After Thanksgiving Dinner yesterday, which was fabulously yummy, my Dad sat everyone down around the table to have everyone share what they are thankful for. It was decided that Zack would start.

Ryan: Zack, you can go first, but you can't say "toilets".

Zack: Oh maaan! (Obviously, he was going to say toilets.) Okay then, toilet paper.

Then we move along to Maycee...

Maycee: Toilets. Hee hee hee. (If Zack is told he can't do something, Maycee is sure as heck going to try)

Avery's turn...

Me: Avery, what are you thankful for?

Avery: Poopie??

Moving right along...

Ry's turn...

Ryan: I'm thankful that the Utes CRUSHED the Cougs last week. (Boo. Rub it in, right?)



What the heck, family? Embarrassing. Everyone else, incuding the kids, said nice, wonderful, non-potty talk things that were definitely worth being thankful for, and were appropriate for Thanksgiving dinner. And, I include all Ute talk in the potty-talk category. By the way, I said I was thankful for the Gospel. After this little incident my family has moved down a few notches on my list. They are after chocolate and Diet Cherry Coke. :)

A Thanksgiving Classic

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

You better believe, in honor of my Maycee girl, the Hannakuh Song is next!

Long awaited Movie Review

Twilight.

Good the first time.


Better the second time.



But, I want to know what you think!

We-re baaa-aack!

Well...we are back from sunny California. It makes it all the worse that it is overcast and cold here today. Oh well.

We had SO much fun!

The kids were great. Disneyland was awesome. The beach was incredible. And, guess what! We could not, for the lives of us, find our camera to take with us. I know! We had it a couple of weeks ago when we went to the Utes game. I remember bringing it back to the car to go home, but haven't seen it since then. So...no pictures. Boo

However, my wonderful photographer of a sister-in-law took lots and lots pics for us. So, I will post them soon. Or you could check out her link (Heather and Ryan) from our friends and family list. She posted on her blog every day we were gone. She's good.

So, although we are sad to leave Disneyland, we are way glad to be back in Utah, in our own house, with our own beds, and no more greasy food.

Celebrating our Jewish heritage...not really

I am still laughing out loud...I went up to tuck in my Maycee girl tonight. The babysitter had put her to bed and I thought she was still asleep, but I wanted to go give her a kiss. So, I walked quietly into her room, trying not to disturb her, and all of sudden she busts out, "Happy Hannakuh!" I burst out laughing. I wasn't really aware that Hannakuh was upon us or that we were Jewish, for that matter. Where does she come up with this stuff? But, that little bit of quirkiness in her made my night! Love you May!

Happy Hannakuh, everyone!

What Life is all About

A young mom in my mom's ward was having a rough day once and told my mom that, "life is just all about poop and pee." And, we have laughed about that ever since. And, if you are a young mom like me, you know exactly what this lady was saying. Every day in our house there seems to be issues with poop and pee (I don't mind if you stop reading now because you are grossed out). I just cleaned up a peepee mess on Avery's carpet. She was trying underpants yet again. She wants to be a big girl, but she likes to choose when and where and how. And, usually it does not include peeing in the toilet. Just a couple of hours before that, I was cleaning up poop from the carpet because she decided to take her poopy diaper off herself. Poop everywhere. Zack pees in the toilet, kind of- does peeing around the toilet, or on the toilet seat count? I'm sick of cleaning that up, too. Maycee, for the life of her, cannot remember to flush the toilet. When will it ever end? I do have to say, though, I don't have to deal with dog poop or pee anymore. Hallelujah! That would put me over the edge. Although I love the stages that my kids are in right now, my stage of life is all about poop and pee.

Oh the passion...

Some of you may have noticed that I have been neglecting my blog as of late. I'm sorry. I have a confession to make. I have a new guilty pleasure. It is taking up all my free time (and much more).

A few weeks ago I went to visit my friend Melissa. We have been friends for about 20 years. Crazy. Anyway, she was showing me around her house, she and her husband have been remodeling. We went room to room, checking it out. The last room we entered had huge book shelves covering a whole wall. She has tons of books. Books, books, books. I'm a little jealous. But, I noticed there were quite a few books by the same author. So, I asked her about those books. She just kind of grinned and giggled a bit. I was more intrigued. So, I asked her if I could borrow a couple to read (it was obvious that she loved them) thinking that because I would have to return them, it would give us a good excuse to get together again soon.

After reading the Twilight books, I found I was hungering for more books that also contained that same romance and suspense. I loved those books. I couldn't put them down. But, since I had read them over and over, I needed something else. I found it.

The author's name is Marcia Lynn McClurre. She writes fictional/historical romance novels. She is an LDS author, so no smut. Sorry. But, they are full of romance and a good storyline, handsome heroes, etc. They are feel-good stories, maybe a tad predictable- the girl and the guy always end up together (but who would want it any other way?), and they make you look over at your husband and think, "Hmmm...he does kind of look like this rugged, handsome rogue of a man. Maybe he needs to taste of my sweet kiss..." Needless to say, Ryan also likes these books in his own little way.

So, if you are a sucker for a good romantic book, you better check these out. If anything, your husband will be glad you did. :)

These are my favorites:
The Highwayman of Tanglewood
The Visions of Ransom Lake
Shackles of Honor
Sudden Storms

Twilight Preview!!!

I can't tell you how excited I am!!!

Skunks and Family Home Evening

We were having family home evening tonight and we were discussing obedience. Somehow the lesson turned to making good choices. Out of nowhere Maycee pipes up and says, "It would NOT be a good choice to put a skunk in someone's hair. It might be funny, but not a good choice." And of course Zack feels the need to add, "It would also not be a good choice to put ants in someone's pants." Thank you kids. Another spiritually enightening family home evening at the Norman home.

Tagged...3 Things. You might be next!

3 names you go by:
Mom, Em, Aunt Em (sometimes by my own children), and when I was little- Emil-I-poopy-I (yes, my fam is weird)

3 things you're wearing right now:
Sweatshirt, workout pants (although the “workout” part hasn’t even crossed my mind), and…what else? OK, sports bra.

3 Restaurants that I love:
Gardunos. Gardunos. Gardunos. I love this restaurant the very most but, alas, it is down in Albuquerque and one in Vegas. So, I don’t get to go very often. But, it is the very best and authentic Mexican food ever! So, if I had to choose my 3 fav restaurants in Utah they would be: Tepanyaki, Café Peirpont, and Café Rio.

3 Favorite things to do:
Go on dates with Ryan, play (mostly card) games with family and friends (Game nights are the BEST), and go on vacation.

3 Trips to plan this year:
This is hard because we’ve already gone on a couple this year. So, I’ll use a couple of those. Ry and I went to Vegas in April. Very fun. For our 10 year Anniversary we went to the ArmstrongMansion in SLC (thanks Stephanie, Shan and Tori!!) And then we are planning a trip to DISNEYLAND in November with Ry’s fam. We are so excited.

3 Things I want badly:
Sorry, but a lot of money. Good, happy kids. A tummy-tuck.

3 Pets I have had/have:
Zimba (cat), Panther Bill (cat), Barkley (dog)

3 Things I did yesterday:
Made B-day cake and cupcakes for Ryan, went to church, and went to the Norman’s for dinner.

3 Things I ate today:
I’ve only had one thing to eat today: corn Chex. Yum!

3 goals:
Get my teaching degree, lose 18 pounds, read my scriptures and write in my journal more.

3 fears:
Dying a painful death, losing any of my kids or husband, heights.

3 Things I plan on doing today:
Have a shower, go to Maycee’s class today because she is the spotlight this week, and maybe do a little shopping with Ryan and his B-day money. :)

3 Things I plan on doing tomorrow:
Amazingly enough, I don’t have anything on the calendar for tomorrow. So, I’ll go with the usuals: workout, get showered and dressed (let’s all admit that doesn’t happen everyday), and pick up the kids from school. Boring. Maybe I’ll start on my new drapes tomorrow…that sounds better.

3 Favorite Holidays:
Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, my B-day. (Yes, I know that’s 4 things. But, they are all my favorites) Can you guess my three favorite months of the year?

3 Favorite Beverages:
Water, Diet Cherry Coke, Virgin Strawberry Daquari ( I have one of these maybe once a year, but I really do love them!)

3 Friends to Tag:
Tyra, Shawna, Edith (old West side Sistas) Peace out.

Sleeping Beauty Wears a Hat

Maycee was lying in bed last night "trying" to go to sleep. But, she called me into her room to tell me that she couldn't fall asleep because her head was too cold. I had to supress a laugh. She'd had a bath not too long before bed and her hair was still wet. I'm sure some of you girls know where she's coming from. So, to make her satisfied, and (selfishly) to keep her from calling me anymore, I went and got her a winter snow cap. After she fell asleep I had to take a pic. It was too cute!

I am so excited for fall! It is my favorite season- the air getting cooler, the leaves changing color, the football, the yummy smells, the Holidays approaching. I just love it. And, to make me even more excited, I went to Tai Pan Trading the other day. The decorations there are too cute. I'm in heaven walking around in there. So, needless to say, I have already decorated my house in all it's fall glory. I haven't broken out the Halloween stuff, yet. I'm not that crazy. Ok, I do have one cute item that I got at Tai Pan that says, "Happy Halloween" displayed on the side table. I think I'm obsessed. Oh, well. Bring on fall!!

Hilarious Take on Palin!

I must preface this by saying that I LOVE Sarah Palin. I think she is fabulous and that she is a great role model, tough on important issues, etc. I wish she were running for President. However, this little snippet is pretty dang funny(although I don't agree with a single thing about it). Tina Fey is so talented. Seriously, the resemblence is amazing!

Addendum to post below

(see below post)
Ok, so now I'm worried that I told everyone to go to this comedy place and then they go and it's horrible and offensive. I really thought our show was great. But, it's like when you tell your parents that a movie was really good and then in your mind you keep thinking, "was it really good? How many swear words were in it? What about the love scene?" etc. Crap. Then they are going to see it and think you are a sinner for recommending that movie. Now I'm rambling. But, do you know what I mean? So, the really funny headliner guy at our show was (something..can't remember the first name) Stubbs. He is from Utah, and I guess he performs on the morning show on 101.5, the Eagle. I don't listen to that station, but I may now just to hear him. So, you may want to look for him if you decide to listen to the likes of me and see a show. I can't make any promises, however, your show may Stink!

My cheeks still hurt...

Last night Ry and I went with some old friends and neighbors, Joe and LeAnn, to Wisegys Comedy Club. We have never been there. I have to admit that before we went I was a little worried that it was going to be pretty colorful with language and that there would be some pretty raunchy jokes. I really didn't want to have to walk out in front of everyone, especially our friends, IF that was the case. However, it was HILARIOUS!!! I have never laughed so hard in all my life. All of their routines were tailored to Utah life. They made fun of Mormons just a little, nothing too offensive- it was actually all pretty true. :) And, we were pretty sure that a couple of the guys were actually LDS. But, seriously, SO FUNNY! If you haven't ever been, it would be a great date night. (We spent less money there than when we go to the movies.) Everyone was laughing so hard- this was the guy behind us- we were in West Valley, you know!

The Best Day of Ryan's Life (almost)

Zack is learning to mow the lawn. Yay for Ryan!!

Mary's Lake: The Saga Begins

We love to go up in the mountains. And, a little while ago, we decided to hike up to Mary's Lake up Big Cottonwood Canyon. It started out a little rocky. And, I don't mean that literally. Things have changed quite a bit since Ryan used to hike up there with his friends in high school. So, we couldn't find the trail head. We looked all over. We were trying to go up by some cabins and some some lady called out to us, "Are you guys trying to go up to Mary's Lake?" And we told her we were. She said that we were in the wrong place and that we needed to just head East a little ways and we would find the trail entrance. So, off we went. Did we find the trail head, you ask? Well, no, of course not. That would not make an interesting story, now would it. Ryan thought that we found the the right spot and we started hiking up. But, this trail was like 6 inches wide. I was pretty sure we weren't where we should be. But, we kept going. The trail got steeper and steeper and and more obscure and foresty. We did see a couple deer, though. That made the kids day. So, after hiking all over, crossing a couple of streams, and a little swearing (not too loudly, for the kid's sake- we're not horrible parents!) we finally found the trail to Mary's Lake!! I would say that it was a relief, but we had already been hiking for a couple of miles. But, I was very glad. We followed the trail and finally reached the top. It was so beautiful up there. The kids loved it. We would have stayed longer but we took so long already and we had to get back home. We'll definitely do it again, though!



Avery was such a trooper. She wanted to hike with everyone else. She Would Not let us hold her.


Maycee put us all to shame. This girl is amazing. She really never got tired.









So pretty, huh?



This is the "Yay, we finally made it up here" picture.


Maycee's Queen of the World!



The whole fam. Should this be our Christmas card picture? No, maybe not.



The whole fam again, but with out sunglasses (and makeup I might add. Although, I got a wonderful facial that day so I have an excuse!)


When we finally reached the bottom, we came out at the right spot, which happens to be right at the ski area. The kids had to hop on the ski lift for a rest. Kick back a little, Maycee!

Sorry no post for a while...

I've been reading Breaking Dawn. 'Nuff said.

Another reason it's good to be a mom...

Around noon today I walked Maycee to the corner by our house to meet her ride to kindergarten. Avery, my two year old, was watching a movie downstairs, so instead of interrupting that, I decided to just go and leave the front door open a crack if Avery needed me. So, Maycee and I were standing at the corner when I hear, "Mom? Mom?" Avery was calling to me from the house. I waived to her and said, "Come over here with us!" She ran over and says to me in the cutest little voice, "Mom, I's worried 'bout shou. Shou not in my house." (I'm not sure why "you" is pronounced with a "sh", but that's Avers!) Isn't that so cute? She told me she was worried about me. That's a good Mom moment. I know now that she does listen to me occasionally (at least some one does!). Ahhh! I love this girl!

Surprise!- You're and idiot!

Not you! This is my mind talking to me. Yesterday was a day full of surprises. Not all good, mind you. It was Sunday and our church starts at 1:00. At about 11:45 I was in the shower, getting ready when all of a sudden, like a bolt of lightening hit me, I realize that I AM SUPPOSED TO TEACH THE YOUNG WOMEN COMBINED today. Not just the Beehives, but everyone, and all the leaders will be in there, too. CRAP. So, needless to say, I got ready pretty fast, so that I could get preparing. Ryan was working, so the kids and missed sacrament meeting. Oh well. However, (surprise #2) while I was getting ready, I was trying to find a certain necklace to wear with my outfit. I couldn't find it in the normal place, so I had to look around a bit. So, I opened the top of my jewelry box, the ring section, and looked in there. Well, it was there! And, so was MY WEDDING RING that has been missing for about 3 weeks!!! I had looked everwhere for that ring, searched the whole house. Everywhere but my jewelry box, in the RING SECTION. I'm such an idiot! But, regardless of the idiotness, I am so glad to have found my ring. I would get so depressed just thinking about it being gone. So, Hallelujah! However, this brings me to surprise #3, which is not so happy. When I got home from my parents for dinner, there was a message on our machine from Stake Pres. Linnell asking me to call him back. Seriously? I'm supposed to call the Stake Pres? I could not think what on earth this could be about, but I had to call him back. So, I did. He was very nice and friendly. And, he very nicely and friendly asked me to speak in Stake Conference on Sunday. Boo. And, to top it all off, Elder Nueswander (I know that isn't spelled correctly) will be here, AND I do not have an assigned topic. What is up with that? So, there you go. Day full of surprises. But, the good one: I found my ring!!!!

Memories....

I've seen this on a few blogs and I really like the idea. It goes like this...

1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, repost these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Happy Memories!! (I hope your memories of me are happy!)

The Fourth of July: We had a great holiday! We went to another family reunion in Springville in the afternoon and then came back home for the "Culdesac of Fire". It was really fun. We played kickball with all the neighbors before, had tons of snacks and then, of course, did fireworks. It was a ton of fun. I think we're doing a repeat for the 24th of July.

The Canyon: We also went up the canyon a few times. Usually we go up Big Cottonwood- it's probably the most convenient, and the kids love it. This time Payton, Isaac, and Heather came up with us.



They climbed on all the rocks. No casualties, even!







And then...they started to find bugs. But, it kept them busy for a long time. Cool caterpillar huh!




The best part, though, was the cave. We were prepared and brought a flashlight, and surprisingly, everyone went in. It doesn't go back very far, but it's still kinda spooky.












Memorial Day:

On Memorial Day we traveled down to Mapleton for my family's annual Family Reunion. Fun. But, actually the kids loved it. This year they got to get their faces painted. They looked so cute. These pics don't do them justice- I think by this time, most of the paint had been rubbed off.


What a cute little Meoweee (that's Avery talk for cat)!

A pretty pink butterfly!



















And, the camo army guy. What a tough guy!

Something New

I just went rollerblading with Heather this morning. She talked me into it. I was just going to walk with her, but decided not to be a Nancy. And, although I mentioned it was morning, it was so blazing hot already. But, I have to say that the rollerblading was awesome. I haven't been since my senior year of high school. I went with some friends down at the Rio Rancho park and I remember it pretty vividly. It was a sight to behold. This time, however, I didn't fall at all. Pretty sure it was the double stroller holding me up. But, although it was a little tough, especially the uphill parts, it felt great. Props to John for giving me his old rollerblades! So, yahoo- I've found another way to work out and bring me closer to my goal. Thanks Heather!!

Father's Day

Ah-ha! I'm back. I'm looking out my window right now at solicitors walking up to my door. Boo. I hate those guys so much!! Sorry-harsh. But, seriously, why? Do companies really make that much on door-to-door sales? So, I'm just not answering the door, but I just realized that one of my kids left the front door cracked open a little bit. Crap. They have to know I'm home. Oh, well. I'm still now getting that door. OK, they're gone. So anyway, Father's Day. We had a pretty good one. We started out by making Ryan breakfast in bed. But, if any of you have any better ideas let me know, because I feel like the breakfast in bed thing is kinda dumb. We woke his trash up a little past nine with warm waffles, syrup, sausages, and juice. He was way excited. Then, we all gave him hugs, wished him Happy Father's Day, turned on Sports Center and then we all went downstairs and ate our breakfast. It was actually kinda funny. But, what else are you supposed to do? Within about 5 minutes Ry came down to join us. He kinda got lonely up there all by himself. Funny. And, darn it, we didn't surprise Ry with anything this year. I knew what he wanted, but I wanted him to pick it out. So, on Saturday we went to Lowe's and picked out a new BBQ. It's really nice. I'm excited to have some fun backyard BBQs. Do any of you have some really good BBQ recipes? I'd be very interested in those!! So, you saw the picture of at the top. Why am I having a hard time putting the picture down here? Why am I a blog idiot? But, the important thing is that I'm back. Yahoo!

There is a light at the end of the tunnel...

I know it's been forever since I posted anything. I'm sorry!! I feel like I've been so busy. We've had dance recitals, soccer games, practice, swimming lessons, preschool programs, Young Womens, etc. We've just been going, going, going. But, it is starting to calm down now. Dance is done for the summer, along with preschool, soccer (only one game left) and maybe swimming lessons. YW will always be there, but it's OK, I really do love it. And, Zack only has about 2 weeks left of school. Yahoo! We can start sleeping in again!!! Anyway, when I figure out where all of our pictures are stored on our new computer, I will show all of you Maycee's cute preschool program, swimming pictures and stuff like that. But, tonight I'm going to bed. It's 10:40 and it'll be the earliest I've gone to bed in a while. Talk soon!

The Dreaded Weight-Loss Update

So for those of you who care...since my great burst of motivation a week or so ago, I am proud to let you know that I have lost 4 pounds. I'm only pretty sure on that, though. I am basing this information on the weight that I was weighed at the Doctor's office about a month ago and my new scale that I bought this week. So, I guess it's "give or take a little". But, I'm pretty happy with these results so far. That means only 6 more pounds to go until the end of July. That is So doable. My only problem...what do you do when you are so hungry (or just craving something) in the afternoon? Let me know if any of you have any good ideas. Three o'clock is about the precise moment that I start thinking about chocolate chips...

My baby's 2nd Birthday

Today Avery turns two. I can hardly believe it even though I have been with her almost everyday for her whole life. But, she has honestly been so good and so sweet that is has gone by so fast. She makes me laugh every day! (usually many times a day!) And, she is so dang beautiful! What are we going to do when Maycee and Avery are teenagers? That is a scary thought. I just love Avery to death and am so glad she is part of our family. I wonder how we ever got along without her.

Speed Type Test

Click on the link and take the test, then add your results through the comments page.
It's fun, give it a try! http://speedtest.10-fast-fingers.com/

Twilight is my favorite...why am I so addicted?

If you loved the books in the Twilight Series and you are So Excited for the movie to come out...then you have to see these clips from the movie. I will warn you though, watching these will just tease you almost unbearably. I can't wait for September!!
Thanks to Melinda for showing me...

http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1585900&vid=226476

Grab some popcorn and a drink!!

Except for you Christa...I am sending you the book- you have to read it first!!!

Biggest Loser Fan

So, I've decided that I don't want to be this size anymore. I'm not real fat, but I want to be thinner. You know what I mean? Our family is traveling with Ry's whole fam to Disneyworld or Disneyland this coming November and I have decided that I want to lose around 20 pounds by then. Think I can do it? I might be asking for a lot seeing that that will be about what I weighed in college. But, seriously, how fabulous would that feel? I'm going for 10 pounds by the end of July, then 10 more by November. So, I'm sorry in advance, but I'm going to use this blog as my kind of journal to track my weight loss woes and triumphs. I think it will also give me something to be accountable to. You will have to keep me on track. I'm nervous because I haven't lost anything since I had Avery 2 years ago. In fact, I think I might have gained a pound or two. So, any advice, tricks, anything to make this easier, let my know...recipes, workout tips, I want to know about anything that has worked for you. Because, truthfully, I have been trying to lose weight since I had Avery. I just think I'm not working hard enough, eating too much, I don't know. That's the thing right there- I don't really know how to lose weight. I wish I had a personal trainer and a personal chef. Wouldn't that make life easier!! But, the plan for now is to work out every morning during the week- either running a couple of miles on the treadmill, doing a strengthening video I have called the Firm, jump roping, or going walking outside. The eating part is the hardest for me. So, my goal is to eat less, eat from every food group for everymeal (which means I will have to eat my fruits and veggies- which I usually do only for dinner), not eat a sweet after every meal (I seriously crave something sweet everytime I eat. I usually grab a few chocolate chips or something), and not eat anything after dinner. For all you gurus out there- how does that sound? Am I on the right track? Wish me luck! Anyone want to join me in the great adventure? I would love to have a partner or two!!

We're baaack...

Da da da dah...here we are again! It has been a while!! We've got a new and improved computer and I am ready to blog it up! So, I'll take care of some business first. I have been tagged by my sister-in-law up in Montana, so here goes. I hope you learn something interesting and/or that you didn't know about me.

What was I doing 10 years ago?

I was going to school at UVSC, living at home, working at the McKay Events Center and a little store, and planning a wedding. Aaugh! I can't believe that. Ryan and I had been dating for about 4 months, and I think he proposed to me on April 11th. So, yeah, that's what I was up to 10 years ago.


What are 5 Things on my To Do List?

1. Put away the clean clothes
2. Clean up the family room
3. Make two quilt holders out of wood. I might need some husband help on this one.
4. Make sure all is prepared for YW tomorrow night.
5. Make dinner


What are 5 Snacks I Enjoy?

1. Trail mix (the kind from Sam's Club with peanuts, almonds, raisins, and M&Ms)
2. Cookie Dough and cookies
3. Chips- it's a weakness...Cheetos, Doritos, chips and salsa, chips and guacamole- my Most favorite- whatever's around.
4. Brownies
5. Twix (I rarely eat these, but they are my favorite.)


What Would I Do if I Suddenly Had a Billion Dollars?

Let the dreaming begin. I would build a new house with all the upgrades, bells and whistles, etc. The kids rooms would be decorated all with Pottery Barn furniture and decor. We would have the yard professionally landscaped (no putting in sprinklers for us!). The back yard would have the trampoline set in the ground, a fire pit, nice loungy outdoor furniture and a great outdoor cooking area. We would plan lots of fun vacations for all over the world. What else? Ok I would probably donate some money to charities or to the Church missionary fund or education fund. I'm sure we'd invest lots of money. And, lastly, I would by a Gardunos Restaraunt franchise and put one up here in Utah.


5 Places I've Lived...

1. West Jordan, UT
2. Rio Rancho, NM
3. Highland, UT
4. Midvale, UT
5. West Jordan, UT


5 Jobs I've had...

1. I worked in this little dinky dollar store in American Fork. But, it was a good job while I was going to school.
2. The McKay Events Center. I worked in the ticket office and occasionally sold T-shirts at concerts.
3. Nextlink- a telecommunications company
4. CR England. I handled all the pallet acounts.
5. Mom


3 Things You Don't Know About Me...

1. I have a hard time sharing with people. I know this is kind of weird, but I have always been a little selfish with my stuff. Like, you know the kind of people that break out a pack of gum, grab a piece and then offer anyone in the vacinity a piece? I'm totally opposite. If I want some gum, I get it in private, so that I don't have to give anyone any. I know, it's a terrible trait. Even when some of my kid's friends are over and they ask for a snack I kind of cringe inside because I really don't want to share my snacks with all the neighbors. Now that I've typed this all out, I realize how crazy I am. Oh well...
2. I can throw things like popcorn and Goldfish crackers high up in the air and catch them in my mouth.
3. I am pretty afraid of water. I hate being in the ocean and lakes. I can barely even swim. It's too bad that my kids are little fishies.

There you go!! Okay, now I tag Melissa Clark!

Update

Okay, so I know it seems that we have fallen off the face of the earth. But, we haven't. Close, though...our computer has officially died. How did we ever survive without computers back in the old days? Anyway, we will be back soon. Hope all of you are doing well!

Just for Now

I LOVE this video and song by Imogen Heap, thanks Martha for showing me! She is the lead singer of Frou Frou, who if you look above you'll see that took a quote from her song on our blog header. Love how talented she is! Hope you like it, too. It may seem a little strange at first, but keep it going. You might also want to pause my music player below before you play this.

Self-proclaimed Titles

Just in the last few days I have overheard our kids playing with eachother and/or with friends and I've noticed that they like to give themselves new names. Well, these are the funniest ones that I've heard this week:

Zack: "They call me Mr. January!" (Where did he get that? It makes me think of some calendar with scantily clothed firefighters. I hope that is not where Zack was going with this.)

Maycee: "I am the Princess of All that is Pink!" (This one happens to be true. That is her color of choice for just about everything. Just the other day she was telling me how mad she was that her room was green, not pink.)

Avery: I told Avery to tell her Dad that she was a "big girl". She says instead, "NO, Baby!" (This also is true, kind of. She is getting to be a big girl- 21 months- but, she has us wrapped around her little finger!)

How Much is that Doggy in the Window...

I have a moral dilema. Our 6 month old dog, Barkley, is driving us crazy. He is very cute, but I think that may be his only redeeming quality. Yesterday, he peed in the house 4 times- once on Zack's blanket, once on Maycee's newly washed comforter (newly washed because he had lifted his leg on it the day before), and twice on my bed (on our nice comforter and sham, and on the pile of newly washed sweaters I had just folded and set on my bed). Every time I let that dog in the house he would go and pee on something. And, every time he did this, I would make him smell it, in my angriest voice tell him that was naughty, and then put him outside in the freezing cold. I just don't get why he would still do it over and over. He has never mastered the outside potty task. It seems like at least once a day, I'm cleaning up some kind of doggy accident. Today he pooped in Zack's room. Aaugh! I am so tired of cleaning carpet and washing everything! This is not his only problem, however. He gets really riled up and kind of nips and scratches at the kids. I must say, the kids usually start this, but not every time. And then, there are tears shed and band-aids given. But, this is several times a day. I can't stand it anymore. And, I can't just leave him outside, it's too dang cold. So, this brings me back to my moral dilema. I feel terrible about this but, I think we are going to take him to the Humane Society or the Animal Shelter. I feel bad because I have had a dog in my house all my life and have never had problems like this before. I guess I just don't know how or have the patience to train dogs. I also feel bad because Ryan's brother and his wife gave us this dog and I don't want to hurt their feelings. More guilty feelings- I don't want Barkley to go anwhere but a happy, nice family that will love him and take care of him. And, I can't totally gaurantee that. But, even with all these reasons, I think he still really needs to go. I already have enough around here to take care of! He is adding stress to my life. So, am I just giving up, or what? Am I a loser because I can't handle it anymore? Or, is it OK to admit when you are defeated and you try to fix things the best that you know how? Any thoughts? Council me please!! Brett and Steph- don't hate us!! Animal lovers everywhere- I'm sorry! Do YOU want a new dog?

Well, I got a new church calling last Sunday...Boy Scouts Den Leader. I know, I know, you can stop laughing now. It is a little funny, I realize, but the member of the Bishopric was "inspired" to call me to this. Which I really do believe, but I'm sure that the reason for this is surely for ME to learn some lesson to better my life. I'm truly not sure what I'll be able to teach these 8 year old boys. I am not very handy dandy with tools, pinecones, or popscicle sticks. And, as I am going through the several different manuals and books given to me to help guide me through this wonderful challenge, I see ahead many crafty crafts in my future, but none involve ribbons, scrapbook paper, craft paint, or fingernail polish. Boo. I did actually attend my first Den meeting on Wednesday afternoon. There were only 5 boys present, but it was like 5 ADHD boys who just drank a whole can of grape soda jumping around a McDonald's Playland, which actually was my neighbor's living room. It was a little insane, needless to say. One boy constantly was poking another person and then would whine, "He hit me, he hit me," just to be annoying. Another boy would answer every question with, "To hurt someone?" Doesn't matter what the question was, that was the typical answer. One boy refused to say the prayer or play any of the games, even the fun one, not sure why. And, to my chagrin, my partner informed me that it was like this most of the time. Although, in the summer, it was a little better because they could go outside. Yahoo! And then, on Friday my partner came over to bring me manual, a Scout Magazine, a game book, a list of the clothing I need to buy, the list of meetings I need to attend, etc, etc. Aaugh! Overload. Overload. I am a little nervous about this. I don't want to not like any calling. I really don't. So, I'm begging any of you out there that have served in Scouts to assure me that it's not so bad. I know this deep in my heart, but like I said, overload. I know most of the boys and their parents pretty well, and they really are good kids. I was just a little shocked at their combined energy. Anyway, I will keep you updated on this wonderful challenge!

Aahhhh....Maycee

I was checking some of my favorite blogs when I overheard Maycee talking to Avery just now. I said "What are you doing?" because I can hear a little of what she is saying and it is not good. I'm hearing "Say pooh. Say bum." She says, "I'm teaching her naughty words so that she can use them when she's older." Words like stupid, pooh-pooh, etc...I think that's when I caught her. Thanks, Mayce. That's what a big sister is for, right? However, this is the same girl that hopped into bed with me this morning and noticed that Barkley (the dog) was snuggled up to me. She says, "Barkley loves you, huh?" I say, "Yeah, but I don't know why." She says, "Because, mommy, you are very nice and kind." Oohhh! You take the good with the bad, I guess. Actually, she is a lot like me. crap. I'm in for it.

The Forgotten Ones...

You know how you take a hundred pictures of your kids because they are so cute and they are doing something adorable, you download the pics on your computer and then you forget about them? Some of you probably don't- you are the type that scrapbooks (or something equally as crazy). I am a terrible scrapbooker. I don't know why. I have all the stuff. Bins of stuff- paper, stamps, templates, embellishments (what are those really?). But, I never sit down and scrapbook. I have one and only one place to do it- the kitchen table. Maybe that's why I don't actually do it. I'll get it out, have 3 kids who would normally ignore me suddenly be very interested in what I am doing, and then have to put it away again very soon because we'd have to eat or something. It's a terrible thing. I want to be a spectacular scrapbooker, but, alas, I think it will have to wait until my children are older, ooh or maybe even out of the house! :) Anyway, I thought that since that time is oh so far away and it is the end of 2007, I would show some of the cuter pics of our family from this year...