This is just a little post to let you all know that I have started a blog with (cousin) Andrea about our adventures in health, and I'll be documenting my juice fast (that I started yesterday) there. If you feel so inclined to follow. That way I can write about more interesting happenings at the Finks here.

xoxo

Gettin' the Bug

The other night our "additional RS meeting" (did you know that is what home-making/enrichment is now called?) was all about personal and family history.  It's a subject that has been beaten into me with a stick this year and I think I'm finally getting "the bug".  You know.  It's like everybody's feet drag when it comes to family history and then, suddenly, you get bit by the bug and BAM!  The job's a game!

That night I decided to participate by making a recipe in the (totally and completely awesome and priceless) cookbook that Andrea and Sharlee put together a couple of years ago.  The recipe is called "burnt sugar cake" and was Grandma Orton's recipe, though it says the recipe is Great Great Grandma Catharine Kelsey Duell's favorite.  Although had to redo the burnt sugar syrup 3(!) times (soiling 3 huge skillets in my tiny kitchen), burnt my fingertip with burnt sugar, and messed up the cute sweater I was wearing, not to mention spending way more time than I had that day doing so, I really enjoyed myself. 

I felt like I was bonding with my grandmothers.  And actually, while I was doing it, I called Grandma Harward, which I've NEVER done before (shame), so I was bonding with Grandmothers :)  The cake seemed like hard work to me and it occured to me how accustomed to effort and work those pioneer women were.  How I longed for a burnt sugar syrup bottle!

The cake had great potential but I didn't quite get it right.  Two of the oldest ladies in the ward saw the label "burnt sugar cake" and discussed how it's an old classic and Mary used to always ask for it for birthdays.  Then Mary dished some up and said, "Hmmm, it doesn't look like burnt sugar cake..."

So, it wasn't perfect.  but it was fun, and lovely, by the way.

In other thoughts, here are some family middle names for melanie's consideration:

Mel, did you know that Grandma Harward's Grandma's name was Melvina Constance Schaugaard?  Constance.  cool.
more:
Melvina's grandmother was Ingebor.  If that isn't an awesome name, I don't know what is.  seriously.  I might use it.
Melvina Constance's Great Great Grandmother was named Bendte Larsen and died in "Danmark" in 1727!!!

Also, unrelated to middle names, but related to pioneer women: Dad's Great grandparents, Samuel Taylor Orton and Julia Ann Johnson had 12 kids, six of whom died before they reached 6 years old.  The last 4 all died in 1879 and were 5, 4, 1, and <1 year old.  That is sombering and heart-breaking, BUT, thank goodness we know that families are forever and she gets to get those babies back.  Wouldn't you love to turn to her for wisdom and strength in your own life?  I think I would.


Okay, well, enough ramblings tonight.  I love you all.  I love where we came from and where we are going. 

-Mard.
and for fun, a flashback moment:

when did these babies get big?!?  Cadence (2) holds brand new campbell.

 Cadence (3) and Campbell (16 months) spending time together.

 Grandma and squishy Layla:

Reunion Plans

Ok everyone, I have put together a rough draft of the reunion itinerary and want to know what you think. Please, please, please if you have ideas for activities, projects, crafts, meals, etc. let me know! Again, this is a ROUGH DRAFT so there's a lot of room for adjustment. Any and all suggestions are more than welcome.

So first of all, Mom is checking in to renting the Ficklin home for a couple of nights.  If this happens, there will be alterations in the plans- this place has a pool and stuff, so we will plan in time for that.

Ok, here we go:
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, July 11: 
          Meet at Grandma and Grandpa Orton's this evening.
          DINNER:
          Play with cousins, get sleeping arrangements
Thursday, July 12:
          (Cadence's B-day!)
          BREAKFAST:  Grandma and Grandpa
          **Play with cousins
          LUNCH:                                                      
          Payson Pool party
          DINNER: (Backyard Campfire- roast hotdogs and marshmallows) __________________
          B-day cake/treat for Cadence
          Grandma and Grandpa devotional
          Singing/guitar/stories around the campfire
Friday, July 13: 
           BREAKFAST:  Grandma and Grandpa  
           SLC day:
                           Temple Square
                            LUNCH:  (Eating out)  Every family for themselves
                            Children's Book of Mormon Exhibit (see details HERE)
           DINNER: (Pizza party?) ____________________________
           Drive-in movies at Grandpa's/ pj party
Saturday, July 14: 
        ADULT TEMPLE SESSION  -- Mikee, Mel, Karalyn(?) babysit

            BREAKFAST:  Grandma and Grandpa
            Family photos(?)
           **Play with cousins
            LUNCH: (Picnic?) ___________________________
            Minute-To-Win-It water activities
                       (I will divide teams to accomplish minute long relay tasks- winners get a prize!)
            Outdoor play
            DINNER: (BBQ?) _______________________________
            Family History activity
                       - Grandma, Grandpa and Grandma-Great share stories from their childhood
                       - Each grandchild writes/draws a picture about this year's reunion (favorite part, the   
                        whole thing, assigned parts...?
 (This is Mardee's idea to help us begin our own little family history- we will make some sort of book out of the pictures/stories.  We should probably also come up with something the adults can.)
            Awards Ceremony (each grandchild gets an award and candy bar)
            
                                
                                                  CLEAN UP/ PACK UP
Sunday, July 15:
             BREAKFAST: Grandma and Grandpa 
            

The End.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I figure G&G can be in charge of the breakfasts, that way they can just provide the cereal or whatever. I would like to divide the rest of the meals among us so Mom doesn't have to worry about it. 

As of now, I think we will assign each family 1 meal to be in charge of. This doesn't mean you have to do all of the work, but you are in charge. There are 6 meals (not counting breakfasts or the SLC eat out day). I might say Mikee takes charge of a lunch, and the other family that takes a lunch can also help out with the BBQ dinner or something so it evens out a little...? What do you think?

**During these times (playing with cousins, nothing planned and or finish other activities early) we could have little ongoing activities that we can do, such as an art wall in the garage (they can tape their artwork on one of the walls), some type of craft, or service project, possibly. Just throwin' some out there.

Now for the feedback-- too much? Not enough? Likes? Dislikes? Give it to me straight.

           
           

        

Baby Shower

 Last week my visiting teachers threw me a baby shower! I felt really funny about this because although I have met a lot of people here, I don't know many well enough to feel comfortable receiving gifts from them.. if that makes sense.  We invited the relief society and a few neighbors/friends outside of church.  Most of the friends that I do have in the ward weren't able to make it that night, and so a lot of ladies that ended up coming had to introduce themselves because I had never met them. I am so grateful that they were willing to support me even though they didn't know me.  I felt really awkward opening gifts- you know how I am with being the center of attention... Add having to open presents from people I barely know (or don't know at all).. It was weird. I felt pretty awful when I read a card from Melissa Kooper and had to look up and wait for someone to claim the gift. I will never forget that name again...

I had a lot of fun, though and it gave me an opportunity to get to know more ladies from our ward. I got a lot of cute stuff too!

We decided to have it at my house so the ladies throwing the party could just leave their kids home.

 

So once the shower was over and we got our tax returns, Jake and I made our last "big" purchases and just need to get a few more little things before we are totally ready.  When it's our turn to blog next month, we will probably have a baby to blog about! So weird. Any guesses on when #9 will be born? By the way we are having a hard time deciding on a middle name, so any ideas?
Other bits of news:

We paid off our car!

Jake is still waiting to hear about the job.

It snowed! Sunday night we tossed snowballs to Charlie. The next day was about 70 degrees.  This has been a tough winter...

That's about all here! Love you all!

Valentines Day

Hi Everyone,

It may have been my week last week.. I don't remember, But I cannot be heald responsible (if it was) because I was galavanting on the East Coast. For Christmas, Damian and my friend Cristina's husband gave us tickets to go visit our friend together in Boston. We had a fantastic time seeing sights, going to chick flicks, and eating fondue. Our families back at home weren't even all that anxious for our return.. Between the babysitter taking them to her house to chase chickens and play with her dog and make cookies, Grandma Fink and Aunt Lynn taking them to the zoo, Going to watch a friend in a play and a pizza movie night with Dad and friends, who can blame them.

In other news I went to the Dr. today and he was very optimistic that I will be able to get off prednisone in the coming months. My blood test results were great and he's on board with the juice fast. More on that HERE, on my new blog that I share with Andrea (Orton.. Shumen). We have become online BFF's and share in an obsession with nutrition and wanted to have a central place to post our ideas, research, and favorite recipies.

And below (in reverse order OF COURSE) is our Valentines Day

The girls thanking their dad for making all their Valentines Day dreams come true

(Avery watches with endearing admiration as her new pet dragon devours her hand)

Damian came home from work early with beautifly wrapped presents for each of the girls. Normally I would be annoyed that he made a big deal out of such a dumb holiday, but since they don't go to school and had nothin' else really going on that day, it was a welcome diversion.. and it is sweet that he fills that role (their valentine). Then we set out to deliver the treat's we made (see below), and then to a chinese restaurant for dinner. It turned out to be a pretty great day.

We made cakeballs to deliver to friends

Cakeball induced comas

Totally unrelated.. we painted nails (Avery's not into that) and decorated them with nail stickers and jewels.

A few weeks ago I was reading my patriarchal blessing, and it said to always be sure I knew where all my siblings are and what they are doing,  and I realized I didn't really know what everyone was up to; and I went a little crazy and sent bossy emails to everyone about updating the blog.   So sorry about that, but I have really enjoyed reading what everybody has posted, and my roommates have really appreciated the pictures!    Speaking of my roommates, they're great!  I love living with them, there is definitely never a dull moment in our apartment.  There is always something fun going on here, whether its a super smash bros 64 competition or a sushi party.  One of my favorite things up here is my Tae Kwon Do class.  Kiri and I are taking it together, three times a week.  We have made lots of friends and it feels great to stay active.  Our teacher told us he always appreciates the energy that comes from our corner of the dojong (our practice room).   Here are a few pictures of our adventures:

This is the room I share with Kiri

This is what it usually looks like

  

You may have seen some of these on facebook.

I eat this like every day.

I rolled my own sushi

Super bowl food

My roommates

Cake in a Bowl- inspired by Karalyn's Cake in a Mug.  

Batman pancake

Kiri and I made chicken fettuccine alfredo from scratch for Sunday dinner for our roommates, It was delicious!
but I almost threw up after eating it....
Nobody else got sick though, so it was an excellent meal.

Sunday dinner 

Valentines Day

Interview Update

I thought I would update y'all on how the interview went.  We wont know for a couple of weeks whether or not Jake got the promotion, but thanks to your prayers and Jake's giant brain, he had a successful interview.  One of the interviewers (also one of his colleagues) told him afterwords that he was very disappointed.  He was hoping to challenge Jake, make him struggle, and ultimately pretty much make him cry.  He was disappointed that Jake had done so well (although, he did leave wanting to cry... but they didn't know that). Of course, he did struggle with some of the technical questions and there is a lot for him to learn (one guy told him flat out that he answered a question completely wrong).

The point is, Jake learned how he can better prepare for the position and he made a good impression, which is exactly what we were going for.  So thank you all so much for your support, love and faithful prayers. Isn't it great that we can still help and support each other even though we are so far away (through prayer)? Yet another great use for the blog. We will let you know if he gets the position, but as for now, the hard part is over. Few!!!

Send some prayers up on over here!

Hey family! I just thought I would let you know that Jake is applying for a new position at NetApp. He was just going to apply for the experience, not expecting to get the position (he still feels he needs more experience before he is actually ready for this position- he's only been there 10 months), but his manager and other "upper-ups" have placed some high expectations on his shoulders.  Their support and help is a great sign and very appreciated, but Jake is worried that they think he is more ready than he is. We aren't too stressed about getting the position this time around, but Jake is now feeling a lot of pressure to show them his "stuff."

His interview is on Monday, which, he has been told by said "upper-ups," will be ruthless and leave him feeling... not good.  He will be studying hard this weekend and getting a blessing from our home teachers, but we would appreciate your prayers! Thanks everyone, love you!