The NORM

Favorite Quote of the week and a Tribute to the Grandpas

2009-06-29T08:12:00.003-06:00

On Father's Day this year we happened to be down in Albuquerque. My friend Alyssa's parents were gracious enough to let us come to their Father's Day celebration. All her brothers and sister were there, even her Grandma and uncle. Alyssa's grandma made her famous Pecan Sandies cookies for all the fathers and passed them out in cute little cellofane bags tied with a nice blue ribbon. So thoughtful! Avery was sitting on Ryan's lap when she passed them out and wanted a cookie right away. We told her she'd have to wait a while. We weren't going to open them just yet. Alyssa's cute Grandma says to Avery, "When you get to be a dad, I'll make you some, too." I laughed and asked Avery, "Are you going to be a dad when you grow up?" She looks up at me and says, "No. I'm going to be a Grandpa."

Thanks dad and Gary for being such great Grandpas that my little girly-girl wants to be one when she grows up!

The long awaited post

2009-06-04T11:32:00.002-06:00

Hello all my long lost friends!!! Yesterday, my friend asked me to help her set up a blog. I laughed. How long has it been since I posted anything?? So, I decided it was time to get back into the blog world. (I loved your comment, Kelly!) I am still camera-less so, for now, you will just have to picture all this in your minds...

Zack (AKA: "Z", Zackarina-he hates that one, Zacky-boy): just finished another awesome year of soccer. He is really a good little soccer player. He probably averages at least two goals per game. One game, he was throwing the ball in to begin play, and threw it right in the goal. Awesome. He does really well in school and loves his friends. Friends are pretty much what life is all about for him right now. He is SO dang funny. He gets funnier all the time.

Maycee (AKA: Maycee-Lou, May-May, Mayce, Maycee-girl): plays with friends, plays with friends, plays with friends. We like to call her "Cruise Director Barbie", or "Tour Guide Barbie" because she is always, well I'll just say it, bossing everyone around. Sometimes it's nicely, and sometimes it's really not. But, I definitely think she'll be a GREAT babysitter in about 6 years. She's also pretty dang gorgeous, too. I think in about the same amount of time, we'll be fending off the boys! Maycee also played soccer this year. She didn't love it as much as I hoped she would. Oh well. She DEFINITELY didn't want to play again next year. She just asked me yesterday if I would sign her up again. (sigh) She loves dance, though. I think it's mostly because her best buddies Amber, Emma and Sophia are in her class. We'll let you know how the recital goes next week.

Avery (AKA: Avers, Avy, Avery Grace- when she's in trouble): started dance this January. She loves it. She is very coordinated for her age. She is already skipping and galloping and has a great "name shape". Her name shape is so good that they have her going last in her song at the recital. She also loves to play with friends...Maycee's friends, much to Maycee's dismay. Well, actually Maycee is pretty good to let her tag along. Avery is my little buddy while the kids are at school. I love to take her to run errands and such. She keeps me laughing, as she keeps talking, talking and talking. This girl could give morning DJs a run for their money. She is also obsessed with getting married. She has finally come to terms with the fact that she can't marry Zack or dad so she is waiting for her "boyfriend" to come. She really talks about very often. Is this normal? I'm a little worried...

Ryan and I (I won't put our nicknames ;) : we are just busy with work, keeping up with busy kids and taking care of a house. Life is good. We are excited for a little trip down to Albuquerque in a couple of weeks. Then, Lagoon a two days later. That's probably it for vacations. Although, I'd like to go somewhere overnight for our Anniversary. 11 years!!! Ryan has been working hard in the yard. It looks great. The garden is going to be so good this year. Lot's of salsa!

Okay, that's it for now. I will be back soon. For, now, got to take a Maycee-girl to school.

Don't worry- we're still kicking...

2009-01-10T21:42:00.003-07:00

Yes, we are all still alive. Sorry no post for so long. We have been SO busy. Christmas, school, I decided to get a new little at-home job, training for that job, and we have no camera so I can't post any pics, etc. So, sorry. Will post soon. Love you all. Love reading all of your blogs.

2008-11-28T08:16:00.004-07:00

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

2008-11-27T09:03:00.003-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

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

Long awaited Movie Review

2008-11-26T20:18:00.003-07:00

Twilight.

Good the first time.

Better the second time.

But, I want to know what you think!

We-re baaa-aack!

2008-11-20T09:39:00.003-07:00

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

2008-11-11T22:02:00.004-07:00

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

2008-11-04T16:26:00.004-07:00

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...

2008-10-30T22:07:00.003-06:00

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!!!

2008-10-14T10:26:00.003-06:00

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

Skunks and Family Home Evening

2008-10-06T20:13:00.003-06:00

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!

2008-09-22T09:21:00.002-06:00

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

2008-09-18T14:25:00.008-06:00

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!

2008-09-18T14:25:00.005-06:00

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!

2008-09-15T19:14:00.005-06:00

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

2008-08-25T09:03:00.002-06:00

(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...

2008-08-24T17:16:00.002-06:00

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)

2008-08-22T14:29:00.003-06:00

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

Mary's Lake: The Saga Begins

2008-08-21T16:57:00.004-06:00

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...

2008-08-20T12:47:00.000-06:00

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

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

2008-08-07T12:48:00.003-06:00

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!

2008-08-04T09:33:00.004-06:00

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....

2008-07-29T14:20:00.002-06:00

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!)

2008-07-21T16:24:00.007-06:00

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

2008-06-18T10:28:00.002-06:00

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

2008-06-17T15:37:00.003-06:00

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...

2008-05-23T22:36:00.003-06:00

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

2008-05-05T15:47:00.002-06:00

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

2008-05-01T16:22:00.006-06:00

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

2008-04-24T11:49:00.002-06:00

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?

2008-04-23T11:37:00.005-06:00

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

2008-04-22T16:48:00.003-06:00

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...

2008-04-15T17:08:00.002-06:00

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

2008-03-06T14:21:00.003-07:00

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

2008-01-31T12:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-01-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-01-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-01-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-01-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-01-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

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...

Ryan has Dinner Making Skills!

2007-12-31T14:43:00.000-07:00

So, Christmas is over. I can't believe it has come and gone already. We put the Christmas, well let me rephrase that, WE started putting all the Christmas stuff away and I finished putting all the Christmas stuff away. I'm not sure how I get stuck with this daunting task every year, but somehow midstream everyone seems to magically disapear. However, while I was putting everything away in boxes and bags, Ryan did make dinner. He made a really good dinner- breakfast burritos with sausage, eggs and cheese and warmed up pancakes from the day before. So, I have to tell you what the kids said about Ryan's dinner making abilities. Zack says, "Dad this is actually really good food." I giggle a little bit. Maycee says, "Dad, I think I'm falling in love with your food." I giggle a lot. Maycee seems to be falling in love with a lot of things lately- Zack's friends, the cute little Carston at preschool, but this was by far the funniest. Don't you think Ryan should cook more?
We hope you have a wonderful New Year with lots of laughs!!

A Not So Silent Night

2007-12-18T15:05:00.001-07:00

So I decided yesterday at the Grocery Store, probably because I was a slacker and hadn't planned anything else, that the kids and I would put together a Gingerbread House for Family Home Evening. Ryan had to work and I thought that it would be fun, easy, and a creative project for the kids. Well, it was creative! Ok, it was pretty fun, too. And, it wasn't too hard. It was a good thing that I have a little cake decorating kit with different little tips to do some fun stuff with the icing. The kit only came with the Gingerbread, the icing and a little piping bag that I guess you'd cut the tip off of and try to decorate with that. So, anyway, I did all the icing. It just seemed easier (and a lot cleaner)that way.

Zack and Maycee did all of the candy decorating. They put gumdrops on the roof and by the front door, and these little tiny colorful candies around the edges like Christmas lights. I was pretty impressed with them at this point. I guess they have grown out of the "throw everything on anywhere" kind of stage.
Which, I will admit, I'm kind of glad about because I tend to be a little obsessive/compulsive about stuff like this.

Now, remember how I said that Zack and Maycee did the candy decorating?Well, Avery was there, but all she did was sit and lick the frosting off of everything; out of the bowl, off of the beaters, taking little swipes with little fingers at the Gingerbread House. You can't tell very well from this picture, but Avery's face is covered with white icing and a little chocolate from the peanut M&Ms the neighbors brought over.

Aahhh! The finished masterpiece. We did pretty good, right? There was only minimal yelling, "Don't move it, I'm trying to do the windows." "Quit eating the candy!" "Keep your hands to yourself!" But, it was worth it. It really was a fun project. I think we'll do it again next year. Hey, did you notice the cool icicles? Yeah, I did those! :)

2007-12-13T14:28:00.001-07:00

I'm sorry that I haven't written for so long. It seems that we have been so busy, but I couldn't tell you with what. Tis the season, I guess. I can tell you that I am pretty much done shopping. Christmas cards have been sent. Neighbor gifts have all been made and delivered. So, I think I can kind of relax now. Yeah, right! Anyway...

I was reading a friend's blog and she had this cute questionaire on there. I learned a lot about her and I thought I would share some of our likes/dislikes, traditions, etc. Merry Christmas!!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Mostly wrapping paper and, this sounds a little odd, but between my family members we wrap and exchange gifts in fabric gift bags that my aunt made. They are neat because we give them back and forth to each other and we don't have to throw anything away or take the time (and paper and tape) to wrap anything.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Fake. Last year we finally broke down and bought a beautiful 9 ft. pre-lit tree. Love it. I especially love the pre-lit part. It seems in years past that I Always had to do the lights on the tree. Granted, I am kind of a Nazi about how the lights should go, but I still got sick of doing it alone. I also like that we don't have to water it, which could have been kind of interesting with our dog this year. I will admit that I miss the smell of a real tree, though. I guess that's what candles are for.

3. When do you put up the tree? We don't really have a set time. Somewhere between Thanksgiving and, um, Christmas?

4. When do you take the tree down? Again, no set time. I love to put up the Christmas decorations. But, around the first part of January I start to feel a little clostr0phobic (I'm sure I didn't spell that right) and I have to put everything away. Our house seems to gain square footage when all the Christmas stuff is down.

5. Do you like egg nog? Yes!! Which is probably not a good thing. I try not drink too much of it. I do, though, thanks to my parents, dilute it with a little milk. My kids love it too. All of them when they were young, and Avery now, call it Neg Nog Juice.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I really don't know. That's a tough question. I had a great Christmas every year. I loved the Barbie furniture and clothes my sister and I got one year. I got a cool new bike another year. And, I'll never forget the year my family got it's first computer.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, I have lots. I kind of collect them. I have some from different countries like the Czech Republic and Mexico. I have some that are antique and some that are handmade. I take out all the glass in my China Hutch and put all my nativities in there.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Um, probably Ryan's parents. Although, I think we did pretty good this year...

9. Easiest person to buy for? Definitely Zack and Maycee. Every commercial they see, they yell, "I want that, I want that!" I have so many choices!! Maycee is escpecially obsessed with "Qick Gems, by Conair". Her dad is a sucker and called and ordered them. Don't tell!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Definitely mail. I hate to admit that my technological skills seem to be dwindling each year I stay home with our kids.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I think I am not going to answer this question. :)

12. Favorite Christmas movie? Definitely, Christmas Vacation, hands down.
"Eddie, I wouldn't be more surprised if I woke tomorrow morning with my head sewn to the carpet."
"Aunt Bethany, would you say grace?" "Grace...she died 30 years ago!"

Love it!

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually around October.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Again, I am not going to answer this question. No, just kidding. I never have, unless it was a white elephant gift.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Oh my goodness. "It's the most wonderful time of the year..." I love when the doorbell rings at night and it's a neighbor delivering some kind of goody. But, my all-time favorite treats at Christmas is the candy my Grandma used to make: peanut brittle, pecan logs, fudge, chocolate covered cherries. Oh my goodness.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Probably Silent Night. Sinead O'Conner sings a great version of this.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Both, kind of. I don't know if driving to either my parents or Ryan's parents is considered "traveling", but we split the time between them.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph. I think that's all of them, right?

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A Star.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning. Although, when we were younger we woke up so early we could almost consider it Christmas eve.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Lines. Lines. Lines. At the post office, at the store, everywhere.

23. Um, somehow I lost #23 question in translation.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Christmas eve dinner: clam chowder and rolls. Christmas morning: yummy breakfast at the Normans, and before I got married, my mom's Breakfast casserole. Christmas dinner: Turkey or ham and mashed potatoes and all the trimmings. It's like Thanksgiving all over again!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I don't know. I really was spoiled for my birthday. But, I'll tell you what I really want even though I know it's never going to happen. I want a dog that doesn't pee or poop on the carpet. I want new carpet. I'd like a finished, organized basement with a CLEAN toy room in it. (that's more unlikely than the dog that doesn't pee on the carpet) But, I got my new car, so really, I'm good.

My Movie Review

2007-12-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

Last night Ryan and I, because it was my choice, went and saw August Rush. It's a movie about an orphan boy trying to find his parents, who actually don't know he exists. The mother, Keri Russell (thought the baby died at birth) and the father, Jonathon Rhys Meyers, HELLO!, both are musicians, aren't together anymore and live on either sides of the country. The boy is a music prodigy and tries to find his parents through music. I loved this movie. It was romantic and a little suspenseful. It was kind of a chick flick, but Ryan liked it. I cried, and I don't usually cry in movies. I think I liked it even more because of the music and the message it sends that music is truly Felt and can touch a person in a way that nothing else can. I think I've felt the Spirit more through music than anything else. Anyway, it was a good show. No more cheesiness. So, girls, I've found the guy to play Edward in the movie. Jonathon Rhys Meyers, sorry Ryan, is one Hot boy. He would be perfect for the part. Seriously. Check him out. www.jrmfansite.org

The Rest of the Story...

2007-11-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

Finally, after four weeks and a really dirty, smelly little cast, Maycee got to go to the Doctor and get her cast off. She was a little nervous when I told earlier that they were going to cut it off with a little saw. Her eyes got really wide and she said, "They are going to cut my arm off with a saw?" After I quickly explained that they were only going to cut the cast off, she seemed a bit better. But, I was nervous that she would not let the nurse near her when we finally got to the office. However, I underestimated one of my children again. She was a perfect Angel. They zipped that cast off real fast and now Maycee is back to normal once again. P.S. The paint on Maycee's face is from Indian Day at preschool. Cute, huh!

Emily is 30! Happy Birthday

2007-11-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Em. I can't believe that you are 30. She was lucky enough to get a new Pilot (earlier post), ugly BYU parafenellia and Tommy Girl. Just so everyone knows, Emily is a great Mother, wife and most important Best Friend. It doesn't take anyone long to see all the wonderful attributes and traits that she exibits. I feel so lucky to have such a Hot Momma to call my wife. She is the best most caring mother out there. Good luck to all those women-folk who want this same title.
I love you Emily.

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

2007-11-09T15:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we bought ourselves a new SUV. We were done cramming our poor kids into the back seat of our car. They looked like sardines packed in the back seat, although Avery was not complaining with her big car seat-it is nice and roomy.
I finally convinced Ryan that it was time to get a new car and boy am I happy!! It is a 2005 Honda Pilot. It seats 8 people but you can fold down the seats if you want to. It is a cool blue color with a hint of green/gray.
It will be great for road trips and carpools. Yahhooo!

7 Random things about me...(Heather did this and told me I had to also, but it was fun!)

2007-11-07T14:53:00.000-07:00

1. I hate candy corns. Not sure why, but yuck! Ryan always tries to get me to eat a couple, but I can't do it.

2. The other day on Oprah, it was a Utube special and there was a couple on that danced the last dance of Dirty Dancing at their wedding as their wedding dance. They had it down to every move. Isn't that a nice husband to learn that? It was her dream to dance this dance. So, anyway, Oprah had them on to show everyone and as they were dancing she surprised them by having Patrick Swayze pop out and start dancing with her. I started crying!!! Is that ridiculous or what! But, who has not dreamed of dancing THAT dance with Patrcik Swayze?

3. I have been to Hell and back. Seriuosly, there is a town in Norway called Hell. I went there about 12 years ago, even have it stamped in my passport. Pretty little town, you never would have guessed...

4. I LOVE Mexican food. Love it.

5. I have this thing about white dressy shoes, like heels or sandaly shoes. I think they shouldn't exist. And don't even get me started on white shoes with panty hose of any color!!

6. I am a "preppy" at heart. I love Polo shirts. I am drawn to them at the store. I used to wear them all the time in high school. I have some in my closet right now that are at least ten years old. I can't get rid of them. And, every spring I buy one or two more to add to my collection.

7. I used to have an all black cat growing up name Panther Bill. She was a girl.

Guess who went poop in the toilet...(unless you have young children, you may not want to read on...)

2007-11-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, Avery has been very excited to go to the bathroom in the toilet for a week or so now. She just goes when it is convenient, like when she's about to get in the tub, or when I'm changing her diaper anyway, but yahoo!! She has gone poop the last two days in the toilet!! She gets on and then off and then on and then off. She would do this all day if she could. She screams at me and tries to kick when I try to put her diaper back on, so I usually let her run around with a nudie booty for a little while. I'm sorry to anyone reading this that does not have young kids. Yes, I am a bit of a freak, but that comes with being a mom. Maybe you have to be a mom to realize the shear joy that this little act by my 18 month old has brought me. This could be the end of diapers for us!! (I said could be.) My mom said that I was potty trained at about 18 months, so it is possible. Wish us luck!!

Trick or Treat!

2007-10-31T21:43:00.000-06:00

Zack wanted to be Link from the Nintendo game Zelda this year. I loved that idea and as soon as Maycee heard that she decided that she wanted to be Princess Zelda. It was so fun coming up with these costumes. It really only took me a couple of hours to sew Zack's and it turned out awesome. They even had the pointy ears! So cute! Avery was a little bear this year. Don't ya love the hand-me-downs? I made this costume for Zack about 6 years ago. She loved it- I was surprised that she didn't mind wearing the hat at all. And, she loved growling like a bear at everyone.

I Love a Parade...Halloween Style

2007-10-31T21:30:00.000-06:00

Zack and Maycee both had Halloween costume parades for their schools. I love to go and see all the costumes that creative people come up with.

The Great Pumpkin...search!

2007-10-31T10:36:00.000-06:00

Last Friday we took the kids and my niece, Emma, to the pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns. We had never been to this patch before, but we will definitely go again. As you can see, it's huge! But, our kids picked out their pumpkins in about 30 seconds. Then, they wanted to pick out more. Too bad they could just get one. I think we'll make this a tradition. It's much better than picking out a pumpkin out of the big bins at Walmart!!

Book Report

2007-10-25T13:50:00.000-06:00

Well, I finished the Stephenie Meyer's Twighlight series books, and I loved them!! I was captivated enough to finish all three books (all over 500 pages) in about a week and a half. I feel a little guilty about my motherliness in that week and a half, but needless to say, no one starved to death, so my kids aren't too scarred. All three books were good, but I think I liked the first one best. I think I tried to identify with Bella the most- comparing myself in my mind with her averageness, and clumsiness. And, of course, wondering if I would have fallen for Edward in High School. Um, yes, I would have, no question. And then, wondering what I would have done when I found out that he was a vampire. And then, slowly coming back to reality, I realized that here in the Real World there are no vampires. But, I have to admit, I was sucked in so far, that the line was blurred between the Real World and Forks, Washington. Which is why I think I really loved these books. Were you ever in Walmart or driving down the street and saw someone and thought, "If there were real vampires, that guy definitely would belong to the club." Anyway, if you haven't read them, do. I can't wait for the next book to come out. It's only a whole year, right? And, I will go crazy (in a good way) when a movie comes out. I hear it's in the works. So, here is my poll...what actors would you vote for the different roles? Comment back and let me know. Here are my votes...
Bella...I don't know her name, but she is Julie, the coaches daughter, on Friday Night Lights.
Edward...this one is harder, but, my guess today is the main guy from High School Musical
I don't know, I'll probably change my mind.

This is for you, Dad...

2007-10-25T13:47:00.000-06:00

I have to make a quick change to my hunting rant blog... I wrote that my dad has only gone deer hunting once. And, it was very funny, the next time I saw him he was very quick to tell me that he has gone hunting several times after that. He never shot anything...but, he did go. So, I apologize, dad- You are a Hunting Manly Man.

Maycee Broke her Bones!

2007-10-15T17:02:00.000-06:00

On Saturday I heard a knock on the door and slowly got up to go get it, until I heard Maycee crying, and then I started running down the stairs to grab the door. My neighbor, Scott, was carrying a bawling Maycee and told me he wasn't sure how it happened, but Maycee fell in their back yard and was hurt. They had rented a jumping castle for their son's B-day. Of course, I told him thanks, but I'm sure she'll be fine. I kept telling her that ALL afternoon as she spontaneously kept bursting into tears. I honestly thought that she was overreacting and being a dramatic 4 year old girl. I do feel a little guilty that we waited so long to take her to the doctor, but how do you know? It turns out that she broke 2 bones right above her wrist. She'll be fine, though...now. Although, when she called my parents to tell them what happened, my mom asked her how long she had to wear a cast, she told them, "Um, twenty years." Ha! Ha! Maybe she was trying to make me feel guilty for waiting so long to take her to the doctor's.

Zack's 7th Birthday

2007-10-15T16:03:00.000-06:00

Zack got this quilt- homemade by my mom- for his room. (thanks, mom!!)Cute, huh?

He loved all his gifts, but I think his favorite toy was a Transformer mask/hat thing that you wear and when you talk you sound like a robot or a Transformer :) (thanks, mom and dad Norman!) He got that from G&G Norman. And, Zack's friend party was a Pirate Party. All the kids dressed up as pirates and we had a treasure hunt and everything. It was really fun. But, that's just the mom talking...

It's October...here we go again.

2007-10-09T14:49:00.001-06:00

So, here I am sitting here on a beautiful day and my husband has the day off of work. A rare feat. But, is he sitting here with me? No, and do you know where he is? Well, if you know Ryan at all and you know what the current month is, then you very well know that Ry has gone hunting. Of course, it's a yearly event, that lasts somewhere around a month. You know, to be quite honest Ryan did tell me when we were dating, 9 or 10 years ago, that he liked to hunt. And, I thought I understood what that simple statement meant. Boy, was I in for a big surprise! I didn't know anyone up to that point in my life that hunted. My Grandpa did back in the day, but nothing I can remember. In fact, the only thing I had ever heard about this hunting thing was a story about my Dad (he is definetely not a hunter.) So, just a few weeks after my parents were married, my Grandpa took my dad deer hunting. (He had never been before.) Somehow, my dad got lost from the group and ended up spending the night all alone on the mountain with no fire or anything. My poor Grandpa and my uncle were looking all over for him. I say my "poor" Grandpa because he had to call my mom and let her know that he had lost her new husband. She rushed down to where they were. The story ended happily- of course he was found. But, that was the last time my dad ever went, so obviously I was pretty clueless about this whole subject, and the fact that I would be a widow for about a month out of every year. To be fair to me, though, Ryan and I met the last week in November and got mar'mried in July. So, when he said he liked hunting, there was no real evidence of and no real way to prepare me for this huge event that takes weeks to prepare for, buying tags ($$), going to Cabelas several times- spending way too much money on jackets, hats, gloves, camel packs, bullets, under armor (this is just this year), going grocery shopping, packing the hats, gloves, camel pack, bullets, under armor, coats, etc., getting the trailer packed, and actually being gone. I'm not even going to mention what happens if they do kill something and bring it home. That is another blog altogether. I don't get it. But, that's okay, I've decided. I probably never will. But, I love that Ryan is passionate about something. He could be some boring guy that does nothing and doesn't want to do anything. And, any spitefulness that I may harbor is really just my jealousy surfacing. I truly wish I had some great big Thing to look forward to doing with my family or friends every year. Something that I could look forward to and prepare for and get my kids excited for. Something that I was really good at and that I could bring up for topics of conversation. (My topics of conversation range from 1 year old to 7 year old-Avery, Maycee, and Zack :) So, I may sound resentful, okay sometimes I am, but it's really because I'm jealous. I really love everything about Ryan- even the Hunting part.

Our family field trip to Cabela's

2007-09-30T22:03:00.001-06:00

Ryan celebrates his Birthday by Graduating!!

2007-09-28T11:10:00.000-06:00

Can you believe Ryan got his MBA? Yes- he is finally done with school...forever. (I hope!) He finished his last class on Tuesday September 18th and then celebrated his 31st birthday on the 21st. It was a great week. Ry even took the whole week off of work. It was nice. I put him to work, though, in the yard. We finally finished our big fire pit surrounded by sandstone in the backyard. But, I hope I made up for putting him to work by giving him a new Motobecane Mountain Bike for graduation and his birthday. He loves it!! That's what he says anyway. So, we had a great big party with family and friends the other night and celebrated our great Dad and husband. Yeah!!

Maycee and Barkley

2007-09-24T22:15:00.000-06:00

Yes...we got a new little puppy. He is a handful, but we love him. Maycee loved him so much she decided to treat him like a baby and put him in her doll stroller. Barkley didn't last long in there.

Zack

2007-09-24T21:57:00.001-06:00

Here is Zack on his first day of 1st grade. He was so excited to get his new lunch bag-even more excited than going to school.

Avery

2007-09-24T15:45:00.000-06:00

Avery

2007-09-20T12:21:00.000-06:00

Happy 1st Birthday Avery

Millcreek Campfire

2007-09-20T12:14:00.000-06:00