Evidently, I'm in trouble

Daren was in San Antonio Thursday and Friday. This, of course, left me in charge of bedtime. Frankly, I hate bed time with the girls. It's war. By Friday night I was out of patience. The girls were performing their usual antics and I was not laughing. After putting Noelle in her own bed for the 5th time, I pulled out the ultimate punishment. No TV the next day! Gasp! The horror of it all. You would have thought I'd taken away their birthdays. The tears, oh how they flowed. It was FABULOUS! But the best part was when, between wailing and flailing, Libby's little red, tear streaked face looked up at me and said, "You are so mean Mom. I can't believe how mean you are. I think I should call the cops on you." I didn't think it was very funny at the time, but I'm laughing now.

Try this for Dinner...

I made these for dinner last night and I thought they were fabulous! Daren enjoyed them too. They are simple to make, use some food storage items (canned corn and black beans), healthy, and taste good. What more can you ask for in a recipe? I left out the cilantro, but be sure not to go without the kosher salt and lime. I think they are the key ingredients!

A tired mom tip: grate the cheese and mix the black beans, corn, and salsa in advance (this can happen anytime between 5 am and 3 pm- or anytime before you hit "the wall") This way, when it comes time to actually make dinner, you have eliminated some of the steps and it will go much quicker. Don't, however, mix the lettuce up in advance- I did and it wilted.


KITCHEN-SINK QUESADILLAS
From: Real Simple magazine

1 15.5-ounce can black beans, drained
1 11-ounce can corn kernels, drained
3/4 cup salsa, drained
1 8-count package large flour tortillas (I used whole wheat tortillas)
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Juice of 1 to 2 limes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 head romaine lettuce, sliced 1 inch thick

Heat oven to 400° F. In a medium bowl, combine the beans, corn, and salsa.
Place 4 tortillas on a parchment- or foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with half the cheese. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the black bean mixture on top of the cheese. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and sandwich with the remaining tortillas. Bake until the cheese has melted, 5 to 7 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the onion, cilantro, salt, pepper, lime juice, and oil. Add the lettuce and toss.

Transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board. Cut each into 6 wedges. Serve with the salad. Yield: Makes 4 servings

Just two more

Noelle and her good friend Max. They look like brother and sister! Bless his little heart for coming and watching her dance recital.

Payson and Noelle. We only have little boys in the neighborhood for Noelle to play with, so we are so thankful for Paycee, who is pretty close by in Hyde Park. I'm bummed the picture didn't turn out a little better because they are such beautiful little girls.

A nice end to a rough day

Today was one of those days. I kept repeating to myself, "the days are long, but the years are short". I always try to remember that, especially when a sippy cup (full of milk) is flinging through the air directly aimed at me, due to the fact that once again Noelle is unhappy with what is for dinner.

Aside from Noelle's food issues, Libby has been having school issues. We have struggled for the last couple of weeks. Every morning is a battle. There is serious weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. I could write and write about the times I have sent her out the door, only to have her ringing the doorbell two minutes later, consequently missing the bus. I could also write and write about the theories I have speculated on as to why she is behaving this way. And don't forget the amount of solutions we have tried- bribery, prayers, mantras (i.e. "if Nephi can build a boat, Libby can ride the bus"), yelling, rides to school, etc. I decided yesterday that I could at least eliminate one source of complaints by taking Libby to the doctor. Every morning she tells me she is sick (along with a heap of other excuses). So, we went to the doctor. Bless his heart. He handled it just right. As it happens, I have worked with him in the past- a blessing from a job I worked for only 6 months, that up until this point I had thought was pointless- anyway, Dr. Brown was fabulous and he said all the right things. However, I still had my doubts as to how this morning would go...

It went pretty good. She made it on the bus. That says a lot. The true pay off came tonight. As she was getting ready to go to bed she said to me, "Mom, I know I can ride the bus now because I did it this morning. It was hard, but I did it". On top of that, and even better, when she said her prayers she thanked Heavenly Father for answering her prayer last night that she would be able to go to school without complaining. Whoa baby! Isn't that what a parent lives for? Maybe the last 3 weeks of suffering have been worth it. However, if that is what it takes to teach a child about prayer and persistance and faith, I better gird up my loins for the future.

And as a final happy note, my crazy Ellie came through for me too. No, she hasn't changed her eating habits. She just made me laugh. I told her that she could use the tokens she has earned to get ice cream tomorrow night after her dance recital. She said, "Yes! I want a pink one. I love slurbert!"

One more before I go... Last week she told me, "Mom, I am eck-za-sted" (exhausted). I've said it before and I'll say it again... Noelle, I'm eck-za-sted too!

I must be a queen, because she's a PRINCESS!

A post for Daren- reader beware

I noticed that I was lacking photos of Daren on my previous posts. That isn't very nice of me, is it? I thought I would make it up to him by doing a whole post in his honor. I have to be a little sappy for a minute (I warned you). Daren is such a good Dad and husband. I am so grateful for all the hard work he does for our family.

I think we may be rounding a corner with his business and I can't say that it has anything to do with me. Daren has never given up and I have to give him props (see photo below).

Thanks babe for hangin' in there with me. I've said it before and I'll say it again- ours was truly a match made in heaven. XOXO

Bear Lake in December

The Rupps went to a cabin in Bear Lake for 3 days after Christmas. We had a good time!

All the kids wanted to share their ring pop with Gracie. She didn' mind (hopefully her mom doesn't either!)

It was cold, but beautiful. I'll have to have my sister post the pictures of the real fun- the sledding photos.

Our Christmas Day

Santa did a good job keeping the girls out of the living room.

Christmas Eve if You Please

A new four wheeler and two awesome uncles made Christmas Eve tons of fun. Yes, that's Ty on the sled.
Yes, that's Ty on his side. Yes, that is Dave laughing.

Brig finished off a series of songs for us, by singing one for Dad. Noelle danced the whole time Brig sang.

Dad's reaction to his song (that's clapping slow mo).

All six grandkids = A pretty, crazy, merry Christmas!

Party at Grandpa Wally's!

A party wouldn't be complete without Uncle Dave torturing the girls.
Grace made everything more exciting this year.

Those are pretty cute wise men!?

And some sweet angels.

Noelle made the mistake of getting on Santa's lap with her socks off. He promptly put them on her hands for her. She didn't mind at all. What a good girl. When Santa asked what she wanted all she said was "you will bring me something I bery (very) like". The pressure was on!I think Libby and Santa must have an understanding. Libby wants a school bell for Christmas. Seriously, could my kids get any more sweet (when it comes to gift requests, that is!)?

Wherever Grace was- Noelle wasn't far behind.

Grandma Chris put together a sweet quilt for Grandpa Wally. It brought him to tears, so she must have done something right.

And lastly, a picture of my mom. She does so much at Christmas, both for our family and the extended family. Thanks Mom!