What's Cookin?!

Shield of Angels

2011-04-28T08:36:00.003-06:00

To start, I need to tell my mom not to worry about me :). You taught me to follow my heart and follow the Savior. I'm trying to do both :)!

The Houston Chronicle reports....

MEXICO CITY — A record 111 U.S. citizens were killed in Mexico last year, nearly half of them on or near the Texas border, as the country's gang-fueled violence worsened, according to the U.S. State Department.

The recently released reports don't specify how or why the Americans were murdered, nor does it name victims. But 80 percent of them were killed in border states where narcotics violence is worst - 39 alone in Ciudad Juarez, which shares the Rio Grande with El Paso, and other nearby towns.
The number of U.S. victims last year was more than triple the toll in 2007. Over a four-year period, 283 Americans were reported murdered, according to State Department figures.

Less than 10 miles across the Mexican Border in the City of Jaurez lies the
Colonia Juárez Chihuahua México Temple. It is the smallest temple in the world at only 6,800 sq. ft. There is one ordinance room and one sealing room.

The first thing I noticed about this small temple was the larger than life statue of the Angel Moroni. He was only two stories up :). I was completely overwhelmed by the power of Him and the army of angels protecting those sacred grounds and the path to get there. I went with a handful of ward members I barely knew, but felt the strength in the promise we were given of protection. As I was waiting in the celestial room a sister asked me if I was scared.

I probably looked at her like she was crazy :), but I told her I didn't think that our ward would be assigned to that temple if it wasn't safe for us to be there and that I trust that the leaders of the church would not put us in harms way. What I didn't tell her was that I couldn't eat hardly anything all day and that I had left a few notes of instructions for my husband in case I didn't make it back :). I had to talk my husband into being ok with me going and I didn't call my mom because I knew she would not be happy. I kinda felt like I was in jr. high, sneaking out of the house. Not that I did that Mom ;)!

But it worked out great! I was able to put my friend's name on the prayer roll, do a little of the Lord's work, and spend a few minutes in one of the most peaceful places on earth!

Never mind the fact that I had to put my foot down when my ride wanted to stop at a pharmacy and then for a burrito! The promise the bishop gave us was contingent upon us going straight there and back without stopping anywhere, and I was holding to that promise! We had already passed men with machine guns and mean looking dogs... What is wrong with people!!!

Mom... I'll call ya before I go next month and I won't ride with that crazy lady again ;)! So no worries!!! I'm just trying to follow what you taught me (and I'm still your smart-alick daughter :).
Aren't you glad you had me get that passport a few yrs ago!!!

"Mornin Scorpion!" by ME

2011-04-04T08:27:00.003-06:00

(photograph also by ME)

Just this morning I was inspired to write this cute little story...

One Monday morning a little boy runs into his parents bedroom and says "Hey mom! I'm pretty sure there's a scorpion in my bathroom"!

The dad says "no there's not, just get in the shower!"

The mom jumps out of be to go see it :). She is not afraid.

The dad comes down the hall sporting his church shoes, no socks, and g's. He's not showing off, but just wants to see what the fuss is.

He finds the mom has cornered the scorpion using her bare hands :). She tells him to get a jar. The dad says, "what for?!?". She says, "it's cool, I want to keep it". The dad shakes his head and heads downs stairs. He slowly comes back with a big jar, lid, and a huge thing of bug spray :).

The mom says, "I had it, but you were taking quite a while, and now I don't know where it is. She calmly turns around and asks him to look on her back and in her hair. He backs away from her and without even looking says, "nope".

She laughs, grabs the jar, and scoops up the evil scorpion trapping it inside! The children are in awe! The dad, not so much. He takes his big gallon of bug spray and squirts enough poison to kill an army of man eating scorpions into the jar.

Mom makes breakfast. Mom dresses and feeds the children. Mom makes lunches. Mom takes care of the dog and cleans the kitchen. Mom drives the children to school and returns home. Dad is there still. This time he has clothes on. He says, "I called a pest control service and they will come tomorrow". Mom says, "great job! way to take care of our family :)! what would I do without you!"

The dad smiles. He knows he has done a good thing. The mom kisses the dad and sends him on his way!

The End

What's that sign say mom?

2011-02-05T22:52:00.006-07:00

Miss Ainsley has been talking about signs in her kindergarten class and of course she's totally into the signs everywhere. I'm feeling a little more like rain man lately reading the signs as we cruise through town. This would be a bad time to visit Vegas :). Anyways, after 3 days couped up in the house together for "snow days" (biggest joke) we spent most of the day out at a favorite park. It has a skate park, ball fields, trails to run, and a few playgrounds. We loaded up the bats, balls, gloves, scooters, and skateboards for the day. Obviously we parked in a different spot this time because the first sign we see says "Beware of Snakes". The kids are all looking at it asking me what it says. "Oh, it just says that sometimes snakes sleep here at night after the people leave". Not exactly a lie, but we had already gone in and out of the house a few times to get all the garb and I didn't see a snake anywhere. Still, that's a first! Next time I'll bring Diggidy with us just for fun :).

A few weeks ago we hit the local Academy and loaded up on baseball gear. I'd been craving some catch with my boys! It's so funny how I found myself saying all the same things my dad used to say to me.... "get under it!", "don't be afraid of the ball", and "keep your elbow up". It's so fun! Caleb has got a great arm and most of it comes pretty natural to the kid. It's going to take a little work for Jacks to get a good pitch down, but he rocks at nailing a catch!

Joe headed up the mountain bike trails today and a few of the super heroes in their matching neon shirts kept asking Joe if he was cold since he was only in shorts and a regular t-shirt that he did not have to paint on himself. Wimpy Texans!
Anyways, we learned the hard way that Saturday was not a day to run around town. It was such a great day! I love that the mountain trails are at the end of the street, and that there are so many great parks! Wildlife and all :)!

Appreciating Everything!

2011-02-02T11:59:00.005-07:00

I apologize for the little break. In my defense, our computer was broken! Not my fault :)! After a couple hundred bucks and a few trips to best buy (don't ever go to the El Paso best buy to get your computer fixed btw), I'm back in business!

I keep thinking that I am learning to appreciate more of the little, every day things I have taken for granted, like the computer, yummy grandma sycamore white bread, and driving past a friend on my way to Ridleys :).

Today I am appreciating electricity! It's only noon and I am ready to go crazy! Just because we got less than an inch of snow last night, the schools are cancelled and the power source for the Wii, cartoons, and computer games keeps shutting off! Apparently, I am the only other source of entertainment! I finally had to go find some earplugs just to think straight for 5 min :)! Appreciating those little things right now!!!

For years I took that yummy, white, granny sycamore bread for granted! After hitting all the local grocery stores and searching for a non-mexican bakery, I decided it's time to learn to make the darn stuff myself! Sorta myself, I bought a bread machine and I dump all the stuff into it & hit start :)! It rocks! The best part is that you can cut the slices as fat as you want! I've only had 4 slices of bread today :)!

I really took my running partners (bff's :) for granted! After a few solo runs with a crappy play list, I finally decided to just leave it home. It's amazing how much mental clarity I get from hearing nothing but my own footsteps and breathing! I would still love to have those girls with me and be crazy and confused :), but I love that I can have my own quiet time! Actually, I ran with a couple of girls yesterday morning, and even though my shirt sleeve got caught on a cactus, and it was really early (5 AM!), it was the funnest thing I've done in weeks!

I miss having my little buddy Ainsley with me for most of the day! She is in all day kindergarten now and loves it! She even rides the bus home with the boys in the afternoon. She feels like big stuff, and it seems like she is learning tons more! She is always telling me Spanish words she has learned, and I love the little songs she sings even if NOBODY can understand them!

I took it for granted that almost everyone around me was Mormon. The great part about that is, I think that I am even more open with people here about my beliefs partly because it's just habit. I can really sense how much we are needed here! None of our neighbors are members of the church. Another Mormon family lived down the street, but they moved away a few weeks before we moved in. A little boy in the neighborhood has been calling me "the new Jamie". He is at our house a lot, and His mom apologized when she picked him up the other day. She said for some reason he loves being at our house and he thinks I am just like the other lady that used to live a few doors down. Then she asked if we were Mormons :).

I definitely took having all my family so close! We talk to them on skype and my mom sends awesome packages in the mail! I miss stopping at the UPS store to see my brothers, Sunday dinners at mom & dad's, and doing random stuff with my sisters! I miss seeing my nieces so often that I don't notice how much they are growing! I do love that as a family, we are closer! My kids pretty much just have each other to play with, and we have more time to together. It's already getting a little busier, but it's nice to have the slow down from the usual crazy busy routine!

I will say that I did not take the crappy winters there for granted! I am appreciating sunshine and this one day of a little snow is a reminder of how amazing it is to have 60 degree weather in January :)!!!

Love to you All!

We made it!

2011-01-14T08:53:00.005-07:00

Yeah, we finally made it here to El Paso! I would have never in a million years thought that I would live here, but obviously I'm not in charge! Since last August Joe has been coming here by himself all week to work and it's just so great to be together! Caleb used to pray that we could be a "whole big family again" :)!

Christmas this year went by too quick with us being so focused on this move! We had movers coming the morning of the 27th so by 1:00 am our house was cleared out of any possible sign that Christmas had come! That's a first!

That whole next was such a blur! Movers were at our house packing up everything in their path. I had explained to the kids that if they didn't want certain things packed they had to keep them in our designated "safe zone"/ the hall bathroom. That stuff would either be packed last or we would take it with us on our trip. Jackson and Ainsley drug everything they owned to the bathroom thinking that if their stuff didn't get packed, maybe we wouldn't have to move. Caleb on the other hand, kept coming to me telling me that the movers kept taking all his stuff and he couldn't find anything. Like those guys would want a pillow pet! That kid never listens :)!

It was not a week I ever want to repeat! Jackson did nothing but sob all day and all night! By the time the movers were done, I just through the rest in the van and took off! It had already been the longest drug out goodbye ever!

We had a day to get the lay of the land, unpack our utensils, and get registered for school before the rush of a new week in a new place began. The kids' school is mainly Hispanic, 95%, so it was no surprise when Caleb introduced himself to his class as being new here from America! Nice! Great way to start it all off, offending everybody! Lucky for that kid he wins everyone over with his witty sense of humor and smile!He has already made several friends :). Jackson is still adjusting. He has a good friend in his school class that is also in his primary class. That just doesn't happen here in Texas, so I know he's being watched out for. Ainsley has loved switching to all day kindergarten to my surprise, but really misses her old primary teacher Sister Bancroft! She has also loved trying to decorate our new house...

As for me, I am looooving the beautiful sunshine!!! It is hard to be so far from our family and friends, but I am happy for this new adventure!!!

The Greatful Dead totally nailed it...

2010-08-12T10:18:00.005-06:00

I can't remember the exact stages of grieving, but I am pretty sure is goes something like... DENIAL...ANGER...BARGAINING...SADNESS...ACCEPTANCE.

The trick is recognizing where you are on the whole scale of stages. I think I'm still somewhere in the middle.

We just got back from spending a week in El Paso looking for a house. I decided I better go into it with really low expectations. It works for movies! So I'm picturing tumbleweeds and cracked dirt and snakes and stuff. Then we get all these picts of houses from the realtor that's supposed to be helping us and my vision turns to swimming pools and palm trees and Mexican resorts with strawberry daiquiris.

After the first day of checking things out and getting the lay of the land, I spent the rest of the night huggin the bowl at the downtown Marriott! Straight up!!!

I just don't think it's a good sign when people have bars on all their windows and doors! And I'm not so sure how comfortable I am with letting my kids ride their bikes outside when I can see the freaking border!

Day two was spent primarily looking at the West side (where all the swimming pools are). My Mexican Riviera bubble burst when I walked IN the houses. I'm going to sound like the biggest brat, but when it looks like somebody couldn't make up their mind whether they wanted the stove or the dishwasher in a certain spot and they ripped them out and swapped them back and forth a few times it's really not a good sign! I can deal with bad carpet (really big rugs). I can force myself to do super dirty (strap on the rubber gloves and go to town)!But what do you do when floors slope down? And why on earth would someone put pink and baby blue marbled tile in their entire house? What exactly do termites look like? Lots of questions I haven't thought about since I worked for DCFS!

We did nothing for the next four days but SEARCH! PONDER! and PRAY! Joe lost 10 lbs and I lost 5! In four days!

We decided that out of the two of us, I would make a better coach! I am really good at pep talks and making up bull crap that is totally believable :)! We took turns lifting each other up and pointing out the bright side of the situation. It was a real bonding experience!

This morning I thought I would try to find out some more info on El Paso and I found some lyrics to a song by The Greatful Dead entitled "El Paso"...

Here goes...

Out in the west Texas town of El Paso....

Just for a moment I stood there in silence,
Shocked by the ....
Many thoughts that ran through my mind as I stood there;
I had but one chance and that was to run.

Out through the back door of roses I ran, out where the horses were tied...
I picked a good one; he looked like he could run,
Up on his back and away I did ride.

Just as fast as I could from the west texas town of el paso,
Out thru the badlands of new mexico.
Back in el paso my life would be worthless; ....

Maybe tomorrow a bullet may find me,
Tonight nothings worse than this pain in my heart.

And as last here I am on the hill overlooking el paso, ....

Off to my right I see five mounted cowboys,
Off to my left ride a dozen or more.
Shouting and shooting; I can't let them catch me,
I've got to make it to roses back door.

Something is dreadfully wrong for I feel a deep burning pain in my side
It's getting harder to stay in the saddle.
I'm getting weary, unable to ride.

Yeah, super dramatic! But it made me laugh! Maybe that's a good sign that I'm headed for the acceptance stage :)???

Truthfully, I still think that we are doing the right thing. It's a great job for Joe and he likes it! The schools have rockin programs for kids with dyslexia! The City of Commerce web page "says" that the sun shines there at least 300 days of the year! I didn't see any snakes. And I got rid of a whole ton of crap that's been taking up space in my house!

Something else I found this morning was the meaning of the city name. It means "the step". At first I was like... that's dumb! Then that cheesy quote about a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step came to mind. I know I have a lot to learn. Change is never easy, but the greatest blessings rarely start out looking that way!

RIGHT?????

Pretend this is Me! But for real!

2010-07-23T08:51:00.004-06:00

It took me a minute to remember the correct address for this blogspot thing, but I did it :). I was thinking the other day that I am gonna have to get back to doing this since we are moving to Texas and all my family is here in Utah. Might as well start today since my morning has been totally blogworthy!

I went for a run up the canyon with my overly dedicated (but exactly what I need lately :) running partner, and you are seriously not going to believe me, but I was totally attacked by a huge Eagle!!! I know, your thinking...she has lost it and really needs to start sleeping at night! But it is TRUE!

It was a little cold and windy this morning, so I put a long sleeve top over my tank to start and part way up the trail I decided to take it off. So I stop and raise my arms to pull it off, when I hear this crazy loud screeching! Straight ahead there's this massive bird coming off the cliff right at me. It took me a sec to register that its flying fast right at my face. I tried to duck down and it slammed into me knocking me back a few feet! I got road rash up my leg and back and skinned up my hand and elbow to prove it!

The crew of super hero bikers guys in their matching tight blue shirts totally stopped and got off their bikes even. Usually they are completely annoyed by us runners and would just rather run us down, so I was surprised when the second crew of super heroes stopped too!

I'm still thinking "WHAT THE"... when one of the guys says "what was that?"! Out of my white trash mouth comes "some crazy ass hawk"! Not until one of the guys starts busting up do I snap out of my horror movie trance and start laughing myself! Weird thing was that the bird was still sitting on the trail a few feet away just screeching all crazy like at me :). Two of the super heroes must be like nature reserve guys or something because they confirmed that it "was indeed" a golden eagle.
Whatever that meant, I was out of there! I hopped up and took off up the trail while all 8 of those men, that didn't even offer me a band aid out of their secret bike packs, just stood there looking at the golden eagle!

Super weird! I'm still debating on if I should call my aunt Dana who knows all kinds of crazy witch craft kind of info what kind of a omen it is!

Enough blogging. I gotta get back to de-junking my house before the movers show up and don't know where to start!

Oh yeah, and we just found out last week that we are moving to El Paso,Texas!!!

What a week :)!

What do ya think? I could use some hints :)!

2009-11-13T09:07:00.004-07:00

I know I am just a little behind on the times, but I just barely bought the photo shop program and have been playing around with it a little. It's crazy how things change so quick! It's great! It's all about progression, right (dangit)!
I am embracing the fact that photography has become more about 'editing well'. I've been cropping and balancing light and color, and that is about it. I know... archaic!
Opening up the photo shop program is a little overwhelming, and really exciting all at once (so much to learn :). I will say that it gave me a boost of confidence to see that all the cool effects and perfect lighting I've seen on so many other photos are done not through skill or pure luck, but by a few simple clicks on a computer program. I was blown away by the whole head swapping action! I could have used that one over the years!
So... I'm actually opening myself up to opinions to see what the popular vote is :).
The top photo is just my normal bag of tricks. The bottom two are photo shopped using various enhancements.
What do you like???
And that's my little sister and her hubby, so no comments about the "subjects" :)!

Also, because I am new with this stuff, I would love it if anyone had any fun tips or sites with good tutorials!

And Thanks to my friends that help me with just figuring out how to use this blogger stuff!

Oh yeah... and how in the world do you change the size of your photos when you post them on your blog???? Kami? Laurie? ANYBODY?.....

Chixie Dix and Family Pix

2009-11-09T04:36:00.005-07:00

The other night, Joe and I went to a Fancy Shmancy awards banquet at The Grand America hotel. It was actually a lot of fun to break out of the rut and get a little dolled up to rub elbows with an over-accomplished crowd. Since we were 'fashionably late' we ended up at a table of unfamiliar faces. Which to me, made the night even better. I am cursed with this uninhibited ability to say just whatever random (and most likely stupid) thought that pops in my head. Knowing that I would probably never see or recognize these people again totally took the pressure off :). I am happy to report that it was not me that made the hilarious goof by mentioning the 'Chixie Dix'!

As the night wore on, and the various crystal and over sized jewel awards were claimed, my mind started to wander (big surprise) to the events of the past year. It started out like this... wow that chic totally climbed Mt.Everest and that other lady has 7 kids and 'somehow' she managed to become an amazingly successful business owner. And then there was this gorgeous scientist/ doctor that was making monumental discoveries that are changing the field of medicine... she was 29!

Yup... I was thinking what the crap is my problem! I have this mountain of unfolded laundry in my bedroom, I fed my kids corn dogs for dinner, and I'm pretty sure my shoes don't match what I'm wearing! So when the little server guy dressed in a tux brought me out this huge piece of strawberry cheesecake, drizzled with strawberry glaze, and sprinkled with flakes of white chocolate; I thought what the heck! Good thing I did, because it turned out amazing :)!!!

I am honestly not a jealous person (don't we all say that) and I was so happy for these people and their achievements (especially the one's I was there to support!), but I started to think about what my greatest accomplishments were in life, and what are my dreams for what's ahead.

There have been moments over the past few years that have felt like Joe and I were being dragged through the mud! Given a crappy hand! No more than anybody else, less than some I'd say... but just a raw deal!

That night, as we drove home together, I thought about how all the bumps in the road have helped my sweet Joe and I hold on to each other and our little family a little tighter.

Yesterday after church, we headed over to my mom's house where we did our own little family photo shoot, got some exciting news ;), and celebrated my brother in-laws and our oldest boy's birthday! Life is great! I have some pretty great accomplishments right in front of me!

That's What I get...

2009-10-26T10:40:00.004-06:00

For taking my kids to church! AND
For thinking everybody else is crazy!

I haven't licked any pigs, but I am big on the sanitizer and washing my hands. I totally avoid McDonalds playland and only go to Walmart when I absolutely HAVE to. I've been known to use a gas station bathroom in an emergency, but only in an EMERGENCY! I'm sayin... I try to be healthy and keep things clean. And I really don't mean any disrespect by saying this, but the chapel I go to church at is gross! Specifically the bathrooms!!! It's totally worth the trip home!

So my last post (over 2 wks ago) was about how Caleb came home from church sick... Today was my little boys first day back at school! I have been super sick myself for several days (this really is not a whiny, poor me thing :). My personal nurse practitioner (my amazing little sister who is a nurse practitioner) braved a visit to our house and told me I have the swine flu.

Ha! I laughed!!! I have been making fun of people that are all worked up about this stupid thing for weeks! I am sick of hearing about it! So I guess I deserve it :). Yea it's pretty crappy stuff and the other night I didn't think I was gonna make it through the night because I was so freakin congested I couldn't even breath! I haven't left my house in what feels like forever, and I've had to be creative to keep my kids from killing each other from their boredom! I even entertained myself one afternoon by cruising the classifieds on ksl. By the way...somebody is selling a "real" rodeo queen outfit for only $800 and then there's another lady that makes all kinds of red hats with feathers and stuff in them. She says your friends will all be jealous if you have one! And who knew there was such a thing as a fur coat made out of raccoons! Certainly not me! It got me thinking... who catches the raccoons and then skins them? Then what woman in her right mind sews them together?!

I know I sound pretty crazy myself! Must be the swine flu talkin! Anyways, I am hopefully on the up side of this whole deal (really- nobody make me soup or I'll be chapped!) and I still think people are nuts!!! And even though I no longer need the vaccination for it, the whole idea sounds scary!

I love this little guy...

2009-10-11T08:55:00.005-06:00

But, I absolutely HATE it when he gets sick!! Not because he whines or moans, or even complains at all. He is actually the sweetest little angel! He goes from the tasmanian devil to a little bundle of blankets with a sweet little smile poking out the top. He's full of "thanks mom" and "I love you too mom". He even takes a nap (which he quit doing at the age of 2)!
In the past, him being sick was always a scarry deal usually involving a 3 am trip to the emergency room! The kid has had more than one brush with death since his birth! So, yesturday when we get home from church and he says "I'm not feelin so great"; I immediately start the routine of home remedies and swear to myself that I'm not taking him to primary in the last 3 months of the year again! What is wrong with people?! Don't they know that having a sick kid is the best excuse (I mean reason) to stay home and watch sacrament (or even football) on TV! I'm all for it!!!
ANYWAYS... my purpose in writing this is because I'm so grateful and relieved that during FHE tonight, he started teasing the dog and making the calm and peaceful moment out of control, once again.
See... I am grateful for the stressful, crazy feeling I get when he's running circles around the kitchen at the speed of light, leaving catastrophic messes behind!
I know I will have to remind myself I said that... just a few times tomorrow. Crazy me! I'm keeping him home just one more day to be sure (and to have a good excuse to cuddle up on the couch and watch cartoons again :).
I love being a mom!

Hot "Diggidy" Dog!

2009-06-24T09:26:00.005-06:00

Third times a charm right :)...

We are catchin some flack for going down the dog route again, but I promise :) this one's gonna work out!

Here's how it all started...

So a friend asks me to watch her 3yr old little boy. She doesn't tell me it's his first day in underwear (that is a whole other story) and that he's a little mischievous. OK, he's 3, I'll call it curious. He's a sweet little boy, but he was really into our latest summer pet - the hamsters. He kept trying to manhandle the little guys and didn't seem to get the whole "be gentle thing". Reminds me of 'Of Mice and Men'! So I stashed the whole cage in the office and got the playdoh out thinking he would go for that. Soon after, my own two youngest get in a little fight (summer is so much together time :). I send the main culprit to 'His' bedroom to cool off. After I gave him a minute, I went to his room to talk to him. The talk only took like 2 min. We both have ADD, no sense in dragging it out! When I came back out, Ains was still up to the counter with the playdoh, but the other little guy was gone! I searched the whole house except for the office. I had closed the door earlier and it was still closed so I thought for sure he wasn't in there. I was wrong! I Caught him with a hamster in each little fist! Sneaky little guy :)! He dropped them back in the cage and slammed the door (kids are so funny when they know they are caught :). Anyways, Jacks came home about 2 min later and got right to work on his chores. First up on the list was cleaning the hamster cage (can you tell where I'm heading with this). To make a really long story shorter, we ended up having a funeral on the side of the house followed by a quick refresher lesson on the plan of salvation. The poor kid was in hysterics!!! He spent the next 3 days on the KSL website looking for a 'replacement' pet. It was driving me insane, because he has dyslexia and can't read very well yet and he was hollering for help every 2 min. I was very patient :),but I sure didn't get much done!

The funeral was on Mon. and I left Thurs. evening for a race hoping that it would have all blown over by the time I got home on Sat.

By Sat. evening I took Jacks with me and bought him this adorable little dog! His name is Diggidy and he' a Chaweenie. A chihuahua and a mini weenie dog mixed. Serious! Anyways, I told him that it was really important to read to this kind of dog, and being the obedient angel child that he is, he does it! Jacks hates to read because it's such a challenge for him, so it's working out to be a great thing!

So far the little guy is rockin the house training! Ains is warming up to him since he's cool with being wrapped in a blankie and stuffed in a doll bed. And he has been a great reminder to Joe and I of how great it is to be out of the 'up half the night with a baby stage'!

Things always work out for the best right :)!!!

Highlights of my week...

2009-06-14T20:43:00.007-06:00

Here's just a few of my fav's from this week!

First up:

I told the boys it was time for a haircut and asked who wanted to be first (they hate getting hair cuts). For some reason Caleb jumped up and said "me first"! We headed out to the back deck with the clippers white trash style. Caleb looks up and says "give me a MOHOG mom".
Me..."what's a mohag"?
Caleb..."ya know..." He totally goes on to explain a mullet!

What do ya think?

We were headed to the temple open house that day (which didn't happen- another story)and I asked him if he if he wanted to go to Heavenly Father's house like that. He told me I better cut it all off like an army guy instead. No offense to anyone with a mullet or "mohog" - we are all children of our Heavenly Father :).

My next fav...

I was in Albertsons with Ainsly and she is trying to be so helpful bringing me all kinds of random stuff. I was getting totally annoyed, so I started telling her things on the list. Of course mountain dew is on it so we head down the pop aisle. I turn around holding a 2 litre in each hand to see Ainsley giving it all she's got to pull a case of Heineken beer out of the refrigerated drink section (opposite the pop of course). She says "I got your mountain dew mom. It sure is heavy". So funny! And I can totally see why she got confused!

I don't drink much dew myself these days (it's true, hard to believe)but I am not the only one in the house that contributes to the shopping list :).

Speaking of my sweet husband :)... He cleaned the carpets yesterday! I've got to make a big deal about that!!!

See boys...it goes a long way!

Chimes Choir Performance

2009-05-28T21:29:00.002-06:00

This year Jackson got up extra early every Wednesday morning! He set his own alarm clock, made his own toaster waffles, and the whole works, just so he could get to school an hour early to be part of the chimes choir.
He has totally loved this experience and we were so excited to see his end of the school year performance!!! He did awesome!!!
However, he failed to inform me that instead of wearing his regular school uniform he was supposed to wear a white shirt and black pants :). I honestly think he didn't even notice...so I didn't point it out! I don't think the kid even looks in the mirror...he just doesn't care, and I personally think it's an awesome way to be!
After the concert, I took a minute to thank his music teacher. Of course he told me he loved having Jacks as part of his chime choir :). What I didn't know was that Jacks was the only 2nd grader he allowed to be part of it. All the rest of the kids were 5th graders. I had no idea his teacher had made an exception! I barely know his teacher, but I totally love him for seeing how amazing my little guy is and giving him the chance! Thanks Mr.Peterson!!!!! And thanks Jacks for an amazing night!

Time for a "summer pet"...

2009-05-25T17:06:00.004-06:00

Ains was bored the other day so I broke out some craft stuff and let her go to town on some rocks we so kindly removed from our neighbors yard (they have lots :). She made her "very own pet" and made me feel just a little sorry for my kids!

Then Jacks asks me if we can get a "summer pet". We obviously don't seem to have a great track record with animals and the poor kid knows it! Playing it safe he asks for one of these...

We got this whole set up including two little dwarf hamster guys for $20!

I've been told they don't live too long and they seem to be really low maintenance. I think we've found the perfect summer pet!
So far the kids are having a blast with them! They put them in their little balls to race and let them climb all over them (yuck!). Caleb already learned the hard way (with a microscopic bite on his little finger :) that he can't play with them too much. I still haven't even held them and hopefully I will not end up having to search for them! I'm not too worried... I have this really great attachment on my vacuum that could come in handy :)!

Another classy wedding...

2009-05-16T17:43:00.004-06:00

My mom's gonna kill me, but this is one of about 5 shots I actually got to take last night at my little bro's reception! It totally cracked me up when one of his buddies snuck the lovely flowers off the top of the cake to replace it with his even lovelier cake topper!
It was such a great day! I love it that my whole family can be in the temple together to support each other(this time for Dan and Christi)! What an awesome blessing!
The reception was a big Texas BBQ out at Wadley Farms. Brisket, blue bell ice cream, country music, and a chocolate grooms cake covered in choc. dipped strawberries...family traditions I love!
Dan's the baby so it was a great way to end the wedding chapter for the Weber Family!
Congratulations Bubba! I love ya!!!

Random...

2009-05-06T19:14:00.002-06:00

I know I am pretty random about the stuff I throw on this blog, but for some reason the lost tooth thing always makes it. So much happens on a daily, weekly basis. There really is a lot more going on in our lives than this :). I just like to share the fun little tid-bits I guess.

Anyways, this here photo is our boy Caleb. We was just eatin a meal down at the Burger King in Cedar when one of his bottom baby teeth falls out biting into a nugget.

I don't know if the white trash/country hick talk is coming out because I've been reading "To Kill a Mockingbird" again or because I totally felt like a white trash hick sitting in that super nasty Burger King!!! I think the picture will be some good black mail material anyways. The tooth fairy even showed up 3 days late... must have been the white trash one :)!

And since I'm being random and talking about country hick stuff...

Last weekend I ran the Hurricane Half and I have to say that even though they were totally ghetto with only giving me an empty race bag and a race # without safety pins to put it on (and no shirt to put it on); It was a fun race and I'd probably run it again if that super witchy race directer got down on her knees and apologized and beg me to grace her with my entry $$$.
It's really not a good deal when you pay to run really far and mostly up-hill and get nothing out of it. Ok... ok... it was an amazing view, I really had fun, and I was with two really great friends! Who needs a race shirt when you've got all that!

Hey mom...I want to be that dog

2009-04-01T20:08:00.007-06:00

I love this dog! I see him all the time just hanging out on the roof of this house. Today when we saw him Caleb says,"mom, I want to be that dog". When I asked him why he said "him looks relaxing". I'm totally with Caleb on this! I'm not sure why the dog's on the roof, but if it was warmer, and my roof was flatter, I'd love to just lay on the roof by myself RELAXING! Nobody hollering at me or begging me for stuff or whining for no reason! That dog's got it good :-)! I think!

March Madness

2009-03-23T15:04:00.020-06:00

I know I sound like I'm having a sale, but I'm not. Just a lack of creativity! This month has been full of fun stuff, but I haven't taken the time to record it. My birthday was on the 3rd and even though I was a little out of commission, my super amazing friends all showed up at my house to surprise me with this token of true love called "Double Fantasy Fudge"...

I know, I have really great friends!!!

Caleb's 6th birthday was on the 16th. Birthdays turn into more of a week long deal at our house. He got to take treats to school and his whole kindergarten class made him a birthday card! They are really funny, nothing like kindergarten artwork! He said his teacher even gave him spankings (pretty sure that's against the law, good thing I'm not one to freak out about the little stuff)!! We had a super fun friend party at classic skating! We wore them out and sugared them up! It was like a flash back with the whole roller skating, disco lights, arcade thing, but they loved it!

My parents had a b-day dinner at their house with his favorite dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, cake and ice cream, way too many presents, and one really out of tune version of the 'Happy Birthday' serenade!

We ended the week with a trip to "Ogie Ogie" with Grandpa Paul and Grandma Connie...

Jackson had his first ever "Blue and Gold" boy scouts banquet. He got to make and decorate his own cake. He was so proud of it! (Most of the cakes did not look like they were made OR decorated by little boys though... some moms!)

The last thing I will post about march was this cute field trip we took to Macy's grocery store with our little joy school group. Who knew macy's could be so fun! They got to go behind the scenes of all the different departments. I really could have missed out on the meat dept. though! Raw meat gives me the dry heaves and chills! Good thing it ended in the bakery! The smell of heavenly fresh bread made it all better!

Happy 6th Birthday Caleb!!!!!!

2009-03-16T22:14:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Caleb! I can hardly believe he is 6! He is so full of energy, smiles, fun, and sweetness! We all love him very much!

Welcome to your new primary class!

2009-02-06T13:01:00.005-07:00

I caught my cute little Ainsley playing "church" with all her favorite little animals and baby! She even put dresses on all of them (my favorite is the goose :). It's so great how children play out their world! We have just been switched to a new ward, in a new church building. It's actually been a few weeks, but I'm always a bit behind on this blogging stuff. Anyways, they took just our street from our neighborhood and moved us to be in a ward with the neighborhood behind us. I am happy for the opportunity to be part of a new ward and meet the rest of the people I live around. But,there are so many wonderful people I love that I will miss! The change is good but has thrown us all for a little loop :). I'm sure that in no time we will feel like it's home. In the mean time, I am totally enjoying just laying low! I would even be happy to stay home and let Ains give me a lesson! I would put on a dress for her and everything!

toothless brothers

2009-01-31T17:33:00.004-07:00

Both the boys lost a tooth last Friday night! It was fun because they are both so different and they deal with things so differently!
Jackson's tooth has been loose for a few weeks and it was barely hanging by a thread.
Caleb just discovered his tooth was loose a few days ago and it was just a little wiggly.
Jackson didn't want to wiggle his tooth too much because he hates losing teeth. The kid can't part with anything! (He still has his baby blanket under his pillow at night :).
Caleb on the other hand, was shaking because he was yanking on his tooth so hard! He succeeded in ripping it out with his bare hands!
Jackson was still crying over the thought of losing his tooth and took some serious coaxing to even wiggle it. Finally it came out, and he posed next to his wacky little brother for this cute toothless grin photo!
Caleb couldn't wait to shove his tooth under his pillow for the tooth fairy to find.
Jackson added his lost tooth to the little bag of lost teeth he keeps in his top drawer (gross hu). Jacks wouldn't think of turning it over to the tooth fairy and I have no idea what he intends to do with them.
My little sis and her hubby were at our house and both played very important roles in the whole ordeal! Thanks Kim and Ryan :).They even took the boys for a treat when it was over!
I love both my boys so much and love that they are so different!
I love that Jackson is so sensitive and sentimental about everything.
I also love that Caleb is so daring and adventurous!
The great thing is that despite their differences they are the best of friends!
ANd the tooth fairy rewarded both of them for keeping those teeth so nice and shiny!

No Air, No Air!

2009-01-23T13:43:00.008-07:00

I can't get that stupid Jordan Sparks song out of my head..."something, something, NO AIR, NO AIR!"
As if the whole yucky snow all over the place isn't gross enough, now the sky's all mucked up too!

Good thing my little boy and I have asthma!

Actually I am feeling pretty blessed because this is the FIRST year in 5 that we have not had to go to the emergency room because somebody can't breathe!

I have to share that it is because we have been using this !

I am really really grateful that we are lucky enough to know about this stuff!
Seriously check it out!

I am so excited to get to Mexico in a few weeks to remind myself what the sun looks like!

Christmas Morning!

2008-12-29T20:10:00.024-07:00

I remember as a kid just waiting for the sky to turn from black to blue so we could run into my parents room and wake them up! I was totally expecting the kids to wake US up at the crack of dawn, but no...it was my husband.
I was totally out of it and couldn't figure out what he was doing, but I guess since EVERYTHING under the tree is a surprise to him, HE couldn't wait to see what Santa (me ;) had left. Where was all that enthusiasm a few months ago when it was time to do the shopping :)? Maybe he was a little busy funding it. This is always the worst/busiest time of year for Joe's company.
Anyways, it was great! He got the cameras ready and drug the kids into our bedroom to pull me out of bed! We kept Christmas pretty simple this year and my kids didn't even seem to notice. They were so excited for what they got and I have totally been enjoying watching them play with each other and their new stuff together!

Miss Ainsley got a kitchen , lots of plastic food and dishes to go with it, and some new petshop pets. She made us all some delicious plastic muffins and hot chocolate. She is going to be one rockin hostess someday!

Caleb is my easy to please, totally excited about anything kid! This smile made all the fuss totally worth it! He and Jacks both got super huge nerf guns, heely shoes, and his favorite thing was these weird little toys called bakugans. He's talked non-stop about them for months and luckily I found some of them in October before they were cleaned out of the stores. Then Papa picked up a few more in Houston. Thanks Dad!

Here's Jacks testing out his new weapon of destruction! I really should have gotten one for Joe too! He keeps steeling Caleb's and I can hear all three of them having a war down in the basement! Boys! I love 'em all!

I'll have to post picts of Joe and I's christmas present (from my parents) in about six weeks, after we get back from our TRIP TO MEXICO!!!!!

I love the holiday season and spending so much time with my kids, our families, and our friends! Now that it's just about over; the snow can melt, I am ready to eat some broccli, and I'm thinking that whole tanning idea sounds great!

Too blessed!

2008-12-22T17:52:00.004-07:00

I thought this cartoon was really cute! Just today I was wondering what would be the safest way to reintroduce vegetables back into my diet :)! I have fully enjoyed this holiday season and all the yummy stuff that comes with it! My latest addiction is these to die for things called carmalita bars! They are a mix you can buy at costco. My new sister in law (to be) introduced them to my family and we all love her even more for it! Tonight I started out by dipping my grilled cheese sandwich in some chicken noodle soup that had some carrots and celery in it. I think that is a good step!
I'm just so glad that I am so blessed to have wonderful friends and family that bake and cook for me, throw parties and invite me, and to go to dinner with! And there is something about baking with my kids on these winter days that makes me happy!
It's just a good thing I have the greatest friends in the world that get up at 6 am to run/ice skate with me :)!

How do you deal with it???

2008-12-18T09:38:00.019-07:00

My tree...

My happy place...

My street...

Dealing with it...

If the pictures don't say enough this is what it is...

I am a Texas girl. I think the snow is pretty to look at. I like to ski and run in the snow. BUT, I'd rather be on the beach with the sun beating down on me!!! I can't drive in this stuff (neither can any of you -obviously :) and I feel like I'm trapped in a bad snow globe when I can't even see the sky or the sun! But what do you do?
We are staying in, watching Christmas movies, eating cookies, and making gingerbread houses and trains!
Next week is Christmas break and I could use some ideas of how to keep my kids entertained enough to keep them from fighting!

If you've got something good (that we can do at home), let me know what it is!

Checkin Things Out!

2008-12-11T21:42:00.005-07:00

THIS is exactly why I shop online! I am looking in the boys section at Old Navy with Ainsley (my permanent buddy :).While I'm looking through pant sizes for 2 seconds, she disappears around the corner. I find her in the men's section checkin out the rear of a male clothes dummy! Of course she has this big grin on her face and by the time I whipped my phone out for the picture she had pulled his pants back up!
She is 3! When I asked her what she was doing, she just smiled and said "checkin out hims bum". It made my day! However, I think I'm just going to stick with shopping by myself, at my computer, when all my children are asleep!

Warning! Super depressing post!

2008-12-10T18:47:00.004-07:00

I am just sick and heart broken today for my little brother Zach! Zach has been bringing home stray dogs and caring for every animal he could get his hands on since he had a mop of bright red curls on top of his head!

He has the most beautiful and sweet white labs, Lilly (in the picture) and Maverick. Lilly just had her first batch of puppies, nine in all! All healthy and so cared for! My brother stayed up all night to help Lilly deliver them and has been obsessive about caring for her and her pups. It was even funny how selective he was about who he let adopt the puppies. There was just one puppy left that was not spoken and paid for. We have all been torn over wanting the pup, but none of us were ready to commit.

Here comes the bad part...

A man came to look at her the other day and offered to buy her. My brother had a really bad feeling about the guy and told him no right off. Come to find out the guy ran a puppy mill and must have brought parvo with him, because today all of his dogs are dead! Lilly, Maverick, and all nine puppies!

It's really heart breaking because I know how much my brother loved those dogs! He spent so much time and energy caring for and training them (they were pure bred champion hunting dogs)! He has such a tender heart and is blaming himself for even breading Lily!

I know how it is to feel really good about doing something, praying about it even, to have everything go wrong! I don't understand stuff like that at all! I know there are ups and downs and that much worse things happen all the time to people. I do know that Heavenly Father is very mindful of each of us and that it all works out for our good in the end. My brother is such an amazing guy and deserves the very best in life!!! I wish I could save everyone I love from the heart aches they are given. I'm just so glad that I can at least pray for my brother to be comforted and know that things are in the Lord's hands. That's why He is the Savior.

I apologize for the sad post. I usually keep it on the surface. I promise the next one will be positive! AND I want my brother to know I love him so much and am so super sorry!!!

A sad first for me!

2008-12-09T22:24:00.004-07:00

I have lost my running shoes! This should be a wake up call for me! What has happened to me? Just when do you let go of stuff like that? Running has been a part of my life since I was like nine months old! I know there is alot more in my life to worry about than this, but all the more reason for me to get my crap together and get out there! It's just so cold and dark at 6am now. I seriously used to think people who said stuff like that were the biggest babies! I guess it all comes back to you some time or another.
Too bad I don't have any high tops either :). When I was a kid, my dad was too cheap to buy shoes for basketball and track. It's kind of funny to me now. Somehow we all survive!
(And Dad... I love you so much! and totally appreciate you making me all the more stronger! Once I actually got a pair of running shoes, it was amazing :)

Christmas lights! Who needs 'em... ME!

2008-12-07T21:52:00.005-07:00

My mom sent me this email and it totally cracked me up! It's just a little too close to home! We do not have our christmas lights up and I hate it! Joe is afraid of heights and we have a crappy ladder or I'd do it myself! My kids keep asking me about it and that's driving me more nuts than not having the dang lights up!
It's a letter from some guy to his wife. It might as well be from my husband to me!

Hi Sweetheart,

I am sorry about getting into an argument about putting up the
Christmas lights.
I guess that sometimes I feel like you are pushing me too hard when
you want something.
I realize that I was wrong and I am apologizing for being such a
hard-headed guy.
All I want is for you to be happy and be able to enjoy the holiday
season.
Nothing brightens the Christmas spirit like Christmas lights!
I took the time to hang the lights for you today and now I will be off
to the golf course.

Again, I am very sorry for the way I acted yesterday.

I'll be home later.

Love you......

Heavenly Family Night!

2008-11-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

You guessed it! We took the kids to Krispy Kreme for family Night! My rockin visiting teacher told me that the kids can take their report cards in, and for each "A" they get a donut. I'm really glad I have smart kids! We ended up with a few too many :). I have never been a big donut fan and I didn't get what all the hype was about. They have only been open like 5 years and this was actually my second trip in 4 days! It just smells like what Heaven probably smells like in there!!! I wonder if you would get immune to the intoxication of it if you worked there? Maybe I should apply! Anyways, I am now a big fan of the joint and am pretty sure I've found a new addiction! My personal fav was the sour cream cake ones, so super yummy!!! Ains will definitely be my partner in crime! She's little, but she can sure pack them in, and cover her whole self with frosting in the process :)!

One Scary Family!!!

2008-11-16T21:56:00.000-07:00

My cute "little" brother (he's like 6'6) tried really hard to be a nerd for Halloween! I think he pulled it off with ease!

Love my white trash sis and her hubby "Joe Dirt"!

I'm not sure what Zach was trying to pull off... no matter what he does, he cracks me up!
But his super cute wife and baby girl were looking so great as "Rella" (cinderella) and a witch!

My mom always gets into the holidays! She had green eye shadow on and everything!
Dad doesn't get into the dress up stuff so much. He's just happy to be with the kids so he had a bit of a devil costume going on!

Catching up on Halloween

2008-11-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

As usual I am a little behind on things :)! I can't believe Thanksgiving is almost here with Christmas just around the corner! I lost everything on my computer a few weeks ago (big huge pain) so these are just a few of the picts we actually took.
I love Halloween because it's just all about fun! And chocolate :)! We went to the Halloween thing at Thanksgiving Point, the Boo at the Zoo, a family party, and to Corn Belly's. I actually got to be a chaperon for Caleb's kindergarten class's field trip to Corn Belly's. I loved being able to spend some time with just him! His favorite part was the peddle cars and the pigs! They had a pig there that was bigger than a hippo! It was pretty impressive!
Anyways, I unfortunately missed the ward party because I had some dumb flu bug. But I did get my kids all done up and sent them off to the party with Joe. As if they didn't fill their bags that night with enough candy, we dressed them back up the next night for trick or treating. My whole family comes over on Halloween to pass out candy and take turns taking the kids around. It was a ton of fun, and great to have the help when I was feeling so cruddy! Thanks guys!!!Trick or treating was a success! They had a great time and brought home lots of treats! I guess the good thing about having the flu on Halloween is not even being tempted by the peanut butter cups :). My kids all ended up sick that week and the Halloween candy is still in the pantry. I think they forgot about it so I've been helping myself :)!

Oh Joy!

2008-10-25T22:06:00.000-06:00

For Joy School last week we painted pumpkins, and ourselves :), a few of my barstools, and added a few other splashes of color throughout the kitchen. Just to spruce things up a bit! I love this little group of kids and have had allot of fun being part of this little pre-school thing! Caleb asks all the time if he can be home schooled too :). Pretty sure I couldn't handle that! Homework time at my house wears me out!

Birthday Shots

2008-10-25T21:47:00.000-06:00

Jacks is turning 8! I can't believe I have an 8 year old child! I'm not old enough for that :)! This is a big one though... he's getting ready for his baptism (and the pinewood derby). I admit I have never been a big fan of scouts, but this little guy is all geared up for it! He loves knots and camping and I'm sure he is going to be all over the super cool badges he can earn for me to HOT GLUE to his ugly blue scout shirt! It has been such a great ride to see this kid grow! He is absolutely amazing and there really is nothing he could ever do to change my mind about that! I am really excited that HE is so excited about being baptized! It's a big deal and he knows it! We took these picts tonight because he wants me to make a baptismal invitation to send out to his family and friends. He is such a planner!!! Didn't get that one from me... I'm more of a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl. I wish I could be more like him!!!!!

Hard Times...

2008-10-14T12:54:00.000-06:00

Ok so I hear it every day... "these are hard times". Yada yada yada! I know gas is expensive still, therefore food and everything else is high priced. My mom keeps me up on all the food storage stuff, like when wheat and rice were going up in price because of a shortage. But nobody warned me about this one and it's a biggie!!! For three weeks now all the normal grocery stores I shop at have been out of diet mountain dew 2 liters!! I would have stocked up and filled a whole corner of my storage room with it if I had known! I had not had any for a few weeks and my knight in shinning armor brought me a 44 ozer from the gas station. It really doesn't take much to keep me happy :). BUT that can only do me for so long! So if anyone happens upon a store that has it... Please for the love, give me a call!!! (It's really not an addiction. I just like it. Allot :)

Half Way Job!

2008-10-13T15:11:00.000-06:00

I have always thought that doing a half way job on something was so much worse than doing it at all! So I did this fun family shoot last week for the cutest family and this is about how most of the shots worked out! Nice hu! Here's the story...
I bought a new camera a few weeks ago and totally fell in love with it. Then it all of a sudden dropped $100 in price. The store didn't do price adjustments but they gladly exchanged it for what I thought was the same camera. For some reason I don't love this "same camera" as much. I drug this cute family around for over an hour in the bitter cold wind and then had to call them and tell them that their pictures did not turn out. Super hard phone call to make! but, they were so nice about it and maybe if I'm lucky they will let me do more than a half way job on a second shoot :). If anyone else is interested in pictures of their feet give me a call!!!

Princess Payless

2008-10-06T21:12:00.000-06:00

Bedtime isn't usually my most favorite time of the day. Especially when Joe is not there. Jackson being the little angel that he is, asks me to rub lavender oil on his feet and his pillow and then he's out like a light. But Caleb and Ainsley... it can be exhausting! I'm sure many of you know the routine... I'm hungry, I need a sippy cup of water, this sippy cup is leaking, now I need to go potty, can you sing me another song, you only told me one story, I didn't really like that story, yada yada yada! So tonight after I tell Ainsley her own personal princess story (I make them up- maybe that's why she doesn't always like them :) she says it's her turn to tell ME a story. I'm sure it was just a new tactic to prolong bedtime, but I went with it. Here's how it starts..."Once a time there was a beautiful princess (pause), princess Payless...". It made my night I tell ya! I love it when something really sweet comes out of their tiny little lips!

Today was one of those really "crazy busy" mommy days where I took like a 2 minute shower and couldn't remember if I even used conditioner. Pretty sure I didn't because I'm a bit of a mess :). I had a few extra kids along for just about every ride, not much seemed to go as planned (cause it usually does ;), and we have been out of mountain dew for a few days and Walmart was out of it too! I totally laughed out loud about that! Anyways, I have just been so happy still. I loved being able to listen to MOST of conference this weekend! And today I kept hearing President Monson say how fast time goes by and that soon we will just be left with the memories. Allot of times when really crazy days like this come, I just feel drained and like I am digging deep just to make it til the end of the day. Maybe today is different because I'm not running on empty spiritually :). Maybe! I read my scriptures every couple of days, sometimes a couple days in a row. BUT, I eat at least every 2 to 3 hours! Not that I think I should read the scriptures every 2 hours, but I know there is definitely something to consistency and I am recommitting! For me, I know I get personal little messages when I read the Book of Mormon. Even when it's about some crazy war I've read a hundred times and still can't make sense of. So anyways, I'm thinking this entry looks a little more like a journal entry so I'll stop there; but hey, it's ALL a little messed up today. After all, Ainsley is using Payless as a name for her storytime princess!

If YOU need a laugh :)...

2008-10-04T07:34:00.001-06:00

Today is the St.George Marathon and I am still at home sitting at the computer in my t-shirt. No cute new running shorts, bannanna in hand, huddeling close with my running partners to keep warm and from shaking to bits from my nerves!!!

It's all about perspective and having a good attitude! So instead of being bummed out today, I am going to have a good attitude and enjoy the beautiful (yet grey and rainy :) fall morning! After all, it is conference weekend and I do get to listen to a prophets voice (something I could always use more of!).

So, if for any reason you are having a bummer day and need a little pick me up on the attitude, here is something that always makes me laugh!!!

A Texas Chili Contest

Warning - If you can read this whole story without laughing out loud, then there's no hope for you! I was crying by the end!

Note: Please take time to read this slowly. If you pay attention to the first two judges (who were experienced judges), the reaction of the third judge is even better.For those of you who have lived in Texas, you know how true this is. They actually have a chili cook-off about the time Halloween comes around. It takes up a major portion of a parking lot at the San Antonio city park. The notes are from an inexperienced chili taster named Frank, who was visiting from Springfield, IL.

Frank: "Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili cooking contest. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy and, besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted."

Here are the scorecards from the advent:

(Frank is Judge #3)

Chili # 1 Eddie's Maniac Monster Chili...

Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.

Judge # 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.

Judge # 3 -- (Frank) What the hell is this stuff?! You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put out the flames. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy!

Chili # 2 Austin's Afterburner Chili...

Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.

Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor; needs more peppers to be taken> seriously.

Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.

Chili # 3 Ronny's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili...

Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick. Needs morebeans.

Judge # 2 -- A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of peppers.

Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting pie-eyed from all of the beer...

Chili # 4 Dave's Black Magic...

Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.

Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish, or other mild foods; not much of a chili.

Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was > unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the barmaid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. That 300 lb. woman is starting to look HOT...just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?

Chili # 5 Lisa's Legal Lip Remover...

Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.

Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.

Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead, and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really pisses me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw those rednecks.

Chili # 6 Pam's Very Vegetarian Variety...

Judge # 1 -- Thin, yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spices and peppers.

Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic. Superb.

Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulphuric flames. I pooped on myself when I farted and I'm worried it will eat through the chair! No one seems inclined to stand behind me anymore. I need to wipe my butt with a snow cone.

Chili # 7 Carla's Screaming Sensation Chili...

Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.

Judge # 2 -- Ho-hum; tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. **I should take note that I am worried about Judge # 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress, as he is cursing uncontrollably.

Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world > sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing; it's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.

Chili # 8 Karen's Toenail Curling Chili...

Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold, but spicy enough to declare its existence.

Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild, nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge # 3 farted, passed out, fell over, and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor fella, wonder how he'd have reacted to really hot chili.

Little sisters!

2008-09-25T16:20:00.000-06:00

If it weren't my little sister that tagged me, I would have totally ignored it :)!

4 Random things I like about my husband...
-I like it when He gets really chapped about something because it hardly ever happens!
-I love to hear his voice!
-He is hilarious!!
-He is a manly man... gets dirty, doesn't shave his legs, fixes stuff, THinks he's tougher than me, can't figure out what to do with his dirty clothes, mows the lawn, does the chores I hate, always puts me first, and is a total gentleman!

4 Movies I can watch more than once...

-Ocean's 11, 12, 13
-Bourne Identity (all of those Bourne movies)
-Juno
-The Rookie

4 TV shows I watch...

-The Office
-Grey's Anatomy
-Seinfeld
-Ellen (rarely)

4 People who email me regularly...

-I am terrible at checking my email! I usually have at least 50-60 unchecked messages!
-Active.com
-Orem Public Library
-my mom and mother in law

4 favorite foods...

-PF Changs Orange Chicken
-BBQ Chicken Pizza
-peanut and peanut butter m&ms
-mountain dew!!!

4 Places I'd like to visit...

-Jerusalem... I would love to see where the Savior walked!
-Boston... I still want to qualify for the marathon (when my body is ready for it)!
-Joe's been promising me a trip to Mexico forever! I'm totally looking forward to it when it happens :)
-Rome

4 Things I'm Looking forward to in the next year...

-Progress; mine, my children's, my family and friend's! Life just gets better!
-Gas Prices to drop! (You know you're old when that's something you look forward to!!)
-The holidays!
-Jackson gets to be baptized in a few months! It makes me feel old, but I'm excited for him!

Happy Jacks!

2008-09-19T15:04:00.000-06:00

I love this "I did it!" picture of Jackson boogie boarding this summer! Jacks has a lot of patience and works really hard at everything he does! Last night he made two goals at his soccer game (a first for him)!! He was so proud of himself and so was I! It was so great that his Nana, Grandpa Cook and Grandma Connie were even there to see it! The smile he gets on his face when he accomplishes something is priceless!

He is also doing great in school! He has way way way too much homework -as far as I'm concerned! And it takes the little guy at least an hour and a half to two hours every night! Reading has been such a challenge for him, but he is really improving! He gets 30 spelling words a week and has gotten an A on every test so far! I am ready to quit drilling him on his words before he is and I'm pretty sure that I couldn't memorize what 30 new words look like every week myself!

So what if he leaves a wet towel on the floor every morning or his underwear on the bathroom floor! After all, he is a guy! But he is a pretty amazing little guy and I know I am soooo lucky to get to be his mom!

Happy Birthday!!!

2008-09-17T13:57:00.000-06:00

Today is Joe's b-day and I want him and (obviously:) everyone to know how much I love him!!!

Lookin Good!

2008-09-12T16:14:00.000-06:00

Miss Ainsley's first ensemble for the day is a snowsuit and winter vest paired with a beautiful sun hat and over sized water shoes! To complete the outfit she has turned her princess skirt inside out and put it over her lovely flowered snowsuit. This fashion show is an all day event! My personal favorite is always the swimsuit paired with a beanie, fairy wings, and snow boots! Jackson just rolls his eyes, but Caleb usually encourages her by telling her "she looks just like a beautiful princess". I keep threatening to get rid of all these clothes because she makes a terrible mess all over the place, but I can't bring myself to do it. I know these days will be gone before I know it! She will be begging me for shopping money and telling me how out of style I am! But it just goes to show that the most important thing you wear is a big fat smile!

Yummy Stuff!

2008-09-08T12:52:00.000-06:00

I didn't even get a piece, but it sure looked yummy!

Beautiful Bride...

2008-09-08T12:51:00.000-06:00

He really couldn't keep his eyes off her, but who could blame him :)

Adorable Groom...

2008-09-08T12:50:00.000-06:00

The Happy Couple

2008-09-08T12:49:00.000-06:00

I thought I would post these mostly for Mykenna to get a peek at a few of her picts! Since the wedding last saturday I have been a little busy putting these photos together for her in between car pool, homework, soccer practice, dance classes, and the never ending house work. Thanks for letting me be a part of your day! It was one of the funnest weddings I've ever been too! A perfect mix of casual and classy:)

Beach Bums!

2008-08-19T05:13:00.000-06:00

So if you can't get all of them to look at you... make them turn around :)!

Last week we had the time of our lives playing on the beach with all of Joe's family! We spent 8 days on Kiawah Island where all we did was boogie board, search for sea shells, build sand castles, watch the dolphins on the shore, and the baby sea turtles on the sand. Yeah it pretty much rocked!!! It's amazing how I can sum up a weeks worth of fun in just a few lines, but if you noticed I am posting this at 4 am. I am planning on posting more, but I just wanted to let Jan, Judy and Steve, and Uncle Randy know how much we appreciate all they put into this amazing trip that we won't forget!!!

The Final Count Down!

2008-08-07T12:01:00.001-06:00

School starts in 10 days! I'm torn between lazy summer days and the scheduled school routine, but either way it's coming. What I'll miss........

1. Praying at the rodeo :) and the cowboys :0

2. Playing in the barn at grandpa Dan's farm

3. Shave Ice with ice cream on the bottom! Yummy stuff!

4. Home made ice cream! our best was mint chip!!!

5. Fishing for tadpoles?

6. Splashing through the unsanitary fountains at our own risk!

7. Walking mountain trails with my hubby (way better than the cowboys at the rodeo :)!

8. boating (with Joe at the wheel :)

9. digging in the sand and the ring around the tub

10. otter pops for breakfast

11. pool crashing

12. slip and slide ghetto style

13. breakfast burritos with Bullwinkle

14. bologna sandwiches at Erin's

15. plip plops and trailer park shirts :)

16. SLEEPING IN!

17. weddings! and too much yummy wedding cake!!!

18. a house full of neighbor kids

19. barbecue on paper plates

20. and that one really expensive trip to 7 Peaks!

"I Got You Babe"

2008-08-05T21:30:00.000-06:00

Probably none of you know who these people are... my kids sure didn't recognize them! This is my mom and dad doing "their" version of Sonny and Cher. Ainsley's face was totally freaked out, but the rest of us were in hysterics watching my parents do an awesome lip sync to "I Got You Babe." My mom did most of the singing and dad waved his arms around adding in a "Babe" here and there.
My parents rented a huge cabin in Timberlakes for our Weber summer family trip. It was so fun! We spent a day on Jordanelle boating and tubing on the water, went shopping and golfing in Park City, rode 4 wheelers til we were covered from head to toe with dirt, had a birthday party for my dad, saw lots of deer, made friends with a moose, and had a killer talent show night!
My family is so much fun! I don't know what it is, but NO ONe can make me laugh til I cry like they do!!! I guess it comes from knowing each other so well and being just a little too uninhibited :).
Both my grandmas even rode 4 wheelers! (If anybody got a shot of that you better email it to me!) Anyways, It was a super fun trip and I am really grateful to my parents for all of it!!

My Kind of Fun!

2008-07-30T21:54:00.000-06:00

I had so much fun doing these pics last weekend of Mykenna and Addi! Chantae warned me that Mykenna never smiled and that Adi would be a pill, but they both did so great and I am so glad I got to spend time with them! I am really looking forward to the wedding! It's a Hawiian wedding with dancers and a pig and everything! Should be fun!

Funny Caleb :)

2008-07-29T11:21:00.000-06:00

I have been a bit of a wimp at taking all three of my kids to Seven Peaks Water park. Good thing I got such a great deal on those passes, because so far we have been once! My mom owns a town home that my little sister lives in and so we have gone to the pool there since Jacks was a baby. We usually have the place to ourselves so my kids love it! We went the other day and some guy and his girlfriend came over. Caleb couldn't keep his eyes off the guy and at first he followed him around staying within about 2 feet from him. When I figured out what he was up to I called him over to me and asked him to leave the guy alone. Caleb yells so everybody can hear him say, "him has things through his chestesses mom." Me..."what (as I look over at the guy)". The guy had big hoop rings through his nipples. NICE! I quietly tell Caleb that they are kind of like earrings and Ainsley being the smart little fart that she is says, "him don't know earrings are for girls and they go in your ears!" Luckily the guy was totally cracking up and was cool about it. I appologized and the guy said it was ok that he (Caleb) probably had never seen that before. Nope! He had not seen that before and I am so glad that that young man had enlightened him! I love it that kids can say just about anything that comes to mind and can get away with it! Who could get mad at a face like this!

Make a wish Dad!

2008-07-28T22:35:00.000-06:00

My Dad's birthday is tomorrow, but we had a party for him up at the cabin on Saturday night. Poor guy will be all alone in his apartment in California, where he works a few days out of the week. I love my Dad Allot!! I wish we could all fly out and sing to him and eat chocolate cake with him again!!
It is hard to narrow it all down to a quick little blog entry, but here goes... my dad was 21 when I showed up and he was working, in the army reserves, and a full time masters student. As I grew up, he was a very hard worker when it came to his employment and was dedicated to church callings. Life couldn't have been easy for him with all that responsibility and 5 kids, but somehow he managed to make me feel like our family was the most important part of life! Every night after work he would spend hours helping me with math homework (he's a true math genius), teaching me how to cast a fishing pole, playing catch (one of my favorites), shooting hoops till it was late, and he even taught me how to drive a stick shift (i know that was a test of patience :).
I have learned so much about how to live my life right from my dad. He doesn't judge anybody and can make friends with just about anyone. He definitely has his priorities straight and it's obvious he has a great love for the Lord. He's a baby and cries when something touches him. He's pretty quiet and mellow and doesn't usually say too much. I know this sounds a bit morbid, but if he dies before me, I'm reading his journal! I would love to know what he thought about and what he experienced in his life! I know he keeps a journal :)!
Anyways, I love you dad and am so grateful to you for who you are and who you have helped me to become. I am grateful to you for the amazing papa you are to my children! I know you have sacrificed allot to be able to be close to them and I hope you know it is totally worth it! You are really special to each of them! We love you so much and hope you treat yourself right tomorrow with a big steak and some more chocolate cake!! Love you Dad!

Good Morning Birthday Girl!

2008-07-23T19:14:00.000-06:00

I can't let this month go by without mentioning that Miss Ainsley had her 3rd birthday this month!!! This is her just opening her eyes, morning hair and all! She brought balance to our sweet family the day she was born! Of course I totally remember the day, what momma doesn't remember the birth of their babies! It was July 2nd, the day of the neighborhood 4th of July parade, and she wasn't due for a few weeks (the 17th to be exact) . I got up, got my boys bikes all decked out, layed out some red and blue duds for them to wear (couldn't leave that one to dad :), and drove myself down to the Timpanogas Hospital. Joe and I both knew something wasn't right. When I casually walked into the nurse's station and told them I was there to have my baby; they looked at me funny, looked behind me to see if someone was with me, then smiled and said they would check me out (to appease me and send me home ;). Sure enough, something was very wrong and they induced me immediately. Turned out the cord was wrapped around her neck twice! I called Joe and my sister Brooke. We were both so glad my sister showed up!! She is a labor and delivery nurse and happened to have the day off. The hospital was short staffed due to the holiday and the doctor even told us that if my sister Brooke didn't do the things she did we might have lost our little girl! Thanks Brooke for following your gut instincts, being in tune with the spirit, and just being there (like you always are)!
She has been a bit of a danger girl from day one (she has a thing with falling down the stairs)! She was really tiny, but ate constantly and grew quick! She is now the tallest 3 yr old I've ever seen :)! She is girly girl to the core and we all absolutely adore it! For her birthday she asked for a princess bike. I'm pretty sure every little girl in our neighborhood has the same bike, but thank to Aunt Brooke she is the only one with a super cool basket on the front of it! We had a family birthday party for her and she totally ate up all the attention! Have I ever mentioned that my family totally rocks!!
Anyways, it has been the sweetest three years and I just wish she would slow down with the growing up!

Sharks and Tigers and Stripers? Oh My!!!

2008-07-15T10:05:00.000-06:00

Last week Joe and I took our kids to Vegas for a little trip. Joe's mom gets time shares all over and she was great enough to offer us a week at a really fun resort in Vegas just off the strip. Thanks Jan!! It was over 100 degrees the whole week, but we had a great time! There is actually some fun stuff on the strip for kids. We went to the shark reef, saw the tigers, watched a few movies, ate yummy food, and hung out at the pool everyday! My aunt Mary and her family live in Henderson (just a few minutes away) and it was really fun to spend time with them! The one thing I could have done without is all the billboards and signs advertising trashy stuff, but I guess that is the whole point of VEGAS :). Jackson and I had a great conversation about it... He told me that he noticed that there were allot of people that didn't wear all of their clothes and that lots of people there didn't know about the word of wisdom. We talked about how lucky we are to have the gospel and the blessings that come from living the commandments. I am really greatful to live in such a great place where there are so many good examples for my children of good and they are not always bombarded with the not so good. Even though I didn't appreciate so much of the "not so good" in one place, I am greatful for opportunities to talk to my kids about it. Overall, it was a fun trip and it was nice to spend time together without all the worries of work and housework and stuff. We are looking forward to a fun weekend with my family at the cabin and Joe's family on Kiawa Island! Before we know it summer will be over and it will be back to the busy schedule of things. There is so much I have not posted, but maybe there will be more time for that once the kids are in school. For now, I am just reminding myself to enjoy it while it's here!

For the Girls!

2008-06-26T16:27:00.000-06:00

What's so poignant about this picture? Well, it shows a line of little girls holding hands facing the immensity of ocean waves. Alone they might be washed away, but together they stand strong. Thank you each for holding my hand somewhere along the way when I was facing a wave of my own. I hope you will reach for my hand when your own wave threatens.

The other day I saw two little girls walking through a pasture holding hands and I couldn't help but stare (i really should have been looking at the road :). I am really blessed with an amazing husband and a great family... but I am soooo greatful for all the girlfriends in my life that have, and still do hold my hand!!! I would totally drown without you!!!

Science Camp AND a Plea For Help

2008-06-23T09:55:00.000-06:00

Jackson is off this morning for another week of science camp. He went all last week and had such a great time and learned so much we couldn't help but sign him up for the second week! If you want to check out the blog here is the site...http://www.sciencecamps.blogspot.com/ . It's Jackson's adorable kindergarten teacher who runs it over at the Canyon Brook Private School in Provo. It isn't exactly cheap, but is totally worth it! They will be having another session soon and I know his teacher said there are a few openings left.
Yesturday Jacks came out of his room dressed in complete camo with his binoculars around his neck. He informed me that he was heading outside to see if he could spot some California something or other bird (he used the real name, I just can't remember it :). He now knows all kinds of totally useful information about birds and is talking non-stop about it. I love it that he gets so excited about learning! He has had two amazing teachers in both kindergarten and first grade.
Jacks has had some difficulties with reading and it has been a bit of a struggle for him. Joe and I have worked very hard with him to help him. He wants so much to improve and really tries hard. I have been trying for the past three weeks to find him a tutor with no luck yet. Obviously the right thing has not come along ... So if anyone knows someone who is interested in making a little extra cash tutoring (and knows what they are doing), please, please let me know! He has serial order issues and we are trying to find someone who is trained with reading recovery. We are just hoping to help him catch up a little bit this summer. He is aware that reading is harder for him than his classmates, and it would be great to give him a little boost before the second grade starts. And if your kid is into nature or science check out the science camp blog!!

Wedding #1

2008-06-14T13:50:00.000-06:00

As I mentioned before, both of my sisters are getting married this summer. Kim and Ryan actually got married two weeks ago and are already home from their honeymoon in Hawaii! We had allot of fun at the wedding and ate way too much cake :)! My aunt Jae (who is actually the same age as me :) and I were talking and she was telling me that when she got married it totally bugged her how people just let their kids run wild and help themselves to the food and stuff....

Neither of us knew where our kids were :). We found them covered in frosting and having a ball chasing each other around the beautifully decorated tables. My little brother had his adorable daughter, Brecken, "shaken her booty" on command. And my husband wore the ugliest bright green tie I've ever seen.... all the guys wore them :). Despite the white trash family (wink, wink), it was actually pretty classy! I absolutely love my sister Kimmie and am so happy for her! She married a great guy!

Brooke gets married this friday so we will try to clean up our act. Or maybe I'll just drop the kids off ... :)

Catching up to do!

2008-06-14T13:09:00.000-06:00

I have a little catching up to do! I swear the last week of school is as busy as Christmas then BAM... my kids expect me to be the summer time cruise director with a stacked schedule of fun!

So here goes.....

Caleb graduated from preschool! It was the cutest thing! His whole class was boys so he had a ton of fun and his teacher had a run for her money! She was just sweating it! They did a whole little program of songs, sign language, and memorized poems (along with nose picking, punching each other, and some car sound effects). It was great! And we are so proud of this little guy! Caleb's teacher was constantly telling me how good he was in school. This came as a complete surprise to us :)! Actually he is an awesome kid! He is so easy to please and has such an upbeat attitude! Caleb can make anything fun and is (usually) a ton of fun to have around!

The picture at the top (still getting the hang of this blogging stuff) is of Jackson's field day. When I was a kid field day was all about races and long jumps and stuff. I was a super shy kid, but on field day I had fun beating the pants off my classmates in the races! I know I sound like the biggest loser bragging about myself when I was 7, but I was just kind of expecting that my kids would follow suit.

So after the family picnic, I asked Jacks what events he wanted to do. He looks at me like "what are you talking about... events". Then his face lights up and he says he's going to play in the bouncy house with his friends and that I can take Caleb and Ainsley home if I want. Nice!

When he got home he told me all about the bouncy house and the games he played with his friends. Just glad he had a good time :)! Love that kid!

Plip Plops!

2008-05-26T20:49:00.000-06:00

I know this is one of those things only myself and my parents will think is cute...but, I love this! Ainsley loves to wear her "plip plops" and I love it when she does because it totally cracks me up! She is such a funny little girl! She will have the craziest hair with a crown on top of her head, dried snot on her face, her own concoction of an outfit on and when she looks in the mirror she smiles and says "I'm beuiful!" It reminds me to think the same way :)!

Fun in the Fast Lane!

2008-05-26T20:24:00.000-06:00

Last Friday Joe took a sick day (he was actually sick with strep and a sinus infection). After sleeping all morning, he decided it would be fun to take a drive out to Toole to watch the race cars practice at the Miller Motorsports Park. The boys were in heaven! and I have to admit, I loved it myself! There is something about the loud rumble of those cars as they fly around each curve that makes me think it would be alot of fun to give it a try! (for some reason I don't think my mini van can give me the same feeling :). We walked around checking out the cars in the pit and watched a couple rounds of races. The kids thought it was a treat just to ride the shuttle train around the park. Since it was a practice, there weren't alot of crowds and we could relax and enjoy ourselves. I felt bad Joe was sick, but I'm sure glad he took a sick day! That's my Joe! Being fun even when he's sick

Oreo

2008-05-18T19:04:00.000-06:00

Poor Kitty!

2008-05-18T18:20:00.000-06:00

Yeah, I've been succored again into getting another pet! Not that we have lots of animals in our house, we just do one at a time. They just don't seem to last long around here. We have tried out fish, frogs, turtles,an ant farm, grow a tadpole, two dogs (my personal favorite-apparently what i like doesn't count though), and finch birds. We actually got a kitty a few years ago. We took a family trip to wal-mart (always a good time) and Joe begged me for one of the stray kitties some guy had round up to sell out front. He's begging me in front of the kids mind you -not cool! So if I say no, I look like the mean Mom and He gets to look like the super fun Dad! So I caved and a few weeks later I had to find it a new home...thanks Erin for helping me out with that. She ended up taking it to a shelter because it was mean to her kids too!
We, I mean I, flushed the fish because cleaning the tank was so gross!! I was knocked up with Ainsley at the time, so any time I would clean the tank I would throw up. I can't remember what happened with the frogs, but we had two of them. The turtle was a gift from my brother that the kids ended up getting salmonella poisoning from. We freed "Bob" in the Provo River for family night even though he was purchased from a store. The tadpoles were a scam!! They came in the mail already dead so we can't take any credit for that one going bust. But the birds...I take full responsibility for! Apparently they can not eat bird feeders made with peanut butter and bird seed, who knew! Caleb made the bird feeder at preschool in the freakin winter time (like there were other birds around to eat them). So I thought it was a great idea to let him put it in the bird cage. I can only guess that the peanut butter caked around it's tiny beak suffocated it. Opps!
The first dog was from the pound and we found out pretty quick why somebody let it loose. The second dog was my favorite! He was a really cute boxer lab mix, but he and Joe did not get along at all!
So here we are, back where we started, with a kitty! Jackson is already training it for "Pet Star" on Animal Planet so there are high hopes for this one! The other day Rachel, one of the cute neighbor girls, says to me "you guys are so fun! you get a new pet all the time! Like when the old one dies." I guess we'll see how long it lasts! Poor kitty doesn't even know it's cursed with us!

Sitting On Our Rears :)!

2008-05-13T21:53:00.000-06:00

Wahoo!!!

2008-05-13T21:15:00.000-06:00

I just checked my email and found this....

Congratulations! You have been selected to run the 2008 St. George Marathon.
We are pleased to have you join us for our 32nd annual race and wish you the
very best in your training.

Yikes! Who signed me up for that?!?! Part of me is thinking...Have mercy! What have I gotten myself into! The other half of me- the half that is crazy enough to get my butt out of bed at the crack of dawn when it's freezing outside (even in MAY) and run hills with the greatest friends in the world, is so EXCITED!!!
I am usually good at learning my lesson!!I have a pretty good memory of my last experience with 26.2... It involved a broken foot and some serious tummy issues...so super fun, let me tell you! Actually, I realized a little ways into it that things were not going to go how I planned. I really wanted to qualify for Boston and felt that I could have had a shot at it. The further I got down the course, the more the "GOAL" changed. What a lame analogy of how life goes :).
About mile 22 this man in front of me stopped and flagged a car down...are you kidding me! Why in the world would somebody quit with just a few miles left!! I was struggling to even catch my breath (i have asthma), but decided there was no way I was done! I was just so happy to finish and do it in a decent time!
There is so much in life I have no control over! It's all about me deciding beforehand that it's never worth giving in and it's always worth finishing!

Nanna's Garden

2008-05-11T20:38:00.000-06:00

Yesterday my kids and I had alot of fun painting and planting flower pots for my mom (their nanna :)! My mom is such an amazing mom and nanna and woman in general! She finds happiness in the simplest things and has taught us all to be grateful for what we have been blessed with! I appreciate her so much! I have always felt close to her, but becoming a mother myself has helped me understand just how much blood, sweat, and tears she puts into me (never mind my other two sisters and two brothers who really give her a run for her money)!

My little brother Zach had done the same thing with his daughter. That should scare me a little that we were thinking alike :)! But it was fun to fill her porch with our little garden! Happy Mother's Day Mom!

All Grown Up!

2008-05-11T20:27:00.000-06:00

My baby girl is growing up! She has informed me that I can't call her "baby girl" anymore. She is a "big girl". She really is! In the past few weeks she has become potty trained and is now sleeping in a normal twin bed. No more crib! Joe asked me if it made me sad to take it down. It doesn't make me sad to take down the crib, just sad that my baby is getting so big :). It is however, so fun to see her grow and become such a sweet and sassy "little" girl!

Motivated Little Man

2008-05-09T21:43:00.000-06:00

So, after Jackson got a medal at his last soccer game, Caleb decided he wanted one too! Caleb informed me this spring that he only wanted to participate in soccer practices, not games. He gets so freaked out with everyone running towards the ball and eachother. And he doesn't like it that he can't just make a goal without someone getting in the way, pushing him down, or blocking it. Every fall game consisted of him riding the sideline, holding his coaches hand, or huddled in my arms crying. Joe would offer him a dollar to just get on the field and play! We tried slurpies and new matchbox cars (his favorite things ever). Nothing was worth torturing himself! Poor little guy! So when spring rolled around, I decided the torture was over! If he just wanted to go to practices that was just fine with me. The minute Caleb saw Jackson's medal he asked me if he had any games left. Lucky for him, he had one left. We went, he played awesome, he loved it, and came home with his prized medal (and a slurpee just for good measure :)! I'm going to have a bunch of medals made for stuff like ...not whinning, cleaning up his room, and peeing in the toilet- not all around the toilet!

My Little Scientist

2008-05-09T21:29:00.000-06:00

Yesturday I got to go on a field trip with Jackson and his first grade class to the Planetarium at BYU. My mom who is the BEST mom ever, watched my two youngest so that I could spend the afternoon with just Jacks. Thanks mom! I love one on one time with my kids; and to be with Jacks in his element was great! That kid is going to be some kind of a scientist for sure! He and I have been doing science projects on an almost daily basis for the past 2 years! It makes me crazy sometimes with all the mess that goes along with it, but he just gets so excited to learn how things work! The Planetarium rocked and he asked me all these awesome questions that I would have never even thought about myself! Smarty Pants!! I was just thinking it was so pretty :). Anyways, it was a great day! And I have a little research to do on the Planet? Pluto. That kid never settles for "I don't know".

Good Stuff

2008-05-03T22:27:00.000-06:00

So far this blog hasn't been one of great news... doctor visits and grandma dying :). There are always great things happening in our life!! Both of my beautiful little sisters are getting married in just a few weeks to some really great and totally lucky guys! I am so happy for both of them! One of my sisters could have asked me before she chose her wedding date though :)... Brooke is getting married the same weekend as the Wasatch Back Relay. It took me a minute, but I wouldn't miss the opportunity to be in the temple (with all my family :) watching my sister be sealed for anything in this world! That doesn't even compare to wearing a bra on top of my shirt and running 7 miles in the pitch dark at 2 in the morning out in the middle of nowhere. The thought of it actually makes me want to cry - tears of joy that is! Ok! Back to my sisters...

Here they are with their men!

And Brooke...I love you

grandma mary

2008-05-02T21:14:00.000-06:00

My Great Grandma Mary died yesturday morning and I have been thinking about what she left with me. I saw her about two weeks ago and she was as happy and cheerful as ever! There are several little moments in life that seem quite insignificant at that moment; but for some reason make a little spot in my momory and randomly come back to me. One of those moments is when my Grandma Mary passed on a little bit of the wisdom she had attained in her life of 98 years. She told me that we create our own happiness. I know that it doesn't sound like a profound secret of life, but for some reason that moment has stuck with me. At the time, I was living just a few miles from her, working as a youth corrections counselor and waitressing at nights. Occasionally, on a day off, I would spend a few hours at her home helping her with whatever project or job she had in mind for me. One day we were cleaning out closets when she found some of grandpa's old clothes. Grandpa had died when I was only 7yrs old so she had been without him for a long time. As she shared some of her memories of him and their life, she passed on to me more than she knew. When we were done, she smiled and gave me some of the best advice I've ever received...."Dear :), We create our own happiness"!

Kindergarten Shots :(

2008-04-07T15:52:00.000-06:00

I can't believe how fast my babies grow! Time really can go by too quickly! Caleb turned 5 last month and is heading to kindergarten next year; so it was time to take him down for his shots. I totally forgot that it's 4! shots! Why can't they just pour all the junk into one syringe?! He was a little freaked out about the whole physical, but he did think it was pretty cool to pee in a cup. Little boys :)! He was really brave!! I don't think I would have been as brave as he was. Good Job big boy!!

First Tag..First Post!!

2008-04-05T19:53:00.000-06:00

A- Attached or Single? I'm totally attatched!

B- Best Friend? Joe of course!

C- Cake or pie? strawberry pie with lots of whip cream

D- Day of choice? tuesdays

E- Essential Item? toothbrush, running shoes, toilet paper, paper plates, tylenol pm.... I'm kind of high maintenance :)

F- Favorite Color? orange, yellow, and brown

G- Gummy Bears or Worms? chocolate covered cinnamon bears!!! I'ts not worth eating without the chocolate!

H- Hometown? Allen, Texas

I- Favorite Indulgence? bubble bathes!!! I also love toast :)

J- January or July? definitely July! January is just a bummer

K- Kids? I have 3. childhood is such a great part of life and I love going through it all over again with my kids! Cookie dough, coloring books, popsicles, peanut butter and honey sandwiches, and getting excited about the simplest things... Life doesn't get better than that! They keep me laughing, make me crazy, and melt my heart all in one day! (I am a pro at this drama stuff :)

L- Life isn't complete without?my family, the gospel, and good friends

M- Marriage date? I can never remember if it's september 29th or 30th

N- Number of brothers and sisters? I have two little brothers and two little sisters. They all live near by and I get to see them all almost weekly! They are hilarious to be around and old home videos of us make me laugh so hard I cry!! There really is no better entertainment than my little brother Dan telling stories with a stutter and my sister Brooke dancing like a "Solid Gold" dancer! Kimmie with her big fro and fringe cowgirl boots gets me every time! And Zach...I really miss the curly red hair!!!!!

O- Oranges or Apples? i like gala and jona gold apples, and mandarin oranges. I can't stand red apples! and I'm too lazy to peel big oranges.

P- Phobia and fears? I don't like this question. I guess natural disasters are kind of scary and I hate hearing about child abuse! So I don't read the paper or watch the news.

Q- Quote? "Whobuddy is that?"- Ainsley, "Yesturnight..."- Caleb, "What can I clean now?"- Jackson

R- Reason to smile? just hearing Joe's voice on the phone (so cheesy, but it's true)

S- Season of choice?Fall - its perfect running weather! And the leaves!!!

T- Tag three people? whoever wants to divulge a bunch of useless info about themselves... Go for it!

U- Unknown fact about me? How am I supposed to know!?

V- Vegetable? I love veggies! but I hate tomatoes!!! and celery is a waste!

W- Worst habit? I drink more mountain dew than water.

X-Ray or Ultrasound? I'm not sure how to answer this...what have I got myself into with this blog stuff?! I've broken both my arms, one leg, and my right foot twice.

Y- Your favorite food? grilled cheese sandwich

Z- Zodiac sign? pisces