On the Menu....

So tonight I am getting dinner ready, I have some plain chicken tenders set aside to grill for the kids and then I was marinating some in a yummy tequila lime salsa (alcohol cooked out:) for Ryan and I! Parker (9)walks by and exclaims, "Oh good chicken, can I have the naked ones?" It made me giggle! Dinnertime conversation brought out more random funnies such as Parker's prayer that thanked Heavenly Father for helping us to do better on our habits. Right after the prayer Gracie (6) exclaimed, "I have a habit, it's losing teeth!" Too bad she hadn't said that prior to my last post!! Hallee (4) informed us that she is very allergic to spiders and snakes... they make her mouth bleed and she has a "special laugh" that she only uses in the morning and night and never in Spring!
Speaking of food here's a few of my favorite "non-naked" chicken recipes:

Cranberry Orange Chicken

½ c. flour
salt
cut up chicken
2 c. fresh or frozen whole cranberries
½ c. chopped green onions
2 T. grated orange peel
1 3/4 c. sugar
11/4 c. orange juice
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
Combine flour and salt and place in bag. Shake chicken in mixture. Brown chicken. In saucepan, combine remaining ingredients, bring to a boil and pour over chicken. Cover and simmer for one hour.


Lemon Cream Chicken

½ c. flour
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
6 boneless, skinless, chicken breast halves
1/4 c. butter or margarine
1 c. chicken broth
3/4 c. whipping cream
3 T. lemon juice
½ lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 T. flour
1/4 c. cream
In a large resealable plastic bag combine flour (½ c.), salt and pepper. Add chicken and shake to coat. In a large skillet, cook chicken in butter for 8-9 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. Remove chicken and keep warm. Add broth to the drippings and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir to loosen browned bits from the pan. Simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes or until broth is reduced to 1/3 cup. Stir in cream(3/4 c.) , lemon juice, and mushrooms. Cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Combine flour (1 T.) and cream (1/4 c.) in skillet and stir until smooth. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Return chicken to skillet and heat through. Serves 6.

Toothless, Fudgies, and more random funnies!

Well Gracie is on a mission, to lose all her baby teeth before she hits first grade! This past week she lost a tooth on Sunday and then lost another tooth Tuesday at school (which apparently caused quite a stir)! This makes a whopping total of 7 teeth lost by one little Kindergartener!! She is so cute, when I tell her that lately she laughs and reports I just look weird now with all my teeth out, but she is also excited that brushing takes half the time that it used to!!
The other day we were driving in the car and she asked me if she had a "sweet tooth", I replied no Gracie you don't really have a sweet tooth! (She rarely eats sweets and often just takes a bite or two and then exclaims I'm done - where did this self control come from?!?!) Anyway, I replied that Hallee had a sweet tooth (she is CONSTANTLY asking for chocolate)! Gracie thought for a minute and asked "Well, do I have a sour tooth"? It was "sweet"!

Last week I finally took the girls to see Enchanted (I LOOOOOVED it)!! Gracie spent a good part of the movie curled up on Basketball Grandma's lap (every time the mean witch or squirrel cam into view)! After the show I exclaimed, "Gracie, did that scare the daylights out of you"? Later in the day I overheard her telling her sister that the movie scared the "lightbulbs" out of her! It was too funny!

Each Monday my mom watches the "kiddos" for me while I work. She always takes them somewhere for lunch. Last Monday she decided to take them to Subway. I met them there and took the kids home to eat their lunches. I asked Gracie what she had and she replied a "fudgie", I kept asking her "what, a fudgie?". She said that Grandma ordered her a "fudgie" and promised her she would like it! I soon realized that a "fudgie" was a "Veggie" sandwich! Gracie finished her lunch , licked her lips, and replied "Oh, I am ordering a "fudgie" every time we go out!"

She is too cute, I love being around her, she truly lightens up a room (even with all her lightbulbs scared out of her)!!

When Addi Ain't Happy.....Ain't Nobody Happy!

Enough Said!
No really, a few days ago one of my dear friends Heather took the plunge and the bottle away from her almost 2 year old! I have many "reasons" that my already (just barely:)) 2 year old is STILL drinking her bottle!! Now remember she is my last little baby and I don't want her to grow up! Well and there is that other FEAR that she is perhaps one of the most stubborn individuals I know and that perhaps, just perhaps if we took her precious "ba- ba" away we might experience a little drama, chaos, unrest! Nevertheless, Heather (who up to this point had been my comrade since she too still had her wee one on the baba) gave in and reports the transition despite a few incidents is going well!! Well, we did it, we followed suit, cold turkey, and let me just say.... WHAT WERE WE THINKING?!?!?!?!? Despite a few (and I use that term generously) good incidents it has been TORTURE!!! This poor little girl is going through major withdrawls and wants her baba all day long (even though she only had one for nap and nighttime)! I keep telling her that all the babas are broken, there are no more in our house!!
She told me yesterday that "gma and papa me baba", I assured her that not even her grandma and papa would get her a bottle! (Which is really not entirely true since my mom believes that there is a grandmother's handbook that entitles you to do whatever you please even if it is contrary to the house rules, ei. giving children babas despite their mothers BEGGING her not to!! I do believe to her defense that she did not cave in and give Addi a bottle yesterday despite her continued threats to do so)!!!
Last night she went down well and then decided to cry from 11:45 until 5:30am - needless to say if Addi ain't happy, ain't no one happy (especially a tired, grouchy, mommy)!

He Said, She Said.....

Where and how did you meet?
He Said: Our mom’s set us up.
She Said: Ryan used to chase me around the church while our dad’s played ward ball together. We grew up in the same neighborhood, my mom was his mom’s visiting teacher, his dad and older brother our home teacher. We went to school together, but didn’t ever hang out until I was home for summer break in between my sophomore and junior year of college. I was attending the singles ward that Ryan attended. Later in the week I was over at the church shooting hoops with a friend, and Ryan “took note “. A few days later our moms ran into each other at the grocery store. Later that day, my mom “casually” asks me about Ryan C. , to which I replied that I was not interested, I think he had a girlfriend, etc. etc. (Earlier that week I had announced I was no longer dating until my missionary got home in 6 months)! Well, ironically Ryan just happened to call the next day! I was SOOO mad (at my mom), I knew she had something to do with him calling despite her denying it!

2. How long have you known each other?
He Said: Since we were very young kids
She Said: A very long time (longer than we have not known each other)!

3. How long after you met did you start dating?
He Said: About 11 years.
She Said: Probably12-13 years.

4. How long did you date before you were engaged?
He Said: 7-8 months
She Said: 6 months (although I don’t know if you can count the last month since we were not dating when we got engaged We had been on a “break” for at least a month, spent a few hours together when I came home for Christmas break and then wam - he popped the question)!

5. How long was your engagement?
He Said: 5 months.
She Said: 4 months

6. How long have you been married?
He Said: Coming up 14 years
She Said: Almost 14 years!

7. What is your anniversary?
He Said: May 4th
She Said: May 4th

8. What kind of cake did you serve?
He Said: 2 different cakes, one smashed in my face, one smashed in yours. It was the first time I had ever seen a groom’s cake. Mine was chocolate, yours was a white cake with a strawberry/ raspberry filling I think.
She Said: My cake had 3 different fillings (a different one on each tier) and Ryan’s groom’s cake (Steel Magnolias) was a rich chocolate cake! It was tasty, not only did I digest a large portion as it was shoved down my throat, but we also dined on it for several months when we would visit my parents!

10. Where was your wedding?
He Said: Salt Lake Temple, reception at the Carmelle (it was new back then)
She Said: We were married in the Salt Lake Temple and had our reception that evening in a brand new reception center, the Carmelle. When we moved back East, we had a picture of us on our wedding day hanging in the front room. Every time our friends saw it they would always ask us if we got married at Disneyland (they thought the temple was one of the castles)!



11. What did you serve for your meal?
He Said: We didn’t serve a meal at the reception. We had spaghetti at the wedding luncheon. We didn’t eat anything at the reception, that’s why we were so hungry.
She Said: Not many people served a meal or fancy buffet when we got married, it was usually a dessert and punch. We served ice cream sundaes in waffle cones, it was fun and different at the time. I’m not sure how they tasted because we didn’t get to try them! We were so hungry that we went straight from our reception to Training Table, the guy that helped us didn’t believe that we had just got married, he even said “Yeah right, like someone would come here if they just got married”!

14. Did you or your spouse cry during the ceremony?
He Said: A little bit
She Said: No, I smiled the whole time, I was so happy. I don’t remember Ryan crying, he may have teared up a little!

15. Most special moment of your wedding day?
Disclaimer: This is going on the blog
He Said: For me, after all was said and done, when we went back to the hotel we were Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, it was cool.
She Said: I literally couldn’t stop smiling through the whole ceremony, which surprised me because I realized that my family was not thrilled about the decision, but I was thrilled! (They warmed up very quickly to Ryan too!)

16. Any funny moments?
He Said: When Ben introduced himself as your sister at the wedding luncheon. Anything and everything my parents said.
She Said: The wedding luncheon was pretty funny, the Campbells were in charge so that meant things would be lighthearted and fun!

17. Any big disasters?
He Said: I ripped your skirt (My new expensive going away outfit before I got to wear it!)
She Said: We were still taking pictures when at least 50 guests arrived, some of the invites apparently had a different time printed on them and so guest were waiting in and outside for a long time while we finished taking pictures!

18. Where did you go on your honeymoon?
He Said: San Diego (Brandi, “Care to elaborate?”) umm, SanDiego California?
She Said: We went to San Diego, California. It was Sinco De Mayo and so it was a big block party everywhere. We stayed in a great hotel withing walking (although we roller bladed) distance to the beach. We went to the San Diego temple (it was beautiful)! We had a wonderful time!

19. How long were you gone?
He Said: 4 nights, 5 days
She Said: Not long enough!

20. If you were to do your wedding over, what would you change?
He Said: An outside wedding for Brandi; Saved a little more money
She Said: I would have loved an outside wedding with a tent!

21. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
He Said: Both
She Said: Both, it depends which of my hips is hurting worse and Ryan graciously accommodates
22. What size is your bed?
He Said: Queen
She Said: Queen - Ryan’s legs hang off but he has NEVER complained!!

23. Greatest strength as a couple?
He Said: Our differences. I’m strong in areas your weak, you are strong in areas I’m weak.
She Said: This question really made me think, I can think of so many things that Ryan adds to our relationship, but these are not the things that I am good at. I think Ryan is right, it must be our differences. I also think that we have learned and are still learning how to forgive, how to let go of things, and how to communicate with respect. We are committed to making this work some how and try to enjoy the ride!

24. Greatest challenge as a couple?
He Said: Every two year old we’ve ever had. When my business was struggling.
She Said: We have had many challenges. Honestly, I never realized marriage would be so hard. We have had many difficult struggles some we have dealt with more publically, others privately. I have learned that relationships cycle, right now we are in a good spot.

25. Who literally pays the bills?
He Said: You!
She Said: Me!

26. What is your song?
He Said: We don’t really have one, wait our song is the “Big Red Letter”
She Said: I don’t think we have “a” song, but there have been several throughout the years that I have claimed as ours.

28. Describe your wedding dress:
He Said: Do you want something more than white. Long sleeve, long train, it didn’t have a lot of sequins on it, but it had some. Seems like the bow was kind of like a silk material.
She Said: Short sleeves, lots of sequins, BIG bow on my behind (why I wanted to draw more attention there I am not sure), long train. My mom and I made my veil.

29. What kind of flowers did you have at your wedding?
He Said: I should know this. The ones on the table were white, not all white, but like tulips. But I think the girls were holding were more like wildflowers, oh wait I think they were all wildflowers with a twig or two.
She Said: My flowers were the most important thing to me. I had bright wildflowers! I LOVED them! My colors were black and white, so the bright flowers were gorgeous If I did it again I wouldn’t change the flowers at all!!

30. Did you pick out your ring or did he surprise you with it?
He Said: I surprised you with it because you didn’t have the guts to look at them with me.
She Said : Oh it was a surprise all right!! I loved my ring though! We got engaged on Christmas Day and we went over to my BF Jeanette’s house to tell her the news. Jeanette was really surprised (we had been on a “break”), but she kept staring at the ring. She kept saying wow, I think that ring looks a lot like Lizzy’s ring (our other BF living in CA). We called Lizzy from Jeanette’s house and sure enough we had the VERY SAME ring. Ryan had never seen Lizzy’s ring, but apparently they both had very similar and good taste (they both like me right)?

So there you have it! He knew my dress was white what more could I ask for!! Seriously though, I am very grateful to have such a wonderful, kind husband. He makes us all laugh, he is quick to forgive, he assumes the best of me, is helpful, and sooooo cute!! I Love you Ry!

Carpool - gotta love it!!! (and other random funnies)

This week I was running carpool, I love carpool, you learn the most amazing things!! This week one of the little girls blurted out that her mommy was going to have a baby. To which her sister quikly replied in horror, "we aren't supposed to tell, it's a secret"! I squealed and promised I wouldn't tell (didn't promise I wouldn't blog though)! A few minutes later the older sister said that her daddy thought they were going to have 2 babies, she thought they were going to have 1 baby, and her mom thought they were going to have..."Brandi, what's that thing called that has one body and 2 heads?" LOL!! It was so funny!

Other funny comments from the kids recently:

"Mom, we should post that on our "catalouge" (blog)!" - Gracie

Gracie saying her prayers last night - ..."and please help me to not be that mean, in case I was that mean today."

Gracie was with Mountain Grandma recently and was reading the ingredients for a cheeseburger, she read cheese, lettuce, etc. and then had a hard time reading the word onion, my mom explained it was onion, to which Gracie quickly replied "Oh it's not going to make us cry reading it is it?"

Hallee was explaining to me recently that when she grows up she is going to be a mommy and cook and have babies in her tummy. She then proceeded to explain and then Addi will go back in my tummy, and Gracie will go back in my tummy, and Parker will go back in my tummy, she paused and then asked "Wait, how is Parker (9) going to fit back in my tummy?" I explained that she would have to different babies in her tummy, not her brother and sisters. "Hmmm, well, I will just cook stuff when I'm a mommy"!

We were watching a jib jab video I had made for the kids (Each of the kids faces are attached to little people engaged in a snowball fight). The kids literally could watch these for hours, anywhoo, Halle is watching and states I like that cute girl, yeah I like her mom, I like her! (she was pointing to herself, very consistent and good taste wouldn't you say)!!!

Hallee was getting ready for preschool and the kids were all reminiscing about the good ol' preschool days! Gracie asked, "Mom, do we get to go back to preschool?" I replied, "No, we don't get to go back to preschool honey." She quickly retorted, "No, I mean when we are resurrected do we get to go back to preschool". Too funny!!

Addendum: I picked up Gracie from Kindergarten this morning and was telling her that I blogged about her today! Of course she wanted to know what I wrote, I was telling her I wrote about the onion story and she said "oh, when I was reading the ingredients on the booger!" I laughed and replied, "I hope you and Grandma don't eat boogers"! She quickly exclaimed, "Mom, we don't eat boogers, we eat cheeseboogers"!! yummy.........

The Birthday Girls!

Happy Birthday to two of my favorite girls!! Today is my mom's birthday and last Friday was Addi's big day (2)!!!!


My mom will have a full week celebrating with her many, many dear friends! We were supposed to go out to celebrate last night, but were snowed in (Ben and Suzie literally)! So tonight we will meet for pizza, let the kids run wild, and celebrate!! Each year on our birthdays my mom makes us share something we love about the birthday person and/or a funny memory, so mom here goes:

1 - I have hundreds of funny memories (my mom is not very reserved) , such as when my mom was shopping and a nice young man was helping her. Using her best french accent she dramatically asked and what accent do you speak with? To which he replied, "No accent, speech impediment". To which my quick witted mother replied, "Well, I would play it up, it sounds French"!
Lately, I have enjoyed teasing her about her bloggin fan club (it is a very big club with very low membership dues - although she is requesting President Hinkley thoughts/quotes for her b-day!!!)

2 - I have even more things that I love about her than I do funny memories (which you know has got to be a lot)!! I love that she shares her home and heart with everyone, she loves to serve people, she is very generous with her time and talents.. hey this reminds me of a book I gave her last year “Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed” by Emily Pearson (Carol Lynn Pearson’s Daughter.) It is a charming children’s book, with one person doing something nice and it is played forward until billions are affected. At the back of the book, I added an addendum:

Not-So-Ordinary Mary(lyn’s) Extraordinary Deed

"I loved this book so much because it puts into words the impact that one person can have on the world. My not-so-ordinary Mary(lyn) has taught me to reach out to others in kindness. A few of the thousands of acts of love include: taking dinner to not one but six families (and not for an evening but like a year or two), sharing compliments with those you love (and total strangers), stocking cupboards for kids, in-laws, friends, and again, strangers, sharing a sympathetic ear to anyone who needs a lift, Christmas pixies, making enough treats to “Boo” everyone in the neighborhood (so no one feels left out), leaving treats for people that your children tee-peed, buying gift cards for people and giving them out “just because”, filling and sharing coin jars, volunteering to help set-up, decorate, clean-up and in any and every way held with Ward activities, showers, etc., etc., supplying lovely food and decorations for people’s weddings (even friends of friends of friends), hugging (even those who appear not huggable), assuming the best of others, forgiving, and sharing literally all that you are blessed with to brighten the lives of others. You truly shine with kindness and generosity. What a wonderful example you are to me, to my children, and to literally hundreds of others. I am so grateful that a not-so-ordinary Mary(lyn) is my mommy! "

Happy Birthday Mom from your Biggest Fan!!!!

(I will post Addi's b-day pics and post later this week - she is soo cute even if she is two - yikes!)

President Hinkley June 23, 1910 - Jan. 27, 2008

I realize that so many people will be posting their thoughts about this wonderful man and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but since this blog is my journal I didn't want to let the oppurtunity pass without writings down my thoughts about this great man. I know that he was a prophet of God and am grateful that he dedicated his life to serving the Lord. I am so grateful for the knowledge that we have a prophet of God who can provide us with direction and counsel. I loved President Hinkley, I believe that most members of the church probably felt endeared to him as I did. He was happy and witty and had boundless energy which he used to serve the Lord. I loved last conference when he jokingly "knighted" President Eerying. Most importantly though I loved hearing and pondering his counsel. I am grateful for his and his family's many sacrifices as they served us and served the Lord. I am grateful that the Lord continues to lead and guide us through his Prophets on the earth today.



I will share one quote that I love from President Hinkley that I just shared with my young women today:



"You will have significant experiences. I hope that you will write them down and keep a record of them, that you will read them from time to time and refresh you memory of those meaningful and significant things. Some may be funny. Some may be significant only to you. Some of them may be sacred and quietly beautiful. Some may build one upon another until they represent a lifetime of special experience."



Gordon B. Hinckley, 2006