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September in a nut shell

2011-11-17T09:57:00.012-07:00

One thing I love about September is that we go up to Snowbird every year for a family reunion. We have a condo and we eat and visit and then go to the Oktoberfest. It's the crazy German side of my family, but I love them tons!

For the past couple of years we have taken a family picture at the same spot. This year we thought we'd be a little BOLD in our wardrobe. What do U think?

***

It always seems like I'm waiting around for my Birthday, but this year it came so fast.
We went to Dinner at Tucci's with my parents, my grandma and Dominic, Samantha and BB Scarlett. It was yummy, and lots of fun. We love Tucci's because it's really never busy and the staff and owners are amazingly friendly (watch for Tucci's to come up in December -it's our Anniversary spot too).

***

I decided that I was going to help produce yet another Farmington City Jr. play again. Auditions were in September and the play is Alice In wonderland Jr. The play is a fun kind of upbeat version of Alice, we have a ton of kids, but it's so fun to be a part of it all again.Of course I've been crazy busy with it, but it's a blast. Natalie got the part of one of the Flowers-Violet. She has a few lines and she is ecstatic. She also sings The Golden Afternoon song.

Natalie is the far left flower.

Adventurous August 2011

2011-09-28T20:57:00.018-06:00

After the tragic accident that took the life of a young man in our ward and neighborhood on July 30, life seemed to go at an incredibly slow rate at the beginning of August. But then, amidst the sorrow for our friends and neighbors, we were able to celebrate on August 11, when our friends Sarah and Stu Reeder were blessed with their first baby. A little girl that they named Hannah. She is so stinkin' adorable and such a blessing to Sarah and Stu.

More celebrating was to be had that same weekend when my oldest and dearest friend Mandy went through the Temple with her husband Scott. Then the next weekend they took their children, Sydney and Max, to the Temple to be sealed as a family for Eternity. Mandy and I have shared so many of life's milestones together, and what an amazing feeling it was to be with her as she embarked on another one. Congrats Donavan Family! Love you Mandy!

It's crazy how you wait all school year for summer to come and then in a blink of an eye it's over and "back to school."
I'm speaking for the kids of course, and YES, it was KIDS going to school in our house this year.

Samuel is finally in Preschool and loves it! For a kid who is so full of life and energy and curiosity, school is the perfect place for his little mind and body to be-even if it's only for 2 1/2 hours twice a week.

Natalie on the other hand has NOT been excited about school this year. The pic below shows how she was on the first day of school. I bought her brand new shoes for school and "somehow" when she put them on, on the first day of school, they didn't fit right. Talk about drama over a pair of shoes. Then it was all downhill from there on out...and that's almost how it's been everyday since. I'm not sure what's going on with her, and why she's being so grumpy about school this year, but I hope it passes soon.

As if sending the kids to school wasn't crazy enough, we decided to go on a little weekend getaway with our neighbors (the Marshalls, Goffs, Zeiglers, & Biesingers) down to the Utah Shakespearean Festival the weekend of the first week of school. Ahhhh! Well, for Brandon and I, it wasn't much of a weekend, more like a day trip because he had to be back to fly out to Vegas for work. It was a bit a of a whirlwind but we had fun anyway. We drove down Friday the 19th and had tickets to see Noises Off! It was a hysterical play about what goes on while in the production stages of putting on, and during a show. That night we drove down to St. George and stayed in the Zeigler's parent's house. It was such a beautiful house, complete with swimming pool, and Saturday morning, while the guys went Golfing, us ladies stayed behind and lounged in the pool (I promised I wouldn't blog those pics ladies-so I didn't)! After the guys got back and swam for a bit, we all got ready, ate lunch and headed back up to Cedar to see A Mid-Summer Night's Dream-one of my favorite Shakespeare plays! After that we all went to dinner at Lupita's Mexican Restaurant, which had an amazing salsa bar and even better Chimichangas. Mmmmm I want one right now. Anyway, after dinner Brandon and I headed back for home (I told you it was a quick trip).

The singing, dancing and acting camp that Natalie attended over the summer had two performances on August 23rd and 26th. The first one was at Bountiful Music on a tiny little stage that the kids barely fit on. It was very hot in the room and the music kept skipping every time the kids danced. The one on the 26th was at Cherry Hill and it was on a cute little outdoor stage. The kids performed their show and their solo songs that they'd worked so hard on over the summer, and Jessie Clark Funk (their teacher) performed some songs also. It was a beautiful night and a great little performance by the kids. Natalie had such a blast over the summer doing the things she loves best. Acting, Singing and Dancing! Not sure where she gets that from... ;)

On August 27th me and the kiddos went to the Federal Heights Rehab & Nursing Center for an Alzheimer's Fundraiser. Our Neighbor Pete is the Executive Director of the facility and we went in support of him, and of course, the cause. There was much fun to be had, including bounce houses, a "boxing ring," booths with lots of fun things to buy, carnival food, and Natalie's favorite-a rock wall. She and I took a turn climbing the wall. I was able to get to the top (in bare feel of all things) and Natalie made it up about half way. She kept freaking herself out and repelling down. It was a lot of fun, and a great day to spend time with our neighbors, Pete, Ashli and their son Boston. All for a good cause!

It was a pretty exciting end of August for Sam. He got to finally play soccer, and to our surprise...is really good at it. He dribbles the ball well and is kind of pushy (at 3 years old we still have to tell him to be nice, but one day that aggression will be good for him on the field). His team name was THUNDER and they were really cute boys. He had such a blast playing, and we really liked Tuesdays because it meant Sam slept really well that night. I'm hoping to find an indoor soccer league to put him in for the long winter months. That would be a win win for everyone!

Ahhhh, well that was a look at our Adventurous August...one of these days I'll blog within a reasonable amount of time, and maybe avoid this month-by-month blogging thing....then again maybe not!

OUR JULY!

2011-08-26T14:41:00.010-06:00

Well apparently I'm blogging by months now, since that's about how long it takes to upload my pictures, make digital pages and get them on here! So without further ado, here is a look at what happened during the month of July.

Natalie has spent this summer in the Ivy Performance Academy. It's a summer program for kids to help them learn skills in vocal technique, acting, basic dance and performance. They have been practicing a small play and even got to go to a studio and record their voices with the minus tracks that they'll be singing in their show! The classes are taught by Jessie Clark Funk (who happens to be a favorite at our house) and she is so cute with the kids. She even got the kids to walk in the Farmington Festival Days Parade this year!

After the parade we went over to our friends (the Biesingers) house for a Luau and to watch the Farmington City fireworks. It was a fun night with ymmy food, volleyball, homemade Ice Cream and s'mores! I didn't get pics of the Luau, because we were having so much fun...so you'll just have to take my word for it that it was a blast.

Our cute little German friend Tini was in town during July and for Mom and Dad's Anniversary we went to...Yes you guessed it, Bucca Di Beppo. It's become our tradition when the Germans are in town and/or for Mom and Dad's Anniversary-sometimes they happen to coincide.

On July 30th we were invited to our neighbors daughter Lily's Birthday Party, which was up at Pineview Reservior. We had so much fun playing in the water, eating yummy food and having a great time with our friends and neighbors.

The night we had gotten home from Pineview was a very surreal night for our Ward and Neighborhood. We had found out that 7 of the youth in our Ward had been in a very serious accident, and one of them had past away. His name was Gabe Hanson and he was 15 years old. He was such a cute kid, who was so funny and full of life. His family is amazing and such great examples to me. Gabe's older brother Cooper was my trek brother when I went to trek as an "adult child" 2 years ago, and his little sister Daisy is in my primary class. They also have 3 other boys too.

Gabe was well know for being a goofball and always wore these pink Vans shoes. At his viewing and funeral SO many people had on pink. Vans, Converse, church shoes. Girls had on pink shirts and dresses, guys had on pink ties. They were even giving away pink wrist bands to all who attended the services. It was such an outpouring of love and support to the Hanson family, and to Gabe!
Two of the other youth in the car, were taken to the hospital and one of them is still recovering from her injuries. The other four have emotional injuries, but all of these kids have become so close since going through this tragedy together. It has been amazing to see all of the youth in our Ward come together and take care of one another. My heart is still aching for the Hanson family and their loss and my thoughts and prayers are constantly with them.

Ear Piercing and an Infomercial

2011-07-19T22:30:00.006-06:00

I was just thinking that I posted this on Facebook but I didn't post it on here...oops!

While at the Mall (Fashion Place-which I haven't been to in ages) we were walking around and went into Claire's (or whatever it's called now) and Natalie said, "I want to get my ears pierced." Just like that. So we picked out a pair of earrings (do you KNOW how much they charge for those things?) and she got 'em done. She kind of freaked out right before the girl did the first ear, and cried a tiny bit when it was all done, but then as she looked in the mirror, she was all smiles. It was a pretty big deal for her, and me, since she's kind of a chicken when it comes to things.

****

Oh, while I'm talking about this it reminds me that the whole reason I went to the mall was because my neighbor Ashli had saw some "Feeling Cheeky" mini cheek tints by Benefit on Good Things Utah and wanted to get some, so we went all the way down to Sephora for this stuff, and I'm not kidding you...I LOVE IT!

There are 3 "mini" bottles in this set ($15). Two of them are the cheek tints, and one is a highlight cream. The posie tint is a pink cheek tint that gives your cheekies a nice sun-kissed look, and the bene tint is a darker rose tint that gives you color without looking like a clown. The high beam is creamy and you use it at the top of your cheek bones and brow bones and it gives you that fresh glow and brightens up your eyes.

Wow, I sound like an infomercial and really I'm not telling you to go out and get this set...because I have used them almost everyday this month and I'm feeling like mine are getting used really fast because they are in such little bottles (like a very small bottle of nail polish), but I am saying that I've found a whole new love for cheek tints and will definitely be in search of more.

Okay, now that I've babbled on about that...

I'll go!

4th of July!

2011-07-19T21:35:00.004-06:00

Every 4th of July our neighborhood does a BBQ at the end of our street, and of course, this year was no exception. A few neighbors wheeled out their grills and we cooked up some yummy BBQ, while loading our plates with side dishes and desserts! It was a nice time to just be with friends, and neighbors. Since this year the aerial fireworks were permitted (crazy), we had a pretty great firework show right above our heads!

Even though it's stinkin' hot outside and we've actually had a bit of humidity, I still love the summer! I love parades, sticky popsicles, night time walks with the kids and dogs, luaus, pool parties, summer rainstorms, fireworks, BBQed hamburgers . . . and just basking in the sun (with sunscreen on of course)!

It's the time of year that takes forever to arrive, and yet it flies by so fast, if you don't take a moment to enjoy it, you might miss it! So stop reading this and go outside and jump on your trampoline with the sprinklers on-if you don't have a tramp, well then just run in the sprinklers!!!

July 2, 2011

2011-07-15T13:57:00.005-06:00

My friend Mandy's daughter Sydney was baptized on July 2, and Natalie and I drove up to Logan to say hello and celebrate Sydney's special day.

Mandy and I have known each other our whole lives, and Natalie and Sydney only really met each other in May, but you'd think they've known each other for their whole lives too with the way they've became little buddies.

I wish we lived a tiny bit closer so we could see each other more often, but Natalie and Sydney email each other and are planning a "hang out" day before they have to go back to school!

It's crazy that it's been well over 20 years since Mandy and I were Sydney and Natalie's age, causing mischief and mayhem almost everywhere we went! Where does that time go?

"June Is Bustin' Out All Over." -Carousel

2011-06-24T12:59:00.014-06:00

June has gone by so fast that I haven't had any time to blog, but since the month is almost over, I thought I'd better give you something . . .
So without further ado, here is our month in pictures (with a few snippets).

The beginning of June was quite a whirlwind after getting Dash and all. I didn't take to the new dog as easily as I thought I would, and spent the first few weeks trying to keep anxiety attacks at bay (that's a topic for another time though), but finally, I felt somewhat normal enough to load us up on some summer fun! Which is how it's been ever since. . .well maybe it's not ALL been fun! You'll see.

On the 10th of June we were invited by our friends and neighbors, the Biesingers, to go down to Thanksgiving Point for the Scottish Festival and Tattoo. It was a lot of fun to walk around the different booths, eat the yummy food and hear the bagpipers play. A few bands came out and played and we all danced, then we got to see the different Clans walk through and place a torch on a stand. It was a bonnie wee good time! Hee hee.

After our Scottish weekend, Natalie and I spent FHE at Bountiful Park for a little concert with Cori Connors (she is a great guitarist, and she teaches in Farmington), Michael McLean (yes THAT Michael McLean) and John Batdorf. It was a nice night of music and fun. Brandon was sick so he stayed home with Sam :(
The concert in the park was the first of many fun things Natalie did for her Birthday Week.

On Tuesday June 14th, it was her 9th Birthday and she spent the whole day with Brandon's Mom and had a sleep over. They went to Build-A-Bear and saw the Judy Moody movie. Then on Wednesday, my mom picked her up and took her shopping, where she got spoiled with Harry Potter Lego sets (I thought that was just for boys?). Then my family all went to the Olive Garden for her Birthday Dinner.

On Thursday night (16th) Natalie had a "late over" Birthday Party with her friends. It was a Campout Party, except the weather decided (like it always does) to be crappy so we had a Camp-IN. It was a lot of fun though, the girls ate pizza, made friendship bracelets, opened presents, and I made S'mores in the oven. Natalie's isn't the biggest fan of cake so I made her a s'more, drilled a hole in the top graham cracker, and put a candle in it and the girls sang Happy Birthday to her. Then they watched Scooby-Doo Camp Scare! Ooooooh!

Saturday the 18th I drove up to Logan with my friend Katie (and our Farmington Librarian Jelaire) for a Book Signing and Meet & Greet with one of our favorite authors. Her name is Marcia Lynn McClure, and she writes the cutest romance novels. Not Romance novels like heaving breasts and the like, but cute happy, make you giddy romance novels that are not smutty. The book signing was at the American West Heritage Park and the people working there were too cute all dressed up in their pioneer garb. They even acted out scenes from one of Marcia's books.

We attended a VIP dinner where Marcia went around to the tables to meet her fans and then we got our books signed and got to chat with her a little more. Her husband was there and her sons and soon to be daughter-in-law. They were all super cute and fun, and seemed to really enjoy being around all of us crazy ladies! Me, Katie and Jelaire had a great time taking goofy pictures and laughing at an "outlaw" guy named Lucky who kept flirting with Katie. It was such a blast to have a girls night that really felt girly!

So. . . since 2009 I have been praying that we never see the people at the Primary Children's Medical Center Emergency Department again. I know, not likely with a VERY active boy.

Well, on Monday the 20th I went to pick up the kids from Brandon's Mom's house and Sam was playing on the tool box in the back of Jann's boyfriend's truck, well my mommy intuition KNEW that that was not a good idea but did I listen? No. And all it took was 2 seconds for Sam to lose his footing and fall. It was a horrible thing to witness and I've been kicking myself ever since and wishing I could go back in time and listen to my gut instinct. I took him up to Primary's and after waiting and CT scans, and more waiting and brain scans, they found that he had a skull fracture above his eye brow and a smaller one below his eye. He had to stay the night in the hospital for observation and most likely will be going back for a sedated eye exam just to make sure there isn't anything lurking within his eye that may cause future complications. But even with all of that. . . he hasn't slowed down in the least. He is still just as active as he was before, except now he isn't allowed to do anything but walk for 6 weeks, which is going to make for a very LOOOOOONNNNGGG summer. If anyone has any amazing indoor activities to keep a confined 3 year old occupied, please send them my way!

On Thursday the 23rd. My great neighbors and friends Ashli and Katie knew I was having a rough time after Sam's fall, especially having to keep him tethered to the house, so they invited me over to Ashli's to do "Glitter Toes." It was so much fun, and not to mention WAY cheaper than going to a Salon to get them done. The kids watched a movie while we moms chatted and beautified our little tootsies. I really needed some time to just let go for a bit and this was perfect. I even got to show them off that night at book group. Woot Woot! Mine are the lime green ones!

On Friday night the 24th Brandon and I, Ashli and her hubby Pete, Katie and her hubby Aaron, and our other great friends and neighbors Kristie and Sean all went to the Temple to do a Sealing Session. The Sealer was Stephen E. Dalton who is the husband of Sister Elaine S. Dalton who is the General Young Women's President. SO COOL! Anyway, it was such a great Sealing Session and I was so glad for the opportunity we had to get to the Temple. It was much needed for both Brandon and I. We even saw Bran's Uncle Ron and Aunt Cindy there too.

After the Temple we all ate at a little Thai Restaurant in Salt Lake called Sawadee. I've only had Thai food once before, so it was fun to do something new, and nice to be with great friends. I didn't get any pictures, but I had to write about it because it was such a fun spiritual night!

I'm thinking, with only a week left in June, not too much more is going to happen, and if it does, I hope it's good happenings! This month has been crazy and a bit of a roller coaster, and I'm sure with Sam's "restrictions" things are going to be pretty calm for a while.

Then again . . .

Introducing. . .

2011-05-30T20:25:00.005-06:00

Dashall Dean Harden

Born: April 2, 2011

Adopted: May 30, 2011

Here is the newest member of our family. DASH
We spent most of our day today driving to Green River WY to pick him up. I KNOW!!!
He is (much to my dismay) a puppy of only 8 weeks old.
We have been talking about getting a second dog for quite sometime but it's always been the same conversation.
Brandon: "I want a puppy."
Michelle: "We're not getting a puppy."
This has been the conversation for about 2 years now, and finally last night I was . . . swayed (if you want to call it that).
We talked about getting a second dog before Tiara gets too old (she just tuned 10), in hopes that she'd be able to teach the new dog how a "Harden Canine" is supposed to act!
Needless to say, we have our work cut out for us, and it's going to be a little tricky for a while with work schedules and everything, but we are excited for our new little adventure, and as you can see . . . he is just so stinkin' cute.
Natalie actually suggested the name Dash, and we all thought it was really cute. I'm so glad it was pretty easy to decide, or else we'd still be going over the many names that Sam was suggesting-which included Hot Shot, Buzz, Woody and anything he could see out of the car window, like Mountain.
The breeders had called him Dean because they said he would stare at a James Dean picture that hung on their wall (of course you all know I LOVED that).
The name Dashall came out by accident. That's what I've been calling him when he's getting into mischief, which as you can probably imagine, has been most of the day!

I'm nervous and shaking my head at myself, but also glad that we finally did it! I think Dash is going to make a great addition to our family and in time I'll be glad that I was . . . swayed into getting him.

Mother's Day Eve

2011-05-17T13:06:00.006-06:00

I didn't get to celebrate Mother's Day with my mom this year, since she is in Europe. But I did get to celebrate it with some of the funniest moms I know.

Natalie, Mandy, Sydney, Michelle, Lonny, Linda, Kathy

Every year, the Poplar Grove Ward that I grew up in, puts on a Mothers and Daughters Banquet. It has been going on for more than 50 years, and is always a fun-filled evening of catching up, "oh-my-goodnessing" and giggling.
This year my kidred spirit and bosom friend Mandy drove down from Logan with her daughter Sydney and picked Natalie and I up for the banquet. Mandy and I had fun laughing and reminiscing while Sydney and Natalie hit it off like they've known each other forever! At the banquet we sat with Mandy's Mom Linda and sisters Kathy and Lonny and had WAY to much fun! I've known these ladies my whole life, and they are like my second family. I'm glad I got to spend Mother's Day Eve with them.

Better late than never, right?

2011-05-15T23:58:00.002-06:00

Here are some pictures from our Easter. We had a pretty fun day. Church, Oma and Papa's, Grammy's, then Grandma & Grandpa Hardens. Lots of fun but WAY too much candy!

Update!

2011-04-18T13:28:00.004-06:00

Okay, so when I said Sam is fine (below), I meant, it's not Kawasaki's fine. The doctor thought his sickness may have been pneumonia, but it turns out, that its strep. Yikes! Everyone whom we were around last week, I'm very sorry!

Just what the DR. ordered!

2011-04-15T10:03:00.008-06:00

This week has been a little nutty . . . to say the least.

Sam had a fever for 3 days and as most of you know, fevers at our house are NOT GOOD. They turn me into a crazed, anxious person. But I have some incredible neighbors who know EXACTLY what I need.

On Wednesday my neighbor and friend Nikki brought me a 32 oz Dr. Pepper from the Farmington Top Stop (woot, woot) and this morning my next door neighbor Ashli dropped off the cutest thing.

A 2 liter prescription of Dr. Pepper-how cute is that!

I really don't need my friends to feed my bad habits, but nonetheless it was nice to know that my bi-polarity hasn't scared people away! I really have awesome friends who will listen to my worries and complaints and never say, what they are probably thinking, which is that I'm overreacting. I know I was overreacting this week. Sam is fine, whatever the sickness was just needed to run it's course.

Ever since Sam got Kawasaki's, I've had to deal with the re-occuring emotions that spring up every time he is sick. Some times it's really hard, like this week. Other times it's not so bad. Maybe it's Heavenly Father's way of saying, "Hey, it's been a while since I've REALLY heard from you." I don't know, but certainly it makes me stronger by the end . . . and perhaps a little hyper too!

I'm dying here! Oh wait no. . .my camera is!

2011-03-23T08:11:00.006-06:00

Once again, another camera is dead! I suspect a heart attack. I don't know for sure what happened, but one day about 3 weeks ago I was up in the light and sound booth doing some stuff for "Millie" and I heard the camera make a beep that I've never heard before. After that it didn't work. Sheesh, I seem to have bad luck with cameras. First my SLR and now my little point and shoot. I'm a camera serial killer.

So since I haven't been able to take a single picture for 3 weeks (Ahhhh) I thought I'd post a picture that I took about a month ago.

I bought a bag of gum balls for a project, but I didn't need all of them so I decided to put them into apothecary jars. Don't you think it's adorable? I love all the fun colors, and the best part is . . . it was so easy.

We've had them out for a month and my kids have finally stopped asking for gum balls.

Things happen for a reason...

2011-02-25T15:26:00.011-07:00

Doesn't that phrase just bug you sometimes? GRRRR!

*Pretty flower to make you happy*

So. . . in January we found out we were pregnant. It was so exciting for us since we haven't prevented getting preggo since Sam was 9 months old. Well anyway, on Thursday January 28th I started bleeding but that night we were getting on a plane for Florida so there was little I could do about it.

Now, I tend to be a little on the pessimistic side (that is my defense mechanism), so I wasn't very hopeful, until I talked with Kristie-who came with us on the trip. She said she bled with all of her pregnancies and everything was fine. I was a little more hopeful after that, but still worried. Anyway, I made the most of our vacation and when we got back I went in to the doctors office for an ultrasound.

There was nothing in there! Not even a sign that a little spirit had even tried to make it's way into this world. It was hard and frustrating, and I 'll be honest. . .I cursed myself for getting my hopes up--even a little.

That being said-There had been a lot of questions going on between Brandon and I. The main one being "Should I get another Laparoscopic Surgery to see if I have endometriosis?" We have gone back and forth on this for quite some time because Intermountain Medical Center is not in our preferred network of hospitals for our insurance. BLAH!

Well, getting pregnant has kind of ruled out endometriosis, and the Doctor said "Insurance issues or not, getting preggo is a great sign and I don't think you need the surgery." Whew! He also said that nothing I did caused the miscarriage, it was what they call a Blighted Ovum-(a fertilized egg that attaches itself to the uterine wall, but the embryo does not develop).

Anyway, you might be wondering why am I telling you all of this. Because as much as we hate that phrase "Things happen for a reason" they really do. At this exact moment I haven't figured out what those reasons are (besides knowing I don't need the surgery), but I know in time it'll come, and I'll know why we had to go through this (just like the last two).

I LOVE hearing when women are pregnant because I have come to realize what a miracle it really is. I have two amazing kids who are the lights of my life, and if they are the only two I ever have then I consider myself lucky! So many women out there have to go through worse heartache than what I just did, and my thoughts turn to them when I'm throwing myself a pity party!

To all you Mamas out there who I stalk or vis/versa, I hope you know that I love sharing with you, reading about the adventures you're having, and yes . . . even the heartache you are going through. It's nice to have friends to talk too, or in this case write to. Thanks for letting me get out my crazy rantings and ravings and for just being around to listen, or read.

Mark your calendars!

2011-02-25T13:04:00.005-07:00

We are getting down to the wire now, we have less than a month until our show goes on.

Meep! But I'm super excited for it.

It has been a lot of work, and at times very stressful, but it's been so much fun and I've had a blast getting to know our production crew and all of the kids.

Natalie is loving every minute of it too, and can often be found singing the songs well past rehearsal hours, and turning her Barbies and Pollies into the characters.

If you'd like to see the show, let me know and I'll get you some tickets!

They are only $5 a person, or $20 for a family of 5 or more.

So Bring the whole family!

A few of our favorite Disney moments!

2011-02-13T19:32:00.014-07:00

At the end of January, beginning of February we spent a week in Florida with our friends and neighbors the Marshalls, and the Nelsons. It was such a fun time and an exciting week. Here are just a few of the tons of pictures we took!

Upon arriving in Florida on Friday, January 28th (after flying the red eye all night) we rested for a bit then went straight to Disney's Magic Kingdom for the afternoon!

The next day, Saturday the 29th, we went to Disney's Animal Kingdom. It is such a fun place with so many live animals to see. This little guy happened to be sitting right at the window as we walked through the animal safari. The kids were totally amazed that a Tiger would be so close to them. Okay us adults were pretty amazed too!
While at the Animal Kingdom we met up with Morgan and Stacy and their girls Hailey, Lindsey, and Daphney. It was so fun to see them since it's been a while, and we finally got to meet new little Daphney, and Hailey and Lindsey hit it off with the rest of the kids!

Sunday, January 30, we went to Epcot. The kids were not quite sure what to call the BIG BALL. Brandon called it the Big Golf Ball, and I called it the Big Disco Ball. I think I may have won the debate! We had a fun time going on the rides and seeing the shows, but the kids were tired and a little grumpy, so we didn't stick around to visit the countries!

Monday January 31, we went to Disney's Hollywood Studios, where we got our chance to meet Mickey. A lot of the rides there-like the Tower Of Terror (which I LOVE)-are for the much older crowd. We took the kids to see some of the shows and a few of the kid rides and things, but by the end of the day they were ready to go.
That night our family went out to Morgan and Stacy's for Family Home Evening. We ate Pizza and talked about Testimonies and just had a really good time. It was so fun to watch Sam and Lindsey play. The older girls were glued to the TV watching-what else-The Disney Channel!

Look at all those Girls!

The poor outnumbered boys!

Tuesday we returned to the Magic Kingdom for a full day of fun! Stacy and the girls met up with us that afternoon and we had such a fun time seeing them again. I found a new little buddy in Lindsay and we had a blast going on rides together! When it was time for them to leave I was very sad to see them go!

Wednesday we decided to make it a not-so-crazy day, and we went back to Epcot to tour the countries and just have a nice relaxing time. It is such a neat place, and each country is beautifully laid out with cool landmarks and features specific to that place. The kids had fun doing a Kim Possible secret agent spy game and meeting Mary Poppins and a few Disney Princesses.

Thursday it was back to The Magic Kingdom for even more Disney craziness! We loved it so much we couldn't stay away! We spent that day just taking it all in and doing as much as we could before we had to leave the next morning.

It was such a fun trip and really is the happiest place on earth. We had a blast and it'll be a trip we'll be talking about for a long time!
Thanks Marshalls and Nelsons for joining us. AND huge thanks to Morgan, Stacy and the girls for making our trip awesome! We love you!

AHHH, a change is good.

2011-01-23T21:45:00.003-07:00

Since I've had the same blog background for two years now, I figured it was time for a change.
Speaking of blogs. Did you know you can print your blog into a book? This is something I've really wanted to do, since I journal more on here then in my own journal. I stumbled across this as I was looking for a new blog background, and just had to share it with all of you.
If this is old news to you, well. . .then YOU should've been sharing with the rest of us! ;)

Our Latest Endeavor

2011-01-21T13:10:00.002-07:00

A few weeks ago Farmington City held auditions for "Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr." I have known about this for a while and have been helping Natalie prepare for the audition. She was excited to get the chance to try-out and had a good time auditioning. She made the part of a Stenographer, which means she'll get to sing and tap dance with a group of girls who are also stenogs. She also is part of the ensemble and gets to sing and dance with the rest of the cast members for the big group numbers!
My friend Nikki has known for months that she was going to be the assistant Producer so I told her to find out if they had a choreographer (which they did) so I offered to help her with whatever she needed. Well, during the auditions she found out that she had been promoted to Producer and so she called me up and asked if I'd like to Co-Produce the show with her...and of course you all know me and my love for anything theater AND 20's, so of course I said yes!
So I've been helping the Director with whatever he needs and Nikki and I get to spend time together-since I used to work with her in the YW's but just got released, AND I get to be a part of a Musical Theater production again!!!

Where's that box of summer clothes?

2011-01-10T00:53:00.004-07:00

For Christmas Brandon surprised us all by informing us that we are taking a family vacation to Florida. I'm super excited, first-because I get to see Brandon's cousin Stacy (whom I love) and her cute family (I love them too) and second...well hello, of course it's DISNEYWORLD!

We are going at the end of January because Sam will be 3 this February and he still gets into the parks for free-Remember Brandon planned this trip!

I can't wait, it's going to be so fun and some much needed family time after Brandon's crazy December of work, work, work!

How did you celebrate your New Year?

2011-01-02T12:24:00.004-07:00

I celebrated mine with . . . A Murder!

A Murder Mystery party that is.

Christmas Collages

2011-01-01T21:45:00.010-07:00

Come on, you all knew I was going to do them . . .

Haven't you learned to just except it!

Christmas Eve at Dave and Erica Marshall's house has been our Tradition for Ten Years.

They have been gracious enough to welcome us into their home to Celebrate with them!

Grammy and Poppa Dave came up for Christmas Morning.

Josh and Kenzie also came over and we all ate Breakfast together!

After Breakfast we headed down to Oma and Papa's house, to open gifts with Dominic and Samantha (and of course BB Scarlett) and to visit. This Year Grandma Phyllis and cousin Chris were there too.

This year we also went over to see Great-Grandma Marion. Grandma Kathy was in town from Missouri and it was so good to visit and catch up with them. Grandma Marion has terminal cancer and it made Christmas a little bittersweet. Natalie took some pics with Brandon's phone, but I haven't gotten them off yet.

We also went over to Grandma Robin and Grandpa Bob's house, and of course were met with a household of family and friends! I don't know if Grandma likes everyone bombarding her, but I sure think it's a blast! Didn't get pics there either.

Hope your holidays were as fun and chaotic as ours!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T11:24:00.002-07:00

We hope you have a fun weekend spending time with the ones you love!

Monday December 13, 2010

2010-12-10T00:21:00.005-07:00

Last Monday for Family Night we went and looked at the lights on Temple Square. It was a beautiful night and of course the lights were awesome.

ABC'S of Christmas

2010-11-08T07:59:00.010-07:00

I have to give ALL the credit where it's due. I saw this super cute Christmas idea at Under My Umbrella but she found it at Poppies at Play. Whew, now that that's out of the way I can proceed!

This ABC's of Christmas immediately caught my eye, and being the insane typography lunatic that I am, I hopped on to my Adobe Illustrator to create one of my own (I finally get to put that large scale printer I've had for months now to some use). I had to tweek it a bit since she created hers at a longer narrower measurement, and I also changed some of the words to fit what I love about Christmas, but all in all I really like it, I even did one in green and red. What do you think?

More Pics of my Adorable Neice!

2010-11-07T11:00:00.002-07:00

This little girl has made me the proud Aunt that I am today!

So Fun, it's Non-Fiction!

2010-11-04T22:43:00.006-06:00

I've been meaning to blog about this great party that I helped put on with the besties Mac and Sarah in September, but I just haven't, which actually works out good because I just hosted my neighborhood's book group in October and both of these events are book related so I'm blogging about both of them now.

*At the end of the summer Sarah had this awesome idea to host a "Book Exchange Party" where the invitees bring a wrapped book to exchanged with another (kind of like a white elephant party). Well, since Mac and I love to read we jumped right on board with that idea. We spent a few weeks coming up with the ideas for our party. We had so much fun getting together to craft the party gifts (a book journal and 2 bookmarks) and talk about the menu (3 different soups and grilled cheese sandwiches) and of course decide on the decorations (vintage book pages and papers, blue, cream and kraft paper brown color palette and picture frames with quotes from books). LOVED all of the ideas. I designed the invitation to look like an old Library check out card. I also wrote up a questionaire with trivia questions that related to books. After that we exchanged books, and had a great time talking about the books we'd brought and other literature. We had such a fun time putting this party on, and are anxious for the next great idea to come along.

*As for the my neighborhood Book Group Discussion; well, I've been planning that for months. I knew I was going to have October, and I knew the book was "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaimen so I was super excited to host right before Halloween. I didn't go crazy or anything but I did make my table the "Scary Apothecary". I filled pickle jars, that I've been collecting for months, full of gross treats, such as gummy googly eyes-the label read Werewolf Eyeballs, green Haribo gummy frogs-Petrified Frogs, chocolate Twizzlers-Twisted Twigs, and gummy worms that look seriously SO much like real worms they were discusting (fleshy color and all)-Earthworms. I also bought red soda in bottles, removed the labels, and put my own on that read "Fresh Blood." I wound up making sugar cookies to look like fingers and called them "Witch Fingers." It was a pretty spooktacular night, and I think I'll take October for next year too!

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T23:39:00.001-06:00

More October Fun!

2010-10-26T15:06:00.013-06:00

This October has been pretty fun and eventful. Besides the Undead race and U games, there has been the usual fall frivolity, complete with visits to the Pumpkin Patch, an exciting Neighborhood adult activity called the Grand Witches Council Challenge, and of course decorating for Halloween and carving pumpkins.

It's become our tradition over UEA break to go pick out pumpkins at the pumpkin patch

Grand Witches Council Challenge; the amazing race for Halloween. Our Group-The Obnoxious Ogres-ran around all over Farmington acting like a bunch of teenagers.

I think I own just as many decorations for Halloween as I do for Christmas. This year, I did potion jars on my mantle (with inspiration from Love Manor) it was spooky fun!

Spending FHE carving pumpkins is a MUST for October!

All in all this October has been pretty SPOOKTACULAR!

It's crazy how fast a year can fly by.

2010-10-15T15:31:00.009-06:00

October 15, 2010

A year ago today was when I took Sam up to Primary Children's and he was diagnosed with Kawasaki's Disease. Thinking back, it felt like life seemed to stop at that moment, and how I was sure it would be hard to start back up again. But it did.

I learned so much in that time, so much in the months that followed. I had to humble myself, let others do things for me, be there for me. I had to ASK for help and be gracious when it was given. I had to rely on my Heavenly Father more than I ever have, and trust that he would take care of us. And He did.

All the thoughts and prayers from family, friends and neighbors lifted me. They kept me going, especially when my mind went to places that it shouldn't have gone. From the smallest meals to the heartfelt prayers and fasting, I will never forget that time in our lives, because it has taught me so much about love, and kindness, and humility and gratitude.

Thank you all so much for being there for us. In your own ways (no matter how small you may think it was) it helped us get through that very difficult time.

I have to update and tell you all that Sam is doing great. He has had 7 echocardiograms, including the 3 at the hospital, and with each one he's gotten a little better. At our last visit in July there was still a slight inflammation in one of his Coronary Arteries, but nothing the Doctor was too concerned with. She doesn't want to see him again until next summer, so we are just focusing on keeping him healthy (as good as we can do with a toddler in Nursery) and continuing to let him have fun a be a kid! And for us, we are really trying to not take for granted the little moments of everyday...it's not always easy, but we are trying.

Two good causes in one day...

2010-10-11T21:58:00.012-06:00

And a lotta fun!

Last Saturday (October 9) I was able to participate in two great activities to benefit cancer.

The first was "The Night of the Running Dead" 5K Race at This Is The Place Heritage Park.

The race was actually in the afternoon, not the night, but it was so much fun. I ran it with my friends Stu and Sarah Reeder.

Each runner signed up as either "Infected" or "Survivor". The "Survivors" started the race one minute early and it was as if the "Infected" were chasing them down. Everyone who was "Infected" was encouraged to dress up as Zombies and the like. As you probably guessed, when encouraged to dress, that is ALWAYS the way I go.

It was so fun to see the costumes people came up with and the "volunteers" along the route who help with the Zombie-rific atmosphere were hilarious.

The hills at This Is The Place kicked my butt, and I literally felt like the living dead as I attempted to run, but Sarah kept motivating me...because that's what Zombie friends do!

Thanks Sar and Stu for sharing such a fun race with me!

After the race I washed off all my Zombie and headed up to Sugarhouse Park with Brandon and the kids for the Light the Night Walk for Leukemia and Lymphoma, and celebrated the 10 year Anniversary that my beautiful friend Erin Farrer has been Cancer-free.

As a Senior in High School she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and, at what should've been the time of her life, she was fighting for her life. But she is one of the strongest people I know and she beat the cancer, and ten years later we are all celebrating with her. She is my hero.

It was definitely a day filled with fun and for good causes. Not many of my Saturdays are spent that way, so it makes me feel good!

My Fun-Filled Birthday Weekend

2010-09-26T22:38:00.008-06:00

And what a fun weekend it was.

I started out my celebrating on Friday by seeing Disney's The Lion King at the Capitol Theater with my Grandma Phyllis and Natalie. It was A-Mazing! I loved it. The costumes were so cool and the way they put the story together was awesome!

That night Brandon took Natalie to the Desert Star playhouse to see-yes another-play, while I stayed closer to home and spent some time at our friends Brad and Kymberly's house visiting with them and our other friends Chris & Jen Slaugh and Sarah Reeder.

On Saturday Brandon and I took Samuel to Lagoon for an hour or two, then we headed down and dropped him off at my parents (where Natalie had spent the night). We left them and headed to the Macaroni Grill for dinner with Sarah and Stu Reeder. It was a Pre-Utah game dinner. After dinner we all rode up to Rice-Eccles Stadium for the Utah/San Jose State game. It was an AWESOME game. Utah won 56 to 3. Oh yeah!

My parents told us that they would take our kids home, so after the game we headed home and upon arriving I walked into my kitchen only to be met with a brand new Kitchen Table and Chairs. A DINER table with awesome red vinyl chairs. I've been eye-balling one of those for a while now, but it was a COMPLETE surprise to walk in to find one in MY kitchen!

After deciding NOT to sleep on my brand new table we finally went to bed.

I woke up Sunday morning to 3 faces staring at me to wish me Happy Birthday. Natalie handed me a smal box that had an adorable ring in it she'd gotten at the Oktoberfest last week, and Brandon and the kids got me Guitar lessons with the Jef Neilson Guitar Studio (I don't know if they are good-but I've been wanting to take Guitar lessons for years). After that we headed to church and the entire Primary sang to me for my Birthday...Okay not really, it was our Ward's Primary Program and it was so cute!

After Church we met my parents, Dominic, Sam & the baby and my Oma at Bucca Di Beppo (yes that place again) for Dinner. We had a good time and yummy food and Dominic and Sam gave me and arm load of bracelets (gypsy bracelets I'm calling them).

All in all it was a fun-filled Birthday weekend, and I enjoyed every minute of it! It just goes to show, that you don't have to have a Big Bash to have a good time...which is good, since I'm not sure last years party can be topped!

My New Niece!

2010-09-07T16:13:00.001-06:00

Scarlett Maisen McQuade-Mattena
Born on August 19, 2010
Ummm yeah, she's pretty stinkin' adorable!

Davis County 5K Walk/Run

2010-08-21T18:25:00.002-06:00

Aug. 21, 2010

Me and McKenzie decided we wanted to participate in a 5K, and I found out that one was going on right in my neighborhood (starting at the Davis County Fairgrounds) so we signed up...that's half the battle right there!
Today was the fateful day. We were up bright and early and ran/walked our little (hmmm) legs off. We ran it in about 40 minutes. Not too bad I guess. We had a great time, and even saw an old friend from High School, Tom Tu. He ran a lot faster than we did...maybe because he actually RAN! hee hee.
We have plans for more 5K's, maybe a 10K and we'd love to work our way up to do a Triathlon, wouldn't that be so cool?

August 16, 2010

2010-08-17T09:32:00.000-06:00

I'm glad I'm in "The Right Place."

2010-07-25T23:09:00.006-06:00

July 25, 2010

In remembrance of Pioneer Day, I'm posting some pics I took of our fun little outing to This Is The Place Park. (Yes it's another collage, I'm sorry). We went there a week and half ago and it was so much fun. I have never actually been there (from what I can recall) which is a little sad, since I have an ancestor who has a small cabin up there. Yeah, I'm a really good great-granddaughter of a Utah Pioneer!
Anyway, I took the kiddos up there with my friend McKenzie and her three kids, and there was quite a lot of excitement going on in the Old Town. The kids rode the train, made craft bags, panned for gold, had pony rides and even got penny candy treats from the Z.C.M.I. It was neat to take a step back in time, life seems so much simpler back then.
I have so much love and respect for our Pioneer Ancestors who left everything they had, and traveled thousands of miles, just for the chance to believe what they wanted. As I was driving the five minutes it takes us to get to church this morning, I was grateful for the sacrifice the Saints made so that WE can worship freely. What a blessing it is in my life to know that someone did that for me!
I hope everyone had a fun Holiday Weekend!

2010-07-04T22:56:00.005-06:00

Okay...I have picked my jaw up, off of the floor, after finally coming to terms with the fact that MY oldest child is Baptized!
Her very special day was Saturday July 3rd (amongst all of the fun Independence Day festivities) and it was a beautiful day!
She played the piano and sang "I want to be Baptized", two of her Great-Grandpa's spoke on Baptism and The Holy Ghost, and her Dad Baptized and Confirmed her!
And now, as she has informed her friends, she cannot lie anymore. I don't really think she lied anyway, but NOW it's a big NO NO! And her friends cannot lie to her, because she is Baptized! I love how their innocent minds work.
It was such a nice Baptism and we had family and friends there to show their love and support for Natalie. My favorite moment was one that nobody saw. It was when she and I were alone right before she went into the baptismal font. I hugged and kissed her and told her how proud I was of her, and that I loved her. And then I watched her go into the water and take her first real step toward her eternal salvation.
It was a big day for her, but I think Brandon and I felt like it was a big day for us too. Both of us have tried to live our lives the way our Heavenly Father wants us too. I have always wanted my children to be Baptized by their father, and Brandon has always wanted to remain worthy to be able to Baptize his children. That has happened for us and we mark it as another step in the right direction toward Eternity.

...I'm going there someday...

2010-06-30T15:16:00.005-06:00

So Brandon's brother Josh and his wife Kenzie have been working to go through the Temple for a long time now. And they finally made their dream come true.
On Saturday, June 19th we went down to the Mount Timpanogos Temple to join in their big day and see them be sealed for Time and Eternity.
We are so excited for them and proud of the hard work they've done to make it to the Temple!

Eclipse!

2010-06-30T10:59:00.002-06:00

June 30, 2010

Last night-Um I mean in the wee hours of this morning I went and saw Eclipse, the 3rd movie in the Twilight Saga, with my fellow TwiTard Sisters Jodee and Marlene. Our newest member Jamie, took the place of our recently moved previous member Lisa (If you caught all of that). We went up to the Megaplex Theater at The Junction in Ogden, and it was actually quite mellow-even with actor Charlie Bewley (Dimitri) there to sign autographs.
The movie was really good and we were surprised at how much we all liked it. I can't wait to do this again for the Breaking Dawn movies!

*We missed you Lisa! Please come back for Breaking Dawn!*

As...You...Wish!

2010-06-22T13:48:00.004-06:00

Okay first off-Who doesn't LOVE The Princess Bride? It's inconsievable!
Anyway, I saw an ad in the paper on Sunday for the 20th Anniversary Edition of the movie. I thought "Wow, 20 years that's cool." But then I looked closer at the DVD cover and was amazed at what I saw. Now mind you-it doesn't take much to get me excited so you might not find this as cool as I do, but my designer brain LOVED it.
Just take a look...mostly at the Words.

Now turn and look upside down at it. Do you see? How cool is that? I don't know who came up with this, but they are brilliant!

I know it's a silly thing to blog about, but I don't care-'cause I'm silly!

Natalie's Very Merry UnBirthday!

2010-06-15T09:03:00.002-06:00

Somedays he puts the HARD in Harden!

2010-05-24T13:58:00.003-06:00

So Fridays are my "get everything done I didn't get to do throughout the week" day. And I like to get up and get going so that I don't spend all day running errands (since there is laundry and dishes to do too). Anyway, I was in the bathroom doing my hair and figured that Sam was out just watching TV (stupid me). Well, when I walked into the kitchen, he was sitting on one of the stools at the counter, and before I even got to him I could smell a distinct and recognizable odor. NAIL POLISH!
He had opened a bottle of (clear) nail polish and was painting it...all over my camera (YES my NEW camera) and the counter top too! Well as you can imagine, I was irate, and the smoke coming out your ears, colorful word saying, huffing and puffing German came out in me (it was not pretty)!
After I threw Sam in his room, I rushed to find my nail polish remover so I could perform an emergency bio-hazzard clean up, complete with rubber gloves, Q-tips and cotton balls! I did manage to get all of the nail polish off of the camera and counter; and thankfully the camera is working just fine. I would've taken a picture of the event but-OH YEAH the event involved my CAMERA!!!
I tell you; somedays I don't know how Samuel manages to live to the end of the day-he's pretty darn lucky that he's so cute and I love his little guts.

2010-05-17T23:12:00.004-06:00

This is an event that's going on this coming Saturday. My friend Kristie has worked very hard to put this together and to help raise money and gift donations for the children at the Christmas Box House and the Boys and Girls Group Homes. The RSVP numbers are not what Kristie would've hoped for, so I'm blogging this out to you and inviting everyone to bring their families down to the Planetarium. It's a FREE event. Read the invite for all the info.

I just need to know ASAP if you'd like to come and how many will be with you (since seating is limited). It'll be a blast so hopefully you all can make it.

p.s.-In case you're wondering who the talented artist, who designed the invitation is...IT'S ME!

Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough - 50's Paso Doble

2010-05-13T08:31:00.005-06:00

Um....Just watch, that's all I gotta Say!
oh p.s.-Turn off the music to the left before you watch.

Okay-this is like...if in the movie West Side Story, Tony and Maria did this Paso...holy crap the movie would've been completely different. Derek totally looks like a "Jet" and Nicole looks like "a "Shark".
If you have no idea what I'm talking about, well...I'm not going to explain my crazy obsession with Musicals to you! :)

Eight is...great?

2010-05-10T21:31:00.007-06:00

In a little over a month I will have an 8 year old! I cannot believe it. It really is crazy how time flies.
Amidst all the hoopla of Natalie's Birthday and Baptism, I REALLY wanted to get her some new furniture for her bedroom-okay so I've said that for like the last 4 years I think-and I was determined that THIS was going to be the year it was going to happen. Well a few months back my parents told me that they would like to get Natalie a new bedroom set, so I said "Okay". And really, who wouldn't say Okay to that? So after much looking we found a set that suited "MY" needs and was stinkin' cute for little miss eight year old. We ordered it online and they delivered it last week. All I had to do was put the feet on the dresser and nightstand, and add the rails to the head and foot boards of the bed and that was it. I LOVE that kind of furniture. Anyway, it was and early birthday present from Oma and Papa, and Natalie was all smiles when she got home from school and walked into her new bedroom.

Here are the bed and night stand

And here is the dresser.

Natalie was hilarious about having a mirror in her room, and decided that she wanted the top drawer of the dresser designated for hair stuff, oh, and her belts and scarves (BTW-she rarely wears belts or scarves). I've gone into her room a few times and she'll be standing in front of the mirror brushing her hair. So at least this new bedroom set was good for one thing!
So yes, I have been quite busy BIG GIRLING up my little girl's room. I can't believe she's going to be eight!!!

Oh poo-With all the excitement over the new furniture, I forgot to snap a photo of the shelves I put up in her little desk cove area. They were to take the place of the hutch she had on the old dresser (which has found a new home in Sam's room). I'll have to take a pic and post it at the end of this later!

It'll leave you in "stiches"

2010-04-22T16:59:00.003-06:00

I'm talking about running around in the living room. Apparently it's not as safe as you'd think, as Samuel has now found out.

Monday evening he was running and playing with Natalie in the living room and fell into the TV stand, or something (nobody really knows where he hit). Blood was gushing out of his wound, and I took one look and knew it was off to the Insta-Care for stitches. The place wasn't all that busy (they were all home having FHE-guess we should've been doing that too) so we didn't wait too long. A nurse came out to put a local anestetic on Sam's head, then after a few minutes he was taken to the back (Brandon went with him and I stayed with Natalie in the waiting area). He got five whole stitches. WooHoo. We have to take him to get them out next week. I'm sure he'll have a scar there for the rest of his life. Of course, it will go along with all of the others that I'm sure he'll receive throughout childhood. I swear if this kid doesn't go into something in the medical field I'll be shocked.
Oh, BOYS!

Old Habits Die Hard...

2010-04-21T18:15:00.002-06:00

But they CAN die!!!

This is my hand. Big deal right?
Actually what I really want you to focus on are those fingernails. Yes, they are real.
Now, if you know me, you know that I've had the worst habit of biting my fingernails most of my life. It's something I've always hated, and last year in my attempt to do my 30 things before 30 goal list; one of my goals was that I'd like to break the habit of biting my nails. Well, I went on Pioneer Trek at the end of July and have not bitten my finger nails since. I'll admit it was tough going at first, but I was determined, and can now say that I've rid myself of that horrid habit! WOO HOO!
Now if I could only break that OTHER habit...
you know...
the caffeinated beverage habit?
:)

April 13, 2010

2010-04-13T21:16:00.003-06:00

Here lies Canon Power Shot. She has perished from Lens Error. She had a great 4 year run, and took many a good picture. (She took many a crappy picture too, but we wont bring that up at this time, since that wasn't entirely her fault).
She is survived by her SD card, USB cord and very distraught handler Michelle-who feels guilty for dropping her all those times.
We regret that there will be no memorial service. In lieu of pictures of flowers, please send donations to Michelle Harden.

Okay Okay, I know, it's just a camera, but it still sucks. $150 for a new lens, and that doesn't guarantee it wont happen again (since it's very common in these cameras apparently). I did get a second opinion which told me that they could send it in to Canon (I pay) have them look at it, tell me what needs to be done and how much it'll cost (I pay again), fix it (if I want them to) and then send it back (I pay some more). GRRRRR.
The biggest thing that stinks about the whole thing is that I was feeling like my Canon was a bit bulky for some of the things I wanted, like YW's and the little stuff, so I was looking into getting just a point and shoot for those moments-well I guess Canon over heard me talking and decided she'd SHOW ME by up and breaking. So then I was like "Well now what do I do? I didn't want a little camera to REPLACE my Canon, but now I don't have anything."
Luckily, I have a hubby who buys and sells for a living, AND who happened to have a few point and shoot cameras on hand (just for me-Ha ha). So I found a little bitty thing (that weighs as much as Calista Flockhart) and decided, for now, that it'll have to do. I'm not a professional photographer so what am I whining about right? And anyway, one of my besties just got herself a new fancy-schmancy camera so I'll make HER take nice pictures of my kids! Yes I'm talking to you, SARAH!

Ho Hum, Pigs Bum...

2010-04-09T08:49:00.005-06:00

April 9, 2010
Well, my camera is on the fritz. CRAPPY, I know! I keep getting a lens error message and then the lens gets stuck and the whole thing just wont work, which is SOOOO not good because (as it so happens) I have about 15 ideas that I want to blog about but can't because I HAVE to have pictures to go along with my blogs. Okay so maybe I don't have 15 ideas, but still, it stinks just the same.
So, until I can get my camera fixed I guess you'll just have to do with another clue for our super fun event coming up in June...ooops I think I've already said too much. hee hee.

Good golly Miss Molly...Owl's those eggs?

2010-03-19T09:53:00.003-06:00

March, 19, 2010

This is Natalie glued to the computer this morning watching the famous owl Molly. If you haven't seen this yet you've got to check it out at www.ustream.tv/theowlbox
It's live feed of a mama owl and her five eggs (that are going to hatch anytime now). Really neat for the kiddos. Okay who am I kidding, I'm hooked too.

2010-03-15T15:16:00.003-06:00

So this is the color palette for something coming up in a few months. That's all I can say.
Okay, no it's not ALL I can say, but it's all I'm going to say (at least for this week).
MUAH AH AHH!

Happy 30th Birthday Mandy!!!

2010-03-11T20:13:00.002-07:00

March 12, 2010

SO...

2010-02-25T15:48:00.005-07:00

I'm going to be and AUNT!
WOOT WOOT, I can't believe it.
Dominic & Samantha are expecting and I'm super excited for them, AND me (If I can be completely honest with ya). I wasn't sure I'd ever get this title, so it's pretty exciting. I'm SO going to be the BEST AUNT EVER!
Here's a pic of the happy couple...and No, my brother cannot take a serious picture.

Oh this is going to be interesting.

Like ZOINKS. How'd you like your Valentines to be delivered in this?

2010-02-11T19:00:00.006-07:00

Yes it's the Mystery Machine, with a few added Valentine's Day touches. This is Natalie's Valentine box for school this year. And Oh boy does it blow last years Locker out of the water.
The over-achiever in me takes on these projects, which is fine-until the perfectionist in me comes out, then all HECK breaks loose because I've turned something that could be simple into a fiasco...all for ONE DAY!
The poor thing will probably come home trashed and I'll wonder why I do these things to myself. Of course the look on Natalie's face when I told her "Yes, we can probably make a Mystery Machine Valentine's box." was all the motivation I need.

Yes that does say "The Mystery LOVE Machine." Probably a little inappropriate for Elementary School but oh well! It made me chuckle!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL!
XOXO

Feb. 6, 2010

2010-02-11T18:49:00.003-07:00

The WOWie; to help you keep the Word of Wisdom!

2010-01-26T18:35:00.008-07:00

I'm currently working in the Young Women's Presidency in our ward and we are about to have an exciting Winter Youth Conference. For one of the activities at YC we're going to have a Movie Night. Each group of kids were given a "church topic" to make a Movie/Video about.

The Mia Maids (who I'm an advisor over) were given the topic of the Word Of Wisdom. We made a funny Eternal Family Feud Game Show with Word Of Wisdom questions. It was cute, but the funniest part of the video was the commercial the girls did. I'm posting it on here because it's too cute and we have some very talented young actresses in our ward. AND it was also my first attempt at fiddling with iMovie (which rocks).

So without further ado. .

HAPPY 30th Birthday Mac!

2010-01-11T20:07:00.003-07:00

January 11, 2010

Happy 30th Birthday Mac. I can't believe it's only been 15 years since we first met, it seems like we've known each other forever, I guess that's what happens when you're having fun!

Thanks for always being there for me, even when I was...not the best friend.

You will always be the Cher to my Sonny, and yes I still have the necklace!

Love ya!

Like Happy Birthday and Stuff!

2010-01-09T15:03:00.006-07:00

January 9, 2010

Last night I went to a tubular 80's party for my friend Brittany, whom I've known since Jr. High. It was her BIG 30th Birthday, and what a radical night it was!

She had an 80's backdrop for people to take photos in front of, 80's music blaring, and old school 80's candy for guests to enjoy!

I saw old friends, and met new ones, and had a totally bodacious time!

Thanks for thinking of me Britt, and for letting me join in on your awesome Birthday!

Love Ya!

Happy New Year and. . .

2009-12-21T23:08:00.008-07:00

**Happy 100th Post to me!**

Pretty cool huh?

Of course I was thinking I'd done way more than 100 posts already.

Oh Well, guess my life isn't that interesting after all.

That's alright, I'll celebrate anyway,

I think I'll do "The Routine"

5. . 6. .7. .8.

Christmas Cards 2009

2009-12-21T22:50:00.008-07:00

If you haven't received yours yet, well. . .
It might not make it before Christmas, but just know that I really did have the best of intentions in getting them printed and sending them out.
Apparently being a Reindeer is more work than I thought. Busy Busy Busy!
Anyway MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone, now get out there and join in any Reindeer games!

Natalie's Festive Party Hair!

2009-12-21T22:38:00.002-07:00

December 21, 2009
Last Week, one of my Young Women came to our activity with the cutest bow in her hair. . .only the bow was actually made out of her hair. So I decided to give it a try on Natalie, and this is what we got.

We went to a family party on Saturday and everyone was all Oohs and Aahs over Natalie's festive hair. I was pretty shocked that she let me do it actually, since she prefers the hair-down ragamuffin look over anything up and fancy. But this shows that my little tom boy can be a girly girl occasionally. *Giggle Giggle*

Some might say baking is thereputic...

2009-12-18T14:05:00.009-07:00

December 19, 2009
So this Holiday Season I decided that I'd save a little money by "making" Christmas gifts instead of buying them. And what could be better to make, than TREATS?
Okay, so I'm not sure how much money I actually saved, because in the long run, all the Therapy that I'll need from all of this, is going to cost me.
I decided to make White Chocolate Popcorn and Caramels, because really, how hard can THAT be right? Well I've actually learned never to ask that question when it comes to baking because for me, it ALWAYS doesn't seem hard and then it turns into a nightmare! Okay so I wont lie, the popcorn was pretty darn easy. I just threw some white chocolate chips in a handy little microwave dish and nuked them for 30 second increments, stirred 'em up and then mixed 'em in my popcorn (which I also nuked in the microwave).

The Caramels on the other hand didn't go so well. Now the recipe basically says to put all your ingredients into a pot and cook it all together until you reach 250 degrees (which thankfully I have a candy thermometer) but the dilemma I faced was that my poor pot (okay it was a sauce pot), started to boil over onto my stove before I actually reached the 250 degrees. I had to frantically pour the stuff into a bigger pot, while the stuff that had boiled over burned to a crisp onto my stove. YUCK! Okay, so after that I was a little impatient and didn't quite let the thermometer get to 250, but what's a few degrees anyway. Well obviously a few degrees can mean the difference between Caramel and SYRUP (which is what mine turned out to be). It's actually a good thing it didn't turn out, because as I was rinsing the cans of evaporated milk that I had used, I noticed that the expiration date on them was in 2007. OH HEAVEN! (If any of you know me, you know that I have a weird thing about expiration dates, I mean who doesn't really). So the first batch didn't work out so good, but I didn't let that get me down OR beat me. I made a second batch with non-expired evaporated milk, I used the big pot, and I was patient enough to wait until the thermometer got to 250. AND voila I got a beautiful yummy batch of caramels and very happy neighbors! WooHoo!

Now you see it...Now you don't!

2009-12-09T09:04:00.001-07:00

Dec. 8, 2009

Well, I'm pretty sure that a magician lives in the house across the street, because when Natalie' left for school this morning, there was 6+ inches of snow all over. But later, when I went out to shovel, this is what I found!

I didn't even hear him out there, he's like Houdini or something. I wonder if he juggles chainsaws in the summertime too?

Anyway, I'm sure he'll never reveal his magic secrets of how he can pop over and snowblow my entire driveway without me even knowing, but I can do a bit of magic myself and maybe, just maybe I can do my own slight of hand and slip him a fiver for some gas! ABRACADABRA!

Giving Thanks!

2009-11-23T10:01:00.010-07:00

November 23, 2009
Well it's that time of year again, to stop and take a moment to think about what we're all Thankful for.
Tonight we had a Family Home Evening lesson about being Thankful and a fun little activity involving a whole lot of leaves!

Our list includes. . .
*Jesus Christ *Family *Friends *Books and School *Love *Talents *Home *Earth *Medicine and Doctors *Jobs *Food *Prophets *Freedom *Furniture and Toys *Church *Tiara

I feel it's an important message to teach your kids about being Thankful, and showing Gratitude for what they have, especially lately.
Our little family certainly has so much to be Thankful for, especially in lieu of the recent trials that have come our way. I'm Thankful for all of the love and support we've been shown by you-our family and friends, I think I could make my own Thankful Tree with all of your names on beautiful autumn leaves. For those of you who know how much I love fall, that's a BIG compliment!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

2009-11-21T20:23:00.002-07:00

Today was Natalie's First Piano Recital. It was very exciting and she's been practicing a lot for it. The first piece she played was called The Detective, and then she did a duet of The Chicken Dance with her teacher. She didn't seem nervous at all, maybe because she was wearing her Music Note shirt which she REALLY wanted to wear.
I hope this is the first of MANY recitals we will attend, I know that Natalie will be a beautiful pianist if she continues to love it and stick with it.

Well, the wait is finally over.

2009-11-20T11:11:00.005-07:00

Last night (or early this morning-depending on how you look at it) I went and saw New Moon!
I went with my Twilight Sisters (TwiTards, as we'll be known from now on), Lisa, Jodee and Marlene. We saw the 12:40 a.m. showing down at The Gateway. There of course were loads of Twilight fans everywhere and a whole lot of screaming and much love between Team Edward fans and Team Jacob fans (No cat fights er-wolf fights).
The movie was awesome! The actors seemed to react much more realistically with each other in this one, and I didn't want to gag as much, since the CHEESE was really toned down compared to Twilight! Oh and did I mention the shirtless Taylor Lautner (Jacob), well he made for some nice eye candy. GRRRR.
All in all it was just a fun night to hang out with the girls and act like a total TwiTard (in the most positive sense of the word)!
I can't wait for Eclipse to come out . . . JUNE 30, 2010 baby-only 7 months away!!!

I guess Natalie votes Team Jacob!

2009-11-11T14:59:00.004-07:00

Natalie and I were at Target looking for a Birthday present for Natalie's friend when I happened to see an Edward Cullen doll in one of the isles.
I picked it up and said "Hey Natalie, how about this?"
She looked at it and replied "EWE, that's weird. Get it away from my eyes!"

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-09T11:46:00.004-07:00

What a fun Halloween we had this year. Natalie dressed up as Hermione Granger from Harry Potter-a costume that she'd been planning on for almost a year. She looked so smart and wizardish in her Hogwarts robe and her magic wand.
Sam was still under quarantine (since being in the hospital) and wasn't able to go Trick-or-Treating, but we had a costume for him non-the-less. He was Sir Samuel, Golfer Extraordinaire. He was stinkin' adorable with his plaid knickers, argyle sweater and little hat.
Natalie and I went out Trick-or-Treating in the neighborhood, and I must say, she made out with quite a good haul this year.
I SO love Halloween and I was bummed I didn't get costumes for Brandon and I, but at least I got to dress up for my roaring 20's Birthday and for Josh's Pirate Birthday, so I guess I can't complain too much about not having a costume.

Well it's official...I'm now a grown up!

2009-10-28T13:51:00.005-06:00

I just wish the initiation wouldn't have been so hard.
OCT 28, 2009
I was thinking today, that only a month ago I was running around dressed up like a crazy flapper celebrating my 30th Birthday, and now remembering it makes it seem like it was years ago. I laugh at how important I thought that day was.
I feel like I've had to grow up so much in just one month of being 30-far more than I ever had in the 29 years before. My body feels it, my head feels it, and of course my heart feels it. I can literally feel every beat my heart makes inside my chest, or at least I'm more aware of it, I guess I should say.
I don't want this blog entry to be sad, because I'm not sad, I'm happy. I'm SO SO happy that Samuel is home, that it's been days without a fever, and that we might actually be able to start getting him healed. I'm SO SO happy that we have the Gospel, the priesthood, and the love and support from so many people on our side. In the quiet moments at the hospital, when I'd let my mind wander to places that are scary, I could feel the gospel, feel the power of the priesthood, and feel the love and support of those who were praying on our behalf. It was those prayers that pulled me out of the scary places, and let the holy ghost comfort me and calm me down.
Being home this time around I knew I had to be calm and rational. I haven't checked Sam's temperature every five minutes, I have hardly checked it at all actually. Each time I get scared and my heart pounds in my chest, I remind myself that I have faith in the priesthood blessings that Sam received, that I have faith in the Fast that we did on Sunday, and that I have Faith that Heavenly Father knows me and has heard not only my prayers, but countless prayers of others.
All this wisdomish talk must be because I'm now an official grown up. I wonder if there is a club? I hope it doesn't include red hats and purple feather boas...I don't think I'm quite there yet.
Anyway this blog entry was more for me to just express the jumble of thoughts floating around in my head, and to have a way to say Thank You to everyone who did, and is still praying for Sam to pull through this, and of course the prayers for our entire family. I feel so humbled to have felt your love and support. Thank You.

2009-10-23T10:35:00.003-06:00

Sam walked up to me in the kitchen and when I looked down he was giving this little kitty a love. It was the sweetest thing and of course it made me start to cry...literally. Yes, I even took a picture through my tears. I HAD to.
After seeing him in that hospital bed for a week, strapped to all those monitors, this was a welcomed sight to see my little guy acting like a 20 month old should!

A pretty WEAK WEEK!

2009-10-19T11:26:00.007-06:00

It's actually been a week plus some but it seems to all run together.
Anyway, Sam got a fever on Monday (Oct. 12), now, at 20 months fevers are reoccuring things with each tooth that comes in, but by Wednesday it hadn't gone away AND a rash started forming all over his body. By Thursday I stopped talking myself out of taking him in to see the Dr, and scheduled a time to go in. The Dr. took a swab to check for strep, and other illnesses like scarlet fever ect. but the test came back negative. The Dr. said that Sam's right lymphnode was pretty swollen, and he was unsure about the rash. He sent us home but told me he'd call me, which he did three times that night. The last call was when he had mentioned something called Kawasaki Disease. He told me that if the fever was still there in the morning that we'd have to go up to Primary' Children's. Well, Friday morning the fever and rash were still there so up to Primary's we went. We had to go to the ER and they had to get a urine sample (via Catheter) and place an IV and draw lots of blood. He was very sad and scared and I had to be the strong mom...even though my heart was breaking. Well they were not saying he HAD Kawasaki's but that is what they were going to start treating him for since he had all of the symptoms. They admitted us to the hospital and started a treatment called IVIG which is basically a bunch of other peoples antibodies (kind of like someone getting blood or plasma from someone else). Anyway the IVIG ran throughout most of the night and into the next morning, and it really seemed to help. His fever went down and the rash started going away. On Saturday afternoon they sedated him and did an ECHO (ultrasound) on his heart. Coming out of the sedation was a nightmare, he was literally kicking and screaming (poor guy).
The cardiologists found that his right coronary artery and his left anterior coronary artery both had inflammation in them. They began giving him high doses of aspirin and monitoring him. On Sunday the rash was barely visible and he hadn't had a fever since the IVIG treatment, so they told us we could go home, which was nice-for the 24 hours we were there. His fever came back on Monday night (Oct. 19) so back to the ER we went. It was about 9:00 pm when we went back and the ER was SO busy and there were tons of sick kids all over. We waited in the waiting room for 2 hours before we got a room. Then when we finally did get a room, we had to do everything that we did on Friday again. The second time around was definitely much worse. The blood test came back and said that the inflammation levels in his body had gone up, and so once again we had to be admitted to the hospital...of course we didn't get to our room until 3 in the morning. They started another round if the IVIG at about 5:30 am and it ran most of the day on Tuesday. His fever didn't go down as fast with the second treatment of IVIG but at least this time he didn't have the rash. Wednesday morning he went in for another ECHO and this time they didn't sedate him as much as before so when he came out of it he wasn't as irritable. The second ECHO actually showed that the coronary artery that was smaller was now bigger and the one that was bigger was now smaller, but neither of them were to a point that the doctors were overly concerned, they thought that with the aspirin therapy the inflammation in both will go away.
The second hospital stay went a little better for Sam (maybe because he'd been so used to everything the first time) he actually drank and ate. He was up and alert and wanted to play and talk. So Thursday they told us we could take him home if we felt comfortable, so we decided we wanted to try again, and that we'd just pray REALLY hard that he doesn't have to go back.
So now it's Friday (Oct. 23) and we are home. Sam is doing really well, he's eating, drinking and playing (not too hard) and his temperature is down, so let's all pray that it stays that way. We aren't out of the woods completely, and I have 6 weeks of giving him aspirin and monitoring him and then he'll have another ECHO to see where we stand.
I'm so thankful for all the thoughts and prayers from everyone, it is amazing to feel that love when you are at your lowest. Your prayers really helped us get through this, especially the quiet moments when our minds would wander to not nice places. We will continue to keep you up-to-date on Sam and his condition and the progress he's making.
We love you all!

More October Fun!

2009-10-15T12:43:00.001-06:00

Pumpkin Patch and Haymaze

2009-10-10T20:54:00.003-06:00

Over UEA I took the kids to the local pumpkin patch, and it was so fun watching them both run around trying to find "THE" pumpkin to take home. Sam spent a lot of time in the little pull cart letting Natalie pull him around. He kept pointing and saying "Punkeen, Punkeen" in that cute little voice of his. When we found suitable Punkeens I let the kids run and play in a little Haymaze that they have at the Pumpkin Patch. After last years hour of hauling the kids around the large Cornmaze I opted out of that this year, and just let them run wild in the Haymaze for a while...luckily there weren't too many other kids there.
After that we stocked up on Sweet Dumpling Squash (I LOVE THEM), payed for our bounty and headed home, but not before making a stop at McDonald's for Happy Meals...don't you just love days off from school?

September 30, 2009

2009-10-01T00:10:00.003-06:00

This is what I see when I'm standing on the front porch!

As beautiful as that is...Come on Mother Nature, it's not even October yet!

More Pics of my Shwanky Birthday Gala!

2009-09-30T23:56:00.004-06:00

September 26, 2009

2009-09-26T14:41:00.004-06:00

Today is one of those weird days that is all about reflecting. Brandon is working, Natalie is over at a friends and Sam is sleeping and I...well I'm reflecting.
Reflecting on the last 30 years and thinking about so many different things. I didn't think that hitting 30 would be emotional but as I think back on the past and all of the different changes that I've gone through, it's starting to hit me that I'll never have that time back, and in a way it makes me a little sad.

I celebrated turning 30 with a fancy Roaring 20's party last night, and it was such a blast! We had lots of 20's and 30's music playing while everyone had yummy food to eat (especially the delectable cupcakes from Baby Cakes)! There was dancing and mingling and just a swingin' good time, even Lisa-the Community Art Center lady-was dancing.
I was able to reflect, as I looked in the faces of those who were there, different moments or memories of my life (long ago or recent) that have made me who I am. I really missed those who couldn't make it, but as I think about it now, I'm not sure my emotions could've stayed in check if any more people would've come. I really felt so much love and support and I'm so lucky to have so many family, friends and neighbors who are great examples to me, and are so supportive.
I have the coolest parents who totally helped me pull off my big celebration, and who constantly amaze me with their generosity, love and support. They deserve most of the credit for raising me to be a good girl, and letting me choose whatever path I wanted to take in life!
Big thanks to all for making this Birthday one I'll never forget, I'll post more pics of the roaring night soon!

I Love The Fall!

2009-09-15T09:54:00.004-06:00

September 15, 2009
There is something so classic about Autumn. Maybe it's the cooling temperature, or that smell of fresh September air, or the way the mountains look like they are on fire with the changing leaves...I don't know exactly what it is, but I LOVE it all!

I love unpacking my sweaters, and feeling like it's finally okay to wear my jeans (even though I wear them in the summer anyway).

I love football games-not because of football, but because of football parties.

I love all of the beautiful pumpkins and squash that seem to invade most peoples gardens.

I love backpacks, and lunch boxes (especially because they aren't mine anymore).

I love the smell of the Pumpkin Spice candle from The Salt City Candle Co. (it's one of the only candles I can actually burn w/out getting sick).

I love the annual family Snowbird party, something I look forward to all year.

I love heading to the pumpkin patch in search of the next big Jack-O-Lantern.

And of course I love the fall because it brings my Birthday with it. This year, since it's the BIG ONE, autumn seems more exciting to me. I know, most people aren't too excited when they turn...well You Know? But I'm not like most people, as most of you can attest to.

I hope everyone takes some time to get outside and enjoy the Autumn weather. I know I will.

Let the Games Begin...

2009-09-08T21:57:00.003-06:00

If it's completely crazy to be obsessed over books...send me to the nut house!

Here's another one:

So Stephenie Meyer recommended this book on her site a while back and I thought "Now everyone will want to read it, so I'm not going to." Well I finally decided to check it out from the library and got put on the waiting list. No big deal right? Hmmm how does 87th on the waiting list sound? Augh!

Anyway, last week I finally got my chance to check it out, which was perfect because this past weekend I went down to Vegas for Labor Day. I read the book in a day and then found out that there is a second book which barely came out on Sept. 1.

Well I HAD to keep reading and find out what happened to these characters I'd now grown to obsess over, so I broke down and bought the second book Catching Fire. I was definitely not disappointed...except when I realized about half way through the second book that there is a third book...that of course is not going to be out for a while. AHHH! I hate waiting for books!

I'm not going to talk about what this book is about because I didn't know ONE thing about it when I started reading, and I was able to really get into it.

I will say that The Hunger Games books have turned into the next Young Adult Fiction phenomenon, with talk of a movie and all of that, but I guess when you have not only teenagers obsessing over books, but their parents too, I guess you better strike while the Iron is hot.

Mom's Birthday pics

2009-09-01T00:33:00.000-06:00

Aug. 31, 2009

2009-08-30T23:08:00.004-06:00

Just a little blog entry for my Jazzercise doin', bowling ball throwin', grandkid spoilin', QVC shoppin', Sunday dinner makin', extra hard-workin' Mom!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Promontory Point and Antelope Island

2009-08-27T19:10:00.006-06:00

I feel like I've been working so much that I hardly have the time to enjoy the outdoors, but...when visitors come from Germany it's always a good thing.

Janina and Christian are our out of country visitors. Janina's parents are long time friends of my mom's family and their daughters Ann Christine and Janina have visited here a few times. Christian is Nina's boyfrind who has been living in LA going to school. They are in utah for a few weeks and so we decided a trip to Promontory Point, which is the place where the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads met up, would be fun.

It was a cute little place, with a cute little museum and an even cuter little Ranger guy who tells all and answers questions. The two trains representing those of the Central Pacific (Jupiter) and Union Pacific (#119) came out as shiny as can be, blowing their horns (much to Sam's dismay) and chugging along. Then they came together and faced each other almost exactly how they were on May 10, 1869. It was pretty cool to learn about this part of not only Utah history but a huge changing point in our Country's history. Of course I wont mention how I feel when hearing about the millions (yes Millions) of Buffalo that were killed and of course the ticked off Native American's who watched most of their food being wiped out, and just left to rot.

But back to the rest of the day...

After Promontory Point we headed out to Antelope Island. It was really neat to see Davis County from a different view. Natalie thought the cosway was cool since it's a stretch of land with water on both sides. Natalie, my mom, Nina and Christian walked a little ways to the Great Salt Lake, while my dad and I stayed back with Sam and played in the sand.

I have never been to Antelope Island, or Promontory Point so I had a lot of fun seeing something new that is now, right in my back yard!

Well it has officially begun. I have a second grader! CRAZY!!!

2009-08-21T17:08:00.002-06:00

Aug. 21, 2009

Natalie started school this week and if THAT wasn't strange enough, she is at a new school this year. We decided to put her in a new charter school that just opened this year. The school is called Oquirrh Mountain (no we do not live by the new Temple...don't ask me why the school is named that). Anyway this week was their fist week and I have to say for being a brand new school things ran pretty smoothly.

Natalie was excited to be going to Oquirrh Mountain and we are very excited about the school's curriculum, it is similar to what they used at Challenger. Her teacher is Mrs. Miner and she's really nice, but also seems to be a stickler for kids obeying the rules...not a bad thing.

They have a dress code which consists of plain or striped collared shirts and plain khaki type pants. Not too strict, but nice to have a dress code.

I cannot believe how fast Natalie is growing up, I am amazed (and perturbed sometimes) at her independence! She is getting involved in activities and really showing her talents. She has started taking Piano lessons, she joined a theatre camp over the summer, she's back in dance, and if that's not enough, she has joined the plethora of children in the neighborhood who all ride their bikes and scooters and bop from one house to the next.

I'm sure each year that goes by I will see less and less of her, and as fun as that is for her, it makes me sad that my little girl isn't so little anymore!

PIONEER TREK

2009-08-07T22:14:00.007-06:00

Wednesday July 29-Saturday Aug 1, 2009

WOW! That's all I can think to say about the awesome experience that is Pioneer Trek. It was so much fun and even though at first I was very reluctant about going, the closer it got, the more I wasn't dreading to go and now I have to say that I am SOOOO glad I did. It was so spiritually uplifting.

On Wednesday after our rides dropped us off we all waited to be put in our "families". I was excited when I got put in the Anderson's Family. They are a couple about my age and when I suggested that maybe I could be an Aunt, everyone said "No we want you to be a sister." It was pretty cool. We played a name game to get to know our family members. There were 6 boys and six girls in our family and right away we had a bond.
After a bag check, we loaded our handcarts and started out on our journey. We made stops here and there for drinks or snack breaks and we wound up pulling the handcarts about 10 miles then came one of the toughest and most spiritual parts of the whole Trek. It was the Women's Pull. The young men were taken off of the handcart and had to walk along side. Everyone had to be silent as we walked and as we pulled the handcart up this hill it started to get tougher and tougher and we were getting tired, but as soon as we made it to the top of the hill we were relieved, but then we looked up ahead and saw that our journey was not quite over and waiting for us was another hill. We were a very strong and determined family of girls and we made it up the hill. We wound up pulling the handcart 1 1/2 miles on our own, and as soon as the boys were allowed to get back on and help, each one of us girls were in tears because you could just feel, not only the strength from these young men, but also the love and respect that they had for us. That night we all pretty much crashed we were so exhausted. We had gone about 15 miles that day.Thursday morning we got up, ate our oatmeal, and headed back out on the trail. We only went about 5 miles until we reached the Base camp. At base camp we got to find a campsite for our family and set up our sleeping quarters. That afternoon we played fun pioneer games like a 3 legged race, and log toss, and they even let us wash our hair! That night we had a Ho-Down where we learned square dancing. It was a blast.While at base camp we made our own food in dutch ovens. We destroyed bread that we made, and laughed about it for hours, and so did most of the Trek Company. We had a blast just spending time getting to know each of our family members. We had a lot of fun playing a handkerchief game, and a game called signs.
Friday was our "Sunday" and we had Priesthood Relief Society and Sunday School, then we had a solo time where we reflected on what we had experienced over that past few days. That evening the whole company had a testimony meeting and when went back to our family camps we just spent the rest of the night talking with each other.Saturday was the day we headed down, and even though we were all excited to be going home, there was definitely a feeling of sadness that we were leaving our Trek families,

and all the wonderful experiences behind. We only went about 5 miles that day and when we made it to the pick-up point, there were family members there to cheer us on for what we had accomplished. Our family said a teary goodbye and promised a "family reunion" in the future!
It was such a great experience to go on Trek and I am SO glad that I got past the "no toothpaste and deodorant" rule and took a chance.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM & DADDY-O

2009-07-26T00:36:00.007-06:00

July 26, 2009
It's a crazy thing to imagine being married 35 Years, but my parents have beat the odds, and the statistics, and done it! They have actually been "together" since Jr. High...anyone that can "go steady" that long and still make it all these years is one for the record books. Of course my dad was and is SO COOL, and my mom was and is A BABE, so I guess it was meant to be!
I absolutely adore my parents and I am SOOOOO appreciative for everything they do for me, even though I'm a parent now and often think that I don't need them. I am grateful for the example they have been to me and for their constant support in whatever venture I set out to do!

P.S.
No my dad is not in Pink...it's Salmon!

What A HOOT!

2009-07-18T20:34:00.004-06:00

July 18, 2009

There is a boy in our neighborhood: BOB (name has been changed to protect the innocent). And Natalie and McKenna have had this "crush" on him since we moved in. Well, he was outside playing football on our street (only because there is NO traffic) and the girls started freaking out that he was outside. There was a lot of running around and opening the front door to holler things to this poor kid. When they thought they were sly and asked if they could go outside to ride bikes. I said NO. When they asked if they could go out into the front yard to play. I said NO. And when they asked if they could go out just to say Hi to Bob. Again, I said NO.
Now this might sound like I'm a little mean, and maybe I am...but then again they are only 7 AND Bob is a 7 year old boy who cannot possibly want two giggly girls mooning over him in front of his big brother and friends. I did have to laugh though because they were so funny about Bob being "right outside" and they even got McKenna's 3 year old sister London peeking out the window with them. I had to capture the moment by taking a picture of them as they were spying on Bob. I can only imagine these two in about 6 or 7 years when it's the teenage boys mowing the lawns that get them all giggly...I think I can wait for those days!

INDEPENDENCE DAY!

2009-07-05T18:22:00.001-06:00

That's everyday according to my children!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY HANDSOME HUBBY!

2009-07-02T15:44:00.008-06:00

JULY 2, 2009
Yes today is Brandon's Birthday and although he never looks at this blog, I thought I'd wish him a Happy Birthday anyway.
So what kind of gift do you get for the guy who buys and sells for a living? Good question...
Luckily, about a week ago Brandon mentioned that he needed a new pair of golf shoes. SWEET! No guessing at what I was going to buy. AND if I do say so myself I did a really good job in picking out some nice ones for him!

He'll be the hottest guy on the course...but that goes without saying!

Brandon is amazing, and he works really hard for our family...I know most of you think he is just this shy, quiet guy (OK, so he is) but you'd be amazed at how funny he is, and how willing he is to put up with me and all of my crazy antics (that's saying a lot). Anyway I feel pretty darn lucky to have him in my life, and I also feel pretty lucky that he's 32 and I'm not!

HONESTLY!

2009-06-27T22:55:00.003-06:00

June 27, 2009
Sam's not even two yet and already he looks like a teenage boy!

Maybe it's because he's so skinny! I promise he eats, but he doesn't stop long enough to let it settle anywhere. I wish I had that problem.

Don't you just want to grab em' and yank em' up? Trust me...I tried it! Eventually they just fell off on their own.
Didn't get any pics of that, but it was cute!

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY NATALIE!!!

2009-06-14T21:11:00.006-06:00

Well as it turns out...sometimes June can end up getting what should've come in April! RAIN.
As I planned Natalie's Big 7th Birthday Carnival, I was worried that it was going to be TOO HOT, and NOT if it was going to get rained out.
I was a little frantic trying to figure out how I was going to hold a Carnival in my basement if the 40 percent chance of rain actually came. Thank goodness the weather held up for a couple of hours and we got to have the Carnival outside.
The party was a blast, the kids enjoyed themselves and I got to send them all home hyped-up on Snow Cones, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Cupcake and Ice Cream. Hee hee.
The 40 percent chance of rain DID finally wind up coming, in the way of a monsoon, about 20 minutes after everyone had gone home. WHEW! Somebody was watching out for us.

Take a look at all the festivities!

I've been inspired!

2009-06-03T09:06:00.004-06:00

June 3, 2009

It's quite funny actually, how the simplest things can inspire me to do something I'm neither educated in, or really good at!

I've had this idea for a while about writing a book (in the Bridget Jones diary sort of way) except about a mormon girl...now I know you are probably thinking "Oh how boring." But ever since I was in the Young Women's Presidency at our old ward, I've cracked up at how funny these teenage mormon girls are. I'm currently in the YW's presidency at our new ward and I hadn't thought much about my book idea until I started reading these stinkin' hilarious books by an author named Louise Rennison. The first book in the series is called Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging. Yes I know it's quite funny. Anyway there are like 9 books in the series and they are about a teenage girl in England named Georgia Nicolson, just going through her day to day life, dreaming about the Robbie (the Sex God) and learning how to Snog (kiss). These books have inspired me to take notes at church on Sundays, or at Wednesday night activities, and possibly start this so-called book.

Now mind you I have NO education or experience in writing-unless you count Ms. Anderson's Creative Writing class in High School-nor do I think I have a talent for writing, but sometimes I sit at the computer and will write down things/ideas that come to my mind...the whole point of it though is to really just get it out of my head 'cause I've got a lot going on up there (I know, shocking). Anyway I'm hoping that just by listening and taking notes of these girls, I don't have to do much work at all. Kerching!

Of course if my hubby or Amanda read this they would probably tisk at me since they are writers and I'm inadvertently making a mokery of their art. Of course it was Amanda who got me started reading the Georgia Nicolson books in the first place, so it's all her fault!

Anyway, if anyone has some funny teenage, mormony stories they would like to share send them my way and I'll add them in.

Well it's that time of year again...

2009-05-30T10:53:00.007-06:00

The big dance recital!
May 30, 2009

Natalie had two dances at this recital. Her "Shrek" dance (which she did at the Christmas recital), and "Mama I'm a Big Girl Now" (which they did in their tap shoes). It was a lot of fun to watch how Natalie's progressed and gotten a lot better. She loves to dance!

The recital also had, not only other dancers from the studio, but also the Competition Teams perform their dances. Natalie loved to watch the big girls dance and her favorite was a dance called "Geek in the Pink" which had all the girls in blue school uniforms except for one who was in pink with glasses and the whole geek bit. It was cute.

I loved a tap dance the older girls did to "Step in Time" from Mary Poppins. The costumes were black and they had chimney sweep brooms. It was awesome.

The recital lasted almost two and a half hours, which for Sam was way too long. He liked watching at first, but got tired of it real quick (oh he's such a BOY).

All in all we had a great time and Natalie did such a good job.

Daddy Daughter Campout!

2009-05-24T13:34:00.005-06:00

Q: What do most people do over Memorial Day Weekend?
A: They camp of course.
And in honor of campers everywhere Brandon and Natalie did some camping of their own...in the back yard!

We set up the tent on Friday night and Brandon and Natalie hauled all of their gear out there and snuggled together only filling a tiny portion of the 6-8 man tent.

They watched Beauty and the Beast on the portable DVD player, until the battery died, then it was off to bed.

I stayed in the house with Sam this time, but when it comes to camping...I think I can handle sleeping in a tent in the back yard, it's close to the bathroom, there isn't too much stuff to haul, and my favorite...Access to Electricity.

WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING?

2009-05-14T22:04:00.005-06:00

Friday May 15, 2009
Those are the words that frequent my mouth many times a day. And those are the only words I can come up with to describe BOYS!
Sam NEVER stops moving...and I HAVE to be losing some weight with all the chasing him around I'm doing. SHEESH!
These are some of the "places" we have found him.

He must've thought I meant THAT tub!

He really gets "into" cleaning out the drawers.

Yes, he has "BIN" busy.

And on occasion, he'll just climb up on the couch to watch T.V.

(where he'll sit for a few minutes at least)

I never would've imagined that Sam would be so different from Natalie. I am trying to gear myself up NOW for the first trip to the ER, after he falls and breaks something.

For all of you who are raising multiple boys...WOW! And to those who have RAISED multiple boys without either you killing them or vise-versa...I bow to you for you are the QUEEN.

I only have one, and I think he's enough!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

2009-05-08T23:05:00.010-06:00

Sunday May 10, 2009
Yes Happy Mom's Day to one and all (if you are a Mom that is).

4 Generations

I feel pretty lucky, I got to celebrate Mother's Day early this year. Last Saturday my Oma, my Mom, Natalie and I all went to the Annual Poplar Grove Ward Mother's and Daughters Banquet. This thing has been going on since like 1949 or something and it is a HUGE deal. The women in the ward get together and just have a wonderful night for Moms and Daughters. When I was in YW's we did some of the funnest skits and had awesome themes, it was a blast. Anyway I had a nice Young Man (yes the YM get roped into helping out too) take our picture. Don't we all look so cute (well except Natalie's not smiling-hmmm)? She wasn't even grumpy. Sometimes I think she does it on purpose.

* * * * *

Now here comes the part where I tell you NOT to be jealous, and that I sometimes can be super crafty (if I read enough blogs where my friends have gone all gung-ho and made the cutest things). Anyway I decided that for Mother's Day I wanted to make my Mom and Mother-in-law Aprons. Why aprons? Well, my mom is ALWAYS feeding us on Sundays (and other times too) so she got the Kitchen Apron.

Cute Right? YES, that IS a pocket.

And My Mother-in-law is A-MAZING outdoors so she got the Garden Apron.

Won't the neighbor ladies be jealous?

Both turned out so stinkin' cute, if I can totally brag for a moment. I think I might be on to something. The only problem...the lack of time I have for making these adorable little accessories. The only reason I had a moment this week was because my parents AND grandma were out of town so I had no one to watch Sam and didn't go to work. WOW it's crazy what you can get done when you are at home all day. OH, the dishes...hmmm well....I was going to do them. Hee hee.

(We've got TREK in a couple of months, maybe I'll use my apron-making skills again. I'll be the hippest pioneer woman out there)!

37.32

2009-05-02T21:12:00.005-06:00

May 2, 2009

Rain is falling all around us, but you can't tell how wet we are in this pic.

Okay so it's not "RECORD" time or anything, but it's MY time. Yes I finally ran a 5K. Today in the rain. And it was AWESOME! My friend, and neighbor (and Twilight movie buddy) Lisa invited me to run the LAW DAY RUN with her and her cute family.

The run took place up at the U campus, and if anyone has ever even had a class up there, you know how those "hills" can be, so imagine running that. We didn't RUN the whole thing but I think we probably ran at least 2 1/2 miles (mostly the down-hill parts) we hoped to make it in under 30 minutes but I'm excited that we made it under 40. If we would've run up the hills we probably could've made it in 30, but that's a GOAL for the next one! As for the rain...it was so much fun to run in, and then we stopped and realized REALLY how wet and cold we were.

Lisa's brother's Law Firm TRASKBRITT bought everyone breakfast at The Oasis Cafe when everyone was done. It was SO good after quite a work out!

Thanks Barrett family for letting me be a part of you family today!

So much waiting for "ONE SHORT DAY!"

2009-04-30T17:51:00.006-06:00

April 30, 2009

So it's been over ten months since I posted with the news that my "WONDERFUL" friend Sarah, and her "POPULAR" Mom Becky "DEFYed GRAVITY" and got us tickets to WICKED! And yesterday the day finally arrived!

Our evening started with a birthday celebration for my friend Kristie Marshall. Brandon, I, and our friends Levi and Tiffany went to the Marshall house and Kristie's husband Sean cooked a nice dinner. After that, Kristie, Tiffany, Brandon and I went down to Capitol Theatre. I was so excited to finally see WICKED in Salt Lake. And...

It was SOOOOOOO good! I wasn't sure if we'd get "SOMETHING BAD" but I'll tell you what, no one was "MOURNING". All the actors were amazing, and the leads (Elphaba, and Glinda) were perfect. I do believe I have been changed "FOR GOOD".

"THANK GOODNESS" we finally got to see it. I was definitely not "LOATHING" and I'll be "DANCING THROUGH LIFE" until it comes around again!!!

When in doubt...Google!

2009-04-17T23:42:00.007-06:00

April 18, 2009

Yes it's the answer to everything.
Who was that one guy, in that show with the dog? I don't know, let's Google it! I wonder why they call it blue cheese? Google it. How many cups are in a gallon? GOOGLE!
No, I don't normally have hours to spend on-line just Google-ing things. I barely have time to blog for crying out loud. But-I have to tell you about a little experience I had a few nights ago.
Now the funniest part of this story is that I can't actually remember what I Googled. All I know is, I found this blog. Princess Lasertron!
A stinkin' cute 22 year-old girl from Omaha, hand-makes the most adorable felt and button Bridal Bouquets. Yes, I said felt and bouquet in the same sentance. Anyway, besides the bouquets, she makes the "flowers" for everyone in the wedding party, she also does corsages and bouteniers for proms, headbands, jewelry, pins. You name it, and she could probably do it! I was so enamoured by this girl and her "creations" that I spent 2 hours reading her blog entries, looking at her pics on flickr, following her links, and just getting giddy over felt. Wow I am starved for excitement.

The point I'm trying to make here, is that you never know what you are going to come across while Gooling so...Google your little hearts out...Google till the cows come home, or the fat lady sings... Google till you can't Google no more. And when your done with that...BLOG!

HOPPY EASTER!

2009-04-13T10:45:00.007-06:00

April 13, 2009

We had a lot of fun celebrating Easter this year. Last Thursday night we went down to Josh and Kenzie's house (my bro-n-law and his wife) with my mother-in-law Jann. Josh made us dinner and we visited, then we dyed Easter eggs.

On Saturday we had a Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt, and I am constantly reminded that we live in an area with lots of young families. There were SO many kids there. Five houses in the neighborhood hid Easter eggs around their yards and the kids were sepparated by age groups and got to hunt in their designated yard. Then we had sweet rolls, muffins, cupcakes and juice for breakfast.

On Sunday I taught the Easter lesson in Young Women's-complete with quotes from Elder Holland's talk he gave in General Conference (It was perfect for my lesson). Then after church we went to my parent's house and Natalie dyed eggs again! We had a yummy turkey dinner with my parents, my brother and his girlfriend Sam. Then the kids went on another egg hunt. And now we have enough candy to last until Halloween.
To make our Easter complete we had a visit from one of Brandon's long-time friends (she's of course my friend too) Amanda, who came in town from New York for Easter! She and her sister Andrea stopped by and visited with us for a bit.

All in all I'd say that Easter this year was really fun. Samuel is old enough to run around and search for eggs (kind of) and Natalie is not quite old enough to deny helping him, so it worked out well!

A HAHAHAHA WIPEOUT!

2009-04-07T22:44:00.015-06:00

On my list of things that I'd like to do before I'm 30, I listed that I would love to surf, yes surf. Now for those of you who know me, you know that I have a tiny fear of water. Especially water that has creepy crawlies in it, BUT I have always found surfing to be totally cool and intriquing. When in Maui, I got to check off Surfing from my list. Yes I actually surfed. I stood up on the board, and rode the waves...mind you they were only two foot waves, but waves non-the-less. I loved every stinking minute of it-minus the rash on my legs from sitting on that darn board, and the cut on my back from my Wipeout. Needless to say, it was so much fun. And I didn't really think about my fear of the water with all the "rules" I had to think about while surfing. Arch back, right knee, left foot, feet flat, arms out, stand up.

My fear of the water was met head on, however, when I strapped on some snorkel gear and slowly waded my way out to sea. I didn't really like it too much at first and I'd creep myself out if I got too close to some rocks or coral, or went out where it looked dark, but after a while and seeing all those beautiful fish, AND following a turtle, I began to like it and realize that it's not so scary. NO, I'm not completely cured of my phobia, nor am I an excellent surfer, but I definately have a new respect for the Ocean. . .AND the killer bodies of all those wave riders.

Next on the list...SNOWBOARDING-I know, can you believe I learned to Surf before Snowboard. Where exactly do I live again?

To see more pics of Hawaii, scroll to the bottom...I know, all the way down there.

2009-04-02T20:00:00.006-06:00

April 2, 2009
A very special woman and an inspiration in my life, Janin Jackman, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday. For those of you who may have known her, the shock of losing such and amazing woman is beyond belief. She was a "mom" to everyone who knew her and treated everyone kindly. She was an example as to how I wanted to grow up, and the kind of woman I wanted to be.
I will always remember her laugh, which she never seemed to be without.
We had an inside joke which started when I was 17 and quickly became my trademark, and she never saw me without calling me "Princess".
Janin's family, especially her daughter-in-law Sarah, are very dear to me and my thoughts and prayers are with them as they face this very difficult time.
All of us who knew Janin were inspired by her, and she will surely be missed.

ALOOOOOHA!

2009-03-20T23:22:00.005-06:00

Monday, March 23, 2009
No-I'm not trying to make you all jealous by posting a pic of where I'll be for the next week...I just wanted anyone who was wondering why I wont be blogging to know the reason! I can't help it if I'll be far too busy relaxing on the beach, or learning to Surf to hop on the computer and update. But don't worry, when I get back I will certainly be blogging again in no time, complete with pictures that, will in fact, be meant to make you Jealous! tee hee.
Ok honestly, don't be too jealous because I might only bring back photos of rain drops since it's supposed to rain there ALL next week! But lets be optimistic people. Help me out and think Sunny thoughts. Most of us in Utah are REAL GOOD at thinking sunny thoughts!