Notes from the Nest

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

2011-08-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading this and wanted to share it with you. This was my summer read this year and I loved it! I was a little nervous to pick it up because it wasn't recommended to me and I had just finished reading a book I didn't love. I just wanted a good read!

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is by Jamie Ford and is set in Seattle during the 1940's and 1980's- it's flash back/flash forward style. It's about a Chinese boy living during the time in WWII when Japanese were considered a threat to America and Japanese-Americans were being sent to camps for "safety". This book follows him through young love, family issues and more.

The hotel referred to in the title is the Panama Hotel, which is a real place in Seattle and is still there. It's a National Landmark and has re-opened its Tea House. Enjoy!

Fruit Sushi

2011-08-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

Blake made fruit sushi from a recipe he found in the June 2011 Friend Magazine. We wrapped a banana with a fruit roll-up, cut it into slices (a serated knife worked best) and then put sprinkles on top.

Happy Avery.


Sad Avery (really she had a sprinkle stuck to her face and it made all of us laugh).

Stamp Collection

2011-08-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

For a summer craft, we made stamp collections. This was something I did with my Cub Scout group, since one of the Bear electives is to start a stamp collection and display it.

My inspiration was Ms. Martha Stewart's collecting idea. Which by the way, she just turned 70 this week!?

Supplies: cardstock cut in half lengthwise, glue and stamps. Getting the stamps was actually very easy. I just searched ebay for a "stamps lot" and it only cost me about $5 for 200 stamps from all over the world!

We accordian folded the paper and then glued the two pieces together to make one long "book".

The fun part was deciding what stamps they wanted from each country and sometimes figuring out where a country was and some interesting facts: "Where exactly is New Caldonia? Did you know Hungarians are also called Magyars?"

Avery self selected her own stamps- I wish you could see them up close. She wanted a pink one, a purple one, a girl and another pink one.

Blake's well "traveled" passport. He was adding to his original scout collection.

Blake's Half Birthday

2011-08-03T20:12:00.000-07:00

Blake's birthday is December 21st- right in the middle of Christmas celebrations. So we have his birthday party on his half birthday, June 21st. On his real birthday, it's a fun day for him where he gets to pick what we eat and we often have cake...but no presents and a party. Every year I tell him we can do it on his real birthday, but I think he likes having two special days.

This year we took a couple of his friends and went to K1 Speed for some indoor Go Karting.

The race crew: Colin, Emma, Blake & Zack


And one cute little sis.

Emma was a little nervous, but she did great.

Getting instructions from the Pit Boss.

Blake's ready to race!

OK, I had to include this one because Eleece is the only one looking normal. Chad was getting ready to race...and I'm not sure what Tate has going on with that beard.

You can see the course behind the kids. They did two races, each one about 15 minutes.

They were all 1st place winners!

Summer Casserole

2011-07-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite summer casseroles, it's made for a summer garden. Fresh tomatoes, zucchini, green onions...yum! The sour cream sauce melts down into the rice and the jack cheese makes a nice crust. It's so good! It's from Susan Branch's cookbook Heart of the Home (I wasn't able to find a copy online and so I had to scan it). If you haven't checked out her cookbooks before, they're a real treat. It's just fun to look at her illustrations and read her stories about the food.

I've been trying to do one meal a week with no meat. I feel like we eat so heavy sometimes and it's nice once a week to have a meatless meal. Good for our bodies and our budgets!

The Help

2011-07-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm back from summer vacation to Oklahoma and I've got lots of great pics to post. But it's going to take me a little bit to get them up. In the meantime, I thought I'd share one of my favorite books this year. I'm sure most of you have read it because I'm sort of behind the times on this one. But the movie is coming out soon (August 10th!)- so you still have time to read it before then.

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett

Kids Bowl Free

2011-06-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

I've been such a slacker with blogging lately. My camera was lost and has yet to be replaced. I've been taking lots of pics on my iphone, but can't figure out how to upload them Aagh! Anyway, I just posted over at Kidculture about free bowling for your kids this summer. Check it out!

National Poetry Month

2011-04-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

I just did a post over on Kidculture.net about National Poetry Month. Here's the link.

Parenting Boys

2011-04-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

One of my kids has been giving me a hard time in school this year, I won't name names in order to protect his/her identity, but I will tell you this; it's not Avery. It's nothing serious, just the growing pains of learning to work with the system. Anyway, I started looking for some good parenting books in regards to school and boys. It seems that school is just more set up for girls to succeed. Girls like to sit, write, they have better fine motor skills, greater attention spans and want to please the teacher. So already it seems like boys are fighting their DNA from the first day of school. Here's what I've found:

A detailed look with statistics and charts regarding at how boys vs. girls perform in school. K-12 it seems like girls are always one step ahead. Why is that? Do boys ever "catch up"?

A disappointment, not really worth your time. I liked the title but was not inspired with the "motivation" part.

Loved this one, although it is geared more for junior high/high school boys. But I could already see some of my boys weak areas in it and we made some positive changes after I read it.

Honestly, this was probably the best book I read. It's a children's picture book, but it sort of summed up boys behavior (and our reaction to it) perfectly. At first, everything Edwardo does is "horrible", like when he pours water on the dog and makes him muddy. But then when he is seen from a different perspective (thanks for helping wash the dog!) he shines.

Daddy Long Legs

2011-03-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

I just read the cutest book, Daddy Long Legs, by Jean Webster. It is a quick read and I found the main character, Judy, so endearing. The day I finished reading it I walked around all day with thoughts of Judy and wished there was a sequel!

(I did a longer post about it on kidculture if you're interested).

Legoland

2011-01-12T00:53:00.000-08:00

I took Blake, Colin and our neighbor Emma to Legoland as one last Hurrah before we go back to school this week. Of course I didn't take any pictures (because of the aforementioned crime incident), but I love the Miniland displays! So magical, detailed, fantasy-like. And let's be honest, even if I had my camera, my pictures wouldn't do them justice.

Unorganized Crime

2011-01-06T00:30:00.000-08:00

I have been a victim of crime. My cell phone and camera were stolen right from my purse in front of the A.K. Smiley Library. Yes it's true. It's also true that I left my purse on the sidewalk and drove away. Oh and did I mention it was right in front of this bench where homeless people hang out? (If you're famaliar with Redlands you know what I'm talking about).

But sometimes there are blessings hidden in our trials...like the fact that Verizon is due to announce this week that they're getting the iphone finally? And the fact that my phone is due for a renewal next month? So I'm not even dwelling on Yolanda who took my phone and wanted $150 to get it back. I'm just dwelling on this...

Oh and maybe this for my birthday...

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T00:15:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day was finally here! The kids were bouncing off the walls with excitement. I have to admit, I wasn't into the holidays this year as I would've liked. But I figured that I just didn't plan far enough in advance. So next year will be better- I'm sure of it! Here are some pics from Christmas morning:

Avery having a moment of silence with all her favorite things (puppy, elmo, video, book...).

All his dreams came true! When Blake asked him "How did you get a chocolate fountain?", he said "I wished for it".

6:30 am ... Blake (our early riser) is the only one really up and ready.

I tried so hard to get one good pic of the kids in front of the tree.

Chad reading a Christmas bedtime story.

Flocked!

2010-12-24T00:07:00.000-08:00

On December 24th we found this on our door along with a flock of flamingos.

These birds have been going around the ward for a few weeks. There hadn't been any recent attacks so I sort of forgot about them. But when we drove up that night...there they were!

According to the "flocking rules" we had get rid of them by Dec. 25th or we would have to store them for a year. We found the perfect neighbor and made a late night drive by. Bye bye birdies!

Notice how the flockers were too nervous to get close to our house/window. We weren't even home so it wouldn't have mattered.

Happy Birthday Blake!

2010-12-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Blake is the big 09 today! Even though we have his party in the summer time on his half birthday, I love having a Christmas baby. Happy Birthday Blake!

Smiley Library Character Tree

2010-12-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Our library has this cute Christmas tree full of storybook characters. If you can identify at least 10 you get to pick a prize. I was surprised by how many Blake knew and equally surpirsed by how many Colin didn't know (he kept calling Madeline "Madalee").

It has come to my attention this week that I didn't have ONE picture with all three kids from last year (boys just don't pose like girls do). I have lots of "couple" shots, but none all together. So one of my New Year's Resolutions is the take pictures of all the kids together!

G&G Montgomery's Christmas Party

2010-12-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

Letter writing to Santa station

You know Blake...he took his time to make sure he didn't forget anything.

Avery and Chad

Pretzel dipping station

Fishing Pond

Tasha and Chase at the Fishing Pond

I had the cutest pic of Chase and Avery, when Colin popped his head in the mix.

Kid Photos

2010-12-11T16:05:00.001-08:00

Reunited after Colin went motorcycle riding. They were both so happy to see each other.

I realized I never posted a pic of the cast! Yes, this was a part of our lives for 6 weeks...and yes, it is thigh high.

Long Beach Tour

2010-12-11T16:04:00.000-08:00

Four generations of Snowball women (and one little man)

My family did a Snowball Family Tour with Grandma Snowball over Thanksgiving. We went around and saw where she lived as a child, teenager, newlywed and first time home owners. The picture above is the first house they bought and raised had their first three girls there. Aunt Barbara was a baby when they moved in, but my mom (above) and Aunt Nancy came home to this house. (note- they did not plan the giant cactus).

This was their first apartment as newlyweds. Grandma & Grandpa's was the back right door. There are four apartments that open to the courtyard Colin is standing in front of. It was across the street from a park and just looked like a little newlywed apartment. So cute.

I loved seeing my whole Grandma's life in two hours. She grew up in the same part of town...and it must have felt like a major move to buy a house all the way on the other side of Long Beach. It was fun hearing her stories and imaging what life was like for her during those years.

I Was Punked

2010-11-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it, but this totally happened to me yesterday...

Blake was busy writing the above scheme at the table when the next thing I knew I was hit by a wad of paper.

"Throw paper ball at mom"

"Mom looks away"

"Take Silly Bands"

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T12:33:00.000-08:00

Blake finally discovered whip cream! After many years of politely declining he finally gave it a try.

Raingutter Regetta

2010-11-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Blake just participated in his first Raingutter Regatta (aka- Pinewood Derby for boats). He won his first race and was eliminated the second race...but now we know what to do for next year.

Hanging out with the Wolf Den boys

Uniform inspection...this is no joke.

The adoring fans.

All the boats are ready to go.

Award ribbons!

There is a Green Hill Not Far Away

2010-11-09T06:59:00.000-08:00

We've had some misty, rainy days here and the hills are green, it's so pretty. This is for my cool sis-in-law Krystle because not everyone can appreciate a green hill like she can.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

We didn't trick-or-treat this year because it was on Sunday, but we went to Grandma's and helped pass out candy. The boys were sad all day that they couldn't go trick-or-treat, but at the end of the day they all had so much fun just passing out candy.

Avery is such a shoe girl these days that we planned her outfit around the shoes.

Yea! Blake is showing teeth in a smile. (He usually gives me the same straight smile.)

Goofy goggles from the Colin's class party.

Trunk-or-Treat at the ward party...the boys couldn't believe how much candy they got. Blake came home and weighed his...3 pounds!

Look how cute Avery and her friends are! Avery, Elsa and Jada.

Colin at the school parade.

Family Day at the Smiley Library

2010-10-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

Family Day at the Smiley Library

Lincoln impersonator...he was close to Lincoln's real height 6'2" (plus stovepipe hat)

Bugs table from the county museum.

Scorpion

Avery was just happy to leave with a balloon.

This was all Blake cared about- the origami station.

Happy Birthday Colin!

2010-10-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

Colin turned 6 today! His party was a party with an identity crisis (not my finest). It was a Bakugan-Knight-Halloween-Sponge Bob party. My plan was to have an outdoor party with a bounce house and just let the kids play. However, it rained ALL day and changed my plans. So we still had the bounce house and moved the party into the garage.

Colin wanted spider cupcakes but that proved too hard...so they turned into scary skulls.

We played a Mummy Game where the kids raced to wrap each other up in toilet paper.

This mummy is ready for the tomb.

We moved inside for present time and he got the perfect mix of boy presents- Bakugan, Legos, Playmobil &Nerf.

Oooh...scary.

My sweet boys.

Kid Culture Launch!

2010-10-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

OK- so I know I only have 3 people who regularly check my blog but I thought I would post this anyway. I've been working on this new blog with my friend Stephanie. It's called Kidculture and it's introducing "big culture in little bites" to kids.

It's all about introducing culture to your kids. It's been really fun to think about it for my own family, and then to see what other people posted. I post every Thursday, but there are daily posts from the other contributors. We want to get it out there, so spread the word!

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-06T08:22:00.000-07:00

Fall is here! We headed to the Pumpkin Patch for Family Night last week. It was warm (I wouldn't normally take my baby out at night in a summer outfit), breezy and then even rained a little while we were lost in the Corn Maze. Everyone jumped on the bounce houses, got a pumpkin, and earned the coveted "beaded necklaces" for finishing the corn maze.

Disneyland

2010-09-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

Now that Fall is here- it's time for us to hit Disneyland again. I can't believe how much easier it is with Avery. Now if she could only grow tall enough for the fun rides...except at the rate she's growing it'll be a while.

Scout Jamboree

2010-09-25T21:57:00.000-07:00

Blake almost smiling.

Blake and Josh playing in the dirt.

Little Miss was along for the ride.

Opening flag ceremony.

Ahh, the most refreshing part of the day. The snow cone stop.

Pack Master and the boys.

Avery's 2nd Birthday

2010-09-03T21:49:00.000-07:00

It was a pink and purple gingham theme.

A little strawberry cake for Avery.

Blake slept through the whole party...he got sick later than night.

So many presents!

Mom and Birthday Girl.

Chess Camp

2010-08-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

So I've decided to posthumously post on some things we've done recently. This summer Blake went to Chess Camp for a week. He learned a lot about chess and when he wasn't in class or a tournament he got to go boating on the lake, do archery, swim, and have a real summer camp experience.

It was in Big Bear, so he spent the night in a cabin and slept on the top bunk of a bunk bed (a dream come true for him).

A Confession.....

2010-08-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

OK, so I know that my blog has said all year that it's my "year of redemption". Well my confession is that I did not post that. Brett did. And he posted the post before that about his own wedding. Yes, Brett posted about his own wedding for me and Tate asked if he needed to do the same.

Then I kept waiting for a really cool thing to post about. I'd take lots of pictures of things (for my blog of course) and then never post. Well, I finally decided just to put something out there and I thought I'd just start with the kids back to school pics. Why not. It's almost September and I need to put something out there.

Blake's first day of 3rd Grade (almost giving us a smile).

Colin's first day of 1st grade...nothing but smiles all day from him!

Avery, a future Mariposa Elementary School student.

(btw, this really is Cass)

2010 The Year of Redemption

2009-12-28T21:52:00.000-08:00

Alright I admit it...I did not keep up with the blog as well as I had planned this year! With the kids, the activities, and the Holidays the blog was sadly pushed aside. However, I feel like 2010 is going to be a turn around year for me and the blog, so stay tuned!!!

I Love to See the Temple

2009-05-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

I know it's a bit late, but this was such a special day that I had to blog about it. On March 21st my little brother Brett (who I love so much) got married to Krystle (who is AMAZING)! It was such a beautiful wedding and we LOVED it. It also was so nice for us to be at the temple we were sealed at with family and to be on the grounds with are children. I am so happy for Brett and Krystle and I just love them so much! Welcome to the family Krystle (officially), and well done Brett!

Boys and Bikes

2009-02-24T23:04:00.000-08:00

We have been doing some serious bike riding around here these days. All the kids in the neighborhood ride all over the street after school. Blake has been dying to ride his bike to school and I finally let him. We had to wait for the rain to stop and then we needed a bike lock..but it finally happened last week.
Chad taught Colin how to ride a bike in about 10 minutes. Colin has been on his skuut bike (a balance bike) for the past two years, so it was an easy transition. Chad fixed up this bike for him and Colin's big request was for a kickstand. One rainy day Colin came in and changed his shoes so that "his kickstand would stay shiny". Chad was so proud.
We found them one morning before church out on their bikes. Chad thought they looked like little missionaries.

Chinese New Year

2009-02-07T23:00:00.000-08:00

We decided to have a Chinese New Year party this year. Blake came home from school telling us all about the Year of the Ox and how to stack oranges and apples for decorations.
They practiced writing Chinese characters & decorated the red money envelopes we exchanged.
Colin even got a handsome new haircut...a Chinese New Year tradition.
Blake decorated his envelopes and was so generous with his money. He stuffed mine with all his best foreign coins that he collects.
We made fried rice for dinner.

Pancake Breakfast

2008-12-13T17:09:00.000-08:00

After many months of working Saturdays, Chad finally had a true Saturday off. We decided to go to the Family Homestyle Cafe for giant pancakes. The boys had to split one...and we all split the other one.

Tate was here on a break from school, and this was his last day. Another good reason to celebrate with a giant pancake.

Quinn was right in the middle of his finals week, but decided he could join us for breakfast.

Congratulations Brett & Krystle!

2008-12-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

After a year of dating, my brother Brett, just got engaged to Krystle! Yea! We are excited to have a new sister-in-law and the hope of some Montgomery cousins one day? Since you guys take some cute pictures, I thought I'd post some potential engagement shots...

The engagement ring shot.

Krystle is just taking in Brett's wisdom.

Halloween

2008-12-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

Although we are a few month behind on this, I still wanted to get pictures of Halloween up. The boys had a few Halloween events before Oct. 31st, so they got plenty of time in their costumes. Colin even got time in both costumes he was debating between (jet pilot and police). I was glad he wore the jet pilot because it had some of Chad's army patches sewn on.

At the Mariposa School Carnival. Blake later got sick and threw up in the middle of the food court. Classic Halloween moment.

We did a "trial run" trick-or-treat at Quinn and Cassie's.

Baby Ballerina Avery

SWAT team member, Blake, doing a search on Uncle Quinn. Blake told everyone he was going to be a "swat" for Halloween. I'm still not sure he knows what a SWAT team member does, but his costume had all these cool accessories so he was happy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-28T23:03:00.000-08:00

We had such a nice Thanksgiving, and for the first time we didn't have to drive far. We had dinner at my parents house, and all my brothers were there. Even Tate who unexpectedly got a early flight home and even made it for dinner.

Chad and Baby Avery. She was such a good baby all day. She was passed around and hardly made a peep.

Colin ready for dinner...although he told me later that he only ate two bites of corn, a roll, and pumpkin pie. I was too busy with notice, but this probably had something to do with the meltdown he had at the end of the day.

Playing a game with Cass, Blake, and Cassie

Grandma Snowball and Avery

Off and running...or walking?

2008-11-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

So here's the start of my blogging. It seems intimidating to start a blog, only because I'm not sure how much I'll keep it up. Hopefully I'll be able to get the swing of it and it won't seem so bad.