So you might be asking "Why Jill is this considered a low?" Well, let me tell you. No one (including myself) even tried the happy dessert because Nate got tired of holding it and placed it on the front seat of the car where I then sat on it.

My Pilgrim skills are lacking

2011-11-23T11:01:00.001-08:00

My pilgrim ancestors would be so disappointed. Someone just called and offered me their 50 pound turkey. It appears they let him get way to big and he won't fit in their smoker. Of course I would have to butcher him today. I don't really know how to butcher a turkey, but hey the pilgrims did it so I should be able to right? Or I might just use the one wrapped in plastic in my fridge.

"With great power, comes great responsibility" Spider Man

2011-11-15T16:39:00.000-08:00

I have always believed Ben will either be extremely successful or in Jail for Ponzi fraud. After the Grantsdale Elementary Strike a couple years ago, and of course him trying to get his teacher fired last year, I thought he had calmed down a bit. This was our latest conversation.

Ben: Mrs. York said I can't use my search warrant.
Me: Uuhhhhhhh you had a search warrant?

Ben: Yea, I wrote one. I am pretty sure someone took the star bucks (old Monopoly money) we were trying to save for the class party. ( A party that I am providing everything for.)

Me: Why are you handling this?
Ben: (Looking at me like I just don't understand) Mom, I AM the class President.

Luckily Ben loves this teacher, so I doubt he will be taking a list of demands to the principal over it.

Everything is better this way

2011-11-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Food is so much happier if it is in the shape of Mickey Mouse. It didn't matter that it was 10 times more expensive than normally shaped food. We had the waffles:

It is the only time in my life I will spend $4 on a fruit snack size bag of pretzels.
Even though the picture doesn't show it. Dave really is excited about his snack.

Here is my friend Cory enjoying a Ice-cream sandwich.My all time favorite were the beignets.
Deep thoughts about the happiness of deep fried bread in the shape of Mickey.
Even though you couldn't eat this pumpkin, it was so delightful to have a pumpkin in the shape of Mickey Mouse. You can see Kristy is equally as delighted.

I even brought the joy home with me. I bought myself a Mickey Mouse toast press (easting toast will never be boring again.) I also bought a pancake mold. Now my breakfast everyday will taste better.

Good things come to those who wait

2011-11-08T10:55:00.000-08:00

I hate waiting in lines. Something has to be pretty dang cool for me to stand in line. Fore example:

:Candy Cane Oreos (Oh, happy cookies when will you be here?)

: Raspberry cream Fudge from the Phillipsburg candy store.

:Cafe Rio (Oh, how I have missed you)

Yet, who in their right mind would wait over 2 hours to meet a teenager in a wig........ Oh, that would be me my friends.

After a trip to the Tower and Pixie Hollow, I wasn't sure if I had it in me to wait another hour and a half to meet Cinderella. Luckily I didn't have to make that decision. A secret door opened and out walked Cinderella, and her happy Fairy Godmother. She looked at Sarah and said, "There's a little princess. Would you like to go on a little walk with me?"

It was one of my favorite things of the whole trip, and I didn't even have to wait in line.

Happy Halloween Highlights

2011-11-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

Halloween started at 3:45 a.m. when we left our Hotel and headed for the L.A.X airport. I love Halloween so of course I wanted it to start as early as possible. Due to my love of Halloween we also had a slightly scary flight Conversations during flight:

Plane tips to the left and then to the right.

Ben: Do you think our pilot is drunk?

Plane shakes: we bounce in our seat-belts.

Jon( with hands in air) Woo hooo, it is is just like the "Tower of Terror" (more on that to come)

We we finally reach Missoula we hit the runway and bounce a few more times.

All is quiet on the plane when Ben yells;

"Brace for Impact"

A few other passengers seated around us, told us how entertaining our kids had been on a not so calm flight.

We arrived in Hamilton just in time to celebrate my favorite Holiday.

Sarah's First costume of the night.

After building his own light-saber this week, Jonny changed his mind again and wanted to be a Jedi Aragorn (not to be confused with that impostor Aragon) and his friend Legolas

After the Teletubby of 2010, this was the best I could get out of Dave.

Oh Halloween, how I love you.

2011-10-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

Oh the joys of Halloween. Here are some of my highlights so far:

Positive: Setting up a new door bell that has 4 different screams, and ghost sounds
Negative: Jonny ringing the door-bell 30 times a day

Positive:Being able to order anything Halloweenish from Oriental Trading.
Negative: I didn't realize that when I ordered a dozen slime filled toilets that the slime would actually come out.

Positive: Jonny decided instead of Bobby Flay he would be Mario for Halloween.
Negative: This comes with Jonny trying to sound like an Italian 24 hours a day.

Postive: I finally finished making Ben his Aragon costume complete with leather duster thing and cloak.
Negative: Conversation with Ben concerning the costume:
Me: "Hey, I finished your Aragon costume today"
Ben: "What! I told you I wanted to be Aragorn not Aragon"
Me: "Seriously! I thought you wanted to be the guy from Lord of the Rings
Ben: "Yea, Aragorn!"

I then went to a middle earth web-site and realized that they are indeed the same person.

All in all, it is still my favorite time of year.

Too much Reverence is a Bad Thing

2011-10-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

Having to travel 4+ hours to attend a temple is a new thing for us. I realize I didn't have to sell everything I own and travel on a bus sitting by a chicken, but it was still a long drive. So we packed up our Oreo's and Nutter butters and headed north to Spokane.
While Dave and I were in the temple Nate was in charge of the kids at a church house across the street. There were plenty of activities planned and we just asked Nate to help keep the kids fairly reverent. When we came out this is what we found.

I am so glad they had such an uplifting day.

Like Father Like Son

2011-10-14T15:50:00.000-07:00

For Homecoming week (bigger than the Superbowl here) the school had the typical days where the students could dress up. I tried to get Nate to dress up each day but he was totally not interested until Thursday. Nate walked into the kitchen looking like this The best part about Nerd Day was that Nate found his entire outfit in his Dads closet.

Haven't heard that one before

2011-10-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

It's good to share what's on your mind, Right? I mean, how much better would society be, if we were just honest all the time. I think some in Montana have mastered this concept. Some of my more memorable conversations go like this.

"I think it is your personality that I just don't like"
"Are all people from Colorado like you?"
Yet, I think my favorite was this last week at church. We like many of you have been studying the Apostle Paul.

Unknown offender: "I think if the Apostle Paul had met you, he would have really hated you."

Huh, that's a new one. I think we should follow their examples and strive to be honest in all our daily doings. Or, maybe not.

You told Sarah What?

2011-10-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

In a couple weeks I am planning a gigantic "Tangled" party for a cute little girl in my ward. So being the smart parent that I am, I decided to post-pone Sarah's birthday until that week. This way after I've built towers, made wigs, etc. I can have Sarah a little party with a few of her friends and just use the same decorations. Brilliant Right!

So my evil plan was to not tell Sarah it's her birthday today. Don't think bad thoughts about me, she's 3 and has no concept of time. Little did I know that both older brothers would remember that today is the day. This morning while I am still in bed, and I thought the boys were eating cereal, this is what I heard.

Nate and Ben in Unison: Happy Birthday Sarah!! We've made you a special Birthday Breakfast

Sarah: (muffled but I can understand) It's my birthday!!!! YEAAAAAAA!!!!

So, I just called one of her little friends to come over to a princess tea-party at 2:00 today. This will test my great skills at party planning with only a few hours, and no Wal-mart.

Now, all of you who I told not to call Sarah today on her birthday are free to do so.

Happy Birthday my sweet princess (or beast as I sometimes call her )

That's Ravalli over there in the Maroon jersey

2011-10-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

I always thought it was a bad thing when you showed up at a party in the exact same outfit as someone else. Yea, no one cares about that rule here. The most disturbing thing about Nate's last game was I was the only one who seemed to notice that both teams were in identical jerseys.

Luckily, Nate is a foot taller than anyone else on the field, and of course the announcer kept me informed by saying " that was #58 Ravalli"

You're never as cool as you think you are.

2011-09-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

Planning Birthday parties is one of the "Perks" of being a mom. The problem is there are only four a year, so I was so excited when I was able to become an "Official Party Planner" and create a "Little Mermaid" party for my friend.

I Decorated

I Made cute "Sebastian" party favors

I was starting to feel like I was all that and a bag of chips when Jonny walked in and said:

Jonny: "hmmmm I think I need a party planner for my next birthday."

Me: (thinking... did he already forget the rock-star Star wars party 3 months ago?) " Well ya know Jonny I'm kind of a party planner."

Jonny: "No, I need a good one."

Spell check has failed me

2011-09-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

You would think someone would have pointed out to me that their Hatch Patch invoice says " I am proud to be a Moron" instead of Mormon. Yea, I am that cool.

Hanging my head in Shame... AGAIN

2011-09-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this hasn't been my most stellar month, it has almost been as bad as this day. After Ben's latest mishap I decided to be more proactive in my children's injuries. So, I promptly made an appointment for Nate to have a planters wart the size of a quarter be removed from his foot. I know it's gross to be talking about a wart, but if I said "growth" then some of you would panic. Anyway, on the way to the Dr's this was our conversation.

Nate: So, how is he going to take it off?

Me: hmmm they burn it

Nate: THEY BURN IT! Are you kidding?.

Me: No, but it will be fine, I will be right there with you the whole time.
Nate: hmmmm ok.

So as we waited in the office, I realized they were running kind of late and I needed to pick up Ben. I went to the receptionist and asked how long she thought it would be. The nurse assured me that I had plenty of time before he went under the knife so I ran to get Ben.

In my car rushing back to the Dr's

Ring ring Ring

Me: Hello

Nate: Hi, hmm can you come pick me up?

Me: What! are you done?

Nate: hmm yea,

I hung my head in shame again.

At least they won't starve

2011-09-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon I asked Nate and Ben to make lunch for Jonny and Sarah. A couple minutes later a horrific smell started drifting down the hallway. I walked down into the kitchen and the smell was so strong I started to gag. Here are my four children enjoying sardines, and pickled herring on tortilla chips.

Me: "Seriously... Have you heard of PB&J?"

Ben: "PB&J is gross"

They all need therapy.

Another reason you shouldn't leave your children in my care.

2011-09-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

I grew up with my dad who whenever I was hurt in anyway would say, "Well, it's a long way from your heart." I always wondered as a child if I had punctured my left aorta or something would I get a reaction from my dad?

Unfortunately, I have picked up a bad habit of not nurturing my children when they are injured.

Example 1 ( A couple years ago)
Nate: Mom, "I really hurt my shoulder today playing soccer at recess."
Me:" umm, I am sorry, would you like a Tylenol... What did you have for lunch today".
4 Weeks later when I try to get Nathan off the couch
Nate: "Aahhhhh ouch!! I told you I hurt my shoulder last month!"
1 day later in Dr's office
Dr. giving me a dirty look while starring at x-ray. "Well, it looks like he broke it, (another dirty look) It should have been braced, because now it has healed crooked. Wasn't he in a lot of pain?"
Me: "uhhhhhh" I hang my head in shame.

Example 2 (last week)
Ben: Hobbling in after football practice. "Mom, I really hurt my foot."
Me: "Your probably just rolled it. Walk it off, it will be fine."
3 Days later Me: "How are we supposed to go up the canyon if you don't try to put weight on it?"
Ben: "It really hurts."
7 Days later: The only foot doctor in Hamilton is having dinner at our house and looks at Ben.
Dr. Dickemore: "Hmmm you should bring him in, it looks broken. Don't let him put any weight on it."
So now I am looking at Ben who's entire leg is braced up to his knee and hanging my head in shame.

It's 2012 in Hamilton

2011-09-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

I used to think it was the end of the world when:

: The moon is a different color than it should be

: You can't go outside due to poor air breathing conditions, hence causing all Recess, bbq's and sports practices to be cancelled..(actually maybe that isn't a bad thing)

:You can't turn your swamp cooler on in 90 degree weather

: I can't take my morning jog... ha ha ha just kidding

But I have now realized it is not the end of the world. It is just living in the middle of a forest when it is on fire.

A first time for Everything

2011-09-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

We have had a lot of "Firsts" in the last couple weeks.

We explored an old mining ghost town. Sadly the abandoned school doesn't look that different from Grantsdale Elementary. Ha ha I am just kidding.. I love the school here complete with chicken coop

Thanks to Uncle Mike a.k.a. "Maverik". Nate went on his first plane ride.

This last weekend Dave and I went on our first date to a gas station. Yes, you heard me right. You would go on a date there too, if your gas station had a new cool machine that can make happy Reeses shakes out of nothing but a machine and 2 inches of frozen stuff in a cup.

This morning was our first day of school. I know it is late by comparison to the entire nation, but we can't get in the way of the Ravalli County Fair can we?

Jonny introduced himself to his teacher by saying.. "You can call me by my french name Jean... you know like Jean val Jean". Ok, no more musical theatre for Jonny.

The joys of summer

2011-08-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

We have had an amazing summer. There is so much to blog about, I am not sure where to start. Just this last week we had an amazing visit from my Aunt and Uncle(aka MAVERIK) and oh yes, I was able to re-live my Top Gun days again. We picked huckleberries, ate lots of food, and saw some of the happy wilderness here. (It is so much cooler seeing our little town from the air, it almost looks bigger from a plane)

Earlier in the summer one of my bestest friends came out to see for herself all the craziness and hopefully meet the lady who is in love with John Wayne. Even though we didn't meet the Duke lover we did have an amazing time. We traveled to the happiest candy store ever, played lots of cards where I totally dominated, and just enjoyed all that my little town has to offer. Since she describes it so much better than I can I will refer you to her.
Big Sky Country

The Return of Little league Football

2011-08-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

Oh Yes, I know you are all excited that we started another Montana football season yesterday. For some, you might not remember me trashing on the coach last year to the crazy be-dazzled hat football mom only to find out that she was married to the coach. I thought my first day yesterday was an improvement.

Crazy mom sitting by me "So we are so lucky to get "so and so" for a line coach."

Me: uhhh, why is that?

Crazy Mom: (Looking like I should know already) He was a Bobcat!!

Me: (In my head I am saying.. bobcat, bobcat...yea, that means nothing to me)
So, should I know who the Bobcats are?

Crazy Mom: (another look) They are the hated enemies of the Grizz!

Of course how could I not know the small college in Missoula has hated enemies called the bobcats and they used to have a player in the 80's who is now our line-coach. We are indeed lucky.

Sidewalk chalk.. not just for pre-school

2011-08-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

When I went out to see if my fire pit had miraculously returned, I found this instead right by where the the "stealing of our fire-pit" occured. Upon closer observation I realized that instead of hauling irrigation pipe the boys channeled their pre-school selves and spent the hour playing with side-walk chalk.

Even Dave got into the spirit by writing a 20 foot " I love Jill" in our drive-way. Maybe they will break out the play-dough tomorrow.

The Fire Pit Felony

2011-08-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

Doesn't everyone realize that today is National S'more Day? So you can imagine my distress when I went out into my backyard yesterday and realized that someone has stolen my fire pit.

Exhibit A.

This is wear the fire pit used to be.

Now, I admit it wasn't the most glamourous of fire pits, but it did the job. How are we supposed to have our anual "Last day of School Book burning party" So, I hope whoever stole my fire pit is reading this and feels bad that I will not be able to make s'mores on "National S'more Day" and I will have no-where to burn our books.

A Culinary Masterpiece

2011-08-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

Some of you probably prepare your steaks the old fashion way. A little dry rub and throw them on the grill right? Well, my friends, today I will share a culinary secret that will change you life. Last night we deep fried our steaks. I don't think I can ever go back. Trust me, it now ranks right up there with the deep fried Twinkies. If any of you come and see me, I will deep fry a steak for you. (I know your all running to pack your bags)

The Goose Attack

2011-08-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

We have a hit and miss record when it comes to life changing Family Home Evenings. Lately it has been all of us watching "The next food network Star" Jonny gets so upset every week that Vic Vegas might go home. So last night we were so excited to be invited to go fishing with the Hawkes family (a.k.a. happy gas station owners) for FHE. There isn't a lot to do besides fishing for FHE, (well except the food network) Anyway, we were just minding our own business enjoying nature...

When from out of nowhere a very aggresive goose started to attack. What is up with me and crazy animals trying to kill me? examples: demon squirrels from Denver, Pitbulls, and now this crazy goose. I am not exagerating when I say he was chasing us. In fact Brian saved us all by running to get the riding lawn mower and forcing it back to it's demon pond.

I know he doesn't look vicious, but trust me, when this thing is chasing you it is quite scarry. I think next week we should invite the Hawkes over for a safe evening of watching the Food Network.

You're not from here are you?

2011-07-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

This is a question that I received frequently after first arriving in big sky country.

Me: Seriously! We don't start school until the middle of September just so the County Fair isn't disturbed by school being in session. Hence causing no fall or spring breaks?

Secretary: Your not from here are you?

Me: I can't get my mail for a week because Fred the mailman is going hunting?

Post guy: Your not from here are you?

Me: I can't plan a ward party this day because there is an OUT OF TOWN high school football game that night?

Everyone: You're not from here are you?

So you can imagine my joy when I was in line buying milk yesterday and some California Frat boy looking guy asked the 70 year old teller (who knows me by name now)
"So where can we go to see exotic dancers?"... silence.....crickets....dirty look...more silence and then the look of of...You so don't belong here followed by the statement

"Your going to have to go north of the border for that sort of thing."

It's good to know that I am not the only one who gets those looks.

Party Planning gone wrong

2011-07-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have always considered myself somewhat of an amateur party planner. I mean, who couldn't throw a happy party when you own (borrowed) a pretzel warmer. Yet, there were some very obvious signs that my party last night went horribly wrong.

1. A six foot table lifts off the ground and tries to take out the R.S. president.

2. 40 people run frantically screaming to their cars.

3. I was left to sulk and eat a large portion of dessert that was meant for 40.

In reflection, it probably wasn't my best event planned. Maybe I should have brought the Pretzel warmer.

I was Inspired

2011-07-18T12:46:00.001-07:00

We attended the cultural event of the summer on Saturday. You might be wondering, what was this fabulous event that inspired you? Well, if you guessed "Logger Days" you are correct.

We saw:

Pole climbing (not to be confused with pole dancing)

Ax Throwing: Unfortunately this inspired Jonny, who keeps looking for an ax to throw.
Some weird version of spilled milk.

I can't remember what this was so I simiply call it"Deep thoughts" by Logger guy

Everything was very exciting. Yet, it was the kettle corn booth behind the field that truly caught my attention. After watching the Burly Logger guy make popcorn I decided I could replicate it on my trusty popcorn machine at home. Today I succeeded. I most likely will never be able to cut a log with a glass of water on it, but I can now make a mean batch of Kettle Corn.

Posting from Wyoming

2011-07-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

Growing up here in Evanston I don't think I truly appreciated all that Evanston has to offer. After living in small town Montana, I am reflecting on the joys of Evanston.

1. You can buy fire-works year round.

2. I have not had to stop my car once for a stupid turkey or chicken.

3. Excellent kite flying weather

4. hmmmm Taco Time ( for those of you who don't know, I worked at Taco Time for 4 years of my life in high school, oh yes, I can fry a mean Chimi-changa.)

5. Wendy's Jr. bacon cheeseburger. (where else can you get such happiness for only .99 cents. Brilliant.

6. Unlike Hamilton where wild-life runs in front of your car non-stop we have the State park, where they keep things like buffalo, and elk in a pen... where they belong.

7. Sonic happy hour... how I have missed you.

My favorite thing is I find myself going into Wal-mart just because I can, and when I am there I always see a friendly face of someone who welcomes me home.

Road Trip

2011-07-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

I have had a super happy couple weeks. My friends from Denver came for a fantastic visit. We made sure we hit all the hot spots Hamilton has to offer (more to come) As for now, I am packing for our road trip and heading to the big cities of Kamas and Evanston woo hoo. To make the trip better, Ben has come up with a brilliant plan. We are using the generator in the back of the mini-van and we plan on seat belting the trusty Nacho Cheese Machine in the back for plenty of yummy road trip snacks. Why stop at a gas station for the yummy goodness when I can bring them with me. Wyoming here we come.

Time for a pet?

2011-06-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's a sign to get a pet when you find that your two year old daughter is carrying around a dead bird and dressing it up with doll accessories.

2011-06-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

I am sure every spouse has those cute little quirks that you just learn to love right? Well, Dave has a serious problem with drinking glasses. I know it could be way worse, like he could really love Stargate Sg1 or something, oh wait, bad example. Anyway ever since we were married as Dave leaves for School/work he makes a Carnation Instant Breakfast and heads to his car. Then once a month I realize I have no drinking glasses. I search the house and then I stomp into the kitchen and yell at Dave in my head because I know that every glass I own is in his car.

When I do accost him in the garage later that day, here is what I always find.

(this is just one example of what I pulled from his car)

Now, I know I am not the easiest person to live with. If Dave was writing this it would say.

"How many times do I have to be awakend from a sound sleep by every fire alarm in our house going off. Does Jill not realize that when sugar gets too hot it smokes?) So maybe I should just except Dave for who he is and buy paper cups.

Lessons learned this week

2011-06-17T09:15:00.001-07:00

1. Your love on John Wayne can border on the unhealthy side. I mean, I love the Duke too, but I am not going to replace family photo's with pictures of him on my mantle.

2. Jon said that Elephants have bigger germs than everyone else. Actually that makes total sense.

3. All you need is a catchy name and you can open a restaurant. We have a new travel trailer parked in the bank parking lot with a big sign "Happy Buddha Thai food" or something like that. It does have an "Open" sign on the window so I think I should go there for lunch.

4. Jon also let me know that we get milk by the cows Gutters. There are gutters that run from the cow into the container and milk just runs down them.

Road Rage is Going to Push me Over the Edge

2011-06-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

Ya know? If my horrible eating habits don't kill me, my raising blood pressure while driving will. I have never really experienced road rage until moving here to Montana. There are a few things that make me truly want to hit someone.

#1 : Map Quest is useless here. I don't even know why I try when 9 times out of 10 it says "Address not found" but close by is City center Hamilton. Woo hoo so at least I will always be able to find the Coffee Cup Cafe.

#2: When map quest doesn't work, the person giving you directions says to turn at a place that USED to be there. "Oh yea, do you remember where the duck pond used to be? Turn east there" This has happened to me more than once.

#3: There are many forms of transportation that DO NOT belong going down the middle the road.
1. Golf Carts:
2. Horses
3. Four Wheelers: Yes I am talking to you Rachel Hudson, your lucky you didn't hear the commentary in my head while I followed you going 10 miles an hour down Golf Course Road.

So when your blood pressure is rising and you turn at the light to give a deadly stare-down to the person on the four-wheeler, make sure they are not in your ward first.

Toilet Paper is for Amateur's

2011-06-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

Anyone can sneak in your yard in the dead of night when everyone is sleeping and cover your tree's with toilet paper. But the youth here in Montana can sneak into your garage in broad daylight with you in the next room eating dinner and paint your cars.

My favorite part of the whole thing was Dave didn't wake up early enough to go wash his car so he had to arrive at the high security lab parking garage with his car saying:

"I'm the bug king"

"I love Amoeba's"

It totally made my day.

I could have clogged on Broadway

2011-06-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of Broadway musicals. From a very young age, I wanted to perform on Broadway, so I started singing and dance lessons. Sadly, the only dance available in Evanston at the time was clogging. Side-note: girls can be cloggers but boys take the chance of getting beat up. Even though I never did clogg on Broadway, I think my boys might have a serious chance.

Ben: He had to do a musical number at scouts so he made himself a banjo and played like one of those guys in "Oh Brother, where art thou?" (Seriously, the stupidest movie ever made... Don't tell Dave it is one of his favorites." )

Jon: There has never been a better "Weed" in a school play than Jon. He was so impressive as the dancing rapping weed ,that later some random guy stopped us in town and said "Hey you were the Weed who had all the dance moves. You were awesome." Jon just gave him a point and a click of tongue and said "Yep"

(Jonny is the weed right in front of the garden gnome doing his John Travolta impersonation)

Maybe I should enroll them both in clogging. I'm sure they wouldn't get beat up in Montana for clogging would they?

A rose by any other name...

2011-05-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

Our names can tell a lot about us. Mine says "your parents were big fans of Charlies Angels" it could have been worse, I could have been named after some pioneer ancestor and I could be walking around Jerusha, or Jamestina (remember I had to be a J, because it would have been pretty lame if my family went

Jim,

Judy,

Jenny,

Justin,

Jared,

Jason,

and Allison.
Even nicknames can stick. My freshman year of high school a new girl moved in, but since I already knew an Elisabeth I decided her name would be George. 4 years later no one in our school knew her real name, "George" was on her basketball jersey and in the year book. She will probably never forgive me. So I have decided my habit of calling my children by nicknames should probably end.

Sarah: The Beast: A couple weeks ago some random teenage girl came up to me and Sarah, and said "Oh Hello little beast" You might ask "why do you call her beast?)

I have started calling Jonny either Hugh or Heff. Everyday after school he immediately changes his clothes to this outfit.

Yesterday Ben asked "So, why do you call him Hugh"

Me: hmmmm, welll he dresses like a guy named Hugh Hefner.

Ben: Who's Hugh Hefner?

Me: hmmmm, welll ahhh, he's a ... oh, he's a specialty entertainment publishing mogul.

Ben: ahhhh, (shrugs his shoulders) allright.

Since I really don't want "Beast" or "Hugh" in the yearbook, I need new names.

The force was strong with us

2011-05-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have a special connection to the force, after all I was born the same year the first (or fourth as Ben likes to point out) movie came out in theatres. So I was so excited that Jonny wanted a Star Wars party this year for his birthday. There were a few definite highlights.

1. Yoda Soda, if I could re-do my wedding reception I would definitely serve this.

2. Dave's 3 1/2 foot light saber cake.

Darth Vader: You might be saying "Jill, I didn't think you had a Party City in Hamilton to buy that cool cut-out" Oh, you are right, I used the force, and a ficus tree. Only one person noticed the basket where his feet should have been.

I don't know who enjoyed the party more, Jonny or me.

"As cool as me, you wish you were"

2011-05-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

In planning Jonny's Birthday Party I have found a web-site that will change you life it is
http://www.yodaspeak.co.uk/index.php It will translate anything you want (we're talking whole paragraphs) into Yoda speak. I decided that I have gift in speaking Yoda. Just to annoy my kids, I have been speaking in "Yoda" all day. You wish you were here, you do.

Water is Overrated

2011-05-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

I never drink water. You might be saying "Well, how do you survive without water?" Two words: Grape Kool-aid it is the true nectar of the gods. Any drink that reminds me of my favorite gum "Rigley's Big League Chew (grape flavor) has got to be good. Plus it provides my body with the water needed to survive.

Dave was cooking something the other day and as I glanced in his glass I did not find the normal Pepsi, but a large glass of ice-water. So without thinking through the decision I took a big old gulp. I spit it out immediately realizing it was Seltzer Water. Lesson learned: Stick to Kool-Aid.

Car talk

2011-05-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

I think most of our quality conversations happen in the five minutes between school and our house.

Jon: Mom! you are going to be so excited, I get to be the WEED in the school play.

Ben: Did you know that wheat Silo's are the number one danger for kids in Montana.
Me: Really, how do you know that?
Ben: Because we spent today in Tractor and Silo safety classes.

Nate: I think I am going to have to use my fall-back career.
Me: You realize you are only 12 right?
Nate: (ignoring my comment) yea, Obama cut funding to N.A.S.A, I guess I'll have to be a physicist.

It really is my favorite 5 minutes of the day.

Mothers Day Re-cap

2011-05-09T07:21:00.000-07:00

Nathans talk in Sacrament meeting
"It was my mom who taught me to :Catch a football
:ride my bike
:play football
:cook ramen
:and that it's a bad thing to use your trombone spit valve in the kitchen"

Dave: hmmmm Do I do anything at home?

Jon: Mom, here is a card I made you for Mothers Day.
Me: Oh Jonny, are those baby chicks on the cover.
Jon: Yep
Me: Turn page, hmmm what is that?
Jon: It's a dragon eating the chicks

Here is Jonny and his friend Jack answering a mothers day question.

15 plus years

2011-05-04T15:45:00.000-07:00

Today Dave and I have been reflecting on the last 15 plus years. I thought it would be fun to take a walk down memory lane to that first meeting 20 years ago.

I would like to say that it was love at first sight as I glanced across the high school choir room and spotted Dave for the first time. However, since I was just thirteen the only person I cared about was Zack from "Saved by the Bell"

I believe this is the first picture of us together.

Fast forward Six years: I love how Dave's glasses are almost as big as my hair.

8 years, 2 kids later

3 more years 1 more kid

2 more years 1 more kid

Poor Dave, he kept saying that this horrible picture would keep circulating and he was right. After all it is the only picture we have to celebrate our 15 years of marriage.

A very happy Anniversary to my sweet husband who after 15 years of marriage I would totally choose him over anyone from "Saved by the Bell"

You can't beat Spring break in Wyoming

2011-05-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to leave for a week during our one day spring break. We headed to the tropic location of Evanston Wyoming. While there we did all the typical Spring break things.

:Shlepped through a massive blizzard (Shlepped is my new word. Definition: To trudge through snow muttering how much you hate winter I mean Spring in Wyoming)

:Dyed 168 eggs (that's a lot of protein my friends)

:Played 20 rounds of Charades ( I have to admit, I think I have a natural gift for charades, after all I did get my team to guess movies like "Easter Parade" and "Silverado")

: Watched my broter and Dave's brother play Donkey basketball. You have to ask yourself after being raised in a town with such great cultural events, why is it I haven't found my niche in Montana yet?

Road Trip Commercial

2011-04-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

Snacks for 16 hours in car: $20

Gas:$$$$$ (because I have chosen to give my undying devotion to the owners of our gas station, I will not complain about gas prices.)

Red Box: $4

Wendy's: $15

Sarah refusing to leave her chair of the past 8 hours because she wants to go back to Grandma's.........Priceless

Springtime in Montana

2011-04-21T13:38:00.001-07:00

We have two seasons here in Montana; winter and August. Spring break starts tomorrow....it also ends tomorrow. Yes, you are right, we get 1 day for spring break. Wooo hooo! Let's go crazy and go down to Dairy Queen.. Who wants to go on a great family vacation when there is a "Mini Oreo Blizzard". You would never guess with our winter storm warning for today that it's springtime. Yet, Jonny got a note home from school today that read:

It's Springtime!!!
Please make sure your children wash their hands after handling their baby chicks and ducks.

Maybe if I go down to the local store and buy a chick it will feel more like spring, or maybe I'll just go get another Blizzard.

For the Love of the Game

2011-04-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

Tell me this, where in the world besides Montana do you have to travel to a different town to watch your child play T-Ball? Then when you get to Darby (not to be confused with Derby the hat), they call the game after a few inning due to fear of Hypothermia. Although, I do believe Jonny would have continued to play even if his fingers had fallen off due to exposure.

The case of the creepy cheese

2011-04-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

I often make nachos late at night. ( who wouldn't ) After I coated my veins with the happy cheese, I let my trusty machine cool down. I then cleaned it so it shined, and placed it in it's resting place for the night. When I woke up I found this.
Do you think I have some sort of cheese troll that is sneaking into my sun room and making Nachos at all hours of the night? hmmmmm yea, creepy.

Do I need a hunting license to hit it with my car?

2011-04-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

Turkey season started this week. Oh yes, for all of you wondering Turkey's have their own season. There is a huge turkey I have named Oswald. He mocks me. I patiently wait every time I head up to the Johnson house as he arrogantly struts (yes struts) across the street. Since Turkey's are officially in season, I plan on hitting the cocky Oswald with my car. It will teach him to give me that defiant look. See who's laughing now bird brain. If you were a turkey wouldn't you rather be hit by a car than shot? See, it is really the right thing to do.

Is there a Charlie's in Montana?

2011-04-08T11:00:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite jobs of all time was working at Charlie's while attending Utah State. Who wouldn't want a job where your list of duties included, cut up 30 Reeses Peanut butter cups, and re-stock the cookie-dough. So another dream came true last night, when yet another family gave me this.

Seriously, either the carnival Gods are smiling upon me, or maybe I should re-examine the whole manipulation theory.

Highlights from the weekend

2011-04-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

#1
There is a reason you would not let your two year old wander aimlessly through a gas station. They would eventually maneuver a chair up to the counter and push the happy red button. Then they would realize that the gooey/orange/cheesy substance makes perfect finger paint.

#2
I attended a Male beauty Pageant this weekend. It had talent, swimsuit, and evening wear competitions. I can't decide what my favorite part of the evening was, the rollerblading guy from Mamma Mia, or one of my favorite kids from our ward who danced "My little buttercup" from the three Amigo's.

#3 Can you guess what kind of Party we hosted for Ben's birthday?

Oh yea, and conference was great too.

All good things happen to those who...steal gas

2011-03-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I didn't really steal gas yesterday. I did however have to go into the gas station to talk to Steve. (brother of Brian previously mentioned in Hot-dog, and Pretzel posts) While in the gas station discussing yesterdays crime of the day, Steve then became my favorite person of all time when he gave me...
Are you sitting down?

Drum-roll...

This AWESOME Nacho-Maker along with a years supply of happy processed cheese.

Oh yes, Dave and I were still eating nachos at 10:00 p.m.

I also debated having them for breakfast but the ever popular Hostess cupcake won out.

When I called my mom yesterday to share in my Nacho-Joy, she said
"Shame on you, for manipulating this poor family into giving you all these things."
First of all, is it my fault that there are kind, giving people out there who simply want to make my life happy and full of meaning? In turn, they know that I will share the joy, and make others happy for years to come. If you think about it, it was really the Christian thing to do. So manipulation obviously has nothing to do with it.

I think you should all go and try to steal gas today and see what happens.

March Madness in Montana

2011-03-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

When Dave and I were first married, we made a deal that I could have total access to any basketball game in the month of March. In return, Dave could watch Star-Trek every Friday night when we were home. What made this plan totally brilliant is that Star-trek only lasted another 4 seasons because, let's face it, who really watches Star-trek? Anyway, it's 10 years later and I still get to watch basketball as much as I want. What is even better is now we have the miraculous discovery of DVR which means at one time I had 20+ hours recorded to watch whenever I wanted.

Other things that have made this month of March seem a little mad:

1. Dave had the Mad protesters yelling at him in Washington D.C. this week. (We don't get a lot of protesters here, except the crazy gun people.")

2. Ben was Mad when Jimmer lost, but happy when his Jimmer-Car was a 3rd place winner at the Pine-Wood Derby.

3. One of my favorite gas-station families was Mad yesterday when they thought I tried to steal gas by filling my tank and speeding off to Missoula. Okay, so maybe they weren't really mad, just more amused. Do not fear, I have my bank statement to prove I paid for my gas. Maybe they think, "Hey, she has already stolen a pretzel maker, and guilted us into to giving her a hot-dog roller, maybe she should get her gas for free!"

4. Finally, Jonny's kindergarten teacher is going to let me show off my Mad skills, and host a Carnival for the kindergarten this week. (Baby steps)

I would have to say it's been a very happy Mad month.

The War against Beans

2011-03-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

I am convinced that when you are the youngest in your family you learn as much from your older siblings as you do your parents-- like you should never have to eat anything you don't want to.
Example: I hate fuzzy green beans. You all know when you bottle green beans instead of eating the happy canned green beans they turn all fuzzy and gross. So, in my younger years at the Hatch house, I followed my older siblings example and never ate them. We had a process that we followed.
1. While we distracted mom, Jason would get up and grab a Ziploc bag from the drawer.
2. With our feet, we would pass the bag from person to person (under the table of course) filling the bag with fuzzy beans until we all had our turn.
3. Jenny would fake a yawn while rocking back in her chair and discard the unwanted fuzziness into the garbage.

Lately, everyone who enters my house ends up carrying a bag of popcorn with them. So I did not find it odd that one of the Elders from our Church who we were feeding last night, had a bag by his plate. The upsetting part of the evening was when I went to put more popcorn into his bag. The look of horror on his face should have given me a clue that either he really didn't want any more popcorn, or there was a dark secret held inside the bag. If you guessed a secret, you were right. He was hiding my dinner at the bottom of his bag of popcorn. Obviously he also must have had older siblings to teach him the fundamental lessons in life.

You have to see this!

2011-03-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

I totally forgot to add a picture of my happy new machine. I know you were all so disappointed I hadn't included one earlier today. Doesn't this make you want to come to Montana for a hot dog?

P.S. this picture was obviously taken before the recent hair cut.

If Brian calls don't answer the phone!

2011-03-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

I have some extremely exciting news. I have wanted to share this for the last 2 months but I have been patiently waiting. When the announcement is a huge deal you are supposed to wait to share in case something goes wrong. Well, the wait is over...

I am the proud owner of a HOT DOG MACHINE!! Yes, you heard me right. I have always wanted a hot dog machine to add to my collection. Dave says I manipulated our friends Brian and April. Yes, the same Brian from who I stole the Pretzel Warmer, I just couldn't bring myself to give it back. Anyway I simply told Brian how much I have always wanted one, and he just happened to have one in storage. For the first month I feared he would change his mind and want it back so I decided I wouldn't answer if he called. I am sure that there is some return policy for getting back cool stuff when you might feel guilty into giving it to someone. I say your window of time lapses after two months.

Questions to ponder

2011-03-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

Question #1
Why does Nathan go to a school that looks like it will fall over with a strong wind, yet for P.E. they bus them an hour up into the mountains to go skiing?

Question #2
Do I seem crazy to you? How come Jonny's kindergarten teacher won't let me volunteer in her class-room? She always responds by saying. "Oh, huh we are actually good right now." I find that highly unusual. Seriously, does she not know I own a Pretzel warmer?.....(I know, I know, I have not given it back yet.)

Question #3
How come the guy who delivers my mail comes in a jeep that looks like it was in a hit and run? Did that happen while delivering mail?

Question #4
In what planet does a small town high school musical cost $20 bucks to get into? I mean, it's not like Zac Efron is going to show up and say I was in the area hunting and thought I would share my gifts and perform tonight

Question #5
Why won't Jonny eat vegetables?
Answer: Last night at dinner he told me he's a vegetarian, and vegetarians can't eat peas.

I don't have picky eaters, they are just spoiled.

2011-03-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

I totally blame Dave for my dinner gone wrong last night. Let's face it, he has spoiled our kids when it comes to the culinary arts.
Example:
Me: Do you want PB&J or mac and cheese for lunch?
Dave: Or we could do some Bruschetta and a little antipasto platter.

I had a really rough day yesterday. We all were rushing to be somewhere by 7:00 p.m. so I didn't think I had crossed the line of neglect when I simply popped some fish sticks and tater tots into the oven. I know, it's not awe inspiring or anything but seriously. once in a while it's ok.

Conversation:

Nate: Uhh, I don't think I like this dinner (then seeing the look on my face) uh, but I am going to eat it!

Ben: (After just walking in from a friends house) Oh, Kathy made a chicken pasta dish. Hmmm, I should have eaten there when they offered.

Jon: Mom, our lunch lady cooks way better than you.

I called Dave at the lab and told him to stop at McDonalds on the way home.

Mothering 101 What not to do.

2011-03-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

There are certain things that can make you feel like a loser mother.

#1. I had to call poison control in behalf of Sarah. The Poison control lady on the other end of the phone actually laughed at me for the reason of my call. I think it should be in their contracts not to laugh at mothers who are already stressed.

#2 This is what I found when entering the the dinning room. Just in case your curious those are ping pong net posts.

#3. Jonny came home from school very excited that he was "Frog of the Week. " Because of this, he got to take items from home to show at school. I was mortified that the day had already passed and he had taken a tennis ball and a broken sword from the dollar store.

#4. I bought ten boxes, oh yes, you heard me right, 10 boxes of Twinkies and Zingers this week. I have a total excuse because they were on a huge sale. I don't however have any excuse for giving Sarah a Zinger for breakfast.

I am sure all of you who had previously, in case of your demise, thought of leaving your children in my care are re-thinking that plan.

Call Me Scarlett

2011-03-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

When I first moved here I had many posts showing the fun items I was finding in our new home. Who can forget the Horse Lice Remover, the weired Disco rabbit, the antler rack, or many others. One I forgot to show was the guest rooms fabulous curtains
Oh, I know you're jealous. What a blessing they turned out to be. Last night I needed to wear a traditional Mexican costume. Well, since we are a long way from Mexico, and a Party City, I channeled my inner Scarlett O'Hara and created my own costume.

Fear of the mushroom

2011-03-03T21:20:00.000-08:00

Reasons I chopped my hair this week.

#1. There is only so long you can look like Pocahontas, before you feel like you really do belong in Montana.

#2. Someone here told me my hair has a "barbie complex." I am not sure what this means but I think it is bad.

#3. Since there are many days during my week I truly don't expect to see anyone besides Sarah, I have gotten into the habit of braiding my hair down both sides. This makes me look like a Polygamist from Eldorado. (I must clarify Eldorado because I know many of the Polygamists here, and they are way cool and have better fashion sense than I do.)

Reasons I am not posting a picture of the new doo.

#1. Truthfully I fear ridicule, I know what you are thinking.

"Jill, we would never make fun of you for your hair. We reserve that for still not understanding how the pump house and irrigation from the ditch in your yard works after living there a year."

The real reason is that when I was young, I did have a hair cut that made me look like a large mushroom. In fact, my older brothers and I believe that some of you Phillips used to call me Fungi. Hence, now you will all just have to be curious on what my new look is. Although I thought you would all enjoy a glimpse of the Fungus look.

Find me a maroon "Grizz" hat

2011-02-28T21:04:00.000-08:00

When we first arrived here, I noticed how even though we are not in a college town, everyone thinks we are. I thought I would be stoned or asked for my fishing pole back when I simply asked "Who are the Grizz?" So even though I truly don't care if the small college an hour away wins their volleyball game, I do think we are starting to fit in.

Case #1 We were told by practically the whole ward on Sunday that Dave and the boys were in the paper. We don't receive the "Ravalli Republic" just out of spite of the name. Some very nice members had even clipped it and gave us a copy. (Just to clarify they are not calling my boys Little Buggers, it's the name of the fly tying class.)

Case #2

Also on Sunday we had a very spirited comment in Relief Society on how every individual should own their own gun. So even though I don't own a gun or a "Grizz" hat. I am starting early to make sure Sarah belongs.

What to tell Dave?

2011-02-23T08:56:00.001-08:00

How should my conversation at lunch go today?

Dave: Jill! There is a 3 foot hole in the garage wall.

Jill: The brakes went out on the car, It was terribly frightening. I am lucky to be alive (this might not work considering Dave changes my breaks regularly and checks them often.)
or
Jill: Sarah decided to start talking just as I pulled in, and as all good mothers I was so overwhelmed with joy I didn't notice the wall coming so quickly. (I'm raising a 2 1/2 year old mute)
or
Jill: hmmm, Yea the craziest thing happened, I finally hit that stupid chicken on Grantsdale road hmmmm and PETA found out hmmm and chased me home, I had to pull in so fast just like the movies...it was a small price to pay for my safety.

Or maybe honesty is the best

....... I think I'll go with the Chicken story.

We're on the high-carb diet here

2011-02-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

I traveled to the "big City" of Missoula yesterday. Actually last month Nate asked "When are we heading into the city again?" Ben rolled his eyes and said; "Missoula is not a city, it's a large town" ( Can you see how Ben has issues?) Anyway we were in serious need of baking supplies. Since moving here 18 months ago I have gone through

180lbs of Flour (ya know, pizza, bread, etc.)

85 lbs of Sugar (I've been making my own cotton candy floss)

70 lbs of Powdered Sugar (that's a lot of frosting!)

I was looking at all the numbers of what I have consumed since moving here and thought either I need some sort of therapy or Sarah has dropped most of it on the floor.

Happy Valentines day to me and the Food Network

2011-02-16T16:57:00.000-08:00

Dave loves the Food Network. I believe it is this love that inspired one of our family traditions. Every year for Valentines Day, I get to pick any meal and Dave will make it for me. This started due to the fact that in the decade-plus of college we really couldn't afford to go out. What a fortuitous (Are you impressed with the vocab word?) tradition because now there is no where to go out. I have noticed that thanks to the Food Network, the meals have gotten better every year.

2003: This marked a special year because I chose all finger foods, hence we ate sitting on the floor watching Star Trek. I know all you Vulcan-lovers out there are very jealous.

Ahhh a few years later and I got into my chicken phase.I included this picture to show you all my Pocahontas/Cher decade. Someone here in Hamilton told me I need a make-over. I wonder what they would have thought if they had seen me then.After a few years of studying the Food Network we started getting pretty sophisticated.

Have you noticed the Asparagus theme year after year? My boys love eating asparagus because...well...hmmmm... never mind.

This week: Ahhh I am so glad my cute husband loves the Food Network.

Alton Brown would be proud

2011-02-14T09:38:00.000-08:00

Don't ya think that Home Depot would sell more crowbars if the sign said?

** Multi-Purpose Tool Great for tenderizing meat***

The scouts could make a fortune in Denver

2011-02-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

There is a popular restaurant in Denver called the Buckhorn Exchange. You can show up, pay $35 dollars and receive an Elk steak and potatoes. You can also pay to have buffalo, ostrich or a Yak. If you don't want to pay such high prices for your dinner, you can travel to Hamilton and attend our Blue and Gold banquet tonight. It is pot-luck but all dishes must be made with "game meat." HUH, maybe it's time for me to try out that rabbit. Actually, is rabbit considered game meat?

I could live in China

2011-02-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

Last week was Chinese New Year, and yes, we celebrated it here in Montana. This last week we made chicken fried rice, sweet and sour, and egg drop soup--just to name a few. I think I could be Chinese, except that I am a Neanderthal, and it would make me sad if for dessert all I could have is a cookie or an orange slice. Even if the cookie gives you lucky numbers, who cares? It's not like we play the local lotto. Who needs lucky numbers? Now PF Chang's has a yummy "Great Wall of Chocolate cake." Hmmm of course I hate PF Chang's because their rice is really gross. When you see a Chinese family on Sesame Street they're not eating brown gross rice, it's the happy white rice. Now if any of my readers in China (I am sure there are some amongst the 15 of you who read this blog, Aime!) you should share with me some yummy Chinese desserts. I am sure if I was assured that there was good dessert and no gross PF Chang rice I might be happy there.

I'll give ya something to complain about

2011-02-02T12:58:00.001-08:00

Ya know? I'm not a complainer. (some of you will please hold your comments)
I have never once complained when every time my boys head out on their bikes I yell. "Stay on the sidewalk" and Ben yells back, "Then we can't go, because there are no sidewalks."

I have never complained that the road to my house was blocked when a truck dumped a load of hay directly in front me.

I have never complained that there are 6 four-way intersections with no traffic signs of any kind in my town. Do they just figure that the chances of two cars meeting at the same time at the same intersection is so rare we don't need a stop sign?

Having said this, it seems like I have been getting a lot of complaints lately. Hatch Patch is going digital this week. It has made me reflect on some of the lamest complaints I have gotten.

" I really don't like Ammon's nose"

" I can't believe you charge for these! Wouldn't it be better just knowing you are helping people have FHE? "

" I hated the Abinadi packet. It ended so violent." "The story was not appropriate for kids."
"This recipe is not very good."

I know a lot of companies have places where you can make complaints or suggestions. I have decided I really don't want to hear any of them. I don't like constructive criticism. Maybe that's what the Hamilton's town council says every time someone complains that they ran into a truck in one of the intersections, or got plowed over by falling hay when powerwalking on the road.

Scripture study gone horribly wrong

2011-01-31T16:48:00.000-08:00

Last week we were trying to have the family scripture study that you picture in your mind when someone says "Oh, scripture study is something very special for our family, our children will remember it always." yadda yadda yadda" This is how it went.

Nate (after reading for a couple minutes) So, this girl is dancing for the this guy, and then she is trying to get her brother to kill him?

Ben: Yea, all girls in the scriptures are bad.

Me: hmmm, no they are not, some ...

Nate: No, they are all pretty much evil.

Me: EXCUSE ME, there are plen.....

Ben: What about the girl who made Sampson cut his hair off?

Nate: Oh, yea the girl who SET UP ADAM.

For the next 4 weeks the boys are teaching on the importance of women in the scriptures. Hopefully it will be better than scripture study.

Reasons why I should homeschool

2011-01-28T07:21:00.000-08:00

Let's face it, I would not be a good home-schooler. Let's see, "We can either study, or drive over the mountain to the Phillipsburg Candy store that was featured on the food network." Yea, candy sounds good and we have recently had a few more reasons why maybe I should consider it."

Reason #1

Earlier this week the Secretary at Jonny's school called and asked why Jonny was not at school. I let her know that I walked him in, and I was sure he was there. After 20 minutes they found Jon. (this should not have taken this long. There is only 1 hallway)

Reason #2 Also this week Nate's school called. "Mrs. Ravalli, we have a situation here. Nate says he is fine, but there is a lot of blood. What do you want him to do?" When Dave got to the school a couple of minutes later he found Nate in the bathroom trying to clean this.

Have ya heard of a school nurse? They actually don't have them here. I do realize that a nurse's only real power is to give you a small bag of ice. "Oh you have a stomach ache? Here is a small bag of ice." It would have been nice to at least hand the kid some Neosporin on his way to the bathroom.

Reason #3

Ben came home on Wednesday and said:

" I had to give up my recess today. I tried to get in to see the principal but he was too busy."

Me: "hmmm, why did you need to see the principal?

Ben: "I need to talk to him about my teacher. I don't think she is doing a very good job."

So, if you can't get a hold of me in the next couple months, don't worry, we are in Phillipsburg -home-schooling.

12 years is a long time to match

2011-01-24T22:12:00.000-08:00

"One of these boys are not like the other" It is true, my little Nathan turned 12 this week. This means he will no longer wear the cute matching outfits that I have forced on my boys for the last decade. Even when Nathan didn't have a sibling, I made him match Dave:

Then came Ben

Then came Jon

Who is the weired librarian looking girl? I mean I know we were attending a polo match,

but did I think "Huh, I better shlack my hair down as tight as I can, just in case a Polo player falls off his horse and I have to be able to fit his helmet over my head and take over?"

Then came Sarah. A little more difficult to match

It makes me sad that my little Nathan is now too old to match his brothers, but I am so grateful for the last 12 years that he has blessed our lives. (And never once complained about matching)

Have I gotten old this year?

2011-01-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

This last week I celebrated my 34th birthday. I have had a tradition the last ten years to eat a Funfetti rainbow chip birthday cake. Not just a piece of cake but an entire cake to celebrate the day of my birth. I usually have some for breakfast, snacks, lunch etc. This year however it wasn't nearly as enjoyable as usual. In fact I didn't even make it through the whole cake. Am I getting OLD? I mean I even have gray hair. Ok. so that's not too big of a deal since I started going gray in high-school thanks to the Checketts pre-maturing gray gene. So I started thinking of reasons why I am not old.

1. I still eat Captain Crunch or Coco Puffs every morning. ( old people eat special K )

2. I have a PB&J every day for lunch (old people eat things like KusKus)

3. My favorite birthday present was a CASE of sprinkles. I mean what old person gets excited about "Bugs and Dirt" sprinkles. (they like bath oils and stuff)

4. One of my favorite shows is Phineas and Ferb ( Well, actually this show is good for all ages )

So just because I can't eat a cake in one day doesn't suggest I am old, just that maybe my Pallet is maturing.

Duct tape OR Glue gun?

2011-01-11T10:10:00.001-08:00

If you were stranded on an island what would you rather have? A roll of Duct tape or a very cool fix anything glue gun (battery powered, obviously). I have come to the conclusion that most men would prefer duct tape (because there are so many ducts that need taping on a deserted island). I on the other hand can fix anything with my trusty glue gun. In fact I think I have 3 different guns. I mean what kind of food storage would I have without the trusty glue gun in it? On the other hand I have noticed some very good uses for the big grey tape:

But my husband out did himself this Christmas. Not with the beforehand mentioned pretzel warmer, that I have chosen not to mention because it is just too painful. His most successful present was this A purse completely made out of Duct Tape. It even has pockets inside again totally out of duct tape. This puppy can hold up to 7 heavy library books, all the stuff I hall to church, and my wallet. That is impressive. When the young women leaders asked if Dave would come and teach the girls how to make one Dave hung his head and said to me "Seriously, someone is going to take my man-card away for sure."

So I have decided I love Duct tape....and my cute husband.

Christmas scene gone wrong.

2011-01-06T07:35:00.000-08:00

Act 1 Scene 1

Characters:

Jill: Mom, lover of carnival foods.

Dave: Husband, who helps provide Jill with Carnival food.

Brian: Friend who owns gas station and convenience store .

Kids: Who like to eat Carnival food.

Location: Revelli Family room ---Christmas morning .

Background Set up: For months, actually years, Jill has been asking for a carnival size Popcorn machine to go along with her cotton candy machine. In November, the perfect machine is located online. She brings Dave in and says "This is what I want for Christmas." She also brings him credit card. The next day Jill checks online to make sure card was charged with happy popcorn goodness.

Scene set up: Dave and Brian think it would be fun to wrap something else in a popcorn size box. Once the look of disappointment and sadness occurs, Dave then says something like "Ha ha ha just kidding. I have your popcorn machine downstairs."

Opening Scene: Family enjoying Christmas morning, unwrapping presents laughing, etc.

Dave: Hey Jill, are you ready to open your present?

Jill: (opens present, but instead of the expected Popcorn machine finds a large Soft Pretzel
Warmer.") Is this for Me?

Dave: (Evil smile.. Yea, don't you want it?)

Jill: "Oh my heck this is AWESOME!"

Dave: (starting to panic) Hmmmm, I thought you wanted a popco...

Jill: (interrupts by dancing around saying: "I will be the only person I know with a pretzel machine!"

Dave: Uhhhh actually...

Jill: Let's go down and make pretzels right now!!!

Dave: (really starting to panic) Jill! It is just a warmer. It doesn't make pretzels or bake them, it just spins and keeps them warm!

Jill: I know! Soo dang cool. Thank you soo much.

Dave: (Seriously worried) Jill, hmmm, Brian and I thought it would be fun to give you this first and well, hmmmm, actually this belongs to the gas station.

Jill: (everything starting to register) You mean, (sigh) I don't get to keep it.... WHAT KIND OF SICK CHRISTMAS JOKE IS THIS?

Dave: (Trying to look happy) How about we go down and open your popcorn machine.

Family Exits to go downstairs.

So, Brad, if you happen to be in the area fishing this week, you and Angelina should stop by for a preztel, but only for this week because I will soon have to give the happy machine back.

A scientific question

2011-01-01T09:51:00.000-08:00

Question:
So, what do you do if when changing into your Hazmat suit you happen to forget your security badge, walk into a corridor, and realize you are locked inside a high security government lab on a holiday weekend?

Answer:
1. You dig out your cell phone from under the suit, and inform your wife you will not be home for dinner.

2. You frantically wave at the security camera's, hoping there is someone watching on the other side.

Side note: When a security officer arrived to escort Dave back to his badge he said
"You realize that all the security officers are laughing at you right now in their boothes."
Ahhh ,good times.

The gift of Hell-wench

2010-12-28T19:46:00.000-08:00

For months I have been hearing the saga of Hell-wench. Hell-wench is a mean, temperamental cow. To our friends she is the Bane of their existence. She breaks through fences, disappears for months on end, sleeps around with other cows then comes back pregnant.
Neighbors are always calling complaining about her breaking down gates and causing havoc amongst the good little cows. So, a couple of weeks ago, I was told that Dave (the owner of the problematic cow) spotted Hell-wench in a neighbors field. He did not hesitate but took out the gun (because everyone carries guns here in their cars) and shot it on the spot.
Last week when this family came delivering Christmas treats, instead of getting the same old fudge, popcorn, and cookies we were given a box of "Hell-wench." Seriously, I have never been so excited over a Christmas treat or should I say Christmas Meat .) ha ha ha.

The phone will soon ring.

2010-12-23T09:18:00.000-08:00

I am awaiting a few phone calls this morning. HMMM how should I proceed. I have a feeling this is how it is going to go.

Secretary: Hi Mrs Ravalli?
Me: Actually it's Revel----whatever Yes?

Secretary: It appears that your son(Insert name) is not here with us today.
Me: Yes, I have decided that since you are all Potter-scrooges, I am keeping my son home today.

Secretary: Well, I know that Christmas is in two days, but school is still in session.
Me: It is important that we eat cookies and watch Ralphie say Fudge, Fred Astair dance drunk, and Clark electrocute a cat instead. (Watch Clark on TV. Don't buy the DVD and think it's okay for your 10 yr old boy. Learned that lesson the hard way.)

Secretary: Oh, I see. You're the same mom who claimed "Harry Potter Hangovers" right?
Me: Yes, and by the way in the words of Shaggy and scooby-do, you are all Lame-tastic and Suck-tacular. Merry Christmas and HO HO Ho to you.

Or maybe I should just watch the caller ID and not answer the phone

Humility is not our strong suit

2010-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

I do believe that the last month in Hamilton has been "The Revelli Show." We have been in charge of numerous ward events. Seriously, the ward can't be nearly as sick of us as we are. On Sunday;
Dave spoke in Sacrament Meeting;
Family did musical number complete with the boys singing solo's and Jonny doing sign language;
I taught Relief Society;
I served Hot chocolate and cookies;
We announced that a "Meet the Santa party" is at our house tonight(due to the fact that Santa couldn't make it to Jerusalem because of a sand storm.)

Anyway, through-out the day people would come up to Jonny and say things like:
"Oh, you were so good! It was so great! Yadda yadda yadda!" Jonny would then answer with a point of his finger and a click of his tongue:
"Yep, I'm good" or "yea, that's me!"
When the Bishop turned to Ben and said how wonderful his solo was, Ben then pointed to his own face and said,
"Yea, this is going to be a money-maker!"
It's good to have self confidence...Right?

I hate K-mart

2010-12-16T13:14:00.000-08:00

Oh yea, I had previously decided not to trash on K-mart only because of my very happy Halloween find. I am sorry K-mart execs, but that ship has sailed. I am in desperate need of Candy Cane Oreos. Yes, the cookie that will change your life, and even though there is no "Bed, Bath and Beyond" to kill a few minutes of your time, life can still be good through these happy morsels of deliciousness. Yet, I have been to every grocery store in town and my final hope was K-mart. After the red vested girl said, "I have never heard of those," I went home and tried Nabisco.com and I even got so desperate that I typed into Google: "Please help me find Candy Cane Oreos in outer darkness." Needless to say nothing popped up.

Furthermore, I know my friend Kristy is reading this thinking "I just sent two boxes home with her for her FAMILY for Christmas." Sadly to say they did not survive the plane ride home.

There should be a warning label.

2010-12-14T08:10:00.000-08:00

There are certain things that I just can't do. First, I can't seem to close a cabinet. Ask my mom, it really is a childhood problem. Even after knocking myself out in Denver once, I still struggle with the concept. Secondly, I would rather step over something, or kick it out of my way before I pick it up. Seriously, how many times do I have to step on the feared LEGO, or even worse the GREEN ARMY MAN before I learn? Well my lesson came last week. I was walking barefoot(the worst) when I came upon what looked to be a half eaten candy cane on the floor. I then went to kick it, only to realize that it had glued itself to my floor, and in turn cut the bottom of my foot. There really should be a label on the box "Warning if half eaten by two year old and left on floor to harden, might cause bodily injury." I think I will write the company.

Traffic, Sushi, and Friends

2010-12-07T22:49:00.000-08:00

Oh, Blessed traffic, sushi, and friends--how I have missed you. I just got back from such an amazing weekend in Denver.

Traffic: I was so overjoyed at being back in Colorado that it didn't even phase me that 2 people honked at me on Parker. I then realized I was only going 15 miles an hour just looking at the Chinese theatre and thinking how happy their popcorn was.

Sushi: I was only there for a few days but I managed to eat this:

And this:

and a very happy burrito thing from a restaurant called something like Cafe Viarda, or Cafe vista or cafe something. Anyway, it was the stuff dreams are made of. Ask Michelle for the name of the restaurant.

Most importantly I went for this.
We were able to surprise my all time favorite 40 year old.

The Sprinkle Tragedy

2010-12-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

If you want to be my friend you should buy me sprinkles. I take great pride in my sprinkle collection. "Oh a new Scooby-Doo movie is on, luckily I have Mystery Machine sprinkles." "It is such a blustery day. Let's whip out the Winnie the Pooh sprinkles." Anyway, it is totally understandable that yesterday I lost it with this person.

Now, I know part of this is my fault. After all, I have been very busy building Bethlehem in my great room (more of that to come) so Sarah did not get as much attention yesterday as needed. I found her on a chair next to my sprinkle cabinet. She had poured out most of my sprinkles into one soggy mess of a bowl. So, if you are my visiting teacher or just want to be my friend I am in need of tie-dyed daisy sprinkles.

Better than Wheat

2010-11-29T08:24:00.000-08:00

We take food storage very seriously in our home.

Black Friday Woes

2010-11-23T20:53:00.001-08:00

I have always been a fan of Black Friday. Well, I decided today that I would try to be a glass half full person and start looking at my options here in small town Montana........ Just so you know, it wasn't pretty. I finally gave up when my last hope (Walgreen's) had this on their website for their black Friday sale

Only $89 So if I happen to fall and break my hip before Friday, I am set. Woo Hoo!