Pictures from San Diego

Just playing a little picture catch up! Enjoy!

The Tooth Fairy FINALLY came!!

A has been waiting and waiting and waiting for her 1st loose tooth. As she puts it ALL her friends have lost 1, 2, or even 3+ teeth and she is the ONLY one that hasn't lost a tooth yet.

Needless to say this has been weighing heavily on her 6 year old mind and caused her many moments of wondering when she was finally going to loose a tooth and get a visit from the tooth fairy.

So what do you know, last night her 1st tooth, which has been a little loose, decided it just wanted to come out. No tears, no pulling, just POP - out comes her 1st tooth.

I think you can tell just how excited she it by this event. I mean could her eyes get any bigger or her smile any wider.

And apparently the going rate for losing your 1st tooth is 2 bucks (I remember getting a quarter). It sounds like the tooth fairy was holding out on me when I was a kid.

San Diego

Oh - how I love you! Seriously! You gave us the best weather we could have asked for, and we loved ever minute we spent on and around your sun drenched shores. If I was a millionaire, I would so live in San Diego. Thanks for the week off from school (not a text book was cracked while I was there, even though they made the trip with us)
K was finally introduced to the Pacific Ocean, or better said she fell bottom first into the ocean and wasn't too happy about it. Luckily she was a trooper once we took off her wet pants and wrapped her in A's sweatshirt. She looked a little funny, but at least she wasn't wet. A couldn't get enough of writing her name in the sand and running into the water and then back out of the water in a little game of cat and mouse.

I loved getting to see my family. I miss having you guys around and closer. Yeah, closer would be good! Anyone know how to make a million dollars?? More importantly, I loved getting as many of the cousins together as we could and having our kids get to know one another. From the choo-choo train around the lawn on Sunday, to the fun times in the back yard on the swing set with Uncle B as your designated pusher, you are all so precious to me!

Saran Wrap and and the Common Cold

You might be asking yourself what could those two things possibly have to do with each other. Well, let me tell you!

Tonight as I was attempting to provide my family with a healthy and delicious meal, I realized luck was on my side as I had on a previous occasion the foresight to make an extra lasagna and stick it in the freezer for a later time. Well, tonight was definitely the night to use it and with an overabundance of joy I put it into the oven and set the timer for 60 minutes.

Well folks, blame it on the combination therapy of nasal decongestant, cough suppressant and whatever other medications I have coursing through my system as I attempt to fight this cold I contracted from the wonderful little boy who sits next to my daughter in school (more on that later). I pull out the lasagna after the timer went off only to realize I had forgotten to remove the layer of saran wrap from the top of the lasagna dish (granted it was cover with a time foil layer) but there was a melted layer of plastic all over my wonderfully prepared lasagna. Tell me do melted cheese and plastic go well together?

So, my question to you, is if I make sure I take off all the pieces of melted saran wrap, do you think I am OK to still feed it to my family?! Heaven forbid I poison them or something. Maybe tonight we will end up eating P&B sandwiches.

Being sick stinks!!

And on that final note - A great big thanks to the mom or dad who sent his or her extremely sick child to school (we are talking coughing up a lung, red, runny, yellow gross nose, the works) who happens to sit next to my little girl, who then caught your fabulous sickness and brough it home with her to start circulating in my household. Maybe one day when you have too much on your plate and the last thing you need to deal with is a raging cold, I can return the favor. Seriously, I will be here ready to help!!

Quick updates and the 411

So - it looks like I didn't win the Marie-Terese beautiful dress give away. I hope whatever little girl got that makes the most of it. My inner little girl is crying cause I didn't win - but I will be ok, with time, and maybe an ice-cream.

Right now, I am up to my eyeballs in studying for 2 tests that I am trying to take early so we can head down to San Diego for Thanksgiving (for a much needed vacation), a research paper that is causing me more stress than it really should and all the rest of what I do - housework, yard work (a whole weekend worth of pruning, raking and dumping the rubbish over the fence. what will we do when someone buys the empty lot and we loose our neighborhood compost pile.) work-work, shopping (the functional kind - not the fun kind), cleaning (oh - the never ending cleaning) and the list goes on and on.

Right now I am listening to Nickelback - Gotta be Somebody - Right now, I LOVE THIS SONG!! I don't know why it is resonating with me so much, I mean, I found my somebody, but sometimes I need to remember that there was a time when I didn't have him and I felt like this, where I just wanted to be with someone who just got me, who wanted to be with me over all else and who would take my life (heart) in his hands and not hurt it. To feel like someone cares and someone gives a damn, even if I am crazy and emotional and un-logical with my thoughts! I especially love the part about not giving up, especially when times get rough. Everyone needs those reminders, right! It's not just me!

Chorus
"Nobody wants to be the last one there, everyone wants to feel that someone cares. Someone to love with my life in their hands, there's got to be someone for me like that."

"Cause nobody wants to go it on their own, Everyone wants to know they are not alone,
that somebody else that feels the same some way, there has got to be someone for me out there!"

seriously - go listen to it! I have yet to figure out how to add music to my blog spot. Maybe next post - yeah, right!

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

I am in awe of some peoples enormous talents in the sewing areana!

And with Halloween only 11 days away and having no idea as to what to dress my girls up as, why not try for an absolutely adorable and totally free costume.

If I win, that is. Please let me win!! Please!! Does begging help my chances?!?!

Little Pick Me Up!

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.

BUT......... Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you.

A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I.

When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Every day, we need each other still.

**Thank Nana for sharing this with me, and now I share it with all the wonderful, fabulous, beautiful, strong, intelligent . . . (I really could just keep going on and on), women that are a part of my life!! Simply put - I love you!!!

So what did you wake up to this morning?

**note that in the picture on the left, either a deer or a dog left some tracks right along our front sidewalk!! A thinks it was a deer!!

**The sheer weight of the snow almost took out a couple of our trees. The picture on the upper right shows how one tree is being held up by the rails of our staircase. Usually it's about 6 feet higher so you can walk under it!!

Yeah - there are just no words!!

At least not yet - they keep freezing into solid ice as they try and come out of my mouth!!

Do I even need to say it - OK, I will - it's only October. Isn't this supposed to be the time of year were we watch the leaves change color and there comes a slight change in temperature, maybe just a little more of a nip in the air? I think someone has an inaccurate understanding of the word "nip". Just to clarify - it means "a little bit"

This had better not be an indication of what mother nature has planned for is this winter. If it is - I am coming for an extended visit to anyone who lives where it is warm and sunny, so those of you in CA and AZ - you are on notice. Have the air mattresses ready!!

At least A & K found a way to enjoy the falling snow! They have been playing with these umbrellas all summer, at least now they are using them for there actual intended purpose.

In fact when K woke up and looked out her bedroom windows and saw all the falling snow her first response was - "look mom - look at my snow!" Guess she is laying claim to it all!

And I even think A might be to blame for the shear amount of the white stuff that fell, because she informed me this morning that her prayers came true - because she asked for a lot of snow. I guess this happened after I had tucked her into bed, because I have no recollection of the snow request along with her wishes for a good night sleep and keeping her family safe.

Now - I am going to warm up my frozen appendages, and drink some hot chocolate - really HOT chocolate!

My Resignation

I am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an adult.

I have decided I would like to accept the responsibilities of an eight-year-old again.

I want to go to McDonald's and think that it's a four-star restaurant.

I want to think M&Ms are better than money because you can eat them.

I want to run a lemonade stand with my friends on a hot summer's day.

I want to return to a time when life was simple, when all you knew were colors, multiplication tables and nursery rhymes, but that didn't bother you because you didn't know what you didn't know and you didn't care.

All you knew was to be happy, because you were blissfully unaware of all the things that should make you worried or upset.

I want to think the world is fair. That everyone is honest and good.

I want to believe that anything is possible. I want to be oblivious to the complexities of life and be overly excited by the little things again.

I want to live simply again. I don't want my day to consist of computer crashes, mountains of paperwork, depressing news, how to survive when there are more days in the month than there is money in the bank, doctor bills, gossip, illness and loss of loved ones.

I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind word, truth, justice, peace, dreams, mankind and making angels in the snow.

So here are my checkbook and my car keys, my credit card bills and my 401(k) statements. I am officially resigning from adulthood.

And if you want to discuss this further, you'll have to catch me first because . . .

"Tag! You're it!"

by Author Unknown - although the pictures are all mine, Enjoy!

update

I know it's been a while since I posted and you already know that I am totally not calling anyone to update them or even find out how your lives are doing - trust me - it's just a timing thing.

Also, I am pretty sure you don't want a phone call at 2:30 in the morning with me calling to chat and catch up... so, I'll post here that we are alive, we are just tired -very, very tired. Some days are better than others, but we are hanging in there and the light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer.

Here's just a few quick updates...

The sales year is over for A, maybe now he can finally take a day off - to sleep!! He deserves it for as hard as he works. The man is definitely not paid enough for the time and energy he puts into his company. But at least he still has a job given the massive cuts that swept through the company 1 week before the end of the year when everyone is scrambling to close deals to get them to count for this year. Huge shake up - horrible timing - who's the brain child running this organization - we are just grateful that at least he was/is safe.

Little A has started soccer and loves it. If I can remember to take the camera (and have it charged before I go) I will get some pictures and post them of our girl in action. K is her biggest cheerleader.

Both the girls are loving the warm weather we have been having and I know sooner rather than later we are going to be dealing with snow again, so I will enjoy the warm weather while we can.

I am sure there is more to update on, but my brain isn't processing at normal speeds this morning.

Cee-Cee - I know we were supposed to get together today. Probably won't happen - Boo!Maybe next week? I promise - I will call.

Nat - I hope your baby sell was a success. If I was in CO I would have totally been there (to the detriment of my checking account given the totally cute clothes I know you were selling). Please tell K that we wish her a Happy Birthday (belated by a few days) and that we miss you guys!

XOXOXOX to everyone else!

Survivor - South Weber, UT

So have you heard about the latest installment of the Survivor TV Show? Apparently they got wind of what was going on in our household and decided to send a film crew over to record our crazy life. I promise at least one major break-down, maybe even two (one from me and the other from A or the kids - who knows, maybe all four of us - at once - that should be entertaining. I am not sure how the whole voting off thing will be handled, but I will let the producers make that call.

It could be interesting if nothing else. . .

So seriously (just kidding about the whole survivor thing),over the last 2 weeks I have felt like I was in some kind of "survive-my-reality-show". I was really beginning to think I had taken on a little more than I could handle. But with the first 2 weeks of school (both for A and for myself) behind us, getting into what I feel is a comfortable grove with the whole working part-time thing and still keeping the house picked up and cleaned, the laundry done, the bills paid (on time no less), the grocery shopping done and meals on the table, I feel I am going to be able to handle all of this.

Of course huge props must go out to my partner (in crime - J/K) in all of this for picking up and taking over when I am not home, for feeding the girls and bathing them and keeping them on their schedule as best he can. This is unchartered territory for him, along with ponytails and keeping an eye on two constantly moving little girls. We are so in this together and now the I know I can do all that's listed above, we might even be able to sneak in some quality us time before crashing as our heads hit the pillow each night. Imagine the possibilities . . .

Other news to share - It's been 10 years since I have been compelled to step over the threshold of a university testing center. Funny how I can also only recall the horrific (and oh so frustrating) moments from tests passed where I walked out of a testing center with only a 65%. So, with the overwhelming nausea I was feeling all morning (since yesterday to be more precise) I sucked it up, conquered my nerves and took my first test. I walked away with a 100% on the lab quiz and a 98% on the Module 1 test. I only missed 1 question. YAHOO!!

So I am feeling MUCH BETTER and pretty darn good about the whole studing thing and everything else. So bring on the learning and the Testing Centers - I can handle it!

Ode to the 1st Day of 1st Grade

It took all the excitement and energy of a 6 year old to get the day started bright and early, all without the use of an alarm clock. I had it set for 7:15, but what was the point, A was up at 7:00 and came into my room dressed, with her backpack, ready to head downstairs and make her lunch and get on the bus.

Of course the bus doesn't come until 8:35 so we had some time to kill. Plus, I realized while she will still let me, I would like to take her to school (at least on the 1st day) and take pictures of her in her new classroom (she's in a portable this year - I am not happy, she is, so I am trying not to make a big deal about it) and sitting at her new desk, etc.

I am so glad I took her because the school was a scene of pure chaos, controlled as best they could by the staff and teacher's aides directing parents and students on where to go. There were kids and parents and cameras, oh the cameras. At least I am not the only one who wants to document the growth and progression on my child through the elementary halls of education.

A found a friend from Kindergartner right inside the doors to the school who proudly announced that she and A were in the same class, took her by the hand and the two of them ran off - in the wrong direction!! (Reason #2 why I am glad I took her this morning) so I corrected their direction and we headed off to her new class. Her teacher is new to the school this year (but she has taught previously) We will be calling her Mrs. C on the blog and I think her and A will get along just fine. She told A where to hang up her backpack and showed her where she would be sitting. A sat right down and started settling in with her pencil box and school supplies. It was pretty cute to watch her be so deliberate in the placement of her crayons, pencils and scissors. Guess she gets the organizational tendencies from me!

After posing so beautifully for a few pictures (isn't she the cutest 1st grader ever!) and telling her I would see her at home when she got off the bus, she got a little sad and didn't want me to go. But with a few words of encouragement and hugs and kisses, she skipped back to her desk and settled into the coloring assignment on her desk.

I know she will do fine at school. She will be learning new things and playing with her friends, so I am not too worried about her. I just can't believe how fast the summer has gone by. She is growing up so fast and in the blink of an eye she will heading off to Jr. High then High School and while I encourage the growth, I also want to scream out - NOT SO FAST!! Guess I will just have to live in the moment and appreciate everything going on right now, cause in a minute it's going to change.

I think K is really going to miss having her around the house to play silly games with her. We went on a bike ride to the park when we got home. Don't even ask were the idea came from to wear A's swimming goggles, but she looked so cute, I couldn't say no.

Times are a changing, but all for the good.

I start school today as well, so I guess I had better get offline and start reading all about the Human Body and it's inner complexities - Oh the joys of Anatomy!!

Here's to a Great School Year!!

Happy Birthday to Me

Happy birthday to Me
Happy birthday to MEEEEEE
Happy Birthday to Me!

Yep folks, it's that time of year where I have gained one more year and added 365 days of experiences to my life. If it's true what they are saying that 34 is the new 24, and since thats about how old I feel anyways, I will take it.

Talk about a year where I have done some pretty amazing things. I have been to new places in the world, I have tried new things, I have laughed and I have cried, I have been hurt, and I have screamed and I have yelled, but I have also been loved, I have found friendship and I have been happy - so for all the ups and down, I will take this last year and add it to the rest with pride.

Virtual Birthday Cake and Ice cream for all!

Back to School

One might think this is a post about A heading back to school, but she still has 4 more weeks of summer. No folks this post is to let the world know that I am heading back to school and have already been accepted to Weber State here in Ogden, UT.

I will be venturing into the world of medicine and pursuing a degree in Radiological Technologies. In the future you may come and see me to get an Ultrasound or have an x-ray taken or even, with enough time, I may be the one to look at your heart and see how the old ticker is working. The possibilities are endless and I am just at the starting point.

With my previous degrees, I should only need to take Anatomy and Physiology (two classes you definitely don't need when you are pursuing a business degree) before getting into the actual Rad Tech program (which will take 2 years to finish). Just say Class of 2010 with me!

I have actually been rolling the idea of going back to school around in my head for a while now and given our recent financial frustrations . . .

(Side note - I may have said this before, but I will say it again - don't loan money to extended family)

. . . and my subsequent job search to try and help alleviate said frustrations and the resulting additional frustrations attached to the job search process (like I really needed any more!)

(Sorry - another side note - Just because I've been giving birth to kids and raising and taking care of a family for the last 6 years, does not mean I am worthless or have forgotten how to do anything of value in the business world people. Seriously, why do some people feel the need to look down on you and dismiss what you do on a daily basis just because you are a mom and you don't bring in a pay check. I mean you try and keep a household clean and stocked, while sticking to a budget AND raise two kids and at all times try and keep them healthy, clean, safe, feed, entertained, taught manners and generally accepted human behavior, while also keeping them happy. On top of all that you must also be available and pleasing to your spouse (who I will openly admit has his own issues and stresses of solely providing (financially) for the family but we are not taking about him, we are talking about me) and throughout all of this you had better keep your looks and stay fit because heaven forbid you let yourself go through out this process. Also, don't even think about having any problems or stresses of your own because there are just not enough hours in the day or days in the year to take care of your problems!!

. . .Uhhh . . . OK . . . (breathing - breathing) . . . Sorry, I got a little off topic there and I am digressing a little more than I intended. Guess I have some rather intense feelings that needed to come out - I'll just get back on topic now . . . Ummmm . . . Yah!

So . . . both Aaron and I feel that now is really as good a time as any to get this started. By the time I am finished both Ave and Kem will be in school (Ave in 3rd and Kem in Preschool), and I will have something to do that adds value (ie. brings in a paycheck). I also don't think I will do so well just puttering around the house (shocker, I know) while the kids are in school and since my recent attempts to return to the work force with my business degree and extensive experience have been frustrating (to say the least), why not head back to school and get a skill set that will give me job flexibility, great pay and the ability to work when and where I want to.

Aaron is totally behind me in this and thank heavens he has a job that will (hopefully) give us the flexibility we need to not have to turned to day care to make this happen. Ave actually thinks it's pretty cool that mommy is going to school and will now have homework and assignments and stuff, just like she does. Do you think she would ever trade her 1st grade level homework for a test in anatomy. I wonder?

Plus, I will have an avenue for more adult interaction/communication which I have been sorely missing since leaving the work place. And Aaron will get to take on more of a role at home and in being Dad and take care of the girls and their needs first hand. That alone will make this all worth while.

I know this venture is not going to happen without it's share of challenges and stress, but I think a positive attitude and sheer determination to not let anyone suffer, will help out in those times when stress rears it's ugly head.

Just keep us in your thoughts (not like you don't already) and know we will survive and more importantly - THRIVE!!

"Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it!" ~Author Unknown

"We cannot choose things that will happen to us. But we can choose the attitude we will take toward anything that happens. Success or failure depends on your attitude" ~Alfred Montapert

Just a few things I am trying to keep in mind - wish us luck!

Fun times

I guess there are good thing that come out of trying to be smart about where you spend your money - you just go to all the things in your area that don't cost a thing.

Case in point, here are a few of the activities we have been going to as of late. And having a mighty fine time to boot!

Summer Concerts at Snow Basin.
Last week the band playing was a tribute band to Carlos Santana. They were awesome. And there is just something about sitting outside in a beautiful mountain setting, listening to good music and soaking up the sunshine that you just can't beat. Also, watching your kids dance around like the dancing queens that they are make for pretty entertaining times as well. K has turned into quite the little mover and shaker. Only video would do her moves justice and alas I don't have one, yet. Stay tuned.

Firework show at Weber State.
Granted this won't happen every weekend, as it's part of the Pioneer Celebration here in Utah that turns into quite the production for most cities. Seriously, there are more activities and shows for Pioneer Day (which isn't actually until the 24th) than there were for the 4th of July. But we take it and all the fireworks you want to throw at us, especially as we got robbed of seeing any on the 4th of July (see side note below). The show was awesome and we found the perfect grassy spot to spread out our blankets on an lay back and watch as the sky exploded overhead in an array of colors and sounds. K was besides herself with delight as it was her first official big fireworks show of her young life. She kept screaming "fireworks" over and over and over. A had more fun running around and pretending to be every animal we could throw out to her. Seriously, she's a pretty good little actress.

(Side Note to Ogden City Fireworks Planning Committee- if you advertise that your firework show will start at 10:00 pm on the city website and on all your flyer's you send out in the mail, than start your show at 10:00 - not 9:30. It really upsets the kiddos that are expecting to see said fireworks and the parents who leave with enough time to get to the show in time to see said fireworks, only to drive up and see everyone is leaving and the show is over and it's only 10:05!!!)

Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington
I am so glad we bought the season pass for all of us. We have more than made up for the initial cost and it gives us a great place to go and hang out. The kids love it, can't get enough and can run around wild and free (well not too wild and free) and the only cost is that of a Hawaiian Shaved Ice or Bag of Cotton Candy at the end. Plus, there is also a water slide part to the park that we can go to. A and K love the slides. I don't love the crowds or the crazy people that follow you around telling you over and over again how cute your little girls are. (seriously, it only happened once, but it was WEIRD and CREEPY)

That instance aside, it's a fun place to go and I get my fix on people watching. Seriously, I wish I had gone into studying Human Behaviour because amusement parks are filled with various case studies and are oh so entertaining. Plus, riding the roller coasters are pretty fun too!

So what's up for this weekend - Star Gazing Party at Snow basin. Just bring your telescope and watch the full moon and the stars from the mountain tops. Seriously, Big A and Little A are going to have so much fun. Mom and K are having a party at home!!

Surgery Outcome

So just a little update to let everyone know that A's surgery on her hernia today went really well. She was only in the OR for like 45 minutes. The Dr. ended up making the repair on both sides (not just the right side). Just 3 little incisions, one on each side and then one in the belly button for the telescope to go into. They took some pictures, which tripped me out, but the hernias are fixed and there is very little chance of them recurring - awesome news!

She had a really rough time coming out of the anesthesia (neither A nor I are very good with anesthesia, so we weren't too surprised by her reaction) and we spent most of the time in recovery just trying to get her to keep down fluids and come back to reality (she was seriously tripping for a while).

After keeping down some orange slushy and then some cherry slushy we figured she was ready to go home. Alas, on the way to pick up little sis, she threw up said orange and red slushy. Thank heavens for little pink buckets the hospital supplies, because otherwise I would be shampooing the carpet and seats in the car, instead of writing this post.

So we are back home and she is laying down watching Camp Rock and resting. Something tells me I am going to be hearing this sound track quite frequently over the next few days while she recovers. She has to take it easy (lay down) for the next 36 hours and then take it easy (minimal activity) after that for the next 2-3 weeks. So no bike riding or trampoline jumping. I just hope this little one can handle the "down time". She is definitely not one for staying still for long.

Any suggestions for low key activities for recuperating 6 year olds will be greatly appreciated!

Thinking . . .

I found this on another blog and just had to share it!

*********************************************************
Thinking of Becoming A Parent??

Thinking of having kids??

Do this 11 step program first!

Lesson 1
1. Go to the grocery store.
2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
3. Go home.
4. Pick up the paper.
5. Read it for the last time.

Lesson 2
Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...
1. Methods of discipline.
2. Lack of patience.
3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.
4. Allowing their children to run wild.
5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breastfeeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior.

Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.

Lesson 3
A really good way to discover how the nights might feel...
1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)
2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.
3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.
4. Set the alarm for 3AM.5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and watch an infomercial.
6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.
7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.
8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.
9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard and be productive)
10. Repeat steps 1-9 each night.

Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful and together.

Lesson 4
Can you stand the mess children make? To find out...
1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.
2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.
3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.
4. Then rub them on the clean walls.
5. Take your favorite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.
6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?

Lesson 5
Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.
1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.

Time allowed for this - all morning.

Lesson 6
Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.
1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there.
2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.
3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.
4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Lesson 7
Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys.

Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Lesson 8
1. Hollow out a melon.
2. Make a small hole in the side.
3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.
4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.
5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.
6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air.

You are now ready to feed a nine-month-old baby.

Lesson 9
Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Barney, Disney, the Teletubbies, and Pokemon. Watch nothing else on TV but PBS, the Disney channel or Noggin for at least five years.

(I know, you're thinking What's 'Noggin'?) Exactly the point.

Lesson 10
Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying 'mommy' and or 'daddy' repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each 'mommy'; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape in your car everywhere you go for the next four years.

You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.

Lesson 11
Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt- sleeve, or elbow while playing the 'mommy/daddy' tape made from Lesson 10 above.

You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.

*******************************************************
Now - if I could only find a way to take all of the skills gained from the above lessons and turn them into relevant job experiences to account for the last 6 years of my life, so that any employer who would take a look at my resume would become so overwhelmed with my expertise and skills that they would offer me a position on the spot and pay me 100's of thousands of dollars. Seriously - a mom can dream right?

Where Oh Where . . .

. . . have all the honest people gone, oh where or where can they be?

and why couldn't they have been the ones that we loaned a crap'ola load of money to and extended our good name and credit to, to start up a trucking company, instead of the dishonest, unethical, not hard-working, slimey, no good, co-dependent users that we did loan the money too!?!?

(Note - we did not know ANYTHING about the true character of these people at the time we loaned the money or extended ourselves financially to help - otherwise I would not be writing this post)

It's a loan people - which implies that at some future point in time you will pay it back!!

and you don't just get to one day decide you no longer want to be in the trucking business, while you still have debts and payment to make on said trucking business. Sorry that it 's so inconvenient for you to get up and go to work and actually earn a living to support your family and meet your financial obligations.

AAAUUUGGGGHHHHH!

Bad times, folks, seriously - bad times!

(for your reading benefit I have removed all swear words and derogitory remarks that have been directed to above said couple, as I have decided that it does no good to think this way or speak this way and they couldn't care in the slightest.)

Watch out Project Runway

You have your next candidate ready and waiting. That is if you are willing to let a 2 year old onto your show and allow her to upstage everyone there.

K is showing her fashionista side lately and it's providing some very entertaining moments I felt the need to share. She has an opinion on what everyone is and is not wearing.

Every morning she tells me what she will and will not wear. This morning was the edict to wear shorts, not pants and her shirt had to be pink with flowers on it.

I am also beginning to hear the phrase "I do it mommie" A LOT. Hence the picture I am sharing of her trying to put on her jammie bottoms by herself without any help.

Also, she has to pick out her jammies at night or she will simple take off whatever I have put on her and change into what she wants to wear. This also happens at random times through out the day so I never know when I am going to have a naked child running around the house in just her diaper.

One of these times the camera will be close at hand, and full charged so I can capture the before and after moments, but for know you just get the verbal description.

I feel I should also apologize to the little boy who went into Walmart Neighborhood Market without a shirt on (in his defense, he was sunburned, so I get it) but K saw him and literally followed him around the produce section saying " your naked" "where's your shirt" " YOUR NAKED" causing the little boy to cower behind his mothers legs. She was merciless in her pursuit of what she thought was a breach in proper fashion.

Dear Aruba

Thank you for rocking as much as you did. You were an awesome place to visit. I can't wait to see if my snorkel pictures with the underwater camera turned out.

Thank you for providing the rest and relaxation that both A and I desperately needed.

Thank you natural pool for proving the most beautiful snorkel place on the entire island, even if getting to you required getting bounced and thrown around the back of a jeep (compact cars need not even try) and fearing for our life on a couple down slopping turns. You were totally worth the trip (pictures to come later).

Thank you Jolly Pirates for providing such a fun snorkel excursion on a true to life pirate ship (where I only got mildly sun burned - yahoo!) Next time I promise to try the rope swing and A won't loose his sunglasses over the side of the boat.

Thank you Moomba, Pelican Pier, Tomato Charlies and Hadicuari for providing such fresh and delicious food at pretty reasonable prices. Oh and thank you Champions for having the best nachos and Appetizer platter with wings rings, fries and skins to feed 4 very hungry people after a long hard day relaxing in the sun and floating around the lazy river. It was tough work, but someone had to do it!!

Next years trip has already been booked - Fiji - June 2009 - want to come along?

Happy Birthday Baby!

All though at 6 years of age, I guess I can no longer technically call you my baby. . . But my baby you will always be.

You can into this world so tiny and small and yet you had so much spunk and life about you. You were a fighter and one who knew exactly what she wanted to do. You took your dad and I by the heart with your tiny little fingers and have yet to let go. . . and I hope you never do.

You are growing into one of the most beautiful girls (I am going to have to beat the boys off you with a stick) but more importantly one of the biggest sweethearts. I love how you take your sister by the hand and show her everything this world has to offer (even the things I sometimes wish you wouldn't) but either way, you are a great big sister and K is lucky to have you looking out for her. I am sure it will be many years before she truly appreciates you and all that you have to share.

I love your hugs and kisses and the way you always look to make sure mom and dad are there watching you. We will always be there for you as you go through this life, exploring, learning, growing and challenging those around you. I am so glad to play a part in your life and I will always love you! Ditto for your Dad!

Happy Birthday Baby!!

Dear . . .

Dear Perspective,
I will be needing you more often then I realize or have ever needed you in the past, so please make sure you hang around me as often as you can.

Dear Patience,
Please see above comment and stick close by as well. Thanks in advance.

Dear People who don't keep their promises or honor their financial obligations,
YOU SUCK!! and you are stressing me and my husband out more than we really need right now. So man/woman up and start paying off your debt. We are not a bank nor are we your personal line of credit.

Dear Stress Related Weight Gain,
Your presence is no longer required. You were never invited in the first place and it's time that you leave and take the weight you brought with you. I have a bathing suit to look smoking hot in in just 6 days. If you like, you can send your Cousin "Stress Related Weight Loss" in your place. He/She is welcome to stay as long as He/She likes as long as the pounds keep coming OFF.

Dear Summer Camp,
Thank you for promising to keep my oldest child entertained with arts and crafts and activities along with all her friends for 4 days a week, for 3 hours a day, for 6 weeks total - all for the bargain price of $30. You are well worth the money being spent. My only complaint - I wish you took 2 year olds who are not yet (nor soon to be) potty trained.

Dear Aruba,
Thank you for waiting so patiently. We look forward to experiencing all that you have to offer. We will be there on Sunday!

Dear Nana & UT Gma,
Thanks for watching the girls for us to make the above trip possible. A and I owe you both big time!!

Dear A & K,
Thanks for putting up with your mom and dad through all of the emotions of the last week or two. We love you both more than you will ever know. Thanks for your hugs and kisses and helping us keep things in balance. Your giggles and laughter are more precious than gold. You make our life fun!

My Little Dare Devil

For a while I have know that I was going to have my hands full with my two little girls, who each day show me just how wrong I am in thinking of them as little. They are growing up so fast and with each new day venturing forth into the unknown and having the grandest of adventures. These kids have no fear and that sometimes is the scariest thing for us mere moms to deal with. Let me explain. . .

For part of my Mothers Day Extravaganza (that's what we called it this year) the girls (along with A) took me to Lagoon (For those not familiar it's an amusement park here in Utah - not quite on par with Six Flags Magic Mountain in CA, but trying really hard). For the most part the time was spent going on rides that any 2 or 5 year old would be thrilled over. Most were the carnival type and the ones that spin you in a circle until you are super nauseous, but they love them regardless. Nothing too scary here, I know . . . just wait!

After tiring of the kiddy type rides and wanting to see more of the park we start walking over to the bigger rides, where my 1st born decides that she is going to go on not one but two of the biggest adult rides in the park. All without any pleading or cajoling from her parents. She just pointed at the biggest coasters and said, that's where I want to go next. So onto Colossus which she rode with her dad and the newest coaster in the park called Wicked which she rode with her mom.

And folks - it is just what it is - Wicked. It shoots you straight up in the air like a bullet out of a gun going something like 40+ miles an hour to the top of a 110 foot tower, where it then drops you straight back down and into all the twists and turns imaginable. It truly does everything you expect a good roller coaster to do. It had all the thrills I would have wanted but never expected to find in Farmington, Utah.

And my daughter did it all from the FRONT ROW (again her choice because we could have sat in the back, but she said she wanted to sit in the front. Have I mentioned that I love this girl!) Yep, my kid has serious thrill issues.

Side note - There was another mom with her older teenage daughters in front of us in line and they were saying they couldn't even convince their 14 year old brother and his friends to go on this ride! They were super impressed that A was doing it and she was only 5 (almost 6). I suspect someone somewhere was teased mercilessly about that little fact.

So another Roller Coaster Junkie is born. And her little sister is not too far behind.

Out of the Blue

I have only three words to say right now

Food Poisening stinks (literally)!!

OK that was 4 words - sue me!

Fair Warning

OK- you were warned with the previous post. Now come the personal phone calls. And no fair not picking up when you see that it's my number on the caller id.

BTW - I am OK with the kids being separated as I realize that dealing with 4 kids and car seats would be the first obstacle to overcome in this really super huge favor I am asking.

Also, if it works better for you to split the time and take them for a portion, I am open to that as well.

As you can see anything is negotiable as long as the kids are happy, safe and life is able to continue for you in a somewhat normal fashion.

Aruba is still calling! So am I!

Calling in a whammy!

Aruba is calling and it wants A and I to come visit for a week in June. With it's white sandy beaches and turquoise blue water does one really ever ignore a call from Aruba?

Just one teensy weensy little problem - who will watch the kiddos, because Aruba says it's for adults only. And does one really get to argue with and say no to Aruba?

So why not throw this out to the universe (at least that which includes my friends and family who read my blog) and see who bites. Granted it might be a long shot and I might have to resort to begging and pleading with each of you individually, but seriously how do you say no to an opportunity like this one. Aruba wouldn't be happy.

It has been way too long since A and I spent any length of time with it being just the two of us. Our 10 year anniversary passed this last January with us at least getting a night away (thanks V) but lately we have both been feeling the need to get away and spend a little bit more time with each other, minus the little ones. Aruba has the answer!

Plus A's b-day is coming up and it's a semi-milestone (not 30, not 40 but halfway there!) Time to celebrate, right? And why not do it in Aruba!! Aruba approves!

SO onto the whammy of a favor - Anyone interested in watching two of the most perfect, well behaved, even mannered children you have ever come across in your life?

For a week? (10 days - to be honest)

Seriously - anyone!?! Aruba awaits your response.

Things you learn in a grocery store

Fidel Castro is an alien.

In case you didn't believe that, there is a sure fire way to tell who is and who isn't an alien. Apparently, for Fidel, his give away was his beard. Who knew?

And everything you need to learn about life can be learned by watching science fiction movies.

and if when I get home I notice my rotisserie chicken is missing, the grocery store bagger had nothing to do with it, cause rotisserie chicken is GOOOOOOOD!

Some people should really just keep talking to themselves and not engage the general public in conversation.

Just my two cents to the crazies out there posing as grocery store baggers.

Mother Nature

Dear Mother Nature,

I am sure you are already aware of this, but I feel the need to ask - why is it snowing today?

Especially after yesterday's weather - which was GORGEOUS! It was sunny all day, 73+ degrees and such a wonderful treat to actually feel the warmth of the sun on my face and shoulders. I was able to get so many things done outside, like trim the grass and bushes that were smashed and broken from the weight of all the snow this winter. I even got to sweep out the garage and vacuum the interior of my car, which was beginning to look more like the inside of a happy meal than I am truly comfortable with. So much for the idea that the kiddos are not allowed to eat in the car, but I digress and that is not my point in writing this letter today.

My girls also really enjoyed the benefits of the warm and sunny weather. They were able to enjoy their first picnic of the season and just so you know it took all my strength to get them back inside the house for dinner and a bath. The fact that we had to empty and refill the bath tub twice to remove all the sand and dirt from them is a testament to how thoroughly they enjoyed being outside all day long.

So why the change of heart? Why tease me/us with a nearly perfect day (Cause let's face it - a perfect day would have included that same kind of weather, but it would have also included a beach, an icy/fruity drink and someone named Hans at the ready to give me a foot massage . . . while someone watched my kids . . . and hubby sat rubbing my arm . . . and the gentle breeze kept me from getting too hot . . . yah - that's perfect.) But again, I digress.

So, I must ask that if you are planning to continue with the snow-and-ice torture method you are currently favoring, could you please just let me know how much longer I am going to have to deal with it? I mean seriously, it is the middle of April and the tulips and daffodils don't look very happy with the weather selection either. Just so you know that it is not just me who is suffering here.

I would also like to be able to send my child to school in a outfit that will be good enough to keep her comfortable all day and not have to worry about her coming home and freezing her little legs off because you decided to switch things up mid-day and she is wearing little leggings and glittery shoes that really don't work well with snow.

I understand that the snow pack is 150% and going great. The ski resorts are still open and people will be able to water their lawns this summer. Thank you for all that you did to make those things possible. As I now see it, there really is no longer a need for more snow.

So, if you could please get back to me with a potential date for Spring and warm weather to arrive for good, I would really appreciate the heads up. My hope is that it is sooner rather than later. It is time to break out the flip flops and short sleeve shirts and time to put away the boots and parkas.

Thanks again for all the you do . . . but seriously, enough with the snow already! Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Me

Full Disclosure

In an effort to be fair I should probably share the things that I used to sneak and hide from my parents. Atleast the things I can remember and am willing to admit too! :0)

For the most part my memories consist of sneaking things from the kitchen pantry. That was where my mom hide the good stuff. Jello (unmixed, of course) was my favorite and it didn't matter the flavor as all were good to me. For those of you who never sampled this yummy package of goodness, just think of it as a giant pixie stick in a box. Yummy.

Of course there were other things that tempted my childhood pallet as well. Like handfuls of Parmesan cheese. Chocolate Frosting. Chocolate chips. And don't ask me why now, but Bacon Bits - again by the handful. All were delicious. I think I even once ate a package of Tums, all the while thinking they were Smarties (not the chocolate Canadian kind, but the American fruity powdery kind), but I could never quite convince my tummy that they were all that good, even in their larger size.
Oh, and there was this one time, in the middle of the night, when I got the brilliant idea to sneak into the candy cupboard and get into the package of skittles my mom had up there. After about 4 or 5 trips back and forth between the cupboard and my bedroom, each time adding to my little pile of rainbow candy goodness hidden under my pillow, I made the fatal mistake of going back for a sixth time. As luck would have it, I dropped one of the skittles and it made this killer BANG - BANG - BANG sound as it skipped across the counter and then the floor. I jumped off the counter and ran as fast as my little night gown covered legs would take me back into my bed with my heart pounding in my chest, just praying that no one had heard anything.

Of course that was not the case as 2 seconds later my dad walks into my room and quietly asks me if I have anything I am not supposed to have. My guilty little conscious could take no more of his torturing questions and I turned over my candy stash with tears in my eyes and said I was sorry! I think I was too scared to get out of bed for anything for the next week. And I am pretty sure I didn't eat any skittles for quite some time after that. I guess I felt too guilty.

So that's the extent, as far as I can remember it, of all my sneakyness! (as far as I will admit!)

Sneaky Little Things

Apparently now is the time in the life of a 5 year old where sneaking things begins. It starts with a simple twist of the wrist to hide something in the hand, then to a lowering of the hands either under the counter top or behind the back, all in an effort to keep mom from being able to see what is going on.

Usually these little acts are not that big of a deal, like who as a kid didn't try to hide that piece of candy they knew they weren't supposed to have, but really really wanted. Unfortunately, the sneaking is getting a little worse and a little big bigger than a simple piece of candy.

It has turned into an act of sneaking things - bigger things - into other things in an effort to take said things to places where they do not belong, like A's recent attempts to take the camera to school in her backpack, a host of miscellaneous toys, all of her Littlest Pets and even more recently, my cell phone. And those are only the items that I have caught her trying to sneak out. Who knows what items I have missed and may have lost track of forever. Of course when I ask her why she is sneaking things around I get the very generic and not so helpful answer of "I don't know".

Yesturday, she snuck her Breanna Bunny to the park (a place she knows she is not to go to - the bunny that is) by putting Breanna B in the garage and then heading out the front door (where she knew I would see her) and then running around the house, picking up BB and running off to the park, thinking she had gotten away with her pirated bunny and mom not knowing. Too bad for here the office is at the front of the house and looks out onto the park and as I sat reading blogs on the interent (hey, a girl likes to keep up with what her family and friends are up to), I look up and across the street to see A with BB galloping around the playground.

So not only is the sneaking growing, it's become more planned out and detailed in the execution.

Plus, K (who is only 2) has been picking up on said sneaky behavior and is starting to follow in the footsteps of her big sis. She has taken to sneaking my purse into any remote corner of the house, as far away from where mom is as possible and emptying the contents, all in search of who knows what, but I suspect candy/gum or my cell phone. She is also doing this with the diaper bag, which always has something yummy to eat inside, but still, why all the sneaking? Is this simply a case of monkey see, monkey do?

I mean it's not as if I don't feed my kids enough good food during the day, that they are scrapping around for something to eat. I am pretty sure they wouldn't even know the meaning of the words "famine" or "starvation", especially K. I am also more than reasonable about letting them do the things they want that make them happy, even if I don't understand it. So why the secrecy and the need to hide things from me.

All in all - it's driving me crazy, so I ask you - what is a mom to do?????

Favorite Words

Tonight was a great night all for the simple matter that as we were walking out of Wal*Mart (we were there to get a birthday present for a party A is going to tomorrow) K - who was a super trooper walking around the store while A made up her mind as to what to get for her little friend) lays her little sweet head down on my shoulder and of her own accord says the most precious words in the Universe - "Mommy, I love you!!

There is NOTHING sweeter, I am sure! And she is mine, all mine!!

(Photo courtesy of A, the budding photographer!)

My kids really do say the sweetest and funniest things sometimes and I only wish I could remember them all and get them written down before they fly from my mind, as most things often do. Atleast I captured this precious moment and will try in the future to be better. Maybe I need to start carring around pen and paper to record the other many pearls of wisdom that come from my children's mouths. I guess I have to start somewhere!

Little Moments of Fun

K apparently likes to like flowers instead of smelling them

. Who knew they could be so tasty! And I am sure the flowers didn't mind the extra moisture at all!

A and K have so much fun at the Children's Museum in SLC, we have renewed our membership as they can not get enough of the place. Plus I love having somewhere to go that's fun and entertaining and that gets us all out of the house.

A and K feeding the plastic Pony a plastic carrot, and making the appropriate munching, crunching, eating sounds!

Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss! A came home from school with a recipe on how to make green eggs and ham and insisted that we make it for dinner.

Even though I couldn't stomach the green eggs in their abnormal color, the girls ate them up - literally!!
St. Patty's Day - I think my girls were covered with the "wear something green" and avoided getting pinched this year!!A came home from school telling me all about leprichauns and thier hidded pots of gold. Oh the silly things they get to learn about.

Spring is almost here and Easter came a little earlier this year. Along with it came the oh so highly entertaining Easter Egg hunts! Thanks CeeCee and R for having us over for a super yummy dinner and egg hunt.

So much fun - so much comedy from ones so young. (BTW - I miss the Colorado Easter Egg hunts - just so you know!)

K really got into the egg hunt this year and I bet it had nothing to do with the fact that there was candy inside. She wasn't particular - chocolate, jelly beans, marshmellow bunnies - it was all good to her!

K showing me her chocolate treat - or "yummy, yummy" as she was calling it!

B, K, F and A - cutest cousins in Utah (notice the state qualifier there, as there are equally cute cousins in AZ and CA, who we sooo wish could have been there with us!)