Collard Greens, Grits and a Side of Russian Dressing

I finished "The Widow of the South" last night. It was with a huge air of relief too. I started reading this book, intrigued by Carrie McGavock and her deep connection with the 1,500 men buried in her backyard. Based on true events, the McGavock's plantation home is turned into a makeshift hospital during one of the last and bloodiest battles of the Civil War in Franklin, Tennessee. Carrie tends to the wounded and dying soldiers, connecting with the loss of life. Upon hearing that the graves of close to 1,500 soldiers are to be disturbed so the field they inhabit can be tilled and planted, Carrie takes it upon herself to make sure the men buried in the mass graves are dug up, identified in a journal she carried with her the rest of her life and reburied on her property just yards from her back door. The idea of this woman fascinated me and I wanted to get the author's prospective as to why she may have done this.

The book goes way wrong for me in one regard and in the end ruined it for me. I have never been a fan of the Russian realist/modernist style of writing. The main characters are focused on with their individual stories told in chapters dedicated to them, while other chapters focusing on other characters and places are intermixed within the main story. For me as the reader it's like a juggling act and I simply can't keep all the balls in the air. I don't know what this says about my intelligence...(a subject to be explored at a later date in time). Had I read the author's notes before I delved into this novel I may have put the book aside, but I was invested and pressed on. Another heavy theme in Russian literature is love affairs gone wrong or never realized...Robert Hicks does not stray from this theme either. I just wasn't in the mood. Like everything else in my life currently, I'll blame my dislike on a pregnancy fog. My blah eeks into every part of my life, including my love of reading and (for shame!) the taste of my favorite Diet Cherry Coke elixir. I don't think I'll start another book until February. I would hate to miss out on loving a book because my brain couldn't wrap itself around the artistic concepts of the author. The next book on my docket is "Inkheart" and I want to love it because my niece Isa loves it. Onward I go-

P.S. I still enjoyed my share of sugar cookies over the holidays. I had to choke them down, I promise.

I Fell In Love with a Pretty Ballerina

Impeach the Room Mother

I got a call today, not yesterday or Tuesday or Monday or a week ago, but today from Olivia's room mother asking me, "Would you please bring those cookies to the school by 10:30 for the class party?" In my head I was screaming, "What cookies?" I then proceeded in my nicest, most ladylike voice to give an affirmative answer. What I really wanted to do was ask this lady when the voting for Room Mother took place and did she win by a majority? Surely one who takes on the office of Commander in Chief of Elementary School Mothers would be much more organized than an offhand, vague call the day before the Christmas gala was to take place. As I representative of the State of Sellick I call for impeachment proceedings to take place immediately. Mark's C.I.C. had the decency to call me last week, Wednesday to be exact. She only asked for 15 cupcakes and told me to keep it simple, something I need to be told I assure you. She gets my vote every time.

We made a late night stop at Smith's and purchased 30 Loft House peppermint sugar cookies.

This is a first for me.

Nothing homemade.

Nothing with fantabulous almond frosting.

Nada.

I will sleep just fine tonight thank you very much.

New Favorite

This song is from Faith Hill's new Christmas album and caught my heart from the moment I heard it. I wish the video went with the song better, alas it does not and you are therefor encouraged to close your eyes and put your imagination into action. Enjoy.

Beginnings, Endings and Letting Go

Ah--So many things beginning and ending at this time of year. I always feel this way in December. It's one of those bittersweet feelings. This emotion crept in on me the December we had Olivia. It was the end of my first pregnancy and the beginning of a whole new life as a parent and mother. I loved and cherished every minute that December and it will go down in history as my best Christmas ever.

Whitney's family is sure to have the best Christmas ever with the arrival of Shayna Layne yesterday. I'm headed to their abode as soon as I'm done typing this. I hear she's absolute perfection and can't wait to kiss her little cheeks and cuddle her in close. My sister is the type of gal who likes to get in, get the job done and get out...period. She did just that yesterday and is checking out of the hospital as soon as Hank's Christmas program is done today. Me, I like to sit for a few days and gear up for what awaits me at home. I like to sleep and sleep, only waking up to nurse my newborn every few hours. Although if I had my sisters deluxe king sized bed waiting for me I'd probably be in a hurry to get home too. I'll post pics with permission soon. It's the beginning and the end of an era for this family as well. Whitney calls Shayna her "Cherry on Top."

We too are heading into our own beginnings and endings. I tell you-December is always the key. We were pleasantly surprised to find we are expecting our own "Cherry on Top" July 26th. Of our 5 babies, this one is our first official 'surprise'. While we were planning on ONE more baby sometime next year, we weren't planning on it happening just yet. Heavenly Father always has different things in mind. You'd think we would have learned our lesson by now. Due to the complete surprise of it all we had no idea when this baby was to arrive, so yesterday we went for an ultrasound. She/He is still so tiny and undefined at 8 weeks, but that little heartbeat was just a going. My own heart skipped a beat. It's still so wonderful, awe inspiring and new even 5 times later. Another bittersweet feeling-life growing, but also the knowledge we are planning for this little Sellick to be our last. Newborns are a hard thing to give up.

And finally---letting go---Pregnancy doesn't always bring out my get up and go, cowgirl self. My pace slows waaaaay down right from the get go. No morning sickness just wicked headaches and the extreme desire to stay in bed the first 14 weeks. No can do! December doesn't allow for the growing of babies and with that comes the need to let go of half of the things on my 'To Do" list. The biggest one being my Christmas cards. I LOVE sending and receiving Christmas cards. It's one of my favorite things-so traditional-so warm. I'll use this years cards for next year and I don't know what I'll do with the 60 identical pictures I have of my kids. Wallpaper a bedroom? If you still want one (Natosha?) put in a request and I'll get it in the mail AFTER Christmas. Anyone who reads my thoughts through this blog would have received one of my Christmas wishes and you will all have to simply settle for this picture and message instead...Know we love you. Know we think about you. Know we hope you have a happy holiday season. I get to hold a newborn and grow my own at the same time. I'm pretty sure my holiday will be perfectly happy.

2 Sellick Boys + 2 Hopkins Boys= No Sleep

Do I really need to say more than the title so clearly expresses? Sleep is just not a part of the agenda for this gang of boys. It was finally quiet in the house last night at 11:00 and when 6:00 rolled around they were jumping on the beds ready to go. Might I add that the jumping bed happens to run right along the wall where I rest my own sleepy head at night? Oy! I think these boys have an internal clock they switch on whenever they are together that helps them to maximize their playing time.

Amendment

Amendment to the post below:

I just got out of the tub and Tess had about 20 ornaments off the tree, a happy face and greeted me with the words, "Pretty! Pretty!" I wonder how many times we get to have this conversation over the next 21 days.

Alive and Kicking

I'm still knee deep in sewing paraphernalia. My mom called today to 'check up' on me and see how that ulcer I'm working on is doing. To the best of my knowledge I don't really have an ulcer, but I often wonder if I'm ever working on one and just don't know it. I told her to check in with me on Monday and we'll know whether or not we need to bring in the reinforcements. Knowing they are on stand-by makes me feel safer at night. They are like the marines Jack Nicholson talks about in A Few Good Men, "...you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall." And yes, provoked in the right manner, my mom could probably throw down a wicked Jack Nicholson type character.

In the midst of it all I can say this though....

*My house is filled with Christmas cheer-
*My shopping is 90% done-
*My kids' Santa requests change on a daily basis-
*My Tess is leaving the ornaments on the tree alone-
*My month is planned and packed-
*My mouth is watering for some sugar cookies-

Let the wild rumpus start!

Shout Out to WonderWoman

Just a quick shout out to my teeny tiny sis and all of her hard work and efforts to make her home open to anyone who happens to find themselves in Twin Falls. The dynamo I am now christening WonderWomanWhitney is due to give birth in 3 weeks and move into her new home this next week. In the midst of what could only be considered mass chaos she still managed to provide a lovely Thanksgiving dinner for 16. She begins packing duties today and I'm positive she'll have her tree up in her lovely new sitting room in the blink of any eye. WWW has also offered to open the doors to her home again for Christmas Eve frivolity...and that's only 1 week after introducing the world to our very own, sure to be darling, Shayna Layne. I've offered my services over and over again and am always given a polite, "I'll keep you in mind." While she has enough on her plate for 10 normal people, WWW will manage it all with grace and patience and will walk away in her 'skinny jeans' by the 1st of the year...I'm giving good genetics, sweet disposition and yoga all of the credit. Although I think I may have seen a 'lasso of truth' and some kickin' braclets in her underwear drawer while I was snooping around on Thursday.

While You Thought I Was Sleeping

Hijinx and tomfoolery at too late of an hour to account for. You can bet your life he didn't sleep in either the next day due to these nocturnal habits . Yes, he is 3 years old.

Speaking Before I Think

My blogging has been and will certainly be lack luster over the next few weeks. I have found myself pile high in yards and yards of fabric and pants. I struck a deal with Olivia's dance instructor to turn 12 pairs of dress pants into knickers and sew 12 vests for the Nutcracker performance in a few short weeks. It's another one of those "What was I thinking?" moments. I already have my own "To Do" sewing list for Christmas and I just jumped head first into chaos...and by my own choice. I'm off to hunt down cheap, yet nice appearing fabric to line the vests. Keep me in your prayers.

Never Gets Old

I lucked upon this gem of a show yesterday for a steal of deal. My kids have now watched it 4 times in 24 hrs. and I have watched it right along with them. One is never too old to watch this flick and it never gets old either. Am I the only one who has loaded up the car full of kids, headed down the road and then gasped with the mental thought "Did I put Tess in the car?" Luckily this hasn't happened yet......

but it could.

Keep the change ya filthy animals!

Murphey's Law #1,982

If you and your beloved stay up way too late laughing yourselves silly at Arrested Development Season 1, your kids
will wake up before the rooster crows, the sun is up or any
other normal human being is functioning.

It's a good thing church is at 1:00.

And Last, But Certainly Not Least

OK-I'm sacrificing a large dose of self respect by posting these pics of James and I, but how could I not? We decided to give a shout out to "The Office" this year for Halloween. James delivered a radical version of Dwight, while I was his happy, go lucky gal pal Angela. The only things missing were a kicking Trans Am and poster sized pic of babies playing saxophones.









































I'm officially done with the Halloween posts. Just let me say that Cole and Tristan threw the best bash EVER and the kids will be talking about it in the years to come. There was delicious food, a Survivor style game for the adults, trick-or-treating, pass the gourd, movies, laughs, trickery, jokes and too much fun to account for. Cole and Tristan have officially been voted the co-chairs for the Neider Party Planning Committee.

Thanks you two!

It's a Mad, Mad World

Awhile ago Cole and Tristan tended to Ryan and Colleen's kids while they went to the temple. After R &C picked up the kids and about a minute into the drive home, Trent (my nephew) said with all sincerity:

"Mom, What kind of scientist is Cole?"
Colleen said "I don't know exactly, I think he runs tests on blood antibodies or something of the sort"
Trent then replied, "Mom, the garage door eeked open and I saw something in there; It was a table with a blanket over it and feet! Cole is working on something in there and not telling Tristan."

















Our family has laughed and laughed about this. We liked the idea of Cole working on secret things in his 'laboratory' and not telling an unsuspecting Tristan of his dark deeds. To help further the notion of having a mad scientist for an uncle, Dr. Cole treated all of the kids with a visit to his laboratory on Halloween. He explained to the kids that Pete from 'Don't Eat Pete' was actually eaten and his 'left over' body parts were sent to his lab for testing. He borrowed the pieces for the night to show off to the kids. All of the kids were shocked and somewhat disgusted with the idea...as the pictures so aptly show. Dr. Cole had the kids touch the body parts and guess which parts they were touching. A few of the adults even got in on the action. I was lucky enough to touch the heart. One word: Gross.
























These 2 brothers sat clutching each other like a pair of spider monkeys the entire time. They were determined not to have anything to do with Dr. Cole's experiments on Pete.

Bob, Bob, Bobbing

This and Cole's Mad Labratory was the kids' favorite part of the night. I don't know who had more fun, the kids trying to get at the apples or the adults watching them.

(Click on pic to view larger)

Tears in My Rootbeer

I'm trying to remain calm as I type this little blurb...my hard drive up and fried itself this last week and I am now forced to work off of my darling's laptop. I like the convenience of a laptop, but love the workspace and comfort of my computer. ALL of my work and files for Dr. T are on that beast of a machine and yes we do have an external drive to back up files, but in my la dee dahness I haven't done it for a couple of months. Why do I feel like my whole, entire life is residing in someone named Kevin's home right now? Everyone needs to go find a wishing star and make a wish that all of my stuff can be retrieved and brought safely home to me ASAP.

I have quite the shindig to report on...details and lots of pics to come. My cute brother and his even cuter wife spoiled us with a party on Friday. FUN! FUN! FUN!

I'm remaining surprisingly calm might I add (again) in the midst of missing a portion of my brain.

Charming After All

Tess was feeling especially bad about not being too congenial for pictures last night and felt she needed to redeem herself...

Tricks and Treats

Observations from a Mother

*The best time to tear the couch apart is when Mom is exercising on the elliptical.

*When the baby is sick the only person who can hold her, change her, feed her, make her smile and get up with her 50 times during the night is Mom.

*The best time to raid the cupboards is when Mom is in the shower.

*You're lucky to get at least (1) thing done on your daily "To Do List".

*Mom's agenda is never in agreement with the anklebiters.

*Freshly done, darling hair will always be tore out within the first 5 minutes when you are 19 mos. old.

*A book that has been read 10 times over the last 2 days is still fun and new the 11th time.

*You can learn all of the songs from the Disney movies and you will sing them every time they come on. Pavlov's Classic Conditioning plays a role here. Once those first few notes are heard...the words flow, just try and stop yourself.

*Hot chocolate helps wake up grumpy 6 year olds in the morning.

*The best, most comfy bed is Mom and Dad's bed.

*You can convince a 3 year old the meal they just turned up their nose at is their favorite by simply telling them it is.

*Mom will inevitably, without fail, always double schedule something every month, even as often as 1x a week.

*Mom's lap is the safest place to be.

Dangerously Bad Idea

I did something completely dangerous today...really, really dangerous...

Our ward is having a trunk-or-treat next Wednesday and each family needs to bring approximately 150 pieces of candy. I've been stashing away bags of candy here and there for the past month, relishing in the yummy look of it all. James, wanting to make sure his own needs were met, put me on the hunt for miniature boxes of Charleston Chews, of which I happened upon today. Feeling like Indiana Jones on one of his crusades I switched my money for the HUGE mix bag and with my whip in hand and my trusty Shortrounds Tess and Nate at my side, I headed home with an air of superiority. Cue Indie music...

When I got home and against my own best judgment, I gathered up the bags of candy, opened them and counted my booty to figure out if I needed to invest any more moolah in the ever suffering Mars Co. (Some of bags did not have the servings listed. What's a girl to do?)

So here I now sit with an overflowing Halloween bowl full of the best ever mix of miscellaneous treats and 5 days to go before the trunk-or-treat. Is it possible for Snickers bars and Junior Mints to actually call your name from the closet across the room? Self-control is not my middle name people...what the heck was I thinking?

Picture Me Tagged

I was tagged by a darling, wanting to get to know better Burley girl today. The assignment, regardless of whether or not you want to accept it is this:

Go to your 4th picture file, open the 4th picture and post it. You then have to tag 4 friends.






















This is my kiddos playing school bus. Wow they've grown a bunch in the last 3 years. Tess wasn't even a thought in our minds and hearts yet.

What I LOVE about this picture:
*The colors with the natural light coming through the window.
*Olivia's hair and sweet face.
*Nate's red overalls that matched his hair. Where did your red hair go Nate?
*Mark's little baby face.
*Elmo and Kit along for the ride.

Tagged
*Bridgette A.
*Andrea C.
*Angela M.
*Kirstin K.
(Remember the 'whether you choose to accept it or not part?)

On the Right Side

Grammy came to have lunch today with the kids for Grandparents day. We took a tour of Mark and Olivia's classrooms and Mom and I were dying to stick around to meet Olivia's desk mate. It kinda reminded us of the hymn "Who's On the Lord's Side?"

Ready to Answer that Call

Nate has decided he doesn't deserve the nice, warm bed just on the other side of the wall to his right. He's such a tortured individual. This is where we find him 6 out of 7 nights a week. Although this night was special because he was ready with Buddy and Huggy, his super side kicks, to answer whatever calamity came his way. Burley was safe once again.

From the Desk of Mark

Do you think he'll still feel this way when he's 30?

Chain of Command

The following conversation ensued after Nate was given what we loving refer to as a 'road whippin'. This little meeting between parent and child was invented by my father and occurs at those moments in time when children are not making good choices whilst in the car. Due to limited parental access to the children when behind the wheel the parent cannot properly discipline the naughty rebel rousers and they are therefore forced to pull over to the side of the road and dole out the proper punishment. I myself have been on the receiving end of many a road whippin'. It was usually because I was fighting with my older brother Ryan and my brain rattled father couldn't take it any longer. Ryan and I would fight about anything from the color of the sky to him putting a scab he had just picked off onto my own person. Now as a mother I understand my dad's limitations.

For those of you asking, yes we spank. While we don't do it often, some moments do call for corporal punishment. A seatbelt off on the insterstate while traveling 75 mph is just one of those moments. Never fear though dear readers, my kids all still love me (just as I still adore my father) and have all learned the hard way not to run out into the road willy nilly.

The incident in reference today occurred over the weekend and a 'road whippin' was put into action due to a sassy Nate taking his seatbelt off and refusing to put it back on. The above tangent aside, I have to appreciate Mark's understanding of the chain of command in our home. It was said with earnest sincerity.

Emily: Spank!

Nate: "I'm going to tell on you!"

Emily: "Who are you going to tell?"

Nate:.....pause....."MARK!"

Mark: "Well I can't very well whip her Nate. She would whip me back harder."

Fromage Anyone?

All's quiet here on the home front. After 2 weeks the sickness has departed our home and probably moved onto another unsuspecting family. Poor them. If the President could figure out how to unleash the bug that just left our home on the terrorists of the world, we could win hands down, no contest. The terrorists would just lay their guns down, crawl from their caves with their hands in the air and surrender with their one and only request being a week's supply of Pepto Bismol. "Bad News Bears" as an obnoxious roommate of mine from Ricks College used to say (Remind me to tell you about her sometime. Elvis singing gospel was her form of inspirational Sunday music before we left for church every Sunday. I just couldn't take it seriously. The idea of Amazing Grace and Blue Suede shoes intertwined in my mind always took over) .

Let's see, highlights, good things, noteworthy happenings...

I turned 33 yesterday. I'm sticking with my sister's philosophy whose 31st birthday is this Saturday. When asked by her young son Joseph how old she was she quickly and confidently replied "25". Yep that's me-25 forever. It seems like a good age to be, although my MIL complimented me in a nice note telling me that I just get better with age. I hope she's thinking more along the lines of wine and not cheese-

One Foot In-One Foot Out

I know I'm officially sick when the batch of cookies I have baked the previous day hold no control over me. They don't look good and they don't even smell inviting. Now that is sick I tell you.

I've been feeling quite blah for the last 3 days, thus no witty posts. Yesterday I thought I was coming back from the dead, only to find myself living on the couch again last night. It feels like I've got one foot firmly planted in the grave and another digging to get out. Olivia told me with an air of disgust, "You sure have spent a lot of time on the couch Mom." James keeps asking, "Are you....." and I keep wanting to kick his shins for not believing my resounding "No!" and for not kissing me for the last 3 days. He has been kind enough to pat me on the head though as he heads to bed every night. He's feeling pretty plucky, as Mark brought this lovely bug home last Wednesday and it has worked its way through everyone of us but him. We'll cross our fingers I'm at 100% today. So far so good.

Enter Cookie Season

I, Emily Rae Sellick, am a cookie addict. I would guess the majority of my 'love handles' are due to my love of cookies. We make tons of cookies regardless of the month or season, but once October hits cookies season begins and doesn't end until the 1st of the year. To help encourage your own love handles I will be posting the recipes of those cookies that are baked, eaten and then made again over the next few months. The 1st recipe is a new find and the one I am currently addicted too. My sister-in-law Colleen made these a couple of weekends ago and I haven't been able to get them out of my mind. They are the Neiman Marcus (?) chocolate chip cookie recipe, but they are perfect for larger chocolate chunks like M&M's. My own chocolate chip cookie recipe does best with small chocolate chunks, so I was happy to find a recipe that is denser, yet still soft and works fabulous with those larger chunks-I hereby christen this recipe

Colleen's Chocolate Chunks
















*1 stick of softened butter or margarine
*1 cup brown sugar
*3 Tbs white sugar
*1 egg
*2 tsp vanilla
*2 cps flour (almost)
*1/2 tsp baking powder
*1/2 tsp baking soda
*1/2 tsp salt
*M&M's (or other chocolate chunks and as much as you like)

Mix ingredients and roll into 1 1/2 in. balls and flatten just slightly with fingers. Bake at 375 for 7-9 min. As always, I double every recipe to share or freeze for later. The above recipe is not doubled and a medium bag of M&M's worked good for the double batch. Enjoy as I enjoy!

Buzz Word

fundamental: fun·da·men·tal adj

1.	serving as, or being an essential part of, a foundation or basis; basic; underlying: fundamental principles; the fundamental structure.

2.	of, pertaining to, or affecting the foundation or basis: a fundamental revision.

3.	being an original or primary source: a fundamental idea. Used in a sentence: The presidential candidates used the word 'fundamental' a bazillion times last night during the debates.

A Thing of Beauty

My new favorite girl is our waitress from Johnny Carino's. She was wise enough to see that my sister and I had 'Diet Cherry Coke' written all over our demeanor when we walked in for lunch last week. She kept the Coke flowing and even brought extra. Take a guess which drinks are mine...I may have to frame this and place it amongst my children's portraits.

Banned from Camp-Revised

Revisions in italics and red due to not clearly expressing myself in a proper manner and a stern scolding from an anonymous reader. I consider myself duly spanked. I hope we can become friends in the future. I'm a really nice person, I promise. I have at least 5 people who can vouch for me.

I recently heard this doozy of a statement while attending another ward's sacrament meeting. It was obviously said in innocence, but with nothing preceding the statement and nothing for a follow up explanation, it tickled my twisted funny bone:

"I will miss being in this bishopric. I will especially miss the water fights at girls camp. Maybe I will have to sneak up there next summer."

Anyone for a big, heaping help of creepy? I'm crossing my fingers the bishop (my Dad?! who also had a goodhearted chuckle) took note and gives this fine, flustered brother (flustered because the outgoing bishopric was just released and a WHOLE new bishopric was sustained and he was feeling the emotion of it and feeling a little put on the spot) a calling in the library (comedic license from blog dominator). I'm guessing later that night as he was sitting at home going over the day and his final words, it hit him and it hit him hard what he said(unless his wife beat him to the punch). Hit him hard because he probably recognized how out of place it may have sounded to those of us sitting in the congregation with no background information or knowledge of this certain brother's personality. I can just see him slapping his forehead with realization and embarrassment. I'm sure it kept him up all night wondering how many people caught what he said, talked about it and then later blogged about it...We ALL noticed buddy, every last one of us and we're still laughing at how funny it sounded from the pulpit. We know you are not a molester by any means. Heck! We don't even know you at all. What we do know is that when you are put on the spot to speak you get a little nervous and say things in a funny manner that make people who don't know you laugh at your expense and then those innocent people who are laughing get schooled about laughing at it. While I could make an edict to never laugh again at out of place, absurd statements in an attempt to never judge anyone, I would fall seriously short of any such personal goal. I will therefore continue to laugh away, possibly blog about it with way more background information than necessary and wait for the onslaught of misunderstanding...I think I see a vicious cycle on the way.

The View Down There

Joy of joys...today was our primary program and as the primary chorister I had the BEST seat in the house. I saw it all folks, every last little thing all the parents in the congregation are praying no one else saw:

*At least 3 or 4 kids of the dozens seated on the stand are picking their noses.

*One of the 3 or 4 will always let that yummy finger make it to their mouth.

*I'm happy to report that not once did I see a Sellick child, while they are prone to do it themselves, allow their finger to make the above mentioned journey. Yeah Sellick kids!

Side note: In the middle of the program I stood to lead one of the songs and was flustered, embarrassed, dismayed to find that my tights had slipped down to my knees. Dang those silky unders! Does this mean my tights were too small? I'm sure the lovely family sitting behind me enjoyed my twitches as I tried to get the tights back up into the correct place before the next song came. Maybe the priesthood authority sitting on the stand had the best seat in the house? Did I just say that?

Sounds Like- - -

Interactive blog fun for one and all! Please play along as if you were a 1st grader.

Mark's class has been reading a story about a boy named Sam. In his homework tonight he was assigned to sound out the letters in the line below using the short 'a' vowel sound. I request that you do the same:

A a S a s A s

James and I had great fun having Mark 'practice' this line repeatedly. He still hasn't figured out why we were laughing so hard and why he had to do it more than 1 time.

Voodoo Magic

Alright folks. I really didn't want to like John McCain. I dug my heels in a long time ago. I vowed to support "The Party", but I wasn't going to like it by golly! However, I think he must have a little voodoo replica of me somewhere that he is feeding chocolate to and rubbing its feet. McCain was on Good Morning America this morning and he was more natural then I have ever seen him and quite engaging. While I may not like everything he has done politically, I think I maybe able to support him. Of course I'm not solely going off of personality. He said all the right things, just as politicians are expected (required?) to do. I ask myself, "Voodoo magic?" Or maybe I've been drinking too much of that Sarah Palin kool-aid. He is on Sean Hannity today. I'll listen to see if this spell that has been cast holds true over the radio.

P.S. Sarah Palin kool-aid is very good might I add.

More Family Fun

A few select Neiders converged on Pocatello this weekend. Ever since I was a little girl one of my most favorite things to do was listen to my dad and his brothers and sisters sit around and laugh and tell stories. I was not to be disappointed this weekend. The laughter was abundant and the stories were flying. We even heard some new ones to add to that book I keep bugging my dad to write. The Tyhee Neiders have had more adventures than Indiana Jones could ever dream of having. From sleeping outside ALL summer long on their beds they had pulled outside themselves to swimming in canals with dead cows...we're lucky they have all made it this far. The best part about this bunch though goes beyond the laughter and stories. Their love and loyalty for one another is immense. There has never been anyone smarter, wiser or better than my aunts and uncles (or so my father tells me, just as his mother taught him everyday). As I listened and watched them yesterday I knew there were lessons to be learned....

My dad told this story a couple of times this weekend and it always makes me smile when I hear it:

When my Aunt Andrea got her 1st paycheck (from teaching?) she bought my dad and his brother Mike brand new sets of scriptures. They were the first set of 'quads' published, were quite expensive and she felt it was important for them to have a set. My dad still has his and produced them for Andrea this weekend. How can you not love a sister who put her brothers and the gospel first?

I wish more of the pics in the slide show had my dad in them, but as expected...he was still at church.

B O R I N G

I'm so boring right now even I can't stand myself. I have nothing witty to report or story to share. I'd tell you about the ridiculous Renaissance dress I am sewing for Olivia for Halloween, but those bored to tears tears would come rushing down your faces. Note to self: While Renaissance dresses are totally wicked looking, they are a pain to sew...24 eyelets to lace a cord through instead of a zipper? What was I thinking? Who gave her this Snow Princess idea anyway?

I might consider telling all about 'Breaking Dawn', but even I am finding it laborious to get through. Meyer's story could certainly be tied up neat and tidy in far less pages...yet I'm still reading. Too many loose ends and too many 30 somethings I know and love asking me my opinion about it. They are going to be mighty disappointed when I give it an 'Ehh', which is not to say I hate it, but is more along the lines of 'It was a'right'. There are a few ladies I know with bite marks already crayoled on their necks and lawn chairs purchased to use while they wait for tickets outside the theater for the December release of 'Twilight'. Nothing like a young adult fiction book to make you feel like a young adult again. Can you all hear 'Forever Young' playing in the soundtracks of your minds...'Let's dance in style. Let's dance for awhile. Heaven can wait we're only watching the stars.'

I'd even venture to tell you about James and his 2 stubbed toes that he got this week, but he'd be upset with me. Here's a secret: Mr. I Can Handle Anything can't handle stubbed toes or bonked heads. He likes to redecorate when such nasty owies occur, while I like to laugh like a silly school girl.

There is also the stiff head of hair Nate showed me tonight that I could tell you all about. It was a mystery. Where did his starch like 'do' come from? He was out of the tub, dressed and jammied and incredibly concerned about the condition of his hair. I asked him if he washed his hair (I'll remind you he's 3 and should not be in charge of such matters). He replied that, yes he had washed his hair. Tis a puzzlement. I finally bit the bullet and smooshed my nose in his hair to sniff out the problem. Yes he had washed his hair, but had neglected to rinse his hair. By the time we got to this point in the night I was too tired and he therefor went to bed with a head full of shampoo. I placate myself knowing it wasn't food or poo or candy. No harm. No Foul.

I guess I ramble, because my last few days have been uneventful. Except for poor Joseph Biden asking a wheelchair bound senator from Missouri to stand up, this week has been a bust. We'll try to break a few laws, bones, hearts or other such things over the next few days to have something amazing to report. Of course, if I get bored enough there is always 'Breaking Dawn' to give a full report on. Carrol did you still need to know the ending?

Hello...Hello....Hello...

I *Heart* Burley

So when James and I first came to this place we call home, I'm not a bit shy about the fact that Burley, Idaho was the last place on earth I wanted to be. I don't know why, I didn't know much about this place, I just wanted to be anywhere but here. I approached the move with a "God is guiding our family" attitude and closed my eyes and loaded into the U-haul. Now, I would give anything to stay and raise our family in this humble valley. We were certainly being guided and we have landed in what James and I loving refer to as "God's Country".

One of the parts we have enjoyed and grown to love the most is our ward. Tonight was the annual Harvest Dinner and James and I always drive away wanting to know what we need to do to stay here forever. I've never come across better, salt of the earth, hardworking people than the members of our ward and if James and I could raise our kids to be like the youth of our ward we would be golden.

My kids look forward to this dinner for one reason alone. The kids decorate vegetables from their garden to display. (Our garden happens to be the produce section at Walmart...Shhhh...) Prizes are awarded and they also love seeing what the other kids have done. Unknown to us the theme this year was the Olympics. Mark and Nate showed up with a Star Wars themed display out of a potato, green pepper and squash and Livvy had a bird family out of potatoes. I guess I need to pay better attention while the announcements are being read!

In LOVE

I'm in love with Sarah Palin. If the pollsters need to know whether or not she has energized the Republican party, all they need to do is give me a call...

Loved her delivery-
Love her kids-
Love her husband-
Love her confidence-
Love her credentials-
Love her politics-

Check out this zinger of an article by Ann Coulter.

Are You Sure We're Related?

I'm glad we only have half of these two's genetics floating around in our gene pool.
This last weekend Cody and Natosha thought it would be a 'smart' idea to toilet paper my parent's house. I don't think they took into consideration it wouldn't be my parents cleaning it up, but it would be James and I lettin' the words fly the next morning. Wait! Maybe they DID take it into consideration. Ah ha...I'm glad I'm telling this little tale.

My MIL warned them that because my parent's house was new there was nothing landscaped yet, therefore there was nothing to gently place t.p. on. They decided to persist and taking our 'don't know any better' lil' sis Rainee, wide eyed nephews Brenner and Tresden and their 30 something selves, they headed to the store where they purchased 48 rolls of cheap, hurt your unmentionables toilet paper. I can just see their pleased, Grinch like faces as they headed to their vehicle.

Trying to be discreet, the devilish group parked at the neighbors and inspected their target. They quickly learned my MIL was right----there was nothing to toilet paper. What to do? What to do? They quickly piled back into the car and headed to our unsuspecting brother Courtney's house. Here is where the tale gets not TALL, but true. In the midst of vandalizing Court's house they were surrounded by not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, but 5 police vehicles and told to, "Come out!" in a not too friendly manner. We were later told Rainee yelled to the bandits, "Run! It's the police!" I will remind you, my loyal readers, this is the daughter and sister of 2 previous peace officers. I guess she didn't learn the cops ALWAYS come out on top. After rounding the 5 fools up they were surprised to learn when they were casing the Neider's joint they had parked in front of the Chubbuck Chief of Police's home. Yep, he's my parent's neighbor. There has been a string of burglary's in the area and he and all of his officers were taking extra care to keep a watch on things. Oh the joy as I heard this story recounted! The group quickly dug their hole deep trying to explain to the cops their intentions and how yes, they did know the people living on Nathan St. and did they also know their dad Jim was a Pocatello cop for years and years and their brother James just finished up as an officer? I doubt the cops let them off for these reasons. I'm guessing they simply didn't want to write up a report about the 'cool' aunt and uncle staying up past normal human hours to string toilet paper through trees. Oh the justice of it all.

I had my own Grinchy smile the next day as I noticed a WHOLE lot of cheap toilet paper sitting snuggly in the back of their vehicle. They couldn't unload it on a single one of us...that is punishment enough don't you think?

So Long-Farewell-Auf Wiedersehen-Adieu

The Summer is officially over, so says I. As I type about this last weekend and our experiences my toes are being warmed by an oh so cozy corn bag and I am wrapped in a fleece blanket. I'm freezing my tush off! We were swimming in 80 degree weather on Saturday and drove home tonight in drizzly 50 degree weather. I even ordered hot chocolate with my breakfast this morning. Gotta love the feel of fall in the air. I'm always ready for the change of seasons Idaho has to offer. Although, if Idaho stays true to itself and continues to keep us guessing with the weather, it should be in the 80's by tomorrow. You never know what you're going to get around here in the months of September and October. Our clothes are in limbo...too early to put away summer clothes, but we need the fall and winter clothes available just in case we have days like today. Our drawers are screaming 'Uncle!' and overflowing with the need to have half of their contents packed away until the flowers start blooming again.

As stated earlier, we did go swimming this past Saturday with the Sellick Gang at Downata. Kudos to Cody and Natosha who were up from Las Vegas for getting me into a swimsuit ONE more time before the season was over. Never something I look forward to, I did put it on and was rewarded with a FABULOUS compliment from Natosha. Let's just say my 'assets' are still holding strong (as are Cody's guns). Thanks Tosh. Swimming suit aside, we did have a wonderfully fun time and with the water being super warm, my kids didn't turn blue and were able to swim to their hearts' content. This is a HUGE step forward. We usually fork out a wad of cash to swim and then hear within the first 5 minutes about how cold they are and how they are ready to head home. They even went under the water. Yeah Liv and Mark! I pretty much had Nate hanging on me like a baby monkey for hours on end until I convinced him the stairs was where all the 'cool' kids hang out. He took the bait (sucker) and I got to rest from his 2nd skin presence. I am voting the best moment of the day was watching my father-in-law shoot out of one of the water slides sideways. Holy cow! I'd pay another $30 a day to see that everyday of the week.

The other highlight of the weekend was gathering with the old gang from high school for breakfast and the showering of baby gifts. We were 2 girls short and they were missed, but we had fun picking up where we left off as teenagers. It never fails. We always get way tooooo loud, talk over each other constantly and consistently, yet still manage to understand every thing that is being said. To turn our minds back in time, one night we were being our usual silly selves at Arctic Circle and this very put out lady came over to our table and told us to, "Shut up! Some people are trying to have a nice, quiet, family dinner." We had never coupled Arctic Circle with 'nice' or 'quiet' so we were somewhat perplexed and a bit disrespectful. I'm blushing at the memory. I'm going to rewrite history and state that we apologized and made a hasty, yet ladylike retreat. Anywho-my girlie friend Heather is having a baby girl (her 1st) in December, so we got together to eat, pretend we are pros at something and spoil her with some dang cute stuff.Good weekend, good times, good food, good conversation, good laughs...
...Summer done.

Girl At Work

Just changing with the season. Don't be surprised if it changes daily...I gotta try on a few to find one that fits. BTW-I LOVE Cutest Blog on the Block.

I Found Joe Brant

Joe! I found you!

The bestest little guy was wondering where he was on this blog, so I decided I better find him. He's a good guy, our Joseph Brant. He's been talking quantum physics for 2 yrs. now, much smarter than his Auntie Em I'm afraid. When Whitney was talking to him one time about having another baby he wondered why they couldn't just have Tess. I liked this idea because one, he likes Tessie and two, he thinks babies are transferable. Another happy thing about Joe is that he skips wherever he goes. Walking just doesn't cut it. He hops, bops and skips around Target, around his house, outside, to bed, etc. I like watching his little wild haired head skipping along. It warms my heart. I always ask all of my nieces and nephews what my favorite thing about them is. They each have something special that sets them a part from the others and they always know the answer that is specifically theirs. If I ask Joe what my favorite thing about him is he will answer me, "My twinkle eyes." When he smiles his eyes twinkle with mischief and cuteness. I could gobble him up and never need another sweet again in my life.

I do have to say though, that my most favorite thing about him is his name. I just LOVE saying 'Joseph Brant'. It rolls off the tongue so well and he's connected to a couple of wonderful men through his name. Lucky is he. Here's to Joe-

Enjoyable Memory-Sweet Revenge

So I've been slightly disgruntled with my dear father-in-law Jim for a few days. I was sad to learn he had been in our lovely hometown with our sweet sister Rainee a while back and neglected to come visit the cutest grandkids in the world. I won't mention the best daughter-in-law ever though, I don't want to hurt feelings. As I was grumbling to James about this he reminded me of an enjoyable moment from The Annals of Sellick History. It made me feel a tiny bit better. Here's to you Jim!

When James and I were dating, I'm guessing possibly engaged, I was at their home having a fine visit with my beloved. We were probably making out or some other such behavior. I come to this conclusion because it was quite late at night when we emerged from the basement and came creeping up the creaky stairs. We heard a small commotion and as we rounded the corner their stood my soon-to-be-father-in-law mid-flight, in nothing but his G's, with a sandwich in his hand. Even by the light of the stove I could see him blush a million shades of red. He gave us a crooked, shy smile and scuttled off to his bedroom.

I have to interrupt the story to tell you I love that crooked, shy smile. He gets it when he feels embarrassed or has told a good joke and is hoping I find it just as funny as he does. This smile showed itself the day he was trying to compliment me on my hair and told me I looked 'fast'. After seeing my reaction he tried other such savory adjectives like 'streamlined' and 'jaunty'. He finally gave up and told me I looked nice. He was a little flustered. I'm hoping the word he was looking for was 'classy'. I also like that smile, because both of his sons have inherited it. It's pretty much a Sellick thing.

Anyway-James and I laughed and laughed thinking about this poor man and the age old choice he was faced with. It's not much different than the choice Sophie had to make. Food or dignity? Safety and concealment or satisfying a late night growling stomach? He was torn, which was shown by his stretch across the kitchen. Half of his body was recovering from his reach to get at his sandwich and the other half of his body was anxiously trying to get out of that kitchen as quick as he could. He however remained true to form, chose the sandwich and imprinted upon his son's young girlfriend the picture of him in his unawares. I think I had him all figured out in that one moment.

Now to the revenge portion of this yarn...Jim if you ever visit my neck of the woods again and fail to present yourself on my front steps I will pull from my memory every embarrassing and silly story I know about you and post them on this blog for all the world (few as they may be) to read. Trust me, there are dozens of stories...that too is pretty much a Sellick thing.

Happy Days are Here Again

You had to know I'd post pictures...









































Confession: I LOVE my kids to pieces. I personally think they are the greatest bunch produced. I'm allowed this notion as I am the one who carried them in me for a combined total of 3 years. They all have such unique personalities. They are hard not to love. That's my opinion and I'm stickin' to it.

Confession: I whistled "Happy Days are Here Again" as I drove out of the school parking lot this morning.

Confession: I headed to Walmart where I purchased two different kinds of Oreos to fill their tummies up when they get home from school. I already missed them and was feeling guilty about being so happy they were being occupied by someone other than myself. Keep in mind though, this missing and guilt thing was not enough to go pull them out of class. I don't know if I bought the cookies for the kids or for myself to help ease said guilt.

Confession: I will still be whistling "Happy Days are Here Again" when the bus promptly picks them up at 7:15 a.m. tomorrow morning.

Confession: To reiterate the point....I love my kids.

Side Note-Notice how Mark and Olivia were eagerly waiting by the van door. I think they were whistling the same tune as their mother.

No Bed!

Whose the boss?

Last Hoorah

We took the kids and our good friends the Hills to Lake Cleveland over the weekend for a last hoorah before school starts Wednesday. One of the great things about this little trip is that it only takes us 40 min. to get there, we spend about 3 hrs. playing and eating and our kids think we've handed them the world for the night. Very little effort...huge reward.