The Fabulous Foys

We've Moved

2010-02-15T17:08:00.000-08:00

I needed a new start so I started another blog.
Please follow us at:

www.HomesteadersDelight.blogspot.com

4th of July

2009-07-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July is a big deal in our house. We did the same thing we always do, but as our friendships here in St. George grow stronger our times together become even more enjoyable. We had some friends over for a bbq and swimming then fireworks in the street (just like we did when I was a kid). Our pool was filled with 17 kids all day long. We ate, swam and ate some more. When it got dark I make chocolate chip cookies, the kids sat on the grass and the dads lit the fireworks. The best part was the background music (Elvis's patriotic songs) courtesy of Kevin Suman.

What we did: Swimming, eating, fireworks and good company

What we ate: spinach salad, pasta salad, veggies and dip, watermelon, fresh 7-layer bean dip and lots of bbq

What we listened to: Elvis' patriotic music

Emma June's Pink Birthday Party

2009-07-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

Emma June loves pink and Dora. Her 3rd birthday isn't until next weekend, but I couldn't wait that long. So I threw together some pink decorations and invited a few friends over. I've seriously scaled back on the parties. I used to go over-board with bounce houses, theme coordinating and inviting lots of friends. Now I'm perfectly satisified without games, a small meal (even just cake) and a handful of dear friends. Emma June had a great time. She danced as we sang Happy Birthday. She and her best friend Jak Jak fought over her Dora toy and were in awe of her new kitchen (which still remains in its box).

What we did: Ate pizza and cupcakes, sang happy birthday, and enjoyed watching Emma June open her gifts.

What we ate: I made white spinach, artichoke pizza and cheese pizza, pink cupcakes with amazing vanilla-pudding-cream filling, and pink sherbert punch

Who was there: Gigi, the Anderson family and neighbors Tom and Matt

Salt Lake City Getaway

2009-07-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we ran up north to Salt Lake City, or "Utah" as they call it here in the south. We were gone for only 3 days and made the most of that short time. On Thursday, after we got there, we went to Trolley Square and ate at The Spaghetti Factory then walked around the mall. We went back to the hotel and swam in the pool. On Friday we went to Hogle Zoo then to Temple Square. On Saturday we slept in, at least until Emma June climbed out of her pack and play, lifted my eye cover and told me quietly "that's enough". We packed up and loaded back into the car and went to the Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy.

What we did:Trolley Square, hotel swimming, Hogle Zoo, Temple Square, Living Planet Aquarium

What we ate: Spaghetti Factory, Red Robin, Maverick Gas Station in Fillmore and lots of Holiday Inn Express cinnamon rolls (holla)

What we listened to: Jack Johnson, Great Lake Swimmers, and Government Issue

Anniversary and Father's Day

2009-06-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

Every year our wedding anniversary and Father's Day fall within the same week. For our family the celebrations go hand-in-hand. David and I both went through our lives without our fathers. While it was difficult to grow up without a father we were blessed with many men who took their place. This is especially true for David. His life was filled with special men who filled the void. These men saw a young man who lacked direction and they did not hesitate to step in and guide him. These men showed by example how to be a good father and husband. They also taught him how to be a responsible hard worker. So many of us are concerned about over-stepping our boundaries. We are afraid that it's not our place. But I know, from experience, that everyone's life is our place. I have learned throughout my life that when someone appears to be in need that I should trust my instincts and reach out. Trust me that I don't always do that. I'm just so grateful that the men who reached out to David (namely the men at Oasis Church) did trust their instincts. Today I am blessed to have an incredible father for my children. A man who spends time guiding and nurturing our children. Also, we were able to celebrate 11 years of marriage. Our marriage is a result of the love and support offered by so many along the way. They say that the best way to be a good father is by being a good husband. I cannot agree more and that's why I love that Father's day and our anniversary are within the same week every year. Every year for Father's Day we make a t-shirt with the kid's handprints

Spring Recital

2009-06-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

I'll never be able to express how touched I was by the cuteness this day held. Sophia and Emma June both danced in the spring recital on Saturday afternoon. Sophia has been dancing for over 3 years and Emma June just started last January. When I was about 8 my grandmother was the seamstress for an esteemed dance teacher in San Marino, CA. I was given the opportunity to take lessons from her. But, being that I was just a kid, I wanted to play with my friends instead of take dance lessons. I dropped out of dance. I didn't have anyone motivate me to continue. To this day I regret that missed opportunity. It brings me joy to motivate my girls (Emma June doesn't need any motivation) to follow through. I love seeing the joy in their eyes when they've completed a recital. It's a true sense of accomplishment. Not to mention both girls looked adorable in their fancy costumes.

Singing in the Rain

2009-06-14T15:44:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about living in the desert is the random thunder storms that happen from time to time. We were just hangin' out in the front yard when this storm rolled in. We were graced with bright lightening, loud thunder and a torrential down pour. Watching children play in the rain is such a joy.

A Day Out & About

2009-06-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

We are so grateful to live in such a beautiful place. Sweeping vistas and farm lands are at our front porch. Dramatic landscapes, prestine mountains and countrysides are just a short drive away. Last week we piled into our car (both dogs too) and took a short drive to Kolob Reservoir. We've heard how beautiful it was but have never been. We went the back way, up to Cedar City into the mountains and off highway 14. We were taken-away by a peaceful country road with aspen groves on each side, winding creeks and fences that zig-zagged along the road. Names and dates as far back as the 1930's were etched in the trees. We stopped along the way to run through meadows and to feel the peace of this special area. The kids frolicked and we captured some great photos. When we got to the reservoir (which is really just a small lake) we set out some chairs and took in the landscape and serenity. It was truly a place to be seen and experienced. Purple wildflowers of different shades surrounded the lake and ducks filled the water. After we hung out around the lake for awhile we headed back home by way through Zion Nat'l Park. Passing through the park it felt like we were in a different part of the country. The two landscapes (before the reservoir and after) couldn't be more different. Zion Park is famous for it's ginormous red cliffs, red sand and dark green pines. Our day trip lasted for about 4 hours and we can't wait to go back. It's times like those, when we step outside of our everyday routine, that I'm able to reflect on life and remember what a joy it is to be a family.

The Oma

2009-06-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

We left California for Utah over 4 years ago. My Oma (German grandma) was sad to see us go and said she'd never come to Utah to visit. After years of begging she decided to pay us a visit. Unfortunatly, we couldn't make her happy...but you couldn't tell by the pics. She stayed for about 2 weeks and the kids loved having her around. Our kids love their family and it makes them so happy when family comes to visit. Great friends are important to have and in many ways they can fill the role of family. But, nothing can compare to blood and years of memories. So here's a toast to family members...even the grumpy ones. Note to self: enjoy every moment whether you feel like it or not.

Friendship Party

2009-06-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

I'm always down for a party! We called this party the Friendship Party. At the end of May we invited all of Sophia's friends from the neighborhood with cute Scooby Doo invites and got a Scooby Doo cake from the market (yes, we even got a fancy cake). We served fruit salad, green salad, cake and punch. The kids all swam for a few hours and me and some mom friends hung out and enjoyed an afternoon of friendship.

I Cannot Believe It!

2008-01-20T20:01:00.000-08:00

I thought for sure that this baby would be here by now. I was going to include a picture of me with my huge pregnant tummy, but it depresses me. Today I am officially over-due. But, I'll be patient. David has been a big help. He's doing the dishes right now and earlier he promised me that he would stay out of my way. I stayed home from church today cuz I felt crummy and didn't want to have to answer that same question. I am grateful that everything else is going well. Sophia is super excited about her 6th birthday which is on Thursday. Nathan has been pushing the limits on his bike, he has the scabs to proove it. Emma-June continues to hit everyone and say things that blow us away.

More Foy Propaganda

2008-01-13T15:21:00.000-08:00

Last night David and I saw a screening of the new documentary "The Business of Being Born." This is a must see for any woman who is pregnant. I was amazed to learn what women have allowed to happen to themselves during birth. Does twilight sleep sound familiar? We have lost total control of what birth should be. Birth should be a beautiful, spiritual, and empowering experience. I believe that we have been made to think that birth is like a disease that needs to be cured. So far I have had varied experiences with my births. Sophia was a scheduled induction with the epidural. No doubt it was a great day and a fairly easy birth. After Sophia's birth I swore I would always have an epidural because it was so easy. But Nathan's birth changed my mind for good. While my epidural was being administered the anaesthesiologist "messed-up" and it resulted in what is called a wet tap. It was miserable. I delivered Nathan without the help of the epidural while at the same time having a headache that was worse than anything I had ever felt before and threw-up during the whole delivery. I was bedridden for a week and my medical care takers were of no help. My OB was too busy to return our calls and the hospital told me to contact my OB. I was prescribed an unreal amount of pain pills. I had never been so scared in my life. After the experience I was left with a headache everyday for a year and a bill for the epidural and the procedure that was finally done (a week later) to fix it. I knew that for my third birth it was all natural for me. So I delivered Emma-June naturally, or so I thought. Come to find out I was given pitosin. The pitosin made my contractions very painful. But I did it and felt like a hero. After Emma's birth a felt so strong and courageous. I felt and incredible bond with her immediately. I now know that the bond was created by a release of the natural drugs during the delivery. There is so much to know about the process of giving birth. I believe that there is much to gain from having a baby without medical intervention. Of course I know that there are many times that medical intervention is necessary, but it is overdone and often times creates its own problems. I recommend that people see this documentary to see a side of birth that has been forgotten about. As you know I am about to have a home birth any day now. I am prepared for anything and everything. I have assessed the "risks" involved and believe that the benefits far outweigh the potential risks. If anything goes wrong we will go to the hospital. But if all goes well our baby will be born in the peace of our own home, surrounded by her family and the environment that is filled will the germs and sounds she already knows. There will be no drugs involved. We will allow this baby to come into this world when she is ready. We know that the Holy Spirit will fill our home and our hearts and help this spirit transfer from heaven to this world.

The Countdown Begins

2008-01-06T16:41:00.000-08:00

I'm finally 38 weeks pregnant and every night before bed I swear that it'll be "the night." I found out that I was really anemic and so my midwife said that it would be best to start eating red meat. So I did. Yes it tastes really good, but it makes me feel like crap! Although there is something special about prime rib and shredded beef. The things us women will do for our babies.
We got my mom moved into her own place this week. She had been with us for six years. I know that she'll get used to having her own space pretty quickly. The kids have been having fun going to grandma's house. Nathan has been a little bummed about the transition, but overall I'm sure that it is good for all of us.
David and I have been having fun watching football this season. I don't know much but I know a touchdown when I see one. I love this time of year. With all of the holidays aside we can focus on Sophia's birthday. At least that's how she would have it. It's all we hear about these days.
Well, it's dinner time, steak for mama and rice and veggies for everyone else. You'd be surprised to know that rice and veggies sounds much better than a grilled new york steak. But it does.

We made it through Christmas!

2007-12-30T18:37:00.000-08:00

We had such a blessed and peaceful Christmas season. The kids constantly reminded us how fun Christmas is supposed to be. They were excited for so many things, not just their gifts, although they were plenty excited about their gifts. On Christmas eve we went out to dinner and drove around to look at Christmas lights afterword. Before bed we watched some Christmas specials and opened a gift. Christmas day was so relaxing and enjoyable. We just hung-out together all day at home. This last week has been spent getting my mom's new place set-up and our house moved around. David has been painting our room and getting it ready for the delivery of the baby. I'm trying to make sure that we have everything in place in time and trying not to think about the chore I have ahead of me. But we are excited. We expect the birth to be about one week away. As usual, we'll keep you posted.

It's been too long

2007-12-23T15:35:00.000-08:00

There is no excuse for neglecting you for so long. So I'll just give you a bit of info as to what we have been up to. Let's see...In October we took our final camping trip for the season. We went up to Bryce Canyon again and everyone had a great time. I was 7 months preggers and Emma was about 15 months old so the trip had its challenges and limitations. But in true Foy Family style we had a great time. Then there was Halloween. It's amazing how busy the holidays get with kid stuff. There were school parties, neighborhood parties, and of course the church
trunk-r-treat. Then in November we had a peaceful Thanksgiving. We were supposed to get together with friends but Sohpia and Nathan were sick with the flu. So I went ahead and made a super yummy vegan meal (Tofurky and all). You wouldn't believe how good it turned out. Now we are in the middle of the tornado known as December. We have stayed very busy this month with all kinds of Christmas-related activities. In the beginning of the month I made costumes for the Christmas recital at Sophia's dance school. Then we took off to California's Newport Coast for our annual winter get-away. There we visited with David's family and went to Disneyland. Of course, the kids were sick. Sophia and Emma both had the flu. But, as usual, the show must go on. Disneyland was interesting with me having contractions as we walked and Sophia having to use the restroom to relieve her diarrhea every few minutes and Emma throwing-up all over David on the Peter Pan ride. But it was Disneyland and Disneyland is fun no matter what, right? The night after we got home it was our turn to host a dinner party for the dinner club we are apart of. We're talking linens and a full course meal with dessert, decor, and a game for 8 couples! We had a great time, but we were so glad to have that behind us. Now it is crunch time. Christmas is almost here and we are still in the middle of moving my mom into her own place. I just started my Christmas shopping for the kids last night. I managed to find the random things the kids asked for but still have not got my Tofurky. Believe it or not, they actually sell-out. Keep in mind that I am 37 weeks pregnant. This month will go down in our family's book as being one of the busiest. I'll let you know how it all turns out.
Merry Christmas!

Our California Adventure

2007-10-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

Some might call me crazy... I loaded up all three kids and my 6 months pregnant self into the car and drove 6 hours to California to visit family. The kids had such a great time. And yes, it was a lot of work and I am very tired today, but it is so rewarding to know that the kids have new memories of their family. We brought my mom with us and so first we drove to Claremont to drop my mom off at her mom's (Oma) and we stayed there for the first night (Thursday). We hung-out there for most of Friday. We went to a park and then had lunch downtown in Claremont. After lunch we made our favorite stop at the "Some Crust" bakery and got some yummy and spooky halloween cookies. That afternoon the kids and I got back in the car (Gigi stayed at Oma's) and we braved the Friday afternoon traffic on the 10 freeway to stay with the inlaws. It took us 1 1/2 hours to go from Claremont to Redlands! I don't know how people do it. Grandma Donna and Jamie were so excited to see us. The kids could hardly waite to see them. I think they have more toys at their house than we do. My kids turned their house upside-down! On Saturday we got back in the car and drove to my nephew Josh's b-day lunch which was at the Rainforest Cafe at Downtown Disney. We had such a great time seeing Josh and Ryan & Geraldine and their beautiful baby. To the kids it was like we went to Disneyland. We drove back to Redlands to stay with Donna and Jamie again after a visit with my sister and her sweet little girl Leilani. On Sunday we drove home. I'm so tired of driving, but I am very grateful for the chance to see everyone we love. This was David's first time ever being home alone. I came home to a tidy home and a man who missed his family! We sure missed him too. We'll have to take him with us next time.

Just FOY Fun

2007-10-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we took a very last minute trip tp Park City, Utah. It is not easy to pack up two kids, a baby, and a dog, but we did it! It rained and snowed on us all the way up. On Sunday we were blessed with beautiful fall weather. We went to the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City on Sunday. SLC is so pretty in autumn. The air was crisp and the animals were lively. After a long day at the zoo (we like to get our money's worth) we went to the Spaghetii Factory for dinner. We had another full day on Monday and some more beautiful weather. We went to the Discovery Kids Museum in SLC, which was a lot of fun. This museum is new and you can just let the kids run around and play all day. Even Emma June had a great time. After that we visited Temple Square and then back up the mountain to our room in Park City. I made dinner and we rested for what seemed like forever, but it was still only four o'clock. So we decided to drive back down the mountain to Thanksgiving Point to go to the Dinosaur Museum. The kids loved this museum. There were a lot of hands-on things for the kids to explore. Mom and Dad were tired by now. We had planned on staying another day, but we were all ready to head back home. On Tuesday we picked up Bishop at the kennel in Heber, which is the town next ot Park City, and drove back home. It was great to spend time together as a family. Emma was a little uncomfortable being away from home, but Sophia and Nathan had the best time.

Vegan can be good

2007-09-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

I have given vegan cooking a go. So far, baking has been more successful than cooking. We have enjoyed some yummy pumpkin bread, banana bread and peanut butter cookies. But, the grossest thing I have ever tasted was a version of cheeseburger macaroni. I should have known, it had tumeric, yeast and soy in it. It smelled terrible and tasted even worse! To top it off, the night I made that meal David and I were supposed to go to the Morrissey concert and we decided not to go because the weather was so bad in Vegas that we were afraid of crashing and dieing and leaving our kids homeless. So I was pretty bumbed that night. So we left the kids at home with Gigi and went out to dinner. Oh, I tried a vitamin B12 patch this week. It's the same concentration as the shot, which gives you energy and mental clarity, but costs less. I think I feel better.

Here is the recipe for Super Moist Pumpkin Bread. I'm sharing because I don't want to be a recipe nazi, no one likes that. I don't put walnuts or coconut flakes in it, instead I use vegan chocolate chips (choc. chips without any milk or butter derivitive, I like the walmart brand chip).

1 cup chopped walnuts

3 1/2 cups flour

2 cups dark brown sugar

2/3 cup white sugar

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 cups pumpkin puree

1 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup coconut milk

2/3 cup flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour two 8" X 4" loaf pans. Spread walnuts in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 8 - 10 minutes until lightly browned. Set aside. In a large bowl mix dry ingredients. Add the pumpkin puree, oil and coconut milk. Fold in the coconut flakes and walnuts. Divide evenly into pans. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cover with foil to allow to steam. Remove foil and let cool.

Okay, fine!

2007-09-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

Okay fine, I'll cook vegan. I have spent the last few days searching through vegan recipes. Most of which contain things that nobody wants to eat and are full of way too many ingredients. I'm a simple girl and when I try complicated recipes they turn out bad. But I think that I can do this, at least for dinner. What can I say, David is a good husband and works hard, the least I can do is feed him what he wants. If I don't feed him he does not eat and when he doesn't eat he is not so nice to be around. So I have been driving all over town getting the right ingredients. I know, things could be far more difficult, but having three little kids with me all the time tends to get trying at times. I am starting to accept that having a job just would be too difficult to manage right now. I almost started real estate school last week. I like the idea of working a few hours a week. I had a job in January. I worked in an office for three hours day for three days a week and worked at home also. It was too difficult to manage my time and priorities. So I have decided to embrace scrubbing toilets and doing the laundry. I'm greatful to be here for the kids. It is a joy. They will be grown soon and I will have the rest of my life to sew my oats. But for now I am needed at home. I'm fortunate to be around so many women that make homemaking an art. Did you know that you can make your own maple syrup, just ask Emily. And, believe it or not, I didn't know that people made homemade icing, just ask Lori. I have been trying to keep the house clean. I admit that I am not good at that. It isn't easy with all these kids and animals. But I feel so good and calm when my house is clean. If I could just keep both the upstairs and downstairs clean at the same time.

Vegan? Really?

2007-09-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of those days that leaves you with a not-so-good feeling. David was sick with the flu, I wasn't feeling well, my house was a MESS and to top it all off I forgot about Sophia's ballet class which starts at 4:45. When I remembered her class it was already 4:50. I ran upstairs to get Sophia, who was taking quiet time, and got her dressed real quick and threw her tangled hair up into a sloppy ballet bun. With her face covered in chocolate and dirt we ran out the door. When we got to the studio about 20 minutes late we were greated with some "better than you" glares from the other moms who's girls were there on time. I felt like such a worm. This experience is on top of my already having forgot to pick Sophia up from school on Friday. Fridays are early day. I was across town having lunch with David prepared to pick her up at the normal time of 11:45. While I was enjoying lunch my poor baby was yelling towards our house, which is directly next door to the school, "somebody pick me up!" Good thing my friend and neighbor was able to pick her up and waite for me to get her. So as you can imagine I was not feeling too good about myself or things in general yestaerday. But the icing on my yucky cake was when my sweet husband told me that he had decided to become vegan. If I can remember correctly, I think I yelled at him. "You're crazy" and "good luck with that" are some of the things I told him. He told me about a video he had seen on the internet that showed the standard practices of the animal industry and said that he did not want to be any part of that. Keep in mind that our family is already vegetarian, even the baby. I was so frusterated about the idea of having to buy and fix him"special food." I appreciate that he is a man who is always looking for ways to better himself and become a more conciencious person. He is very sensitive to the plight of others. But as for me and the kids, we will eat animal by-products. I can't even keep the house clean or remember to get the kids where they need to go, let alone read labels and make sure that everyone is getting their nutrients. Maybe I am a lazy American. I acknowledge the truth and choose to continue to eat cheese and milk. David showed Sophia the video of the animals being tortured and she was able to make her own decision. This morning when David asked Sophie if she wanted soymilk with her cereal she said,"no thank you, I'll have cow milk." I did go out and get the man some soy milk. But I had just gone to the market and planned all of the week's meals, none of which are vegan. So David will have to pick through everything. Again, good luck with that.

Well, I did it!

2007-09-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

I took the leap and let everyone know about our blog. Now everyone will know how poorly I spell, yikes! Currently, Sophia and Nathan are upstairs getting ready for bed and David is outside working on his garden. The man is addicted to his plants. It is still hot outside, I look foreword to when it starts to cool-off. It is hard to believe that it gets cold here. Things to look foreword to this week are going camping and going to see Morrissey in Las Vegas again! I finally got David to come with me to a Morrissey concert last month. Every time I got tickets he told me he would come with me and then would back-out last minute and I would have to take everyone from my sister (who had fun I hope) to my mom! Finally, he agreed to go and he had a great time. I was so excited to find out that Morrissey was coming to Las Vegas again this month. This Friday we are hoping to head up to Bryce Canyon with our 1965 pink trailer "Priscilla". Good times!

Is this thing on?

2007-09-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

We are just figuring out this blogger thing. It could be a great tool to let those we know and love know what our family is up to.