a Bit of Us

I hate/love the 80's!

2011-09-06T00:26:00.000-07:00

(I can't believe I am going to put this out for all to see.....

but since a few of you have been bugging me for pictures....)

yes....this was JUST LAST WEEK!

I was going to get everything updated and stay "in order".

However, it's going to be a while and I just finished editing this BEEaUUtifullll,

picture and thought I should blog it straight away!

A friend here in Yuma had a baby shower. And, not being "into" normal baby showers, she wanted to have a party. So my invite came saying dress up 80's.

Well, if someone tells "this girl" to dress up.....Dress Up I DO!

It was so fun to reminisce about 80's fashions, and all the "whoops". I mean come-on.....the 80's put out some of the most awesome songs/music.....but fashion???

What a M.E.S.S!!!

Pegged pants and athletic sock with pumps? Come on!

So naturally, it was a riot to get dressed up and "peg" (haha) the perfect outfit for this baby party.

Here is a breakdown of my outfit....which BTW, I WON for!!

I also won for the most right answers on the "guess that song and artist game"!!!

And, Yes, I DO know what I'm talking about.

This little picture is me, in 8th grade.

It has brought so much "joy" and

great conversation into the lives of my

family (Eden and Scott particularly!),

that I thought it would be selfish of

me to further hide it away.

I mean, come-on!

I'm pretty proud to say that yes, indeed

I perfected the 80's hair.

2011-08-24T18:15:00.001-07:00

Testing.

Christmas Time!

2011-01-20T03:54:00.000-08:00

We had a fun Christmas party at the Smiths

before we left for Utah....

Belle and Santa (who is really Kevin, and such a good sport!)

This year Belle asked for kitchen toys and makeup (yeah right!) and a Nintedo DS.

Zach being a good sport and sitting on Santa's knee for a picture.

He asked for Legos, DS game and a Nerf Axe.

**Brady wasn't with us this night because his best friend Rileigh invited him to a movie. I let him go because she was moving to Missouri the following week.

He pretty much asked for the same stuff as Zach for Christmas. (nice and easy!)

We've been good this year too! :)

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We had such a good time being with my family and friends in Utah. It was so great to see them all! Although, I do have to say I will pass on the snow. I do not like it one little bit. Not a smidgen! It was so cold and on one of the days it was 7 degrees!!! Who likes that? If you do, you are crazy! I would much rather live in the heat....yes, even if it mean 115 degrees in the summer. :)

OK, this was too funny. My sister bought 'Just Dance 2' for the wii and we convinced our hubbies to play it. I am surprised that #1, they agreed; #2 that they lasted the WHOLE song; and #3 that they kept dancing when I brought out the camera and started taking pictures of them. (Secretly, I think they "looked good"! hahaha)

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Christmas this year ended up being in the spare bedroom of my brother's house, where we stayed and Josh and I slept. And where the only Christmas tree was in the house. (see the 18 inch tree in the background?) See, my brother Kerry doesn't celebrate Christmas with all the materialism that unfortunately takes over the true meaning for a lot of people. He doesn't decorate, doesn't buy gifts and doesn't want anyone to buy gifts for him. Which I get. Kind of extreme....(I can say that because I'm pretty sure he doesn't read my blog or any others) but I understand why. I do believe that you can keep a balance and by doing so have a wonderful and memorable time.

Here are the kids so excited and opening their gifts.

Belle in her kitchen attire!

Santa "delivered!"

The boys playing their 'paper jam' guitars and Josh with his 'paper jam' drums.

Maybe we should start a band in the garage?!

Oh my heck....what is this?????

Yes, we suckered in and got a dog!

(What the heck were we thinking??? hahaha)

Actually, I don't have any regrets...yet. She is such a cute puppy and so much fun to have around. The kids love playing with her and are so good to make sure she is fed and clean up the poop!

Jersey.

Yup! That's her name.

And no....not after 'Jersey Shore'

(I promise I have NEVER even seen that show!)

November

2011-01-20T03:31:00.001-08:00

My sweet friend Andrea (on the right) took me and my other sweet friend Doorly (left)

out to dinner for an early Christmas present. It was so nice to get out and have a girls night. No kids, no husband, no cleaning or soccer practice. Good food and friends....thanks Andrea :)

These women are both so amazing and I'm so thankful

they are both here in Yuma.

We all got together for dinner and family night.

The Butlers

The Smiths and the Winegars

______________________________

I'm a bit jealous of Doorly because she still gets to dress up like she's going to prom. Here she is with Kevin going to the Navy Ball. Isn't she a beauty? He's not so bad himself. :)

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Belle learned how to ride her bike in about 5 minutes.

She was so determined and she knew she was ready.

She had to beg us to take off the training wheels.

Look at her awesomeness!

I love this girl.

(And I love the fact that YES, we can ride bikes in November! (and Dec, Jan, Feb...etc!!)

October

2011-01-20T02:27:00.000-08:00

Crazy Hair day at School....

I love that my boys like to participate in

stuff like this and aren't too embarrassed or "too good". They are so fun.

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Happy Halloween 2010!

I always say, every year, that I'm not dressing up for Halloween. And every year I dress up. I just can't resist. I love "transforming" into something else for the night. And this year was so much fun.

I actually dressed up 3 different times. (same costume) And I won a prize at our ward's Halloween party. It was so funny to see the reaction of everyone when they actually looked me in the eyes and realized they were "crazy eyes"! hahaha Even Josh with his $5 mask from Walmartz looked a tad bit scary. The kids all picked out their own costumes, even with me trying to sway them otherwise. :)

We had so much fun and of course, scored lots of candy!!

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Belle's 1st day of Preschool

Finally! We had Belle on a waiting list for a preschool and she wasn't moving up the list fast enough. I finally enrolled her with a sweet girl in the ward that does preschool out of her home a few days a week. It has been so good for Belle to get out the house....(and out of my hair!) She IS the oldest in her class....and one of the more "mature" ones, but she hasn't seemed to notice. She loves all her little friends so much. And I love the few hours I get twice a week that I'm not tripping over her or having her right on my heels as I get things done around the house. :)

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Boys will be Boys......"sigh"

I've found a few of these signs up on the boys' bedroom door. I've taken them down and then find a new one up again later. Belle can't read it, so I'm not worried about sparing her feelings yet. (and she does what she wants anyway!!) And I guess it's just the boys being boys. I'm not going to worry about it. It guess it's kind of cute.....for now.

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Mr. Smarty-Pants

Brady-holding up his honor roll certificate.

He and his brother are doing so well in school.

The difference is that Brady actually enjoys it. He got an

award for making the honor roll and got to take his dad

to a breakfast where they honored all the students and ate cinnamon rolls.

I'm so proud of him, but really can't take any credit. He completely

takes after his smarty-pants dad in this area.

I will take credit for his amazing good looks. :)

September

2011-01-20T00:53:00.001-08:00

Double Digits!

Where the heck did the time go....I'm feeling so very old.

And so very blessed to have such an amazing kid as my son.

Happy 10th Birthday Schmack!

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I was able to go to Virginia and visit my sister Kate and her family....all alone. ;)

Isn't my sis so beautiful?

I think so...

Her kiddos are pretty cute too.

I was lucky enough to leave mine at home.

We went to Gettysburg and toured the town, the historic sites and even took a ghost tour.

This is me and Maddy (who was obsessed with wearing these uncool/cool glasses the whole time...what a goofball!) following the crowd....trying to spot a ghost.

This was our Ghost Tour guide....she was a hoot. And made a killing on all us suckers, who paid her to show us all the spooky places and ghosts.
However....if you look in the middle top square pane in the window....there really is a face.
It's kinda creepy!!

Kate and her family. Me and some "weird duck" who dresses like a soldier just for fun. Like his earing? lol!

My sister swore she would find me a frog and she delivered.

What a cute little frog....I was so excited!

Love this picture.

We went to the Smithsonian and spent the day looking around.

Kate....my poser sister.....posing of course.

I'm not a poser like my sister...

just trying it out here, with her "instruction" of course.

Thanks for a great time Kate!!

August

2011-01-20T00:14:00.000-08:00

In August, Josh's niece Kamber got married.
It was so fun to be a part of the festivities and be
with them on their special day...especially in the temple.
Belle was asked to be one of the flower girls and of course she was
SO excited. She stuck by Kamber's side as much as she could during
the reception....it was pretty cute.

The beautiful bride and the groom.

Dancing with daddy.
Priceless.

She's got her momma's moves!!

Most of the Butler Clan

And this is what he thought of it all.....such a boy.

SCHOOL STARTED!

The big 4th grader. .... What a fake smile. He did not want school to start. :)

The big 3rd grader...with a genuine "I'm so excited for school to start smile"....even though it also looks fake. hahaha. I guess I've told my boys to "smile" way too many times.

July

2010-09-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

Let see...what's next (trying to update in order)

My sweet sister-in-law and I did a shower for our niece in July.

(My sis-in-law, Anna & me)

I went ALL homemade. It was a lot of work, but fun. And it turned out great. Her wedding colors were red, orange and yellow...in the more "autumn" tones, so I decided to work around that.

My favorite, was this little creation. I gathered some twigs/branches and spray painted them an off-white color. I stuffed them in a vase that I took from a friend, who was getting rid of it. I also painted that - straw yellow. As for the flowers...yes, each one is handmade. I made all different kinds, in different shades of her wedding colors. Each flower is actually a clip, so they can be worn in the hair, as a brooch, or clipped to a purse or bag. This was the "thank-you-for-coming gift, and as everyone left, they got to choose their flower. It was funny, because EVERYONE put theirs in their hair and sat a chatted for a bit. I should have taken a picture!

The cute little bird cage, I got from Michaels. I gave it a light coat of "ocean blue" spray paint, and glued in a bird. I LOVE birds.

For the prize gifts, I just bought a few dollar note pads, mod-podged them in much cuter paper....added a flower/bow, a pen and some cute words. I think they turned out pretty cute. I also made a couple packages of cards. Each set had a variety of different occasion cards. Something EVERYONE could use.

Remember my 'love notes' post? Well, I made one for the bride as my shower gift. These are so fun and cute, but also so inexpensive and easy to make!!

Dressing up the "beverages" added to the "decor"

AND, I never once had to tell people what they had

to choose from!!

See those flowers?

My adorable friend help me make those!

You can get the instructions here.

I think they turned out great....and they won't ever die!

And the best part....

My sis-in-law picked up these little beauties for dessert. Heaven! These are from the cupcake shop called "Sprinkles". And they are DE-LISH-OUS! I'm going to have to try all the flavors. My throat is tickling just thinking about it!!!!

Scottsdale

2010-09-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

More summer updates: (I'm not very good at this blog thing!)

My sister Eden and her family invited me and "mine" to join them at their timeshare. They changed it to Scottsdale, so we could just meet them there and we had so much fun.

There are only 2 things to do when you are in the Arizona heat: Stay inside, blast the A/C, and try not to be bored. OR....go swimming. And swimming we did!!! The kids have turned into some serious fish overnight. Brady, who used to be a "wall-er" is now diving and swimming in the deep end. He even goes down slides by himself, which is HUGE, because he used to cry and the mere mention of going down...even with mom or dad. Belle of course is fearless...with her floaties of course, but it will be pretty soon that they will come off and she will be joining her brothers. And Zach is a natural. I think we are going to sign him up for the swim team here. Michael Phelps here we come!

Belle and Gracie - our niece

My brother -in-law Scott celebrated his birthday while we were there and we got his cake at 'Nothing Bundt Cakes'. Oh, my gosh....I love this place. We got the carrot cake, which is divine, and his favorite but my favorite is the red velvet. Go try it...you'll be glad you did and you won't care about the calories!!!

We also drove up to Flagstaff to hang out for the day. I love this place. It's like Utah in Arizona. "sigh". While we were there, we stopped in at Salsa Brava, which was on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. And boy was it ever delicious!!! I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food, but this place was so yummy.

Yum, Yum, Yum!

Up in the mountains.

After Scottsdale, we were able to keep Gracie with us for 3 weeks. The kids had so much fun with her at our house and she was such a good girl!

Thanks Eden, Scott and Gracie for a fun time! We love you guys!!

Brady Boys' Baptism...

2010-08-20T00:22:00.000-07:00

Brady turned EIGHT in May and was so excited for his baptism....

It turned out to be such a wonderful day, even though many loved ones couldn't make it.

Our sweet little boy was all smiles. We are so proud of him and his decision to be baptized.

Grandma Sally and Papa came down from Tucson and Aunt Edie, Uncle Scott and Gracie came from Utah.

They all made Brady's day so much more special!

I love this little boy so much!

2010-07-12T23:42:00.000-07:00

This Girl....

She is...

busy,
funny,
happy,
bossy,
imaginative,
LOUD,
beautiful,
persistent,
PERSISTENT,
messy,
SMART,
witty,
hilarious,
opinionated,
stubborn,
loving,
carefree,
adorable,
on-the-go,
PRECIOUS.

She is MINE....

Utah

2010-06-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a visit to Utah. I drove the 11 hours there, all by myself with 3 kids and a trailer. Didn't think I could do it...I'm "stonger" than I thought. We got there safe and sound. (Actually, the van sufferend a small hole in the bumper from me trying to back the trailer up, but she's going to be o.k.....:)

So I wasn't very good at taking pictures....but here's what I got.

I had such a great time visiting with my friends. These girls mean so much to me. (Holly, you were missed at dinner!!) It was like I had never moved. We just picked up where we left off. These girls are definately "lifers".

And of course the kids had so much fun visiting their friends. This is our cute neighbor Bella. They were friends with her the day she moved in..... She is such a sweet girl and took to the boys like glue....I'm hoping that we will stay in touch with them, cause I wouldn't mind if she hooked up with one of the boys. Of course, when they are much older. :)

And of course, we saw our sweet, and fiesty neice Gracie. We are excited because Gracie is going to visit us here in Arizona and stay a few weeks. Hopefully she can endure the heat!

We also celebrated Brady's birthday. He is 8 and I can't believe it. He will be getting baptized at the end of June, and he is so excited. I am so grateful for this kid. He makes my life easier. He's my "easy" child....:)....quiet and thoughtful. Listens well and is such the peacemaker. He'll still snuggle with his mom and LOVES to have his back tickled. He is so handsome and friends with ALL the girls...I know he's going to break some hearts. Happy Birthday Brady. I love you!

The Fair

2010-04-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

Over Spring break the Yuma Fair was going on.

The kids had a great time of course.

Me, I would have rather gone to Disneyland. :)

For what we paid, we almost could have!

What a rip-off!

I have to laugh, because before we went, Josh stopped

off at the ATM. I asked him when he got in the car

how much he got. $40. I DID laugh. He got back out and got

another $20. I rolled my eyes, but didn't say anything.

(laughed inside instead)

And a $125 later......yep folks. That's what it costs to go

to the fair.

$16 admittance for the 5 of us...not bad.

$43 for 60 ($.75each ticket) tickets to ride the rides. (5 tickets to ride each ride...thats $3.75 for each ride per person. It cost our family $18.75 to ride the freakin ferris wheel and go around 4 times!!!)

$22 for dinner

$8 for drinks

$9 for cotton candy for 3 kids

$15 to win 2 cheap light sabers (one is already broke) and a red stuffed mouse.

I can't exactly say where the other $10ish went...it doesn't even matter. It makes me sick to think about.

Like I said, I would have rather gone to Disneyland.

Next year maye, because we WON'T be going to the world's most expensive, (and ghetto, might I add) fair!!!

The kids enjoying themselves. I guess
that is what matters.

New blog...

2010-03-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

I know....everyone seems to be "acquiring" one of these. A craft blog. Well, what can I say. I have one now too. But before you roll your eyes....go take a look.

Pretty please?

www.mbellishedyou.blogspot.com

Cheese....

2010-03-22T23:43:00.000-07:00

An updated picture of us.
The kids are doing so great and
are already getting so tan. Josh too.
Me? I guess you lose your ablity to tan as you age.
Still white. And don't ask what my hair is doing in this picture.

Mmmm

2010-03-12T07:42:00.000-08:00

It was surpising to me as I've drove around
this new city, just how many citrus groves there are.
Alot.
And everyone seems
to have a one or more citrus
trees in their backyard.
For the past 2 weeks, I've
been the lucky recipient
of someone who couldn't eat
their grapefruit
fast enough.
And I couldn't either...so I
made juice instead.
Delicious.
I drink it as slowly as I can
so I can taste its
summery goodness.
It's like sunshine in a cup.

Wish I could send some to
my Utah friends!

Belle

2010-03-04T23:53:00.000-08:00

She turned 4. She is growing up so dang fast, I physically feel my heart ache for the power to make time slow down.
I love this little girl. Our days are spent together, keeping each other company. She's my little side-kick.
She makes me smile and laugh. She is amazing.

A few funnies:

-"thats awright mom...it was a assident" (after she's spilled or made a mess of something)
-"that is so imprested" (impressive). She even uses it in the right context.
-"your bum is jiggly mom! (well, maybe not so funny)
-"you are my best mom!" (how many does she have???)

Outsmarting those crooks!

2010-02-11T16:28:00.000-08:00

I think it's funny (not hahaha) how 'the people' who make
Valentine "kits" for kids to take to school, only put
20-24 cards in each box. Really? I have never
been able to buy just 1 box for 1 classroom. Usually,
the classroom has 25-28 kids....and that's if the
school isn't "packed". (Zach has 33!!)

So this year I became a rebel. I made my own.
And it was easy-peasy! I bought these oversized
smarties, printed labels for the boys (saved me the
time of them having to write their name on EVERY one)
and stuck em' on. Brady didn't even want to write
his classmates names, so I typed all the names on his.
Zachery now only has to write his friends names on his
before I stick the labels on. No tape, no envelopes,
no 4 boxes of Valentines and 3 bags of candy.

I'm feeling like a genius right about now.

2010-02-11T09:41:00.000-08:00

Shanna is not sleeping here.

She is trying to "collect herself' before

she pees her pants.

"watch out cheerleaders....we're going to take you down!"

Yes, we all know that I miss these people terribly.

But I'll spare you today.

I just had to post these great pictures, because

they are definately worth everyone seeing.

I love how fun and carefree we all can

be with each other.

That, I know, is what true friendship is all about.

2010-02-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

Here's the house. The hubby did a really good job finding it.

It looks really cluttery. It's hard fitting stuff from a house twice it size inside it!

AND, I even have my office. We bunked the boys up, with promises
of having their own rooms again in a few years. And they've been loving it.

It's definately a lot easier to keep clean.

And yes, the paint in the bathroom is GOING to GO...rental or not.
Hideous!

Missing you

2010-02-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

I have amazing friends. I've always known this.
They each have so much beauty, talent,
individual-ness and
so many attributes,
that make each of them so special.
We have so much fun together. And I know
they are always there
for me, no matter what.
These last few weeks, they have stepped up
and have shown how much they love me.
I am grateful for all that they bring into
my life. They each are a part of my soul.
They always will be.
I love you girls!

Christmas

2010-01-14T07:52:00.000-08:00

-Decorating Mom's Delicious Sugar Cookies

-Family Christmas Party with "Out of Control Bingo"

-Seeing the most "real" Santa

-Little sister Kate and her family of 5, staying with us for 2 weeks

-Opening presents

-Eating mom's secret recipe cheeseball

-Seeing the lights and nativity at Temple Square

-Singing songs around the piano

-Impromptu chin people - lip sync

-Cookie exchange with BEST FRIENDS

-Eating those cookies with BEST FRIENDS

-Drinking lots of hot chocolate

-Counting our blessings

-Being with the people we love most

-Remembering the birth of our Savior

-Wishing this time of year didn't end so fast

A bit of us....

2009-11-18T14:35:00.000-08:00

We celebrated our oldest's 9th birthday.

I can't believe he is 9! He is the perfect son and we

are so blessed to have him as a part of our family.

(Daddy made the pokemon cake all by himself....

what an awesome dad!!)

The honey and I celebrated our 10th anniversary.

I am so lucky to be married to my one true love.

You are amazing baby.

I'll love you forever.

For Halloween this year, Belle was an angel. (of course!)

Zachery was a red lego....

(the most awesome homemade costume EVER!

and I didn't even get a decent picture...!)

Brady was the swine flu germ.

We had lots of fun hanging out with our dear friends

and the kids trick-or-treating with their buddies.

2009-09-16T08:42:00.001-07:00

Belle started preschool. I can't believe my youngest is in preschool already. It's kind of sad. I look at her and she looks so big! And talks so much! And acts all grown up n' stuff. And then I have a a few hours twice a week to go help at the boys school or be at home cleaning....ALONE, and it's so nice. I'm loving it. And so is she. It takes a few minutes in the car, coaxing her want to go, but the second she walks into her class, she doesn't look my way again.

This last week we were able to spend some time in Park City with my sister and her family. We had so much fun just getting away and doing little things together as a family. The kids had so much fun with their daily crafts, swimming and going down the slides.

Brady has always been kind of "whimpy" about going on rides at Disneyland, so we didn't expect much from him. And with Belle still being little, we didn't expect she would want to do much either. But I go to ride with her on both the coaster and the slide and I haven't laughed that hard in forever. She is fearless! She was screaming (in a good way) the whole way down and kept yelling "go faster!" What a nut! I was even a little nervouse going down the coaster, but not her!

Thanks so much Eden and Scott for a good time and a nice break. We love you guys!

2009-08-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

Not too much to write about. The boys are in school. Loving it. Love their teachers. Love their friends. I'm loving a few hours without no fighting or weird noises.
Belle will start preschool in a week. Hopefully she likes it and will go willingly. As for now we just play. Well, she plays, makes lovely messes and I clean up. (I know my life is not "different" from most you out there....not complaining) I have enjoyed having some time with her though. She is so funny. And picks up on the weirdest stuff. Her new phrase is "that's gis-GUSTing" (disgusting) She says it to everything I cook for dinner lately. So in turn, yes, she has gone to bed a few times very, very hungry.

As I write this, I'm sitting here looking at this room. It's pretty messy. Material and buttons everywhere. Papers from school, from church, unopened mail, unread magazines (that I feel so guilty not reading or tearing out the "good ideas" I swear I'm going to use, and never do) make up at least 3 very untidy piles. Little girl toys all over the floor. Stuff from Grandma's that I should probably just give to the DI, but can't bear to part with, even though I know I'll probably never use. And that's just this room. I could probably write 1 small paragraph about every room in my house and it's "mess". ...And here I sit at the computer and write on my blog. I have absolutely NO motivation or will to tackle my house. And that makes me even more depressed.

So help. Give me some ideas. I am SERIOUSLY thinking about "unloading" half this house's possessions. (my possessions really, since the hubby probably wouldn't claim much to be his "own") Including my scrapbook paraphernalia. I am dead serious. I just can't handle all this stuff anymore. Even when it's all put away, I still know it's there and it drives me crazy.

My dilemma is this: If I get rid of "it", YES, it would be like a breath of fresh air. I wouldn't have to worry about it, clean it, store it, fix it, dust it....etc. etc. But I would have to go BUY a new one (whatever it "is") if I needed it in the future. And obviously that costs money. So is that wasteful? OR, if I keep it, I get to store it, clean it, dust it, have it take up room in my house and sap my energy and TIME with all the other "things" in my house. BUT, if I need it, I have it!!

So whats more valuable? My time to do things I enjoy. Less time cleaning and rearranging "stuff". More "room" in my house. OR, my money. And the peace of mind knowing I "have" it around in case I need it.

I know. I sound like a crazy person. Although, how nice would it be to sit out on the patio and finger paint in your swimsuit? See where I'm going with this people?? Maybe not.

(Miss B, enjoying her time at home with mom)

2009-07-31T23:24:00.001-07:00

There is just so much to do....and not enough time. Ever!

2009-07-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Loving summer. Loving that the kids

are home and we don't have a "bed time".

Loving going on walks a dusk and playing tag

at the park. Loving coming up with activities and crafts

for the kids to do and the excitement at their

completed projects. Loving how happy they get

over a popcicle or running through the sprinklers

Wishing I was young and carefree again.

Wishing I could run through the sprinklers with

popcicle juice running down my arm, not really caring.

Wishing someone else would pick up my soppy-wet towel,

wash it and put away, only to use it the very next day.

Wishing my butt looked this cute in my swimsuit.

Happy summer!

2009-06-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

At our house, it's soap in the mouth for not telling the truth. And here's the boy's last night.

It wasn't a big lie. When asked if they had washed while in the shower, they both said they did. When asked again, they said yes, even though the soap was pretty much out of reach. When asked how they got the soap, they said that the taller of the two was able to reach it, they washed, and then put it back. Now me, being a lover of clean, fresh smelling babes, could not smell my favorite aroma of Johnson & Joshnson wash. And then the guilt set in and they fessed up that they had NOT, in fact, washed.

Pretty minor infraction. But nonetheless, I still had to follow through with the consequences.

I know this all too well from my own childhood, that not following through with your "or else's" makes for a lot of eye rolling and disrespect. My dad is the KING of making threats and NEVER following through. Although, its hard to follow through on "You think you're crying now? When I'm through with you, you won't be able to STOP crying!", or "Cut the crap or I'll knock you upside the head so hard you won't ever walk straight!".... there's more, but I don't want to paint my wonderful dad as a scary, angry, verbally abusive father. He's definatly not. He did have EIGHT kids though, which would make any parent a little "testy" and always at their wits end. :)

Well, here's is child #3, after she followed my around the house and requested to have some soap like her brothers. I said OK and was prepared for the tears and gagging. I got none. Just smiles and giggles. I asked her if it tasted good and she said "yep!" I asked her if she like eating soap and she said "yep!". I guess I need to rethink my consequence for fibbing. What to do......?

2009-06-08T23:38:00.001-07:00

So I feel like I'm always updating. Probably cause I am. But I am going to do so much better! (lol)

Here is some exciting news!... Josh has a Job! Yeah! (Thank you so much Casey and Lauren....we seriously LOVE you guys) He now works at California Packaging as a rep....which is "new territory" for him. But he is doing great and enjoying it so far. And if anyone needs any kind of packaging material....or knows of anyone else who could use it....well, now you know who to call!!

Other than that...there is no SUPER exciting stuff going on. I just got finished with my big scrapbooking order for my client. I've been "holed up" in my office for about 2 weeks working on her son's scrapbooks (I ended up finishing THREE!!) that she is giving to him for his graduation. I am so proud of myself for finishing 3! Now I know I have no excuse for not getting a BIG CHUNK of my own scrapbooking done this summer!! (if anyone would like to join me, I am usually up til the wee hours of the morning scrappin' away!)

The boys are doing so good in baseball. Tomorrow is their last game. And while their team didn't "win" many games, they both improved so much this year. Of course for "mom", its always fun to just go and watch and see how "cute" they are in their uniforms.

Brady just turned 7 and has had so much fun riding his new bike. He finally decided he wasn't scared to learn to ride it and took about 5 minutes to learn. Now he is waking me up early every morning (EARLY!!), asking me if he can go outside. Gotta love early risers!

Zach is getting so big so fast and I'm realizing, with much sorrow, that he is not my little boy anymore. (sob, sob) He hasn't really "changed".... but he has. Just in the way he talks, and the things he knows.....the things he finds "important" and "cool" now... he's growing up. One thing I am so grateful for though, is the person he is becoming. He is such a sweet, loving boy. He is so tender-hearted with his sister (most the time) and with his younger neighbors. He acts like a big brother to them all....always ready to give them a hug and play with them. It is so sweet. He's like that with me too. He never leaves the room without giving me a big squeeze. I love it.

As for the youngest, well....she is "fun". I don't really know how to summarize her just yet. Some days it's good, some days, well, not so much. But she is a lot of fun and I've enjoyed listening to her growing vocabulary. (some good, some bad - thanks dad!) She has also started into the "play house, or store" phase where they have such a big imagination. She takes me to the store and buys me whatever I want, everyday! (I think she is hinting to me) Her BIG thing right now is seeing the Bountiful Temple EVERY time we are in the car. Except it is her "castle". If she can't see it from wherever we are driving, she instructs us to "turn right, right here!" so the car will face a different direction and she'll be able to see it. It is actually pretty cute. Today I had her in Salt Lake and she could not stop talking about the capitol building. I think this week, we are going to have to visit Temple Square....I think that just might win her over. :)

Conclusion: Kids are great...I love em' lots! Husband has a job....Hooray! (and I love him lots too!) Life is good! :)

2009-04-29T11:50:00.001-07:00

I know. I know! I am such a blog slacker. Which is totally fitting of me. My maiden name is Zacher. For a few of my friends, I was known a slacker Zacher. There you go. That’s my excuse.
My sweet grandpa passed away on April 1. He was such an amazing person and grandpa. He would have been 97 in May. 97! He lived such a full and great life. This past month I have constantly been reminded of the way he lived….not finding joy in “things” but in the ones we love and things we experience together. I know he didn’t come to the end wishing he had decorated his house better or with more expensive furniture. I know he didn’t leave, wishing he had driven a better car or had worn the lasted fashions. I know he didn’t leave regretting that he didn’t buy his kids more toys, more electronics, more “stuff”. I know he was proud that they traveled often, near and far, as a family, and as a couple and made wonderful, wonderful memories together. Memories that will stay with his children and grandchildren forever. I know that he was proud that they worked hard and played hard. I know that he was confident in his testimony of our Savior and up to the very end, only a few hours before he passed peacefully in his sleep, he was bearing his testimony to his family. We will miss our sweet grandpa. A lot. But we are comforted, knowing he is back in the presence of our Father and has been reunited with his life’s love I am so happy that they are together again.
I have a nest. Like my friend Heidi, who has a nest of eggs in a tree in her yard. I have a nest of eggs on my front door in my Valentine wreath (“slacker”). It is so lovely. Except for the few times we have forgotten to warn momma bird that we were opening the door! Poor thing. Luckily, she didn’t loose her panicky, nervous bowels anywhere in my living room. Yet. I’m not sure what we are going to do when those baby birds enter the world. I might have to block my front door completely. I would really hate any of my family or friends to loose and eye or get pecked to death!
That’s about it. Well…..about all that is worth mentioning. Plus, I’m at work. And I’m a good employee. And I don’t work on ‘personal’ things when I’m at work. :0)
Toodaloo!

not much...

2009-03-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

Don't you just feel a little pathetic when you can't find ANYTHING to "blog" about? I have nothing. I could write about how utterly disgusting my kitchen floor is and that I should probably go and sweep, mop, and mop it again....only to have it spilled on, dropped on, crumbed-up tomorrow. And no-one wants to hear about my floor anyway. I would love to write about how amazing I've done at scrapbooking the, possibly thousands of pictures I need to get done, and how utterly adorable each page is. But I haven't scrapbooked for, well, a while. Perhaps I should write about the romantic getaway to a sunny, beachy, oceany place that my hubby and I are taking to get out of this dang weather. But I would just be leading you (my 1 reader) on, because no, unfortunately, we haven't "booked" that trip just yet. I wish I could write that my wonderful husband finally got a job offer that we couldn't resist and he starts on Monday. (The Monday AFTER our "getaway"). But no such luck. No job. Yet.

I will however thank all of you (you know who you are) for the many prayers, and kind words of love and encouragement in our behalf...with Josh's search for new employment. I am so blessed with wonderful family and friends. And, I know we are going to be just fine.

Recap...

2009-02-28T13:57:00.000-08:00

So the last month has been a little....well, lets just say we've been a little pre-occupied with things other than our blog. But, because I haven't written in my journal, the kid's journals or in anything else, I figure it would just be easiest to update it all here....

At the end of January, my little sister, Kate, and her family moved to Virginia. Yeah...kind of far away. We had a little get-together before they went.... (Miss you Kate.....Alot!)

........My family......... Some of the cousins

Me and Katie-bugg

Next it was Josh's Birthday. The best part of his birthday was

the cards that Zach and Brady made for their dad. I was so proud of them....

they made them ALL on their own.

Zach: "Dear Dad

Happy 32 Birthday!!!

I hope you make a wi-

sh and I hope it com-

es true. I really love you!!!

You are the best d-

ad a child could ev-

er have. Love z-

ach" (exactly how he wrote it)

(sniffle, sniffle)

Brady: "Dear Dad Happy

birthday you

are the best dad

in the whole world

love brady"

Kids are precious......

Next it was Valentines...

We woke up to Valentine's gifts and ate pink heart pancakes.

Then, while still in our pj's, we made yummy sugar cookies.

It was a fun day that we spent just being together and having fun.

AND eating the best sugar cookies ever, of course.

And last but not least, it was my sweet Belle's birthday. Oh, how I love this girl. And as much as I might complain that she is so spoiled (by her dad, of course), I wouldn't change a thing about her. She completes our little family and is such a joy to have around.

Happy Birthday beautiful girl.

It's been a while....

2009-02-09T16:55:00.000-08:00

So life has been a little crazy since our last post. Exactly 1 week after Josh finished school, he surprised us in coming home early from work. Being a Kennecott employee, this NEVER happens! It only happened this particular day BECAUSE, as of that morning, he was no longer employed at Kennecott! Yep! He is a "statistic"! Now, go ahead and pick your chin up off the floor. We are doing ok....considering. And as long as he can find another job in the next few months, we should be just fine. (pray for us!)
Then, exactly 1 week after THAT, I went in for my long awaited surgery of having a hysterectomy. And I am doing fine. I do feel like I just had a baby. And I do NOT make a very good druggie. And the best part is that I was able to keep 1 of my ovaries, so no "hormones" and "trial and error" for me!

And that's our update.

I do have to "blog" about something funny before I'm done.....so over the weekend, I took advantage of my many coupons and went to Smith's for their sale on Fruit Snacks. I had 16 coupons, so of course I stocked up! I tried to get a variety, and Fruit by the Foot was included in the sale, so I got a few of those. Well, Josh packed 1 for each of the boys in their lunches today. And upon arriving home from school, Zach says to me....
"mom, are you and dad my REAL parents?"
Me: "ummm....yeeaaahhhh."
Zach: "I mean are you the same parents that I had a while ago?"
Me: "ummmm....yeeeahhhh. I'm still the same mom that gave birth to you and raised you and your brother and sister."
Zach: "well, it's like you're different parents cause you bought us Fruit by the Foot."

Funny kid.

Way to Go Babe!!!

2009-01-19T17:16:00.000-08:00

Schedule: 4-14 hr. nights, off 3, 3-14 hr. days, off 1, 3-14 hr. nights, off 3, 4-14 hr days, off 7

(don't hurt yourself trying to visualize)

Full time Student = homework every night

Full time Daddy = play time, cuddle time, wrestle time, etc, etc

Full time Husband = play time, cuddle time, wrestle time!!! ;)

Such a busy guy...but oh so wonderful. It finally paid off!
Congratulations....2 degrees!!! No more homework...more "US" time!!!

Love you babe!!

Potty Training Progress Report:

2009-01-04T18:17:00.000-08:00

2008-12-30T14:25:00.000-08:00

Can you believe Christmas is over for another year? Wow. That was fast. And again, as with every Christmas, I regret the time I spent stressing and fretting over gifts and what to do for everyone, and NOT enough time spent on having fun with my family, friends and enjoying the real reason we celebrate this time of year.

SO, on the top of my resolution list is..."a better Christmas 2009." And I'm starting early. I have marked my new calendar, starting in July with things I need to get done each month, like teacher and visiting teacher gifts, getting out and buying ingredients for recipes that I want to try and make with my kids, and making sure I schedule some time in for Temple Square, maybe a Christmas play and some time with the kids going sledding. (I'll sit in the car with my hot chocolate while Josh takes them! :)

Ultimately, I would like it if I didn't have to go to the store 1 time in December for a gift. Wouldn't it be nice if the whole month or December felt "Christmas-y"? I'm sure that is why I feel like Christmas comes and goes so fast every year...because by the time I get things done...it's pretty much over. !!!

However, we did have a good Christmas. I love this time in our family where the kids are SO very excited about everything they get.

SO excited in fact, I could have saved myself some money and stocked up on $.99 silly putty!

I will preach loud and clear people....until your kids reach 4-5ish...they don't really care how big or how grand the gifts are. They actually do like the small, cheap stuff. I was so excited to get Belle some Disney Princess dolls...all 8 of them in fact. She also scored a set of my little ponies. And I haven't seen her carry around 1 since she opened them! She has carried around and slept with her little pink egg full of silly putty since Christmas day. "What the heck?"

Here's to next year.....

Oh-Yeah....we can REALLY dance like this! (Pause the music down below so you can hear our jive'in tune!)

2008-12-18T21:29:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Body Love

2008-12-12T11:44:00.001-08:00

Not really sure about "claiming" that I love the shape of my body. It is something I think about constantly and way too much. Something that every morning when I pull my pants on, I wish were different. And I'm sure I'm not the only girl in the world with these thoughts...there might be a few more of you out there.... :) However, I was updating myself with this amazing story and it really struck me how grateful I need to be and should be for my body. It is such an amazing GIFT that our Father in Heaven has given each of us. And I realized that by wishing so bad that I could change it, I was in turn saying to Him, "I don't like it, I want a new one"... like a snotty little child opening a gift and turning up their nose, because it wasn't good enough. I should also be so grateful that my body is healthy and strong. There is nothing wrong with it. Just last week I threw out my back and was in bed for 2 days. I couldn't do anything. It hurt to walk, it hurt to sit, & it hurt to lay in certain positions. I'm am so grateful that it was only temporary. And I'm so grateful that my body has the ability to mend and heal itself. Just like hers. Our bodies are amazing. I found THIS BLOG throught the one above, and it's my new favorite. It was empowing to read. It made me feel better about myself. I think every girl should visit this blog....it will make you feel a little better about yourself. And that's a good thing.

2008-11-26T17:03:00.000-08:00

So, I'm a Bella and Josh is a Carlisle. Fun little test. But what was really fun was actually going to the movie with some of the best friends a girl could have. We went and had a little snack at the Village before we went and then it was off to the movie. I'll admit, I was a little anxious and giddy to see the movie. Kind of like waking up on Christmas morning....you know what it's all about, but you aren't really sure what you're going to get. Did I like??? It was great. A little corny at first, but the fans that kept yelling and acting all goofy didn't help. But Edward was dreamy and Bella was just as I imagined her. Am I going to read the books again? Yep!..... Am I going to go see it again? Who wants to go with me?!?

2008-11-11T11:23:00.000-08:00

It's been a while..... Here's a little update:

We had a great time on Halloween this year, and I even got into the spirit, which was a pleasant surpise to the kids, as we told them "mom and dad only dress up every other year." (who comes up with dumb/lazy rules like that??.....Us!) Josh's dad and Grandma Rose flew in from Tucson to be with us through the weekend for Zach's baptism. It was fun to be able to spend Halloween with them! We went trick-or-treating for a little while and went up to my parent's house for my mom's annual Halloween party. As usual she went crazy with Halloween themed food, (I should've, but didn't take any pictures!) and her famous, and my favorite, Pumpkin Soup. Yummm!

After some more trick-or-treating and some games, we called it a night.

The next morning we got up early and started getting ready for Zach's Baptism. What a wonderful experience.....it was a perfect day. We had the support of so many family and friends (thank you everyone!), and Zachery had such a wonderful experience. The smile and look on his face said it all.

We are so proud of our Zachery. He is an awesome boy with amazing energy and talent. He is always happy and helpful and is such a good big brother to Brady and Belle. He is our little "leader" at home, always reminding us to have family prayer and family home evening. We are so happy and blessed he is a part of our family.

Love you Zach!

Belle's newest lingo....

2008-10-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

Here's are a few of the funny things

Belle is saying lately.....

"hey.... i know....." says this when she's digging in her toys, deciding what to put in one of her many purses.
"ow bout....ow bout....dis one" (how about this one) says this also when she's looking through her stuff, deciding what to put in one of her many purses, or to push around in her stroller. (her dollies don't get too many rides)
"wemmy see...." (let me see)... says this when...see above.
"moommmm, what you doin here?" ...(mom, what are you doing in here?) says this to me....kind of in a mommy-ish sounding voice, like she's scolding me. I wonder where she got it from????

And my favorite: "whaaat daaaa hick!?!?" .....(what the heck?!?!)... says this ALL the time, in response to EVERYTHING.

I LOVE this stage when they pick up on everything and say them at the weirdest times. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have my kids to make me SMILE!

New Jersey

2008-10-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

So here are some pictures from my trip to New Jersey.

It was so great to see my Grandma...it was 10 years ago that I saw her last.

She is 94 years old and so cute and "spunky"...and also a little ornery...just like my dad!

We also visited with other relatives, some of whom I've never met, and the rest it's been at least 20 years since I've seen!

Me & my sisters w/ Gran...... My Dad, Uncle Bill,

Aunt Joan and their mom.

Iris, Randi, Amanda & Mike (my cousin).....My Cousin Jeff (who reminds me of the guy

from the Dukes of Hazard!)

While we were there, we went to Philidelphia a few times. (Scariest drivers in America!!!) My dad loved showing us around his old "stompin' grounds", and it was neat to hear all his stories from when he was a kid/teen. (He was a trouble-maker!!)

We toured the Betsy Ross House....it felt so patriotic.

We went to Reddington Terminal...an old train terminal that has almost 100 different vendors/shops. We had a Yummy Philly cheesesteak from Rick's Steaks and did some shopping. It was great fun.

The "Rocky Steps"... the steps
Rocky runs up in his movies
"Adrienne!"

We went to the Ben Franklin Institute and saw the "REAL PIRATES" exhibit. So if you don't believe in Pirates, just talk to me....they were real. I even saw a REAL Pirate Treasure AND touched real Pirate coins. It was pretty cool. I did get a little choked up though...knowing I was there without my two pirate-loving sons. They wouldn't even allow cameras in, so I couldn't take any pictures for them! O-well.

Also in Phily, we toured the Eastern State Penitentiary. That was our most favorite place of all. It is the oldest historic prison in the country, and people say it is haunted. It was amazing....in a very creepy way. And to top it off, we went to the Penitentiary at NIGHT for the Haunted "Prison" they have. It is ranked the 6th scaries haunted house in America, so we HAD to go. Were we scared? Yes. Did we almost not go? Yes. But we invited our cousin Jeff to take us, (THANKS JEFF!!!) and since he was planning on going with 5 scaredy-cat girls, we couldn't really bail on him AFTER we invited him. So we went. And was it scary? No! It was the dumbest haunted house I've ever been to! I was so bugged!! $30 too! So I'm guessing the top 5 haunted houses must be in Utah....?

Here we are at the Boardwalk in Atlantic City.
We gambled $20 and won $26!! Big Gambers!! :)

We also ate at the Buffett in the Wild Wild West Casino.

Yuck. (Sorry Dad)

I don't know what it is about Buffett's and older people....but my Dad and Unlce were seriously in HEAVEN...and me, yeah...pretty much hell. Ask me about my "baked potato meltdown"....you'll see why!

We also went to Lancaster (Amish Country) and hung out for the day. It was the most beautiful "country" I've ever seen and if I could move there, I would in a heartbeat! I LOVED all the old houses and farms and how GREEN everything was. I especially loved how straight the crops were...I know....a little fettish of mine.

On the way home, my dad swung us by "Rita's" for the best Italian Ice. I got

a mix of Mango Italian Ice and Vanilla Custard.....YUM!!!

Hopefully "Rita's" will come to Utah someday.... my thighs really like it!!

All in all, it was a pretty good little trip. It was awesome hanging out with my sisters and parents and getting some quality time in with each other.

So thanks to my "New Jersey" family!!! I love you guys and hope to see you all soon!!! (We hope you can come out in the summer Amanda!!)

Me, Aunt Joan & Uncle Ted.

Love you guys!

It's GREAT to be 8!

2008-10-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

Zachery turned 8 while I was in New Jersey. His wonderful dad made him a cake for his special day...however, I had the camera with me, so no pictures of that. :( But you get an A+ for effort, Josh!! So yesterday we got together to celebrate his birthday along with his cousin, Gracie's.

The Big 8 Year Old!!

I love you Zach...I'm so proud of you

and glad to be your mom!

Love you

2008-09-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

It' our 9th anniversary today. And I'm leaving to New Jersey with my sisters and parents. (My Dad is from NJ). So on the day I should be home celebrating my marriage and all that it means, with my hubby, I'm leaving him for 6 days....with the children. And while I feel pretty guilty (guilt is my middle name!), I am so grateful for this opportunity he has given me to go have some bonding time with my sisters and some family time with my parents and my dad's family. So hon...I just wanted to let the world know (or whoever reads this blog) to know how grateful I am to have you. The last 9 years have been so wonderful. I know we have had plenty of trials come our way, and it hasn't always been easy....but I love you so much more than the day I married you. And that says to me that our next 9 years and the next 9 after that will be even more amazing, because we'll have each other. And how could one not be happy when she has her BEST friend, biggest supporter, amazing father and provider...her ONE TRUE LOVE by her side.

Happy Anniversary Baby.

We will celebrate when I get home!

Good Times

2008-09-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

So our wonderful friends Aaron and Lisa invited us to go with them to their cabin at Bear Lake. We had so much fun. And the kids had more fun than that! It was so nice that the boys could go out and play with their friends, wander around and go on "Adventures" (as Brady called it), and we only had to peek out and make sure they were ok every now and then. And it was so nice to just chill with some great friends.

So thanks Lisa and Aaron for a fun weekend...thanks for some great accomodations, some great food, an awesome time on the Lake, and letting a certain little boy play with your ski gloves for his 'adventures'. ;) Love you guys!

Update

2008-09-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

We haven't had anything "spectacular" going on...just the same old stuff. But I seem to have some fun pictures on my camera, so here is a little "picture update" from the last few weeks.

Here is Belle in her new room and new "big girl" bed. This was the 1st night

she slept in it...she did amazing and has since!!

We had our good friends, the Catenzaro's over for some food and some wii -play.

I'm pretty sure Gina kicked Anthony's butt at boxing!!!

"Thanks guys...it was lots of fun. I want a rematch Anthony!!"

(Isn't Belle and Aria so cute!!...Aria calls Belle "jinglebell"....adorable!!)

Here's my handsome younger brother, Charlie.

The kids love him and I think he's pretty awesome too.

Now if we could just find an awesome woman for him........;)

So at 2 & 1/2 years old, this is THE 1ST time Belle has

just randomly fallen asleep, ever! I was in

the kitchen, doing the dishes around 11:00am and I came in the

family room to check on her and she was out! I could not believe it, so

I had to call Josh AND take some pictures!!

With the boys gone at school, Belle has enjoyed her own "craft time"...

she especially loves painting, which I am never really in the mood for.

How can I resist..."mom, i paint....peeeeeeease!"

Josh's work had "Lagoon Day"...which the boys were so excited for.

We left Belle with my sister and took my neice, Gracie. It was fun...for a while.

(I'm not a huge Lagoon fan) but we had a good time.

And it was great to get Lagoon out of their system...

now when we drive down the freeway, I don't have to hear "we never go to Lagoon!"

My little sis, Kate, turns 30 tomorrow and her husband threw her a surprise

party tonight with all the family and her friends. It was fun. She is such a

great sister...I love her lots and can't wait to spend some "sis" time with her in

a few weeks when we go back East. Happy Birthday Kate!!

Well that's all for now folks.

Life is good.

2008-08-29T07:29:00.000-07:00

So I guess I should post some "1st Day of School" pictures.
The boys started last Thursday (whatever happened to
starting AFTER Labor Day?) And yes, mommy cried
when she dropped them off. BUT, things are much better
now, and I am enjoying the quietness for a few hours, the
house staying cleaner for a few more hours and less asking
for popsicles and snacks for a few hours. And the one on one
time with Belle has been fun. Not quite so many "girl
shopping sprees" as I imagined, but it's only been a week....
we'll get there. :)

Brady, the 1st Grader

Zachery, the big 2nd Grader

Gosh, I love these two.

Money Tree

2008-08-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

My boys got a magazine in the mail the other day.

A magazine full of Transformer costumes, Star Wars costumes...all the kinds

of costumes a little boy would salivate over, complete with accessories
head to toe. They also had motorized cars, tractors and 4 wheelers

that my boys are now dreaming about owning and riding across the
front lawn in.

And all I've heard for the last 48 hours is request after request

to buy something out of that dang magazine.

I would rather be in the checkout aisle at the grocery store with my three children

and all the "temptations"....all the "can I have this, can I have this, what

about this" as I'm checking out and silently wishing the check-out lady

would hurry up a little faster and "I don't care how you arrange all my stuff in the

bag...just throw it all in, pack it in tight (the less bags the better!!),

so I can get the hell out of here!".....

then have this magazine in my home.

Throw it away, you might say? Too late! It's pretty much engrained in

my child's head. He doesn't need to look at it anymore....he's memorized what he wants.

My sweet Brady has turned greedy as he's thumbed through this

magazine,which now looks like it's been ran over by a car a few dozen times.

(I'm tempted to do this myself!)

ONE of our conversations yesterday...
Brady: "mom, can I talk to you about something?"

Me: "is it about the magazine?"
Brady: "I just want to show you"

Me: "I told you I don't want to talk to you about that magazine anymore"

Brady: "mom, I just want to show you something"

Me: "Fine, show me...."

Brady: (magazine in hand) "what do you like better, the Yellow Clone Wars Clone Trooper (which by the way is $59.95 not including the gun which is an additional $12.95), or the Ninja Warrior? ($49.95). I think I want the Clone Trooper for Halloween and the Ninja for my Birthday (in May) and then I want the rideable tractor for Christmas (a mere $219.95).

Hmmmm. Keep in mind I have had this conversation about 4 times, prior to this one.

Me: "Brady, I need you to listen to me. I think the stuff in this magazine is really cool.

And I really want to be able to give you the things that you want in it. BUT, mommy doesn't have any money right now for these kinds of things. OK? So I want you put the magazine away, and I don't want to talk about it anymore."

Brady: "well, where can you get some money?"

Me: "where do you think I can get some money?"

Brady: "maybe at the park?"

Me: "what park? where would they have money at a park?"

Brady: "I dunno. Well, I didn't really mean to say that. I think you can

go get some money at the store.....:)
Me: "Brady, listen to mom. When you go to the store, YOU have to pay THEM money

to get the things you need. And the only way to get money is to work really hard for it.

Mommy doesn't have a job. So mommy doesn't get money from anyone. Daddy has a job.

And because he goes to work and does things for them, they pay him money. Then he takes his money and puts it in the bank where he keeps "ALL" his money :) Then he pays for things with his money like: this house, and our food and our clothes and cars....that is how it works. Do you understand?"

Brady: "Yes, I'm going to go ask dad if he can buy me a Clone Trooper".

You do that child. Go bug your dad for a while.

I'm tired. ;)

(here's Brady looking
at THE magazine)

Today

2008-07-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

today you sang along to a song on the radio.
today in the car you said, "mom, I hot",

and when I turned the a/c on, you said "geegoo mama" (thank you).
today you got 4 inches cut off of your lovely baby hair.
today you went and found your shoes all by yourself.
today you wanted to "chit chat" on the phone with your aunt.

today you grew up a little more.

don't grow up too fast,

my sweet bellaboo.

Playing Favorites

2008-07-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

So, I'm somebody's favorite. Yes, I'm Josh's favorite....that's just a given. (I'm his favorite EVERYTHING!) I'm also my dad's and I'm pretty sure my mom's favorite child. :) And I know for a fact, that I have a dozen or so neices and nephews that definately would call me their favorite aunt, not to mention a few sisters and at least one brother (maybe 2) that have whispered I'm their favorite sibling. I'll admit....a lot of people like me. ;) ;) And it's not easy being everyone's favorite. It's really hard! There's such pressure! And all the attention and extra love...I don't know how I do it, "day in and day out." And now, all these years that I've been married to Josh...well, let just say I've been "thisclose" to being pushed over the edge with favoritism. Don't get me wrong...I love Josh's family. (well, love is a pretty stong word for some of them :) They really are an awesome bunch. But what does a girl have to do? Again .... it's hard to admit, but I am "pretty sure" I'm Uncle Kim's favorite neice. (Josh's Uncle) Ever since day 1, I just had this feeling. And it was confirmed when I recieved my very own batch of his famous and delicious chocolate chip cookies for the first time. (I'm pretty sure no-one else get's their own batch but ME) It was even 'noted' that I didn't have to share. And I still remember the day when Josh and I were checking in at the airport, coming home from a visit with his family, and a uniformed officer walked over to us with a fresh batch of cookies. Uncle Kim made them but had a "time crunch" so sent another officer to deliver them to me before we flew home. Now if that isn't favoritism, I don't know what is! I think there have been very few visits to Tucson, where I haven't got a plate of chocolate chip cookies! (and I'm pretty sure it was because they were out of town!) I know, I know...I have it pretty hard. I just don't know what I'm going to do! And their visit here this weekend was no exception. They came over to visit and play games, and the next thing I know, he's mixing up a batch, just for me. I don't know....but I think I have quite a problem on my hands! I think I'm going to have to go figure this thing out....maybe while I nibble on a few chocolate chip cookies!

(We REALLY enjoyed seeing all of you: Kim, Judy, Dara & Jim....it was so much fun hanging out with you, painting, drinking "dirty water" and kicking your trash at Phase 10! Can't wait until we see you again! ;) .... we love you so much! )

Red, White and Blue

2008-07-07T13:49:00.000-07:00

It's tradition that every 4th, we go to my mom's for breakfast in the backyard. We all contribute something, but mostly my parents, do all the cooking and provide all the yummy food. And this year was no exception. We had red, white and blue waffles (strawberries, homemade blueberry syrup, and whipped cream.....uh-huh -- yumm!!!), eggs, homemade granola, bacon, sausage, and lots of fresh fruit. It was 'delish'. (Thanks mom and dad. You're the best :) After breakfast and some "hang-time" with the fam...we came home and crashed. Josh had only 2 hours of sleep before we went to my mom's, (he worked graveyards) and I only had a few hours myself....but not because I was working. I was naughty and stayed up all night to read a book. (thanks shan!) After our cat nap, Josh's Aunt Judy, Uncle Kim (visiting from Tucson) and cousin Dara and her husband Jim, came over and hung out for a little while. We all went to Eden's for a BBQ and then off to watch Lagoon's fireworks. It was a pretty fun night with some great company. The kids of course had fun...they always have fun when they aren't stuck at home with mom with "nothing to do". Belle had a great time getting to know Judy, Kim, Dara and Jim and was snuggling up to Dara by the end of the night, saying "woworks!" (fireworks). She is a stinkin' cute little thing. It was a great day! Hope your 4th provided good memories too!

Just Wondering

2008-07-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

So ever since the "computer crash", I've been a little paraniod about my pictures. Well it just occured to me, what if something happened to my blog? Back when I started this thing, it was really just for fun. Now that I look back on previous posts, I cherish every word I have written, as it is probably the only "account" I have of certain days, and specific "happenings" in the life of my little family. I love to write in my journal and those of my kids, but those times don't happen often enough, I'll admit.

SO...here's my question: Does anyone out there know how to print blog posts? I know I can just hit "print" and it will do, just that. But I want it to look nice. So is there a place that can do it? Or a technique I don't know about? If anyone has any suggestions, I would LOVE to hear them!

Happy blogging!

picture time!

2008-06-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

Our pictures finally came in today and I got the disks to preview them. Oh what a "fun" night we had posing for the camera. And by fun, I don't mean, a rip, roaring good time. More like frustrating, and exhausting...draining me and Josh of every ounce of patience we possess! Why is it that when you want your kids to be on their best behavior and just simply smile nicely for the camera for a little while,
they act like you have had them out in the sun for days with no water or food, toys, treats....nuthin'! (even while you are popping

jelly beans in their mouth after every "cheese." Well, I don't know why.

Must be the ages. Might even be that their mother is always sticking the
camera in their faces telling them them to "say cheese"...which has totally
lost it's effect. Now they do as they are told...they say cheese. And that's it.

"Whoever said you had to smile when you say cheese?"

Well, whatever. Here are some of the better pictures.

2008-06-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

So the saddest thing happened to me. I still haven't recovered.

Josh and I decided we needed a new computer. Actually, at the time, it was

more of a "want". Ours was running just fine. Or so we thought. We

took our computer down to PC Laptops and Josh ordered his

costom PC. They said when it was done, they would transfer all our of

hard drive files over to the new hard drive.

We got the call to come pick up the new one, and while Josh was

on the phone saying "uh-huh....really.....oh....I see....ok....bye"

my stomach dropped, knowing what I dreaded the most, just happened.

Our hard drive froze. It was on it's last leg. We would have been buying a

new computer days later out of "need" if we had waited.

And the horrifying news: my pictures (and other files). Gone. Stuck somewhere

on the little piece of metal, within more metal, and wires, and gizmos, and all sorts of "geeky" stuff. I know, I know....why didn't I save it to a disk, or external, or something?

Well guess what???

I DID!!! And the sickest thing...my external hard drive didn't do it's job (or I just did a horrible, ridiculous job of saving my files to it! ...probably the later) So I'm screwed. Well, almost. My dear sweet husband said he would pay whatever it takes to find someone to recover my hard drive. So please, cross your fingers and all of your other body parts for me! And

remember, don't be a dummy like me!!!

(Thank goodness I have alot of them uploaded to Costco. Hurray for Costco!!!)

In other news...my sweet Grandpa turned 96 a few weeks ago. Boy do I love my grandpa. He is the sweetest man I have ever known. Not once have I ever heard a single negative thing come out of his mouth. He is so loving, and I'm so glad we were able to celebrate this birthday with him!

Mr. Brady also had a birthday...the big 6. He is so funny. We do a friend party every other year, and this year was his family party. But he still wanted to go "all-out". When we went shopping for his cake, he went looking around for party favor sacks, hats, and wanted to know

if we could all dress up. I veto'd some of his requests, but decorated the house with streamers and balloons. And being the sweet boy that he is (and I hope he will always be!), he picked out little presents for his cousins, brother and sister...wrapped them, and gave them a gift after he opened his. It was a fun night!

And not to leave Zach and Belle out of the "update"....I snapped this picture of them

the other day, when Zach was reading a book to Belle. It was such a sweet moment.

Especially because Belle doesn't usually sit around for more than a few minutes!

What a good big brother!

pictures

2008-05-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

We are home and back to normal...

as normal as you can get when you feel like your life is always crazy!

California was awesome and so much fun...it was nice to have a "break"

and have some quality time with the kids.

Belle was so cute when we got to Disneyland. Everyone kept going on rides and of course she is too small to do much. She finally figured it out and started saying "I wide" (ride). So this first picture is of her on the big ferris wheel in California Adventure. The little booths spin when they get to certain levels and when it was our turn, she got SO excited. This is her yelling "yeeeeaaah!" It was so funny.

Like the expression on my face? Josh captured this moment as I had to go on, yet another, kid ride. He used the excuse that those kind of rides make him sick, so I was the lucky one who had to go on them all. Thanks sweetie :)

The beach was so much fun. We've done the beach before and the kids were afraid to go near the water, but this year they loved chasing the tide back and forth. Belle had fun chasing and running from the seagulls, and of course, I had fun just soaking up the rays.

These first 2 pictures are by far my favorite of my little girl. She was so funny at the beach, just chillin' with mom in the chair with her sunglasses on. What a "girl". The one with her laying on the nice clean pavement at Disney? Yep, that's a tanrum. I wouldn't let her keep my lip gloss, so she decided to throw a fit while we were waiting for the parade to start. As you can see from the picture, she had quite the audience!

So there you have it. Our trip in a nutshell.

We had such a great time, we are already making plans

for our next one! (crazy us!!!!!)

2008-05-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

still haven't attempted to see if i can download pictures...i should try that. maybe tomorrow. disney was fun. monday in california adventure and today in disneyland. the kids had so much fun and we had so much fun watching them have fun! i was so sad when it was time for the park to close. it really has been magical watching the kids and how excited they have been over seeing mickey or going on the dumbo ride. i love watching their eyes get that "sparkle" and their faces shine with joy... it's the best. i'm so grateful we were able to go on this vacation, and for the blessings we are givin to be able to do fun things with our kids. but most of all i'm thankful for my precious babes. they make so many moments in my life "magical".

2008-05-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

just relaxing in BEAUTIFUL newport beach, california. oh, i could live here. it is beautiful. we haven't done much...just chillin' in the condo and a little swimming. tomorrow we'll go to disney and hopefully, with 3 kids in tow, it will still be "magical". not sure if i can post any pictures to the laptop, but if we have the right cables, i'll post some of the beauty for all to see.

2008-05-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

So, I was reading a blog of a girl I went to high school with. She and I don't really know each other, but I "happened upon" her blog and was thus inspired. So I'm copying a little of her blog.... thanks Amanda for these words that have hit me hard and have inspired me.

She spoke of a lady in church, that talked about 3 keys for personal peace in her life:

1. Find happiness now. It is so easy to get caught up in the "what if's" and the "when's". I know for me, I am always thinking, "when I loose weight, then I'll be happier", "when Josh has a different job, I'll be happier", "when we make more money, I'll be happier", when I get this pair of shoes, I'll be happier". I find that the more I think this way, the less happy I am. And when I try to be more positive and count my blessings, then I feel at peace.

2. I am enough. What you are, right now, at this very second, is enough. You are smart enough, pretty enough, fun enough, kind enough, good enough. You have enough clothes, enough accessories, enough couches, enough scrapbook supplies, enough art, enough travel. Your house is enough, your car is enough. Your kids are smart enough, cute enough and well-behaved enough. Your partner is just right-enough. Searching for more is meaningless. People across the world with a fraction of what you have in your house at this very moment are more content than you. Let it go.

3. The little things are the big things. A five year-old who will still snuggle with you. A seven year old son who signs "I love you" and winks at you on the way into to school. A friend who doesn't need a reason to call, but does, just to say hi. A warm loaf of bread. The feel of the sun on your body. The smell of your little ones' freshly washed hair. A great "chick flick". 3 beautiful and precious kiddos. A pair of jeans that fit. A man who still loves you after 9 years, massive weight/mood fluctuations.... The night sky full of stars. These things matter. These things count. Big things aren't the biggest things.

I love this saying: "It's the little things that make life BIG" :)

(again, thanks to Amanda for this "reminder")

Thanks Hannah....

2008-04-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

So I had a "day". Well a "night and a day" actually. Some of you might know what I'm talking about...:o) and for those of you who don't, I'm not going to tell you the juicy details, because they really don't matter. I'm writing this though because after a little more drama than I could handle, I was reminded of what really matters.

So after shedding a few tears thoughout the day, I went to Activity Days (a church sponsered activity for girls 8-11). Today the girls were putting on a talent show. First of all, I was so impressed by how brave each girl was by getting up in front of her peers to show something she was capable of. The girls talents were good, but one didn't really stand out as "better" than another, and they were ok with that. One girl balanced books and an apple on her head and walked around the room. A few showed us jump rope tricks. Another sang along to a song from the movie Hercules. And because they were so brave and put themselves out there for everyone to see, it made them that much more amazing to me. The one that hit me the hardest though were the 2 youngest girls of our group, only 8, and only a little older than my son. They both sang the song "Nobody's Perfect" from Hannah Montana. One was a little nervous at first to start singing (they sang without background music), but her friend encouraged her and they started to sing. I, being in my early 30's, can't really say I know much of Hannah Montana, only that my boys sometime sing along to her songs and that my neices adore her. But as I sat and listened to these sweet girls sing this song, the tears started flowing and I was so overcome by how hard we can be on ourselves and others around us. Here are the lyrics:

Everybody makes mistakes
Everybody has those days
Everybody knows what, what I'm talking about
Everybody gets that way

Sometimes I'm in a jam,
I gotta make a plan,
It might be crazy
I do it anyway

The way to know for sure
I figure out a cure
I'm patching up the holes
But then it overflows

If I'm not doin' too well
Why be so hard on myself

Nobody's Perfect!
I gotta work it!
Again and again,
Till I get it right,

Nobody's Perfect!
You live and you learn it!
And if I messed it up sometimes
Nobody's Perfect

Sometimes I work a scheme,
But then it flips on me
Doesn't turn out how I planned,
Gets stuck in quicksand

The problem can be solved,
Once I get involved,
I try to be delicate,
Then crash right into it,

But my intentions are good,
(Yeah, Yeah, Yeah)
Sometimes just misunderstood,
Nobody's Perfect!

I gotta work it!
Again and again
Till I get it right
Nobody's Perfect!

You live and you learn it!
And if I messed it up sometimes
Nobody's Perfect!
I gotta work it!

I know in time I'll find a way
Nobody's Perfect
Sometimes I fix things up,
And they fall apart again,

I know I mix things up,
But I always get it right in the end,
Next time you feel like,
It's just one of those days,

When you just can't seem to win,
When things don't turn out the way you planned,
Figure something else out,
Don't think ahead,
Try again!

This song just summed things up so nicely for me. It really made me realize that we are all here, going through our lives with our trials and experiences. And not one of us is perfect. And that is OK. It also reminded me that we shouldn't judge or think we know what a person is thinking or feeling or "why they did this" or "why they do that". Until we walk a day or more in their shoes, we have no right to judge them in any way. The best we can do is to show love and compassion to everyone around us, even if it's hard.

welcome sunshine!

2008-04-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had so much fun enjoying the beautiful weather.

We went to the park and had a BBQ with my parents

and sister...it was a little bit nippy, but really nice to finally

be outside and enjoy the outdoors. The kids especially loved

being able to run around and play. And I didn't

hear the phrase "I'm bored" once, all day!!

It would be nice if the weather decided to be

this nice for a while!

2008-04-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

So my sweet Belle is so silly. And pretty smart too. Last night she came across the medicine we give her and the boys when they have leg aches, which they seem to have a lot. I took the bottle from her (thank goodness for child-proof caps) and she immediatly started rubbing different body parts saying "owww", "owww". I have to blame the medicine. My kids think it's candy, probably because it tastes like candy. And my sweet Belle, well, she has quite the sweet tooth! So, it was obvious that she was trying to out-smart me and have me give her some "medicine" for her sweet-tooth, I mean, "owies"! Well, this morning, (after having my "trash kicked" by my personal trainer 5 days ago!) I was still hurting. So I took a few ibuprofen and Belle was watching. Immediately she started rubbing her tummy and saying "owww", "owww", in a hurt, whimpery kind of voice. I really hope she doesn't grow up thinking I'm that dumb!

Conclusion: Kid's medicine shouldn't taste like candy!

Feeling funky...

2008-04-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

So I really feel like I'm in a "funk" lately. I can't seem to get my act together. It seems like only a few short months ago that I felt "accomplished" at the end of the day.... marking off all of my "to do's", cleaning (I mean the good, deep sparkly kind of cleaning) and finishing projects around the house, working my little business, taking care and even spending time with the kiddo's, selling a few of my "wares" on the side, and not feeling too overwhelmed at the end of the day.
And now I look back and think....how did I really have it all together like that? How is that possible? Because looking at myself & my situation now....my house is out of control. I can never keep it clean. Our laundry alone is going to bury me alive. My "to-do" and project list just keeps growing and growing, with no end in sight. And my poor children. I do take care of them. And I do my best to give them some one on one time. But I will be the first to admit (& this isn't easy for me), that I am a total slacker at spending time with my children and doing fun crafts with them, or getting down on the floor to play legos or color....something I used to do frequently.
So what's going on? Our situation is pretty much the same, except our kids are obviously a little older. Could it be that 2 are in school and we have homework and reading every night? Could it be that Belle is now 2 yrs old and really is going through that terrible, "into EVERYTHING", won't even sit for 2 minutes in front of a princess movie, stage? Could it be that, although my husband has a great job that provides for alot and is such a blessing, he works the craziest hours, plus goes to school full time? (probably not...that's been going on for a couple years now)....Could it be that I am now 32 years old and have just lost my "zest"?
Well, posting about it has made me feel a little better. But my house is still a mess, so I must leave the blogging world and go back to reality.

Conclusion: "Merry Maids, sign me up!"

2008-03-28T23:51:00.000-07:00

This last week, after all the sickness was gone (Hip, Hip, Horray!!!!!!!!!),

our little family got pretty busy having fun again.

Of course Easter is always fun. Well, for the kids anyway. They had so much fun on their Easter trail hunt and this year found that the Easter bunny hid their surprises in the dryer! Silly wabbit! It was so nice to go to church again, after missing at least a month with being sick and Josh's yucky work schedule. Our ward choir did such a wonderful job with an Easter program and bringing the spirit into our day. We topped the day off with a wonderful dinner at my sister Eden's house. Boy does my family make some good grub!

Then on Monday, it was off to Mesquite.

So no offense for all you Mesquite lovers out there, but I had never been and was "informed" that it was pretty nice with lots of fun things to do. Well, I'm not going to complain. It was warm...I'll give it that. And besides the constant smell of old, or new cigarette stench....the kids had a wonderful time. We were able to go swimming, play a little put-put, and drive the go-carts. Then on Wednesday we went to Las Vegas for the day. And even though it doesn't smell any better than Mesquite....it was fun for the kiddos. And I guess that is what it's all about, right? Or is the hokey-pokey what it's all about? Same thing if you ask me!!!!

Thurs 3/20....you're kidding, right?

2008-03-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

So, this is funny. Not really funny in a gut renching, beat red face, can't breathe, humorous funny. But in a, "I can't believe this is happening to me!" funny.
So, I woke up to Josh calling my name at 3:00am, telling me to turn off his alarm (he gets up at 3:20). Of course I was like "why, what the heck are you doing?" Well, turns out he is laying on the cold bathroom floor in the fetal position dealing with the cold sweats, trying to figure out which "end" was going to give him some problems.
Really, are you freaking kidding me????
Well, being the great provider and hard worker that he is, he still left for work and is toughing it out until he really does "loose it". I went back to bed, only to wake up at 5, to find my sweet little Brady lying next to me. This is not unusual at all. Our little Brady is in our bed more than he is in his own. Well, the next thing I know, he asks me to rub his tummy.
So I say to him, "Brady, are you going to throw up?"
Brady: "no"
Me: " are you sure?"
Brady: "my tummy just hurts. Can you rub my tummy?"
Okay, I'm pretty sure that 99% of people KNOW that they are about to "loose their cookies."
So I figure, 'if he is going to throw up, he would know and obviously tell me.....right?'
WRONG!!! The next thing I know, Linda Blair is in my bed, throwing up on his back, shooting for the ceiling, me and my white down comforter, not to mention my clean sheets that have only been on the bed for 36 hours since their 'last' washing.

ARE YOU SERIOUS?????!!!!!!!!

I am not complaining by any means. I know I have it a lot easier than a lot of people out there. But what the fetch? I REALLY don't get it. It really does make you want to laugh and cry all at the same time. Well, me anyway.
And the best part? The "cherry on the top"? I'm seriously feeling a little sick myself. Seriously.

Conclusion: When life gets you down, just stay there. At least when it involves throw-up.

2008-03-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

So, things are about the same here at home. They actually got a lot worse since my last post. I took Brady and Belle back to the doctor on Friday because they were both so miserable. Brady tested positive for infuenza (flu) and also a double ear infection. And Belle tested positive for another urinary tract infection, although, because it is so close to the last one, I don't think it really ever went away. And now, I'm pretty sure Belle has the flu like the rest of us. She is showing all the symptoms. How miserble. BUT, I'm not complaining. I figure it is better that we are all sick all at once than to drag this out any further. So we will deal with it and hopefully we will ALL feel a lot better in the next few days.

How sad would it be if we couldn't enjoy all the Easter candy this weekend?!?

So my sweet son, knowing all too well how Brady was feeling, wrote this adorable little note (all by his-self) to his brother on Friday night. It is something I will save and cherish forever.

Here is what it says for those of you who

can't read "7 year old"

"Dear Brady

I hope you get bedr (better)

I love you and you or (are) the bestest

brathr (brother) I evr (ever) had. "

Aren't kids the best? Thanks Zach for helping mommy smile and feel so blessed after such a LONG week.

What the heck?

2008-03-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

It must just be our year for getting sick...yesterday Belle came down with a fever and chills. Poor little girl. She kept saying "mom, ouch" and rubbing her legs or arms. We had a dr. appt and she tested neg for infuenza, but with me and Zach already having it few weeks ago....well I'm not so sure. Then this morning, after taking care of Belle all night with a fever, Brady wakes up with a cough and tells me that his throat AND tummy hurt! What the fetch?? I seriously don't get it. I really do clean and disinfect. And I am always dishing out the disinfectant wipes to my kids. So why are we getting sick again??

Conclusion: This sucks.

au revoir

2008-03-08T06:57:00.000-08:00

To my sweet friend,
For years now you have comforted me in times of struggle;
When things in life began to weigh on me, I could count on
you to lift my spirits and my mood.
If I needed a smile and a utopia high,

your bubbly personality was infectious.
Never did you discriminate or fail to prove your worth.
Yet, my great friend; you’ve been somewhat deceptive.
I never noticed before because your sweetness blinded me from the truth;
But, I’ve noticed that my dependency on you has become extreme.
There are days where the simplest of tasks I am unable to do
until I intoxicate myself with your appeal.
Not to mention the added inches you’ve added to my hips, butt and thighs.
Alas, it is time I bid you farewell. It was good while it lasted;
But, my addiction for you will be no more.

I am freeing myself of this bondage and the all-consuming enslavement.
I thank you for what once was, but not for what now is;
And I look to the future with hope of being able to live
WITHOUT you…
Good bye my dear, Dr. Pepper.

2008-02-26T21:12:00.000-08:00

Two years ago today our family was blessed with our sweet, baby Belle...though Megan wasn't sure about the name 'Belle', I never thought of any other. I always knew that if I were to have a girl, she would be my Belle; and so she is. Five weeks early, she started this life being more work than her brothers ever were...having spent a little extra time in the nursery with some O2; this after the previous 30 weeks where we had to monitor Megan's pregnancy because of some issues early on. But, happy and healthy, she was always meant to be here with us; and on the evening of February 27, 2006 I held my baby girl for the first time...proud to be a daddy again.

They say there is something special about the bond between a father and a daughter; I'm thinking they're right. My boys are my buddies and are great fun, to be sure; but, my Belle is my princess who, at the very thought of her big, blue eyes, could bring a grown man to shed tears of pure happiness...and has done so on more than one occasion. I couldn't imagine our family without her; she makes a nice round five. Megan and I have had thoughts that maybe she completes 'us'...only time will tell, I guess. For now, I'll spoil her rotten as it is my right to do so. And I hope that I will do and be everything for her, so she may know that she means the world to me!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Belle Marie! I love you my sweet baby girl!!!

Love, Daddy

2008-02-20T08:25:00.000-08:00

Shhhh....so I have been tip-toeing around the house all

morning because my little "princess" is still asleep!

(wish I was!!!),

and well, she's not always such a princess

when she wakes up. So however many more

minutes, she decides to snooze if fine by me!

Would you look at that picture? No, I don't have any

children hiding underneath...

that is ALL clothes. That I have to fold.

Again.

Seriously....laundry sucks.

I had the laundry done and put away only a few short days ago.

Obviously I accomplished nothing.

This is why laundry sucks.

Cause you can wash, dry, fold, iron, hang up and put it away

and it just keeps coming at ya!!!

IT'S A MONSTER!!

This is my goal for the day...to conquer this monster.

To the death!

(well for a few days anyway)

.....

Wish me luck.

What if....

2008-02-13T18:21:00.000-08:00

So wouldn't this be so cool if someone we knew (ME) won this house??? I never win anything! I think my number's about up!
I bet you are wondering what I would do if I won. Well, I probaly wouldn't be moving to Florida. But I'm sure I could get some $bank$ for a house like this. Then I would take care of some family and friends and help some in need.

Speaking of those in need, I have some friends from high school, who's little boy, Charlie Cooper, was admitted to PCMC a few weeks ago with Pneumococcal Meningitis. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this very trying time. You can read about him at www.charliecopperjackjack.blogspot.com.

And let's keep our fingers crossed that someone we know wins this house! It could do a lot of good!

Happy Birthday

2008-02-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

There’s no other
Who knows me like you do.

I share all my hopes and dreams

with you and I always will.

You mean so much to me.

There’s no other
Who makes me feel so complete.
You are such a part of me,

and I’m so proud to be a part of you
We we’re meant to be together.

There’s no other
Who can make me smile the way you do
You are my tower and my strength.
I’m so thankful for you
I love you today and always

Happy Birthday Baby!!

2008-01-30T11:01:00.000-08:00

i've been tagged. and i'm sure you don't want to read all about me....again.

but hey, wait a minute! you're on MY blog.

you don't really have a choice, now do ya!

10 years ago...

well, that would january 1998. just a sec...gotta go look in my journal. just kidding.

so i was probably working at wasatch vision clinic. waiting for a missionary. (hmmm, we know how that turned out;o) and hanging out EVERYDAY with one of my bestest friends ever, shanna.

5 things on my to-do list today:

1. take a shower
2. go grocery shopping
3. pay some bills

4. clean whatever i can

5. go to bed EARLY!

heck of a life :o) !!!

if i was suddenly made a billionaire:

seriously? that is a lot of money.

*pay off house ...mine and everyone else i love.

*take all my friends and family on a cruise. actually, i would buy a yacht and some hired

help....and anyone could use it anytime, anywhere.

*go and hand cash out to total strangers. just to see the look on their faces and to know

i created some kind of happiness in someone's life. that would be BIG.
*let my sweet husband invest the rest. have him retire NOW. travel and make

wonderful and priceless memories with him and my kiddos.

three of my bad habits:

-i let my laundry pile up. and i mean PILE up!

- i sleep or want to sleep way too much

- i add too many things to my "to-do" list

5 places i've lived:

-woods cross, utah

-mesa, arizona

-grantsville, utah

-bountiful, utah

-north salt lake, utah

i need to get out of utah!!

5 jobs i've had:

-manager, dj, & skate guard at classic skating in bountiful. you might have been one of the snot nosed little kids that frequented that place and adored me!!!! (seriously the most fun job ever!)

-receptionist @ salon

-OD assisant at optometrist office

-"girlfriend" @ girlfriend's kitchen

-mommy

a few things you might not know about me:

-i come from a BIG family. i have 4 brothers, 3 sisters, 8 nephews, 7 neices, and 1 great neice. and of course my parents and all the in-laws. it's crazy and sometimes a headache, but i love it.

-i absolutely love rollerskating. i know that sounds so lame....especially coming from someone that is 6 feet freakin tall, but i "almost" feel like i'm flying when i'm rollerskating. i love it.

- i love vintage. i have a small collection of vintage glasses (cateyes) and some cool clothes from my grandma. if i had an extra room in my house, it would be decorated in everything vintage, with different collections of mine in there. that would be awesome.

-i love mail. i recall posting this before and it didn't spark anyone to mail me anything :o), so i'll say it again. i love mail. i love anything that comes in the mail that has my name on it. it makes me feel special. i know it's lame, but i am....pretty lame.

-i am absolutely, entirely in love with a man named josh. he is my angel here on earth. without him, i'd seriously be a complete wreck. i know heavenly father sent him to me to take care of me, to protect me, to make me laugh and to hold me when i cry. he does all of these and many more, better than any other man i might of ended up with. this i know. and i know this is why he's mine. i love him so much.

and...i really love my friends.

You put the "grand" in Grandma

2008-01-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

Laverne Emily Aston Bowers

December 31, 1917 -January 13, 2008

It seems like only a few short weeks ago during a conversation with my girlfriends, that I said how I haven't experienced the death of a close relative.

And now I am sitting here trying to figure out what one even says

about something so sad, and yet so inevitable.

My Grandma B lived to be 90 years old...she was such an amazing person.

She was always so sweet and cheerful. EVERY time we saw her, she always

told me and the rest of the girls in our family, how beautiful we were, how proud

she was of us, and how much she loved us.
"You're such a doll" she always said.

One of the things I will always remember about my beautiful grandma, is how well she took care of herself. She was always dressed nicely, no matter the occasion. I never saw her in jeans, sneakers, sweats...etc!! I don't even think she owned them! Her hair was always done, her nails always painted (mostly red), her skin always soft and smooth, and she ALWAYS, always smelled so good. And of course she always had her jewelry on!

She was and will always be "such a doll".

I will forever be grateful she was my Grandma.

I love you Grandma!

2008-01-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

Put on your big girl panties and deal with it!

(A POEM ABOUT GIRLFRIENDS):

Someone will always be prettier. Someone will always be smarter. Some of their houses will be bigger. Some will drive a better car. Their children will do better in school. And their husband will fix more things around the house. So let it go, and love you and your circumstances. Think about it! The prettiest woman in the world can have hell in her heart. And the most highly favored woman on your job may be unable to have children. And the richest woman you know, she's got the car, the house, the clothes~~~~ might be lonely. And the world says, "If I have not Love, I am nothing." So, again, love you. Love who you are.

Look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say,

"I am too Blessed to be Stressed and too Anointed, to be Disappointed!"

"Winners make things happen~~ Losers let things happen."

Be "Blessed" Ladies~~~~~

"To the world you might be one person, but to the one person you could be the world.

(thanks Rebecca for this awesome peom!)

Little girl...

2008-01-04T14:23:00.001-08:00

So Josh and I have decided that our little baby girl is no longer a "baby" anymore.

Not only does she not act like our little one...she doesn't look like it either!

Last week, Belle had her 1st haircut!

Before

She was such a good girl. For the most part, she just sat still and watched. Although the m&m's came in handy near the end. By the time Aunt Eden was finished cutting, she was ready to be done. She had to wait a few more minutes to have it "blown out"....(she better get used to it!!)

I love the picture at the end....look at that scowl!

After...isn't it cute? It still requires me to do it in the morning. And it still looks like a ragamuffin at the end of the day. But o-well....she will always be cute to me!

(and she'll always be my baby girl! )

Here and gone again...

2007-12-25T20:48:00.000-08:00

Can you believe Christmas is really over? I am really having a hard time figuring out how that's possible! And I'm kind of sad about it. I always have regrets at the end of Christmas day; (besides gaining the 5lbs that have added themselves to my lower half this month! ); wishing I had done more, been more giving or thoughtful...and not so worried about if I got the kids enough, or what might be coming "my way". That I should have done a better job at bringing the Spirit of Christmas into my home and into my children's lives. Next year I'll do better.

And at the end of this Christmas day, all I really remember (besides getting woken up at 5am!)was the look on my kids faces in the morning, being with my family for my mom's annual brunch, playing games with everyone, laughing and growing closer. And the fact that my awesome husband was home to enjoy it all with me. I truly am grateful for this day and this time of year. Merry Christmas.

This is our Christmas morning. Zachery seriously was in our bed before 5:00, asking us if we could go open presents! We were able to hold him off until 8:00 (obviously, those weren't very great "sleep hours"!) Both boys were very excited with everything they got, especially their mp3 players. (if they tell you they got iPods, just go with it, but no, we didn't spend that much!)

Belle, loved her kitchen....mom can't wait to have some tea parties with her! And next year, I vow to get ready BEFORE presents, so I'm not so embarrassed with all my Christmas pictures. And obviously, Josh doesn't care...he has tissue wadded up his nose because he has a rotten cold!

Here's my crazy fandamily...crazy, but great. I wish I took more pictures....next year I guess.

Christmas is coming!!....

2007-12-11T21:42:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that in LESS than 2 weeks, it will be Christmas? I can't believe how fast this year has gone by! For me.....too fast. My kids are growing up too fast! I can't keep up! I guess, it just all comes down to the "little" things, like making memories and traditions....

This year, our great friend Lauren, got all of our friends together to go eat breakfast with Santa at the Grand America Hotel. (hopefully a tradition) We had such a nice time and ate lots of yummy food and the kids finally got to go tell Santa what they wanted. Zachery changed his mind and told Santa something completely different than what he told us...a black remote control car. So keep your eye's "peeled", as Santa does NOT disappoint! And can you believe Brady wants an iPod? Next he'll be asking for a cell phone! And he's not even 6 yet! They are oh so cute though! And then there is Belle Marie, who still doesn't say much, so we're not really sure what she wants. I should just give her some toothpaste, a toothbrush, and a pen to color on the walls with and she'll be happy. :o)

Anyway, if you've read this far, I hope you are enjoying the holiday season.

And remember the reason for the season.... you'll enjoy it much more.... promise.

Merry Christmas.

Girls just wanna have fun!

2007-11-25T13:38:00.000-08:00

Last night some of the girls got together for dinner

at the Old Spaghetti Factory. And we had so much fun!
I love hanging out with these awesome girls

and I am so grateful for their friendships.

Thanks ladies for a great night out!!! I love you all!

1st picture: Lauren, Shanna, Jayme, Me

2nd picture: Gina, Jen, Lisa

3rd Picture: Me, Tiff, Megan, Gina

2007-11-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged....

Rules which must be posted on your blog if you are tagged:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random - some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names - link to them
4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

SEVEN random facts about ME:

1. I love music. Seriously. I always have to have something playing. Anything.

(well, minus rap and heavy metal)

Especially if I am cleaning or working on a project, I need something to listen to.

2. I, like Lauren, absolutely, hate folding and putting away laundry. I have a

permanent pile on my floor 90% of the time, and my kids are always looking for

underwear and socks. And even though I hate seeing the pile on my floor really bad....

I hate folding it even more!

3. I love organizing. It feels so good when everything has a "place". And it's even

better if it is in a tupperware, or some kind of container with a label!

4. I LOVE getting the mail. I get so excited when I see something addressed to me.

Unless of course it's junk. But I anticipate great things in that little box...such as

letters from friends, rebate checks, scrapbooking magazines, letters from friends,

packages, invitations, letters from friends, wedding/birth announcements,

coupons for my favorite stores...did I mention letters from friends?

5. I think I was supposed to be a "70's" teen. I was born in the 70's but that

doesn't count. I would loved to have worn all those awesome clothes and danced

to all that awesome music. (Abba rocks) Although, living WAY BACK WHEN,

when wearing corsets and big foofy gowns and going to balls was the past time,

that would have been pretty cool too.

6. I am a sugar-holic. No I am serious. My doctor has even ordered me to stop

eating sugar and anything that pretty much tastes sweet. And what do I do?

Eat sugar. And give myself migraines and infections....and then what do I do?

Eat sugar. I love sweets. Someone help me!!! Please!!!

7. When I grow up, I'm want to be an interior decorator.

Someday I'm going to go back to school...someday.

By the way...I really don't have that many friends, and the ones I do have,

pretty much have all been tagged. So no tagging here!

Sorry I broke a couple rules....
Thanks for reading though!

Pumpkin Fun

2007-10-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love October? It is one of my favorite months....if I can try and forget that it's going to be winter soon! We have had so much fun this month. The kids have been spoiled with fun! This last weekend we went to Pack Farms to pick out pumpkins. The kids had so much fun running around the hay maze and deciding on their perfect pumpkin. Even Belle had a blast! After we each picked a pumpkin, we went on a horse ride, which was the icing on the cake for the kids. For me, it was nerve-racking, but I put a smile on for Brady's sake!

Then yesterday, some friends and our kids got together for the Barnyard Boo down at Thanksgiving Point. While braving the wind, we saw all the animals and did a few fun Halloween activities. The favorite, of course, was riding the ponies. Belle kept saying "ooooooh, oooooooh." She even rode all by herself! (while I walked next to her!) All in all, it was good to get out while it was still warm enough.

And because I was still "roaring" to go (ha ha), we carved pumpkins when we got home...

Zachery had fun playing in the pumpkin "guts" and Brady had fun watching.

By the end of the night, mom had just about exhausted all energy!

Almost.

Halloween Fun

2007-10-22T14:12:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we went to Jayme and Steve's annual Halloween bash. We had so much fun! Our little family got all dressed up as pirates and we won 1st prize!! Jayme and Steve did a great job...there was photo corner where they took and printed everyone's picture, cookie decorating, goodie bag decorating, apple bobbing, donuts on a string, a pinata, and then of course lots of yummy food! The kiddos had so much fun! Thanks Jayme and Steve for the great night. We are already thinking about what we are going to dress up as next year!
Here's some of the "girls" that were able to come. Hot mama's!!!
Sweet Pirate Belle
Josh was pretty "pleased" with my costume!!

Jayme-the amazing host, Tiffany-my good friend and next door neighbor, and me.

Florida

2007-10-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

Here it is for those of you who have been asking when I'm going to post about Florida..
Grab some popcorn and a coke~!

Day 1: We went to the Kennedy Space Center. It was so awesome. It must be that I'm a proud American, but it felt so patriotic there, that I kept getting the goose bumps and teary eyed! Plus it was neat to see Josh do something HE wanted to experience. He's always wanted to do something in the aerospace field....I still hope his dream comes true some day!

Day 2: We went to Disney's Magical Kingdom. It was HOT! I guess us "Utahans" weren't used to the sticky air and it took some getting used to. Wait! We didn't get used to it! It was freakin' hot! But we had fun and the kids had a blast. It was a little overwhelming for them with everything there was to do, but they had a great time. Favorite rides? Brady's is "It's a Small World", (poor kid, we found out that his motion sickness is worse than we thought! :o) and Zachery loved Splash Mountain after we tricked him into riding it!

Here's a few of us on Brady's favorite ride.

And at the end of each day we usually ended up at this awesome pool that was at the condo. It had 2 big pirate ships! (Brady was in heaven). We had so much fun playing tag, going down the slides and just running around and cooling off. Yes, I ran around in just my swimsuit....hey, I don't know anyone if Florida!

Day 3: We went to Disney's Animal Kingdom. We went on a little safari and saw some cool animals. The best was the shows we went to though. First we saw a 3D Bugs Life which was very cute. Then we saw the Little Mermaid live show. Very awesome. (Although, this is where I had my big "breakdown" of missing my Belle :o( And after that we saw the Lion King live show. Again...very cool. I was constantly amazed at the creativity people possess. And speaking of creativity, check out the tree (click on it if you can). I could have looked at it for hours cause I'm weird like that. I'm not sure if it's a real tree but it has animals carved all over it. It was amazing. Actually, the whole park was like that...carved or sculpted animals everywhere. Some were hidden in the rocks and trees....it was neat. And of course the kids love animals, so they had a great time at Animal Kingdom!
Of course, we ended the day swimming, cause....did I mention it was HOT!

Day 4: It was hot. We went to Disney MGM. Not a whole lot of rides, but we did get to go on the Tower of Terror!!! Twice! That is my most favorite ride I have ever been on! I won't even try to explain it....just go. So MGM is where they do a lot of stuff with the Disney Movies, and because they don't have a lot of rides we did a lot of movie stuff. We did the 3D Muppet Movie and also a live Bug's Life. It was....whats another word for cute?...We also got to learn how to draw a Disney character and watch a parade. It was just nice being together with the boys (missing Belle of course) and experiencing it all through their excitement.

So check out this art room. I could have stood here for a while. Instead I took a few pictures at different angles so "someday" I might create one like it for myself! Of course we can get rid of all the doo-dads and stuff.....

**************************************
So by this point my parents are pretty dead and dehydrated. My poor dad got sick from the heat and I ended up selling his and my mom's Sea World Tickets the next day....

(what a good daddy!)

Day 5: Sea World. Hottest day yet. Just plain hot. I can't stress that enough. We were there for about 4 hours when me and my sister started to feel a little "yucky" and the kids were miserable. So what did we do instead? Went swimming back at the condo!

Later that night.....

We were so excited to go to "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!!

This is when you have to buy additional tickets to be in the park and you get to dress up and go trick-or-treating throughout Magical Kingdom. Plus they have dance parties, parades, and fireworks....

What's going on you might ask? This is the family huddled under the cover a building

trying to eat dinner and not get WET!! as it started raining, really freakin' hard, about 30 minutes of being there! Even the ducks wanted out of the rain!

So we took the plunge (literally) and invested (it was quite the inve$tment!!) in some ponchos and did what we could to have some fun. And we did. It was actually kind of funny. All the candy we collected got wet and sticky...we waited for a couple hours to see the parade and fireworks, (But we did!) and we got some really cool ponchos that we might be able to use again some time in the future! This was actually my mom's favorite day. And we are planning on going back next year! ??

All in all we had a really fun time. Especially the kids, which was most important.

But boy were we glad to be home! And we were so excited to have Belle with us again!

It took us a while to feel back to normal though, cause as my neice, Gracie, so well exhibits,

this trip made us all a tad bit

Tired!

Yeay!!

2007-10-02T00:03:00.001-07:00

So I am very excited that my show is back on. VERY.

Really great 1st episode last week, don't you think?

L O V E I T ! ! !

2007-09-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

So it was our anniversary yesterday. 8 whole years! Seems like a long time even though the number is small. I'm glad it's small though. That means we have a lot of years ahead of us...to experience together.

Thanks for 8 years of bliss, baby!

I love you!

Thanks.....

2007-09-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

So we are back from Florida. And I'll blog about it later when I've regained my energy....just talking about it still makes me sweat. I do however want to express my gratitude to Jen and Dave....some of our BEST friends, for volunteering, and watching Belle for 8 whole days while we were gone. They did such a great job and I didn't worry about her once, which was so nice. I did have a couple "break-downs" from missing her so much, but I knew she was being well taken care of. So thank, thank, thank you. We can't wait to return the favor in February! We love you guys!! And thanks for taking these adorable pictures of her!!

Remembering 9/11......

2007-09-06T06:44:00.001-07:00

Do you remember where you were,

and what you were doing?

I'll never forget.....

This is dedicated to the many women, men and children, who have innocently lost their lives, because of the people who don't know what it means to LOVE.

This is dedicated to the families who are now living without loved ones, and are reminded daily how fragile life really is. This is dedicated to the many people who saw first hand, this tragic day unfold, and now live with the horror of it each day. This is dedicated to the many men and women who are serving our country and risking their lives to protect us...and to their families who are sacrificing as well. This is dedicated to my husband & children, whom I hope know that I love them with my WHOLE heart. And this is dedicated to those of you who are grateful....who are proud to live in this country. To those of you who have not forgotten all the lives that have been lost. And grateful for the life you are blessed to live and enjoy.....

May we NEVER forget this tragic day.

Author Unknown...

It was late one Tuesday evening, before a mother could sit down,

To tell her only child about the terror that hit downtown.

She looked into the eyes of her son. God, she loved him so,

She felt her heart begin to break and the hurt begin to show.

She gathered all her strength and courage, as her story she began to tell.

"Baby don't cry, but I'm afraid daddy might be under a building that fell.

"The boy looked back at his mother, his eyes made not one blink.

And the mother's tears began to fall. What would her baby think?

You see, his dad is a firefighter, and his hero from the day of his birth.

He loved his dad more than anything else, that could ever inherit this earth.

The mother's head began to drop, her forehead resting on palm.

She thought her son would be upset. Instead, he was very calm

The boy leaned over towards his mom, and put his hand upon her head.

In her ear he began to whisper, and this is what he said:

"Mommy please don't cry, I knew daddy wasn't coming home.

I talked to him just a while ago, but it wasn't on the phone.

He told me that he loved me, and he promised we'd meet again.

He told of his new home, and the job he was to begin."

"God is building an army, and there are many angels needed.

That, is where daddy and the others went. They weren't all defeated.

"It was then, the mother lifted her head. The tears streamed down her face.

And she could feel her husband's presence, as it filled her heart with grace.

It was then she knew her son was right. He was in God's great army now.

She also knew her son was safe, that he'd be kept from harm somehow.

So, evildoers of the world beware. An army is on the way.

Bolstered by new angels, who left the towers that day.

Their commander has never been beaten. His power has never been matched,

And if evil thinks He was almighty before......Well, the surface has just been scratched!

GOD BLESS AMERICA !!!

Aaaaahhhhh!!!!

2007-09-04T08:08:00.001-07:00

So I have had it up the here (gesturing my throat) with my adorable little girl. And I'm blogging about it cause I really need some advice! She is driving me crazy! I don't know if it's a girl thing or an 18 mo. old thing, or it's just HER, but she is NAUGHTY! This isn't quite what I had envisioned having a little girl would be like. Besides the normal busyness, and getting into EVERYTHING, she is so strong willed and determined to have things her way. Whining and crying is more and more frequent and I just don't know what to do anymore, except give in. Now don't get me wrong...I love my little girl to pieces. I really, really do. But I don't know what to do with the tantrums and the whining.....anyone? Help!

First day at school...

2007-08-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (Monday) was Brady and Zach's first day of school.

Brady started kindergarten and Zach is in the 1st grade. They were both so excited to go...and so was mom (even though it makes me feel OLD!)

They both have great teachers and have friends in their classes.

It should be a great year!

Zachery's favorite thing so far: "Eating lunch at school"

Brady's favorite thing so far: "Going to recess and playing w/ the puppet show"

Why can't I be in their age again?????

Family Night

2007-08-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

I just love our little family.

I find that my happiest moments are in spending

time with them and enjoying the simple things,

like getting icecream and walking down Main Street.

What could be better?

A little Fetish?

2007-08-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

So, I guess I like lip stuff. Well, it's pretty obvious that I do, don't you think? I didn't realize this though, until yesterday when I was cleaning the kitchen and came across 5 different lip products. I didn't think anything of it really until I cleaned out Belle's diaper bag and came across another 2. Then the church bag produced another 4. Hum. Then my curiousity peeked a little and I wandered around and gathered all the lip products I could find. Most were in my purse and bathroom. And since I took this picture, I have found a half dozen more. It never occured to me that I am a collector of "lip stuff". So weird! Well, in any case, I guess I should never have an excuse to have dry, plain lips!!

So Blessed

2007-07-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

My blessings:

- 3 beautiful children who are my everything

- My soul mate, the love of my life, the best daddy, my best friend and angel...my Josh

- Friends and family. We have the best!

-A free country, and the many men and women who have fought and continue

to fight to keep it free

-The pioneers, who went through more than I could imagine so I could call this place "home"

- The gospel and a loving Heavenly Father, who blesses me with much more than I deserve.

Happy "July"

2007-07-27T11:20:00.001-07:00

Growing Up...

2007-07-27T11:01:00.001-07:00

So our little boy is growing up...Zachery lost his first tooth a couple weeks ago. It was pretty traumatic for him. Not because he was upset at losing a part of himself. He just does not do pain AT ALL. It took as about 5 hours to get it out, taking half hour intervals between attempts. Every time we would try and pull it, he would push our hands away and then scream for about 10 minutes. The only reason he would let us keep trying is he knew the tooth fairy would bring him a surprise. So after getting a little frustrated, I held on and yanked the dang thing out. And then after screaming for another 10 minutes, Zachery was quite happy to have it done with, and couldn't wait to see what the tooth fairy brought him. $5!!! What a very generous tooth fairy! (daddy) ..."she" better get a raise if she expects to keep that up with as many teeth pulling adventures we will be going through!

July 16, 2007

2007-07-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

So one of our "friends" told us it's about time we do some more updating on our blog. And to be frank, I am just too tired to think about what pictures and format to use right now. So a quick little update and that will be all for now.

Currently, we have taken on the "project" of redoing the playroom into the boys bedroom. And it has been quite the "project". You'll see why when I get in the mood for a 'real' post. So that has been keeping us pretty busy and up late at night. Our house is seriously a disaster, as my obsessive organization has been thrown out the window with emptying the play room of all it's contents. It's driving me crazy! Hopefully it will be done in a few more days. And just a quick note to ya'll that have asked me to help paint rooms in your house...this playroom is a one time deal-io. I refuse to do it again, so you'll have to stick to stripes!

Other than all that, we are doing quite well, except for the stomach bug that has made it's way around to all of us except mom (of course!) Belle is ready to break through her 3rd 'eye' tooth...only one more to go and we're free for a while. Zachery lost his first tooth...what a nightmare trying to get it out! He would make a good "screamer" for a horror movie though! And Brady, he's still obsessed with pirates and wearing a dang bathrobe in this 100+ degree weather! (The bathrobe is currently in "hiding".) As for me and Josh. It's about time for a date. Maybe Josh will read this and find us a babysitter! :o) We are doing well though and wish the same for you...Thanks for being so kind to be interested in reading about us at all!

Love you!

Aloha~

2007-06-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

At the end of May, we finally got to go to Hawaii. Megan has talked about going for a really long time, so of course we were so excited. We went to the romantic island of Kaua'i and had such a wonderful time being with each other and taking a "breather" from the kids. The break, however, was short-lived as we began missing them after a few days...so we decided the next time we do anything, the kids are coming with us. While on a snorkling trip to the Na'Pali coast, we were envious of a cute little family (Dad, Mom, and Boys--about the same age as Zach and Brady) enjoy the trip. However, we saw dolphins, sea turtles, and even a few Humpback whales that hadn't yet left for Alaska. Anyway, Megan was absolutely gorgeous; and I, well, still look white as ever. Oh well; no one goes to Hawaii to get a tan anyway. Eating, however, was a different story. If anyone ever goes to Kaua'i, you've got to go to Pizzetta's (located in Old Kolo'a town, on your way to Poi'pu) and get the Bruschetta. Imagine that: Hawaii having the best Italian appetizer ever. To make a long story short, we had a great time and cannot wait for when we go back!!!!

In May....

2007-06-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

Isn't Belle adorable? We think so!
You gotta love her!
And look....she loves you too!

Brady's Pirate themed birthday was a blast! He loves dressing up like pirate and is very "dangerous" with the 5+ swords he carries around in the back of his bathrobe.
Watch out matey!

Our "switch" hitter, Zachery had so much fun

playing tee ball this year and is so excited to play

baseball next year.

our 1st blog

2007-06-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

So, this is our first blog. Didn't ever think we'd be "bloggers!"

Guess we now update you on the happenings of our family...

We are doing great! Zachery (6, almost 7) and Brady (5) are keeping us busy so far this summer. (Busy meaning: more baths, more laundry, more trips to the store for Popsicles...) They really enjoy not having to get up and go to school and just go out back to play with the neighbor kids their ages. We just got grass in the backyard and they can't wait (neither can we!) until they can go run around on it and get their swing set set up. We've been trying to keep them busy with a sports program and an arts & crafts class up at our city park 3 days a week. They love doing that, and Megan gets in a little exercise walking the track until they are done. As for the youngest, Belle is doing wonderful. Sadly, we've realized she is no longer our baby girl, as she is walking everywhere, gabbing endlessly (no words yet) and is extremely determined in the things she wants and doesn't want. She can throw a pretty good tantrum for her age (16 mo), but can melt our hearts instantly with her big blue eyes and silly grins.As for Joshn'Meg...we're doing well. Josh is at his same position at Kennecott and going to school. He's pretty amazing at everything he does and the little sleep he lives on. He's hoping to get away a couple times this summer to take the boys camping...(still trying to convince the girls!) As for Megan, she is still scrapbooking for a few clients and has a club night at home once a month for a group of crazy scrapbookers. :0)

We're doing good!