Farmer's Dozen

2012-01-11T15:21:00.001-07:00

Christmas 2011

Our yearly "Santa Picture". Sure is a lot less work than it has been in the past. We usually take a picture of each child but around the age of 12 or 13 we stop doing that...so that only left Claire and Kade with personal pictures with Santa.

Claire

Kade

This year instead of a certain "color" we went for "scarves" as the matching item of clothing. What a fun Christmas Vacation we had. All the girls from BYU came home and spent several days with us. We sure enjoyed having them here. Too bad we can't freeze time and keep them all gathered in our home. Pretty soon they will be married and we will be sharing Christmas with their own families and the in-laws. Sure do love all my children and being their mom!

Saint Patrick's Day

2011-04-21T18:38:00.000-06:00

St. Patrick's Day in Fruitland looked like this. Claire's hair turned into a green shamrock.

I made three of the hearts that I had done in her hair for Valentines Day and joined them in the center to make a Shamrock. I imagined it in my head the night before! You begin with 3 tucks in the front three sections of the head. Tucking from the bottom going up. Tie a green ribbon around the hair band. Divide the hair at the hair band into two and twist each side including the ribbon and then join the two sides in a hair band. Repeat 3 times and join all 3 ends together, tie loose ribbons together. Join rest of hair with a hair band into a pony tail

View from back.

View from side. Along with green earing and green necklaces.

This little guy was a leprechaun. We must dress in school uniforms and green is not one of the colors. So he accented his "white collared shirt" with a sparkle green bow tie.

Goofy face...He said the day before "St. Patrick's Day is my favorite holiday" Really? I mean Christmas? Halloween? He seemed to be excited about the "pinching"...he is ALL boy.

The morning began with a green table with green and gold little candies and green gum.

This cute tag came from this cute site http://stpatricksday.tipjunkie.com. The bag has a foiled shamrock in it also.

Placed at the bottom of the cup is a tiny drop of green food coloring.

Down the center of the table are gold covered chocolate coins and shiny shamrocks.

For breakfast the pancake batter was green. I usually use green m&m's in the pancakes, but I forgot this year.

The cool whip mysteriously turned green.

The pancakes looked yummy with green sugar on top.

It is magic, the milk turned from white to green.

Got green milk?

Front view of Claire. Black uniform shirt, green neclaces and green shamrock stickers with sparkly gems in the center placed on her.

I left out of town before dinner, but left dinner for when the masses were ready to eat. For dinner the pasta was dyed green.

Green pasta and green salad?

In the center of the table was a wrapped treat with a little note on it.

There was cool-whip or icecream to place on top, both had mysteriously been dyed green.

Brownies were the treat. Baked in the brownies were coins wrapped in foil.

See the coin off to the right? Brownie with green cool-whip...

Brownie with green ice-cream...

Vacation Organization

2011-04-19T11:58:00.000-06:00

When we go on a family vacation, these days I only have 3 children I pack for (out of 10). I begin the preparation process by coming up with the outfits for each child. This trip to Utah for Spring Break was for Thursday through Sunday and a swimsuit in case! I picked a shirt, pants, socks, undies and for the girls I add bows and rubber bands for each day. Sunday of course was Sunday clothing also. This is the BEST way to pack when someone is watching your kids. This helps the child know what to wear, helping them to be able to get ready easily on their own and helps the babysitter to not wonder what goes with what child or which shirt goes with which pants.

I use duffel bags to pack in, like a file cabinet. There are 3 rows one for each child and the clothes are in chronological order front to back.

I use gallon size bags, although Alek is 12 now and a little big for a gallon size bag, but it works just unzipped! The bag is labeled with a Sharpie with the name of the child and the day to wear the outfit. This also helps with coordinating outfits between siblings...when the triplets were little I could color coordinate outfits to match each day. For these guys, one day I had all BYU gear for them to wear. This makes less thinking during the vacation!..

This is happy Kade in his p.j.'s, grabbing his bag to get dressed. See how excited he is!

This is what was in the bag, pants, shirt, undies and sock! (and Kade's foot standing on Lindsay's bed)...oh Kade!

At the end of the day, I gather all the dirty clothing in a big trash bag that I bring along. Then on the last day, I place the full trash bag in the empty duffle bag. I place all the shoes in one bag, entitled "The Shoe Bag".

Organization, the key to making vacationing easier!

Valentine's Day

2011-03-04T18:53:00.001-07:00

I already did a post on what we do for Valentine's Day so I thought I would share some pictures from this year. The above picture is Claire's hair this year for Valentines Day!

Claire's Love Pox "Watch out they are contagious." There are stickers on her forehead, cheeks and two stickers on her glasses also. Little hearts were painted on Claire's fingernails.

This year instead of little red dye drops, we had Strawberry Quick in each cup.

Turned the milk pink and yummy.

The table...each child had a gift beside their plate...There are sales everywhere the beginning of February. Cute shirts for $3.00 at Rue 21! Walmart clearance for the little kids...Perfect...Claire and Kade had valentine parties at school that we attended. Fun filled Valentine's Day.

Visit shabbyfarmer.com to see what to do with your "junk".

You can contact me at farmer.laurie@gmail.com or on facebook or twitter

The last day of basketball

2011-02-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

The Saturday before last was the last day of basketball season! And what a day! We had nine games with the potential of eleven!

Emma's game was where the excitement was! Emma began her first game at 8 am in Marsing, an hour a way out in no where. Her first game was a back and forth, intense game ending in overtime with a win. The next game was 15 minutes later against their rivals, they had lost to this team the week before by one point. This game was intense too. Back and forth with the crowd going crazy! I was at Claire and Alek's game so I missed it. Homedale was ahead most of the game. I received a text when there was 58 seconds left and we were down by 3. I told Alek, Emma's team had lost when a few minutes later Rick called and said that Emma shot a 3 and tied the game! She then had an amazing pass to her teammate Brooke who was fouled. Brooke shot the first and missed, shot the second and won the game by one! So exciting just because it was Homedale who is always their challenge! Emma's team played again after a lunch break against a team who had not even played any games yet! This was back and forth again and they lost by one! This meant they again were to play against Homedale again! A bunch of us jumped in the car and drove an hour away to see the last few minutes of the game! Homedale won! Shoot...That then put us out of the tournament...had Emma's team won they would have played 2 more games! Crazy! A lot of hard, intense games for one day! So they didn't place but still because of the excitement of all the games they felt good about how it had ended.

Mr. Alek had 3 games. Single elimination. His team won the tournament with some exciting games too, most were games where they came from behind.

Miss Claire had 2 games and was excited about her season. She improved a lot this year and really came to love basketball. She played point guard and I think enjoyed that position a lot!

So last Saturday we just didn't know what to do with ourselves, no games! Rick decided to take Alek and Kade camping Friday night. They called me Saturday morning asking if I would let them in the locked house. They got snowed on and it was still snowing! A little cold! But the boys still had a great time and came home smelling like campfire.

Lest you think we are bored...Soccer started for Emma this week and the triplets and Hannah began Tennis....no one is sitting around here with nothing to do...

Turning Paper Piles into Files - Organizing

2011-02-10T13:33:00.002-07:00

Farmer's Dozen - Paper Piles

Along with 10 children comes piles and piles of paper! Every day the kids come home with backpacks full of papers, there are forms to sign, mail that comes in, newspapers, bills to pay, schedules to organize. With the busyness of the day it is often hard to find time to go through it all immediately. Organizing paperwork is really an easy process if kept up on, decluttering your counter, categorizing the paper and creating a place for everything. Three easy steps. This is what I do to organize my paper piles daily.

1. First I gather "ALL" papers in the house, big and small, into one pile, so it is all in one place. I usually go through this current paper pile in the morning. I divide the paper into piles of "like" topics, examples; school, calendar, "my lists", announcements, coupons, bills, scouting, church calling, garbage...etc. I don't make many decisions at this point except if I know I can throw it away. The reason for doing this is so you don't have to deal with the same papers over and over, putting it into a pile repeatedly and then repeatedly looking through the same pile.

Farmer's Dozen - Calendar

2. I then enter the calendar items on to the calendar. I often say, "If it is not on the calendar, it is not going to happen!" In the past I color coded my calendar, a color for each child and a color for the family. I have also used the large desk calendars, but I like the 8 1/2"x11" calendars because I can take it with me. I have also used "Planners", but right now, this is what works.

3. After entering all the calendar items on to the calendar, I place those loose papers into a "calendar file", so that I can refer back to these papers if I need to.

Farmer's Dozen - Daily Schedule

Each day there is so much going on, I write that days schedule out on a separate piece of paper. By writing it out on a separate piece of paper, I can figure out visually how it will all work since I can see it in chronological order on the paper! I sometimes need to duplicate the schedule for other drivers, and have even emailed the schedule to grandma, uncle, triplet drivers, Rick and I, to get all drivers on the same page!

4. I take the remaining sorted piles and make a file folder for each of them, categorizing everything based on the variety of subjects. Placing the piles into file folders by subjects listed on the tabs. I just go crazy with all the papers in one huge messy pile, so organizing the papers by topics, even if it is only one paper per file folder, gives the paper a place to be so that I can relocate it when I need it. For example, Drivers Ed papers, School Papers, Bills, Wedding Announcements, Instructions...anything.

Farmer's Dozen - Files

The above files are school papers. I have each child's grades gathered in a folder, kindergarten to current. I also have the child's school papers in a file. Any awards, important information to keep, transcripts, test results etc. are in this folder. I am currently doing college applications, and filling out scholarships so these items are being organized. In a separate drawer which is easily accessible, I also have a file for each child that is for their current school papers. It has the teachers weekly letters, spelling lists, school letters, information applicable for the current year. This helps so that we can locate homework or a spelling list quickly for that child, rather than going through piles of papers to find it.

Incoming bills begin in the daily gathered paper pile, then when I sort the daily collection of papers by topics, I place the bills in a "Bill/receipt" pile, I can then go through that file later and put them in their individual file ie: dentist, insurance, taxes etc...

Farmer's Dozen - Files

Above is another example of files, I use files over and over. The front 3 inches or so are files upside down that are empty and ready to be reused! These files are usually a temporary storage place for papers, making it easier to find the papers when needed. This gives them an immediate place to be until they need to be dealt with. This is not pretty by any means, but helps me to locate items quickly when they are needed.

Farmer's Dozen - Files

The above picture showing that I reuse the file folders repeatedly.

Farmer's Dozen - Files

More examples of files. Every piece of paper can be gathered into a file for easy access when the papers are needed. By doing this daily, I don't have to make the decisions on what to do with each piece of paper other than if I know it can be thrown out or not. This can just take a few minutes, where if you keep paper in a pile to be dealt with "later" , those minutes will turn into hours of paper filing and you are forced to reread and sort through your old paperwork often. Deal with paperwork immediately or at least daily.

Farmer's Dozen - Post It's

I love post-its and use them often. I have them all over my house. I am a list maker. I think of things and have to write it down to clear my head. I have them by my bed so in the middle of the night I can write down things that come to my mind.

Farmer's Dozen - Notes on hand

I have also written things down on my hand if unable to find post-its in the middle of the night. This was to remind me to turn the oven on for the cinnamon rolls I was going to cook in the morning. My need for notes and lists also could be because of my age since I can not remember things for longer than seconds. This is my way of dealing with the piles of papers that come into my home to keep it manageable and useful. What do you do?

Visit shabbyfarmer.com to see decorating ideas.

You can contact me at farmer.laurie@gmail.com or on facebook or on twitter

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair...hairstyle #6

2011-02-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

Similar to hairstyle #5. With this hairstyle, part the hair in half, then into about 2 1/2 inch sections on the right and left of the part on the top of the head. Starting with the right side, top section, divide it into a square section and begin twisting until there is a little "bump", then divide the next area into another square and begin twisting it adding the first section of hair until it has another little bump...then on to the third section twist it all together into one strand. Continue twisting toward the back of the head and gather with a claw while you repeat the process on the left side of the head.

Take the two twisted sections and add it to the remaining hair forming a ponytail at the back of the head. Join it in a rubber band.

This bun was formed by dividing the pony tail hair in half and twisting each side separately, the same direction, then joining the two sections going the opposite direction (a twist) then wrapping that loosely into a bun which is gathered with clear rubber bands and a ribbon tied around it.

Love it!

Visit shabbyfarmer.com to see what to do with your "junk".

You can contact me at farmer.laurie@gmail.com or on facebook or twitter

Someone's Having a Birthday!

2011-02-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

This little girl celebrated her 14th birthday today (this picture was taken at breakfast, thus the milk carton in the middle of her gifts) she had her favorite breakfast, one that we rarely have, Eggo's...a gourmet meal! We love that Emma, not a girl of many words, but what a humor she has! She is a tease and quite funny with her quick wit. Can't believe she is 14 years old. How did that happen! She is a beautiful girl that is loved by us all.

Happy Birthday Emma Elizabeth.

National College Signing Day & Farmer Basketball Season

2011-02-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

Farmers Dozen - National College Signing Day

These two participated in the National College Signing Day. Lauren and Jami signed to play soccer for Treasure Valley Community College next year. Exciting! The article can be found at:
http://argusobserver.com/articles/2011/02/03/sports/doc4d4abc93836d2936336907.txt

Each Saturday in January, we have had at least 6 basketball games to attend and sometimes 7 in one day....along with fitting in other things like birthday parties, boys high-school games to attend for fun?, a baptism, a youth sledding activity. Games beginning at 8:00 a.m. (be there at 7:30) home at 10:00 p.m. We all attend as much as schedules permit since we believe what better cheerleaders are there than your family! The games are all over the place, 45 minutes away in each direction. What better activity to spend doing on a Saturday?

These are the Saturday game players...

Alek is playing on a select league and improving his basketball skills.

This little girl, Claire, is playing on the local Parks and Recreation team. She is point guard and is turning into quite the aggressive player.

Miss Hannah is playing high school JV basketball and has been having Saturday games as well as Tuesday and Thursday games. She also is point guard and is good on defense and shoots quite a bit. She often pulls out of the crowd with the ball grabbing the rebound, even though she may be the shortest player there. Her team just won districts on Wednesday! Go Grizz.

Miss Emma is on a select team also and also is quite the defensive player. She scores a bunch of baskets each game, even making a 3 point shot!

Of course playing on these teams means LOTS of practices, Hannah daily, Emma, Alek and Claire 2 or 3 practices each! Yikes, if only they all had practice at the same time.

Basketball season, gotta love it.

Visit Shabby Farmer for Shabby Chic decorating ideas.

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair...hairstyle #5

2011-02-03T10:44:00.001-07:00

Farmer's Dozen - Hairstyle #5

Hairstyle #5 is really simple but looks so unique! Divide the hair into 2 sections, making a part across the top of the head from one ear to the other. Gather the back section into a hair-band to keep it out of the way. Take the front half and divide into 3 sections making ponytails with small clear hair-bands. Make a tuck into each ponytail. Divide the ponytail in half and begin to twist each strand. As you twist take it across the head to a random spot in the back of the head. Using a claw attach that section. Twist another section and attach again with a claw. Do this to all 6 sections.

Farmer's Dozen - Hairstyle #5

Once all 6 sections are gathered, gather all the hair together into one ponytail at the base of the head and tie a ribbon bow a flower.

Farmer's Dozen - Hairstyle #5

A close up of the twisted sections.

Farmer's Dozen - Hairstyle #5

The finished product...easy!

Visit shabbyfarmer.com for decorating with antiques in your home!

Valentines Day - Valentine Ideas and a Hairstyle

2011-02-02T16:09:00.001-07:00

This was last years hairstyle on Valentine's Day. Creating a heart with a red ribbon and joining it all into one ponytail with a hot pink ribbon bow. To do this hairstyle, I made a part from the top of one ear across, to the top of the other ear. I gathered the top section into a pony tail and did a tuck, forcing all the hair in the ponytail, back up behind the hair band (parting the hair above the hair band) and pulling the ponytail through the parted hair. I tied the red ribbon around the hair band. Dividing that pony tail in half I did a twist, including the ribbon in each twist and formed a heart. I then joined the bottom of the heart with the remaining hair and formed a pony tail. I added a great big bow on this ponytail with the red ribbons hanging down with the hair.

We apply heart stickers to the face, she didn't choose to have very many this year, we usually do more! Then when people question why she has hearts on her face, she says "I have "Love Pox", watch out it is contagious".

I made felt hearts with little slits in the center of them. Slip the hearts over any and all buttons on the shirt. Uniforms are worn at our school which limits the colors to a grey, black, white or orange collared shirt. Adding any bit of color is always fun!

This is our table last year. After the kids are in bed the table is decorated. Foiled hearts on the window, heart tablecloth and anything else on top. Silk flowers, heart glitter, heart serving platters and valentine table settings.

Valentine M&M's, valentine candy in little heart containers are placed by each child's spot, along with a little gift.

A drop of food coloring is placed in the glass so that when the milk is added the milk magically turns pink!

Fun things I did in years past to make Valentine's fun for my family....

~ Decorate the kitchen table in a valentines tablecloth, pink and red silk flowers in the center, heart confetti, hearts on the window behind the table, valentine plates, napkins and cups.

~ Cook heart shaped, pink pancakes with valentine m & m's cooked in them. A glass bowl full of powder strawberry milk mix to add flavor to the milk and another glass bowl of Valentine goodies in the center of the table.

~Place a little drop of red dye in the bottom of each cup so the milk magically turns pink.

~ Send children to school with little heart stickers on their faces and a sign that reads "I have Love Pox's, watch out it is contagious."

~ Put pink and red ribbons in the hair and little felt hearts with a slit in them to slide over all buttons, so there are red hearts all over the sweater.

~ And of course red fingernail polish with hearts and glitter over that.

~ For dinner I spaghetti, red, heart cookies that were already formed and ready, just had to cook them....

~ I have met with two other friends and we would each bring a couple of ideas and supplies and all to make enough items for our children for the 14 days until Valentines day (beginning the gift giving on Feb. 1). Then we would do "something" each day. One idea was, we drew our silhouette on butcher paper with our arms straight out perpendicular from our body. We blew up a picture of our face in black and white on a copier and glued it on the silhouette. In the middle (stomach area) we wrote..."a hug from mom be my valentine" and then folded it all up real small. We then put it in their lunch for the child to unfold at school in front of everyone. I have a bunch of funny ones...one is a giant nose with 2 nostrils, drawn on card-stock and it says I "Pick" you to be my valentine, and then that rubber cement type glue in a glob in the nostril with a little slit and a sign that says pull here and as they pull it is connected to a folded dollar...very funny....

~ Play "HEART" (Bingo) using valentine m&m's as markers.

~ For dinner you can make a heart shaped pizza (go to Papa Murphy's and buy one....they sell heart shaped pizza's on Valentine's Day)...or, use a heart shaped cake pan to make a meatloaf. Add a special drink "Cupids Delight" Cherry Float, cherry 7-up, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and a maraschino with a cherry on top. Heart decorated cupcakes...and dinner is served :)...

~ Write all of the following on red heart cut outs:

(in his sock drawer)...You charm the "socks" off me
(undies)...I've got you "UNDER" my skin
(by the light switch)...You "light" up my life.
(Boat floating in sink)...You are my dream "BOAT"

Or consider the following treat/gift ideas:

(gum) I "chews" you to be my valentine
(chocolate kisses)...you've been kissed
(Hugs)...you've been hugged....
(kisses and hugs) from me (mixed hugs and kisses)
(Heart shaped glasses): I can "see" clearly now you are my valentine. It's going to be a nice sun shiny day. "Love" glasses
(toilet)...Hey poopsie, won't you be my valentine....with whoppers...
(safety pins)....I'm stuck on you
(rootbeer) "soda ya think you'll be my Valentine? I'm "rooting" for you to say yes...
(life savers)...you are a life saver, be my valentine

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair...hairstyle #4

2011-01-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

A cute easy hairstyle! I used a comb and created a zig-zag part from the front/top all the way down the back, dividing the hair in half.

I created 2 low ponytails, which I then wound into 2 tight buns with their ends fanning upwards, securing the buns with a few clear rubber bands. I then added 2 coordinating ribbons, each with a different pattern, tying them each into a bow.

For more hairstyles go to:
http://www.princesshairstyles.com/

Please visit Shabby Farmer for decorating ideas.

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair...hairstyle #3

2011-01-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

Farmers Dozen - Hairstyle number 3

Hairstyle number 3 was fairly easy. You start out by dividing the front of the hair, from the back. I put the back section in a ponytail, just to keep it out of the way. Then divide the front section in half. Front section being from front of ear to front of opposite ear, then divide that section into thirds. Each of those thirds you twist individually. Place the large ribbon across the head and under each of the twisted sections. Then grab the remaining back half of the front section which was left out of the pony tail and add each of those thirds, to the twists. Keep twisting toward the back of the head. Join all 3 twists with a rubber band. Take out the ponytail and make one big pony tail, including the 3 twists and the loose hair at the back of the head. Then I just took sections of hair from the pony tail and made a large messy bun using bobby pins. Tie the ribbon at the base of the head.

Farmers Dozen - Hairstyle number 3

View from the top of the head

Farmers Dozen - Hairstyle number 3

A side view of the hairdo.

To see more cute hairdos this blog is a good one:

http://www.princesshairstyles.com/

The Farmer's Magnificant Journey to Washington - ALMOST!

2011-01-25T15:24:00.001-07:00

Farmers Dozen - Road Trip

July 1, 2006 we were on our way to Vancouver Washington, for a baby blessing at the Chatman's home. Outside of La Grande Oregon, our 15 passenger van broke down.

Farmers Dozen - Road Trip Colage

The above colage was made by Kaitlin, documenting the trip.

Farmers Dozen - The hot van

We were riding with the heater on, as the van began to over heat. Just a little hot in July. The bright smiling face in the back, is our friend Mary, whom we were taking home to her family in Washington.

Farmers Dozen - Side of the road

We broke down and called a tow truck, which we waited for on the side of the road.

Farmers Dozen - The gang

All of us had to get out of the car so it could be towed.

Farmers Dozen - Getting ready to be towed

The van is so big they had to pull it up on a flat bed.

Farmers Dozen - Thumbs up

We are excited! (Kaitlin is taking the picture and dad is talking to the driver.)

Farmers Dozen - It's a convoy

We then were divided between 3 vehicles, since there were 13 of us, paying for each truck as if we were being towed by 3 tow trucks. The van lead the way, followed by 2 more trucks.

Farmers Dozen - La Grande

We were towed back to the city of La Grande. This was on a Saturday, with Monday being the 3rd of July. Getting the parts we needed became problematic with the 4th of July and with La Grande being a small town. We ended up having it towed back to Fruitland later that week.

Farmers Dozen - Chinese Restaurant

We spent 3 hours at a Chinese Restaurant while waiting for the diagnosis and plan of action.

We might have been a little bored?

Farmers Dozen - The Two Vans

We then had to rent to 2 vans to drive back home and then had to return them back to La Grande! It was a mess. La Grande is about 3 hours away.

Farmers Dozen - Shoes

A side note to this little adventure was the fact that most people wore shoes with the knowledge that they were on a road trip.

Farmers Dozen - Claire

This little girl chose to get in the car without shoes. Now as a mom, I constantly say "If you are in the car you should have shoes on". That isn't unreasonable is it? When you are in the car this means you are going somewhere, whether it is a block a way or a trip 3 states a way. This was not exciting news to me, being that we had to use public bathrooms, which I myself try to avoid at all costs...but barefoot??? blah...

Farmers Dozen - Road Trip

Notice, no shoes...Needless to say we did not make it to the blessing...

Farmers Dozen - Kaitlin

This was our photographer!

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair...hairstyle #2

2011-01-24T10:29:00.001-07:00

Farmer's Dozen - Hairstyle #2

Hairstyle #2 - again I will give credit for my ideas to this blog:

http://www.princesshairstyles.com/

This was a fun hairstyle, starting out with 4 sections of rubber banded hair, then splitting each in half ending in 2 rubber banded sections.

Farmer's Dozen - Hairstyle #2 top view

Then ending up with one section. I weaved a wide ribbon through the front and placed a bow on the back ponytail.

Farmer's Dozen - Hairstyle #1 front view

Front view, so cute!

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair...hairstyle #1

2011-01-21T16:00:00.001-07:00

Farmer's Dozen - Hairstyle #1

I love doing hair. I once wanted to be a beautician and cut hair. When at college (not for cosmetology), I made posters and passed them out, advertising and offering cheap haircuts. I confess I mostly advertised at the boys dorms. But hey, it was a way to earn money and meet boys? As a mother, I have been blessed with 8 girls "heads of hair" to play with. I am down to one however that will let me and I am keeping her hair long, for as long as I can! I do the boys hair daily too, but not much to do there! I will create some posts on hairstyles that I have tried on Claire. I got most of my ideas here:

http://www.princesshairstyles.com/

once you go there you will be hooked. She has SO many ideas and she has videos to show the basics.

Farmer's Dozen - Hairstyle #1 left side

The children are required to wear school uniforms. The school colors are orange, black, white and grey. Halloween colors! So we focus on the hair and add color and pizazz there when we can.

Farmer's Dozen - Hairstyle #1 right side

Here is the right side and what it looks like.

Farmer's Dozen - Hairstyle #1 back

Slowly going around the head, showing the back.

Farmer's Dozen - Hairstyle #1 left side

This is the left side, ending with a messy bun and a bow.

Farmer's Dozen - Hairstyle #1 front

This shows the left side and the front.

Farmer's Dozen - Hairstyle #1 top

Ending with a top view and some twists. I love doing twists. They are easy and I like the way they look. Try it!

Who Am I, Any Guesses?

2011-01-20T16:55:00.001-07:00

I am Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa za Banga.

Is that who you guessed?

Which means: the all-powerful warrior who, because of his endurance and inflexible will to win, goes from conquest to conquest, leaving fire in his wake and arising from the blood and ashes of his enemies like the Sun which conquers the night.

I was born on 14-Oct-1930 in Lisala, Congo with the name Joseph-Désiré Mobutu. I later decided that I didn’t like my name, and so then this name came about.

I was best know for controlling my political power, and gathering vast amounts of wealth while his country collapsed, I did love my Mercedez.

So as the story goes...I found the pictures of Kaitlin while searching through files on our computer. Rick said it was Idi Amin.

Right? That is why I said that the glasses were out of character, when truly they were in character.

She was definitely a better "Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa za Banga" than an "Idi Amin" right? I happened to find her power point today and realized apparently we were wrong on our guesses...were you?

View Antique Toolbox post on Shabbyfarmer.com

We Are a Happy Family!

2011-01-19T11:51:00.001-07:00

Joslin's face is a classic!

Here are the words just in case you don't catch it all:
Cry by triplet off camera
Kaitlin: Joslin!
Mom: Hi
Mom: Joslin!
Mom: nervous laugh
Mom: Who’s that?
Kaitlin: Squish me
Joslin: Evil laugh
Kaitlin: Don’t squish me
Mom: Oh Kaitlin
Mom: Are you having fun Kaitlin?
Kaitlin: cry
Mom: Does it look like she is having fun?
Kaitlin: Move
Joslin: NOOOO
Mom: You guys

Who am I?

2011-01-18T17:37:00.002-07:00

Who is this? Okay, I know it is Kaitlin, but who was she portraying....(the glasses are not true to character)

What's a mom to do with free time on her hand?

This is 5 or 6 years old.

Wha ha ha ha...evil laugh...

What will I find next :)

Oh, You Better Watch Out....More Santa Photo's

2011-01-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 1999

The above photo is the first taken in Idaho. We moved here the second week in December. I bought the matching dresses from Gymboree, with the little baby boy coordinating outfit. We wore these to church often as we lived out of suitcases for the first few months in Idaho, until we figured out where we were going to live permanently. I had purchased a bunch of cute gingham red fabric in Seattle, to one day make Christmas jumpers...I still have the fabric :). I left my sewing days in Seattle. Recently my sister in law Carol was here sewing her teenage daughters some cute skirts and purses. My daughter Hannah, asked me why I don't sew like that....I thought quickly, I will just let her go on thinking I don't sew... :) and so replied, "I don't know?" She doesn't remember the days of matching homemade Christmas and Easter outfits...sigh...

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 2000

These yellow dresses were ordered online. All children still taking individual photos with Santa and then the group photo also.

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 2001

This was the year of messy buns, the casual look with the clothing...reds and jeans. Claire was added to the photo.

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 2002

We tried a Santa closer to where we lived. The other Santa was in Boise, an hour away. This Santa was in Nampa a half an hour away. Little Kade was induced on December 17th, we stayed in the hospital a couple extra days. While in the hospital I painted teacher gifts, in my hospital bed. We were home on the 20th and took the picture on the 21st. Matching velvet dresses from Old Navy for all the girls, with a cute matching boys Christmas outfits from Gymboree.

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 2003

Matching shirts again from Gymboree. I think 8 were taking the individual photos at this time.

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 2004

Plain white shirts...

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 2005

We went back to Boise (the Santa was a little cuter!)

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 2006

Now we started dropping in numbers of individual pictures, only 5 this year!

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 2007

Kaitlin met us at the mall, coming home from BYU in Provo! Just in time for the Santa Photo!

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 2008

Kaitlin met us literally while we were in line. We let people go ahead of us as she wasn't quite there when it was our turn! She had to change into her shirt also!

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 2009

Kaitlin and Joslin home from BYU.

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 2010

Only 2 did individual photos this year, Kade and Claire! So sad...at least we still have 10 in the group shot! Kaitlin and Joslin home from BYU!

Christmas Photos with Santa

2011-01-13T20:37:00.000-07:00

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 2010

We have a tradition of doing Santa Photos each year! 2010 being the most recent! We do individual pictures of each child with Santa until they are 13 years old, but they all do a group shot, no matter the age. So when they were younger, people weren't so excited that they were behind us in line. The way I figure it is, each child in line wants and earns time with Santa right? And we are fast as a group posing for the family photo! You have to at least read about 1992! See below!

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 1989

This was the first photo, the sad thing is, Kaitlin was born on December 23 and forever we will regret not getting a day old picture with her! Shoot what were we thinking! So we missed 1988!

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 1990

First picture with Joslin and Kaitlin together. Velvet Christmas dresses.

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 1991

I made these two matching green corduroy dresses, Joslin's was made without a pattern!

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 1992

This is the absolute best photo ever. The story goes...Poor Santa at Nordstrom. They took a picture of each child alone with Santa first, then gave Santa all 3 babies at once. The babies began to cry and flail their arms the way newer babies do. Their little hands were getting caught in his beard. Joslin kept standing up in front of Santa. He finally got irritated and said "sit down" in a firm tone and grabbed her between his knees and held her. Look at his eyes and his crooked glasses. Only wish I had it on video!

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 1993

This year the triplets still weren't sold on this Santa thing. Lauren is in the middle and particularly not happy. Their dresses I bought and then applied Christmas appliques on them and the good ole' fabric glitter glue around the edges.


Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 1994

This year I made all their little plaid jumpers out of a Christmas flannel, with a large matching floppy hat.

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 1995

This year we took our pictures in downtown Seattle where dad worked. Big mistake! We were in line to take pictures at the Bon Marche for 2 hours with all these little kids. We had the huge triplet stroller and were weaving back and forth in this roped off line to get up to Santa. This was the time that there was a man behind us that got annoyed that we were taking individual pictures, shoot after waiting in line that long they each deserved time with Santa! I made their dresses from black velvet and had purchased the fancy lace for these dresses, only problem after a few times wearing them at that age, the lace got stepped on and ripped.

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 1996

We went to Seattle again for this photo, but not the Bon. The girls dresses were made from coordinating fabrics, for instance the triplets all had the same upper part of their dress but each skirt was different. Then they all had scrunchies made out of the fabric. There were 3 colors of turtlenecks.

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 1997

Seven girls now! I made all the bottom part of the dresses from the same fabric and found seven colors of solid "Fall" colors for the tops. I covered buttons, for the front of the top, in the skirt fabric. Sponge curled their hair and placed coordinating headbands.

Farmer's Dozen - Santa Photo 1998

This year, pajamas, no sewing involved! They all wore them to the mall (Alderwood mall, center court) bringing their favorite stuffed bear! Our first little boy joined the group. This was our last Santa photo in Washington. Still doing individual pictures of each child and then a group shot!

Stay tune for more...Heck we are only at 1998!

Christmas Idea "Luke II" Video with "Breath of Heaven"

2010-12-10T15:30:00.002-07:00

Each year we watch the VHS video "Luke II", that you can get free from the LDS missionaries. (You can get the DVD "The Nativity" and that works too.) The Luke II Video and "The Nativity" were produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church). We then take the CD of Amy Grant, "Home for Christmas" using the song "Breath of Heaven" while playing the video "Luke II" and you have the best Christmas lesson ever! We have been doing this for at least 12 years! We have done it in Young Women's, Seminary, FHE and every year for Christmas Eve. You have to wait until the first scene before you begin the music, when you see the green grassy hills then start the music! It fits PERFECTLY with the video. You mute the video so you only hear the CD playing the song. It is very touching. So now you can get this on You Tube. I listened to a few and this one done by mormon102 is the best that I saw, as far as the two going together perfectly. Enjoy!

Christmas Music

2010-12-07T12:03:00.002-07:00

Christmas Music is an important part of Christmas for me. Some of the songs that are listened to and loved by our family year after year, are ones that others might not be familiar with. Listen to these and I hope you will fall in love with them like we have.

Gotta listen to this song over and over. I discovered this on the local Seattle T.V. show "Northwest in the Afternoon" back in 1993. Carnie and Wendy Wilson were on and sang this song. I had to get a copy. The babysitters..."the Farrars", would play this song and when the girls were little, the triplets, Kaitlin and Joslin for some reason would run around in circles singing this song? It has been a yearly favorite and really is part of our family Christmas..."Hey Santa!"

We buy the Christmas in the Northwest CD's often. They come out yearly and have great music from an variety of artists benefiting Children's Hospital. Our favorite is number 9 . A great song that also is a song we play over and over, from cd number 9, is: "How Many Angels" by Catherine Hessler

"Christmas in the Northwest" by Brenda White is another song that is a song we have loved since we moved from Seattle (the great northwest) 11 years ago, to Idaho. This is a video someone made using the song, but the music quality is good. I can't find an original of the song.

Christmas songs, they are the best! We also love the Northwest Boys Choir...

What are some of your favorites?

Halloween Costume Costume 2010 - Any guesses?

2010-11-23T14:39:00.001-07:00

Halloween Costume 2010 - Farmers

We had never been Farmer's before...Ha! Since it is our last name it seemed like it needed to be done! The kids weren't as thrilled with the idea, except Kade who wore cowboy boots for the first time in his life and thought he was pretty cool, his older sisters did not agree! We got the overalls, boots, kerchiefs and hats at a costume rental store. When getting the pictures taken at Walmart (a yearly tradition), Rick borrowed the scarecrow display and pitchfork from the store! Rick said this is the first time coming to get pictures where he wasn't embarrassed from people staring at him as he looked like a typical Walmart customer in this outfit! We went to the LDS church Trunk or Treat for our Halloween fun. At the kids classroom parties I introduced my self as Mrs. Farmer, motioning to my outfit and then said "this is Claire Farmer" and "We" are the "FARMER'S" ha! The kids had Halloween parties on Friday, Trunk or Treat on Saturday...that was our celebration this year!

Halloween Costume #10 - Harry Potter

2010-11-01T09:58:00.001-06:00

Farmer's Dozen - Halloween Costume #10

Halloween Costume for 2009 was Harry Potter! The Characters were: Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter. Hermoine has her pet cat Crookshanks on her shoulder, Ron has his pet rat Scabbers on his shoulder and Harry has Hedwig the owl on his shoulder. Each has a wand. For the crest patch I copied it and and ironed them on black choir robes. Curled Hermione's hair, spray painted Ron's and of course the scar on Harry's head.