Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Fun, Fun on the Farm!


We went with Easton's class to the farm across the street from his school. The kids loved it!


The farmer there cracks me up...each time we have gone he tells these little 5 and 6 year olds about interesting things like: global economy or the dead calf that is in the pasture.

Being there makes me miss Neil farming, then the farmer started telling the kids all about the schedule he keeps and I stopped missing it.

The kids loved these little piglets. The farmer picked one up for the kids to pet and boy did the piglet and the momma squeal about that.

Poor Easton had a terrible time on the farm. His eyes got redder and itchier the longer we were there. When we left I checked him out of school and got him home to take some benedryl. I called that day for an appointment with the allergist and the next week we learned that not only is he allergic to hay, but like every grass or tree imaginable, except pine trees! No wonder he was having a hard time!

Addie loves to go to Easton's class. She especially liked going to the farm and has asked about everyday since if she can go to the farm. I tell her it's closed!

I had to add this picture because you can sort of see the wonderful haircut Addie gave herself...her bangs are not that short, normally! Don't you love her combover!

Oh what to do when you're two!

You live in a world that isn't fair. You get put in bed, when you are clearly exhausted. You don't want to be there. You know if you come out of that room you will be sent right back. Yet you want out so badly. So what do you do? You quietly sneak out to the hallway. Then when mom is on her way to bed she finds you like this....


Everybody clean up!



During our Saturday morning cleanup I passed by Addie's room and found she had "cleaned up" her polly pockets! Thanks for the help Addie!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Pretend it's Wednesday!

I have a great post that I would love to title "Work's for me Wednesday" but today is Tuesday. So play along, ok? Yesterday I got Addison a new Barbie movie....Fairytopia. She loves Barbie movies and I am hoping that they will be a great potty training incentive! The worst part of getting a movie? All the tape they put around the edges so you can't steal the $5 movie! As I was struggling to get off the tape, you know how stinking hard it is, I look down and on the desk is my seam ripper. Aha....I pick it up and in an instant the tape is off and the movie is ready to be watched. Gotta love a simple seam ripper! Do you have a "work's for me Wednesday" you want to share today?

Monday, April 27, 2009

It happened in the car!

Do you have days that are so crazy, and you are running so late, and on the way out the door you notice that you or your child have something on their shirt...like a little jelly from their pb/j or chocolate. Now you have a dilemma....do you take the time to change her shirt, shoes and bows so that she matches, or do you go out the door with the little stain. You know if you change you will be late. Have you ever thought to yourself...."if anyone notices I'll say it happened in the car on the way here" then run out the door content knowing that yes there is a stain, but you have a totally believable excuse!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Guilty!

Well I have spent the last two days doing jury duty. I really thought I would get out of it. I thought the defence lawyer for a DUI would see a mom with young children who have never had a drink and would think "she is not what we want" the prosecutor said he thought I would have been his next choice to get rid of. We started at 8:30 in the morning yesterday and finished today at around eleven thirty. It took us about an hour and a half to deliberate. The defendant refused the breath test at purgatory (the jail here). He said he wouldn't do one without his lawyer present. He said his dog jumped on his arm while he was driving, that made him swerve and almost run off the road. The cop that was at the stop sign didn't see him swerve, he didn't even turn to make the curve in the road, that is why he went off the road. They gave him 3 different DUI tests and he failed all 3. We found him guilty. It was hard for me to decide someone had chosen to break the law. I felt good about my verdict, I thought he was guilty. I just felt bad being the one to say yes he was guilty. I felt bad that he had made the choices he did. If I could change anything I would change his decision to drive his car that night. After the trial the prosecutor talked to us for a minute and told us that there were things he couldn't tell us in court. Like this is his 3rd DUI arrest (and perhaps conviction) in 10 years. On the scene the man took a breathalyzer test, and failed. It isn't admissible in court like the one at the jail would have been. When he failed it on the side of the road, it was at a .167! The drinking limit is .08! I felt even better about the conviction after I heard that. It could have been me and my kids that he hit when he was driving, rather then almost killing himself when he drove off the road. I am now done with jury duty for at least 2 years. It was a good experience. I felt like I learned a lot. I made a difference and I would totally do it again. I just wish I could have picked a different date for it. I missed out on #1-going to Eastons classroom to help out #2 family game night at the school #3 piano lessons for two kids #4 spending time with my friend visiting from out of town #5 dentist appointment for all 4 kids. #6 running with my friends on Monday #7 working out with my friends on Tuesday #8 running with my kids on Tuesday. I also had to bug my friends and get 4 of them to tend my kids at different times. I wish I could have said some days were better then others, but such is life. That is the way the jury system works. And today it worked well.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

blah blah blah

So I have nothing to blog about. I should be posting cute pictues of my kids and Easter. I should be posting pictures of soccer. I am not. I don't have the energy to do it right now. We have been super busy with our church callings, 3 soccer teams, piano and friends visiting. We enjoy all of them, just keeping us busy and my mind so busy I can't think of a fun post. Maybe tomorrow!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Easter outfit

I started Addie's Easter outfit last summer. It started out as a summer outfit, but then I put it away and finally got back to it this week. I need to sew on one sleeve, put in some elastic and hem the top. I can't wait to get it on her and show you the fantastic fabric and pattern!

Happy Feet!

This morning when I got Brooke up to run we had four additional feet join us, Camden and Easton. I never thought I would see the day when I went running with my kids. All three big kids! They did really well. Camden wanted to run faster, but Eastons little legs just couldn't keep up. There was no whining and they all want to go agin on Thursday. I just hope my knee is doing ok for me to take them, it has been bothering me all day:(

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Pwincess



Addie is in love with anything "Pwincess" In hopes to encourage her to use the potty I bought her this crown at the dollar store. She used the potty in order to get the crown, and then promptly stopped using the potty. She got what she wanted so she was done! I love this Pwincess!

Pathetic



We went to Washington state for spring break (two weeks ago) and this is the only picture I took the entire time. I know, pathetic! This is my nephew Carston. His new baby brother was born the week before. You would think I would have taken the new baby's picture! We got to see lots of friends and family. We had a great time, but spent a lot of time in the car. Neil told Brooke that for her essay on what she did for spring break she should write "we drove, stopped, drove, stopped and drove some more" That is a very accurate account of our trip, but we had fun!

Lucky Girl!

After 14 months, and before finishing the 5th grade, Brooke got her braces off! How lucky can a girl get. Her teeth look great. This is her fantastic ortho. Dr. Beckstrom (he went to dental school with my friend from high school, isn't that crazy)

Brooke was so good about following the ortho's instructions. She stayed away from a lot of her favorite things, popcorn and caramel! She didn't break one bracket so we celebrated with a popcorn party!

We rented bedtime stories and made a bunch of yummy popcorn's and had a great time with her bff Brianna.

We had lime, orange and strawberry popcorn. We also had peanut butter and traditional butter popcorn. Yummy! Now lets just hope she doesn't lose her retainer ($150 to replace that puppy)

Monday, March 30, 2009

My favorite chore!

I have a few chores I love. I love to do laundry (just hate to put it away). My favorite chore is to vaccuum! However my hoover has died. It lived a good life (10 years) We broke down this weekend and bought a new one. Wow! I love it. I love the suction! I love that I can hear and see all the dirt that is getting sucked up. I just might use it everyday this week. Maybe next week too! I can't tell you how much I love my new Hoover. Well....I'm off to vacuum again!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

I felt like Rocky!

I am a new runner. I haven't really ran a mile since 7th or 8th grade. I am trying something new and out of my comfort zone. My friends have somehow gotten me out the house on Mondays to run two miles. When I say two miles I really mean I run as much as I can and walk some in between. My goal has been to get the first mile without stopping. I missed the last two weeks of running because I was out of town. We went to Washington and visited family and friends. One brisk morning I got myself out of the house and decided to run alone. I put on my IPOD and went out the door. Crunch crunch....oh yeah...gravel roads. Out on the farm there are no sidewalks. I loved the rhythem and the crunch, crunch, crunch. I took a deep breath. Oh yeah....no cars driving by so just fresh air to breath in. Crunch crunch. I looked to my left and saw the sun just hitting the tips of the mountains. crunch crunch. I will run until I make it to that hay stack. Crunch Crunch. Hey I made it there....I think I'll keep going until I reach the next house. Crunch crunch. I look to my right and see a thick cloud in the distance. The sun is streaming down though the cloud. Wow....I would have missed this if I had stayed inside. Crunch Crunch. I made it to the house and can see where the mile mark is...I think I'll just keep running and see if I can make it all the way to the mile. Crunch crunch. I pass a small pasture with a horse in it. Now on my right a farmer is just climbing into his tractor. I wonder what he is doing today. Did he notice the sun streaming through the cloud or the way the air smells. It rained last night and there is a clean, fresh smell in the air. I breath in again and can almost smell the potato dirt smell that reminds me of Neil. Crunch Crunch...I'm almost at the mile mark...why does the last 1/8th have to be uphill? I won't let that hill stop me though. I make it....I walk for maybe 20 feet then think...let's run back now...so I do. I only stop one more time, cause that horse is calling my name. A farmer drives past and gives a little wave. Crunch crunch crunch. I am almost back to the house and it makes me a little sad. I don't get to run this again. No more crunch under my feet. 2 miles. It wasn't that bad this cold morning. I almost enjoyed it! And when I got to the top of that hill I felt like Rocky! I wanted to raise my hands in the air and dance around, but I didn't....I had another mile to go! Tomorrow I will go alone again. I didn't think I would like running alone, but I didn't mind it. It wasn't as fun as chatting with my friends, but instead gave me a little more time to think. We'll see if on tomorrow's run I can repeat my mile without stopping....if so I might try to go even farther!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Caught

Today I caught Addie in her first lie. I need to begin this post by saying that everyday I do something cute with Addies hair and everyday she pulls it out. She does it when she get sleepy...either in bed or in the car. She does it so much that I have a stash of rubberbands in the car so I can put it back up before we go into stores. Today we went and got the oil changed. She was sleepy. While sitting and waiting I turn around and she had pulled her hair out. I asked her if she was suppose to pull it out and she told me "Daddy said no" I said, "Daddy said not to pull it out?" "No", she said "Daddy said no ponies" What? Daddy would never tell her she is not allowed to have ponies. 2 and already telling a lie...that would get her daddy in trouble! So I caught her in her first lie. I thought to myself....if you're going to lie, make it believeable!

Friday, March 6, 2009

I'm Lovin it!

Things I am currently loving:

Friends: Good friends that motivate me to run. I love our chats (well they chat I try to breath)
Food: Recently I have been loving..... sauteed mushrooms, black beans, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (with my parents homemade jam) salad and pink lady apples (gala and fuji's work too) I also love pulling out a frozen dinner from my freezer (my dad made a bunch of them while he was visiting last)
Family: when the boys spend an entire day playing together instead of fighting, Brooke offering to take Addie on a bike ride, Neil being so darn handy (he can build of fix anything I want)
Faith: going with Brooke to new beginnings. She turns 12 this year and is growing up so fast. She is a great kid to have around. She is helpful and fun with her brothers and sister. It is fun to see her enter this new and exciting world! Going with Camden to 8 is great night. Cam turns 8 this year and every prayer he says includes "bless me that I will have a great baptism" His birthday isn't until August, can you tell he is excited? Listening to Easton sing. East loves to sing primary songs. He totally picks up on the songs in primary (thanks to great singing leaders) He also has been downstairs playing legos while belting out "Can you hear the people sing, singing the song of angry men" (from Les Mis) Hearing Addie yell "my church" every time we pass by. She loves to go to nursery (Andrew may play a small part) She has just now started saying prayers. We have tried for months, but now she finally asks.

So there you have it....some of my favorite F's! Do you have any current favorites?

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Update

Since the title of my last post uses one word I couldn't post more info. So here is the rest of the story (in tribute to Paul Harvey) Chelsea use to teach classes at 24 hour fitness (I think that club) Tuesday she tortured me with over an hour of Pilates. Today my body is yelling at me. That is my favorite kind of torture....you work hard and feel it later!

one word for Chelsea

OUCH!

Monday, March 2, 2009

$85

Have I mentioned how much I love rebates? Today I got $85 in the mail....gotta love that! What will I do with that cash? Get more items that qualify for more rebates!

25 Main

My good friend Jalyn is in town. She moved away a year ago for her husband to attend college. Today Lindz and I went to lunch with her at 25 Main. It is a cute little restaurant which specializes in cupcakes....and boy do they do cupcakes. They are normal size with just the right amount of amazing frosting. They also have a delicious menu. We each got a different item and each enjoyed it. I had a yummy panini. Even better then the wonderful food? The wonderful conversation. It is so great to get together with friends, without kids, and chat about life. I think I need to do this more often. I think I need to go once a month and enjoy yummy food and good conversation with my friends. I feel lucky cause I do have great friends! The one flaw for the day? I forgot to get a picture...and Jalyn forgot too (which shocks me because she is attached at the hip to her camera). So girls....lets plan a lunch date for next month.

Friday, February 27, 2009

So long, farewell....

Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey goodbye.
Hit the road jack and don't you come back, no more no more no more no more!
Got any other good bye songs?
As of this morning the scale says I am down 10 lbs. That is 10 lbs. I hope to never see again. 10 lbs that I worked hard to say goodbye to. Lets hope the next 10 come a lot quicker, and with less sweating involved! As a tribute to those 10 lbs. I have one more song for you....

Now it's time to say goodbye to those lost 10 lbs.

T-E-N-L-B-S

L-O-S-T-YES!


(for those not in the know, that was the mickey mouse club song)

Dandruff

Today while I was putting Brooke's hair in a ponytail I noticed a little dandruff. I kept combing and noticed a lot of dandruff. I explained to her that she needed to go hop in the shower and I would get her special shampoo, etc. She got a little teary and as she was walking to the shower said, "are you sure it isn't sugar?" What? Her and her friend were goofing around yesterday and got sugar in one anther's hair. Upon closer inspection....yes it was sugar! No wonder the dandruff was so granular looking! And Brooke felt much better knowing it was just sugar!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Time for anti-aging cream?

Friday afternoon I went shopping with my friend. While she was trying on shirts in the dressing room I sat out in the chairs and held her two month old baby. The baby was dressed from head to toe in pink. A woman, about 50 I would say, came and sat down next to me and asked "boy or girl" Hmmm, I thought, all pink. Whatever. So I told her girl. She then said "well if she wasn't Bald I would be able to tell the difference. Too bad she is Bald" She went on a little bit more about how bald the baby was (as if we had shaved her head or something) She then asked me "so is she yours or is she your GRANDDAUGHTER?" What? Seriously? She thinks that I at 33 look like a grandma? If I weren't already questioning her sanity then I would be really offended. I think perhaps it's time for me to get some anti-aging cream.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

A new recruit!




Here is my new running partner. I asked Brooke yesterday if she wanted to go running with me in the morning. Surprisingly she said yes. So this morning I woke her up early and we ran a mile. We took it easy this morning, I didn't want to make it hard on her the first time and make her not want to go again. I think fromnow on I will go Mondays with my friends, Tuesdays Pilates, Wednesdays elliptical or run, Thursdays run with Brooke and Fridays Pilates. Anyone want to join? This picture was taken by Camden right when we got back. It was a little cold, so I am surprised we don't have much redder faces. On another note....do you think she looks like me? Look at the eyebrows, the chin and the nose.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Nothing better

There is nothing better then rocking your baby ( yes she's 2, but still my baby) to sleep. The yummy smell of fresh out of the bath. The rich chocolate eyes that look up at yme with such trust. The little voice that wispers "twinkle" so I will sing to her. I love stopping in the middle of the song so she will fill in the blank, she sounds so cute saying "diamond". I love telling her to close her eyes and she snuggles into me. I love that moment when sleep takes over and I can feel her breathing change. I'm trying to take in each of her features and memorize them, since I know this is a fleeting moment. I use to put her down for a nap without a fuss and time in the chair, but now we read, sing and sleep. It's just about the best time of my day.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Even my eyes hurt!

Today's run kicked my rear. Lindz really pushed me to go farther and longer than I normally would. As a result...I am building up endurance....but I am sore. My body is sore in different places. Like my legs are fine, but my shoulders are sore?! What's with that!? And now my eyes hurt. Is that a complication from running....or do you think I just need a nap?

Church bag

I am finding that we have so much stuff in our church bag that it makes a big mess. I am wanting to scale down how much and what we take to church. Somehow power rangers have made their way in....and those just don't lead to quiet time in church. I like having books for Addie to look at...although anything with farm animals doesn't work because she likes to make their noises loudly. What do you like to put in your bag....at what age do you stop taking treats? No matter what time we eat before church, my kids are suddenly starving during sacrament meeting. Any suggestions?

30 years and 2 days ago....

in a galaxy far far away (well it was the 70's) I looked like this....



and was enjoying my 3rd birthday. Yep, do the math, and you will realize that on Saturday I turned.....25! Right?! I had a great birthday this year. Brooke and her friend Sammy each bought me a gift from the dollar store. It was very thoughtful of them. Neil and I went shopping for new clothes for me, but found stuff for him and Addie. We had papa murphys heart shaped pizza. My parents left after spoiling me for a week. Neil let me read for a very long time and I was able to finish a good book I was reading. Overall a great day!

*Don't you love pictures from the 70's. I love the wallpaper, that it matches the kitchen chairs. I love everyone is in their cords. In the picture is my brother, sister, some of the Waite kids and a friend Justin Petes. Look at Aaron's adorable dimple....goes well with his red pants!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Bad hair day?



Everyday I do something cute with Addison's hair. If not it hangs in her eyes and makes me nuts. With Brooke I could get her to brush it out of her eyes, but Addie doesn't seem to care. Some days she will leave it in for a long time. Some days she pulls out her "pretties" while we are in the car. She is nice enough to hold onto the rubber bands and bow and give them to me when we arrive at our destination. She also sits still and lets me put it back in. This is how she usually ends up looking. Having a bad hair day. I wish I could have bad hair days like this and still look so darn cute. (This is her little friend. We had them over for Thanksgiving and had a great time. They have moved away and we miss them terribly!)

Monday, February 9, 2009

Playing catchup






I was finally able to get pictures uploaded....so now I am going to play a little catchup. In December the kids had a piano recital. Camden and Brooke are both taking lessons. They have a fantastic instructor, Nicole. We were on the waiting list for 3 years before we were able to get in, that's how popular she is around here. Brooke played "where are you Christmas" and Camden played "away in a manger". They both did really well, especially since it was their first recital.

I can dream!

There is the realistic side of me, the logical one that thinks things through. Then there is the side of me that dreams. Like today's dream....I knew it wouldn't happen, but a girl can wish. Have you ever stepped on the scale, gone running, get back and wish the scale had changed? I know that isn't realistic. But wouldn't it be amazing if it had gone down, even half a pound? Do you have any unrealistic dreams?

Friday, February 6, 2009

Valentine's party

I have been asked to be in charge of the party for Camden's class next week. Got any great ideas? I think I am going to do ham/cheese heart sammies, heart rice crispies, decorate heart cookies, strawberry ice cream in 7 up for the treats. I was thinking of doing a craft or two (but need ideas) and doing a few games. Bingo, memory and bean bag toss are always easy games, but you got anything good?

Thursday, February 5, 2009

A few funnies

Yesterday my kids seemed to be silly. Easton was playing a video game and suddenly yells "what they hay?" I thought I had heard him wrong, but he repeated it a few times. Right before bed Addison hurt her arm. I gave her all the proper mommy condolences and then told her to run and tell daddy. I hear a kissing sound and then she says "I ok, I kiss it better" Talk about self sufficient! I love those two and love that they keep me laughing!

Monday, February 2, 2009

Sweating and everything!

So I posted yesterday that my friends were taking me running. We did 2 miles. This broke so many rules for me. I was sweating. I was out of breath. When that happens I get red in the face. It was cold. But I feel just a little bit proud of myself. My friends were very kind and walked way more often then they would have liked. They listened to me whine. Now I just want to run on my own so that the next time we go I can shock them with how much I have improved. And if anyone knows how to exercise without sweating....let me know! I'll pay you a million bucks....(if it is an aerobic exercise). Thanks girls....for getting my rear in gear.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Great friends!

There is nothing better then great friends. I love having friends that inspire me to be a better person. Friends that teach me things. Tonight we had 3 families over for a little superbowl dinner. Valerie, with her hubby and two boys, Lindz, with her hubby and cute boy and girl (ANDREW for Addie) and Alissa, with her hubby her little boy and girl. We projected the game on the wall above our stairs so we watched the game in a 5x12 area! The men we in t.v. heaven. The girls? We chatted and had a great time together. We always have a good time together, we just don't do it often enough. The kids? Had fun taking out every toy in the basement. Thats ok...this is just the push I have needed to go through the toys. We have far too many! I loved having Val, Lindz and Alissa over. Only problem? They are all runners and are somehow getting me to go with them this week. You know me, I hate to sweat, so this will be a definate challenge.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

50 bucks is 50 bucks

Today I got four checks in the mail...they equal $50! How did I get them...I went shopping. Then I came home and sent in the rebate! I still have $200 I am waiting for. Man I love beer companies (because in the state of Utah they can't require you to buy beer, so they give you rebates without having to purchase the beer)! You get anything good in the mail this week?

Monday, January 26, 2009

Addie is in love

Addison is in love with our neighbor. The love goes both ways, Andrew loves her just as much. Yesterday in church they sat behind us. Addie spent most of the meeting hand feeding Andrew cheerios....one at a time. One of the kids pushed Andrew down in nursery. Addie got upset and told them "don't push down my Andrew". Having Andrew in nursery makes it much easier to drop Addie off. She sees him and doesn't cry when I leave. I got to thinking about how cute the two of them are together. Then I started to giggle. Good thing it isn't Brooke (if her and Andrew were the same age) that loves Andrew, cause if they got married her name would be....Brooke Ann Dunn. Just like the music group Brooks and Dunn! Terribly cheesy, I know. But hey, it was early and I was awake in bed when I should have been asleep!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Sledding December 2008!

We went to Boca Dam to sled. Grandma and Grandpa watched Addie while the rest of us enjoyed the perfect sledding weather!

Snowboarding boys!

While we were in Reno for Christmas we went sledding. The boys were able to try out their cousins snowboard....wow was I shocked. After two or three tries, they had a hang of it. Easton was so persistent and went again and again. He made it a good 30 feet. Camden also did well. When Camden had a turn you could hear Easton from the bottom of the hill yell "Camden, I stayed up longer then you" Gotta love that brotherly love! Camden at one point said he was going to "shred it" down the hill! Where do they come up with these things!




Just don't make things like they use to!


When I was little we would go to Boca Dam to sled. Sometimes the water would be frozen, sometimes not. Yet we always went on this sled, the big ski! This is me when I was about two or three.

We continue to go to Boca. Now my kids ride the big ski. Can you believe it is still in pristine condition, 30 years later!? Today's sleds fall apart after about one season of sledding. This was definitely a good investment on my parents part!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Squishy Lou turns 32!



My cousin Squishy Lou (also known as Tricia Louise) turns 32 today! Happy Birthday Trish. Trish and I spent many summers together. We would walk down to the DI and get books for like 10 cents and read away the summer! Hope you have a great day! (Tricia is on the left in the picture with me on the right and her sister Rachel in the middle, and yes our mom's did make those matching dresses....notice it is the same one I have on in the picture of me with the matching hair that my babysitter gave me!)

Jessi's paintings featured at hospital!



I think I have mentioned before that my niece Jessi is an amazing artist. Recently
Renown Hospital in Reno has been in the process of opening a new maternity section. It has family suites and some very well done interior decorating touches. They have decorated the halls with eight paintings done by Jessi. They hang on the walls outside the newly designed and refurbished nursery. This is the link to Renowns website so you can see her artwork for yourself!


http://www.renownhealthonline.com/art/details-artist.cfm?id_artist=100

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Unforgetable trip to the sitter

Many years ago my mom took me to a gal in the ward for me to be babysat. When she picked me up I looked like this:






Before that time I had maybe chin length straight hair. Now you tell me, what would you have done to the babysitter? My mom? She was very pleasant and I think thought of entering me in a little orphan annie look a like contest!

(oh and by the way, this angelic looking little girl would only smile if 1)she could hold her hands like this and 2)she got to go to the store and get a prize...isn't she sweet)

Legos from Santa

Santa brought the boys Legos. They couldn't wait to put them together. Since we have Christmas at grandmas, they boys had to wait almost a full week until we got home to put them together. Wow, that was a long wait (for mom and the boys) We arrived home late one night and the next morning we were putting them together. Camden could do them alone, but I still "help" since he likes to speed through it. Easton still needs help, but I simply tell him what to put on next. He does all the work.

Easton with his rescue boat, truck and trailer!

Camden with his Star Wars ship (I am sure he knows exactly what the thing is called and I am getting it completely wrong. All I know: it is Star Wars)

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Bows everywhere!

There are so many reasons I love Neil....here is another one. I give him ideas that pop into my head and he somehow makes them. I have been wanting a place to store Addie's bows, they seem to be everywhere. I thought of this idea....



so basically Neil made a picture frame that is 2X4 feet and then attached chicken wire to it. The bows clip right on and they don't snag. I love it! Want one? Let me know and I will ask him how much they cost to make!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Anything for Chocolate?

Not my girl. We are trying to potty train little miss. I of course am trying the bribery method....if you potty you can have a candy. "No Potty, Mommy" How about some chocolate "no potty, mommy" Hmmm....what can I give her that she will actually use for incentive? I got it, how about some lipstick (aka chap stick). "go get it mommy (pushes me) I get the chap stick, she sits there, wants the chap stick. I give it to her and she holds it while she goes potty! (Cap on, I know gross, but it is now officially her "potty" chapstick and will get a new and clean one when she is all done. So do we do anything for chocolate? No, but for pretties, now that is another story?

A little chuckle!

I found myself giggling today when I remembered something that happened about 3 years ago. We had just moved into our house and for Christmas the boys got duvet covers for their bunkbed, although we had the bunks separated at the time. I asked Neil to go make the beds for the boys while I was doing something else. I was surprised at how long it took him, but figured maybe he was playing with the boys or something. I went into the room to see the new duvets on and I found that Neil had no idea what a duvet is! He had unbuttoned the duvet, opened it up and put the mattress inside of the duvet, like you would put a pillow in a pillowcase.. The entire mattress! He thought it was to keep the covers from falling off the bed! No wonder it took such a long time. I bet it was a pain to get those in there!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Modbe blowout sale!

I wanted to quickly let you know about the huge blowout sale Modbe is having right now online. If you haven't purchased Modbe clothes before, they are designed with modesty, style and comfort in mind. It's nice to have a more options to dress modestly and look great. The shirts are longer in length, neck lines are higher, the jeans are low rise in front, but come up higher in the back to avoid problems when bending down, and the tankini's are amazing.

Modbe is getting ready for their new spring line 2009 to come out and they are making room in their warehouse with a HUGE blowout sale, many items up to 65% off. It's a great time to buy for yourself, or stock up on presents for others. There are women's, plus size and maternity wear.

Shop Now:www.modbeclothing.com/shelleys

The sale only lasts 2 more days, so shop now for best selection and savings! Enter party code #: 1344 at checkout for an additional 10% off sale prices with the purchase of 3 items or more!

Please let me know if you have any questions on sizing or want to host a party and earn free clothes.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Kids and Chores

In addition to their regular chores, the kids will this year have "decluttering" chores. Each day I will add on a small chore that will help get rid of extra junk in the house and hopefully help them develop better habits. Here are next weeks chores:

Monday-We are taking a walk! Let's take a walk through our houses and find 10 things that belong in our rooms and put them away. If you have left any shoes, jackets, toys or books lying around the house now is the time to return them to their home.

Tuesday-We are going to go into our rooms and get all of the clothes that are on the floor and put away what is clean and put the dirty clothes in the hamper or basket.

Wednesday-Today we are going to go after all of our books. Let's take a walk through our house and look for any of our books that we have left around.

Thursday-Today we going to look around our rooms at the flat surfaces of our furniture. The desk, the dresser and the nightstands. These are the places that we will just pile things on instead of throwing them away or putting them away. We are going to set a timer for 5 minutes and see how much we can throw away and put away.

Friday-Today it is time to dust! Get a feather duster and dust your dresser, nightstands and desks!

Hopefully these will catch on and become a part of their normal routine. Each activity takes about 5-15 minutes. We start Monday, so I'll let you know how it goes!

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

More Blasts from the past!


(My brother, sister and myself in our Christmas Jammies probably about 1978 or 79)

While I was home for Christmas I scanned a ton of my pictures from my childhood. My mom is a turbo scrapbooker (she has about 23 books for me and has saved everything from dance recital forms to school papers) So for the next while you will be seeing a few blasts from the pasts. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday MaryBeth!


Good ol 1995...gotta love the denim shirts! (pre eyebrow waxing) Pale faced me.


2007...and I thought I didn't look any older, til I see pictures of myself! (post eyebrow waxing) Good to know I am still pale faced and as washed out as every. Why doesn't MB change in these pictures?

Disclaimer: I thought I had it figured out how to flip these pictures....but my computer wouldn't allow it (it does that to me all the time) So on with the post!




MaryBeth and I became instant friends. We met like the first week of college. We were in the same dorm and I wanted to learn sign language. She, being hearing impaired, was my ticket to sign. So we met, and clicked. We were together constantly, well I was dating Neil and then engaged to Neil, so I won't say constantly, but a TON. She helped me more then just with signing. That was just our start. We had a ton of laughs together. The above picture is her and her interpreter at college, Mick.



The is MaryBeth, me and Laurel (the other deaf girl in our dorm). I have been priviledged to do a few different things for MaryBeth. I picked out and bought her wedding dress, while she was in Florida and I was in Reno. I know, crazy. It was a screaming deal and I still can't believe she trusted me enough to get it. (she loved it by the way) She let me make the blessing gown that both her kids wore (she was told the first was a girl until the week before the baby was born. I had already finished and sent the dress, so she made him wear it too!) MaryBeth made my day when she invited me to come to Florida to interpret her sons baptism last December. It was such an honor. We giggled and stayed up late just as we had thirteen years before at college. She then asked me to come back in July to interpret while her family was sealed in the temple. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it. Instead she let me sew the dress her little girl wore when they were sealed. (she has mentioned that I am going to have to make her baptism and wedding dress, because a girl needs all 4 of her "White" dresses made by the same person...haha)

Some of my favorite MaryBeth moments: skating home after going to brolums on the shined up Rexburg streets, going to many devotionals together, our big group date where we ate dinner in the upstairs lounge, MaryBeth getting sick while laying on my living room floor (instead of running to my bathroom to throw up she ran all the way downstairs to her own apartment) Making chalk outlines of people (like crime scenes) and getting in trouble by our dorm mom for defacing property. Flour balls. Stroganoff (which she thinks needs ketchup in it, but then your sauce turns pink) U8IT. Walking across campus signing, a guy runs up and stops in front of us and waves and just stares at us. So I say, "can I help you" and he about faints and says "oh, you can talk"! Signing "Mormon Rap" for ward talent show. Signing "A whole new world" for a class project. Visiting for mother's week. MaryBeth on a horse for the first time. So many memories. Anyways....Happy Birthday Love you girl!

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Merry Christmas....and a little blast from the past!




Hope you had a great Christmas. I was able to spend it with these great people. Please note our fantastic Christmas sweaters, my brothers overalls with one buckled and the other not and the size of my brother-in-law's glasses! Even better, notice how skinny I was and how dang long my hair was. I did the double curl bangs at the time, one curl up, one curl down, then brush through and spray with aqua net! I would love to say that we all looked that thin this Christmas, but hey I was 14 and didn't have 4 kids yet! Merry Christmas! (oh and one day I will learn how to flip these darn pictures!)

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Vegas Baby

Do you live in the Vegas area? Here is a big heads up! Modbe clothing is having two major clearance sales, one on Friday and one on Saturday. All items will be marked down to $5-$15 dollars per item. This means a swim top that is normall $48 will now be $15! This is the best sale that modbe does all year! Never heard of Modbe? visit this site www.modbeclothing.com/shelleys Here are the details of the sale:

Modbe Clothing $5 Sale

Live in Boulder

Friday December 19th 1 pm– 5:00 pm

1507 Sunrise Circle, Boulder City

Shirts, Skirts, Sweaters $5

Swim Tops $15

All items will be on hand to take with you this day.


Modbe Clothing $5 Sale in Vegas

Saturday December 20th 6:30 am – 2:30 pm

Broadacres Swap Meet Booth 78 & 79

2930 N Las Vegas Blvd, NLV

(Las Vegas Blvd and Pecos)

Shirts, Skirts, Sweaters $5

Swim Tops $15

All items will be on hand to take with you this day.



So here is the giveaway! If you post this information on your blog you will get a prize....if you have 10 friends tell us you sent them to either event you will get a prize. Let me know....and hope to see you there!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Oh that snow is Awesome!

Is what I heard from my barely two year old as we are driving Easton to school today. She is just learning to talk and I understand about 1/3 of her words but today I definately caught "oh, dat snow awesome". A: when did she start talking so much B: where did she learn awesome? At least she didn't say A-W-E-S-O-M-E, awesome, awesome, like totally (ok so maybe that was a "rad" cheer that we were suppose to do in high school, but we didn't because we were too cool for it)

Every Bodies doing a brand new dance now!

Come on baby do the Cocomotion!



I have been telling everyone lately about one of our favorite things...the cocomotion. This is what the walmart site said about it:

Hot chocolate and family entertaining go hand in hand. Mr. Coffee's Cocomotion automatic hot chocolate maker puts an end to overheated, overflowing milk on the stovetop and scorched pans to clean. It heats milk to just the right temperature and whips up frothy cups of hot chocolate and similar beverages in minutes.

Hot Chocolate Maker Features:

Makes 2 to 4 cups of hot chocolate at a time
Machine heats milk to just the right temperature for hot chocolate with no overflowing or scorching
Mixing disc thoroughly whips hot chocolate and other cocoa- or chocolate-based drinks at the touch of a button
Finished drink has an appealing frothy top
Lid twists and locks in place for easy pouring
Lighted "On" switch
Easy to clean

And the great thing about it...it only costs $23.84 at Walmart! With the chilly weather we have been having this has been put to good use at our house....and the cheap cocoa even tastes good in it!

Brainwashed!

I must have Addison completely brainwashed. This morning she knocked a stack of coupons off the kitchen table and said "oh no, coupons". My mission here is accomplished!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

I want to have a party just to put Addie in this dress!

Monday, December 15, 2008

ARRGGG!

I have 283 pictures on my camera, and my computer won't upload them! But when it does, boy will you have a show to see!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Memory, all alone in the moonlight!

Totally sang that song in 8th grade choir! So there have been a few comments about me having a good memory. I feel the need to clarify. I have an excellent memory....when it comes to random facts. I might remember that you had a goldfish named Fred....but I probably won't remember your husbands name. Or I will remember that your anniversary is June 3rd, but I won't remember to say happy birthday to you on your birthday. I am great at the meaningless facts or tidbits about you. I will probably remember doing lots of great things with you, but I forget to do simple things like get pictures taken for my Christmas cards this year. So while I have a great memory, it isn't for the things I would really like to remember. Here's a better example: I remember that Lindsay worked at hot dog on a stick and I remember not being able to shut the Waites van door. I remember walking down frozen streets in Rexburg, saying goodbye to MaryBeth, so sure I would never see her again because she lives in Florida. I remember the dress she wore to preference and what her date looked like. I remember how tall my date was and that he had a sister named Sarah (we were not "dating" so it's not like I knew him well). I remember my friend Janis's brothers and sisters names and can name them really fast (there are 11 kids) I remember most of the Waite's middle names (how random is that). I know who Aaron went to prom with (Rachel Dodini) and I remember some phone numbers really well (like Rachel's growing up) Yet I might forget I told you I would babysit or if you set up visiting teaching I might forget! I guess I am good at remembering how we connected. I am very sentimental. I hold onto things. I hold onto memories. Visiting teaching, because it hasn't happened yet, just doesn't hold a place in my heart. While I love your kiddos and am thrilled to tend them, it doesn't stick out in my mind like the time we laughed our heads off while getting pedicures (I am sure those nail girls remember us too). Have any good ideas for me to remember other things (like to put your dog in the garage at night)?!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Repost with pictures!


So hearing everyone talk about their obsession with facebook, I finally made an account. Low and behold I find my best friend from when I was 3! Rachel Elizabeth (which happens to be my cousins name too) While having one of my bouts of insomnia I did a little jog down memory lane. These are some of my memories with Rachel:
We went to preschool together. One day my mom dropped me off at a friends to be babysat. When she picked me up the lady had cut my hair and permed it so I looked like Annie (totally wish I were kidding). In our preschool pictures with teacher Cynthia Rachel has these long lovely locks and I have my lovely Annie hairdo (only puffier if that is possible)
I played at Rachel's house. I have a bunch of memories there. We would ring the doorbell and pretend we were the maids there to clean the house. We pretended we were getting married in her front yard at least a dozen times. Rachel had one of those great wooden train sets I loved to put together. We played in her bar area. ( I of course had no idea what it was, but there were miniature glasses that were just our size (aka shot glasses) Rachel had a great pool in the backyard and we swam a lot. I remember our brothers walking off the diving board saying "this is Howard Coselle" the pretend they had gotten shot and fell into the water. (complete with Howard's voice. Why he got shot? I guess so he could fall in the water) I remember waiting outside the bathroom while Rachel would get her breathing treatments for asthma. I remember sitting outside that same bathroom while Rachel was in timeout and her talking me into moving the timer so she could get out quicker. In Rachel's kitchen there was a treat drawer. They had those real fruit leathers, not the junkie kind kids have now. They also always had push up pops. I remember walking around the block with her wagon collecting those (we called them itch bombs, but they were on maple trees. They hung down and were ball shaped with pokies on them (great description huh)) We would take the balls, break them apart and the insides were soft, but itchy. We filled the wagon up in hopes of making a cat bed! Her next door neighbor had a slot machine, and you could play it for free! Rachel's grandma lived with her and had beautiful roses. I always thought it funny that she covered them up with fabric! I remember going to "Two Guys from Italy" with Rachel's family. By now my hair had grown out and we both had long hair, but mine was permed. I remember the waiter thinking I was the daughter and Rachel was the friend because Rachel's mom had naturally curly hair. I loved that! I was very shy as a kid, and Rachel wasn't. She always excelled at sports. We both joined gymnastics together and I dropped out when she was moved up to the next level. She of course rode a two wheeler before I did. I was so embarrassed to ride on the kiddy seat behind her mom while Rach rode along by herself! One time when I was having a sleepover I swallowed a gobstopper. I was sure it was stuck in my throat. Her dad (a doctor) thought it wasn't really stuck, but had just scrapped my throat when I had swallowed it. We had ice cream a few minutes later. I was sitting at her bar, in their leater bar stools, eating the ice cream. I look one bite and up came that gob stopper and the ice cream. I am thinking it really was stuck. We would go skiing in the winter time. I remember sitting on the back of her Jeep Waggoner sipping on hot chocolate while wearing my moon boots. My mom always brought me egg salad sandwiches to eat for lunch, and I hate egg salad sandwiches. Of course Rachel was a better skier too!


During this time we also went and got our pictures taken together. We wore matching blue Izod sweats. We also wore pink gunnysack dresses and skirts with fancy white blouses. Because I was shy, Rachel is smiling in all the pictures and I think you can see actual teeth in maybe one of my pictures.


The year of the cabbage patch doll: I had a blond girl with pig tails...Rachel had two of them! Boy was I jealous! I remember sitting while she practiced piano (I think her teacher was my neighbor Mrs. Heinrich.) Rachel had this lovable lab...I think her name was tootsie. We have a video of Rachel, Aaron Waite and myself on the first day of kindergarten. It is the last year when Rachel and I were in the same class. Here I am with my fro and Rachel with her locks of glory and shy little Aaron in his polyester pants scooting along after us (I look at it and see how dang adorable he was) I also have on with my fro and polyester blue floral dress....it was a winner! When I was in the 4th grade my dad had to have major surgery. So I stayed at Rachels while my parents went to Salt Lake for the procedure. We called up the "Ninja Love Line" which was the request hot line for the radio station. When we were freshman in high school we went with our families to Las Vegas where our brothers were playing in the State Baseball tournament. We stayed in the Tropicana and had a room to ourselves (with Sara Walters, our friend whose brother was also playing) It was the first time I had ever taken a taxi, we rode in it to the baseball field). I have so many memories of Rachel. We did a lot together. Most of my young memories include her. I thought of her mom as my second mom. It was sure fun to find her again and get caught up on her life, she lives in Sweden now! So the moral of the story?! I guess I like facebook too. Oh and if you go the babysitter, don't let her touch your hair!

Friday, December 5, 2008

So sad!

I just talked to my sister and a friend of mine from junior high was arrested this week for burglary. He was also charged with an ex felon having a firearm. I know that he has been addicted to drugs for a long time. I have had a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that such a great friend can make decisions that will lead him down this path he is on, and can't seem to get off of. Drug are stupid, aren't they!?! I am so sad for him, and for his family. When I think about people from junior high I imagine them similar to they way they are now....only perhaps married with kids. I have heard a few friends from high school died in different accidents. One friend is a writer for Desperate Housewives. That is how I imagine my friends, successful! Any of your friends have great success or great failure?

Thursday, December 4, 2008

lame gift

So one of my fears is that I will give a lame gift. I love to think of gifts that totally fit the person and are meaningful. I love the excitment I feel while they are unwrapping the gift. I like them to know I cared enough to put in real effort. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in finding a great gift that I run out of time and then do end up with a lame gift. Like my brother I have given a gift card to for the last 3 years. While it is a good gift....it is still boring. Teachers gifts are always a hard one. I don't really know them well enough to get them a heartfelt gift. I also don't want to spend a bundle. Last year I got them gift wrapping supplies (paper, tape and ribbon) I don't know if that is lame or not. It is useful. One year I got them classroom supplies, but that is more for the classroom, not them. When only Brooke was in school, and had the best teacher in the world, and my BFF owned a cleaning company, I got her a gift certificate for the ladies to clean her house for an hour. It was cheap for me and amazing for the teacher. That just isn't possible now. I hate the thought of getting candy because I am sure they get a ton of it. I also don't want to get anything with apples or the abc's for the same reason. So I am on the hunt....anyone have a good teacher gift idea. If not I will stick with my present wrapping theme. I got it all at the dollar store for cheap. Please help me! I want to be the coolest mom in the classroom. (Don't laugh....I know you want the same thing....so be the coolest mom)

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Live Nativity




We live about 5 minutes from Tuachan amphitheatre. Every year they have a live nativity complete with camels! It costs $2 per person or $10 per family. They also have a train ride that costs $1 per person. The train ride takes you on a backstage tour of the theatre. Come one, come all. You're welcome to visit us and we will go see the nativity together. (Hint hint: especially those that might live in Vegas or Northern Utah)

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

We love George!

Addison has discovered the joys of PBS kids. Curious George to be exact. Today she told me "George Bwoken", which really means "Curious George is over" Luckily we have the movie so no more "bwoken" at our house!

How ten minutes becomes 45 minutes!

Today Addison and I walked Easton and his friend to school. I pushed Addie in the double stroller, with our rubbermade tote full of paper to be recycled. We stopped on the way and dumped it in the bin, then went to Eastons school and dropped off a large bag of food for the food drive. After dropping off Easton at class I decided since I had done something for the earth and something for folks in our area I would do something for Addie. I let her walk all the way home. She was giddy with the thought of me letting her out of her stroller. The walk normall takes 5 minutes, 10 if I dawdle. It took us a full 45 minutes to walk home. We stopped and looked at every plant, flower, bug, rock and crack in the sidewalk that we could find. We helped out quite a few houses by returning stray rocks to their flowerbeds. We examined one ant as it wound its way home. At one point Addie blew on it to help it out (poor ant)! We found dandilion flowers that were ready to be blown on. Addie loved picking them out of the neighbors grass and declared that she had "enough" of them, then blew to her hearts content. When they wouldn't come off as fast as she wanted she waved them in the air, back and forth, until the little seeds went flying off like the baby spiders at the end of Charlottes web! Addie stopped and smelled every "pretty" on the way, picked one yellow one to give me, and then told me "no bite". We had a delightful walk and I was reminded of why I am a mom. I get so busy and caught up in the day to day business that I often forget to stop and smell the "pretties". I could have been home prepping my house for Thanksgiving. I could have been doing laundry, cleaning toilets, sewing, or a million other things. Instead I took 45 minutes to do what I could have done in ten minutes....and I loved every minute of it!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Forgive me....

I think I have sinned. Or at least broke one of my personal rules for myself. Thursday I went for a jog/walk. I know, I know. But it gets worse....I was sweating too! I went at 7 in the morning. I know. Don't faint on me now. (Did you just hear the song "hallelujah" playing too, or was it just me?) The important part of this whole post. So I went out in the morning....and mornings here are not cold, a little chilly, but really how cold is 41 degrees? You would not believe how many cars I saw running to get warmed up. I mean come on. I can see you doing that when you have to defrost your wind shield, but 41 degrees out? I guess this is the real proof I needed that the gas prices are down!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!!

Downtown Holiday Jacket and Pant GIVEAWAY!!!!

One of my favorites so far!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Prayers

Last night I had to interpret for a Relief Society training meeting (for all R.S. presidencies in our stake) I heard a wonderful story. The gal that spoke was telling about a time in her life, in the 1970's, when she was pregnant with her third child. She had two children under the age two and was in a very abusive marriage. She had married in the temple and was ashamed that her situation was the way it was. She didn't tell anyone about the abuse. Her family wasn't nearby and her friends we all very busy women, like we all are. She said at this point she was so ill that her children we living on cold cereal for all their meals because she could hardly get out of bed. One day she let the kids out into the fenced backyard to play and left the door open and laid down in bed. She then began to weep and pray. Moments later she heard someone come down the hall and in a hushed tone a voice said "Hi...I am sister Soandso from the relief society presidency. I am new in the ward and we met once. Today I was praying for who I can serve this week and was told it was you. I am going to just sit next to you and put some lotion on your hands and feet" The gal said she was so sick she couldn't even speak an answer. The Sister then rubbed lotion on her arms, hands, legs and feet and then left. She came three times a week for the next few weeks and did the same thing. The gal moved and divorced soon after and she never knew the gals name and never met her again after those few weeks of loving service. So are we paying attention to the prompting of the spirit? Are we praying for ways to serve? If we do and it tells us to go put lotion on a strangers arms and legs, do we then listen? Has anyone given you service that was so simple, but changed your life? Let me know!

Something I never thought would happen

Yesterday I paid $1.84/gallon of gas. At Fabulous Freddy's car wash/gas station if you buy a car wash then they take .25 off per gallon. I desperately needed a car wash so it was a win-win situation. My total for gas? $33 baby! I never thought that I would ever get gas this cheap again!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Commissioned Watercolor Portrait GIVEAWAY!!!!

Commissioned Watercolor Portrait GIVEAWAY!!!!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

And the Frowny Face Award goes to...

the grouchy neighbor who thinks it is acceptable to make my kids cry! You should know better....you were the one who put in great walkways on your property...perfect for riding bikes on. They weren't hurting your cement...they weren't even near your precious plants and grass. Next time...be grouchy with me! Or better yet...move to a 55 and older neighborhood...then you won't have to worry about my kids riding their bikes on your walkway. But then again....you won't receive any frowny face awards from your neighbor!

Girl after my own heart

This morning when Addie woke up I heard her in her room for a bit. She likes to sing and talk to herself. After a while she started calling for me. Mom, Mommy, Mooooommmm! I went in to let her out (she has one of those thingies on her knob so she can't open the door). I open the door and she is sitting in the rocking chair in her room, reading a book! So like her mom! I love books. Love to read! Have been in search of a new good book to read!

Been away for a while

So what have we been up to? Well let's see....went with Neil to Provo for some meetings he had. Met up with one of my favorite people from college...Julie! So fun to see her and catch up. She is by far the funniest person I know. Just ask her about the time she was camping, used the shower there...and ended up sliding across the shower floor! (you know the showers where the walls only start at your shin) We finished the last day of soccer (wow 10 weeks of soccer is a long time) had 1 soccer party. I interpreted for 1 primary program! Went to 3 parent/teacher conferences. Felt relieved that all the kids are doing great in school, while only 1 needs to work on talking too much! (totally not surprised by that one). Went to a business dinner with Neil and a bunch of county employees. Went through some of the kids toys to find some to donate. It broke Camdens little heart. He kept telling me how sad he was that there are kids that might not get anything for Christmas. Did my couponing deals for the week (will post more on that later). Well that was since Thursday, so I will finish this busy week and keep you posted on more later!

Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

Fabulous costumes!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Camden said it right!

Last night Camden said "I don't want Barak Obummer to be President" I quickly said "I think that is excatly how you say his name...Obummer"! Let pray for him to lead with wisdom.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

No I didn't!

With my crew whenever someone tattles it is immediately followed by the other person saying "no I didn't". I was a little surprised this morning when I heard this conversation...

Cam: Mom, Easton slapped me for no reason
Easton: nuh uh, I slapped him because he was bugging me!

As long as we have the facts right!

Do you live in Cali?

Or know someone who does. Today is the day. Encourage them to vote yes on prop. 8 Here are some facts I read on another site....things I hadn't thought about...
1) Children in public schools will have to be taught that same-sex marriage is just as good as traditional marriage.
The California Education Code already requiresthat health education classes instruct children about marriage. (§51890)

Therefore, unless Proposition 8 passes, children will be taught that marriage between any two adults is of the same worth, regardless of gender. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs.
2) Churches may be sued over their tax exempt status if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings open to the public. Ask whether your pastor, priest, minister, bishop, or rabbi is ready to perform such marriages in your chapels and sanctuaries.3) Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father. Catholic Charities in Boston already had to stop providing adoption services in Massachusetts because courts legalized same-sex marriage there.
4) Religions that sponsor private schools with married student housing may be required to provide housing for same-sex couples, even if counter to church doctrine, or risk lawsuits over tax exemptions and related benefits.5) Ministers who preach against same-sex marriages may be sued for hate speech and risk government fines. It already happened in Canada, a country that legalized gay marriage. A recent California court held that municipal employees may not say: "traditional marriage," or "family values" because, after the same-sex marriage case, it is "hate speech."
6) It will cost you money. This change in the definition of marriage will bring a cascade of lawsuits, including some already lost (e.g., photographers cannot now refuse to photograph gay marriages; doctors cannot now refuse to perform artificial insemination of gays even given other willing doctors). Even if courts eventually find in favor of a defender of traditional marriage (highly improbable given today's activist judges), think of the money – your money – that will be spent on such legal battles.
The following reasons were blatantly copied from the website: http://www.whatisprop8.com/

Monday, November 3, 2008

In John Deere Green

In letters 3 foot high...and the whole town said that he should have used red, but it looked good to Charleen, in John Deere Green.

Remember that song? Anyways, Neil and I watched the John Deere special on Nat Geo channel yesterday. We saw how they make their combine. We were very dorky and enjoyed every minute of it. It did make us miss the farm. Although when I think about the hours Neil put it I am glad we left! So here is a little reminder of life when I was a farmers wife (as opposed to being married to a garbage man? Not really...he just oversees the garbage, recycling etc. for the county. Purely a desk job!)






Our favorite day on the farm was Sundays. Neil only spent two hours working (I know...only!), but Sundays we worked with him! We drove out to the farm and the kids played in the dirt while Neil check his potatoes for moisture content! (potatoes are actually a very complicated crop requiring lots of attention) The kids loved it when Neil let them sit on his lap and drive the truck and they loved running through the corn stalks. The stalks were a good 7-10 feet taller then them, so they were loving it. I loved seeing them get filthy and have a great time with daddy since most other days we only saw him for an hour or two (if we were lucky) Just so you know...these are pictures of one of Neils potato fields...not POT! I think the only resemblance is that they are both green...but wanted to specify! What do I miss the most? Lots of things...fresh corn and potatoes the size of my foot! Neils excitement with a successful crop. The smell of the dirt on Neil. I would wash his clothes and catch the smell of dirt which was so different then the dirt in the backyard. It smelled of the earth Neil was tending and caring for. It was a clean earthy smell. I have missed the smell maybe more then anything. Now he just smells like fabric softener and shaving cream. (thankfully he doesn't smell like the landfill!) I also miss the Sundays on the farm. Having him around from 4 p.m. on and eating breakfast with him every morning and having him here on Saturdays and Sundays more then makes up for what I miss.

Tropical Tree Frog Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

Tropical Tree Frog Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!