"Guinn"ess Book of Records

Star Struck

2010-05-13T22:21:00.011-06:00

Aiden has been taking a theater class this past year. In April, she was cast as Little Cosette in a production of Les Mis. It was absolutely thrilling for her and she was just adorable. She has turned into a true blue actress, with the attitude to match. You can often hear us telling her, "Save it for the stage, Aid." She wants to continue trying out for plays. We will encourage her, however, I had no idea how much time is involved! She practically lived at the theater for the two week run (which of course means I lived there, too. Not that I'm complaining. I got to see Les Mis every night!) Here are a couple of pictures from Les Mis.

Her own dressing room!

My little ragamuffin's costume closeup. Poor Little Cosette.

Cosette and the Masters of the House.

Little and Big Cosette.

Not the most glamorous makeup, but a blast, anyway!

Last week Aiden's class performed School House Rock. It was so fun!! I watched School House Rock every Saturday morning and I still remember most of the songs. What a great way to learn! And Aiden can now recite the preamble. Well, she can sing it anyway.

Here is a video of one of my favorites, "Interjections" (Hey that's not fair, giving a guy a shot down there!)

Aiden's in the bright yellow shirt with pink headband, aka: Geraldine, with the hair twirling.

Break a leg, Aid!

Brace Face #2

2010-05-13T20:46:00.007-06:00

Aiden was blessed with my teeth. No, no, sweetheart. No need to thank me. It's the least I could do.

Before

However, the ortho decided this was not such a blessing, and put some braces on those things. Technically, she's too young for them; she will have to wear them twice. But at least she will have a pretty little smile while she is waiting for the rest of her permanent teeth to come in.

A few hours later...

She has had them on about 3 months and there is a huge difference already. She will wear this round for about a year, and then again in another 4 years, or so. Wish I could have had mine on in grade school, not highschool!! I was not a pretty sight, trust me.

If I could ever have been this cute. Sigh...

Where Has the Time Gone?

2010-05-12T21:20:00.005-06:00

Four people have asked me in the last month when I'm going to update my blog. Four whole people! Count them! Who can withstand that kind of pressure? Not I. The people have spoken; I must blog. It's been six months since I've blogged and it has become somewhat overwhelming to even think about trying to catch myself up. I haven't decided if I will back post so I can keep things in order, or if I will just do a couple of long posts to get everything in there. Who knows. And who cares, really? I'm just simply writing words so I can get something posted and jump start the process.

Let us begin...

3rd Verse, Same as the 1st!

2010-05-12T19:53:00.000-06:00

Jordan went to her Senior Prom with her friend, Darren. Yep, the same Darren that also took her to her sophomore prom. Except for hair length, Jordan really hasn't changed all that much. Come to think of it, she really hasn't changed all that much since she was 2.

See? I'm not lyin'.

Hard to believe her high school days have come to an end. She graduates this month and will be moving out in August. Wow. How did this happen? My baby is flying the coop. And believe me, she is counting down the days. I'm really excited for her and can hardly believe it's her turn already. I remember so well when I moved out my first time. Of course, my parents had to kick me out. I was just fine living at home, taking the car when I wanted, working my little part time job to pay for the fun stuff. My parents finally had to insist I go to college and get a life. Jordan has been ready to get her life for as long as I've known her. She is always ready for the next stage in life and we have to remind her often to slow down and try to just enjoy the stage she's in. She won't, but we remind her, anway.

Jordan has earned a full ride scholarship to college and has actually just completed her first college semester with a 3.85 GPA. Her last semester in high school has been all college classes. I have no idea where she gets her initiative. It's not from me, I can testify. I'm the least aggressive/competetive person you will meet. I'm pretty much just a go with the flow kind of gal. Not a lot of planning for the future from me. But Jordan has it all figured out. She knows where she'll be in 5 years, 10 years, 20. Not me. I'm not even sure where I'll be this weekend. I'll have to check my calendar.

We're proud of you Jordan! Thanks for letting us be your parents. You have taught us much and hope we have taught you a little in return. We love you.

2009-12-03T19:15:00.005-07:00

Conversation with Brody the other night:

Brody: "Mom, Santa has to bring me a DS. He HAS to!"
Not really liking the tone of that statement I asked, "Or what?"
Brody: "Or a Wii would be fine, too."

This kid could be a politician.

Food Bandit

2009-10-05T21:32:00.004-06:00

Today Aiden had a friend over and they decided to build a fort up in the playroom. Devin was pretty sure she had seen Aiden in the pantry at some point during the fort building. She became suspicious that Aiden had taken food up there to enhance her fort experience. She went up and asked, "Aiden, do you have food in there?"

Pregnant pause, then"Um, yes."

"Aiden, what's the rule about food?"

Another pause, and then "Um, no food outside the kitchen?"

"Right. So why did you do that?"

Much louder this time, "Well, how was I supposed to know that's the rule?"

Hmmm.

Look Who Ran Her First 5K, and, oh yeah, Won!!

2009-09-11T23:00:00.006-06:00

I haven't blogged in so long, I'm actually nervous to begin this post. I feel like I may fail, somehow. I have no idea what that means, but the feeling is there, nonetheless. But I digress.

I just have to have a bragging moment here. My little Devin ran her first 5k this summer. And won!! Well, in her category, anyway. She got up at 7 every morning this summer to run Cross Country. I think she only missed twice and really increased her stamina. It was awesome to watch her run her first 5k. Her ability to just keep going fascinates me. I've never been a runner. I get winded just watching her. I don't believe I've ever run more than a mile, and that was just because I didn't want to look like a complete wimp next to my sister, who was on the next treadmill over. That same sister ran the 5k with Devin this summer. She was here visiting from Oregon and when she found out that Devin was thinking about doing it, she told her she would run with her. Devin smoked her, but I was so proud of both of them. My sister has run for years off and on, but hadn't been running consistently for awhile. But she decided to just do it. Cool.

I've had dreams for years of being a runner. I don't mean fantasies. I mean real dreams. Like in my sleep. I have these dreams of running through my neighborhood with these really long strides that feel awesome, I'm not winded at all and I just feel euphoric. But whenever I've tried this out in real life, my lungs are burning within seconds, my legs are quivering, and trust me, euphoria is nowhere on the horizon. I think it's very rude of my psyche to tease me like this. I think dreams should come true. And I think they should come true with no training or work involved, whatsoever. Is that so wrong?

Our family got memberships to the rec center last month. Actually, two months ago. I've been once. And I didn't run. I watched my kids run. And you know what I realized as I watched them? My lungs weren't burning, my legs weren't quivering and I actually felt quite euphoric watching the little angels run.

My dreams are whacked.

Oh, baby!

2009-07-06T22:58:00.004-06:00

How do I love this commercial? Oh, let me count the ways! Every time I watch it, I notice something else that just makes me gut laugh. Almost makes me want to have another one. Almost.

2009-07-03T12:40:00.000-06:00

And they say money can't buy happiness...

Lego Man

2009-06-21T21:42:00.004-06:00

Ok, I know your kids are geniuses, too, but really, can they top this? Hah! Devin and Brody made this the other day on the Mac with still shots. It's awesome.

My Daughter, the Vulcan

2009-06-11T21:42:00.003-06:00

Matt and I went to see the new Star Trek movie the other week. If you were a fan of the 60's Star Trek, you have got to go see this movie! I loved it! I didn't even want to see it, but then I heard some great reviews for it. And then I found out it was JJ Abrams. That man can do no wrong! Of course, now that I've said that, I'll probably hate the next thing he does. But not yet.

I was telling Devin about the movie and she said she wanted to see it. I explained to her that she really wouldn't get it if she hadn't watched the old tv episodes. So guess who's been watching Star Trek nonstop on YouTube for the last two weeks? She has become a true trekkie. However, I think "Trouble with Tribbles" creeped her out a little.

So she sends me this email the other day. I watched it, thinking that something is just a little off with that Vulcan face. Then I realized it was Devin's face! I about wet my pants. And she had written the whole thing that he/she says.

Check it out: http://www.trekyourself.com/?mId=30309295.2

I'm a proud Vulcan mama.

Baseball, Birthdays and Blessings

2009-06-09T21:38:00.012-06:00

I really hate that my blog has become just a place to post quick updates about our family. I love to write, but since starting my job, my brain is mush by 7pm. So's my body. My body's been mushy much longer than I've had my job. But I'm going to blame the job anyway.

So summer has officially begun. Well, not officially, since summer doesn't officially start until June 21, but you catch my drift. School's out. Summer begins. Officially.

We bought the kids a summer pass to our new city pool. They are able to get themselves there on their scooters or by walking, so I'm hoping it will keep them entertained. Jordan is working there as a lifeguard and a swim instructor. We've had pretty stinky weather since school got out, but the kids have all managed to get tan anyway. Wish I could do that!

Brody has begun coach pitch baseball. Matt's still sure Brody's left-handed pitching is going to pay off! If we could just get his wind up to last a little less than 4 full seconds.We celebrated Matt's 44th birthday as school was ending. Jordan baked him a cake and was so mad that her 77 cent trick candles were a bust. Good effort, Jo! And thanks for baking Dad that awesome cake!

He huffed and he puffed and he then he coughed and he sputtered.

Speaking of getting old, this is how the over 40 crowd spends their Saturday nights,now--laying around on the shiatsu massager and hanging upside down for a little spine traction. That's my idea of a good time!
I'm a little bummed that we're grounded here again for another summer because of our jobs. But then I remember that we have jobs. Then I remember to count my blessings, for they are bountiful. And that's official.

2009-05-13T19:34:00.009-06:00

TA DA!!!!

Devin's teeth really weren't that bad before, but now they're perfect! I hope they stay that way. Mine sure didn't. But Devin does everything better than I ever did. I don't even remember having a retainer.
I guess that tells you how much I wore it.

And check this out.
Here was the balance we owed on Devin's braces today.

And here is the amount of my first paycheck.
Serendipitous, wouldn't you say? Or sad. I haven't decided which, yet.
All I know is I've got 43 cents to show for a over a weeks worth of work.
Nordstrom's, here I come!

Tomorrow's the day!

2009-05-12T18:55:00.003-06:00

These babies are coming off tomorrow! Devin whipped through her braces in less than a year and a half. Which is great for her. Not so great for me. I figured I'd have a good 2 years to pay off that $4000 bill. Pure insanity. We're definitely in the wrong business. But I'm excited for her. I'll post before and after pictures tomorrow!

Working 9 To 5

2009-05-06T18:13:00.008-06:00

Seriously. I'm not kidding. I'm working 9-5. Every day. All day. I don't know how this happened.

About 5 months ago, I decided I needed to get a J-O-B. I dragged my feet for the next 41/2 months. Nothing fit into the ideal job that I had dreamed up in my head. You know, that job that I could do in my pajamas. That job where I could choose my own hours, preferably late evening, when I seem to be at my peak. That job where I earn at least $19.63/hr. with the laptop on my lap, HGTV playing in the background, chilled Dr. Pepper at my side. It could happen!

Alas, my perfect job did not drop in my lap. Imagine that. One day I saw an ad for a receptionist for a medical office. They were asking for a receptionist who was willing to treat their patients like their best friend, to really make the patients comfortable. HELLO! Does that not just scream me?! Am I not the friendliest, most comfortable person you know? Don 't answer that. Well, at least I knew I could fake it pretty well.

Regardless of having no medical office experience, and a fairly spotty resume, I passed two interviews and was offered the job last Tuesday. I must say, it was definitely a Sally Field moment for me ("You like me! You really like me!") Unfortunately, they wanted me to begin work the next morning. Um, sure. So I had about 6 hours to rearrange our entire lives and clock in by morn. I had been driving a car full of little boys home every day after Kindergarten, along with my own son. I had to call the moms and let them know I couldn't get them anymore. And then I had to ask one of those moms to now pick Brody up every day until my sister could pick him up from her house. One of Brody's journal entries at school last week read like this: "On Munday I go to Jacks haws and play in then my ant cums and pics me up and I go ovr thr and I play then my sistr cums and pics me up."

Oh, holy guilt trip. Someone please reassure me that my kids will be fine, that they will not grow up to be sociopaths because their mother went back to work after being home for 17 years!

It's been a full week and we have survived. We have, dare I say, even thrived. The kids seem to really be kicking it into gear. I have a vacuumed floor, dishes loaded and rooms cleaned when I come home. Granted, we are still in the honeymoon phase, but they really seem to be wanting to do their part. I'm afraid Mom has been unwilling to "let" the kids help out as much as they should have over the last couple of years. I have this problem of wanting things done a certain (right) way, so I tend to just do it myself. Matt's been trying to convince me lately to stop folding the teenagers clothes. "No one folded my clothes past 12 years old!" But I can't help myself! I like laundry! I like to vacuum! I think I need a 12 step program. Instead, I got a job.

I'll keep you "posted" on life after the honeymoon. I'm sad that my blog will probably suffer because of this. I really, really like my blog. But the bottom line is, I like my job. I like the people I work with. I like the money. I just have to not think about the things I'll miss. Like Mom's day at kindergarten on Friday. The end of year dance festival at school. Watching my daughter get her braces off next Thursday. Waaaa! Waaaa!

This job is a blessing. This job is a sacrifice. It's a blessrifice. Dang, I'm good. Is it any wonder they hired me? Don 't answer that.

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, how do you get your dang garden to grow like that?

2009-04-20T22:05:00.008-06:00

Mother Nature has finally had mercy on us. We spent a glorious 70 degree day outside today. It was downright hard to believe after having 8 inches of snow just 4 days ago. But we took full advantage of it. We spent the afternoon on the trampoline, doing some weeding and finally getting our seeds planted for our garden. We will let them germinate inside for several weeks and then transplant them into our garden. Do I sound like I know what I'm doing? Hah, fooled ya. I know nothin' about gardens. I have the blackest thumbs you've ever seen.

We've done a garden for a couple of years now, but I don't seem to be learning much. Really, I just plant some stuff, cast a spell or two and hope for the best. I do seem to have really good luck with tomatoes, peppers and herbs. In fact, I've been pretty successful with my salsa garden. But that's about it. My lettuce is bitter. My carrots don't grow deeper than 2 inches into the ground. My corn looks like a bad set of dentures. We only got one good cantaloupe last year. And the fact that no one will help me weed really does not add to the good karma I need surrounding my garden. I hate weeding. No wait. I love weeding. No wait. I hate the thought of weeding, but once I start, I can't stop! My OCD kicks in and I can't quit till every last stinking weed is out. And then I get a little huffy cuz' everyone else fizzled out after 10 minutes and I spent the better part of my Saturday weeding, just to produce some bitter lettuce and 2 inch carrots!! But does that stop me? Heck no! Plant, I will! (And who likes carrots, anyway?)

This year we're taking a slightly different approach. The kids each picked their own vegetable to plant, water, weed, talk to, and tuck in at night. Yeah, they're all jazzed about it now, but wait until Mom's yanking them out of bed this summer to get to the weeding before the sun fries us all.

Regardless, we had a great time today, planting our seeds with the hope of a bounty of delicious things to eat this summer. It could happen! Now, if I could just find those darn seed packets of silver bells and cockle shells...

IM2DUM2BAMOM

2009-04-18T08:30:00.003-06:00

My daughter Devin is my homebody. My "can't be bothered with this silly social stuff" kid. Don't get me wrong. She has friends. She hangs out with friends. But she never initiates it. Ever. If no one calls her to hang, she is more than content to stay at home, playing with siblings, drawing, making cookies, doesn't really matter. I am always trying to encourage her to get out there more and spend a little more time with friends. Call somebody up. She will generally have none of that. Just can't be bothered, that one.

I was pretty sure my "encouraging" had fallen on deaf ears. Until last night. At about 10 pm she closed her cell phone and announced, "Two hours! I just texted Ashley for two hours!"

"Wow", I replied, slightly horrified at the statement. "Is that a good thing?"

"Well, Mom, you're the one who's always saying I need to work on my social skills!"

Yeah, Dev. That's what I meant.

Spring Break. Whatever.

2009-04-16T20:36:00.006-06:00

April 16th. Spring break. This is what we woke up to this morning. Yay. I'm breaking out the sunscreen as we speak.

Last year on this day it was 70 degrees! Ok, so last spring break we didn't do anything all that exciting, but we COULD have! Not this year. Except maybe sledding. Been there. Done that.

In some ways, this was actually the worst we've been hit all year, because the leaves have budded and the blossoms have bloomed, so the snow had a lot more surface area to sit on. Hence, we lost some good limbs off several brave and valiant trees. It's okay, trees. You put up a good fight. We don't blame you. Unfortunately, we found a tree Matt had just planted two days before was laying completely on it's side, gasping for breath. Please accept my apologies for not getting a photo of that.

Despite the slightly depressing aspect of it being SPRING BREAK and all, it was quite beautiful and sparkly this morning. And cold. Oh, and did I mention it's SPRING BREAK?!

Here's a couple of before's and after's, lest you think I exaggerate. (Which you never ever in a million, trillion years, would!)

I'm not taking any chances. Next spring break, we're heading to Palm Beach. Or at least St. George.

Or not.

Dear Mom...

2009-04-14T14:34:00.000-06:00

Here is a transcript of a letter Aiden slipped under my bedroom door.

Dear Mom,
teacup yorkies are adorible. u cant be alirjick to them. they r small as a teacup. I know you hate the poo but we could get a dirt pile and put a fence around it. so it would go in the dirt pile and no were else. we would put a chelter/cenel out there if it rains. I will pay. I will take care of it.
PLEASE

Dear Aiden,
Teacup Yorkies are adorible, in their own little way. I suppose. But if anyone can be alirjick to them, it would be you. I'm sorry to point this out, Sweetie, but they are not really as small as a teacup. And if they were, I'm pretty sure that would creep me out. If you'll notice, that Yorkie is just spilling right over the top of that teacup. I think the description is false advertising, if you ask me.

Now, can you explain how if we were to build a fence around the dirt pile that he will poo in, then how will he get in it to use it? Hmm. A riddle wrapped up in an enigma.

And you're right. Dad is capable of building one wicked chelter/cenel out there, but seeing as we still don't have all the knobs on our kitchen cabinets three years after building, I think Dad's efforts would be better applied elsewhere.

Alas, I know you offered to pay for it, but I did my homework, and it's pretty much college or a yorkie. I know that's an easy choice for you, seeing as you're only 9, but I really really need you to go to college. Afterall, who will pay for my nursing home when I'm a lonely old widow lady and all I have to keep me company is an adorable little teacup yorkie?

P.S. I admire your persistence.

P.P.S. Spelling homework right after dinner.

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T20:28:00.005-06:00

We had a great Easter Sunday. However, the kids got their Easter baskets by the hair on my chinny chin chin! (Ew.) Devin came in at 7am and noticed the Easter bunny had not been there yet! I made a quick call to the Easter Bunny (thank goodness for unlimited long distance on my cell phone!) He showed right up and took care of business! I don't know how he did it, but do it he did! Whew! Disaster averted for another year.

Of course, we went to church where we heard beautiful testimonies bearing witness of Jesus Christ. He is not Here

Walter Rane

After church, our friends the Williams came over to have dinner with us. Well, Jan actually supplied most of the dinner. I only had to make rolls and dessert. Like I said, it was a great day. After dinner Jan taught us how to paint Easter cookies. They turned out adorable, and were yummy, to boot! Here is a sample of some of our cookies.

Hope you all had a wonderful joy-filled Easter!

The Shoe is on the Other Foot. Oh Look, It's on This One, Too!

2009-04-09T13:29:00.014-06:00

Last night I was talking to some friends about being a shoe person or not a shoe person. I don't mean like having a weakness for buying really fabulous shoes, like my friend, Meg. I'm talking about wearing shoes. As in all day long. That's me. I'm a shoe gal.

Meet my shoes.

My shoes are something akin to my BFF. They go on my feet first thing in the morning, and are the last thing to come off at night. Nothing gets done around my house until the shoes are on the feet. I have an issue with stepping on crunchies or anything wet or sticky. And as valiant a housekeeper as I try to be, there is almost always something crunchy or wet or sticky on my kitchen floor. The little angels you see above this post are surprisingly crunchy, wet and sticky people. Therefore, the shoes are crucial in my ability to accomplish anything around my house. I have developed a personal relationship with these shoes. Sometimes I think they have a personality, like they can even feel certain emotions, such as these:

Anger: Hey lady, watch what you're stepping in!
Pain: Excuse me, but you haven't put on a pound or ten lately, have you?
Sarcasm: No, no, really. I don't mind. That beating your giving me is good for my character! Sheesh!
Jealousy: Fine. Wear the red patent leather heels. They think they're so hot. Just answer this one question. Have they always been there for you like I have? Can they give you the support I give you? So what if that was two questions. Whatever. Talk to the foot.
Happiness: Yay! Here she comes! She likes me, she really likes me!

Does this make me crazy? I don't know and really, I don't care. My shoes make me happy. And productive. And comfortable. And happy.

And don't get me wrong. I'm also the Meg kind of shoe girl. I wasn't lying about the red patent leather heels. But mostly I'm the schizo kind of personality-bearing shoe wearer described above. And that pleases me. And the voices in my head.

Squish in My Step

2009-04-03T11:34:00.010-06:00

Yesterday I posted about my heart soaring over the beauty and wonder of spring. Today I woke up full of misery and woe. Woe and misery. I was miserable in my woefulness. I was woeful in (record scratch) Ok, sorry. So here's the deal.

Last night it rained. Not big news, I know. It rains in Utah. And then it snows. Then it snains (that's a combination of the snow and rain together. I made that up. Do you think it will catch on?) But last night we had ourselves a torrential downpour. I'm talking Pacific Northwest eat your heart out kind of downpour. Matt and I were out driving and basking in it (we miss Oregon) and Matt kept saying how unusual it was for it to rain that heavy here. Then he kept saying, "This means flooding." And I mean kept saying, as in 4 or 9 times. Finally I said, "Ok, this means flooding, but for whom?" (And yes, I said "whom". I'm always grammatically correct in my speech. Just ask my kids. We was just talking about that the other day.) Matt's answer was that he didn't know whom, but somebody.

Alas, that somebody was us. The girls came in at 6:30 this morning and said, "Dad, we've got a big problem downstairs." Crap. We both knew exactly what that meant. My man is nothing, if not prophetic. The storm we had basked in the night before had indeed flooded our basement. Apparently, our downspout is situated in an unfortunate way, and had drained into Jordan's window well all night. (That is not our Dr. Pepper can in the well. I repeat, not our Dr. Pepper can. We drink it out of bottles.)

We quickly cleaned out their bedrooms as best we could, pulled up the carpet and set the fans to work. And relatively speaking, it could have been a whole lot worse. No ankle deep water, just a lot of sloshy carpet.

Matt then went outside and promptly attached a big galvanized sewer pipe we had laying around (I'm sorry to say that's a true statement) and the water is now being forced off into a more appropriate direction. Too little, too late, really. The dang rain had turned to snain, and then snow overnight. At least we'll be prepared for the next downpour.Don't have to flood me twice! Lesson learnt!

Spring in My Step

2009-04-02T19:17:00.019-06:00

“Spring is when you feel like whistling
even with a shoe full of slush.”
~Doug Larsen~

I don't even know who Doug Larsen is, but, man, did he nail it with that quote. He obviously lived in Utah at one point in his life.

Mark Twain said, " It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!" That pretty much sums it up. Have I mentioned I love spring?

There are things I love about each season, but spring makes my heart soar. I'm not an extreme temperature kind of gal, so spring caters to my desire to not be too hot or too cold. I absolutely love seeing the buds popping on the trees, my day lilies pushing up, my succulents springing to life.

I got so happy today, I went out and snapped a few photos. Not bad, eh?

(Thank you Heidi! I am forever in your debt!
Not literally, hopefully!)

Happy Birthday, First Born!

2009-03-24T19:26:00.006-06:00

Seventeen years ago today, I became a mom when my little blonde haired, blue-eyed Jordan came into the world. Wow. That's almost hard to admit, grasp, believe. Any of those would fit nicely. I remember, before she came, having these grand visions of motherhood. My kids would always match, they would say please and thank you to their parents and every other human being, they would learn at least 3 musical instruments, they would have straight A's, they would have great hair (don't ask me why I think this is important, it just is), they would be neat freaks, they would be athletically inclined, they would have naturally straight teeth (it could happen!), they would learn to swim without swimming lessons, they would tan easily, they would love trying new foods, and most importantly, they would love mentoring and hanging out with their siblings (like one of those families where the siblings hug and kiss each other and actually say the words, "I love you" to each other. I know, that's just weird.)

Well, 2 out of 12 isn't bad. I'm not saying which 2.

I know, I know. What was I thinking? Believe it or not, I still think it. I still have visions of grandeur with the raising of my children. And my oldest is only going to be home another year or so!! Wait just a darn second! I'm not ready! We have 10 or so more things on that list to work on!

Alas, I'm going to have to let some of my control freak personality go. Just let it free, like the Progessive Lady (ooh, there it goes). Because really, my oldest may not have accomplished all the things on that list, but here's what she has accomplished:

1. Straight A's. Oops, I said I wouldn't tell which two. Well, that's only one.

2. A very strong personality with her own opinions about everything. And I mean that in a good way. She doesn't wait for her parent's opinions, she goes right ahead and just forms those suckers on her own. Imagine that.

3. A burning love and respect for her country.

4. A vision of her future. She is college bound and already knows she wants to be a social worker. Her parents are still trying to figure out what they want to do when they grow up.

5. A love of little children.

6. An excellent cook. She has surpassed me in the kitchen, and I am happy to hand over the apron to her! Now, if I could just get her to do the dishes afterward...

7. An excellent choice in friends. For a while, she seemed to be burning through her friends and it had her dad and I worried a bit. But after a while, we realized she has a lot of wisdom and has surrounded herself with really good people.

8. A piano player. Sort of. Click here.

9. A voracious reader. She can read a novel in one day. I'm not lying. She read the last Harry Potter in one night. Meaning, she didn't sleep the whole night and finished by morning. And she remembers every detail! No kidding. I can barely remember if I've read the book or not, she can tell you every character, their birth date and on what page they first appeared in the book.

10. Naturally straight teeth. Oops! I did it again.

Happy Birthday Jordan. You are a great kid and I'm sure your dad and I don't tell you that often enough. Thank you for all you've taught us. Thank you for being our guinea pig. Thank you for being my first child. First children hold a special place in their parent's hearts. Thank you for your not wrecking the car yet. You've got me beat by a year already.

I love you.

Here are a few other things I've learned since being a mother...
(and yes, I borrowed a "few" of these)

You Know You're a Mother When ...

You count the sprinkles on each kid's cupcake to make sure they're equal.

You have time to shave only one leg.

You hide in the bathroom to be alone.

Your kid throws-up and you catch it.

Someone else's kid throws up at a party. You keep eating.

You hope ketchup is a vegetable, since it's the only one your child eats.

You stop criticizing the way your mother raised you.

You donate to charities in the hope that your child won't get that disease.

You hire a sitter because you haven't been out with your husband in ages, then spend half the night checking on the kids.

You curse the invention of cell phones when your child learns to dial you to tell you that his sister just used the "S" word. (You know, "stupid")

You use your own saliva to clean your child's face.

You say at least once a day, "I don't have the energy for this", but you know you wouldn't trade it for anything".

Good To Go!

2009-03-14T14:00:00.006-06:00

Brody has been missing a few things from his room and I hadn't been able to figure out where they had disappeared to. Then I stumbled upon this bag. Inside was a myriad of confusing items. When I asked him what it was, he told me it was his 72 hour kit. Apparently Aiden decided it was time to get our act together, be prepared to hit the mountains, so they each packed their own kit. Here is a summary of what was inside:

Not one, but 5 teddy bears. We all need our "comfies" in troubled times.

A couple of books to read, including a Bible storybook. We will definitely need something to keep our minds off of our dire situation, and a Bible story will help us remember who to call on.

An electronic baseball game. This one's really for his dad, so they can spend some quality time together during our 72 hour getaway.

Sweats and a t-shirt. Hopefully he'll already have shoes on when it's time to flee!

3 baseball hats. Excellent for keeping the blazing sun or falling snow off his face, depending on the time of year the big one hits.

His soccer and t-ball medals. I'm thinking we could use these as a bartering system with the "others" who are hanging out in the mountains. "I'll trade you that Mountain House Stroganoff for my soccer medal. It's gooold!" (singsong voice and Vanna White hand motions.)

His "straw bottle rocket" he made in 4H after school. This one is a stroke of genius. We could light the end of it and send it up like an emergency flare if things get rocky. (Like if we run out of Bible stories or our batteries die in the electronic baseball game.)

His bunny on the moon. He's had this in his room since he was a baby, so it just makes sense that it should be in his temporary room.

A snow globe. While we're out digging latrines and surviving on tuna for 3 days, it's mystical presence will be essential for our morning family yoga mantras and opening our chakras. The clear mountain air, I can smell it now!

And finally, $2. Perfect for when we finally come back down. We can hit McDonald's first thing for a Big Mac!

Noticeably missing:

A toothbrush. But really, I'm fairly sure he's gone three days before without brushing, so maybe not so crucial after all.

A sleeping bag. I don't mind if he shares with me. I'm always cold anyway.

Food. But what six year old preps his own food anyway? Surely Mom and Dad are on it.

Chocolate. No, this is different than food. And perhaps even more necessary. I will turn into a shriveling excuse for a human being if I have to go without chocolate for 3 days! I shudder to think...

I must say, I'm impressed. The kid is nothing if not prepared (for the next disaster or the next Mac Attack, whichever comes first.) And seeing as how my own 72 hour kit is sitting downstairs, unassembled, waiting for me to get it together, I might have to share with Brody. He's definitely got enough hats and teddy bears to go around. I'll have to go rummage through Aiden's now and see if she's got anything I can use. I'm hoping she packed her designer Barbie. I'll bet some little girl will trade a Hershey bar for that!

The Word Has Been Spoken

2009-03-08T23:26:00.002-06:00

The artist for Music and the Spoken Word lives in our ward. Her name is Amy Hintze and she is unbelievably talented. A couple of weeks ago, she asked Matt and I to model for one of her paintings for an upcoming broadcast. It aired last Sunday, and again yesterday. It was so fun to see ourselves immortalized on TV! The Spoken Word message was about living within one's means, and Matt and I portrayed a couple who hadn't heeded this advice. (Insert throat clearing here). Of course, that was completely hypothetical, because Matt and I have NEVER been in debt and would NEVER EVER get in debt. (Insert throat clearing here).

I have to laugh, cuz I look a little angry in the painting. Who am I angry at? My husband or myself? The eternal question in our marriage. I'm always getting in trouble for getting mad at Matt for getting mad. He's a pretty level-headed guy. A spaz, but level-headed, nonetheless. So whenever he gets mad (usually for me forgetting to do something important, like filing taxes or something. Whatever.) my reaction has always been to get mad back. I'm working on that. Trying to go to my happy place more often and allow someone else to be mad for a while. Somehow, I've convinced myself that my righteous indignation is completely justified, but everyone else should be completely in control and should never allow themselves the indignity of being angry. Don't they know that anger is a choice? That no one else can make you angry and you are choosing your reaction?

Hah. If only it was that simple. While I believe this in theory, my beef with this has always been that that gives people the freedom to just continue pushing your buttons, while the onus lies on you to keep yourself in control. How is that fair? Where is the responsibility for the person pushing those buttons? I've concluded that this is a perfect theory outside the home. I committed a long time ago to not letting others make me angry, offended, hurt, etc. Because seriously, those feelings are way to heavy to carry around. I simply don't have time for that. However, in the home, there is a higher law that must be implemented. I do believe that the onus still lies with oneself to not get angry (or angry back), but there's got to be some responsibility on the rest of those family members to stop pushing all those buttons. Seriously, your fingers must get tired, just give them a rest. And yes, my fingers are probably aching the worst.

So, I've decided this family will all commit to pushing less buttons in our home and to finding the humor (see last post) in our sometimes absurd lives. I like deciding things for others. I'm a very decisive person. I think. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go let them know I've decided this.

Do you think they'll be mad?

Seuss, Smiles and Smells

2009-03-03T13:08:00.006-07:00

Last night I took Aiden and Brody to the library to see Seussical the Musical. It was fabulous! And I'm not just saying that cuz it was free. Which it was. Have I mentioned I love free? But I have paid to see this before and last night's version was every bit as enjoyable. Plus, it was edited a bit to fit into a one hour production with no intermission, and I think that works better for the kids. And me.

As I was watching these teenagers perform, my heart hurt a little that I didn't do more of this kind of stuff when I was their age. There was always a part of me that wanted to perform, but there was also, unfortunately, a bigger part of me that was more concerned about looking like a dork. Which is so illogical, cuz I was queen dork in high school. Apparently I was just unaware of that, then. If there is one thing I hope to teach my kids, it's to just forget what others think. It doesn't matter now, it really won't matter later, and it only holds you back. The older I've gotten, the more I realize that the people I love being around the most might be considered "dorks". They are those people who have learned to totally be themselves. Not in an obnoxious, "look at me" kind of way, but in that, "life is short and I can't waste it worrying about being cool" kind of way. And these aren't all grownups I'm talking about. I know a lot of youth who have figured this out, and they are the kind of people others are really drawn to. Including me. They are the ones that always make me laugh. I love hanging around anyone who can make me gut laugh. You make me gut laugh and I'll be your friend for life! I love to laugh. I just don't think I do it often enough. I think a great sense of humor is the most attractive trait a person can have. If we have a "sixth" sense, humor is definitely it. We all have certain senses that are more heightened than others. For me, it's my sense of smell. I, for one, have a nose like a bloodhound. I can smell a dirty dish rag from a mile away. Unfortunately, this heightened olfactory sense has also led to me not being able to tolerate perfume or cologne. On me or anyone else. Or really any manner of strong smell. I have to really gear up to cook bacon, cuz I swear I can smell it in the house for a solid week.

Have I ever mentioned that people that smell like their food is one of my peeves? I know this is not a very tolerable trait of mine. I remember a boy who used to get on the bus every morning in elementary school just reeking of eggs, bacon and syrup. I always threw up a little in my mouth when he got on. The poor guy. He was a very sweet boy and I considered him a friend, and it wasn't his fault he had a loving mother who made him a home cooked breakfast every morning. But it was just more than I could take and I would do a little chant in my head every day as he boarded, "Please don't sit by me! Please don't sit by me!" If he sat near me, I'd have to breathe through my mouth for the rest of the bus ride. We lived way out in the country and our bus ride took half the school day. Needless to say, I would arrive a little lightheaded on the days he would sit near me.

Just another reason I'm not into cooking, I guess.

So I've determined to lighten up this year, to seek out those things that make me smile, make me laugh. Especially here at home. Let me say that again. Especially here at home. And, really, is there anything funnier than hearing that crash down the hall, followed quickly by your six year old yelling, "I'm OK!"

Like Dr. Seuss said, "From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere." I'm on it. Doctor's orders!

Sick Bay

2009-02-23T17:46:00.012-07:00

This is where I've lived for the last 4 days.

Ok. I've just experienced strep throat for the first time in my life. And let me just say, I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. This was seriously the sickest I can ever remember being. And, mind you, I've had mono, pneumonia, and valley fever (this is a special virus reserved for Arizonans). It started out as a sore throat on Wednesday night, but as long as I kept ibuprofen in me, I wasn't too bad.

Until Saturday. My fever wouldn't break. Aches, chills, headache. I could barely swallow. I've never had a sore throat that bad. Even my own saliva felt like golf balls going down and I had to perform a mental pep rally at every swallow. "Come on, you can do it! Ready, ok!" I eventually just started spitting into a cup, cuz I simply couldn't swallow anymore. Mmm. Yum. But I kept trying to convince myself that it was the dreaded influenza, which isn't "treatable", it just needed to run it's course and that at any moment I would start feeling better. And since we let our health insurance go, we avoid the doctor like the plague. (Oh, man. I could blog for a month about health insurance companies. I've decided they are evil. Necessary evil, maybe, but evil, nonetheless.) But by Sunday night, I truly wanted to die. Beam me up, Scotty, I be done. I laid awake all night, just waiting for the clock to strike 8 am so Matt could get me to Urgent Care. I was like a 90 year old lady. I could barely walk. I truly considered letting him carry me in, but decided that would hurt even worse. So I shuffled in and luckily we were the first ones there. We got in within 15 minutes, the doctor checked me out, swabbed my throat, did a rapid strep test, and voila'! Strep it is. I was both disappointed and so relieved. Disappointed because we've always kind of prided ourselves on not being a "strep" family. Like that's really something one can pride themselves on. Sometimes you've just got to grab the glory where you can. But I was also so relieved because I had an answer and one that I knew was treatable.

Modern medicine good.

I am not a big antibiotic person, but as we waited for the results, I pictured the doctor telling me it's not strep, just viral and there was really nothing he could do for me. I also pictured myself grabbing the doctor by the lapels and screaming in his face, "Have mercy, man! You've got to give me something!!!!" Lucky for him, the results were positive. He wrote out the prescriptions, we paid our $994, and were on our way. Just kidding. It wasn't that much. And actually, it ended up being about half of one month's insurance premiums. So take that, stupid insurance company! A good neighbor brought dinner in tonight, and I am feeling improvement. Unfortunately, Matt is feeling a sore throat coming on. Sorry, babe. I promise to be better by tomorrow and I'll carry you in to urgent care. Well, I'll drive you there, anyway.

And do you want to know what really bites? I didn't lose ONE stinkin' pound! Gimme a break. Now that truly is evil.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to go find the Lysol.

Can you describe the shooter, sir? Yes, a little naked man with wings, carrying a bow and arrow!

2009-02-14T21:22:00.015-07:00

Today is Valentine's Day. Not to be confused with Global Love Day on May 1. That is the day where the world decides to put aside their differences and promote peace, love and harmony throughout the world. I'm going to have to post a reminder for you all on May 1, so you can all put on your tie-dye and send out your good vibes to the world. But I digress. Today is Valentine's Day. Did I already say that?

But here's my question. When was it decided that Valentine's day was a kid's holiday? I'm confused. I thought the whole idea behind Valentine's day was a day for lovers? In fact here is what wikipedia says:

Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14, by many people throughout the world. In the West, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers or offering confectionary. The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year, behind Christmas. The association estimates that, in the US, men spend on average twice as much money as women. As it should be.

Ok, I added that last sentence. But notice, nowhere does it state that Valentine's is a day where kids express their undying love to their classmates in the form of a Sponge Bob card with a Hershey Kiss attached. So where did we go wrong? Answers people! I need answers! Now, having said all that, since I'm forced into this tradition, I tend to go overboard. I think store bought Valentine's and Halloween costumes are against my religion. I don't know why I do this to myself, but it is simply something I can't help. I don't really like to do anything half-way. I'm an all or nothin' gal! Unfortunately, the nothin' comes into play more often than the all.

These were our Valentine's this year.

Aiden got this from her Primary Teacher.

Devin got these from her YW teacher.

And all I got was this.

That's right! A night away at a hotel all by myself!! Just kidding. I took Matt with me. I'm nice like that. We went to Salt Lake for the night, had a little PF Chang's, hung out in the hot tub with a bunch of frat boys from Buffalo drinking watered down Utah beer (they were shocked to hear that but said it explained a lot) and just had an overall fabulous time.

So bear with me for a moment as I wish my honey bunny, my pookie bear, my love bug, my tater tot, ok sorry--my husband a Happy Valentine's Day! Plato said, "At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet". He lied. I'm no poet and I know it. If I were, I'd say things like, "I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach. " But Elizabeth Barrett Browning already said that.

So here's what I will say. I love you. But you know that. What you might not know, is that I really like you, too. You're just fun to hang out with and you laugh at my jokes. You tell me I'm beautiful everyday. You make people laugh wherever we go, unless they're really confused by your sense of humor, which happens, too. But then that just cracks me up and reminds me again that I really like you. Thank you for loving me and dare I say, liking me, too?

Oh yeah. And thanks for this weekend ;)

How I Accidentally Joined the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy (and Found Inner Peace)

2009-02-11T23:31:00.009-07:00

I just finished this book and can I just say, what a breath of fresh air! A fascinating, logical read. Loved it! I challenge all of you to read this and give me your opinion! Yeah, you know who you are!
Online review:

REVIEW BY MARK REMBERT

Harry Stein had a pretty nice life. He was a cheerful, content liberal married to a cheerful, content liberal living in New York and making an honest living as an author and columnist. We should all have it so good.

Then came the baby. Seeing life through the new prism of parenthood, much of what Stein & Co. had assumed to be the gospel began over time to seem quite wrong. The wall of their doctrinaire liberalism started to crumble over the issue of day care, as their like-minded friends couldn't fathom that the Steins even entertained thoughts of raising children themselves, without the benefit of paid-for help. The reproach of this group of friends sent them on a journey of intellectual discovery which Priscilla Stein summed up well: "It's funny . . . I saw myself as a fighter against right-wing scum. [After this experience] I was well on my way to being right-wing scum."

And that, essentially, is the story of How I Accidentally Joined the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy (and Found Inner Peace). As he examines and challenges the prevailing belief system of the left, Stein finds something much more disturbing than the fact that he has come to disagree with so much of what he once held dear -- that among those who share the conventional liberal wisdom, there is no room for debate or disagreement. In fact, according to Stein, diversity of thought is simply not allowed.

We read of examples throughout our culture and politics, including affirmative action, media bias, gay rights, Murphy Brown, and so on. Stein saves his most delicious vitriol for feminism, with tale after cautionary tale about the sacrifice of critical thought before the altar of a particular code of beliefs. Most telling is an excerpt from an interview with Gloria Steinem on the subject of female firefighters:

"Asked at one point . . . whether it was really prudent for fire departments to lower their strength standards to accommodate women -- meaning that it's now within regulations in some municipalities to drag someone down the stairs of a burning building rather than carry them -- America's preeminent feminist actually replied that, well, 'there's less smoke close to the ground.' "

How I Accidentally Joined the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy is both lively and insightful, free of the turgidity characteristic of many political/cultural books. One can scarcely imagine reading it without learning something and enjoying it as well.

Mark Rembert writes from Nashville.

And She's Back!

2009-02-08T17:49:00.018-07:00

Devin returned this morning from Hawaii, tan and sick. The poor thing got croupy the last 2 days she was there, fever and all. But overall she had a good time. She arrived home at 7:30 this morning and slept like the dead for the next 8 hours! I hope she can get back to sleep tonight. She saw whales jumping out of the water one day, but unfortunately didn't have her camera with her. Here are some of the photos she was able to catch.

Welcome home Devin!

(Maybe they'll take me next year...)

People, Pets and Poop

2009-02-02T21:29:00.001-07:00

Our poor deprived children. Matt and I are just not pet people. We've tried. We've failed. I just can't stand the hair. I can't stand the smell. I can't stand the poop. I despise the poop! How do people deal with it? Nevertheless, our children never stop trying to convince us that we really really, pretty please with a cherry on top, you'll never have to walk it or clean it or deal with it or see it or smell it, need a pet.

We were at our friend's house the other day. They have pets. I believe they think their pets are their friends. Perhaps even their family. Apparently I have enough friends and family. Brody started in on how we need a dog and how they really aren't any trouble at all. I kept telling him nope, not gonna happen, not in this lifetime, when pigs fly, after I die, etc. In other words, uh uh. Finally, I grew weary of his persistence and said, "Look, if you can find a dog that doesn't poop, you're on big guy!"

Brody gave a fist punch to the air with a loud, "YES!!" Then he then ran off yelling, "Hey Aiden, guess what Mom said!"

I'm mean. But it works for me.

And She's Off!

2009-01-31T21:26:00.007-07:00

Devin left today for Hawaii. I'm not one bit jealous. Nope. Not even a titch. I'm enjoying the snow and ice just fine. I'm not even bothered by the big bruise on my hip from slipping outside yesterday. Who needs Hawaii in January anyway? The little stink.

Last year Jordan got to go. This year it's Devin's turn. They've both been given the opportunity to go with some family friends to be their "nanny" for the week. They have 5 girls, so they could really use the extra hand. Devin was so excited and not a bit nervous. Brody was rather devastated when Devin said goodbye this morning. He adores her.

Devin texted me an hour ago and said, "I'm here!!!" I really am thrilled that they have been given this opportunity. And I'm not sure how else they would get there cuz I don't see a trip to Hawaii in our near future!

Have fun, my little one!

Showing My Stuff

2009-01-27T16:36:00.018-07:00

Lately I have been in trouble from one of my children for airing our dirty laundry on our (my) blog. When one of my daughters was really little she used to tell me, "Mommy, don't show my stuff," whenever I would talk about her. It just cracked me up and, of course, never worked. I didn't have children just so I could brag about them. I also had them so I could "show their stuff" to the world! I'm pretty sure that's what blogging was invented for. I'm not the most private of people, which has gotten me in trouble on occasion. Now, having said that, I do show considerable restraint at times. I mean I know when to draw the line. For instance, I didn't post the picture of the child who woke up in the morning after apparently sleepwalking the night before, and realized he or she had put on a bra over his/her pajamas sometime in the night. I would never post a picture of that, much less talk about it! Wait. Disregard.

The airing of dirty laundry seems to have become fashionable sometime in my generation. I know in my parents era and beyond, the laundry was kept firmly squished in dark closets alongside the skeletons. But it seems that we now take some sort of lopsided pleasure in playing the game of "my childhood was more dysfunctional than yours". (Mom and dad, take heart. I always lose this game.) I have spent evenings with friends comparing notes on absurd experiences from our youth. But I had one friend that always seemed to trump my stories. I remember her telling me that her dad only let them use 5 squares of toilet paper per use. No more, no less. I'm not exactly sure how he was enforcing this rule, and, come to think of it, I don't really want to know.

My children just give me too much material not to use it occasionally. So really, it's their fault. If they would just stop being so entertaining I might have fewer things to blog about. But I must say, this blog has been one of my greatest pleasures this last year and half. I wish so badly that blogging had been invented when my first was born! I'm so jealous of my "younger" friends (that's a relative term, you know) who get to blog from first baby on! No fair! I know I could have kept a journal. I know I could have scrapbooked. I know I could have done better than a 110 camera when my first was born. Seriously, that's what I used. You know, the kind where you had to wind it after each picture? I think the pixels on those were about .00096. Okay, I don't think they had pixels, but if they did, that's what it would have been. I don't have a single good picture of my first baby til she was at least 2! (sniff)

So, dear children. I'm sorry about airing our dirty laundry to the world. But you see, this blog is a necessary evil. I've decided that it guarantees you will grow up well adjusted, functioning and contributing human beings with clean laundry in that skeleton free closet. Your welcome.

And if you don't like it, get your own blog. On second thought...

Turning Over a New Pillow?

2009-01-21T22:34:00.005-07:00

Tonight I went into Jordan's room to ask her something. She wasn't in there, but what I saw made me want to cry. No it's not what you think. It was this!

I do not remember the last time she cleaned her room without me asking, begging, threatening, cajoling, bribing, grounding...you get the point. My heart did a little cartwheel.

So I had to ask her, "What the heck got into you?"
Her reply, "Dad made me."

Oh well, I'll take what I can get.

The Whole Tooth and Nothin' But the Tooth!

2009-01-15T13:12:00.005-07:00

The other day Aiden, who's nine, came in from having just brushed her teeth. I took a quick peek and told her, "Aiden, you still have junk on the back side of your front teeth." She looked at me kind of funny and replied, "Well, Mom. I didn't know I had to brush the back of my teeth."

Oh dear. This explains so much.

Growing Up Is Hard To Do

2009-01-10T16:34:00.007-07:00

The other day Brody asked for a drink of "7 Cherry Up". It made me giggle. I just love the little things that come out of his mouth. I gave him a little squeeze and said, "Brody, please don't ever grow up." As I proceeded to get his drink of 7 Cherry Up, I turned around to give it to him and found him standing there with tears brimming in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Mommy. I just don't think I'll be able to stop."

Oh. Wow. This child is so very sweet. It just really broke his heart to think I would be disappointed in the fact that he would indeed grow up and there was just nothing he could do about it. He is definitely my most sensitive child.

Matt has always instructed the kids to not grow up. Each of them has responded to this instruction in a way that completely matches their personality.

When Jordan was told not to grow up, she responded with frustration. "Daddy, I have to grow up!" She has always been in a hurry. She is always waiting for that next stage in her life to happen. She's a high (read nervous) energy person, who needs to be moving constantly. She is "hurry up and wait" in action. And because of this high energy existence, she can crash harder than anyone I've ever seen. She has put herself to bed ever since she was little. She just goes and goes all day, but when she's done, she's done! She sleeps like the dead. In fact, the smoke alarms don't even wake her up in the night. (I know this because several years ago, due to an apparent malfunction, they were going off every few nights . She never woke up once!)

When Devin was told not to grow up, she responded with a simple, "Okay." Easy peasy. That's my Devin. Not hard to get along with and willing to please. She is definitely not in a hurry to grow up. Doesn't want to date or go to dances. She would still ask me to pick out her clothes and do her hair if she thought she could get away with it. And yet, she is a human oxymoron, because her soul was born a 35 year old. She's the least silly kid you'll ever meet. She quietly tolerates her childhood, waiting patiently for her friends to catch up to her.

And then there's Aiden. When her dad instructed her to not grow up, she responded with a cheeky, "Whatever." In other words, talk to the hand. Aiden lives in the moment. And she really can't be bothered with the philosophies of life. She wants to be doing something "fun" all the time. She is my most girly of the girls. She invited Miley Cyrus to her next birthday party, wants her hair curled every day, and has wardrobe issues. She told me a while ago that we needed to go shopping for new shirts. I showed her all the shirts in her closet and she responded with, "Uh, yeah, Mom? Those really aren't cute clothes." Apparently I'm going to have to start shopping at Old Navy or Target or one of those other fancy schmancy stores I'm too lazy to drive to. Clearly the $3 WalMart t-shirts just aren't cutting it anymore.

It is evident my children will continue to grow up, despite their being commanded not to. I do actually look forward to their growing up in so many ways, even getting excited about the prospect of grandkids in the not so distant future. And yet, if I could stop time, I honestly think I would. I love the phase of life we are in right now. Teenagers to hang out with and little people to cuddle with.

If my husband told me to stop growing up right now, I, for one, would obey.

Then and Now

2009-01-08T17:02:00.008-07:00

Jordan has been scanning old pictures for a book she's making at school. We came across these gems the other day.

This is Matt in 1976, hence the totally awesome patriotic shirt.

I showed Matt's picture to Brody today and asked him who he thought it was. "Your sister?" I thought I was gonna wet my pants. Matt really, really wanted sideburns, so he told his mom to leave them long when she cut his hair. Oh, how I just adore this picture!

And I was so proud of finally mastering the feathered do. I'm pretty sure I had to get up extra early to accomplish that.

And us, today. I like to think we've aged like a fine wine.

Or is it cheese?

It Just Keeps Going and Going and Going...

2009-01-05T21:58:00.003-07:00

All this just today!

And the weather guy said just an hour ago, "When all is said and done with this storm, we should have about 1-2 inches in the valley."

I don't know what window he's looking out, but it ain't mine! It's days like this when I want to hug my suburban!

Let's Play Emo!

2009-01-02T18:24:00.006-07:00

The other day, Brody yelled up to his sister in the playroom, "Aiden, let's play Emo!" We all just froze in place. Flashes of horizontal stripes, pegged pants, black dyed hair with stringy bangs covering the eyes, low talking and bad music filled our minds. "Um, Brody?" I asked. "How do you play Emo?"

"Mom," Aiden yelled down. "I think he means Uno!".

Oooohhhh, thank goodness.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-02T15:19:00.014-07:00

We had a wonderful, white, relaxing Christmas. We began the celebrations on Christmas Eve with our traditional, buffet style dinner, with sparkling cider, of course. The kids opened their Christmas Eve jammies that they get every year.
And then Aiden and Brody fed Santa's reindeer their nutritious snack of banana flavored oatmeal. It's the reindeer's favorite, in case you didn't know that. And, of course, we put out cookies and milk for Santa. We finished up the evening with a couple of videos. I can't remember which ones. I think we've watched 49 movies this Christmas break.

Christmas morning brought a gift from Santa for everyone and lots of other fun stuff.

The girls got me the book I wanted, Reflections of Christ. Just beautiful.

Matt has been doing a construction job for an older couple down in Springville. They adore Matt and got us this HUGE Christmas gift. We tortured Brody for a week, not letting the kids open it until Christmas morning. This is what they got us. A signed Greg Olsen, called Walk With Me. I was speechless. So was Brody, but for a whole different reason. I couldn't believe they had done this! My husband has a way of charming those older ladies. I think all the widows in our ward have a little crush on him. He so good at helping them out with whatever is needed.

This gift is from one of those widows in our ward that I just mentioned. She adores Matt, but also adores my little man, Brody. (I think the charm's rubbing off!) She gave Brody this car rug that she made decades ago. It is a map of our city. And all the cars and animals that go with it. Just adorable. Brody loved it and wrote her the cutest thank you card.

Later in the afternoon, we kept our tradition going of seeing a movie every Christmas. I love this tradition. Christmas day tends to drag on. The day starts out so early and gift opening can only last so long. The movie breaks up the day and we always look forward to it. This year we saw Bedtime Stories. Not bad, not bad.

Saturday we tested out our new sleds and went sledding with Matt's sister, Kim, and her family, up from Arizona. Only a couple of injuries...
Can't really see the blood, and the tooth was already loose, so no real harm done. And I acquired a sprained knee doing some fancy moves on the jumps. I'm lying. About the fancy moves. I never went down the slope once. Unfortunately, I tripped over some little hill of snow some idiot had built right where we stand to watch the kids. Cut me some slack. I was trying to balance two cameras and keep them from slamming to the ground. Save the equipment at all costs! (Cuz they costs a lot!)

Hope you all have a happy and healthy new year!

My Little Utopia

2008-12-23T20:48:00.006-07:00

This is why I love my neighborhood so much. We poor fools built this house (which I love with all my heart, thank you dear husband) with a driveway that becomes virtually useless in the grand snowstorms we've been experiencing. And then my sweet neighbor, Rex, shows up every time, like he's got nothing better to do, and digs us out of our little mess. And we're not the only ones he's rescuing, either! My neighbor Steve come over too, on his cute little quad and scrapes it clean. But I haven't been quick enough to catch him on camera, yet.

Greatest snow on earth = Greatest neighbors on earth!!

Blessed Event

2008-12-19T13:28:00.004-07:00

This image showed up on the back of the peanut butter jar and no one
is claiming responsibility. Eerie.

I'm pretty sure if this had been an image of the
Virgin Mary, I'd be a millionaire...

2008-12-18T10:15:00.003-07:00

This is how my husband dresses to shovel snow. You can take the boy out of Arizona, but you can't take the Arizona out of the boy!!

The Nice List

2008-12-16T06:43:00.008-07:00

Check this out. Brody got himself on Santa's "nice" list. I'm still not sure how he did it. Click here and see for yourself. You just might be able to get your kids on the nice list, too!

2008-12-02T19:44:00.008-07:00

Is it so wrong that this is all I want to do this holiday? I just love these shows! Takes me back 30-odd years (ouch). I've thought a time or two about just buying them so we can watch them at our leisure, but that would take away the thrill of trying to catch them on TV and that awful letdown when you realize you've missed one. And just because you know they'll air it again next week, really doesn't abate the disappointment, somehow. There is something so sweet and nostalgic about these old shows. Many of them were made before man walked on the moon! I love to see the creases in the backgrounds and their jerky motions and think about the unbelievably painstaking process of creating these claymations or puppetry or whatever the heck you call this art.

Do you remember when you were little and you meticulously planned your week around what shows you wanted to watch? The week they showed Wizard of Oz, or Willy Wonka, or Mary Poppins, nothin' was gonna get in the way of those 3 hours! That was way before

these

or these or these (or these, for that matter).

My mom used to let us pop popcorn and lay out our blankets and pillows and settle in for the night. Sigh. Those were the days. There's just a little something lost in the instant gratification of our world today. All right, I'll step off the soap box because I'm not one to complain about 24 hour grocery stores, cell phones, or internet at my fingertips (seriously, what did we do before we had it?). I love to tell my kids how when I was their age (back on the box), and had a research paper to write, I had to get dropped off at the public library. I had to make sure I had enough coins to make all the copies I needed out of the books I found from the card catalog (what's a card catalog? they ask). And when I finished three hours later, I had to find a payphone to call my mom (and hope she was home!) to tell her I was done and then wait another hour or so while she finished whatever she was doing with the other 6 kids and could find the time to come pick me up. I didn't get to sit down in my dad's comfy office chair and whip open a couple of websites, cut and paste and call it done. (No, they don't do that. That wouldn't be right.)

All right, I have no idea how I got from claymation to walking up hill both ways, but sometimes I wish my kids had to suffer just a little more.

Like I said, is that so wrong?

Thanksgiving 08

2008-11-29T14:31:00.024-07:00

We had a very laid back Thanksgiving day. Matt and I cooked pies the night before. Pumpkin for him, chocolate for me. Matt is the master pie maker. He loves to make homemade crusts. So I let him do mine, too. I'm nice like that.

On Thursday, we watched the Macy's Day Parade. Then Matt and the kids went outside and played a little football. Notice you don't see Brody in the pictures. He's over on the trampoline, rolling around and whining how nobody gives him the ball.

Gooood football. Niiice football.

While they played, I made the traditional Thanksgiving day feast, ie; turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, corn, salad and rolls. Our first year with homemade rolls! Well, homemade by me, that is. And here's the proof. Ta da! Nothing too fancy or out of the ordinary for this family. Just your typical good eats.

Devin made these adorable little turkeys for each place setting. She's so good and patient.

"Mo' please!"

We finished up the night with a little gingerbread house extravaganza. Guinns vs. Williams. Not really, but that's how it looks in the pictures. Jan baked the houses ahead of time and I got the candy. Oh, those kids had a good time. And I had a good time watching. And nibbling.

(Take note: Mason used to kindly wear glasses so we could tell them apart. But the little stink had to go and get contacts. Rude! So Clay kindly let me buzz his head so we can tell them apart again. For now, anyway.)

Mason and Clay gave it the old college try, but alas, it was a futile effort.

Mason huffed and puffed and blew that house down.

Thar' she blows!

We had a good day. We have much to be thankful for. Good family, good friends, the gospel of Jesus Christ,

and adorable little faces like this one. Does it get any better?

'Tis the Season

2008-11-25T14:47:00.009-07:00

This is on the top of my Christmas wish list this year. My mother-in-law sent a link to this a couple of months ago and I never tire of watching it. They now have it for sale on DVD and in a beautiful book. I'm asking for both! (Husband, are you listening?) I love the DVD because it is set to one of my favorite hymns, Come thou Fount, sung by an amazing singer named Freddie Ashby. What a gift.

This project stemmed from the Mesa Easter Pageant that is performed every year. Mark Mabry, an amazing photographer out of Mesa, took the characters on location around Arizona and Mexico to do a photo shoot of the life of Christ. Here is what he said: "What started as an idea for new publicity photos in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Mesa Easter Pageant blossomed into a project that is now a Spirit-filled exhibit of photos depicting the life of Christ." He had no idea his talent would bestill the souls of so many, including mine.

Never before have I been so spiritually touched by photographs. I have a couple of favorite artists whose paintings of Christ I love (Walter Rane and J. Kirk Richards, to be specific) but I had yet to see a photograph that captured the Savior in the exact way I envision him. Until now. I think I will watch this every day this Christmas season, to help me remember that our joy at this season is because the Savior Jesus Christ came into the world.

It is called Reflections of Christ.
Enjoy.

Crime Scenes and Tossing Cookies

2008-11-20T19:10:00.017-07:00

This was Aiden last week when she was feeling well. She is taking a 4H class after school on Mondays. She wanted scrapbooking, but that was full. So she decided on gymnastics. But that was full. She finally consented to cheerleading. But that was full. She ended up with CSI. Yep, Crime Scene Investigation for 4th graders. And guess what? She loves it! They learned how to extract DNA from strawberries. She got to bring it home and show us how to do it. So cool! You could actually see the DNA strands floating in the liquid!

Unfortunately, this week she is not feeling well. She's had the stomach flu for a couple of days. Notice the throw up bowl next to her. I don't know what it is about my kids, but they are pukers. We've learned to keep the bowl handy!

You may think this looks like a Halloween bowl, but it will, from this day forward, be known as the barf bowl. I thought this bowl appropriate; notice the the look of angst on the bowl's face. I know, a barf bowl is gross, but cleaning the contents of one's stomach off my carpets is much grosser, I assure you. Which, by the way, never comes completely out. That spot is like a poltergeist you think you've eradicated, but the little bugger keeps coming back to haunt you! My husband has found me on more than one occasion, bent over the area with spray bottles and rags, like a crazed Lady MacBeth screaming , "Out, darned spot!" (There are small children in the house, mind you.)

So I'm curious. Do you people use a throw up bowl? Or do you enjoy the thrill of the chase to the toilet? Seriously. That's just not right. Toilet bowls and faces. Never the twain shall meet. Just thinking about it is making me sick.

Aiden, can I borrow your bowl?

My Country 'tis of Thee

2008-11-13T15:00:00.019-07:00

I received an email from my mother-in-law today about praying for Obama, regardless of our personal feelings for him. I agree with this wholeheartedly. I have always prayed for the leaders of my country. I prayed through the Clinton administration, the Bush administration and I will continue to pray through Obama's administration. It is simply the right thing to do.

Perhaps, if the world would adhere to this advice of praying for our President, no matter who that is, we could feel pride in being a true "United" States. Just because I don't agree with the man or his policies or issues in his past, does not mean I hate him. Good heavens, I don't agree with the people that live in my own house half the time! And guess what, I don't hate them, either. I, in fact, hope that Obama accomplishes amazing things while in office. BELIEVE ME, I hope for that!

Am I disappointed in the outcome of the election? Yes. And as an American, I have that right. But that does not mean that, as an American, I am not unbelievably proud to see us go

from this

to this

to this.

Incredible.

We have come so far in so many ways. But there is still so far to go. After a record voter turnout, where people were encouraged to get out and use their voice in the constitutional way, by checking that little box that best matches their morals and beliefs, those voters are now being attacked for using that voice in the very way they were encouraged to do so. I feel bombarded with so much talk, talk, talk about tolerance and acceptance, and yet the people promoting this the loudest, end up promoting just the opposite with their actions. And their actions definitely speak louder than their words.

When will we learn?

It is about respecting the sacred office. Whoever holds that office is due, at the least, a certain modicum of respect. That was what was so disappointing about the Clinton years. He, himself, disrespected the office. If only our current president had been given the respect he deserved as holder of that office.

So yes, I will do my part. I will pray that this new president will lead this country boldly, nobly, and righteously, as I have done and will do for anyone who has been elected by the voice of the people, because, in God, I trust.

Mormons Can Rap, Sort Of

2008-11-08T14:51:00.004-07:00

As our countdown to the much anticipated and slightly dreaded Twilight movie continues, I had to post this hilarious rap from Normal Mormon Husband. I gut laughed at the Casio soundtrack. I used to have one of those!

2008-11-06T13:08:00.008-07:00

Brody and I went over to my friend Jan's house the other day and picked a couple of bucketfuls of grapes out of her yard. Last year she came over and we made grape juice together. But this year she cut the apron strings and said, "Fly little ducky!"

So this is what I did all by myself!!
Well, Matt did help, but I like the sound of that:
ALL BY MYSELF!!

There is hope for me yet...

Scrumpy Hands

2008-11-04T12:16:00.001-07:00

What are scrumpy hands, you ask?
These:

Brody has coined his pruny hands as "scrumpy hands". I have no idea where he got that, but let me tell you, it is the worst affliction known to man. When he emerges from the tub with scrumpy hands, there is heck to pay. He seems to think that scrumpy hands are some sort of disability and therefore, his hands are rendered useless for at least a half an hour. This makes things like getting dressed, eating breakfast, and holding a spoon extremely challenging. I end up having to dress him, with his fists clenched in a tight little ball. I then guide my disabled child to the kitchen table, and force a spoon into that scrumpified fist and tell him to eat up, all will be well eventually. He refuses to listen to his mothers sage advice that if he would open up those little fists and air them out, the scrumpiness would dissipate so much sooner!

Unfortunately, he as decided that the best way to get rid of scrumpy hands is to rub them on the carpet, which makes his mother's skin crawl and her knees buckle. It's like nails on a chalkboard (which, come to think of it, doesn't bother me at all. Huh.). I don't know where I picked up this particular phobia, but I am imploring you to please not rub the carpet with your hands or feet around me! I just might throw up.

I guess because I like to read in the tub, my hands never get water logged. I actually don't remember the last time I had scrumpy hands. Maybe at the pool? I don't think so. In fact, I don't think anyone gets scrumpy hands in the pool, just the tub. Why is that, I wonder? Maybe I need to add chlorine to his bath water.

We're hoping he outgrows his loathing of scrumpy hands soon and just embraces them. I can only play into this pretend affliction for so long.

Or maybe we'll just switch to showers.

Happy Halloween!!

2008-10-31T11:52:00.010-06:00

Hope you all had a frightfully good Halloween! Matt handed out potatoes to the kids that came to our door. Seriously, he did. I wish so badly I had gotten a picture of that. You should have seen it! Most of them just politely reached for one. Of course, he then told them he was kidding and offered them candy instead.

Cost of potatoes? Buck and half. The looks on their faces? Priceless.

For Halloween this year we had a fire breathing dragon
(I'm going to let you think I made that costume!)

Little Red Riding Hood
(I couldn't talk her into Little Dead Riding Hood, darn it)

and the Travelocity Gnome
(How ducky!)

Jordan threw on a crooked hat, pulled up a pant leg
and called it "gansta".
(Hmmm)

Matt and I decided to do our country proud and went as
Sarah Palin (despite my feelings on her running) and John McCain.
(Everyone said Matt looked more like Bill Clinton than McCain.
Please tell me that doesn't make me Hillary (or Monica!).)

We carved our pumpkins in the nick of time on Thursday night. It was unseasonably warm this whole week, so we didn't want them to rot before Fright Night.
Brody designed his pumpkin face and
Aiden wanted a Wicked pumpkin
(she's dying to go to Wicked when it comes in April.
I'll have to see what magic I can work to get those tickets!)

Devin usually does a really elaborate pumpkin, but after an hour of working on hers, she let out a frustrated growl, whipped it around, carved a barely legible "BOO!" and said, "Done."
Then she asked, "You're not going to put that on the blog are you?"
Duh.

On Halloween night, I felt a little bite
I jumped out of bed to see what's on my head
When I looked in a mirror
A spider did appear
He said
GO TO BED!

by Aiden Guinn

You Gotta Do What You Gotta Do!

2008-10-29T19:14:00.002-06:00

I pulled this little gem off the AP other day:

An Italian man may not have been able to afford a housekeeper, but rather than do his household chores himself, he allegedly turned to crime to get his dishes washed.

The 43-year-old was arrested for allegedly kidnapping his ex-girlfriend from a bar in Genoa (isn't that the fake country from Princess Diaries?) and forcing her to iron his clothes and wash his dishes, Reuters reported.

The domestically-challenged (love that!) suspect is accused of dragging the woman out of the bar, shoving her into a car and taking her to his house, where he threatened her with violence if she did not do the chores, Reuters reported.

I would show my kids this, but they might get the idea that they can call the authorities on me next time I have to drag them out of a bar, shove them in the car and tell them to "get them chores done! That laundry ain't gonna warsh itself!"

2008-10-28T16:05:00.003-06:00

I walked into the kitchen and felt my blood pressure begin to rise as I determined someone had left the refrigerator door open.

Alas, it was just a six year old, looking for a snack.

I'll post an update 10 years from now and we'll see if he still
fits inside the fridge!

So Me Thinks He Can Dance!

2008-10-26T16:08:00.002-06:00

He was blessed with my rhythm. What can I say?

Triumphs and Tragedies

2008-10-18T12:04:00.024-06:00

For UEA weekend, we decided to return to our new favorite spot, Lava Hot Springs. We went up Thursday and spent the night, returning home on Friday.

We went with our good friends, the Williams and celebrated Matt W.'s 41'st birthday while we were there. We spent as much time in the hot pools as we could stand and spent the rest of the time just chillin' and watching movies and eating, eating, eating. (Take note: Indiana Jones was barely worth the dollar I spent to rent it! How sad is that? But it was good for a pathetic chuckle or two.)

On Friday, the Williams left around 11am to get the boys home for a scout camp out. We stayed a little longer and decided to challenge ourselves to a hike up to the L on the mountain. I've never hiked the Y or the G or any of the numerous letters on the mountains in Utah, but now I've hiked two letters in Idaho! (We also hiked M Mountain at our family reunion in July). Let me tell you, it was nearly straight up at times. But the kids were just going for it and never complained once. When we reached it, we sat just inside the bottom right corner of the L and took in the view. (If you click on the mountain picture to enlarge it, you can see the L). It was

(counting train cars as they passed)

breathtaking and we felt downright triumphant having made it all the way. However, we now had the dilemma of how to get back down! There was no way we could go down the same way we came up. We finally decided to scale around the side of the mountain and hope for a less steep decline. We indeed found one on the other side and safely made it down.

Unfortunately, about a 1/2 hour into to our trip home, we witnessed a terrible tragedy. I had just laid my head down to nap. Matt was on his cell phone, when I heard him take in a quick sharp breath and step on the brakes. I popped up just in time to see a moose crossing right in front of us as Matt brought the car to a stop, pulling onto the left shoulder at the same time. I was about to breathe a sigh of relief at our close call when I realized the moose still had another lane to cross before he made it all the way across. I was just about to check for another car coming up on our right when a small sedan came speeding past (the speed limit is 75 in this area). My heart sunk as I realized was was happening. The driver did not even have time to apply her brakes when she slammed directly into the moose. The moose ripped right through the car, peeling off the top of the car, flying over the top and skidding another 30 or 40 feet. I screamed and immediately jumped out of the car. Matt started yelling at me, afraid that I was going to get hit as I crossed. I assured him I was watching and yelled back for him to call 911. All I could think was that I had to get there and help! I didn't see how anyone had survived it, and yet I couldn't stop from hoping they had. As I approached the vehicle, I could see that the driver was alive. She was covered in blood and was looking at the passenger and screaming hysterically, "Rachael! Rachael!" I looked at the passenger and knew immediately that she was gone. I will spare you the details, but I pray that I will never see anything that devastating again. I couldn't get the driver door open, so I just reached in and tried to hold the driver's head and told her we'd help her.

Matt, meanwhile finished with 911 and pulled our car over to the right shoulder and up far enough away that the kids couldn't see the worst of it. He began to get towels and blankets out of the car to bring them back. I looked over at the passenger again, and saw someone was there, checking for a pulse. I looked up and saw it was a man sobbing, his face just wet with tears. Someone else had yanked open the driver's door by now and the man then came around to the driver and told her he was a doctor and he wanted to check her. He checked her chest and neck. I then heard him softly tell her, "It's okay, sweetheart. My daughter died the same way." My heart just broke as I realized he was reliving his own tragedy.

We eventually got the driver out of the car, wrapped her in the blanket and found out her name was Lisa. Matt covered up Rachael's body with a towel, while we waited for emergency vehicles. We asked her if we could call someone for her and then I remembered seeing her cell phone on the bottom of the car floor. I went and dug it out and she called her mom in Minnesota. I've never heard anything sadder than her having to tell her mom what happened and that her cousin was dead. She had to keep repeating it because I'm sure her mom just wasn't taking it all in. We found out they were students at BYU Idaho. She then called her bishop from school and told him what happened. He told her he would drive to Pocatello and meet her at the hospital. The emergency crews finally arrived and began to prep her for transport. Before they took her, I told her, "Lisa, I need you to know, I saw the whole thing, and there wasn't anything you could have done differently. This wasn't your fault in any way." About 45 minutes later, when Matt and I finally made it back to our vehicle, our children were visibly upset. I wasn't sure if they had actually witnessed the event because I bailed out of the car so fast, but unfortunately, they had. We said a family prayer of gratitude for our safety and for a blessing of comfort and peace for Lisa and Rachael's families. We then finished our journey home.

Part of me wonders why we had to be there to witness this horrific event. And part of me is so glad we were there to offer any help or comfort that we could. It seems like our family has been reminded so many times over the last couple of years of the fragility of life. It takes just a split second for a tragedy to occur. I just pray these incidences remind us to cherish our relationships and to value each moment of our lives and to have a heart full of thanksgiving to our Father in Heaven for the bounty of blessings we have been given.

(The pictures of the accident were from the news story posted that evening.)
http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=9196810&nav=menu554_2_2

I Thought it Was Fall!

2008-10-12T09:48:00.005-06:00

Today, we woke up to this.

So we decided that was the perfect excuse
to make these.

Good Things Come in Small Packages

2008-10-03T16:54:00.009-06:00

Devin bobbed her hair and aged about 10 years today. She is my little 4'8" dynamo. Everyone says she looks just like me. (I don't think she thinks that's funny.) Trust me, if I had ever been this adorable, I would have gone places, man! Well, at least I would have gone to that Homecoming dance I never got asked to! But I'm not bitter.

Actually, as of late, people say she looks just like Shawn Johnson.

What do you think?

B is for Basagna

2008-09-30T12:23:00.010-06:00

We had Brody's favorite meal on Sunday, basagna. He is always asking me, "When are we going to have basagna?" My kids must not be aware that with my repertoire of 10 things I can stand to make, basgana comes around quite often. Now, let me be clear here, I'm not a bad cook. In fact, the things I do get around to cooking are quite splendid, even if I'm the only one who thinks so, right dear husband? (Ok, that's a discussion for another time.) I have even been asked for a recipe here and there. I make one mean pot of homemade chicken noodle soup (thanks Wendy!) and someone just asked me for my salsa recipe this morning, so there!

But seriously, I'm missing some girlie cooking gene that everyone else seems to have. There are just so many other things I would rather be doing than slaving in the kitchen. I would, in fact, rather clean my bathrooms than be in charge of a meal. I'm pretty sure it has something to do with my unsophisticated palette. I'm just not a fan of "fancy" foods, as I like to call them. Fancy foods would consist of anything with over 4 ingredients in the making or anything I can't grab at the SuperWalmart. If the ingredient list involves going to a special store to find a gourmet ingredient, you can fuggedabaoutit!! And I haven't even mentioned my "delicate constitution", as my husband likes to call it. My stomach seems to rebel against fancy foods. And even some not so fancy foods. Any suggestions in this area would be helpful.

My sister LOVES to cook and is, in fact, nearly obsessive about it. She says she wakes up in the morning thinking about what meals they will have that day. What a hoot! I think about meals right around the time my kids start yelling at me, "What kind of a mother are you? You're supposed to feed us!" I actually have a cheat sheet posted in my kitchen of the things I cook, lest I forget the 10 items I can actually be bothered with. Of course, this list doesn't include cereal for dinner at least once a week (that would just be silly). Cereal night is usually on Tuesday, when Matt and the girls all have to be at different places at different times for Mutual. Oh puhleeze, people, do you not read the cereal labels? It's fortified! Nuf said. Nor does the list include other breakfast items for dinner, which we do often. French toast, pancakes, crepes. Because, seriously, who can eat that stuff in the mornings?

I feel for my kids, but figure they only have to put up with this for about 18 years, then they can go out and discover the great big world of fine cuisine on their own. Meanwhile, I'll be happy at home with my pan of basagna.

If you're really interested in some good recipes, go here. It's my crazy sister's blog of recipes that she loves. She's just started this blog and posts recipes she's tried with reviews.
Great idea (if you're into that sort of thing).

Gorgeous Fall

2008-09-29T08:19:00.004-06:00

This was our Sunday drive in the mountains. I love the change of seasons!!

Homecoming!

2008-09-27T21:54:00.008-06:00

Jordan went to the Homecoming dance tonight with her good friend, Austin. They've been friends for the four years we've lived in this neighborhood. They started out today with a service project this morning, then spent the afternoon running around Salt Lake, taking in a 3D IMAX movie. Then they took off for the dance around 6. They looked adorable and it took me back to my day. Oh I'm just full of it! I never went to a Homecoming dance! I did go to prom, but just one! I won't post any pictures of those days. Then you would know why I only went to one formal dance in high school. Yikes.

Jordan had a heck of a time trying to get Austin's boutonniere on. How the heck to you get the thing to stay upright on just a shirt? We know how to work it on a suit lapel, but the shirt was giving us fits. I finally had to get in on the action. (Look, I match!) Several extra pins later and still no luck, I was ready to break out the duct tape. Alas, I stuck the thing back in the package and said, "Good luck with that, big guy!" I'm pretty sure he didn't mind not having to wear a flower, after all.

Just One of the Gang

2008-09-16T19:19:00.005-06:00

Brody has been so good at making his bed lately. I thought I would document it.

Look closely folks.

Apparently the cucumber was just too adorable to eat.

Special Birthday

2008-09-06T09:58:00.013-06:00

Everyone gets a "special" birthday once in a lifetime. It's "special" when you turn the same age as the day you were born. Brody just turned 6 on the 6th. Get it? Sorry, Aiden, you won't have your special birthday until your 29 (of course, that's a special birthday for women, anyway, because they never get older than 29. Ever. Just ask one.)

We picked up a couple of his friends and headed to Carl's Jr. for lunch cuz they have a great play structure (and because I despise McD's. And let's face it. It's all about me.) Chicken nuggets all around. Six year olds are pretty easy to please.

Then we headed to the Nickel Arcade for an hour of chaos. I never Knew three little boys would be so hard to keep track of. Give a little man a pocketful of change and an arcade and you may never see him again! I saw some 30-something year olds there with pasty complexions and glazed looks on their faces dumping in nickel after nickel. Gee guys. I'm shocked to see no ring on your fingers! Sad. But the boys had a good time and got enough tickets to get some trinkets and candy. However, I've decided Brody won't be going back there after the age of 12!

We wrapped up the day with cupcakes, icecream and presents at our house. His friends got him Bionicles and Indiana Jones Legos.

Jordan got him some gag gifts that made inappropriate noises.
The boys loved them.

Oh yeah, and silly string.

And a new bike.

Thanks Dad!

Happy Birthday to a "special" little boy! We love you.

Not So Sure

2008-09-05T12:47:00.017-06:00

When I first heard about Sarah Palin and that she is a mother of five, I thought, "You go, girl!" When I heard she is a mother of a five month old, I thought, "You go home, girl!"

I am just really struggling with the idea of a mother of small children being vice president. Do I believe women can have it all? Perhaps. Do I believe they can have it all at once? No. There is a time and a place, and as a mother myself, I believe strongly that her place right now is to be with that child as much as humanly possible. Tell me how that will happen as Vice President. Someone else will be given the bulk of the responsibility for raising that baby. Perhaps it will be the father. But the best father in the world is not a mother. Period.

I find Sarah Palin to be very knowledgeable , articulate, and capable. In fact, the more I hear from her, the more I like her, but I do not see how a mother of an infant, especially a special needs infant, can give that child what he needs while trying to juggle being Second in Command and motherhood. Too many balls in the air, people. And I'm afraid that the ball that drops will be her family.

Having said all that, I do admire her determination to serve this country, her strong faith and her desire to be a good mother. She refused to let the results of prenatal genetic testing change her decision to have the baby. “I’m looking at him right now, and I see perfection,” Palin said. “Yeah, he has an extra chromosome. I keep thinking, in our world, what is normal and what is perfect?”

Great lady it seems. Perhaps she should wait 12 years and run for President?

Dead Man Walking

2008-09-01T20:45:00.005-06:00

Being vertically challenged like I am, I am always looking at other short people and wondering how I compare. I don't have a very good perspective since I only see myself from the inside out!

So today, Matt and I were at Home Depot and a woman walked out with her cart. I asked Matt, "Is she about my size?" Matt looks over at her and says, "No, she's a little taller." Short pause and another glance. "And skinnier."

Guess who's sleeping on the couch tonight?

Nine!

2008-08-30T09:44:00.006-06:00

At 11 am, yesterday, Aiden turned nine. She was born on a Sunday morning, at exactly 11 am, was exactly 7 lbs., and she was exactly 19 inches long. And she was exactly perfect. (At least for those first few months!)

She had a birthday party with a few friends yesterday, which she planned all by herself. Matt took them out on the boat for a final hot weather hurrah. They had fun on the tube, swimming around a little and playing king of the hill.

I think Aspen won.

Then we went to dinner at Golden Corral. (Sorry, Pop. It wasn't the same without you!) We sang happy birthday to her with a candle in a piece of chocolate cake that mom then ate.

We wrapped up the evening with gift opening, chocolate facials, and nail painting.

Aiden said it was the best birthday ever.

Exactly.

A House, A Home

2008-08-28T15:11:00.008-06:00

Today after I picked Brody up from Kindergarten, we passed our house on our way to run some errands. As we passed, he said, " I hate passing by our house." I thought that was an odd comment so I inquired a little further, "Why do you hate passing by our house?". "Because", he replied. "It's just so cozy there, I want to go in it!"

I thought that was the coolest thing he's ever said. Just warmed my heart immensely. What better compliment can a mom have than that her kid hates to not be at home "cuz it's just so cozy there!"

Thanks, Brody, for reminding me of why I love being a mom!

Home, that blessed word, which opens to the human heart the most perfect glimpse of Heaven, and helps to carry it thither, as on an angel's wings.
Lydia M. Child

1st Day of Kindergarten

2008-08-25T12:47:00.005-06:00

Brody started his first day of kindergarten today! He was sooo ready. We had a very long week last week, while the girls started school and he had to wait his turn.

Brody has been having allergies lately so I asked him this morning if he wanted an allergy pill before school. He said, "Yeah, and Mom? Can I have a nervous pill, too?"

Please note he's taller than all the other kids in his class! That's a first for the Guinn family. Maybe having a late birthday's not so bad
after all!

First Day of School '08

2008-08-18T13:51:00.007-06:00

This is how my kids feel about school starting...

I feel for them.

Here are the girls this morning on their way out the door. I'll add Brody's next week when Kindergarten officially starts.

The Endless Summer, Not!

2008-08-17T07:30:00.000-06:00

What the heck? The kids only got 10 weeks of summer vacation this year. I swear to you, summer used to go on forever, but not anymore. Apparently, that much time off interferes with their learning or some dumb thing like that. I'm talking summer vacation, people!! What could be more important than that?! My kids feel gypped. So with girl's camp, EFY, trek, family reunion, etc., we didn't make it up to Oregon like we wanted to. So my sister, Kendell, and her family came here, instead, and stayed with us for the last week of summer vacation. We had a great time while they were here, going to water parks, taking the boat out, sleeping outside, and just "cousining".

We went up Provo Canyon to play around at Bridal Veil Falls, but due to a recent fire, the park was closed so we ended up in Vivian Park. We played football, ate snacks, rode scooters and played in the freezing cold creek. The water temperature had to be around 40 degrees, but the kids played in it anyway. Uncle Travis bet the kids each a buck that they couldn't lay in the water up to their necks. I think he lost five bucks on that bet...

Callahan and Brody were good pals, although Brody is a couple of years older. I think Brody enjoyed showing Cal the ropes. At one point, they both followed me down to the storage room so I could get some spaghetti noodles for dinner. Cal was chanting, "We're having sketti for dinner, we're having sketti for dinner!" Apparently Brody couldn't take the mispronunciation anymore and finally told him, "Cal, it's BAsketti!"My cousin, Dave and his family were in town visiting from Hawaii and stopped by for a visit while Kendell was here. He is THE most hilarious story teller you will ever meet and told this hysterical story about when my Grandma came over to Hawaii to visit and took over the island. I captured a few images, lest you think I'm exaggerating. Thanks "kid"!

These are all the "cousins" together at our impromptu family reunion.
Some of them are actually second cousins, once removed.
I had to look that one up!

Devin and Kaley

2008-08-16T09:01:00.000-06:00

Devin's best friend Kaley, from Oregon, came for a visit last week. They have been friends since they were three years old. It was so hard for both of them when we moved to Utah, but their friendship has survived. Kaley spent the night with us on Friday and Jordan took them shopping on Saturday. And then Devin spent the night with Kaley at her grandma's house Saturday night. They had a great visit and it was just like old times! Kaley still talks nonstop which just fills in the gaps of Devin's more reserved personality. It's a perfect fit!

And Matt and I had a great time visiting with our good friends,
Dan and Wendy, Kaley's parents.
Just pretend I look pretty in this picture. This is after my Sunday nap!

Martin's Cove 2008

2008-08-04T00:30:00.014-06:00

Matt and I had the privilege of being a Ma and Pa on a re-enactment of the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies. All the youth in our stake, 14 and up were invited to attend, so both Jordan and Devin were also able to go.

We all donned our pioneer clothes and headed off on July 24th,
Pioneer Day. We traveled in charter buses for the 6 hour drive, so we were definitely pampered on the way there. But once we arrived, we kicked into pioneer mode.

The first day, we trekked 6 miles into camp, set up, had dinner, did some square dancing and went to bed.

Day two was an incredible day. We trekked approximately 15.5 miles that day. We had a program in Dan Jones cove where we learned about the pioneers and their hardships and suffering as they traveled to Zion. Two young men sang a song called Prayer of a Walking Child. In the song the boy asks his Father in Heaven to help make his steps a little larger so he won't fall behind. He asks Him to bless his shoes to last another mile or so. He asks Him to bless his mother, to dry her tears and help her smile again. It is a heartbreaking song.

After the program, we walked silently into Martin's Cove. As we entered the trail to the cove, all of the ancestors of the Willie or Martin Companies from our stake were invited to line up and we passed through them as we entered the trail. There were close to 100 descendants. It was very touching.

We then re-enacted the crossing of the Sweetwater River. Before we crossed, we learned about the 4 young men who carried the pioneers across the bitter cold river. Our boys then each carried a girl across the river. It was a humbling experience for each of us.

After the Sweetwater crossing, the men were "called off " to the Mormon Battalion, which gave the girls the opportunity to pull the handcarts themselves. The men lined up on either side of the trail as we pulled the handcarts up a steep hill. The men were silent as we pulled and were not allowed to reach out and help us. It was much more difficult than I had imagined and gave us such an appreciation of what these pioneer women experienced as many of them carried on without the men in their families.

The youth were absolutely incredible on this journey. I never heard a word of complaint. They pushed and pulled and sang hymns the entire three days. I felt honored to be with them.

I am so grateful for this experience and feel reverenced by my pioneer heritage. I admire their courage, their faith and their determination. But mostly, I am humbled by their absolute testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray that I will carry on this pioneer spirit in my home and that I will remember to walk with faith in every footstep.

Click below for a slide show of our trek. Make sure your volume is up.

Guinn Reunion 2008

2008-07-26T19:21:00.014-06:00

We spent a great week in Idaho getting together with the Guinn family. Matt's parents and all but one sibling were able to make it. We spent a few days in Montpelier, where Matt's Mom grew up, and then spent a few days at Bear Lake. Friday, we hiked "M" Mountain (well, "M" Hill, really), and had pizza at the park that night. Saturday, we went to Soda Springs and Lava Hot Springs. Sunday, we toured the Minnetonka Caves and moved into our Bear Lake cabin.

In Montpelier we stayed at the lovely Park Motel. We were supposed to be split up between two different motels, because there was not enough room for all of us at one, but apparently there was a snafu with the reservations so we all ended up at the Park. Those who had reserved two rooms for their families gave up one, and we all ended up together. I had fun documenting all our white trash activities as we camped out for a couple of days. We couldn't stop laughing and decided to just embrace it. We pretty much ruled the place with 47 of us crammed in 8 little rooms.

Here we are playing 5 Crowns (Pop's favorite card game) outside our rooms, while baby Conner hung out in his play pen.

Aiden and her cousins playing spin the bottle.

Brody and his cousins doing the conga line.

Uncle Shaun keeping it real.

Saturday, we spent the day at Soda Springs. There is a geyser that goes off every hour. We hit it just in time! The kids loved it but definitely noticed the rotten egg smell!

Then we traveled over to a place called Hooper Springs. It is a natural spring of soda water (carbonated). The locals like to drink it plain, but we were advised to take some Kool-Aid to mix in with it. As you can see from Devin's face, she didn't think it tasted too great either way! It was a fun and unique experience!

On Sunday, we drove up to the Minnetonka Caves. We went from 80 degree weather to a startling 40 degrees inside the cave. They are just a beautiful and awesome sight. Some grouse hunter stumbled upon these caves years ago, and then the government came in and improved them as a state park.

Can you spot George Washington's profile in one of these pictures?
(Check 3rd picture down. Click on it to make it bigger!)

And finally, we moved on to Bear Lake. We had a gorgeous view of the lake from our cabin (which was the Ritz compared to the Park Motel!) We spent some time on the lake with the wave runners, but most of the time, we hung out in the cabin, playing games, sharing memories and just enjoying each other's company. It is always so fun to get together!

All 30 cousins together for Family Home Evening

1968-Present

2008-07-08T21:56:00.014-06:00

1968 was called "a year that shaped a generation". It was the dawning of the Age of Aquarius.

In 1968, the Vietnam War was raging. Hippies were taking over America. The music of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and The Beatles topped the charts. The blockbusters that year were In the Heat of the Night, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Cool Hand Luke, and Bonnie and Clyde. The crew of Apollo 8 entered orbit around the moon

and were the first to see the far side of the moon and to see the Earth as a whole. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were both assassinated.

Oh yeah, and I was born.

It's the big 40 this year. It's all downhill from here folks. And I mean that in the good way, like coasting. Or so I'm told. I'm actually looking forward to my 40's. Hopefully I have gained a little wisdom (no not weight!) over the years that will help make my next 40 a breeze. That's my birthday wish, anyway!

I had an absolutely wonderful birthday. Brody made me 12 cards and told me I looked like a monkey and smelled like one, too. Devin made me a birthday banner and had our special birthday dishes set out when I got up this morning (at 9:15!!). And Jordan got on my email and sent a message out to all my family and friends letting them know it was my birthday. Apparently my password isn't a well-protected secret! I have never been so showered with birthday wishes in all my life! Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday, brought me gifts, flowers, cards, etc. I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people who love and care about me.

As I learned from Kung Fu Panda this weekend, "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why it is called the present."

Amen to that!!

Warts and All

2008-07-01T10:07:00.002-06:00

Jordan had a little foot surgery yesterday. She has had a plantar's wart on the bottom of her foot for a couple of years and it has steadily become larger (nearly the size of a quarter) and more painful. We decided we had better do something about it before we go trekking for 25 miles in Martins' Cove at the end of the month. So we took her in and got it lasered off. Modern medicine is so fabulous. My grandpa had one removed years ago and he was laid up in the hospital for days! We were in and out in 1/2 an hour.

She did very well, but those numbing shots were nearly the death of her. Unfortunately, there's no guarantee the dang thing won't just grow right back, but maybe she'll have some relief for a while before that happens.

Just thought I'd share...

Ty

2008-06-26T21:54:00.005-06:00

Because this is a family blog, it would seem wrong not to mention a significant and devastating event in Jordan's life. A friend of hers named Ty McKinzie took his own life yesterday. All the students sent immediate text messages to each other to gather at the high school last night at 10:30 for a candle light vigil in his honor. Ty's parents came and spoke about their son and thanked them all for being a part of their son's life.

It just breaks my heart, the heavy burdens these teenagers carry with them. It so often seems like life is too much to take. If they could only see a glimpse of the future they would be so comforted to know that things can always get better. Life is a precious gift. We can so easily lose sight of that.

Our family's hearts go out to Ty's family in their time of grief and mourning and we will keep them in our prayers. God be with you, Ty.

Cowboy Up!

2008-06-21T15:33:00.004-06:00

We took Aiden and Brody to the Pleasant Grove Rodeo last night. After wincing painfully at the $50 it cost to get in, we had a great time. We tried to get Brody entered in the Mutton Bustin' competition but apparently you had to sign up ahead of time. But he was willing to give it a shot! I just don't know if I could have withstood watching it! For those of you who don't know what Mutton Busting is (like I didn't) click on this link:

Yeah, I know! We are horrible people but what a great home video that would have been! We're going to give it a shot next year. He wants that big trophy they give out!

We watched a little Bronco bustin', bull riding, barrel racing and then this spectacular motorcycle show where they did some amazing stunts in the air, which was my favorite part of the night.

We'll let you know how Brody does next year!

Ew!

2008-06-21T15:03:00.005-06:00

You know it's hot when this is what a gummy worm looks like when left in the car for an hour.

Thanks kiddies!

Father's Day, 2008

2008-06-15T15:08:00.006-06:00

We celebrated Father's Day in the afternoon. Matt had to be at the church too early for breakfast in bed, so we did lunch at the table instead! Brody had his usual 25 homemade cards hidden around the room.

Lest you think I'm joking, here's a sample.

One of my favorite ones is this T-Ball card he drew with he and Matt playing T-Ball together.

And this one. Matt stops at Holiday Oil (which is like a 7 Eleven) every day for his pop fill up. (He's down to diet decaf now. We couldn't be more proud) and he likes to take Brody with him for a treat. So Brody made him a special "Just because you like Holiday" card with a picture of the store. So cute.

Aiden made him a card with all the things the letters in FATHER stand for. (That really is "takes time for me, not "fakes" time!)

And Devin drew him this.

Happy Father's Day to the best dad and husband out there. You are very loved!!

Summer is Finally Here!

2008-06-13T19:30:00.002-06:00

Summer has finally arrived. We had a very long and wet winter and spring, but the temperatures are finally heating up. The kids actually got wet today. It hasn't been quite hot enough to hang out at the pool, but the temperatures should hit high 80's by this weekend. I, personally, can't really appreciate the hot weather, but the kids love to be wet and that's not so fun when it's cold.

T-Ball

2008-06-13T17:47:00.006-06:00

Brody has started T-ball and likes it (sort of, depending on his mood, what the weather is, what the bribe is, etc.). But since he's a lefty, Matt has decided this will be Brody's sport. They practice often and he's not half bad! He's got a pretty good throwing arm and his batting is improving. He says he wants to be the best player in high school. And since I'm blissfully unaware of the commitment this probably takes, I readily agree with him!

Not Again!

2008-06-10T16:37:00.006-06:00

Why does this keep happening to us?

Our city of Lindon prides itself on being "a little bit of country" and that is one of the things we like about it. We love watching people saddling up their horses and riding around town. We love to see my neighbors chickens that roam our yard. We love the wild quail that nest somewhere nearby every year and come waddling through our yard daily with their babies in tow. It is just adorable! Notice I said we love watching all this, we just don't want to participate in it any more than that. I want no responsibility for pets whatsoever. My stress level just skyrockets when the pet thing comes up. But people seem to think that because the Guinns don't have any pets, they are the best ones to take all the strays in the neighborhood. We've had several stray cats and dogs forced upon us but they never last more than 3 days. Allergies, pet hair, poop, what to do with them when you vacation-- how do people do it?And then these little munchkins showed up in our yard 2 days ago. Just about melted my ice cold heart. There is a field next door to us where the neighborhood cats seem to nest (is that what cats do?). The mom doesn't seem to be around now and some motorcycle riding scared them into our yard. The kids flipped! Unfortunately, they can only hold them after popping an allergy pill and then applying antihistamine drops in their eyes. But they are more than willing to do this for some cuddling time.

I doubt they will be around long term, but I told the kids to enjoy it while it lasts.

Anyone need a kitten? (Please?)

Devin fell asleep with Butterscotch (or was it Caramel?) after a long day in the sun.

Preschool Graduation

2008-05-29T20:59:00.010-06:00

I walked into Brody's classroom on Tuesday at 9am and realized it was graduation that day at 10. I, of course, thought it was on Thursday. I looked at Brody with his hat covering his bed head and the outfit he had picked out himself and realized we were in trouble. And to make things worse, I was supposed to be at Aiden's school to watch her in her dance festival. I rushed over to Aiden's school, watched her dance, then ran home, grabbed Brody a change of clothes and a washcloth to fix that hair of his (which is in desperate need of a haircut!). We somehow made it!

His graduation was a very sad day for me. He had an amazing teacher (Miss Cindy) who is the most loving and sweet woman in the world. She has a gentle heart and the children absolutely adore her. Brody learned more this year than I ever dreamed he would (including reading!). Just ask him about the stages of a butterfly's life! I got to help every Friday in his room and loved every minute of it. I would have loved to have been in there every day. It's really got me thinking about what I want to do when all the kids are in school full time (one year from now). Being a part time preschool teacher seems right up my alley!

Waiting for graduation to start

Receiving his diploma

Brody and Miss Cindy
Brody and Miss Bonnie (Miss Cindy's assistant)
Brody and Miss Granny (Miss Cindy's mom who helped out every Thursday. She just adores Brody!)

Matt's Birthday!

2008-05-29T20:51:00.003-06:00

We celebrated Matt's 43rd birthday yesterday with little fanfare, but we did have an awesome ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins. My Grandpa Emmett called him to wish him a happy birthday. I don't know how he does it! He's 96 and still remembers! I thought that was so sweet.

Sorry we didn't make more of an effort sweetheart, but please know how much we love and appreciate all you do for us! You are a wonderful husband and father.

It's Official, We're Addicted

2008-05-23T22:37:00.006-06:00

With no cable, we don't watch much TV here (want cable, yearn for cable, just don't have it) therefore, no tivo, dvr, or any of that other cool stuff that exists now, and we don't even have a VCR hooked up anymore. Needless to say, none of us have time to sit down and watch a show when it's actually on, hence, not much TV being watched. We are addicted to The Office, but we can watch full episode online, which is what we usually do. And we love American Idol, but when it's over, it's over. (David Cook rocks!!)

So Jordan convinced me to get the first LOST episode on dvd the other day. And can I just say, first episode and we were hooked. I've even got Matt going to the video store alone to get the next set. That man never goes to the video store alone. If he does, he comes home with A Man For All Seasons, High Noon, things of that nature (not that there's anything wrong with that). I remember one time I sent him to get the movie Tin Cup, he came home with Happy Gilmore. "Well, all I could remember was it was a movie about golf." Never did see Tin Cup, for which, I have a feeling, I should be grateful.

But I digress. We've almost made it through the first season of LOST and loving it! Do any of you people watch it? Don't give me any spoilers, just let me know if it's still as good four seasons later. It had better be! I'll be up to season four by next month, I'm guessing, since school will be over next Friday. (Yee haw!)

Bedtime

2008-05-16T07:27:00.005-06:00

"Mom, why do I have to go to bed so early?" Aiden asked me. "I just get up when my alarm goes off, even if I go to bed late."

I replied, "Yeah, but who's grumpy when she goes to bed late and doesn't get enough sleep?"

Aiden's answer,"You."

Must have salt!!

2008-05-12T10:07:00.003-06:00

If any of you have made the bread recipe on an earlier post and it didn't turn out right, I'm so sorry!!! My sister, Courtney, just pointed out to me that I forgot to list the salt. I've actually made it before without salt by accident and it is gross! So give it another shot and add the salt (1 TBS) . I've fixed the post...

Mother's Day 2008

2008-05-11T19:12:00.014-06:00

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ~Elizabeth Stone

To my children on mother's day...

Thank you, Jordan, for being such a born leader. You probably have no idea how much people admire your strong and independent spirit. You have always made such good choices in life and that is so pleasing to your dad and me. Thank you for your good example to your siblings and your friends.

Thank you, Devin, for being an old soul. You have a wisdom and an innate understanding of people and relationships that is far beyond your years. You will just need to wait patiently for everyone around you to grow as wise as you and you will then have true "peers". Thank you for kissing your little brother and sister goodnight, every night, without fail. They love your tender heart, as do I.

Thank you, Aiden, for trying to always choosing the right and for reminding Daddy and me to stay on track. Thank you for always including your little brother, even when your friends are over. I love how you are willing to verbalize your feelings, and always let me know when you appreciate something I've done for you.

Thank you, Brody, for letting me still cuddle with you. You are my baby boy and I can hardly take it, seeing you grow up so fast. Someday soon, you will be much bigger than me, and I bet you will still give me hugs and kisses. I love to play games with you, read with you and I LOVE helping at your school! We have so much fun! Thank you for all the sweet notes you leave me.

I am so blessed. When I look at my husband and children, it sometimes takes my breath away. They are amazing people and I feel so privileged to share my life with them. I so often wish I was a better wife and mother, but these great people seem to think I'm ok, regardless.

This mother's day started with breakfast in bed at 7:55 am. The kids all gave me the gifts they had made for me. Brody had no less than 5 or 6 things hidden around my room. It was so funny to see him go from one hiding spot to another. He even hid a little present for Matt so he wouldn't feel left out. We then got ready for church and headed out on a gorgeous spring day. It was around 75 today and just beautiful. When we got home from church, I took a little siesta while Matt and the kids made dinner (roast, mashed potatoes, rolls, salad and strawberry shortcake for dessert). It was delicious!

We then spent the rest of the afternoon taking it easy. The kids and Matt did a little jumping on the tramp as a storm started brewing. Jordan spent the afternoon like this (long prom night, I guess! I usually have to practically conk her over the head to get her to take a nap!)

These are the adorable gifts Brody and the kids got me. Brody even got me a glow necklace!

Aiden made this sweet little book for me.

And Devin made this for me at church. I absolutely love it, and definitely need this reminder.

To all the mothers I love, especially my own,
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Prom Night, The Sequel

2008-05-11T15:11:00.012-06:00

Jordan went to her second prom last night. Again, she looked beautiful and had a good time. Her date this time was Braden, from Timpanogos High school.

But here's the kicker...Corbin Bleu from High School Musical was there, also. A girl Jordan went to Jr. High with has been an extra dancer in all of the HSM's and they are filming the third in Salt Lake right now. So this girl complained to Corbin that no one had asked her to prom and he offered to take her. I asked Jordan if anyone was star struck at the prom, and she said no.
They are so sick of hearing about HSM from this girl that no one really cared that much. What a hoot. I told Jordan she should have talked to him for a second just so she can say she has, but she really couldn't have cared less. What's with kids these days?!

I guess with David Archuleta's homecoming this weekend in Murray, Corbin Bleu is so last week.

Prom Night

2008-05-04T08:12:00.007-06:00

Jordan went to prom last night (she actually goes to a second one next weekend). She looked so pretty and her date, Darren, was pretty adorable, too. They are just good friends from the track team. (Did I mention both Devin and Jordan ran track this year?) They went with several other couples to a country club for dinner and ended up at the dance around 10. She said they had a great time.

When Darren came to pick Jordan up, Matt asked him what time he would have her home. He replied, "Any time you'd like, sir." I thought I was going to wet my pants! How did this happen? Definitely a wake up call. Matt and I are officially old-timers!

Brody's Quote of the Day

2008-05-02T22:49:00.005-06:00

I had too much lotion on my hands the other day and asked if anyone wanted some. Brody politely replied, "Well, mom. You'd better put some on your neck. It's getting old."

No filters on five year olds.

Driving and Dancing

2008-04-18T23:03:00.004-06:00

When the kids were little, Matt used to always whisper to them, "Stop growing up." Devin would always say, "Ok, Daddy", but Jordan would insist that she had to grow up. And sure enough, she has! She got her driver's license today, and got asked to prom last night (with a porch covered in Hershey kisses). Holy cow! I need the clock to stop ticking immediately! I'm not sure I can keep up with all this. It is both so fun and so frightening all at once. Dorothy Parker said: "The best way to to keep children home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant -- and let the air out of the tires." Sage advice indeed...

Lava Hot Springs

2008-04-18T22:44:00.005-06:00

For spring break, we spent a couple of days in Southeast Idaho in a town called Lava Hot Springs. There are natural hot springs running through the town that the Native Americans used to use. They were originally hot mud baths, but over the years, they have turned them into giant hot tubs. Each little hotel in town has their own little hot spring pool, but there is also a state park with several large hot pools as well as regular pools and water slides which are open in the summer. And let me tell you, these pools are hot! The hottest one you really couldn't stay in for more than a few minutes. It actually snowed on us while we were in the hot pools. It was heavenly. We had a great time just relaxing and literally doing nothing for a couple of days. Definitely worth a trip back soon!

Paper Chase

2008-04-11T13:47:00.004-06:00

Brody's job today was to unpack all the CostCo toilet paper and stack them on my bathroom shelf.
And what a fine job he did.

Apparently, he thought I meant for him to unwrap each individual roll. Sweet boy.

Ski Day!

2008-04-07T18:56:00.007-06:00

Matt took Jordan and Devin skiing on Friday. It was the only time they went this year. Too bad, because we had one of the best snowfalls on record, but we just didn't make it up any sooner. And now the resorts are closed (at least any that we could afford!). Devin has been only a couple of times, Jordan has been 5 or 6. They are both getting pretty good. What's crazy is, these kids don't ski with poles. I can't even imagine skiing without poles. I asked them, "How do you get up when you fall?" "You just don't fall, Mom." Hmmm. Wish someone had shared that pearl of wisdom with me when I was learning. Jordan tried poles this time and said they just got in the way. Whatever.

And this is Devin doing her thang.

April Fool's Day

2008-04-02T20:38:00.007-06:00

I remembered just a little late that the next day was April Fools, so I didn't have anything spectacular planned. So Matt and I just waited for Aiden and Brody to fall asleep and then we lifted them up and switched beds so they would wake up a tad confused. In the morning, I went in a couple of minutes early to watch Aiden wake up to her alarm and perhaps slam into the wall as she reached for her dresser. (I know not nice, but funny, nonetheless). It was still fairly dark when I entered the room, and after waiting for a minute or so, I looked a little closer, and those little stinkers had switched back sometime in the night! I couldn't believe it. Apparently Aiden had woken up during the night, and gotten a little mad at Brody for messing around with her and shoved him back to his own bed. Poor guy. Luckily, Brody remembers none of this.

And of course Devin got me with the old tape the spray nozzle "on" and soaked me something fierce when I turned on the kitchen faucet. I tried to get Matt with it later but seeing as he doesn't like to go near a dirty dish, this was doomed from the start.

Sweet Sixteen

2008-03-25T22:03:00.004-06:00

Jordan turned 16 yesterday! I really can't believe I have a 16 year old. This is going to be a true test of parenthood for us. The driving part for me and the dating part for her dad. Yikes on both accounts! Lucky for me, she hasn't finished her Driver's Ed term, so she can't run down there and get her license just yet. And Matt told her yesterday that any date that came to pick her up would have to have a family prayer with us before they left. I tried so hard not to bust up, but I just couldn't keep it in. Just picturing it was hilarious to me. That's one way to keep the hounds at bay!

Easter

2008-03-25T21:18:00.009-06:00

Easter was a gorgeous spring day. We spent the morning having a special breakfast, eating our Easter candy, blowing huge bubbles and going to church. Aiden and Brody got a special surprise Easter morning. Aiden has been asking for a play kitchen for some time now. We got rid of an old plastic one a couple of years ago. I thought she would be too old for it, but she insisted she wasn't. And Brody loves to play with them at his cousins and friends houses. So I diligently spent a ridiculous number of hours online searching for one, new or used. I determined I could not bring another cheap plastic one into the house that would only last a few months. And the wooden ones were hideously expensive, some as much as $450! Ridiculous. I absolutely fell in love with Pottery Barn's Retro Red Kitchen, but wasn't going to fork out the money for it. So I decided to get crafty. I hadn't done a project in such a long time, and since I had virtually no free time on my hands, I decided this would be a perfect time! I took a trip to D.I. last Saturday and lo and behold, there sat my diamond in the rough.

I picked it up for $25 and took it home, running the different scenarios through my head of how I was going to talk Matt into taking this project on with me. Really, it didn't take much cajoling. And can I just tell you how much fun we had doing this together? We haven't done something like this in a while. We spent a couple of days buried in the basement, telling the kids we were working on "finishing" the basement. Devin and Jordan were in on it and their job was to keep Aiden and Brody upstairs. We re-purposed some of the existing parts and built some of the others. And IKEA's adorable pots, pans and dishes were the perfect finishing touch. As you can see from the pictures, it turned out even better than I had imagined.

My husband is a genius and we now have a little treasure complete with oven, dishwasher and fridge, that will last for a long time! And I hear Brody tell everyone, "My dad build this whole thing for me!"