Santana Update

Sorry guys! I haven't been on here a while and totally missed out on all the good books. I am totally here now though.


Jon is working lots so not much has changed there. We are looking to see if there are openings closer to home but thats up in the air.

Nova is talking in short sentences and quite the drama llama. He loves to cuddle with Jon and I at night and watch a movie after Milo goes to bed. Trains, cars, dinosaurs and animals are his favorite toys along with the sword Milo got him for Christmas. We read books and do preschool activities. He loves to play outside and check the mail. When Jon has a day off Nova gets to ride in the truck and go ride the mall train and usually has ice cream or some sort of treat. Milo gets dad time too :D Nova loves nursery and has lots of little guy friends to play with! We are working on sharing and saying sorry. He does really good with thank you and please. Potty training is slow but sure. He is growing up so fast!

Milo is cruising, crawling, and standing alone for a few seconds at a time. He says "boo" and what sounds like "up down" when he plays games. He is a chatty chat chat making all sorts of noises and shouts. He has 7 teeth with one more on the way. He loves treats and bothering nova. We are trying to get him to not pull hair which is his go to move. Testing mom and dad is an activity that Milo loves whether its rummaging in the garbage, tackling Nova or getting into forbidden cupboards. He has the cutest smile and loves his daddy with a dedication bordering on obsession! Milo is a climber as well and takes after his daddy in the getting into mischief and getting hurt during adventures department. Milo already has a scar on his face and always seems to have bruises on his head... No matter how close I watch him he always manages to get hurt. I really hope ER visits are not in my future with this kid.

Update

Here is a quick update from us here in Texas

 

I am the 2nd Counselor in the Primary again. I am over the Cub Scouts. We have NO Cub Master, Assistant Cub Master, or Committee Chair..... (these are very important positions!) so I get to be them ALL....... {sigh}. I am also in charge of the Primary Program. We have 134 primary age children..... they all have a speaking part. Our program is going to ROCK! it is on November 10th. November 11th is going to be a fabulous day!!!!  :)

 

Hy is still over the deacons. Wednesday evenings and one weekend a month is devoted to the deacons.... YAY! He does a great job with them! Maybe that's why he has been in YM for 8+ years...

He hasn't been traveling for work very much lately, which is nice. He keeps me sane! He does the laundry and the dishes. Side note: I get to buy new bath mats because somehow, in our new laundry arrangement, they are now ruined. :)

 

Ike just received his Bear Badge, very exciting!  He was very proud. :)

Sis has been working on her book of dress designs. I am so glad I have a daughter! She's the best!

Boo keeps us smiling. He is the funniest kid! He is all over the place and into everything!

 

School is going great. This year seems to run smoother because we all know the routine. We have a science and P.E. co-op with all the H.S. families in the ward. It's been really fun! We have 22 elementary age, 12 middle school age, and 11 high school age. At lunch and during P.E. all the moms sit and chat which is nice.

 

Madee and Lucy are both just great. :)

 



Bookworm Business

I realize we are all super busy! Most days just fly by. Can you believe it is almost November? CrAzYnEsS!!

 I don't know if anyone has read the book club books the last few months? I have enjoyed them! I thought we should read Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution by Ji-Li Jiang for November. I thought we could take a break in December because it's always a busy month. For January we could read Wonder by R.J. Palacio. In February we should read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Any objections? Thoughts? Other suggestions? :)

-Shan

Best Commercial EVER!!!

Click HERE

My favorite part is "Yes, this is a real product" HAHAHA


I love you all! I think that every one needs to post a family update :) I'll start.... but not tonight. ;)

Book Pick For September

I hope our little summer break from book club helped everyone get caught up. I feel ready to dive in to our book for September! Rachel picked The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. 

Also, a little heads up for October, Mom picked the book The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. I haven't heard much about it. She couldn't stop reading it while I was there, so it must be really good! :) 

We need to be thinking about November and December. Any ideas, thoughts, or suggestions are welcome and much appreciated! :) 

Love you all!
Miss you like CrAzY!
Shanalee

Scripture Study

5 Ways to Study the Scriptures

1- Read the scriptures with your family.

2- Read one or more verses each day.

3- Read stories from the Friend.

4- After hearing a scripture or scripture story in church, find and read it in your own scriptures at home.

5- Write the scripture on a card and post it in your room (or where ever) to be reminded to love the principle it teaches.

In a conference talk President Howard W. Hunter gave the following advice about scripture study.

-Read carefully to understand the scriptures.

-Study every day.

-Set a regular time every day when you will study.

-Study in a place where you can concentrate without distractions or interruptions.

-Study for a period of time rather than reading a certain number of chapters or pages.

-Have a study plan.  

(see conference report, Oct. 1979)

The real knowledge you gain from the scriptures comes when you live what you learn. Greater closness to the Lord and feeling the peace He gives are just some of the blessings that come to those who live the gospel. In addition, the Lord said that those who live what they learn will be given more, while those who will not live what they learn will lose the knowledge they have. (Alma 12:9-11)

"Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." (2 Nephi 32:3)

When you feel happy, you can read...
Psalms 118:24
John 13:17
Alma 26:35

When you feel afraid, you can read...
Joshua 1:9
2 Kings 6:14-17
D&C 50: 41-43

When you need courage, you can read...
Daniel 6
1 Nephi 3:7
Alma 56: 44-48

When you feel lonely, you can read...
 Isaiah 41:10
3 Nephi 17: 18-25
D&C 84: 88

*I have finally completed a list of scriptures that the kids and I will be studying and learning this school year. If you sent me some of your favorites THANK YOU!!! If you still want to send one or send more AWESOME! And finally if you want a list of them let me know. :)

Highland Heathen

Ok so I was thinking about Jenny Lyn's idea to make utilakilts and I thought it would be fun so I made one. Nova loves it! The pictures are fuzzy because he was dancing around and playing with milo but the front has a pocket and it also has belt loops. It is easier than the great kilt to put on him and the over the shoulder part isn't present to fall down and get in the way. This took me a night to measure and cut and another night to sew. Good for play clothes :D

bum!

front!

Better Skin

So I read this blog post and decided to try it out.

3 parts water
1 part Apple Cider Vinegar

Apply to face after you wash in the morning and at night. Then once it dries put on lotion and makeup or whatever you do. I've been doing it for 1 week and the difference is amazing! I have less acne and my skin looks great! Try it out!

Scripture Power...

...keeps me safe from sin. Scripture power is the power to win...

Sing it with me! :)

 I know some might be annoyed that I keep asking... I REALLY would like a different scripture each week for my kids to read,write, and memorize. There is 52 weeks in a year. I feel that my kids will connect and enjoy the scripture more if they know that 1 Nephi 3:7 is one of Nanna's (or whom ever) favorite scripture... They will be super bored if its just all my favorites!! {picture Ike's eyes rolling each morning when we start our day}

I have one from Benny, one from Nana, and 3 from Peach.  Thank you!!! If you have one or a few that you enjoy, I would love if you could text it to me! PLEASE & THANK YOU! :)

Book Club Break

I decided we needed to take a little break from book club. The reason is mainly so I can get caught up. :) We will start back up in September.

Peach has picked the book The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. I know G has recommended it also. It sounds like it will be fun.

In October I think we should read a mystery, something scary. I really am open to suggestions. I want everyone to be involved. I think we have had a good variety so far. I have really enjoyed all the books (I've finished) so far. :) I still need to finish Benny's book and then the book for June. I have LOVED Benny's book so far!!!! He is so talented! I can only read it on my phone though... And that makes it really hard for me. I get really bad headaches from staring at the tiny screen. Anyway, I'm really hoping I (and anyone else who is behind in reading) can get caught up. :)


Make your day Great!!

~Shan

Knit Wraps and Great Kilts and Pins

Knit Wraps

I wanted a Knit Wrap so I could wrap the boys on my back and Moby's don't do that because they are stretch. So I went online and found instructions. Gauze and Linen were the recommended material. I got white gauze at an online fabric store. The recommended width is 30in so I am folding over and sewing mine to give more support on top. The length is 5 1/2 yards. You just sew around the edges so they don't fray and thats that! When I get mine all sewn I will put up a picture of it :D


The Great Kilt and Pins

This one is a little more tricky since all the information I have on it is for a man not a child. Originally the Great Kilt is supposed to be 9 yards (hence the phrase "the whole nine yards" ;)). For Nova I am going to try 4 yards and trim down from there.  I have been looking at cute plaids online but I havent made my selection yet. There is a youtube video on how to wrap the kilt. There are several actually. You do need a belt that will fit your little man. Now another part of this project is the Kilt Brooch Pin. I found lots of pins you can buy but since these are for little boys I thought it would be more fitting to make them to our boys tastes. If you go to angeleden.com there is a tutorial on how to make one...it is girly but we can easily make it boyish :D

This is an example of a kilt brooch pin

.

Labor Pains

This is a video about men experiencing labor pains.... :) HILARIOUS!!! CLICK HERE

May Book Review

Primal Mind *** Spoiler Alert***

1. What year do you think it is?

2. Are you more of a Hanley (You take action, with only seeing one crazy you start packing to get out of there) or more of a Rochelle (You deny that the situation is bad, and don't want to let go of the your previous reality)

3. What would you put in your backpack?

4. Would you trust Chester?

5. Do you agree or disagree with Chester's analysis and decision concerning Lola? ("just the other day I saw an old, decrepit woman bleeding to death from an attack. I could have stayed with her and wasted precious food and water delaying the inevitable but why not just put her out of her misery and let her resources help the survivors?") And why.

6. How do you like the book compared to the typical Zombie genre? (like The Walking Dead or I Am Legend)

7. Would you recommend to a friend?

8. How would you rate on a scale of 1-5? (1=worst - 5=best)

Author Requested Questions

9. What did you find the most boring?

10. In your opinion what is the biggest flaw?

If you haven't gotten Primal Mind in your email let me know :)

May Book

Hey everyone! My pick for May is....drum roll please...

Primal Mind by B. James Bowler

A book for Pi!

Ok Pi I was thinking the other day about these books that one of my teachers would read to us. Everyone in the class loved them and I still remember them as being totally awesome. I think that Isaac would enjoy them and maybe even Sissy. The first one is called The Great Brain and it is written by John D. Fitzgerald. It is about the authors childhood and his brother aka the Great Brain. I don't know if I already told you about another book that I thought of called the Westing Game. It is a mystery and very clever maybe isaac would like it...I dont know what kinds of books he likes or Sissy but in the Westing Game the main character is a girl so maybe Sissy would be interested. I also really liked the BFG (Big Friendly Giant). Anyway whenever I think of the books I want for my kids I think of you. Love you!

G

Courage

I love this video! Everyone should watch it.

click HERE

I LOVE you all.

The Alliance questions

Questions

1. As a mother what was your first thought to Eric's sisters getting implanted and the mother having to sit and watch?

2. Would you bring children into the world if you lived in a crime free city despite them having to be implanted?

3. What was your impression of The Major as a man and leader? Was he really good at heart?

4. If your family was at risk if you helped Eric's cause would you still do it?

5. What was your first thought when you heard the word Implantation?

6. Do you think the Major was on the right track when he introduced implantation to rid the world of crime?

7. Is sacrificing free will worth being safe?

8. What did you think of Travis and Nicki s relationship?

9. Overall did you like the book? 1 being worst 5 best what would you rate it?

10. Would you recommend it to people? Was it easy to follow?

Feel free to add and answer your own question you can think of.

question

question.... Who is going to write up the big review? you know... like Pi did for January? Pi are you wanting to do it or is it whoever decides for that month?

also what is the book for April?

G's Mask of Zorro review

I give this book 5! I loved the fast pace and how uplifting and almost comedic the book was. The characters were well defined and easy to love or hate. I really liked the easy romance that was sweet and made me smile :D I also really liked how there was a bit of mystery to zorros identity though I guessed who he was. I loved how the two sides of Zorro were polar opposites and at the end met in the middle :D. Good pick! i have already recommended this book to someone else.

Have a Lovely Day!

I really love this! I believe it is true. 

~~~~

How to have a 

LOVELY DAY
~~~~
Smile at strangers
Slow down
Say thank you
Give lots of compliments
Dress nicely
Wear perfume
Observe and listen
Be charming
Laugh
Wish others a lovely day

February reading

Hey everyone! I have some questions for you.

1. where are you in the book?
2. Who do you think Zorro is?
3. Do you agree with what Zorro has done so far?
4. If you have read through chapter 7 who would you choose Don Diego or Zorro?

January Book Club Review

North & South

 

I picked North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. I enjoyed the book very much. I'm not a speed reader, it took me three weeks to read it (I am also reading three others on the side).

 

I love to read books that help me appreciate my own life and all the things and people I have been blessed with. I enjoy when opposites come together and work together for the greater good.

 

I feel like I related to Margaret's character the most, even though I feel like I am very different from her. I think she let too many people walk all over her. I wish she would have stuck up for herself sooner. If she had, maybe her parents could have been at her wedding?

 

I didn't mind the writing style. I loved the way the author described in detail the setting. I always felt like I was right there while reading. Like I said before, I'm not a speed reader and I don't skip ahead so I didn't seem to get confused with the writing style.

 

I will be reading this book again for sure. I wish I would have read it sooner.

 

I have recommended this book to friends and I see myself doing so again and again.

 

I give North and South 4.5 stars out of 5 stars. I don't think I have ever given a book all 5 stars... I wish it would have been shorter in some places and longer in other places if that makes any sense?  

 





PaperBackSwap

So I found this great website www.paperbackswap.com

Here's how it works. You post your books (in good condition). If someone wants your book you mail it to them (and pay the postage). When they get your book you receive a credit. With your credit you can pick a book that you want and whoever owns that book will mail it to you :) It's a pretty sweet idea. Anyways, I've joined and just thought I would spread the word... just incase you're interested :)

Love you guys.

holycow!

I was watching this really eye opening documentary that I think everyone should watch. It is called the War on Kids. It is about the school system and how screwed up it is (which i am sure we already know but wow!). All i have to say is Pi you have the right idea! I watched it on Netflix and if you guys get around to watching it I would like to know what your thoughts are.

March Book

Ok so I am debating between two really good books but I am wondering if they are book club material. It seems like we are going more into classic literature and these two books are not. One is called the Alliance by Gerald N. Lund and the other is The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen. Comments? Opinions? No gos?

February book

I think we should read The Mark of Zorro by Johnston McCulley in February. It's the one that started them all :) The original title was The Curse of the Capistrano but was later changed to The Mark of Zorro after the first movie came out.

What do you think?

Be Happy!

Dieter F. Uchtdorf:
[A] regret of those who knew they were dying may be somewhat surprising.
They wished they had let themselves be happier.

So often we get caught up in the illusion that there is something just
beyond our reach that would bring us happiness: a better family situation,
a better financial situation, or the end of a challenging trial.

The older we get, the more we look back and realize that external
circumstances don’t really matter or determine our happiness.

We do matter. We determine our happiness.

You and I are ultimately in charge of our own happiness.

("Of Regrets and Resolutions," Ensign, Nov. 2012)

Family Pictures

Hey! So I was just wondering if any of you know what happened to the family pictures? I would really like to see how they turned out.... :)

NORTH AND SOUTH

So I'm thinking that we should comment what we think. That way if you aren't done reading it (or haven't started) you wont see any spoilers :)

Easy D.I.Y. Initial Wreath

I was bored so I thought I should make something. I decided to try to make something for my front door that would be cute and easy. I had a LOT of fun. It took me about 2 hours (not including my trip to the craft store) and it cost about $45. I didn't have any coupons...sigh...but I didn't want to wait until I had any so you could totally do it for cheaper! :)

Here is the finished project. I LOVE it!

Everything you need you can get at your local craft store. I got everything at Joann's because it's the closest and most convenient for me.

You need: a twig wreath any size you want

Spray paint the color of your choice. I wanted a pop of color and something I normally wouldn't choose.

A wood letter. I chose an A for our last name.

A piece of scrapbook paper to cover your letter.

Wood glue. It works better then Mog Podge! :)

Flowers as many as you feel you'll need.

Ribbon if you want, and what ever else you think.

I LOVED the peacock feathers so I worked everything else around them.

I painted my letter A black before gluing the scrapbook paper on so if you want to do that then you'll need paint for that. I just used acrylic that I already had.

You will also need those sponge brushes for the paint and glue.

 Also a glue gun.

The first thing you need to do is spray paint your wreath. I took mine outside and across the street to an empty lot. It took the whole can of paint. It was freezing and really windy so I brought it inside to dry. My Hubby wanted to kill me because of the smell, but he got over it.



While the wreath dried I traced my letter onto the scrapbooking paper with a pencil and then cut it out. I painted my white letter black and let it dry.

Then using wood glue I glued it on. I then covered the whole letter with a layer of the wood glue. It drys super quick so just do small sections at a time.

Don't worry it will dry clear. :)

 

Then just start arranging things the way you want them. I tried tying my letter into the wreath but my A was giving me trouble. I ended up just gluing it in. If I find another A I like better I might rip this one out and replace it.... who knows though. :)

 

Have FUN with it! Happy crafting!

 

XOXO ~Shan