Our little nerd...

On Friday, the kids at Kyle's school got to dress up like nerds. Kyle looked forward to it all week. He wanted me to go buy him stuff at the DI. Ummm...no. I figured we had plenty of stuff at home. (Troy and I spent too much money there last week for an 80's party we went to. Stay tuned for pics...you will NOT want to miss it...a small hint...Troy ran into Raquel (his sister) and Eric at the grocery store on our way to the party, and Raquel didn't recognize Troy...)

Anyways, Here is Kyle. He was SO wanting to win being the biggest nerd of the class, because they got to be in a Nerd parade around the school...next time buddy...Here he is...


He is wearing a pair of Jake's pants. Too short and WAY too tight. He had pencils in his pocket, and I tried to part his hair right down the middle. I know, I may be biased, but I sure think he looks like a cool little nerd.

Someone please explain...

There is a movie coming out in theatres, called "Taken" starring Liam Neeson. Have you seen the previews? Well, it's coming out in February sometime. Here's the wierd thing...we watched it in a movie theatre in Korea almost a year ago. It was in English with Korean subtitles. Seriously...can someone please explain? Oh, for the record, it wasn't very good...

5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

This recipe was forwarded to me today, and Colette and I decided to try it out. Here is the original recipe. After the recipe, I will tell you what I will do different next time. This was just great for a "I need a treat, a chocolate treat" kinda day...definitely not a "I need to eat healthy" type of day...

5 minute Chocolate Mug Cake

4 tbls. flour
4 tbls. sugar
1 egg
3 tbls. milk
3 tbls. oil
3 tbls. milk chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (microwave safe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chipos (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts(we just used whatever setting the microwave is already on). The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

Okay, chocolate chips should NOT be optional. That is what made it great. We used tall mugs, so all the chocolate chips went to the bottom. So, next time, I will use a fatter one, and I will mix some chips in, and once it is in the microwave, right before I close the door, I would add some chocolate chips to the top - in hopes that they wouldn't sink to the bottom.

This is definitely a good recipe when you're just craving a small chocolatey treat but since your husband doesn't like chocolate cake, you wouldn't dare make a whole one, because in the course of a week, you would eat the whole thing yourself! ENJOY!

My very own Calendar Model...

Here is my hot husband.....



Yep, this picture is on a calendar put out from his work. He's Mr. February....


Along with the other 50 people...


Oh wait.....


You don't know which one he is????? I totally picked him out...


Guess you better scroll down...

Halloween 2008

I just realized I hadn't posted Halloween photos of the kids. Here they are...in all their glory.

Kyle HAD to be a jedi. I couldn't bring myself to spend $75 on a costume, so my mom made this. The funniest part, was that my mom gave him HER boots to wear. She told him they were Jedi boots. They had a tiny wider heel, and I thought it was hilarious. He was so excited. Hopefully it made up for his crappy costume last year!

Kristin HAD to be Fancy Nancy. If you haven't read those books, they're a must read. I kept taking her picture, and she kept making this face. It was driving me crazy! I finally realized that she was copying the expression that Fancy Nancy was making on her little crown...silly girl...such a poser!

Jake had just recently learned to ride his bike, and wanted to be a bicycle rider. When I saw this Motocross costume for $9 at Walmart, I was sold. Don't you just LOVE Jake's choice of shoes? To school he wore black sweats under his costume, so it didn't look so short...this photo shoot was the dress rehearsal.

Haley got stuck being a chicken. It was convenient, warm, and stinking cute! The cutest part was that she was also wearing her squeeky shoes. It was funny to see this little chicken walking down the street squeeking with each step. Haley didn't enjoy that people would allow their dogs to greet the kids at the door. She came away screaming a few times. It was so funny, but I can realize her terror. Could you imagine a dog, bigger than you, staring you right in the face? She had every right to be frightened!

This was a wonderfully warm Halloween night. The warmest Halloween I can remember since Kyle's first one, in Vegas.

I know, I know, I'll get in Valentine's mode...

El Cam's

I saw an El Camino yesterday. Seriously, I'm not kidding. When was the last time you saw an El Camino...running? My friend, Jared, drove one in High School. This El Cam was in my neighbors driveway...I have so many rude things I could say...but...I'll leave it at that!

This is a photo of the car I drove in High School. This is a photo of a photo - bad quality, I know - but you get the point. This is me after seminary and before school(early morning seminary-for anybody who is confused). It was tacky tourist day that day. Fun Times at BHS. My Great Grandparents drove it before I got my hands on it. A few fun "memories" of the car:

1. I think one night after a football game we fit 15 people inside.
2. It took REGULAR gas.
3. You turned the headlights on with a button. Located on the floor. That you pushed with your left foot.
4. It was like having 2 couches in a vehicle.
5. It had a 450 engine. I beat many a vehicle off the line...with much encouraging from friends.
6. I was called "Jeeves" while driving it.
7. In the winter - in California - I had to let it warm up for 10 minutes before it would drive.
8. It only had an am radio station. I know ALL the old skool country songs by heart.
9. Oh yeah, Michael and his friend took it on a joy ride while me and my mom were at girls camp and wrecked it - naturally not a scratch on my car. I think we dubbed her, "Big Bertha".
10. The blinkers were ON TOP of the hood.
11. Oh, there has got to be many more things I'm forgetting about...any friends that have graced it's seats that have some sweet memories?

Home Decor

I STINK when it comes to home decor. I'm serious. I finally had to decide that what is important to me, is my photos. So, I have tried to incorporate photos into my decor, and that is basically, all that my decor is. I have a LONG way to go, and still have 2 very large empty walls...but all in time...I am VERY scared of color. I can't figure out what color I like, so I just leave it neutral. Oh well, I figure if there is not something that I LOVE, it's better off not to have it. I have also learned that an 8x10 photo is JUST NOT BIG ENOUGH. It's true. I promise. I have made a bunch of enlargements for my house, printed on metallic matte paper, and I have them in my house on easels, or frames, or whatever...I LOVE THEM! I HIGHLY suggest metallic paper, as well as LARGE prints. The smallest print in these photos that are not in frames, is an 11x14. I LOVE THEM. Sorry, pretty sure I already said that...I am dreaming of a few gallery wraps...but all in time...Here is what I have now...This is the wall I finished most recently. The family photo is a 16x20. The two prints - one the Articles of Faith, and the SLC Temple the outside of the frames are 17x23. You can buy them here. THe metal accent I bought in Arizona, and the clock I got at Target on clearance for $3.00. I need to distress the clock, so that it's not so white. One day...
This is the top of the entertainment center. You can see fingerprints on the tv - sorry, it drives me CRAZY! I have these prints propped up with things behind them. I think behind one of them is a can of pineapple juice...it works!
The two photos above are on top of the wall that seperates the kitchen and the living room. I LOVE this. It's kind of an akward space, so I LOVE my photos here...BIG!
This last bulletin board I just finished. I made it. I got the frame on clearance, for $10. Then I got fabric, and ribbon and covered it. I wanted a place to put some of my photos that I could swap out easily. I think it's cute. It was fairly cheap as well!

My reasons for posting about my home decor are:
1. I'm supposed to have emailed Erin pics a long time ago - this is just as easy
2. I want to remember - or in 10 years, see how styles have changed
3. I want people to realize how GREAT enlargements look!
4. Just for me...

Foot Update

Yesterday I finally made it to the foot doctor. I went to the same guy who I went to after my running accident. His name is Francis Clark - if you're looking for a good foot guy. Anyways, I totally expected to go, say keep doing what you're doing, go away, kissing my $20 copay goodbye. I was wrong.

Their xray machine was down, so I didn't get a repeat xray, but first of all, he was wondering why I was wearing normal shoes. I told him that the swelling had gone down enough so that they fit in a pair of my slip on shoes that are a bit too big. He also wondered how I was wrapping it. HUH? Wrap? What's that?

SO, he told me I should be wearing the shoe they gave me at instacare for 8 weeks! SERIOUSLY? He said ideally, I should wear the big old boot that goes to my knee. I think the problem I have with that, is that it's so big and bulky. Also, I'm not very tall, so it's VERY painful to sit in with it on, it goes ALL THE WAY UP to my knee. I wish they would have just put a cast on - that would have been easier. Seriously. When you have an uncomfortable boot or shoe you have to wear, and you know that all you have to do is take it off, hmmmm...what would you do?

He also taught me how to wrap my foot. I have to try to force my big toe in to the right, so it will be easier for the bone to heal. Ughhh...anyone have any extra coban they don't want? He also gave me strict work-out instructions. I can cycle. That's it. I can do arm weights, but no lunges. If I'm adamant about doing squats, make sure I'm keeping all my weight on my heels.

He told me that if I don't do what he says, I will be going in for surgery to have the piece of bone removed. I have to follow up in 4 weeks. (*sigh* kiss another $20 goodbye)

So, lessons learned here:
1. Instacare's pretty much suck, get a follow up appt with a real doctor ASAP...
2. Next time ask for a cast. It's REALLY hard to walk around with a boot on one foot, and barefoot on another...I would rather not wear the stupid boot...any suggestions?
3. Learn how to walk up the stairs

So, for the next 6 weeks, if you see me, make sure I'm wearing my boot.

The many 'sides' of Haley...

Well, she's definitely hit the "terrible two's". She is such a little monster. Still cute, but a little monster just the same. As I was cleaning the kitchen after lunch, she hopped up onto her chair, and fell asleep. Once again, she had just gone potty. Apparently she prefers the 'natural' feeling. I didn't know she was naked, until I went to take the picture of her asleep.

This is a picture of her after church, posing. Definitely not her best smile.

The comment I hear all day, every day:

"I DO IT MYSELF"


It's defnitely frustrating...cause, it's kinda obvious, YOU CAN'T PUT PANTIES ON YOURSELF!

Oh, and my dad and brother were over the other night, and I heard noises coming from the kitchen. I came up to see what was going on, and this is what I found...OOOHHH! This girls is exasperating...just stacking cups, don't worry about her...(Oh, and don't you LOVE her outfit? Her shirt, and her tights from church...where's her skirt? at least she has pants on, right?)

Kristin

Oh, how I love this girl. She is really sweet most of the time - unless I'm picking her up from a friends house when she's not ready to come home...watch out then. She got a new dress, and I did her hair in cute little ragged buns - my favorite. I practiced a little with backlighting. I LOVE these pictures. She fell down the stairs last week, riding Haley's new Christmas Present, and broke her nose - we think - so she has a discolored nose. Also, her skin was SO dry. I need to get on that, I guess. I didn't notice it until I uploaded these photos...poor girl, I'm so neglectful. I LOVE my girls. It's such a nice break from the wildness of my boys. My favorite time is from 12:30-3:30 when it's just me and the girls. They are just happy and content to play. No pestering happening, no fighting, nothing. Maybe when they're teenagers, that will all change, but for now, I am absolutely in love with this little girl! She's a really great "poser" which I do not like, but Troy was making her giggle. That's probably why I love these so much. These are definitely her natural expressions!

New Favorite Quote

I taught Young Women's (Church youth program for girls ages 12-17 - I teach the 12 and 13 year olds)today. I came across a quote by Gordon B. Hinckley that I am absolutely in love with. Okay, I am obsessed with this. I can't stop thinking about as a mom, what I am really teaching my kids - especially my girls - in a world where looks seem to be everything, and mediocrity seems to be a good thing. I am currently drawing up plans to decorate my girls bedroom, and plan on getting this done in vinyl to put on their walls. (Natalie, beware, I may be calling you...first I have to paint, so it may be a few years - I hate painting). Here it is:

"You are creatures of divinity; you are daughters of the Almighty. Limitless is your potential. Magnificent is your future..."

I made each of the girls a bookmark with this quote. The lesson gave me another quote that I was supposed to put on a bookmark, but it was 30 years old, and I think that updating it with a quote 3 years old, would be okay. During my lesson today, I basically was trying to point out that each of us are in charge of our futures. We can do ANYTHING we set their minds to. They are daughters of God. I gave each of the girls a mirror, and asked them to view themselves the way God does. With love, not criticism. To "become the woman of whom they dream". I truly believe we determine our future, and it's not just by one choice, but by a series of choices. I hope I can be a good enough mom to have my own girls realize how truly special they are, how much they are loved, and how they can do anything they set their minds to!

My family...

The best part of Christmas was that my WHOLE family was here to celebrate. When I say WHOLE, I mean my 3 brothers, and Maria (Mike's wife - heavy with child - okay, not quite heavy, but with child). We literally hung out at my parents constantly. We would come home to sleep and shower but that's it. We played the Wii, games, went sledding, shopping, bowling, movies, dinner for Troy's birthday, etc...It was super fun...While all of the adults (pretty sure some of us shouldn't be called adults) were together in Korea in April, our whole family hasn't been together in 2 years. As Mike and Maria were headed out the door to drive home, we decided to hurry and do a family picture. I MADE my family go outside in front of the snowman. They all complained. Yeah, I know, my family complain? NEVER! Here we are, in all our glory! I love this picture. I love it because it is us! NO fake cheesy smiles, no posing, just Jake making faces, Kyle with his squinty camera smile...I ran into place after pushing the timer button (a wireless remote is in my future) yes, with my broken foot, in 12 inches of snow...That's my family! Love you ALL!

My Bum Left Foot...

Well, my foot was healing enough that I was able to run a few mile stretches at a time. I was feeling pretty good about it, until the fateful night of December 23rd. We were downstairs at my parents house, playing the WII, my bro downloaded Mario Brothers 3 on it, and we were each taking turns - that's got to be the best game ever - when we all headed upstairs - maybe for dinner? My dad was right behind me, and as I was heading up the stairs, I tripped, my foot plowed into the back of the stairs, and my dad and I both heard a huge CRACK! It hurt my big toe and foot, and it hurt to walk. I figured it would go away soon enough, and went on with life. On Christmas Eve, it was no better. I had Cherice check it out, and she told me to go get an xray. Because of where it was on my foot, and the fact that I could bend my big toe - with not much pain - she thought it was more in my foot. On Christmas afternoon, I headed to the instacare, paid my $25 copay, and got an xray. Here it is:
It broke a piece off right at the joint of my toe and my foot. Technically, I broke my toe, but it really just hurts my foot. I have a shoe and a boot I'm supposed to wear. No, I didn't take my camera to instacare. I was given copies of the xray to take to a specialist I'm supposed to follow up with (No, I still haven't made the appointment - nobody seems to be working this week, it will have to wait until Monday). Apparently they need to make sure it heals correctly. Happy Healing to me...will I EVER get to run again? I know, can you believe I just said that? Whoever thought I would actually MISS running?

My favorite things about Christmas...

The tree...
...it's even better that Haley moved the stool to stand just in front of it, to check out the star. Yes, she had gone potty and those blasted panties are too difficult for her to get on by herself...I love this picture!

Christmas Cards...
...probably my FAVORITE part of Christmas. I love seeing the pictures of my friends families. My favorite cards are ones with family pictures in them. While I love to see my friends kids, I MOST want to see my friends! Beggars can't be choosers, so I will take them in any form! This is my pantry door. I tape them on - since this seems to be where we look the most!

Presents under the tree...
...Troy likes to see them mound up and up during the month. This year, we REALLY scaled back, and so we didn't have much under the tree - the standard underwear and socks.

Santa...
...all the things Santa brought bathed in the light of the Christmas Tree...Oh, so magical. At times, I'm pretty sure I STILL believe in Santa. I love the magic of it all. Such a great part of my childhood! Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Christmas Movies...between ABCFamily, and the Hallmark Channel, I have been set. I love it all. The bad acting, cheesy plots, EVERYTHING. I would record and watch 1 a day, when the kids went to sleep at night. I don't like watching them after December, so I've got to hurry and fit in the last few I've got to watch in the next 2 days...aughhhh....not much time left...

Gifts...I love making gifts, giving gifts, but most of all, I like finding the PERFECT gift for someone. This year, I made bound albums for my brothers and parents of our Korea trip. I think they all liked them...I was worried that they wouldn't! I also got Troy a pair of BYU PJ Pants (we always do a PJ party on Christmas Eve at Troy's parents house). I also made an advent calendar for a few of my closest friends. Heidi posted a picture of it here. I made 8, and it literally took me 2 weeks to complete.

Peppermint Ice Cream. My friend, Camille introduced me to this YEARS ago. I am hooked. I can't even buy the stuff, or I'll eat all of it. I allowed myself to purchase 1 carton of it, but no more. It was a sad day when it was gone. The best is Dreyer's. Not the light stuff, either...YUM...YUM...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TROY!

Last Monday, Troy turned 31! Troy hates celebrating birthdays, holidays, etc...I've definitely learned to live with it, and he has changed a lot since we've been married. He hates the whole retail part about holidays, and how you're expected to give people gifts, just because it's a certain day...I can see his point, but at the same time...I just don't think he grew up with holidays being a big deal?

Anyways, my brothers were all in town, and we went and saw Four Christmases, (funny, pretty raunchy(sp?) - NOT a fan of Vince Vaughn. Is it me, or does he play the SAME character in every movie he's in? I don't know much about acting, but wouldn't that be considered bad?) Anyways, afterwards we went to dinner at a Brazilian restaraunt. Thanks Mom and Dad. It was yummy. I'm pretty sure Troy has an empty leg - he couldn't get enough meat down his throat. It was definitely yummy. HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY! I LOVE YOU!

Catching up...

It seems I'm always trying to catch up! We have had a great Christmas Season! (Well, except for me wrecking the car, in which it cost $700 to fix...aghhhh!) The snow here has been OUTRAGEOUS! I'm pretty sure we have at least 2 feet of snow on our front lawn. ALL of my brothers (and Maria) have been in town, and it has been a blast! I don't really have many pictures of what we did, but it was mostly hanging out at my parents house. I guess I'll start where I left off...

I have an Advent Calendar that I made last year. And, I made a new one this year...anyways, it has fun activities that we do each day of December. A lot of them were simple, like watch a movie, deliver neighbor gifts, drive around and look at Christmas Lights...etc...One of them was decorating gingerbread men. Now, you know I'm too crappy of a mom to actually BAKE them, but they had this GREAT kit at Target for $5 I couldn't pass up. 12 gingerbread men, 4 packets of frosting...and the candy decorations...my kind of activity. Here are the kids decorating...

Stay tuned...

A CRAPPY DAY!

Today really was a crappy day. It started at 12:01 am when Haley woke up every 30 minutes. Literally. She has been coughing and congested - with fevers off and on for the past few days. Never very high...but there just the same. So, I didn't go work out this morning - 5:45 am just didn't sound too good after being up most the night. I got Kyle out the door, got Kristin ready for ballet, and then got my work done, and called the doctor. They could get us in - at the exact moment Kristin was supposed to be at Ballet. I called my parents, and they met me at Ballet. My mom stayed with Kristin, and my dad took Jake to drop off some gifts at the Bishops Store for Christmas. The doctors office was as joyful as could be. Haley has had disgusting stuff in her ears for awhile - dried blood left over from her tubes a year ago - HARD wax - etc...the doc tried to get it all out - with MUCH wailing from Haley. The doc really thought it was asthma that was ailing Haley, so she wanted to give her a breathing treatment in the office, so she could hear her lungs before and after. Well...Haley wanted NOTHING to do with that. I spent all 10 minutes of the treatment trying to figure out how a 2 year old could be so squirmy and screaming and I didn't even have any other kids to worry about! The breathing treatment did the trick...looks like I'll be doing that at midnight tonight...On my way home, a volunteer that was to help in Jake's class that day, called and said she couldn't. I needed to fill in. UGH. I HATE being the room mother. I picked up the kids from my parents, ran home, got Jake chicken nuggets, and dropped him off at school. By this time, there was a HUGE snowstorm. Huge flakes, windy, yucky. I dropped the girls off at Heidi's, and went to the school to help in Jake's class. It's always frustrating to me, how I get there RIGHT on time, but it takes 15 minutes to get the kids doing what they're supposed to be doing. After that was done, I left. I picked up my girls, ran home, and then realized I needed to stop at the bank. Drop off a perscription, and get gas. So, I called Kenny and told him since I would be out, I would just pick the boys up from school. (It is still snowing at this point...) I ran my errands, picked up the boys, and dropped Daxton off. After dropping him off, I turned left...like I normally do, and started SLIDING! The road hadn't been plowed, and I crashed into the curb. Hard. I'm surprised the air bags didn't inflate. So, I tried driving, and the car was going all crazy. I thought that maybe I popped my tire. No. I bent the rim all sorts of crazy. I called Kenny (since I was just down from his house). He came and checked it out, and we got my car and all the kids back to his house. I was there for 3 hours waiting for the tow truck, then once Troy got there, we had to take 2 trips home, cause we can't all fit in the car. I refused to drive Kenny and Cherice's car. I had just proven I was definitely a California driver. So...we'll find out tomorrow what the damages are...this sucks...I'm going to bed...

Jake's Birthday

Jake turned 6 on November 13th. He invited some friends to go downtown to Discovery Gateway. Discovery Gateway, is a children's museum in downtown SLC. Two of his little friends got sick, so it was a small group - just what I wanted! Beware! There are a TON of pictures. The kids played for 2 hours, and I had nothing to do, but to take pictures of them! I happened to get some free passes when I went to UEA in October. The kids had SO much fun. Here is a picture of them on our way in...

Here they are on the little rock wall they have there
They played with this construction set for FOREVER! They all worked together. Not one fight or argument! The foam blocks were HUGE!

After the blocks, they put on a play...Then they played with the balls and magnetic tunnels... Then they headed outside to see and play on the helicopter... Then we got there early enough to sign them up for a little science class. They looked at animal footprints, and then made some with stamps on paper...Here are the little scientists... Here is a GREAT picture of Jake...After we played for a few hours, we headed to grab a $5 pizza, and went home for lunch, presents, and cake. Here is his cake. My friend, Natalie, makes cakes - if anybody needs a cake for any birthday, or holiday. She does an AMAZING job...wait until I post Haley's birthday...Jake was IN-LOVE at first sight with his cake. He wanted a "bike" party - and Natalie did FANTASTIC...like always.... I left the best for last. They had this huge water area, and all these metal things. You turned them, and watched where they sent the water...well, Jake was moving it, and a spoon whacked him right in the face. I was standing watching and shooting, and it was HILARIOUS...that's my boy...

Haley's 2 year update

Haley had her well check last week. Her stats are:
23 lbs. - 10th percentile
32 in. - 15th Percentile
and then her head was 80th percentile.
We are just very happy that she is on the charts. She still has issues with milk. I can't really pinpoint exactly what does it to her, I think it is milk, cheese, ice cream, but anything baked, or cooked, she does okay. I know when she's had something because she gets a bad case of diahrea that lasts about 1 day, in which she sheds TONS of the mucus protecting her intestines. Sorry, graphic, I know, but MANY people ask me how she's doing, and well, that's it...She is definitely potty trained, and is doing very well. She is talking more and more, in fact, earlier today, she tried to send Kristin to her room. Troy had to tell her that she was definitely not allowed to send Kristin to her room. She is SO spoiled (by her siblings, not me), and LOVES baby dolls. She loves all of her siblings, and all of them are really good to her. She's gotten independent. The past few times I've gone to my parents, she has demanded to stay and play. My parents let her anytime she wants to, and she loves it. Boy, I love that little girl. All summer she was deathly scared of flies. Seriously, they would terrify her. She is NOW deathly afraid of cats, dogs that come within 3 feet of her, and pretty much anything else. She loves going to nursery now, and never cries. That has been a blessing for Troy and I, since we have classes to teach on Sundays. My favorite thing that she says:: "hold you mommy, now?" I know, I know, it's hard to do my work with her on my lap, it slows down my typing ten fold, so I always tell her just a minute, and so when she says the above phrase, I always stop and hold her. Okay, onto her irriating habit...thumb sucking. I HATE it. My main reason is, I hate thumb suckers teeth. I know, braces can fix them, but seriously...there's got to be a way to stop this! So, at her 2 year check, I talked to the doc about it. He told me that whatever he did, she would resort to sucking her other thumb. I kind of disagree, she has NEVER sucked her right thumb. She has a HUGE sore and bump on her left thumb to prove it. So, to humor me, he created a brace for her thumb, that she can't suck. As soon as we got home, I put it on her just in time for nap. She laid in my bed and waited for me to come tuck her in...this is what I found...Poor little thing, tried to get it undone. She couldn't, I tied it too good. After she woke up, I was feeling REALLY bad. She couldn't even bend her thumb, and while she didn't suck her thumb during her nap, she doesn't normally suck it when she's asleep, she does it when she's awake, so I took it off, and I don't think I will put it back on, although I am willing to TRY anything...Let me know if you have any good ideas...That's our "Haze" or "Hazy". That's her nickname, and she even calls herself that. What a sweet, sweet, girl...

Oregon 2008

I was lucky enough to take a trip with my girls up to Portland, OR a few weeks ago. It was absolutely AMAZING! I hadn't been back since we moved 2 1/2 years ago. I have seen a FEW friends since the move (great part about living in Utah) but hadn't seen enough of them! I did a few photo shoots up there, and I couldn't get over how gorgeous Oregon is. It is. Hands down...gorgeous! Everywhere I turned, I saw an incredible place for a photo shoot. We flew in and then I rented a car, since I had my girls, and nobody would have to chauffer me around. The airport proved to be quite difficult. It is much easier traveling with 2 adults and 4 kids, than it is with 1 adult and 2 kids. We arrived in Portland at 9 pm (10 pm Utah time) and both girls were asleep. I put Kristin in the little stroller, and Haley on my shoulders, and I had my camera backpack (at least 40 lbs) and my purse. I forgot how unfriendly and unhelpful people are, and my favorite saying, "You've got your hands full" was heard at least 3 times before I got to the shuttle to get the car. Grrrrr...

I stayed with Sarah. Friday morning, I took Arwen to kindergarten. I wanted to drive around a bit. As I dropped her off, and headed back towards Sarah's house, via our old house, emotions just flooded me! I realized how grateful I am to have lived in Oregon. I realized that Oregon seemed like a different life. With great memories as well as many many trials. Oregon is not where our family is supposed to be at this time. I know we ARE where we are supposed to be. I am happy. I truly miss my friends in Oregon. After my trip, I realized how strong friendships there are, even after all this time.

We went to Papa's Pizza on Friday. Cassandra and Sarah and our kids all went. Before Cassandra got there, I saved a choking child. Well, it was a weird situation. This mom was there with her 2 kids. She wasn't with any friends, and her son (about 2 1/2) started choking. Seriously, choking. I'm pretty sure I have NEVER seen a child choking that bad. The crazy part was that the mom was LIGHTLY TAPPING his back. I was thinking, "LADY! Do something! I didn't come here to watch your kid die!" It was really that bad...huh, Sarah! So, since I can't mind my own business, and I truly was scared to death for this kid...went over to the mom, and tried to take him from her. I was trying to show her what to do, but not wanting to rip him out of her hands, and trying to be calm...Sarah, maybe you can explain it better...I kept saying, "Like this...see?...see?" I was waiting for the validation of this lady that it was okay to help her. I never got it. The lady NEVER said a word to me.. I tipped the kid upside down and whacked his back a good one. He coughed it up. Then, I turned around, with tears in my eyes. I was shaking, and I was so scared. The mother then took the kid in to play...never said a word to me. I kept asking Sarah if I was wrong to step in, but seriously, the kid was going to die...not exaggerating...

That night we went to dinner, and then to a late night viewing of Twilight. I have read the Twilight series, and I think they're good books, but I am definitely not a cult member. Dinner was a blast, with 7 of us, and then 10 of us at the movie was INCREDIBLE. My friend, Penny, put it best in regards to the movie (hope you don't mind Penny) "...the experience ranks in my top ten funnest things I've ever done. We went to the 10:00 showing and it was just crazy to be there with all those cute girls screaming for Edward. As a Mom, I don't really have all that many things to get that excited about it life, so it was fun to just feel the excitement - that teenage excitement that I had forgotten. It was just so much fun! While I know that everyone has an opinion on Twilight, I loved the movie. But more than that, I loved the experience as a whole. When we got to the theater, the line was the entire length of the movie theater and you could just feel the excitement in the air. We had so many fun things though in this experience - running for our seats, the cute girls (decked out in Twilight apparel) that were in front of us counting down the minutes and shouting it out to the crowd, the screams once the movie actually started, the girl who screamed out "That should be me!" when Edward finally kisses Bella, and finally, the girls in front of us who when the movie ended turned to each other and said, "I'm crying, are you crying?". Oh, to be a teenager again!" Pretty much explains it all. From coast to coast(VA - OR), the experience was the same. It was a giddy fun night. I LOVED that I got to sit right next to Kaitlyn - my old babysitter and valiant girl - who is now 14 and TALLER THAN ME - and who has turned into a GORGEOUS girl...miss that girl...and be giddy right along with her! Afterwards I just didn't want to see the night end, so I made everyone go get dessert. At that point it was 1:00am my time, and boy was I a giddy giggly girl. It was so fun though. BOY! I miss those girls!

The next day was FILLED with photo shoots. I forgot how cold it gets in Oregon. Not that it is literally cold, but wet, and cold to the bone feeling. It was so fun seeing how some of my favorite families have grown! You can see their photos on my photog blog Cassandra watched the girls, and they all had a great time. Kristin came home and told the boys all about games she played with the Nielsen kids, and all about Ariella, so fun...

That night, Sarah invited some ladies over for a girls night. IT WAS SO FUN! I miss everyone! The greatest part, was that it felt like I never left. Never was it akward! I totally forgot to take a picture with everyone there, but remembered with 4 of us left...Here is (from left to right) Sarah, Bethany, Me, and Cassandra Not the greatest picture, taken WAY late at night, but I LOVE it. These are my peeps...Love you guys...wanna do it again next year?

Happy 11th Anniversary!

We celebrated our 11th Anniversary on November 8th. Naturally, there was a BYU game on this day. Lucky me, 2 years in a row. Last year the game was on a Thursday night, and because of leap year, it was on Saturday this year. Well, I decided to roll with it this time. I have been playing volleyball at church, and started talking to this girl in my ward/neighborhood. They are also huge BYU fans and have season tickets. She told me how she knows one of the coaches sons(also used to be a player) and that he could sometimes get them on the field before the game. So, I asked her if there was anyway, for Troy's anniversary present, we could go down on the field before the game. She asked, and it was all set up. Well, that morning, some family emergency came up, and the guy couldn't meet us. We went down to where we were going to meet, the kids talked with Cosmo, and Karen went up to the badge people, and just told them that he was late, and they gave us badges! WAHOO! We missed the whole warm-up, but we were down on the field while the band was playing, and then as the Cougar Football Team came running out! Kyle and Jake were giving high-fives. My favorite was watching Troy. He was in HEAVEN! Since it was the last game, they had painted the end-zones blue. I think they're usually white. So, we all still have a little blue on our shoes, and I'm pretty sure Troy would rather frame the shoes, than wear them. >It was the last home game of the season, and they announce the seniors. Coach Mendenhall was standing RIGHT in front of us, and as the announcer would call the senior's names, Mendenhall would give them a high five, and then Jake stood right behind him giving the players high-fives. I got a photo of Jake slapping Fui's hand. It's Troy's favorite picture. Then, we were 2 feet away while the team was doing the "Haka"(sp?). The boys - yes, all 3 - were on cloud nine! Then, it was game time. Everyone started ushering us out, yelling, "quick jog, people, quick jog" they had done the kick off, before we were off the field. It was so fun.

You know, how when you can select the PERFECT gift, how great it feels? Well, that's how awesome it was to see Troy, and hear him talk about it. I knew, I had definitely given him the greatest gift...and bonus...it was free! GO COUGARS!

Disney on Ice

A few weeks ago, I took my girls to Disney on Ice. My cousin, Katie, took her girls with me. Troy's work has a box at the Energy Solutions Arena, so we had box seats. I am telling you, there was NO other way to do it. We basically had it to ourselves - there was a little family of 5 in there as well. We had our own bathroom, (which is nice, cause I took Haley in panties) and a couch, which Katie could nurse baby Maya on. The show was great, and the girls LOVED it. It was nice being in the box, cause we could sing right along with it, and nobody could hear. It was great. It really made me want to go to Disneyland...I have to wait until February...sigh...I didn't want to lug my huge camera (I guess I need a small Point and Shoot for Christmas, for these occasions - hint...hint...)but I did have Troy snap a shot of us before we left...

I'm SLOWLY getting caught up blogging the month of November...still LOTS LOTS LOTS more to come...

Prison

Yesterday, my boys were SO naughty. Seriously. They are in the middle of their 4th week off track, and I can tell you that on Monday morning, after I drop them off at school there will definitely be cause to celebrate! Anyways, back to my story...

Sunday I decided that I was going to be the best mom this week. It's the kids last week off track, and it's Christmas season. I wanted to fill the week with Christmas Activites. I was all excited...until my boys turned into Thing 1 and Thing 2. I was seriously losing it by 11:00. I had finally had enough (throwing pillows at my head while my Visiting Teachers were here). So, I sent them to Prison.

I told them they were in their rooms from 11-3. No ifs, ands, or buts. I told them that when they make bad choices, there are consequences, some of which, you end up in prison. Since it was 11 o'clock, they were whining of wanting lunch. Like that was going to stop their punishment. So, I told them they could have bread and water, like normal prisoners get. That's all they had. Kristin would go upstairs, and I would hear them tell her, "When mom feeds you lunch, try to sneak some for us." Kristin, being the nice sister (why, I will never know, they are so mean to her sometimes) tells them, "I don't know if I can, but I will try." (now, before you all rush to your phones, to turn me in, let me finish the story)

After an hour and a half in their room, I went up, and naturally, it was TRASHED! I made them clean it, and told them they could get out early on parole if they cleaned the playroom. Funny how they hopped to it, and it was cleaned in 30 minutes. They were angels the rest of the day.

I hope it taught them the lesson, that:
1. You must ALWAYS listen to your mom.
2. Prison isn't a fun place to be.
3. Making bad choices results in consequences - like bread and water for lunch

I had told Troy what was going on, and he got home and told the boys how disappointed he was in them. They told him the 'mean mom' was here all day. I told them that I woke up a nice mom, and they quickly invited the mean mom to take over for the day. Oh well, I'll be a mean mom anyday, if it teaches them that making choices results in consequences.

129 hours until they go back to school. Tick...tock...