Happy Friday!

Sorry about the title of the video, it really is uplifting!



Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Sweet? Release!

Our ward was split. We went from 900 to 400. We went from 325+ kids to 175. I was released. I can't decide if I am happy or sad. Maybe just a bit relieved. I miss those kids though. Sunday was strangly relaxing. Don't worry they put me to work in the Relief society. No rest for the wicked.

Karaoke and Kupcakes

One of our good friends had a surprise 30th birthday for her husband last night. It was in a cool old theatre in downtown St. George. I did the cupcakes for the shindig. They turned out better than I hoped. Here are the flavors I tried this time.

Double Chocolate- Chocolate cake with chocolate butter cream

Double Vanilla- Vanilla bean cake with vanilla bean butter cream

Carter's Classic- Vanilla bean cake with chocolate butter cream

Coconut- Coconut cake with coconut creme filling topped with coconut butter cream and toasted coconut.

Strawberry Shortcake- White cake with cream filling and fresh strawberry butter cream

Lemon- White cake filled with lemon curd and topped with a lightly flavored lemon butter cream

Carter make me this cool three level stand for the cupcakes. I can flip all the pieces over to make the whole thing white. We ended up not using it because the serving counters were already to high.

This was a fun little project. I love making cupcakes. Some how I ended up on on stage doing a little karaoke (to much butter cream). I think everyone would agree, I should definatly stick to baking.

Project Monday

This is one of the projects we have made during the summer "Project Monday". You can find the directions here. These Indiana Jone whips are all the rage. I couldn't justify spending twenty dollars a piece for them, so when I came upon this tutorial I was excited. Problem is every boy in the neighborhood wants one. Also if you make one beware of being whipped "on accident" in some pretty tender places.

Knock, Knock, Anyone Home?

Yes I am here. I am struggling with the posting thing lately. I am trying to be better because I am afraid of my SIL who wigs if I don't post. Let's be honest, she scares me. Our days and nights are so full that I scarcely have time to do anything extra. Our 8:00 bedtime has become obsolete. This is mostly due to the fact that no one steps foot outside in the 100+ weather until after dark. When the sun goes down all the neighbors come out and the kids want to play "night games" hence my blogging time has gone out the window. We spent last week with Carter's family for his youngest brother Benson's farewell. We did a lot of fun things with the Cluff's, while trying to fit in some Bowen time too. All of Carter's sibling and spouses were in town, no small feat considering there are fourteen in all.
This is the infamous "Cluff Wall" All 14 at 6 Months and Graduation. That is one long wall!
This is a typical Cluff gathering. Lots of people!


We got to be in the temple all together, that was amazing. Pam and Ben have really raised a beautiful family. My mom always says I should try to raise my family just like they have. I don't think Anne and Lar have done half bad themselves. My favorite thing about spending time with the extended family, is all the grand kids. There are PLENTY. I tried out my new hobby on them and it seemed to go over pretty well.

Don't ask. I'm dumb. We also enjoyed the traditional Strawberry Days Rodeo and parade. Fun as always.

One of the best parts of our trip to the north was the quality time with Mama Bowen. She is FANTASTIC! Please bless I am a 1/4 of the person she is. We have a grand time together pontificating, shopping, and just hanging out. We had a lovely BBQ in my mom and dad's back yard/oasis.

Who's backyard even looks like this? My rock gardens are jealous. My dad made a mean BBQ steak. He is amazing on the grill. Did I mention it was his birthday? It was. Happy Birthday Dad! He is one the most amazing, generous, kind, smart, hardworking men I know. He has been a pillar for me in my life.

So that leaves us back in the sweltering heat of St. George. I'm not even tan. Go figure.

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!

Homemade Marshmallows

This would be a fun activity to do with bored kids this summer. We will be having a kids cooking class at our house. These are way better than the ones you buy and delicious in hot chocolate. I think they would make a fun neighbor Christmas gift packaged with some homemade hot chocolate mix. Cheap and cute, my favorite. Next time we make these we will try chocolate or strawberry or toasted coconut....the possibilities are endless.


Martha Stewart's Homemade Marshmallows

Ingredients
2 1/2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Directions
Combine gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer with whisk attachment. Let stand 30 minutes.
Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a small heavy saucepan; place over low heat, and stir until sugar has dissolved. Wash down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush to dissolve sugar crystals.
Clip on a candy thermometer; raise heat to high. Cook syrup without stirring until it reaches 244 degrees.(firm-ball stage). Immediately remove pan from heat.
With mixer on low speed, slowly and carefully pour syrup into the softened gelatin. Increase speed to high; beat until mixture is very thick and white and has almost tripled in volume, about 15 minutes. Add vanilla; beat to incorporate.
Generously dust an 8-by-12-inch glass baking pan with confectioners’ sugar. Pour marshmallow mixture into pan. Dust top with confectioners’ sugar; wet your hands, and pat it to smooth. Dust with confectioners’ sugar; let stand overnight, uncovered, to dry out. Turn out onto a board; cut marshmallows with a dry hot knife into 1 1/2-inch squares, and dust with more confectioners' sugar.

So You Want To Raise A Boy?

I understand that this post will not be applicable to everyone who reads my blog, but I think you will see the humor just the same. The title refers to this book.
My mom used it while raising Nate and passed it on to me after a particularly tough day with Jackson. Seriously, if you have any boys you need to read this book. It covers each stage throughout a boys life. It gives you characteristics, behaviors and emotions of that age. It is pretty spot on too. My mom loves this picture. It is from the Six year old section. Fitting. This chapter is called "Six is full of tricks" My Bowen is six. This is what the chapter says about him. "Parents tend to lose patience with a 6 year old because he is such a confusing mixture of baby and boy. Sometimes he is lovable, understanding, and responsive; other times he is as bad as he was at 2 1/2." That's Bowen.

Cooper is three almost four. This is what the book says about him. "This is a time when junior is at peace with the world. He loves life, he loves his parents and feels good about himself. He can do things that were impossible a few months ago. As this little fellow completes his third year of life he will suddenly change from a caterpillar to a butterfly. Enjoy this folks. It won't last long, and the next stage is a whing-dinger!" Super.

"The Golden Age of Ten". That's Jack. "He seeks acceptance and contentment both from adults and friends. He has an occasional temper outburst, but it is seldom serious. He still has to be coached occasionally to do what is right, but he has deep convictions about things that are wrong.(please bless) As long as parents are fairly flexible in their demands, they find it is possible to enjoy the golden age of 10. Pretty true.

I am reading this book for book club. It is a true kids book about the author and his pals attempting stupid stunts (like going to the bathroom on an electric fence). It hit home with me as a mom of three daring boys. I think I may have bit off a little more than I can chew. I LOVE having boys. I like that they are dirty, athletic, they want to snuggle, they are adventurous, silly, and stinky. I snapped some pictures of things that I see every day as a mom of three boys. Can you relate?

Plenty of intense sword fights


Built in yard maintenance crew and plenty of boxers too!



Attempts to be "COOL"



Convenient bathroom locations


Bazaar animal experiments


Sports, sports and more sports


Strangely drawn to every fire


90% of all pictures ruined by this


Never, never lift the board to see what is inside!


Apparently reptiles are awesome. Yuck.


Our own "Sand Lot"


Mysteriously broken items appear all the time


"Mom, do you know where my scout shirt is?"


After every batch of laundry I find something interesting