How much!!

I stepped on my bathroom scale today, to see that I had gained 20 POUNDS since the last time I weighed. 

My heart stopped.  I cringed. Twenty pounds?!

I stepped off, checked the dial and made sure it was working properly.. then I stepped back on. 

Still I was 20 pounds heavier. Tears started surfacing...

I know I've done some stress eating this week and haven't been exercising as regularly as I was..

 But, but, but... but there was no way this could be correct.

Then I realized I was holding Johnny!!!!! 

I lug the little feller around all day and I forgot I was holding him. He's practically an extent of my hip.

Whew, I was so relived that I hadn't gained 20 pounds, that I had to eat a cookie!

Pioneer Woman Meets Country Girl x2

PW/CG 1

Lasagna

Last week, I made PW's lasagna, appropriately named, The Best Lasagna Ever. 

It was super yummy!

But because I was a slacker, I didn't take any pictures, so you get her photo.

Which is much prettier than mine anyway!

I loved this recipe for a couple of reasons.

1. The sausage! It gave it a whole new dimension of flavor. It added a zest to the hamburger.

2. The whole tomatoes and paste. Kept things more firm. Firm is good, when you're trying to scoop dinner to hungry mouths!

3. The cottage cheese. My kids think that Ricotta is "yucky". Plus its cheaper!

4. The Parmesan cheese. I love Parmesan cheese. Mostly because Grandma Shirley pronounces it "par-me-sian" .. so I love using it and saying it Grandma Shirley style!

and lastly,

5. The whole family loved it! Full bellies = happy mom.

~~~~~

PW/CG 2

Cowboy Calzones

"I had a bad experience." 

(Name that movie)

If you've been around this blog for a while, you might recall the Eggplant Parmesan incident of 2008. This in no way comes close to that. But its sufficient to say that new recipes and I DO NOT mix well. I have a hard time stepping out of my comfort zone of Mac and Cheese and Spaghetti. But every once and a while I get a wild hair, or a sister that gets to pick the recipe for the week, and all hell breaks loose!

PW doesn't have the recipe for Cowboy Calzones on her blog. Which is good because I did take pictures this time and I don't want you to compare them to her masterpieces!

Overall, the effect was there. The calzones were edible. The meat was tasty and the cheese mix was on.
But the dough... oh, the dough, dough, dough.

Let me give some advise. They say that those who can't do teach. We'll I'm gonna teach.

1. Give yourself plenty of time when trying a new recipe.

2. Try not to get distracted. Put a movie on for the kids.. paint, playdough, legos.. get em busy.

3. For this particular recipe, let the meat/cheese mixture cool almost completely before trying to put it in the calzone.

4. Give your dough plenty of time to rise.

5. Try, try again! Don't give up after your first failure. Try it again on a fresh day!

 

Like I said, the calzones were edible. They weren't pretty but we made it out alive!

Luke wouldn't touch his. He just downed the Kool-Aid. 

Johnny was content to nibble on the crust and hamburger. 

Allie's face says it all. She was not a fan. 

Mark gobbled it up after I told him it was "cowboy food"!

Dustin had a late night at the temple, but he ate two when he got home, so I assume he liked it.

Bottom line.. I will try this recipe again. I think when the kids are older they will appreciate it more.

But for dinner nights without dad, we're sticking to Mac and Cheese.

Become as a little child..

Mark rarely goes a day without wearing his belt and bull belt buckle. Recently, we've noticed a rash on his tummy, right where the buckle hits. Since he's been wearing the same buckle since he was about two years old, we attribute the rash to him being sweaty and the buckle rubbing, rather than an allergic reaction to the metal. 

The other night, he said that the rash was itchy and was hurting him, so I rubbed Benadryl on it before bed. Then Dustin took him to his room to tuck him in. Mark started crying a lot and said that the cream was hot (I thing it stung his itchy skin) and that it hurt really bad. He asked Dustin to say a prayer to Heavenly Father, to make the rash quit hurting. So Dustin prayed that Mark would be comforted and be able to sleep. As soon as Dustin said amen, Mark stopped crying. Then he said that he wanted to say a prayer to tell Heavenly Father thank you for making him feel better.

I was so proud of Mark and humbled by his faith. Mark knew that Heavenly Father would help him and then he wanted to thank him after he made him feel better. It was such a tender mercy and a testimony building experience for him and for Dustin and I. We are always reading in the scriptures that to be saved we have to become like a little child. I've often thought about that line, as I raise my children and the other night it became completely crystal clear. If I could have a tenth of the faith as my children do, if I prayed with the same humble spirit and if I live as honestly and sweetly as they do, then I'd be a much better person. I love my children so much and I'm incredibly grateful for their example to me.

Til we meet again...

Our dear Grandpa Bill passed away last night.
We miss him and love him, but we are grateful for the Plan of Salvation
and for Eternal Families and we know we'll see him again.

And we have lots of great memories and pictures to treasure until we meet again.

Lauren Loves {Groundhogs Day Edition}

Yesterday was not the best. I started writing a post about it and decided not to publish it.. oh man I was just whining and whining.. it felt good to get it off my chest but no body needs to hear/read it. Basically kids were sick and my 20 week ultrasound was delayed and I was sad.

The day ended well though. Dustin took the day off for the ultrasound and it ended up being good that he was home to help me with the kids. He bought groceries and made dinner. It was wonderful and I love him.

Today, yesterday was still weighing on my mind and I didn't like that. Today is also Groundhogs Day. Not a special or amazing day on any terms. Just a fun day. A day where, when you are in kindergarten you get to make silly hats and when you are an adult you get to watch Bill Murray kill himself over and over again until he realizes what life is really about.

And that's when it hit me. Its Groundhogs Day! Sure the year has started off a little rough, kinda crappy... but today things can be different. I can make them different. Even if I feel fat and ugly and the kids are sick, again. I've got it really, reeeeeaaaaalllly good and I need to remember that. So I've decided to just be happy and forget about the things that don't matter. Life IS good. It really is.

Instead of repeating the day over and over again.. because I don't live in a movie.. I made a list of things that I love right now, things that make me happy. Don't feel like you have to read them all. Some are funny, all are true, but they are for me.

Lauren loves....

That Luke carries three binkies around with him. One in each hand and one in his mouth, switching them up every once and a while.

Reading up on my Chadburn relatives from St. Thomas, in preparation for this.

This article about the Nelson family's performace and Mark's reaction to being called called a "little cowboy" --- "I'm not a very little cowboy, I'm a big cowboy!!"

Watching the kids and Dustin play Mario Brothers.

When Mark talks about his primary teach, Sister Boren and calls her "Sister Boring" -- although I would die if she knew that.

Allie's list of things for us to do on our next girls day -- eting, noo clos, crafs, nal pallish. Go to Mscet, Sajorj and Losfagis. (Eating, new clothes, crafts, nail polish. Go to Mesquite, St. George and Las Vegas)

Pinterest.

That five minute window you get in the mornings to snuggle with your busy toddler before they are really awake and into everything.

Listening to Allie play the violin.

Having Family Home Evening.

Freshly waxed eyebrows and girl talk with my cousin.

The beadboard Dustin just installed in my kitchen (squueee!) and the bench he is making for our entry way.

When Estefan and Mark create amazing things out of legos and line them all up in a big lego parade.

Croutons.

Feeling the baby move.

When Luke runs to me with his arms out.

and I even love that we're having six more weeks of winter because...

When Chekhov saw the long winter, he saw a winter bleak and dark and bereft of hope. Yet we know that winter is just another step in the cycle of life. But standing here among the people of Punxsutawney the Nelson home and basking in the warmth of their hearths and hearts, I couldn't imagine a better fate than a long and lustrous winter.

BING!

Bomb.com

Hey friends, notice anything different?

Well if you haven't, then I'll just tell ya.
I .com-ed us.
Instead of nelsonfam5.blogspot.com we are now bootsbythebackdoor.com.

Does that make my blog legit, or what?

Back in 2008, when I started this here deal.. our family consisted of Dustin, Estefan, Allie, Mark (on the way) and me. There were five of us, or going to be really soon, and we were/are the Nelson's.. so being the clever girl that I am, I named the ol' blog nelsonfam5. I know, like I said, I'm clever. Ha ha. Then last year, Luke came along and made us six, and now another one is on its way and will make us seven. So our blog name has become very much out of date.

I tried to think of some fun names that described our family. I didn't want to use our last name, but something else.. something fun and different. Then this past week, it came to me when I walked down our hallway to go outside. There sat all our boots. Big boots, little boots, pink boots, church boots, work boots, boots, boots, boots, right by the backdoor.

As silly as it sounds, that sight made me incredibly happy! I loved seeing our family represented in boots. From Dustin's worn out work boots all the way down to Luke's tiny camouflage ones. Those boots and the dirt on them represent everything about us. Our adventures and messes and most importantly our growing family.

So there you have it.

Boots by the Backdoor.

Halloween Hand-Me-Downs

If you've been around here for a while, you may remember this post (that I wrote almost exactly two years ago) about how much I thought Allie and Mark looked a like.

Since then Allie and Mark have definitely taken on looks all their own. Its funny to hear people's comments about them -- "Oh, Allie is your mini-me!" but then I also get "Allie looks just like Dustin." Almost always people say Mark is Dustin's twin but I see a lot of us both in them. Luke, on the other hand always gets, "Wow, he's all Hardy (my maiden name).. ha ha, makes me laugh.

Anyway, back to the point... in that old post I showed these two pictures. Allie at 10 months and Mark at 6 months. Seems just like yesterday! Kids grow up way too fast.


Well now, since its October and I have a baby again -- I dug out those same ol' Halloween jamies for Luke to wear. And oh isn't he cute!!! They're a little stained and faded, but they've had lots of love and they smell like my cedar chest, so its all good.

Now I need to find that Little Devil outfit for Mr. Luker next!

Just what I needed to hear...

When I saw this Mormon Message, I felt like it was meant especially for me.
The past week has been crazy and the Summer is just getting busier.
I hope we can all slow down a little and see the little things that matter most.

Today is Dustin's Friday. :)
'Que weekend'

Triplets

Is it just me... or do these three look a lot a like?

86 years and 200,000 miles later

This past Sunday we went to Cedar City to celebrate Grandpa Bill Nelson's 86th birthday!

Before the party we stopped at Woods' ranch and played in the snow. The kids loved the snow and had a great time making and throwing snowballs. There was just one rule -- NO throwing snowballs at MOM!!! Dad broke the rule once, but she forgave him. ;)




We also build a snowman. It was great fun!!




After playing in the snow we met up with my sisters, Ashley and Heather, and ate some pizza at Pizza Hut. Then we headed to the party!

JuneAnn, Big Mark, (Jack) Jolene, Marie, Grandpa Bill and Grandma Bonnie

Grandpa seemed to have had a good time. He even wore one of the party hats! All the kids loved playing with the party favors and the adults had fun visiting.

Grandpa and Grandma with most of the grandkids and great-grandkids

Grandpa Bill's sister, Aunt Shanna even made an appearance! 

We were so glad to be able to see her again.

Happy Birthday Wild Bill!!!

On the way home, we noticed that the mileage on the car was about to hit 200,000 miles. That got Dustin and me reminiscing about the past. Just six years earlier we were newly weds, in our new/used car headed to Grandpa Bill's 80th birthday in Panguitch. Estefan was only two years old. We even stopped at the same place to play in the snow! Now we've added two and a half kids to the bunch and lots of great memories in the ol' red car.

We hit 200,000 miles just before St. George. It has been a great 200,000 miles for us and I'm sure some wild 86 years for Grandpa Bill. Here's to lots more good years, good miles, good family and good times!!

Lesson Learned

Last week I ran out of face wash... lazily, I didn't go to the store for a couple days and had to wash my face wish Dustin's Irish Spring soap. So I finally hit the store.

I browsed the soap isle and found my usual brand, Clearasil.. check the price, $10.52?!  
What the dirty face??!
That was a little more than I'm used to paying. So I got the next brand over Clean & Clear.. price check, $3.45. Okay I can handle that.. I'll just try something new. Change is good, right?

Flash forward to the next morning, I'm in the shower.. squirt some face wash in my hand and work it onto my face.

AHHHHHHH!!!! Burning flesh! Red eyes! Dead face!!

What the crap is in this stuff?? ACID?
I check the label...

Okay now let me translate:

"cleans deep down-to-the-pores" = cleans so deep you hit bone
"cool, refreshing tingle" = excruciating burning sensation
"deep cleans even dirt & oil you can't see" = your eyes will melt out of your skull so you won't be able to see the dirt and oil anymore

I had to get out of the shower and wipe my face off with a dry towel. It seriously felt like I had been chopping hot peppers with my nose. I'm surprised my eyes really didn't melt out of their sockets.What a way to start the day!

Moral of the story: sometimes it doesn't pay to be cheap... change isn't always a good thing... don't buy face wash at the grocery store... I don't know. I do know that I have a brand new bottle of face wash available if any one wants a flesh searing clean face!!

An Heirloom

Define: heirloom -- A personal possession that usually has a sentimental value which exceeds its monetary value.

A couple years ago my Grandpa bought my Grandma a new Bernina for Christmas. Her old one (below) sat in her spare closet collecting dust for a while.. enter me.

"Hey Grandma, can I borrow your sewing machine.. for like.. ever?"

Not only did she let me have her old sewing machine but she just recently gave me her sewing desk too! We just had to drag it out of her basement. Which I of course, made Dustin do!

Now I have a four nice sized draws for fabric, for thread, for treats I want to hide from my kids, for anything!

And how heavenly is it to have a flat surface to sew? I'm in love!

While we were cleaning out the sewing desk Allie found a kiss...

and I found some thread that was spun on wooden spools! There were quite a few in one of the drawers. I plan on displaying them in an old Kerr jar.

I also found some buried treasure! 

Look at all those feet. Zipper foot, button foot.. you name it! 

Squuuuueeee!

 Mark found a paper..

He says, "Wat dis?"

Dis paper happened to be the Certificate of Guarantee that came with Grandma's sewing machine. Looks like she got it for Christmas in 1973 and darn.. I just missed that 30 year warranty...

 I think I'll have to replace the "boxing man" who currently resides on my wall with the certificate in a frame and the wooden spools on a cute shelf.

And this was my first project done using my new table! A rag quilt made for my cousin's cousin. It was lots of fun. I can't wait to sew some more.. now I just need to find some time!

17 Weeks

Just this last Monday I had an appointment with the "baby doctor." Everything went really well. I made another solo trip to Vegas! Woot woot. Go Me! I'm a big girl now. Baby is healthy and growing normally. The doc said the ultrasound from my last appointment was "beautiful." And hey, I'm healthy too. Score.

They sent me home with a little goody bag full of magazines, brochures, formula, a little shirt for the newest Nelson and a pregnancy planner. When I got home I was going through everything, mostly throwing away the brochures.. I don't plan on cord blood banking.. and Allie was "helping" me. When she came across the pregnancy planner she asked if she could have it. It looked like a normal day planner to me, and I know Allie loves to pretend play with any kind of paper.. so I said sure. Well little did I know.. there were fetal development pictures inside! GASP!

A few minutes after I gave her the planner she came up to me and said, "Mommy is this really what our baby looks like?" So I flipped to the page with the 14-18 week picture and showed her what the baby looks like inside my tummy.

"Mommy why is the baby in a bubble?"

"Um, because that is how the baby lives inside my tummy."

"Oh. Kinda like Sandy on Sponge Bob?"

"Yes honey, just like Sandy on Sponge Bob! (Laughing)"

Our baby

Allie has been super inquisitive this pregnancy. She was really too young to "get" what was happening when I was pregnant with Mark and Estefan takes the boy approach of don't ask, don't tell. So this has kinda taken me all by surprise. I figured these questions would come... but I don't know what to tell her?! The truth of course.. but without details.

"How did the baby get in there?"

"When will it come out?"

"How does it get out?"

Ahhhhh........ (crickets chirpping)

Right now I'm going with the Dennis the Menace explanation.

Dennis: The most important thing is they marry the women, then the women can go down and get the baby.
Margaret: The baby is in her stomach.
Dennis: She has to get it installed. Her stomach isn't just filled up with babies.
Margaret: Who installed some?
Dennis: A minister and a doctor.
Margaret: How?
Dennis: 'How'?
Joey: [ laughs] She wants to know how?
Margaret: Tell me, Dennis. How?
Dennis: The bellybutton-it opens up.
Margaret: How come men have them?
Dennis: So they don't look weird in bathing suits.

I like this scene too.. tee hee..

Margaret: You know why men are so lousey when it comes to taking care of babies?
Dennis: They have better things to do.
Margaret: Like what? Play golf and drink beer?
Dennis: No, like hunting, having wars, driving cars, shaving, cleaning fish. Do you know how to do that?
Joey: Me?
Dennis: Margaret.
Joey: Oh, okay.
Margaret: If you didn't have women, you wouldn't have babies, which means you wouldn't have people.
Joey: And if you didn't have men, who'd drive the ladies to the hospital?


P.S. I have my second ultrasound on the 30th. So we'll know if the baby is a boy or a girl in less than two weeks!! (Insert heel click here) YAY!

Rockin' into August

Hey everyone. Are you aware that it is August?
Well it is.
August 4th to be exact.
On Sunday, in Young Women's, we started planning for our Evening of Excellence that is coming up in October.
I was like... "Wait a sec.. isn't it still February?"
This year is blowing by.
And now we're rockin' into August!
Literally.

I have this tiny problem... I'm not sure if it came on all the sudden with pregnancy or if I'm just starting to notice it. But I have ADD.
Here is a little run down of a typical morning.

Wake up.
Change Mark's poopie diaper.
Feed kids.
Check email.
Read blogs.
Fill the sink up with soapy water.
Check other other email.
Put a dish in the soapy water.
Work on a design.
Wash a dish.
Sit on the couch.
Take a shower.
Work on a design.
Kids get dressed some where in the middle.
Oh.. my soapy water is no longer hot or soapy.. refill the sink!
Sit on couch (take nap) and forget about dishes.



So to help myself with my new found "problem" -- we crank the music up and work through a couple songs. Mark sings back up into the fan and Allie sings lead into the vacuum. Album of choice lately, American Hi fi. Anyone remember them? They were cool for like a day in high school.

Rock on. 

I'm going to work on my 24th of July post.. (yikes) I'm a total slacker.

And maybe do the dishes and laundry... maybe!