A Short Family Huyck

Super Saturday Crafts

2011-10-28T12:58:00.002-04:00

For all my regular blog viewers (HA!!) my blog is being temporarily donated to my ward for the Super Saturday. Regular posts may resume later. :)

Here are the crafts for the Longwood Ward Super Saturday on November 19th from 9am to 12pm.

Please note the crafts you would like to make and fill out and RETURN an order form to Jenny Parker or Melinda Huyck. Make checks payable to Jenny Parker or use my (Melinda Huyck) nifty PayPal button to pay for your crafts by November 6th!

"A" Honor Roll

2010-03-09T09:33:00.001-05:00

Porter and Ethan got straight A's the first marking period of the year and were honored at a breakfast in January. We are glad they both did well since they were each allowed to bring 2 guests to the program and that way we all made it there:). I don't want to miss out on my Panera Bakery orange scones! YUM! They received a certificate and had their picture taken with the school mascot, Kiwi the Koala of Wekiva Elementary School. Aeris was fascinated by the mascot and kept going up to it for a hug. It was cute so she got her picture taken too.

We are proud of our smart, hard workers and they'd better keep up the good work cause Mom and Dad AREN'T paying for college! That's something we'll leave for them to figure out. If they can get others to give them $$, all the better!

The Science Fair

2010-03-07T21:22:00.001-05:00

In February, the boys and I completed a science fair project. It was supposed to be done with their dad but somehow it was "forgotten" until almost too late! So we worked on a project about pendulums and their swing and what effect the length of string has on the rate and duration of the swing.

I helped too much!! Next time, I'm going to stand back and keep my hands to myself. They set it up at the school by themselves and got a ribbon for participation. It was a good experience for them (and me) and they were proud of themselves.

Central Florida Zoo

2010-03-07T21:21:00.000-05:00

On Monday, we went to the zoo with Grandpa Tim. We sent the kids off to school in the morning, much to Ethan's dismay, and picked them up after lunch for a surprise adventure.

We have annual passes and we keep hoping we can drop off a kid or two and no one will notice :). No luck yet. We think they'd blend in well in the monkey exhibit.

Ethan was having a bonding moment with the zebu. I must admit, it had beautiful eyes with long lashes and looked very sweet.

Jacob and Elijah were trying out banana phones to see if the monkeys were on to something.

All in all, it was a great way to spend the afternoon with a dear, kind grandpa that we love.

Kennedy Space Center

2010-03-07T11:19:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, we all went to the Kennedy Space Center. It was a little windy.

I had to keep a hold of Aeris, lest she blow away!

We took the shuttle ride to LC 39, the Rocket Launch Site. That's where it was so windy. Then we took the shuttle to the Apollo/Saturn V Center where we saw the full size Saturn V. It was amazingly HUGE!

We ran out of time for the 3rd stop on the shuttle tour, the International Space Station Center. So we headed back and rode the Shuttle Launch Experience. It was bumpy but I'm sure I could hack it as an astronaut, just have to do a total career change :).

And Jacob was having fun with our new camera and got some good pictures of the Rocket Garden during the "golden hour of light", right as the sun is going down.

And here is Aeris taking a pretend nap which was as close as she got to a real nap that day. We forgot her pacifier which made for a somewhat difficult day. She didn't even fall asleep on the way home and had some very interesting conversations with her Aunt McKenzie in her effort to stay awake. It's gonna be rough when she has to give up her "passi" at the ripe old age of three.

It was a great day and I highly recommend the Kennedy Space Center. It helps you truly appreciate how amazing it is that we've gotten into space and how much effort it takes. And if you go in March and are a FL resident, you can get one kid in free per adult. :)

Porter and Ethan's Baptism

2010-03-06T23:19:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, February 28th, my oldest boys were baptized! I can't believe I'm old enough for 8 year olds. My parents and 2 youngest siblings were able to come from Alaska and Jacob's dad from California for the occasion. They were both baptized by my dad, Brian Smith, and confirmed by my dad (Porter) and Tim Huyck (Ethan). Tim gave a truly wonderful talk on the Holy Ghost. My little sis, McKenzie, gave the closing prayer and the Primary kids sang Baptism while we waited for them to change. Another boy was also baptized that evening, Matthew Bush.

We had a little open house afterwards with cookies and muffins for our friends. We invited the Garretts, Bates, Parkers, and Engs.

I was so happy and proud of them. I couldn't stop smiling. I'm so glad they made this decision to start on the path to return to their Father in Heaven. I love them a million, a million. It was a good day and went better than I could have imagined.

Brian Smith, Jacob, Tim Huyck

Ethan, Ryan (my little brother), Elijah, Porter

Fun

2010-01-03T22:42:00.000-05:00

The kids all got an outside toy for Christmas. Ethan got roller blades, Elijah got a new bike, Aeris got a scooter and Porter got some rope...which Jacob made into a rope swing. They had fun!

Happy 2010!

2010-01-02T16:16:00.003-05:00

We welcomed in the New Year in grand style complete with silly glasses, chocolate fondue, and sparkling peach juice. We let the boys stay up late. Porter and Ethan made it to midnight but Elijah conked out at ten minutes to the new year. We may have taken advantage of his blissful slumber :).

May you and yours have a wonderful and exciting new year!

Oops!

2009-12-05T16:07:00.006-05:00

This is what happens when there are only 2 nails holding your kitchen cabinet to the wall and your son happens to pull on it while climbing up to get a plate. It was an accident and luckily no one was hurt but it sure made a VERY loud noise. I stood there in stunned silence while my children began crying and the little climber apologized profusely.

Thank heavens for my wonderful neighbor and good friend, Lindsay. I had to call someone to see this disaster and so I called her. She came over, was appropriately shocked and appalled, then promptly offered to help clean up. I didn't call her over to help with clean up, I just had to share the calamity with another adult! I tried to refuse her help but she said "too bad!" and went to get her broom. We made short work of it and threw away a box full of shattered glass. I will need to replace a few things, probably about $35 worth of plates, glasses and bowls. Could have been worse!

Now does anyone know a good handyman?

Halloween 2009

2009-11-04T22:11:00.004-05:00

I was in charge of costumes this year because Jacob was busy with work.
This is the line up:

Aeris, a cute little pumpkin

Elijah, a scary vampire

Ethan, a mad scientist

Porter, a creepy mummy

and Jacob, as himself :)

Our Halloween festivities included:

A ward Fall Festival and trunk or treat(with Porter being a finalist in the costume parade)
Trick or treating at Jacob's work (and his win as Scariest Costume in the costume contest)
Trick or treating on Halloween night where my kids wimped out after about 7 houses! Obviously they don't know how good they have it. Why, I remember tromping through 18 inches of snow in 25 degree weather for hours in search of a few measly treats!

Halloween was fun! Now to get rid of all this candy!

This Bread's for You!

2009-11-03T22:35:00.004-05:00

Here's my latest recipe acquisition: Artisan Bread

This recipe is from my friend, Sarah. She's been teaching bread classes for Enrichment and she is good.
Here's the recipe:

Dixie's Artisan Bread

3 c. unbleached flour
1/4 tsp. instant yeast
1 1/4 tsp. salt
1 5/8 c. water

Mix together, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit overnight at room temperture.

On baking day

1. Pour dough out onto a floured surface, cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 15 mins.
2. Liberally flour 2 towels (NOT terry cloth, those smooth flour sack towels). Place dough between the towels, fold over and let rest for 2 hours.
3. 30 minutes before baking, place your pot (covered with an oven safe lid) into the oven and preheat to 450.
4. Pour the dough into the pot and bake covered for 30 minutes. Then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to brown the top.

This is a mild flavored bread and is delicious dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette.

Let cool completely and enjoy. If you cut the loaf too early, it cuts poorly and dries out quickly.
The best way to keep bread fresh is to store it cut side down on a nonporous surface, like a plate.

It's been awhile

2009-10-28T22:05:00.002-04:00

Sorry, no posts in forever. I did finish the grocery challenge with $10.34 to spare. Then, as soon as October arrived, I stocked back up! But at least I know I can do it and I plan on doing it more often.

As for the mixer, I'm going to hold off maybe until Christmas.

More posts with pictures to follow. I burned my fingers (2nd degree) today and typing is a bit difficult :( .

Sept 3rd and 4th

2009-09-04T13:29:00.004-04:00

Money Spent So Far:
$14.45 Lunch date
$13.86 Diapers
$56.69 Left for the week

To answer some questions from my HUGE readership;).

No, I don't have any specific recipes but the blogger I got the idea from does have a recipe book that just came out and she says it's got good stuff in it. I'm just going to shop the sales and be very sure I buy only what we need. I may sneak in a few wants but I'm going to try making more treats this month and maybe even try my hand at making crackers and I will be making bread. I did stock my freezer with meat last week but that's only because we'd run out of every thing and it was before I planned on doing this. I know I'll be using more beans. Be glad you all live far away:).

As for keeping their "grubby hands" off the food, I just send them to school (so I don't have to deal with their "hungrys" for several hours) and have a snack planned when they get home and then the kitchen is CLOSED until dinner. If they say they are truly dieing for food, I offer carrot sticks. Not many of them are that hungry.

And the salad recipe is as follows:

Turkey, Apple, Craisin Salad

1 bag of salad (romaine mix or American mix)
Turkey lunch meat
Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Craisins
Gala apples (or Fuji)
1 stalk of Celery
Ranch dressing or a fruit Vinaigrette (we really like Marzetti Berry Balsamic Vinaigrette)

I chop the celery and add to salad mix and toss. Everything else I chop/shred and put in little bowls and people can pick what they like. I love this salad. It's very lite and fresh and delicious!

And our menu
Sept 3rd
Breakfast: Pancakes and eggs
Lunch: PB&J Sandwiches and Jacob and I went out for a lunch date $14.45
Dinner: Black Bean Soup and Cornbread
Snack: Apples and crackers and cheese

Sept 4th
Breakfast: Oatmeal
Lunch: PB and Honey sandwiches or leftovers
Dinner:Pita pizzas and cauliflower and zucchini with cheese and seasonings
Snack: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies and milk

Just so you know, the lunches I pack aren't just sandwiches. There's always a fruit, chips/crackers, tiny treat, juice and a gogurt or string cheese. I have a feeling most of my $$ is going to be spent on lunch items.

With all the money I'm going to save this month (cross my fingers) I decided I'm going to buy a Bosch mixer just like my mom has. She got one used and has had it for at least 15 yrs and it's still going strong (as far as I know). I will think of it whenever I'm tempted to buy Skittles. I don't have any type of stand mixer and I'd like to think I'll make more bread if I have one. They are supposed to be the best on the market and last forever.

September 1 and 2

2009-09-02T14:05:00.004-04:00

I have to make a disclaimer about these first 2 weeks. I already planned my menu and bought the groceries before I heard about this idea. And it's funny that since I can't/chosen not to go shopping, I keep thinking about what I'd like to buy and I don't need ANYTHING!! The feeling will go away after awhile, right?

Sept 1
Breakfast: Cold cereal
Lunch: Sandwiches and leftovers
Dinner: Turkey, Apple, Craisin Salad and saltine crackers.

Sept 2
Breakfast: Yogurt/egg, toast and fruit
Lunch: Tuna Sandwiches or leftovers
Dinner: Ravioli Vegetable Stack and cauliflower with cheese

And can I just say my little daughter is trying to be troublesome! She's on antibiotics for a double ear infection and she refuses to take them! She used to be so good at taking medicine. Unfortunately, she has to take them no matter what and so it will be given the "hard way". Very sad for her (and me).

$85 a Week for Groceries for September

2009-08-31T21:51:00.006-04:00

I read about this on this blog. And if she can do it with 10 kids I can do it with 4! I'll post our meals and keep you updated on our progress. Even if we don't stick to the $85 a week, we'll still be saving money since I usually spend $600+ a month! YIKES! I'm going to go with all cash because I know that will help immensely. If anyone want to join us in this endeavor that would be great.

Our 10th Anniversary

2009-07-30T19:42:00.000-04:00

Since we've survived 10 years of togetherness we celebrated by going out of town for the weekend. Jacob planned the whole thing. We divided our kids amongst 2 wonderful, fantastic, patient friends and headed off!

We went to Universal and Islands of Adventure.

The next day we drove to Key Largo to Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to camp (like we did on our honeymoon) on the beach. The next morning we went snorkeling on a coral reef. It was amazing! It is just like it shows on TV. The fish are so close you can almost touch them. We even saw a sea turtle go gliding by. We ate lots of delicious fish at little out of the way restaurants and enjoyed each other immensely.

Elijah's 5th Birthday

2009-07-29T19:08:00.000-04:00

Elijah celebrated his 5th birthday on June 12. A few days later we had a birthday for him with some friends from school. It was Star Wars themed:) .

We played Pin-the-X-wing-on-the-Death-Star's-Thermal-Exhaust-Port, had a Pod Relay Race, a Jedi obstacle course and had some practice with a Lightsaber Training Remote (AKA pinata).

We even had a surprise appearance of an X-wing pilot.

We ate Wookie Cookies (no-bake cookies), pizza and fruit kabobs and had Yoda Soda (Sprite with lime sherbet) to drink.

It was fun!
No matter how unenthusiastic Elijah looks.

Babies and Markers

2009-07-28T22:59:00.003-04:00

I tell you that little face is cute but those fingers are naughty!
I have to keep my eyes on her.
Thank heavens I got rid of all non washable markers in a stroke of genius and fit of organization.

Older and Wiser

2009-06-13T14:56:00.004-04:00

I had a birthday.
There was cake, Texas Sheet Cake with chocolate buttermilk frosting made with love by my dear husband.

There were gifts, handmade (masks and necklaces)and store-bought (EA Active).
And Spider Man even made a guest appearance at my party.
It was good.
Now I am 31.

Zucchini

2009-06-12T14:45:00.002-04:00

Because you've always wanted a zucchini big enough to cradle in your arms.

Little Readers

2009-06-11T14:31:00.000-04:00

These are pictures that bring happiness to my heart.
Seeing my children love reading like I do is a wonderful thing.

If Aeris sees an adult sitting down, she runs to grab a book. She toddles over, book in hand, turns around and backs up into the (hopefully) available lap, and she's ready for her stories. And don't even think of leaving without reading at least 4 books; you wouldn't want to make her cry, would you?

Ethan likes to twirl his hair while he reads. This leads to some funny poke-ups in his hairdo.
We LOVE books!

My Happiness

2009-06-10T15:07:00.004-04:00

They are why I do what I do 24/7/365 for the last 7.5-ish years.

The Garden

2009-06-09T22:44:00.005-04:00

Here is my square foot garden. I began planting in February. That's when you start in Florida. I planted broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, various lettuces, swiss chard, beets, spinac,h, chives, mint, oregano, thyme and green sweet peas.
At the end of March, I added 3 tomato plants, green beans and bell peppers, cilantro and basil.
I have 2 four foot square boxes and 2 two by four foot boxes. Three of the boxes have trellises on the north side for various climbing plants.

I just want you to see how tall stuff has grown! The trellis for the tomatoes was 6 feet tall.
The green beans were going crazy! They grew up and over the top and started back down! Unfortunately I didn't like the variety I planted and I haven't harvested it much. Next year I'll plant Kentucky green beans (I think that is the variety). I had them before and I really enjoyed their "beany flavor".

And here is a picture of some of the harvest.
I know I didn't mention growing the cucumbers and zucchini but I got them from my next door neighbor and gardening buddy and I'm sure I may have watered them once so I can count them in my harvest:). Besides I didn't ever get a picture of the sweet peas, spinach and lettuces that I had coming out my ears.

I really enjoy gardening. But now that it is getting HOT outside, I'm glad my season is over. I'll take a break until the end of Sept and then I'll be ready for another growing season!

EA Company Picnic

2009-05-21T09:18:00.000-04:00

EA has a company picnic every year and they know how to throw a party! It was at the fairgrounds and there were inflatable toys like giant slides, jousting, the bungee run, and obstacle courses; a petting zoo; pony rides;, a guy on stilts making balloon animals and swords; a live band; carnival games; a huge climbing wall; and lots of tasty food! Cotton candy, popcorn, candy apples, hotdogs, corn dogs, turkey legs, corn on the cob, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken wings, ect. It was a PARTY! The only downside was the 96 degree weather and no shady trees. But there was a breezy pavillion so we could rest and cool down.

Jacob had to work that Saturday so he didn't stay the whole time but he made good use of what he had. He challenged all of his boys to a jousting match.

I think he let them win.
And slid down the giant slide with his baby girl.

And made sure to leave with a generous sampling of fair food.

Everyone had a horse/pony ride, even me! It was the first time for everyone, except me. Elijah wanted to ride the horse.

His brothers stuck with the ponies.

Aeris wanted to see the "horsies". And she just looked so cute and serious on her pony!

It was a lot of fun. I just wish Jacob could have stayed longer. Usually they do the picnic earlier in the year. A lot of teams are in Alpha right now and you could tell there wasn't the crowd like I've seen in previous years.

Jacob's 32nd Birthday

2009-05-20T18:27:00.000-04:00

Guess who's another year older!
O.K., so this is a bit late but he did have a birthday and this is how it all went down.
There was a cake, made from scratch. A Lemon Blitz Torte meaning "fast cake" because it came together very quickly.

There were candles.

And of course there was the requisite silliness.

Four kids by 32 years old? Not too shabby, I'd say! And I like how the children aren't holding anything back for this picture. It's a real insight to the family :)

And there were gifts but I don't have any photographic proof so you'll just have to take my word for it. He got a USB audio interface thingy (it'd been on his Amazon wish list for a while) and Okami (a video game, of course).

That morning he got up early to help our friends, the Engs, move into a new house. They treated him to a steak lunch for his kind assistance and for dinner, we all went out to 5 Guys Burgers.

It was a good day.

My Belated Mother's Day Post

2009-05-19T18:01:00.005-04:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day! I woke up to this:

from Porter.

He made it all by himself. I was impressed! I have been waiting for this to happen on Mother's day for 7+ years. Finally, I got my breakfast in bed! Getting breakfast from one of my kids just seemed like the sign which means I'm truly a mom and I'm really in the "mom groove". But you wonder "why not breakfast in bed from the dear husband?" Eh. I'm never going to get that from Jacob. The only time he ever wakes up before me is on the day after Thanksgiving to get some smokin' hot deals on electronics. :)

I also got hand painted bird houses from my 1st graders and lovely notes about how much they love me. And from my almost kindergartener I got our handprints together (I lent a "hand" imprint for this project) and a note about what he loves about me. Jacob got me Wii Fit and the Balance Board. Just what I wanted!

I got to talk with all my family, even my brother on a mission in Japan because we arranged a conference call with everyone.

For dinner I enjoyed sauteed chicken, aspargus, mashed red potatoes, atomic Kool-aid, and ice cream. YUMMY!

It was a wonderful day. I love being a mom and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Central Florida Fair 2009

2009-04-28T22:26:00.007-04:00

View from the Ferris Wheel

Last Saturday we all went to the fair! We ate lots of fatty deep fried food, rode rides till we turned green, saw elephants, tigers, chickens and sheep, and watched a fiery high diver dive!

Aeris and me cheesing for the camera

We checked out the exhibits and just knew that Porter's Lego creation would have won a ribbon, if we'd entered it on time. And my scrapbook pages and cards would have held their own as well. Next year the blue ribbons will be ours!

Three smiling boys on the Ferris wheel

Unfortunately we stayed too late and didn't get home until 10 pm which made it very difficult to get up for 9 am Church. But we made it!

A really crazy clown!

It was great fun and we can't wait to go next year!

Easter 2009

2009-04-20T15:31:00.000-04:00

This Easter we had an Easter egg hunt in the back yard on Saturday and a small basket delivered on Sunday for each child.

Jacob hid the eggs and I waited with the very excited kids. We let Aeris out first for a minute then Elijah and then the big boys. Porter was a quiet and quick finder. Ethan and Elijah kept asking Jacob and I where the eggs were. We told them to keep looking!! Aeris caught on quickly and was able to hold her own in egg collecting. Porter found the golden egg this year. It had $2 inside. Elijah was upset that he didn't find it and Ethan was very kind to share an egg with him to help him feel better. Ethan doesn't like to see people sad.

All in all it was fun and tasty.

I'm Here!

2009-04-19T19:02:00.000-04:00

Ok, this is the moment you've all been waiting for, nagging me about, and wondering if it would ever happen. I have joined the blogging world.

You may all rejoice!

Here are some pictures to get you started.

Here is a most current picture of some story time with Dad this afternoon. They haven't seen their dad much these days with his 70+ hour work week. But we are thankful he has a job and we'll just be very glad he didn't have to work today.

Elijah is styling with the latest in shampoo hairstyles al la Sonic the Hedgehog.

Ethan is telling me about black holes and naked singularities.

We have Porter and the XP Target Locker 2000. He made this to enter in the fair but we didn't get our entry form in on time. Next year!!

And two pictures of the cutest little girl evah! First the nose picking. She's learning things from her siblings! But don't despair!
She can still win you over with her sweetness and cutes.

I'm still working on the look and format of this thing so bear with me and offer suggestions to help me out!