Tuesday, December 23, 2008

a Follow up on Homemade giflts

I saw these and new everyone deserved a pair!

Morgan's "rough" day

Morgan had a rough day yesterday. I am not fully sure I know the specifics of the "rough"-ness. But is seemed that she was very tender and cried quite easy. By 8pm she was in full blown sobs and explained:

"I have had a rough day. I think it began at Megan's house and I think she must of had crying dust in her house."

And just be heading to bed, Morgan asked "Mom, can you please call Santa and explain I just had a rough day? Tomorrow will be better..."

You can bet I made the call!

The meaning of christmas

This year I was really worried.....worried about how I was going to teach my kids about the true meaning of Christmas. I ran a few ideas past my motherly counselors (Heather and Mom) and they found some holes and issues with my ideas, so I was really worried....
I prayed for an experience that would make it known to my kids the joy of giving to others.
That same week I got a email from the Relief Society pres. and she was asking for donations for a single mother with 3 boys 1 yr old to 6 yrs old. They needed anything and everything.
So Emily and Morgan and I set out around the house to find what we could find...

We each went to the pantry and pulled out about 10 cans of food or misc items. I found some new and like new household items and wrapped them. We had 3 pair of good condition pajamas Jakey had out grown and several sets of mittens/hats. We found some games that were hardly used and all the pieces were there. And then we headed to walmart to find some additional items.
When we were done we had a whole box full of food and wrapped gifts. We dropped off the box on the Relief Society Pres door. I noticed that the other members of the ward were quick to act too, there were 3 other boxes there.

Yesterday I got an email from the Relief Society Pres. with an update: She had received so much and organizing it all, in total of 6 large boxes of food, gifts and toys. When they arrived at the home, the tree was bare underneath and quickly they put the wrapped gifts under the tree. The kids were so excited to see all the goodies! And the food was welcomed.

I was so worried, but I didn't need to be, Silly Sarah... Heavenly Father always answers prayers. We just have to be listening, and we will be led.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Bordom + google = Merry Christmas

We thought in this holiday season, since not everyone can be together we'd let google make it seem like we're much closer than we really are. Here're some of what we could find (Notice Jake is the only one to make it in their respective picture). Sorry Sarah. We tried really hard to find yours but came up short. If you can find it on google maps, I'll update it here :)















Monday, December 15, 2008

A place for Sarah, and Sarah in her place

Christmas came a little early for me now that I got my office. I can't even tell you how nice it is to have a place to work and craft....
I think this goes back to when I was about 8 or 9 and spent hours organizing my "papers" in my little dresser full of papers. It was liberating to organize it all and throw out 2 trash bags full of needless junk. We finally got rid of old college books, Wow, like we were ever going to use those again :)
I thought I could use therapy, for my "love" of organizing, but since it was so fun AND benefited the family, I don't see the need anymore.

Morgan's Family tree project

Well, it took about 4 days to get done, but she did it.
She was so proud to show ALL her aunts and uncles and cousins. We practiced her presentation speech and she wanted to tell why families were so important (missionary moment) and also how much she loved each and every "leaf".

She made one Pyrah tree and one Blattman tree, where there is a heart is where the branches meet and make our family.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Why I like Christmas....

Sometimes I get a weird complex that no one would really like something I make...and I tend to be pretty "homemade" and thrifty when it comes to gifts. Not because I don't like people, but I just love making things and I associate the time and effort with demonstrating my love...ok that is all nice and warm and fuzzy, but sometimes they don't turn out they way I like.

At any rate, I still enjoy it and 90% of the time I think my items are cool...but Christmas time is that time of year that others get to endure my "homemade" gift giving. And I get lots of opportunities to make things.

So briefly, thank you to all who have endured my homemade gift giving, you in essence, have given me a gift by accepting it.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

December PhOtObLog theme

DECK THE HALLS
mark, ge' set, GO!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

***sigh*** we have been busy this week

So we whisked off to Idaho for Thanksgiving and farewell to Chris' folks. We had a great time being with family and see everyone. We made the "Flat Stanleys" of each grandchild on the Pyrah side and they are off on the mission to WI too.

I contributed this master piece for the Thanksgiving feast, I thought he was almost too cute to eat. When we got back I went nuts on holiday decorating and christmas shopping/wrapping. My house is not messy, we just have a lot of memories in the making all at once.
We decorated the tree and put some lights on our scraggily tree out front. It really put us all in the festive mood. Have to say that I even bought a christmas CD to listen to. Of course it doesn't hurt that Michael Buble is singin' the christmas songs.
I almost have all the christmas shopping done and I am so glad! Just a few last minute items left and our family exchange. We all head to walmart and split up in groups. It is fun to see Em and Mo actually save (or should I say even earn)their allowance this month to get ready for this.
Oh and we also had Jacob's 2nd Birthday party tonight. He got the best gift ever and he could not be torn away from it, even for cake and icecream. He is obsessed with Hot Wheels and cars!




I also need to put this picture on of Chris' catch on Wed. He was so proud. This is only 1 picture of the 20 he made me take. The fish measured about 30 inches. I have to say it was HUGE. (and gross, I was gagging the whole time as it oozed and the gushed blood as he tried to filet it....)

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Family tree project

Morgan has a family project due this month. The project is wide open to interpretation. I am looking for a cute 1st grade level idea that would display our family in a creative way. got any great ideas?

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Thanksgiving

BE THANKFUL
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,and they can become your blessings.

~~Author Unknown.~~

Sarah... I like this one just by the website title!

http://www.whoopassenterprises.com/
http://www.headbobble.com/

http://www.custombobble.com/

Just load up your photos and it's on its way!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Twilight the Movie

If you have not seen the movie,
DO NOT READ THIS POST!!

But just have to say, I was not a fan of the movie. Prior to going to the movie, the reviews I read said it stayed true to the book. However, I was surprised at the numerous events out of sequence are generalized. It made it difficult to watch. I imagine that if you did not read the book, the movie was great and entertaining.
But I was frustarted by the numerous lags in dialogue and shots of the tree canopy and thought of all the other things they could have included instead, but didn't.

Heather and I just laughed at the crazed look on Jasper's face and Emmett's velour jog suit...
I think that they got the characters for Esme, Alice, James, Laurent spot on.

I am not a hater, just loved the books! I can't wait for the book that is suppose to be written from Edward's spective!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Thanksgiving

HELP!  Anyone I need a turkey recipe.  Sarah I know you have to have one.  PLEASE help me. I have a 20 pound turkey to cook. 

I have cooked thanksgiving dinner for 15 years but my mom has always cooked the turkey. It now falls to me to do it all and frankly I have no recipes!!

Negin

Thursday, November 20, 2008

head wound harry

remember that SNL skit?
well we did our own little rendition last night.

So the many many times that I have said (more like yelled) to the kids "Don't run! Don't slam doors!" came to great reality last night.

As Emily and Jacob played chase, Jacob managed to meet a slamming door with his forehead. We all know that head wounds bleed horribly, and so this one did also. Once we were able to lay him down, test his pupils, and clean the wound, we determined it was cut to the skull and about a inch long.

So off the urgent care! 3 stitches later, Jacob is pretty proud of his "OW" and will show whomever he can.

On to the terrible 2's we go!

Friday, November 14, 2008

How it all began


Today we celebrate 11 years of blissful marriage.



It all began went Chris and I met a Singles ward party. He wasn't feeling well and was pretty congested.

In the ongoing conversation of about his health, I mentioned that my brother had told me that you should blow your nose in the shower cause all the steam will loosen the mucus in your sinus cavity. Seriously, what boy would not fall in love with any girl who says such alluring things.
(Matt, who know that information would be so crucial!)


Chris says that is when he knew he loved me...

since that day we have been blissfully in love and flem free.

100 dresses

3 Ne. 24: 10

10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house; and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.


We had our "100 dresses" enrichment night. It was a big success! If you haven't read this book, it is worth a family home evening to read and discuss. It is not very long and has a few sketch like illustrations.
It was a very moving night as one older sister stood and was brave enough to tell of her history as a battered wife from her first marriage. I was moved as she described her ordeal and realized how this simple act of gathering dresses had meaning.
Many of the women who leave to go to this shelter do so with nothing but the clothes on their back, and sometimes their children's back. The extra clothing they receive is essential so that no one has to return to the dangerous environment.

Our ward was hoping to gather 100 dresses for the local battered woman shelter. Many sisters went out into their neighborhoods and sent flyers to their neighbors, both member and non members. By the end of the evening we counted over 250 dresses.

The representative from the shelter was a bit embarrassed to explain that she could not take them all as they simply did not have space for them all. No matter, instantly everyone was brain storming on who might need them or where to deliver the extras.
what a great evening!
Sister Sarah

Thursday, November 13, 2008

I am a proud parent of a honor student

we just finished up parent teacher conferences for Emily 3rd grade (age 8) and Morgan 1st grade(age 6). Our school requests that the student be present during the conference and help to describe the highs and lows of the school year so far.

Emily made a poster with sections to demonstrate each subject. She described in detail the topics they had worked on. She was so articulate! She did spend some time describing her field trip to UNR and the pooping turtle... Her teacher asked her what goals she would like to set for herself. Emily talked about working on reading and math and then she asked her teacher if she could help others in the classroom with reading. She had the whole thing planned out and how it would work! I was just a proud mama, she was really thinking about helping others.

Morgan struggled when school started with being attentive and focused. But her teacher said that since that time, Morgan has really turned around. She no longer is noisy and chatty but she also helps the others at her table focus. She mentioned that Morgan is asked often by classmates for help and Morgan never gets annoyed by the frequent requests. She is also reading at a 3rd grade level and is going to an excellerated reading group that is set up like a book club. She loves it.

I have to go to Enrichment meeting tonight and talk briefly about how I help my kids learn about serving, it is nice to hear once in a while that they are doing it on their own too.

I love my babies!

SP

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

engineer joke

An engineer was crossing a road one day when a frog called out to him and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess." He bent over, picked up the frog and put it in his pocket. The frog spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will stay with you for one week." The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and returned it to the pocket.

The frog then cried out, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I'll stay with you and do ANYTHING you want." Again the engineer took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket.

Finally, the frog asked, "What is the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess, that I'll stay with you for a week and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?"

The engineer said, "Look I'm an engineer. I don't have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog, now that's cool."

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Milwaukee, WI

1. Very Cold
2. has great beer (I hear)
3. Kurt and Lynda Pyrah will be headed there to serve a mission.

For those who had not heard, Chris' folks had submitted their mission papers 5 weeks ago. Ironically, it was about the same time Chris' dad had his heart attacks. But it doesn't look like there will be any residual worry about Kurt's heart and they will be entering the MTC on Dec 1.

They are planning to take "flat" portraits of each grandkid to take pictures and tell stories of the adventures they have with the flat- grandkids on their mission. For those who don't have a clue what I am talking about, a "flat" portrait is a life size butcher paper cut of yourself and a photo for the head. Flat-Emily, Flat-Morgan, and Flat-Jacob are excited to head to Wisconsin too!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's bobblehead


Ever since the episode that Dwight was given his likeness in a bobblehead, I have dreamed of how I might obtain the like. But in pricing on the internet you would be surprised at the cost associated with submitting your photos to replicate yourself in plastic miniture. So two years later, I checked to see if the cost has come down since the hype is subsided.

Unfortunately the cost remains about the same...I would even pay to just have my bobble head in jpg format...
A girl can dream...

October Photoblog winner

I am excited to announce the winner!!
Will B is the winner for his very artistic take on the "BOO!"

I will put the blockbuster card in the mail.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Boo (late)


I know its too late to submit this boo picture, but here it is anyway.

"Boo!" Hoo!


We wanted to sneak in one more "Boo" picture.

Don't you remember me?

So Autumn and Grant were up visiting this weekend. Friday night was obviously Halloween so the kids got decked out in pretty cool pirate costumes (I will post pictures as soon as I fix my camera) and went trick or treating. There was a haunted house so we decided that would be fun and went in to do the not so scary version. As we entered the dark smoky corridor a young man yells out "Autumn, don't you remember me Autumn? I was your third grade boyfriend Autumn, don't you know me?" and yes she rolled he eyes gave a half hearted wave to this poor broken hearted creature and just kept walking.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Nancy comes to visit Jim











Here we are at the Green River Lakes in the Wind River Mountains.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Poor Dumbledore

Thought this was appropriate with Halloween coming up... it's a little creepy. I've sort of lost respect for Prof. Dumbledore, though he's a "wizard with the ladies."

"Harry Potter star fathers second child with mistress"

Sir Michael Gambon is a busy man. The 68-year-old, known to many of us as Dumbledore from the Harry Potter series is about to have his second baby…with his mistress.

Sir Michael has been married to Lady Anne, a retired mathematician, for 45 years. They have a 44-year-old son together, and share a home near London.

The mistress is 43-year-old Philippa Hart, who shares a 17-month-old son with the actor. Philippa reportedly wanted to have a sibling for their son, and so chose to get pregnant again by Sir Michael.

A friend of Sir Michael’s said, “Michael and Philippa are delighted that she’s pregnant again, but he is very worried about what his wife thinks of all this.

“He says it will cause him a lot of hassle if it comes out, but his private arrangements are so complicated he can’t really expect a completely smooth ride.

“He continues to see his wife and mistress, but is very secretive about both relationships. He may be getting on, but Michael is still a wizard with the ladies.”

Lady Anne is reportedly taking the news “in stride.” What do you think of Sir Michael’s wild ways?

Source: The Sun, Photo: PR Photos

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Exciting Great News!
The new Christmas List is Out!
I know you have all been waiting for ages for the new list of gift givers, so without further delay, here it is.
And remeber, you get what you get and you don't throw a fit.
Due to circumstances beyond their control, The Matt Blattman Family will not be able to participate in the great giveaway. But don't forget them, remember a little Christmas card goes a long way.
The Joseph Blattman Family has the Jake Blattman Family
The Jake Blattman Family has the Heather Light Family
The Dan Blattman Family has the Sarah Pyrah Family
The Sarah Pyrah Family has the Dan Blattman Family
The Will Blattman Family has the Joseph Blattman Family
The Heather Light Family has the Will Blattman Family
AND MOM and DAD have everyone! Hey wait a minute---oh, well, it's all fun.
You can do this however you want. Buy one huge gift for the whole family or one gift for each person in the family. Cost limits are hard to make, but I think if you spend between 50.00-75.00 per family that should be about $15.00 per person. If you think that is too high let me know and we will change the limits. We don't want to place a burden on any family. Soooooo, happy shopping.
Love MOM

What I've Learned From My Sister

So I took Sarah's roll recipe a couple of weeks ago and made some cinnamon rolls as she suggested. While they were "ok", they weren't perfect but good enough!...a bit of my bad baking skills and a bit of my personal tastes. Tonight after church, I made another batch.
This time, used 1/3 cup of sugar instead of 1/2 cup, added a little more salt. And, then for the cinnamon filling, I used soft butter dusted with nearly straight cinnamon (little to no sugar). Finally, added some chopped pecans before rolling it all up.
We made the same caramel syrup that Sarah suggested but added some pecans. I put the rolls in a buttered pan, dripped just a little bit of the pecan caramel before baking and then put it all in the oven. After baking, we poured the remaining pecan syrup on the hot rolls and let cool.
Better than anything we've ever had at Cinnabon! Thanks Sarah for the recipe!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Boo!


Here is Synnova's submission. She loves playing with our webcam. She is a real ham.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

heather and I or is it me and heather

heather and I are working on a new business idea...
I am still nervous to tell people about it in case I (more I than heather) turn out to be a failure...

I guess we should start telling people though, if word of mouth is going to be our biggest form of marketing.

HERE IS A HINT, see if you can guess:

Monday, October 13, 2008

Fun Seasonal cake

I thought this was a cool idea: Candy Apple Cake
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsps cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp allspice
2 tsps baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 cup vegetable oil
2 tsps vanilla extract
60 caramel candies
3/4 cup walnuts, toasted and finely chopped
wax paper
1 large craft stick
1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Grease and flour two 1 1/2-quart oven-safe bowls.

3. Combine 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, 2 teaspoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt.

4. In a separate bowl, beat together 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, 2 cups unsweetened applesauce, 1 cup vegetable oil and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and beat until well mixed.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared bowls and bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Allow the cakes to cool in the bowls for 10 minutes, then remove them from the bowls and set them inverted on wire racks to cool completely. Once the cakes have cooled, turn them over and use a long knife to even out their flat tops.

7. Topping: Place 60 caramel candies and 2 tablespoons of water in a medium bowl and microwave on high power for 1 minute. Stir, then heat 30 to 45 seconds more until the mixture is smooth and forms a slow, thick ribbon when dropped from a spoon.

8. Layer the cakes (flat sides together) using a few spoonfuls of the caramel to help hold them in place.

9. Pour the remaining sauce over the cake. The caramel will run down the sides of the cake to cover it completely, or you can spread it with a knife while it's still warm.

10. Let the caramel set for about 20 minutes before pressing the walnuts onto the bottom half of the cake.

11. Cover one half of the craft stick with waxed paper and insert the covered end into the top of the cake.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

BOO! (not sure if it was him or us saying it...)


We inadvertently rolled up on this guy as he was trying to cross the road. Yes, this is from my car window. Yes, I shrieked like a little girl and rolled up the window. He peed on the car, spat on us, and "showed us his butt" as he stomped off into the bush.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Weather Update

Today was the first snow of Fall...my flowers were still in bloom on my lavendar bushes and our tress just started to turn colors this week. But all did not last as they were coated with white today.
It looks like it will melt by tomorrow.



Boo Who


School photos are out. My hair is thinning a bit but I feel great.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Beware of ketchup murderers...

Boo?





Guess it depends on your views of spiders...

(This isn't my 'boo' submission. We just found this guy by our pool)

another New Project - Done (check)


New Project - Done (check)

Some indication that I don't bake often

I realized that when I stumbled upon this scene that I don't bake enough.I stumbled on this scene last night, and decided that if my kids think that it is so interesting, I may have not baked nearly enough.
I tried a great recipe from my mother in law that is used for various rolls. I forgot that my mother in law is use to cooking for large groups and the recipe was HUGE. I think next time I will have to half it....I used 11 cups of flour!!! I added some caramel sauce to the bottom of the pan and it proceeded to run over the edges and produce some smoke as it burned on my oven burners.
However, it did not detract from the end result and we had pan of huge cinnamon rolls for breakfast this morning.

here is the recipe in half for those who would like to have some yummy cinnamon rolls.
2 Cups Warm Water
1 Tbsp Yeast = 1package
1 Tbsp salt
2 beaten eggs
1/4 cup Oil
1/2 cup sugar
5- 6 cups flour

Mix all ingredients except flour and stir well. I just did this in my kitchen aid.
Add Flour a cup at a time and stir . Keep adding until you need to knead in the rest of the flour. The dough should not be sticky and soft. Put in a greased bowl and let rise till double in size.

From here you can make dinner rolls, buns or various jelly rolls and cinnamon rolls.

I rolled out the dough flat at about 1/2" thick. I put melted butter on the flat dough and topped with sugar and cinnamon. Roll it up and tuck in the edge.
I made caramel sauce with cube of butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 4 tbsp of Caro syrup melted in a saucepan. I cooked until bubbly. And poured in the bottom of my cookie sheet.
Cut into rolls and put on top of sauce in cookie sheet. Don't pack them in too tight as they will expand and the sauce will run over the sides and burn in your oven...I should know.
Cook at 375 for about 20 Min (until golden brown).

Monday, October 6, 2008

Boo!


I think this guy was taking an upside-down nap. The thing was HUGE! Atleast inch long legs! I guess I was the one to say, "Boo!" because I woke him up by smashing him with the phone book.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

OCTOBER Photoblog Topic

I know you have all been waiting anxiously (no pun from last month intended) on the new Photoblog topic.
This month is: BOO!
I like to be vague and obtuse, so this will allow for your own interpretation and expression. And of course it has an element of Halloween.
I have a $10 Blockbuster card to send to the best photo entry (as voted on by me and using criteria known only to me. And I am not qualified to win...)
Happy Snappy!

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Weekend Warrior

Our weekend was filled with so many goings on!
Scheels had their VIP night on Friday evening. What fun! We all got bags and a map to walk around the store and find FREE items. This thrilled Joey:

There was quite the ceremony with the Sparks Mayor, Nevada Governor, President of Scheels, etc. About 2000 people showed up. The ferris wheel was running, the fudge and various simulators were FREE.

Heather and I enjoyed the people watching including a Napolean-esk guy and the prairie dogs in various poses:


This is Chris looking so helpful! (I was behind the camera going "Ok, look like you are helping someone and I will take your picture....oh, you're so grownup!")


On Saturday was the Opening Day. They had a hot air balloon out front and giving free rides. Here is a story on Reno Gazette Journal .com and you can link to a photo gallery.


On Saturday, we also went to Lil Grant's football game. It was pretty exciting with a tight score and lots of kids running longs yards for touch downs.


Autumn also had cheerleading later in the day and I hear was spectacular.

In the evening we had burgers, cake and ice cream for a belated celebration of Lil Grant's Birthday with Joe & Kids, Heather/Joey & kid, and our clan.

WHEW! We need a nap...