What Happens When You Can't Say No....

I was ambushed. It all began in ward council, I was sitting quietly, minding my business (surprising, I know) when this conversation ensues.

Sister Young Women's President: I think we should do something nice for the men in our ward for Father's Day.

Sister RS 1st counselor: Oh we are. We were talking in our meeting and we thought Lori could make Cinnamon Rolls.

Me: (Laughing) That's funny. No really, what are we doing?

Brother Missionary: Lori makes the best cinnamon rolls. (I will never make him Sunday treats again!)

Me: Why don't we order them from Albertson's like we did last year. Those were FANTASTIC!

All men in the room: Homemade are SO much better.

End of conversation.

So I think it is a funny joke, I get razzed every ward council. As we leave ward council Sister RS says, "Lori we will get you some help if you want."

Long story short I ended up making over 200 cinnamon rolls last week. I started on Monday making the dough and rolling them up and froze them at this point. My amazing sister Jackie came down on Friday and we baked them all on Saturday and frosted them on Saturday evening so they would be fresh. Carter put them in the back of his truck on Sunday morning and they warmed nicely. They were a huge hit, but I don't care if I ever see a cinnamon roll again. I need to learn how to say no.

Softies

It you have spent much time surfing around blogland you have probably seen some softies. These homemade stuffed dolls and animals are all the rage. Some are uglier than others. There are some pretty funky monsters out there, but people seem to go crazy over them.I found a cute idea for monsters your kids could make here. I found this robot and had to make it for Cooper. I kept it the same colors because I loved them, but next time I make one I think I will change a few things. I always have to have a trial run.
I also bought a pattern for Olive and Archie from this website. I have tried a few different faces and still am not satisfied. I usually give this little doll to my friends who have baby girls. I wanted to make a softie that a boy would like so I drew up a pattern for this monkey. I like this guy the best. I usually sew some overall shorts for him to wear. If I had little girls I would definitely have to try my hand at sewing some of this felt food. I think it is adorable.

Oh What Do You Do In The Summer Time?

Here's what we are doing.

MONDAY-Project day. We do some sort of craft, experiment,sew, or cook. Last year I did a cooking class for some neighborhood kids. We have pulled homemade taffy, and made suckers. We have made boats to float down the river, aprons from dishtowels, made giant pick-up sticks and learned how to make balloon animals etc. etc.

TUESDAY-Library Day. On this day we go to the public library, our school also opens their library on this day. Each of my kids have to read at least one book a week during the summer.

WEDNESDAY-Lesson Day. We have piano lessons on this day. We need to add something to jazz this day up.

THURSDAY- Swim day. We go to the new Rec. Center or one of our neighbors pools. Sometimes we just sit in the back yard and plastic pool it.

FRIDAY-Field trip day. On this day we choose somewhere to go. There are great hikes here in St. George. We go to a museum or a bookstore. We try to go somewhere we have not been before.

EVERYDAY- The kids have several daily chores that have to be done and one special chore (like dust a blind, or organize a cupboard).

I made up an "I'm Bored" list that the kids can look at for ideas of things to do. This helps with the constant whining and complaining about "nothing to do". I also have a friend who fills a bottom drawer in the kitchen with snacks for each kid each day. They are allowed to eat these anytime they want, but when they are gone, they are gone. I thought it was a good idea.

Now we want to hear your summertime ideas. Leave us a comment!