Time Saving Tip -- Keep Tools in Your Car

I started out going to the DI this morning, but kept on going to Ontario Mills instead, deciding I'd stop at the DI on my way home. As I headed home, I noted that I had plenty of time to stop by the DI and get home before the girl's bus arrived. Right about then, my tire blew. Thank goodness for AAA! I made the call, and was told help would arrive in 20 minutes--still plenty of time for my DI errand. Help arrived and he asked for my help "Do you have an allen wrench so I can get the hub cap off?" ummm...no. After a call to Frank, I learned no wrench is needed. "Do you have a screwdriver so I can get the plastic thing off?" Again, no. "Don't you have one?" I learned they're not allowed to carry tools. Frank was too far away, and other tow truck drivers were out on calls. He looked up and down the side of freeway for something that would work. Finally, he found a screwdriver--where?--in the tow truck! An hour later I was on my way home, hoping to get home before the girls. I guess I'll be going to the DI tomorrow. Gotta give it to Kaleb and Larissa...they were troopers!

Grilled Chicken

Last week Frank and I grilled up some chicken. I learned from the Carlson's that thighs are easier to grill than breasts, my mother in law gave me her marinade recipe, and Frank has mastered his turbo heated BBQ. It turned out delicious! Here's the marinade recipe, if you'd like to try it.

Chicken Marinade
1 c. water
1 c. soy sauce
1 c. vinegar (or beer or lemon juice)
chopped onion
crushed cloves of garlic
Let chicken marinate for a few hours or over night.

Five Minutes Peace

Have you ever read "Five Minutes Peace"? Any mom can definitely relate. Yesterday afternoon, the girls were playing on the computer, and I finally got Kaleb down for a nap, so I made a mad dash for the shower. Not more than a minute after getting in the shower I hear, "Mom?! Mom!" I cringe thinking, "Please don't wake up the baby." Kaitlyn pokes her head around the door, "Can I have an apple?" Of course that question was too important to wait. About 30 seconds after Kaitlyn's departure, Larissa barges into the bathrooom, "Mama, taking a shower?" "yes. Shhh. Don't wake up Kaleb." "Kaleb sleeping?!..." and she continues chatting and playing while I finish. I know for sure that in five years, when Kaleb starts school, I'll be able to take a shower in peace.

Happy Unbirthday, Larissa!

I intended to write a special post for each of my special girls on their birthdays, but time passed, so now they will be special unbirthday posts.

As you can see, Larissa likes to make faces. Up until a recently, Larissa would not smile for the camera. She still won't smile for a photo op, but at least she'll make faces. They show her personality well.


Larissa was born just a few months after my Aunt Linda passed away from Cancer. I already knew I wanted to name my baby after my mom in some way, because, of course, she is the best. However, with the passing of my aunt, I wanted my child to have a connection to her as well. The naming process was crazy. Of course we couldn't agree on any variation of my mom's or aunt's names, but in the end we came up with a blend of both names for Larissa's middle name.
Liann (Li from Linda and ann which is mom's middle name.)


Larissa is fun, willful, persistant, caring, smart and a joy to have in my life. While always true, the phrase about catching more flies with honey than vinegar, is particularly true with Larissa.
Here are some of Larissa's favorites:
Spiderman
Pirates
Running...away from me
Hide and Seek...in stores
Curious George-- she is curious too
"scarrry" animated halloween decorations
Canteloupe, watermelon, and apples

Happy Unbirthday, Larissa!

Kaleb

Even though it's out of focus, you can still see his sweet smile.

Listening to his sister's tunes in the car.

First Day of School

I forgot to take pictures at the beginning of the day, but here is Kaitlyn and Brenna getting off the bus--hot, sweaty, and tired. It was Brenna's first day of kindergarten. When I asked her if she had fun, she gave me a very unenthusiastic, "yes". When I asked if she wanted to go back the next day, she told me, "No. It's too much work, not enough play."

Kaleb's Blessing Day

Looking at my file of pictures, I realize how few I've taken in the past few months--most are on my phone and not good quality. On Kaleb's blessing day, we took all of three pictures. I had to wrap the blanket around him last minute, because of a diaper incident. My mom is still asking for the professional pictures of him in his blessing outfit (6 weeks later, it's still on the to do list).