-18

What a tease the pink morning light was this morning streaming through our bedroom windows as I made beds. I opened the curtains to let Buckwheat out and noticed the ice inside our glass doors. It was cooooold. When I took this picture, it was -18, but our neighbor's temperature readings were even colder than that, without factoring in windchill.

We're looking forward to warm summer days spent outside, making up for lost time on that slide and swing-set. When the trees are fat with green and the grass is soft and wet from sprinklers, we'll be in our swimsuits, playing in the sun. I can hardly wait!

sundog

I thought I'd seen sundogs before, but I didn't realize just what they were supposed to look like until I pulled out of our garage for church on Sunday. Mont was sick, and Mark was at work, and I had to play the piano for the last two hours of Primary. Leaving the kids with Stacey and Molly, I set out on the ice-blown roads for town. What I saw in the sky when I started to drive, made me hit the brakes almost instantly. It was insane!

This is what a sun dog is truly like, but my phone pictures are even darker than it was in person. Incredible, miraculous, divine, celestial... I can't think of profound enough adjectives to get my point across, so these pictures will just have to suffice. My first views of it were only half the whole thing.

When I pulled on to the main roads where there was enough horizontal view to see, I could see the entire full circle of the sundog. I was mesmerized.. I was lucky to make it to church because I was so distracted by this ... phenomenon.

3/52: Stacey

Meet "Grandma Stacey." This wonderful woman is Mark's mother, and sweetheart to Mont and Emmy.  Mark and I are so lucky to have our mothers; both raised us with music, culture, travel, fun, and taught us how to organize, clean, respect ourselves and others, and love the gospel. I love watching Stacey with our children. She raised 5 and has so many ways of helping children avoid trouble, I wish I had a notebook filled with her ideas. She has this way of understanding just what the child needs (mine or others), whether it's something to learn, something to distract, something to hold or someone to be silly with. It is so natural for her to recognize 'disaster' and divert it with something equally good and fun, neutralizing the child's encroaching bad mood. It's truly awe-inspiring to see her with Mont and Emmy, who love her more than candy itself. Always fun, always loving, always caring, and always Stacey. I love this Mother-in-law of mine.

Reeder's Digest | distinguished visitors

The night of the day I found the star-flake, was the night Stacey and Molly flew into town - ha! did that make sense? The kids were so excited to wake up to them the next morning. Saturday we were expecting a non-snow blizzard: strong enough winds that would kick up enough snow to make blizzard-like conditions.. sounds so fun. Mark was signed up to be the "Point Of Contact" for showing the plane off to some cheerleaders who were here from Minnesota for a Pre-Superbowl Extravaganza Party.. sounds so fun. They call these cheerleaders, "distinguished visitors" since they were setting up VIP things for them and all, but we had our own DVs to show around base! We threw as many layers on the kids as we could, hats, coats, what have you and hugged them tight as we ran ice skated from the car, through the gate, and 500+ more ft to the hangar. It was beyond freezing, and with the wind it truly hurt to breathe, if you could indeed take a breath. The kids even began to cry because it was so cold and harsh.. I couldn't help but think of pioneers and their sweet children. Ah, before I cry, I'll get back on track. We took these kids and ladies in to see Mark's plane before the cheerleaders showed up, to get our own pictures taken with it. It was great! I never thought I'd get a picture with it, and just so you know, this might be the last you'll ever see of it on this blog! I'm so proud of my Mark! He does so much for our country, and no one will ever even know about it. Shhhh.. :) so fun to be apart of something like his job, even if I'm just on the home front. I love him and am so proud to be his partner in this adventure. Mont's pretty dang proud of his dad too. He was struttin' his stuff with his [too] little jacket. Emmy... well, she's just too cute. It was so fun for Mont and Emmy to run and dance around the plane, and for Stacey to see what her son flies. Distinguished Visitors to be sure.

seein' stars

This morning it all began at three thirty in the morning; Mont yelling and crying for us, as he walks in our room. Something about a dream; blueberries, he would tell me later (thanks, Willy Wonka). This continued for every 30 minutes or so, interrupted with bathroom breaks, until 5:30 when Mont fell asleep.

At 8:00 we hear, "it's YELLOW!" as we look at each other and realize that we overslept because of the awful morning. Normally that "yellow siren" goes off right at 7:00 when the kids' good-nite-lite turns to the sun. They overslept as well.

Mark has a sim later in the afternoon, but planning goes on in the morning, from 8 - 12, for which he's late! No rush... I go out to shovel the drive while he eats breakfast with the kids watching Ichabod (and Mont has bad dreams about blueberries???). It's slick out, but I avoid slipping, as I notice a star-flake right on the freshly shoveled driveway amongst the rain-like hail that is falling.

Maybe it's a good omen.

We finally get out the door, back out of the garage, ... and the garage door won't go down. Great. Mark asks, "is the snow shovel blocking the sensor?" "No, I don't think so... maybe?" He goes and checks, nodding to himself that yes, he was right. He walks to the car...

Then he's starts to skid, and whoosh! He goes down.

So much for that good omen!

We get him to work, then go pick him up for lunch after I get ready. Where is this day going?!

When he gets in the car he tells us that "Grandma Stacey and Aunt Molly are coming tonight!"

The day starts to smile again. ... Well, let's be honest. The day started smiling when I got to get ready!

Mark leaves again to get to his sim, after which my neighbor comes over to show me her mom's meatball sauce recipe. Holy Heavens, its the best I've ever had. My house now smells utterly amazing.. makes me feel accomplished somehow. ha!

Hope everyone found their star-flakes today too.

*And read their scriptures and said their prayers. That helps a lot too. :) 

on hold

Emmy has been trying her luck at sitting at the table recently, which usually ends up with her on my lap at meal time anyway. The high-chair is losing her interest quickly, yet this table top is a little too near her chin to make anything easy. So this morning as I sit on the phone, holding, hearing my call-number climb the ladder to number one, we improvised a little and she ended up with a table top she felt was just right.

Happy Eating!

woohoo! after an hour, caller number one!

2/52: Mont

For a Christmas present, we gave this boy Fantasia (the original and 2000). The first time we watched it, he could not care less about it. But all the sudden the last week or so, it's all he asks for. He loves the "horses" which incorporates the pegasus, centaurs, the satyrs, the cherubs, and the thunder and lightening gods. I love it because there are no words, just music. It was one of the movies we were allowed to watch on a Sunday afternoon after church when my sister and I were kids. So yesterday we watched it in the quiet hours of our Sunday. Mont always has loved classical music, making up story lines as the music ebbs and flows, crescendos, growing more and more exciting, then lulls back into the pace it began. This movie for him has probably been just a manifestation of what he already visualizes as he listens to instrumental music. This kid has a thing for the classics.

Here is the boy last October at Gardner's Village in Utah. We've been able to go every year so far to see all the cute witches they have flying, crashing, and floating around the shops and storefronts. It's been a lot of fun, and this picture still has a place on my fridge (in b&w) because I cannot get enough of this sarcastic face. I think he's got a lot of fun in store for me.

*This post is part of the 52 portrait series: a portrait, once a week, every week, in 2013.*

sugared

Friday night as I carried Buckwheat out to his run, I looked around at the eerie low clouds, and the smothered yellow light of street lamps. Quietly and quickly as possible, I tiptoed back into the house and shut the door, locking it. Then repeated when the pup was satisfied with his encounter with nature's wild and needed to be warmed again by the blanket-warm indoors. Saturday morning we awoke to powdery white trees, grass, fences, and rooftops. Snow hadn't come our way, but fog? Yes.

Saturday morning, as the haze thinned, we took note of all it left in its wake: sugar. Or at least it appeared like everything had received a nice dusting of sugar. We all hopped in the car and went out for a drive to Turtle River to get a good long stare at this wintery silvery splendor.

1/52: Emmy

(Pajama Diaries)

In all her messy breakfast glory, this girl was putting a show on as usual; this time though, Mark had the camera pointed straight on her as it was New Year's morning. As we were hootin' and hollerin' and blowing paper trumpets and clackin' the noise makers, we rung in the New Year about 7 hours after midnight. But that's okay if every day is a party!

This year I will be posting a weekly portrait picture (whomever it might be of) as a part of The 52 Project.

What better way to get motivated and getting myself back into the camera-toting way of life? My camera is small enough, and for the last few months, I've been carrying only half a supply of diapers, as last November Mont was officially and completely potty trained. It only took a few days before he was wearing big boy pants to bed.. I ran a risk without a matress cover but he kept proving to be a big boy! Even still.. no accidents, but we still put a special sheet on his bed. Just in case! I'm so proud of what my two accomplished in 2012, both big and small; pretty sure it was all a big deal to me.

Here is the button I'll be adding to the side of my blog to remind myself that every week I have a portrait to upload here. Might not be all that great of one, but a portrait nevertheless. ha! Join me and see what we can all come up with. I think it will be SO FUN.

2012

There was a lot packed in to this year. I can't even count the number of plane rides, the number of hugs, and hellos or goodbyes. So much to fit into a mere 52 weeks. I get all mushy when I think of what was lost and what was found, what was given up and what was obtained; not only by myself and my family, but our country, our religion, our world, and our humanity. Lots of heartache, lots of triumphant joys. Tears and laughter filled many moments, and those moments are precious memories to me. Weddings and funerals, vacations and homecomings, packages sent and received, kitchen mishaps and athletic feats.

2013 might hold all sorts of new adventures for us. We have no idea, and that is half the fun, isn't it? As long as we have family and friends, food and comfort, we can say we have it all.

At the close of 2011, I was done with stress and ready to relax and enjoy life at a day to day pace. New Year's Resolutions were out of the question. It served me well for this year of 2012. I still had many new experiences, exercised, read books, watched lots of movies, visited many new places, and spent time with my loved ones. This year, however, I am ready to pace myself to meet some new goals. I have slacked off the exercise the last bit and have been motivated to get back into yoga. It's been a while, and it should be an exciting challenge. I want to read more. I want to sew more. I would love to be a finisher. And an organizer. Learning systems that work for my house to enable myself to be more of a teacher for our two little ones. I want to teach them all the numbers and words I can before they start school in a couple years. It's coming fast and I want to prepare them with the best head start I can, for whatever lies ahead. I would love to finally get a bicycle and take bike rides with Mark around our neighborhoods and around the woods in back with our two stinkers strapped down with their arms and voices up in the air as they hoot and holler with excitement. I would like to get out and walk more with the kids and the pup. Before it froze here, I took all three of those little ones out and Mont and Emmy practically sobbed and fought the whole time for Buckwheat's leash. It was a joy.. but if we do it more often, perhaps they'd gladly share the responsibility of my commands to don't let go! hold tight! chase him! 

This year we are going to learn more scripture stories and I am going to strengthen my own testimony. I am going to read the stories of The Friend more often to our children and explain more enthusiastically the simple truths of the gospel. The love learning. They love to play. And Mark and I want to enjoy it all with them.

Happy New Year!

a bit of magic

5 points awarded to whomever can find Buckwheat

Our house held a bit of magic this last week for our two children, but let's be honest, mostly for Mark and I. The fun that is involved in seeing these wonderful holidays through the eyes of little ones might be the best part of the season. Telling Mont and Emmy all about the birth of our Savior, and having His gift of life relate to all the gifts they give and are given, is the greatest.

Toys... are another favorite around here. Setting up late Christmas Eve, with some help from jolly ole' Saint Nick, was full of laughter for us. We were trying to build this tower over there near the bottom, and it just wasn't working for me; Mark came to my aide and showed me how to use the "door stop" pieces and even went so far as to put Santa's gift of dinosaurs all over it. Even the dragon had a nose-bleed seat way up top - those wings are good for something after all, eh, Dragon?

This lovely little, partly burnt out tree has been with us since our first Christmas together as a newly established Reeder family. We purchased it while in Del Rio, TX as Mark was suffering getting through pilot training. (fun memories!!) Sadly, this long-lasting tree didn't last long enough, as this mid-section burnt out a couple weeks ago.. and our light-gun was no where to be found. On to the fun facts: This year's Christmas loot included a tent, blocks, dinosaurs, little velvet horses, small (but big enough!) trampoline for indoor energy release through the winter months, a couple movies, clothes, a couple books, and a doll house for Emmy and a doll castle for Mont. They are sharing just dandy, making a decent sized neighborhood with its drawbridge, front door, and dungeon.. those creative little cuties.

A week ago I made a yummy sugar cookie recipe which I discovered earlier this year; but I made it with a "self-rising flour" instead of "cake flour" - no no no!!! I didn't realize why at the time, but it tasted a bit off. Come to find out, the "self-rising flour" has extra baking powder in it... which the recipe had already included. They tasted as sugary as an old pair of jeans. OH! it was embarrassing. So I took them to Cub Scouts and fed them to the wolves (literally. the Cub Scout Wolves ate them like they were the best thing ever. Only one little girl (it was pack meeting) told her mom [whom I was sitting next to], "I don't like my cookie." haha!)

But to make up for my unsuccessful cookies, I had to make something to share with a few people around base! So I made these old-fashioned, spiced oatmeal-raisin cookies. They remind me so much of Williamsburg, VA at Christmas time. (recipe below)

If you don't follow down through to the recipe, but made it this far, I hope you had the merriest of all Christmases. Heartache was prevalent throughout this special month with everything that has happened, in states abroad there was horrific tragedy, and family losing a dearly beloved grandmother. Yet in the midst of all the darkness...  joy. There were bits of Christmas magic sprinkled throughout the month, even has trying as it was. I pray that everyone found that bit of magic I'm talking about.

Merry Christmas!

Spiced Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

- 1 c butter, softened
- 1 c packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 c white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 t vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 c all-purpose flour
- 1 t baking soda
- 1 t ground cinnamon
- 1/2 t ground cloves
- 1/2 t salt
- 3 c rolled oats
- 1 c raisins

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350º
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Stir in the oats and raisins. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. (I cover sheets with aluminum foil - don't grease that either).

2. Bake 10 - 12 minutes until light and golden on bottom. Do not over bake. Let them cool for 2 minutes before removing from cookie sheets to cool completely. Store in something airtight if they last longer than 20 minutes before being gobbled up.

merry and bright

We had lots of pictures taken as a family this month, yet none made it into card form! So from our family to yours, we hope you had a wonderfully happy and very merry Christmas! 

Little America, SLC

with Santa in Tacoma, WA

LeMay Car Museum in Tacoma, WA

Zoo Lights in Tacoma

With Grandma Cokes and Grandpa Tiger - these kids still talk about "the spiders... ah!" 

Merry Christmas to all!

home sweet home

Mont and Emmy caught on camera on 26 November, 

the day my fuji camera returned home, 

as good as new.

can't get enough

Finally, I just backed up all the pictures I've accumulated over the last couple years on my computer to an external hard drive (2 actually), and now that there is room enough for more pictures, I've uploaded the pictures from our time away this summer. This is the very last picture I took of the kids while we were visiting my parents in the Pacific Northwest. They seem to love it as much as I do. Mont's here just hugging the cool rocks on the beach and I think Emmy is just throwing her arms up in the air in celebration. The picture before this was very similar.

We just can't get enough. It helped that the weather allowed us to go outside at any moment during any day while we visited for two weeks. It was a wonderful stay full of ice cream, skipping rocks (or sinking rocks), eating delicious food, airplanes, wrestling, stickers, museums, fun toys, and family. These kids lived this summer in all the sense(s) that childhood has to offer.

christmas cookies | white chocolate + dried cranberries

This morning after trimming our tree, the kids helped me make Christmas Cookies. They watched and begged for cookie dough while I mixed ingredients and said, "just a moment, please!" over and over again. Two years ago while we were in Alaska still, the young women thought they were being stealthy ding-dong-ditchers and left some delectable cookies on our stoop. I never got that mysterious recipe (no one knew where those particular cookies came from), but I've never forgotten how delicious they were. This year, thanks to the famous pinning website, I discovered a recipe that was oh-so-similar. I gave it a shot, altering just a couple things. The review I give this recipe is 5 out of 5 stars, and Mont, Mister Picky Pants, even ate them with the craisins. I couldn't believe how many he wanted, I was so pleased.

Word of advice: double it if you intend to share! These cookies I made in the pictures are very small; about an inch and a half in diameter. Bite size! Only made about 3 1/2 dozen of these small cookies.

Here is the recipe for all my sweet Instagramers who requested it. And for my own future reference: 

3/4 c salted butter, softened

3/4 c light brown sugar

1/4 c granulated sugar

1 extra large egg

2 t vanilla extract

2 c all-purpose flour

2 t cornstarch

1 t baking soda

1/2 t salt

3/4 c white chocolate chips

1/2 c dried cranberries (craisins)

•line an ungreased cookie sheet(s) with aluminum foil, set aside. 

•with a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars together on medium speed until fluffy and light in color. Mix in egg and vanilla. Scrape down the sides when needed. Then on a lower speed, mix in the flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt. Stir in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries. 

•preheat oven to 350ºF. Drop balls of dough onto cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until barely golden brown around the bottom edges. Remove and let cool on the cookie sheet, then transfer to cooling rack. 

•wait until cookie sheets are cool before dropping the new cookie dough balls onto them, or drop them right before you're ready to put them in the oven. 

I don't often stray from my favorite cookies, but these are a home run, slam-dunk sort of cookie. My neighbor texted me twice saying she loved them, and Mont kept asking for more throughout the day - both are evidence enough for me to say these are a new favorite in this house! Now if only Mark were home to taste them too. I'm sure they won't last until Sunday. Oh well, guess I'll have to make more. 

A note about the plate in the pictures: 

This plate carried the very first batch of cookies I ever received from a neighbor, welcoming us to Frazier Street in Del Rio, TX. Her Grandmother used to paint plates, and this was one she never painted, but rather used to set her brushes on. To this day there are still smudges of old and forgotten colors, and I hope never to part with it. For me it signifies good values, kind women, sweet treats, and warm kitchens. It has been woven into my memories of military life, both stormy and sweet. Happy baking everyone, I dare you to make a neighbor smile with these sugary delights.

lets do one more

Take one: 

"Oh gosh. That can't go on Facebook! Cut it out! Who wants a chocolate kiss? 

First let's take a picture."

Take two: 

"Tha'll do pigs. Tha'll do." (I didn't really say that, but I bet my dad is smiling)

Today was one of those rare days I think to take a picture with the kids, so between Mont requesting to watch Monsters or eat candy, I seized my opportunity. 

Mom, the first pic is especially for you. Sorry.. :)

haste

                

A couple days after Emmy was born, I was feeling anxious about everything about to happen; the move, selling the house, moving a second time, etc, so I began to paint. What began was the turquoise sky and green grass, calming and relaxing. Today during the midday wind storm, Emmy napped and I brought down my brushes, filled a jar with water, sat down and took some deep breaths. Though this time I didn't continue with the same calm sky, I painted a feisty little honey bee. 

Both times however, this painting served as a relaxant for my nerves. Both times, the wet paint served me well. Today I let the bee do the hastening, while I curled up with my babies after nap time and just soaked them in with all the hugs and kisses they could handle. That's been happening a lot the last few days, and I throw a party over just about everything, just to rain even more Xs and Os all over my little two honey bees. 

eucalyptus sprig + peach

Just realized I never posted this on my blog. This is a painting I did in June for the Reeder Reunion. 

It was an 11 x 14 inch acrylic on canvas; bid on and won by Jacqueline Reeder who promises to "take care of it and look at it everyday." That made me smile!

Update** While cleaning out my emails while watching the news on this election night, I found what Mark had sent out to the Reeders. That made me smile too.. so for remembrance's sake:

Hello Reeders,

I just wanted to send out a picture of the painting that Jayci did.  I don't remember the exact dimensions but I do think it is a little wider than an 8x10.  Jayci won't talk about her talent much but I personally think that this is one of the finest paintings that she has done. Perfect for a kitchen and a little reminder of Peach Days and those Reeder Peach Queens (Marlene Monica and Bridget)!  I can just see them on those Peach Day floats now.  Elbow elbow wrist wrist wipe a tear kiss kiss Reeder girls!  We are sorry that we can't be there with you all.  I think we really are going to miss out on a good time, especially if you can get Mindy, Jennifer and Shelly to sing another rendition of the 1988 Reeder reunion favorite "I'm a little bit..little bit...little bit sad...little bit little bit little bit glad!"  If not, maybe some "Country Roads, take me home"?  Uncle Chris's homemade root beer out of a milk can is always a favorite of mine.  I am also sorry that I won't be there to crinkle my raffle tickets and again sweep all of the prizes like 1996.  Do you remember that?  I do.  Most of all, I will miss Uncle Dennis like I know you will too.  I love you Reeders.

Mark Reeder 

college football

Mark's Uncle Mike and Aunt Debi came to visit us! Well, okay, they came for the football. But it was fun having them over for dinner Friday night and then seeing them at the football game the next day. It was Emmy and Mont's first sports game ever, I believe and they both enjoyed it. We sat with the T-Birds in the visitors section and were so close to the cheerleaders that Emmy picked up a few new moves. SUU was up until the fourth quarter when UND scored two touchdowns for the win, 33/29. It was exciting! And really loud. The indoor stadium felt cozy and warm but really upped the volume with blazing music, announcers, and cheer squads. Crazy fun! Next time we go we'll probably be wearing green though... Unless its a game against SUU of course.

soundly sleeping

Thought I should give up an update on how this sweet boy is sleeping at night.... 

and sweet he has become when he gets all his sleep at night! 

We finally set up the good•nite nightlight on Sunday and since then, he's really done even better. He still cries for us a bit when we walk out of his room, but now that Mark is involved in the entire process, Mont doesn't mess around too much like he tried with me. Dads are good for that, aren't they? Good reinforcements. The video/audio monitor was doing good enough, helping me, but to help Mont, that night light really has done the trick. The last two nights he hasn't even made a sound through the night. Not one sound from bedtime until about 6:00. The night light turns into a sun at 6:20, so he will wait until it's bright yellow when he comes and tells us what happened and he leads us back in to show us. It has been miraculous. This morning he woke up at 5:45 and brought me in a diaper to change him. We're working on that whole process too.. So many fun things to work on. ha ha

I've even gotten a cold, the night of the trunk or treat, but with two good nights of sleep in a row, I'm feeling much better than I normally do 2 days into it. Yesterday, even with the cold, I woke up at 6:15 with so much energy, I cleaned out all our bathrooms and organized like crazy, did laundry, changed sheets, etc.. sleep does so much good for all of us, I'm amazed at the difference already!

(other sleep posts here and here)