If you have 21 minutes...

Check this out. This is an interview of an LDS student attending Harvard. She's well-spoken, well-researched and dang it if she isn't just a big ball of cute.

Day of Faith: Personal Quests for a Purpose - 3. Rachel Esplin from Harvard Hillel on Vimeo.

Got more questions? Go here.

In need of a good ab workout?

    

And a special one for all my UMC lovelies...

Insert title here...

Not feeling creative today. But feeling the need to update.

Behold...

I felt creative(ish) in June. Refinished the boys' bookshelf, which was a lovely light oak veneer - you know, one of those classy Target numbers from our college days. I think it's cuter in Guacamole with some fun paper mod podged in. And by george it was time for Sophie to have a tutu. I need to fill it out more, though.

Ramen noodles on hot summer nights. I'd rather have the stove on for 5 minutes, than 20. And yes, I know. I'm, like, the world's most amazing mom. You don't have to tell me. Oh, and we call those "Kung Fu Panda noodles" at my house and my kids like to eat them with Tofu. Thank you, Disney.

Hot summer nights means Miles likes to doff his clothes in favor of wearing just a Darth Vadar mask. May the force be with you.

Sophie doing her post-nap/sunscreen hair Nick Nolte impression. Dead ringer if you ask me.

Fourth of July we hit IHOP for the traditional Rawl-family breakfast. Afterward we went to Kevin and Susan's to party like it's 1999. The kids swam like fishies. Miles was maxin' and relaxin'. And I made these patriotic pies. I used the crust recipe found below and this pie recipe. Mmmmm..... And don't laugh at my crust. It tastes good even if looks crazy.

Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup lard (I use margarine, butter or shortening)

6 tablespoons cold water

 

Cut together first 3 ingredients, then slowly add water. Divide dough in half, roll into two balls, cover in saran wrap and chill for at least 4 hours. Makes two 9-inch crusts.

***This is my chicken pot pie crust recipe. To use for sweet pie, add 2 T. sugar to dough and then do an egg wash over dough and sprinkle on sugar before baking.

If you like the BBC (*cough* BETTER) version of Pride and Prejudice...

Please tell me you've seen North and South.

No, not THAT North and South.

THIS North and South.

Just trust me on this one. Trust. Me. The last scene makes all 212 minutes worth it.

p.s. I swear it has nothing to do with my super secret crush on Richard Armitage. I SWEAR.

Up the Ante

So to celebrate the last 30 days of our weight loss challenge and to kick it into high gear we've made a decision: No ice cream and no eating out (Chase gets exceptions for work lunches that he can't get out of - he's still new, you know) for the month of July. Well, for the first 30 days of July. We'll be traveling July 31 on our way to our kick-a vacation and will thus be eating out.

We figure this will help us save some money as well, since I tend to cook less (and eat out more) during the summer. And ice cream...well, duh. We get thank you cards from Ben and Jerry on a regular basis. They're kids are going to enjoy college because of us.

So, go to your local restaurant and enjoy some ice cream for me this month.

Extra, Extra! Read all about it!

Yesterday Chase started a new job with this company. Grant Thornton audits this company and he's been the Senior on the audit the last two years. They had a position open up and called Chase out of the blue to ask to meet with them. It took several weeks to get everything lined up, but he started his new job yesterday. For those who know, or are concerned about any SOX issues, it's a private company (for now) so there was no cooling-off period necessary.

He has an official title - Cost Manager. And an office with four walls and a door (no windows, no nameplate...but it beats hotelling!). The company is growing and I'm not entirely sure what I'm at liberty to say. But the idea is that his position is going to grow and evolve over the next few years as the company makes some major changes.

Anyway, there you have it. A new job, a new salary, new benefits, new office. Chase parted with GT on really good terms - his mentors and partners are all happy for him and made multiple offers of, "Let us know if we can ever do anything to help you!" That was my biggest fear - that this would create a rift between us and the company that has been very, VERY good to us. So we feel really good about the way it has all gone down. GT was a superb training ground for Chase and allowed him to develop and impressive skill set. We'll miss the end-of-audit parties and Christmas parties with all our friends there. But we're confident that this is the right road for us.

Question:

Do you think if they did a geographical survey they would find that there is a strong correlation between proximity to Dairy Queen and enlarged waistlines?

Because if I lived even one mile closer I'm pretty sure my arteries would explode.

Me+PBC blizzard 4EVR.

I am Mother.

Around Mother's Day I thought about doing a series of posts focusing on the role of mothers in today's world. I thought of posting all of the reasons I chose to be a mother even when the outside world looked tempting, promising. I imagine I intended to write some sort of treatise, expostulating and waxing poetic.

But then, I just got too busy...you know, being a mom!

So rather than use my own language, I'll just borrow that of Elder Neal A. Maxwell. It's superb and reminds me of just what I'm doing every day.

"When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses? When the surf of the centuries has made the great pyramids so much sand, the everlasting family will still be standing, because it is a celestial institution, formed outside telestial time. The women of God know this."

and (my personal favorite line)

"You rock a sobbing child without wondering if today’s world is passing you by, because you know you hold tomorrow tightly in your arms."

(taken from "The Women of God." Ensign, May 1978)

I very strongly believe there is great power in motherhood. There will be time, when my children are gone and creating their own homes and lives, that I will be "free" to sleep in, travel, work more, etc. I know I will never, ever look back on these years - sleep deprived and chaotic as they may be - and say, "I wish I would have spent less time with those darn kids!" I know the years during which I am the WORLD to them are short and yet so very vital. And no matter what else I do to help shape the world THIS is my real chance! These little creatures that Chase and I are co-creating with God - just imagine their potential! The things we talk about as we snuggle in bed; conversations had during long trips; values shared and taught through every day living; examples set and followed. All of these will shape and form my children. And when they are ready to be out in the world what will they share with their friends? Whose life will they change for the better? Sure, they could be President or discover the cure for cancer. And the world would laud them and mark them a success. But my goal? My real goal is to produce children who quietly befriend the shy, awkward kid and help him know he is a Child of God, beloved of the Father; a kid who walks around confident that mom and dad love him; a child who looks for the best in others; someone who is a great teacher, while still being teachable. The possibilities are absolutely endless.

This is what drives me. This is why I am Mother.

And we're off!

SO the reunion is about 7 weeks away and Chase and I have decided to have a little healthy competition. We're going to see who can lose the most percentage of weight (Biggest Loser Style). I'm totally going to win because I'm ahead of the game with the working out. Chase is - overall - a better eater than me, though. I blame it on Kilgore genes which have, for 26 years, allowed me to eat anything I wanted while not really having too many consequences. I just never noticed the asterisk on the Kilgore Gene Contract which mentioned that my metabolism will go to pot upon having either a.) my second child, b.) my 26th birthday, or c.) all of the above. It's been an uphill battle since those events.

Anywho, we haven't decided what the winner will receive but I guess I should start thinking about what I want since I will TOTALLY be the winner. Eat that, Chase! Seriously, eat it. I'm going to WIN!!!

p.s. NO, there will be no before pictures or stats. I have standards. Plus there are probably sensitive viewers who read this blog. No need to scar the innocent.

Also too...

A couple weeks ago I decided to make Rice Krispy treats using brown crisp rice. Um, you should also too. Holy cow! SO GOOD! I'm not sure exactly how great a benefit you're getting by using brown crisp rice over regular krispies, but I know they taste good. And the ones I use (Barbara's) are organic, so hey, there's a plus. Additionally, I add 1/4 C. milled flax seed to the marshmallows and stir it in right before adding the crisp rice. I think it gives it a nice nutty taste and really does add nutrition!

Chrysta, you were asking about homemade granola cereal that's healthy also too. Maybe take a look at this recipe (there are tons of recipes on that site. I'm a SLAVE to that site.)? I'm not an expert on health. Maybe Kelly (health guru extraordinaire and good friend) will chime in.

The lazy days of summer are here!

The boys' self portraits. Love the details, Cam. (and just fyi, that backwards letter "P" located directly on his crotch is to signify that he is wearing pants. And you know, I appreciate that. Miles appears in his usual ensemble.)

Shari, check out those wings! I got this pink Radio Flyer MoPed-style trike at Walmart after Christmas for $15!!! I was going to hold onto it until her birthday in December but after Miles pushed her off HIS bike for the 80 millionth time I decided that the girl needs her own whip. So Chase put this together for her and she spent about 5 minutes posing on it before hopping off to let the boys have a turn. Later I noticed her sitting happily on Miles' trike while he and Cameron fought over Pinkie. Problem solved.

The Trio of Spideys...

In other news, with the end of school/beginning of summer I will find myself with a wonderful addition to the family. Every Monday and Friday Chase's cousins, Brandon and Danielle (ages 11 and 9), will spend the day with me as my mother's helpers. I am beyond excited! They are so great with my kids and I know we're going to have a great time together. I'm already dreaming up all the things they can help me with and all the stuff they can do with the kids. I may even just plan on taking a NAP on Monday and Friday afternoons. What would that be like?! Oh, joyous day.

Also too, it bears mentioning that the Kilgore Fizz-amily Reunion is less than 2 months away. Good golly miss molly I'm looking forward to this. We're going to be taking up residence in this fly lodge. I. Can't. Wait. So fun. L to the O-V-E my fam.

Because sometimes it totally pays to blogstalk...

Step 1: Go to the bathroom.

Step 2: Watch video.

Step 3: Get off the floor.

Step 4: Send video to everyone you've ever known.

Yummy goodness

About a month ago I decided I was going to make more of my kids snacks. I was spending a bundle on granola bars every week. I insisted that they had to eat a healthy kind since they devour so many, so that meant a lot of money shoveled into the hands of granola bar makers that could, instead, be residing in my wallet.

SO, the search began. I found a recipe easily but it took a few tries to get it just right. But today's batch was divine. So I thought the only fair thing was to share the love.

Behold, the Granola Bar.

• 3 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup crisp brown rice (can use regular rice krispies)
• 1/3 cup milled flax seed
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
• 2/3 cup chopped dates
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease one 9x13 inch pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients as they appear. Mix the dry ingredients quickly before starting to add wet.
3. Firmly press mixture into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. After removing from oven use a spatula or other firm object to press bars into pan again. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing cutting and serving.

And, if you needed proof of just how delicious these bars are, check out the happy customers...

  

Oh, and I also found this little gem of a recipe. It's originally found on the back of the Hodgson Mills milled flax seed box.

treats for the tootsies

Bought some shoesies over the weekend. As I approached the cash register I had this conversation with myself:

Question: Anna, do you really think it's wise to buy two pair of shoes?

Answer: Um....probably not.

Sub Answer: I don't care.

No worries. I got 'em at Ross! Forty bucks = two pair of cute shoes! Woot!

I was obviously feelin' the wedge platform shoe...

And, for your viewing pleasure, the children.

Brian graduated from UNT on Sat and it was raining cats and dogs. Miles got to the car afterward and decided he was too wet to wear clothes on the way back to Bri and Jen's. So there you have it. Naked Miles (well, not ALL THE WAY naked...). And that's Cam's new "photo face." You'll be seeing more of it in the future, I'm sure. I'm cool with it. He's rad.

Bino's at the grad. Fan-freakin-tastic.

Cindy Loo Who post-nap.

The boys are massively into forts these days. Because I have four older brothers I remember the allure of forts and I usually let them make them as big as they want and I'll keep them up for awhile. I was exceptionally happy to see them make one in their room this time! They had a blast sleeping in it. Five journals I keep. One for each of the kids**, one spiritual journal and one regular journal. Journal writing, me love you long time.

The kids hard at work rolling out their own pizzas. I still can't decide if this was a good idea or a bad idea...Notice Sophie's one spark-a-ly shoe. Is she her mother's daughter or what?

Truth in advertising.

Home: It's where you hang your hat. Or your crime-fighting gear. Whatev.

So bohemian.

I convinced the boys this is how Wolverine eats his fruit, too. They bought it.

 

**The idea of writing journals for each of my kids can be attributed to my MIL, Tori. She kept one for each of her boys. Upon marrying Chase I got to read his and it was just about the best present I could have gotten. Fave entry: "Chase, we love you, but we wish you would JUST STOP BITING!"

Tunes...

I've been addicted to a couple really great musicians lately. You have to check them out.

Mates of State. Love them. They're usually my fave to workout to because they're poppy and upbeat. But "Nature and the Wreck" is their best song, by far. Youtube it.

AND, if their music didn't make them awesome enough go watch this video. They're a mommy and a daddy, too!

Bon Iver. This guy is heartbreakingly rad.

Breathe Owl Breathe. They remind me of my first two years of college at this liberal arts school that was full of patchouli-wearing hippies. Which, of course, is why they are awesome. Listen to "Drop and Roll" and change your life. And did I mention there's a cello. Oh, the cello.

Other good stuff I've been jamming to:

Get Up Kids, New Buffalo, Pinback, The Decemberists, Sunny Day Sets Fire (which I originally thought was a joke/spoof of two great bands Sunny Day Real Estate and Boy Sets Fire - They might be...I haven't uncovered the story of their inception. I only know they're cool.)

As with all music you have the watch the lyrics - I usually do a check of lyrics before I download something. I'm terrible about not realizing what songs are about until they're already emblazoned on my brain and I'm singing them to the kids in the van. So now I have to do the precursory search. I would recommend you do so as well...

WALK FOR BRIDGER!

If you're reading this and you're in the Dallas area LISTEN UP!

The Walk for Bridger sign-up has plenty of spots open! I know you've been meaning to sign up, right? Right. So mosey on over to

www.mysignup.com/walkforbridger and get your name on that list!

If you want a race t-shirt you have to sign up TODAY!

So what are you waiting for!?!?!?! Support Bridger and his family! Show 'em some love! And if you don't know the Gustafsons, come anyway!

Hope to see EVERYONE there!

WOOT WOOT!!!

Dear Diary...

Dear Diary,

Last night my Cutie-McShmooper hubbers and I celebrated the big 7! Seven dreamy, magical years together. What a wonderful day!

We started out the day with the spouse rubbing my back as I gripped my head in agony, then shuffled to the kitchen to take at least 5 different pills in hopes that one or two might actually clear up my congestion. And, wouldn't you know, it worked! Great day already!

Then it was off to work for Chasey-poosey. I stayed home to mind the offspring, per the usual.

7:30 rolled around and it was date time! And you know an anniversary date is a special kind of date. Because no one (and by no one, I think you know to whom I'm referring, Diary) mentions the word, "budget." Yay! But as we all know there's a mighty recession across the land and it is prudent to take it easy on the 'ole wallet. So we head to Uncle Julio's with plans to hit Mr. Sushi afterward (couldn't decide between the two so we decided to do BOTH!). Uncle Julio's was fab. Guadalajara Plate, Mexican Butter, warm tortillas, Roasted Veggie tamales, chips and salsa. Mmmmmmm... Delicioso (see, I even understand Spanish better now)!

We eat while discussing plans for the future and reminding the other how loved they are.

Afterwards, heading to the car in the moonlight, we decide we're far too stuffed to hit Mr. Sushi tonight. And why not string this out a little, right? Mr. Sushi gets re-scheduled for Friday night! Wahoo!

So we go where every anniversary-night-dater goes. Target! I mean, hey if it's good enough for our wedding night, well by golly it's good enough for the Spectacular Seven Night! We cruise the aisle utterly unfettered, pick up some candy and hit the check-out line.

And what was for the finale, Dearest Darlingest Diary? Why, a trip to the cinema to engross ourselves in a lovely little film about a well-muscled mutant with a bit of an anger management issue. Fantastique!

To the Divine Miss M.

No, not Bette Midler. This is someone younger than her. And prettier. And fantastic-er. And she lives in my ward.

Anywhozey, short of dedicating a song to her on the Delilah show I feel the need to give a big cyber-shout out to my divine friend for her much-needed services today.

So while you watch this video just know that as I grip the left side of my head in agony tonight I'll be thinking lovely, lovely thoughts of you. Who knows, maybe I'll name a kid after you one day? (though, I still have yet to follow through the with promise I gave the epidural guy - Paul - five and a half years ago, so maybe not?)

And don't think I don't know your birthday is coming up, Miss M.

Only one more day until the 7-year anniversary of our Opposite Marriage!

Woot, woot!

Truth, Truth, Lie...

Okay, fine. Here's the explanation.

It occurred to me one day as I was insta-chatting with someone that I was using an obscene amount of computerese. I must have typed "LOL" after every third sentence IN ADDITION to using it as a response to the other chatters chatter. Later in the day I was thinking about the comp-versation (computer conversation - that's totally a word. Well, it is now, anyway.) and had a flashback that I can only attribute to something like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - I was that disturbed. Does everyone remember when email, instant messaging, and later texting, first came about? You all used capital letters at the beginning of sentences, right? Complete sentence structure, perhaps? Actual words, maybe? Well, I did. I swore up and down I was only going to use real, Merriam-Webster approved words in my e-communications with people. As a student of communications, I reasoned, I should never, ever allow myself to degrade the already-messy English language.

But I did. Just like sin, it creeps in here a little and there a little. And it all started with the ever popular, "LOL." Laugh. Out. Loud. But am I actually laughing out loud? Really? Have I EVER laughed out loud? You know, I probably have. And in those instances I probably had the wherewithal to type out a nicely-worded sentence about the chatters' witty witticism. KWIM?

So, that's all. In the effort to promulgate truth and honesty the world over, I've decided to use the phrase "LOL" just a tad more judiciously.

In addition, I am removing the following phrases from my e-vernacular entirely.

LMBO - Laughing my butt off. At no time has my bottom come unglued from the rest of my body during a compversation. If it had I promise you that compversation would never have ended because my personal efforts to remove said bottom have been, well, fruitless.

ROFL - Rolling on the floor laughing. How on earth could I be typing AND rolling on the floor laughing? It seems senseless to begin with.

So there you have it. One more glimpse inside the neurotic mind of Anna.

p.s. If you've ever been the recipient of one of my ill-advised "LOLs" don't be offended. While I probably wasn't Laughing Out Loud I was more than likely Giggling Inward. So maybe I'll just use "GI" from now on in place of "LOL". What's the likelihood that will catch on?