Summer's Sweet Delight

Some live for peach season. Others daydream about ripening raspberries. I live for tomatoes! There is nothing I love better than a red, ripe, juicy, warm tomato picked straight from the vine. The next best tomato is from the local farmer's market. You may as well not even bother with the gross, mealy supermarket variety. However, during the cold winter months Costco has been known to market an acceptable cherry or vine ripened variety.

I could eat pico de gallo, homemade marinara, bruschetta, or tomato sandwiches any and every day of the week. The tomato sandwiches are the best on fresh whole wheat bread with just a teeny bit of mayo, sliced tomatoes, and salt and pepper. Some like to gussy it up with lettuce, avacado, or even bacon. I'm a purist though. I prefer nothing but the tomato. YUM!

Unfortunately, the hot summer nights have not been kind to my tomato plants this year. The great ones are few and far between. Luckily my local farmer has had better success than I. I'm eating them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to get my fill before the leaves fall and I have to sadly return to Costco for my fix. Another name for the tomato is love apple. You know I'm pretty sure this is what Eve fed Adam from the garden. Neither could resist. And neither can I!

Poop in the Pool

We are terribly sad. All of the pools in our area have been closed to children under 5 because of some nasty virus that is spread by poop in the pool. Ewww! These would be the same pools that we have been swimming in all summer long. They've waited this long to announce it?! J. is devastated as we had planned to spend the last of the 95 degree summer days hanging poolside. After this I'm not sure I ever want to go swimming in someone else's pool again! However, I think I will definitely be more disgusted when they find that the virus continues to grow even when those under 5 are out of the pool. Ugh!

Housing Rollercoaster

Almost daily someone asks me how the construction of our new home is going. The construction of our new home is going swimmingly well. Almost too well. Is that even possible? When you consider that we haven't sold our current home yet...yes that is possible.
When we began the process in January, the housing market was on a roll (at least in our area). Housing prices increased almost weekly it seemed. We noticed that houses in our area were listed and sold overnight. In March we signed our final construction papers and began getting our house ready to sell. We tried to plan the timing of our house sale and completion of our new house just right so that we wouldn't have to live in a rental for too long.

Then at the beginning of the summer (right around the time we listed our house). The housing market in our area crumbled. I don't know if a single house in our neighborhood or price range that sold over the summer...including ours! Meanwhile our new house was being built, and built and built. We still have about 3 months until our new house is completed, but things don't look well. Each day someone e-mails me an article about the collapse of the mortgage industry, or the glut of homes for sale in our area. Just great. As of today there is an 10 month inventory of homes in our city. Each day I notice that more and more homes are listed. Even though I think we have a cute home in a great area there is still lots of competition.

Earlier this year when we were considering building a home we really felt prompted to do so. We had an undeniable answer to prayers. Sometimes at this point it makes it difficult to remember that answer. I like the quote, "Faith shines brightest in the dark." I keep trying to remind myself of that. Actually every day I have many different emotions about selling our house. There are times when I feel confident that our house will sell in 3 months time. I feel anxious that it won't sell. I am resigned to stay here in a house that I like. I'm even comfortable and at peace with that fact. I am disappointed that we may not be able to live in our house that we planned and designed. I am worried that the house payments on our new house may not be as affordable as we once planned on. I feel helpless to do anything. I am an organizer and planner. I have a hard time adjusting when things don't go as planned. I don't even go by the new house anymore because I don't want to get too attached. I go through this rollercoaster of emotions many times a day. In the meantime, I will remember that in the eternal scheme of things it is only a house. It doesn't matter at all. But if you know of anyone that wants to buy a house...send them my way!

Parlez-Vous?

After reading on Michelle's blog about her experience with the French Canadian, I was reminded of an incident that happened to M. a few years ago. We were on the French island of St. Bart's and he had lost his sunglasses. He was looking for a cheap pair of sunglasses, something that would finish out the trip for him. He went into a boutique along the boardwalk area and began to browse. As he looked at display after display of sunglasses they were all very pricey...$100+. Because he loses glasses in the ocean more often than most (but that's another story), he didn't want to spend that much. He speaks fluent French and felt comfortable asking the shopkeeper in her native tongue if she might have some less expensive glasses. He suggested something in the $25 range. She glared at him, then replied, in snooty English with a thick French accent, "I suggest you squint!"

With that she flipped her head, spun around, and walked away. I guess there is a reason the French have the reputation that they do!

C. is on the move. Guard your books,

toilet bowls,

pantrys,

stairs,

pots and pans,

toilet paper rolls,

linen closets,

fireplaces,

and anything else she might get into.

It only gets more difficult from here!

What Not To Wear

Yesterday (8-16) I thought about putting on my Daisy Dukes, halter top, 10 inch platform flip flops, and over sized hoop earrings and taking the kids to Lagoon. And then I thought again. We did go to Lagoon, but I decided to wear my "mom" capris and boring golf shirt instead. I thought I'd save the kids the embarrassment. We did see plenty of the former though. I don't know what it is about the dress code in amusement parks...or lack thereof. The women, especially, think it is their opportunity to dress like they should be walking State Street instead of riding the Tilt A Whirl. I think maybe they think they will get really hot so they try to wear as few clothes as possible. However, it does seem to be appreciated by the boys who attend with them. They can't seem to keep their hands out of their girlfriends back pockets.

I must note here that I attended Lagoon with my children as a single parent. Matt was once again out of town. I despise Lagoon, and not just because my skimpy halter tops are at the cleaners. I just hate it because it is usually so hot and dirty. With the exception of roller coasters, the rides just make me sick. (Is this a good time to mention that I once found my sister face down on the floor of the women's bathroom of Lagoon suffering from heat exhaustion? Eeewww!) However, it was F.C. employee day at Lagoon and it was FREE! I should mention also that the kids were involved in a family program that we called "Learning for Lagoon" in which they practiced math facts, and reading all summer long. They completed their goals so I had to live up to my end of the bargain. I bribed my mom into coming with me to help with the kids.

All in all it was a good day. It was 100 degrees in the shade, but the lines were mercifully short. My mom and I took turns in kiddie land in between taking W. on the "real" rides. I actually think I might go again next year. Next year, M. promises to be in town. I sure hope so...I really want to walk around with our hands in each others back pockets.

What's For Dinner...or possibly just an appetizer

I mentioned in a previous entry that bruschetta (pronounced brew-sket-a) is one of Matt's favorites. Mine too! We had the best bruschetta we've ever eaten in Italy on Thanksgiving Day. Actually Matt ordered LIVER by mistake, but I shared my bruschetta with him. There are lots of tomato bruschetta recipes out there with very slight variations. We've experimented and this is the one we like best. Since tomato season is well upon us (at least here in Utah), I thought I'd share.

Tomato Bruschetta

1 loaf French baguette

Olive Oil

5-6 good quality Roma tomatoes (not the gross grocery store variety)

Fresh basil

Garlic (FYI...go fairly easy on this as you might be tasting it all night long!)

Balsamic vinegar

Good quality parmasean cheese (or blend)

Sea Salt

Pepper (if desired)

Slice baguette into 1 " pieces. Crush a small clove of garlic and mix with about 1/4 c. olive oil. Brush lightly on bread pieces. Broil bread until slightly browned. Meanwhile, finely chop tomatoes, another clove of garlic, and about 7-9 large basil leaves. Mix together. Add about 1 t. balsamic vinegar and a sprinkling of salt. At this point many add a bit more olive oil to the tomato mixture, but I don't and it tastes just fine. Taste mixture and add more salt or vinegar as necessary. Spread mixture on top of toast. Sprinkle with parmasean cheese. Broil again for 2-3 minutes or until cheese just slightly melts. Serve immediately.

It tastes so good! You might think that you've died and gone to Italy!

25 Things About M.

Since today is our 9th Anniversary I thought I'd blog about 25 things about M.:

1. He is a marketing genius

2. Loves , loves, loves to play with his kids

3. His "love language" is "words of affirmation" (He'll love this post!)

4. Rubs my feet with lotion and tickles my hair whenever I ask. (And even when I don't).

5. Played keyboard in a band (Big Fin) in college

6. Loves to travel

7. Is a Delta "Gold Medallion" flyer (please note though... his wife, who also loves travel, is not.) :(

8. Is the youngest boy in a family with 3 sisters

9. Amazing graphic design ability

10. Cheesecake, BBQ, and Bruschetta

11. Before we were married, changed his travel plans from Spain to Italy, just so I would go with him

12. Thinks I kissed him first (I didn't)

13. Would like to start his own company

14. Makes an awesome Peach Shake, and would eat one a day if given the chance

15. Served a 2 year mission for the LDS church in Quebec

16. Loves to go on hikes with his kids

17. Never gets really mad at anyone...ever

18. We have NEVER had a fight...petty disagreements, but never a fight

19. Sees someone he knows almost anywhere we go (near or far)

20. Keeps in touch with all of his old high school and college friends

21. Has lots of hobbies and interests, but never any time to do them

22. Enjoys scuba diving, skiing, waterskiing, painting, and making world quality home movies

23. Almost died a few years ago with "Flesh Eating Strep" disease

24. Would live at the family cabin if he could

25. Is the best husband, and dad ever

It really is a Happy Anniversary!

First Day

Yes. I made my children stare into the sun while I snapped their back to school photo!

There is peace on earth once again. (At least in my universe.) The two eldest M. children have returned to school. They had great days. When asked what her favorite part of school was, E. a put her finger in the air and declared, "EVERYTHING!" While not quite as dramatic, W. said that he really liked school too. J., C., and I spent the day hearing ourselves think and talking to each other. I think they loved the personal "Mom" attention they received too. We had time to sit and read books, and Josh practiced his "homework" for preschool in a few weeks...all his idea. Yesterday I had wild plans to go grocery shopping and to the library with only two children, but alas, the battery on my car died so we stayed home. It was nice to be able to spend alone time with the youngest two. I did miss them though and kept looking at the clock wondering what they were doing now. I know that J. and C. missed their attention too. All in all it was a great day, and I'm happy they were having fun.

The kids are all snuggled sound in their beds...and it's early (for us on a summer night)! It's only 8:30, but we have a big day tomorrow. First Day of School! What I am about to write will come as a big shock to most. I actually feel a bit of sadness that the summer is over and the school bell rings once again. I know, I know...I've been carrying on for weeks about wanting my kids back in school. I do want some control over my insane household once again, and I want someone else to entertain my kids for part of the day, but I feel a bit melancholy. The fact that my kids are back in school means that they are growing up. Another summer gone. Another year gone. Their time with me will be gone before I know it. Sniff, sniff.

They are thrilled about the big day tomorrow. E. can hardly contain her excitement. I think it's partly because she is in a class with two of her very best friends, K. and H. W. is also in class with his two best friends, his cousin I. and P. It will be a great year for them. I'm not so sure about the teachers though.

When I reviewed our summer "to-do" list we did almost EVERYTHING! However, we did not spend as much time on the boat as we would have liked because we were trying to accomplish our goal of selling our house--which we didn't accomplish either. It's a bummer that they affect each other. We stayed home most Saturdays to show the house. I am also embarassed to admit, but will do so in the spirit of full disclosure, that I didn't lose 10 pounds either. The embarassing part is that within the past 3 weeks or so I have gained an additional 5. I think our goal of sno cones, ice cream flavors, and BBQ's did not mesh well with the diet. Duh! Traditionally I am not one to blog about diet or my personal weight, but I am hoping that this will shame me into doing better. I'm putting the weight loss back on the charts for Fall.

Hopefully in years to come we can remember the fun things we did over summer vacation, and forget some of the bickering and sibling rivalry that came along with it. In any case the school bell chimes tomorrow. Hurrah! I think!

It's That Time of year again...

...The time when Book Club selects the list for the upcoming year. I thought I would pass it along for all the bibliophiles who might find it interesting. The selection requirements are only that at least one person has to have read the book before. (That rule was established after reading garbage that had been recommended by well meaning others.) Everyone suggests a book or two, then we vote on the favs. There has only been bloodshed occasionally-- when someone's book was not selected. I was out of town during the selection process this year, but am quite pleased with the following results:

September 6th
Book: A Train to Potevka by Mike Ramsdell

October 4th
Book: A Theory of Relativity by Jacquelyn Mitchard

November 1st
Book: The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards

December 6th
Book: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

January 3rd
Movie Night @ Gwen’s (email her your movie recommendations)

February 7th
Book: Duel in the Sun by John Brant

March 6th
Book: Darcy’s Story by Janet Aylmer

April 3rd
Book: A Thousand Splendid Sons by Khaleed Hosseini

May 1st
Book: Child of the Jungle by Sabine Kuegler

June 5th
Book: Extraordinary Knowing by Elizabeth Lloyd Mayer

These books are all new to me. I'm excited to get started reading. What are you reading these days?

Beach Equation

Family Vacation

The kids have been absolutely wonderful on our trip. I haven't had to utter the "S" word once! :) However, traveling with four children is interesting. We get one of two looks everywhere we go. The first response is one of delight that we would actually venture out with all of them at once. We receive lots of comments and questions. People think the kids are cute and well behaved. Some people behind us in line at the Zoo today thought that C. looked like the perfect Gerber baby. (Which she does!) Many people want to know how far apart the kids are in age and if they are ALL ours.

The other look or response we get is one of disgust that we would actually choose to have four children. They don't ask, but I know they are wondering if we have heard of birth control. I have heard whisperings of such. It is very rare that we see families traveling with four or more children. (Usually not even more than two.) We are a sight to see.

However, I wish I could tell them how fun all of the kids are. They are great children, and we have such a fun time together as a family. On Saturday, when we asked W. what his favorite event of the day (his birthday) was he said that he just enjoyed spending time together as a family. It doesn't get much better than that...even if there are a lot of us!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

We're off to sunny San Diego for the week. I'm actually flying with all four children by myself! (Am I completely insane?) We're meeting M. down there who has been working there all week. I've already warned the children if there is any monkey business on the plane that the pilot will have to hand them a parachute so that they can land in Las Vegas instead. And Dad really doesn't want to have to drive to Las Vegas to pick them up. We plan on parking our bottoms in the beach sand for a week and letting the tides wash over us. We may hit Sea World and the Zoo if the mood strikes us. Tomorrow is W.'s birthday too. He's already planning the menu at Cheesecake Factory. Godiva Cheesecake here we come!

Wash My Mouth Out

I said the mother of all swear words to my kids last night. At least they think it was the mother of all swear words. I said the "S" word. It went down something like this. We were in the car. I was trying to talk on the phone to their Dad who has been out of town all summer (actually only a week this time). I couldn't hear a thing because they were screaming in the back seat. One child was teasing another. What's new? I asked them politely several times to quiet down so I could hear. Several times meaning 5 or 6. The volume and teasing kept escalating and escalating until I had to hang up because I couldn't hear anything. There was one final poke and one final scream from the backseat before I bellowed at the top of my lungs "SHUT UP"!! I then heard a little gasp, and I looked into the rearview mirror to see 3 pair of wide eyes staring at me. W. then gave me a lecture on not swearing in front of children, and how did we expect them not to use foul language if I did. I admitted my mistake (it did get their attention though), and we drove the rest of the way home in silence. I wonder how long the innocence will last?

Contest

I am usually not into all of the contests that sprout up in the blogging world. However, this one is pretty great. They are giving away a 37" Flat Panel HDTV from Best Buy. Like they said, someone has to win and it might as well be you...or me. Check it out here.