Recipes

Honey Mustard Sauce
1/2 cup mayo
1/4 cup honey
1/8 cup mustard
pinch of salt
Combine in small bowl and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

This is a tasty dip for chicken.

Lemon Rice Pilaf (serves 6-8)
2 cups white rice, raw
1 1/2 TBSP dried onion
4 chicken bouillon cubes
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 TBSP dried parsley
1 bay leaf

Bring all above ingredients along with 2 cups cold water and 2 TBSP butter/margarine to a full boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 20-25 minutes. Fluff with fork, serve.

I baked chicken and served it with honey mustard sauce and a side of lemon rice pilaf and a veggie for an quick, easy, hearty Sunday evening dinner. The kids gave it a thumbs up... I was surprised, but glad we can start adding more variety/flavor into our meals. ENJOY! Cherre

Haunted House

Mackenzie, Scott & Caroline: Here's the Haunted House they decorated and delivered to an elderly neighbor. We forgot to sing the Halloween song we practiced, but it was still a good visit and opportunity to teach them to serve others. Scott mixed up the icing by himself... he's been working on his cooking goals in Cub Scouts, so it's really paying off. I like having a competent helper in the kitchen... not that Eric's not competent, he's just not usually around when meals are being prepared. I'm happy for any help I can get these days as there is always much to do.

Anyone Game?

Scott's learning to bow hunt, skeet shoot, and fly fish. It's been a lot of fun for Eric,
as he took quite a break from his lifelong hobby while the children were young, but now that
Scott can join in the fun, it's a great opportunity for father-son time. So, if anyone's interested in
another skeet shooting outing, let Eric know so the guys can plan a time to bond and learn/practice survivor skills. You may even stock your freezer with meat as a result of a good hunt.

STUD MUFFIN

A face only a mother could love....

AND...

• 1 Daddy
• 2 Sisters
• 4 Grandparents
• 21 Aunts and Uncles
• 22 Cousins

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Here's a little dose of what we get full-time at our place.

Things your children say to make your hair stand on end...

Some things you never want to hear your child say, (yet I've heard them this week) are (and please add to this list):

1. To another sibling, "Now let me try to cut your hair!"
2. "Mom- I just had my gum in my mouth, and now I can't find it!"
3. "Mom, I was flushing the toilet, and the water just kept on rising and rising and rising..."

Now, your turn...

Celeste

BEACH VACATION

Here are just a few pictures from Family Vacation. The kids had an awesome time and wore out their parents and grandparents. I didn't take very many pictures but I'm sure more pictures will be posted for all to share :)

~Aloha~

Grandpa helping build a Sand Castle

William and Kalea

Mia and Kalea poolside

Baby Spencer!!

All Tuckered Out

You know you live in a small town when...

The children and I were in Kerr Drug in Pittsboro shopping for some allergy relief eye drops yesterday. I had Hyrum in the backpack on my back, Eliza in the shopping cart in her car seat, Wilford trying to walk only on the blue tiles, with Lucy right behind him, and Lillie and Holly scouring the shelves for something interesting. I was talking to Tim on the cell phone, searching the shelves for the right medicine. I found what we needed, and was walking out of the aisle when a woman stopped me and said, "You don't happen to be Tim Hester's wife do you?" Ha! I guess having six children is more of an anomaly than I give it credit to be- I guess I'm in denial, but that was apparently the dead give away! She was the nurse manager in the clinic in Sanford that he manages, and she said, "I just knew with all those children, you had to be his wife!" I mean really- are we the ONLY family in Pittsboro with six children??? No way.

Celeste

Getting to Know You

So, ever wondered why (and how) people are so different? Would you like to understand your spouses motivations a little better (I guess this is a little debatable)? Well, follow the link to this personality test and post what you are! Tim and I kind of hit right on with the opposites attract idea. He's an ENTJ (Extravert Intuitive Thinking Judging) and I scored as an ISTJ (Introvert Sensing Thinking Judging). Of course, this is just a fun thing to do, but take the test and post your results for us to see!

www.humanmetrics.com

ISTJ Analysis (Celeste):
"It is in keeping with tradition throughout our history that I should express simply and directly the opinions which I hold concerning some of the matters of present importance." --Herbert Hoover, Inaugural Address, Monday, March 4, 1929.
ISTJs are often called inspectors. They have a keen sense of right and wrong, especially in their area of interest and/or responsibility. They are noted for devotion to duty. Punctuality is a watchword of the ISTJ. The secretary, clerk, or business(wo)man by whom others set their clocks is likely to be an ISTJ.
As do other Introverted Thinkers, ISTJs often give the initial impression of being aloof and perhaps somewhat cold. Effusive expression of emotional warmth is not something that ISTJs do without considerable energy loss.
ISTJs are most at home with "just the facts, Ma'am." They seem to perform at highest efficiency when employing a step-by-step approach. Once a new procedure has proven itself (i.e., has been shown "to work,") the ISTJ can be depended upon to carry it through, even at the expense of their own health.
ISTJs are easily frustrated by the inconsistencies of others, especially when the second parties don't keep their commitments. But they usually keep their feelings to themselves unless they are asked. And when asked, they don't mince words. Truth wins out over tact. The grim determination of the ISTJ vindicates itself in officiation of sports events, judiciary functions, or an other situation which requires making tough calls and sticking to them.
His SJ orientation draws the ISTJ into the service of established institutions. Home, social clubs, government, schools, the military, churches -- these are the bastions of the SJ. "We've always done it this way" is often reason enough for many ISTJs. Threats to time-honored traditions or established organizations (e.g., a "run" on the bank) are the undoing of SJs, and are to be fought at all costs.

ENTJ Analysis (Tim):
Extraverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging by Joe Butt
Profile: ENTJRevision: 3.0Date of Revision: 27 Feb 2005
"I don't care to sit by the window on an airplane. If I can't control it, why look?"
ENTJs have a natural tendency to marshall and direct. This may be expressed with the charm and finesse of a world leader or with the insensitivity of a cult leader. The ENTJ requires little encouragement to make a plan. One ENTJ put it this way... "I make these little plans that really don't have any importance to anyone else, and then feel compelled to carry them out." While "compelled" may not describe ENTJs as a group, nevertheless the bent to plan creatively and to make those plans reality is a common theme for NJ types.
ENTJs are often "larger than life" in describing their projects or proposals. This ability may be expressed as salesmanship, story-telling facility or stand-up comedy. In combination with the natural propensity for filibuster, our hero can make it very difficult for the customer to decline.
TRADEMARK: -- "I'm really sorry you have to die." (I realize this is an overstatement. However, most Fs and other gentle souls usually chuckle knowingly at this description.)
ENTJs are decisive. They see what needs to be done, and frequently assign roles to their fellows. Few other types can equal their ability to remain resolute in conflict, sending the valiant (and often leading the charge) into the mouth of hell. When challenged, the ENTJ may by reflex become argumentative. Alternatively (s)he may unleash an icy gaze that serves notice: the ENTJ is not one to be trifled with.

Spring 2008

Mackenzie loves babies! Here, she's playing with her cousin Spencer, who is trying to catch up

with her.

NCSU Farm Animal Day

This past Thursday, April 17th a group of us (Alice & Kate, Jessica & Kipling, Crystal & Spencer, Kristy & Kalea, Mia, Celeste & Lilly, Holly, Wilford, Lucy, Hyram, and Eliza) met up for the annual NCSU Farm Animal Day.

We were able to look at lots of animals including; turkeys, horses, beef cows, dairy cows, sheep, goats, and baby chicks. The kids were able to hold the baby chicks. It was neat to see how careful they were with the fragile babies.

We were all then able to get climb on tractors and eat icecream made by the NCSU dairy cows themselves. It was DELICIOUS!!!

Recipe

Spinach & Artichoke Hummus created by Crystal
Ingredients
· 1 15-ounce can chickpeas/garbonzo beans
· 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
· 2 Tblsp. lemon juice
· Freshly ground black pepper
· 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
· 1 10-ounce box chopped frozen spinach, defrosted and drained well
· 1 15-ounce can artichokes, drained and coarsely chopped
· 3/4 cup grated Parmesan
· 1 french loaf; any flavor

In the food processor, combine chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, black pepper and EVOO, and puree until smooth.

Transfer the hummus to a bowl, add the spinach, artichokes, 3/4 cup of the cheese and mix to combine.

Spread on bread. You may broil for a few minutes or eat as is. Store in refrigerator.

Barger Salt Lake City Trip

Spencer and I went to SLC to visit with Cerah and family for 10 days. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed spending time with the kids. They are SO cute and fun! We went to the Zoo, This is the Place Heritage Park, watched conference, played in the snow, ate lunch with William at school, rode a train, and ate lots of wonderful food. Cerah is a great cook; as always. The Nordhoff family took care of us and will be sure to visit again!

The day we arrived in SLC it snowed. Hannah and I went out and made a small snowman for Spencer.

Hannah and I made homemade granola.

William, Spencer, Helena, and Hannah.

Spencer Barger and Helena Nordhoff.

Cerah and Gary holding Spencer.

Train ride at "This is the Place Heritage Park".

Guess Who:

Just kidding... you don't have to guess. This is Kristy.... And yes the rumors are true:)

Spencer Laughing!!!

Spencer is so much fun! He loves to laugh and play all day long! He is very attentive for only 5 months old.

Spencer's First Beach Trip

Barger Beach Trip for Easter 2008

Spencer First Beach Trip

Easter Sunday

Alice, Kate, & Cletus

Hayden James Simpson flexing his muscles!

STUFFED!!!

L-R Camillia, Leland, Candice & Cayler

L-R Jessica, Daddy Simpson, Crystal & Brad Barger w/ Spencer

MacKenzie Truelove and Mia Simpson at the piano
L-R Christian & Kristy Simpson, Chad, Cherre with MacKenzie

MIA TURNED 2

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIA!

Twins?

People often comment to Kristy and I that Mia and Kate look like twins. Or, at least, they look a lot a like. I've agreed with them most of the time. I took this picture of them together in the bath last Saturday and now I think .... not so much. Mia looks like she has Hawaiin in her and Kate looks .... orange. What do you think?

FEELS LIKE SPRING

Here's the belly at 16 weeks. We find out what we're having on April 2nd. And between Mia's Birthday, Easter, and Kalea's birthday I think this month should go rather fast. Here are some of the opinions of family on what we're having:
Bargers - boy
Cherre - boy
Eric - girl (but he's pulling for a boy)
Hester's - boy
Kristy - girl (but really hopes for a boy)
Christian - ?
Kalea - boy
Mia - uninterested
Cletus and Alice - girl

It's not too late if anyone else wants to put in their vote:)



Here are some pictures of the girls enjoying the warm weather outside. Christian still needs to buy and put up some new swings, but the girls really love the slide.

Afternoon Outing & Shots

Spencer was so brave at his 4 month appointment. He had his shots and got some cool Sesame Street band aids his his little legs. He enjoyed showing them off for the camera.

We went on a run yesterday around RTP. The sun was shining so Spencer put on his shades. To say the least he is adorable. I realized last time that he didn't like the sun in his eyes; he would moved his head from side to side in pain and discomfort. One day he will love the sun and getting a tan with his mom and dad at the beach and pool. He stays awake the entire time outside and loves to look around.

Saturday

We had kind of a strange day on Saturday ... it started out with a scary encounter with some vicious dogs. Luckily, the kids and I are okay, but it was definitely not anything that I want to repeat ever again in my life. I think if some nice people in a car hadn't happened by at exactly the right moment, one of us would have been bitten. We called animal control and both of the dogs (wild or stray) were captured. Then, Hayden found this toad in the yard. It was red, really bumpy (a toad for sure and not a frog), with shiny gold eyelids. I've never seen anything like that before. It must have hopped out of the swamp next to our house. Then, later in the evening, Cletus and Christian headed to Stake Priesthood Session only to find out halfway there that it was Sunday night, not Saturday. Still, we enjoyed the brief visit with Mia and Kalea. So, all in all, it was a strange day. Life is sure full of surprises!

The rest of the family...

Since I may not be on here for a little while, I thought I'd show some pictures of the family in recent activities!
Lillie and Holly playing dress-up with Hyrum!


Love,
Celeste

Pictures of Eliza Hester, March 2, 2008!

Castor oil scores again!

Hey everyone,
Thought I'd give the lowdown on Eliza's speedy delivery. We were anxious to get this show on the road, so memories of castor oil from Holly were popping up in our minds...so, on Friday Feb. 29th, Tim and I decided it would be a great day to try it. I drove to Kerr Drug with such confidence in having the baby that very night after taking this, that I never realized how potent Castor Oil can be...we found the bottle, purchased it, and I tried to down a tablespoon straight up in the car...and immediately gagged and threw up all over the van! Lillie exclaimed, "Mom! I've never seen you throw up before!" Hopefully never again either. Surprised and somewhat discouraged, we went home, cleaned up, then went for a mile walk to walk the baby out! Determined to never try it again, I called Tim and let him know the unsuccessful attempt at putting myself into labor. Sympathetic, yet determined to get the castor oil down, he said he'd make a concoction for me that evening- I politely declined, as I was scarred by the smell, consistency, and aftermath! Well, Saturday morning came and Tim offered to bring me breakfast...uneager to have castor oil in my syrup, I declined again. On his way home from studying Saturday evening, he offered to pick me up some food. I said, "I'll try castor oil tonight if it's in a milkshake. If you want to try tonight, then bring home a milkshake." At 8:30pm, he came home and said, "I have a treat for you downstairs!" Well, I drank it down, went to bed around 10pm, then awoke with the laxative effects of castor oil in full force at 11:52pm. After 20 minutes, I began to wonder if I was still in the aftermath of castor oil effects or if the onset of labor had begun...by 12:30am, Tim was wondering, too and told me to let him know when we needed to go to the hospital. At 12:40am, I said we need to go- go get the neighbor (since she didn't answer her phone, he knocked on the door until she answered). We left shortly before 1am, arriving at triage on the unit by 1:15am. I was 6cm and happy to hear that! Once we got to the room, I was feeling pressure, and asked to be checked again. She wanted to get my IV started first and get the monitor on...then when she checked me, she said, "I feel the head but your only 7cm and we want to get this antibiotic in." I had Tim stand me up for the next contraction, which is when my water broke. He laid me down, and had her head in his hand within a minute. Nurses flooded the room, and no doctor in sight! I give Tim full credit for Eliza not being born onto the floor and delivering her head! Well, there it was...speedy once she realized she was almost a week late!

Liahona Construction at work!

Cletus started building our fence on Saturday. It was a much bigger job than he imagined, but he got a lot done!

He rented an auger and dug all of the holes, put the posts in, and cemented them in: a full 12 hours of work (with help from Christian Plautz)!!

But, it's coming along great and now he just has to build the fence and stain all of it. No big deal, haha! It's going to be great when it's done.

We'll have to invite everyone over for a backyard party.

Hayden was also a great help!

New Baby!

Welcome, litte Eliza Ann!! We can't wait to see you. Glad both Celeste and Eliza are doing well!

Little Man Barger

Spencer is now enjoying his tummy time. He will tolerate for a little while before he feels it is not much fun anymore. Just a few weeks ago he screamed as soon as we put him on his belly and now he will wait about 5-10 minutes.

Spencer also loves to suck on his hands and about anything else he can fit in there.

Little Man Barger

The beauty

Camillia - we love you! You have a style all your own. (Can I borrow that belt?)

Truelove Family Bowling Night

Daddy-daughter time at its best! Mackenzie is still a daddy's girl.

Cousin fun

We are so glad to get to live close enough for Hayden and Kate to get to know their cousins. It is a joy to see him forming these relationships. There is never a lack for cousins to play with!