Religous Artist

Attending church for three hours every Sunday is our usual tradition.  Three hours can sometimes seem a bit long on some days but there are ways to help the time move along.  Church is a good time for personal reflection and thinking of ways to improve for those who are older but the younger crowd likes have toys or snacks.  Zaynzley's likes to move time along with coloring or drawing.  When I was a younger mom I would pack a bag for church with toys, books, snacks, and drinks.  Now that I'm a more experienced mom I don't pack anything.  If a kid wants something at church they had better pack it themselves.  Zany is really good at packing her own stuff sometimes too good as she will bring a lot of stuff.  This Sunday she brought her new write-eraser board. 

Much time was spent on this drawing. 

Zaynzley and new board

 But was Zany the artist? No she was not.

"Knights Fight Against the Dragon Named Temptation" by Quinton Carlton

I think he may have a future in illustrating or at least staying awake through church!

500th Post

Hard to believe this is the 500th post! Just a quick pic after church.  Quinton had a meeting and sadly wasn't available for a photo.  The other kids were happy to do a quick photo but I am sure that will wear off soon! It's such a lovely feeling finishing church and knowing you have a tasty meal in the slow cooker ready to be dished up.  I wish I was on top of it every Sunday because it sure makes for a relaxed evening knowing people can be easily feed which is 75% of my job as a mom--feeding people.  It can be exhausting having to be involved in everyone's meals and snacks.   I heard some advice given to a young mom that carried her through raising all her kids, "Love the season you're in."  This season is hungry kids ALL the time but I know this phase is fleeting. I won't always have 24 muffins disappear overnight. 

  

My little muffin eaters!

What They Wore-it's back

After a couple Sundays spent out of town on vacation, we were all ready to get to church early today.  I tried to get Eddy to take photos before church but he didn't so it is another after church photo.  Luckily they hadn't shed their church clothes on the way home like they usually do.  We had a missionary farewell in our ward of a kid who is a friend of Quinton.  It made me think of how few years we have left before he goes into the wide world.  Gulp!

Summer monsoon season is going really well this year which means we are getting rain. Hurrah!  I love  a summer rain.  Our lovely desert is very green just now.

Zany (in smocked dress, I adore smocking), Quinton, Declan, McCoy and Archer in front

Declan enjoys carrying a briefcase to church with all kinds of things he might need at church.  Including a package of kleenex in case one of the primary leaders sheds a few tears during primary and then he can give her a much needed kleenex.

On my mission to Michigan I was introduced to Pierogies.  Little bundles of pasta like dough stuffed with creamy mashed potatoes.  They are so tasty.  When I was at Costco they had pierogies for a tasting sample and so I bought a big bag.  We had them for dinner and the kids had them for the first time.  Everyone liked them except Archy who refused to even try them.  We also had corn on the cob which is absolutely Zany's favorite food in the world right now. She ate two whole cobs

We used to eat corn with the traditional butter and salt.  Once we tried the corn Mexican style we decided that was the way for us.  We roast the corn in the shuck in the oven for  30 minutes at 350*.  Then we pull off the shuck and corn hair lather it up with some mayo and sprinkle on some Tajin (lime/chili seasonings found in the produce section of the grocery store) and salt.  Man, it is like summer in your mouth.

As evidenced by Zany it is best eaten by just diving in and getting all over your cheeks and face.  

                                     

Tasty!

What They Wore-Their Pick

 Declan and I got home about forty-five minutes earlier than the other car with the rest of the family since they had to do fast offerings.  He didn't want to stay in his church clothes so he asked if he could take a solo photo.  I was busy making dinner so I told him to just take a selfie which he happily obliged and took about twenty. 

Declan's selfie

The rest of the crew showed up and we quickly took a photo.  

Zany, Quinton seated (sportin' his new cuff link shirt), McCoy behind and Archy far right

Declan who was still half dressed photo bombed them. 

Surprise says Declan

Zany

What They Wore-Blue and Orange

At our local Bealls store, I found all these orange ties for forty cents each so I bought one for each boy.  They were the odd square bottom ties that I guess no one else wanted but I thought they were cute.  Declan is sporting his new briefcase (metal chess case) that he bought at the thrift store in Tucson.  Declan is more fun to take to the thrift store than some of my other kids because he actually looks for things to buy instead of acting like he is being tortured (not naming names).  Thrift store shopping can be a learned art as those unaccustomed to it can be overwhelmed by the amount of random stuff thrown together haphazardly.  You have to sift through a bit to find the treasures.

Archy was in a funky dance mood and kept being silly and dancing while we were trying to take a photo after church.  I guess that is better than his usual grumpy, sullen, rebellious, refuse-to-smile self. 

Quinton (left), Zany, McCoy, Arch, Declan

Almost there with all smiles

Half smiling

Well four of five is about as good as it will get this time

Maybe manic Archy is a secret weapon to getting everyone to smile.  You should see his dance moves! It would make you smile too.

What They Wore-General Conference

Before I had kids, I always pictured myself watching the Sunday Sessions of General Conference at church.  My children wearing their Sunday best quietly coloring or taking notes of Conference.  Ha!  The reality is I am so glad to stay home and watch Conference from my couch.  I would no sooner dream of watching General Conference at church with my children than I would volunteer for a tooth extraction.  

Everyone here wears their comfy clothes and they also drag their pillows to the family room making little nests for themselves.  They play Conference bingo so they can get candy to eat.  There are the various squabbles and disagreements that you can expect when you spend fours hours a day cooped up together in a small room.  Hopefully the candy and snacks will help them have fond memories of the time we spend together sitting at the prophets feet hearing words of truth and encouragement.  Post Conference I feel a bit like after you eat at a really tasty all you can eat buffet-so good but so full.  I need time to disgest Conference.  It was really good though and I am looking forward to reading the talks.  

McCoy, Archer, Declan holding Zany and Quinton

What They Wore-some of them

Sadly, only two out of five kids got their pictures taken today.  The other boys escaped without getting photographed.  They too were wearing purple.  Zaynzley's darling dress was made by my Grandma LaVana who cut it out and my Aunt Rebecca who sewed it.  She looked so sweet in it; although I should of told Eddy to get a photo of her in it standing up so you could really see how cute it is.  Zany loves picking out jewelry to wear with her Sunday dress.  She insist on earrings and a necklace.  In these photos, Zany looks bigger than Archer although he is three years her senior.  

The weather just now is lovely.  The days are getting longer and I love it. We tried making Navajo Fry Bread for dinner.  While it was a big hit with everyone, I think I will need to try a non yeast dough to see if it puffs up like it is when we buy it at the county fair.  I love fry bread and I am not sure why I haven't made it before.  Throw some beans, shredded meat. cheese. lettuce, tomato avocado and salsa on it and you have dinner.  Then with the leftover fry bread put some butter and honey and you have dessert.  Not to many recipes provide dinner and dessert in one. 

Archer (left) & Zany (right)

What darlings!

Cheers to a new week!

What They Wore-Navy and Orange

 I am not sure who dislikes taking these Sunday photos more Quinton or Archer.  It is very hard to catch a smile on their faces.  I don't let their whining stop me though I snap the photos with or without a smile.  Declan loves taking photos and he takes by far the most selfies. I have been meaning to take a picture with these gorgeous flowers that I have been feasting my eyes on for a month.  The whole yard is just covered with them sadly it is not my yard.  Just like Hollyhocks, when I see these beauties in bloom I always regret not planting some seeds so I can enjoy them in my yard.  Spring is in full swing here and I am just hoping it doesn't get hot too soon.  Spring is such a lovely time in Arizona!  I try to soak it up before we are roasted in the summer sun. 

Quinton, Declan, McCoy, Archer, Zany

(left to right)

Larger view of flowers

Look at those lovelies

Zany takes a closer view

Cheers to a new week!

What They Wore-Blues

They look so much more put together before church by the time we take these Sunday photos they are already starting to undress.  The first thing discarded is, naturally, the neckwear.  Speaking of neckwear Declan is sporting a real bowtie that you actually tie.  We have several of these but we never knew how to tie them.  Since Quinton, as a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood,  has to be to church a half hour early Eddy had plenty of time to youtube how to tie a bowtie.  I quite like real bowties and I will be keeping my eye out for more of them.  

Since we have a new ward we have new callings and I am the new Primary Secretary.  I just love secretary jobs.  I am quite happy about it and have enjoyed typing up all kinds of lists and forms basically doing all kinds of secretary tasks.  I also just love a Sunday Night when a holiday follows the next day, lovely three day weekend!  You'll find us celebrating by pulling winter weeds and cleaning up the backyard before it gets too hot.

C'mon Archer (center) smile!

What is that? After forty photos Archy finally cracks a wee smile.

Quinton holding Zaynzley, Archer center, Declan, & McCoy in suit coat

Happy President's Day!

What They Wore-Eddy's pick

Eddy's birthday landed on a Sunday this years so I let him pick the color of the day for the kids to wear and he let them pick what they wanted.  They were pretty excited about that.  We had a currently serving missionary and a recently returned missionary speak to us in sacrament meeting.  It is so interesting to note the differences in growth and polish between a new missionary and one who has completed his mission.  I can hardly believe how few years I have left with Quinton before he becomes a missionary.  Quinton has the makings of an excellent missionary.  He taught the lesson to his peers today in Sunday and he really seemed to enjoy it.

For Eddy's birthday dinner, we had Shrimp Fajitas, Red Rice, Santa Fe Corn, and Refried Beans with Guacamole and Chips.  For his birthday cake he wanted a chocolate cake with Dark Chocolate Fudge Icing and a cold glass of milk.   Nice and easy since I took the simple way and made it from the box.  We are in the thick of our birthday season as we have four birthdays within six or so weeks.  I let them pick whatever dessert they want for their birthday and it doesn't have to be cake but it usually is cake.  Declan is already talking about his choices for his birthday and he still has three weeks to wait.  It will probably be here before I know it as most things are.   As a special birthday present to Eddy we all were ready and to church early; it really bothers him when he is late.  

Zany (left), Declan, McCoy, and Archer

What has Declan discovered?

What They Wore-Vests

Part of my thrift store haul included several vests, I decided to make it a vest wearing Sunday.  Even Zany had a little vest to wear.  As you may notice a couple of brothers, McCoy and Archer, are not pictured as they stayed home sick from church.  Eddy likes to call Zany a threenager but she was quite cooperative getting ready for church although she insisted on wearing these shoes. I let her as it wasn't worth the fight.  Our weather has been very warm, it got up to 73 degrees and with blue skies and hot sun it feels like spring has sprung already. Blah . . .  I want some more winter weather, cloudy grey skies and cold temperatures!  Do you know we have tons of winter weeds that have cropped up that need to be pulled in the worst way?   I guess I will just have to embrace this warm weather and enjoy some winter weed pulling.  Who thought an Arizona winter was all sun and fun?

Quinton, far left, & Declan holding Zany

What time is it? Smile Time!

French Twist, now that Zany's hair is longer I can do more things with it

Declan wanted me to cut a pitchfork for the ASU Sundevils into his head, so I did.

Quinton with his pocketwatch

Who wouldn't want to watch Sunday football with two little fans nearby?

Go Team!

Eddy, Zany & Archy

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

We will be celebrating MLK day by toasting to our favorite civil rights leaders with as seems most fitting for day named MLK-milk.

What They Wore-Q's pick: Purple & Gray

Since Quinton's birthday fell on a Sunday I gave him the privilege of picking the colors for the church clothes.  I was somewhat surprised that he picked purple and gray (I can never quite decide how I like to spell grey/gray as they both seem acceptable).  With Quinton turning fourteen, he advances in the priesthood becoming a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood. Pa, Nona,and Ashlee came to church with us in support of Quinton's advancement.  After church, we returned to my house for some football watching/napping and Irish Nachos.  What are Irish Nachos you may ask?  It is a tasty dish in which you cook Tater Tots in the oven until nice and crispy and then spread a layer of Tater Tots on your plate and then layer chili beans, nacho cheese, tomatoes, olives, green onions, jalapenos, avocados and sour cream. It is very filling and best eaten with a fork and napkin.  For dessert, we had cinnamon rolls. Who could want more for a birthday?

Our party post church

Rhiannon (far left), Ashlee, Nona, Zany, McCoy (purple suit), Archy (grey suit), 

Pa, Eddy, Declan and Quinton

What They Wore-Favorite Characters

We have been watching as a family a new tv series called The Librarian.  The main character played by Noah Wyle wears updated english style menswear (The Librarian reminds me of a American version of  Dr. Who). Declan and McCoy were really taken with his style and wanted to dress like that for church.  

Noah Wyle as the Librarian

I said they could all dress like their favorite characters as long as they wore church clothes.  That made them really excited to get ready for church.  I present to you their favorite characters in church clothes!

Declan decided not to be the Librarian and instead wanted to be a rich Peter Parker (aka Spiderman) and as we all know rich people like to wear turtlenecks and really rich people wear turtlenecks with suits.

McCoy wanted to be the Librarian and so he sports suit coat with pocket handkerchief, button up vest and bowling shoes (not pictured).

Archer decided he would be Bruce Wayne (aka Batman) so he is a young Bruce Wayne.

Zany is one of her favorite princesses, any guesses?  Cinderella and she is even wearing a crown.

Quinton, in the game of brotherly oneupmanship, decided he would best Declan and be Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) who is even richer than rich Peter Parker.

Young Bruce Wayne tries to lick Cinderella

Peter Parker wonders what Bruce Wayne is plotting now. 

The librarian is serene through it all

Tony Stark just returned from collecting fast offerings, I guess he is still willing to help out when needed despite his riches.

At the end of Christmas break, there was one last chance for a trip to lazytown before we resume our usual routines and obligations.  (Attention Ashlee, where is your blog post you better get out of Lazytown too!) Would you believe that everyone wanted to jump aboard the Lazytown Express.  We quickly picked up the house a bit after church and then settled in for a movie and popcorn with M&Ms on a school night no less. Farewell Lazytown, lets hope it doesn't take two weeks for the house to recover from so much time spent in Lazytown

What They Wore-Reds and Greens

I find bribery works the best to get this crew to cooperate and take photos.  If I was a bit more focused on early to church, I would take these Sunday photos when everyone was completely ready and just killing time for a half hour until it is time to depart for church. We are pretty crazy around here running around looking for church socks or ties right up until the time to depart.  So we take them after church usually which makes some of them groan. Today, I bribed them with root beer to take these photos.  

In celebration of Christmas, we all wore Christmas things.  We had a lovely program at church and the choir even sang one of my favorite Christmas songs, O Holy Night.  My latest obsession had been family history. I have cycled in and out of family history over the last twenty years or so.  I spent three hours looking for one individual's birth record and just as I was about to give up I found it!  Family history is so much easier now, than when I first started.  There is so much available online now you don't have to mess with ordering films.  I have spent years doing research on Eddy's line in Mexico, a small town in Sonora called Banamichi.  Currently, I am doing work on my maternal- paternal line in Norway which is the first time I have worked in Norway.  I have found that my efforts in working in Spanish (I don't speak it) has oddly enough help train me for records in Norwegian (I don't speak it either).  I find it so addictive doing family history that it is hard to stop.  Unfortunately, laundry and house cleaning still have to occur otherwise I would be doing it non-stop.

Figuring out our grouping

Quinton, McCoy, Zaynzley

Archer thinks he has had enough photo time

Wishing you Merry Christmas in Norwegian,

"God Jul"

What They Wore-Reds

               

As you can see from the picture Quinton didn't go to church being sick and I stayed home with him.  I think mainly he was tired from the endless math homework and lots of wrestling. He did manifest a cough though which got him the stay home card.  Archer divested himself of his suit coat and tie. Archy is always extremely grouchy after church can you tell by his photo. This picture was taken in our Sunday domain--the Nursery, for kids age 18 months to three years (someone just donated the box of books).

We finally had a bit of cold weather (it only got up to 58* degrees  mostly it is in the mid-seventies) so we were able to have a fire (hurray) in our wood stove albeit we had to open a window to keep it cool enough for a fire.  It is just so cozy to all sit around a fire reading books or other activities.  We call it "fire time" no devices allowed. If devices can be used then it is called "kindle fire time."  

I can get a bit cooped up on Sunday and so I like to make everyone take a walk. (Can you hear the groans?)  I love all the Christmas lights on the houses.  So we went for a walk at dusk looking at all the lovely lights.  It is one of my favorite things at Christmas Time! 

 Glorious light!

What They Wore-red and black

"Ah, not another photo," says Quinton               "Well fine then I am not looking"

Red and black were the colors of the day and Eddy and I actually matched as well. (I hope you are not imagining that we all match and are on time to church or that my house is totally clean.  I am not that together. Yes, we matched but I was ten minutes late to church and my house has cleanish parts but it is nowhere near clean-hello Monday).  Quinton wants just one photo taken but having everyone looking at the camera at the same time is impossible with one photo.  Even with ten taken there really wasn't one that was even kinda close to perfect.  The sun is in their eyes at this time of day so that is a challenge.  Be that as it may he is not getting out of Sunday photos. 

Sunday afternoons just fly by so fast!  I always think I will have so much time to get things done.  I never do though. I just try to make sure everyone picks up their clothes and belongings and if I am luckily their rooms are walkable.  

I just love this time of year.  Winter and Christmas are both so cozy.  It is amazing how the spirit that accompanies Christmas is just so glorious and felt by all. Having attended a live nativity (real animals and people), I kept thinking about Mary and how joyous it was for her to have her wee babe in her arms at last and that, that joy was compounded with knowing he was also the Son of God.  I remembered all the tender feelings I had have with the birth of each child.  It is such a special time when a new baby is added to this world and your family; the closest way I can describe it is that it is just magical.   That feeling is part of Christmas even though Christ's birth was centuries and centuries ago it still echoes forward and is felt today.  

Good tidings to you and yours!

What They Wore-Purple

Having entrusted my camera into Archer's care I shouldn't be surprised when I find twenty or so photos taken by that fellow.  Yet, I was surprised to see how many he took, mainly extreme close ups of his mouth or toy car. One photo he did capture was Eddy getting Zany ready for church.  I usually pick out her entire outfit socks and hair bows included but today I just picked out her dress intending to get back to her room to finish her outfit.  Eddy just did it by himself and as we always take two cars to church when I arrived I was surprised by Zany's look.  Her hair was just as it appears below combed straight back with no adornment of bow or flower and her socks with her shoes were just funny.    I will just be glad and grateful that my Eddy is such a sport to get a little girl ready for church.  

As a farewell to fall they all wore purple but I really feel like it should still be September.  This fall has melted away far too fast. We have begun decorating for Christmas which is quite an endeavour.  I am right in the horrible part where everything is a mess and I can't wait until it is all tidy and Christmassy.  Last year we didn't watch very many Christmas movies.  This year we are trying to make sure we watch all of our favorites.  So far we have watched: Nightmare Before Christmas (Ashlee's favorite), Elf, and White Christmas.  

Eddy dressing Zany for church 

(photo credit: Archer)

Quinton (left) surly teenager

Zany holding a picture from Nursery

McCoy always cool

Archer very upset he didn't get to play with play-doh in Nursery

Declan as always a happy guy

Here's hoping the month of December slows down so I don't feel like it is over before it has begun like fall did.  Ha, December is the fastest month of all!

Happy December!

What They Wore-Orange and Brown

I can't believe it is already the week of Thanksgiving!  In honor of Thanksgiving they wore orange and brown and we took our photos in front of a mesquite tree in the desert near our house.  

Crazy Carlton kids

Quinton has been feeling a bit under the weather and was so eager to be done with photos.

Archy is excited and can't wait to get home to get a treat once his church clothes are put away.

Happy Thanksgiving Week!