July Ends With A Bang!

Have I mentioned previously how much I love July? I have? Forgive me but I LOVE July. Ours has been full of fun and adventure. A couple of weekends ago we went up to Beaver Mountain with Carter's sister Carolee and her family. It was beautiful. Not to mention cool and green. We had so much fun with the Heelis', we love hanging out with them! We stayed in a little cabin and fished, ate, fished, watched movies, ate, fished, went sightseeing, fished, ate some more, rode 4 wheelers, and did I mention fished. My boys were in heaven and so was I. We need to escape more often. Thanks Saul and Carol for inviting us.

In other news, Cooper learned how to ride his bike without training wheels. This is a big deal, because #1 he is my baby, and #2 he is just three. He is an amazing little guy. He wants to be big like the other kids so he is. This riding the bike thing has given him a new found freedom. The first thing he does in the morning is put on his shoes and his helmet and asks to go outside. Too bad mean old mom makes him do his chores first (great leverage).

My birthday was on the 21st. It was a great day filled with calls and presents from friends and family, lunch with my kids, and an hour in the bookstore just wandering (one of my all time favorite things to do). Carter came home with some ginormous balloons. I am going to Vegas this weekend with some friends so he put some cash in the balloons for me to spend. He took me to Twenty Five Main, a new little cupcake shop/Cafe for dinner. I love this place because it is a lot like a place I would like to open. Carter always works hard to make my birthday special. Thanks Cart! When we returned home Courtney had decorated and made a cake. She is the best. Thank you to all those who made my day so special. I am so blessed to have such great friends and family in my life.

On the 23rd of July our Bowen(aka Bo Jangles) turned 7! We had a whirlwind day with a trip to Jumpin Jacks and a Skateboard cake. He got a BB gun and a Wave. He is a pleasant little guy. He is very conscientious and a little bit of a perfectionist. He is a peacemaker in our home. He has a very good memory and so I have to be careful what I say around him. He is low key and has a hilarious sense of humor. I love you Bowen. You have make my life fuller, funner and brighter.
On Bowen's birthday we went up north to visit for Grandma Bowen and Grandma Richard's birthdays. They were both born on the 24th of July. Seriously. We had our annual shindig at Aunt Rosemary's (my moms sisters) house. We swam and ate and visited. It is always fun to see so much extended family, but especially nice to see Aunt Rose and her family. They crack me up. Grandma Richards turned 98. She is truly amazing. She is as sharp as a tack. She knows my kids and what they are up to she memorizes scriptures, reads, taught herself how to play the organ, she is still a visiting teacher for our church. She is a shining example to me and always has been. She is a righteous and faithful soul who has taught more people by her example than anyone I know. She is my hero and I hope to make her proud.
For Grandma Bowen's birthday we met a Highland Park for food, games and presents, Grandma Bowen has been a widow for a few years now and she is getting along so well. She is a blast. She is a practical joker and no matter how old she gets, she tries new and fun things with all of us. She has taught us fun games. I remember once she took Nate and I upstairs and buttered our faces and used toast crumbs to smash on our cheeks so we looked like we had beards. She also makes THE BEST sourdough pancakes I have ever had. She has a start in her fridge from who knows how long ago. She is amazing. Happy birthday to two amazing women in my life.

Well that about wraps it up for out July. School starts August 12, yes August 12. I have a few more moments with my kids and then back to the grind, I will miss them---kind of.

Project Monday

Here is what we did today. Stress balls. We took a water bottle, cut of the bottom, and stretched the balloon over the mouth of the water bottle. Pour flour into the water bottle and "stuff" the flour in the balloon with a chop stick or anything long and straight. Fill the balloon as much as you can. Tie a knot in the top of the balloon. Cut the top off another balloon (the part you tie) and stretch it over the flour filled balloon to cover the knot. I think it looks cooler to use two different colored balloons, but the boy wanted black. These are addicting to play with and super sturdy. I have never had one break. Happy Monday!

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!