Next on Super Nanny

***Warning, this is a mother's confession***

Okay ladies, it is time to get advice from you other mommies. I will just say that my children's "lack of listening" and "crazy energy" is driving me bonkers. I keep telling myself that if I have love be the motivating factor for all my actions, then Tyler will understand why I ask him to do things or stop doing things. It doesn't seem to be working. I honestly feel like a mom you see on Super Nanny. GASP! I used to watch that show and wonder how a mom could be so lazy, loud, mean, etc. I have become my own worst nightmare! I try asking nicely, but after the seventh time of being ignored it gets old. Even Hannah has joined forces with Tyler. Time-outs mean nothing to her.

Let me give you just one scenario. Today at the grocery store Tyler wanted to climb on the cart, the part where you push. I told him that it wasn't safe and not to. I turn around to put two peaches into the bag. Next thing I know, he has pulled the cart, with Hannah buckled in it, on top of him. He is sitting there screaming, as is Hannah, with the cart crushing his legs. I pick him up, and try to calm both of my children. I am not exaggerating when I say that EVERY person in the produce department was staring at me.

Want to know the worst part? All I could think to say while I was hugging Tyler was "I told you so!" Instead I managed to say "This is why I need you to listen, so you can be safe." That is my main concern to make sure both of my kids are happy and healthy. I would like to say this is the end of the grocery shopping mess, but it wasn't. Let's just say he threw things out of the cart and smashed the bread. Deep breaths on my part!

I love my kids more than anything, which is why I want to make sure I am being the best mom I can be for them. I know I have to set the tone for them, but I can only handle so much disobedience. I've mostly done Love & Logic principles, but obviously not much success. So I would love to hear what has worked for you...otherwise you might just see me on Super Nanny.

My reasons why

There are many reasons why I love this country. I can't imagine living in a place that restricts my freedom, faith or family. It is a blessing to live here, despite what others complain about. Putting all of that aside, I love living in the United States of America because I am able to feel pride on the 4th of July (even if I do roll my eyes at a certain Neal Diamond song!) I am able to have a grand time at a too-long parade with my family, watching Tyler plug his ears at the loud fire engines. In America I can run a 5k in the streets of my hometown with my two best friends (Steve and Whitney) and walk to and from the festivities and feel safe.

I love large family dinners with the adults laughing and kids running around. I love seeing Tyler and Hannah wonder at the sights and sounds of the fireworks. I love spending the day with the people that matter most. I feel it a privilege to live in this country. I appreciate those who keep me and my family safe, and thank Heavenly Father for blessing me to live where I do.

What is summer made for?

The answer is grilling salmon and devouring fruit pizza. I got the pizza recipe from a good friend years ago and look forward to making it each summer. And while we grill salmon all year long, it just feels good to enjoy it out on the patio!

Fruit Pizza
2 packages sugar cookie dough
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips
1 c. orange marmalade
Fruit ( I used strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, raspberries, and bananas)

Frosting
1 package cream cheese
1 stick of unsalted butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 lb. powdered sugar

Slice cookie dough into 1/4 inch slices and place on a baking pan. Press together for the crust. Heat and strain marmalade. Spread zest over cookie dough, then top with the chocolate chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 14-17 minutes. Cool completely. Spread the frosting over cooled cookie, then top with fruit. Reheat the marmalade and brush or drizzle over the fruit. Refrigerate until you want to eat!

(The fruit pizza I made last night!)

Now, this salmon recipe is our favorite...EVER. I have been to a lot of restaurants and usually order the salmon. While there are some good recipes out there, I always come back to this one.

Salmon (enough marinade for a whole salmon from Costco)
2 Tbs melted butter
2 Tbs olive oil
4 tsp soy sauce
4 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbs fresh parsley
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp pepper

Mix ingredients together and pour over salmon. Make sure both sides of the fish are covered in the sauce. BBQ on medium heat for 7 minutes per side (depending on thickness of salmon). Serve with lemons.

So there you have it. Two things dear to my heart. I would say I hope you enjoy them, but I am so confident, I am going to say that I KNOW you will enjoy these when you make them!

Summer time and the living's easy

While we might complain about the hot (or in this case cool) temperatures of the season, life is usually pretty good in the summer. I enjoy the general attitude of relaxation and care-free feelings. Well, minus the stress that comes with a husband study for and taking the Bar in just over a month. And looking for a decent house to rent (which is harder than it seems). Put that aside and what do you get? A great time doing fun things with the kids.

Hannah has become quite the personal stylist. Almost every day she will try to put on her shoes, ask me to put her shoes on, or talk to me about her shoes. What can I say? She is all girl!

Tyler LOVED his first session of swim lessons. I think he was a little "enthusiastic" for his teacher! At least he passed the level.

A fantastic day at the zoo. Why was it fantastic? Well, the kids got so tired, that I am able to put them to bed a little early!

I hope each of you are enjoying your summer so far!

S.C.U.M.

What is S.C.U.M. you ask? It is the name of the coolest Dirty Dash team. What does it stand for? Someone's Coming Up Muddy. That is a pretty mild description of how we really were after the race. I had mud under every toe nail, dried into every wrinkle on my skin, and could practically taste it in my mouth. Did I have a good time you wonder? ABSOLUTELY! Who wouldn't have a good time running 3 miles while hurdling over hay bales, running tires, climbing over walls, crawling through tunnels, and wading through a pool, all in the mud while being sprayed with cold water? Good times indeed.

My friend Whit and I before the race:

Part of our team after the race. I should have gotten a picture of my skin to show how truly dirty I was. I felt like an elephant with dry, old skin!

That day created quite a few lasting memories. And I will always remember how much I loved my hot shower when I got home!