Me and the Juicy 5

Camera Cleanup

2011-09-21T10:42:00.000-06:00

Summer Camera Cleanup, for all those pictures that don't make it into a post, but I enjoy anyway. Hope you do too
Liv and Finn

Grandma Ginger, good sport about getting her hair done
Liv and Roan on the iPad, a daily thing for us

Olivia

Michael and I taking a Sunday Nap, common occurrance

Baby Jewkes, moved back to Utah, and we miss her so

Avie with Lauren, Loren (sp?)

Best Face

Roan, fake smiling

Me, blogging?

Olivia posing

cutie Paige

Tyndall Beach

2011-09-17T07:24:00.011-06:00

We headed down to Tyndall beach for the first time with the Chamberlains this September. We got a 4 Bedroom house at the Sand Dollar Inn and got to stay for 3 days and 2 fun nights. The weather was beautiful, the water warm and clear. The beach was practically empty too. We did some serious shell collecting; lots of sand dollars and a few starfish. Boogy Boarding, and tube floating. I actually felt seasick after floating out on the water for so long. Michael and Clint became expert Crab catchers (18 Total) and snorkled to collect live sand dollars too. A small octopus hid in a large shell they brought up. He surprised everyone by coming out and moving around. After looking at him for a little bit we put him back in the water. Then back to the house to cook crab for dinner!

Elyse and I both took pictures. Her camera took the pictures that look really nice. Mine...not so much. I also included some instagram pics taken from my phone

Michael, Roan, Ruby, Olivia

pet octopus

Avie getting her float on

Paige and Ruby

Roan and Ruby...is it too soon to make plans for the future?

Me reading under my gigantic hat, that I adore.

Chilling under the Tent

artist at work

Crab Wars

Beachy Message

Micahel and I

Elyse and Clint

Liv made this, said it's me floating in a tube

The hole we kept the crabs in

DINNER!

Avie's 14th Birthday!

2011-09-08T23:30:00.000-06:00

Avienda turned 14! We celebrated with presents and Lemonade cake.

For her friend party, she didn't want lots of pictures. But she and her friends made smore's and chatted out back and then came in and watched the Princess Bride with popcorn and candy. Then they ate brownies and icecream aand she opened her gifts.

At John Henderson Park

2011-08-26T07:22:00.003-06:00

It was a beautiful day so we decided to hit John Henderson Park in Enterprise for a picnic. The Chamberlains joined us. Avie is not with us, I'm not sure why...I can't remember...if I do I'll change this to say where she was!
Me, enjoying the Utah-feeling day. Or in otherwords a light breeze and NO humidity!

Liv, trying out sporty-spice style. Sometimes it is hard to let your kids dress themselves and do their own hair.;)

Paige taking a self-portrait and trying to look casual. Elyse ready to snap a photo
Michael halping Roan reach a feather

Thankfully he didn't fall in...

Ruby on Clint's shoulders

Paige on Michael's shoulders and Roan wishing he could switch places with her

Our family - minus Avie

Summer Videos

2011-08-04T16:24:00.002-06:00

Here are all the summer's videos. I posted them all on facebook I believe, but I know not everyone is on fb so here you are! Enjoy.

Hansel and Gretel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fpkf3m-ikLE

Dream On http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZUXyzpQa0Y

Money, Money, Money http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9zMTIDRLPE

On Hold...featuring Roan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G74Sz0HJPHs

Baby in a Can http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROOcw2YYCy8

Run Joey Run http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXffSFD9Yqo

Roan's Birthday Parties and Baptism

2011-07-10T07:20:00.001-06:00

On July 6th 2003 Roan was born. Michael was in Iraq and the girls and I were staying with his mom, Ginger. Michael had been awoken and handed a little slip of paper that said he had a healthy baby boy. It was a few days until he was able to get to a phone and call us. Luckily he didn't have to wait too long to meet Roan. We flew to Fort Campbell to meet Michael as he returned from deployment when Roan was almost 2 months old.

Roan's family Party, lucky for us Grandma Ginger had come to visit!

Better-Than-Almost-Anything Cake was his choice. German Chocolate cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk, then topped with caramel, whipped cream, and heath bits.

Grandma Ging licking her lips

Olivia thinking of licking her plate

Avie, just happy I didn't get a picture of her eating

Reading from the Grandma Book. It's been too long.

Trying out his new skateboard and helmet.

For his Friend Party Roan decide to invite a couple friends to play some Kinect then go see a movie. We went to Mr. Popper's Penguins. They liked it, I slept through it. ;)

For dessert he picked Brownies and Icecream.

On July 9th Michael baptized and confirmed Roan a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was a really great day and we were happy to share it with good friends and Grandma.

I love this picture of my two men.

4th of July!!!

2011-07-05T07:19:00.003-06:00

Fort Rucker had a big celebration for 4th of July. We went with friends and ate fried foods, oreos (Avie said the frying made them soggy. yuck) and funnell cakes. We looked at all the different helicopters and took pictures. We watched a big fireworks show then returned to our house for Sundaes and sparklers.
Below: Michael and the kids stand by the OH-58, Michael's bird of choice, with friends Angelina, Alex, and Ruby.

Liv and Paige try out the seating in a Blackhawk.
Roan tries "flying" the OH-58.

Paige gets some face-painting action.

Avie with favorite baby, Lauren or Baby Jewkes as we so fondly call her, waiting for the show to begin, listening to Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.

FIREWORKS!

Paige sparkling away.

Avie keeping a safe distanceRoan, the little man behind the sparkle.

Liv working two at once!

Great Friends, Food, Fireworks, Fun Night!

Michael's 33rd Birthday!

2011-06-13T15:17:00.001-06:00

Michael woke up to these signs the girls had made...

Click the link below to see a video of us singing happy birthday and Mike blowing out his candles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsCed9PDGA4

Olivia's Graduation

2011-06-02T16:24:00.000-06:00

Believe it or not this is the FIRST graduation we've had in our family. Seriously. Anyway Olivia was chosen with 5 others to sing "Unwritten", which she was awesome at. She recieved certificates for academic excellence in Math and Social Studies. She was also voted Most Studious by her class.

Field Day!

2011-05-21T18:24:00.009-06:00

Field Day! I got to watch Roan, Paige and Olivia engage in lots of games, usually involving water. Below you'll see Distance Shoe Kicking, Scooter Relays, Soaked Roan, Tug of War (Which his class won!) and him with Mrs. Hatcher, whom he loved.

End of Baseball Season Party

2011-05-15T14:08:00.002-06:00

Roan ended his first season of Machine Pitch baseball, and loved every minute of it.

Party at the Allen Heights Club House. Pizza, treats and Swimming! Roan also got a medal and gift bag from Coach Frost!

Gluttons for Punishment

2011-05-11T19:05:00.012-06:00

What do you do when you get lobster-burnt at the beach? Go back the Next Saturday ofcourse! Our friends, the Youngs and Guymans, were heading to the beach and we couldn't resist another trip. No worries, We sunscreened appropriatley this time. We went to St. Andrew's beach, another beautiful day.

Olivia tried skimming with our friend Emma. She got pretty good too! Avie did some reading, Paige body surfed, and Michael and Roan did some snorkeling. I body surfed with my friends..mostly unsuccessful. There were not many waves to speak of. Emma rode home with us and we stopped at Dippin' Dots for expensive, but yummy icecream. We spent the evening at a BBQ at our friends' home, the Hoopes. The off to a flick, THOR, with the Youngs. It was a good day.

Olivia our Goodwill Ambassador

2011-05-11T19:05:00.007-06:00

Olivia was elected as a Goodwill Ambassador for 6th Grade. Her teacher read an introduction while her picture was on the Projector. She didn't know until then that she had been chosen. It was fun to see her suprise...

Later in the month she gets to take a field trip, with the other Ambassadors, to a nursing home then to Mellow Mushroom to make her own pizza and then to the fun factory for the rest of the day. She's really excited!

Panama Beach

2011-05-02T13:04:00.008-06:00

The last week of April we headed down to Panama City Beach, the kids had been begging to go and we hadn't been to any beach since Aunts Kris and Lani went with us to Destin in October. It was gorgeous. Warm, but not humid and very breezy. The water was warm as always and very clear. I sunscreened shoulders and faces and we played. For hours. Needless to say we came home crispy. The kids legs were fried, horribly. And I suffered my first real sunburn. We're talking the kids missed school and I barely got out of bed. miserable.

maybe this next photo shows some of the reason legs were burned!

This next photo shows my attempted at body surfing...

Driving Home...

Easter

2011-04-24T12:16:00.003-06:00

Saturday we dyed easter eggs. Got a late start because Avie and Olivia had been on a youth temple trip to Birmingham. Then we finished up the evening with an indoor egg hunt.
Roan and Paige started off the dying.

Paige prepping an egg, this is serious stuff.

Roan dying one green
Avie dipping an egg pink

Olivia applying wax crayon

Avie dipping and apparently posing

polka dots

reaction to an egg. caught a silly face

decorated eggs

Finding an egg in the couch

Olivia in the kitchen

Paige finding one in the little birds nest

Avie, there's one in the mug. Now Wait! Pause, so I can take a picture!

Sunday morning, Easter Baskets

Roan's "wings" crack me up. He always has the funniest morning hair

After church I attempted some pictures. I met with a lot of resistance

Olivia's Birthday

2011-04-07T08:29:00.002-06:00

On April 5th, 12 Years ago Olivia joined our family! She was born in Provo, Utah at UVRMC and she was my only baby to which I was induced, only baby overdue, only baby to come during the daylight hours. She is also my only kid with Dad's coloring, only kid with curly hair, only kid with blonde hair, only kid with freckles, and my one and only OLIVIA! Happy Birthday!

Olivia Is 12 Years Old

2011-04-07T08:25:00.001-06:00

Olivia turned 12 today. Her sisters treated her with a surprise spa. hung blankets everywhere, soft lighting, music on her ipod and massaging and nail painting.

For dinner she picked Homemade Pot Pies

Waiting Presents
Opening presents

With her opened gifts

For her dessert? Angle food cake with strawberries and whipped cream

Roan and Michael enjoying their treat

Avie - not wanitng her picture taken

Silly Paige, always trying for the laugh

That weekend we had her friend party. We went to John Henderson park in enterprise. We had Pizza and played games.

Liv with some friends.

Avie after spinning

Egg relays

Michael, the ultimate party director. Friend Erin spinng on the bat before racing down hill

Wind blown Liv

Pizza and Gatorade

Ready...Set...

Go!!!

Hiding in the tree from his adoring fans

Wheel barrow racing

Poor Paige trying to hold up her big sis

Piggy-back racing

Who got the best deal here?

TAG

then Home for Presents and dessert

Liv got a balloon-animal-maker and they all made their own animals

Blowing out candles on her Jello Cake

Elyse dancing-off

2011-04-01T11:18:00.000-06:00

Soccer and Bowling and Baseball, Oh My!

2011-04-01T07:24:00.000-06:00

Avie and Liv played Soccer with The Dynamites this spring. The season was short only 6 weeks, but they had fun. Here they are at the end of season party enjoying pizza and brownies.

Roan at one of his games. It's Machine Pitch, with regular baseball rules (as far as I know!) except no team can get more than 5 points in an inning. The season is long, it began at the start of April and it doesn't end until mid-june.

As for Paige, she's been bowling. Not recieving instruction, but bowling twice a week with a bunch of other kids. She told me she wished they had taught her to be better. Me too. Anyway she had fun and somehow we never got any pictures!

kids sports

Haircut

2011-03-28T07:26:00.004-06:00

Roan was ready for a short cut. we found someone that did a good job.

Flying Mike

2011-03-25T23:30:00.000-06:00

We went to an Air Field and watched Michael fly around then ate some food. It was hot! but cool to watch.

Happy Birthday Paige!

2011-02-19T07:04:00.002-07:00

Paige was born on February 15th, 10 Years ago. She was my only baby born in a Military hospital on Fort Campbell, KY, however the hospital is on the Tennessee side of post so her birth certificate says she was born in Tennessee. She is my only child that I didn't get an epidural with. That was NOT a choice! She was my fastest delivery too. My entire labor from first twinge to her popping out was 1 hour and 40 minutes. She came before I had even gotten an IV, we'd been at the hospital just long enough for me to change into a gown. So happy that's over! and so happy we got Paige!
We had a family party for Paige on her birthday and then she had a Bowling Party with friends on the weekend. One of the gifts she got was Dance Central for the Xbox Kinect, we ofcourse played it immediately.

Fall and Winter 2010...

2010-12-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2010
Michael was at Sere School, but we had a great time. Carving Pumpkins, making Cookies and Cupcakes, and ofcourse Trick or Treating!

November 2010
Avie's All-Star Soccer Team

THANKSGIVING 2010

At our house with our friends and their families. Too much good food, lots of fun.

DECEMBER 2010

Paige recieved an award, gift cards, and cool stuff from the Army for a picture she drew then we enjoyed the chilli, obstacle course, and helicopters. One of the few cold days we had.

Decorating for Christmas...

Neighbor Gift Boxes- We made 30 of these. Yummy, even if I do say so myself. They contain Apricot Bars, Butterscotch Brownies, Mint Brownies, PeanutButter Kisses, and Caramel Chex. Bet you wish you got one!

Puzzles and Pictures

A Favorite Puzzle, if you look closely you'll see it has bigger pieces on the right and they get smaller as the puzzle goes left. Perfect for families.

GingerBread Houses and Christmas Cookies

CHRISTMAS EVE

Singing Carols, Reading the Nativity Story, Popping Crackers from their Secret Santas, New Pajamas, and gift-tag gazing...

CHIRSTMAS MORNING

Youngest to Oldest

Christmas Breakfast 2010

German Pancakes with Nutella, Strawberries, Bananas, and Whipped Cream served with Orange Julius!

Cinnamon Rolls Rising for later in the Day...

NOVEMBER 2010 -- wrong order, oh well.

Roan's Basketball Team, The Whoop-Its.

Michael was recruited to Coach and did an excellent job.

JANUARY 2011
FANCY CUPCAKE MAKING- Paige brought home a cupcake decorating book so we made two different kinds for a BBQ we were going to.

This is what Roan did while his sister's decorated cupcakes...

Plus a video from Christmas time...

Aug-Oct 2010 in Fort Rucker, Alabama

2010-12-24T15:06:00.002-07:00

Pictures in No particular Order, I will do my best to explain each one. side note: the kids took most of these pictures.

Liv in the shade at the Pensacola Splash Dog Competition. Michael took the kids down.

Roan at Splash Dog, they wore RED shirts to support Team Bear
Avie, just smiling

Roan in the backyard

Olivia in the back yard

Avie in her room

Roan with crazy morning hair

Liv enjoying yogurt and sporting the angled cap

Michael watching TV

Avie on the couch, listening to tunes

Paige after her shower singing for Beatles Rockband

Paige trying on the top Dad was wearing when he was injured in Afghanistan

Roan at the beach.

Roan's first day of school

Avie and Roan at Pensacola

Avie and her friend, Marissa after her first season of Soccer

Liv after her first season of soccer. GO BLUEJAYS!

Roan, sick one day

Hey Mom!

Finn among the fluff he's torn from his little bed

Avie, thinking why are you taking my picture?

Roan, he invented Beiber hair

Paige Smiling

Bear will do ANYTHING!

What Paige did this summer...

2010-12-24T12:17:00.005-07:00

Paige cheered for the Fort Rucker Knights Pee-Wee Football Team, and loved it...most of the time. She said she wants to cheer next year. She was really good and picked as Team Captain! Now she is teaching her sisters and their friends the cheers. Sorry they are so hard to see!

Dude Looks Like a Lady....

2010-12-24T12:04:00.004-07:00

In October while Michael was at SERE school there was a Witches party, Roan came with us, but the girls wanted him to fit in with all the ladies. This was the result. He took it off after about 10 seconds in the door.

Happy Anniversary

2010-12-20T12:10:00.006-07:00

Saturday, the 18th, was our Anniversary. 14 years married. Kinda Crazy.

Pardon the random pics, we lost all the pics from our hard drive so this is it!

Michael and I cooking Sunday dinner

Michael and I napping on sunday afternoon. thanks Kids!

So 14 things I love about Michael

1. He loves our kids

2. He's always willing to make dinner

3. He goes to chick flicks with me

4. He takes the kids on trips without me

5. He loves to sing

6. He notices the things I do...big and small

7. He works as hard as my Dad

8. He can't dance...but doesn't let that stop him from doing it

9. He tells the kids how much he loves me

10. He lets me pick at him like a chimpanzee

11. He makes us all laugh constantly...even though it gets him in trouble sometimes

12. He is as affectionate as Me

13. He is the bravest man I know

14. He smells like cinnamon

I love you babe. Happy Anniversary!

Even more Destin (posts are upside down, sorry)

2010-12-10T13:40:00.004-07:00

Out to eat at... I can't remember. I'll have to ask Kris or Lani...

Michael's Bucket-of-Seafood coma

Eating yummy icecream and picture posing
It was really fun, gorgeous weather.

More Destin Beach...

2010-12-10T13:25:00.003-07:00

Oops, should have put the other post first. Oh well, Scroll down to see more.

Avienda

Olivia

Roan

Paige

Destin Beach, FL in October with Aunts Kris & Lani

2010-12-10T12:57:00.003-07:00

In October Kristin and Lani, Mike's sisters, so kindly drove our Suburban out to us. It had broken down just as we were leaving for Alabama, meaning pulling the trailer driving down the highway. We spent a couple days down at Destin Beach, FL staying in the very nice Hilton. great fun.

Michael, Avie, and Olivia bury Paige.

MerPaige - didn't stay buried long.

Aunt Kris, Roan, Paige, Avie, and Liv burying Michael.

MerMichael
more pics next...

Coldplay - Christmas Lights

2010-12-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

Pensacola in September

2010-11-09T17:44:00.003-07:00

Michael took the kids and the dogs down to Pensacola for the day in September. Bear competed in the Splash Dogs Competition. Considering he hasn't done this for over a year, he did very well. 4th place.

Roan and his awesome face paint.

Paige and her butterfly. TAKE THE PICTURE ALREADY!

Avie and Olivia in Team Bear RED.

It was a long day for them, but I went to church solo, then made yummy food for one, then made two big trays of cinnamon rolls for my family as they travelled home in a huge storm.

Avie turned 13 on September 8th!

2010-11-06T14:13:00.003-06:00

Avie had a birthday! I made her favorite cake with sweetened condensed milk, caramel, whipcream, and butterfinger bits.
Michael did his dad-harrassing duty below.

Soccer

2010-11-05T17:38:00.003-06:00

From August to Now Avie and Liv played on the Fort Rucker Bluejays team. It was their very first time, but they had a blast and plan on playing again in the spring.
Avie above and her blue shoes.

Liv above in her yellow shoes.

Avie is #5

Liv hamming it up for the camera.

Coach Randi telling Avie what to do. He was an awesome coach!

Some of the House

2010-11-05T17:12:00.003-06:00

view of kitchen from the diningroom
view of diningroom and into kitchen

view from foyer into livingroom, door to master bedroom

main bathroom

Avie's bedroom, she's 13. To her this is clean.

to come.....master bed and bath. Liv and Paige's Room. Roan's room. pantry?

Panama City Beach

2010-11-05T16:59:00.003-06:00

Barefoot Beach Club, yummy.
Wish You Were Here!

It was our first week here, early August, Hot, Hot, Hot, and Soooo....HUMID. YUCK

Halloween

2010-11-03T07:51:00.003-06:00

I will be posting pics from the last few months throughout the week....

HALLOWEEN! We decorated cookies and cupcakes.

We carved pumpkins and used glowsticks to light them. And apparently I should have used a hairbrush on Roan before taking pictures!

We Trunk-or-Treated at our church on Friday evening, also enjoying a chilli cook off. Then saturday the post had trick or treating. It was already getting dark when we left at 6.

Avie- a teenager, she didn't dress up. Olivia- static cling. Her idea. Paige- a bat. made from felt and a black flat bedsheet. (I didn't notice she's standing where you cannot see her costume. sorry.) Roan- vampire, last minute change from iron man.

Outlander

2010-10-11T13:57:00.003-06:00

If you are a Diana Gabaldon Fan and you are lucky enough to have a kindle, nook, e-reader, or whatever....click on the link below. In the Post titled "FREE OUTLANDERS" You can click on a link to get the digital book for FREE.

http://voyagesoftheartemis.blogspot.com/2010/10/free-outlanders.html

For your listening pleasure...

2010-09-29T14:24:00.005-06:00

I found a new band, which I am really enjoying. Mumford and Sons, they are a folkrock band and are awesome. Just scroll to the bottom of my playlist (up above) and click on their three songs I have there. It was hard for me to only choose three. Listen and enjoy.

Cinnamon Rolls

2010-09-27T15:54:00.003-06:00

I made these cinnamon rolls last night, they were super yummy, and not too close together on the pan so I can get lots of crusty bread (I'm a girl who loves the heel of the bread) I made the dough really thin so there are many cinamony, sugary, buttery layers, so much better than one or two swirls. I made an icing drizzle from 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp. almond extract (you can use vanilla) and just enough milk to make it drizzle nicely off the fork. I literaly added a drop of milk at a time. Stirring after each addition until it was just right. I am guessing it was no more than a TBSP. maybe less. It was a pan of 24 and they are already all gone. My husband declared them the BEST cinnamon rolls he's ever had.

What's For Dinner?

2010-09-25T06:15:00.005-06:00

Sauteed Mushrooms in a Cream Sauce and Personal Chicken Pot Pies....

First off I apologize my point and shoot camera leaves alot to be desired....second of all I usually forget to take pictures and so the combination is not good.

CHICKEN POT PIES: I used The Pioneer Woman's Cookbook recipe for Chicken Pot Pie, except I made them personal sized. Her recipe is for a 9" Pie, but I've found if I add just a little more veggies than it is perfect for the Six of us. I found the large ramekins at WALMART (Miracle). I also used Pillsbury Piecrust Ready to roll out (in fridge section). I just roll the two crusts out a little more and cut 3 tops (about 1/2 inch bigger around than ramekins) from each crust. We have had this twice now in the last month and we are all in love.

Baked at 400 Degrees for about 35 minutes, til the crusts are golden brown.

My favorite part is that there is only Crust on top so I avoid the soggy dough thing of frozen chicken pies.

Now come the Mushrooms...Iggy's Sports Grill....I went there sometime last year, while still in Utah, and we got the Sauteed Mushrooms Appetizer. I cannot even begin to describe how tasty this is...So after many cravings and fruitless internet searches I created my own....WOW, and sooo easy.

SAUTEED MUSHROOMS in a CREAM SAUCE: I started by washing and capping the mushrooms (3 of the 80z. packages). Just the white button ones available in small packages at the grocary store. In a hot pan I melted about 2 TBSP. Butter. Add 4 Cloves Minced garlic. Cook for just a minute until the garlic is just barely browning, then throw in the mushrooms and stir around for another minute. Then add 1/2 cup chicken broth. You want the broth to boil a bit. Meanwhile combine in bowl 3/4 c. Heavy Cream, 1/4 c. milk, 1 TBSP. Flour, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Stir and then lower heat on stove and add Cream sauce. Stir and let cook for a couple minutes.

Heat your oven to 375....then pour whole mushroom mixture into baking pan. You want the mushrooms to just fit in a single layer. Then spread cheese (I had a colby mix)about 1-1 1/2 cup over the top. Bake about 30 minutes until golden. Serve with crispy bread wedges. Soooo yummy. All the kids and Michael love this too.

Again these pictues don't do this food justice. And the smell, amazing.

great reminder

2010-08-23T07:28:00.000-06:00

Banana Nutella Wontons

2010-08-19T14:26:00.003-06:00

I got this recipe from Tasty Kitchen (started by the Pioneer Woman).
Fried wontons filled with nutella and banana. Then sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon. So yummy. Roan was my helper.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen-blog/2010/08/a-tasty-recipe-nutella-and-banana-wontons/

click on that link for the recipe.

My three youngest started last friday....

2010-08-09T20:01:00.004-06:00

With my bed and big screen...

2010-08-09T19:53:00.001-06:00

Coldplay, fits my current mood perfectly

2010-06-28T02:50:00.001-06:00

Metric - Help I'm Alive

2010-06-17T09:00:00.000-06:00

I'm still here.

2010-06-16T09:11:00.001-06:00

So life moves on....thanks everybody for your jokes and understanding.

Um....the kids got out of school and we moved into my sister Jamie's house hoping that an empty house would show better. So far nothing.....

Things you aren't supposed to blog about...

2010-05-14T18:13:00.004-06:00

Being Depressed that you:
1. Are alone Again
2. Gained 4 pounds while you're hubby got to come visit for a month.
3. Can't get rid of your dang house. I mean lovely house.
4. Talk about money everytime your hubby calls.
5. Talk about doing something else to get that dang house sold everytime he calls.
6. Have to act cheerful for the kids.
7. hate your calling on the enrichment comittee. seriously.
8. Get advice to do things you are already doing. (hmm?)
9. Seem to have no control over the crashing plane that is your life.
10. Cry way too often and usually in places you don't want to cry, in front of people you don't want to see you cry.
Wow, that's a lot of things that I should never blog about. So I won't.
Please no condolences. I get plenty of those. How about a joke?

Pearl Jam's Just Breathe. Brilliant!

2010-04-10T01:05:00.000-06:00

Roan Says

2010-04-08T21:47:00.005-06:00

*The other day as I served dinner: "Mom, you aren't presentable" OKAY?
*Tonight as he got excited while playing Lego Indian Jones XBOX game "The planets are aligned."
"What does that mean, Roan?" "...I don't know" HUH?
*As I'm watching a TV show on my bed: "Mom, can I snuggle with you..(batting of eyelashes and hands clasped in plea)...while I play XBOX?"
I laughed, then he "snuggled" and played XBOX while I finished my episode of Parenthood.

I love Roan.

Sleep Talkin' Little Man

2010-03-23T08:47:00.003-06:00

St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes

So I think I've said before that we are trying desperately to get Roan to stay in his bed all night, at times we use bribery. Currently the bribe is a Bakugan. You can pick up a three pack for $8, so not bad. He has to stay in bed for a week without missing a night, or he starts over. Anyway, last week it was about half-way through the week and Roan came into my room around 11:00. I was ofcourse still up so I invited him to snuggle for a minute. He fell asleep in about 3 seconds. I was watching a show though so it was about 15 minutes before I got up to carry him back to bed. As I crossed the hallway he smacked his thigh with his fist and declared, "I Failed!" while still sleepin.

Then last night as the same thing happened I said "Ooh, you're getting so big I don't think I can call you my Little Man anymore...."

Eyes closed and body limp he replies, "Just call me Medium Man..." And then started snoring.

I love that little boy!

Roan's Combo, sorry about the vid quality

2010-03-05T22:24:00.004-07:00

catch UP

2010-03-04T09:03:00.003-07:00

Took a look at my blog and noticed a lack of info on what we've been up to so...

Michael and I took our first cruise at the beginning of February. We bought tickets thursday and left monday! Last minute cruises. awesome.

Michael and I, and Kristin and Lani and Grandma Ging and the KIDS piled into our suburban and drove to Cali for 4 fun-filled days at Disneyland and California Adventure.

Avie tried out for and got the Solo in her next Choir performance. She also goes to a 4-H cooking class and loves it. And she's starting track this week, and it's EVERYDAY. Not to mention YWs activites and Basketball practice and games.

Olivia made a pepsi, mentos salt-dough volcano. And in a couple more weeks another science project is due. 5th grade is HARD, for me.

Paige is in the works for a name change (see previous post) and has joined Music Express with her friend. Luckily it's only once a week.

And Roan is on his way to the biggest Bakugan collection this side of the rocky mountains. Oh, and has an impressive new combo that I'll try to catch on video this week and post it, but that's asking a lot of me.

And Michael. He is gone. Left for Flight School (2 years) in Fort Rucker, Alabama. The kids and I will join him when we sell our house. (fingers-crossed).

Me. Well i am still here, still sane.

Name Change

2010-02-17T20:48:00.003-07:00

So....sometimes I am strange. I think this is a well accepted fact by those who know me.
Paige. When we were naming her I didn't like anything for a middle name. Avie and Liv had both been given variations (loose ones) of Michael for theirs. So we thought okay variation of Janan is ....Jenna. But Paige Jenna Welch was way too choppy. My dad has always gone by his middle name so I thought no problem. We named her Jenna Paige Welch. And it drives me nuts. It drives Her nuts. At church, at school, in any army thing she is Jenna. And she never knows they are talking about her. SHe asked me about changing her name. Michael freaked out at first but the idea has settled down now. We are doing it.
So soon she will be Paige Mika Welch. Whatcha' think?

REDUCED

2010-01-30T10:28:00.002-07:00

now only 189,000.00

See pics below.

One House FOR SALE

2010-01-12T08:11:00.003-07:00

5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 2 Kitchens, Laundry hookups upstairs and downstairs, Wood burning stove in the Livingroom. A/C and Heat. New Roof, waterheater, upstairs kitchen, upstairs carpet, updated bathrooms. Lots of house in what looks like a small package. Apple and Cherry Trees. Mature Grapes and Roses. New Berries. Sprinkler, fenced backyard.

WWII in HD

2009-11-18T00:42:00.004-07:00

The other night Michael and I discovered this awesome program on one of our favorite channels, the History Channel. It's a 10 part series. It is mostly unseen footage collected over a two year peiod and then ofcourse as the title says, shown in High Definition. It looked amazing just on our crappy TV so if you actually have HD then you'll be really spoiled. Simply amazing and like they said I have not seen any of the footage shown, so far. (We've watched parts 1 & 2) Check your DVR quick cause they seem to be showing it all alot. And ofcourse they have it for sale.

I really liked the very human side you got to see of the men too. We were laughing at video of shaved heads spelling victory. Watch it, you won't regret it. There is some graphic content so I wouldn't let my kids watch it. Anyway. Awesome.

I know this is late for Veteran's Day, but I'm a delayed blogger so... I know many Veterans, my hubby happens to be one of them. They do not get nearly enough recognition for all they sacrifice. And when on occassion I hear what some kids are being taught about them, to fear them, that they are war-mongers, dangerous, on the verge of killing their families...it makes me sick. You hear of the soldiers from WWII refered to as the greatest generation and I submit that our soldiers today are no less than those of yesteryears. THe greatest difference I think lies in the minds and hearts of those not fighting, those at home, in the media, in our government, in our schools. We all will determine how our husbands, brothers, and sons will be looked at and talked about in future generations. While watching WWII in HD it hit me just how similar our soldiers are today, the videos could easily be from Iraq or Afghanistan.

So off my soapbox now. Love you Michael and all you others out there willing to sacrifice for our Freedom and that of our Brothers around the world.

Halloween, Cookbook, oh and ARC

2009-11-09T01:35:00.005-07:00

Warning : I am rambling. I haven't added Halloween pics yet, and it's late. Sorry.
Halloween- Let me start by saying I am not a fan of halloween. I hate being scared, I hate being spooked. I hate scary costumes. We decorate very minimally and nothing too freaky.

ANyway, It all started the wednesday before Halloween with our Ward Party. Dinner, games, spook alleys, treats, and costumes oh my! The kids really liked this trial run, and I was happy for the easy, half-hearted dressing up. We kept things super simple to keep things clean for halloween, or so I said. My awesome sister Jamie came with her little ones too and took over since Michael and I had tickets to Little Shop of Horrors. We were on the front row and had to tuck our feet in more than once. Lots of fun.

Then came the Halloween Parade at School on Friday. Michael was off so we got to the school early to help the kids get costumed, again half-heartedly. I mean- come on! ANd then watched the lamest parade known to man. They set up a single row of chairs at the very back of the gym and up the sides. THen all the students came in and sat on the floor. Each class walked up the stage stairs across the stage and back to their seats. And apparently there was a race happening cause noone even paused on this journey, not to mention you could barely see your child.

Last came actual Halloween. I loved that it was on Saturday, so much easier than a weekday. Anyway, we were at Grandma Lyndies and Granpa Vic's about 5:30. Jamie's fam joined us and we circled our old neighborhood. Took about an hour and a half, lots of fun. Then we drove to our church parkinglot for trunk-or-treat which was only going until 7:30. It was over already. SO we drove to Jeff's family's neighborhood and worked the big houses for almost an hour.

At 8 we headed home to enjoy chilli, fresh rolls, and more. Paige recieved the Best COstume Award, her nose tipped the scales. And everyone else got runner-up chocolate suckers.

THen Michael, Avie, Liv, and ROan headed to Mark and Kim's to play D&D. PAige watched Willow in my bed, while I took down anything Halloween and put up my new thanksgiving decorations I got since my husband told me it was his favorite holiday. And my thanksgiving decor is usually just kid's drawings.

Anyway this is alot of information for a holiday that I don't enjoy and that nothing shocking and or amazing happened. Why are you still reading this? Brave? Read on.

Almost a year ago Marci, my sister-in-law, introduced me to an awesome blog. The Pioneer Woman. Much reading and a year later she put out a cookbook and came on booktour to SLC. So we put it on our Calendars. Nov 4th we met up by Thanksgiving Point, poor Marci was just returning from SLC.

We drove up without mishap and got there at 7:00. We found the little bookshop which was being swarmed by hundreds of people. We parked about a block away and soon discovered that if you didn't have a lettered ticket you would not get a book signed. Now let me say that I called weeks ago to see what the deal was. I asked if buying a book was required, the lady said no. But I thought i would support the bookshop, so I resisted buying the book the week before when it came out. She told me it was a simple night. There was no mention of tickets. I stood in a line of people hoping to recieve tickets while Marci went in to wait in line to buy our books. After about 45mins she was 3rd from the front when they soldout! Meanwhile someone had given her their ticket an O, and I had gotten one too an R. There were 25 tickets of each letter and you could have more than one person on a ticket and she was personalizing every book. We decided to call the local bookstores and run and buy the books there. THen get back in time for one of our letters. Everywhere we called was soldout! Finally we found a bookstore in Midvale, I think. THey put aside the books (last they had) for us. We drove quickly, with me going the wrong way only once. Grabbed our books and drove back a bit worried that we'd miss our palce in line. NOOO worries. THey were on F when we returned after going the wrong way again (I swear I don't usually suck at driving so badly) We were hungry and cold and needed a potty. It was about 8:30. Luckily next door was Mazza, a middle eastern restaurant. We sat by the window and each got a sampler plate of yumminess. I had hummus with warm pitas, potatoes cooked to yumminess, and a salad that I can still taste. Unfortunately they closed at 9, so we couldn't stay inside forever. We left about 9:15, they were on letter K. SLow GOing? THe crowd had thinned out a bit, both from those with books already signed and those who didn't hink it was worth it. I was very glad to discover MArci was a die-hard like me. Luckily I was able to pull my car up to the curb and we sat there while we waited for our letter. We finally got our books signed, she was sweet and so lovely, and headed for home. Did I go the wrong way again? Probably, but I don't remember anymore. I got home about midnight. WOW!

Today I made her Rosemary Skillet Rolls, YUMMY. And I love looking at my signature.

Lastly, ARC. Julie added alot to the previous post cause I didn't do an ARC specific post. sorry Jules, I suck.

WHat have I read?

Bed of Roses by Nora ROberts 2/5 second in the Bride QUartet. unimaginative, but fun read.

An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon. 5/5 My freaking heck, I can't believe I have to wait 3 or so years for the next one.

something else, but my brain isn't letting me remember right now. What have you read?

Snow Patrol and Plain White Tees

2009-10-12T08:28:00.009-06:00

Saturday, Julie and I went to another concert, but first we ate at a favorite restaurant, Thai Evergreen, it is owned by a cute family in our ward, the Myamala's. SUper yummy.
THen we drove one minute to UVU Mckay Events Center. So close, so awesome. PWT's came out first and the lead singer said he was sick, but would sing us a few songs. We got just 3 out of them, but they were good.
ALso at this concert, but scattered about were Sam (Julie's oldest) with friends, and my little bro Josh with his girlfriend Kelsy (sp? sorry if it's wrong), and we were to discover, Joylynn's (my oldest sis) ex with his new wife. That was a wierd meeting up. Anyway, the venue is rather small so even in our seats which were in the third section from the stage we could see well, however in Sam's section, the one right up against the stage there were a few open seats. So right before Snow Patrol came on we hopped seats (same price, don't panic people.) We had a blast, being soooo close and got to have a view of what goes on behind the scenes. It was awesome, the guy was funny and talked to us a lot which I enjoy. Awesome, my love for them is solidified now.
And ofcourse I got a Tee

and for those who don't know snow patrol, or if you are just jealous, watch this .

Helicopters and Killers

2009-09-29T08:17:00.003-06:00

It is finally Official! Michael was accepted into the Warrant Officer Pilot School. He will train for 1 1/2 - 2 years in Fort Rucker, Alabama. He will find out when he starts in 90 days. Yes, 90. The training should start somewhere between January to March. The kids and I can join him as soon as we sell our house. ya. So everybody pray that we can sell this stinkin' house. I mean awesome house. 5 bedrooms (3 up 2 down), 3 bathrooms (2 up 1 down), 2 kitchens, livingroom w/ wood burning stove and big ol' familyroom. We've got .25 acres, sprinklers, fenced backyard, large garden with watering system, AC and Central Heat. Remodled kitchen upstairs. You know you want it....Okay, but someone does. Pray they come to us!
And the Killers. Saturday night I went with Julie to see the Killers at the E Center. We had awesome seats and got a great view of it all. In highschool I went to one concert, REM, and it was awesome, but that was it. Then after Michael and I got married we went with his brother and his wife to see Prince. We were in a suite. That was fun.
Then last year, year before?? I went to Paolo Nutini also with Julie. It was in a small theater in SLC. Although he was drunk and or high, I really enjoyed that.
THen last fall it was COLDPLAY. wow is all i can say.
Anyway, it was awesome and I bought the above TEE, love it. It's a thin material instead of the thick stuff that my other concert tees are. love it.
And not this weekend but the next we are going to see Snow Patrol and Plain White T's. AWESOME.

BTW- I got the Diana Gabaldon Book the day it came out, and am loving it. AN ECHO IN THE BONE. She is an awesome writer.
And in case you were wondering yes, I already have NEW MOON tickets, we were smarter this time and got tickets at a reserved-seat theater. the little bit of a drive is worth not having to wait 4 hours in line. WE have perfect seats front and center. have you seen the latest preview??

Summer Stuff

2009-09-15T07:14:00.004-06:00

Grandpa Cleve, Grandma Ging, Avie Liv, and Paige @ Squaw Peak

Hello Again! I was so happy yesterday to look out my window and see the overcast sky and trees blowing in the wind. My favorite kind of day that could only be made better by rain. End of summer? I can only hope.
THis summer we've travelled to Missouri, Mesa Verde and Zions National Park and lots of campsites throughout northern Utah.
We've eaten more hotdogs than anyone should ever have to. And I think even I got sick of s'mores. Anyway....we've got loads of pictures. I will try to get them up on this site.
My husband refuses to let summer die, he still has hunting trips to go on.
I am content at home.

To top it off all my kids are in full-time school this year. Roan in 1st, Paige in 3rd, Liv in 5th and Avie started 7th and just turned 12. Wow. YWs, freaky.

ARC

2009-07-15T08:53:00.005-06:00

Hi everyone, hope you've had some good reading days. I have.

The Pact and My Sister's Keeper both by Jodi Picoult. The Pact opens with a young lady shot to death and her boyfriend injured, telling everyone that it was a suicide pact gone wrong.
I give it 3 stars, cause although I think it was well written it tied up a little tidily. Yet also it did not address, any further, things I felt should have been addressed.
My Sister's Keeper, was a really interesting story about a family who has another baby so that she can be a donor for her sister with luekemia. I give it 3 stars. I saw the movie and enjoyed it much more. I thought they simplified it a bit and made it much-more believable. Whereas in the book she did fantastical things and tied them up neatly by books end. But really interesting story.

Jane Austen Ruined my Life by I don't know at the moment! Girl obsessed with JA and her books comes to England to try and find some mysterious letters written by Jane Austen. Old Friend who is a boy is there. She's freshly divorced and fired, poor.
I give it 1 star. The positive? Atleast it didn't fall into the now-common girl suddenly enters JA world, or story or whatever. Overall it was uninteresting and ended very lamely.

Another in the Simply Series, Simply Love by Mary Balough. About a wounded, deformed man and a unwed mother in regency times. It was fine, had some good story lines she could have followed but never really dove into her charachters' lives. I give it 3 Stars.

And since I am, that close, to finishing it.
Black Sheep by Georgette Heyer. Love it, Jane Austen style regency.
Abigail is a 28 year old spinster trying to breakup the romance of her young niece and the gentleman who should know better. Enter in his long-lost uncle Miles Calverleigh, who doesn't care what his nephew does, but does care for Abigail. Love it. I will give it 4 stars for now, maybe up them after making sure that it ends well. Okay it's 5 Stars, and I went and bought another to read. False Colours.

So what have you read?

Happy Birthday Roan!

2009-07-07T10:07:00.007-06:00

My baby turned 6 years old yesterday. We celebrated his birthday.

We started the day with Pizza and Swimming at grandma Lyndie's Pool. Julie and kids, Jen and Kids, Emily and Kids, and Craig and kids were all there.

After Mike got home from work we went to Walmart to let Roan pick out a bike, but as it turns out what he really wanted was Night-Vision goggles. Whatever. His sisters got him a new Bionicle.

We went to the mall and let everyone pickout their meal from the food court. glamorous huh?

Michael and Avie got Charly's Grilled Subs

Paige and I got Chick-fil-A nuggets, the best. and a Peach shake.

Liv went to Flaming Wok.

And Roan got a Cheeseburger and Fries.

Then we went to our favorite theater and ate Kettle Korn Popcorn while watching UP!

Followed up with singing and the blowing out of a candle at my mom's house. Doesn't he look so thrilled? And disclaimer, he is suffering from swimming-hair.

He also got a Camelbak from his aunts filled with supplies that he has barely removed to sleep. Milo and Otis, the best talking animal movie ever made, from Grandma Lyndie and Grandpa Vic. And a stunt remote-car from Grandma Ging.

Lucky little boy.

All I can think about is that I will cry and never leave my bed when he no longer wants to snuggle, hug, kiss and love me. Wah...

Oops I Did It Again or Camping: Hurts so Good or A Series of Unfortunate Events

2009-07-06T10:55:00.004-06:00

No you are not seeing in duplicate. Yes, that is Michael's finger. Yes, he is in the ER. Yes, he did it to himself....Brother.

So, last weekend we went camping with Mark and Kim, just over one night and it was great. So we did it again. But this time we went to the non-paying camp grounds and about 25 more people came too. I will give you a bullet point rundown.

Mark and 4 kids (ages 12-2) first to arrive at camp Thursday, return from a hike to ecounter a big Bear who is busy eating a roast and a block of cheese from their cooler. He has to scare it off twice with rocks and then his shotgun. A big fire and loud music are started.

We arrive with our dog Bear, after dark, who will alert us to the Bear should it return. We hope.

We were in Ginger's camper, otherwise I would have turned and gone home.

Unfortunately our arrival also included getting the trailer hung up on a tree and my peach-ole and corn nuts dumping on me.

Survive the first night, but are glad when more campers arrive the next day.

Bryan and Whitney are lost then stuck in a broken down car. Mike and Mark to the rescue.

Two visits from the Rangers. Once for a report of what happened with the Bear. Next to warn us that there was a bear in the area. DUH.

Our VW which we left parked down on the pavement is broken into, via smashed passenger window, and Avie's purse, the only item in the car, is stolen.

Minor cuts for Avie and Me. Avie+camping table=scraped arm. Janan + michael's knife= cut finger tip (barely.) Bandages are applied.

While whittling the strawberry Liv has requested, Michael cuts off the tip of his index finger. see above photo.

I take the chunk of skin off his knife blade and put it inbetween moist gauze. We head to our favorite ER. Sad, that we have been able to develop a favorite

He's sewn up, with 5 or 6 stitches, and will return Tuesday to find out if it took or not.

if it does not reattach he will have his finger sewn to his stomach. long story.

He drops me off at my Mom's for a 4th Party, but really cause Jen is in town. I am a nasty camper. smelly and dirty.

Back at camp Mark sprains his ACL while playing steal the flag. Make-shift crutch and ace-bandage applied.

Michael, Ging, and Cleve leave to come get me and are told by Police they can't return until after midnight because they have too many people going up the mountain to watch Fireworks.

11:00 pm finds us struggling to get gas and navigate the Stadium of Fire traffic.

Driving the twisting and turning road of Squaw Peak our 5 gallon bucket of water dumps over and soaks our feet and the carpet.

the LP(gas) detector only went off twice.

Sunday we rested. No injuries, breakdowns, or breakins (animal or human) and they were even shooting guns.

Home never looked so good.

Summer 'Do

2009-06-16T08:46:00.006-06:00

Roan has had long hair pretty much his whole life, except ofcourse for the forced-to-cut moments. Like when he chopped his own hair all-over at the scalp. Besides him having nice hair, that looks good long, he seems to need it. When my boy has the typical boy-short hair he looks like he is a cancer patient. He has a small head and his hair is light, so it is a bad combo. He seems to need the extra hair to fill out his face. ANyway, we decided he needed a haircut for summer, especially since he loves to wear layers and socks and shoes and so therefore will be sweaty from now til September. We decided to go for a faux-hawk. I took him to my hair guy, since I wanted it to look great.

Mike at Metropolitan. He's the owner and the best.

Anyway, I am dumb and didn't take before shots, but you've all seen him with his surfer boy hair, right? I love it. Roan loves it too.

ER sweet ER

2009-06-15T10:23:00.006-06:00

SO we have become frequent visitors to our local ER. In case you've forgotten.

*Roan's Broken collar bone

*Michael's sawed hand

*and now poor Paige.

WE have had some nasty sickness running through our home. I feel like a pharmacist dispensing out the motrin and mucinex. Anyway Paige seemed to be sick-free Sunday morning, which sounds nice, but not when you are an 8 year old girl who feels left out. "Not even one cough drop?"

SO she decided she wanted hot lemon-honey water. I told her where the lemons were and she set to work. The problem was that the lemons were rather dried up, so after attempting to cut with a butter knife she found something better. In this case, that was a frosting knife with one wickedly-serrated edge. SO the other 5 of our family members are on the couch being drugged when we hear Paige scream. She comes in with blood dripping down her hand.

A quick assessment shows how bad it is, all the blood drains from Paige's face, and we quickly get her laying down with feet propped up and talk her out of fainting. We call Grandma Ging to grab the other kids and we throw some clothes on and drvie to the ER.

I'm taking a side street here: SO our ward thinks we are inactive, I am sure. And if that definition is that you have not attended for 3 weeks, then I guess we are.

May 24th, We went to church in Heber with cousins, so that the girls could sing while their cousin Abby played her violin.

May 31st, Sickness through the house.

June 7th, lamest excuse, but we slept in. For crazy reasons that I will not go into Michael and I were up til about 5am, and did not wake up, at all until 1pm. Our "thoughtful" children played quietly elsewhere in the house.

and now June 14th- Paige tried to cut off her finger!

Bishop Lamb? Are you reading this? We love church, promise.

Anyroad...... We take off to the ER, Paige is crying terrified of getting shots and stitches. Last time she was there, though only 2 1/2 years old, it was very traumatic considering her face had been bitten open by a big dog. I thought she did not remember, but terror has it's own kind of memory. Anyway, they got us in quickly and we had a very nice Doctor and Nurse. The doc did Donald Duck impressions and the nurse and Paige discovered that not only did they have the same last name, but they both go by their middle names. Thrilling stuff, folks. ANyway, after a few numbing shots, Paige watched herself get three stitches. Then she got to pick out a stuffed animal (a Hippo named Meeska, holding a coke.?? I don't get it either) and a princess sticker. And then an m&m shake cause it's a rule you have to get a shake after going to the ER. I hope Bishop stopped reading.

ARC

2009-06-04T09:02:00.004-06:00

Alrighty then. Sorry I am a couple days late. Wanna know what I've read so far?
Courtship Dance ** I am laughing cause I can't really remember anything other than it was okay.
Mr. Darcy takes a Wife **** It would have gotten 5, but it got a bit long in the 3rd quarter.
Vision in White *** Okay, 3 stars cause I am glad Nora Roberts is back to Character based stories.
First Comes Marriage by Mary Balough **** I laughed so much and I really liked her story line and the characters. Only four, cause it is still a silly book.
Last Comes Love *** (3rd in the MB series, yes I read the 2nd, but it started with a C and I already had one of those.) Not as good as the first, but better than the second. Vague, much?

Have you read anything lately? Let me know...
note: the books do not need to be first reads, I am a big believer in rereading.

Resisting the Urge...

2009-05-26T11:29:00.002-06:00

Okay, let me apologize now 'cause this post is fairly lame, but it is on my mind, and for some lame reason it gets me excited. Here in Utah the temperature has been very nice during the day, and rather chilly at night. (WHat? YOu want actual temperatures? I don't know, I am lazy.) We have an old, tempermental AC unit, that likes to freeze up during the hottest parts of the summer and make us pay out the nose for 2 or 3 months. Added to that our house faces WEST, and we have old windows upstairs and we BAKE. So every spring we try to last as long as we can before firing it up. We stopped using the heater at the beginning of April, I believe, and have still not turned on the AC. It has been almost 8 weeks since having to artificially heat or cool our home. I was determined to last through May, but now wonder if I can make it longer.
My method is to open all the windows in the early morning, open west side blinds and make sure the ceiling fans are going. Then in the early afternoon, before the sun is coming in the west, I open the east side blinds and close the west side, keeping the windows open. This has seemed to keep our house cool.

At night our bedroom window is the only one that remains open. I reason that we would definitely realize if someone was trying to sneak in that window! On the plus side, the basement stays cool all summer, but on the downside it has not seemed to save us any money!

Are any of you doing the same thing? Meaning NOT turning on the AC? Again I apologize...

ARC 3

2009-05-01T08:57:00.004-06:00

A few of you have read a few books. GOOD JOB! This is another chance to let us all know what you've been reading. Personally, I've read Courtship Dance and then without thinking started another C book, so....use my brain!
Let me state again that you do not have to read in alphabetical order. Please put the Author and a grade so others can see if it's something they might like to read. Again, little words should be left off when determining the title letter.
Keep going ladies.......

What do you think?

2009-04-28T09:20:00.005-06:00

Andrea Lynch can’t exactly remember the last time she shampooed her hair. Maybe it was last summer? No, more like September. She thinks.
For most Americans, the idea of skipping shampoo for even a day is enough to make us feel a little itchy. But some hair stylists and dermatologists say going a few extra days between shampoos — or ditching the stuff entirely — could actually benefit your tresses......

In recent years, "no poo" has become something of an underground beauty trend (despite being saddled with an unfortunate moniker) that's split into two camps: beauty mavens who believe they've found hair care's dirty little secret, and environmentally minded folks who want to use fewer plastic products and products with fewer chemicals.

These are two ladies who love NOT shampooing.

I read this story today online. I don't know what to think. They say it takes anywhere from 2 -8 weeks for your hair to stabilize, which to me means: stop being nasty. I don't know if I could last that long. They claim the hair isn't stinky, but I find that hard to believe. You can read the whole article thru the link below, then let me know what you think.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30337386/?GT1=43001

Mesa Verde with Marka dn Kim and Family

2009-04-20T10:06:00.010-06:00

We took a trip with Mark and Kim and family to Mesa Verde. It was chilly, but beautiful and very fun.
Here we are at 4 corners. One limb in each state.

Michael still wrapped up from saw-cutting!

Cousin Sophie, she wasn't sure why we were lying on the ground. She played dead.
Roan

Cousin Travis

Cousin Cami

Avie

Olivia

Paige

Cousin Layne

Michael tired from a day of hiking.

Paige and Avie

Paige

Roan and Michael

Cami, Kim, Mark, and Sophie

Cool Ruins

Ranger tour. Very cool

Freezing and super windy!

excavated home

deer!

grinding corn

and SNOW!

ARC addendum (sp?) 2

2009-04-15T10:38:00.005-06:00

Okay, after Jennifer's comments and considering how I would go about this I have decided that you can read out of order. I will continue to let people join through the month of April. Previously read books, even if you only read them last week do not count.
Books started this last Monday (April 13th) and thereafter will count.
Please only report books read to ARC posts, or I will not count them. I am keeping a record and you should too. ARC posts will occur the 1st and 15th of each month barring calamity!
Good Luck!

P.S. scroll downa few posts and you will find the original ARC post, and where to sign up!

P.P.S. also in the previous post I talked about the fact that the words a, the, an would not count for the first letter. I am also willing to overlook other little words like in, on, to if doing so would get you the letter you need. smooch!

100 THINGS (52 NOs)

2009-04-13T09:11:00.007-06:00

Instructions: self explanatory

1. Started your own blog - hello!

2. Slept under the stars - Once. At the west desert. FROZE to death all night.

3. Played in a band - Sung in one. Once.

4. Visited Hawaii - ahhh, no. But I hope to be living there in a year or so. Cross your fingers for me.

5. Watched a meteor shower - No, but I've seen falling stars

6. Given more than you can afford to charity - a few times

7. Been to Disneyland /world - Yes, to Land. a couple times growing up and once with my kids.

8. Climbed a mountain - Mt. Timpanogos

9. Held a praying mantis - no, unless you count the time I grabbed the door handle on which a mantis was hanging out.

10. Sung a solo - yes.

11. Bungee jumped - no, I am terrified of heights.

12. Visited Paris - no, but I would like to. Pastries in Italy leave something to be desired.

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea - First I would have to be at SEA.

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch - Does decopage count? How about shirt stenciling?

15. Adopted a child - no, but it is something Michael and I have always wanted to do.

16. this one was missing

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty - I've only seen it from very far away.

18. Grown your own vegetables - every year

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France - Nope.

20. Slept on an overnight train - no, but it sounds fun.

21. Had a pillow fight - yes, but something went wrong. There were NO feathers.

22. Hitch hiked - NO! You want me to get murdered? I've picked up a lady laden with groceries though.

23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill - yes, years ago while working at a telemarketing job. gag.

24. Built a snow fort - I think I observed Jared doing it once.

25. Held a lamb - Yes, at a ward party. I have a picture. oh, wait it is a goat.

26. Gone skinny dipping - yes. Only with my husband though. I think.... ;)

27. Run a Marathon - Would that require running? Um, no.

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice - Expensive and Stinky? NO, we walked and walked and walked. And rode on Water Taxis. They were still stinky, but cheap.

29. Seen a total eclipse - ..of the heart? Anyway, yes. We made some paper contraption to protect the eyes. I can still see, so I guess it worked.

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset - Millions of times

31. Hit a home run - no.

32. Been on a cruise - no, but I want to!

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person - yes, I was underwhelmed. It was pretty fun going very close though and getting sprayed.

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - no. I only know where Abuelita came from. Nicaragua.

35. Seen an Amish community - Jamesport, out by my sister-in-law in Missouri. We buy the knives and spices. Awesome.

36. Taught yourself a new language - I took Spanish, French, and German in School. I had to learn Italian on my own while living in Italy.

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - I dream of that day. First we have to get rid of so many bills. I know we have enough, it is just all gone before I have a chance to enjoy it.

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person - yes, no nearly as tall as I expected. We then shopped for purses and ate lunch on the lawn. I remember the sandwich, it was yummy.

39. Gone rock climbing - no

40. Seen Michelangelos David - The fake in the square, yes. a few times. We never wanted to pay the money or wait the wait for the real one.

41. Sung karaoke - for a few holidays in a row it was a must. We burned ourselves out.

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt - no

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant - no

44. Visited Africa - no, but I really want to. Out of Africa is a favorite of mine.

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight - yes, while staying with my cousins in Irvine

46. Been transported in an ambulance - no

47. Had your portrait painted - no

48. Gone deep sea fishing - nope

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person - no

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris - have to get to Paris first.

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling - no, both frighten me.

52. Kissed in the rain - Oh, yeah!

53. Played in the mud - yep

54. Gone to a drive-in theater - many times!

55. Been in a movie - The Lamb of God. Yelling "crucify him". Bottom left corner after the old guy starts the chant. I have a pink head scarf on. I was...15?

56. Visited the Great Wall of China - no, I want to.

57. Started a business - no.

58. Taken a martial arts class - no, but Michael has taught me several jiu-jit-su moves.

59. Visited Russia - no, but I want to.

60. Served at a soup kitchen - no.

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - no

62. Gone whale watching - no

63. Gotten flowers for no reason - Yes.

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - blood and plasma a few times.

65. Gone sky diving - If I can't bungee I sure can't skydive.

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp - No

67. Bounced a check - yes, and oh how I hated those fees.

68. Flown in a helicopter - no, but my friend Dan took me up in a small plane in College for my birthday. Terrifying.

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy - A few things.

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial - yes, it was the summer everyone was dying from heat exhaustion. It's tainted D.C. forever.

71. Eaten Caviar - no

72. Pieced a quilt - yes.

73. Stood in Times Square - Drove through. My parents did not stop the RV in NY city!

74. Toured the Everglades - No.

75. Been fired from a job - No

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London - Yes, we did. I "heart" London

77. Broken a bone - nope, never had stitches either.

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle - yes, it was scary everytime.

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person - yes, on a fiels trip and with family

80. Published a book - The day will come...

81. Visited the Vatican - never made it to Rome.

82. Bought a brand new car - no.

83. Walked in Jerusalem - not yet.

84. Had your picture in the newspaper - yes. Cause I was eating at Los Hermanos. And then a few times in the Stars and Stripes cause I was standing by Michael when he got his awards.

85. Read the entire Bible - yes, in Seminary.

86. Visited the White House - yes, pretty cool.

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - no, but Michael does it often.

88. Had chickenpox - yes, when I was like 3 then I got Shingles. fun, I'm glad I don't remember it.

89. Saved someone's life -No, but I drove very fast to the Hospital when Michael was bleeding.

90. Sat on a jury - GOt close, but they booted me. GLAD.

91. Met someone famous - Diana Gabaldon and Stephenie Meyer. Seen a few stars here and there.

92. Joined a book club - yes, a couple.

93. Lost a loved one - Yes

94. Had a baby - yes, 4 of em.

95. Seen the Alamo in person - no

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake - no, but put my feet in it

97. Been involved in a law suit - yes, stupid people wouldn't pay Michael for the work he had done.

98. Owned a cell phone - Uh, why don't you ask if we've owned a TV?

99. Been stung by a bee - Yes, and it hurts super bad

100. Read an entire book in one day - Many.

Well, my no-s outnumber my yes-s. sad commentary. This took a long time, so only do it if you have a long time to waste! phew.

When Michael Met Saw (pictures below)

2009-04-10T09:24:00.009-06:00

Mike was helping me in the garden yesterday evening. We were putting up posts for our beans to grow on. We pounded them into the ground, but they were a little tall so Michael grabbed his saw to cut off the tops. I crouched below and held onto the post. He stood on a short ladder above me. He was afraid the wood would fall onto my head so he grabbed for it. The worm saw caught his sweatshirt at the elbow. He dropped the saw and said something colorful. I said "Did you cut off your finger?" He laughed and said no. Then I said "How bad is it? Are you going to need stitches?" His reply? "YES. Right now, let's go. Grab me a towel."

So I ran into the house grabbed my keys and a towel from the closet. I burst into my room where the kids were watching TV. "Guys, Dad cut his hand, so I gotta run him to the emergency room. Someone will come be with you!" Then I ran out. Behind me I hear one of the kids say, "Is she kidding?"

We hopped into the car, I still didn't see any of it. He had it wrapped in the towel and was applying pressure. After a long-short car ride, a few phonecalls, and a prayer we made it to the hospital. I dropped him at the door and went to park. He had been taken in and as I came in they were looking at his hand. WOW. I was not prepared for it. Fatty tissue and muscle spilling out.

Anyway. Long story, short? He got 28 stitches, and has to wear a splint for a few weeks. But, he can move all his fingers, and seems to have all the feeling in his hand. The worst part was when they gave him all the shots to numb him up. They kept giving him more and more cause it didn't seem to work. And thankfully we got his ring off right away, cause his hand swelled up and they said they would have had to cut it off.

We got home about 11:45. yuck. P.S. read the next post down about my reading challenge!

Easter

2009-04-09T09:08:00.007-06:00

Easter Morning Easter Baskets. Pictures. And an Egg Hunt

Everytime I think to myself I will brush their hair before pictures, hasn't happened yet.

It continues to amaze me how hard it is to get a picture with everyone smiling at the same time!

Here you can see his yoda sling and ace bandage for his healing clavicle.

Cousin Brynna

Cousin Owen and Uncle Jeff

With cousins Ryan, Callen, Brynna, Shaylee and Owen

ARC join me now!

2009-04-08T11:58:00.007-06:00

Okay Readers and Non-Readers! I challenge you! Not in a duel to the death, but a reading duel. There are 38 weeks left in the year. And there are 26 letters in the Alphabet. Sooooo,

I challenge Everyone to read a book for each letter in the alphabet by the end of 2009.

Rules:

A, An, and The don't count. (The Memory Keeper's Daughter would count for M)

Numbers would be written out (1984 would count for N)

X can be anywhere in the title (Don Quioxte)

Short stories, Children's books, etc... DO NOT COUNT! I must approve of all selections so if you have a question ask before you read!

You MUST do it alphabetically so I can keep track, but you may start at A or Z
Post a comment to join and let me know on which letter you will begin.
I am judge and jury, so don't make me mad. ;)

Get it? Got it? Good. Once a month I will do a post about the ARC (Alphabet Reading Challenge), where you must list your progress (what you have already read , not what you intend to read) in a comment. You only have until May 1st to join.

At the end anyone who completes the challenge will recieve an awesome gift box from me with awesome, suprising stuff in it. What will be in it, you ask? Read the previous sentence for clarification. (which translates to I don't know yet!)

RULES are subject to change without prior notice, but I will post any changes. thanks.

Don't I sound official?

to the Happy Couple

2009-04-08T11:13:00.004-06:00

Tuesday my oldest sister, Joylynn, married a wonderful man, Craig Jeppson. They were married at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple then joined by family and friends at the Alpine Art Center for luncheon. Joylynn was beautiful in her white dress and Craig handsome in his tux. We took lots of photos. (Ugh, because of all my siblings being in town my Dad wanted some studio shots of us all. We did that on monday. gag.) Anyway, it was a wonderful morning and afternoon and I am really happy for them and their families. Congratulations!

Check this out

2009-04-02T10:31:00.000-06:00

http://www.designmom.com/2009/03/ask-design-mom-week.html
Love Design Mom. Always some cute, interesting, awesome thing to see.

Ouch!

2009-04-01T08:54:00.000-06:00

On thurdsay night, over 3 weeks ago, Roan was sliding around on our kitchen tile floor. He fell. He did not put out an arm to catch himself. He hit both his head and right shoulder very hard. Michael said he cried a little but then seemed okay. There was no bruising, swelling, or even redness. He could move his arm all around. However, maybe twice or three times a day, he would make some movement that would really hurt. You have to understand Roan is one tough kid. Most things don't phase him. I could tell he was really in pain and thought maybe he pulled a muscle. So we were giving him kids motrin. Anyway, Sunday we were in Church and I squeezed his shoulder. His face contorted and his eyes welled up. I leaned over to Michael

"Give me the keys I am taking him to the Emergency Room!"

Roan did not want to go. He was convinced he would die there.

Anyway, after examination and x-rays it was discovered he had a broken Collar bone. They were amazed at how much he had endured. He is small so they had to get a sling from Pediatrics. It was white with cute little bears on it. I could see the horror in my 5 1/2 year old's eyes. As soon as the nurse stepped out to get an ace bandage he exploded. He would not wear that, he would throw it in the trash, he would rather break his collar more and never have it heal rather than wear that thing! The nurse returned and put his arm in the sling then ace bandaged his arm to his side. He sat there in stony silence. They gave us a prescription for Children's Loritab and we left. After much ranting and raving for embarrassment at looking like a baby and a woman (the ace bandage was like a bra to him) I remembered I had some black and green yoda material left from pj pants, I ALMOST made a year ago. So I made him a yoda sling. He has finally accepted it and feels okay. We are very relieved he is a leftie cause for three weeks he has to wear this contraption! Then no gymnastics for a few months. Wowzer. Side note: Watching a kid be high on Loritab is very funny.
P.S. THis visit was the week before Michael's saw visit, so as Michael and I are sitting there, the nurse says to me..."You look really familliar to me, do I know you from somewhere?" I laughed and replied. "I was in here last week. My son broke his collar bone!" She didn't laugh, maybe a smile? I hope child services doesn't come knocking on my door.

2009-03-25T09:17:00.007-06:00

Awesome Alisa emailed this article to me and I wanted to share it with all of you. Sorry about the size. It's worth the eye strain.....kidding . There is full size text down below.
IT IS YOUR LUCKY DAY. I FOUND IT ONLINE. NOW eNJOY.

TELL ME ABOUT IT ®
By Carolyn HaxWednesday, May 23, 2007; C10
Carolyn:
Best friend has child. Her: exhausted, busy, no time for self, no time for me, etc. Me (no kids): Wow. Sorry. What'd you do today? Her: Park, play group . . .
Okay. I've done Internet searches, I've talked to parents. I don't get it. What do stay-at-home moms do all day? Please no lists of library, grocery store, dry cleaners . . . I do all those things, too, and I don't do them EVERY DAY. I guess what I'm asking is: What is a typical day and why don't moms have time for a call or e-mail? I work and am away from home nine hours a day (plus a few late work events) and I manage to get it all done. I'm feeling like the kid is an excuse to relax and enjoy -- not a bad thing at all -- but if so, why won't my friend tell me the truth? Is this a peeing contest ("My life is so much harder than yours")? What's the deal? I've got friends with and without kids and all us child-free folks get the same story and have the same questions.
Tacoma, Wash.

Relax and enjoy.... You're funny.
Or you're lying about having friends with kids.
Or you're taking them at their word that they actually have kids, because you haven't personally been in the same room with them.
Internet searches?
I keep wavering between giving you a straight answer and giving my forehead some keyboard. To claim you want to understand, while in the same breath implying that the only logical conclusions are that your mom-friends are either lying or competing with you, is disingenuous indeed.
So, since it's validation you seem to want, the real answer is what you get. In list form. When you have young kids, your typical day is: constant attention, from getting them out of bed, fed, clean, dressed; to keeping them out of harm's way; to answering their coos, cries, questions; to having two arms and carrying one kid, one set of car keys, and supplies for even the quickest trips, including the latest-to-be-declared-essential piece of molded plastic gear; to keeping them from unshelving books at the library; to enforcing rest times; to staying one step ahead of them lest they get too hungry, tired or bored, any one of which produces the kind of checkout-line screaming that gets the checkout line shaking its head.
It's needing 45 minutes to do what takes others 15.
It's constant vigilance, constant touch, constant use of your voice, constant relegation of your needs to the second tier.
It's constant scrutiny and second-guessing from family and friends, well-meaning and otherwise. It's resisting constant temptation to seek short-term relief at everyone's long-term expense.
It's doing all this while concurrently teaching virtually everything -- language, manners, safety, resourcefulness, discipline, curiosity, creativity. Empathy. Everything.
It's also a choice, yes. And a joy. But if you spent all day, every day, with this brand of joy, and then, when you got your first 10 minutes to yourself, wanted to be alone with your thoughts instead of calling a good friend, a good friend wouldn't judge you, complain about you to mutual friends, or marvel how much more productively she uses her time. Either make a sincere effort to understand or keep your snit to yourself.

I am laughing still. I need to read this lady's article more often.

Soap Box

2009-03-19T09:10:00.003-06:00

Wed, 03/18/2009 - 17:09
"President Obama announced this week that he is considering a plan to make our veterans pay for treatment of injuries they received while serving this country. For the first time, President Obama’s plan to charge veterans through their private insurance for service-related treatments will expose wounded veterans to co-pays and deductibles for care of their war wounds. A policy like this would amount to a betrayal of our troops....."
Read More by clicking on the link.
http://militaryfamiliesunited.org/?q=media/tell-president-obama-not-charge-our-veterans

TALK ABOUT ADDING INSULT TO INJURY.... Pun fully intended.

As most of you know, Michael was injured in Afghanistan. Thankfully, while traumatic, it was not very severe. I can't imagine having to pay for the care recieved. Help us stop this before it starts. thanks.

Review

2009-03-16T11:42:00.007-06:00

Rachel Getting Married......it is about an Addict (Ann Hathaway), coming home for her Sister's (Rachel) Wedding. For most of the dialogue you feel as though you are walking past a conversation, or really in a room where twenty converstaions are going on. It is really interesting. The most interesting thing I think is that the main charachter in this movie, is music. WE sit with the cast and just listen to lots of music, or just dance to lots of music.

My three favorite moments were when the soon-to-be-brother-in-law's mom says her toast. I won't type the words cause you have to hear her say it or it is cheesy. Then when Sidney (the groom) says his vows with help from Neil Young's Unknown Legend (you can hear it on my music at the bottom of this page. It's the 2nd to last song). And last but not least is the end when Rachel is watching her sister leave. Interesting show, if you like artsy films at all -watch it.

in Review

2009-03-05T11:49:00.005-07:00

BLINDNESS: This movie has interested me for a long time, but things happen and so I just got around to watching it. It is not for the faint-hearted. Michael said it was the worst movie he's ever seen. (he traumatizes easily) (love you babe and I am totally kidding) It is about an epidemic of blindess, Julianne Moore doesn't go blind, but goes with her hubby Mark Ruffalo to the facility they are being quarantined at. (Just so you know it never answers how or why) It's all about the breakup of the world under blindness. And the UGLY side of some people. I thought it was interesting and at times shocking...my main beef? Lots of people just start going around naked. I don't buy it. Just because noone could see me I would not live nude. There's still touch, and rain, and food, and...stupid I thought. Anyway interesting.

TAKEN: Liam Neeson is awesome as an angry father and ex-secret agent guy trying to rescue his kidnapped daughter. It is suspenseful but by no means a terror flick. WE both liked it alot though. Some wierd side stories going on, but I ignored em.

So in conclusion, Taken is a fun one and Blindness is not for the weak. Make your own choices people.

money, money, money must be funny in a rich man's world

2009-02-24T09:19:00.011-07:00

Upstairs carpet cleaning?

$289.00 (over time results of a cat, 3 dogs, and laundry soap)

Repairing VWs smashed-in driver side door?

$800.00 (steep icy road while driving carpool)

Repairing VWs broken axle?

$360.00 (click-click-snap while driving carpool)

Replacing VWs lights?

$100.00 (only available through dealer, ofcourse!)

Snaking the Sewer line?

$346.00 (basement back-up)

Replacing the pad and cleaning the carpets?

$100.00 (if we do it ourselves)

What the Plumber wants to do to prevent more backups?

$4,200.00 (not covered by Insurance)

Replacing the laptop power cord?

$49.00 (Little dog Finn chewed through it)

Getting right-side up in your VW?

$3,208.00 ( so we can trade in for car with 6 seats)

Finding out that the VW 's

trade-in value dropped $3,500.00 in the past 3 months?

PRICELESS

all this in the past month. Can you believe that I feel like I am missing something?

P.S. read the next post, I am going private.

Watch and Laugh

2009-02-17T11:11:00.006-07:00

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Marines in Berkeley

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things With Demetri Martin

Funny Political News
Joke of the Day

link: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-march-10-2008/marines-in-berkeley

Valentines Date

2009-02-16T13:09:00.003-07:00

This is the card I gave to Michael. (julie found it, she's awesome that way) Anyway, the funniest part was his reaction. "What is that supposed to mean?' He asked. I simply said "Twilight", then he started laughing! I have not made him see it yet, but I've seen it too many to count! inside along with my smoochy note were tickets to the next three plays at the Hale Center Theater. Shh! Don't tell anyone he loves going to plays.

For Dinner we went to Yamatos with Julie and Paul and Mark and Kim. I ate lots of Vegetable tempura. yummy!

Last we went to see PUSH, even though we'd seen not-so-good reviews. I thought it was actually really good. Mark said it was better than Wanted, but Michael thinks nearly nothing is better than Wanted (gun fights, car chases, Angelina Jolie). Anyway, sure it was not Oscar worthy, but a fun one and the guy is super cute. I liked the story, it wasn't ALL obvious go see it and have fun! Then as a couple days after Valentine I let Michael get XBox 360, so he can Rainbow Six all day with his brother. Boy, I am a NICE wife.

PS. Michael did get me a rose and this beautiful Willow Tree figure. Thanks sweets.

Medical update

2009-02-10T15:46:00.002-07:00

Michael's status:
1. Wisdom Teeth: out, pain finally gone. He was very lucky, they found infection in his old graft spot in his jaw. It could have spread and been ver dangerous.
2. Gums and posts are ready for Implants, just waiting for authorization from tricare
3. Lasik done, could see the same day. He now has 20/15 vision. He is thrilled, and without any pain. He just wears funny goggles to bed, and sunglasses anytime he is outside. He's in heaven.

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-02-02T11:00:00.002-07:00

One of the best movies of the year. Hands Down.
It is the story of Jamal, a boy from the slums of Mumbai, who goes on Who wants to be a Millionaire and he does so well that he is thought to be cheating. So the movie is him explaining to the Police how he knows the answers to these random questions. It is a wonderful story, at times, heartbreaking, and the little kids especially are amazing. Jamal is joined in the story by his brother Salim and a friend Latika. Must see.

25 Random Things

2009-02-02T09:50:00.003-07:00

Okay, everyone is doing it so...

1. I use facebook to look at people I have not seen or can barely remember. I do not understand any of the tags, or giftings, or whatever, so if I don't respond...sorry. I no speaky Facebook.

2. I always finish a book, no matter how terrible it is. However, sometimes it is finished by skimming. You know, just in case it suddenly redeems itself and gets good. That has yet to happen.

3.I love ice water. Not just to make it cold, but because I must crunch ice with my water. I once broke up with a guy over it. We were out to lunch in 11th? grade and I was crunching away, and James cringed and said the sound drove him crazy. I didn't see the point of continuing our relationship.

4. Speaking of dating...Michael was the first guy I didn't break up with after he kissed me. Usually a Kiss...was the kiss of death of a relationship for me. (above James had kissed me the day before...the ice was just the last straw.) And if you know me you know I am a VERY kissy person. So I wasn't frigid, I could just tell immediately that someone was not for me after the kiss.

5. Skittles with popcorn is my most favorite movie treat. How to: pop one or two skittles in your mouth, crunch once to break open skittles then insert a handful of popcorn, then enjoy. Skeptical? Don't knock it til you try it.

6. I would never want to live abroad again. I want to travel endlessly, but living is for the states. Let me explain...nevermind it will take to long. Ask me some other time.

7. If I love a movie I will see it many times in the theater. And then I will buy it and watch it many times at home. Michael doesn't get it.

8. Netflix is the greatest invention. I now refuse to jump into a show. I have to watch every single episode from the beginning and netflix makes that possible. And it makes it possible to try out everything and not feel guilty. No extra money spent. Worth every cent, and has saved me millions in late fees.

9. I love picking, zits, blackheads, sunburns, scabs, glue covered hands... It is so relaxing and gives me great satisfaction.

10. I love seeing anyone's old pictures or home videos. I find it fascinating seeing into other people's lives. I love the stories. We recently watched several different wedding videos, such fun.

11. Butter smeared on a graham cracker is delicious. yummmmmy!

12. I almost never do my girls hair anymore. I say, go brush your hair and they do what they like. At church yesterday I saw that Avie had brushed only the front. My reaction? Oh, well. Yes, I am that lady.

13. I love having kids 'cause it gives me an excuse to bring treats to church. I enjoy them through all 3 hours. Whoever sits by me in Relief Society is lucky cause I share. Sixlets, smarties, tootsie rolls?

14. I love to sing, and do it almost constantly. I still sing to my kids every night, they each get their own song. And I tell you what it is a royal pain sometimes. Roan still gets 3 or so. Last night to Roan I sang, Book of Mormon Stories with several extended verses. I like to look for Rainbows, and Mary had a little lamb. To Paige I sang "Part of your World" from little Mermaid with the reprisal (I don't know when...I don't know how, but I know something's starting right nooooowwww..watch and you'll seeeeee. Someday I'll beeeee... part of your worrrrld!) Liv got "Do your Ears hang Low" (that one is a Roan favorite and we have sung about eyes, hair, noses, hands, boogies, eyebrows, tongues....) And to Avie I sang "Golly what a day" and "Every town" both from Robin Hood.

15. Mint Milano cookies are my all time favorite cookie. I have to eat them a certain way too.

16. I love playing games, board games, card games, video games, clapping and noisy games, strategic games, love em. I don't care if I win, but I will try my hardest. Anyone wanna?

17. Speaking of games, Michael and I have often butted heads over games. He tries to manipulate the other player's actions and it drives me insane. It's like cheating to me.

15. I love to quote movies.

16. Gray, dry elbows drive me insane. Scrub and apply lotion people, it is not difficult. Speaking of lotion: I must apply a generous amount to my entire body or I feel itchy.

17. I once had a boy read a poem about me in English class, we had gone out a bit. It was humiliating. And he always just called me "Sorensen", and I hated it, but I didn't break up with him until he kissed me.

18. I hate nuts in things. I will eat peanuts, almonds, and cashews plain, but don't you dare put them in anything. (the exception: almonds in salads) And WALNUTS are the nasty devil, once in something they flavor the whole thing so you can't even pick-out then enjoy.

19. Melted cheese is my downfall. Man, I must be hungry.

20. I want to learn landscape painting. I have a picture in my mind that I want to hang on the wall and I can't find it's equivelent anywhere, so I gotta do it myself. But i need classes first.

21. I dream of an amazing digital camera that I can take amazing pictures with.

22. I have an unnatural fear of ruining something. Case in point: Christmas 2007, my hubby bought me a beautiful new set of scriptures, and I have not taken them out of the box cause I don't want to mark them wrong, or do something to them I can't take back. Case in point: While living in Italy my hubby bought me a gorgeous leather bound notebook, I have not written in it cause I am afraid of putting something stupid in there. I have issues people. Michael thinks I am silly.

23. I HATE rollercoasters. I do not like that stomach dropping out feeling. Well small bits are fine. AT Disney I like all the chill rides, and Soarin' over California, Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, Grizzley Rapids. Big drops terrify me. Tower of Terror, Splash Mountain, etc.... eeeks!

24. I hate seafood, sushi, yuck. The only time I have enjoyed fish is in England and Ireland. Fish and chips baby.

25. I wish I were a movie critic and a music video director. Too many songs have been ruined by crappy videos. And the movie critic thing? I just like sharing my opinion.