me & my party of 5

Our Annie Journey

2010-09-21T10:45:00.004-06:00

It is with mixed emotions that we approach the end of Annie. It has been an amazing journey. I have to admit there is definitely some relief. We have all been living Annie for months, and it will be nice to have our other lives back. By the end of the run, I will only have missed two performances and Brandon one, all three missed due to work. (and torturous to us!) We never intended on going to every one, but after opening night we couldn't imagine there being a show and us not being there.

More than relief is sadness, though. It has really been a blast. I have loved seeing my little Phoebe on the stage, I have loved how my children have all been excited and supportive, quoting the lines and singing the songs, and I have loved going on date after date to the theater with Brandon. In all sincerity, I have loved everything about it.

But mostly I feel gratitude. Brandon and I were talking on the way home from the show on Monday about how we don't even know where to begin to express the gratitude we feel towards so many people.

Starting with the director, Melanie, whose talent is mind boggling. I can't believe all the time, effort and creativity it takes to put together a show. She blows me away. Going into it, we never dreamed that Phoebe would end up playing the part of Annie, really. But for Melanie to see her talent, and more than that her potential, I will be forever grateful. Phoebe has learned and has grown so much.

Phoebe and the orphans also had an amazing voice teacher, Tami. She worked with the orphans all summer and did a few one on one sessions with Phoebe that helped her tons.

The orphans. Wow. Such talented little girls. I could do a separate post just about the orphans...I love every one of them! And there was absolutely no cattiness, or jealousy or being mean, like you might expect in the world of tween performing girls. I could tell you something I love about each one of those little girls. I'll miss their hugs, the teasing and singing and dancing and silliness. Phoebe has made lifelong friends in those girls.

The cast in general. What awesome people. Once again, very talented, but such good, good people, who loved and were all so good to Phoebe.

And her Daddy Warbucks, I definitely can't express my gratitude towards him. SO talented, but one of the nicest guys in the world. He and Phoebe really love each other just like Annie and Daddy Warbucks! He was always so easy for her to act with, and she always felt really comfortable around him. He made her the sweetest card for her birthday...I think we may have actual tears shed on closing night!

And my Abby girl. We only got an outside babysitter once throughout all the performances. Abby was there and willing to tend fridays, saturdays, and monday nights for more than a month. She turned down things with her friends because she knew we needed her to tend, but she never complained once. Honestly. I owe her BIG TIME!

I'm also thankful for each of you, and many more family and friends who don't read my blog, who took the time to go up to see the show. Believe me, I know it takes some effort to go to things like this. Phoebe was always SO excited when she knew someone in the audience. And pardon me for advertising so much, but the most important part of community theater is the audience. I think there was someone in the audience from South Weber at every performance. NOT counting Brandon and me. Or my mom, for that matter...

All in all it was truly a remarkable experience. A 100% positive page, no chapter, in our lives that we are reluctant to leave behind us. We can't help but wonder, what is next for Phoebe Jane?

summer photo wrap up

2010-08-22T21:06:00.017-06:00

I did ok at the daily photo goal I set for myself at the first of the summer. Sometimes the kids would take the pictures, and as I look back those are the ones I like the best because they really capture the summer from their point of view. Also, most of the pictures were taken with my phone. I just could not get in the habit of carrying my camera around, and even when I did have it in my purse it was easier to snap a pic with my phone. Not as high quality, but still served the purpose. I'll share a few faves...(quite a few, actually) so I can move on to the next stage of the year.

We'll start with my favorite pizza topping of the summer. This little treat makes the best homemade pizza EVER. Just add mozzarella...and maybe some thinly sliced tomato.

This has definitely been our Annie summer. This was a parade on July 5th that the orphans (who don't really look like orphans) rode in.

What Odie does in his spare time. Plays with his "guys" by the bookshelf.

Buggy loves her some monkey bars. LOVES...

The bumper boats at boondocks. These were SO much fun. This picture makes me laugh because we were all able to park our boats and climb out and we turn around and there's Willie driving around in the middle of the pool still, looking for a parking place. hahahaha!

Odie enjoyed cotton candy on my birthday. Oh how he loves candy cotton...

Lucy's first cavity. Don't see this look on her face much. Luckily little Olivia the Pig brought a lot of comfort.

We absolutely adore Baby Zuri...seriously, we could stare at her allllll day...

Lucy and her super cute friend Scout at the Little Buckaroo Rodeo. Love that Rodeo! (And those girls)

And this would be Will on...hmmm....looks like Frontierville? But I'm not sure. Taken by Lucy or Owen. Notice the dirty sock right next to the computer. I'm an awesome housekeeper.

Looking like the grouch on his shirt...pretty sure he really liked the ride, and the day, just not me taking his picture?

A really bad and dark picture of some really cute (and super talented) orphans...it's been so fun to see this coming together. These are seriously some talented little girls. Every one of them.

Go Strikers. ..Need I say more? (taken by Lucy or Owen)

SO proud of my two berry pickers. Many a morning they got themselves (or each other) up and out to pick while I was still in bed.

Funny Lucy and Odie LOVE the mini carts at Good Earth. Odie couldn't even contain his excitement long enough to pose.

And that's a wrap! Now that I got all that off my chest, I'll be able to move on to back to school pictures... :)

Today

2010-08-22T00:07:00.008-06:00

I shed a few tears today. It started with Odie, who told me he didn't want a goodnight kiss but then as soon as I walked away he changed his mind. That part was fine, he does it all the time--tries to get away with things and then changes his mind when he sees it doesn't work. But later, when I went to check on him after he was asleep and he was snug as a bug wrapped in his blankie in only his pull-up, it was too sweet for words. And I thought about him coming into my bed a couple mornings ago, with blanket lines on his face and his little morning breath, "I had a dream that reminded me of school shopping" he said. I laughed, because he's 3. What does he possibly know about school shopping? Then we snuggled.

I shed a tear for my Abby girl, who has been getting herself out of bed long before I'm awake to help Uncle Marvin in the garden all week long, and had such a cheerful wave for me as she sat between her grandpa and great uncle in the pick up truck on the way home from the farmer's market today. What 14 year old does that? She amazes me, that girl. Always has, and I think she always will.

I shed one for Willie, who had a birthday party to go to on this, the last day of summer. I walked down to pick him up and he grinned at me. He barely turned his head to tell his friend goodbye, he is SO shy. We walked away holding hands. He likes for our fingers to be intertwined when we hold hands.

I shed one for Phoebe, who in one week will become Annie, and perform on stage for hundreds of people. Phoebe, my girl who would cry and cry when it was time for preschool or dance or even playdates, she was so scared to leave my side. Now she is doing something I would never dare do. She is so brave, and so amazingly talented.

And I shed one for Lucy, because she starts kindergarten on monday and it's killing me. That little sassafrass has been by my side for YEARS...and I know it's just for a few hours each day, but it is killing me, 'cause I know just how much she is going to grow and change. Mostly I keep thinking of how we used to cuddle on my bed every wednesday afternoon last school year and have a "rest"...she has always loved to cuddle me, and on wednesdays after my dinner for dinner group was ready to go and I got Odie down for his nap, we would snuggle up and read a book or two and sleep the afternoon away. Okay, maybe I shed 2 tears for that...

I hate to see summer end. I really, really do. Tonight we grilled pizzas and sat outside until dark, all the kids chattering and singing and tumbling and dancing and climbing and swinging all at once until we were good and ready to put them to bed, and then we did, and now summer is over, just like that. And I'm already missing it...

karaoke

2010-07-09T15:24:00.004-06:00

One of our fun activities at the 4th of July Extravaganza was karaoke.

Odie enjoyed a blue frosted cupcake...

Gram singing some 5o's song about Johnny most likely....
Don't know who was singing here, but Gram was obviously enjoying the song.

Below, Shaury and Abby were singing while Gram and Will cut a rug.

Brandon rocking out to guess what?.....Taylor Swift's Fifteen. (Not what you thought, right?)

Hoping to post more about our 4th weekend--we'll see!

day camp

2010-07-05T08:04:00.002-06:00

This would be my photo from Friday July 2. Willie went to Cub Scout Day Camp. He looked forward to it all week, had to get up early to go, and when he got home told me he did "lots of stuff" but had no specific information for me...He does look cute in his scout uniform, though.

technical difficulties

2010-07-01T10:22:00.005-06:00

For the past few days I haven't been able to access my google account--it wouldn't let me change over from Brandon's. I have still been taking photos, however, but right now I can't find the one I want from yesterday. This one is from the quilt shop hop my mom took her 3 oldest granddaughters on 2 weeks ago. She sent me the pictures, and this is the only one with her in it with the girls. Cute. They always have a ton of fun. My girls honestly look forward to it all year--I don't know when Lucy gets to join them...

the arnell world cup: USA vs. Argentina

2010-06-21T20:15:00.004-06:00

I think I'm going to get a bit behind on my pictures of the day. This is from Sunday, but I had to post these. The name Arnell is pretty much synonymous with Soccer--we had an awesome world cup game on Father's day. And don't think just because there are some tiny guys and gals out there that anyone went easy on them at all. These are Arnells. But the little ones gave it right back, too, and didn't feel a bit picked on. It was awesome, except I was cheering for the US (girls) and they lost to Argentina (boys) 5-4. And perhaps next time I will have my actual camera that is much better at taking action shots. Brandon was too hammered from the Ragnar to play, and I'll use that for my excuse this time, too. ;)

p.s. Is it just me, or do these pictures prove what a ball hog Adam is? ;)

soccer

2010-06-16T23:10:00.002-06:00

Phoebe and 3 of her soccer team friends watching Brandon and their soccer coach play an indoor game, after playing a scrimmage of their own in the rain and wind.

I am a bad photographer

2010-06-15T21:41:00.006-06:00

We had a night of softball, t-ball and coach pitch. I'm so glad I'm furloughed so I was able to finally make it to the games!

Abby had a double header, they won both games. Her team is undefeated, without much help from her. She has missed lots of games and practices for dance, soccer and orchestra stuff. Now all that is over, so she actually made practice and both games so far this week. I didn't want to embarrass her by getting all up in the game to take her picture, so I tried to casually take it with my phone from the stands...

Willie got up to bat and hit the ball faster than I could snap the picture, but here he is running to first. He has improved a lot this year, the boy is a bit slow developing coordination. :)

Lucy had a t-ball game, too, but I was at Abby 's, so I missed it. T-ball gets a bit boring--you've seen one game, or even one inning of one game, you've seen them all. I had my mom take some pictures, but haven't got them yet. Lucy told me she hit the ball a far ways, and I believe her.

muffin tin monday

2010-06-14T13:15:00.004-06:00

Happy Flag Day!

We started muffin tin mondays for the summer. I've been watching this blog:

for a while now, but haven't gotten around to actually doing the muffin tin lunches yet. I thought flag day would be a fun day to start.

Clockwise from top: Babybel cheese with a star cut out of the wax, patriotic circus cookies, pb&j cut into a mini star shape, half of a hard boiled egg with a flag pick, (I have a star egg shaper, but my eggs were not cooperating today. I gave up after the first 2) strawberry slices and blueberries.

And the best part? All 4 of my kids ate every bite. (I don't serve one to miss 14 year old) (hmm...and I think Lucy gave some of her blueberries to Owen...)

deer

2010-06-11T15:12:00.004-06:00

See what greeted Phoebe and I on this chilly morning as we loaded into the van to head to voice lessons.

Had I snapped this with my camera instead of my phone I think it would have turned out better. But you get the idea...

The Beginning of Our Annie Adventure

2010-06-10T16:09:00.003-06:00

Meet Annie and the Orphans! Phoebe had voice lessons this morning with the other orphans. What fun! To feel the energy of twelve 8-12 year old little "actress" girls, learning to sing properly. I LOVED it...every one of these little cuties loves to sing, and wasn't afraid to sing out loud and clear, and it sounded great, even on day 1. Exciting stuff...

the unplanned photo of the day

2010-06-09T16:29:00.003-06:00

As I was putting Odie down for his nap today I had planned on snapping a picture of him snoozing for today. When I came down to get my phone, I found this:

My 2 girls, folding a batch of laundry each. This may be a normal occurrence in any other home, but NOT around here. I almost cried. These girls of mine, (especially miss 14 yr old) NEVER do stuff without being asked. Seriously, I don't think Abby EVER has...So when I saw this, I just knew it had to be the picture today.

(p.s. I feel like I have to explain the tank top Abby is wearing. She had a shirt on over it today, but was trying on her dance costumes just before this, and I guess the urge to help her mother came on suddenly...I know I shouldn't worry about explaining, but modesty is a huge issue to me, and Brandon very much dislikes when she wears tank tops even just around the house...the end.)

Tuesday=Library Day

2010-06-08T15:11:00.003-06:00

Today we started our summer library schedule. Got everyone all signed up for the summer reading program, got schedules of upcoming events, etc.

The star of today's picture of the day is miss Lucy Belle. Doesn't she look happy? She got her very own library card today, add to that the whole slew of books she checked out PLUS the loose tooth she discovered sunday, and we can't wipe the grin off this girls face!

Picture of the Day--#1.

2010-06-07T15:20:00.004-06:00

One goal I set for this summer is to take at least one picture each day. I don't plan on posting each one, but maybe. So without further ado--

We had a bit of a planning session today, planning out our day-to-day summer activities, setting goals, getting organized, etc. The girls (Abby and Phoebe, that is) cleaned their room, which really hasn't happened for about 2 months. They are supposed to clean their rooms every friday during the school year, but we have been letting them get away with a half-hearted attempt week after week. Kind of embarrassing to post, but it is super clean, now!

The boys hurried and finished their lists and turned in some "daddy dollars" to play the wii. Neither of them were even aware that I took this picture....

And as for Lucy? She finished her list and went to hang out with Gram all morning. That girl cannot get enough of Gram and Pop these days...

ok, ok, another one...

2010-05-11T12:25:00.004-06:00

so here is my masterpiece from monday morning. It took me about 30 minutes to make 3 of these, so I definitely won't go this elaborate every day. AND I copied it 100% from my fave blog. Every single detail. It's not that great of a picture, because I took it with my phone, not for my blog, just for my own personal enjoyment. Then last night I decided to go ahead and post it on my bloggy. It's a pb&j cut in a butterfly shape and decorated with fruit leather, jack cheese cut in butterfly shapes, butterfly crackers (had to search for those little buggers) cucumbers and carrots cut into flower shapes, and raspberries. Phoebe came home yesterday saying that was the best home lunch EVER. It was a little too much food for my little ones, but Phoebe ate every bite. And yes, Netty, the boxes have lids. In my last ones, the peas hopped around a little, but everything else stayed intact. Bento makes me happy. :)

welcome to my new obsession...

2010-05-05T08:57:00.002-06:00

This--

Owen's and Lucy's bento lunches, currently sitting in our refrigerator just waiting for lunch time. clockwise from top left we have peas in a cute silicone cupcake cup, fudge stripe cookies (bought a box of them for Phoebe's lunches) grapes, apple slices, cheese slices (might be cut a little too big for their little tummies--we'll see) and turkey rolls below the peas.

I am SO obsessed with bento. I think of almost nothing else. The elementary school's cafeteria is currently under construction, and their menu choices are very limited and not the kinds of things Phoebe would EVER choose, so I agreed to send home lunches for the rest of the year. I have not been a home lunch mom, simply because I'm too lazy. I know home lunches are generally more healthy, (I've been watching a bit of Jamie Oliver) but I can barely get up in the morning to make breakfast let alone lunch, too...well, that has all changed. I was perusing the internet looking for healthy, affordable, easy and interesting lunches to make and came across bento! I am IN LOVE...

Bento is traditionally a japanese box lunch, with all kinds of cute food and mini stuff, but in our american culture it has kind of evolved into a waste-free lunch. I have only been experimenting with my little ones at home, and still sending Phoebe with a lunch bag full of wrappers and packages. I bought these adorable boxes at target (where else?) and I'm not sure that is really enough food for my school-age kids. MAYBE for Phoebe, but quite certain not for Will. No worries, I ordered some (not nearly as cute) on-line that are bigger and should arrive sometime this week--along with some other fun stuff that will make my bentos even cuter. :) yay! And let me just say, Lucy and Odie enjoy eating their lunches as much as I enjoy making them...more to come, I'm sure...

cute chicks

2010-03-15T12:41:00.003-06:00

Last weekend was a busy one. We had a baptism in Provo but the girls had soccer games saturday morning. We decided to let them stay home for their games if Pop and Gram could "tend" them all day. Luckily their games were at the same time, and funny but it worked out they were actually done playing before we got down to the baptism at 10-so they had a long day to spend. Luckily my mom was free all day, so she came up with a perfect activity for the 3 of them.

Aren't these chicks cute? They made enough for me, my mom, my 2 sisters and 2 sis-in-laws to have 12 each, plus I think they even had a few extra. Sure beats watching tv all day, like they thought they were going to do... They had a blast, and I have fun new spring decor...what a great grandma/mom/mom-in-law. It's been quite a few years since she had to "tend" Abby and Phoebe--perhaps I'll come up with reasons for that more often....

I saw this woman--

2010-03-05T11:29:00.002-07:00

at the Gateway yesterday. She was in the Apple store getting her computer fixed at the same time as me. I have to admit, I'm a bit of a celebrity watcher. Especially Utah celebrities. And I am quite the Jazz fan--so naturally Masha is one of my favorites. I've spent a few years now at the Jazz games watching her. She's quite entertaining, actually. I'm intrigued by her life. My girls were obsessed with this video at one time. Phoebe jumped up and down screaming when I told her I saw her. I think my mom did the same when I texted her at the exact moment that I was standing right next to her...

sundevil that shines

2010-02-08T11:11:00.004-07:00

I'm sure many of you have heard me lament about my Abby. Parenting a teenager is HARD WORK for me! I find myself focusing on the hard and negative aspects of it. Somehow parenting little kids seems like common sense to me, it comes more natural. You can sort of figure out how to do it. But when it comes to Abby, it is a whole new ball game. I am constantly second guessing myself, and worrying about her, her friends, the way she dresses, her self- esteem, and tons more. So I find myself presenting life with Abby as a negative thing. She really is a super great kid, and last week this was confirmed to me. (Thanks, Mom, for driving down to SJH to take pictures for me!)

Here is a portion of the letter I received from the school. This is what the teachers and staff who nominated Abby said about her:

"Abby Arnell is an amazing student. She is kind and conscientious and a great example to those around her. Students who sit near Abby get along better because of her excellent example. As a student who turns in work of the highest quality, Abby knows how to work hard and achieve her goals. She is fun, enthusiastic, and laughs easily which puts everyone in a good mood. It is wonderful to have Abby in class."

I'm super proud, and she is super embarrassed. At least now I can remove the letter from the fridge, like she has been begging me to do! :)

a hair-raising tale

2010-02-03T07:27:00.006-07:00

Will just turned 8 last month. What a milestone age. We are all so excited for his baptism on Saturday. But there was also something else some of us were excited for....

When Will was about 5 years old, he started talking about his long hair, and how he wished he could see his eyebrows. I LOVED his long hair, and wasn't quite ready to part with it yet. I told him when he turned 8 we would cut it for his baptism.

I've always loved the classic "dutch boy" haircut on little boys. Think Nicholas Bradford from Eight is Enough, or those 2 little twin boys on Full House. Plus Will has this huge head that I felt was better covered up by long hair. :) He actually won "Shiniest Head" in the SW baby contest one year (I chose not to be offended) but soon after that his hair became a trademark for him. I remember one year in Yellowstone when Will was probably only 2. We were going to the Ranger Program one night and people commented that his hair glowed in the dark. It was seriously WHITE back then.

(ok, not so much in this picture, but it was taken on Thanksgiving...not much sun bleachin going on in the fall...couldn't find any on my computer of the glow in the dark stuff...)

It has gradually darkened over the years, but I always thought it was just meant to be nice and long.

As his birthday approached, we began discussing his haircut. He was so excited, and was sure that he wanted it "spikey". We made the appointment for the saturday before his birthday. I have to admit there were tears shed. Not at the actual haircut, and not by Will, but by me. (and it was before the haircut) I think it was more about my boy growing up than the hair, it was just a sign of him not being my little boy anymore. After the cut, you couldn't wipe the grin off his face. He was thrilled. I think it looks pretty good, too, but he definitely looks like a different kid!

coming soon:

2010-02-02T12:25:00.001-07:00

a hair-raising tale...
sundevil student of the month...
no more dipeys...

stay tuned!

Scrooge--A Christmas Carol

2009-12-09T11:48:00.003-07:00

This is probably the easiest way for me to let everyone know the girls' schedule for their play. They are in it every night, but only have speaking parts in the Ivy cast. Abby plays Fanny, who is Young Ebenezer's sister, and Phoebe plays Sarah Cratchitt, sister to Tiny Tim. All shows begin at 7:30 and run for about 2 hours. You can find more information by clicking here.

IVY CAST: Thurs. Dec. 10; Sat. Dec. 12; Tues. Dec. 15; Fri. Dec. 18; Mon. Dec. 21 and Wed. Dec. 23. (Closing)

HOLLY CAST: Fri. Dec. 11; Mon. Dec. 14; Wed. Dec. 16; Thurs. Dec. 17; Sat Dec. 19 and Tues. Dec. 22.

'tis the season...

2009-11-30T15:26:00.002-07:00

Don't you just love the Christmas season? We kicked it off on Saturday by shopping for Christmas dresses, going to the Nutcracker ( a long-standing Christmas tradition with my mom and sisters) and then watching Abby and Phoebe on their opening night in Scrooge--a Christmas Carol. It was quite the marathon day.

On Sunday we sat down as a family to talk about the fun things we wanted to do this month. We had lots of ideas, and we can't wait to do it ALL...we also drew names within our family. After much excitement, and explaining, and discussion, (Will: I'm going to use my own money. I have 317 dollars. Lucy: Will, I want stuff for my rose petal cottage. etc...etc...) Phoebe wrote the names down, Lucy cut them apart and Will got a box to draw out of. Abby drew first, and then promptly said "can I trade? I want to pick again..." (Phoebe let her know that was RUDE) Lucy was next...you should have seen her scowl after she saw who she drew. THEN we had to have a vote to decide whether we should keep it a secret or not. We will be keeping it a secret from each other. 4 to 2. Abby was one of the 4, but after I announced the results, she said "Wait, what was the vote?" She wanted to change hers. Will then said "Abby, what do you want for Christmas?" Lucy said (with that scowl still on her face) "I want to pick again. Dad is NOT fun to get anything for. There is nothing fun for grownups..."

Ahhh....the fun has just begun...

Happy Halloween?

2009-11-12T14:24:00.001-07:00

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grand teton national park

2009-07-16T13:42:00.008-06:00

We recently took a camping trip to our favorite spot in the world...Grand Teton National Park. I thought I'd share a few highlights, and pictures. I have been made aware that it is no longer possible to enlarge photos that I upload by clicking on them for some reason. I apologize, it must be my new computer. I'll upload them in Large format this time, hopefully that will be a little better.We left for our trip on Thursday. We wanted to leave at 10. We finally left at 12. We crossed the Idaho border, and shortly thereafter blew a tire on our tent trailer. Luckily we were about a mile from a rest stop. (At this point I need to share a bit of traveling advice: rest stops are nice to stop at. Don't think of the rest stops of 15 years ago, today's rest stops are the best places to stop while traveling.) SO, Brandon dropped me, the kids and our lunch off at the rest stop while he took care of the tire. In about an hour he returned for us, and we were back on the road. I didn't take any pictures that day, but took plenty on the other days. I am posting so many that I decided to let the pictures do most of the talking. Here's what we did for the rest of the trip:skipped stones in String Lake.

Odie held his shorts up so they wouldn't get wet.

Brandon lost the lens to his favorite sunglasses.

I think String Lake was Lucy's favorite part of the trip.

Odie got a dirty face.

Brandon made the old standby, dutch oven Lasagna. He is a dutch oven master.

enjoyed the view from atop Signal Mountain.

Saw TONS of wild flowers. This silver Lupine was everywhere. It was my favorite.

We had never been to Mormon Row before. Angie b, I was wishing you were here, SO many beautiful old barns, fences, houses, etc. You HAVE to go there.

saw buffalo. I get nervous about being this close to the wildlife.

saw stink pots. Odie got out of the van at one and said "Mom, I 'tinky"...he thought he had a poopy diaper!

waited for Old Faithful.

saw some beautiful pools.

ate dutch oven Mississippi Mud Cake for my birthday. (I told you Brandon was a master)

made "kick-the-can" ice cream (also for my b-day)

Phoebe made Coconutty Curry Chicken with couscous and veggies foil dinners. Yum!

A view of Mt. Owen from Jenny Lake.

took a boat ride across Jenny Lake.

One night in the trailer I had this conversation with Odie (who didn't want to go to sleep):

Odie: Mom, where are we?

Me: in the trailer

Odie: No, we're on our trip. It's a hiking one.

me: ok

Odie: Mom, where are we?

me: on our trip

Odie: oh we are?

me: yep

Odie: Mom, where are we?

me: at the grand tetons

Odie: Oh, the grand tetons? I knowed that word!

me: yep

Odie: Dad, did you get in the "hower"?

Brandon: (he was half asleep) mmmhmmm.

Odie: Oh, did you 'wallow a bug like mom did?

Brandon: nope

Odie: Mom, did you have a bug in you froat?

me: ya.

Odie: ooooo, yucky, huh mom. Mom, where are we?

me: Go to sleep, Odie.

He was so cute. It was crazy to think that Lucy was his age when we went there last time, and that he will be so much bigger when we go again.

I promise I didn't upload every single picture I took on the trip. I was cracking myself up as I kept adding more and more to the post. I thought about breaking it up into a few different posts, but I knew I probably wouldn't ever get to doing more than just one. So enjoy...

ragnar

2009-06-23T15:41:00.004-06:00

My running obsessed husband did a crazy run last weekend. The Wasatch Back Ragnar is a relay that runs from Logan to Park City. There are 12 members to a team, someone is running at all times. Brandon's van of 6 team members started at 11 a.m. Friday morning, then rested for a couple of hours, and his next run was at about 3 a.m. then again at about 1 on saturday afternoon. Needless to say, he had a blast. The only pictures I got were a couple from the "team party" the night before. Cody and Josh had this amazing spray paint stencil tattoo thing all worked up, and before the night was over they had made very good use of it. We felt a little white-trashy spray painting fake tattoos on our sons, but it was all in good fun.

Luckily I was able to get some other pictures from one of Brandon's team mates. See him way up there running along?

Brandon loved it and can't wait to do it again, but he said it was harder than the marathon he did last month. I think he's crazy!

Happy 13th birthday, Abby girl!

2009-06-02T16:02:00.003-06:00

If I don't post now about Ab's birthday, I may never get to it. I cannot believe she is a teenager! (neither can she...) and her 7th grade year is practically over, on to eighth. Wow. This time of year is so busy that we didn't really do anything extremely exciting, she had school and dance that day, but we managed to squeeze in dinner at Noodles & Co. and had a birthday cake around bedtime.

With help from my mom, I made her a t-shirt quilt this year with all of the shirts from her "childhood"...she was surprised, and loved it.

I'm so thankful for Abby, and the joy that she is.

She is a fun girl, and I love that she is so comfortable to just be herself. I had big plans for a birthday post for her, but this will have to do for now...

ballet bun

2009-05-14T11:25:00.012-06:00

I've had a few people ask me how to do ballet buns. I decided a blog post would be the easiest starting point to show you. First of all, I'm afraid this is going to be a little wordy. I'll try to keep it simple. And Jeni, you know how Jason and you are about your yard and vehicles? I'm that way about my girl's hair...so hopefully you can just take what you need. Also, please excuse Phoebe's puffy eyes, I took these on Sunday, after a long day Saturday and early church sunday morning.

In the hair world, please remember that there are many different types of hair, head shapes, hair lines, etc, so what works for me and my girls may not work for you. I'll try to give a few different options so you can use what you like. And I have had absolutely no professional hair training. Unless you count barbies when I was 10, and my 3 daughters, who have been my guinea pigs since birth.

Now on with the lesson.

The first thing to decide is how you want to pull the hair back. Phoebe has a low hairline, and her hair looks better parted to the side rather than pulled straight back. Plus I like the sleek look for ballet, so I do "barbie bangs" on her. If you've ever noticed how most barbies come, they have this little trick done on their hair. It also works better because I like ballet buns to be a bit higher than regular ponies or buns that I do.

so first: Barbie Bangs

Part the hair on the side, I like to go even further to the side than usual.

Next, section off a "bang width" portion of hair, and smooth it over to the side. I am not a product guru, but use what you like to keep it sleek. I work with a squirt bottle instead of fresh from the bath soaking wet hair, but I do keep it fairly wet. Anyway, comb that piece over and do the same on the other side.

Then you are going to pull those sections back and secure them at the nape of the neck with a baby elastic under the rest of the hair.

Now, you don't have to do those, just pull the hair back to a pony however you choose. If you did the barbie bangs, join that little pony up with the rest in a big, kind of high pony. Not on top of the head, just at the top of the back of the head. That's where I like it, anyways.

From here there are a few different options, too. You can braid, which is probably the easiest, or I like to corkscrew. I've found that braided or corkscrewed buns stay better for Phoebe's long hair, and look sleeker for ballet, too.

Corkscrew is my favorite, I like the way it looks.

To do a basic corkscrew braid, you use 2 sections of hair. Get them fairly wet to prevent flyaways.

Now you are going to twist the 2 sections clockwise while you twist them together in the opposite direction.

Keep it as tight and smooth as you can, and go as far down as you can. secure it with a clear baby elastic.

Phoebe's usually loosen up just a bit after I let go of them, that's ok.

then wrap it around the pony, and bobby pin like crazy.

I also hairspray it like crazy...after all, it has to survive through 4 costume changes!

Braided buns are the same, but with a braid instead. It works just as well, but looks a little different.

Isn't this a beautiful costume? I love the pink and red.

I hope this made sense! Let me know if it didn't, I'll try to improve it.

recently overheard...

2009-04-29T07:50:00.003-06:00

Will: (to Lucy as she slathers her waffle with butter) Lucy, a little bit of butter soaks in a lot, and butter is not that good for you.

Lucy: ask mom.

Will: Lucy, ask my teacher. She knows more than mom.

Lucy: (with horribly sassy look on her face) Oh, you mean miss Goede?

Will: Lucy, you have huge gaps between your teeth.

Now imagine the above with Will having a sleepy but superior tone to his voice, and Lucy with some major eye rolling going on...

See what I mean? Naughty.

queenie!!!

2009-04-29T07:32:00.003-06:00

I don't have anything warm and fuzzy to blog about lately. My kids are naughty, I'm a slave to my calendar, my bangs are driving me crazy, and I'm tired of eating at least 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day. Why can't it be at least five of chocolate...or I'd even be ok with 5 of white flour...

SO--where do I turn when I've nothing to post? Why youtube, of course! I know this is a really low quality clip, the girl just aimed her video camera at the tv set, but it's the best I could find of this particular part of the movie Crooklyn. One of my FAVES! This is mostly for my mom and shaury. We have been quoting this part for 15 years, now...

p.s. does anyone remember the name of the 1980's aerobics show that had 3 ladies that demonstrated high, low and medium impact, and then rotated every 10 minutes or so? One of the ladies had really long hair? I set out looking for that on youtube, but wound up with Crooklyn instead...

all good things must end...

2009-04-21T10:11:00.004-06:00

We had so much fun going to the Music Man every weekend for the past 3 months. With opening night in February, and the Finale in April, it was a really long run. Phoebe was double cast as Amaryllis, so she was in every other show. It ran on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays. SUCH a talented cast! Marian was beautiful and had a flawless voice, Harold's voice was also amazing, and all the other main characters were very talented as well. My personal favorite was Zaneeta. She was adorable! And cute little Bryce who played Winthrop, he was too cute. In fact, he ended up having a little crush on Phoebe. He left love notes for her, and candy hearts in her coat pocket, and was always telling everyone that he liked her. The best part is, he takes dance from the same teacher as Phoebe does, so we haven't seen the last of him. His sister is in Phoebe's dance class, and he comes to watch sometimes. Of course, Phoebe couldn't be more embarrassed by it all, but that just makes it funnier...(Winthrop and Amaryllis)

I am so proud of my little Phoebe. This is the girl who would not go ANYWHERE without me for 8 years! She would cling to me like no other. Never going to nursery, struggling with preschool, making me stay at dance with her, and very nervous about soccer and softball without mommy nearby. My friend Michele, who is in a lot of productions herself, wanted Phoebe to audition with her son for Joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat the summer before 1st grade. With me by her side for the audition, she got a role in the children's chorus. She has been hooked ever since. Last Christmas she was Little Miss Muffet in Babes in Toyland (Also with Michele and Zach) But those were both at the theater in Brigham. This was her first time at the terrace playhouse, and without Michele. She was wonderful, and made some really fun friends. All of my other kids love to go see her, and each of them have their favorite songs, parts and characters in whatever show she is in.

"Amaryllith, Amaryllith, how sweet..."

Wells Fargo Wagon

It has been such a great experience for Phoebe and our family. We can't wait to see what she will do next!

the week in pictures part I

2009-04-09T10:58:00.006-06:00

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

vintage Jeni

2009-03-31T10:56:00.004-06:00

My friend Jeni posted this video nearly a year ago on her blog. My kids reminded me of it recently and we have re-visited Jeni's post and watched it several times. Even Little Odie gets in on the singing along, his favorite part to imitate is the base jumper yelling "BOOM DEE AH DAH!"...(let's hope he gets over that phase before we go to Goblin Valley this week.) Anyway, it was a real crowd pleaser on Jeni's blog, I thought I'd remind those of you who saw it then, and share it with those of you didn't! It's awesome.

Tagged by 3's

2009-03-27T07:13:00.003-06:00

(thanks, Jodi!)
3 THINGS ABOUT ME.....

Three jobs I have had:
1- Cinnamon Bear in the Layton Mall
2- Taco Maker
3- Payless Shoes

Three places I have lived:
1- St. Anthony, Idaho (Still love that town)
2- Price, Utah (Sweet)
3- South Weber, Utah

Three shows that I watch:
I don't watch hardly at all because I work nights, but:
1- Intervention (my FAVE)
2- Nanny 911 (sometimes)
3- The Soup, and the show that is right after that.

Three places I have been:
1- Vancouver, Canada (danced at World Expo '86)
2- um...Yellowstone
3- let's see...Goblin Valley (I know, a real world traveler.)

Three places I have been this week:
1- Bajio's (They have changed...)
2- Terrace Plaza Playhouse (go see Phoebe in the Music Man!)
3- Target

Three places I'd rather be right now:
1- asleep (I don't get near enough)
2- shopping
3- somewhere warmer than this cold chair

Three people I'm tagging:
1- Mandy
2- Angie b
3- Paige

I copied Mandy.

2009-03-20T10:12:00.002-06:00

You Are 1: The Reformer

You're a responsible person - with a clear sense of right and wrong.

High standards are important to you, and you do everything to meet them.

You are your own worst critic, feeling ashamed if you're not perfect.

You have uncompromising integrity, and people expect you to be fair.

At Your Best: You are hopeful, honest, and inspiring. You bring out the best in humanity.

At Your Worst: You are intolerant, judgmental, and picky.

Your Fixation: Resentment

Your Primary Fear: Being corrupt.

Your Primary Desire: To be good.

Other Number 1's: Al Gore, Martha Stewart, Gandhi, Celene Dion, and Spock from Star Trek.

What Number Are You?

a few random queries

2009-03-13T09:27:00.005-06:00

I've had a few things bouncing around my head the past week or two. Thought I'd share, for lack of a better post at this time.
First of all, I am on a quest for a better yogurt. I liked yogurt when I was a child. My mom bought the kind with fruit on the bottom, and I would eat the top of it. I don't love fruit, especially chunks of it in my yogurt. As a mother, I buy yoplait, which my kids really love. I don't like it, I think it's too sweet. I actually discovered in this quest that I like greek yogurt. It is hardly sweet at all, more like what you would find in a sippy cup of milk that got left in the car. HA! Greek yogurt is a little too expensive for regular consumption, though, compared to what I'm used to buying. I did try Wallaby (I think) and really liked it, but what are my other options? What kind of yogurt do you all prefer? (Jeni, I know you do yoplait...)
Let's see, what else? We need a new computer, for a number of reasons that I won't elaborate on at this time. Let's just say this one has been the raspberry seed in my wisdom tooth for too long. Brandon wants a Mac SO bad, but I think just because they look cool. Neither of us know much about computers at all. I am kind of against the mac, because the kids learn pc stuff at school. What do you guys all have/prefer? And what are the pros and cons of a laptop?
Another thing, won't it be nice when Angie b gets back from her dream vacation? I miss her comments in the blog world, plus I'm jealous of her.
Is it bad manners to read a blog and never comment on it?
And don't you think cold weather interspersed with the sunny days make the sunny ones even more pleasant? The old "opposition in all things", I guess...I love spring. :)

for brandon...

2009-02-25T09:53:00.002-07:00

My brother had this on his blog a while back. Brandon is training for a marathon right now, so this has been on my mind for the past month or so...

the wonderful world of willie

2009-02-20T09:00:00.006-07:00

We constantly have magpies out our kitchen window eating our cat food. I think they eat more of it than the cat does.
Will says if the cat caught a magpie and ate it, it would be like eating a stuffed pepper because the magpie would be all full of cat food.
That boy's wheels turn a little bit differently than most.

memories...

2009-02-17T10:36:00.002-07:00

One of my earliest childhood memories is from Valentine's Day, 1979, the day my little sister was born. I was 4 1/2 years old. The youngest, at this time, of 4.
I remember going to spend the day with my grandma and grandpa Chris.
I remember walking up the sidewalk and into their house. I think there was snow on the ground.
I remember my mom had baked valentine sugar cookies early and put them in the freezer.
I remember voting on a name, at sunday dinner sometime before she was born. I voted for Kelsey, because Larry did.
I remember standing in my grandma's kitchen, talking on the phone to my dad. He tried to make me guess what it was, but I never liked guessing. He told me I had a baby sister.
I remember peering through the nursery glass at a little baby with tons of jet black hair.
I remember people asking my mom, and me, if I was going to have a hard time not being the "baby" anymore. The thought had never occurred to me. Having a sister just 21 months older than me, I never felt like the "baby"...jealousy never crossed my 4 year old mind.

I guess maybe it should have. I didn't know I was getting a sister that would forever be cuter, funnier, thinner, more creative, more spiritual, more stylish and more talented than I. I loved her then, and I adore her even more now.

Happy 30th birthday, Shaur! I LOVE YOU!
Love, your older sister...

poor little lucy...

2009-02-02T10:37:00.003-07:00

I've heard it said that children are never satisfied with their ages. They either want to still be babies, or they want to be adults. Funny, I have two little boys that I think want to still be babies, and 2 girls that already think they are older than they are. My Abby, however, must be an exception to the rule. I think she is perfectly happy right where she is.
We have a rule in our family that when we eat out the kids can't bring their sodas in the van. It's always been that way, and all of my kids know that, and we don't have a very hard time enforcing it. I'm sure you can guess which of my 5 little darlings has a problem with the rule. Lucy. She rarely argues or tries to bring her drink, but she is not happy with leaving it. Twice last week I happened to bring a drink with me in the van, and both times she asked, "Why do YOU get to bring YOUR drink?" and both times the answer was "Because I'm a grown-up." Which makes her mad, but what can she say? Well, the second time this occurred last week, she had had enough. "Because it's just a grown-up-grown-up-grown-up land!" she huffed, arms folded and eyes rolling.
Funny, I feel like I spend a whole lot of time in kidsville...

Really quick little 2 tag:

2009-01-28T09:15:00.002-07:00

2 Tag

2 favorite names: I have more than 2. I have 5 kids. but my 2 other favorites besides what I named my children: Lily and Caroline. (good thing I didn't have any more boys.)

2 favorite months: July and May

2 favorite foods (and you can't say Pizza): chocolate and I guess I have a lot of favorites, I can't quite narrow it down. Let's just say italian.

2 favorite nuts: I don't like nuts.

2 favorite stores: Target and Barnes & Noble

2 favorite activities: I don't know. I'm pretty boring. cooking and camping.

2 favorite huggers: Will. and Owen and Lucy...

2 favorite conversationalists (besides spouse): Mommy. and I have to say Brandon, even though he's my spouse. Not many others like to listen to me as much as he does.

2 people to tag: hmmm...only 2? Angie b, I know you love tags, and Aleesha, even though I do like reading your nonsense. :)

evolution

2009-01-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

I am in a blogging rut. It has been just under a year since I started this blog. I have been thinking lately about just how much my blog world has changed since that first post back in March. I'm not enjoying it as much as I did back then, mostly I think because the newness has worn off. I am keeping it going though, because I think maybe I'll get out of this slump I'm in and start enjoying it again. But sometimes I think maybe that isn't going to happen.
The blogging world is a fun place. It's a great place for me to go to "socialize"...and has proven to be a great place to:

reconnect with old friends
bond with new friends
find or share a great recipe
find a fun hairdo (for my girls)
have a crazy comment conversation with people you have never met but that are hilarious
laugh
give--and receive--support
get a glimpse into other's daily lives--and sometimes struggles
realize that you are not alone
plan a blogging buddies game night
be uplifted
really see people's personalities...through posts and comments, too
get ideas for family fun
have daily contact with far (or sometimes not so far) away family members

(There is also a down side. I think we all realize that in one way or another...)

Funny how "the pen (or should I say keyboard) is mightier than the mouth..." Once you have put something in writing, it is there for others to read and re-read, and to interpret however they see fit. All in all, I think the good outweighs the bad.

So I will try to adapt to the evolution of the blogging world. I've decided to try to get "back to my roots" so to speak, and blog the way I used to blog...keeping it real, and keeping it "me". Except I used to do that fun tuesday tell all and the blog that created that ended, so I can't do that anymore I guess. Oh well. I love all you blogging buddies, it's a fun little world to be a part of.

this is the song I have been singing every rainy day of my life...thanks, you tube

2009-01-23T09:30:00.002-07:00

Will is 7

2009-01-19T11:55:00.003-07:00

Sunday was Will's birthday. Seven, if you can believe it. Of course I get very reflective on my children's birthdays. I miss the toddler Will. That oh-so-sweet little square of a man, with white-blond hair and a John Deere hat. I'm afraid the John Deere days are all but behind us now, pushed aside for Mario Brothers and the Utah Jazz...sniff...

It was a day filled with cuddles and snuggles and hugs. Will is one to express his love to me constantly, and his birthday was definitely no exception. We all wanted to spoil our "golden boy"...he got as many gifts or more as he did on Christmas. A birthday dinner that consisted of crescent dogs, grape jello and cooked carrots, with carrot cake for dessert. And Willie boy makes it worth all the trouble, constantly thanking us and happy as a clam for the entire day. It's hard for a 7-year-old to sit through 3 hours of church on his birthday, but he made it, and in the end we were glad that his birthday was on Sunday. We spent the whole day together, enjoying each other.
So this is for Will. (Seen here with "Roy" the monkey, named after Roy Rogers...)
Thank you, Buddy, for being so loving.
Thank you for wanting to hang on me and lean your head on my arm, instead of just holding my hand while walking.
Thank you for loving my cooking, and for never failing to thank me after EVERY meal.
Thank you for taking things so seriously.
Thank you for being such a loving, helpful and proud big brother to little Odie.
Thank you for being selfless beyond your years.
Thank you for being such a momma's boy.
Thank you for saying "I love you Mommy" 49 times a day.
Thank you for being so "touchy", even when it is driving me crazy and I desperately need my space.
Thank you for having such a unique "Willie" personality...we love it.
and thank you for just being you, and loving every minute of it.
I love all seven years of you.

my favorite blog

2009-01-09T17:27:00.004-07:00

my friend Alene sent me a link to this hilarious blog. It's a spoof on utah mormon mommy blogs. It is the saturday night live of the mormon blog world! the miss-spelled words, apostrophes in the wrong places, everything is part of the satire. This woman is RIGHT ON in so many ways. She totally cracks me up! Check it out if you want a good laugh. I had to read every post, because she hits on so many subjects that are just too funny. Her blog has been on the news, radio and newspaper-she has links on her sidebar that kind of explain a little bit about the blog, in case you don't really "get it"...
(and no, Mandy, I saw no similarities between her blog and yours!)
Anyways, enjoy! :)

Happy Birthday, Paige!

2009-01-09T09:11:00.004-07:00

Today is my sister-in-law Paige's birthday. Since she has been bugging me about another post, I decided to dedicate this one to her!
I was only 12 or 14 or some jr. high age when I met Paige, so it seems to me like she's been a part of our family forever. She was around for all my jr. high dumb boys I liked, my crazy friends, my high school days and then she was the first one in my family to meet Brandon back in the dread days. Brandon always remembers going to their apartment in Provo before his WSU soccer game at BYU. She and Cory also lived in the house I live in now at the beginning of their marriage. I stayed with Cory and Paige in Provo when Cameron was around 2 years old to help tend him while Paige and Cory worked and went to school. That was in the crazy days of dating Brandon. So pretty much she's been around most of the life that I can remember. She's more like a sister to me than a sister-in-law!
Anyways, about Paige. Paige asks questions. She is very curious about people's lives and is not afraid to ask questions. She is a very open person, and gets to know people easily. She is a great cook. I remember going to her green apartment when she and Cory were just dating and she made us all chicken enchiladas that were amazing. (or was that in your Provo apartment? you made dinner for us at the green apt, too.) Paige likes to laugh. We always have so much fun playing games when they are up here for Christmas, eating dreams and laughing until we cry. Paige is a very clean person. I never dare invite her to my house, because I know it's not clean enough for her standards. :)
Paige, I've always had a special bond with you, and I am so glad you are a part of my family. I hope you have a fabulous birthday...Abby came home from piano at Debra's last night telling me about all of Debra's leftover candy. I wish I knew earlier so I could snag you a few extra dreams! Guess I'll just have to eat a few for you! Happy Birthday!

a little Christmas wrap-up...

2008-12-30T12:51:00.009-07:00

a million pictures...
some highlights of the season, and a quick run-down of events enjoyed by our fam.

number one memory of this year...Odie LOVES Santa. Every time we saw him, (3 times, total) he would climb onto his lap as soon as possible and go into some kind of trance. He was never overly excited, just so content to sit there on his lap, almost like he was going to go to sleep. It was absolutely adorable. (if you ask me, his adoring mother)

Lucy's bike will be another fun memory of this year. Every time she sat on Santa's lap she would lean up to whisper into his ear that she wanted a pink training wheel bike for Christmas. Santa brought her the pinkest bike you have ever seen, and it's Hello Kitty to boot. She rides it back and forth through the kitchen and family room all day every day. We can't wait until the snow melts so she will have somewhere to ride outside!

Will asked for, and received, a NintendoDS. He is addicted. NOT something I'm proud of. BUT he played the part of a wiseman in our ward nativity with his friends Ryker and Elle, and he was perfect. Just like Will, he took his part very seriously, and all month has been very attentive whenever a "wiseman" song came on the radio. Especially "Do you hear what I hear"...He sings "LET US BRING HIM SILVER AND GOLD" with all his heart and voice! He also tried to sing "all I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth" with his cousin Nikki at the Arnell party. She definitely out-sang him, but they looked cute...
Phoebe sang with the ward choir with me as part of the children's choir this year. They all sounded like little angels, and it was fun for her to join me and Gram at choir practice all month. Ward choir is something I have always enjoyed (some years more than others) as a way to celebrate the season. (This is obviously not a photo of said event, but the only one I have of Phoebe in my entire collection of Christmas photos. Wow, my heart is breaking!!)My highlight about Abby was when she and her cousin Gavin played their violins at the Christmas Eve party. I was NOT an advocate of the performance, because Abby is not exactly a pro on the instrument, but it actually went pretty well. And they had a blast together doing it!

And did any of you catch THIS snow-made wonder at a home near Layton park? definitely another highlight of our Christmas...we drove out to the lights on Christmas Eve and happened to drive past this home...WOW! That is some snow molding talent, there!

So all-in-all it was a great Christmas season. Less than a week until kids are back in school, I am back to work, and we are all back to the real world...I don't think I'm ready!!!!

something to post about...

2008-12-29T12:22:00.002-07:00

I can't figure out why this picture is being weird, but I am done trying to fix it...
today is our 13th anniversary. no plans, brandon will probably have to work for 24 hours today like he has every day since christmas, but we do have a little tradition of getting in brandon and brigitte's hot tub...hopefully he'll be home in time for that! and it's lovely to have children old enough to babysit the babies, so we don't have to get a sitter, or feel guilty for leaving them with someone who may be trying to enjoy their holidays!
anyways, I feel so lucky to have found the perfect match for me!

who IS Amaryllis?

2008-12-16T12:47:00.005-07:00

(and for your viewing enjoyment)

For those of you who have asked me just who Phoebe will be playing in the Music Man, I found this little clip on youtube. I realize it's a bit long, and don't be distracted by the lovely Kristin Chenowith, she is playing Marian the Librarian. Phoebe will be playing the piano student, Amaryllis, at the Terrace Playhouse in February.

deer, angie.

2008-12-10T06:16:00.003-07:00

Since Angie P. left me such a super nice comment on my last post, I decided it was finally time to do the deer post I promised her. Unlike Angie, I don't consider myself an animal lover, but I am a nature lover through and through, and I think the deer are one of the reasons why.

Most of you know I grew up right around the corner from the house I live in now, and the deer have been a part of my life forever. At least once a week we have paused to take in the beauty and peacefulness of the deer on the hill. It never got old. Even now, when we are at Sunday dinner at my parents house we see them cross the hillside almost every week in the summer.

I have felt almost possessive of the deer, and proud when people would slow or stop their cars to look at "our deer." My kids have inherited the same awe and wonder for them. Abby sees them almost every morning when she's waiting for the bus. Phoebe almost stepped on the most precious baby fawn one easter when we were picnicking on the hill. The morning after Owen was born, the kids were pulling in the driveway with Gramnell and there was a whole herd in the back yard. Ok, Lucy is a little bit scared of them. She had a dream once when she was 2 that there was a deer in her room. She was terrified, and still is, but she pretends she loves them...

The problem was I never captured the deer on film. I took a few last winter with my phone, mostly to illustrate how much it had been snowing to Brandon, but I didn't know how to transfer pictures from phone to computer. I once saw a picture on a blog (I don't remember who's blog it was or how I got there) of a little girl all in white with her back to the camera standing in front of a small herd of deer. Her mom had taken her in her baptism dress to snap some photos on the temple grounds (not in Utah) and the deer showed up, and they got some really beautiful shots. I would LOVE to recreate that with my own kids and my own deer, but alas, I haven't got a camera worth talking about, and...well, there's a lot of reasons that would be tricky. I won't list them.

So since I have been thinking about this post, I decided I needed some good pictures of the deer. Abby and I pulled in the driveway last week and there they were...luckily my camera had been in the van all week. Oops, no, it wasn't. I had taken it inside earlier that day. I sent Abby in for it, without slamming the door or turning off the engine. She managed to get it without scaring them away, but as I tiptoed closer, I realized my battery was dead. Ugh! I turned off the van, didn't mind slamming the doors, went inside, almost giving up. I searched my house high and low for batteries, finally finding some in a random cd player, and headed back out. The deer had been patiently waiting for their photo op, apparently. They were still there, and as I started snapping away they almost posed for me! I climbed up on the trampoline to get a better view, and more and more kept coming out of hiding to pose. I almost cried! I almost called angie b to come take some with her decent camera, and Angie P. to come see for herself. It was so exciting!
We don't have any immediate neighbors on either side, and probably never will. Sometimes my kids feel cheated that they have no friends nearby to play with. These are our neighbors. We love them. Isn't it a wonderful place that we live?

a fortunate thanksgiving weekend

2008-12-03T06:29:00.004-07:00

I don't know if you've read the children's book Fortunately by Remy Charlip, but that is where I got the inspiration for this post.

Fortunately, the weekend started early. The kids were out of school on Wednesday.
Unfortunately, I had to cook for dinner group, for my grandparents, and yams for Thanksgiving dinner...
Fortunately, we had Jazz tickets for that night, which gave me a deadline to have all my cooking done.
Unfortunately, that meant we were all up too late for the night before Thanksgiving.
Fortunately, we were all able to get out of bed in time to go to the Thanksgiving 5 mile run, 2 mile walk, and I remembered my camera!
Unfortunately, these are the only shots I got...pre-run.
I missed a great post-run photo-op of Brandon with his wasatch back "team"...aka the Stanger's. I also failed to get a picture of the cutest running couple I've ever seen. (Jason and Jeni)
Fortunately, we got home in time for Abby and Phoebe to see David Archuleta on the Macy's parade.
Unfortunately, because the kids were all glued to the parade, we had a hard time getting ready to go to Tremonton for our Argyle Thanksgiving, and were a few minutes late to dinner.
Fortunately, dinner was not quite ready for us anyway, so I had time to brown the marshmallows on my yams at Aunt Joan's.
Unfortunately, her broiler was not working right, and it was taking forever.
Fortunately, she had another oven, which worked just fine.
Unfortunately, I was standing by said oven staring at the marshmallows when the blessing on the food was given.
Fortunately, we all thoroughly enjoyed our dinner, and the kids were thrilled to go to Gramnell's for a sleepover.
Unfortunately, Odie wasn't old enough to go.
Fortunately, he was adorable as an only child for the rest of the night and the following day.
Unfortunately, he didn't sleep in.
Fortunately, my mom was willing to tend so Brandon and I could go shopping, and we are now about 1/4 of the way ready for Christmas.
Unfortunately, we still have a lot to do.
Fortunately, we had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory with Brandon's parents that night.
Unfortunately, Brandon bought a $45 cheesecake.
Fortunately, Abby had a soccer game on Saturday.
Unfortunately, it was at 6:45 a.m.
Fortunately, that gave me plenty of time to shop with the girls for Christmas dresses to wear to the Nutcracker, and I found one for Phoebe for 50% off!
Unfortunately, Abby's wasn't.
Fortunately, the Nutcracker was wonderful, as always.
Unfortunately, we barely had time to get ready for the Jazz game after the Nutcracker!
Fortunately, Abby decided to stay home from the Jazz game, and agreed to keep Lucy home, too.
Unfortunately, the Jazz lost.
Fortunately, Brandon didn't have any meetings Sunday morning.
Unfortunately, he still had to prepare a lesson.
Fortunately, Brandon and I prepared a lovely Thanksgiving Dinner Repeat for our little family Sunday night. It was a wonderful way to end a fun-filled Thanksgiving weekend, and remember how thankful we are for each other and everything we are truly blessed with.

wanna know what Odie is thankful for?

2008-11-26T11:13:00.002-07:00

the kids thought it would be funny to demonstrate how much halloween candy we STILL have...will it EVER be gone? At the rate Odie is eating it, you think it would...

lucky #7 tag...

2008-11-20T16:18:00.007-07:00

of course there are several other things I should be doing right now besides blogging, but I have been tagged a few times and am starting to feel guilty that I haven't done them! I really do like tags! so here goes...

7 things I can do...

1- sing in front of people
2- little girls hair
3- make a mean meatloaf with ground turkey
4- ignore my house when it's messy
5- recite the book "go dog, go"
6- play "I wonder if I'm growing" on my guitar
7- make a quilt

7 things I can't do...

1- my own hair
2- sew clothing
3- leave my house without making my bed
4- shave my legs on a regular basis
5- eat red meat
6- grocery shop without a list
7- buy clothes for myself

7 things I always say...

1- "cute"
2- "awesome"
3- "good grief"
4- "oh brother"
5- "let's talk nice"
6- "did you practice piano"
7- "is your homework done"

7 things I always eat...

1- filet o' fish (I'm not kidding)
2- cheez-its
3- bagels
4- hummus
5- nutella
6- oh-so-delicious oatmeal (mandy's recipe)
7- leftovers

7 people I tag...

1- mindy
2- debalicious
3- paige
4- angie p.
5- ginger
6- joanna
7- beckey

2 visits from the tooth fairy

2008-11-13T20:32:00.003-07:00

(which also turns out to be a great before and after haircut post...thanks mindy)

jack-o-lantern, jack-o-lantern, you are such a funny sight,
as you sit there in the window looking out at the night.
you were once a yellow pumpkin growing on a sturdy vine,
but you are now a jack-o-lantern,
see the candlelight shine.

before and after...

2008-11-10T10:43:00.003-07:00

before...my cute farm kitchen, painted blue by my sister-in-law Paige when she lived here many years ago.

after....I stuck with the blue...funny now that I look at the pictures, it is almost the same shade!
(I don't know why this picture turned out so dark)
We are DONE! (for the most part) of course we have a few little odds and ends to finish up, but our kitchen is now functioning. It is so FABULOUS to have such modern conveniences finally! I am having a blast. I know several of you have talked about wanting to see it, please stop by. I'm not going to give out any personal invitations...anyone is welcome anytime!

better late than never?

2008-11-05T14:56:00.003-07:00

Remember how my camera is broken? It is really affecting my life. On Halloween I had to ask Carrie to come take pictures of my kids. (Thanks, Carrie) Those I have not seen yet. My mom took some the week before at our trunk or treat, and she just e-mailed me them today. Hence the late Halloween post.
I didn't get ANY at all of Phoebe in her adorable Little Red Riding Hood costume. She was gone by the time Carrie came over, and she didn't have her costume yet for the trunk or treat. She opted for the Cheerleader standby.So here you have it. We had Peter Pan, (his hat came later) Tinkerbell and Captain Hook...
and Abby donned the Sacajawea costume yet again, only re-named it Princess Tiger Lily.

Goodbye, October! Now on to Thanksgiving... :)

I'm back!

2008-10-29T11:45:00.002-06:00

I've been on a bit of a hiatus from the bloggy blog world. I do, however, have 3 really great excuses for my extended absence:
1. October, for some reason, is crazy busy. Especially when trying to survive without a kitchen. Or half your house, for that matter. I have not been at my home much this month.
2. My camera is broken. It seems cute little Odie thought he should snap a few quick photos. Fun for him, not so much for my camera...
3. I have been reading a major book. The Devil in the White City. Long, heavy, non-fiction, not happy, put me in a bad mood for the week I was reading it. I also ate up my days trying to finish it in time for book club. I tend to procrastinate.
and I guess make that 4 excuses...
4. FACEBOOK! I have become a facebook junkie. I can't really say why? A bit less work than blogging.
So now I'm trying to make a comeback of some sort...we'll see how it goes!

Donuts and Snow...

2008-10-14T11:02:00.003-06:00

My cabinets are being installed in my kitchen right now, and I am so excited I can't even stand it! So I will blog to try to entertain myself while I wait!

Saturday was our annual, (since I was a child) donut making day at my mom's. My mom does most of the work, we get to eat as many donuts as we can, and hang out all day with the fam. Yum! We ended up making somewhere around 600 donuts!

And then Sunday morning we woke up to SNOW! And not just a little dusting. It really snowed! My kids were SO excited, they had to get their gear on right away and head out in it. Here's little Odie peeking out his window to check it out.And Will. This is the boy who was crying 3 days ago at the prospect of snow. "The garden will die!"... Not so sad anymore!They even continued their play after church at Pop and Gram's with the cousins. They built this awesome fort, and stayed out until dark! Now Will is crying that the fort is going to melt. He's overly sensitive!

Halloween Flashback!

2008-10-11T07:20:00.003-06:00

I almost forgot to post my flashback this week! This was just last year.
Lucy was the CUTEST raggedy ann (another made by gramnell)
and Willie had his costume details planned out all month! DRACULA...
Abby and Phoebe had a halloween piano recital in October, where they played the duet Chopsticks, hence these costumes.
Abby went with it for halloween night, Phoebe opted for the more cute and "popular" cheerleader...go figure!And little Odie, well, let's just say this is the 5th arnell clown we've had on Halloween. Gotta love Hand-me-down costumes!

(kitchen update: painting is done. I don't love the color but I am trying to be patient. I know it will look different with my cabinets in, which come MONDAY! )

thanks, angie!

2008-10-08T21:40:00.005-06:00

For those of you that know "Angie b" you know how wonderful she is. For those that don't, you're about to find out about one of her many talents. The girl is awesome at everything she does, I swear!
A couple of weeks ago, Angie b and I took my little Lucy and Odie and her little Molly and Zac to SLC to take some pictures. Angie is an incredibly talented photographer, and I've been dying for her to do some of my kids for years. (She did Abby's baptism pics, but c'mon, that was 4 years ago!)
Well she took a ton of super cute ones of Lucy Lu. I had a hard time picking my faves, so I'm putting kind of a lot on here, but they are fun to look at, anyways.
Thank you so much, Angie, you are such a great friend...I'm proud to know you, girl!

Mothers Without Borders

2008-10-07T15:02:00.004-06:00

(click to enlarge)
I cut and pasted this from an e-mail from my sister-in-law Jenny. (Hope she doesn't mind) Her mother is highly involved in this organization...I thought I would help her get the word out.

"I wanted to pass on information for an upcoming boutique to profit a community if Lusaka Zambia. Mothers Without Borders is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to address the needs of orphaned and abandoned children in a holistic manner. They support efforts to provide safe shelter, food and clean water, education and access to caring adults. They want to assure that each child has someone who cares about them to teach them of their value. (can you tell that was straight from their website?) My life has been touched from stories of these incredible people on the other side of the world whose light and love continue to radiate amidst their circumstances. As a woman and mother, one of the most heart breaking thoughts is to think of a child without anybody here on earth to love them. As you know, the AIDS pandemic in Africa is ENORMOUS. It is estimated that a child is orphaned every 14 seconds as result of AIDS. The money raised from this boutique goes directly to a project already underway in Lusaka Zambia. It will be a family resource center that will house 250 children in a family-like environment. It will also have a medical facility, AIDS counseling clinic, primary and secondary school and grinding mill all for the use of the surrounding villages."

Much more information is available on their website www.motherswithoutborders.org.

Imitation is the best form of flattery...

2008-10-04T18:19:00.002-06:00

Jeni is posting Halloween flashback Fridays this month. I joined the fun, although they will be random flashbacks, not just Fridays.

This was the first one I came across, only 2 years ago. I found it appropriate since that was the year Owen was born and we are celebrating his birthday this weekend.

Phoebe Jane was a witch (made by Gramnell) Willie the Builder, Lucy the bunny and Abby was Sacajawea (also made by Gramnell, we may see a repeat of this one this year...)

And my teensy baby Odie was but a wee little babe. And a cute one, at that!

Ode to Odie...

2008-10-03T09:16:00.003-06:00

Today is my baby boy's birthday. He is really taking it to heart, and has become the most terrible of terrible twos the past month.
Did someone once say that the better the baby, the worse he will be as a toddler? Because Owen is proving that statement. He was the BEST baby, in every way. Great sleeper, eater, pleasant disposition, etc. He is making up for that now. He throws at least 3 temper tantrums a day. The kid is wearing me out!
He wakes up many a morning screaming, and yelling contrary things to whatever I say, "No. Willie not seepin. anymore!"
Breakfast can easily bring on another yelling fit. "No! Not! Mine! Seat! Odie want sconey waffle! No. Not. cereal! anymore!"
If we have anywhere to go, he is screaming as I hold him down to buckle his seat. "Not buckle Odie! Not! Mine! Seat! Ucy seat!"
In the store, he screams more. "Put me down! Not! Ride! In! Seat!"
Lots of times during the day I hear "Want! Mine! Daddy!"
If he is crying about something, and after 20 questions I still can't help him solve his problem, I tell him to use his words. "Not! use! mine! words!" Which is actually a good use of his words, but doesn't help me stop the crying.
He's cute. He's really, really, cute. His smile is to die for. His eyes are the deepest blue. His hair is thick and coarse and blond. He loves elephants, he calls them "elements" ...He can say the L sound, but not the ph. He knows all his colors, his favorite is green. He loves to play with his older siblings and Thomas guys. ("Nomas") He loves to sing songs and dance. He loves to eat beans. He gets extremely excited when we mention beans, or walk in to bajio's. Did I mention he's cute? But he is definitely 2, and is wearing me out!
Hopefully in a few months I can re-read this and see that it was only a phase. He asked me earlier "where mine birday cake?" Right now he is telling Lucy "Odie hab nap day! Pun!" so I guess he's excited for his nap today. I am too!
Love you, Odie. Happy birthday!

SHOUT OUT!!

2008-10-01T09:44:00.003-06:00

to my bcff's...
"I will laugh at the world.
No living creature can laugh except man. Trees may bleed when they are wounded, and beasts in the field will cry in pain and hunger, yet only I have the gift of laughter and it is mine to use whenever I choose. Henceforth I will cultivate the habit of laughter.
I will smile and my digestion will improve; I will chuckle and my burdens will be lightened; I will laugh and my life will be lengthened for this is the great secret of long life and now it is mine.
I will laugh at the world."

I wish...

2008-09-27T10:18:00.003-06:00

I really wish I could just let my hair dread, without people thinking I was on drugs or homeless. I REALLY like that look, and my hair is in a constant state of about 3 days away from dreads. Ah me...I guess I missed that window. I should have done it when I was young and less inhibited.

Dancing...

2008-09-23T09:38:00.002-06:00

At our house we are quite fond of "Dancing With the Stars." As some of you may know, the new season started last night! We have been waiting and waiting, especially since Jake Ryan from Hannah Montana is on this time. So, those of you that didn't watch, you should start, and those that did, who's your fave? I'm with Misty May all the way! I also like the big football player (I don't know his name) and I think Kim Kardashian will really improve over the season. But Brandon can't stand her. And what's up with 82 yr. old Cloris Leachman? Please....that was NOT fun to watch! We didn't see "Jake Ryan" dance, but of course the girls love him...Should be entertaining!

...and happy birthday, Phoebe Jane!

2008-09-22T13:19:00.003-06:00

Phoebe Jane was born September 20, 1998. Her name was chosen before we even knew she was a girl! It means "bright, shining one." In Greek mythology, Phoebe was the goddess of the moon. The name fits like a glove. and no, she was not named after the character on Friends...(although sometimes I see some similarities :)
Phoebe is my child that we have a hard time reigning in. She loves to always be going, going, going, and doing, doing, doing. She is definitely the busiest child in the family.
Phun Phacts about Phoebe:
Smart. She loves to read. She has been in the spelling bee every year since 1st grade, has had the highest AR goal in her class, and one of the highest reading levels in her grade.
Music. She sang her first solo in sacrament meeting when she was barely 4 years old. She has a natural ability to sing. She has had roles in 2 plays. She also plays the piano.
Sports. You should see the girl play soccer! She is getting better every year, and loves to play goalie like her dad, but is also quite the little hustler as a defender or a forward. She also started on a competition softball team this fall with one of her lifelong bff's Emma. She is having a Blast, improving her game and being coached by the best.
Dance. Tap, Jazz and Ballet. She loves them all, and as a toddler/preschooler couldn't wait to get big enough to start ballet.
Friends. Phoebe is a great friend. She is very lucky to have so many great girls that live in our area. She has several that she has known since birth, but she just keeps making new ones, too.
Tween. She has been the definition of the word since the age of 7. All things fashion, social, music and movies that are on the tween scene. Something I should worry about? Probably...

I could obviously go on and on. Girlfriend is SO busy! But she likes it that way. She's a good girl, and we LOVE the special spirit that she brings to our home. Happy Birthday, Phoebe Jane!

Happy Birthday, Lucy!!!

2008-09-18T15:41:00.003-06:00

4 years ago today, at 5:20 a.m. a little baby girl was born, weighing 8 lbs. 9 oz. and 20 inches long. We named her Lucy, which means "to shine, to bring forth light". At the time we thought it was fitting because she was born so early in the morning. Now we realize the real meaning of her name. Truly, Lucy shines, and has brought light into our home every day of her life!
We were so excited to have another baby girl in our family. Abby and Phoebe were such good little helpers, and Will was, and still is, the best big brother any little girl could have.
Another special thing about the birth of Lucy- the morning after she was born, my Grandpa Birt passed away. I like to say that when she came to earth, she opened a window of heaven so that Grandpa could return to heaven at the age of 96.
Happy birthday, Lucy. You are definitely a light in our family. We all love you very much!

kitchen chaos...part I

2008-09-17T11:27:00.006-06:00

I've had several questions about my kitchen remodel. We are now one week into it, I finally took some pictures. Today they are sheetrocking, so it's getting pretty exciting. The demolition was kind of upsetting too me, and I started second guessing everything I had planned. I didn't get any pictures when it was totally gutted, like when the floor in one spot was ripped up and we had dirt crawl space floor for a few days. But it's still pretty bare. I got lights yesterday! Something that my 80 yr. old kitchen had very little of...very exciting! But still stressful. So many decisions!

insulation! something else we didn't have AT ALL in the old kitchen.
what was the "back porch" before...soon to be dining area.
there used to be a bathroom right here.

this is where my kitchen sink was and will be again. only a better version! and look at all those outlets! We only had 2 in the entire kitchen before, and they were the old non-polarized kind.
here's how we're living for now. (don't look too close, everything is messy) I feel like we are staying at an extended stay motel- table, fridge, microwave and various bags of groceries etc. strewn about the family room. The tight quarters are very frustrating to me! recycling is not happening for now, and I am using strictly paper and plastic dishes! UGH...the kids feel like we're on vacation, though.

Preschool...finally!

2008-09-15T10:02:00.002-06:00

Buggy finally started preschool! She has been SO excited since the big kids started school, and last tuesday she finally got to go all by herself. She was a little confused, she thought the bus was going to pick her up and that she would have a desk and school lunch. Those were her 3 most exciting elements! Once she got over the disappointment, she settled for recess, a back pack, and snacks. She was hesitant for me to leave at first, but I just had to grit my teeth and leave the room, putting total trust in Miss Laney and Miss Sheryl. By the time I came to pick her up she was hugging her teacher and not ready to leave! This really was a big day for Lucy, because the girl hasn't left my side in the past 2 years. She wasn't quite so clingy as a baby, but since about 2 yrs old she has really been a mama's girl. Which is fine with me about half the time. The other half it makes me crazy! So now that she is learning to be independent, it is really making her a nicer girl. Finally getting over her terrible twos, I guess, just in time for Little Odie to enter them...and boy, is he ever!

Grandma Bev

2008-09-12T10:30:00.002-06:00

This has been an emotional week for our family. Brandon's Grandma Bev passed away last Saturday. I've been struggling with this post all week, not quite knowing the best way to convey what we are feeling and thinking right now.

For FHE on Monday, we reminisced about Grandma Bev. It was fun to hear what the kids remembered about her, and some of the things Brandon told we hadn't heard before. (surprise, surprise ;)

Abby said she always thought of Grandma when she had Sunny D. Abby got a Sunny D every time she went to her house. She also will remember the $2 bills Grandma gave at Christmas time.

Phoebe remembers when Grandma Bev came to see her in Babes In Toyland last Christmas. Grandma told us how much she loved that every time we saw her since! Phoebs also said when they used to visit her that she liked to just sit and have little conversations with Grandma Bev.

Will remembers helping Pop mow Grandma Bev's lawn when he was really little. I think he was probably 2 years old. He used to almost knock Grandma Bev over with his running hugs he used to give. He always had a hug for Grandma Bev. He liked to get a Sunny D over there, too, after working in her yard.

Lucy remembers Grandma's teddy bears. She used to let her push the button on one that played a song. She also remembers giving her the sock monkey Gram made for her at Christmas.

Owen shares the Argyle name with Grandma Bev. When he got his Argyle sock monkey from Gram on his first birthday, Grandma Bev declared that she wanted one, too. My mom made one for us to give her for Christmas, and it was so fun to see how happy she was when we gave it to her. Also, one of Owen's favorite blankies was made by Grandma Bev.

Brandon remembers lots of things, of course, but I'll just share a couple. He remembers her taking him to get his haircut when he was a child. He remembers when his mom and Grandma Bev would come in to Taco Time while he was working. He said you always knew when Grandma Bev was there. She'd start yelling, "Brandon! Where's Brandon?" if he was in the back. That made my kids all laugh. I think they could picture it and hear Grandma Bev shouting his name.

When I first met Grandma Bev, Brandon and I were just dating. He took me over to her house to see his mom and sister, and cousin Amy. Grandma Bev's first words to me were "I'm Grandma Bev, and that's just what you'll call me!" So I have, ever since. I can't think of her without seeing her twinkling eyes and smile.

Brandon and I have both always felt the love Grandma Bev had for us and for each of our children. She will be missed dearly. We'll wear our Argyle plaid with pride, and love for Grandma Bev!

090908

2008-09-09T10:38:00.002-06:00

Today is the birthday of my mother-in-law, Debbie,(a.k.a "Gramnell" at our house) For those of you that know what a super nice guy Brandon is, he got it straight from his mom. She is seriously one of the nicest people I know! She is a wonderful mom and is close to all 7 of her kids, who range in age from 34 (is that right, Michelle?) to 18 and are all very different! And as far as being a grandma goes, she is amazing. She makes all 5 of my kids feel special, and does super fun stuff with them whenever they are together. She is very selfless and giving. She is a wonderful cook and always puts together fabulous parties. She is also a great seamstress. She has made my kids awesome halloween costumes, and she made Phoebe's Little Miss Muffet dress when she was in Babes in Toyland. Mostly she is just fun to be around and is loved by all of us!

Debbie, I know you are having a rough week and may not even read this in the near future, but please know how much we all love you and appreciate every single thing you do for us. We hope your birthday is a good one, and we'll be thinking of you and praying for you all week.

So.....

2008-09-04T15:17:00.003-06:00

So after the big speech last night, what do you think about her?

I think I like her. I'm not really into politics, but I think she is a good choice strategically for McCain. She has chosen some interesting names for her children, but she is very likeable, don't you think? Funny thing is, I get very annoyed at people who support Obama just because he is "likeable" or some kind of superstar or something.

pardon me, but....

2008-09-03T09:39:00.002-06:00

I am CRAZY about this girl right now!

She positively glows! She is absolutely loving jr. high, and life in general, and it is such a relief to me.... She is by no means perfect, (her room is rarely clean and she is still mean to her sister sometimes) But wow, 12 is a super fun age! I wish I could bottle that enthusiasm for life and give it back to her in a few years, when I'm sure she'll be making me crazy in other ways. Right now, I'll enjoy every minute of it. Sometimes I am amazed that I gave birth to her.

it's not easy being green...

2008-08-30T12:12:00.002-06:00

One of my new year's resolutions this year was to be better at recycling. We have done great as a family, but it is kind of a pain! Aluminum goes to the school, where the music department receives the revenue (yay, music)..Paper goes to the "dumpster" outside of the school, which brings in revenue, also. (I put ALOT of junk mail in that one!) So it makes me feel extra good to recycle these items. As far as the other recycleables go, though, such as cardboard, plastic (PETE 1 & 2), etc. (not including glass) it has to be hauled away to the recycle bins. Oh how I long for curbside pick up! I live within walking distance of the drop-off spot, but honestly, with my kids and a wagon full of recycleables, it takes me nearly an hour to get there and back...BUT I feel guilty when I drive. So...my recycling builds up and builds up and builds up, before I finally break down and haul it away. My kitchen always looks like it's overflowing with trash, but it's just my recycling...there's got to be another way! I researched the possibility of curbside pickup here at the first of the year, and learned that a curbside program in our area can't match the performance and cost effectiveness of the system already in place by the landfill. Apparently HAFB uses the methane gas produced at the landfill to produce electricity. So Brandon says we don't have to feel too guilty about not recycling once in a while. What they have done to make it easier for us is putting the drop bins in various communities. And we are getting better. In our area in 2003, only 100 tons were recycled from bins. In 2006, it was more than 450 tons. This is SO turning into an essay on recycling. I really just wanted to express my desire for curbside pickup, although I have learned it will never happen. I guess I'll continue to trudge my junk down to the posse grounds on what should be a weekly basis, but is more like an every 3 week huge job...For some reason I just have a strong desire to be green!

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!!

2008-08-28T15:05:00.003-06:00

Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear momma,
Happy birthday to you!

Just needed to give a shout out...today is my mom's birthday. My mom is such a good example to me. She has always been a great friend to me, especially when I've needed it the most throughout my life. She is one of my favorite people! I'm sure those of you that know her well agree with me that she is a lot of fun to be around. I think she is a great mom because she kind of just let us kids (teenagers) figure things out instead of over-reacting to our little rebellious moments. She did a good job "picking her battles" so to speak. My mom has a calm, steady way about her. She's done a great job raising us, I actually feel like she still helps me along most of the time! I'm very dependent on her, and always want to make her proud. I can talk to her about just about everything, and she always makes me feel good about myself. This sounds a little fragmented, I know. I'm not very good at expressing emotions! Plus I'm doing it in shifts between running my kids here and there...

My kids all LOVE "Gram" a lot!
Lucy says: "I love Gram for reading me stories and taking me on the 4 wheeler."
Lucy also says that Odie says "just 4 wheeler, I guess..." but I know Odie loves Gram by the way he runs to her when he sees her with a grin on his face and a light in his eyes. "Hi Gram!" and he wraps his little arms so tightly around her neck.
Will says: "I love that Gram makes cookies...if you didn't already say that about Odie..."
Phoebe loves that Gram taught her to sew, and
Abby also loves to sew with Gram, and says "I LOVE the Quilt Hop!!!"

So anyways, Happy Birthday, Mom. I won't tell y'all how old she is. When I saw her at the temple today someone told her we looked more like sisters than mother/daughter. I won't ruin her "youngster" image...

now what about these two?....

2008-08-27T15:15:00.003-06:00

ok, I knew I would miss my big kids when school started. I know I depend a lot on them to help me with the "babies"...but oh my word, we are having a struggle, to say the least! Owen is used to sleeping in until 9 and sometimes even 10, but with all the excitement monday and tuesday, he was up before 8. I don't think he stopped whining and crying all day. Lucy thinks I should devote all of my time entertaining her...On day one, she HAD to color while I was washing the breakfast dishes. All of our coloring books were just recently boxed up in the process of moving out of our kitchen. She persisted, and I gave in. The "fun pad" I found was NOT acceptable, so I had to find the box, untape it, and dig way down to find a book for her to color in. Keep in mind little Odie was crying and whining and I was holding him most of the time throughout the searching. And my dishwater was getting cold. After coloring for 15 seconds, she HAD to do a puzzle. I put her off long enough to finish the dishes, but in the mean time, Odie had plastered his face with glue stick. Next, Lucy really really wanted to blow bubbles. I agreed with that activity, because it would entertain Odie and take them both OUTSIDE. That also lasted mere seconds. Then as Lucy and I were cleaning up her puzzles, Odie dumped the rest of the bubble solution on the kitchen table and drenched his shirt with the soapy mess. My kitchen table is now shining clean. Anyways, by 10 a.m. I decided it was time to check out the fall line-up of toddler shows on Playhouse Disney. I've never been so happy to see Handy Manny in all my life!
Day two wasn't much better. Odie started wailing "NOOOO......!!!!" when Phoebe and Will got on the bus, and kept up the whining and crying all morning, until I was wondering if he was sick, or teething or something was seriously wrong with the boy! The good part of that day was the fact that Lucy had a nap, something she hasn't done all summer long.
And here we are at the end of day three. Odie slept until 8:45 this morning, so we were off to a better start with him, but Lucy had got up with me at 6:30. I took them both to library story time, thinking maybe some time out of the house would be good for us. It was...and they both napped again when we got home. Things are looking up, it just takes some getting used to, for all of us, I guess.
As far as the school kids go, Abby is LOVING jr. hi. After our rough start with the bus business on the first day, she hasn't had a bad moment yet. Her flip flops broke on tuesday, which left her barefoot for half the day, but I don't think she cared. She did tell me she wasn't ready to deal with taking a water bottle yet, she had too much other stuff to figure out before she would be able to do that! Funny girl!
Phoebe is loving it, also. She thinks her teacher is great, and has some cute friends in her class. She is more worried about how she looks each day than anything. She has also been a little sick with the same dreaded sore throat that I have had for over a week now. She did not want to miss a day of the first week of school, though. Hopefully she's not contaminating too many classmates! Ugh, what's a mom to do?
Will's first words off the bus on his first day were, "Mom, I LOVE school lunch!" We are not surprised. The kid loves to eat. And he was thoroughly excited about the fact that he got a planner. And today he came home with a TCW (totally cool windjammer) ticket for good assembly behavior. He is the model first grader, I'm sure!
So we're slowly sinking into the routine of it all. I'm sure we'll get the hang of it eventually, just in time for dance, soccer and softball to start and throw us for a few more loops routine-wise! Yikes...5 kids=chaos!!!!

First Day at School

2008-08-25T11:39:00.002-06:00

by Rod Hull

My first day at school today.
Funny sort of day.
Didn't seem to learn much.
Seemed all we did was play.

Then teacher wrote some letters
On a board all painted black,
And then we had a story and...
I don't think I'll go back.

trophies and ribbons and medals...oh my!

2008-08-11T09:56:00.005-06:00

Here in our wonderful little city we have Country Fair Days the first week of August. I LOVE IT! and always have. This post will be long enough without me professing my love in detail, but one of the reasons it is so great is the opportunities it provides my children, with a different activity every night of the week, there truly is something for everyone. My kids love it all. It started out with the baby contest. I won't say much about it, except for I haven't entered my babies for years. Lucy was never in the baby contest. I don't really like the way it makes me feel. I take it too seriously...that being said, this year I was on the committee, so I decided to enter Owen, since I would be there anyways. Plus he's really cute. I think he should have won,Don't you? He did get "most delightful wave"...he waved the whole time he was on stage. The little guy that won had a fake tattoo and a mohawk. I guess the judges didn't like the clean cut look. ;)
That night was the little miss pageant. This is a favorite event, because they draw the winners out of a hat. This was Abby's last year and Lucy's first year participating. The 50's theme turned out adorable. All 3 of the girls dances were very cute, and they all had tons of fun. Even Lucy, who I was worried about letting go of my arm. They walk out with a cute boy escorting them, and of course Lucy, little miss independent, refused to walk with the boy, but had no problem whatsoever strutting her stuff on stage alone. She was cute. While they walked the ramp, the mc read questions that the girls had answered beforehand. Lucy's answers were so funny!
What is something most people don't know about you?
Lucy: I like to sing.
What do you want to do when you grow up?
Lucy: Be in the rodeo.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and who would you take with you?
Lucy: I would go to a soccer game with my family.
Ah, the simple life of a 3 year old!

The next event the kids participated in was the little buckaroo rodeo. This is their favorite, but not my favorite to take pictures at. It is too action packed, and I always miss stuff when I'm worried about the camera. Lucy did the stick barrel race and rode a sheep, but her sheep was a dud, and she was sad about it. Willie won this:

for this sweet ride:

Phoebe threw a goat. The rodeo is not really her thing, but she liked socializing.

My Abby girl won 2nd place in the goat throw and RODE A BULL! well, a steer, technically, and won 2nd place! She and Lexie (Missy's daughter) were the only girls to ride, and they placed 2nd and 3rd. Fun stuff, but this was Abby's last year of the rodeo, too.

Wednesday night was the Kid-K. All 4 kids ran it, and all 4 kids did awesome. Abby came in 3rd in her age group,
and little miss Lucy placed 3rd in the 3-4 division.

Saturday was the parade, and Phoebe claims it was her first time watching instead of riding in it. Abby and Will got to ride on the rodeo train, the rest of us watched and got lots of candy!

Oh, and one more thing. Brandon ran the 10K and I ran my first 5K saturday morning! And it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be!Oh how I love sw days!

My Excuses...

2008-08-07T20:18:00.004-06:00

Here's what I've been doing instead of blogging lately.

A little of this...

Too much of this....

And 2 heads of this...

I MISS BLOGGING!

a Picture-ful post!

2008-07-29T10:45:00.005-06:00

As always on my pictures, just click to enlarge (if desired...)

Howdy, y'all! Following tradition, we spent the 23rd of July at the Ogden Pioneer Days rodeo. All of my children are cowpokes at heart, Phoebe probably being the least, but somehow she ended up on the horse... Brandon thinks his 15 minutes of fame in life is talking to the local Whoopie Girls, and pointing them out EVERY time they ride by. I appreciate the Carter family for putting up with him... :)

The 24th was spent at the parade, with cousins, McDonalds breakfast, and FUN! what more could a kid want?

And then, let me tell you all a little secret about pioneer day. At the little Daughters of the Utah Pioneer Museum behind the Ogden temple is the funnest pioneer activity I have ever attended. Will made a covered wagon and a pioneer toy, all the kids made pioneer dolls, they gave them each a scarf/bonnet, they had demos of spinning and weaving wool and candy making, a fiddler, punch and cookies, and they had all these pioneer dress up clothes to try on and get pictures taken. And guess what else...it's all FREE! Yep, you read that right, a full after-parade activity for the fam, for FREE! The kids had fun, and I did, too...
And one more thing my cute dad did, (is doing) He planted a "pioneer garden" this week to show the kids just how hard it was for the pioneers to start their lives when they entered the valley on the 24th...Will told me we should have corn by Odie's birthday (in October)

We're Back!

2008-07-24T00:26:00.004-06:00

First of all, pause my music because my slide show below has music attached...
So we went on a little camping trip to Bryce Canyon over the weekend. We had never been there, and let me tell you, it is absolutely amazing! Our Heavenly Father's creations on this beautiful earth NEVER cease to amaze me! Such variety! And the history of these National Parks is what I really dig. I can't imagine what pioneers and settlers and even earlier the Native Americans must have thought when they came across these places...
We went on 3 little hikes, the first day down in to the canyon, (Lucy was naughty) and the other 2 days we just did some little ones. One of my favorite things to do on Sunday when camping is go to Sacrament meetings when they are held in hotel conference rooms and we wear our camping clothes. (unless I remember to bring skirts, which has actually only happened once in my life.) I feel so spiritual when I am out in nature that has been preserved for so many years, and to go to a humble little sacrament meeting where everyone's purpose is the same, not to socialize or show off a new dress, but to renew their covenants by partaking of the sacrament...well, I wish I lived in a campground so I could attend camping church every week! ok, now i'm done with my little testimony sharing...I'll move on.
That's not the only reason I fantasize about being a hermit in the mountains. I LOVE to just spend time away from the world with my little family. Although we weren't exactly away from the world, in fact, there were more european languages being spoken in the park than english, seriously...we had a very french family camp right next door to us, the mom was the french version of my bff Tara, well actually a cross between her and Posh Spice, and their youngest daughter was the french version of Angie b's daughter Ellie. They had 3 little girls, and it was so fun to hear their little french chatter. Brandon appreciated the fact that French Posh came out of the trailer one morning in a fun little dress. I kid you not. Brandon said "That's a cute little dress she's wearing!" Leave it to the french to look tres chic even when camping!
We had a little lightning storm on sunday night that scared the daylights out of Will and Lucy, but we made it through without being struck! Will got a pocket knife for his souvenir and for the rest of the trip we heard things like "I didn't get this cut from my knife." and "the hot dog stick poked me right here, not my knife" and even "I had this cut before I got my knife"...hmmm...it makes a mommy wonder, indeed!
On the way home we stopped at the Young Living Family Farm to see their Lavender in bloom! Wow! remember my post about lavender? yes, you can smell it in the air, and yes, it is as beautiful as the pictures you see. BUT the sweet lady at the visitors center did not feel the same about our 5 camp-worn kids in their lovely essential oils shop. We didn't stay long once we caught her daggers...but did snap a couple of pictures...they have a 5k down there in late June, Brandon can't wait for next year. (I bet we forget)
Brandon is our camp chef when we go on trips. One of his hidden talents is dutch oven cooking. He made every breakfast and dinner while we were there. I was in charge of lunches, which consisted of sandwiches, chips and fruit every day. Boring! But Brandon, on the other hand, is building up quite a repertoir! A few of his specialties were dutch oven chicken pot pie, (way good!) german pancakes in the dutch oven (or Dutch babies) and a blueberry cobbler that was out of this world! I won't bore y'all by posting our entire menu for the 5 days, but be assured, the man is a master!
I know, I'm making everyone jealous by sharing my oh-so-interesting stories of my oh-so-perfect trip! Right now I can't think of a negative thing to say about it...oh wait, yes I can. Odie didn't like the van ride home and Lucy was an absolute nightmare on the first hike. AND I don't like when you stop at gas stations that are hooked to tire stores and they have workers that come tell you how horrid your tires are while you are pumping your gas. Is there a vehicle that rolls through there that looks safe to him? I say no.
We had fun. Here are some of our pictures. Enjoy.

Fun Tag!

2008-07-15T22:03:00.002-06:00

This is a fun tag that is running rampant throughout my bloggy blog world. I want to hear from ALL Y'ALL...even if you have never commented before!

Here are the rules.
1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember! If we're only blogging friends, write about a post that is most memorable. If you don't have a blog and don't know how to sign in, please comment as anonymous.
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll be sure to write one about you... either on your blog, in my comment box, or I will email you back!
3. If the memory happens to involve my husband, please include him!
4. If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all ☺Okay, let's see what you've got!

The Brighton Cabin

2008-07-15T12:18:00.003-06:00

I'm doing another "journal entry" for my in-laws...I promise they read my blog faithfully, they just never comment! We spent the weekend with some of them up at a cabin at Brighton ski resort. It was so much fun! So nice and cool up there...we got there too late Friday night to do much, but after we got the kiddies (and Brandon) to bed we sat up playing Phase 10 and Curses (thanks Angie b)
Saturday morning consisted of Brandon's pancakes (maybe that's why he had to go to bed so early) and relaxing (I relaxed, anyways) and some Double Dutch action.
Brandon thought he was Corbin Bleu.

(Collin in back, Torin, Phoebe and Odie, Lucy, Nikki, Brianne and Will) (Oh, and a bit of Uncle Tyler over on the left)
Saturday afternoon we HIKED!! We went on an awesome trail up there. It was pretty tough, but the end result was worth it. Little Lucy had not gotten enough sleep the night before, so she spent most of the hike either whining or in Owen's backpack on Brandon's back! Not fun! Owen of course wanted to be out hiking on his own, anyways. He just took forever...so I had to fight to carry him alot of the way. Silver Lake is an awesome 1 mile trail, easily accessible for all ages, wheelchairs and strollers included, and then from there we took the Twin Lake trail up the mountain side another mile or so, but very steep. We even came across some snow. Willie was thrilled to throw snowballs in July!!
And guess what else...NO SNAKES! I highly recommend this hike...Will claims it's the hardest one we've been on.. I think it probably was, that he can remember, anyways. It was beautiful, though!
I feel like this post is not making much sense because my 5 little ones are all trying to get my attention as I type, but I wanted to get it out there before the trip was too far in the past! So enjoy the pictures, and thank you so much Arnell's and Nydegger's for the fun weekend. Family times like that are the best, I think! My kids had a blast, too. (We all missed Abby, she was in Texas with my parents) Ok, I've got to go make lunch...
(I just remembered I had decided earlier to just do a slide show of the trip, so you Arnell's that took pictures could add them on...oh well, no time right now...)

My Birthday...again...

2008-07-13T10:22:00.003-06:00

I'm about to put ya'll through another birthday post...I wanted to "journal" what we did on my big day, it was such a good one!
One of my favorite things to do is go out to breakfast, so of course, that was a must on my birthday. But first I wanted to sleep in...and I did! Then it was off to the Oaks, up Ogden Canyon. We have been going there for YEARS, breakfast is especially fun. They have seating outside along the river. It's beautiful! But sadly that is about the only thing they have to offer...their service is NEVER good, and hasn't been for years, and the food, well, it's nothing special...although I had a sweet potato pancake that was pretty yum. We enjoyed it, don't get me wrong. The ambiance makes it definitely worthwhile! After coming home and chilling for a while, we headed back up to Trapper's Loop for a hike. We went on the Green Pond trail, but of course didn't make it to the pond. Brandon and I have learned the hard way, that when hiking with children, don't worry if you don't make the destination! Turn back when needed, remember, you have to hike back as far as you came in! And this particular hike is downhill all the way in, which of course means an uphill battle all the way back...we've learned everyone is happier if not pushed to their limit. We want everyone to enjoy hiking! So we turned around at 1.5 miles, which still made for a 3 mile hike...(thanks to Brandon's GPS that tells us our mileage, what a nice addition to our hiking lives!)

We came home and chilled some more, then sent the kids to watch a movie at Tiff's and went on a DATE to Chili's. We are not regulars at Chili's, so neither one of us knew what to order, but we both lucked out with what we got! Another good reason for us to be camping on our birthdays...eating out is one of our favorite things to do, so we ate out so much last week that I think we each gained 10 lbs. for our birthdays! Not the best present to get...

It turned out to be the perfect day. I'm definitely blessed with a caring husband and 5 cute kids that really wanted to make my birthday special...Willie even picked out a special outfit for himself to wear that he thought I would like. And now we have our camping trip to look forward to for next week. So, as Phoebe said in the card she made for me, I guess I am officially "One year older and wiser, too!" (I don't know about the wiser part...)

Back to Reality

2008-07-11T08:56:00.002-06:00

Thank you everyone for the birthday greetings! Ya'll made my day! (Brandon's post was a little embarrassing, though...)
We are usually out of town on our birthdays, but Brandon couldn't get this week off of work this year. Hopefully next year we will return to that tradition, and you bloggies won't have to put up with the silliness of the past 3 posts!
We decided our birthdays were definitely better spent out of town. This morning I'm thinkin' it even more...I am paying the price for not having done any housework yesterday. My house is a mess! So today I'm posting my to-do list for the day...

babies laundry (usually done on Thursday)
clean my house (may take all day)
take Odie to swimming lessons
change sheets (has been on my list all week)
empty recycle bins
sample new pancake batter I want to take camping tonight
get groceries
clean out van
clean out refrigerator
pack for camping tonight!
help Abby pack for Houston tomorrow
make yummy treat for camping tonight
read with Will (his reading has been neglected for about 2 weeks)
shell peas
freeze peas
shower :)
get hair for Phoebe's braids tomorrow
crack the whip on my kids so they actually do their work today (somehow neglected all week)

So now the question is, why am I sitting here in the blogosphere instead of working away? I have a tendency, when my to do list is overwhelming, to procrastinate, thinking I'll NEVER accomplish it all...where do I start? So here I sit. Plus, Brandon just texted and said he is headed to Richfield for the day, so we won't be headed on our camp out at any reasonable time tonight, anyway. But to see it all out in front of me, I'm thinking I see a few things on there that I can eliminate...maybe, just maybe, it's not quite impossible...

Happy Birthday Becky

2008-07-10T15:06:00.004-06:00

hi, This is Brandon. Today is Becky's birthday she is 34 today. Becky is a great wife and friend, and she is an excellent mother. I am so lucky to have Becky, I hate to even think where I might be in life if I hadn't met her. I have always thought that Becky is way hot even to this day I sometimes sit and and look at her and think wow what a babe.
Happy Birthday Babe I Love You!
love brandon
ps.. sorry this is so lame.

MoreThoughts on Bran's Birthday

2008-07-09T14:27:00.004-06:00

I guess you could call this a "flashback wednesday"...I always think of the "early years" when birthdays roll around. 15 years ago (yikes!) on Brandon's 18th birthday was the first time I ever heard of him...I had gone to a party with my bff Jodie. The awesome but now non-existent band "Swing Annie" was playing. They broke into the song "Birthday" by the Beatles.

I yelled over the music to Jodie: "Who's birthday is it?"

Jodie: "Derno's"

Me: "Who's Derno?"

Jodie: "You know Derno! Blond, dreads?"

Me: shrug...

Alas, I met another dread-head there that night, and went out with him a few times before I met "Derno"... who's name, by the way, I didn't learn until later. Brandon. I'm sure there are still people out there from those days that don't know his real name.
This is a better post for Brandon's birthday, because he LOVES it when I reminisce about our dating days. He thinks it's romantic....awwww!!

so this is the only dread picture we have at the moment...it doesn't quite capture the effect.

a few years later...cleaned up a little bit!

cleaned up a little more! ah, the good old days!!!!

Who's the Boss?

2008-07-08T17:13:00.003-06:00

So today is Brandon's birthday. He is now the same age as me, and in our household that means he's in charge...for a few days, anyways!

This is what the kids said to Brandon for his birthday:
Abby: "I don't know...mine will sound like a kindergarten answer!"
Phoebe: "I love my dad because he gets spiders out of my room. Thanks for looking under the bed for the one last night!"
Will: "I love my dad because he lets me go to Young Men's with him. We made boats."
Lucy: "I love my dad because he rocks me."
Owen: "Happy Daddy...." (he can't really express himself through words, but has been a daddy's boy since day one)

I've been meaning to post this all day, with a picture and everything, but he's home now, so this will have to do...thanks, b. for being such a great husband, dad, team mate and BFF...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

4th of July Campout

2008-07-06T22:01:00.003-06:00

This was the 2nd annual campout-on-the-sod-farm-behind-my-parents-house-on-July-3rd for us. Fun was had by all, (well, as fun as a tent in a sod farm could be) except for one minor detail...

OLIVIA!!!!
The rooster with a hen's name woke us up with his cock-a-doodle-dooing at 5:25 a.m, and DID. NOT. STOP...

But Dad's yummy 4th of July breakfast made up for it! He even wore one of the most patriotic shirts I have ever seen for the occasion. Thanks for another fun holiday, family...and here's to many more!

The Fourth

2008-07-04T00:01:00.001-06:00

Oh
CRASH!
my
BASH!
it's
BANG!
the
ZANG!
Fourth
WHOOSH!
of
BAROOOM!
July
WHEW!

by shel silverstein

Happy 4th, everyone!

Tuesday Tell All--Touch

2008-07-01T21:49:00.002-06:00

ok, ok, the tta is open to my interpretation, right? I went from touch to feel to feelings...but here's what I came up with...

Today I felt silly, It must be the heat. I bought Lucy "spray candy" and left Odie with bare feet. I ate licorice for breakfast and popsicles at night. And after the garden, the kids were a sight!

Today I felt happy, a bit teary, and pleased, with my oldest, beaming Abby, at the temple with me. Her Gram joined us, too, and Brandon made three, and Pop was there running the baptistry.

Today I felt stressed, things got hectic a bit. I want to save gas, but can't seem to do it! I picked up my house. It still isn't clean. I forgot to get ice at the store for ice cream!

Today I felt joyful, my mood was first-rate. Abby went to a swim party, she just couldn't wait! Sun-kissed cheeks were popping, the sun was so bright. Odie played all day long, with all of his might.

Today I felt excited there's so much to do. I was going to make ice cream and popcorn treats, too. I'm ready to braid Phoebe's hair, that's so great, and to camp out on the 4th, I simply can't wait!

Today I felt tired, and ran out of pep. My ankle keeps hurting, I can't run a step. Abby's hair is still pink, did Brandon shave his beard? Abby lost a huge tooth. This family is weird.

Today I felt discouraged and frustrated--see? I got a mosquito bite right on my knee. I really want straight hair, but mine's curly-q. Should I bun it or braid it, oh what should I do?

Today I felt great, like the absolute best, when Lucy and Willie put my "mom skills" to the test. We went on a bike ride, every one of us seven, as we raced up the street it was like a little bit of heaven.

I'd rather feel silly, excited or glad, than cranky or grumpy, discouraged or sad. But moods are just something that happen each day. Whatever I'm feeling inside is okay!

(that was such a cheap rip-off of Jamie Lee Curtis's awesome children's book...I can't take the credit! But it was fun for me, none the less. And I DID personalize it to fit my day!)
Bring on the next tuesday tell all. I'm sick of these sense ones!

Another Post...

2008-06-30T13:22:00.003-06:00

As I may have mentioned before, in a poor me moment, last week Brandon was at scout camp, and then for the 2nd half of the week my mom took my 2 big girls on the quilt shop hop. Needless to say, I was going crazy without them all...bored and lonesome... By Wednesday afternoon, me and the 3 "babies" had to get out of the house, so I took them on a little hike up Coldwater Canyon in Ogden Canyon. We had alot of fun, and we only saw 1 snake...(yikes!) I got some major blisters on my feet because my hike shoes are horrid, but Lucy and Will were both awesome hikers! We didn't make it to an actual destination on the trail, just hiked for half an hour in and then turned around and hiked back out. It is a great trail, the trailhead is just after the smokey the bear sign up the canyon, close to milepost 10. Brandon and the girls are back home now, and we are back to life as we know it...chaos!!!! Not so lonesome anymore!...

Here's a couple pictures from the hike. Will was my photographer, so as you can tell I was giving him instructions as he snapped the shot! Funny. And in the last one he tried a couple of times, but just couldn't seem to get me in the shot! Darn!

The Garden

2008-06-26T15:28:00.003-06:00

I am so lucky that my dad's garden is right outside my door! My kids (especially Will and Abby) have spent alot of time out there so far this year, and I am definitely enjoying the produce so far...
I apologize in advance for posting so many pictures at once, I'm not very good at matching up pictures with captions, so we'll see how this turns out! Good luck matching them up if they don't make sense! :)

Odie trailing Pop...

Willie learning how to run the cultivator...

Abby and Will planting...

Odie even planted his own little beans! Of course they aren't very easy to water and they are in great danger of being trampled, because they are right on the side of my driveway instead of in the garden!

Odie helping...or hindering? Yes, he is in his pj's. For some reason, he spends a lot of time in pajamas some days...

Abby was certain she was tough enough to do it herself. Turns out it's harder than it looks!

So noticeably absent from any garden pictures are my other 2 girls...too hot and dirty for the Phoeblet, and Lucy is too busy supervising and ordering everyone around to pose for pictures, I guess...

And as far as Brandon goes, I should have some pictures of him out there! Every evening if my dad is out there, so is Brandon. He pretends to help, but I think he enjoys it as much as the kids do. I hope he's learning something...

Tuesday Tell All--Taste

2008-06-23T22:22:00.002-06:00

So I feel like y'all probably know what I like to eat...I tried to shake things up a bit by trying to share a favorite food for every letter of the alphabet...Here goes nothing!
A= Apples...no, not plain, of course! The kind from Rocky Mtn. chocolate factory!
B= Banana chocolate chip cookies...my all-time favorite!
C= Chocolate, of course!
D= Donuts.
E= Eggplant. Quite possibly my favorite veggie.
F= Feta cheese. mmmm.
G= Grilled pizza. Grape Nuts cereal.
H= Hummus.
I= Italian food. (you didn't really expect me to say Ice Cream, right?)
J= Junk food. All of it, pretty much...
K= Why can't I think of a food that starts with K?
L= Lasagna. Veggie, of course!
M= Milk. Heaven with anything chocolate!
N= Nachos
O= Oh-so-delicious Oatmeal (SW elementary cookbook, thanks, Mandy!)
P= PIE! (almost any kind that doesn't involve fruit, unless it's berries)
Q= Quaker oats. (sorry, this one was hard!)
R= Rice Pudding.
S= Spinach (my other favorite veggie!)
T= Tapioca pudding
U= Un-sweetened cereal.
V= Vegetables. As long as they are cooked, I can't think of one that I don't like.
W= Water. Really.
X= X-tra delicious brownies.
Y= Yellow cake with chocolate icing.
Z= Zucchini bread. Did I have a choice with z?

Well, that does it! Have a yummy day!

Home From Camp!

2008-06-20T17:30:00.002-06:00

Book Club Query

2008-06-18T22:08:00.003-06:00

So I have book club at my home in a couple weeks and I just finished the book tonight, so now, on to the planning... We usually try to match the food we have to the book, but I need help! I think the only food mentioned was like a beach house dinner, main course being Oyster Stew. Sorry gals, that is NOT on my agenda! The book was in no way set at the beach, either. Just one little dinner...They also had cake, and lots of iced tea and wine, etc. at other points in the book, but I like to serve an entire meal......SO-- I know lots of my blog readers are amazing cooks, and have a plethora of recipes to share, and lots of you belong to my book club, and maybe picked up on some other food ideas that I missed. Or maybe you just have something you think would be yummy. I'm looking for suggestions, here, from everyone! Not just book club members! I will not reveal what will be served until the night of, but food is my favorite part of planning things. So help me out here! What shall I serve? Is this even worthy of posting about? It's my blog, so I guess can post whatever I want...plus I like to ask questions so that I get lots of comments...so suggest away! Or just give me some other lame comment. You all know what I think about that!

Tuesday Tell All--Smell

2008-06-17T10:58:00.002-06:00

hmm.. I decided I don't really like these "sense" tta's. Kind of boring! I have to say, my favorite smell right now is brownies baking! 2 other things that come to mind, Tiff brought me some of "grandma's" flowers from her yard last week, and they smelled beautiful in my kitchen for days! mmmmm....and on my last day at work before furlough, my buddy Bill (the homemade yogurt guy, to long-time bloggers) gave me a bag of 3 lavender "starts". The bag was disgusting from the outside, all dirty and slimy looking, but I could smell the most wonderful smell everytime I even touched the bag! The sweetest smelling lavender I've ever smelled! Too bad it rained all that week, so I didn't get them into the ground until a week later, and now I'm afraid I've killed them! Oh dear, I never claimed to have a green thumb! And when searching for a lavender image, I didn't intend on one like this, but I thought the lavender field ones were beautiful! Can you imagine the scent in the air around these places? Wow..
I have a very sensitive nose, and Brandon has hardly any sense of smell at all. So I'm always saying what is that smell? and he never knows because he can never smell it! Willie has inherited my nose, though, and maybe even an exaggerated version! Last night I was making Pesto Pizza, and Will came in the house "What is that delicious smell? that smells delicious! It smells like Garlic!" He can identify smells like no other! This has also carried over into his sense of taste, he is my resident food critic, and luckily for me, he is a very positive critic. He likes everything...and there have been times when we sit down for dinner and he practically tells me the recipe of something, because he can identify all the different individual flavors! He is a funny boy, that Will of mine!
Have you ever noticed how I can turn every subject into a post about my kids? That is not what I set out to do on this one! Go figure...

Our Friend Roxy

2008-06-13T17:12:00.004-06:00

Roxy, Rico, Rockstar, Rocky, however you want to say it, we have a new best friend. To me, she is a running buddy. To Brandon, a reminder that he really does love dogs. To Abby, someone to care for. To Will, constant entertainment. To Lucy, someone to boss around. To Odie, a fun little buddy, and someone else to give loves and kisses to constantly. and to Phoebe... well, lets just say she's not really an animal lover...but she's doing a good job of faking it!

No, we are not owners of a new dog, but only dog-sitting for a week. Will is certain Roxy is going to be sad when she has to leave our home tomorrow. I think she'll be thrilled to see her family, but we will miss her! Thanks for the fun, Roxy!