The Life that Wasn't

New Blog!!

2010-09-22T17:18:00.002-06:00

I've decided to combine my photography blog with this blog to create one giant SUPER BLOG!! Which means I will no longer be posting here. Head on over and check it out! I'm still tweaking things but that's okay.

Flashback Fridays: What I Remember Most

2010-09-03T15:45:00.003-06:00

I almost spaced that today was Friday! Which would have been a shame. Phew, good thing I came to my senses and got over Friday feeling like Thursday.

One Christmas my parents decided to take us (the kids still living at home) to Disneyland (and surrounding areas). There are a lot of moments that I remember: going on the Xcelerator at Knotts Berry Farm as many times as we could because it's simply the BEST RIDE EVA!, that weird clown that was bugging us, the glass ball Christmas wreath that mom loved and had to get pictures of, the massive crowds Christmas Eve night, the funnel cake at Universal Studios, mom actually going on a water ride and then getting completely drenched. But of all those moments, this moment, this one simple moment of my parents holding hands is the one I remember most and the one I love the best. Although, the drenching part was pretty stellar. I mean, you should have seen her face! Love you mom and dad!

Flashback Fridays: Daunting But Do-able

2010-08-27T22:16:00.006-06:00

Sorry this is a late post but I have been GLUED to my computer screen watching an amazing event for the past few days. My poor hooligans, they're so neglected.

This weeks Flashback Friday is from a ways back (dahuh, why else would it be a flashback genius? I'm so dumb!) It is of a lady that I admire so much and look up to and who is such a wonderful person. She was one of my Young Women Leaders and later actually became a Visiting Teaching companion. (For those not familiar I am talking mormonese right now. A very tough language to master).

We were doing a high adventure camp for Girls Camp one year and Kristie is standing in front of the rock wall. I can just totally feel what she's thinking. Can't you just feel it?

Flashback Fridays: A Journal Entry

2010-08-20T10:18:00.004-06:00

Wow, three Fridays in a row. I think I've got something here. Now I just need to blog the rest of the week.

Hopefully you are all enjoying a look into my past. Now we're gonna get a little more personal.

This week we've been working on cleaning out a hall closet that was bursting with STUFF. It was one of those places that when you don't have a home for something, stick it in the closet. It just so happens that I had stuffed my journals back in the far reaches of that closet. Last night I started to read through one of them. Seriously, is everybody so dumb when they are young? Because I think I was pretty silly. There's got to be a more appropriate term because silly doesn't quite do my silliness justice.

Here I stand, feet planted, waiting to be swept off them. Awe, but who is the one who will do the sweeping? If only I knew. It's such an odd feeling, the feeling that the whole of the world is turning while I stand perfectly still, not content mind you. I am anxious for something to happen in my life and I am not a patient person, so this is very hard for me to sit and wait. I pine for my soul mate, he moves too slowly for my tastes. Many times I have written this and I fear it will be written many times over. The man I love, the man I marry will love me for me, he will be able to look past my faults, many though they are. He will be in my eyes the only, my only , and my all. We will be able to laugh together and at each other.

August 22, 2003

I love. . .

2010-08-16T14:41:00.004-06:00

I love how she mingles the small with the tall.
I love her monochromatic pallet.
I love the mix of sweet with the prickly.
I love her artistic signature.
I love that she writes it perfectly and completely backwards.
I love her "i" for text.
I just love her.

Flashback Fridays: An Unnamed Girl Edition

2010-08-13T07:07:00.004-06:00

Well, like I said in my first installment this was going to be embarrassing, but not always for me.

This is a picture I took of an unnamed girl at Girl's Camp.
This is the only way she would allow me to display the picture.

But this is how it really looks.

Sorry unnamed girl, but you make some great faces. You know I love ya!

Flashback Fridays

2010-08-06T11:37:00.003-06:00

In an effort to try and MAKE myself blog regularly I am starting Flashback Fridays. Now, this is going to be fun, kinda embarrassing (not always for me), and, did I already say fun?

Every Friday I will post a picture or an old journal entry or something from "way back." Maybe I'll include an explanation, maybe not.

For the first installment of Flashback Fridays I give you an uber cute . . . me.

I mean, come on. How can you not love that adorable face? And pink pants! LOOOVE IT!

I'm A Picker! You're A Picker! We're All Pickers!

2010-07-21T12:13:00.003-06:00

It's true, we are all pickers.

We pick our clothes we are going to wear. We pick what we are going to eat. We pick what music we listen to, what we watch, what we read, and we even pick our nose. No? Is that just me?

Well the kind of picking I'm talking about today is CHERRY PICKING!!

Can you believe that we have been in our ward for a little over 4 years and we've never taken the oppurtunity to pick the cherries. What a shame for us.

Of course they had to do a little climbing. It's a tree, what do you expect?

Always the model.

Looks like we got there just in time!

Crossing The Great Utahns

2010-07-10T22:41:00.029-06:00

Yeah, the title doesn't make sense but it sounds good.

We've been back for a few days from our glorious week in Utah. For some reason this trip felt way more relaxing then previous times we've visited. I love to see my family. I miss them. Sad.

We had fun spending time with cousins. I love that Lydia has a few around her age. Sadly Caleb is the youngest and at present there doesn't seem to be any other cousins in the near future for him to play with. (ahem)

On the fourth we went to the Provo Temple grounds and, with a few thousand other people, enjoyed not only this majestic sunset but a fabulous fireworks display. I might have taken more pictures but I was very nervous about taking my eyes off my kids. Just after the sun had gone down I saw a father frantically running around and calling for his daughter. Then another instance some kind girls were walking around with a little boy trying to find his family. It's really tore my heart out thinking of those poor families. Anyway, my sister Jessica took pictures of all the fireworks and was quite entertaining while doing it. You can see her pictures here.

Kevin has family in Utah too and his Grandparents happened to be in town staying with Kevin's uncle. We got to visit with them for a little while. The kids loved playing at Uncle Rex's and Aunt Linda's. I mean, who wouldn't have fun when all you do is jump on the trampoline, splash around in the pool, and play with kids all day.

Poor Analee. She was so nice about being splashed in the face though. Over and over and over and over . . .

On our way home, I don't know why but it was hard for me to put the camera down. The landscape was so beautiful. Wyoming, who'd a thunk it? I'm just kidding. And don't worry, I didn't take any of these while driving, at least not while I was driving.

In A Van, Down By The River: ELC

2010-05-10T10:44:00.013-06:00

Well, I guess there wasn't a van but there was a river.

We went for a nature walk around the Environmental Learning Center. "We" were running late so our friends had already started their walk.

Stopping for a little snack.

No worries, we were able to find our friends or maybe they found us. Either way, isn't this the cutest thing you ever saw?

Hiking The Horsetooth

2010-04-30T23:50:00.017-06:00

I have to blog this because we never do this kinda stuff. It's a momentous occasion!! And thank you Pyne's for letting us use your carrier. It was a life saver. (Although Kevin might not agree completely with that, he being the pack mule). I think that we had a good time. We got out, got some exercise (no comment), and got to be one with nature. Now please share with me a Zen moment. (oooooom, oooooom)

Lydia was drawing us a map just in case we didn't know which way to go.

Bear got in on the action too!

Whoa Mama! That's A Long Time!

2010-04-28T22:19:00.006-06:00

Um . . . well what do you say when your last post was 5 MONTHS AGO?!?!? Honestly I don't know why I haven't blogged, it just seems rather daunting at the moment. I wish I had some great excuse like OH MY GOSH I'M PREGNANT AND I'VE BEEN THROWING UP NON-STOP!! Alas, that is not the case. Or maybe I HAVE BEEN SO BUSY WITH MY PHOTOGRAPHY DOING SHOOT AFTER SHOOT AND BEING SO GLAMOROUS I JUST DON'T HAVE THE TIME TO BLOG!! Alas, that is not the case either.
But if you care to see there will be posts covering Christmas, Lydia's Birthday, My Grammy, and a few other little happenings, goings on, posts. Scroll down if you dare.

Toppins A Bag

2010-04-22T15:30:00.007-06:00

We decided to make bird feeders. Super easy with peanut butter, pine cones, and birdseed. The kids had fun and I am grateful that I had the forsight to do it on the kitchen floor with a table cloth spread out underneath us. Oh, tip for those with 2 year olds, when "sprinkling" the birdseed on the pine cone don't leave the lid off the peanut butter or you might find a fun surprise in there the next time you go to make a sammie. I'm just sayin.

And there they sat, waiting, anticipating something wonderful to swoop down and partake of the bounty they had laid for them . Unfortunately, they didn't get to see any swooping. However, the pine cones were partaken of. For a couple of days they kept disappearing mysteriously. We would look out the window and one would be gone and then another and then another. Until we finally spotted the culprit. SQUIRRELS!! Or rather SQUIRREL!! That tricky little bugger stole every last one of those pine cones. Dang dirty squirrel.

Broken Boy Or In Other Words A New Nickname.

2010-03-31T14:51:00.011-06:00

Our spring break was eventful to say the least. It all started on quite a beautiful Tuesday morning. Kevin decided to take the kids outside to allow me time to myself to clean(?) or something like that. (I know I'm spoiled). While Kevin was doing yard work the two hooligans were romping around on our trampoline. Then Caleb started to cry. It wasn't even a very bad cry just a whiny kind of cry. Usually if he did get a little hurt he would just cry a little and then go back to playing. He didn't stop crying. I went outside to see what had happened and saw Caleb trying to stand up. I say trying because he would get up and then put weight on his right leg and quickly go back down. Turns out Lydia fell on him. I picked him up and examined him and there were no visible signs of trauma other than Caleb couldn't stand on his leg. I took him inside and laid him on the couch to see if resting a little (and a little babying) would remedy the owie. A minute or two later I look at Caleb and he has gone completely white. That kid is white to begin with so you can imagine. After seeing that he needed to go to the Doctor. I called and they directed us to Urgent Care. My poor whittle man bwoke his whittle weg. When the doctor told me that I was rather shocked. He took me back to show me the X-Ray and yep sure enough there was a crack. It wasn't a complete break (lucky him) the bone was fractured.

2010-03-03T09:05:00.010-07:00

A few weeks ago my sister called to tell me that we were going to have a family fast for my Grandma, otherwise known as Grammy. She had been fighting a losing battle with cancer and at the time she was at her worst.
Grammy passed away not long after that with her children by her side. It still doesn't seem believable that she is gone. Grammy's always there, she's always been there, it's odd to think that she isn't there now.
She was such a happy person and such a people person. She loved to talk to people, it didn't matter if she knew you or not she would talk to you like you were old friends. I loved being around Grammy because she always took what I was dishing out and would laugh at it. I'm the type that teases those I love and I really loved my Grammy. One thing Grammy and I shared was a movie connection. When we lived in Oregon and she would come to visit I would always have a movie for her to watch. If it was a movie that I had fallen in love with she loved it too. One that we watched many times was Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea. (Ah, Gilbert) Grammy also loved to play card games and was always up for a good one.

Almost everyone at Grammy's 80th Birthday Bonanza!

After 20 years apart, they are finally reunited.

I love you Grammy and I'll miss you until we meet again.

1 . . . 2 . . . 3 . . .

2009-12-10T21:27:00.011-07:00

FOUR!!

My little hoolagin is no longer little anymore. She's four!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY CRAZY GIRL!!

A Christmas Tree Tour

2009-12-06T21:48:00.019-07:00

As boring as this might be I thought I'd give you all a tour around the Christmas tree. Just imagine a big booming voice saying that last part and it sounds a lot more important then it really is. Now, if you just follow me, step to the right you will all have a clear and unobstructed view of this wonder.

The Big 05!

2009-11-28T13:48:00.006-07:00

Every few years we have the distinct honor of sharing our anniversary with the illustrious holiday, Thanksgiving. This year was such a year. It still amazes me that we have been married for 5 years! And what I mean by that is I can't believe Kevin has been able to put up with me for this long. It bodes well for our future that he still likes my company. And I very much like his.
We've decided to not make a deal out of anniversaries except for the decade ones (10, 20, 30), it gives us something to strive for.

I don't know if I've ever said this to Kevin but I tell myself all the time that Kevin is the ONLY man that I could have married. He is my match through and through. He makes me feel like I can be myself, my wacky, silly, dorky self.

I am so thankful that I married this wonderful man. I am so thankful that he is STUCK with me for eternity. And I am so thankful for the opportunity to be stuck with him.

Me and him,
it just makes sense.

Fun With Glow Sticks

2009-11-07T22:29:00.003-07:00

All Things Halloweeny

2009-11-05T12:33:00.009-07:00

I think it went over okay. We didn't get any trick-or-treaters (we live on the wrong side of the street, literally). We did miss the trunk-or-treating too but made it in time to play a few games at the ward party. The kids had fun and that is all that really matters. Yep, just have to keep saying that. Over and over and over. We made sure that they did get to go trick-or-treating on Monday, sort of. We let the little hooligans dress up in a costume and they went around the house knocking on doors. They made out like BANDITS!

Here they are, the gruesome two-some.

I didn't mean for him to have blue stripes but it was only when I started to paint his face did I realize, we had no black.

This is Caleb after I told him that I get to eat all of his candy.

Two Year Pictures

2009-10-07T16:03:00.008-06:00

Holy cow! Getting this one to stay still for a millisecond was a tough one but luckily I had a very trusty, very handsome assistant who was able to distract.

I know everyone says this but I really can't believe that it has already been 2 years. Now don't let these pictures that show a sweet little boy fool you. He is ALL boy! He loves to climb up anything, jump off everything, growl, and run, and wrestle. He loves Blues Clues and pizza. He loves to annoy his big sister and is in love with doing whatever she is doing. We love him so much and so happy that this little spirit gets to share a lifetime with us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUBBY BOY!

Somebody's Two!

2009-10-07T14:27:00.005-06:00

No, it's not me. While I might act like it sometimes I passed that milestone a long long time ago.
It's my bubby boy! He turned 2 on Monday.
We kept it very (very) low key. We took the kids to McDonalds for lunch. Can you believe that they have never played at the play place? They each got a happy meal (another first). Then it was home for a much needed nap. And the holigans were tired too.
Later we went to a park and just played around, had pizza for dinner and opened presents. Which is like the REASON anyone comes to Earth right? FOR THE PRESENTS!! Wahoo!

This one was the hit of the night

Oh My Gosh! We Actually Did Somthing Worth Blogging About

2009-09-01T14:42:00.014-06:00

Please pick yourself up off the floor now. I know it comes as a shock but it will wear off in a minute or two.
A few weekends back we traveled to the far reaches of Colorado. Where there is no Walmart, no 24 hour fast food, no 24 hour grocery store, no 24 hour anything. We trekked through the mountains, battling miles of steep roads in our horse powered vehicle with air conditioning. Such torturous conditions, I'm surprised we made it. We weathered the tumultuous sprinkling rain. And finally after what seemed like days but was really only 3 hours we arrived. Where is this barren wasteland you might ask, Fairplay.
We went and spent some quality time with Kevin's sister, Jenny. She put up with the kids beautifully, I might add. She took us to Breckenridge, or as the local fare call it "Breck".

The kids were able to feed the fish.

I was feeling very self-portraity that day. Self-portraity? Self-portraital? Self-portraitesq? Whatever.

I bet you didn't know my hooligans were world class skiers. They're so good they can ski in the off season! Look at that form!

They're cuttin that powder up. I have no idea what I'm talking about but that sounded good.

They thoroughly enjoyed dipping their tootsies in the river.

This was the view from Jenny's back porch.

I even had time to get some practice in. I love wild flowers. Growing without a care, this beautiful little piece of nature that just pops up out of nowhere and takes care of its self. I think that's my favorite part of wild flowers, the self sufficient nature of them.

What's Your Hue? A Valid Question, I Think.

2009-08-19T20:04:00.002-06:00

In our front room we have vertical blinds that cover our ginormous window. My chilens are notorious for playing in them and breaking them. It is a major sore spot with me (I know they are just things but they aren't our things so . . .).
Today, Lydia was playing in them and my blood started to boil. I proceeded to yell at her to which she calmly looked at me and said, "Mom, why is your face purple?"

Que hysterical laughing.

Oh My Holly Majollies!

2009-08-02T23:27:00.002-06:00

For the past almost two months I have been working on getting these pictures done. Half way there, now on to the reception.

This is my beautiful niece and her now hubby.

You Have To Look But They're Usually There

2009-07-25T10:23:00.005-06:00

Bright sides, blessings, the silver lining. That's what I'm talkin' about.

Not so bright side:

She unrolled half a roll of toilet paper into the toilet.

Bright side:

She forgot to flush.

Not so bright side:

He got the butter out of the fridge and dumped it on the floor.

Bright side:

At least that's all he got out of the fridge.

Not so bright side:

Both kids and I are sick.

Bright side:

Hubby had today scheduled off and will be home to help with the kids.

Not so bright side:

I got up at 6 am yesterday.

Bright side:

I was able to take pics of Miss Prego and hopefully give her something she'll really love. Aaaaaaaaand it was such a beautiful morning.

Not so bright side:

Because of the aforementioned sickness, we are missing the pioneer day picnic.

Bright side:

We'll RENT(!) a movie and snuggle up on the couch together.

Update: and we didn't get rained on.

Not so bright side:

I didn't quite get the pictures that I wanted (only because I'm still learning and therefore don't know what in the world I am doing and only happen to get lucky, seriously).

Bright side:

Each mistake gets me closer to my goal and if I don't make any mistakes I'll never learn anything. So bring on my screw ups, cuz baby, I need me some learnin.

Let's Do The Happy Dance

2009-07-18T03:14:00.002-06:00

So so happy that I finally finished these. Go check 'em out and let me know what you think.
Pyne Family Pictures

Fresh Off The Truck

2009-07-11T15:34:00.008-06:00

Farm fresh and ready to go. How delictable they look. These sumptuous little darlings are just sitting and waiting for me to devour them.

Sometimes . . .

2009-06-27T15:22:00.006-06:00

. . . you just have to bring in the pretty.

Aaaaannd sometimes, the pretty is brought to you.

A Lydia's Prayer

2009-06-05T14:10:00.001-06:00

Heavenly Father, thank you for Wexi and Wathan and Daddy and Mommy and Caleb and Lydia. Help Daddy come home safe. Thank you for wrapping paper. Please help Caleb stop ripping and climbing and crying. Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Like A Summer Rose

2009-04-23T16:32:00.000-06:00

I am sad to say that I have been remiss in my blogging responsibilities, on all fronts. I know, I know, I should be flogged. But instead I'll just be blogged.

Hahaha heheheheh ohoo ohoo. I kill myself.

Aside from that we haven't been up to much. (I know SHOCKING)

So, I would like to pose a question to all and any who would like to answer:

What do you do ALL DAY to keep your kids entertained?

This has plagued me for a long time because I am always at a loss as to what to do. "I just don't know what to do with myself, don't know what to do with myself." Sorry, that song just popped in my head and I got lost in refrain. Back to the question at hand. I mean there are only SO many books you can read until they and you get tired of it, there are only SO many songs you can sing until they and you get tired of it, there are only SO many hours that you can color until your arm starts to feel numb and your fingers cramp and you feel as if the whole appendage is going to fall off but you can't stop because you promised to color today and, and and . . . Sorry, where was I? Oh, yes, so what do you do all day?

It Must Be Love

2009-04-23T15:50:00.003-06:00

Yes, we all know that I love me some raspberry filled hostess donuts. But all over the good state of Colorado these yummy filled morsels are coming up missing. What kind of world do we live in where you can't find a box of these on every grocery store, convenience store, and gas station dive shelf?
It must be love because my lovely sister (no not that one the other one) stopped by and dropped a box of my kryptonite off (of course that's really not true because anything with sugar in it is my kryptonite). She traveled all over trying to track down these elusive treats. Finally, in a sad little gas station by the side of the interstate sitting on a shelf was a lone box. Six whole donuts. It must be love because, even though she loves these delectable pastries as well, she brought that lone box to me. Thank you Shannon. I just hope one day I can make such a sacrifice for you.
It must be love.

I'm Bad I'm Bad You Know It

2009-03-26T00:00:00.006-06:00

Yes, it is true. I have been a bad bad blogger. I just find that my brain is fried and the well of creative juices have run dry, the kegs been tapped, Elvis has left the building (how long do you think I can keep this up?), the lights are not all on upstairs, uh . . . okay I'm done.
I've also been very bad about blog lovin, not that I don't love me some blogs but I haven't been showing it much. I'll try and be better.
But just so you don't think I haven't been doing anything, check out this baby!

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!
The name sounds yummy!

The Creator, Of This Letter

2009-03-04T23:20:00.004-07:00

Dear Rebecca,
This is God. I was just writing to see how you are doing. I haven't heard from you lately and I really miss you. I know that you are busy with school and taking care of my children but I was wondering if you could find a small moment in your hectic schedule of a day to just say hi and tell me the happenings in your life. Yes, I know that I already know but it is so much better to hear it all from you.
I know that last time we talked you were having trouble with your patience levels when dealing with Caleb and Lydia. I realize that sometimes children can be frustrating and it is easy to want to feel hopeless when it seems like they don't listen to you or do what you have asked. Understand though that they are learning. They are knew bright spirits in this world and they need you to teach them to be good. Also understand that they do listen, more than you might think. It might be hard to get them to pick up their toys or to eat their dinner when you tell them to and it might appear that you are talking to a wall but they listen and they watch you. You are who they turn to as an example. You are real and solid in their lives and they look to you to lead them and guide them. If the frustration ever gets too much, remember that I am always here to talk to. You can call on me anytime and I will always answer. You can rant and rave and tell me all of your frustrations and I will always listen. There are also others that I have put in your life that you can call on for support. They are willing and wanting to help you so don't be afraid to call on them as well.
I also seem to recall you speaking of certain family members that you are concerned about. I want you to know that I am looking after them. I love them and always will. You are not solely responsible for their eternal salvation. If you do your part and be the best example you can and continue to love them, then the rest is up to them. We can't control everyone, as much as we would want to, as much as we know that it is good for them, we have to let them find their way. But know that they are always on my mind and that I will never give up on them.
The world seems to be getting darker and sometimes I know it is hard for you to see the good. It is out there, it is always out there and if you are having a hard time finding it, again, just call me and I can help you see it. My world is a beautiful thing filled with my children who are beautiful. There is wonder and magic and miracles to be found everywhere and when you can see all that, the darkness doesn't feel so foreboding.
Always remember that I love you and I love hearing from you. Don't be a stranger.

Anxiously awaiting your reply,
Love God

P.S. Don't forget to lean on Kevin as much as possible. He is there to help bare you up and he is willing to do it because he loves you almost as much as I do.

Praise The Lawd! Hallelujah!

2009-02-23T08:04:00.002-07:00

I came in from walking this morning and Lydia comes running out of the bathroom.

"Where's mommy?"

upon spotting me

"Mommy mommy! I found Jesus!"

and to find him in the bathroom of all places.

Confession!!

2009-02-14T22:37:00.003-07:00

The other day while I was reading my chilens this I couldn't hold back my tears. I am so serious. I busted up crying (I'm talkin ugly cry, tears rolling, can't speak, face all contorted, ugly) as Horton fought so hard to help the speck be heard and the speck fought so hard to be heard. "We are HERE! We are HERE! We are HERE!!" So touching and really, a person IS a person no matter how small.

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled WHINE Fest For . . .

2009-02-11T16:27:00.001-07:00

A beautiful morning!

What A Horrible Horrible Week!!

2009-02-07T23:22:00.005-07:00

This week was the worst week thus far.

Caleb decided to get the flu (at least that is what it is feeling like) and it is being passed around.
On top of which our Landlord decided to redo our kitchen cabinets so we went without a kitchen for 2 days. We had to keep the kids confined to only half the house to keep them out of the way.
On top of which when the kitchen was finished and we started to reload it with all of our stuff we found that about half of stuff doesn't fit well in the cupboards. The shelves are all short and squaty. Imagine going to put away a regular size box of Ritz crackers and because the shelves are all squaty the box can't even stand upright.
On top of which the new stove that they put in has the knobs where the kids can reach them. I let the kids explore the kitchen when they were done and I stepped out of the room for two seconds I come back in and Caleb has the oven turned on.
On top of which my children's brains are most likely fried from watching too much TV because I don't have the strength to do anything else. (bad bad mommy!)
On top of which I've had to cancel on Lindsay twice and it looks like it's going to be a third because I can't hardly breath. (I'm not really this flaky Lindsay).
On top of which all of my 2009 goals have been tossed out the window this week because of all this. (and it will only be for this week).
On top of which all of the sickness and kitchen mess has put me behind on my homework.
On top of which I'm blogging when I should be doing my homework or sleeping.
On top of which . . . . . . . I feel wretched.

Random Lydia

2009-01-27T11:15:00.004-07:00

The other day I was in the bathroom getting ready for the day and Lydia runs up to the door, begins to bang on it and say "Mommy, Mommy! I need to go potty! Hurry hurry!" This was my reply, "Okay, okay hold your horses."
Then I hear her little feet run into her bedroom. I came out just as she was running back out of her room.
"Okay mommy, I got my horses."

Now how can I ignore logic like that?

It's Almost February, Time For A New Years Post!

2009-01-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

Whether you call them resolutions, goals, those pesky after thoughts that always get on your case when you've just downed a sweet treat, whatever I've got 'em. I've got 'em up the wazoo! What's a wazoo you ask? Hey, don't distract me I'm trying to tell you something. You know I'm easily distrac . . . oh, what's that? Shiny.

Feast . . .
I know what you're thinking "Um are you sure you haven't achieved this one already?" Yes it is true that I am a little rotund physically but spiritually I'm a gangly creature. What's the best way to plump up spiritually? By feasting on the good word and that word is not chocolate.

Get Fit To Get Fat . . .
Now I'll let you figure that one out on your own. But I do need to lose a few (cough cough . . . a lot . . . cough cough) lbs. I've been searching craigslist for weeks now trying to find a cheap treadmill but since everyone and their mother have this resolution on their list these babies are getting snapped up faster than you can say "Run Forrest Run!" So if any of you know of any prospects for me . . . well then . . . Do I really need to finish that sentence? Okay, then send them my way.

Reach Out . . .
I am a very stubborn person. "I can do it on my own, I don't need anyone to help me." That's the kinda person I am. That can be good but also not so. I tend to not ask for help even when I need it and sometimes going it alone is the worst thing I could do. I want to reach out more to people for help or for general friendship and with that I also want offer my help to all of you gorgeous gals. For whatever it's worth, if you ever need anything I will do my best to help you, unless it has to do with public speaking then I'll have to act like I don't know who you are.

Build The Dream . . .
Today I received something in the mail that just made my day and helped me visualize my dream and make it a little more real. It was so great, I might actually frame it. Huh, there's an idea.

Ahhhh, Refreshing . . .
I need to drink more water. I really do. I know the benefits and health reasons to drink water but I just can't stand the taste. Do any of you have any suggestions?

On Time In 2009 . . .
Whoa! Sorry, I didn't know you were drinking something then. I'll give you a second to wipe off your computer screens.

And there you have it.
What are some of yours?

New Years Can Wait!

2009-01-01T22:35:00.004-07:00

I've been meaning to post about Christmas for a few days but the procrastinator in me kept saying, Not yet! Not yet! So I said, Okay procrastinator. So here I sit, at the close of another New Years day writing about our Christmas Holiday.

It started with our hurried escape from Colorado. After looking at the weather we decided to leave a day earlier than we had planned and so in a frenzy we rushed to pack for eight days and nights of Utah fun and still make it to the Stake Christmas fireside.

Our drive to Utah was butt clenching. To much information? Oh, okay, it was nail biting, white knuckle driving, and scary in spots. One of our, ahem, nail biting experiences we were driving behind a dodge truck (a little too closely) and he decided to switch lanes and pass a row of diesels. We had not been prepared to all of a sudden see the back of a diesel fill our wind shield view and so the brakes were applied which started us fish tailing. Not being able to stop in time we decided to pass the row of diesels, fish tailing the entire way. Coming up on the first we headed for his bumper and nearly kissed it then switching directions we were heading straight for the guard rail. Passing the second diesel we almost pulled a Clark Griswold but instead at the last second we choose to go over and talk to the guard rail again. Finally passing the third and last diesel we evened out and the butt clenching, uh I mean nail biting was over.

We made it safely and we were able to spend plenty of time (but not enough for me) with family. My Grandma Jackie and her hubby Floyd hosted their annual Christmas Eve party. The kids did their talent show and wowed us with their wonderfulness. At one point Grandma Jackie asked who was next and Lydia piped up and said "Me! Me!" She went to the piano, positioned herself soundly on the bench, and played a little medley. I was very proud of her moxie and I can honestly say that she doesn't get any of her unabashed bravery from me. Here are all the cousins. Let's count them together. Ready?

We spent Christmas morning with my parents and the kids enjoyed all of the mayhem. I got so caught up with handing out presents that I accidentally gave Lydia one of my dad's to open. (Sorry Dad). Imagine her amazement when she unwrapped her brand new clothes steamer! Just the right present for a 3 year old.

Our drive home was much different and much more relaxing and very uneventful. I love boring car trips. They're my favorite.

This morning we had our very own little Christmas replay and opened the Colorado presents. Bet you didn't know such things existed but they do.

I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I'm not ready to ring in the New Year, maybe next week. Not yet! Not yet!

Too Funny And Yet Too True

2008-12-16T10:35:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday!

2008-12-08T21:14:00.006-07:00

Today, on this auspicious day, is my little girl's 3rd birthday. Today 3 years ago the most beautiful girl ever was born. She is a constant surprise and sometimes when I look at her I can't believe that I love her sooo much and we haven't known each other that long.

We celebrated her day on Saturday and I am so thankful for the family that came and helped us celebrate as well. Lydia was excited for her special day. Ever since Caleb had his birthday she has wanted it to be hers. Caleb received cards in the mail on his birthday and since then whenever she is with me when I get the mail she asks me "Is that my birthday?" It was a little heart breaking when I had to tell her no but one day we got the mail and there were two cards for her and she asked "Is that my birthday? Is that for me?" And I was happy to say "YES!"

I have to give Kevin a lot of thanks and the credit for the party. I had school that day from 10:30 until 4:00 and so he was home dealing with the kids and baking a cake (cuz he knew I was comin) and putting up decorations and just being a wonderful hubby and daddy.

Weekend Workings

2008-12-07T23:28:00.004-07:00

Last weekend I was able to start and semi finish a project for Lydia's birthday.

I found this (along with Lydia's Christmas present) on the most beloved craig's list for a grand total of $20. I was very hesitant about painting it because well, I'm always afraid of painting something that has history. Notice the newspaper? Those were Black Friday ads. Ahhh, they served me well.

Here is the after:

I would have posted it sooner but with all of Lydia's internet surfing I couldn't chance that she would stumble upon my post and then ruin the surprise. I'm only thinking practically.

I Think I Need Blogaholics Annonymous

2008-12-06T00:50:00.002-07:00

I'm not really one of those people who is the life of the party. (I know, it's shocking. With my winning personality? How could that be?) After saying that it almost goes without saying that I have few social contacts. (And now you are all completely disillusioned about me.) And so I have turned to blogs to take up my socially free calender. Blogs have replaced books during these school months. They are easy reads. They inspire me, make me laugh and cry, they give me ideas to pirate and take for myself (Lindsay, I've got my eye on those leg warmers). I read design blogs, about children blogs, friend's blogs, and photography blogs. Well I think that I have now gone overboard for now my total count of the blogs that I follow is . . .

Wait for it . . .

Wait for it . . .

145!!

Staggering and a little sad.

You may now pitty me, I give you permission.

Go Towards the Light!

2008-12-01T22:37:00.002-07:00

I can see it. It's getting closer now. I can feel the freedom coming. Can you?

THE SEMESTER IS ALMOST OVER!!!!

I am sitting at the computer, obviously not doing homework, craving that feeling of having no looming homework due. Of course before I can get there I have to write a discussion for history, a paper for my ECE class, a 10 page research paper for history, pictures for my portfolio, pictures of night, pictures of lines, and make a cover for a food magazine.

Oh dang, the light just jumped back 55.784 feet.

I need a break, and soon. My teachers are great, they decided that having a break for Thanksgiving was over rated and that we were all sane enough to work straight through. Oh boy, do they not know me.

I'm really looking forward to getting my creativity back. I feel like it has been sucked dry, drained, vaporized, disintegrated, obliterated, okay I guess you get the picture. I need my creative juices back.

We didn't do anything terribly exciting for Thanksgiving. Kevin's lovely Aunt and Uncle had us over along with Kevin's parents, brother, sister, another uncle, and a cousin. Kevin had to work so we weren't able to stay very long. Lydia had a blast, she always does when there is family around.

On a totally unrelated note Lydia is now officially potty trained! Hooray!

I am getting really excited for Christmas because we are staying a whole week in Utah and I get to see my mommy and daddy and brothers and sisters. I love my family! Every single one of them. Well, except for . . . ha, gotcha! See? Creative juices. Gone. Ah, I'm pathetic.

My Thankfuls

2008-11-27T09:41:00.002-07:00

-for my husband -for my chillens -for my family who loves me even though I'm me -for my Savior and My Father -for my faith -for my life -for raspberry filled doughnuts -for generosity and kindness -for a washer and dryer -for sharp knives -for sharp wit -for chances, firsts and seconds -for believing -for sales and coupons and clearance -for creativity -for modern medicine -for books -for my camera -for DIY -for post-it notes -for forgiveness -for favorite pens -for make-up (used in bucket loads) -for inspiration -for mentors -for forethought -for prophets -for teachers -for great teachers -for lists -for crying -for laughter -for happy

Happy Anniversary and Midnight Pie

2008-11-26T20:01:00.007-07:00

To celebrate our wonderful 4 years of marriage I decided to surprise Kevin with midnight pie by candle light. How romantic! He had to work and he doesn't get home until the wee midnight hour. Of course this totally flies in the face of our 'wanting to go to bed at a reasonable hour' goal (we are night owls, at least I am, and Kevin just likes my company) but I figured that it was a special occasion and I reasoned my way out of going to bed at 10:00 . . . ish. On the menu:
1 lrg. supreme pizza pie
2 hostess cherry pies
and a little "mormon" bub lee

Since we've been married 4 years here are my four reasons why I married Kevin (I couldn't tell you why he married me because I haven't figured it out yet):

4. I knew that he was the ONLY man out there that could (or would) put up with all of my drama. And any man that found out that I was a nut bag and still wanted to marry me is the man for me.
3. Even though I complain about this one sometimes I still love it about him. He is a doer. Plain and simple, he has to be doing something and usually that something is helping. So even though there are times I wish he would just STOP and listen to Frankie, any man that is a doer is the man for me.
2. After an Institute activity one evening (while we were dating) we were helping to clean up and Kevin got the vacuum and started vacuuming. After a few minutes he pretended to get tangled in the cord and kept tripping over it and made a cute fool out of himself, all so he could see me smile. Any man that would go to so much trouble to make me exercise my face muscles is the man for me.
1. And I hope this is the most obvious one. Because I love him. I love him deeper than the ocean, wider than my thighs, stronger than the mountains, and harder than my head. Any man that can elicit this kind of love from me is the man for me.

Thank you for four amazingly fantastical, wonderful, enchanted, hilarious, maddening, lovable years. You are my one and only, you are my favorite and my best, you are the one who keeps me going, and I will never stop loving you.

I'm A Bully Like That

2008-11-23T22:40:00.003-07:00

Today, Lydia got a hold of my purse and started rifling through it (looking for some green backs I've no doubt). She pulled out this little card that I'd forgotten that I had in there. I was given it while walking around Estes a month back. Some lady just walked up and handed me the card and wished me a happy day. I saw that she had a whole stack of them so I didn't think much of it and I threw it in my purse and (can you guess what I did?) I forgot about it (wow, you're good. how did you know I was going to say that?) So I took some time and sat down and read what it actually said . . .

and then . . .

I cried.

I know I come off as an emotionless cyborg but there is a heart in me . . . somewhere I'm sure.

Because I love and respect all of you ladies (and I only say ladies cause let's face it, what male is going to read this blog?) and because I'm a bully and I want to make you cry too I'd like to share these words with you.

Dear God,
The lady reading this
is beautiful, classy, &
strong and
I love her.
Help her live her life to
the fullest.
Please promote her and
cause her to excel above
expectations.
Help her to shine in
darkest places and love
where it is impossible to
love.
Protect her at all times,
lift her up when she needs
you the most and let her
know that when
she walks with you;
She will always be safe.

I Finally Figured It Out!

2008-11-19T22:43:00.006-07:00

For the longest time I've admired a certain style of photography. I just think that it is so beautiful. It's not for everyone. It's called high key. I finally figured out how to edit my photos to fit this style. Here is an example:

Before

After

This is my first attempt. Now if I could only get this result SOOC (straight out of the camera).

Who Knew. . .

2008-11-19T09:37:00.004-07:00

. . .that hitting the couch could be soooooooo hilarious?

Poser

2008-11-06T15:55:00.004-07:00

This last weekend the kids and Kevin went out with me so I could get some pics for my Photog class and to scout out sites for future "shoots". We stopped at this abandoned cafe along the way and I was able to pop some shots of the kids. There is some focusing issues but I'm gonna work on it.

Passover

2008-11-03T11:48:00.004-07:00

When the Israelites were slaves to the Egyptians, Moses came to tell Pharaoh to "Let my people go!" When Pharaoh refused Moses, through the power of God, unleashed plague upon plague onto the people of Egypt. And even after all of the sufferings of his people Pharaoh still refused to "Let my people go!" With that last refusal came the last and final plague. The Angel of Death visited every house hold in Egypt to take the life of the first born. But for one loop hole; every household that slathered their doors with sacrificial lamb's blood the angel would pass by or Passover.

This is what I've been reduced to to keep the Angel of Death (the Vote Now or Die people) away from my door. Okay, so they don't really say that I will die if I don't vote and I am being overly dramatic when I call them "the Angel of Death" but they are rather annoying.

Every single day it's:
Knock knock knock (or worse) ding dong (this wakes up the kids.)
"Hi, I just wanted to encourage you to get out and vote and remind you to cast your vote on November 4th. Have you or do you plan on voting?" (One girl in particular had on a rather "colorful" shirt that told me to "Vote F*****" I'll let you venture a guess as to what it said.)
"Yes, we've voted already thanks."
"Has everyone in your house who is eligible voted?"
"Yes."
"Who did you vote for?"
"That's kind of personal." (I don't know you! Why on earth would I tell you who I voted for?)
"Oh, well I have some information on Obama if you'd like." (So far no McCain people have stopped by or any other candidate's people for that matter.)
"That's okay, thank you."
"Okay, bye."

BYE!

My New Best Friend

2008-10-24T20:50:00.005-06:00

During my hiatus into paper he. . . Whoa! Was I really going to say that? Naw. Anyway, back to the point. While I was being distracted by school work I met my new best friend.

Yes, she is pretty isn't she. We met at Walmart of all places and for $12.99 we have formed a friendship that will endure for as long as she slices and dices.
I love my new friend. She cuts through everything very nicely. She cuts through everything like butter, no that's not right, like butta.
Apples - butta
Cantaloupe - butta
Ham Steak - butta
Raw Chicken - butta
My fingers - butta What? I was just too excited to use my knife and those stubby little digits got in my way.
Butter - well she cut through butter like margarine but that's close enough.
Of course I am sure that there are better knives out there. Based on some sage advice I was going to splurge for one of theses:
but with a difference of about $67 majolies I am very happy with my frugal friend.

Two Time's The Charm

2008-10-17T21:15:00.004-06:00

The other day we started trying to get Lydia interested in the idea of potty training. She could really care less about it right now. So we did what any responsible, well meaning, parent would do. BRIBERY!! I'm not ashamed to admit that I routinely use this parenting technique, just don't tell anyone. Some may call it coercion but I say coerce away. Does that make me a bad parent? Oh well, I think we can all safely say I wasn't in the running for mother of the year anyways. So we (I) told her that if she went two times in one day then she would get a surprise.

And.......

RESULT!

2008-10-15T20:37:00.002-06:00

Well, my Miss D tagged me in her blog post and so I decided to, duh, be tagged. I don't know why but this was a thinker for me. And now thanks to Miss D I am short a few brain cells, and I really really needed those.

I AM...too much and yet not enough.

I THINK...there for I am.

I KNOW...too much of the world.

I WANT...my body back.

I HAVE...more blessings than I deserve.

I WISH...I had more confidence to be myself around people.

I HATE...hate and destruction.

I MISS...my family so much that it hurts.

I FEAR...being forgotten.

I HURT...when others are alone.

I FEEL..., like D, an urgency to make myself better and be prepared.

I SMELL... No I don't, I showered today.

I SEARCH...the Internet for information, my soul for understanding, and the scriptures for wisdom.

I WONDER...if there is anyone funnier than D.

I REGRET...February-June of 2003 and that I'm not funnier than D.

I LOVE...(in no specific order) my honey, my chilens, my family, my camera, Photoshop, and you.

I ALWAYS...procrastinate.

I AM NOT...the brightest flower in the field.

I BELIEVE...I can fly. I believe I can touch the sky. I think about it every night and day, spread my wings and fly away.

I DANCE...when no one is looking and the blinds are shut and doors are locked, security is placed outside my door and the streets are closed.

I SING...to my chilens before bed.

I LIVE...with my family, duh.

I DON'T...know.

I WRITE...whatever pops into my mind, which could get rather disturbing. Have you been in there? I'm in there all the time and I can tell ya, not pretty.

I WIN...when my chilens play nicely together, whenever they give me kisses and loves, and when I find a bra that fits.

I NEED...a life overhaul, gumption, vigor, energy, motivation, chocolate, to not need chocolate, and my mommy.

I NEVER...know what I'm doing next.

I LISTEN...to KUNC.

I CAN USUALLY BE FOUND...on the computer doing my homework.

I AM SCARED...that I won't be prepared and that I won't be able to co-lead my family through hard times.

I READ...text books right now but other than that I find books on anything that I want to learn more about. I read Jane Austen, Chris Stewart, cook books, blogs (I counted I follow 106 blogs! I know, I'm crazy!), and Susan Evans McCloud.

I FOCUS...with a camera.

I DREAM...of living close to my family and having my children grow up being close to all of their cousins.

I AM HAPPY ABOUT...having a space heater blowing directly onto my cold tootsies.

!!Bubby's Birthday!!

2008-10-06T22:13:00.006-06:00

Caleb had his number 1 first birthday Sunday. I can't believe that he is that old.

And now for your viewing pleasure, a bunch of pictures of a 1 year old.

First things first, the cake.
Don't worry, I'll turn away so you can giggle.

Go ahead it won't hurt my feelings. But if you hear a sniffle and a sob it's not that my feelings are hurt, no, it's just that I have a cold. Yeah, a cold, that's it.

. . .

Okay, are you done yet? Is it out of your system?

. . .

Serriously, it's not that funny is it? Can we move on please?

Now here he is wondering why we were shoving a big blue blob in front of him.

Oh so yummy! The blue blob is my friend!

This was my favorite present that Caleb received. My little ladies man. Thanks Aunt Shannon!

WE LOVE YOU, BUNCHES AND BUNCHES!

I've Returned from the Void

2008-10-06T13:18:00.003-06:00

Yes, gentle readers I have just finished a very stressful, very annoying sojourn into crazy paper land and I have emerged semi victoriously. And while the news of me being BACK, (oh, did I forget to mention that?) is no where near as exciting as Lindsay's happy news it is exciting for me because it means I don't have to write another paper for at least a couple of weeks. And now I will leave you all jumping for joy and shouting hallelujahs and I will be back later today with a much more exciting post than this one. But really, how much more exciting can you get?

Figures.....

2008-09-14T22:38:00.002-06:00

.....that exactly the same time that I am the most busy and hardly have a moment to think (unless it's about school or has to do with school or it is school), I have loads of posts that I am itchin' to get out. And so it is with a heavy heart that I am taking a hiatus from blogging. I know how many of you hang on my every word (eye roll......nervous laugh.....ugh, okay then) but never fear I will return with oodles and oodles of things to share. So as a great philosopher of our day once said "TTFN! Ta ta for now!"

Phew....I Need A Break

2008-09-07T22:11:00.001-06:00

School is underway. Only two weeks have gone by and I already need a break. Oh goodness I'm in for a treat this semester. Anyone up for a spa day? Oh, wait that requires money. Maybe we can go down to the river and roll around in the mud; so soothing. Or maybe we can all track down a pigeon and hold it over our heads (you don't want to know).
I decided to take a full load this go round. I'm taking Photoshop I, Digital Photography, Early Childhood Education, and Colorado History. And you'll never guess which one is kicking my ever expanding posterior, it's the history. Can you believe it?
Well, it's time to buckle down and get some work done....that's due in....HOLY COW!! Did you realize it was 10:00 already? Why didn't you tell me?

Gotta go.....

2008-09-03T00:06:00.001-06:00

A Waddler Walkin, A Toddler Talkin, A Rocker Rockin

2008-08-26T15:39:00.006-06:00

Well it's official, my little man is a walkin, more like waddling but still...

We were on our way home from Utah and Lydia started counting out load. She's a pretty good counter, before she was counting to 13 but would hit a bump,...10, 11, 12, 13, 13, 13, 13... Driving along and then she started and I was listening to her and expected to hear 13, 13, 13, but instead I heard...11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15, 15, 15... Slowly but surely she's makin her way up, up, up, up...

While we were in Utah we were able to experience first hand the phenom that is Guitar Hero. I am not really one for video games but this got me hooked. Now I've got Wii on the brain. People! Come on, not that kind of wee! Anyway, Lydia decided she wanted to try her hand at the game and now she's gone rocker chic.

Tip Toe Through The Turnips

2008-08-15T14:57:00.006-06:00

The other morning I decided to get up at, gasp, 6:40 am and take a walk. Instead of walking down the sidewalk, like any other normal person would do, I decided to walk gallantly down all the ally ways. Now you may think that I do this because I'm a person that has some sort of depth to them but really it's because I'm nosy and like to peak into people's back yards and glimpse into their lives nay their very souls. Okay so maybe that last part is a bit of a stretch. Regardless it is still fun to take a step out of my own world and see how other people live their lives. Anyways, back to my point, I was amazed at how many beautiful, functional gardens there were. They were all so organized and manicured. These gardens are very telling into the character of those that take care of them. That is why I forbid anyone to peak into my backyard and take a gander at my "garden". So come take a walk with me through the gardens, I mean by the gardens. And don't forget to breath in the fresh morning air.

Ahhhhh, don't you feel better?

!!WARNING!! Do Not Attempt Watching If.....

2008-08-14T15:21:00.002-06:00

...you happen to be one who cries at Hallmark commercials (guilty) or you happen to be an overly emotional person, then you really shouldn't watch this video. Don't say I didn't warn you.

I told you not to watch it.

A Cow's Bum, A Horse Head, And A Hayride!

2008-08-07T01:17:00.005-06:00

First I would like to thank Poudre Valley Healthy Families program for giving us a fun free farm experience. We had a very fun time and please excuse the cow's manners. I guess she couldn't wait until after the picture was taken.

You Know When...

2008-08-03T09:58:00.002-06:00

...even this smells appetizing, it's going to be a long fast Sunday.

Babysitter Or Baby Sister?

2008-07-30T10:46:00.003-06:00

Well Lydia came up to me today and says, "I wan baby sither."
My eyes bugged out of my head and I said "WHAT!?!"
"I wan baby sither."
"Go tell daddy what you just said."
"Daddy, I wan baby sither."
Daddy's eyes bugged out of his head and he said, "You want a babysitter or a baby sister?"
"Yeah, baby sither."

What do you think? Was Lydia saying she wants a

1. baby sither

2. babysither

note: no this is not an announcement, athough it would have been a cute one.

Modern Day Conveniences For The Ever So Modern Mother

2008-07-24T15:08:00.005-06:00

The Vacuum

This handy helper is great to have around any space.  With it's ease of use, reliability, and self propelled feature it makes a wonderful help to keep the Ever So Modern Mother's house particularly tidy.  This specific model is rare to find, only one made in the entire history of time, but does the job impeccably.  With it's powerful suction it will pick up anything off of that pesky floor that always seems to collect "stuff".

The Dishwasher

Dishes, the bane of the Ever So Modern Mother's existence.  It's fun to make the mess but who really wants to clean it up?  That's were the Dishwasher comes into action.  Another very rare model to find this one in particular will not only wash the dishes but has the technology to put them away as well.  This Ever So Modern Mother loves her Dishwasher.  It hardly ever conks out on her and very rarely has she had to rewash the dishes after the Dishwasher has gotten a hold of them.

The Television

It would be hard to imagine life without this little gem.  The Television is always great entertainment.  The Ever So Modern Mother would be amiss if she did not have one of these in her home.  Here we have the model that, like most Television models, will actually change channels according to it's mood.  Drama, action, adventure, horror, comedy, and the ever loved family musicals are just a few of the programs you can find playing on the Television at any given moment.  There are bigger models out there but I think that this one suites this Ever So Modern Mother's life just fine.

The Garbage Disposal

Not really a must have but it may make your life easier.  I would not recommend this specific model for disposal purposes. I have found that it is very picky as to what it will and will not dispose of.  I suggest, for this purpose, upgrading to the more advanced, less selective model.  But of course every appliance has it's pros and cons.  The feature I like best on the model shown below is it's excellence at self maintenance.

Help Me Ronda !! Help, Help Me Ronda!!

2008-07-18T10:52:00.003-06:00

Okay so I need some help, I am currently signed up for two classes this coming fall however I would like to add a third to that. I am having a hard time choosing which class to add. I thought to myself 'Maybe my friends out in the void of cyberspace can help me choose!' Then I said "Rebecca, that's a fantastic idea! How do you come up with these things!?!" So if you wouldn't mind indulging my crazy self and help me pick a class.

The chooses are:

-Intro to Early Childhood Ed
I thought this might be good since I plan to home school, the practical choice.

-Intro to Music History I
This sounded like an easy class. Get it? It SOUNDED easy. You know, because it's a music class? Awe, never mind.

-Colorado History
I don't know why this is a choice, but it is so what do you think?

Wanna Guess?

2008-07-09T16:45:00.003-06:00

Anyone care to venture a guess as to what our FHE lesson was about this week?

Anyone?

Go on, take a stab at it.

Whoever Invented Blogging Should Be Shot!

2008-07-06T09:45:00.002-06:00

It is so true, because there are just too many interesting and fun people out there who have started too many interesting, fun, and informative blogs. Plus, with all of my blog stalking I hardly have time in the day for my regular stalking. So here is your mission: become boring, because seriously people, I need more time.

My Country Tis of Thee...

2008-07-04T00:28:00.003-06:00

And it is, this America that I love so dearly. This country, my country, my America has broken innumerable bonds that may have otherwise imprisoned me. This country which allows me the freedom to live each day the way I see fit. I am given the chance to make my life better and along with that the lives of my families. I have the right to say "yes" and to so "no thank you". This wonderful freedom is not lost on me, albeit I may take it for granted on more than a gabillion occasions. I love my country and I love those who make and have made my freedoms possible. A hearty shout out goes to those pilgrims who had the courage to leave all that was familiar and comfortable to toil and carve out their new existence on this land. The revolutionaries who were unabashed in their want of freedom. Thank you to those founding fathers and founding mothers; because we all know that behind every great man is the mother that raised him. To every person who every gave their life for this country, thank you. To every person who serves this country, thank you. And to the One who made it all possible, thank you from the depths of my heart. Thank you for my sweet land of liberty.

Ummm.........huh??????

2008-06-26T22:28:00.004-06:00

How does this happen? I don't get it. This wasn't at all a new recipe, in fact it was successfully made last week. I followed the directions as directed ("I belong to the department of redundancy department") yet I ended up with concave cupcakes. Anyone want to chime in with their expertise? Sis, you know what happened?

Bowlcake anyone?

Such a good day!

2008-06-25T23:43:00.004-06:00

It really was, even with the little sprinkle we received this afternoon.
I woke up from my beautiful sleep this morning, because Kevin let me sleep in (seriously, I can not even rival his supreme awesome spousalness), so refreshed. While Kevin stayed home with Caleb, Lydia and I went out freecycling and picked up some fun books; the Elements of Literature and the Elements of Writing. We made a quick stop at Target where we found Lydia's newest best friend who was promptly named Larry the dinosaur. Kevin had to work tonight, which was the only down part of the day. We enjoyed a nice bowl of cereal for dinner, which was so fun. In case you wanted to know we had Honey Bunches of Oats (with almonds) and I always have to add more almonds to my bowl which makes it extra yummy. The rest of the night we read, and danced, and sang, and now both of my kiddos are asleep which is where I am off to. So gentle readers, I bid you a fond adieu.

Tag, I'm It!!

2008-06-21T12:37:00.006-06:00

I was tagged!! Someone finally tagged me! I feel so special! And it wasn't one of those "anybody who wants to" tags, she said my name (at least I think it's me she was referring to as Rebecca A.). So here we go.

10 years ago:
I would have been 17 and I was staying with my Grandma for the summer. My family was making the transition from my beautiful, lush, green Oregon to Colorado. As we started out from Oregon, our caravan consisted of a u-haul like moving truck which pulled a trailer(driven by dad), our minivan containing two sisters and two cats which also pulled a trailer (driven by my mom), the Toyota truck containing the two dogs (driven by my brother), and the gutless wonder containing a nephew (driven by Stephanie and myself). The plan was that when we hit Utah, Stephanie and I would split off from our little nomadic band and head to my Grandma's where I would spend the Summer and where Stephanie and Spencer would live. I spent my days spying on my grandma's neighbor's grandson who also happened to be visiting. I was a very good spy although I do believe that he was interested in my sister (and why wouldn't he be).

5 years ago:
Was a very dark time in may life that only family and a few close friends know about and we will keep it at that.

5 months ago:
Well I was probably doing what I do everyday now, so a little bit of nothing much.

5 things on my to-do list:
1. make Lydia's dresses
2. do a few layouts
3. paint a few of my projects
4. freeze flour
5. finish my decent into crazy land or is it crazy town?

5 snacks i enjoy:
1. anything chocolate with an ice cold glass of milk
2. fizzix yogurt
3. almonds and walnuts
4. banana nut bread
5. hostess raspberry filled donuts

5 things i would do if i had billion dollars:
1. get my entire family financially independent
2. buy them all a house along with one for us while i'm at it
3. trick out my baby
4. shopping spree at the clothes pony
5. donate donate donate

5 of my bad habits: (can i only list 5?)
1. eating too much junk (have you seen me lately!)
2. spending too much time online
3. burping! (like a sailor!)
4. not being in the moment
5. saying "just a second" way to often

5 places i have lived:
1. puyallup, WA
2. monroe, OR
3. windsor, CO
4. american fork, UT
5. fort collins, CO

5 jobs i have had:
1. dog "trainer" um, yeah
2. dairy queen
3. ROSS
4. security guard
5. manufacturing operations specialist (fancy shmancy!)

5 things people don't know about me:
1. i want to be a writer but am not doing anything constructive to make that a reality
2. i am the most annoying, sarcastic person that one can come across
3. i want to have 6 kids, maybe more
4. i have 4 fake teeth (they call me toothless george)
5. i secretly want to be someone other than me

5 people that i tag:
1. Erin A.
2. Lindsay
3. Christy
4. Lisa
5. April

Don't Ask Because Even I Don't Know

2008-06-20T22:44:00.005-06:00

For some reason beyond my understanding this is how my daughter sleeps most every night and nap.

This is what her bed looked like after her nap yesterday.  Notice the monstrous pile of books?

Here she is tonight and the pile has gotten bigger, if that's even possible.

Weekend Workings

2008-06-16T20:55:00.007-06:00

Okay, okay, I didn't really do this over the weekend or rather even one weekend. This has been one of those "unfinished projects" (of which I have too many) that has been laying around the house, literally, for the past year. I'm not a slow starter I'm a slow finisher but regardless it is finely done and Lydia (and eventually Caleb) can enjoy the fruits of there mama's re-finishing. And without further ado I give to you........

da
da-na
daaaaa
!!THE CHAIR!!

Sorry about the picture. I found some free actions for PSE and I'm going a little nuts with one in particular. What? I like it okay?

Water Park?....We don't need no stinkin' water park!

2008-06-12T23:01:00.004-06:00

Happy ?? Birthday Dad!!

2008-06-04T11:15:00.005-06:00

No Where To Go But Up

2008-06-03T10:29:00.006-06:00

I was so blessed to be able to spend a few days (count them 1, 2, 3, 4 days) in Utah and celebrate another baptism (my beautiful niece Monica)

but also a Seminary and High School graduation (my beautiful niece Marshelle).

Unfortunately I have absolutely no pictures for the graduation because when Marshelle walked I had planned on actually going up to the "stage" but when the time came I looked around and there was hardly any elbow room let alone room for me to maneuver anywhere. I tried to take them where I sat but there were too many heads in the way. Regardless, we are all so proud of both Monica and Marshelle for the decisions they have made and we thank them for letting us share those important life events.
After the graduation we (myself, Shannon, Jessica, Stephanie, Honey, and rents) went to Ruby Tuesday and had a blast. It was Jessica's 22nd birthday and my kind sister-in-law went up to our server and asked if she could get all the hot guys that worked there to come and serenade Jessica. Our server promptly responded "Have you seen the guys that work here?" Then Honey asked if there were any gay men that worked there. Yep, so a little while later a very effeminate man came and presented Jessica with some ice-cream and made the announcement that he was a firm believer that a lady should never reveal her age but he had it on very good authority that there was at least one person at our table one year older. It was great! Thanks for that Honey, it's something Jessica won't soon forget!
While I was away Kevin got to spend all those days with his two kiddos all by his-self. I think it gave him a great opportunity to get to know his kids better, he thinks otherwise and has kindly asked me to not make this flitting off to strange lands without him a habit.

My PG-13 Husband!

2008-05-26T20:57:00.004-06:00

We are all so proud of Kevin (Daddy) and Aunt Jenny who ran and successfully completed the Bolder Boulder. It was their first 10K, actually it was their first race ever.

At Our House

2008-05-26T07:19:00.003-06:00

Right now we're really lovin this:

Not to mentions this:

Here's What I'm Sure You Didn't Want To Know

2008-05-22T22:08:00.007-06:00

Glenn Beck, how I love thee.
Let me count the ways:
5:00 pm
Should I start dinner now or do I wait? Well if I start it now then maybe it'll be done by 6:00. It's 4:59, click "Tonight America, here's what you need to know." Awe, my dear Mr. Beck. But having two kiddos running around and dinner on the stove I can hardly catch everything that my dear Mr. Beck is talking, ranting, flailing, and is all around concerned about. But not to worry......
7:00 pm
That's right, click "Tonight America, here's what you need to know." And still with two hellions (for at this time they have transformed; too tired to act sweet and nice but not tired enough to just CALM DOWN!) I can hardly catch what my dear Mr. Beck is saying, yelling, screaming, or shaking his fists at. But not to worry.....
10:00 pm
You guessed it, for this is the magic hour, click "Tonight America, here's what you need to know." Between picking up the days mess and getting myself ready for bed I still can hardly catch what my dear Mr. Beck is telling me. But with both of my angels (for at this time they have transformed into sleeping, angelic messes) snoozing the night away I have a better chance to ponder, reflect, and rant along with my dear Mr. Beck. That's right Mr. Beck, stick it to 'em.

Weekend Workings

2008-05-20T16:07:00.005-06:00

So my weekend projects spilled over into the week, no biggie.

We are having a little trouble with our FHE's and so I thought that maybe if we had "assigned" topics that it would help, you know, so we don't have to think too awfully hard. So I decided to make an FHE Jar. Now every Monday after FHE we will pull a topic out of the jar and who ever is assigned the lesson with have at it.

Here's another thing we worked on this weekend. We picked this little gem up on freecycle (luuuuvv it!) and after 4 trips to Home Depot (trip 1: get new screws and bolts, trip 2: get the right size of screws because they apparently had to be metric, trip 3: pick up more of the right size of screws because they only had 6 on trip 2, trip 4: pick up more of the right size screws because they didn't have any on trip 3) and for the cost of some screws (and maybe my sanity) we have ourselves a trampoline. You are all welcome to come over and use it. Of course since we don't have a safety enclosure you will have to sign a personal injury waiver, that's just the kind of world we live in now folks.

Confession!!

2008-05-19T09:44:00.004-06:00

When I eat Lucky Charms or Captain Crunch (and yes I still eat them) I always save the marshmallows and Crunch Berries till the very end. Yum!!

He's In The Army Now

2008-05-10T19:41:00.006-06:00

This is more for me to remember than anything but precisely at 7:39 PM Caleb Ray Aycock tried and successfully completed his first army crawl.

note: This video was taken a few days later. He is trying to thwart the plans of the evil one who has stolen his bottle just to get him to crawl for the camera.

I know, I know, I'm sooo cruel.

I've Been Scalped!!!

2008-05-07T22:12:00.009-06:00

I didn't tell Kevin before we came here but I was planning on getting my haircut........and........I DID. I actually had enough to donate to Locks of Love, 10".

The other night I prepared dinner for everyone. I made the Quinoa Primavera that Erin posted on her blog ever so long ago. It was good, however, it would have been way better if I hadn't....ahem...."overcooked" parts of it. I was able to visit D.I.s (can you believe I've never been?) and I have to say that for a thrift store it is exceptionally clean. It now warrants a stop every Utah visit.

Utah Livin!

2008-05-02T23:37:00.010-06:00

Well I thought I'd post a few things while here in the lovely deseret. It's fun to be here for a nice change of pace. Lydia is loving playing with all of her cousins especially Brianna, Emily, and Kaitlyn. We had the wonderful opportunity to attend one of my nephew's baptisms, Ryan. He was so excited. Even though we're having a good time and I love being around all of my family I miss Kevin tons and tons; Lydia and Caleb too. Every time Lydia hears the door open and close she yells "Daaa eee home! Daaa eee home!" Poor thing.

First we have Lydia with the "Legos" house we built together. Now I look at it I think it needed an overhang.

Here is Ryan, awe, he's lookin all clean, shiny, bright, and new; until he went and slugged his brother of course.

These next two are just of Lydia playing in the Myers' backyard after the baptism.

note: kudos to Jessica on the pictures.

Here comes the.......chaching!

2008-04-28T10:03:00.006-06:00

I don't know about the rest of you but I'm not terribly happy about this Stimulus Package, however there is absolutely nothing I can do to stop it so I am resigned to taking the money.
So inquiring minds want to know (which means I'm nosy). What do all of you plan on doing with the money? I think that we've decided to use some of it to build up or food storage (which we desperately need), some we're going to put away for a rainy day (exactly not what the Government wants), and some of it we will be investing in my car.
Hey, most of you don't know about my car. Sigh......my car....dreamy eyed......Sorry you lost me for a second. Well I have this car, my first car, that we have been keeping in storage (total shame) because we can't afford the insurance and gas on it. It is the coolest, ultimate, best ever car. And now I will post pictures of my baby.....uh....one of my babies.

Extra! Extra! Reader All About It!

2008-04-24T14:35:00.005-06:00

I discovered the most amazing invention yesterday. This is going to be big, I mean mega-millions. Oh yeah!
Okay, so maybe I'm not the inventor and maybe I'm not even the first to hear about this but it's still pretty cool.
So if you are a blog stalker, which I of course am, then this little doo hickey is for you. I have tons of blogs that I read (love those design blogs and the blogs of my friends) but it's trying to have to check each and every blog to see if someone just happened to have posted. But now, thanks to Google reader http://www.google.com/reader, it keeps me posted as to the postings of all my blogs. Totally check it out. It's really fun.

What Have I Done?

2008-04-23T20:47:00.007-06:00

So I never really realized how much of a "Miss Priss" I had turned my daughter into until today. While I was out weeding getting ready to plant a garden (yes, gasp, lets let the shock and amazement settle in) Lydia was playing with the spade, transporting dirt from one side of the "garden" to the other. Then all of a sudden the most horrible thing that could have happened........she got dirt on her finger. "Oh my goodneck!" Which loosely translated means oh my goodness however the more exact definition is:

oh my goodneck (ō ˈmī ˈgŭdnĕk) 1 : most often used to express one's amazement 2 : the mystification of one's self 3 : used to indicate a feeling of horror or disgust 4 : an expression often used for anything that will amaze, mystify, horrify, and disgust a 2 year old.

Weekend Workings

2008-04-22T18:51:00.009-06:00

I finely finished one of my projects this weekend. I started it last week however I've had it around for far longer than that.

Here is the before picture:

The after:

Pretty and pink, my new little scrap booking cabinet.
Caleb also thought it would be fun to start sitting up by himself.

My GQ Man

2008-04-18T21:41:00.012-06:00

I bet none of you knew I was married to a GQ man.

Playin with Polaroid

2008-04-18T21:41:00.011-06:00

Alas, it will not be long until the infamous Polaroid goes the way of the things that go away.
How little I knew thee, we were just getting acquainted and I do believe it could have been true love.

I will hold on as long as it is possible but it will be a bitter farewell.
Is there not one among us that can save my dear Polaroid?
Pray there is so I do not have to bid goodbye to this true hero, this true friend, my true Polaroid.

6 months and a few

2008-04-12T21:53:00.007-06:00

Yes I realize that it is passed his actual half birthday but then I'm sure none of you have memorized my kids birthdays so who cares, right?

6 Reasons We Love Our Caleb

1. You're such a goofball

2. You are in no way a lukewarm baby

3. You adore your big sister

4. You'll smile at almost anyone just to make their day

5. You are so attentive and sweet

6. You have a depth behind your eyes, so soulful

Love you bubby!

Reflections of Christ

2008-04-10T10:55:00.006-06:00

I highly recommend visiting this link and watching the video slide-show of the Reflections of Christ.
http://mabrystudios.typepad.com/mark_mabry_photography/

Ho hum

2008-04-03T15:36:00.003-06:00

So our little stint into the world of big girl beds didn't quite last very long. We jumped in but it got too hot so we jumped back out and now Lydia is back sleeping in the crib. Maybe she's just not ready or maybe we're trying it too late. So I guess we'll see what happens. I'm not sure what else we could have tried. We tried the Super Nanny approach, the problem with that is she never actually came out of her room and instead would just sit and play. We were only able to put her back in when we chanced to see her out. Then we tried sitting in front of her door until she went to sleep. That's not at all convenient, let me tell you so then we moved onto just letting her stay in her room until she fell asleep on her own. After 4 days of her not going to sleep until 11:00 we scrapped that idea. So maybe we'll revisit this in a month or two.
Caleb started rolling all over the place on Tuesday. He did it once that morning and then he just wanted to show off and he kept on doing it all day long. Now, when he's sick of being on his tummy he can rectify the situation all by himself.

Cupcakes, cupcakes everywhere and not a drop to drink

2008-03-29T22:04:00.005-06:00

We made cupcakes today. I tried to enlist the help of my lovely young daughter with decorating them but she was more interested in just eating the frosting. The cake part of this equation didn't really turn out that great but the frosting was good, a lemon cream cheese. Now, who do I give them to....hmmmm.

It's Big Girl Bed Time! Jump Around!

2008-03-26T23:32:00.007-06:00

Well we have made or rather started to make the scary transition into big girl bed world. I honestly thought that it would be simple, oh to be ignorant again. At first we tried the Super Nanny approach and would just put her back in bed every single time she got out but after four hours of that not working I sat outside her door until she fell asleep. That was fun let me tell you. Yesterday Kevin did his homework on the floor outside her room while I took care of the baby, I bet his back must have been killing him. But today we've had a break through. While it still took sometime for her to go to sleep tonight she stayed in bed; yes she goofed off a little, she snuck (yes I realize that snuck is not a word) a book in bed with her, and her bed is disheveled but she is asleep and she did it on her own.

Monday we took the kids to the HP park. The play area isn't much, compared to an actual park, but it was nice because there were no other kids there to compete with. Lydia had an absolute blast and barely stopped to catch her breath. She is GO GO GO constantly.