Procrastinate. Who Me?

Horseback Riding with the Bishop

2011-03-10T22:03:00.002-07:00

Last weekend, my sister and her family were visiting. We had previous plans to go riding horses at the Bishop's house and he said to bring them along. So, here are some pics from that fun afternoon.

Emma was in Heaven. She actually stayed a few hours
after everyone else and brushed and burshed horses!

Tyler on his swift stallion of a horse! He actually fell off a
horse last summer and had a really sore arm for a couple
of weeks. What a brave guy to get back on!!

Aunt Boo led Emma's horse and when he
balked, she got a NASTY rope burn!

Chelsea bridling her Palomino.

Head 'em up! Move 'em out! RAWHIDE!!
We were quite a crew! It's a good thing everyone out in Springlake
owns livestock and was patient with us! ;)

Carson and Katrina.

Getting the horses ready for their saddles!

Quincey really wanted to ride with Daddy.
Next time she will ride her own horse!

We saw some deer.

I was a lucky mama! I got to ride with Quincey, too!

Thanks Bishop! We will be back! We had a blast!!

Homemade Christmas!!

2011-03-09T14:26:00.001-07:00

Since we took our Fall trip to Australia, we decided Christmas was going to be on a smaller scale. We (and when I say we, I mean I) decided to do some homemade gifts because 1 gift per person (because of the aforementioned trip) just wasn't going to cut it for me. So, I ended up making bathrobes for the kids.

Also, the kids have been begging for "sewing lessons." We have done a few projects here and there. So, I helped them make pillowpets for each other. Emma helped me make the Ben 10 Rath pillow for Tyler. Quincey helped make this cat for Emma. Tyler helped make the dog for Quincey. They all love them. (Even though I am not totally enamoured (I'll have you know I looked that word up AND I had already spelled it correctly!! Woohoo!!) with how the Rath alien turned out.

Yes, I did actually coach - and it was fun!!

2011-03-05T22:27:00.009-07:00

T-man chose to sign up for basketball. He loves any and all sports. He just loves to be active and have fun. He made more than 12 baskets one game! Grandma and Grandpa were keeping count with the girls. It was so exciting, they lost count! So proud of him!

Knowing that I get crazy when I am limited to a schedule, I signed up to be his basketball coach. I have never really coached before. I was REALLY nervous! The dad of the most talented boy on the team would come to every practice and sit there and watch - that was really intimidating to me. However, I was able to tune it out by telling myself that if he didn't like what I was doing, he could sign up to be the one out there next year! :)

I decided my goals for the year were...

1. To have fun - This one was easy, because the boys just loved to be out on the court. We ran different drills that helped them learn to hustle, be competitive and be team players.

2. Help the boys develop basic skills. The boys ALL increased their knowledge of the game and really learned some valuable skills. They learned to dribble, pass, shoot and make lay-ups.
3. Have every boy feel successful. You should have heard these boys keep their own score in their heads! HILARIOUS!! One boy would say it was 18-12. One would say it was 22-10. But wouldn't you know it, we were always AHEAD!! What winners we were - if not only in our own minds. But that was the goal afterall!

My boy even remembered to Box Out!!!!

4. Have every boy make a basket in a game. This one almost didn't happen!! We have one little guy on our team. When I say little guy (he's 8, but my 4 yr old daughter is taller). But, boy was he tenacious. Small problem, he couldn't throw that ball high enough to reach that 8 1/2 foot basket! The talented boy I mentioned before, was such a team player though. I taught him how to set a pick and he would pass that ball to Jonathon and pick for him, trying to help him get his basket!! The last game, Jonathon managed not one, but two baskets!! You should have heard the cheering!

So, with my four goals realized, I myself felt successful and will have to give this coaching thing another go!

Sick

2011-02-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

So, after everyone else having some cold/flu alternately for the last 4 weeks, I finally caught it. Not sleeping so well and staying up half the night so I can sit up and actually breathe. :( The thing that made it worth it was Princess Q. Our conversation this morning was as follows...

Princess Q: Mom, I tould not sweep wast night wit you mate-ing dat noise.

Me: What noise?

PQ: I don't know. Dat one lite a, you know, a tamel or lite a whale?

Um thanks, I know I've been congested but a whale, camel, really?????

THE B-I-G 4-0!!

2011-02-10T12:24:00.002-07:00

NO NOT ME!! I am way to young for that! ;0)

The Birthday boy and the "waiters" at Los Birthday Club!!

When "Sweetie" came home from work, the kids told him we

were going out to a restraunt for his birthday dinner. The

table was set and I obviously made dinner, but he went along

with it. We blindfolded him and got in the truck and drove around

the neighborhood. The kids pointed the way to "Los Birthday

Club" - the chic-est place in town - and they have GREAT

Mexican food, if I do say so myself!

After arriving back in the driveway, the kids led Luke up the
front steps into the "restraunt"still blindfolded. They led him
to his table and presented the menu to him using their finest
"high class" voices using lots of phrases with "sir" in them.

This is the menu with the cards he received.

We had the traditional birthday pie.

Then, we started a one time only tradition of Silly String.
We got him. Then...

He GOT US!!
Not fair! We only got him a little!!!

We had the nightly wrestling match.

And opened presents.

The best part of giving/getting presents are the snuggles afterward.

One of the presents was Mexican Train Dominoes.

We did have one casualty of the night. One of the killer goblets
broke a plate. It's okay Quince. :0)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE!!

SICK DAY!!

2011-01-07T15:27:00.000-07:00

Wednesday morning Princess Q mentioned her ear hurt, but went on the rest of the day playing with friends and didn't say another word.

A few minutes after I walked in from playing volleyball, she woke up crying. She said her ear hurt really badly. I gave her some ibuprophen. She fell asleep a few HOURS later. She then woke up about 2:30 am SCREAMING for another 45 minutes. Finally, she fell back asleep. In the morning I realized her ear drum had burst. Poor baby!

This child is a puzzle whiz! Seriously! This puzzle has over 150 pieces! She did it in about 40 minutes! I didn't even help her open the package! She did it 110% by herself!

A Bit About Tyler...

2010-12-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

Tyler just had a birthday. It kind of snuck up on me, as I have been sewing and crafting up a storm for Christmas! Two days before his birthday, I realized I needed to make a cake! ACK! Then, I promptly forgot, again. I remembered the day before and since his birthday fell on a Sunday, I knew I had to make it then (11pm).

Luckily, the LDS culture tends to be prepared to a fault. I went down to my foodstorage room and was able to choose from a vast variety of cake mix flavors to find one that would make my easily pleased son happy. I made several cakes and planned to cut them into various shapes to make a HUGE Ben 10 Omnitrix cake.

I envisioned something like this.

I got a little impatient since it was after midnight and removed one of the cakes before it was cooled and it totally fell apart. I promptly put that in a ziploc bag and left it on the counter, redrew my design and continued on to make a marshmallow fondant covered, devil's foodcake, strawberry cheesecake ice cream cake. It was not nearly so ellaborate as I had first envisioned, but it was yummy and I still have a forth of it in the freezer. The kids and I just had a piece and it is still yummy 2 1/2 weeks later.

I stayed up working on it until 2am. Put it in the freezer, cleaned up and didn't give it another thought. Until, the next morning when I came downstairs after the kids and Tyler was looking at my Ziploc bag of disaster.

Tyler: "Mom, did my cake break?"

Me: Yeah Bud. I'm sorry and I don't have time to make another one because I need to make cookies this morning for the dedication of the Stake Center tonight. But I'll save some cookies for us and we'll have cookies and ice cream for your birthday. K?

Tyler: Okay, mom! (Oh, that kid can melt my heart!)

Me: Sorry next time okay?

Tyler: Mom? What's that cake on the counter?

Oops. I left out the middle part of the cake I cut out to make room for the ice cream. Hmm.

Me: Oh, that was just something I had left over from another thing. I was thinking I could ice it really fast with some of that frosting in the fridge (pre-made store bought yicky stuff - I'm not a fan of the tub frosting).

Tyler: Well, Mom...can I do it? (excitement building) CAN I MOM? CAN I DO IT????

Me: Um, yeah okay. You decorate it.

Tyler: Mom! Can you make the frosting green? I want to make it an omnitrix!! And what's this stuff? (the fondant I left out - good one Amy) Can I use it?

Me: Sure.

He spends the next 40 minutes concocting his own omnitrix and decorating it with his Ben 10 toys.

He loved his cake! And who can blame him? He did a fantastic job on it! I was pretty proud of the job I did on his ice cream cake, but I am so much more proud of him and his fantastic attitude. That kid is so positive I could just squish him! Most people would have been so disappointed their cake died, but not him. He just went on and did this. He is such an amazing boy. I love you Tyler. You teach me so much every day about having a positive attitude. Please stay that way and maybe eventually I can grow up to be like you.

Me

2010-08-25T21:20:00.000-06:00

AtHLetE,
sEAmStrEsS,
cRAfTY oNE,
I try many hats,
but master NonE.

MaNY prOJeCTs LEft unDONe.
THaNKful i MArRied A pATiENt oNe!

What's that I Smell??

2010-08-25T21:19:00.001-06:00

While driving home the kids (mostly Emma) and I had the following conversation. I was prepping them for cleaning and doing chores, when we got there.
Tyler said something about already having made his bed, so why does he have to do MORE chores!

Me: Making your bed is not really a chore. It's just one of those things you have to do before you GET to do your other chores! :)

Emma: (in a haughty tone) WELL, I DON'T EVEN HAVE A BED TO MAKE, 'CAUSE CARSON!!

My nephew is staying the summer with us.

Me: Well, he leaves tomorrow. So, you can have your own bed back! (in my best isn't that so awesome voice?!!)

Emma: (disgruntled and surly) Yeah, but it will still SMELL like Carson!! (exhales)

Me: We will wash the sheets. It will be fine.

Emma: (still disgruntled and surly) YEAH and spray it!

Me: Why does Carson stink?

Emma: Uh, yeah! (snotty tone)

She has the Matkin nose! (and attitude!!)

Tyler - if only this could last...

2010-06-17T10:38:00.000-06:00

"Mom, why didn't you sign me up for summer school? Is it too late? Can I go to summer school?"

Sense of Fashion or Just Plain Ol' Stubbornness?

2010-06-17T10:37:00.000-06:00

Emma has had kindergarten preview the last 2 days. This morning she came down wearing a shirt that I tried to get her to wear to preschool on numerous occassions. She refused every time citing, "It's ugly" along with tears and body jiggles that resembled a tantrum. Now that it is almost too small it is a new favorite. It does look quite cute, but why does she have to refute EVERYTHING I say until I leave it alone and it becomes her idea???? :) If I were to say the sky is blue, she would say it is orange. And then IF I came around and said the sky is orange, THEN she would say, "No, it is blue." She just loves to think I know NOTHING!! I thought that didn't come until the teenage years?!! I tremble at the thought of what is to come with that girl!! ;0)

Registering for PreSchool

2010-05-13T22:15:00.002-06:00

I've been telling Quincey for over a month that we are going to register her for preschool. She in turn has been very excited and asking about it quite often.

Finally, yesterday we got to the "school" and filled out the paperwork to register her for class. It was a bit hectic, as we had come right when the current morning session was ending and there were children going to various cars, etc. I finished filling out the paperwork and said, "okay, let's go" to Emma and Quincey. Emma started to follow me, but Quincey hung back. When I hear this little voice, "Bye Mommy! I wub you!" I turned around and she looked so little standing there - not sure where to go, chin down, unsure blue eyes looking at me with eyebrows raised, thinking I was leaving her there, right then. Augh! It just about broke my heart! She wanted to stay, but her mother was just abandoning her without hugging her or giving her a kiss or ANYTHING!! I rushed back and gave her a big hug and when I told her I wasn't leaving her today and we would come back another day. She held my hand and skipped back to the car.

I don't want her to ever let go! My eyes are welled up with tears again as I write about this, because I felt so badly that she thought I was just leaving without hugs or kisses or anything! I need therapy, now. That was traumatic for me!!!

Unta Boo

2010-05-09T16:38:00.002-06:00

The other night after I tucked all the kiddos in bed, Quincey came into the room and said, "Mommy..."

To which I quickly responded, "Quincey, you should be in bed. Go!"

"But Mommy, I want to tew you someting."

Me (exasperated), "What Quincey?"

Quincey (gushing amazement), "Unta Boo (Uncle Boo - or Matt) can Bwow da wight out in my woom!!" Her mouth dropping open to emphasize her incredulity!

Me: "Wow! That's pretty awesome!"

Quincey: "Yes! And it is AMADING too!!!!

Apparently I am a bad Mom and have never shown her the trick of blowing out the lights at night. But thankfully we have Unta Boo and At Boo to help remedy my short comings!! My kids may turn out all right, after all!!

The Replacement...

2010-04-26T11:05:00.002-06:00

For the last week and a half, Emma has eaten her dinner like an obedient, non-confrontational child. In the past this has not been her normal demeanor. See pic to the left for her normal demeanor.

The other night, Luke asked her, "Who are you and what have you done with my Emma?"

Emma without missing a beat replied, "I am the replacement."

Luke asked, "Well, where's the old Emma?"

Emma once again without hesitation and a bit of mystery/spunk in her voice said, "She is on a Mission."

Totally cracked us up. And the even better part is, whenever she starts to struggle with her attitude or wanting to be obedient, I ask her, "Are you the replacement or the old Emma?" She usually concedes to being the replacement and changes her attitude to a more positive one. Heavenly Father must have heard my "at the end of my rope" pleas! :)

Stinker Pot Thieves!!

2010-03-24T12:49:00.002-06:00

So, last Thursday I was in Walmart with all 3 of my kids. Not a predicament I love to find myself in, yet there I was. My kids seem to fight much of the time at home. Yet, at the store they seem to be best buds and all 3 seem to get this surge of energy and they just feed off each other and go crazy.

Thursday was one of those days. I had gone to Walmart to get the last piece of a project I have been wanting to do. I ordered Moda Fabric Charm Packs on Ebay and needed to get some flannel for the backing on some blankets. My kids were running around the fabric department, etc. I was trying to be fast and wasn't succeeding. In an attempt to distract Tyler from goding his sisters, I asked him to "Put these squares back in these baggies and put them back." I should have added "into the cart." Because my dear, obedient boy (unbeknownst to me) put them back on the shelf with Walmart's packs that are a different brand and not anywhere near as coordinating and cute. Off we went to the milk fridge area. I realized my squares were not there, asked Tyler where they were. "Back on the shelf. You told me to put them away."

AUGH!! Not that kind of away!

We went back to the fabric area. There was no trace of them. $80 worth of cute fabric...gone. Ugh! Forget the $$, do you know how long it takes me to get all the facets of a project together???

Yes, I have checked back with the store several times. They haven't seen 'em.

SpRInG!!

2010-03-04T07:32:00.002-07:00

I was sitting here at the computer (ahem, I mean internet - computer would elude to me getting something productive done) and I could hear birds chirping! I opened the window and could hear them better! They sounded so happy! Or maybe that was MY Spirit soaring at their song. They may have been sad and lost, but I am just so happy they are here! What a blessing to be able to have all of these different seasons! However, Spring is my favorite because it means the Winter/cold is OVER!!

The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month. ~Henry Van Dyke

Isn't that the truth! We've been having bee-u-ti-ful weather and the first day of Spring is still 2 1/2 weeks away!! Did anyone else hear it's supposed to snow today? :)

2010-02-12T11:01:00.004-07:00

Our little man Tyler was baptized last month.
He was so excited. I think he has a stronger
testimony than I do. He has so many people
that just love him. How could we all help it?

He is soo...

-thoughtful
-full of energy
-snuggly
-appreciative
-excited about life and everything it brings
-full of love for his family
-full of love for everyone
-helpful
-fun
-smart
-willing to try new stuff
-honest
-kindhearted
-and an all around great boy

He bore his testimony last Sunday...

"I'd like to bare my testimony. I know we all
have great families." *Rush of blood to the face and
hyperventilating* "In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

He was shaking when he came back to his seat. He said,
"I wanted to say other stuff, but I couldn't remember. I
was too nervous." Then, he snuggled into my side until
he stopped shaking from nerves. He must get it from me.
I didn't say everything I planned on saying in my testimony,
either.

SHHHH! Getting the kids out of class early!!

2010-02-07T22:06:00.003-07:00

Luke went in to Primary to get the kids out early. He quietly told the teacher he needed Tyler because we were going to his cousin's. Tyler says quite loudly, (okay, he yelled it) "Woohoooo! Superbowl time!" Wouldn't have been so bad if it had just been his class, but Sharing Time, geez buddy!

We need to teach that child a little discretion! "Vagueness Tyler, vagueness. You only tell them what you are really doing, IF THEY ASK!!!"

I guess I haven't taught him everything I know yet!!

Added hillarity, Luke is in the bishopric! Nice example we are setting, right?

The Climb

2010-02-01T10:43:00.005-07:00

Tiffany, I was thinking of you on this one.

Emma in the other room belting out Hannah Montana's "The Climb,"

"It's the Clyyyyyyyyyyde, It's the Clyyyyyyyyyyyyyyde!!"

Rag Quilts

2010-01-26T23:07:00.007-07:00

Hey Hill,
You were wondering what the baby quilts looked like. Here are two of them. The purple was my favorite out of all the ones I made. I didn't think to take pics of the first few and they were already gone.

This more neutral colored one was an interesting bunch of colors before it was put together. I think it actually turned out pretty cute.

This is what the under side turns out like.

2010-01-26T16:41:00.004-07:00

Okay, how cool is this??

This is the picture that was on the LDS Church website and our local news channels of the new temple site here in Payson, Ut.
See that brown house in the upper left corner? Yeah, that's our house!! Yay!!

wHAT do hOt ANd bASketBALL haVE IN cOMMon?

2010-01-25T09:35:00.009-07:00

Friday night, we went to a Utah Flash basketball game. Luke got some courtside front row tix with owner's box access, from a vendor he works with! We had so much fun! These are the things Tyler liked the most of the night. The FlashFox and Luke Nevill. Tyler thought it was pretty awesome to share part of a name. I would post a picture of Tyler at the game as well, but since the only one of him looks like he is picking his nose, I won't. (He was only scratching it, but you can only tell that if you look closely!)

It is a little hard to keep a 3 year old from sneaking onto the court when it is just right there to touch. Okay, a 5 and 8 year old, as well! We ended up sitting next to Mark Madsen's folks!Honestly, I didn't know who he is. Luke does and he and Tyler were quite excited that he is the assistant coach of the Flash. Mark's mom volunteered to get his autograph for Tyler. So, she took Tyler's "Flash" jersey (Payson City league basketball is sponsored by the Flash) and took it over to Mark and asked him to sign it and get as many of the players autographs as well. Tyler is so excited! She is going to mail it back to him!

So, not to be left out (however much I would prefer them to be) are the cheerleaders! Emma was just ennamored by these cheerleaders! The fact that she kept taking pictures of them caught their eyes. So, they waved her over and took this picture with her. She was in heaven! Suggestions for helping your daughter NOT be interested in being a cheerleader or girly girl drama queen are welcome! She loves that it can look like she has longer, curly hair in this picture because their hair is draping over her! :)

What a sight we walked out to after the game!

Okay, it wasn't that bad, but the roads were pretty bad with about 2-3 inches of snow.

On the way home Emma asked, "Why is it hot like smoke in here?"

Me: It's me.

Emma: You're smokin'?!

Me: Yeah! Smokin' HOT!!

Tyler: YEAH SHE IS!!!!!

Totally cracked Luke and me up! Emma, was still a little lost. "Wha-?"

Fun Night! Thanks Luke!

Happy Helper

2010-01-21T09:52:00.004-07:00

I sent Quincey into the bathroom to brush her teeth. 10 minutes later, I still heard commotion in the bathroom.

Me: Quincey, what are you doing in there?

Quincey: I tleaning the batroom Mom!

The noise I heard had been a scritchy scratchy sound...

Me: Quincey don't clean the counter with your toothbrush! That's gross!

Quincey: I NOT! It's Tyler's tootbrutch!

A few minutes later she came out to report, "Mom, I done brutching my teef!"

I wonder which toothbrush she used? Um, ignorance is bliss! *tuneless whistling"

Please May I Have a Drink?

2010-01-18T14:14:00.003-07:00

I will preface this entry with a note of a personal decision Luke and I have made. We decided (when Tyler was a baby) that we would allow our children to take the sacrament after they were baptized. Our hope is that it will be more meaningful to them. There were a few Sundays when our children were less than happy about that decision, as they see everyone else taking it (including their friends). However, it has been a very long time since we have had to deal with one of our children even commenting on not being able to take the sacrament.

Yesterday in church, the water was being passed. After it went by, Emma said, "Mom, I really want a drink!"

Me: Emma, you can have the sacrament after you are baptized when you are 8.

Emma: (in her best mom you are so lame voice) Mom, I know! I just want a REGULAR drink! Not one with the PRIESTHOOD in it!

2009-12-22T13:35:00.002-07:00

hOOrAY fOr FaMiLY PhOToS iN a WeeK!!!!!

Stinkin' Cute

2009-12-02T21:05:00.005-07:00

mE: qUInCeY, How DId YOu Get tO Be sO sTiNkiN' CuTE?

QUiNcEY: I NoT StinK. i JUsT TutE!

HUH???

2009-10-28T12:56:00.026-06:00

Sunday, we went and did this!!

Yesterday and today, we woke up to this!!!

I knew it was coming, but that doesn't make me like it any more than if I hadn't known it was coming!

Happy Birthday Quincey!

2009-10-28T10:55:00.007-06:00

HapPy BirThDAy TeEnsY-bEar!!

I don't even know what to say, my baby is now 3! She is so grown up and opinionated!

Things she loves...

Mitty Mout Tlubhouse (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse)

Emma's baby poohbear - Uh, ANYTHING of Emma's

being "da lido bot. Daddy said so!" (little boss)

helping me make beds

making/baking stuff

making rAiNboWs/coloring

CUTTING paper

playing the Rusty and Rosy program on the computer.

singing/dancing
HER DADDY!!

Things I love about her...

her hugs - she give THE BEST hugs!

her little voice

how much she loves her daddy

her smile

her bright blue eyes

she can take a joke

her fearlessness

she LOVES life and anything we do she has fun

she likes the food I've cooked, even if the other kids don't

I love you Quince! I can't believe you are so big already.

"Pweetman Russ"

2009-10-26T18:01:00.007-06:00

For the past 6 months (or more), Quincey has developed a bad habit. She slips her arms out of the top straps of her carseat. On our vacation last month, I must have told her every 3 minutes to put her arms back in her straps.

Today however, when I asked her to put her arms back in she flat out told me "No."

"Hmm," I thought. "Now, what??"

I told her if she didn't put her arms in, I was going to find a policeman and have him tell her to put her arms in. She said, "no."

So, I drove to our local police station. I said, "okay, we're here. This is where the policemen work."

Quincey: O-tay! O-tay! I put my ahrms in!!!

Just at that moments, a policeman emerged from the building. I made a split second decision that I didn't want to have this battle anymore. I got out of the car and went and asked him if he would do me a huge favor and talk to my defiant 3 year old who doesn't believe her mother that it is dangerous to not wear your seatbelt properly.

He came over to the car and introduced himself as Policeman Russ. When Quincey only continued to stare at her hands in her lap, he asked her what her name was. No answer. Emma finally said it. He talked to Quincey for about five minutes. She never did look up from staring into her lap at her hands. Anyhow, he talked to her way longer than I had expected. I expected a quick, "hey, it's not safe to not wear your seatbelt. You could get hurt." So, he told her if he sees us driving around, he wants her to be in her seatbelt. Then, he said, "You know, my little boy died in a car accident because he wasn't wearing his seatbelt. It makes me sad that I don't get to see him anymore. You don't want your mom to be sad because she doesn't get to see you anymore. Promise me you'll wear your seatbelt."

UHHhhh! I felt soo badly. I really didn't know what else to say, except "Thank you" as he walked away - without looking at me. I hope for him, he wasn't the wrong person to have approached that day. I hope it helped him to talk about it. It helped us. Even if it is just 2 reminders...
1. Life is so fragile -appreciate each moment (even the ones that have you wanting to rip out yours (or someone else's) hair)!!
2. Be slow to get irritated at someone, you never know exactly what someone else is going through - so give others a break and the benefit of the doubt!!

THANK YOU POLICEMAN RUSS!!

Update: 4 days later, she is wearing her seatbelt much better. However, she is still mortified. I wanted the experience to stay with her. So, I called my mom and started to hand the phone to Quincey as I said, "tell Gramma about Policeman Russ." She glared at me, shook her head, folded her arms and said, "No want to talk about Pweetman!"

Hmm. I may have taken it too far. Since then I have talking up policemen every chance I get! :)

HAPPY FALL FROM US CRAZY GUYS!!

2009-10-13T13:46:00.003-06:00

nO NoT The fALl ofF YOuR SeAt kInD of FALl (although, most of you probably did when you saw I posted something!!!)

Luke, Amy, Tyler, Emma and Quincey!!

We have had some great fall weather and the leaves on the mountain are bright red, etc. I just wanted to make a note of the beauty of Fall before the snow sets in *sigh*.

But it is great while it is lasting!! :)

Perseids Meteor Shower

2009-08-11T23:54:00.004-06:00

I have warm memories of watching a meteor shower in the middle of the night with my family when I was somewhere around 8 years old. We laid in blankets and sleeping bags on the front lawn. My mother has always been so sweet - waiting on us, trying to make sure everyone has everything she can help them with. That night was no exception. She was running around making sure everyone (all 9 kids and dad = 10) had a sufficient amount of homemade cookies to keep us awake and cups full of hot chocolate. I wonder if she even got to see a shooting star that night. Hmm. I'll have to ask her.

Twenty-something years later, I wanted to allow my children that fond memory. I am sure it will be remembered. It will be interesting to hear my children's view of it when they are grown.

The kids were already in bed, when I saw on the internet that there was to be a meteor shower tonight. I went back and forth as to whether or not it was worth getting them out of bed - that is such an accomplishment it takes A LOT to even consider GETTING them out of bed. They come out by themselves way too often as it is. Fun Mom won and I called them down.

We got our sleeping bags and pillows and layed out on the grass in the backyard. I got out some cheapo sandwich cookies from our camping trip over the weekend and made them each hot chocoate in a spillproof cup. (Quincey thinks it is the ultimate labor or love for me to let her have a sippy cup! "A tippy tup? For me? *squeal*!"

I went back out and layed with them - it wasn't quite dark, dark, yet. Emma saw Venus above the mountains and said, "Mom, that one is sooo much brighter than the rest of the stars. I think it is a wormhole." :)

We had a great time laughing and talking about different stars we saw. Okay, mostly we were laughing because Emma was a stinky skunk and kept tooting. Quincey had no clue what we were looking for and kept asking to see more airplanes. I guess those were the only ones slow enough for her to get her eyes on.

After a cookie or two, I got thirsty and asked who had hot chocolate left to share with me. After tasting both Emma's and Quincey's I said, "I asked for HOT chocolate!" It was cold and yucky and those cookies left something to be desired - okay a lot to be desired. However, after a while we saw a few nice bright meteors that were big enough that Quincey even saw them. Then, there was a lull and we didn't see any for a while. I looked over and Emma and Tyler were asleep.

I guess the fun was over.

Apparently Relief!!

2009-08-10T12:07:00.002-06:00

So, this one was too good to pass up putting on here quickly. I really shouldn't even be on here because I have soooo much to accomplish before I become the one armed bandit. So, here is the quick version.

Preface: Our master bathroom has the toilet separated from the rest of the bathroom by a door. So, it is it's own little toilet room.

Quincey ran in yesterday as I was getting ready for church. The door to the toilet room was closed. She was dancing faster than anything I have ever seen - stamping her feet so hard and furiously that she could not manage to get the door open. I opened it for her. She gasped, "TANKS" (not a spelling error) and runs in the bathroom.

She pulled down her pants. Then, pulled them back up and turned on the light.

Then, she pulled down her pants again. Oops.

Pulled them back up and shut the door.

Then, I assume she pulled them off again and got on the toilet, because I could hear her going to the bathroom.

I heard silence for a second.

Then, she sighed - very emphatically! Silence again.

Then, I heard her say, "Phew! Dat was Tlose!"

As she finished up, she was so impressed with how close it had been, she said "Dat was tlose" a few more times.

All the while not knowing I could hear her.

It made me giggle several times. :)

4th of July 2009

2009-07-29T22:51:00.019-06:00

We have some great friends who have invited us to go camping with them every year, since we moved here. It has become a fun tradition. (Can I call it that when we missed last year?) :)

They have a lot of fun activities to keep the kiddos busy. And with all the families - a lot of kiddos to keep busy! The rope swing is probably the biggest hit, followed closely by the trampoline and plentiful big sticks!

All the kids had a lot of fun. Quincey had a blast hanging out with this crew!

Thanks to the T-family (you like my blog world name for you all?) We had a blast and look forward to next year!! :) Here's a video of Quincey and Luke playing Uno, while breakfast was being cooked!

A little early for heart attacks like this!

2009-07-17T11:13:00.004-06:00

Yesterday we were at Grandma's house and I was talking to Grandma but left the car running. Emma (bless her heart - grr) got in the front seat (when will I learn to keep one eye on her at ALL times?) and proceeded to rev the engine by stomping down on the gas pedal all the way!

Freaked me out with my car whining with all those RPM's! So, I explained to her how dangerous that was and why I tell her not to get in the front seat with all the buttons. Of course she was "So, so, so sorry!" - with her professional grade tears. (If I actually thought an actresses life wasn't destined for misery, I might actually push her that direction! She is like the most fabulous little actress!)

Then Emma says, "Tyler's drived a car." (tattle tale voice)

Me: Oh, yeah? Whose car? (skeptically)

Tyler: Seth's mom's.

Me: When? (still skeptically)

Tyler: At nighttime at Seth's house.

Me: Who was with you and where were you driving?(a little less skeptically)

Tyler: Just me and Seth down his road.

Me: Where was his mom and dad (trying to hide the panic!)? All these answers came so matter of factly without any hesitation. He was REALLY starting to freak me out! Forget the freaking out from Emma's little stunt!

Tyler: HAHAHAHA! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU FELL FOR THAT! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!

PUNK!!!

Family Night

2009-05-18T22:30:00.009-06:00

It is such a special but fleeting time in our lives. Our kids are no longer babies, but are still at home most of the time. We don't have a lot of extra curricular activities going on in our lives at this time. Tyler is in first grade (almost second! ACK! When did that happen?) and did just start baseball, but I haven't felt the impact from that yet since tomorrow is only his second practice. So for the most part, we get to be just us. I love it.

I realized today, we are at the beginning of the kids' lives getting busier and I have taken this special, exclusive time of "just us" for granted. *sad*

Tonight, Luke made our together time fun. He does that a lot. He pulled out his "DARK TOWER" game that he has had since he was 9 or 10! We're talking like 27 years old!! ANCIENT!! Sorry honey.

The batteries had been left in it and leaked. It put up quite a fight, but we got it working. Usually bedtime is bedtime, but the game wasn't over yet. An hour and a half later (10:00pm-the game was even longer than that), it finally ended. Luckily the kids had napped, but still!! Hopefully we won't pay for our fun tomorrow - ie temper tantrums, etc - oh, and I hope the kids act okay too! :)

Emma's the winner!!

Thanks for a fun evening, Daddy!
*yawn* "goodnight"

Emma in Great Grandpa Lloyd's hat

2009-05-16T21:22:00.009-06:00

Dear Grandma Mathews,

Today I was helping my daddy clean out the garage. It was so fun when you just showed up at our house. I love surprises like that. I love you. Do you remember how I like to talk about my Great-grandmas and grandpas? Well, guess what! My daddy gave me Great-grandpa Lloyd Olsen's hat today! I love it! It is my new favorite thing! I think I look pretty great in it, too!
My mom thinks I look like Kloey here.

I am such a goofball!

My mom said maybe we can put a ribbon and a flower on it to make it more girly, like me!

I love you!
Emma

Quincey's ABC's

2009-05-16T21:10:00.002-06:00

Happy (Grand)mother's Day!!

2009-05-16T20:31:00.005-06:00

Hey Mom! Better late than never. Besides this way you get your own day all to yourself

Not to be outdone... Here is Quincey with her

own version of Happy Grandma's Day! Complete

with blowing out of candles at the end!!

How many other moms are...

2009-05-13T22:29:00.005-06:00

cleaning toothpaste off of Every vertical surface in the kids' bathroom at 10:30 pm!?! How come kids are so detail oriented when it is something that is their idea?!!

One of those days...

2009-04-19T13:36:00.002-06:00

You know those moms you see in the store with all their kids and they just look hammered and their kids are crazy and running amok? The ones you watch out of the side of your eye and think "Geez, lady get off the phone and control your monsters?" or "Oh, that poor woman." because you actually know that you can't control kids-you can only hope they look like they are well-behaved for a few minutes while you are in public?

The other day that was me. We had run a ton of errands. We had run to Luke's dad's house, the bank, Luke's office, the grocery store, etc. As a treat for the kids I told them we would stop at the Dollar Store for some pretzels and drinks. I got the kids out of the car (we also had one extra - Hunter is a little boy with Down Syndrome. I babysit him a few times a week). I put Hunter in the cart. Quincey on the front of the cart standing and Emma walking (supposedly WITH me - but not doing such a great job of it).

On our way back to the snack section, we happened across a few things I thought we "needed" so I put them in the cart. Emma also found something she "needed" - a "beautiful" ceramic cat. However, this was the same ceramic cat she had wanted a week earlier, but didn't get because she had been pouting. So, this time she didn't waste her time pouting about my saying no. She full on started to have a screaming/crying fit. I just walked off with out her figuring she would stop. About that time my SIL called to tell me some exciting news.

So, just to recap...I'm in line to check out. Emma is screaming/crying "BUT I WANT IIIIIIIITTTT!" at the top of her lungs (which are EXTRA loud - you can relate if you've heard her even talk). Hunter is sitting in the cart yelling "AHHH! AHHH! (He can't speak yet. So, he loudly tries to get your attention.) Right at that moment Quincey takes the opportunity to say equally as loudly as the other two, so as to be heard, "MOMMY!!! I POOOO---OOOOP!!"

I tried to politely get off the phone as quickly as I could while still trying to acknowledge that indeed it was exciting news my SIL had, but that I really couldn't talk at the moment. Then, I took Hunter out of the cart (still yelling AHHHH!), told my darlings (Emma still crying uncontrollably) to come along and I left my basket of stuff at the checkout counter and left-with a face that matched my hot pink shirt!

Fun times! Fun times! So embarrassing. However, on a bright note. I actually had a diaper and wipes with me!

Those darn "granilla" bars!

2009-04-15T16:34:00.002-06:00

Tyler has had the flu for the last 2 days, but the thing that made me laugh was this...

Tyler: Mom, I don't feel so good.

Me: Why, what's wrong.

Tyler: My stomach is hurting. I think that "granilla" bar made it grumpy.

Our Little Nurse maid

2009-04-08T20:26:00.003-06:00

Emma. What can I say? Emma is a trip! You never know what to expect from her.

A torrent of crying? A gut squishing hug and shower of kisses? A barrage of criticism/disdain?

You ask her to clean something and she is suddenly helpless. You ask her to eat dinner and her arms that were flailing and dancing moments before are suddenly lifeless. Ask her to help you do something that sounds less than fun and she comes back at you with a "I'll help you if you do..."

Anyhow, this child that completely keeps me on my toes has a soft spot for her Dearest Daddy.

I had a cold from last Thursday to Monday. Luke caught this cold on Monday when I started feeling better. He came home from work feeling awful. Emma was so sweet with her sick daddy. Although I might add that she had not a shred of sympathy for me, days earlier.

Daddy came home and wanted to lay down. Emma asked if she could rub his back for him. He said yes, but he was going to bed. Little Emma followed him up to our room and rubbed his back for a while. Then, she sang to him and read him a book.

She came downstairs a good half hour later and told the rest of us, "Shhhh. Daddy is sleeping, 'cause I read him a story and rubbed his back." Such sweetness coming from such a little firecracker. I sure love her. Her daddy appreciated it very much. He thanked her several times and commented to me how she took care of him so well.

THE BIG DATE!!!!

2009-03-23T21:24:00.008-06:00

So, in my last post I mentioned going on a big date. Luke's and my anniversary was on Friday. So, he took me out on a date. I was excited. We haven't been out just us, for quite a while. We went to Salt Lake to 'The Roof' (one of the restaurants in the Joseph Smith Building, overlooking Temple Square). That is were he took me the night he proposed. He was going to propose at the restaurant, but he left the ring in his coat pocket. So, then we walked around temple square (me completely oblivious! He had taken soooo long to propose that I just figured it wasn't ever going to happen! I mean we had been dating 11 months and in UDT (Utah Dating Time) that is seriously like 24 years!

Anyhow, we walked around to a remote area of Temple Square and sat on the curb below the Relief Society Liberty Bell? I think that is what it was called. I thought he was really interested in this bell, because he was just standing there. So, I started reading the dedication on it (it's kind of long and hard to read at night). Really he was just waiting until a large group of people had walked further away. Meanwhile, I was still reading the plaque. So, he finally interrupted me and I turned around. He got on one knee and told me that I really made him want to be a better man and that he wanted to become this better man with me. He then gave me my ring and it fit perfectly of course! What a perfect night!

Things that made me fall in love with Luke...

1). We could ride in the car and not talk and the silence wasn't a bad thing.

2). When you ask Luke a question, he may not answer you for 5 minutes or even acknowledge you spoke! But that just means he is really thinking about the best answer.

3). His icy, but sensitive, blue eyes.

4). His sexy, bald head. (I know my spirit knew Luke would be bald by the time I met him again here on earth because I have always been attracted to bald men with dimples!)

5). His amazing singing voice! We went to a Boyz II Men concert when we were dating and he sang all the songs to ME! I felt so special! (Later I found out he wasn't singing to me! He was just singing. Hmph.)

6). He gets any project he starts completed (and in a timely manner, too!) That is something I really admire, since I have an infinite number of incomplete projects and ideas of projects I "want" to do.

7). When he says he will do something, he does it.

8). He is honest.

9). He treats me like a queen. Something I don't deserve since I am seriously just a princess with issues!!

10). He is such a great dad!

11). He is thrifty.

12). He is a tease.

13). He plays sports with me and with the kids.

14). He is athletic.

15). He strives hard to be worthy of the Prieshood he holds.

16). He helps around the house! Every Saturday, he rounds up the kids and we ALL clean for a couple of hours. He is not afraid to chip in during the week either. He will vacuum, do dishes, clean bathrooms, whatever to help me out.

17). He is in CONSTANT pain with his back and I seriously forget that all the time because he NEVER complains and continues to do whatever needs to be done (even if he will pay for it later).

For our big date, we went the roof and to Temple Square, just like we did 10 years, 3 months ago. He was my bestfriend then and he is still my bestfriend now. A couple of things are different now. We are better friends and not so quiet around each other. Okay, I am not as quiet as (I pretended) I was when we were dating). We now have 3 munchkins, we are a bit older and wiser (I hope).

Every once in a while, what ifs can creap into your head and make you wonder what is going on in the alternate universe of your life and I am soooooooooooo thankful that mine has turned out the way it has. I can't think of anything I would change in my life at this time. We have those everyday struggles, but nothing big. I often wonder when my trials are going to start -- NOT THAT I AM ASKING FOR THEM! But, I often ponder that these little everyday things are my trials because obviously I haven't mastered them yet! Hopefully when I grow up, I will be able to react with love in all situations! Luckily, I have the bestest hubby in the whole world and it doesn't take a whole lot of patience to be married to him.

I love you, Luke-y!! Thanks for 10 awesome years and here's to 50 more! - even though I know you say you won't live that long! :)

My Mom's Not Really My Mom...

2009-03-20T16:17:00.003-06:00

As I am up in my bathroom doing my hair/makeup for my BIG DATE tonight, I have my windows open. My children have friends over to keep the busy and out of the aforementioned hair. So, I hear Tyler and his friend out on the playset talking. I didn't really pay attention to what they were talking about until I hear Tyler say, "My Mom's not REALLY my mom." Jason said something inaudible before I got closer to the window. Then, Tyler says, "Well, she's not my mom. She's my babysitter." Uh! INGRATE!

I call out from my second story window, "Whatever! You turkey-buzzard, Tyler!" Which shocks him. He is not used to the windows being open. Although he should be used to an eaves-dropping mother. Anyhow, he lets out a yelp, followed by a fake, mocking laugh at me.

Turkey-buzzard ingrate 7-year old!

And God said "HA! You need to be humbled!"

2009-03-12T10:23:00.002-06:00

So, 15 minutes (literally) after my last post, I went downstairs and blended my breakfast drink. As I tried to pour it in my cup, it JUMPED out of the blender and all over the floor!

HMMM.... I wonder where my accident prone kids get it??!! Question of the week. Let me know if you figure it out.

In NON-procrastinator Style...

2009-03-12T09:37:00.003-06:00

I actually COMPLETED a project!!!!
I started and finished recovering these in 2 1/2 hours!

We have had them for about 7 months and they
were stained beyond stained! So, they have been off-white
and stain colors: including, but not limited to rootbeer,
crayon, milk, juice, RED crystal light, PURPLE crystal
light (why a mother would let her kids drink things those
colors is beyond me! She must not be very bright. *sigh*),
mud, etc.

Actually, the 2nd day we had them Emma ripped the
plastic (on purpose) temporarily left on the cushions and spilled
rootbeer precisely into the tear (on accident). Both types of
actions REGULAR occurances. UGH!!

One friend made the comment to her husband, "Yeah, if you
heard some of the stories about Emma, you would feel much
better about the accidents that happen at our house."

And this time they have THICK plastic covering them! I
guess we'll see how long they withstand Emma! But, I like
them for now!

Hmm. I will look on the bright side. Emma gives me the chance
to change things up at our house.

I am supposed to be caulking the basement...

2009-03-04T14:28:00.007-07:00

So, in true procrastinator style...

I am trying to live in the moment...

And I wouldn't be happier doing anything else!

Now if only the mess would clean itself up!

Luke's Birthday!!

2009-02-18T22:55:00.011-07:00

My awesome hubby turned Sexy-two again!! Aren't I lucky?!

The festivities began early as Luke fixed his own breakfast! He had waited patiently for quite a while as I helped the kids get ready for school, but being the fabulous wife I am I decided to let him make sure his food was exactly the way he likes it! Ahh! So sweet!

Next, to continue in the fun, we worked down in the basement doing finishing trim for the doors. Again, what an awesome wife to plan such F-U-N!!

Then, after having so much F-U-N for SOOOOO long dinner was hurriedly but lovingly "thrown" together. I ask you, what has he done to deserve such a party planner for a wife?

After dinner the plan was to go play miniature golf. Seriously? You want to drive all the way to Orem at 7:30pm to play putt putt on a school night? Well, we were supposed to be eating at 5:30 not starting to fix dinner at 6p. Umm...

Anyone up for a Redbox? While Tyler and Luke ran to the nearest Redbox, Emma and I arranged for a treasure hunt for the pirate's loot! (an alarm clock, a shirt, an SD card and a cribbage game! Wow! Did he make out like a bandit, or what?)

As Luke tried to follow the trail of candy kisses (that kept disappearing right before he got to them, and the kids stuffed their pockets) and silly poems from the kids, I followed behind laughing as the kids were each trying to get him to find "their" treasure first.

After the treasure hunt it was time for "cake" or pie in the case of this lucky fellow. After all the kids added their spittle to the crumble topping (Luke had us light the candles for each one) we dug in and had my feeble attempt at a cherry pie.

To finish off the night, Tyler made up his own treasure hunt complete with notes such as "Dad you think you are great. Well you are." "Dad you are the best dad ever", etc. These were the

"clues" that were supposed to lead to the next "clue."

When he found the last clue beside our bed, he tackled all the kids on it and I tried to catch the fun on film...

Then, I got tackled into the fun! However, I would prefer it wasn't my big fat face smack in the middle of the picture, but alas, I had the camera and despite my attempts to wriggle free and to the back of the pack, I was stuck.

Happy birthday honey! Wow! What a group!

Babysitting Cousin Claire-ita!!

2009-02-18T22:52:00.003-07:00

Emma and Quincey were big helps when it came to babysitting our littlest cousin, Claire. Whom we have dubbed Clarita! However, when Quincey says it, it sounds more like Cheetah!

(See I told you her hair always looks like that!)

Blue Eyes and Green tongues!

2009-02-18T22:46:00.006-07:00

I know you thought I was describing monsters...

and you were right!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

(you gotta love those color changing/staining ringpops!)

Ravings of a Food Critic!!

2009-02-18T22:38:00.005-07:00

This little munchkin has fast become my favorite dinner guest! Every meal is met with "Mmmm! Mommy this is nummy!"

Me fishing for more compliments, "Oh, is it good?"

Quincey will invariably reply, "Mmhmm! Nummy!"

I love a food critic that knows her stuff!

I am not really sure why I ever actually do her hair. It looks like this most of the time, since she usually pulls out her barretts, ponies, etc.

Failures of a Disney Fanatic!!

2009-02-13T10:00:00.006-07:00

In a moment of insanity yesterday, I decided to sort through my boxes of scrapbook stuff and get organized so I can get back to doing some scrapping! Poor Quincey doesn't have anything for her scrapbook and she's 2 yrs old!

Anyhow, I decided to turn on a movie for the girls to keep their busy hands and sticky fingers out of my stickers. Wanting to avoid the further cleanup of stickers stuck on everything fromt the carpet to the sofa to the wooden chairs (stickers adhere particularly well to wood), etc. Emma asked to watch the little mermaid. It took a while for me to find it, with Emma cheering me on, "but mom! You found it last time!" So, I dug a little further and finally "Voila! Found it!"

Emma: That's not the Little Mermaid (frowning at the cover).
Me: Yes, it is.
Emma: No, it's not! That's the BIG mermaid!

She wanted to watch the Little Mermaid II. To her Ariel is the mom and Melody is the true Little Mermaid. On a sidenote this is somewhat how I view my life (I am not the BIG mermaid! I am still the young, little, fun mermaid!)

WHHAAAAAHHHH! I guess I must give up my title as Disney Movie Buff. I hereby renounce my crown and throne until further date as I can prove myself worthy and my children more knowledgable of things MOST IMPORTANT.

Tyler and Hannah Montana

2009-02-10T20:28:00.002-07:00

At the beginning of the school year, Tyler did not have a lunchbox. I could not find one that was worth the $$, in my opinion. So, Tyler and I colored a bunch of brown paper lunch sacks with some of his favorite characters, holidays, etc. We had a good stack of them. Emma got a little jealous. So, we made a few for her, as well.

Eventually, I found a lunchbox for a good deal and Tyler stopped taking sack lunches. The other day (and once before) someone made off with his lunchbox and he has started taking sack lunches again. Recently, we ran out of the decorated ones. So, I started sending plain brown ones.

A few days into the stack of plain sacks, I was making Tyler's lunch. He walked into the kitchen and says, "Mooom! Some kids made fun of me yesterday for my Hannah Montana lunchbag."

Ooops. The Hannah Montana bag had been one of Emma's sacks and was only decorated on one side. I guess I failed to notice the girly decoration. I thought it was just one of the many plain ones left.

I hope in having me for a mother he is at least learning to laugh about these types of situations as I can only suppose this will not be my one mistake or shortcoming as a mother!

Musings from the "Think Place"

2009-01-28T16:39:00.002-07:00

NO NOT THE TOILET!

The shower. :)

So today, I had the girls in the bathtub and since I had gone to spinning class today, I hopped in the shower. As I put too much shampoo in my hand, I started thinking about the $$ we were supposed to save on soap by purchasing a water softener (which I love). We should use less soap because the water is soft and it doesn't take as much to do the job. Well, I still haven't learned how to use less soap. So as I am oversudsing (Microsoft says that isn't a word, but whatever) my hair, I thought about it for a minute, feeling a little bad at my wastefulness. Then, in an instant I rationalized myself better! Thought process something like this...

I shouldn't use this much shampoo. My hair isn't even that long. My hair doesn't need to be this foamy to get clean. If I had shorter hair would I use less soap? I wonder how much Luke uses?

WAIT A SECOND!! LUKE DOESN'T HAVE HAIR! HE DOESN'T USE SHAMPOO!

So I've decided, it's okay that I use twice as much shampoo. I am just using Luke's ration of shampoo. :) Meanwhile, I will try to remember to use a little less (but still not gonna do the guilt!) heehee

A Name is a name is a name

2009-01-26T10:28:00.002-07:00

Deb, you'll like this one.

The girls and I were folding laundry and came across a pair of baby socks.
Quincey: Dees Tincey's?
Emma (laughing): No, these are for a baby!
Me: We can give them to baby Clarita.
Emma: Mooom! Her name is not that. She is Debbie's baby.
Me: Well, what is her name then?
Emma: Claire.
Me: No, it is Clarita.
Emma: No Mom! It is Claire!
Me: Emma, her name is Clairita.
Emma: No it isn't.
Me: Okay, but I call her Clarita.
Emma: But Mom, that isn't her name.

Stubborn kid, but I guess when you're right, you're right! But, I am sure I will be corrected again! Every baby has to have a nickname! :)

Now I remember why I hate running errands!

2009-01-13T21:38:00.002-07:00

Saturday

After running more than a few errands, in not enough time, we came to Shopko. After some returns (and some not - DON'T LOSE YOUR RECEIPTS PEOPLE (prices drop quickly)), we looked at a few things quickly and got ready to leave - we needed to get back home to get Emma to a birthday party.

Luke had Emma and Tyler and turned around and said let's go. I turned to glimpse Quincey running past a rack of clothes. I said, "Come on Quincey." She turned the other way and ran around the clothes rack. I went and caught her and told her we needed to leave. I did not hang on to her - expecting her to follow me? (temporary loss of brain function).

I turned a split second and turned back to encourage her to continue to follow me. She was already long gone and I couldn't find her. So, I ran to the Customer Service desk and told them I was missing my child. To all who were staying up nights wondering, the situation is called a "CODE GREEN" at our local Shopko.

A manager (off duty) at the time, went and locked down the entire store until we could find her.

As I could no longer stand waiting there at the front of the store and I went looking also. After about 10-12 minutes, I heard "Cancel Code Green."

I charged to the front of the store and saw Quincey coming around an endcap with her arm stretched as high as she could reach, holding the hand of one of the tallest men I have ever seen! She marched with a swagger and her chin jutted out letting me know she had come on her terms only and I had lost! This was not her surrender, but her victory lap! What a STINKER!

Well, she did give me a hug - from which I instantly melted!

Growing Fences - for lovers of baby aminals

2009-01-13T21:22:00.002-07:00

Today Emma wanted to have a friend come over to play.

Mom, I want the girl with the curly hair and the angel kisses all over her face.

Maggie?

Yeah, Maggie. Mom, what does Maggie's dad do?

He works in the forest. (He works for the National Forest Service).

How come my dad doesn't work in the forest?

Because your dad works in an office.

Mom, I want my dad to work in the woods, too.

Why do you want your dad to work in the woods?

Because then, he could bring me lots of baby aminals to put in our backyard.

Later...telling Luke the story in Emma's presence.

Luke replies, "Emma I couldn't bring you any animals. We don't have a fence."

Well dad, we can get a fence. I will grow one!

Emma, if you grow us a fence, I will get you some baby aminals.

Okay!

My problem is this kid is so inginuitive and stubborn, she may just do it and Luke'll have to keep his promise. Then who gets stuck taking care of all the baby aminals? (Luckily, he did say aminals, as did she). And technically, aminals don't exist, right?!

Tyler's secret crush.

2009-01-01T18:27:00.003-07:00

Yesterday, Debbie (Luke's sister) was in town.
She asked Tyler, "What is your favorite part of school?"
Tyler: My teacher. She dresses nice and she has a nice face.

So today, I asked him. "So Tyler, you like your teacher, huh?"
Tyler: Yes.
Me: What do you like about her?
Tyler: Her eyes. Oh, and she smells nice, too. But mostly, her eyes.

Well at least he focuses on mentionable features! lol

Church for Bare Nakeds!!

2008-12-21T14:08:00.002-07:00

This was my good news minute in Relief Society today!

Quincey did not pee on me or the pew or floor of the church!

Let me preface by saying, Luke usually helps me get the kids ready for church. We get up at the same time and he takes the kids downstairs for breakfast and I try and get myself ready as quickly as possible. He brings them up. We bathe them and I get them the rest of the way ready while, he gets himself ready. Then, he takes them across the street to church and I finish getting ready and come by myself.

Well, today I got hung out to dry. Luke had to be at the church 45 mins early. So, he didn't get to help me at all! I thought I did REALLY well by getting them ready by the time he got home at 10 mins til and I even followed very closely behind and got there with 1 min to spare! Phew! Made it, but it was close!

So about 25 mins into the meeting, Quincey was being disruptive. I looked over to quiet her and she was pulling the hem of her dress up high (not undressing, but just not being ladylike). Then, I do a double take because she is BARE NAKED UNDERNEATH!!! Luckily she was sitting down. So, I don't think anybody saw. Keep in mind, she is not potty-trained! When, I got her dressed I could swear I put a diaper on her. I know I didn't put bloomers on over the diaper, but I am positive I put a diaper on her! I think! :) She can taker her own diaper off and throw it away. So, I am not sure what happened, but either way--BARE NAKED AT CHURCH!!

By the way, this was in the middle of the passing of the Sacrament! So, I couldn't just jump up and take her out. Oh, and I didn't have a diaper in my bag or I would have just put it on her right there. She kept pulling her dress all over and not keeping her bare nakedness covered. I kept trying to help her keep her dress down and she just kept yelling at me, not so much in words, but as a 2 yr old would do. Finally, she was squawking at me enough that I decided I had to take her out in the middle of the passing of the water. We ran home (literally across the street) and put a diaper on her. The bright side of this incident is that I found out she was bare naked by sight and not because of a warm, wet lap!! I don't even know what I would have done if that had happened!!

So Dana in honor of your blog I am calling this O' Fun For Bare Nakeds! Glad it's over!

Good Bye Old Friends!!!! {sniff}

2008-12-19T22:16:00.003-07:00

Oh, the tragedy of it all! The last 2 day, I made the kids (let me) clean out the toyroom to make room for the new toys they will get for Christmas. I have had a bit of a de-junking bug lately. Not that I get around to doing anything about it, but I have it nonetheless.

Tonight, I decided to clean up my closet and drawers (to make room for my presents! hehe! I have no idea what I am getting! But the thought of having something to replace the stuff I got rid of more exciting!) So, I am saying goodbye to many of my very best t-shirt friends. I love my old ratty t-shirts and worn out shorts. I HATE shopping for clothes and just get so comfortable with what I have. Unfortunately these items seem to get more and more comfortable until one day I finally realize they have a gazillion holes, etc. But do I get rid of them? No.

So, I went through and picked out some clothes I know I need to stop wearing and told Luke I was getting rid of them. He was grateful, if not happy. He would like to see me dress up more. But I will tell you a quick story that denotes at least one reason why I don't like to wear my nicer clothes on a regular basis.

I finally went out ( a week and a half ago) and used the giftcard Luke gave me for Christmas, last year! The next day I was wearing one of the shirts and I got BLEACH on the "chest" of the shirt! Yeah, no way I can wear that one again!

That is a typical thing I do. I ruin clothes and I have passed the trait on to my kids! It seems as though we are walking disasters! Give us a new article of clothing and I swear, it won't last the week! So, then my kids end up wearing their nice clothes only once in a while, too.

I guess I shouldn't worry about it and just let them/me wear/ruin them! Maybe I will be able to be less hard on clothes when I grow up!

Emma's B-day Oct 2008

2008-12-16T23:33:00.013-07:00

I just realized I never published this post of Emma's 4th birthday! Grandma and Grandpa Mathews came over and cousin Chelsea. We sure love our Emma and I am so proud of her. She is growing up so fast. Her case of the terrible 2's seems to be abating and I can't wait until she is completely cured (as we had an episode only last night).

Emma and her new piggy, Repunzal.

Emma blowing out the candles on her Princess Castle cake. I know it's sad, but is it wrong for me to be impressed with my own remedial cake decorating skills? Also, here is my sad/remedial attempt at a poem about my favorite trial. lol Happy Birthday Emma! As much grief (as in good grief, Charlie Brown) you give me, I am so glad you chose to come to our family to teach me.

Emma

All about girly things, I know nothing about.

You know all the best ways to cry and to pout.

Pink and lacy, silky or ruffled.

Your projecting voice you rarely muffle.

You've got such spirit, I'm sure we're in trouble.

My parental wish: a protective bubble.

Spirit and fire and a slight stubborn streak.

These attributes? from mom, I wish I could tweak.

Humility and patience I hope you acquire.

Without too much work from the refiner's fire.

Knowing what you want is mostly good.

Make sure you treat others the way that you should.

A leader you'll become as you learn and grow.

If how to put others first, I can help you to know.

I pray you find friends, who love you for you.

Who try hard to be friendly, loving and true.

Continue to show great passion and love.

Heavenly Father will guide YOU with love from above.

I love you.

Family Vacation to Cali Fall 2008

2008-12-16T23:31:00.018-07:00

I could narrate all these pics for ya, but
instead I will just let you browse 'em, if
you so choose! We sure had a blast!

We hit most of my favorite spots!
Disneyland, SeaWorld, beaches,
Universal Studios, CA Adventure,
San Diego Wildlife Park, beaches,
oh, did I mention beaches?

In the next life I call dibs on being
the beach bum.

Christmas Lights!

2008-12-16T22:33:00.006-07:00

No, we did not hang our lights this late in the season. I have just procrastinated getting pictures up for everyone. However, in this procrastinators defense, I did previously take pictures, they were just hecka blurry! That was before the 75 mile and hour winds did some updates to our decorations!

The first modification the wind made was blowing the reindeer clear off the roof! I kept hearing a banging noise. Finally, I went to check it out and the reindeer were literally trying to fly Santa's sleigh right off the roof. The only thing keeping them attached to the roof was the electrical cord!

I must have looked quite foolish jumping around in the snow trying to catch these deer as they whipped around like an injured kite. Seriously, it took like 5 minutes to caught those darn things!

We actually got them back up where they belong a few days later, but some damage has been irreversible. Santa and one deer are only half lit. (insert tasteless joke here). I decided it is not on my high priority list this year to replace those 2 strands of light until I take them down for good. You like how I avoided using procrastination verbage there? I'm not procrastinating!! It's just not a high priority!

We also had some ornaments (same style as Santa and the deer) hanging below the big, middle window, but the wind mangled them beyond recognition. That's okay. I think they may not have quite fit in. Thanks for the remodel, Wind!

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

2008-12-16T21:45:00.010-07:00

Well, being a native New Mexican (wayyyy down south), I am not to down with this snow stuff. Especially since it is -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Yeah, totally yuck. Okay, enough whining.

Snow is not soo bad. You only have to take your shoes off immediately when you walk in the house or you end up with black water everywhere you've walked. But, first you have to take the 3 smaller pair off of their owners, or it doesn't matter if you've taken yours off in the designated area! That black water sludge is not any cuter when it is made by smaller, cuter feet! So by the time I get my shoes off, I usually end up with black wet socks. Ugh!

So, I have reverted back to shoes appropriate for the warmer climate I prefer - flip flops! That way I don't have black, soggy socks--just bright red feet! :) I'll spare you the pic (I have such lovely, girly feet).

Oh, right! I was going to stop whining about the cold!

So, I did get to take some pics of the snowy mountains and stuff. It is pretty. And it was even fun when we went caroling in the snow last night.

If you look carefully in the second picture you can see tracks in the snow. Whole different story! I was paying bills on the computer. Emma and Quincey were "watching a movie." or so I thought. It got awfully quiet downstairs. So, I finished up what I was doing (dummy! Listen to your inner alarm, bell, chimes, buzzer, WHATEVER! Just listen!)

Hmm. Like I've said before, I listen to myself about as well as my kids do.

Anyhow, I get downstairs and the sliding glass door is open wide. The diningroom chairs pulled over to the mudroom and the basket of gloves, hats, etc is balancing precariously almost off the shelf and it's contents are strewn across the floor in a trail to the aforementioned wide open door.

I look outside and Emma and Quincey are out on the swingset - happy as can be. Emma wearing her pj's, snowboots and a beanie and Quincey in her pj's and a pair of Maryjane shoes that are too big, even for Emma. Not to worry though, the snow had packed in around her bare little feet quite nicely. Not quite sure why the basket of gloves and hats, etc had to be strewn everywhere!! Let's not forget that Quincey had a nice cough BEFORE this incident!

Don't you love these moments? The ones where you didn't listen to that still small voice? I am grateful when the outcome is not catastrophic though and just serves as a reminder to be on your toes.

Our big BAAA-d Emma!

2008-12-15T21:38:00.010-07:00

We had our ward Christmas party Saturday night. It was really a fun party! We had a luau with pigs cooked in the pits and everything and it seems like almost everyone in the ward was there. Anyhow, we had a nativity. Tyler was one of the shepherds and Emma was the sheep. When they asked her to be the sheep, she was very excited. Later she changed her mind and said she would rather be a cow. Um, don't know what to say to that. In 8th grade a guy called me a cow and he came to school the next day with a black eye. But if the girl wants to be a cow, who am I to squash her dreams. :) However, I did talk her into being just a lowly sheep for the nativity.

So, there she was crawling on the ground with a sheep hide on her back (that kept sliding off).
As the nativity participants were coming in a little girl in the audience ran up to the front freaking out (with glee) "LOOK MOM! A SHEEP!" As she commenced stroking Emma's wooly coat!

I think that little girl had a more vivid imagination than I do. I mean come on! Look at that poor little sheep with a huge flower on it's forehead! I'm so proud! :) Tyler is the shepherd in brown. Luke was actually the narator, too.

Luckily, Rudolph made a wrong turn. So, Santa came to our Luau. He even wore his Hawaiin shirt! Santa got extremely lucky - he got a kiss from...

No, not Mommy!

QUINCEY!!

On Donder and Biscuit?

2008-11-29T08:21:00.005-07:00

My children are beyond excited for Christmas. The house is overflowing with decorations waiting to be put in their places for the season. Tyler has located every book with a Christmas theme and has them in stacks to help feed his insatiable reading.

This morning he was reading the night before Christmas to us, as I made breakfast.

Tyler: Now Dasher, now...

Emma: Biscuit.

Tyler: Dancer, now Prancer...

Emma: Biscuit!! (a little more urgent).

Tyler: On Comet, on Cupid...

Emma: Tyler, you're missing Biscuit!

Tyler: No, I'm not. On Donder and...

Emma: BISCUIT!

Tyler: Emma, there is not a reindeer named Biscuit.

Emma: Yes, there is! My teacher telled me!

Tyler: It's Blitzen. You can call your reindeer Biscuit, but there is not one that pulls Santa's sleigh named Biscuit.

Emma: (no comment, for once).

As stubborn as she is we probably have a new deer pulling Santa's sleigh this year.

Recipe Gals

2008-11-19T19:15:00.005-07:00

Luke asked Emma "Why are you cleaning the toyroom again? Did you have friends over today?" Her reply, "We had lots of friends over! We had Recipe Gals today."

For those of you who attend our group. I just want to let you know how much I enjoy having you all as friends and getting to get together to share meal ideas, etc.

For those of you wondering what "Recipe Gals" is, we have a Recipe Group. We get together once a month and plan the next months dinners on individual calendars. We bring recipes printed out to share and we have 3 people assigned to bring their recipe prepared. So, we have a main dish, a side and a treat/dessert. However, MOSTLY we gab! Yay! I love catching up with all of you. Now that the ward boudaries have changed I just don't get to see you all enough.

Thanks for being my friends. I learn alot from you all and am inspired by you all even more!

Procrastinator's Explanation

2008-11-14T13:04:00.002-07:00

I know this blog is about my struggles with procastination. I also realize my last few posts have been stories about my kids. Correlation is that I am constantly telling myself, "Oh, that is a funny moment. I should write that down." But I NEVER do! I tell myself, "How could I ever forget that?!!" But sadly, I do. There are so many "moments" I have lost because I didn't give myself the reminders by writing them down. Darn procrastination!

So, here is one I do remember from when Tyler was 3 and Emma was 8 or 9 months old. We lived in Lindon (a two story home). I was laying tile in the upstairs laundryroom. Emma had been napping and Tyler had been "helping." I had the baby monitor on and Emma started crying. I only had about 5 minutes of cleanup to do. So, I asked Tyler to go downstairs to talk to Emma and keep her happy for a few minutes until I was done. He left and a few moments later I heard him walk into Emma. He asked her, "Emma, have you seen my Book of Mormon? It is the one where Nephi and his brothers go get the Brass Plates from mean Laban."

Oh, it still makes my heart melt. Cute kid.

Revelation in Lyrics?

2008-11-14T10:19:00.002-07:00

I know my last post was about Quincey singing, but this time it was Emma.

This morning while she was supposed to be eating, Emma was singing. The only phrase I caught was "There is a lady in the dungeon and she' screaminggggggggggg!" As I contemplated her lyrics for a few moments, I thought, "hmm. I wonder if she is talking about me?" I was a little short of patience yesterday.

Quincey, Quincey - You make me smile (and giggle)

2008-11-12T15:34:00.005-07:00

Today I had Christmas music blaring - I know Halloween is barely past, but most of you whether you approve or not, are not surprised by this. Anyhow, the funny thing about this little story is Quincey. She LOVES music!! Her husky little voice and not knowing (or at least not annunciating) the words serves for a beautiful seranade - but surprisingly on key! lol She was running tirelessly around in a circle in the family room today for about an hour singing (to the aforementioned Christmas music) and making herself dizzy. Seriously, it was non-stop. I kept looking over at her and just giggling to myself. At one point, Emma asked me what I was laughing at.

And speaking of dizzy...

We were in Las Vegas last week visiting Marlies and Tim. We were at Marlies' house and her roommate has a Bassett Hound (Pansy), that Quincey is not too sure about because Pansy is so big compared to a 2 yr old. So, I was spinning around making Quincey (and myself) dizzy and then having Quincey try to walk to me. I know bad mom, but she thought it was funny too. It got funnier when, Melissa let the dogs in and they tore upstairs right when I set Quincey down after a good spin around the room. Which panicked poor Quincey, who tried to run to me and was falling over in her attempt to get away from the dogs because she was so dizzy.

Thank you Elder Wirthlin!!

2008-10-14T21:13:00.006-06:00

Thank you Elder Wirthlin for you words of wisdom and insight! Without them, this morning would have been dreadful! :)

Today was my day to do the carpool for preschool. After I drop the girls off at preschool, I usually get to play volleyball for 2.5 hours. Yay!! Today, I decided to "listen" to the blinking light on my dashboard "Check Tire Pressure." Which means, due to the cold weather, my tires are low on air. Usually, Luke takes care of those things (thanks Sweetie), but today, I decided to be proactive and do it myself.

I get to the gas station and air up my backleft tire. Then, switch to the front left. As I started to air it up, the air did not sound like it was going in the tire. So, I took the hose "thingy" off my tire and tried again (not roughly, I might add). This time the tip of the valve broke COMPLETELY OFF! Augh! I stood there dumbfounded in my flipflops, t-shirt and shorts with my mouth hanging open, in the 30 degree weather, as my tire went Phhsssssssssstttttttttttttt - completely flat. Uhhh, I didn't need air in my tire that badly! Next time I will wait for Luke to do it!

So, okay, I have changed a tire before, here goes. Of course I had the back of the Tahoe completely full of stuff to be taken to DI. So, on the side of the road I take that out and get out the jack, etc. Then, I look at the back of the truck. I know there is usually a hole in the back bumper that you can stick the crank into and lower the tire out from under the vehicle. So, I find it, but there is a keyhole in it instead! SSSWWWWEEEEEEEEETTTT! This one is electronic! Yes!! So, I stick the key in the lock - perfect fit. Great same key even! I turn the key and .....nothing happens. Oh crap! The electrical is broken! Oh, I pray "Please Heavenly Father, make this work! PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE!" Nope still won't work.

I have a friend that works at the gas station there. So, I went inside. Hi Michelle! Can I use the phone? I try to call Luke at work (not sure what he's going to do from work 25 minutes away, but what the heck!) He didn't answer though.

I know I can change a tire! I just can't get the dumb thing out from under my car! So, i go back out and try the key again. Nope, no luck. Michelle comes out and I said, well it was just the tip of the valve, maybe I can buy a new one and screw it in there and no big deal. So, Michelle loans me her car. I transfer Quincey's babyseat into her car and drive down the road to NAPA. I ask the man there if my little plan is possible. "No, there are welds that have to be broken, etc to do that. You have to take it to a tireshop." Nevermind that it is on my car I can't drive and I can't get my spare down! Darn.

So, as I am walking out, I turn back around and ask, "So, do you have any idea why the electrical for letting my spare tire down from under my car wouldn't be working?" He looked at me a little strangely and says, "what kind of car do you have?" A Tahoe, I reply. He then proceeds to tell me that most vehicles do not have electrical cranks for their spare tire that it is done manually, except for some Cadillacs, etc. I said, okay well mine has a keyhole in it. He kind of chuckled and then said, it is probably a lock to keep people from stealing your spare! You have to turn the key and pull and this will take the lock out of the the shaft and then you crank the tire down manually! Oh now that makes sense! Why didn't I think that people would want to steal my spare and so I have a lock on it? Oh yeah, because I would never steal anyones spare!

So, I go back to my car and start to get tire down (using the wrong extension of the crank, but whatever). Finally, I realize my mistake and get the tire down, just as the calvary arrives (Michelle called her husband)! So, he finishes changing the tire while I talked inside with Michelle (Rick kept telling me to go sit and relax). So, Quincey ate an entire packet of Starbursts and didn't even share 1 with me! Boo. When he finished, I tried to put the jack back where I got it from and then gave up. Rick told me to turn the car around so he could fill the spare with more air.

Then, as I drove away, I noticed my blinking light "CHECK TIRE PRESSURE!" AUGH!! I am where I started, but with a gimpy tire on my truck! However, if I had stopped Rick would have been the one to air up the other two tires I never got the chance to break and he had already done sooo much!

I got home with about 10 minutes left to take a shower and then back to pick up the kids from preschool! Needless to say, I never did get my hair done today. However, due to Elder Wirthlin's talk at Conference on finding humor in trials, I was able to pass my day with a smile! Besides, I got to know Michelle and Rick better! And this could have happened in two weeks on our trip to Disneyland! No, today was a good day for it to happen! :)

However, I do think next time I will leave the car maintenance to Luke! Oh, and when Quincey gets over her sugar rush, I'll put her down for a nap.

The Traveling Mooner!!

2008-10-10T21:34:00.006-06:00

Story behind the "Traveling Mooner"

I had an email sent to me by my SIL.
It was a picture of a (much better)
version of this guy. I sent it to a few
friends. One emailed back and
thought it was VERY hilarious.
She thought we all should duplicate it.
So, was born the idea for the "traveling"
mooner. When he appears on your lawn.
You can move him immediately to
someone else's lawn or you can leave
him for a day or so. The idea is to "moon"
as many houses (people) as possible!
Just make sure when you pass him on,
it is to someone's lawn who can appreciate
the type of humor that comes with this sort
of "Halloween Prank." :)

You've been mooned - pass it on.

Sorry my pics are not very good. I stuck it on
my friends lawn took a snapshot and jetted!

Procrastinated Pictures

2008-10-06T21:56:00.012-06:00

The three munchkins

Our Stud-muff Tyler

Our Princess Emma-Lemma

Our little Quincey-bear

I Can't remember the last time I really
sent pictures out to anyone. I tell you,
I DO know how to procrastinate--
just in case you were having doubts!!

These pics were taken between
Conference sessions on the way
up to Mount Nebo. Very pretty
colors.

I had a bit of a creative streak!

2008-10-06T15:03:00.003-06:00

I know it's not very creative (especially in

comparison to my crafty, motivated, creative

friend people, but it's mine. Speaking of mine,

I grew those cornstalks, even! Yay me!

Every girl needs a sister. But then again, so does every boy.

2008-10-05T20:25:00.006-06:00

Emma and Quincey enjoying a
"we're BFF's" moment!

Even a Procrastinator Can Have Spiritual Moments!

2008-10-05T19:32:00.007-06:00

I didn't include this in yesterday's entry because it was already pretty looong.

When we got into Salt Lake for Conference, traffic was pretty bad. Imagine that. Luke decided that it would be better for Chelsea and me to get in and get our seats and save him one. So, we got out of the car at the stoplight and walked across the street to the Conference Center (in the rain). Luke parked the car and only had to walk in said rain, 5 blocks. What a guy! Course it doesn't wreck his hair. lol

As we were crossing the street with the masses, there was a man yelling that "THERE IS NO LOVE IN THE MORMON RELIGION!" Which at first made me chuckle. Then, it made me sad. I cannot believe people would side with Satan enough that they are past feeling the Spirit that they cannot even decipher "LOVE."

I parted ways with Chelsea and her friend. We were in different sections. I found my seat next to a lady that had a son singing in the Childrens Choir. We talked for a while. Then, the choir started to warm up. They sang "I am a Child of God." Which I will admit made me tear up. I glanced over at the lady next to me. She also had tears in her eyes. I mentioned the man outside. I said, "You cannot listen to this (gesturing at the choir) and tell me there is no love in our religion." She said, "Yeah, I wish we could bring them in here for just 3 seconds and let them hear this. But then, that probably wouldn't even work because they are so far past feeling that they wouldn't get it." Sad.

I hate the thought of having to live without knowing the truths and comforts that knowing I am a Child of God gives me daily. The talks this conference have been phenomenal, informative and motivating. I love that we get to hear the prophet of God, (Thomas Spencer Monson) and the rest of His apostles and leaders of God's church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) bare their testimonies to bouy us up. I am grateful for the Holy Ghost who testifies the truth to us and I am grateful for the opportunity I had to sit by this lady and have that conversation. Where else can you go and have that kind of experience with someone you don't even know? I love the church and it's "unity" that it's teachings are the same no matter where you go in the world.

Caught Procrastinating!!! ACK!!!

2008-10-04T21:07:00.005-06:00

So, today is my birthday! Yay Me! Since it is also Conference Weekend, I got up early this morning to make "Conference Cinnamon Rolls." As I was making these, Luke and the kids came down and gave me my presents! Some very cute Fall decorations. Since I was in the middle of making my mess in the kitchen, I had to keep leaving to do stuff and only got the decorations half up. Luke ended up putting the replaced decorations away himself. :)

Then, he got the kids going on their Saturday morning chores. However, this Saturday is different because we were trying to get the kids ready and out of the house by 10 am, because we had tickets to Conference and they were going to Grandma and Grandpa's house. So I am thinking, "just leave the cleaning for later!" --My silent mantra! :) So, I continued making a mess in the kitchen as Luke is trying to motivate our little troops into cleaning the rest of it. We got out the door at 10:15 - not bad I thought! We took the munchkins to Grandma and Grandpa's house and went to Conference.

Well, it turns out, Luke had planned a surprise party for me this evening. So, even though they had worked so hard on the rest of the house, I left the kitchen a mess from my cinnamon roll making! Of course the kitchen is right there next to the dining table, where we all congregated, ate our cake and gabbed for the get together. Ugh! Darn procrastion! I should stop procrastinating and do what I am supposed to when I am supposed to! Hmm, that sounds an awful lot like what I tell my kids. Oh wait! It is exactly what I am telling my kids all the time! :) I guess I do listen to myself as well as they do!

So, we had a great time at Conference and loved hearing the choir of children. They were so sweet. We picked up the kids afterward and since Luke was in such a hurry to get home (I was still ignorant of my impending embarrassment), neither of us buckled Emma into her booster seat. As we were pulling out of their driveway, Emma yells, "Hey, I am not safe here!" I turned around and she was trying to buckle her seatbelt, but couldn't because her seat had tilted and she was practically laying on Tyler. Funny moment.

We walked in the door at the same time he had invited our friends over. So no chance to clean up at all (although I wouldn't have stressed about it, since I had no idea they were coming. So, I was trying to figure out what to feed the kids for dinner--cake and ice cream worked out well! Although, when Luke tried bribing them with a piece of cake tomorrow, Tyler looked at him like he was crazy. Luke didn't know Tyler had a cake stomachache!

Thanks everybody! It was great despite the embarrassment!

Treading Water

2008-09-30T22:52:00.001-06:00

Today whilst I was procrastinating other stuff and paying bills on the computer, Emma decided to have her own bit o' fun. I must preface this with an insite to my "Princess Emma." She is a drama"QUEEN." So, I guess she is not my "Princess" Emma, but you get the gist. Anyhow, she has also inherited my curiosity of how things work and is constantly taking things apart and then expects ME to fix them! Actually, I think she gets that from her Uncle Stephen. The other day, she broke her ceramic piggy bank (for the 2nd time) but this time into many more pieces. When I said we should throw it away. She says, "But Mommy, you can fix it!" After I said it was beyond repair the tears pouring down her face, "but please Mommy! Please!" How can you say no to that. I ended up spending a day and half with the pig on the counter gluing various parts as others dried. What a pain! However, it is back together-until next time she decides to try and put it on the topshelf she cannot reach. That little anecdote actually had nothing to do with today. So back to my little princesses "Emma-tude." She thinks she is big enough to do ANY and EVERYthing. She loves to pour her own drinks, dish her own food, stick her fingers in stuff and basically loves to make messes. So today, I left her downstairs by herself watching a movie (I think I momentarily lost my mind) so I could pay bills on the computer. About 20 minutes later I walk downstairs and my kitchen floor is glistening (no, I did not mop it recently and even when I do it doesn't look that shiny!) No, I had about a half inch of water on my floor. Not "oh, thank goodness it's water!" The water was to clean up the RED DYE #40-oops I mean Crystal Lite drink she spilled on my white/tan counter height stools! She previously had seen me take the chairs outside and wash them off by using pitchers of water to rinse vinegar out of the seats (also courtesy of our little princess). So, she decided to clean them that way, also. Only this time in the house. My favorite part of all this is that she throws such a stink when I have her help me clean these messes up! It's like "helloooo!" "I feel like the maid. I just cleaned up this place! Can't we keep it clean for like 5 minutes?!"

But the semblance of sanity is here today, I did get to play some volleyball! Yay me!

Anyhow, back to today.

Intentions

2008-09-29T20:26:00.000-06:00

I have such good intentions. However, I am going to put them off right now to update "the blog." My house is upside down right now! Ack! Emma and I decided to make clothes for her "babies." So, I hauled out the plastic bucket of fabric, the serger, the sewing machine, another tote of fabric and crafty odds and ends and a few bags of miscellaneous stuff like scissors, etc. Ugh, after that I was about ready to just put it back without doing any sewing! After finding the basics needed to actually sew, (this sounds like when I scrapbook, too. I MUST be doing something wrong - oh wait I know, it's the organized thingy I lack.) Okay, so after sewing a couple of outfits (and repairing the zipper on my favorite pair of jeans) mysteriously all the stuff I wasn't using was strewn EVERYWHERE! The puzzling part is Quincey was asleep. Hmmm. However, the other two were being very "helpful." The puzzling is over. Then, I got the idea in my head (at the time I should have started preparing dinner) to "REORGANIZE" my crafty stuff! "Hello?! Self? Are you there? What are you thinking?!" I got partway through organizing- you know the part where it gets worse before it gets better? Then, I really needed to start dinner or I was going to have a rebellion on my hands or a coup or something. So, I scootched all the stuff to one side of the table and on the floor beside it and we had dinner. Then, FHE and then time to put the kids to bed and that is where I stopped in to update. So, now I get to go put my house back together. I feel like the kings horses and men that couldn't put humpty together again. It just seems like that daunting of a task. Yay, here I go...........................................
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Hmmm. Can't I just do it later? No! Get up! Now! ..............................................................................
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Looks like I listen to myself about as well as my kids do. Okay here I go! 1-2-3 Up and save.

Volleyball Productivity

2008-09-26T11:20:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday, I played volleyball down in a league in Nephi. We had two games with and hour and a half of downtime in between. My crafty/talented friends would have brought their sewing machine along and created a closet full of clothes on the sidelines as they waited. Or better yet, matching uniforms for the team. Me? I downed a 44 oz soda! Mmmmm. Haven't had one of those in a long time. I should plan ahead. Hmmm, maybe later. :0)

However, my life wasn't completely devoid of productivity that day. I did finally wash my 4 gallon buckets and pour hundreds of pounds of bulk food storage items into them. Something I have only been meaning to do for over 2 weeks. Yes!

Oh! And I also got my October Calendar of Meals done, too! Look at me and my overacheiving self! Looks like I don't have to do anything for the rest of the week! I have gone above and beyond!