tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63047057076198440712011-12-22T07:46:58.483-05:00Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473130592899950403noreply@blogger.comBlogger811100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-48508883527556018652011-12-22T07:46:00.001-05:002011-12-22T07:46:58.493-05:00

We hope you all have a wonderful, blessed Christmas!

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-22616934578615959442011-12-06T17:32:00.001-05:002011-12-06T17:32:52.093-05:00

visit here for a chance to win a cool camera! http://www.lovefromtheoven.com/2011/12/06/12-days-of-holiday-baking-day-6-chocolate-chip-cookies-from-way-to-bake-by-cooking-light/ Plus the blog is awesome!

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-55914960188061531072011-10-23T19:52:00.001-04:002011-10-23T19:52:27.659-04:00

We've had some sickness in our house this week and unfortunately I think the dryer is now under the weather too. You can tell by the photo that the dryer apparently threw up. I feel so bad for it. I hope it gets better soon.

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-53265645303922328662011-10-03T21:08:00.001-04:002011-10-03T21:08:11.013-04:00

Henry actually turned three last Thursday, but we went out of town that night and didn't return till the following night.  Then we had General Conference all weekend.  So his party was tonight for Family Home Evening.  I wanted to try another Frozen Butter Cream Transfer, and since I have vowed "no more fondant cakes until I can get rid of this stupid tile countertop", this frosting-only

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-49759470389816391132011-10-02T15:47:00.000-04:002011-10-02T15:48:51.010-04:00

Sad, sad news around the Finlayson homestead. A couple of weeks ago, I walked out to the pasture to feed the chickens some leftover pancakes from breakfast.  I thought it was unusual that they weren't greeting me at the pasture gate as they normally do.  I went to open the gate when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw movement.  Not chicken movement, mind you.  Large animals movement.

Julienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-13907662109404454802011-09-14T14:54:00.000-04:002011-09-14T14:54:18.524-04:00

I guess since our summer was not a "real" summer (meaning, we had very little down time) I don't really feel like I got a break.  So after only one month of this school year, I'm ready for summer!!!!  Scary.  Not that I don't love homeschooling; it's just that I'm kind worn out already.  We did add some tennis and swimming and that is taking up 2 hours every day, Monday through Thursday.  But I'm

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-26140476517704351422011-08-27T11:30:00.004-04:002011-09-01T11:37:07.553-04:00

Usually, moms who have their kids in public school are saying at the end of summer, "I can't wait for school to start!"  Moms who homeschool might say, "I'm not ready for school to start yet!"  But this year, I can honestly say I AM SO HAPPY THAT SCHOOL HAS STARTED!!! We've had such a busy, crazy summer it has really thrown me for a loop.  We've really not had much time to enjoy the summer at a

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-16356240200961831752011-08-15T22:37:00.003-04:002011-09-01T11:38:03.879-04:00

Thomas turned 11 on Saturday, but with family out of town, we decided to wait until tonight to celebrate.  He asked for this Reese's Cup Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake and I was happy to oblige.  The recipe will be up in a couple of weeks on my recipe blog, Mormon Mavens. The finished cake....that frosting is SUBLIME!!! Oooohhhhh....pretty candles..... How to Train Your

Julienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-33814165444658661032011-08-03T19:36:00.001-04:002011-08-23T21:35:53.891-04:00

Gotta put a quick plug in for the recipe blog I started with a bunch of great ladies.  It's called Mormon Mavens in the Kitchen.  We just started a couple of weeks ago, but we are starting to build up a nice collection of recipes.  Go check it out.  Parts of the blog are still under construction, so pardon our dust!

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-77147180008262751152011-08-03T19:11:00.002-04:002011-08-23T21:36:18.542-04:00

Beautiful, beautiful Aspen Grove!  Here are some pics from our latest adventures. At the campfire show.....score on the free BYU basketball and football! Aspen Follies....Finlaysons in our bright green family reunion shirts. Aspen Follies....Lots of families competing. Aspen Follies.....Melanie in action. Aspen Follies....Danny, Jake, and Emma poking up through the

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-35686273009923882822011-08-02T13:52:00.000-04:002011-08-02T16:35:18.293-04:00

Austin got to do the high ropes course today for the first time. He did really well. He climbed up a hanging log that had footholds in it. Then he climbed from that point up a rock wall. The next part was a ropes course of high wires he had to walk....tree to tree, switching your caribeeners (sp?) at each tree. After that he repelled down.

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-5845363724149612572011-07-31T20:22:00.001-04:002011-07-31T20:22:33.222-04:00

Hanging out with Henry at an outdoor water fountain during church. This boy walks up and tells me he's seen weeds as big as the rock I'm sitting on. Says his cousin can probably lift me (I like this kid). Then says, "you wanna be friends?". He then spends several minutes telling me about his family. Tells me he's gotta go sit with his family and, turning to leave, says, "I have a trick for

Julienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-74458585021943827022011-07-30T11:03:00.001-04:002011-07-30T11:03:56.847-04:00

Thinking of changing the blog name to Fashion Forward Finlaysons. Yeah. That works.

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-89954189913359691672011-07-27T13:21:00.003-04:002011-07-27T16:22:46.168-04:00

They've been having a fun time with their camera.  My favorite part is when Emma says, "Have fun dyin!"  You can't hear them very well at times (my kids are horrible mumblers).  But it has its funny moments.  I'll spare you the sequel, which is longer and not as funny as the first.  I guess that's true of most sequels, though.

Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473130592899950403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-57314611250374632502011-07-26T21:54:00.000-04:002011-07-26T21:54:50.334-04:00

Fourth of July weekend.....just messing around at the beach. Henry Emma Nana, Emma, Rick, Thomas....in the annual July 4th parade at The Point. And Kika joined the parade this year. We went to Atlanta for Rick's nephew's wedding.  It was a super quick trip.  No time to visit any family and friends there :(.  But it was fun to be with family.  And the reception was fun and beautiful.  

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-36210027258761024042011-07-26T21:06:00.002-04:002011-07-26T22:59:03.892-04:00

The annual LDSEHE Homeschool Conference rolled around in May.  I have a couple of pics of the Neptune statue on the boardwalk at Virginia Beach.  The hotel was just past the end of the boardwalk. Logan and Amy Me, Logan and Amy Me, Jennie, Amy, Logan, and Miranda Rick and I celebrated our 20th Anniversary this year.  Can't believe it's been that long!  We went on a nice, relaxing trip

Julienoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-76577049627942599932011-07-26T20:40:00.001-04:002011-07-26T21:36:57.949-04:00

Thomas won the Pinewood Derby in our pack this year.  He got to go to the regionals.  He got Second Place in his group.  He got a cool trophy but I don't have a pic of it. More cake.  Audrey and I made this one together for a Young Women activity at church.  I had been wanting to try hydrangeas and I am in love with this frosting flower! Another cake.....inspired by the cake above, I made a

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-82675419692649592342011-07-26T20:24:00.001-04:002011-07-26T21:24:15.682-04:00

I guess starting a new recipe blog has inspired me to get caught up on our family blog.  Designing that blog was fun, so I thought I'd try my hand at it with the family blog to breathe some new life into it.  I kind of like this blog-designing thing!  Anyway, off to catch up. Audrey turned 15 in January.  For those of you doing the math, yes my days as a mom of a non-dating child are numbered.  

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-68458551869561392842011-03-30T11:23:00.002-04:002011-03-30T21:06:16.736-04:00

Okay.....starting off with just some random, fun pics and progressing on to other things.  Ready?  Here we go. Just cute, people.  I mean, come on. I don't know what it is with all my kids and "shirt-wigs".  But it's dang cute. Here's Rick opening his very cool shirt from Think Geek.  Get it?  If you know Rick, you know he loves bacon.  So this is a bacon shirt where bacon is spelled out with

Julienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-45461295051633503232011-03-28T19:25:00.000-04:002011-03-28T19:25:03.756-04:00

Yes.  Yes I stink at blogging now.  But I will try to redeem myself a titch by updating a few things here.....a photo update of last September and October. Henry's 2nd birthday was fun.  We got him a mini trampoline to burn off his endless energy!!!  Here's his cake.  I wanted to try a new technique....Frozen Butter Cream Transfer (FBCT).  Learned a lot, and would like to try it again....with

Julienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-57812939199011697882011-01-14T09:48:00.000-05:002011-01-14T09:48:25.450-05:00

....she posts.  Sorry.  Life has been a little bit of a whirlwind to say the least.  I have been prodded to get something up, so here it is. Rick is still without a "real" job, but since the holidays are over companies are back into the swing of things and we are getting a few calls.  He is currently interviewing with a company in Seattle.  Still preliminary interviews, so no news yet.  A few

Julienoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-67589338125912166602010-09-10T15:40:00.000-04:002010-09-10T15:40:12.501-04:00

Yeah, so I haven't blogged in a awhile.  What's your point?  Okay, sorry.  I feel bad...really I do.  But I've been so overcome with homeschool prep and job (-less) worries that I honestly forgot I even had one.  So, time to catch up. Here's a little rundown on the last little while.  And for those who have seen these pics on facebook, I beg your pardon. Thomas' 10th Birthday:  he requested a

Julienoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-10859194331380345092010-08-04T20:58:00.001-04:002010-08-04T20:58:44.028-04:00

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-4979817150452783032010-08-04T20:57:00.002-04:002010-08-04T20:59:34.409-04:00

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-68317258888307568032010-08-04T20:34:00.000-04:002010-08-04T20:34:45.168-04:00

Yes, I know it's been 2 months since I've posted anything.  We are out of our usual routine.  With Rick home all the time, everyday feels like Saturday.  Still no job.  It's been 5 months since he lost his job and we're still looking.  Lots and lots of applications....no job.  But we're trying to be patient, "trying" being the operative word.  I can't even count the number of applications he's

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-62201594618057484132010-06-05T13:49:00.000-04:002010-06-05T13:49:57.498-04:00

I just noticed that the last garden entry is pretty old and pretty empty.  We've been harvesting chives, rosemary, and lettuce so far.  There are some green grape and cherry tomatoes growing.  But no major harvesting yet.  Here are some pics from today. Nasturtiums.                                     These will be in our salad tomorrow night for dinner!Pineapple sage:  I think I'll try this in

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-13053641874564458752010-05-26T08:35:00.000-04:002010-05-26T08:35:04.641-04:00

I am at SVU right now in Buena Vista, Virginia, with Audrey for an LDS homeschool conference.  I will be teaching a class on Friday called "Poetry in Motion".  It's about doing fun poetry projects in your homeschool.  I just thought I'd post the 3 videos I'm using near the end of my presentation, and also pictures of the scrollbox/diorama/peepshow box that Thomas made for me to show in class.

Julienoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-84713033277339839912010-05-03T15:03:00.005-04:002010-05-03T15:40:27.751-04:00

These garden pics are a little old but here they are.The garden boxes, emptyFilled with dirt, and some plantsOkay, not a garden pic, but this kid is just too cuteOnionsI love this little statueLettuce seedlingsSunflower seedlingsSugar Snap Pea seedlingsTeenage chicks waiting to join the grown up chickens in the pastureI just love my Lady Banks Rose vines...and my Virginia Creeper (it's the

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-65372225917010797392010-05-03T14:36:00.005-04:002010-05-03T15:02:58.656-04:00

Here are some photos from Easter Saturday (we like to have the Easter Bunny come on Saturday instead of Sunday).Austin holds up his Easter swim trunksThe Easter Bunny brought Henry some Henry-sized bananas!Thomas puts together his trainHunting for eggs in the backyardSmashing confetti-filled eggs on headsHenry got more than his fair shareDad's not immune!Henry models his Easter swim ensemble

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-81275277604877385262010-04-21T18:57:00.006-04:002010-04-25T09:37:43.499-04:00

I have been trying to get these photos on here for, literally, about a week. Blogger does not like me lately. I really should be finishing up my Sunday School lesson, but I've got to get this post off my "to do" list. So here you go:For one of my co-op days in the month of March, I focused on the Titanic. As the families showed up, they were given "luggage" as they waited on the front porch

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-35494989023925350312010-04-21T18:47:00.002-04:002010-04-21T18:55:56.108-04:00

Yeah, sorry about that. Things have been a little, well, weird lately. On the day I last posted, Rick was laid off from his job of 17 years. That came as a bit of a shock. Not only that, but the severance package they offered was pretty ridiculous.Since that time we've been focusing our efforts on more positive ventures, like our garden. We've gone back to trying Square Foot Gardening

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-33947829989401114372010-02-25T16:04:00.005-05:002010-02-25T16:55:45.523-05:00

Here's the cake I made for our Cub Scout Pack's Blue and Gold Banquet. The theme is a celebration of 100 years of Boy Scouting in the USA. So I hid 22 "100's" all over the cake. I won't bore you with pics of all 22, but here are some pics of the cake.It's chocolate and yellow cake with chocolate chip cookie dough filling, buttercream frosting and fondant.

Julienoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-71628087544894219932010-02-18T08:48:00.002-05:002010-02-18T09:03:40.039-05:00

This year's science study is in chemistry. Part of a recent chapter discussed crystals, so I found an easy and quick-result crystal experiment/activity to do. Here's the very easy recipe:Crystal Flower Garden1/2 c. water (warm or cold, see explanation below)4 Tbsp. liquid bluing4 Tbsp. salt4 tsp. ammoniaQ-tipsnatural or oil-based clayclear, small, shallow dishfood coloringA day in advance take

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-21790227147165193752010-02-18T08:22:00.004-05:002010-02-18T08:48:25.500-05:00

I have wanted for several years to make fortune cookies for Valentine's Day, but never got around to it. Actually, I wanted to try making a giant fortune cookie for Rick, but considering how tedious it is just to make regular sized ones, I don't think that dream will ever come true. The recipe itself is not hard, it's the technique that is tricky. I made a triple batch of batter to allow for

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-13866457060987019572010-02-18T08:13:00.006-05:002010-02-18T08:22:18.412-05:00

We've gotten two snow "storms" this winter, and that's unusual for us. The pattern is one good snow every 2-3 years. A good snow for us is 4 or 5 inches and we've gotten that in both storms. This first storm was icy snow, but this last one was nice and powdery.Below: Rick and the kids build a giant snowman while Audrey, Henry and I stay inside and keep warm!Below: Thomas coming back from

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-52754391865101144282010-02-13T11:03:00.005-05:002010-02-13T11:09:17.163-05:00

Rick, my dad, and my brothers-in-law Mike and Tony all went to the Liberty Bowl the 1st weekend in January this year. It was in Memphis, Tennessee.Below: The famous Rendezvous restaurant.....only a few purple shirts in a sea of red (Arkansas Razorbacks fans).Below: At the game.....it was a WEE bit cold.They had a great time, even though ECU lost in overtime.

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-33692495881459083212010-02-13T10:28:00.006-05:002010-02-13T11:03:04.458-05:00

Christmas seemed to come and go so fast this time. Here are some photos from our Christmas celebrations.Below: Cousins at Papa and Nana's house.Below: We got a Clearplay for Christmas!!Below: Is this kid cute or what?Below: Henry got a car for Christmas....he's checking it out.Below: I got the kids boxes of sugared cereal as kind of a gag gift, but they loved it. (We don't buy these

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-52433925854883703692010-02-13T09:46:00.004-05:002010-02-13T10:26:40.153-05:00

In November, we took a trip out to California over the holiday. Here are some pictures of our short exploration of Yosemite.This picture looks totally fake. Looks like I photoshopped the kids in, but I promise it's real, and we really were there.Here we are FINALLY to our hiking destination. I think this hike was described as "easy" and "short"......yeah, right. We were dying! Let's blame it

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-487476915176895622010-02-13T09:14:00.009-05:002010-02-13T09:43:16.660-05:00

Okay, so it's been three months since I've blogged anything, but who's counting? Things have piled up in blogland so here's an attempt at catching up some. Theme: cakes and such.Below: Audrey made a cake for a baby shower and got paid for it. Mom helped a little, but here's the final product.Below: Austin chose an unconventional birthday cake for his 11th birthday.....a GIANT Kris Kringle.

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-34633640214662266902009-11-12T15:43:00.000-05:002009-11-12T15:44:26.463-05:00

Okay, this is just hilarious.

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-70729973272502456502009-11-12T15:38:00.003-05:002009-11-12T15:43:16.939-05:00

At a recent ward conference, a member of the Stake Presidency mentioned in his talk this cartoon from my youth. I loved this cartoon as a kid. I got scared out of my wits when I saw the wolf from it in my room one night. No, seriously. It. was. there.Anyway, here it is....enjoy!

Julienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-48603747254639541082009-11-12T15:17:00.008-05:002009-11-14T09:12:38.890-05:00

After sifting through all our costume boxes we finally found enough stuff to make costumes and not have to spend a penny. Anything we didn't have, we made quickly. Austin, Thomas, and Emma chose to be Revolutionary War period characters. Audrey wanted to be a "50's person". She was going for the sock hop look, with the oversized white dress shirt, the rolled up jeans, and the scarf ponytail.

Julienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-34510570997222589592009-11-12T15:09:00.006-05:002009-11-12T15:49:19.507-05:00

Okay, another cake post. I made this cake for my nephew Spenser's 8th birthday. This was my first time doing a "vertical" cake. I was pretty nervous about it being secure and about it actually being recognizable. I found a photo of a wonderful R2D2 cake online, and tried my best to copy it. It's not nearly as nice as the original, but it turned out pretty good.The main body of R2 is cake,

Julienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-84638378483731219922009-11-12T14:49:00.005-05:002009-11-12T15:52:14.019-05:00

My friend asked me to make her sister's baby shower cake. Since the mama-to-be is a University of Florida fan, it had to have an alligator on it. And it had to have the baby's name on it (Lincoln). Gannon and Maghen (my friend and her sister) both were able to give me some direction in what was wanted, but there was quite a bit of decision-making left to me. That was a bit of a challenge, but

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-12371454713483712482009-11-12T14:39:00.007-05:002009-11-12T15:55:04.647-05:00

I love American history, especially the Revolutionary War period. I love the Founding Fathers. So I was thrilled to get to this time period in our history studies. Each of the moms in our co-op specialized in a certain category, and presented each week for four weeks. I had battles/action, my sister Amy had biographies, and our friend Jennie had government. Things are always so busy, I

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-61066323839934335302009-11-12T14:30:00.007-05:002009-11-12T15:56:31.305-05:00

Well, it's been quite a while since I've been able to blog anything. Life has been crazy busy, and I'm been trying my darnedest to stay with our routine and be as productive as possible. I guess that meant that blogging took a back seat. But it's a rainy, blustery day today (as the remnants of this hurricane blow through....that kept me up half the night last night with howling winds) so I

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-64684205329036567242009-09-30T21:11:00.006-04:002009-09-30T21:25:46.210-04:00

Henry turned one yesterday, but we had his party today. I can't believe how quickly this birthday has come. He's getting so big....he's not my wittle baby anymore. Getting nice and messy Cake in both hands....a man after my own heart Opening some gifts And playing with some new toys Henry is all about pushing buttons, so I'm hoping that these new toys will keep him busy and AWAY FROM OUR PRINTER!

Julienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-13542558095713281502009-09-30T20:50:00.005-04:002009-09-30T21:06:36.009-04:00

Here's an upclose and personal view of Henry's first birthday cake. I based it on some of his bibs that I love. Each panel of the cake, and also the "super star" on top, are copied from his bibs. It turned out different than I planned but better than I thought it would. It's a 2 layer yellow and chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream and covered in homemade fondant. Later GatorTough

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-20635986420285148822009-09-28T11:57:00.007-04:002009-09-28T12:28:23.756-04:00

...you watch this awesome, hilarious video!!Last Friday, our ward had a lip sync night and it was so much fun. Our family, my sister's family, and my parents all did a skit (which I will post as soon as Rick gets it going for me). My very favorite skit of the whole night was from a couple who did a lip sync based on the youtube video below. It. is. so. funny. They were awesome. I have been

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-61834113476194191702009-09-19T12:28:00.004-04:002009-09-19T12:37:30.269-04:00

On Thursday, 17 September, I had the privilege of witnessing the birth of my neice, Reilly Morgan, a beautiful little girl weighing in at 6 lbs. 5 oz., 19" long. She was born at 3:48 p.m. Baby and mommy (my sister, Amy) are doing well.Here I am with Reilly about an hour after she was born. Reilly, 1 day oldThis was infinitely more fun than last Thursday's visit to the hospital, when I went to the

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-16793987066213412362009-08-25T09:59:00.003-04:002009-08-25T11:12:47.589-04:00

I put it off as long as I could, but the other day, I finally gave Henry a haircut. Well, part of a haircut. As much of a haircut as his majesty would let me give him. So here he is in his throne, eating marshmallows (a Finlayson family tradition for first haircuts) while I attempt to cut his hair.The finished product....although it's not really finished. As has been his way from the very

Julienoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-24636222498519729582009-08-19T08:49:00.008-04:002009-08-19T09:15:22.688-04:00

After much discussion and brainstorming, Thomas decided that he wanted a Lord of the Rings theme for his 9th birthday cake. So the wheels started turning. LOTR should be easy. Three stinkin' long movies should provide plenty of cake inspiration right? My brain just kept going to things that were impossible to duplicate in cake. Well, impossible for me.For example (yes this is really a cake

Julienoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-74464910800325579632009-08-07T16:30:00.003-04:002009-08-07T16:40:31.796-04:00

My sister picked a cute, beach-themed cake for her baby shower from one of my favorite cake sites, Cake Central, and I did my best to copy it. I did make a few minor design changes but it is essentially the same. It took a lot of time this week, but it was all worth it in the end. She really loved it and I am happy with the results. It's definitely the hardest and most labor intensive cake I

Julienoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-25514985950606843402009-08-07T16:17:00.005-04:002009-08-07T16:29:53.633-04:00

Just a few random pictures to share since it's been a while since I've posted any.A recent rainstorm...it's hard to really get the full effect from the picture, but it was really pouring...notice the waterfall from the roof.Henry's new favorite pastime is climbing stairs. Big brother Austin follows behind to make sure he makes it to the top unscathed. More bath photos. This kid LOVES the water.

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-84020578757804000872009-08-07T15:06:00.003-04:002009-08-07T16:17:06.399-04:00

I was bound and determined not to let the summer go by this year without at least buying, if not picking, blueberries from the local blueberry farm. I went twice and froze about a dozen quart bags of berries. Turns out, Henry likes berries just like the rest of us! Mmmmmmmmmmmm.....

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-46687034573588077412009-08-06T08:01:00.003-04:002009-08-06T08:16:00.751-04:00

Life is crazy this week. Last week I spent a lot of time getting ready for starting school this week. Then Rick offered to take over all my responsibilities over the weekend so I could relax at the beach before this week hit (that was SO awesome, btw). Rick left Sunday afternoon for a Baltimore business trip and just got back last night, which made the first half of this week extra crazy. I

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-28210889839442848782009-07-09T11:09:00.008-04:002009-07-09T11:59:56.181-04:00

The Promised Land pageant experience was phenomenal. I was a little hesitant as the time drew closer, especially the week before when I was tired from working on so many pageant costumes for our family and trying to get everything planned out and ready for the upcoming rehearsal week. And when I thought about having to take care of Henry (9 months old), I really just didn't want to do it

Julienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-2915265462752273782009-07-09T09:26:00.005-04:002009-07-09T09:36:48.119-04:00

Okay, well technically he's been at the beach before, but this is his first official "get wet and sandy" trip. Boy, does this kid love the water.I love the look on his face here. Leave a comment and tell me what you think he was thinking in this photo! Ladies and gentlemen, the end result. A happy, tired baby with wrinkly feet.

Julienoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-65515461625543091502009-06-30T19:51:00.002-04:002009-06-30T19:56:35.430-04:00

Well, we survived a week of pageant rehearsals and two performances, all in mostly sweltering heat and without shade for much of the day. We are still resting and recovering from such a demanding (but extremely rewarding) schedule. The pageant proved to be a great success, and was a wonderful experience for our family. We met so many new people, strengthened existing friendships, and made lots

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-32684119187063787872009-06-20T14:36:00.004-04:002009-06-20T14:58:58.853-04:00

I've been sewing like a mad woman lately in preparation for The Promised Land pageant next weekend. We have rehearsals all next week and I've been frantically getting our costumes together over the past few days. Finally, we almost have everything (minus a few things that have to be bought today while we run errands). I dont' have pictures of anyone but Emma right now, but I'll post more after

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-48988749879884315262009-06-06T15:52:00.001-04:002009-06-06T15:52:30.678-04:00

One of Audrey’s Young Women leaders at church is moving away, so Audrey volunteered to make a surprise cake for her.  She picked the colors, and the design.  I would have liked to have her decorate the whole thing by herself, but we were a little pressed for time.  So I frosted and smoothed the cake layers and did a little bit of the decorating.  But she mostly did the whole thing herself. 

Julienoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-19396283064587255882009-06-06T14:02:00.003-04:002009-06-06T14:37:24.833-04:00

Over the last few years, jam season has gotten away from me. Sickness, trips, school. Whatever. This year I was determined to get some serious jam done. Our first trip to the strawberry fields yielded TONS of berries. Perfectly ripe. And it only took a few minutes to get 3 full flats. We ate those berries, knowing that we didn't have time to make jam then but that we would return with a couple of

Julienoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-43048072511739089202009-06-06T13:46:00.005-04:002009-06-06T13:58:53.906-04:00

On a recent trip to visit family, we made a side trek to the Asheboro Zoo. It wasn't a horribly hot day, but with all the walking we had to do it was hot enough. Note to self: never visit the zoo in summer. I think our next visit will be in late fall. There were lots of school groups there, but luckily we were able to steer clear of them for most of the day. So here is a collection of photos from

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-8011668703639506612009-06-03T14:37:00.002-04:002009-06-03T14:38:26.747-04:00

Audrey: Emma you did NOT put your zone paper away! (it's a chore list)Emma: Audrey, stop judging me!!!!

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-65880327893524073392009-06-02T16:06:00.005-04:002009-06-02T16:20:17.355-04:00

We haven't been posting for a bit because we've just been so busy, plus I'm not quite sure how to upload photos to this new computer yet. Since my last post:we all got colds, with me getting the very worst of it and Rick in at a close 2nd.we went to Mocksville and the NC zoo.Audrey and I went to the LDSEHE homeschool conference at SVU.at the SVU conference Audrey performed in the talent show (

Julienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-21462584307958651712009-05-11T14:09:00.005-04:002009-05-11T15:07:27.835-04:00

I was in charge of co-op for the seniors this week and one of the chapters in our history reading had to do with Emporer Chi'en-lung of China and the Forbidden City. I found a really cool print-and-make palace from the Forbidden City, from a great Canon website. Not knowing what to do with it once it was put together, we brainstormed about how to use it for co-op. A game, of course! I love

Julienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-73813975991080235032009-05-11T13:58:00.002-04:002009-05-11T14:07:47.100-04:00

Aaaahhh. Mother's Day. I can always count on a nice breakfast in bed. Scrambled eggs, bacon, strawberry muffins, and juice. Yum.And of course, wonderful homemade cards from the kids (these are from Emma and Thomas)I also got a nice gift. A new computer! Would love to say that I'm blogging on it right now, but we can't get the internet hooked up right on that one, so I'm on the old computer.

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-32356002190229801042009-05-11T13:35:00.008-04:002009-05-11T15:09:10.234-04:00

I went a whole week without posting! What's up with that? Well, here are some photos from this past week to catch you up with what's been going on here in Finlayson Country.This morning Austin was holding Henry, and Henry fell asleep while they were just sitting there. That 'ardly ever 'appens!That rose at the corner of the porch....It's some kind of climbing miniature rose but I cannot figure

Julienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-50532333435567666242009-05-03T18:49:00.009-04:002009-05-11T14:09:11.605-04:00

Our stake center is too small to accommodate the congregation on stake conference Sunday, so we have it in New Bern at the convention center. It's a longer drive, but only by a bit. Besides, the convention center is on the waterfront in New Bern and it's so pretty there on the water. There's a small park and we almost always bring a picnic lunch to have afterward. Today the weather was so fine,

Julienoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-1862146459599621442009-05-02T08:57:00.004-04:002009-05-02T09:20:26.959-04:00

There's nothing more evocative of country living than a rooster. Audrey bought ours from a homeschool band friend for a whopping $3 and he was a teenager when we brought him home. In fact, he looked liked a skinny hen....not a rooster. But in the couple of months since we've had him, we've seen him grow into the stately farm fowl he was born to be.It took some of us a while to get used to the

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-10347699849041254332009-05-02T08:25:00.007-04:002009-05-02T08:44:49.760-04:00

I guess I'm just a really bad judge of size and volume, but does this look like 20 tons of topsoil to you? I was expecting a pile twice this size. So you can imagine my disappointment when the 2 ton pile of granite screening was dumped next to this pile of topsoil. I'm sure I'll have to order more. Oh well. (Notice the usual Austin antics as he pretends he is falling off the pile. Also,

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-28048335646038274642009-04-27T12:36:00.007-04:002009-04-27T13:01:28.848-04:00

Audrey baking for the ward service project bake sale at the Music Academy.Cupcakes for the bake sale (they all had music notes and symbols).Close-up of a couple of the cupcakes.Sunday morning Lucky and I sat quietly, watching the sun come up. He looked so serene and noble I thought I'd take his picture.Apparently he was not in favor of this.This morning before the boys and I worked outside I

Julienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-84704406693453594902009-04-27T12:07:00.004-04:002009-04-27T12:35:09.915-04:00

Since our family is preparing to take part in the outdoor drama "Promised Land" this summer, I thought I'd better work with Henry on his acting skills....namely his facial expressions. For starters, I thought we'd just work on a nice friendly face.More friendliness. And apparently some asymmetrical lip poses.Show me.....SURPRISE!!!I think he was posing for his 8 x 10 glossies, for future talent

Julienoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-59340936305868402082009-04-19T16:28:00.005-04:002009-04-27T08:13:23.127-04:00

Well, our baby girl turned seven years old yesterday. Hard to believe she's that old. She looks so much older than seven in this picture, to me.Here she is with her lovely assistant, Thomas, showcasing one of her gifts: the Playmobil airplane, complete with lavatory with a see-through door. (Apparently the Playmobil figures don't have privacy issues.) She also received the matching airport,

Julienoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-42948841060474016312009-04-18T09:22:00.005-04:002009-04-18T10:24:19.278-04:00

What talented kids we have! Not only does Audrey play the piano and the flute, she is also a well-known nose-recorder sensation! But seriously, here is a short video of Audrey performing this past week with her tiny Music Academy homeschool band at a local nursing home. The video is a little shaky; Austin was cameraman for a bit while I was tending to Henry. They performed more songs than

Julienoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-81799912494697807792009-04-14T10:19:00.014-04:002009-04-14T11:14:58.785-04:00

For several years I have wanted to put in a potager, a French kitchen garden, and fill it with herbs, flowers, and vegetables. I've also always wanted a cutting garden for flowers. I decided to combine the two and place them off the back porch.A week or so ago, we finally started work on it. Austin and I tried to remove the sod (mostly weeds) with shovels but besides being back-breaking work,

Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473130592899950403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-37996312553441637662009-04-13T16:16:00.018-04:002009-04-13T19:41:29.674-04:00

I still have fond memories of browsing through my mother's Wilton cake magazines as a child. I've always loved cake. Looking at cake. Making cake. Decorating cake. Watching people on TV decorate cake. Eating cake. Enjoying each mouth-watering bite and allowing the flavor to transport me to another.....ahem.....sorry. Anyway, my back burner dream (as in, the dream I've had sitting on the back

Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473130592899950403noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-59704197174542932332009-04-13T10:46:00.004-04:002009-04-13T11:25:58.880-04:00

We went to the NC Aquarium last week with the SHCOOP (science and history co-op) group since science was on "oceans" that week. This video is NOT from that trip but from April of last year. The aquarium has a lovely nature trail. Lovely, that is, until you get to the bridge of death. I post it to show the reason why I will NEVER cross that bridge when I come to it....not again. I used

Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473130592899950403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-5547584743172164962009-04-13T08:20:00.010-04:002009-04-13T10:18:34.696-04:00

Recently, all the LDS homeschool moms in our ward and in a close by branch met together one night to discuss homeschooling and to help a few moms who were just making the leap into homeschooling. There were 9 of us! I couldn't believe it when I was sitting there listening to all their stories. I remember being the one and only LDS homeschooler in the area. And now we basically have our own little

Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473130592899950403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-72468570830957339512009-04-13T00:07:00.000-04:002009-04-13T00:14:45.465-04:00

At a recent LDS homeschool Family Home Evening, I took this picture of Henry. I promise, I did NOT put his hat like that!

Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473130592899950403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6304705707619844071.post-20042215005349113352009-04-12T23:23:00.001-04:002009-04-12T23:25:18.742-04:00

Okay, so I've finally given up on building and maintaining a family website from scratch. Well, for now anyway. I surrender to the blogging world and embrace the ease and speed of blogging so that friends and family can actually see what we're up to.

Rickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01473130592899950403noreply@blogger.com1