Dallin sure loves puffs

Beethoven in training

Evan loves to play the piano just recently he has started singing as well as play.

"Where's my swimming poot?"

I have previously disclosed that I do not blog and have no desire to do so. In chatting with my grandma today I mentioned our blog. My dad's parents live in Oklahoma and we don't get to see them nearly as often as we would like. Grandma e-mails all the time and I'm sure she will start checking our blog. Hence the reason I'm blogging today. I just plain love my family.

Evan has been wanting to swim outside but it's just so darn hot and with little shade in the backyard who wants to go out there? (unless you are two) Since today was a little cooler (89 degrees) I decided to fill Evan's little pool and let him have some fun. I figured he would be done quickly, but after about 40 minutes I was dragging him in the house. Dallin loves outside almost as much as Evan. He was so happy to sit in the shade and chew on my sunglasses. Evan can't say "suit" for some reason so he calls his swimming trunks his swimmin' poot. He is so much fun! He has been asking to go see his friends; Barney and Elmo. I guess since we can't go to their house we'll have to make due having fun at our own. However, I would like to invite Mr. Noodle over some time. That guy seriously cracks me up!

Changes

Well after 4 1/2 years of being young mens president in my ward I got released. It was refreshing but a bit sad too, it will be a good change though. An hour and a half after I got released in Sacrament meeting they called me to be first counselor in the Elders Quorum. That should be a pretty good calling. I had to teach last week, my first week in Elders in 4 and a half years. The President told me to teach on what ever I wanted. I decided to teach on learning to crave the gospel. I think too many times we take the gospel too casual. I have found that the older I get, all 28 years, that I need more than just Sunday to keep me going through out the week. The lesson went pretty good.

After getting released a few of my young men came over and had made me cookies and had written me a poem. Here is the Poem

Sing Me a Lullaby Bilbao

You are our sunshine, our only sunshine
You make us happy when skies are grey
You'll never know how much we love you
So sing us a lullaby today

You've put up with Micah, Vince, Riley, Joshes, Jake
You were there when Vince got bit by the killer snake
We all love the funny little Bilbao laugh
So sit back and relax and let Sarah give you a bubble bath

Its not very hard to find good qualities about you
We are so glad that you're a Mormon... Not a JEW
You taught us on Sundays, and many Wednesdays too
We are still glad you haven't converted to be a Jew!

We don't need HBO or MTV
Instead we'll have a scripture chase with Greg-ory
We went to your work and learned about tumbleweed
We laugh when you ride that scooter with great speed

We like to talk about how you don't look half bad
But now you are leaving and now we are very sad :(

Thanks for all you've done for us!!!! We love you!!
Josh & Jake Larson, Vince Brown, Riley Sant, Micah Stevens, Weston Umphenour

What great kids! I sure will miss working with them each week. I have one kid that each week still asks me if I will come to the activities.

Bread Recipe

Well I made French bread again. Greg told me that I HAD to put the recipe on the blog for others to try since he loved it so much. So here it is.

1 cup warm water
1 package active dry yeast
1 Tbsp sugar
1/4 cup veg oil
1 Tbsp white vinegar
3-4 cups bread four
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 egg white, slightly beaten

Dissolve yeast in water. Stir in sugar, oil, vinegar, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Beat at low speed with electric mixer for 1 minute, and then on high for 2 minutes. Stir in flour until you can't stir any more. Knead dough on floured surface. Place dough in a greased bowl and cover and let rise until double. Punch dough down. Roll dough down to 9" x 12". roll up to be a 9" x 4" . Place on greased baking sheet (I use my stone) and brush top with egg white. Cut 3 slits diagonally across the top of loaf. Let rise in warm area for 30 minutes. Bake at 400 for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. (You can also sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking) (My bread was done at 20 minutes)

To make Garlic bread: Cut slices of french bread and place open face on baking sheet. Spread butter on each slice. Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese on each slice. Broil 3-4 min till cheese browns.

Sarahs Baking

Wow look at that bread! It looks like she bought it but she really did make it from scratch! Thanks Elisa for the great recipe!










She also made cookies! Wow what a great cook!

I am not a good Mr. Mom

Now don't get me wrong I love my Boys, but sometimes it sucks to have kids. It is hard work. I know that I know nothing about that compared to Sarah since she deals with them all day everyday while I am at work.

Anyway, last night Sarah had ran an errand while I was getting the kids in the bath and ready for bed. Well Dallin was in the bath first and I walked in and there was poop floating in the tub by him. So I yanked him out of the tub, which cause him to freak out since he loves his bath. (the day before Evan pooped in the tub as well) Well I think because Dallin was crying Evan decided that he should as well. So he started in on it. I had Dallin in my arms trying to clean him up with Evan crying. I got Dallin cleaned up and dressed in his PJ's. He was still freaking out but Evans crying was worse so I set Dallin on Evans bed, cleaned the poop out of the tub and put Evan in the bath while he was crying. Usually Evan will stop crying when he gets in the tub. Not the case last night. So after 5 minutes it was all that I could take I decided to take him out of the tub. Well that made him even more mad. So mad that he caused himself to throw up everywhere. For the most part I caught the throw up with his towel that I yanked off of him. So there we have Dallin bright red in the face screaming on Evans bed, Evan standing there naked throwing up into a towel, and me trying to not get chunks on me unsuccessfully. Then like a light switch Evan stopped and said "Daddy I threw up". I said "yes you did" He said "tell mommy I threw up". "I call grandma and tell her I threw up" the he walked over to Dallin and said "Dallin I threw up" He was so proud of himself he wanted to tell everyone about it. I was not as impressed as he was. So like a good father would, I took him (once dressed) into the kitchen and gave him cookies and milk. Evan after that went to bed pretty easy with Dallin screaming in the living room. Dallin continued to cry for about another 30-45 minutes till Sarah got home and fed him. WOW what a night.

It makes me realize every time that I watch the kids how wonderful Sarah is. I could not do it. She does it and makes it look so effortlessly. She is such a wonderful wife. I get home and most nights dinner is all but ready the house is clean and the kids aren't crying. Dang she is good! And everything else in between that she does as well.

If I have to watch them for an hour or two I am stressed out and ready to shake them silly by the end of it. Usually I will take them for a walk or a drive and pray that they fall asleep. I would not be a good Mr. Mom.

Evans new favorite show is bob the builder. It is so cute when he sings the songs!



Dallin loves his bouncer

Nephi

Evan is so funny. He loves the scriptures. He has the childrens version of the book of mormon that he loves to read. We read it each night before he goes to bed and each night after we get done he gets so mad that we are done. He said the other night "Daddy I dont want to stop reading. " I said no we need to go to bed. He said "Nephi says go to bed?" I said yes Nephi says to go to bed. He was ok with that. Now if we want him to do something we say "Nephi says" he usually does it if we say that. It is pretty cute.

Also the other night when we were singing songs before bed (yes I sing songs to him) he was asking me to sing my favorite song so I did. "Because I have been given much" Then he wanted Sarahs favorite song. Well I tried a few, I didnt know it, and he told me everytime I was wrong I had to yell for Sarah in order for her to tell me "Count your many blessings". He was good with that. I guess he knew that was it I just didnt. Then he said Evans favorite song. Well here comes the guessing game again. I was wrong everytime so after about 4 attempts I asked him what it was and he said "Holy Ghost" The only thing I knew that he knew was the 1st article of faith so I recited it and sure enough the first article of faith is evans favorite song. Now it is not the song it is just to say it. Pretty funny.

Dallin is getting big he is rolling all over the place now. Everytime we get him up from a nap he is rolled over and facing the opposite direction he was when we laid him down. I will have to get a video of him laughing it is so cute his is so ticklish. Tomorrow he will be 6 months. Wow the time sure flies. I cant imagine not having my boys. How boring would that be.

The weekend

Evan loves the water and everything for that matter outside. This video is from a couple of weeks ago at the neighbors.

On Saturday I was doing siding all day long. I am almost done with it all!!! This stupid siding has taken me so long. For those who don't know the story. For our remodel I decided that I would do the exterior myself. I talked to Sarah's uncle who told me that it was very easy to do and he would help me. I started the week before Thanksgiving and I am now just finishing up. I did have a lot of good help from neighbors and family. I did save at least $15,000 by doing it myself. That somewhat makes it worth it. I should finish this week!

There are only a few more things that need to be done on the house and then we are there. We are very ready to not have to worry about it any more.

Memories

Have you seen this little tag going around on blogs? I left a comment on one, so now I've got to do #2 on the list.So let's play:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Either Greg or Sarah, I almost have Sarah a blogger!

I got tagged (Me, Sarah, the non-blogger)

#1 Take a picture of your kitchen sink. Okay, so I couldn't find my regular camera so all of these pics I took with the camera built into my laptop. Therefore the angles are a little funny, sorry! This is my farm sink that I insisted on when we remodeled. I love how deep it is. In this pic it is hiding my breakfast dishes.


#2 The toilet. This is the one in our master bath. It has it's own "potty" room, which I love. Evan felt the need to be included in most of these pictures. He loves going potty on the big toilet. Ha! I wish! We're still doing the diaper thing. Does anyone have suggestions on when to start training? I have anxiety about that.




#3 My laundry room. So here's another great shot with my computer.
I'm still doing Greg's youth conference laundry, stacks of clothes all
over. The zout is always handy. Two little boys plus Greg . . . I use it all the time!
#4 The fridge. Anyone for some cold Evan? It must feel good sitting in the fridge. Kinda wish I could fit in there.








#5 Picture of kids and husband at this very moment. Well, folks this was Evan around 9:30 this morning. He wears his patch 4 hours every day. He told Greg he wanted the camo patch so here it is in all it's glory! It is now 2:30 p.m. He no longer has the patch on and this freakin' tag is taking me FOREVER! (Thanks Erika)











Here is little Dallin. Poor kid is sick right now. Thanks to his big brothers kisses (more like licks all over his head!) he has a runny nose and a low-grade fever. He's usually very smiley.

Greg is at work but he's for sure the looks in our relationship. (What does that make me? The brains? Ha!)


#6 My favorite pair of shoes. These beauties are courtesy of Avon.
You wouldn't believe how many compliments I get when I wear these. They are beaded and very cute, plus comfy.







#7 My favorite room in the house. Don't make fun of me, but it really is the kitchen. I've always wanted white bead board cabinets, plus I think my sink and double ovens are pretty sweet.




#8 My closet. Yes, I have my own closet and yes, I can say spoiled. It only looks like I have it totally full of clothes, I really keep tons of other stuff in here that I can't figure out what to do with. If you want to see a really clean closet I'll take a picture of Greg's next time. (I'm being serious about that I think it could be OCD)

#9 A picture of my dream vacation. Do you see that tiny little cabin, covered with snow, in the distance? That's what I want. No phone, no computer, no blog stalking, no youth conference :) Just a fire and a good book (maybe The Host or since I've read that I might actually break out Twilight and read that) I'd leave the kids home with a sitter, of course! Any volunteers? Arlene?

#10 A picture of me. I took a shower before Greg left today, which means I actually look presentable. The black and white helps. And yes, it's now almost 4 p.m. which means this post only took me 6 1/2 hours! Whoo hoo!! Next time you want to see my place, Erika, just drop by. It's not like we don't live down the street from each other. Sheesh!

I now tag my sister in law, Shannon, and my friend Deirdra. Can't wait for you to post! I'll be watching!

No Pics

Call Mr crazy but for some odd reason it feels like I need to have a picture to go with a post. I am not sure why but oh well I don't have one for this post. I have had a lot going on that I should have had my camera with me but I just didn't have it.

I had youth conference this last week. It was pretty fun we went near Tabiona, Utah. My first counselor has a cabin up there so we stayed near his property. We did this same youth conference 4 years ago so it was pretty easy to prepare for it. We have a different young womens president but she adapted well.

Our theme was "Be one of the Ten". It is in reference to the quote that President Hinckley gave several years ago saying that he was not sure that today is any better than the days of Sodom and Gomorrah. We decided to make it so that if they needed to find 10 righteous people to save the land they could look to our youth. We taught 11 different attributes that if the kids were to possess and develop they would be righteous. Since we did this 4 years ago we decided to add one more attribute to make eleven and told them that they needed to be one better than the group last time.

Four years ago we buried a time capsule and we opened it. I had written on it that I hoped I would be up there again in four years as young mens president and that I would have at least 2 kids and have some sort of a business of my own. Well all of those items came to pass. Not too bad.

On a different note, Evan has learned my name. I heard him calling for me the other day saying "Greg where are you, Greg where are you" I told him that my name was Daddy to him. It was pretty funny. I call Sarah "sweety" a lot and I noticed that he has called her sweetie a few times. They hear it all.

I will try to get some pics up next post. I did notice that Sarah got tagged from a friend so I will try to get her to do that! Wish me luck.

Weekend

On the 3rd of July we went to Craig Butlers wedding. It was pretty cool to see everyone again. There were a lot of the old gang there. Craigs wife's name is Ashley. I saw Nate Coleman and found out that I suck. I put in the last post that he was single and looking. Well I guess my info was wrong he has been dating a girl for about a year. Sorry Nate!!

Everyone looked good. It was amazing how many people came up to me and said that they had seen this blog. Crazy.

I did not take not one pic this whole weekend. We had a good time though. We went to Moroni and did the small town fourth of July. The parade was great. I think there was a total of 25 floats. It lasted no longer than 40 minutes. That is about right for time.

In their park they had a bunch of things for the kids to do. Evan wanted to do the big blow up slide. It was about 20' tall and they had a hose spraying it down. He loved it. I sent him down by himself and he was a little freaked out but got over it pretty quick.

OJHS 1994-1995

WOW... Sarah cleaned out or storage room and found this pic. Sorry it is so bad. It is me taking a pic of the pic. It is a 16x20 so I couldnt scan it. A flood of memories came back. I am impressed with myself I was able to remember the names of everyone but one person. I am not going to admit who it was I had to look up. But that is not too bad. I have found the blog of over half of these people too! Not too bad. If anyone has blogs for names I am missing let me know.

Top Row, Left to Right: Rhead Cannon, I have no idea what he is up to
Sandy Blumenstock, no idea
Jenny Wilson no idea
Mr (now Dr.) John Patten just moved from being principal of Suncrest Elementary
Sarah Fenton I have no idea
Sarah Redd (Now buck) her blog is www.jayandsarahbuck.blogspot.com,
Jess Bunker he doesnt have a blog that I can find but he is in the military and has done incredible in it. He has been to Iraq several times, currently there, and has helped in guarding the president of the US! WOW!, here is a link I hope it works http://www.classmates.com/profile/user/view/story?registrationId=111180921#profileMain,

Rachael Free (now Wells) her blog is www.wellslove.blogspot.com,
Ashley Reid (now Bunting) her blog is www.jabunting.blogspot.com,
Chelsie Allred I know that I have seen her link for a blog but I think it is private,
Laci Loveless I have no idea,
Ashley Tayler (now Neilsen) her blog is www.neilsenfam.blogspot.com,
Melissa Davies (now Beck) www.beckfamily5plus.blogspot.com,
Amy Aledridge no idea,
Natalie Bascom (now Anderson) blog is www.devinandnatalie.blospot.com (private),
Sandy Carter no idea,
Me,
Ann Barr I saw her dad a while ago and he said she was in Provo and getting married soon
Devin Anderson married Natalie they live in Texas and he does finance,
Cindy Nguyen (now Koenig) her blog is http://cindykoenig.blogspot.com/,
Nate Coleman he works for Coke as a salesman he lives in Draper and single but looking!
Tim Pead blog is www.timashleypead.blogspot.com
There is the update! Remember to fill me in! I hope no one mids me sharing info!