Kefir

Not to be confused with Kiefer Sutherland. (Isn't jack bauer a stud!?) Aaron and I love 24 but that is another post

While I was in Idaho my mom introduced me to Kefir. I feel silly that I am not able to better educate my 3 readers on exactly what it is and how it works but I'll do my best. It is supposed to be super duper healthy and great for your system. At first I felt a little Hippy because I am not a super organic crazy, tree hugging, el-naturel but I thought I would give it a try.

( I don't want to offend anyone with my hippy comment, I know I live in Portland :) Maybe the lifestyle is starting to rub off on me)

Below is what it looks like. Yuck was my first thought. Super-yuck after my mom said that it is ALIVE! It is a rubbery like ..... growth for a better word that will turn milk into a yogurt-y, sour cream-y, buttermilk-y substance.

What you do is place the Kefir in a jar and cover it with whole milk. Whole milk makes the final product creamier. Then you let the jar sit out at room temperature for 24 hours! No more no less. It will thicken up significantly.

Then after 24 hours, place coffee filters in a mesh strainer over a bowl and drain very well. I would say about 1 1/2 hours.

Let it sit!

Look at that adorable helper

This is what the final product looks like. You can use it as a buttermilk substitude, sour cream or yogurt. (I would suggest adding a flavor or fruit if eating it as yogurt)

Here is site where you can learn more about Kefir. I know there a different way to make it but this is just how I do mine. I think you can order it online if you want to start some or maybe you can buy it at a natural food stores. I'm not sure. If anyone here locally would like to try it I can divide mine. Let me know.

Crusin'

I just found these pictures of Anna while we were in Idaho. Her cousin Ryan has a kid sized 4-wheeler that she was dieing to ride.

Thanks to Uncle Eric for letting her take it for a spin!

Don't forget the helmet

Uncle Eric showing her how to ride it

Cranky

The heat makes me cranky

Todays high: 107

Thursday: 101

They the weekend will cool down to the nice mid 90's

Yuck!

I need AC

I've finally come to the conclusion that I am not a scrapbooker. I lack the patience, space, time, and creativity. I felt guilt though of not documenting our families activities. I want our kids to have pictures and stories of when they were growing up.

We'll what would be the next best thing you might ask?

A Blog book!!

I know this isn't a new thing for most people but I was so exited today to receive our first family yearbook: That is what I am calling them :) This one is 2007-2008. From now on I am going to do one each year.

I used a company called Blurb.com and it was very easy. Their program is downloaded onto your desktop and you compile the book from there. The program "Slurps" in all of your blog posts from the dates that you tell it, and then you can edit the book from there; deleting as you go if you don't want to include every post.

Check it out

HERE

Idaho Vacation- July 2009

We've been looking forward to our annual trip to Idaho for sometime. It has always been convenient that my mOm and Alain, and Aaron's parents live 10 minutes from each other so that we can make the most of our trips. We had a great drive out. We were driving our truck back to sell it, and so it was great to have two cars to split up the girls. They tend to bother each other quite a bit being in such close proximity to one another in the back seat of our car for that long. We made it there in a quick 12 hours!

I was especially looking forward to this trip because it was the first time in way to many years that my brother, sisters and I were all together with our families. The trip started off with a Myers family reunion at my Aunt Tam and Uncle Neil's ranch in Wyoming. Their property is truly Heaven on earth. There was breakfast, family history, volleyball, horseback riding (The girls were in Heaven ) , 4-wheeling, yummy grilled burgers courtesy of Uncle Neil, Texas sheet cake, pictures, awesome thunder and rain storms scattered throughout the day, patriotic songs, a flag retiring ceremony, fireworks and roasted mallos! I know Grandpa Ken and Grandma Mae were smiling down on us. It was a great day!

Me and mOm

Brandon and his boys

Anna, Ellie, Paige, and Brook.... goin' for a ride

Happy 4th of July





The whole gang!

We also had a great 4th of July starting out with the good ol' Rexburg Parade. A little disappointing if you ask me but the girls had fun chasing the candy and I stayed busy making sure they weren't run over by a float or car.

Amanda with Josh and Isaiah




That night we went to the rodeo which is always so much. Each year I get emotional when they bring in the flags and they play the anthem. We live in such a great country and I am proud to be an American.

Ellie and Anna waiting for the calf

At one point in the rodeo they asked all kids 5-8 to come down in the arena. Anna didn't really want to but with Ellie going down and some encouragement from me, she went. They let a calf go in the arena with dollar bills attached to its back and let the kids run after it and try to get the money. Before they let it out Anna nervously leaned over to me and asked,

"Mom, what are they letting out?"

It never crossed my mind to explain to her what they were going to let out. All she had seem come out of the shoot before that were bucking broncos and huge bulls.

We spend the rest of the trip hanging out, eating too much (I think I gained 5 pounds in 10 days, ouch!), having a family talent show, visiting friends, playing games and laughing until our cheeks hurt.

Camping 2009- Timothy Lake

The weekend before we went to Idaho we were able to go camping with some friends. After getting lost on the way there (boy, that will test your patience, and your marriage :), and Aaron accidentally locking our keys in the truck, we were able to finally relax and enjoy the incredible beauty that was all around us and great friends. The girls had so much fun playing with all there friends, running around getting dirty, playing in the lake and eating smores.

Sterling, Courtney, Mallory, Anna, and Brooklyn

Staying warm by the camp fire

Brooklyn's dirty feet

The beautiful lake

Our camp site

Amazing

Courney Blaisdell, an amazing photographer in my ward, took these of my girls.

Click HERE to see more pictures and her info.

Hittin' the Road

A couple of weekends ago we were able to go up to Northern Washington, about 5 miles from the Canadian Border, at a place called Birch Bay to stay with Aaron's parents at a condo they had for a week. We stayed for a few days and had a great time walking on the beach, eating too much, swimming in the pool, visiting an adorable little dutch community and relaxing. It was nice to have Aaron around also because he has been working so much lately. The girls had so much fun collecting sea shells and throwing rocks into the water. Brooklyn has no fear or inhibitions and would just walk straight out into the cold water getting completely soaked in her clothes. They had so much fun and loved to be spoiled by their grandpa and grandma!

Grandpa Tonks showing Anna the small fish in the water


Brooklyn loved to be with grandpa

Grandpa and Grandma Tonks with the girls

We forgot their swim suits, so they were excited for their new ones we picked up. Going to the Pool!!!! Brooklyn had arm floaties for the first time and was nervous at first but was swimming like a champ by the end of the trip.

Thanks Gary and Lynette for a great trip. On the way home we blew a tire on the free way so that was a bummer. Luckily I have a handy man who can change a tire in 5 minutes flat!!!

The day after I got home I also made freezer jam from 15 LBS of strawberries I got. It was a lot of work but it will be worth having yummy strawberries for the next year. I just wish I had more freezer space.

Today was a gorgeous 80 degrees day so we hit the park.... twice! In the afternoon we went to the local spray park and enjoyed the sunshine.

Brook thought she was pretty stylin' in her shades

We go camping this weekend and then we're off to Idaho on the 1st! Yeah for Summer

Loving the sun!

Fun in the sun

(Maisy, Brookie, Anna, and Jazlyn)

Today we went to a new fountain downtown with some friends and had a blast enjoying the sunshine and the water!

I have a bad cold...

and Anna informed me yesterday....

"You're not a fun mom."

Thanks sweetheart!

Hi... I'm Jamie and I have a problem

During the past couple of weeks I had been practicing for a mothers day program at church. We were preforming the story and music about the 10 virgins. When I received my part I kind of chuckled to myself because I was an unprepared virgin who was constantly comparing her lamp to the lamp of the others. Hmmmm! I wondered who had assigned the parts and was someone trying to tell me something. I even called my mom on the phone and told her of my part and she laughed as well.... knowing how I am sometimes.

The performance turned out great and I was glad that it was over (I get very nervous singing in front of others) but for some reason I can't stop thinking about the subject of being content.

Yesterday I read in the Ensign Magazine the talk entitled,

"Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually."

Here were some of the highlights for me:

"Today I speak to all whose freedom to choose has been diminished by the effects of ill-advised choices of the past. I speak specifically of choices that have led to excessive debt and addictions to food, drugs, pornography, and other patterns of thought and action that diminish one’s sense of self-worth. All of these excesses affect us individually and undermine our family relationships. Of course some debt incurred for education, a modest home, or a basic automobile may be necessary to provide for a family. Unfortunately however, additional debt is incurred when we cannot control our wants and addictive impulses."

What is a provident provider?
All of us are responsible to provide for ourselves and our families in both temporal and spiritual ways. To provide providently, we must practice the principles of provident living: joyfully living within our means, being content with what we have, avoiding excessive debt, and diligently saving and preparing for rainy-day emergencies. When we live providently, we can provide for ourselves and our families and also follow the Savior’s example to serve and bless others.

Thou Shalt not covet

I realized that I spend to much of my time focusing on all the things that I feel I need to have. Always thinking that the next thing/or stage in my life is going to make me more complete.

Some things on my list

1. A new camera. The one we want is over $1,000. Not now.

2. A house. Have you seen the prices in the Northwest?

3. A car that has power windows and locks.... ok I really do think I deserve that at least. I'm to the point where I'm willing to get pregnant to get a new car. J/K

4. A garden/backyard. I love to garden

boy I'm a little embarrassed to go on.

I know that to a certain extent it is natural to want new things and have goals and wants for your families future. The question that has been weighing Heavily on my mind is how to achieve the

Joy of being Content

In my mind I know that I have so much and am so blessed. My husband has a great job that provided for our family and works so hard each day, two beautiful daughters who challenge and bless me on a daily basis, we are healthy. I don't have to give my kids medication each day or wrap burns, or go to physical therapy. We have the gospel.

Some days it is hard though with QVC (which I love and Aaron despises) showing you Everything you have to have, and blogs who connect you with everyone in your past and then their friends (I know I blog hop sometimes) I get to see everyone adorable houses, yards, vacations, newest custom blog heading, baby nurseries, newest crafty creation, or new home business. I also know that I have found great ideas, recipes and other women who have inspired me to be a better person. I'm trying to find the balance.

Like I said, My name is Jamie and I have a problem

I need to find contentment and joy in what I have now, prepare wisely for our future, because someday it could all be gone. Thanks for surviving through one of my "keeping it real" posts.

What has helped you?

F.Y.I

Shaving Cream removes nail polish from the carpet......

you can take our word for it :)

BYU Women's Conference

Last Wednesday I flew out to SLC to meet my mom and attend BYU women's conference. I had been once before when I was pregnant with Anna and it was so great, so when I had the chance to go again this year I jumped on the chance. Aaron was able to take a couple of days off work and be "Mr. Mom" and I was able to have 4 days "off" and enjoyed every minute. I laughed each time I called home and could hear him saying in between conversation, "Anna unlock this door," or "Brook, please stop coloring on that." He sounded like me when I call him at work. He informed me during one conversation, "Brooklyn decided to wash my truck today..... with a rock." He sounded so tired each time we talked. I couldn't help but smile. Lets just say he had a renewed appreciation for all I do day in and day out. I love you honey! Thanks for being such a great dad!

The conference was unforgettable. I encourage anyone who has never been to make it a point to go at least once. The music so amazing. Imagine 22,000 women in the Marriott center singing in unison. I usually ended up crying and couldn't finish the song. The spirit was over-whelming. There were many great speakers as well including the general relief society president, and Elder L. Tom Perry. They spoke about the strength of women, faith, motherhood, putting first things first and much more. The first day we traveled from class to class fighting crowds and waiting in insanely long lines for the bathroom.

This picture gives you a small glimpse of the crowds

The second day we opted to spend most of the time in the humanitarian rooms. These are places where you can watch talks broadcast to rooms while working on different projects for different organizations.

One big highlight of the trip was that my old roommate from BYU-Idaho Samye was there with her mom and we met up for lunch one day and then happened to run into each other in the humanitarian rooms

Our handy work

The weather could not have been more beautiful each day of the conference. The campus was just bursting with color.

We laughed, cried, ate way too much, and just enjoyed our time together. I feel as though I was re-energized. I feel as though I came home recommitted to be a better woman, mother, wife, neighbor, and friend. I think sometimes I feel overwhelmed by all I could be doing, and I realized that each day I just need to do my best. One thing that I took away was to live each day with INTENTION! I think that I have to many days where my goal is to just survive. I think that there are going to be days like that, but if I can live each day with purpose, with the help of my Heavenly Father, I will be able to make a difference in the lives of those that I come in contact with. Another thing that I took away was this simple phrase:

When you go into a room, you either add to, or take away

This made such an impact on me because it can be something as simple as the way you treat someone as the grocery store, or recognizing someone at church who may need a hello. Everywhere we go, we can make a difference, big or small.

ok, ok, enough of my random thoughts. On Saturday my mom and I went to SLC to go to the Church history museum, and then she took me to lunch at the Lion House. It was a little rainy but that didn't stop us from having a great time. My mom and I LOVE flowers and, gardening so we were in Heaven on the beautiful grounds of Temple Square. I told my mom that heaven was going to look how temple square looked that day.

The place ride home was.... a little scary. I was glad to be on the ground and home with my family. Aaron got about 1,000 brownie points when I walked in the door, to a spotless house and hot dinner on the table. You're the best honey!

Anyone want to go with me next year?