ENGLISH 101

Yep, I'm One of Those Moms

2011-02-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

You may recall the Valentine's Box I did for Mitchell last year. If not, please read this post before continuing on. Things will make much more sense. Since I did such a great job last year, I needed to one up myself. Here it is:

Complete with A/V cable spots.

~~I was~~ He was pretty proud. He couldn't wait to show it off to his class. Although, when he got home he said it wasn't the most creative one there. That went to the kid in his class who made a toilet. Go figure.

Two Down

2011-01-25T09:54:00.001-07:00

This is another goal I've been ~~working on~~ dreaming about for quite a while. I figured that I just needed to do it. So, I now present to you:

Chocolatey Ever After

I'm interested in what you think. (But please be nice.)

p.s. I don't know if I'm crazy about the name, so if you're wittier than I, please feel free to suggest something.

One down

2011-01-20T15:00:00.004-07:00

I rarely do this kind of stuff, but one of my goals for this year is to take more time to do "me" projects. Seriously, my sewing/craft desk is overflowing with half-finished crafts. So, I am posting about this Valentines's decor idea from Craftily Ever After in hopes that it's early enough to get the printable and get it done in time for this year's holiday.

p.s. stay tuned for my annual list of goals. They're still swimming around in my head.

2010-10-31T18:24:00.006-06:00

For those not as well educated in the random, obscure characters of Super Mario Bros. I give you the original photos that the costumes were based upon.

Archer as Dry Bones. A skeleton Koopa.

Cameron as Yoshi.
I know not completely accurate. Lay off.

Mitchell as Shy Guy

Strawberry Shortcake

Apple Dumpling

It was a fun couple of days. Matt and I still need to get in costume again to take pictures. We dressed up for the ward trunk or treat. I was in charge of said event and in the chaos didn't get pictures taken of us.

Stay tuned.

Save Money. Live Better.

2010-09-01T15:15:00.003-06:00

I have a problem with this motto. Every time I step foot into the spawn of Satan's store, I turn into a bad person. I become an aggressive cart driver, I am abrupt with employees, and irritable towards everyone shopping. Now, I don't shop there very often, maybe once every couple of months for one or two things that I just can't find anywhere else. Now that they've stopped carrying my color of Nice 'n' Easy, I have no longer had the "need" to go there.

Fast Forward to today. I knew that they had the best price on a ream of copy paper (that's now on my kids' list of school supplies) and Expo brand fine tip dry erase markers (do they really have to be Expo brand?). So, I braved the outing, with all 5 kids in tow, which, I admit was my second mistake. The first of course being my choice of store (and the horrific parking).

I got the copy paper, they were out of dry erase markers and watercolors just like everywhere else, and could not find a steno notebook to save my life. The school supply section was a complete joke. Granted, this is the day before school starts, but it wasn't even laid out well.

I had five items, so I waited to use the self-checkout, which I love for small purchases. I am not one of those people who think they can do it better than the paid checker and take my overflowing basket to check out myself. Of course the machine froze on me and wouldn't take my coupon and wanted the "attendant" to do it for me. Meanwhile, Child #1 and #2 are "entertaining" themselves by running in small circles around each other. Child #3 was repeatedly begging for a pack a lip gloss, and when told "no" more than once, starts screaming and crying. Child #4 was climbing out of the cart and onto the little self-check out shelf (and "thank you" to the lady behind me who saved him from falling on his head). Child #5 just started crying.

It was quite the afternoon. I now quote my philosophical husband who believes "if there were no "insert store-that-shall-not-be-named" and no middle schools, it would solve three quarters of the world's problems."

Save Money. Live Better. Unless You Have Kids.

Why?

2010-07-24T19:09:00.002-06:00

I like to blog stalk. Some people blog as a way of creative escape, some blog to share memories with others, and some use their blog as a journal. But there are a few blogs that I read, one in particular, whose blogger never blogs about anything bad that happens in their life. Only the great parties they've thrown, or the wonderful trips they've been on. Their blogs make me feel like I don't have the nicest house with granite counter tops, teak cabinets, slate flooring, or all stainless steel appliances. I also feel like a bad mom who doesn't love her kids enough pick up all the Otter Pop wrappers after them or have them signed up at with the best (and most expensive) ballet academy or sports camps, or whisk them away on fabulous vacations all across the country. I also feel disorganized, non-crafty, and boring. So, why, do I continue to read these? Self masochism I suppose.

Now, if you are reading this, you can be absolutely positively 100% sure that I am not talking about you or your blog. I can guarantee that to you. The blogs I am referring to are those of your best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend.

Double Your Pleasure

2010-04-25T17:51:00.007-06:00

Same age. Same dress. Same bow.

Be Careful What You Wish For

2010-03-22T10:17:00.003-06:00

So, for a long time I have said that I would love to be called as the Ward Activities Chairwoman. I love to plan parties and have no one come. (At least that's been my experience when planning my own gatherings.) A couple of weeks ago, I got the call. Either I mentioned it to the right person, or they really wanted to get us (and by us, I mean me, because Matt is an awesome teacher) out of teaching the pilot class "Strengthening Marriage".

I don't know about your wards, but in the last 4 years that we have lived here, we have done the same activities. The Chili Cook-Off in March, the Pancake Breakfast on the 4th of July, the Trunk-or-Treat in October, and the Christmas Party. I'm going to bet that it's the same for most of you. Minus the Chili Cook-Off in March. March?? I only make chili from September on, when the weather is right. Now that I think about it, here in Idaho, that can include March.

I got the "go-ahead" to shake things up a bit. I might get fired before I even get to some of my ideas, but it needs to be done. While I won't mess with the Trunk-or-Treat, I definitely have plans for the Christmas Party. I hope no one is offended when I don't serve ham and funeral potatoes.

What are some of your favorite or not so favorite activities that you have been to? I'm talking church gatherings, neighborhood block parties, school parties. We, Mormons, can adapt almost anything to suit our needs, right?

Make Up Call

2010-02-12T08:09:00.007-07:00

When Mitchell was in K-2nd grade, he always made a Valentine's sack at school to put all his valentines in. I thought it was kind of a cop-out. What happened to decorating a shoe box or constructing something hugely creative, like my brother's poster board size Pacman? He came to me last year, the night before the party at school, and said he was supposed to take a shoe box (nothing bigger) for his loot. I had not seen a note about this (I guess they figure 3rd graders are responsible enough to relay messages home), so I didn't know exactly what he was supposed to do. I asked him if he was supposed to decorate it and his reply was "eh, we can if we want". I asked him if he wanted to and his reply was "nah, I'll be okay" (whose kid is this??). Now, we don't buy a lot of shoes in the box (I'm more of a find-a-great-deal-at-TJ Maxx kind of gal), so the chances of me finding a box around the house were pretty slim. I remembered that I had bought a pair of shoes for Addison to grow into (thank you Famous Footwear cousin discount) and they were still in the box up in her closet. I gave the tiny size shoe box to him to take. As I waited for him after school, I watched all the kids exit with their extravagantly-decorated-bigger-than-shoe-boxes-box. I felt like the worst.mom.ever. I managed a craft store for 2 years for crying out loud, and I sent my kid to school with a girl's Esprit box for his valentines? Right then, I vowed to make it up next year. I am usually one of those moms who doesn't do their kid's school stuff (poster's, oral presentation cue cards, etc.) for them. I help them, but I really think it's important that they do it themselves. But I needed a make up call.

I present this year's make up call.

I know, it doesn't have a cord. I'd appreciate you getting off my back about it.

Thank goodness for Pepsi products being on sale last week.

To be fair, he did help, I let him think up the tin foil and cover it.

Budding Ballerina

2010-01-27T11:47:00.007-07:00

Addison takes ballet through our City Rec Center. To say she loves it would be quite the understatement. For her winter recital they did a little number to "Kiss the Girl". Which couldn't have been more perfect for her. She concentrates so hard and tries to perfect every move and position. This has been a great outlet for her and her princess drama. Now if we can move on past the tantrums we will be set.

All I Can Make is Cold Cereal and Maybe Toast

2009-12-13T19:01:00.004-07:00

This is our traditional Thanksgiving Eve dinner. The kids love it. I wonder why?

On Turning Ten...

2009-12-09T18:36:00.004-07:00

This about sums it up. He always has a great way with words.

Hayden

2009-11-12T10:23:00.008-07:00

Here's Haydee at about 8 weeks old. She is such a sweet baby. She is sleeping through the night, however, most of the time she thinks she can't sleep unless she is being held. So I have quite the crick in my back. (I think postpartum care should include a good masseuse.) The kids love her and even Cameron is starting to pay more attention to her. He loves to give her a binky, even when she doesn't want it.

We were so lucky to be able to have some family come for her blessing. It made for a fun weekend. I wish we lived closer so we could celebrate more occasions and holidays together. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be quiet around here this year.

Ha! Who am I kidding? Things are never quiet with 5 kids.

This is Halloween, Everybody Make a Scene

2009-11-07T10:15:00.008-07:00

Batman, Robin, Penguin, The Flash, Storm, Wonder Woman. You know we had
to separate the Marvel comics from the DC comics.

Never could talk her into anything else. Her costume was definitely the easiest to make. She gathered up random pieces from her dress up box and called herself a fairy princess. She was more than happy. I was ecstatic that it was one less costume for me to recreate.

Diva for a Day

2009-10-22T12:03:00.006-06:00

Matt wanted to do something special for Addison on her birthday and someone told him about this cute place in town. We took Addie in to Paislee Punch for a mani/pedi. For $8 she got her fingernails and toenails painted a glittery pink. Yeah, it might have been 8 bucks I could have saved by doing it myself, but she felt like the queen of the world and the excitement on her face was was worth every penny.

Halloween Apothecary

2009-09-28T15:50:00.007-06:00

My new blog friend turned me on to this great Halloween apothecary. I downloaded the labels here and printed them on card stock. I scoured the D.I. (which wasn't easy as they are remodeling and everything was on wheeled carts on the sidewalk outside) and Goodwill (I'm always disappointed that they don''t offer better prices. They have better quality stuff, but not much better than shopping at TJ Maxx or the like) for the jars. After mod podging the labels to the jars, the real fun began with rifling through my cupboards to see what I could fill each jar with.

If you look closely you'll see:
Toadstool Essence = Craisins
Mummy Mold = Oreo crumbs
Werewolf Howls = Cotton balls
Tincture of Skull = Salt (both kosher and table)
Corpse Dust = Butterscotch pudding powder (the instant variety because I accidentally bought it instead of the cook and serve for sticky buns)
Deadly Nightshade = Dried Cloves
Poison = Water with red food coloring
Eye of Newt = Wrapped caramel filled chocolates (which I steal one from every now and then)

A fun little project and my kids enjoyed seeing what was going in the next jar. Now if only I could finish my "BOO" blocks and skeleton board (pics pending). Oh, and get out those fall decorations that were supposed to be up before the baby was born. Guess it's time to put up all the rest of the Halloween decor anyway.

Here She Is...

2009-09-13T13:01:00.005-06:00

Hayden Dawn English
September 8, 2009
8 lbs. 2 oz.
21 inches

More pictures to come, I promise.

09/08/09

2009-09-02T20:39:00.004-06:00

This friend of mine and I are due on the same day. We thought it would be cool to be induced on 09/09/09. Looks like she is set to get her wish. Unfortunately, I am not. I am scheduled to be induced one day earlier. My doctor originally had me scheduled for Wednesday and I had to talk him out of it. You see, my husband, the ever advocate of higher education, thinks his students would rather be in class reading, writing and well, no arithmetic in English 101.

I can't complain, he is starting his "paternity leave" tomorrow (except for teaching one hour a day three times a week). He asked me what is he really going to do for two weeks at home ("besides take care of the kids and get them off to school?"). Oh, I told him we have all kinds of things on our "to do" list. He is anxious and willing (well, anxious might be an overstatement). I am looking forward to having him around for a while.

p.s. check here to see another friend who will be birthing a child around the same time (guess which one is me?)

Why Is that, Anyway?

2009-07-22T15:39:00.004-06:00

You would think that I would be blogging more, especially now that it is hot and I am 7+ months pregnant and really don't have the desire to do anything except sit on my rear. Plugging in my camera to upload even seems like too much of an effort.

Maybe I should correct myself. I have the desire to do a lot of things. I do want a clean house, and laundry done, and sewing projects finished, and scrapbooks worked on. It's just the motivation that I am lacking. There's a difference. I did manage to upload a few pictures to Facebook. I don't feel pressured to come up with witty captions and sarcastic remarks like I do when I post them on this blog.

So, I guess I'll just sit here under the ceiling fan and slurp down Sir Isaac Lime and Alexander the Grape Otter Pops (the two flavors of choice in the last half hour). They do a surprisingly good job of cooling a preggo off.

Why is that anyway?

My Fifteen Minutes

2009-06-03T14:53:00.003-06:00

Well, it was more like 30 seconds, but I'll take what I can get.

Click on the title to be taken to Pocatello's NBC affiliate. Then find the "Summertime Presents Learning Opportunities" story on the video player and enjoy my fifteen minutes of fame.

It's A Girl!

2009-05-13T09:56:00.006-06:00

Everything looked great. She's due September 13th. We're open to any name suggestions.

A Little Bribery Never Hurt Anyone

2009-04-10T16:08:00.005-06:00

This is how I get my kids to listen to General Conference. Every time they hear the word, they get to eat. They get to help pick the words and assign them to the treat. After one session, they do some switching with words that they never heard to words they think they will hear more. So for Sunday afternoon we added "temple" to the mix. I have to thank Elder Bednar for his talk about "temple" and "service". We ate well during that one. We even ran out of our "temple" treat and had to combine with something else.

It must be noted that I don't expect my kids to sit motionless for the entire thing. The rule is they have to be close to the room with the TV. You'd be surprised how well they hear a word and come running in to get their snack.

Who says you shouldn't bribe your kids with food??

The Force is Strong With This One

2009-03-18T18:18:00.007-06:00

Archer is all about Star Wars these days. Naturally, he wanted a Star Wars birthday party. I have a bone to pick with George Lucas. The lack of Star Wars party supplies around here was very limited. Nothing at Fred Meyer, Target, Shopko, K-Mart and I even resorted to Wal Mart (where I don't shop) and all they had was wrapping paper. From the local party store we grabbed a pack of plates and napkins (because Matt thought the Yoda on the napkins looked cool, not because 6 year olds would actually use them). We also found a Darth Vader helmet pinata. Very cool. When I was informed that my total was $30 and change, I almost lost consciousness. The pinata was $22.99! For something a bunch of kids were going to smack open in less than 5 minutes.

I put my crafty mind to work, and decided to make one. What I won't show you is my feeble first attempt (because no documentation exists). I bombed. Second attempt involved buying a baseball pinata, removing the stitches, spray painting (by dad), adding some electrical tape and voila, the Death Star.The cupcakes Archer wanted had Storm Trooper and Darth Vader helmet rings and were $18 at Fred Meyer. However, they were gone and the bakery wouldn't have sold me the rings even if they had more. Instead, I traced an image of a Clone Trooper helmet onto wax paper 40 times. Then I melted chocolate candy melts, tried to dye it black and piped the outlines.
When those hardened I filled them in with white candy melts.
I peeled them off and this is the final product on the cupcakes. Pretty ingenious if I do say so myself. The kids loved the fact that they were edible!
The arsenal of light sabers waiting for the party to start (pool noodles cut in half, duct tape and electrical tape). Of course, the princess of the house had to have a pink one. Archer said to just pretend it was purple because Mace Windu has a purple light saber. Of course.
And of course, what kid doesn't dream of attacking the Death Star with their own light saber? I don't think I needed to have planned any other games (Lego Star Wars bingo, pin the light saber on Anakin, pass the Thermal Detonator aka hot potato), they were totally content running around outside. I'm sure one or two moms were less than thrilled that I sent their kid home with a weapon.

Homemade Goodness-Pay It Forward

2009-02-15T16:31:00.003-07:00

All right, it's time for a new post. Since I'm not in the mood to be creative or witty, I'll do a couple of random tags since all I have to do is cut and paste. And this one is my own fault since I was number three on a friend's blog.

The Rules:

1. Be one of the first 3 (three) people to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me - something crafty or yummy, who knows?! (But if you live far away, don't count on the yummy, and I just learned to knit).

2. Winners may then post this challenge on their blog, meaning that they will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift -anything!- for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on their post about this giveaway!

3. You have 365 days to send your items. (There always has to be a disclaimer!)

Thanks to everyone who reads my blogs, thanks for letting me read yours. It's fun to catch up and learn more about you and enjoy your sarcasm. But mostly it's nice to know that there are others out there just like me going through all the same things day in and day out.

The Line

2009-01-19T13:45:00.005-07:00

Some of you know this line. I'm sure you all have something like it in your own home. Everyone at Grandma Darlene's is very good about obeying the House Rules, especially the rule about not crossing the line (I wish they would listen this well at home). We are grateful to have somewhere close to go where people like us. Maybe I'm just it's my wishful thinking on that last part, but I'll just claim ignorance.

Thank you again for letting us crash for the night. Thank you also for watching all of our combined children for a couple of hours. It's nice to go out to dinner and pretend we don't have kids once in a while.

Bad

2009-01-19T13:43:00.001-07:00

So, I've been accused of being a bad blogger. I'm sorry. I'll try to post more.

There, that's all you get.

"Hey Santa, Hey Santa"

2008-12-24T10:40:00.008-07:00

Cameron was happy for just this long.

This was as close as Addison would get

Archer would not sit on his lap.

Mitchell was very into the specifications of his wish

p.s. I hope you now have the Wilson Phillips song stuck in your head. I have for a week.

Fine, And You?

2008-12-22T15:40:00.004-07:00

We're all good, just staying in. Although, I really need to go to the post office. I think it finally stopped snowing, maybe I will be brave.

"U.B.'s Home"

2008-12-08T22:45:00.003-07:00

"If the object of this game was to get the ball closest to the pin you would be champion of the world."

Matt didn't get it and said no one else would either. So, I have to ask: Can you name the movie off the top of your head?

Around the Clock

2008-12-02T08:29:00.003-07:00

12:04 a.m. ~ Child #4 wakes up crying.
12:06 a.m. ~ Start watching The Amazing Race from Sunday.
12:57 a.m. ~ The Amazing Race is over, put child back in bed.
3:17 a.m. ~ Child #3 starts crying.
3:18 a.m. ~ Find Child #3 covered in barf.
3:24 a.m. ~ Clean the tub with bleach from two days ago when said child pooped in it.
3:31 a.m. ~ Wash barf out of Child's hair, get clean p.j.s and put back in bed.
3:49 a.m. ~ Get back in bed, but wonder if I should go to the store for milk since we are out.
5:30 a.m. ~ Child #4 starts crying again.
5:31 a.m. ~ Check on Child #3, she hasn't fallen back asleep yet.
5:32 a.m. ~ Get Child #4 out of bed and bring into bed with me since husband has already left.
7:15 a.m. ~ Alarm #1 goes off. Hit snooze button.
7:30 a.m. ~ Alarm #2 goes off. Hit snooze button.
7:55 a.m. ~ Wake up panicked since school starts in 25 minutes.
7:57 a.m. ~ Be grateful that husband ran for a half gallon of milk. Pour cereal for kids.
8:03 a.m. ~ Get Child #1 and #2 upstairs to get dressed, hair done and teeth brushed.
8:15 a.m. ~ Tie Child #2's shoes, help with coats and back packs.
8:21 a.m. ~ Leave to take #1 and #2 to school.
9:00 a.m. ~ Good friend drops her Child #3 off.
9:25 a.m. ~ Leave to take said child to preschool for my friend.
9:31 a.m. ~ Home. Finally can finish hanging lights on tree.

License and Registration, Please

2008-11-11T13:30:00.002-07:00

I got pulled over today a few blocks from my house. Yep. Not yesterday on the freeway on my way home from Odgen. Oh wait, that happened too.

Today I was minding my own business on my way to the store for a few things to make pumpkin bread as a thank you to my friends who watched some of my kids while I went to California over the weekend. I am coming down the hill when I see flashing lights following a car ahead of me. I think, "wow, I've never seen a cop on this street pull someone over, I better slow down, I'm going 45. Oh look, there's a cop sitting on that bench and there's one turning the corner and is now right behind me. Crap, I didn't put my new tags on, well, he won't pull me over, it's only been a week and a half since they expired." "Ohhh crap!" (Wait, I think I swore when the lights went on behind me). I pull into the exact same gas station where the first car was getting a ticket. When the cop asked me for my license, registration and insurance I knew I was in trouble. I gave him my license, told him my new tags were sitting on my counter, and rummaged through my glove box pretending to look for the current insurance card knowing full well I didn't have it but I had all sixty-three others. He tells me to wait in the car. (Because I'm a flight risk with two of my kids with me??)

In the end he brings me back my citation for going 46 in a 35 zone, and failure to carry insurance. What? Nothing for an expired registration or a 5-year-old sitting buckled without his car seat or texting while driving? (Just kidding, Numismatist)

Total: $191.50
Going too fast (I refuse to call 46 mph speeding) = $75
Failure to carry insurance = $116.50 However, this will be removed when I provide proof of insurance at the courthouse.

And on the way home from the store, just up the same street, there were two cops standing on the corner with a radar gun and three cop cars lined up beside them. I think they were hoping to catch all the high school kids trying to get back to class before lunch was over. But seriously, that was 5 cop cars and 6 officers on the same 2 blocks in one hour.

Oh, and yesterday? Here' s how it went down:

Cop: "Do you have a front license plate?
Me: "Oh, this is my husband's car, I'm sure he does."
Cop: "OK, just get it mounted on the front. Have a safe trip."
Me: "Thank you, I will."

I think Mr. Policeman was hoping to nail a 16-year-old punk kid racing down the freeway in a 1991 Honda Civic Hatchback (with a tweaked muffler so it makes extra noise) and instead he got a mom in her mid (I mean early) thirties with a baby in the backseat.

Sure am glad Matt saved me from that cop I dated just before him.

Use the Force...

2008-10-31T22:51:00.008-06:00

I know, pre-light saber Anakin, but for an 8-year-old it's all about the light-saber.

"Doot doo doo bleep blip bleep"

"Go Yoda! Use the force!" (I know, random costume. We couldn't talk her into anything Star Wars related. There are just not enough little girl characters.)

"Candy on the floor I see."

"Aren't you a little short to be a Storm Trooper ?"

All the Star Wars characters at our Trunk or Treat. You can't see Matt very well, but he was dressed as Luke Skywalker on Dagobah and he carried Yoda in the backpack all night.

Finally...

2008-10-27T12:46:00.005-06:00

I finished Breaking Dawn.

Warning: This may contain spoilers. Only scroll down if you have read this book or don't care if I ruin it for you.

All I can say is, wow, this was a struggle for me. It took way too long, and I thought she was never going to have that baby!

It ended way too happy for me. Am I the only one who wanted a fight at the end so everyone could use their wicked awesome powers?

For Those Who Care

2008-10-27T10:53:00.004-06:00

It's all over now.

OK, I'll Play Along...

2008-10-13T12:20:00.003-06:00

I'm supposed to pick the 4th picture from my 10th picture file. Well, I have pictures from my old camera in one file, from my new camera in another, and then a lot of them have been imported into Adobe Photoshop. So, I'll pick one.

This was taken on March 6, 2005. A two-year old Archer crashed hard after church while playing with marbles.

Don't Rock the Boat, Give Him Your Vote

2008-10-09T15:06:00.003-06:00

How come no one told me about this?

I need to quit watching the news.

For Nicole

2008-09-25T18:43:00.002-06:00

As part of my repentance process I am asking for your forgiveness by giving you this. Enjoy. I miss you. I need to visit.

MST3K

2008-09-19T00:08:00.006-06:00

Since my husband has been gone all week, I've have fully caught up on all my tivo'd shows. Of course this doesn't count the 26 episodes of the original 90210 that I finally deleted because I was missing 5 from the first season and my OCD won't allow me to watch them out of order (and neither of our 3 video stores had them).

So imagine my delight when I stumbled upon this while channel surfing last night at midnight. I've already set it to record the next episodes.

And, yes, it's now in my T9.

50 ODD Things About Me

2008-09-13T09:08:00.006-06:00

(If you dislike these tagging lists, then stop reading now. This one seemed completely random so I liked it.)

1) Do you like blue cheese? Only with celery while eating hot wings.

2) Have you ever smoked crack? No, but I've eaten what we call coconut crack (call me if you want the recipe. It entails 3 kinds of chocolate chips, coconut, graham crackers, butter, condensed milk etc. You get the picture).

3) Do you own a gun? I do not personally own a gun but my husband has something in a gun case that I've never seen.

4) What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Ideally, it would be a vanilla Dr. Pepper, but since I don't like to consume that much sugar in one sitting, it's vanilla Diet Coke.

5) Do you get nervous before doctors appointments? Depends on where they are probing me.

6) What do you think of hot dogs? They have to be black from the BBQ or from Pink's in Hollywood. That was seriously the best hot dog I have ever eaten.

7) Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night

8) What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Orange juice, but I usually just drink water sometimes with a Crystal Lite stick.

9) Can you do push ups? Just girly ones. I'm working on "real" ones.

11) What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My charm bracelet and Denver Broncos watch.

12) Favorite hobby? Photography, making cards, organizing something.

13) Ever been in a car wreck? Yes, two.

14) Do you like thunderstorms? When they are not super close to my house.

15) What's one trait that you hate about yourself? Lack of patience when I am hungry. And my jiggly arms ("I'm working on it!")

16) Middle name? Damn (I mean Dawn, I used to transpose the "w" when I was little).

17) Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? 1- Is it time to pick up the babysitter yet? 2-When should I order the pizza for the kids 3) When am I going to get ready to go?

18) Name 3 things you bought today? Nothing yet, but we are going to the D.I. later on our date. (I know, I know)

19) Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, Diet Coke and my recent love of Diet Code Red Mtn. Dew

20) Current worry? Will I survive this week without a husband?

21) Current hate right now? The name Renesmee (seriously? Renesmee? I even liked Nessie better) And, no, I'm still not done.

22) How did you bring in the New Year? Eating 7-Layer Dip

23) Where would you like to go back to? Newport Beach, or any beach for that matter!

24) Name three people who will complete this? Sandi, Jen, April, Cydnee (just taking a stab).

26) Do you own slippers? Yes, Olive green Acorns that I only wear when my tile floor is cold.

27) What shirt are you wearing? T-shirt from the Orange County Swap Meet.

28) Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I never have, but I think I would hate it.

29) Can you whistle? Yes, but it's pretty pathetic.

30) Favorite color? Pink.

31) Would you be a pirate? Arrrrrgh, Matey!

32) What songs do you sing in the shower? Whatever is stuck in my head, lately it's been Erasure.

33) Favorite girl's name? Addison, of course

34) Favorite boy's name? Mitchell, Archer and Cameron.

35) Whats in your pocket? Wing nuts for my quilting frames (I know, completely random).

36) Last thing that made you laugh? Playing Uno with my kids.

37) Best bed sheets as a child? The colorful flower ones that my sister and I used as "paints" for our flower headboard.

38) Worst injury you've ever had? Old football injury. I broke the first 3 bones in my foot. (OK, I jumped off the 13 foot fence in our backyard.)

40) Favorite flavor potato chips? Tostitos Hint of Lime (Although they aren't potato chips)

41) Who is your loudest friend? My husband when he's talking about disc golf.

42) How many dogs do you have? Zero, and there will be none until we have a fence across our backyard.

43) Does someone have a crush on you? A little boy in Archer's Kindergarten class who said I was pretty.

45) What is your favorite book? The Giver Trilogy by Lois Lowry

46) What is your favorite candy? Chocolate covered jelly rings, or anything I can eat by the handful.

47) Favorite Sports Team? Utah Jazz and Denver Broncos

48) What song do you want played at your funeral? I don't care as long as Dave Markel sings.

49) What were you doing at midnight last night? Watching the new 90210 trying to get the baby to sleep.

50) First thing you thought about when you woke up? Crap! Cameron's diaper leaked on my sheets!

p.s. I filled this out on Saturday, just so you don't think our D.I. is open on Sunday.

One Is Black, And One Is White. Life's An Eskimo Pie, Let's Take A Bite!

2008-09-08T16:20:00.004-06:00

I finally installed Photoshop. I'm having fun playing with all the pictures. This one turned out cute.

The Older I Get, the Better I Was...

2008-08-28T15:53:00.006-06:00

I've been talking up my waterskiing skills to Matt for the last 10 years. He hasn't believed I could actually do it. Until now...

and, yes. I. am. sore.

Click on my title to see more pics from the lake

Major News!

2008-08-20T10:14:00.003-06:00

No. I'm not pregnant. I'm sure that was everyone's first thought.

Matt updated his blog. Check it out.

Olympic Spirit

2008-08-19T15:53:00.004-06:00

While I'm not one for writing down every little thing my kids say, this is gold medal worthy.

The boys were picking out tie tacks to wear on Sunday as part of their getting ready for church regime. They love to dig through all the pins in Matt's jewelry box (yes, I called it a jewelry box, even though it houses all kinds of cr...stuff). This particular day, Mitchell chooses an Olympic pin that Matt got while serving his mission during the Barcelona, Spain Olympics in 1992 Here is the conversation:

Mitchell: "Wow, is this an Olympic pin, Dad?
Dad: "Yep, it's from when the Olympics were in Spain when I was on my mission."
Mitchell: "Oh, did you compete?"
(copious amounts of laughter from me in the other room)
Dad: "I love you, bud. No, I did not compete in the Olympics."

Does every kid think his Dad could compete in the Olympics?? I still laugh when I think of it. I'm not sure how that helps Matt's ego, though.

I go on vacation and come home to this...

2008-08-15T17:57:00.004-06:00

We did have a few that weren't so ginormous that we will actually be able to eat. You can't eat them when they're this big, they taste nasty.

I Should Be Mopping the Floor While the Baby Is Sleeping...

2008-08-01T09:27:00.011-06:00

Tagged by my friend Rachelle.

Here are the rules: you link back to the person who tagged you, post the rules, and share 6 unimportant things about yourself. Then tag 6 people at the end of your post.

Six Very Unimportant Things About Me

1. I have a fetish with the goop in my baby's eyes. I am constantly sticking my fingers in his eyes to get it out. Unless it's pink eye of course, then I use a tissue.

2. I hate to unload the dishwasher, but I don't mind loading it. At least when I load, it empties the sink and I feel like I accomplished something. Unloading just goes from dishes hiding in the dishwasher to dishes hiding in the cupboards.

3. I never write with a pen that is missing it's lid. It bugs.

4. I can sing all the words to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air verbatim. Yeah, I know. And I'll still watch re-runs on Nick, Nick, Nick-at-Nite.

5. I have not eaten sugar for seven long days. I'm sort of saving myself.

6. I love organizing stuff. I recently re-housed all of my spices and put them on nice metal tiered shelves. They are alphabetized, but some still need to be re-labeled. It's driving me crazy. (I know Eris and Athena can appreciate this.)

I don't tag, sorry.

Mem'ries light the corner of my mind...

2008-07-30T19:32:00.005-06:00

Scattered pictures of the way we were.
(but sung like Tom Hanks in "Big")

I guess I needed a place for all those to come and leave a memory about me.

So, in case you haven't seen this on someone's blog, you can say you saw it here first.

Leave a comment on my blog of a memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you've known me for a short time or a long time, anything that you remember!

Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It is pretty funny to read the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you are playing and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. On your mark... get set... comment!

I know, two posts in one day, what are you going to do.

His Hair and all...

2008-07-30T16:11:00.004-06:00

Mitchell was invited to participate in the Jr. Jazz clinic with Kosta Koufos (the Utah Jazz's first round pick this year). We (when I say "we" I mean mostly Matt) was interested to see what he would be like. So imagine our surprise when Kyrlyo Fesenko (otherwise known as "Fess") walked in. I enjoyed it a little more because I actually got to see someone who I actually watched play last year (granted, only on TV), so I was a little star-struck even though he is just a big, white, doofy-looking Ukrainian (no offense, Fess).

They started by having all the kids shoot a free throw. Mitchell was one of only ten (out of about 50) who made their first shot. Those ten then shot a second free throw. Mitchell came close but missed that one (only two made it). Those last two got to shoot against Fess.

When the guy from the Jazz office was introducing Fess, he told the kids that he was going to ask them three questions about Fess at the end and whoever could answer one of those questions would get to play a little one on one against Fess. He asked the kids how tall Fess is (7 feet) and where Fess was from. Mitchell raised his hand and was called on. Everyone got a good laugh when Mitchell's answer was "somewhere in Ohio". Now I have to explain why he answered like that. As we were driving to the gym at ISU, Matt was telling Mitchell a little bit about Kosta Koufos. (He was 7 feet one and played at a college in Ohio.) Mitchell didn't really pay attention to the fact that it was a completely different player that showed up. Mtichell asked Fess what player he always wanted to play against. Fess's answer? Shaq (I guess I won't hold it against him).

So it was fun. I think Mitchell had a good time. I took lots of pictures. Click on the title, which reflects on Fess's hair (not Mitchell's lack of) to see more. I understand Jerry Sloan had some words about his new do.

Dad is great, He gives us chocolate cake!

2008-07-11T19:11:00.002-06:00

Bill Cosby said it best, but this time it's Mom, and it's waffles and ice cream for dinner. Am I the coolest or what?

Don't worry Sandi, chocolate waffles and vanilla bean ice cream are planned for next week.

Six Months Old

2008-07-05T20:21:00.006-06:00

Click on the title to see more pics from an impromptu photo shoot.

And yes, it's an Old Navy shirt from 2003. Maybe I'll find the picture of Archer wearing it at almost the same age so you can see how much they look alike. (Update:I found the picture, Cameron looks much more like Mitchell)

Pictures

2008-07-03T13:17:00.006-06:00

Update: Thanks Numi (that word is too long and I always have to look how to spell it). I created a new blog. Everyone will now have the option of enrolling in English 101-02. Uploading as we speak, well, type.

So, I have a googillion (I love Ben Stillercabulary) pictures that I want to post. How do you prefer to see them? Do I post them and just make you scroll through them all? or Do you want them in slide show format? or Do you want another collage? (Numismatist: I'm asking you)

I'm working on them really...(ok, actually I was working on the rename and redesign)

Mindless Ranting

2008-06-30T14:18:00.005-06:00

Update: I went into the video store to return Disc Two and pick up Disc Three. The clerk gave me my total of 84 cents. I then asked about the late fee I knew I owed. He had already waived all fees. I guess I am that cute.

OK, before I post some pictures I have to get this off my chest:

Gas prices. I know, I know, they are high everywhere. But seriously, $4.06 in Pocatello, Idaho?? Ridiculous. That's all I have to say about that.

OK, the real reason for the rant:

Besides a couple of mom and pop video stores in the area we have two Hollywood Video locations. Obviously one is a little closer than the other. Matt and I caught the end of the third season of "How I Met Your Mother" in May. Now with the lack of good summer programming except "So You Think You Can Dance") I went to the closest Hollywood and rented the first two discs of the first season of HIMYM. It cost me a whopping 84 cents tax included for five days for each disc. I rented the third disc when we were done.

Grand total for Season One= $2.52.

Last Thursday I went to the "other" Hollywood Video for Season Two (only because the preferred store didn't carry it.) Each disc there cost the 84 cents. Each day. When I voiced my opinion the clerk said "yeah, that store is different than ours. They're running a test". I asked which store was running the "test" she replied "they both are". I decided to only get the first disc, she tried to talk me into the fact that it would still be cheaper to get all three now, bring them back as we finish and then just pay the late fees (only 84 cents) on the ones we keep longer. I conceded. Only because I hate finishing one disc and not having the next to start right away. We finished Disc One and after doing the math I took Discs One and Three back at 11:00 pm on Saturday night. Assuming it will take two more days to finish Disc Two:

Grand Total so far for Season Two= $8.40.

How is this a good deal???

This kind of marketing makes perfect sense for movies that you are going to watch once in a night. Sure, pay the 79 cents (where is the cents symbol?!#?) But for television series? I mean, we're a TV family, but I cannot watch the 9 episodes on a disc in a single night.

Now I wish this show was syndicated and I could tivo the whole series (like I have done with Scrubs, That 70's Show, Charmed and most recently the TBS version of Sex and the City where I'm on the 4th season).

And, yes, I have e-mailed Hollywood Video already. No response yet.

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T17:01:00.011-06:00

I wanted to get a picture before church, when everyone looked so cute, but with rushing out the door, the kids being trained to change out of their church clothes first thing when we get home, and a baby who had a blow out, it didn't happen. Here they are watching the "Sunday Movie" (Monster's Inc.) together.

How old is he? 35
Who eats more? He does.
Who is taller? He is
Who is smarter? He is, especially now, when I'm going through a "dumbening" phase.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? If you're in the bed than it's him.
Who pays the bills? I do, with "our" money.
Who mows the lawn? He does.
Who cooks dinner? I do, unless it's barbecuing, than it's him, most of the time.
Who has more siblings? He does. Youngest of ten.
What are his guilty pleasures? "So You Think You Can Dance" (yes, he might divorce me for airing that in the open).
What are his hobbies? Disc Golf, video games, books.
What is your favorite thing about him? There are a ton of things I love about him. He is such a good person and is a workhorse in the yard. He works so hard to do well in school (whe he is in school). He gets excited to talk about his Thesis (even though I tune him out smile and nod sometimes). He is a great dad and loves to play UNO with the kids. He will always share his fries with me and will usually give me the best one. He will get caught up on TV shows with me. (We're currently watching "How I Met Your Mother Season 1).

I love you Matt! Happy Father's Day. Thanks for being such a great husband and Dad.

Twenty-Nine Years

2008-06-07T19:41:00.005-06:00

Happy Anniversary to my Mom and Dad. In going through the boxes of 30 years of photos, I picked out a few of my favorites.

And, yes, if you've done the math, we kids were 5, 5, 3 and 1 (respectively) when they got married (not many kids can say they attended their parent's wedding reception.

(If you don't know the story, e-mail me, I'll be happy to oblige)

Chicken Little

2008-06-02T20:41:00.004-06:00

Who will help me make this bread?

I am now the proud owner of this. It's awesome.

Now I can finally start using the 900 pounds (and, no, that is not an exaggeration) of wheat that we acquired last May. I knew it would be a great addition to our food storage and I calculated the amount we would need for our family of six for one year. I guess just having it sit in the basement isn't going to help us out in an emergency, is it?

Does anyone have a great recipe for whole wheat bread? If I can master it and my kids will eat it, then we will have something.

Note to self: Now purchase this for when the end of the world comes and we have no electricity.

In the words of Alice Cooper...

2008-05-29T12:51:00.007-06:00

School's Out For Summer!

I was walking to pick up Mitchell today, and from down the street I hear the Principal on the intercom:

"10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...HAPPY SUMMER!"

I started to get choked up during this count down.

Why? I ask.

Is it because my baby just finished 2nd grade?
Is it because another one of my babies will start Kindergarten in three short months?
Or is it because now I have to keep them all entertained this summer or all I will hear is "Can I play (insert your choice of video game here) again?"

My Talented Kids

2008-05-29T11:05:00.007-06:00

So, in all the school year end melee, we had a plethora of talent shows to attend.

I was thinking that our kids really don't have any talents that can be showcased by performance. I think we are the only parents who haven't gotten our kids into piano lessons, as evidenced by how many kids played for their talent. Mitchell has expressed interest in learning to play, so we'll have to figure t hat one out, since we don't own a piano).

First, was our annual Primary Talent Show. Here is the conversation I had with Mitchell prior to the night of many talents.

Mitchell: "I want to play the piano for the talent show".
Me: "Mitchell, you don't know how to play the piano".
Mitchell: "I know I just want to make up a little song".
Me: "Um, no you can't really do that".

So what does Mitchell want to do?
Be a stand up comedian.
"How does a lamb get to the hospital?"
"By "lamb"-bulance."

"What do you call a fish without an eye?"
"A fsh."

He also told a couple other jokes and embarrassed us with his behavior at the microphone.

Archer showcased his portfolio of artwork. He wants to be an artist when he grows up.

Addison helped me make peanut butter bars and brownies.

Second, was the Second Grade Talent Show. Since I vetoed his wanting to tell jokes again, I suggested that he show how to throw discs (as in disc golf discs). I think we found ourselves the next infomercial actor.
"This disc is perfect to throw a "Scooby". Let's say you are stuck under a pine tree or another obstacle. Then this is the shot for you".

Lastly, Archer's Preschool Graduation featured all the kids performing their chosen talents. He also wanted to demonstrate how to throw a disc. He performed his favorite shot: the "Roller".

TTA ~ One Word

2008-05-21T16:47:00.003-06:00

Saw this on my friend's blog. She got it here. I know it's Wednesday, I didn't get to it yesterday. I thought the whole Tuesday Tell All sounded interesting. I might start doing it. It guarantees something to blog about each week. However, I might do it every Tuesday or I might just do the weeks that I feel like it. So there.

Answer the following with only one word.

1. Where is your cell phone? ....................Hoody
2. Your significant other?.......................Tired
3. Your hair?....................................Ponytail
4. Your mother? .................................Jetblue
5. Your father?..................................Geezer
6. Your favorite thing?..........................Camera
7. Your dream last night?........................Weird
8. Your favorite drink...........................Diet
9. Your dream/goal?.............................Education
10. The room you're in?..........................Computer
11. Your children?.....................................Asleep
12. Your fear?............................................Money
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years...........Here
14. Where were you last night?...................Idol
15. What you're not?.............................Fit
16. Muffins......................................Poppyseed
17. One of your wish list items?.................Cell
18. Where you grew up?........................... Sandy
19. What you read last........................Cristo
20. What are you wearing?........................Jeans
21. Your TV?.....................................On
22. Your pets?...................................None
23. Your computer? ..............................Old
24. Your life?..................................Children
25. Your mood?...................................Frustrated
26. Missing someone?.............................Always
27. Your car?....................................Minivan
28. Something you're not wearing?................Belt
29. Favorite Store?..............................Non-Kids
30. Your summer?.................................Baseball
31. Like someone?................................Lots
32. Your favorite color?.........................Pink
33. Last time you laughed........................Neighbor's
34. Last time you cried?.........................Argument

Is It Just Me?

2008-05-19T18:21:00.005-06:00

Tonight for Family Night we were minus one family member, Matt, who is attending a conference in Sun Valley (why didn't I go with him, again?). Since he was in charge of the activity, I decided to do something that he would have enjoyed. We went to the D.I.

All four kids and myself.

The kids were all getting along and being happy the entire afternoon so I thought this would be something I could handle. I even prepped them before we went in about how they needed to remember their manners and if they starting acting out we would leave, no questions asked. Well, it happened, they started fighting over a toy ("Hey! I had it first", "No, I had it first!"), and whining, and crying and complaining. I left my two items in the cart grabbed the baby's carrier and had to drag one out literally kicking and screaming "NO! NO! OWW! YOU'RE HURTING ME!" while the other two trailed behind in a chorus of "NO, NO, I DON'T WANT TO GO!" I think the people in the parking lot (who weren't in the store to witness the entire thing) seriously thought I was kidnapping these children. (Do I have masochist tattooed on my forehead?)

Now, this isn't the first time this has happened to me with one of my kids (Sandi can vouch for the time we were at Robert's in Idaho Falls), but all of them at the same time? I give myself some credit. I didn't yell at them (even after we got home). I did talk sternly for a second in the store, and then I didn't talk until we got home. Sometimes this is more effective when they think I'm never going to talk to them again.

Someone please tell me it's not just me and my parenting. I need to hear some of your horror stories to feel better about myself.

Maybe a good dose of watching "The Supernanny" would help. And I never watch that, but somehow my kids always seem more well-behaved when I see the kids she deals with.

As Political As I Get

2008-05-16T13:51:00.002-06:00

I stumbled across a blog that linked me to information about two bills that are coming up before the House and Senate: H.R. 5889 The Orphan Works Act of 2008 and S 2913 The Shawn Bentley Orphan Works Act of 2008. If these pass, any company will be allowed to use pictures posted anywhere on the web (think digital scrapbookers and bloggers) in their advertisements. Imagine if your cute kids showed up in and ad for who-knows-what-who-knows-where. Please visit this link and send letters to stop this before it's too late. Of course, I just sent a letter to Sen. Larry Craig and I'm not sure what he's doing these days. Hopefully, someone is filling in for him since his time in the airport restroom.

I promise, this is the only time I will ever post about anything political. I have others who do that for me.

Sunny Days, Sweepin' the Clouds Away

2008-05-07T15:01:00.001-06:00

Then, it totally rained today.

I Looked Out the Window and What Did I See?

2008-05-01T08:46:00.004-06:00

Snowflakes falling from my apricot tree.

Seriously? I guess I shouldn't be surprised. It is Idaho after all. Hopefully, the bees did enough work on Monday that we'll still get some fruit. Last year we got a whopping two apricots off this tree.

My Favorite Sister

2008-04-26T17:16:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Sandi!

I wish I could have surprised you and flown to Texas, but, well, you know...

I'm sure you had a great time anyway.
I hope you said "Hi" to Buddy Holly for me.
I love you and miss you.
See you on June 24th!

Bubbles Bubbles Everywhere (but not a drop to drink)

2008-04-25T18:27:00.005-06:00

He rolled over last night.

I know. He's not even 4 months old yet and already at the top of his class.

We tested to see that it wasn't a freak roll.

He did it three times in a row.

Dictionary Definition

2008-04-06T18:27:00.006-06:00

buf*fis (be'-fis)
n.

1. A word made up by 4-year-old Mitchell in a knock-knock joke.
i.e. "Knock knock. Who's there? Buffis. Buffis who? Buffis you! (Don't ask, we still don't know.)

2. A day in which a birthday is celebrated if said birthday falls on a day in which it cannot be celebrated properly.
i.e. We celebrated Matt's Buffis Day on Saturday.

[Old English buffase]

Randomness

2008-04-03T18:52:00.006-06:00

OK, so this first thing isn't so random, but...

Happy Birthday Matt! I love you!

I'm trying to be positive about this, because he is in Boise attending a conference, and I am not. Not that I want to be at a boring conference, but I would rather be anywhere than at home with 4 kids who are yelling, fighting, whining, crying, complaining, making messes, etc. etc. etc. (I guess there are only 3 kids doing most of that, the fourth is just crying, pooping, and spiting up). I'm throwing myself a pity party tonight and will probably eat whatever chocolate I can find in the house (which unfortunately isn't enough) while watching Lost.

Back to the randomness:

~I made the call to get our garage door opener fixed. It took all of twenty minutes for the repair guy to replace the gear kit. Why did we wait so long to have this done?

~I had a whole list of random things to ramble about. Now I can't think of another one.

Edited later in the night: Lost was a total disappointment. Rerun. What happened to the entire season straight through with all new episodes? After waiting out the fall season I got a few new episodes I now have to wait until April 24th for a new one?

and

I have no chocolate in the house. How pathetic is that. I seriously had to settle for Betty Crocker frosting left from Archer's birthday cupcakes. Oooh, I just remembered I have some Quik. I could make chocolate milk and toast.

Tagged By Rachelle

2008-03-23T17:45:00.004-06:00

Rachelle was my roommate for two years while we were attending SUU. We had such fun times together. I just ran into her again through this wonderful world of blogging (maybe that should be a Disney special).

1- Favorite pair of shoes right now......My olive green Acorn slippers

2- New years resolution.....See this post

3- Are you listening to music right now? Nope, just my 3 year old daughter watching Dora.

4- If you had 200 dollars to spend on yourself.....I would buy a membership to somewhere with fun fitness classes and hope for immediate results.

5- Favorite place in the city that you live in.....In Pocatello? Ha ha ha ha. Seriously though, Ross Park is fun when it's warmer. But in a couple of weeks it will be the soccer fields watching two of my boys playing, then the baseball fields, then the soccer fields again, then the basketball court, well you get the picture.

6-I just finished reading...Sanditon by Jane Austen (ok, I didn't finish it) moving on to The Giver (again) by Lois Lowry (my turn for book club).

I tag Sandi and Jen (because they haven't updated for a while)
Edit to clarify which Jen. Jen Knee Fur. If you don't know what that means, then you're not the one I meant.

"It's Smiling At Me"

2008-03-20T13:09:00.003-06:00

Blurry camera or not, I thought I'd better document the fact that I do indeed have a fourth child. And look at his cute dimple! Thanks for the reminder, Jeny.

Taking No Chances

2008-03-20T13:04:00.003-06:00

Archer was a little worried about being pinched on St. Patrick's Night (as he called it). So he came up with this.

Red Headed Step Child

2008-03-18T23:13:00.002-06:00

I know, I know, there haven't been any pictures of the baby since he was born. My reasoning is simple...I need a new camera. As soon as that tax return check is in my hand (and don't ask why we didn't do direct deposit, our tax guy didn't assume we had the same bank account and didn't ask), I'm off to buy this. (unless anyone can offer any other suggestions).

Now, which retail establishment will get my patronage?

Happy Birthday, Charlie, Happy Birthday!

2008-03-13T07:45:00.003-06:00

I can't believe it's been 5 years. Happy Birthday, Archer Marcher! I love you!

Hap Hap Haparoo!!!

Snoddatoomah

2008-02-29T18:16:00.008-07:00

But it was, essentially.

Matt went into the ISU Student Health Center on campus to have them look at a "growth" on his finger (thankfully, not the same finger he had surgery on after the tug-of-war fiasco) and was diagnosed with Pyogenic Granuloma. Basically, his finger suffered trauma of some kind and in the process of healing he kept regenerating cells and they were weaved in and around every which way.

Hmmm, could he have super powers? I wonder if he could grow a new pinkie toe.

p.s. click on the title if you don't understand the movie quote (but there better not be a Webb/Seastrand who doesn't)

Da Funk

2008-02-20T17:45:00.003-07:00

I don't know what it is, but I am in a cooking funk. It all started just before I had Baby #4. I was tired of making dinner and I used my pregnancy as a good reason not to have to for a while. Now almost two months later, I cannot bring myself out of it. In addition, I am tired of making the same old things. So I am issuing a call for help. I plan to scour my cookbooks and recipe sites for some new ideas and am asking you all to post your favorite meal idea. Maybe one of your recipe will make our family's top ten list, and if so, I will be eternally indebted (is that a word? my spell checker didn't catch it if it's not).

Muriel you have been "blog-jacked" for your birthday...

2008-02-18T08:58:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday Muriel.
I love you...
Matt

Important Breaking News!

2008-02-15T12:18:00.004-07:00

Hey Eris check this out!

Only Fair

2008-01-30T22:17:00.001-07:00

It only seemed fair to update this with an additional photo of my sister. We spent many afternoons together outside the orthodontist's building waiting for mom to pick us up. Subsequently, we had very nice pointy, shaved on the cement ends of our toothbrushes.

Don't we look so much alike?

I wore my retainer religiously until I misplaced it years ago. It doesn't seem to have done much damage that I can see. However, I have one permanently affixed to the back of my bottom front teeth.

Click the title to see why in the world I posted this. I gave my husband four brace-faced school pictures to choose from and his comment was "oh, you have to post this one" (of course this was after he told me he would have found me attractive when he was a teenager, so I forgive him for choosing this one). Who has a seventh grade picture they like anyway?

New Year, New Goals

2008-01-17T16:36:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a year since I started this blog with my first post about my New Year's Resolutions for this past year. I decided to take a minute and review those goals and see how I did and set some goals for this year.

Personal:

Take time weekly (at least) for myself. I didn't do very well at this goal last year. My guitar still hangs on the wall and my scrapbooking has not gotten much further. I have read a lot though. So I guess that's something.

Physical:

Run a 5K in the Fall. There is a great program called "Couch to 5K" that I started just before I got pregnant. I can't wait to resume that training in a few weeks.

Drink 72 oz. of water every day. I stopped during the last couple weeks of my pregnancy because I was sick of being in the bathroom every fifteen minutes. Since I've started again it has been heaven.

Family:

Be More Healthy and Active Together. We have been doing our part in keeping Little Caesar's in business as we have not been eating very well since right before the baby was born (who wants to cook when you're that large anyway?). I have started compiling a list of healthy snacks for my kids (and hubby!). I have got to bring them down from their holiday sugar high and find something besides white bread for my four year old carb addict to snack on. I'm trying to be creative here.

Read the Book of Mormon Together. At least tell all the stories with the pictures from the Gospel Art Kit for the ones who aren't able to read yet.

Spiritual:

Read in the scriptures every day. I should do this while I'm nursing my baby, instead of watching TV. (What do they say about kids who eat in front of the television?)

Read the Ensign Every Month. Again something I could do while the little one is suckling.

Financial:

Become self-sufficient. We've been relying on savings and student loans to supplement my husband's income. Hopefully this year, with him finishing his thesis and graduating, he will be able to find a job (that he likes) that will allow us to stay here in Pocatello (I know, we must be crazy, but we really do like it despite the snow, wind, ice and lack of snow plowing).

Watch for updates and additions as I think of them. But I thought I better get this up before I forget that I have goals. (I blame everything on the brain cells I lost while pregnant and the lack of sleep.)

A Shout Out

2008-01-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

Eleven years ago, I married my best friend. Happy Anniversary, I love you!

How long have you been together?
Married 11 years today.

Where did you and your husband meet? ...

In a singles ward in Sandy, UT. He says he stole me away from a cop that I was dating at the time. Which is true, although I was bored of the cop anyway.

1st date..
On the 4th of July. We went to see "Independence Day" with his parents and sister, and then to Frontier Pies for lunch. He dropped me off at home for a few hours and then picked me up later for a BBQ at his oldest sister's house (he is the youngest of ten and they were all there, no pressure or anything).

1st kiss...
In his driveway standing next to my Jeep.

Who said "I love you" first?
He did, in my driveway next to his Mazda RX-7

How long did you date?
Started dating in July, engaged in October, married in January.

Where did you get engaged?...
On Conference Sunday (after the session and watching the Broncos game on TV), at the amphitheater at South Mountain in Draper.

Where were you married?
Salt Lake Temple. Everyone was late due to the 2 feet of snow we received that morning. The matron wanted to start without his Mom.

How did the reception go?....
I don't remember any major catastrophes. He got sick close to the end and his mom wanted him to go to the hospital. My brother-in-law at the time (who is a surgeon) said there was no way he would go to the emergency room on his wedding night.

Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Jackson Hole, WY. Stayed in a little cabin, ate awesome BBQ, snowmobiled to Yellowstone (when they still allowed it).

Finally! He's Here!

2008-01-04T14:45:00.000-07:00

Cameron Thomas
January 2, 2008 3:33 p.m.
9 pounds 20.5 inches

Too Little Too Late

2008-01-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

Well, we missed our chances at both another tax deduction and the first baby of the new year.

I will be getting up at the crack of dark in the morning to call Labor and Delivery so I can be told what time to come have a baby. Hopefully it won't be too early. I guess if we get to schedule I'd like to get M. off to school and drop the other two off at friend's houses. It seems strange to have to arrange for someone to watch the kids while we have a baby. We've always had family close enough to be at our house to take care of things. My mom tried. She flew in and stayed for 3 days just waiting for me to go into labor. Not to mention she cleaned bathrooms, floors, walls, appliances and did laundry.

Thanks Mom you are the best! I'm sorry you didn't get to hold the little guy. Hopefully soon!

Does This Answer Your Question??

2007-12-30T18:39:00.000-07:00

Boggle Challenge

2007-12-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

How many words can you make out of the word:

"BELIEVE" ?

Here's what happens with a English major husband who is finished with finals and grading for the 101 class he teaches. He feels the need to rearrange things around the house and see how long it takes me to notice. Since I'm not paying too much attention to a whole lot other than the impending birth of a baby, he had to point this out. It was worth a good laugh, however.

Comment Here

2007-12-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

If you answered "none of the above" to my name poll, leave a comment with your suggestion. If we choose your name, you just might win a fabulous prize!

I Wish Turkey Only Cost A Nickle...

2007-12-02T20:03:00.000-07:00

I tried to scan a paper written by my 2nd grader, but for some reason, the writing didn't show up. So here, in his own words, is his process paper.

How to cook a thanksgiving turkey by M.

1. Get one frozen turkey at Albertsons. 2.
When you get home, wash turkey. 3. Stuff with
meat, mashed potatos and gravy. 4. Bake it at 98°
for an hour. 5. When cooked set on table and let
turkey cool. When cooled eat.

This had me crying because I was laughing so hard. I wish we could all be in second grade again and things were that easy.

Happy Turkey Day!

2007-11-19T12:23:00.001-07:00

Wishing you all a great holiday this week. May we all remember what we have to be grateful for.

Shameless Plug

2007-11-13T19:46:00.001-07:00

OK all, here he is again, my younger brother Jared (notice I didn't say "little" this time?). He made it into the "Top 10" on famecast.com with his song "Time". He had just one week to put up a new video and song. Here he is with "Dream", a song he had previously recorded and now got in his studio to create a new rendition.

Click on my title to go directly to his video where you can vote every day from now until November 27th to get him in to the "Top 5" where he will then compete live in Houston, Texas for a chance to win $10,000. Please tell everyone you know! Thanks for all your continued support!

One Of Those Days...

2007-11-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

With family coming next week for Thanksgiving, I have a list a mile long of things to do around the house. Of course, I've been putting most of it off until now, crunch time. Today was one of those days that I feel like I (and when I say "I", I mean "we" because Matt came home early and after his round of Tiger Woods on the PS2, he was very motivated) got so much accomplished. And, yes, I am one of those people that adds things to my list that I have already done just so I can cross them off, thus, making me feel more accomplished for the day. However, I did not do that with any of the following:

~Organized and labeled my Primary binder (as of Sunday I was released from the Nursery and made Primary Secretary)
~Bought and installed a new doorbell (I don't know why I put that one off, it took all of two minutes)
~Polished 20 year old silver dish (the chafing dish you gave me, mom). OK, that one did take longer than I anticipated, but it looks beautiful.
~Replaced toilet parts in basement bathroom (I have my hubby to thank for that)
~Fixed heater and fan in master bathroom (again, hubby. And who knew there was a light bulb in the fan in the ceiling?)
~Put down carpet remnant under washer and dryer (another hubby involvement)
~Finished one Christmas present (like anyone in my family will be surprised that I am making some gifts this year)

And this was all in addition to laundry (of which I only re-washed one load having just taken it out of the dryer) and dishes and basic household chores.

Only 13 more things on my list. Woo Hoo!

Frankenstein Knocked Me Up

2007-11-01T16:48:00.002-06:00

(I hope that doesn't reflect too negatively on my character.)

Along with two of my cousin's wives (two different cousins not one cousin's two wives), we have been reading Mary Shelley's Frankenstein in time for Halloween. In the spirit of all things tradition, we decided to dress the parts this year. No one recognized us at our ward Trunk-or-Treat until our kids came running up to us.

That's the sign of a good costume.

The Year of the Pokemon

2007-11-01T16:10:00.002-06:00

Because of my disappointing afternoon (see previous post), I was really not looking forward to taking the kids Trick-or-Treating. But I ended up having a good time. It brought back some of the tradition that I knew should be there. The kids were excited about their costumes. I make their costumes every year that I can. Something about tradition for me. The pictures are from our Trunk-or-Treat the previous Friday night (which was everything a Halloween party should be and then some).

For those not yet introduced to the way of the Pokemon, I've included pics of the original characters so you can see who they are supposed to be.

a. is a Pokemon named Butterfree. I know it's not the most authentic, but she had her wings and that was all that mattered to her. Oh and she got to wear her purple snow boots.

M. was Ash, a Pokemon Trainer and owner of the Pokemon Pikachu who you can see in the green backpack. I was honestly surprised at how many kids actually recognized the character he was portraying. (I hope that says something for my costume making abilities.)

A. is an Pokemon named Riolu. He actually evolves into Lucario who is his favorite. But he says he chose this one because he's not as scary. (Lucario reminds me of a mean wolf, so I can see where he is coming from.) Because not every parent gets the opportunity to learn as much about Pokemon as I have, no one really knew who A. was supposed to be. One of my friends asked him if he was a bat-dog. Sure, whatever. It beats trying to explain it. He knew who he was and that's what mattered.

Not Lamb, I Said Lame!

2007-11-01T15:30:00.000-06:00

OK, so I just need to vent for a minute.

On the first day of school, M's 2nd grade class picked out of a hat to see which kid's parents were assigned to which class party during the year. (In my opinion I think this is a lame way to get "volunteers".) So, we were assigned to help with the Halloween party. The room mother leaves my a message a week and a half ago and "tells" me that she needs me to bring a few things and wants to know if I will be there to help with the games. Of course! I love class parties! I love seeing the excitement on the kid's faces and I am always willing to do whatever I can to help. So when I call her back, she asks if I can bring a bag of chips. That's it. Oh and can I be there to help? So I show up with my bag of chips and she doesn't assign me to help with anything. So I get to watch the kids go to each of the four stations.

Station #1 - Mummy Wrap and Race Game Two teams of two kids each wrap each other up in a roll of toilet paper and try to run about 10 feet and back. OK, at least this was Halloween themed.

Station #2 - Bouncy Ball Game Each kid has to see how many times they can catch a bouncy ball after the first bounce. Does the Halloween party really have to be the time to work on hand/eye coordination?

Station #3 - Draw Pictures With Shaving Cream As much as the kids enjoyed this, (because who doesn't like to get a little messy now and again?) it wasn't something the kids got to make and keep. Just make a mess, then wash up. What happened to a cute little Halloween crafts?

Station #4 - Apple Game You know the one, where you hold the apple with your chin and try to pass it to the next person. After they failed at that, they could get a plate of snacks. Which was apples (probably the same ones that they held in their sweaty kid necks) with caramel dip, my bag of chips (it's a good thing I grabbed a second variety) and fruit punch. No Halloween cupcakes or cookies or anything fun like that. The mom in charge of this table did think to bring a Halloween table cloth, plates and napkins (but there were no other decorations), and the room mom commented "I'm so glad you brought this." (Shouldn't she be in charge of remembering stuff like that?)

I took a walk half way through the party to distract A. and a. who was bored. We walked around and peeked in the other classrooms. All of whom were having a great time. It was noisy and chaotic as they were decorating cookies, frosting cupcakes, making fun things and eating their Halloween treats amid the extra decorations that the moms put up.

I don't know why I felt so bitter yesterday. Maybe it was the lack of tradition I felt that afternoon. However, I guess I have to give the room mom some props, our classroom was the quietest and we had the least amount of clean up.

I am sad that I won't get asked to volunteer for the Christmas and/or Valentine party. It could be so much more fun for the kids.

Too Lazy To Post

2007-10-26T07:37:00.000-06:00

Hey all, check out Loki's Blog for a cute video of the kids. Oh to be able to enjoy even the simplest things in life.

p.s. I forgot that raking leaves can be a good workout. My arms and shoulders are paying the price this morning.

Budding Beckham?

2007-10-10T15:45:00.000-06:00

M. (in the grey hoodie) has discovered the position of goalie. It's his favorite position to play and he's learning all the things he can and can not do (which is fun for us to watch). We told him that whenever the ball comes inside the box, he needs to dive on it and not let go (as evidenced in video #2). He loves to drop kick the ball and Dad was teaching him to kick it off to one side instead of straight down the middle of the field. Video #1 was one of his better kicks.

Final Harvest

2007-10-08T13:57:00.001-06:00

This was our final harvest for the season. We were advised to pick everything we could before the freeze that was in the forecast. Unfortunately, we only got the one pumpkin, but luckily it is still ripening and should be a nice shade of orange just in time for carving. We also picked all of our green tomatoes and they are ripening nicely in a brown paper grocery sack. I should get in another big batch of fresh salsa (wish I had a pressure canner, though). I couldn't talk anyone into eating fried green tomatoes. And it's too bad that no one else likes spaghetti squash. Guess I get to enjoy it all.

Surprisingly enough, just before it snowed 5 inches on Saturday, Dad picked one last zucchini. M. is busy eating the cherry tomatoes and a. loves her cucumbers and dip.

I Swear I've Done This Before...

2007-10-01T08:41:00.000-06:00

4 random things about me
1. I have the ability to fall asleep anywhere, whether completely tired or not. (My husband is so jealous of this.)
2. There are 54 first cousins on just one side of my family.
3. I am slowly learning everything a parent needs to know about Pokemon (I am considering writing "A Parent's Guide to Understanding Pokemon" or "Pokemon For Dummies").
4. I secretly want to be a Forensic Specialist.

4 favorite jobs that I have had
1. The Murray Theater all through middle and high school
2. Worker's Compensation Fund of Utah
3. Mac's Hobbies and Crafts
4. Robert's Crafts

4 places that I have lived
1. Sandy, Utah
2. Midvale, Utah
3. St. George, Utah
4. Pocatello, Idaho (Whew! Good thing we moved out of Utah.)

4 TV shows that I watch
1. Heroes
2. Lost (which I can't believe doesn't premiere until February!)
3. Scrubs (still waiting for the premiere this month!)
4. Survivorman (on The Science Channel)
An honorable mention for Charmed (I finally finished the series, and have now seen all 8 year's worth of episodes, I know, pretty pathetic)

4 places that I have been on vacation
1. Mexico (Cozumel and Ensenada)
2. New York
3. Western Caribbean (Grand Cayman and Jamaica)
4. Central and Southern California (but I really want to see San Fran!)

4 favorite foods
1. Chimichangas, from any good Mexican restaurant (and no, unfortunately, I don't think salsa will make it through the mail. You'll have to come and visit)
2. Szechuan Chicken from Pasta Factory in St. George
3. Anything from Dani's Pizza in Queens, NY (right Sandi?)
4. German Chocolate Cake

4 websites that I visit
1. hotmail.com (to check e-mail and celebrity gossip)
2. southbeachfriends.net (for my fitness challenges)
3. thefreedictionary.com (when I do the daily crossword)
4. allrecipes.com (when I need cooking inspiration)

People that I want to tag
1. Jen Dicou
2. Jeny
3. Jenny (The one that is married to Nick. I need an updated post!)
4. Any of My High School Friends , except Jen, she's tagged anyway (you guys need to get in on this!)
Eris, I tag you too, but I know lots of random crap about you! So surprise me if you want.

Feeling Bad

2007-09-25T10:12:00.001-06:00

After all the griping I've been doing, I thought I would would remind myself just how cute she is, potty trained or not.

Believe it or not, she is actually asleep. It was one of those Sundays, for all of us.

We bribed the boys with Pokemon toys so that a) A. would sit on the stand during the entire Primary program (He didn't have to sing all the songs, he just had to stay up there). And b) Neither child was allowed to blow into the microphone after speaking their parts (which they both did during every practice).

I am happy to report that A. did stay on the stand (he tried to run down twice and then thought better of it) and there was no blowing in the microphone. Will wonders never cease? It's all about the Pokemon.

Here We Go Again...

2007-09-19T09:25:00.000-06:00

OK, we took a week long hiatus and are now trying a new tactic. She's wearing her "Hello Kitty" panties today (and I'm making her sit on a bathroom rug on the couch if she watches TV). Wish us luck!

Update: Well, we've gone through all the panties and it's not even 2:00 pm yet (off to buy more for another day). Maybe this isn't going to happen before the baby is born. I'm just getting frustrated and mad at her, which I know is not the right thing to do.

Oh, How the Mighty Have Fallen...

2007-09-14T18:27:00.000-06:00

We live about 2 blocks directly east from the Bannock County Fairgrounds. Last night we had the very distinct pleasure of being treated to a rock concert. Are you ready?? Warrant and Great White. Yes, two metal bands from the 80's were playing Pocatello, Idaho.

We spread out a blanket on the grass and just chilled while M. played a little air guitar to "Cherry Pie" (Eris, I know your Little Mr. will be jealous!). We got to hear all the hits, from Warrant's Down Boys and Uncle Tom's Cabin to Great White's Once Bitten Twice Shy and Rock Me. And from what I hear, some of the guys haven't aged well and we didn't need to see them to believe it anyway. Although, Jani Lane is no longer with the band, so...

In other news, Chicago (sans Peter Cetera) played the Eastern Idaho State Fair a couple weeks ago, and Peter Cetera himself was in concert here last night as well. Although I'm sure he had a much different audience with his intimate setting and $65 and up ticket prices.

Oh, and coming up? Sawyer Brown in October, although we won't be able to hear this one from our back yard.

Back to School (finally)

2007-09-13T13:14:00.000-06:00

I'm finally getting around to posting the pictures of the boys on their first day of school. M. started second grade and so far really seems to like it. Besides lunch and recess, he says his favorite parts are math and science (I'm not sure where he gets that from!). Lately he says he wants to be a doctor when he grows up. It's a good thing he likes his math and science! But he also loves to read (that's our boy!).

A. just started his first year of preschool this week. So far so good. He has lots of friends from Primary in his class, and he seems to be having a good time. He says his favorite part is snack time (isn't it everyone's??) He loves to play with the cars and swirly track there and paint with his watercolors. He's quite the artist.

Fore!

2007-09-10T17:53:00.000-06:00

On Labor Day, we decided to make a short trip up to Idaho Falls to picnic and play some disc golf. Freeman Park has a really nice 18 hole course that is very family friendly so the kids can play with us.

We only had a couple of mishaps this trip. Hole #6 gets one of us every time. This time M. got his disc in the middle of the creek.

We got one disc stuck up in this tree. After many unsuccessful attempts with a water bottle, and getting 2 cans of soda and a baseball right up alongside the disc, a good size rock from the creek finally dislodged everything.

Aside from it being too hot, (come on, it was like 90 degrees, and us pregnant acclimated Idahoans found this a little too warm), we had a great time. Not to mention the kids got in a trip to Toys R Us to ogle the Pokemon toys and I got a trip to Target for a new couch cover.

She Had to Go Bathroom

2007-09-04T09:50:00.000-06:00

OK, I'm biting the bullet and finally starting the potty training process today. I've been putting it off for too long now, using every excuse in the book But now, I've got treats, I've got lots of juice, I've got "Hello Kitty" stickers and I've taped the chart up in the bathroom, I've set the timer for every 20 minutes to get her to try. I should feel prepared, but why does it feel like failure? Why do I feel ready to give up and it's only ten o'clock in the morning?! Why is it easier just to say "screw it" and put the diapers back on?

I seriously could any advice you might be able send my way. Thanks.

My Little Bro

2007-08-30T14:56:00.001-06:00

This is my little brother, and I only say little because he's younger than me (and he probably weighs less than I do with this ever expanding belly of mine). He's currently living in Nashville with his wife and two daughters working on his music career. Four of his songs have been entered in a contest at Famecast. He has the chance to win $10,000 in each category. He's doing well, but can use all the votes he can get. Please vote for him here. Click on the "video" tab and you will be able to view and listen to each of his four songs and then vote for them separately. He hopes that $40,000 would help him not be a starving musician anymore, but who is he kidding, he doesn't know how to cook anything but a mean bowl of Ramen.

Good luck buddy! We love and miss you all!