Ocean's ELEVEN

I really should do some current events, but I'm trying to get summer squared away and as you know, sometimes the last weeks of summer can be the busiest. Week eleven was nice and busy for us. In some ways it was our last week to play without school looming over us and breathing hard.

On Monday, we did a craft that ended up being a favorite: Bow shirts. There is a tutorial, but I couldn't find it again. So, if you really want to do it, and my basics aren't enough...use Pinterest. (You all know how.)

For our craft, it was recommended to use a shirt that was a bit oversized, probably because you have to cut off part of the bottom. As you will see from pictures, I recommend something that is not TOO oversized, or it will hang funny. We grabbed our shirts from Hobby Lobby. Inexpensive and then we didn't ruin any existing shirts. Now cut two inches off the bottom.

And cut off the collar as well. They are supposed to have an unfinished look on the top and bottom.

On the back, measure and mark every two and a half to three inches. You'll want to cut some lines. Put some cardboard underneath so you don't cut through the front of the shirt. Ivory's lines are a little jagged here, but I don't think it took away from the overall effect.

Cut out strips from the two inch hem you removed earlier. Then grab sections of the shirt and wrap the strips around securing them with Liquid Stitch, or Fabric Fusion. (No sewing allowed. Just my kind of project.)

Use the scraps for a fun new look.

If you have a little strip at the bottom that doesn't seem big enough, just cut it off. We cut several little stragglers, and it looked just fine. Check out these finished shirts.

And the individual shots. Since Robyn chose a white shirt, she embellished it with a fabric marker.

Pearl's shirt ended up being a little saggy. See what I mean about making sure the shirt isn't TOO big for the wearer. All the girls really liked how they turned out. I wish I had made one for me.

Tuesday we went to the library as usual. In fact, it was my last time for school library. It was a good experience, but I probably won't do it next year since we will be at a different school. Tuesday evening, there was a ward party up the canyon. We have been there before and Ivory has did this last time.

I didn't take a lot of pictures. In fact, I spent some of my time huddled in a corner finishing a book. (Yes, I am anti-social sometimes, but always for a good reason.) My kids had a great time and it was a nice evening overall.

Wednesday was swimming and we got to take Curtis with us. We invited him earlier, but it hadn't worked out. It was so fun to play water games with him. I am usually 'it' when it comes to these games, and I sure got a workout trying to chase down Curtis. (It is hard to run through water. Phew.)

Here is a random picture for you. The removal of Robyn's braces was imminent and she wanted me to capture this trick she liked to do. I guess braces are good for something after all...besides just straightening teeth.

Thursday was treat day and what a treat it was. We had Deanne come to help us make homemade caramels. She used to help a lady make and sell them, so they are profesh. Here we are getting ready.

Here is our lovely confectioner.

And the beginning of our lovely confection. (Mmm...butter. And lots of it.)

Deanne brought some of her crew - Warren, Alex, and David. We ended up playing some Kubb later, because I'm pretty sure the boys were bored to death.

Actually, I think Warren and David took a turn stirring. So did my girls. When they were just right, we poured.

Glorious! They set up in our fridge and then it was time to cut them. We got a good assembly line going. I cut strips, Ivory cut sections, and Curtis, June, and Robyn wrapped away.

One batch made a ton. We had caramels to gorge ourselves with and more after that to share with neighbors. We made sure to take some over to the Moses' as well. Thanks Deanne for helping us. One of the best treats of the summer for sure.

Thursday evening was the annual Trapnell Seven Peaks night. It was a bit chilly this year. Everyone was very excited to go.

But it didn't take long for the littles to be chilled to the bone. Pearl and Daisy wrapped in towels and hung out. That meant that I stayed with them. It wasn't the best Seven Peaks day for me, but I'm glad the kids had some fun. We got some fun pictures while we were chilling (literally). Gotta love the grumpy Daisy face.

We took the day off on Friday. We had played hard the night before and everyone wanted to relax. That is what Summer is for after all. Week Eleven was epic because June and I finished our challenge to read the Book of Mormon over the summer. We missed a few days in there, but we still finished right on time. Grandma Dargan and Tricia also read it over the eleven weeks. (76 days to be precise.) Robyn finished a week later, and I'm so proud of both my girls.

Only one week left to play. I can't believe how fast summer goes. But stay tuned for some current events before that. I need to keep up with the 'now' as well.

Quirky Quips

I can't believe how long it goes between writing these. We have quite a few saved up. Enjoy these funny things that we say around here.

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A few days earlier Dad had given Ivory a lesson on when you lie, lay, or had laid on your bed. Now he was seeing if she remembered.

Dad: What do you say when you crawl onto your bed?
Ivory: Good night?
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June had a BAD sunburn.

June: If I scratch it a little bit, it won't hurt but the itchiness will be abduced. (reduced?)
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Ivory: I can feel them moving around.
Robyn: Your spacers?
June (at the same time): Your kidneys?
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Robyn is packing for Clear Creek. She is testing her water bottle.

Robyn: You know the papers we have in there? What if the water bottle makes humiliation? (ha ha...condensation.)
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Daisy wanted more of a side dish we call Orange Dream.

Daisy: Since I only had one, when we get home, can I have another helpful?
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We were looking at the seasons.

Pearl: Here's Summer, Fall, and Spring. And Christmas!
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Talking about ranks of royalty.

June: First King and Queen. Prince and Princess. Duke and Duchess. Priest and Priestess. Damsel...?
Ivory: Damsel and Distress.
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Talking about being modest when other people are at our house.

Daisy: Does this count as modest? My blanket on my shoulders?
June: You have to be modest without a blanket.
Robyn: Well, I have a robe.
Ivory: Everyone has to be modest without something on them!!
Daisy and Robyn: How do you do that??
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Ivory: Today was a somewhat produce-ive day.
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Robyn and I were driving by an apartment complex that had been under construction for a decade.

Robyn: Mom, do you ever think I will apart there?

Apart (v.) To live in an apartment.
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Robyn: Will Jami have a lot of contraptions when she has the baby?
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Ivory: I can't bite down very well because my two carnivore teeth hit. What are those teeth called?
Mom: Canine teeth.
Ivory: Oh, that's right. I like carnivore teeth more.
Mom: Me too.
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The kids were talking about who gets the last candy cane.

Daisy (to June): You already had a cand ycane! You can't have another or you'll be....
Pearl: Executed!
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Ivory was looking at a steep, rocky, cliff.

Ivory: I never want to climb that cliff. It looks diable.
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Tyler took the kids camping. They were waiting for water to boil for apple cider.

Ivory: Is it ready yet? Is it ready yet?
Dad: You know what I love about camping? It teaches you patience.
Ivory: Hmmm. Is it ready yet?
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June and I were making dinner. We were dipping chicken strips in oil and it was running out.

June: Matrimony the oil.
Mom: That is not the right word.
June: What does matrimony mean?
Mom: Marriage. Marriage the oil. Now, what was the word you were looking for?
June: Maximize!
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Dad: I left my phone at work.
Daisy: How did you get home??
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It was dinnertime. Ivory was trying to talk, but it was unintelligible. When she finally cleared her mouth, she said,

Ivory: I was trying to say, 'Don't talk with your mouth full.'
Dad was trying to move reports to Pearl.
Ivory: I'm not done reporting. I'm just finishing my mouth.
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Talking about Ivory's bloody noses.

Robyn: She shouldn't get it cod-swalloped. (cauterized)
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Pearl drew a mustache on her face with marker.

June: I think it's really funny that the mustache comes out of her nose.
Robyn: That's how all mustaches are. Your nose hairs get really long and make a mustache.
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Mom: How many pepperonis have you had?
Pearl: Two armfuls.
Mom: You can have three more.
Pearl: Three armfuls??
Mom: No, three pepperonis.
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Pearl: Is that Dad's bagel that is on the steve? (stove)
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Ivory: I just saw a bad word.
Mom: In the fridge?
Ivory: In the fridge.

She opens the fridge and points to the butter tub where it reads 0mg (zero milligrams). Ivory thought it meant OMG!
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That was quite a few and I didn't even catch up. But that means there will be more funny in the future for you. Hope you enjoyed the funny things I hear around my house.

TEN Commandments

Week Ten was a little disjointed and half of it has been posted already...backwards. But I want to get the rest on here. It was a very fun week since we had our family from WA visiting for most of it. That meant that we wouldn't be doing our normal weekly routine, but no one cared. We did have time for our craft on Monday. We got some scrapbooking done. However, I somehow managed to erase all the pictures I took of our finished products. One picture of Robyn was misplaced and put in a different folder and therefore became the sole survivor. Luckily, our actual productivity has been preserved in the girls' scrapbooks. But you only get one picture here.

On Tuesday, the Dargan's were around to play with us. Daisy got a belated gift, but who doesn't like gifts any day of the week.

My kids adore the big adult coloring books that are so popular right now. And colored pencils are hoarded around here.

Thanks Grandma!

We played lots of games. A favorite was Wise and Otherwise. This is possibly my favorite board game of all time. And not because I always win. (I do win often, but it is fun even when I am tanking.) I think the Dargan's enjoyed it because they got their own copy later.

Oh, there's Tim. We don't see him as often, so I was very happy he could come. (We didn't get Grandpa Dargan this time around. Boo.)

Grandma was very patient as we played with her hair and put it in pigtails. You are never too old for pigtails. Love you mom!!

Vicki came halfway through the week. It was great to have her for a few extra days before the baptism. And she brings Pip, who is loved by everyone. Really...everyone. (That last one is Miranda...not Robyn.)

Granny V got to take Daisy out for her last time of birthday shopping. They always have a good time.

Check out the new kicks.

Then it was down to business.

First Fete Day.

Then Book Group.

And of course, the one that brought them all...the baptism.

Phew...one packed week. All the Cazier's visiting, left for Idaho after the baptism, and we had one last evening with the Dargan's. So, we played some more Wise and Otherwise. I think we also did some Caveman telephone. (Hahaha.) Here is a quote from the quote book:

We were playing caveman telephone. I was laughing because the phrase 'jellyfish eating a banana' had somehow turned into a gumdrop wanting a piece of macaroni. It was Daisy's drawing that was a bit confusing.

Mom (speaking to Grandma): How did you get macaroni? Look in the drawing. It even says 'Yum...banana.'

Grandma: It does not say banana. (She looks closely.) It says 'Boo....nan.....uh.

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Oh, I lie. That game was actually played in April. But I still laugh about it all the time. Anyway, here are a few pictures of our last few moments together.

And then the Dargan's left us as well. It was mighty quiet in the house. Or as quiet as it ever gets with five children. On Sunday, our home teachers brought over a gift for Daisy. It was a candy cake. It was basically awesomeness. Daisy was so happy with it, and it replenished her treat drawer instantly. Thanks Jessica. I don't think there could be a better cake for an eight year old, and it was the perfect ending to our week.