Thanksgiving with the Hunters

We just had a really fun Thanksgiving weekend in Ojai. A lot of cousins were there. Steve and Tracy and their kids, Scott and Kristy and their family, Jim and Kathy and kids, Billy and Melanie and their kids, Louine and Bob and my sister Brett and her husband Shawn. The kids had a fun time jumping on the tramp hiking in the orchards, playing tennis and having a great time with their cousins. Of course they made a few trips down to the Johnson's for lollypops.

Lest we forget

Since tomorrow is Veteran's Day or in Canada we call it Remembrance day, I wanted to honor two of my heroes. My Grampa Baldry who passed away a little over a year ago and my Grampa Hicken who is 90 years old. They both fought in WWII.

This is my Grampa Baldry who fought mostly in Italy and Holland. He was something of an engineer, I believe and he was special trained to build and dismantle special bridges that allowed the troops to continue their paths after bridges had been bombed out. My Grampa was very much a homebody and I can't imaging how hard it was for him. One thing he said in his history was, "I wondered if I would ever again see the prairies of Alberta, the beautiful rocky Mountains, the little town of Coaldale, my parents and family and friends but it was too late as I had voluntarily made a commitment to serve my country. I was needed, there was a job to be done." 

In my Grampa Baldry's history he shares what it was like liberating the country of Holland. He said, "Oh how we were welcomed as we moved north! It is difficult to put into words the feelings we shared with the dutch people. they were thankful to see us. In many instances we were literally mobbed by young and old. It was a mayhem of huggings and kisses, tears and laughter, dancing and then many prayers of thanks. I often shed tears when I think of what a terrible 5 years the people of Holland had experienced under the occupation of the German forces. I shall never forget the drawn faces and emaciated bodies of the starving people, especially the very old and the very young. The look of, "can this really be happening," soon changed from wonderment and caution to happiness and thankfulness as tears rolled down their cheeks. This was the most rewarding and emotional time of WWII for me and something I will never forget. " 

I thought of this when I recently read the Diary of Anne Frank. It felt a little more personal knowing that my Grampa was involved in the liberation of those people--even thought for Anne it was too late.  I'm so proud of my Grampa Baldry. 

This is a poem we recite a lot around Remembrance day in Canada. As a side note I was chosen one year to recite it as part of a Remembrance day program. I remember my mom sending me to have some voice coaching so I could recite it with expression and the right intonation. Funny. We also wear the poppy for remembrance day. It is a red flower that grows over many soldiers graves in Europe.

This is my Grampa Hicken. He was in the Airforce. This was the airplane that he flew in the war. 

Here he is with my Grama. 

That's him again in the middle.

I don't have as much information about his war experiences but I am resolved to find out more. I do know that he was very brave and recieved many medals of honor. As I find out  more I will edit this post. I love my Grampa's so much and will always be grateful for their bravery. 

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

I just finished this book today and it's left me pained. I don't know how else to describe it. I think the holocaust was a horrific and tragic event in our history. I can't understand that kind of hate. I recently read The Diary of Anne Frank and what leaves me the most saddened is the loss of potential. All the lives of these people just like me my family and friends -- taken for no reason except being Jewish. Doctors, poets, mothers, children, teachers, etc. People with great futures and dreams. Normal people living normal lives ripped from their homes and lives and families. What a tragedy. I can't stop thinking about it. Heavy, I know but right now I'm so sad about it. Why do people hate? I've decided not to hate--I don't think I hate anyone but if reading about things like this has taught me anything it is that we must not hate. It leads to sadness and persecution and revenge and destroying peoples lives. Hate is evil.

Carson's moves

Carson had so many great ninja moves--although I think he was a GI Joe character--that I felt he deserved his own collage. Notice that he was so speedy, many of the pictures are blurred.

Halloween

Halloween was so fun. On Friday night we went with our neighbors from across the street, Robert, James and Janie to a haunted swamp at the Port Hueneme military base. It was super spooky and super fun. On Saturday we went trick or treating with some of our friends. Claire went with Cambria and Kayla. It was her first year going with friends and they went with Cambria's older sister Mckenna and her friends. I think Claire was loving being out with the teenagers and not with the parents. It was wierd for me though. There was also a super spooky haunted house they they waited an hour in line for but said it was worth the wait. Even Ella and Miriam braved it through. Ella admitted later that the haunted houses were too spooky--but she was pretty brave. In case it's not super obvious, Ella was Dorothy from the wizard of Oz, Kade was the lion, Carson was a GI Joe--don't know which one but he had some great Ninja moves, and Claire along with her friends were spooky softball zombies. They all looked great. Oh yeah and Kade was so cute at the doors saying "ticky teet" that people kept giving him extra candy. It was adorable. Needless to say it was a great night for Kade and candy.

Look who got a haircut

Kade finally got a haircut. I've been loving his long blond locks but it got a little too long. At first it started out as a trim but it turned into a little bit of a mullet and then Matt had to take it all off. It just got shorter and shorter and shorter. He looks so different--still so adorable. It reminds me of when I cut Steph's hair when I was, like, eleven or something. In my memory I had my mom's permission--but in hindsight I can't imagine that I did. I had to keep cutting and cutting and cutting--trying to get it even. I turned out pretty awful and she looked like a really cute little boy. Steph you should get me a picture so I can post it with this blog. I am still awful at cutting hair. I've tried a few times with my girls and even myself but it never turns out good. Good job Matt.

Life is good.

I love my life. It is good. That's not to say nothing every goes wrong in my life--but over all it is a happy life and I wish it could remain how it is. My kids are growing too fast, I am getting older, things are changing here and there i just want things to stay how they are--nice and happy.

So I am the art teacher for Claire's fourth grade class. That's right--31 fourth graders and me learning art together. They claim you need not be artistic, although I do think I am a little bit creative and slightly artistic it is definitely not one of my greater talents. Today we worked on two projects--a spider candy holder and a halloween scene. They did pretty good but we were unable to finish the spider and will be finishing it on friday. It was pretty crazy and it took me a while to come down from the chaos of 31 fourth graders but I enjoyed it and it's nice to get to know Claire's classmates. She was pretty excited to stay and help me clean up after. As much as I would like to think it was because she wanted to be with me, I tend to think it was to get out of class.

I saw Ella on my way to Claire's art and she was sitting at the lunch table with her friends eating lunch and it made me sad. My Ella is in school. Spending more time with her friends and teachers than with me. I miss her. She came and gave me a big hug and that made me feel good.

Carson scored 3 goals in a soccor scrimmage tonight. He was on fire. And one other thing--the other night when I was snuggling Carson for bed he sleepily said, "your the best, mom."

Today a couple of neighbor girls came over to babysit Kade and when I tried to pay them they refused payment saying it was just too easy and he was so good. He seems to have that effect on girls. HEE HEE. He is pretty adorable.

I just got off the phone with Matt. He is traveling a lot for work lately and I miss him. We talked for about a half hour which is pretty good for a non phone talker like matt. We just talked about the interesting and some not interesting things of the day. It's nice to have someone to talk to about my day--even if sometimes he watches TV and I blog while we are talking. Love is grand.

This is why life is good.

Some classics

Well here's some pictures to take us back in time. Here's a picture of me, my mom and dad. How sweet are my dads pants. We are in front of Grama Hicken's house. I also love the car.

Me, my mom and my Grama Hicken on my blessing day.

My mom at BYU Hawaii

I love this picture of my mom and dad. Young, cool and in love.

The Secret Garden

I just finished The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I loved it. I read it as a kid but I think I enjoyed it more as an adult. I loved her descriptive writing and the imagery it conveyed. I felt like I was in the garden. I loved the message of hope and renewal. One of my favorite passages is on p.256
At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can be done, then they see it can be done--then it is done and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago. One of the new things people began to find out in the last century is that thoughts-- just mere thoughts--are as powerful as electric batteries--as good for one as the sunlight is, or as bad for one as poison. To let a sad thought or a bad one get into your mind is as dangerous as letting a scarlet fever germ get into your body. If you let it stay there after it has got in you may never get over it as long as you live.
This book inspired me to be more optimistic and let good thoughts replace the bad. It also inspired me to do more gardening:) I recomend it.

More on Italy--The Amalfi coast

Here are some pictures of the spectacular Amalfi coast. I wish my pictures could do it better justice. We drove from Sorrento to the town of Amalfi on this narrow two lane highway. We went first to Positano which is the town built up the hills. It was so beautiful. The streets were narrow and filled with shops and street vendors. We went down to the beach where we swam in the mediterranean sea. The water was clear, blue and warm. We noticed that we floated more than at home which makes us think the water has higher salt content. We rinsed off and ate lunch then were off to Amalfi. I loved Amalfi. It was so quaint and we found this beautiful church where we saw a bride and groom on their wedding day. They pulled up in a cute vintage convertable and walked up the many steps into the church. Then here comes the bride played and the rest is history--I hope they have a wonderful life. Anyways, the day was magical and I loved spending it with my love--I think the Amalfi coast may be one of the most romantic and beautiful places in the world. We also, of course, had gelato. And since I brought it up I might as well say that we ate gelato everyday--some days twice. Some interesting flavors we tried were cantaloupe, fig, apple, lemon(two varieties--one tart and one creamy and sweet), watermelon, nutella, walnut, and then the typical chocolate and strawberry. My favorite was the creamy lemon and cantaloupe and my least favorite was fig. Matt's favorite was the strawberry. We loved the gelato.

A fall day

Today was beautiful. It has rained for 2 days(which I loved) and today is bright and sunny and green. Everything is clean and fresh. Ella stayed home sick. She might start claiming sick more often since we read books together, snuggled, watched TV and spent all day together. I must say it was a treat for me too. Kade enjoyed some time outside and even tried the swing although he looks a little worried. In the afternoon the kids did Halloween crafts and put them up around the house. Ella said I was the best art teacher and she wishes I was her art teacher. Thanks Ella. Then I made their favorite fall dinner--Spaghetti quash spaghetti. Very nutritious and my kids think it is the best dinner ever. Of course Carson said, "I love your dinner mom." He's very good about complementing me on my cooking. After dinner we spent the remaining daylight swinging and enjoying the sunset. (That's Carson on the swing.) It was a great day.

Happy Birthday Claire and Kade!

Claire and her dad.

My beautiful girl.

My wild boy.

Adorable

My birthday kids--aren't they cute?

Peace sign cake pops for Claire's Class.

On October 7th Claire turned 9 and Kade turned 2. We started the day with breakfast in bed--which always turns into all the kids eating breakfast in bed. (Funny side note-I've been looking for our level for awhile and I am just noticing that it is right there in front of my eyes--on top of my bed) That night we went out to dinner and then had cake and presents at home. It was fun.

Claire in a nutshell. Where to begin. She is an amazing little girl. She is nine--but tries sometimes to be sixteen. She wants a cell phone so she can text and is starting to be a little trendy--she loves anything with a peace sign on it. But she is still my little girl--she still likes to snuggle me and talks to me about what's going on in her life and is so good to her younger brothers and sister. I just love her. She has been so helpful with Kade lately and he loves her to read him stories. She is smart and pretty and funny and so much fun to be around.

Kado potato. He is loud and talking like crazy. He loves to talk talk talk and yell yell yell. I know where he is at all times--i just have to pause and listen. He also loves to sing and dance. He loves trains and reading books and snuggling. He still gets up early everymorning and never lets us sleep in. It's just me and him while the kids are at school and I love being with him. He cracks me up all day--but is sometimes a major trouble maker. He has his trusty stool that gives him access to way too much. Lets just say we have a lot of messes to clean up with Kade and his stool on the loose. He helps himself to yogurt every morning which cracks me up. He gets a yogurt then a spoon and then eats it at the table. He even stole Ella's yogurt out of her lunch yesterday--poor Ella.

Mom's cinnamon rolls

Today Christy called for mom's cinnamon bun recipe. One memory of mom that we all seemed to cherish was coming home to the smell of mom's cinnamon buns. Not only did they smell good but they were delicious. My mom was a fabulous baker. I have been making them for awhile and I feel like I have finally gotten them ALMOST as good as moms. I miss my mom so much--but somehow I feel closer to her when I do the things she used to do. It's almost like she's along side me working along with me. It may sound strange but I am trying to do as many of the things she did so I can feel her close to me. Well, here's the recipe.

Cinnamon buns(aka rolls for my American friends)

This is also what she used to make dinner buns

5 cups of water--as hot as comes out of the tap. It loses heat when you put it in your cup and into the bowl so it's a good temp once you put in the yeast.

2tbs yeast

1 cup suger

mix a little and let stand a few minutes

add 1/2 cup powdered milk(optional)

2tsp salt

1 cup melted margerine or butter

4 eggs

6cups flour

mix well

side note: in my research I have learned that it is better when baking if your ingredients(ie eggs) are at room temp.

Switch to kneading attachment on your mixer, add 8 more cups of flour and knead for 10 minutes. Dough should be soft.This is the tricky part. You should be able to handle it easily with floured hands. Set the dough in a greased bowl and let rise until doubled. Then flour your surface. I like to flour my hands to make it easier to handle. You want to handle the dough gently at this point and divide into two chunks. Put one on your surface and roll out into a long rectangle. Mom melted butter and spread it on the rolled out dough. Then she would sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on it--and sometimes raisins for dad. Then roll it up and pinch the seam together. Mom's trick was to use dental floss to cut the rolls. She would slide it underneath and then pull across to cut the dough. (a demonstration might be needed) Place on a buttered cookie sheet and let rise again--about 1/2 hour. Bake until light golden brown.

An alternative for the filling that I have been doing is 1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup butter 1 cup brown sugar and cinnamon creamed in the mixer. Spread on--i'm not exactly sure on the proportions cause I don't really measure so you can adjust it.

Frosting

1/2 cup butter (softened)

vanilla

about 4 cups icing sugar

milk until the consistency you like--thick or glazier--whatever works. It usually gets glazy on the rolls cause they are warm. I like to let them cool for awhile before I frost them.

You can make this a cream cheese frosting by adding a package of softened cream cheese.

Enjoy and share!!

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

Today I finally finished the Diary of Anne Frank. It was a pretty slow read for me, but as her diary progressed she became increasingly moving and inspiring. Her attitude and courage through such frightening and confining circumstances was inspiring to me. She was optimistic and continually filled her time with books and learning. Throughout the book her insights to life become more and more profound--much beyond her fourteen years. Anyways, I loved it and think everyone should read it. (Reading it in school doesn't count)

I'll share the highlights from my favorite journal entry. In it she is relating a conversation she had with a young boy named Peter who was in hiding with her family. She asked him, "Quite honestly, I can't imagine how anyone can say, "I'm weak, and then remain so." After all, if you know it, why not fight against it, why not try to train your character? The answer was: "Because it's much easier not to!" This rather discouraged me. Easy? Does that mean that a lazy, deceitful life is an easy life...I thought a long time about the best answer to give Peter, how to get him to believe in himself and above all improve himself...How can I make it clear to him that what appears easy and attractive will drag him down into the depths, depths where there is no comfort to be found. We all have hopes for much happiness but we must all earn it for ourselves. And that is never easy...Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction. "

Can you believe a fourteen year old girl wrote this? I think it is so insightful.

One more quote that is actually related.
"How noble and good everyone could be if, every evening before falling asleep, they were to recall to their minds the events of the whole day and consider what has been good and bad. Then, without realizing it, you try to improve yourself at the start of each new day; of course, you achieve quite a lot in the course of time."

I think I will put this quote by my bed. I think Anne Frank was an amazing young girl. So sad her life was cut short with such great potential. I wonder, though, if through her death she actually influenced more people for good. Who will ever know.

Captain underpants

Tonight I read captain underpants with Carson. It was obviously his pick. It was halarious. If anyone ever wants to see their son come alive with literature--captain underpants is the key. He used expression and different voices for the characters. I have to say--despite the ridiculous potty talk I loved it--I was totally cracking up.

Our trip to Italy

Our first day we went to the the Palatine, the Forum and the Colisseum. I loved it. It was so facinating to see these ancient ruins right in the middle of the city.

It was our ten year anniversary this year so Matt and I decided to go to Italy to celebrate. Stephanie was kind and brave enough to babysit for 10 days. She did an amazing job. The kids loved her and the only damage was a minor dent in my car:)




We had a six hour layover in Paris so we hopped on the train and saw a few of the sights. We saw the Cathedral of Notre Dame, The Louvre, The Eiffel tower(from afar), and the Arc de Triumph. Paris is Beautiful and definitely has it's own architectural look. We were pretty tired since it was the middle of the night back home. We also discovered at this point that I didn't have my wide angle lens. This made it impossible to get wide angle shots. We were pretty sad.

First day of school

The first day of School. Claire is going into 4th grade and her teacher is mr. Bethel. Carson is going into grade 2 and his teacher is Mrs. Garcia. Ella--little Ella--is going into K and she is so excited. Her teacher is Mrs. Harrah. We are all happy with the teachers we got and the kids are enjoying school as much as can be expected. Here's Ella with Joey Pilimai--they are in the same class.

My children the photographers

Here's what happened when I let my kids use my
camera. We went to Liberty park in Salt Lake
with Chelsea in hopes that if we were at a park the kids would play and we could talk. No luck. They hovered around us most of the time and complained until I let them use my camera out of desperation for a moment to chat with Chelsea uninterrupted. I thought they did pretty good...with the pictures that is...they were a little bratty yesterday.
Action shots. The kids have been into cartwheels
lately.

Look at Carson...I have NEVER seen him better posed for a picture. I can never get this to happen. I guess Claire has the magic touch. Their prop of choice was obviously the statue bunny.