Wet Jeans!

I went dow Tuesday morning to switch over the laundry only to discover that my washing machine was broken with a load of very wet jeans in it.  I wasn't too excited to find that!  Our machine had broken once and was fixed and had been working fine since then.  So I was kind of surprised to see it just stop like that.  Now I had a load of wet jeans and a dryer that already took two drying cycles to dry a normal load of laundry.  It was going to take days to dry those things!  The weather outside was freezing so I couldn't hang them up outside an I had no where inside to hang themk and let them puddle.  Well, I began the quest of finding a new washer.  Craigslist had nothing.  Of all the times I have seen washers and dryers on there, there was nothing!  So I began looking for a new one.  Along the way Michael told me to go ahead and get a dryer too.  I never realized how expensive those things are!  It has been almost 10 years since we bought some and I was not at all excited about spending so much money.  Yesterday I went out looking.  I finally sucked it up and bought some.  They are very nice, but I am leary about them.  Everything is so electronic now.  I hope they last like my others did.  I do NOT want to do this again anytime soon!  Michael went and picked them up as the load of jeans finished their last of 5 or 6 cycles in the old dryer and were finally dry.  When we brought them home the kids wanted to know what they were.  We explained that they were their Christmas presents and we were going to have to take all their others back.  They studied our faces trying to figure out if we were joking or not.  To help them feel better, I let them know that they would be able to wear clean clothes Christmas morning as they sat and looked at the empty tree:)  They knew we were kidding at that point and ran off to play with the big boxes.  I must say, they are also very heavy to lift and take downstairs.  Michael had the hard part.  Once they got lowered onto the stairs (he was at the bottom and I was at the top), he would slowly walk down the stairs with that huge thing and let it slide behind him.  I was afraid it would run him over but it didn't.  Anyways,they are hooked up and I am doing laundry as fast as I possibly can!  It doesn't take long to get behind with six kids, one who is being potty trained and two who have decided to get the stomch flu!

My Weekend

I just have to tell you all about my weekend.  I guess just to let a little steam off so all my children are still here at the end of the day.  Friday morning Michael left town. I babysat all day from 7am to 4:30 pm.  We went out in the morning and did a few errands, came home, ate lunch and had a semi-quiet quiet time.  The big kids got home from school around 4pm.  About 4:45 I took them to McDonalds for drive thru supper, rushed home and started getting ready for the k-2nd grade concert.  We left about 6:40 to go to school, a 20 minute drive.  Concert went okay.  Kids did a good job.  Afterwards we had to go to the classrooms to pick everyone up.  It was clear at the other end of the building.  My hands were full so Maddi was trying to keep tabs on Olivia who found great pleasure running through the crowds ahead of us. The hallways were jammed packed and I couldn't get to her so Maddi would try to chase her and hold her down until I could catch up.  I would hold Lala's hand and she would scream as we slowly moved down the hall.  By the time we made it to all three classrooms the halls had cleared out some.  Lala then began to run and try to slide on the carpet with her white tights.  I once again held her hand as she screamed all the way back to the other end of the building.  And yes, people noticed:)  As we walked past the tables selling rootbeer floats I had to say no to that over and over again to insistent children and eventualy threathen their lives if they didn't stop asking.  We eventully made it the door where I had to fight Olivia to the ground to get her coat on her- she hates wearing it.  Maddi then realized she had dropped one of Dillon's school papers some where along the way.  The thought of back tracking almost pushed me over the edge but luckily Maddi found it quickly and out the door we went with Olivia being dragged behind screaming and fighting to get her coat off.

When we got home we called Michael, got on pajamas and brought our sleeping bags out to sleep by the Christmas tree.  I then proceeded to make cupcakes for a baby shower the next morning only to realize I had no eggs.  It's 9pm, all the nieghbors were gone, it was freezing cold outside and the kids were in their pjs.  I emailed an apology to the girl in charge and let her know that my cupcakes were going to be store bought!  We turned out the lights around 10 pm.  At 10:30 I forced Olivia into my bed because she kept playing in the living room. She cried herself to sleepby 11pm.  Around that time I made Zeke and Zane go to their beds.  They, too, cried themsleves to sleep. 2:30 am, Olivia falls off the bed.  3am she goes out into the living room to sleep and starts crying when she can't find Maddi.  Maddi wakes up, I get them both settled and we all go back to sleep.  6:30 am the kids are awake and in my bed.  The beginning of another day!

8 am we leave the house and head to JCP.  Not exactly where I wanted to be going with 6 children but I had no options. There were things I had to get and they had to come with me.  I felt bad for dragging them through the store so I let them pick out something. $80 later we left. On to the grocery store for cupcakes and doughnuts and then to church for the baby shower.  Baby shower was crazy.  My kids (especially one) were all over the place and  had to constantly go and round them up and bring them back.  It didn't help that there were some other kids there helping to lead them around.  I wouldn't have cared so much but they had people there cleaning and they didn't need my six kids running around.

After that we headed to ToysRUs.  BIG mistake!  There were so many people there.  Me and my kids naturall take up more space than most and it was a nightmare trying to manuver through all the people.  However, I had promised Makenna she could go there with her gift certificate and they had a sale going on for a toy that Zane wanted to get for his class gift exchange.  We found what we needed and went to pay.  When we got there we were told that the toy Zane had picked you had to get two of if you wanted the deal.  I about died.  I said never mind and we left.  We came home and spent the rest of the day inside.  We made Christmas cards and then Maddi helped me make caramel and chocolate covered pretzels.  Well, the caramel didn't quite turn out and ended up sticking to the wax paper so a 40 minute project turned into 2 hours.  It was 6 pm by the time we finished.   I was tired and frustrated so we had cereal for supper, watched Santa Clause 2 and 3, ate popcorn, took bathes and went to bed.  Michael got home sometime after 11pm.

This morning as we were getting ready, I told Michael that Olivia couldn't go to nursery today because she had a runny nose and a cough so we were going to have to keep her out.  He then informed me that he wasn't going to be at church because he had to work!  What was supposed to be an evening parade turned into afternoon wagon rides and everything else.  So there I was after such a long weekend heading to church by myself with the kids.  Olivia wasn't feeling well, Makenna was on one of her kicks (still), I had to teach my class and I was frustrated with all of it.  Olivia leaked through her diaper and puddled all over the floor duing primary, I had to tackle her once again to the ground and pin her while I put her coat on and then drag her out to the car crying after church, buckle her in and listen to her cry herslelf to sleep.  Thank goodness for chocolate and Diet Dr. Pepper!

Now the kids are downstairs "cleaning". They have been there for 30 minutes or so.  Three of them have been up to tattle, one of them several times, at least three of them have sat down there crying and they all claim to be the only ones doing the cleaning.  Maybe I should go help them but I'm not going to.  I know, not very nice, but I don't really feel very nice right now.  Michael won't be home until after 7pm and I don't want to deal with it right now.

So there you have it! My weekend.  I don't mean to complain but I have had no one to talk to all weekend so I needed to get it out somehow.  I really do love my children and weekends like this make me very grateful I am not a single mom and that I do have a husband that helps me when he is home.  It also makes me very frustrated to always be the one left behind to d it all.  I know, that'my job and it's a job that I love most all of the time but everyone needs a break every now and then right?  Well, hopefully my time is coming soon.  I am dreaming of getting highlights and a trim (not that it will happen because highlights are expensive but I'm dreaming right?), maybe a nice lunch and some time to window shop without having to be home by a certain time.  Those are my dreams but I will be happy with a 30 minute run to Walmart to get groceries without having to haul the kids:)

Hope you all - whoever reads this - have a lovely week! 

Catch Up

We had a busy week over Thanksgiving.  I went to school on Tuesday to make bread with all the little kindergarten pilgrims.  They had made hats and vests to wear for their Thanksgiving feast.  Olivia tried them on when Dillon came home with them. 

We also celebrated Michael's 35th birthday on Tuesday.  Olivia loved helping hm open te presents.  I also spent the week cleaning, making fried pies, cleaning, trying to get everything ready for the 21 person feast and cleaning!  We had a fun day.  21 people for dinner and anothr 5 for dessert.  The food was great and the company was too.  Makenna invited everyone to come back next year! The next day Michael went hunting and then had to work so the kids and I stayed home and decorated the tree and put up all our Christmas decorations.  We did venture out that afternoon and went to Walgreens to get the Webkinz they had on sale. 

Saturday we headed to Hendricks to the parade and Santa Clause.  The kids loved seeing him and their friends. 

Sunday my class had to do sharing time in Primary so that was fun.  We talked about service.  Monday Maddi had her winter concert at school.  Zane had swimming lessons and Zeke and Olivia and I spent the morning doing errands.

Tuesday Zeke and Olivia and I went to the Kids Explorer Club at the mall. We sang songs with Santa and he read the kids a story. That night the girls had church. 

Wednesday we had play group at church and I learned to make hair bows and stuff.  That afternoon I took Maddi to the dentist.  She had a absess (sp?) and ended up having to have one of her teeth pulled.  When she came out she showed me the tooth in a little box they had given her.  I told her when I was little and had to have my tooth pulled I got a necklace to put my tooth in.  She looked at me with really big eyes and said "I got my tooth pulled?"  Must have been good drugs!  Last night I babysat for a few hours too. 

Today I had nothing!  I let the kids stay in their pajamas until noon and watch TV.  I made gunk, worked on Christmas cardsand folded laundry.  It was great!  Tonight the girls have swimming lessons and I have church.  Tomorrow Michael is leaving for Kansas.  He'll get back late Saturday night.  I have to babysit all day.  Tomorrow night Makenna, Zane and Dillon have their winter concert.  I also have to make 2 batches of cupcakes.  Saturday morning I have a baby shower to go to and then the week is over!

Now you are all caught up on life in the Christiansen home!  Does anyone want to come over Saturday afteroon and make Caramel and Chocolate covered pretzel rods?

Maddi turns 9!

On the 21st we celebrated Maddi's 9th birthday.  We did a family celebration the night before because Michael was going to be gone on her bithday.  The next day we went to Hendricks and spent the afernoon with the Johnsons.  The kids had lots of fun playing and I had lots of fun visiting!  We brought cupcakes and had a little birthday celebration for Maddi, Makenna, and Sophie.  That evening we went to the Olsen's havest party.  That was also a lot of fun.  The kids got to see a lot of their friends and I got to see alot of mine.  We made it home and got to bed around midnight.  It was a long, but fun-filled day!  We are so thankful for Maddi and her "big sister" attributes.  She is so helpful and kind and always tries to do what is right.  It is fun to watch her grow and learn more about herself.  She is exploring more into her likes and dislikes and is enjoying all the discoveries she makes a long the way.

Definitely His Father's Son

Today Dillon's class had pajama day.  They are learning the letter P so they got to wear pajamas and bring pillows - highlight of the year for a lttle 5 year old.  Dillon decided on some footy pajamas, a pillow Michael made in Home Ec and a stuffed pig.  To top it all off, he wore his boots with his footies!  It was so cute.  Something that once again proves that Michael is the father of all of these kids despite what he claims!

Fried Pie Recipe

If you don't want to use apricot, I have also used cherry, blueberry, apple and lemon pie fillngs.  I have even tried chocolate pudding, just use the pie recipe when you mix it so it is thicker.  Also don't store in plastic, it will make the crust soggy.  Just keep them covered with paper towels and a light towel.

Apricot Filling:

1 pound dried apricots
1 1/2 c sugar
1/2 tsp. grated nutmeg
dash of salt
1/4 c butter
2 tsp lemon juice
3 Tbsp conrstarch, if needed

Soak apricots over nigt in enough warm water to cover.  Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to low and simmer the apricots, uncovered, for 30 minutes.  Stir occasionally, mashing the fruit with a wooden spoon.  (I use a handheld drink mixer to puree the fruit a little)  Add the sugar, nutmeg, salt, butter and lemon juice.  If the mixture seems thin, combine the cornstarch with 2 Tbsp cold water and stir into the apricots.  Continue to cook 2 or 3 minutes until mixture thickens.  Aloow to cool while preparing the dough for the pies.

Crust:

3 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2/3 c chilled vegetable shortening
1/3 c. chilled butter (can use 1 c. butter flavored shortening instead of shortening and butter)
1 egg

Combine flour and salt in mixing bowl.  Using a pastry blender or forks, cut the shortening and butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.  Lightly beat the egg in a 3/4 c measuring cup.  Add cold water to fill measuring cup to top and add to flour mixture.  Stir with fork until the dough comes together.  Gather dough into a ball.  Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Assembly of Pies:

Divide dough into balls about 2 inches in diameter.  Roll out a ball between sheets of waxed paper into a 5 inch circle.  Don't let the dough get too thin or it will fall apart when you try to move and cook it.  Spoon 1 to 2 Tbsp of the filling onto half of the circle, leaving a 1 inch border at the edge.  Moisten the edge of the pastry with water.  Fold the dough over the filling to form a turnover and press the moistened edges together(I usually try to fold the bottom edge over the top to help it stay together even better).  Using the tines of a fork dipped in flour, crimp the edges of the pie to seal.  DON'T SKIP THAT PART!!  It makes a huge difference in the way the pies turn out.  Repeat the process for all the dough and filling.  Chill the pies while the oil is heating.

In a heavy skillet, heat oil to 375.  Oil should be about 1 1/2 inches deep or use a deep fryer.  Add the pies in batches and fry for 2 minutes on each side or until a golden brown. Remove pies with a slotted spoon or spatula.  Drain on a bed of crumpled paper towels.  Cover with additional paper towels and a clean towel to keep pies warm and keep them from collecting moisture.

Don't try to make the pies and cook them at the same time.  Make all the pies and then do the frying - trust me, I know:)

Kenna's Birthday weekend

We spent all weekend celebrating Kenna's 8th birthday.  Friday she got to wear a new birthday outfit to school and we made cupcakes to take to her class. Saturday we went to Hendricks and spent the day with the Olsens.  It was so much fun!  The kids played and I got to spend the time talking with Pam.  There was no fighting or arguing or crying.  It was great!  We ate pizza and then had cupcakes and ice cream.  Then then Maddi, Makenna and I got to open presents. There was a lot of sadness when we had to leave but we get to go back this weekend so we are looking forward to that:)  Sunday Makenna opened presents before church.  Olivia was a BIG help!  We had our primary program in church that day.  The kids did a great job.  That afternoon Makenna got to talk to lots of people on the phone and we had macaroni and cheese for supper followed by more cupcakes and ice cream.  She had her interview with the Bishop and now we get to set a date for her baptism.  She is really exited for that.  Makenna has proved to be a challenge over the years, but despite the difficulties we have also been able to see her develop a kind heart full of tenderness and love.  Her capabilities to love are huge and we hope that she continues to develop in that way.  She is very smart and loves to learn.  We are so proud of her in so many ways. I hope that she can listen to the prompting of the spirit and follow her heart so she can have her life filled with happiness and contentment.  She has so much to offer.  I hope she finds confidence in herself so she can live life to its fullest.  We love her so much and can't imagine life without her!

Halloween

Here are a few pictures from Halloween.  The kids had a lot of fun.  We did some tic-or-treating on our own then we met up with our neighbors and went with them for a while.  I think we ended up with about 19lbs of candy.  Way too much, but it sure got the kids excited!  They get a piece each day after school and one after supper. We are also using it as bribery to help potty train Olivia. 

Fun Crafts

Yesterday at our play group the mom that was in charge showed us how to make these cute crafts. She has a cricket (I am very jealous) and she cut out the vinyl letters with that. We made the one that says joy.  It was so easy to make that I decided to make my own tonight.  I got pre-punched out letters and they worked just fine.  Tomorrow the kids want to make one. We will try it with stamping the letters on.  Anyways, all you do is cut out some 2x4's into different lengths and paint them what ever color you want.  Then you pick out different kinds of scrapbook paper and cut them to size.  After the paint dries, use modge podge and stick the paper to the wood.  Let it dry a little and then modge podge over the top to make it shiny.  If you are using vinyl letters wait until it dries to put them on.  If you are using paper letters , put them on as soon as you put on the top coat.  Then put another coat just on top of the letter. If you are stamping letters, put them on before you put the paper on the wood. Simple.  Easy.  Cute.

In Memory of Poopoo

After 9 1/2 years, my mom's cat, Poopoo, had to be put to sleep Monday.  She was very sad.  They had become buddies over the years.  She would always greet my mom at the door and roll over for a tummy rub.  Whenever my mom sat down, Poopoo would always jump up in her lap and rub against her.  In the mornings when the alarm went off she would jump up in bed with my mom.  She was always humming whenever she was with my mom.  She hated most people, but my mom, she loved.  Now, I really have no understanding of this.  I personally don't like cats - especially this one (I was on her hate list).  I have never had an animal of any type that I was attached too, so these kinds of emotions throw me for a loop.  However, in honor of Poopoo, I wrote a little something and I thought I would share it with all of you.  Hopefully it will bring a smile to your face:)

One day I lost my Poopoo. I was sad as sad could be. I looked and looked but with no luck. Oh where could Poopoo be?


I went into the kitchen where Mommy was cleaning and making lunch. I asked if she'd seen my Poopoo. Under the table was her hunch.

I looked but saw no Poopoo only crayons and some glue. Without my little Poopoo what was I to do?

I went in to the family room to ask my Dad the same question. "You might look under the couch for your Poopoo," was his only suggestion.

Under the couch was empty, except for a paper and a hat. I started to get upset. Where was my Poopoo at?
Next I went down the hall to my brother's room and asked him about my Poopoo. He said the last time he saw my Poopoo was in the closet by the shoes.

I looked in the closet next to the shoes but my Poopoo was nowhere to be found. I slowly walked out of the room with my feet dragging the ground.

Maybe my sister would know where my Poopoo was. I went outside and found her playing on the slide. She had not seen my Poopoo for quite a little while. She told me to look under the tree where maybe my Poopoo would hide.

I ran to the tree and fell to my knees hoping to find my Poopoo there, but only some needles and pine cones were lying under there.

I started to cry and ran to the house. Could my Poopoo be gone forever? I went to my room and opened my door and guess what I discovered?

There on my pillow in a nice big heap was my Poopoo laying fast asleep!