One year. As a kid I remember thinking that one year represented an enormous amount of time, but as an adult it seems to zip by.
I have been thinking this week a lot. This year there have been so many changes in our household, small changes and big changes. Some of them were expected but most of them were not. Some were good and some were not. Some of the changes have stuck around and some of them have dwindled. Here are my top four changes that stand out in my mind, either cause they were great or they were really hard. Either way I believe that lessons were learned and hopefully we have all grown together as a family from them.
1. A New Business. A Cosmetology school, who'd a thunk it? If I could have guessed that at the age of 29 I would be doing this...well there is no time in my life that I would every have believed myself. It is a lot of work, a LOT of work. I am learning a lot, mainly how to juggle and balance and that sort of thing. Mostly I am excited about what the future holds for us! Plus I'm a little scared, but mostly excited.
2. New friends. There have been several families move into my neighborhood this year that have grown to be great friends. THese people have changed the dynamic of our little street. People are friendlier, people talk outside, people want to get to know each other. It wasn't always like this here, or maybe I wasn't always like this? Who knows, either way I blame these new friends and thank heaven that they were sent here!
3. Money. This really isn't a change per say, we've always had a budget in our household. This year was just hard though. We have a lot of debt to work through and it sucks. I hate admiting that, it's kind of our dirtly little secret, but there it is. We are hopeful that #1 will help us in 2011 to eliminate some of our money woes.
4. 10 years of marriage. I love my Nick. He is good to me and treats me as a queen. I am the luckiest Emily in the world to have four wonderful men in my life!
It's 12:00 AM, so Happy New Year! Here's to many more wonderful changes and maybe some familiar things too.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Fashion recycling
Guess again. It's a current advertisement that I found here.
Reminds me of Demi Moore back in the movie Ghost. Remember how everybody cut their hair like that?
You know I could say that I don't like this style, but then I would be opening myself up for a lot of criticism because I am currently sporting a haircut that looks a bit like this fellow.
There are really no rules when it comes to fashion these days are there?
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Things that I am not ready to deal with but have to anyway...
1. Family moving far away and only visiting once a year or less.
2. Saying goodbye to family when they go back to the distant lands in which they reside.
3. My kids growing up WAY too fast. This is bittersweet because I love all the stuff that we can do together as they get older but still, too fast!
4. Simon saying to me, "I'm not a baby anymore". Yes you are Simon, you are MY baby and you always will be so THERE!
5. Gray Hairs and saggy skin
6. Going Grocery shopping
On the bright side, as I made this list I realized how blessed I am to have a loving family that I can wish would never grow up and miss when they are gone.
(Gray Hair, saggy skin, and grocery shopping are still on my "naughty" list )
2. Saying goodbye to family when they go back to the distant lands in which they reside.
3. My kids growing up WAY too fast. This is bittersweet because I love all the stuff that we can do together as they get older but still, too fast!
4. Simon saying to me, "I'm not a baby anymore". Yes you are Simon, you are MY baby and you always will be so THERE!
5. Gray Hairs and saggy skin
6. Going Grocery shopping
On the bright side, as I made this list I realized how blessed I am to have a loving family that I can wish would never grow up and miss when they are gone.
(Gray Hair, saggy skin, and grocery shopping are still on my "naughty" list )
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
I need some good parenting advice
So, Christmas is coming. The goose is getting fat. Oh did you forget? Well it is coming, ready or not. Nick and I consistently find ourselves completely NOT ready for Christmas. It's our special Christmas tradition. Now when I say "not ready", I mean the "never-enough-money" kind of not ready. Who isn't right? Well Bill Gates is probably usually ready, and also those moms from Beverly Hills Housewives (60 K on a birthday party, seriously!) Me and Nick? We're good at never being ready.
This isn't really a problem when you are newlywed, no one expects you to have money for gifts. It's also not really a problem when your children are young. I can remember a few years in which we wrapped a box of cheerios and called it good. Those were great years!
Well, about 6 years ago we had a baby boy. He grew a little and we had another baby boy. That one grew a little and we had another baby boy. Today we find ourselves elbow deep in little boys that have sugarplums dancing in their heads and believe in EVERYTHING from Ghosts to the fact that they are all magical Wizards. They especially believe in Santa Claus. They definitely think that decorating the house is very important (I hate it!) So we decorate, and I can honestly say that it is always for the kids. Nick and I always enjoy doing it together, but I must admit that if it weren't for our boys then we would be a bit more...Humbug.
I have a problem this year. Gabe and Ian are sure that they are going to get what they want for Christmas, because Santa is magical and as I already mentioned, we believe in magic in our house BIG TIME. Gabe wants a nintendo DS and Ian wants a Spike the dinosaur, both of which fall above our price range. My question to all of you is, how do you handle this? Usually we try to talk them into different things, but they are really quite adamant this year that this is what they really want and know Santa will bring them. I know that I can't be the only parent in the world with a budget, so tell me your secrets? How do I get around this obstacle without crushing hopes and dreams?
This isn't really a problem when you are newlywed, no one expects you to have money for gifts. It's also not really a problem when your children are young. I can remember a few years in which we wrapped a box of cheerios and called it good. Those were great years!
Well, about 6 years ago we had a baby boy. He grew a little and we had another baby boy. That one grew a little and we had another baby boy. Today we find ourselves elbow deep in little boys that have sugarplums dancing in their heads and believe in EVERYTHING from Ghosts to the fact that they are all magical Wizards. They especially believe in Santa Claus. They definitely think that decorating the house is very important (I hate it!) So we decorate, and I can honestly say that it is always for the kids. Nick and I always enjoy doing it together, but I must admit that if it weren't for our boys then we would be a bit more...Humbug.
I have a problem this year. Gabe and Ian are sure that they are going to get what they want for Christmas, because Santa is magical and as I already mentioned, we believe in magic in our house BIG TIME. Gabe wants a nintendo DS and Ian wants a Spike the dinosaur, both of which fall above our price range. My question to all of you is, how do you handle this? Usually we try to talk them into different things, but they are really quite adamant this year that this is what they really want and know Santa will bring them. I know that I can't be the only parent in the world with a budget, so tell me your secrets? How do I get around this obstacle without crushing hopes and dreams?
Friday, November 19, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
I'm outraged!
Today at Costco, the receipt-checker lady at the exit kindly informed me that they were no longer allowed to put smiley faces on the back of the receipts. She seemed as bugged about it and asked if I would like to file a complaint with Corporate? I was in a hurry so I declined, but Ian's tears all the way to the car made me wish I had filed that complaint. It was his turn to give her the receipt and his hopes were dashed.
I don't really understand why they can't do this anymore, I guess it holds up the line at the exit but WHATEVER! Doesn't Corporate know that this is the #1 reason why I love Costco?
I don't really understand why they can't do this anymore, I guess it holds up the line at the exit but WHATEVER! Doesn't Corporate know that this is the #1 reason why I love Costco?
Friday, November 12, 2010
Hoarders
Today I cleaned out a junk cupboard in my kitchen. THE junk cupboard in my kitchen. It took all day long.
I shouldn't call it the junk cupboard, it is more like the cupboard full of basically everything that my kids have drawn or worked on since...well ever. Yes, I admit I have a problem throwing things away. But just things that my kids make.
Anyway, I was proud of myself because by 1:30 I had a big cardboard box full of papers ready for the recycling bin. That's when Gabe came home from school. He took one look at the box and said, "That is all good stuff, we can still use that stuff, why are you throwing that away? You can't throw that away!". I had to talk him down. I had to let him go through what I was keeping and decide that it was ok to get rid of the rest. He had to emotionally disconnect from every paper that he ever worked on, just like I had to. Poor kid, it took me over a year to gear myself up enough to go through that cupboard and he had to do it in one moment. Gabe is so much like me it is almost painful for me to see his anxiety.
The whole thing reminded me of the show Hoarders, I swear his words came right from that show! (he doesn't watch it in case you were wondering)
Now I have a full recycling bin and a very organized and functional cupboard. We all feel good about that and hopefully we are all one step further from allowing "stuff" to consume and overwhelm our lives. Next up...the storage closet!
I shouldn't call it the junk cupboard, it is more like the cupboard full of basically everything that my kids have drawn or worked on since...well ever. Yes, I admit I have a problem throwing things away. But just things that my kids make.
Anyway, I was proud of myself because by 1:30 I had a big cardboard box full of papers ready for the recycling bin. That's when Gabe came home from school. He took one look at the box and said, "That is all good stuff, we can still use that stuff, why are you throwing that away? You can't throw that away!". I had to talk him down. I had to let him go through what I was keeping and decide that it was ok to get rid of the rest. He had to emotionally disconnect from every paper that he ever worked on, just like I had to. Poor kid, it took me over a year to gear myself up enough to go through that cupboard and he had to do it in one moment. Gabe is so much like me it is almost painful for me to see his anxiety.
The whole thing reminded me of the show Hoarders, I swear his words came right from that show! (he doesn't watch it in case you were wondering)
Now I have a full recycling bin and a very organized and functional cupboard. We all feel good about that and hopefully we are all one step further from allowing "stuff" to consume and overwhelm our lives. Next up...the storage closet!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Leaving a legacy...
Conversation from the drive home this evening:
Gabe - "Mom, when ever I hear the song 'Come Sail Away' I am always gonna think of you. Even when I am 90."
Me - "Ok" (I don't really need to ask why, we listen to this song a lot usually we are dancing and playing air guitar and belting at the top of our lungs. My kids know all the lyrics.)
Gabe -"You know, the singer kind of sounds like a grandma when he sings. I think that he sounds like Alice on the Brady Bunch. You know, if she was a singer."
Me - No other response but laughter.
I love that my kids are comfortable with both Styx lyrics and The Brady Bunch references.
Other frequent requests:
Eye of the Tiger
Magic Dance (from Labrynth)
All the single ladies (but they think it is "All the singing lettuce", it's much funner to sing this way)
Buffalo Soldier
Day o
Shake Senora
The lion sleeps tonight
Gabe - "Mom, when ever I hear the song 'Come Sail Away' I am always gonna think of you. Even when I am 90."
Me - "Ok" (I don't really need to ask why, we listen to this song a lot usually we are dancing and playing air guitar and belting at the top of our lungs. My kids know all the lyrics.)
Gabe -"You know, the singer kind of sounds like a grandma when he sings. I think that he sounds like Alice on the Brady Bunch. You know, if she was a singer."
Me - No other response but laughter.
I love that my kids are comfortable with both Styx lyrics and The Brady Bunch references.
Other frequent requests:
Eye of the Tiger
Magic Dance (from Labrynth)
All the single ladies (but they think it is "All the singing lettuce", it's much funner to sing this way)
Buffalo Soldier
Day o
Shake Senora
The lion sleeps tonight
Saturday, October 16, 2010
In light of all the recent facebook discussions...
My dear sister-in-law sent me the link to this very well written article written in the aftermath of General Conference and President Packer's talk. I found it to be both very informing and insightful.
Click Here for the link.
Click Here for the link.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Public Service Announcement
Have you seen Will Arnett's new show, "Running Wilde"? It's pretty dang hilarious. If you were ever a fan of Arrested Development then you will probably enjoy it. I don't know what night it is on because I just watch everything on Hulu, but find it and watch it.
Also, Modern Family is genius. Don't know when that one is on either.
What shows are you currently enjoying?
PS, Tell me you wouldn't watch a reality show starring Amy Poehler and Will Arnett? C'mon, that would be awesome!
Also, Modern Family is genius. Don't know when that one is on either.
What shows are you currently enjoying?
PS, Tell me you wouldn't watch a reality show starring Amy Poehler and Will Arnett? C'mon, that would be awesome!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Fall General Conference 2010
First I have to say that I loved conference this past weekend, and THIS was one of my favorite talks. THIS hit everything that I have had on my mind lately right on the head.
In other news, I just commented on a hot-button post from a friend of mine on Facebook. Now I am sure that the entire world is going to hate me and call me horrible things. I just felt like I had to stand up for what I believe, if just for my friend who I feel has some misguided information. I feel a little sick.
The weird part is that I really want to see what other people are going to blast me for, but facebook mysteriously will not load on my internet. That has only ever happened one other time that I can think of. I think that the Lord is trying to spare my thin skinned soul and tell me that I have better things to do.
On with the better things!!!
In other news, I just commented on a hot-button post from a friend of mine on Facebook. Now I am sure that the entire world is going to hate me and call me horrible things. I just felt like I had to stand up for what I believe, if just for my friend who I feel has some misguided information. I feel a little sick.
The weird part is that I really want to see what other people are going to blast me for, but facebook mysteriously will not load on my internet. That has only ever happened one other time that I can think of. I think that the Lord is trying to spare my thin skinned soul and tell me that I have better things to do.
On with the better things!!!
Monday, October 4, 2010
One for the memory books
This afternoon as Simon was napping, I went out-side in our front yard so that Ian could ride his bicycle with his friends in the neighborhood. I got to talking with one of my neighbors and as we were chatting I turned around to see Simon coming out of the garage. From the waist down he was completely naked. Oh, except for his socks, he still had his socks on.
I couldn't help but laugh as I went over and scooped him up. He said, "Mom I woke up and had to go poop. Can I ride my bike?" We then proceeded to go upstairs, check his bum (suprisingly clean might I add) and then put on clean underwear and pants. He had peed a little bit on his pants and that is why he was streaking around the neighborhood.
I share this story because it really exemplifies Simon. He is such an independent and smart little guy, he started to potty train himself right after he turned two and has always insisted on "standing up" like his brothers. He knows how to get a job done and then goes about his business. Also, modesty is not his strong suit. Oh how I love that two year old of mine!
I couldn't help but laugh as I went over and scooped him up. He said, "Mom I woke up and had to go poop. Can I ride my bike?" We then proceeded to go upstairs, check his bum (suprisingly clean might I add) and then put on clean underwear and pants. He had peed a little bit on his pants and that is why he was streaking around the neighborhood.
I share this story because it really exemplifies Simon. He is such an independent and smart little guy, he started to potty train himself right after he turned two and has always insisted on "standing up" like his brothers. He knows how to get a job done and then goes about his business. Also, modesty is not his strong suit. Oh how I love that two year old of mine!
Friday, September 10, 2010
For all of the phone-call-phobics out there...
Hi, I'm Emily. I have a moderate phobia of making phone calls. My heart races with every number dialed, I sweat with every ring of the phone, and I breathe a sigh of relief when I can push the end button on my phone.
Meet Mark, my brother-in-law. This is his attempt to help me overcome my fears, phone-call therapy if you will. I only share this in the hope that it might help others, as it has so helped me.
This post is dedicated to Amy, her post inspired me to share this particular brand of treatment with phone-call-phobics everywhere.
(Video taken on a rainy morning in Kona. In my opinion all self-help should take place on a Hawaiian island.)
Friday, August 27, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
5 reasons that I am happy today.
1. We went swimming this morning, before the rain storm.
2. The awesome thundershower that we received after our swim.
3. It's finally decided when and where we are camping...I can't wait!
4. Lindsey is moving close to me in a matter of weeks!
5. Brazilian Limeade!!! Did you know that pirates enjoy it to?
2. The awesome thundershower that we received after our swim.
3. It's finally decided when and where we are camping...I can't wait!
4. Lindsey is moving close to me in a matter of weeks!
5. Brazilian Limeade!!! Did you know that pirates enjoy it to?
Monday, July 26, 2010
Meet my friend Amy!
Amy is very cool. She is a great mom, very funny, and very honest. I love her and I love her blog. Check it out here! You can catch up on all of her funny posts and you can also enter her blog giveaway. Do it now!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Independence Day!
. We had a great independence day weekend! I ran a 5k on Saturday and pr'd (!!), after which we attended the parade in Nick's hometown. The Jacobs clan is always at the parade, and always armed with at least 5 supersoakers and plenty of water to re-load. The only people off limits are the beauty queens, the shiny muscle cars, and the marching bands. It is always a good time! I spent the rest of the day doing little girl's hair into princess up-do's to promote the cosmetology school that my sister in-law and mother in-law, and I are opening. Expressive Design Academy of Beauty Arts. I haven't mentioned it yet have I? Well, stay tuned...
Later that evening we had a rousing family game of baseball, some delicious tacos (perfect fare for an independence day) with some killer salsa, courtesy of Bri.
We went to the fireworks to round out the perfect day, Simon and Ian fell asleep (how do kids do that!) and we got home at about 11 PM. Whew!
Sunday, the 4th, was my Dad's birthday. I love my dad and I love that his birthday is on the 4th of July! 56 years ago my grandparents were newly immigrated from Germany, and their first born son was born on the 4th of July. Pretty amazing don't you think? My grandparents have always been very patriotic and they love this country. They love to tell the story of my dad's birth. My grandma was in labor for 48 hours and the doctor (who was Japanese) said to my grandma, "we need to get this baby here today on the 4th of July". My grandma didn't get why that was important at the time, but listened to him anyway and my dad has always had fireworks and fanfare on his birthday!
This year we celebrated with a delicious BBQ and some Marzipan cake plus a lot of laughing and family time. It was a great day!
Yesterday, Nick had the day off so we headed to the mountains with the Jacobs clan to spend the day at the cabin of some good friends, the Ball family. Bri's motto for the day was, "Make your own destiny", I think everybody followed her advice! There was a zip-line that thanks to Uncle Mark's determination, everybody (even Simon) took a turn on. Our boys were in heaven! They were dirty and free to throw rocks and sticks and zip down the side of a hill. Gabe even received a bloody gash wound (not too serious) on his hand. What more could you ask for? We ate, we played games, we hiked, we enjoyed great company.
In summary, it was a perfect weekend!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The good, the bad, but nothing ugly...yet.
As I mentioned in my earlier post, Gabe and Ian are both done with school for the year. Two weeks ago Ian had a preschool graduation with his preschool group. As you can see they were all pretty great friends and really such a fun group of children to work with. I am so glad that we did our own preschool this year!
Gabe had kindergarten graduation last week. Gabe's teacher this year has been pretty special, she is truly the kind of person who SHOULD be teaching kindergarten. She is so kind and patient with the children, and she had such a great routine with a lot of fun and unique themes. Although Gabe is looking forward to being in first grade, I don't think he will ever forget his great kindergarten experience. We are so proud of him!
Now on to this week...
It's been kind of a weird week. We are adjusting to having a lot of time together, all three of us. Gabe and Ian are also in swimming lessons, which have been going well. Here are just a couple of things that I have had to deal with:
Event 1) Wednesday evening I stopped at our community mailboxes to pick-up our mail. It was 5:30 and Nick had just drove by, we were meeting at home to go to Costco together (translation: hot dogs for dinner before grocery shopping). After getting the mail I got back into my van and started backing out...then I backed right into the corner of a HUGE construction trailer that was parked directly behind me. Illegally. On the road. If you live near me you would know that this is a huge no-no and you get towed pretty quickly around here. This was the first time in my life that I actually wished that the HOA around here would have enforced that rule!
The resulting damage was minimal to the trailer:
Not so minimal to my van:
Luckily the trailer owner was cool about it, he just needs to buy a new reflector. I need to replace the entire rear bumper of my van. Awesome!
In the back of my head all I can think is that I am so glad it wasn't a person. I am pretty diligent about looking while I back-up. I was distracted and didn't turn completely around, I was just using my mirror. I vow to always look behind my car before I get in, and also turn around completely to back-up. Lesson learned!
Event 2) Today at swimming lessons I was doing my best to keep Simon away from all bodies of water. There is the large pool in which the lessons take place, a kiddie pool, and a hot tub. The kiddie pool is left uncovered and the hot tub is covered with a thick tarp that floats on top.
By the end of the lesson, I had successfully kept Simon dry. We had looked at numerous potato bugs and blasted off to the moon a dozen times. We were walking over to the stairs with towels for the boys when I tried to "shoot" a wipe into the garbage can about 5 feet away. Of course I missed, so I turned to go and pick it up and throw it away. A voice told that Simon was going to fall in the hot tub. It was very surreal, I knew he was going to fall in before he actually did, was already reacting, then saw the whole thing play out. He was terrified and crying and soaking wet, but OK. As I tried to take his wet clothes off, Gabe and Ian were getting out of the pool and Ian started crying and shaking. Apparently he was frozen solid because he had just gotten out of the pool and was so cold. After I got Simon in a dry diaper and a t-shirt, I wrapped the other two in their towels and we headed for the car. It was at that point I realized that I was shaking and just how scared that whole experience had been for me! I am so thankful that the tarp was there, it slowed his sinking so his head didn't even go under before I got to him. I can't think about the what-if scenario's, I am just so glad that I have the Holy Ghost watching out for me and my family. I am working on being a better listener, but I do know how to recognize those promptings.
Somebody share a happy story with me, please!
Gabe had kindergarten graduation last week. Gabe's teacher this year has been pretty special, she is truly the kind of person who SHOULD be teaching kindergarten. She is so kind and patient with the children, and she had such a great routine with a lot of fun and unique themes. Although Gabe is looking forward to being in first grade, I don't think he will ever forget his great kindergarten experience. We are so proud of him!
Now on to this week...
It's been kind of a weird week. We are adjusting to having a lot of time together, all three of us. Gabe and Ian are also in swimming lessons, which have been going well. Here are just a couple of things that I have had to deal with:
Event 1) Wednesday evening I stopped at our community mailboxes to pick-up our mail. It was 5:30 and Nick had just drove by, we were meeting at home to go to Costco together (translation: hot dogs for dinner before grocery shopping). After getting the mail I got back into my van and started backing out...then I backed right into the corner of a HUGE construction trailer that was parked directly behind me. Illegally. On the road. If you live near me you would know that this is a huge no-no and you get towed pretty quickly around here. This was the first time in my life that I actually wished that the HOA around here would have enforced that rule!
The resulting damage was minimal to the trailer:
Not so minimal to my van:
Luckily the trailer owner was cool about it, he just needs to buy a new reflector. I need to replace the entire rear bumper of my van. Awesome!
In the back of my head all I can think is that I am so glad it wasn't a person. I am pretty diligent about looking while I back-up. I was distracted and didn't turn completely around, I was just using my mirror. I vow to always look behind my car before I get in, and also turn around completely to back-up. Lesson learned!
Event 2) Today at swimming lessons I was doing my best to keep Simon away from all bodies of water. There is the large pool in which the lessons take place, a kiddie pool, and a hot tub. The kiddie pool is left uncovered and the hot tub is covered with a thick tarp that floats on top.
By the end of the lesson, I had successfully kept Simon dry. We had looked at numerous potato bugs and blasted off to the moon a dozen times. We were walking over to the stairs with towels for the boys when I tried to "shoot" a wipe into the garbage can about 5 feet away. Of course I missed, so I turned to go and pick it up and throw it away. A voice told that Simon was going to fall in the hot tub. It was very surreal, I knew he was going to fall in before he actually did, was already reacting, then saw the whole thing play out. He was terrified and crying and soaking wet, but OK. As I tried to take his wet clothes off, Gabe and Ian were getting out of the pool and Ian started crying and shaking. Apparently he was frozen solid because he had just gotten out of the pool and was so cold. After I got Simon in a dry diaper and a t-shirt, I wrapped the other two in their towels and we headed for the car. It was at that point I realized that I was shaking and just how scared that whole experience had been for me! I am so thankful that the tarp was there, it slowed his sinking so his head didn't even go under before I got to him. I can't think about the what-if scenario's, I am just so glad that I have the Holy Ghost watching out for me and my family. I am working on being a better listener, but I do know how to recognize those promptings.
Somebody share a happy story with me, please!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Life as I know it...
I finally finished reading Gone with the Wind.
Gabe is finished with kindergarten.
Ian is finished with preschool.
Simon is still playin' it cool.
Our schedule just went from 90 mph to grandma driving.
I feel like I am ready to blog again.
Stay tuned!
Gabe is finished with kindergarten.
Ian is finished with preschool.
Simon is still playin' it cool.
Our schedule just went from 90 mph to grandma driving.
I feel like I am ready to blog again.
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The real reason I am not blogging
I'm pregnant!
Just kidding...actually I just have a million things to do that I don't want to do, so I can't justify spending time blogging while my "to do" list grows ever bigger. It's ironic that I am actually blogging right now, I have a whole list of stuff I need to accomplish sitting right in front of me, I am choosing to ignore it right now. I guilt myself into doing stuff, it's how I work.
I am also trying to finish "Gone With The Wind" before it is overdue. I have hauled that dang book to Las Vegas and Hawaii trying to find time to read, I am only on page 346 of 1037 pages. I am really enjoying it for what it's worth, the beginning was a bit slow but it has picked up now. I have discovered that I have an alarming amount of personality characteristics in common with Scarlett O'Hara. I actually really like her as a character (see, I am narcissistic too!) she's just a selfish little firecracker and I enjoy reading all of her inner dialogue.
While we are on the subject of terrible mother's, I have got to get something off of my chest.
I have never finished Gabe's baby book, I have one page done in Ian's baby book, and Simon's baby book doesn't even exist yet. In case you don't know, Gabe is 6, Ian will be 4 in a couple weeks, and Simon is 2.
I know this seems trivial but I seriously feel guilt about this a lot. My problem is that I do not like to scrapbook alone, in fact I really hate to scrapbook. The only way I can tolerate it is if I scrapbook with friends or family. I also cannot scrapbook while my kids are around, it makes me just want to pull my hair out!
Scrapbooking friends please intervene!
I'm also just tired, Nick has been swamped with work and church stuff, so have I so all my mental energy is usually gone before 3 PM. We are also in the throws of potty training Simon, it's actually going pretty well, he was the one to motivate it so he's definitely ready. The problem is that he is wearing pull-ups. I hate pull-ups because when he doesn't make it to the toilet in time it's hard to clean up. Simon hates to be wet or dirty too, so he just waddles around saying "Sick mommy, it's sick, let's put it in the toilet" Then he freaks out while I try to get the pull up off because he thinks he is going to get "stuff on him". He usually does, because he is freaking out. Yesterday we had one of these episodes while cleaning our church, of course I had no wipes or a new pull up with me and there were no paper towels in the bathroom. Oh it was comical to say the least. Potty training is such a pain!
In other news...I do plan on posting some pictures of our recent trip to Hawaii, when I can justify the time I must spend resizing them in photoshop. Ugh...
If it's yummy food you want to hear about (Bri) you should go to Eat Your Veggies Peas, a food blog that I contribute too. Or you could check out a recipe book from your local library, one that I have enjoyed reading lately is "How to be a domestic Goddess: Baking and the art of comfort cooking" By Nigella Lawson. The pictures are to die for! Or you could get yourself on over to my kitchen and I will cook or bake something for you. I ALWAYS make time for cooking and eating!
That is all folks.
Just kidding...actually I just have a million things to do that I don't want to do, so I can't justify spending time blogging while my "to do" list grows ever bigger. It's ironic that I am actually blogging right now, I have a whole list of stuff I need to accomplish sitting right in front of me, I am choosing to ignore it right now. I guilt myself into doing stuff, it's how I work.
I am also trying to finish "Gone With The Wind" before it is overdue. I have hauled that dang book to Las Vegas and Hawaii trying to find time to read, I am only on page 346 of 1037 pages. I am really enjoying it for what it's worth, the beginning was a bit slow but it has picked up now. I have discovered that I have an alarming amount of personality characteristics in common with Scarlett O'Hara. I actually really like her as a character (see, I am narcissistic too!) she's just a selfish little firecracker and I enjoy reading all of her inner dialogue.
While we are on the subject of terrible mother's, I have got to get something off of my chest.
I have never finished Gabe's baby book, I have one page done in Ian's baby book, and Simon's baby book doesn't even exist yet. In case you don't know, Gabe is 6, Ian will be 4 in a couple weeks, and Simon is 2.
I know this seems trivial but I seriously feel guilt about this a lot. My problem is that I do not like to scrapbook alone, in fact I really hate to scrapbook. The only way I can tolerate it is if I scrapbook with friends or family. I also cannot scrapbook while my kids are around, it makes me just want to pull my hair out!
Scrapbooking friends please intervene!
I'm also just tired, Nick has been swamped with work and church stuff, so have I so all my mental energy is usually gone before 3 PM. We are also in the throws of potty training Simon, it's actually going pretty well, he was the one to motivate it so he's definitely ready. The problem is that he is wearing pull-ups. I hate pull-ups because when he doesn't make it to the toilet in time it's hard to clean up. Simon hates to be wet or dirty too, so he just waddles around saying "Sick mommy, it's sick, let's put it in the toilet" Then he freaks out while I try to get the pull up off because he thinks he is going to get "stuff on him". He usually does, because he is freaking out. Yesterday we had one of these episodes while cleaning our church, of course I had no wipes or a new pull up with me and there were no paper towels in the bathroom. Oh it was comical to say the least. Potty training is such a pain!
In other news...I do plan on posting some pictures of our recent trip to Hawaii, when I can justify the time I must spend resizing them in photoshop. Ugh...
If it's yummy food you want to hear about (Bri) you should go to Eat Your Veggies Peas, a food blog that I contribute too. Or you could check out a recipe book from your local library, one that I have enjoyed reading lately is "How to be a domestic Goddess: Baking and the art of comfort cooking" By Nigella Lawson. The pictures are to die for! Or you could get yourself on over to my kitchen and I will cook or bake something for you. I ALWAYS make time for cooking and eating!
That is all folks.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Be there or be square!
I have been rehearsing all week with Verux Vox Vocis, a small chamber choir that I sing with. It's all that I think about, sorry blogging world but we are on the outs this week. Anyway our debut concert is this Saturday, May 16th at 8:00 PM at the Bountiful Community Church. You definitely need to come! It is going to be fabulous!
Tickets are only $8 and you can buy them HERE.
Tickets are only $8 and you can buy them HERE.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Best ending of a music video EVER
When I was a kid my parents had a laser disc player. What is a laser disc you ask? Well my young friend let me tell you: A laser disc is a very large DVD, like the size of a vinyl record (you don't know what a vinyl record is? Google it. I don't have THAT much time on my hands). Back in the 80's Laser disks were the next big thing, even cooler than VHS because supposedly the quality was better. (Again, think precursor to the DVD here) Laser Discs weren't really around that long, basically VHS was easier and cheaper to make so the world made do with bad quality.
One day my mom came home from a garage sale with a stack of awesome laser discs each of which deserve a post in it's honor. They are that special to me. My favorite one was the Olivia Newton-John music video collection. My sisters and I used to watch it and pretend we were the different characters in the videos. Scandelous really, I mean 'Physical' was on that collection but we didn't get it anyway. So, this particular video was really boring, REALLY boring, but we would always fast forward to the last 10 seconds because...well watch it and you will understand! AWESOME!!
One day my mom came home from a garage sale with a stack of awesome laser discs each of which deserve a post in it's honor. They are that special to me. My favorite one was the Olivia Newton-John music video collection. My sisters and I used to watch it and pretend we were the different characters in the videos. Scandelous really, I mean 'Physical' was on that collection but we didn't get it anyway. So, this particular video was really boring, REALLY boring, but we would always fast forward to the last 10 seconds because...well watch it and you will understand! AWESOME!!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Mom of the year award
So, yesterday was a bit tense. I had a million things to do in an insanely short amount of time, with my three boys along for the ride. I must admit that I raised my voice a lot. It happens. Anyway, Gabe was kind enough to draw this picture of me to help me remember what a great mom I am. I am going to be sure to take this on vacation, any time I get homesick for my kids I know it will really help.
In other news, I really love President Gordon B. Hinckley. If I had to choose a favorite prophet it would be him. I can remember hearing this testimony live, it was very powerful. I think it still is.
In other news, I really love President Gordon B. Hinckley. If I had to choose a favorite prophet it would be him. I can remember hearing this testimony live, it was very powerful. I think it still is.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Life lessons learned from Billy Ocean
Tonight Nick and I turned on some random music from our computer while we were making dinner with the boys. Suddenly, Billy Ocean's "Get out of my dreams and into my car" came on and sent the party to a whole new level. There was a lot of awesome 80's style dancing (snapping and side steps with some head jivin' for good measure) and a lot of loud singing from Nick and me.
As the song ended we sat down at the table to pray and begin eating. Of course I was still belting out the lyrics, cause that's just the kind of girl I am. I realized that the lyrics are rather, oh I don't know...sort of like looking into the mind of a pedophile or a kidnapper. Really. "Get out of my dreams, get into my car...oh I said hey (hey) you (you), get into my car." And that's just the chorus!
Nick and I looked at each other, and our twisted minds made an instant connection. We proceeded to talk (scare) to Ian and Gabe about what they should do if any one ever asks them to get into their car. I said that you should never get in with anybody, no matter what they say. Nick added that you should scream at the top of your lungs like a girl (his words) and run as fast as you can away from the stranger and toward other people.
Aren't stranger danger scare tactics the best?
Now I leave you with the awesome music video, which we will show our boys when they are older to teach them all about how to stay away from strutting women in gold dresses and sexy male car washers.
As the song ended we sat down at the table to pray and begin eating. Of course I was still belting out the lyrics, cause that's just the kind of girl I am. I realized that the lyrics are rather, oh I don't know...sort of like looking into the mind of a pedophile or a kidnapper. Really. "Get out of my dreams, get into my car...oh I said hey (hey) you (you), get into my car." And that's just the chorus!
Nick and I looked at each other, and our twisted minds made an instant connection. We proceeded to talk (scare) to Ian and Gabe about what they should do if any one ever asks them to get into their car. I said that you should never get in with anybody, no matter what they say. Nick added that you should scream at the top of your lungs like a girl (his words) and run as fast as you can away from the stranger and toward other people.
Aren't stranger danger scare tactics the best?
Now I leave you with the awesome music video, which we will show our boys when they are older to teach them all about how to stay away from strutting women in gold dresses and sexy male car washers.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Gabe is the ripe old age of 6!
Six years ago today, we were blessed with our Baby Gabe.
He has always been a wise and happy soul.
Here is what a 6 year old Gabe looks like today on his Birthday!
Gabe has a BIG heart, he loves babies and is very kind to his friends. Usually his brothers too.
Gabe is a clown! He loves to make us laugh and has such an animated face and personality!
See what I mean?
...and here too!
Gabe is a very good kid. We sure love him!Things you should know about Gabe:
He loves music, LOVES it. He is currently taking piano lessons and plans on playing the bagpipes, lead guitar, and drums next.
He is a great reader. His favorite series is Peter and the Starcatchers which we read together before bed.
His favorite foods are cheeseburgers and peanut butter and honey sandwiches. He also loves cherry-chip cake.
He tells great jokes and loves to make people laugh.
He is a terrific artist and writer, he has created many books and journals.
Gabe wants to be an artist when he grows up.
He is a great helper and a fabulous Big Brother.
He is the best Gabe in the world, and we are honored to be his parents.
Happy Birthday Gabers!
Love Mom and Dad
He loves music, LOVES it. He is currently taking piano lessons and plans on playing the bagpipes, lead guitar, and drums next.
He is a great reader. His favorite series is Peter and the Starcatchers which we read together before bed.
His favorite foods are cheeseburgers and peanut butter and honey sandwiches. He also loves cherry-chip cake.
He tells great jokes and loves to make people laugh.
He is a terrific artist and writer, he has created many books and journals.
Gabe wants to be an artist when he grows up.
He is a great helper and a fabulous Big Brother.
He is the best Gabe in the world, and we are honored to be his parents.
Happy Birthday Gabers!
Love Mom and Dad
Monday, April 12, 2010
Monday....what a horrible day
Today was a typical Monday peppered with some pretty traumatic events.
It all started when we went to the dentist this morning. Ian has had his top four teeth capped since he was about 16 months old. The enamal on them never formed properly in-utero and so when they erupted, they were all soft and chippy. Very sad. Anyway, his gums have been getting pockets of infection above his caps. We treated it about a month and a half ago with antibiotics and it went away. The dentist told me that if the gums were to become infected again she would have to drain them. So, naturally the infection came back even worse than before.
Today at the dentist Ian was so brave. I told him what was going to happen, he asked me to sit on the chair with him on his lap. I had to say no because I had Simon and Gabe with me. (Not a great idea in hindsight). The dentist took one look at his gums and said, "We're going to have to take these out". I am not sure where my head was this morning, but I really thought that she meant take the puss out, the infection. I guess because she had mentioned doing this last time. Anyway, we went back to the "procedure" room and she asked if I wanted Ian to be drugged up or if she should just use laughing gas and novocaine. I very nonchalantly replied that I thought the novocaine and laughing gas would be enough. (Dumb dumb dumb me!) Ian picked out his movie (Shrek) and his flavor of laughing gas (watermelon). The dentist and her assistant began to prep. Than the dentist said something like, "He will still be cute without his top four teeth though, he's a handsome boy."
WHAT!?! Suddenly I realized what she was about to do and I started crying! I didn't know what to do and the dentist was looking at me like I was a crazy person. I told her that I thought she was just going to drain them and she said "No, we just need to take his teeth out." I asked her if there was any other option at all, she said we could try draining them and another round of antibiotics but she was pretty sure that we would still have to remove them when all was said and done. All I could think of to say was, "I need to call my husband first." Now I am a crazy person who can't make a decision with out regarding her husband. It's true, I'm crazy and insecure, especially when it comes to taking out my 3.5 year old's four front teeth!!!
I called Nick, and told him through tears (with everyone sitting there) the situation. We opted together to try and drain the blisters and give him more antibiotics. The dentist said "OK" and began to numb Ian up for the drainage. This was horrible, Ian's gums were so tender that the topical gel really did nothing for him and he had to just cry and bleed while she put the novocaine needle in his blistered gums. He was so brave. I held his hand and he tried to focus on the movie while she drained the blisters, luckily after the Novocaine he couldn't feel the draining part. Gabe and Simon sat traumatized at watching their brother bleeding from his mouth, it wasn't great.
So, we have a follow-up appointment the day before Nick and I leave for Kona. If they are any signs of infection, she will extract his top four teeth. Ian will not be four until June, that means he has a good 2 years of NO TOP FRONT TEETH. Gabe is almost 6 and he hasn't lost any, I didn't lose any teeth till 1st grade.
After leaving the dentist, I thought about why it had upset me so much. Was it just because I know how horrible it is to have teeth pulled? Granted, they are baby teeth and the roots are not as long as adult molars, but still horrible. I asked the dentist how not having front teeth would effect him, she said it would be purely cosmetic. That's it. Just cosmetic. It would not effect his eating, (of course it will, he will be using other teeth to bite things) or his adult teeth or baby teeth placement. Ian kind of already has trouble saying his letter "R" and I don't think missing teeth for 2 years will help that. It's just so sad to me! I must admit that i have a huge stigma in my mind attached to kids who are missing teeth. It makes me feel like I have done something horrible to fail my child, like we weren't good at keeping his teeth clean (we brush and floss daily!) so, is this just about me? Honestly, I don't know if Ian will really care if he is missing his top four teeth for TWO years! He will be the first one of his brothers to loose teeth, he might think that's pretty cool. I just can't go there right now. I really hope this antibiotic works.
So...the antibiotic is not just Amoxocillan, it is Azythromicin, much stronger. Ian complained that his stomach hurt about an hour after taking it at lunch. He had a 2 hour nap and acted fine after, playing and riding his bike. He said he felt fine. Tonight Nick and I went to the Gateway (yes, in the wind and rain which we were ill-prepared for by-the-way) to get new glasses and contacts at LensCrafters. My appointment was first so I sent Nick and the boys to the food court for dinner. 45 minutes later, Nick came over for his appointment and Ian had no jacket on and his pants were SOAKING wet, from top to bottom. During the meal, Ian had said he needed to go to the bathroom and did not have enough time to get there before he had diarrhea running down his legs. Nick had rinsed his underwear and pants and jacket out in the sink, Ian was walking around in soaking wet pants, and he wasn't even complaining. He was just as excited as could be to tell me very loudly all about it in LensCrafters.
So, I sent Nick to his eye appointment and promptly walked over to the Gap and bought Ian some new pants and a long sleeved shirt, luckily on clearance because they were winter stuff. He had to sport his new clothes commando though, there is no way I am going to spend $15 on 3 pair of underwear, call me cheap. I don't think Ian minded, after being in soaking wet jeans and all. Oh, he also told the salesclerk all about the whole situation. Luckily she was a mother of 5 and a grandmother, she just laughed and told him she appreciated his positive attitude about the whole thing.
On the way back up, in the rain, Gabe slipped and landed on his hands and knees right smack in a giant rain puddle. Now his pants were soaking. Really. He said he didn't care though, he wanted things to be equal and since Ian had to wear wet pants earlier, he thought he should too. I said OK because, whatever. At least his underwear were dry.
The night ended with the LensCrafters staff telling us that they wish they had people like us come in more often and that we were very entertaining. We came home and gave the boys warm baths and sent them all to bed.
I just can't help feeling like we are causing more pain for Ian by prolonging this tooth thing, now he has to have crappy antibiotics again and quite possibly still get them out. This is one of those times that I really question if we made the right choice for him today. This is when I find being a parent really really hard. I can't imagine what it would be like to make a decision for my terminally sick child, I pray I never have to. I'm going to pray for all the parents out there that do have to, it has to be the hardest thing in the world to do.
Today can now be over.
(PS, on a more humorous note I sent out 10 invitations to Gabe's birthday party that all said the party would be on Friday September 16th. Tomorrow those same guests will receive an addendum stating that the party is this Friday, APRIL 16th. That was Nick's typo, in your face grammar and proofing snob hubby!)
It all started when we went to the dentist this morning. Ian has had his top four teeth capped since he was about 16 months old. The enamal on them never formed properly in-utero and so when they erupted, they were all soft and chippy. Very sad. Anyway, his gums have been getting pockets of infection above his caps. We treated it about a month and a half ago with antibiotics and it went away. The dentist told me that if the gums were to become infected again she would have to drain them. So, naturally the infection came back even worse than before.
Today at the dentist Ian was so brave. I told him what was going to happen, he asked me to sit on the chair with him on his lap. I had to say no because I had Simon and Gabe with me. (Not a great idea in hindsight). The dentist took one look at his gums and said, "We're going to have to take these out". I am not sure where my head was this morning, but I really thought that she meant take the puss out, the infection. I guess because she had mentioned doing this last time. Anyway, we went back to the "procedure" room and she asked if I wanted Ian to be drugged up or if she should just use laughing gas and novocaine. I very nonchalantly replied that I thought the novocaine and laughing gas would be enough. (Dumb dumb dumb me!) Ian picked out his movie (Shrek) and his flavor of laughing gas (watermelon). The dentist and her assistant began to prep. Than the dentist said something like, "He will still be cute without his top four teeth though, he's a handsome boy."
WHAT!?! Suddenly I realized what she was about to do and I started crying! I didn't know what to do and the dentist was looking at me like I was a crazy person. I told her that I thought she was just going to drain them and she said "No, we just need to take his teeth out." I asked her if there was any other option at all, she said we could try draining them and another round of antibiotics but she was pretty sure that we would still have to remove them when all was said and done. All I could think of to say was, "I need to call my husband first." Now I am a crazy person who can't make a decision with out regarding her husband. It's true, I'm crazy and insecure, especially when it comes to taking out my 3.5 year old's four front teeth!!!
I called Nick, and told him through tears (with everyone sitting there) the situation. We opted together to try and drain the blisters and give him more antibiotics. The dentist said "OK" and began to numb Ian up for the drainage. This was horrible, Ian's gums were so tender that the topical gel really did nothing for him and he had to just cry and bleed while she put the novocaine needle in his blistered gums. He was so brave. I held his hand and he tried to focus on the movie while she drained the blisters, luckily after the Novocaine he couldn't feel the draining part. Gabe and Simon sat traumatized at watching their brother bleeding from his mouth, it wasn't great.
So, we have a follow-up appointment the day before Nick and I leave for Kona. If they are any signs of infection, she will extract his top four teeth. Ian will not be four until June, that means he has a good 2 years of NO TOP FRONT TEETH. Gabe is almost 6 and he hasn't lost any, I didn't lose any teeth till 1st grade.
After leaving the dentist, I thought about why it had upset me so much. Was it just because I know how horrible it is to have teeth pulled? Granted, they are baby teeth and the roots are not as long as adult molars, but still horrible. I asked the dentist how not having front teeth would effect him, she said it would be purely cosmetic. That's it. Just cosmetic. It would not effect his eating, (of course it will, he will be using other teeth to bite things) or his adult teeth or baby teeth placement. Ian kind of already has trouble saying his letter "R" and I don't think missing teeth for 2 years will help that. It's just so sad to me! I must admit that i have a huge stigma in my mind attached to kids who are missing teeth. It makes me feel like I have done something horrible to fail my child, like we weren't good at keeping his teeth clean (we brush and floss daily!) so, is this just about me? Honestly, I don't know if Ian will really care if he is missing his top four teeth for TWO years! He will be the first one of his brothers to loose teeth, he might think that's pretty cool. I just can't go there right now. I really hope this antibiotic works.
So...the antibiotic is not just Amoxocillan, it is Azythromicin, much stronger. Ian complained that his stomach hurt about an hour after taking it at lunch. He had a 2 hour nap and acted fine after, playing and riding his bike. He said he felt fine. Tonight Nick and I went to the Gateway (yes, in the wind and rain which we were ill-prepared for by-the-way) to get new glasses and contacts at LensCrafters. My appointment was first so I sent Nick and the boys to the food court for dinner. 45 minutes later, Nick came over for his appointment and Ian had no jacket on and his pants were SOAKING wet, from top to bottom. During the meal, Ian had said he needed to go to the bathroom and did not have enough time to get there before he had diarrhea running down his legs. Nick had rinsed his underwear and pants and jacket out in the sink, Ian was walking around in soaking wet pants, and he wasn't even complaining. He was just as excited as could be to tell me very loudly all about it in LensCrafters.
So, I sent Nick to his eye appointment and promptly walked over to the Gap and bought Ian some new pants and a long sleeved shirt, luckily on clearance because they were winter stuff. He had to sport his new clothes commando though, there is no way I am going to spend $15 on 3 pair of underwear, call me cheap. I don't think Ian minded, after being in soaking wet jeans and all. Oh, he also told the salesclerk all about the whole situation. Luckily she was a mother of 5 and a grandmother, she just laughed and told him she appreciated his positive attitude about the whole thing.
On the way back up, in the rain, Gabe slipped and landed on his hands and knees right smack in a giant rain puddle. Now his pants were soaking. Really. He said he didn't care though, he wanted things to be equal and since Ian had to wear wet pants earlier, he thought he should too. I said OK because, whatever. At least his underwear were dry.
The night ended with the LensCrafters staff telling us that they wish they had people like us come in more often and that we were very entertaining. We came home and gave the boys warm baths and sent them all to bed.
I just can't help feeling like we are causing more pain for Ian by prolonging this tooth thing, now he has to have crappy antibiotics again and quite possibly still get them out. This is one of those times that I really question if we made the right choice for him today. This is when I find being a parent really really hard. I can't imagine what it would be like to make a decision for my terminally sick child, I pray I never have to. I'm going to pray for all the parents out there that do have to, it has to be the hardest thing in the world to do.
Today can now be over.
(PS, on a more humorous note I sent out 10 invitations to Gabe's birthday party that all said the party would be on Friday September 16th. Tomorrow those same guests will receive an addendum stating that the party is this Friday, APRIL 16th. That was Nick's typo, in your face grammar and proofing snob hubby!)
Friday, April 9, 2010
Here's hoping!
The other night at choir rehearsal our conductor Michael Huff was passionately describing the power of advertising and "branding" our own choir, Utah Voices. By the way we are seriously awesome!!! Check out our site here! Did you notice the button over to the right? Click on it to find out more info about our upcoming Spring concert. You won't be sorry! :)
Anyway, that night an idea popped into my head. I believe it to be divinely inspired. The thought was this: write to Cjane about your choir and your concert, maybe she will post about it on her blog Cjane's guide to Provo. (SIDENOTE: Do you read Cjane? If you don't already, do yourself a favor and start! I happen to think that she is a fabulous, uplifting, funny, and inspired writer. She makes me want to be a better person, be more cultured, and move to Provo! Really!)
So tonight, I took over an hour to construct an emotional plea via email to dear Mrs Cjane. I want her to promote our choir concert, and I basically bore my testimony about it in the email. I should mention that she was due yesterday with her second child and has announced that she is taking a week of leave from her blogs. I don't know if she will check her email during this time.
Not to mention that her blog is a guide to the city of PROVO and our concert is at the University of Utah. Small detail.
I guess only time (and her various blogs) will tell if I left an impression on her.
PS - You all NEED to go to our spring concert "Things Sacred and Profane". We have been working really hard on it and it is going to be very very good! Don't believe me yet? Hmmm...maybe I will post a copy of the email I sent to Cjane. :)
Anyway, that night an idea popped into my head. I believe it to be divinely inspired. The thought was this: write to Cjane about your choir and your concert, maybe she will post about it on her blog Cjane's guide to Provo. (SIDENOTE: Do you read Cjane? If you don't already, do yourself a favor and start! I happen to think that she is a fabulous, uplifting, funny, and inspired writer. She makes me want to be a better person, be more cultured, and move to Provo! Really!)
So tonight, I took over an hour to construct an emotional plea via email to dear Mrs Cjane. I want her to promote our choir concert, and I basically bore my testimony about it in the email. I should mention that she was due yesterday with her second child and has announced that she is taking a week of leave from her blogs. I don't know if she will check her email during this time.
Not to mention that her blog is a guide to the city of PROVO and our concert is at the University of Utah. Small detail.
I guess only time (and her various blogs) will tell if I left an impression on her.
PS - You all NEED to go to our spring concert "Things Sacred and Profane". We have been working really hard on it and it is going to be very very good! Don't believe me yet? Hmmm...maybe I will post a copy of the email I sent to Cjane. :)
Thursday, April 8, 2010
And the banana award goes to...
On Monday, Nick had his own little awards ceremony at work. This year at the NGA awards (National Grocery Awards) his designs brought home 4 awards!!! Just to put that in perspective for you, there are only 20 awards given after receiving hundreds of submissions from all around the country, Nick won 4 of these! One of these designs is also up for the "Best in Show" award. I am so proud of him, we all are so proud of him!!!
I can't begin to tell you how much Nick deserves these awards. He is such a hardworking man, he loves designing and being creative. He NEVER stops being creative, which sometimes annoys me, but he truly loves his work and it shows. He won a few awards last year, but this year was the first time that he was the only one from Associated to win. Hence the awards ceremony just for Nick. It was so nice for him to receive some recognition not only on a national level, but also from little 'ole Associated Food Stores.
Nick, I am so proud of you! You deserve this!!!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Hmmmm...
Last week I was in Vegas for a business conference, during college-time SPRING BREAK.
This week I was teaching the bunny hop to Gabe's kindergarten class.
What a difference a week makes huh?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
An effort to leave things on a good note...
Well, tomorrow I'm off to Vegas for a lot of business and hopefully a bit of pleasure too.
(H&M!Sunshine!Other Fun Stuff!)
Nick and the boys will be at home fridge stocked with Bologna and Miracle Whip. (Seriously, this was all Nick requested when I went to the Grocery Store, don't worry I have other meals planned for them too!)
Anyway, I am going to miss church this Sunday and I'm one of those people who needs their weekly dose of Spirituality or I really loose sight of the important things. And...I'm going to be in Vegas, remember? In an effort to keep my mind focused on the things that matter most I would like to post the Text from a Song Called "Take Time To Be Holy". That way when I look at my blog this weekend I will remember my loving Heavenly Father.
Take Time to be Holy
Text by W.D. Longstaff
arranged by Michael Huff
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His word;
Make friends of God's children, help those who are weak,
forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
Take Time to be Holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone;
By looking to Jesus, Like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy let Him be thy guide,
and run not before Him, whatever betide;
In joy or in sorrow, still follow thy Lord,
and looking to Jesus, still trust in his word.
Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control;
Thus led by His spirit to fountains of love,
thou soon shall be fitted for service above.
Have a great weekend!
(H&M!Sunshine!Other Fun Stuff!)
Nick and the boys will be at home fridge stocked with Bologna and Miracle Whip. (Seriously, this was all Nick requested when I went to the Grocery Store, don't worry I have other meals planned for them too!)
Anyway, I am going to miss church this Sunday and I'm one of those people who needs their weekly dose of Spirituality or I really loose sight of the important things. And...I'm going to be in Vegas, remember? In an effort to keep my mind focused on the things that matter most I would like to post the Text from a Song Called "Take Time To Be Holy". That way when I look at my blog this weekend I will remember my loving Heavenly Father.
Take Time to be Holy
Text by W.D. Longstaff
arranged by Michael Huff
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His word;
Make friends of God's children, help those who are weak,
forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
Take Time to be Holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone;
By looking to Jesus, Like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy let Him be thy guide,
and run not before Him, whatever betide;
In joy or in sorrow, still follow thy Lord,
and looking to Jesus, still trust in his word.
Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control;
Thus led by His spirit to fountains of love,
thou soon shall be fitted for service above.
Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Disclaimer:
I am not glamorous. Most of the time I feel like an awkward tween, with puffy wrinkly eyes.
Nick and I just spent Saturday DEEP CLEANING, otherwise I would have not done this tag.
My green kitchen also makes me happy every day. Everybody should have a room that makes them feel that way.
Everybody thinks that their own house is dirtier than it really is. It's a fact.
Nick has had 4 root canals in the past year and a half. I have had one of my molars pulled because it needed a root canal and I can't open my jaw wide enough or long enough to get it done. I also had an extra molar, so it was kind of a freebie. Thank-you Dr. Pepper!
You know what though? I know who I am and I'm happy about that.
That is all.
Nick and I just spent Saturday DEEP CLEANING, otherwise I would have not done this tag.
My green kitchen also makes me happy every day. Everybody should have a room that makes them feel that way.
Everybody thinks that their own house is dirtier than it really is. It's a fact.
Nick has had 4 root canals in the past year and a half. I have had one of my molars pulled because it needed a root canal and I can't open my jaw wide enough or long enough to get it done. I also had an extra molar, so it was kind of a freebie. Thank-you Dr. Pepper!
You know what though? I know who I am and I'm happy about that.
That is all.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Tag!
Technically Amy didn't tag me, but I want to play anyway!
The rules are that you have to take pictures of the following things as-is- no cleaning up.
I love my kitchen because I love cooking and I love the color Green. It's also the room that my family gathers together most in. Yes, we all enjoy eating.
Your Bathroom:
My bathroom is in need of some creative juices, it's our next project. But it was recently cleaned (by yours truly) so it was OK to post a pic.
Also in need of a little inspiration (on the list) and it's laundry day. I really like laundry and ironing. So, if this room was prettier and bigger it might take the lead as my favorite room. I'm not kidding!
Gold Ballet flats. I love 'em!
I hate taking self-portraits, they always turn out crappy. This one I actually kind of like...
Notice all the kid magnets up high? I got sick of stepping on them because Simon loves to chuck them around the room.
I almost moved the Dr. Pepper out for the picture, but I'm keepin' it real!
I spy with my little eye: one yellow scout shirt and one 25 year old TV (still works, not sure why we still have it though...)
Oops, I forgot to scrub the pan from lunch. My kitchen sink is usually empty, I hate doing old dishes so I just do them all the time pretty much. Also, I just got a new dishwasher and the novelty has not yet worn off. :)
No school today but still wants to work in a workbook. That's my Gabe.
Fell asleep in the exact way I tucked him in. The park took it out of Ian today!
One puppy, one blue blanket, one Elly. These are the things that my sweet Simon loves to cuddle with. He also fell asleep in the same position I laid him down in.
I tag: Bri, Sheila, Rachel, Lindsey, Anyone from my ward or neighborhood who reads this, everyone in the entire world! I want to see the inside of your fridge...
The rules are that you have to take pictures of the following things as-is- no cleaning up.
Your Favorite Room:
I love my kitchen because I love cooking and I love the color Green. It's also the room that my family gathers together most in. Yes, we all enjoy eating.Your Bathroom:
My bathroom is in need of some creative juices, it's our next project. But it was recently cleaned (by yours truly) so it was OK to post a pic.Your Laundry Room:
Also in need of a little inspiration (on the list) and it's laundry day. I really like laundry and ironing. So, if this room was prettier and bigger it might take the lead as my favorite room. I'm not kidding!Your Favorite Shoes:
Gold Ballet flats. I love 'em!Self Portrait:
I hate taking self-portraits, they always turn out crappy. This one I actually kind of like...Refrigerator Outside:
Notice all the kid magnets up high? I got sick of stepping on them because Simon loves to chuck them around the room. Refrigerator Inside:
I almost moved the Dr. Pepper out for the picture, but I'm keepin' it real!Your Closet:
I spy with my little eye: one yellow scout shirt and one 25 year old TV (still works, not sure why we still have it though...)Your Kitchen Sink:
Oops, I forgot to scrub the pan from lunch. My kitchen sink is usually empty, I hate doing old dishes so I just do them all the time pretty much. Also, I just got a new dishwasher and the novelty has not yet worn off. :)What are your children doing?
No school today but still wants to work in a workbook. That's my Gabe.
Fell asleep in the exact way I tucked him in. The park took it out of Ian today!
One puppy, one blue blanket, one Elly. These are the things that my sweet Simon loves to cuddle with. He also fell asleep in the same position I laid him down in. I tag: Bri, Sheila, Rachel, Lindsey, Anyone from my ward or neighborhood who reads this, everyone in the entire world! I want to see the inside of your fridge...
Friday, March 19, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
My favorite blog post in the history of the internet!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Why I love Costco : Reasons #2, 3, and 4 & "Don't stop me now!"
#2 - Samples. If I were listing reasons I love Costco in order of importance, this would definitely be number one. Samples are always out when my kids are asking (okay, whining) for a snack. Perfect!
#3 Friendly cart fetchers. Today as I was hurrying out to my car with my purchases (in a rush to pick-up Ian from preschool) and as I emptied the boys and the food into my van, a very friendly Costco employee said, "I can take your cart Ma'am". I let the "ma'am" part slide because he was just what I needed to get on my way. Thank-you Costco guy.
#4 Flow of traffic. Every Costco I have ever been too has this flow to it. You know what I am talking about right? You get your cart and enter, then you follow the current to your intended and/or frivolous purchases. Don't you hate it at a grocery store when someone is always in your way, and you keep running into them and they are STILL in your way? This never happens to me at Costco. Well done Costco layout planners, well done.
I pretty much LOVE Queen, check out this video here:
Also, I'm curious about the bass players duds about 1 minute and 30 seconds in. What look was he going for?
#3 Friendly cart fetchers. Today as I was hurrying out to my car with my purchases (in a rush to pick-up Ian from preschool) and as I emptied the boys and the food into my van, a very friendly Costco employee said, "I can take your cart Ma'am". I let the "ma'am" part slide because he was just what I needed to get on my way. Thank-you Costco guy.
#4 Flow of traffic. Every Costco I have ever been too has this flow to it. You know what I am talking about right? You get your cart and enter, then you follow the current to your intended and/or frivolous purchases. Don't you hate it at a grocery store when someone is always in your way, and you keep running into them and they are STILL in your way? This never happens to me at Costco. Well done Costco layout planners, well done.
I pretty much LOVE Queen, check out this video here:
Also, I'm curious about the bass players duds about 1 minute and 30 seconds in. What look was he going for?
Only in Utah...
I saw this advertisement today in my local Value Pages and I could not stop laughing!
In my mind I picture some tourist coming to Utah, browsing a local magazine and finding this Ad. Not only would the picture seem a bit weird but paired with the text beside it...I mean come on - trek, parades and SHARING TIME!
The best part is, this ad was right beside one for a plastic surgery center, and there were probably 7 or 8 more ads for plastic surgeons in the magazine. Sheesh, no wonder people think we are weird!
It made me wonder what other states and countries advertise to the locals...
Rach or Bri or anyone who has lived outside the beehive state, do you want to weigh in here?
In my mind I picture some tourist coming to Utah, browsing a local magazine and finding this Ad. Not only would the picture seem a bit weird but paired with the text beside it...I mean come on - trek, parades and SHARING TIME!
The best part is, this ad was right beside one for a plastic surgery center, and there were probably 7 or 8 more ads for plastic surgeons in the magazine. Sheesh, no wonder people think we are weird!
It made me wonder what other states and countries advertise to the locals...
Rach or Bri or anyone who has lived outside the beehive state, do you want to weigh in here?
Sunday, March 7, 2010
My friend, the artist
My friend Dana is a fabulous photographer. Yesterday we had her take some family photos for posterity, you know in case Nick and I die on our upcoming trip to Hawaii. (Sound a little neurotic? Hmmm...maybe)
Anyway, Dana put up with a lot from my boys...and Nick and me too, but used her enormous artistic ability to get some shots that we all LOVE.
Check it out HERE.
Anyway, Dana put up with a lot from my boys...and Nick and me too, but used her enormous artistic ability to get some shots that we all LOVE.
Check it out HERE.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Why I love Costco : Reason #1
Any of you mothers out there know what I'm talking about. Taking three boys to Costco is no easy task! But here is one little thing that delights my boys to no end.
It's enough to make the whole entire car ride home down-right pleasant!
(They usually give us one smile for each boy, Ian was at preschool this morning.)
It's enough to make the whole entire car ride home down-right pleasant!
(They usually give us one smile for each boy, Ian was at preschool this morning.)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The photo shoot
I have lived in my fair city for most of my life and as far back as I can remember the local Kmart had this awesome photo booth. You know the kind, $2 gets you 4 awesome shots of you and whomever else crammed into the little box. Growing up I loved that thing! Whenever my friends and I had an extra couple of dollars we would beg someone to take us to the photo booth. It was well worth the sacrifice of buying a candy bar or a slap bracelet with our hard earned money.
Since moving back to to this area two years ago, I decided that on each of my kids birthdays I would take the birthday boy to the local Kmart and get our pictures taken, just me and my birthday boy. I keep them in my journal and they are truly my finest treasures.
So you can imagine my serious disappointment (holding back tears in Kmart) when Simon and I made a special trip the other day only to find my beloved photo booth GONE! To add salt to the open wound it had been replaced by a shelf containing purified water bottles. Really? I mean our bodies are made up primarily of water, but does that really trump my need for crappy weirdly posed pictures in a crowded booth? C'mon! The lady at the counter said that she didn't know why they took it out, she came to work one day and it was just gone.
I have two theories:
Theory 1 - A wealthy person bought this awesome photo booth for his or her own personal use. If I had the money I would have!
Theory 2 - It died. I mean after 27+ years of not so faithful service (it was frequently "out of order") the photo booth has met it's maker.
Whatever happened, I am depressed about it and in an attempt to cheer myself up here are my attempts at my own "photo booth" style photo shoot with my birthday boy.
Isn't this one cute! I think it's my favorite, but it's cropped.
Here's the full picture, you must enlarge this to fully appreciate the awesomeness.
R.I.P fair photo booth,
you will be missed by this family!
Since moving back to to this area two years ago, I decided that on each of my kids birthdays I would take the birthday boy to the local Kmart and get our pictures taken, just me and my birthday boy. I keep them in my journal and they are truly my finest treasures.
So you can imagine my serious disappointment (holding back tears in Kmart) when Simon and I made a special trip the other day only to find my beloved photo booth GONE! To add salt to the open wound it had been replaced by a shelf containing purified water bottles. Really? I mean our bodies are made up primarily of water, but does that really trump my need for crappy weirdly posed pictures in a crowded booth? C'mon! The lady at the counter said that she didn't know why they took it out, she came to work one day and it was just gone.
I have two theories:
Theory 1 - A wealthy person bought this awesome photo booth for his or her own personal use. If I had the money I would have!
Theory 2 - It died. I mean after 27+ years of not so faithful service (it was frequently "out of order") the photo booth has met it's maker.
Whatever happened, I am depressed about it and in an attempt to cheer myself up here are my attempts at my own "photo booth" style photo shoot with my birthday boy.
Isn't this one cute! I think it's my favorite, but it's cropped. 
Here's the full picture, you must enlarge this to fully appreciate the awesomeness.R.I.P fair photo booth,
you will be missed by this family!
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