LaughAtMe

We had a Fabulous Fourth

2011-07-17T18:44:00.000-05:00

The kiddo's watching the parade begin
...and patiently awaiting the candy!

Diamond baby with mama checking out some floats

Motorcycle man ready for the bike parade at church

O girl riding in the bike parade

Auntie Brit & Uncle Ben joined us later for some fun in the sun

Mama & O taking a break by the pool

Brit & the girls box sledding before the fireworks

Ben & O get some super speed

Daddy & the girls lost their box and kept on..."bum sledding!"

We finished the night off with some
super awesome fireworks at the stadium

We had a super awesome 4th and fun with family...how about you?

The end of an era...

2011-06-19T16:44:00.000-05:00

Who knew when we moved to Texas over five years ago that we'd stay this long...that we'd love it this much...and that we'd be sad to see it end. Our upcoming move to Alabama (have I mentioned Bryce got a full time teaching position at a University there?!!) means the end of a wonderful era in our lives. We've been living in a great place here in Texas, surrounded by amazing friends with children the same ages as our own. Somehow many of us mothers seemed to have babies around the same times and our children have grown together into fine little Texans!

Slowly many of the families have trickled off in different directions as their schooling ended. Most have remained close enough for at least an occasional visit for birthday parties etc. but suddenly and sadly it seems even this is ending for a few of us. As of the end of July we're headed for Alabama, another family leaves next week for Maine, others have possible moves in the works to California, and Idaho. And it feels like we should all pull out a yearbook of some sort and start writing each other wishes for a good life! Thank goodness for things like blogs and facebook - no one is ever too far away now. I think I'll make a pact with everyone that we at least get wedding announcements for each kid when that time comes...and I fear it will come too quickly. I could post a kazillion pictures of all the fun times we've had over the years, but these two are an indication of that fun...and of the growth we've experienced!! I really love all these people, they've made life in Texas, away from family, bearable and fun.

2007
I was amazed to look back and
see how many families had not yet joined the throng!

2011
Our numbers have grown...and even here we are missing a few families!

Our Little Scientist

2011-04-17T21:25:00.000-05:00

The Scientific Snackie boy
with Ogirl at his school fair

When you ask a 5 year old what they want to do for a science project, their answers aren't the typical, "potato battery" or "volcano" kinda deal. Five year olds, have uncorrupted minds, they have no science class experience, and don't even know what "science" really means. So the list of ideas Snacker gave us was very creative and unusual to say the least! We had to narrow that list down to one project that would meet the scientific experiment qualifications, and so "Cloud Cannon" (as Snacker called it) was the project of choice. Bryce helped narrow the idea down to a workable project - what Snack really wanted to know was if he could be shot into a cloud and walk on it...like Mario does! So the topic of exploration was "Can People Float on Clouds?"

Bryce has the scientific mind in this house, so he figured out how to make a cloud (pumping air into a soda bottle with a bit of water at the bottom, then releasing the cap for a cloud to form). From there they dropped small objects into the cloud to test if they would float. Lego guys, leaves, candies, paper clips...nothing floated, so the conclusion, of course, is that if smaller lighter objects are unable to float a larger object, like a human, would not float.

Then, using their creative minds and abilities, Snacker and Bryce (with a little help from O-girl) created a beautiful display for the science board, and the project was ready for the "fair" (apparently science fairs don't exist anymore....you bring the project to school, it's judged...and you're done, no fair fun involved!). Well, our super scientist took 2nd place in the Kindergarten category at his school, and apparently the judges were very impressed during his interview, as everyone had wonderful things to say about him.

Receiving his award
at the District Fair

From there the 1st and 2nd place winner in each grade advance to the District Science Fair - which was held this month. Snackie was nervous as can be...he wasn't sure he could win another award! This fair included the winners from all of the schools in the district, so Snacker was competing against kindergarteners from 15 schools, and they don't just hand out awards willy nilly for this thing! We sat in the audience with Snackie saying, "oh please, I hope I win, I really want a trophy, oh please, oh please!" Can you imagine how nervous I was for him!!!?? We waited and waited and listened to all sorts of awards being given, and then....much to my relief
, and Snacker's excitement, his name was called!!! He won the award for a "Unique Topic of Exploration." Could it be more perfect?! His idea was completely original, and entirely his own. As his totally unbiased mother, I'm certain he could have won any number of awards that day, but this award speaks to his creativity and originality (he's just like his daddy) and we're so proud of him!!

Yearbook photo of the winners from his school

Flood of 2011

2011-02-08T11:17:00.000-06:00

This year couldn't begin without incident...and in this household incident usually means a pipe bursting and a flood of some sort. We are jinxed in that way for some reason! This is our 4th official flooding since living in Texas...official meaning we were actually wading in water. We've also had unofficial floods caused by rain storms, where the carpets get wet and ruined, and our life gets turned upside down, but there's no swimming involved. This time the water spigot outside froze, and the pipe in the kids closet burst, and we all had a fun slip sliding time! HA! I guess the kids would call it fun, but Bryce and I call it something else entirely!! I like to say this flood was "less bad than it could have been." And I guess that could mean many things, but for us it meant only half the house was flooded. We opened the front door and let the water rush out, so it didn't seep all the way through the living room and into the kitchen and master bedroom. But the kids room, bathroom, half the living room, and Bryce's studio all were sitting in a couple inches of water.

We're now in recovery mode, which means the carpets are drying out, and we're waiting for the carpet guys to come replace the pads so we can get our house put back together! It's an awful limbo. We are functioning, but barely. And people are doing their best to help us out however possible, so we'll make it through! (Plus I get to do some early spring cleaning....joy!)

As you can imagine I didn't get to snap many pics while
the flood was happening, but here's one, that sticker
is floating in the kids room

This used to be a bathroom...now it's Bryce's studio ;)
Maybe we should keep it this way!

The dry half of the house bears the burden of everything
from the wet half. And we're left with very few feet of space to maneuver and live! But Diamond Baby doesn't seem to mind!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-18T09:56:00.001-06:00

Snacker was more excited to give
than to receive...he insisted mama open first!

"Just one hug and you'll fall in love!"

Batman made a quick appearance Christmas morning

New books always bring a smile to Bryce's face!

Diamond baby got a little gift opening help
from her 80's rockstar/princess sister.
(She gets a little help playing with the toys as well!)

Snacker loves the new Wii game (and his new camo boxers).

The big ONE

2010-12-18T16:29:00.000-06:00

Diamond baby is ONE!

let's try this mushy stuff

I LIKE it!

more pleeeeease!

rip it rip it rip it!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Turkey for me...turkey for you

2010-11-28T19:20:00.000-06:00

I like to eat turkey in a big brown shoe...

Master Chef Bryce (he did all the cooking!)
and his magnificent turkey friend

THE BEAST has been hunted. Let THE FEAST begin!

Our friends Oscar & Maria joined us
(in a Monet-esque photo??)

Auntie Brit & Uncle Ben brought the fun

Snacker and his buddy Didi enjoyed
pre-feast Power Ranger action

Our two cuties watch the floats
go by in the Parade of Lights

The turkey has been gobbled, the cold weather has set in,
we're feeling festive holiday feelings..so bring on Christmas!

Halloween....comes before Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T10:22:00.000-06:00

Diamond baby takes a ride at the pumpkin patch

Auntie Brit & Little O pick out pumpkins

Our chariot...and slave

Snackie pulls a wagon load

Green Power Ranger

Marshmallow S'more baby

Cat, monkey, mouse - girl?

A tasty witches potion
at our friends party

A delicious pumpkin stew

We had a happy Halloween,
and we hope you did too

BOO!

Hello Kindergarten...here I come.

2010-10-10T19:47:00.000-05:00

The day's of play and freedom are gone...forever. Our boy is a school boy, and...he LOVES it!! We were, hmmm, terrified for him to start school, worried about his young age, worried about the full day away from us, worried about him making friends, worried about him following instructions, worried about him being brave enough to ask to use the bathroom, or get a drink of water. Worried about him opening his juice box at lunch, worried about him remembering to bring home his lunch bag, worried about...well...everything obviously!! But he's proven our fears unwarranted He's made terrific friends, he loves his teacher, he's learning wonderful things and each new day is a happy day.

Let's go!!

Laina this group shot is for you...somehow we got the same family blueprint ;)

oUR SuMmer...PART 2 - Utah

2010-10-07T11:22:00.004-05:00

After weeks of fun in CT we took a 10 day hiatus back at home before growing restless for more summer adventures, so we hopped in the car and headed out to visit Bryce's family in the West. Our adventures in Utah included a camping trip to Bryce Canyon, a hike to Stewart falls, a day at Snowbird summer resort, swimming and canoeing at the rope swing, a day on the town with Grandma Dorothy, a joint birthday celebration for Grandma Lilon and the Snack, hanging out with family, visiting old friends, pool parties, BBQ's, picnics, museums, Ghost town exploring, rock climbing, eating out, eating in, eating too much! And so much more. We spent lot's of time with Auntie Jessica and our newest cousin cute Baby J, and we even got to see Auntie Brynn & cousin Har, and Auntie Chrissy for a day or two on their trip out from the east. Grammy and Grampy took lots of time off work to party with us, even my sister Heather popped in now and then. So it was a full trip! And it completed our "family fix" for a while...until we grow restless for more adventures.

Summer Adventures Part II - Utah

Thanks everyone for a
super fantastic fun Summer!

oUR SuMmer...PART 1 - Connecticut

2010-09-14T13:58:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since we've been able to get away on any Summer adventures - since Bryce is generally teaching Summer classes, but we fell through an unexpected window of freedom this Summer...so we took full advantage of it!

It's hard to sort through and select pictures from our many, many adventures, but for the sake of holding onto the memories I will try to briefly relive our some of those moments here.

Summer adventures Part I - Connecticut

We did it all; pool, parks, family get-togethers, hiking, boating, fireworks, a trip to The City, a night at the circus, a day in Newport, a weekend in Vermont. The kids had more fun than they could dream of. We loved every minute with everyone, and we can't wait 'til next time!!

School's in

2010-02-05T23:03:00.003-06:00

My beautiful boy is growing up...so we figured it was about time to throw him to the pre-school wolves! Mr. Snack began his 20+/- year journey as a school boy a couple weeks ago. And although neither he ("I wanna play!") nor I ("7:45am already?!") are yet jumping for joy each school day, we both seem to be benefiting from this decision. As reluctant as I was to start him on this journey so soon (he's my baby!), I realized after Little Lady was born that Snacker needs more structure and direction than I am able to give him each day! So I love that he's learning and retaining things, I love that he's meeting new people, and having to follow instructions...from someone other than just mama! And he loves playtime and snacktime! I can't say enough how proud we are of this boy or how much we love him!

Newness

2010-01-02T20:41:00.004-06:00

A new year brings a renewed resolve to return to blogging...a return to documenting the moments of importance in the lives of this little family! This means, as well, that I must resolve to procrastinate less, and simply enjoy life more.

The end of 2009 brought many enjoyable moments. The birth of our 3rd child at the November was certainly one of those "moments" - rather literally. She came in what they call a "rapid delivery" - less than 20 minutes from when I signed in at the hospital. And she has been welcomed well by The Snack and O-girl - as well as a few other family members. Bryce's mother joined us two days after delivery to help us ease into life with three children. She took great care of us and we literally could not have functioned without her!! My sister Heather arrived in time for Christmas lunch (after getting stuck overnight in a freak snowstorm while driving down from Utah). And my sister Britney and her husband Ben came just in time for some New Years eve fun.

Bryce says this Christmas was our best one yet...we had the gift of a beautiful healthy baby girl, we had the joy of watching two happy little kids on Christmas morning, and we enjoyed the first white Christmas in Texas in over 80 years! Who could ask for more?

Boo!

2009-11-11T14:45:00.001-06:00

Spooky Ghost Pumpkins. Snackie helped draw the faces on and we cut them out, but he left the "gutting" part to Little O.

We did the real deal this year (no trunk-or-treat) trick or treating in a friends neighborhood. Snackie loved it! Running from house to house to ring the bell. He did great at the "spooky" houses too, our tough little Ninja Turtle. Little O was a cute - independant little Tinkerbell. What a big girl happily returning to us with her loot!

The kiddos loved daddies Ghost Stories. And Mama had some fun too, yes...that's a "bun in the oven" costume. Every kid asked what I was...and then gave me the strangest looks when I responded! Bryce was supposed to wear the apron and the chefs hat...but he had big plans to just "be himself." ;)

Dinosaur Valley State Park

2009-10-23T11:57:00.002-05:00

In an attempt to take advantage of this marvelous weather here in Texas...and to squeeze some good times in before the baby arrives, we took a little adventure last weekend down to Dinosaur Valley State Park - about two hours drive from us. And it was fabulous (with the exception of CrazyO crying/whining the entire drive down)! There are fossilized dino footprints in the river rock, and great hiking trails. We hiked about 4miles - at least half of it going up - and were sooooo proud of little Snackie, he never complained once about being tired, and never begged to be carried! We guess now that he's four he really IS a big boy! A very pregnant me actually only complained...once...I think. About climbing some crazy steep steps...whooo these legs don't like carrying this extra weight (and there seems to be a lot more of it this time)!

We saw some neat views (being from the East we're always searching for Hill Country here in Texas), swung from some vines (like Diego), Forded some rivers, encountered tons of super crazy huge spiders (about half dollar size) who I believe catch and eat birds rather than insects!! ;) And then encountered THE BIGGEST SPIDER we've ever seen (forget the dinosaurs guys, this was unbelievable). At least the size of Snackies hand, this thing was terrifyingly huge - and in no way cuddly looking like a Tarantula, and if it were on your person you could die instantly at the sight of it (or at least I could)! Brycie made some "oh so funny" jokes about mama rolling down the mountain, "what goes bum-belly-bum-belly-bum-belly...splat?" Yes...that should be an indicator to all of you of just HOW DARN FAT I currently am. And ate, on the way home, at a fabulous new discovery for us - Spring Creek Barbeque. We don't crave meat too often, but when Bryce wants meat, he wants good smoked meat, and he's still talking about this place! I liked the all you can eat sides and endless supply of hot fresh rolls...otherwise known as "extra-large thighs and tooshie!" Check out the slideshow to see all of us monkeys, to see the scary spider, and of course - to get an idea of how big my bum really is.

Just a splash

2009-10-12T20:31:00.006-05:00

Not to tease you all...but here I am posting again! I can't guarantee I'll be consistent, but I'll at least try to do better!!

This autumn in Texas has actually been...almost autumn like! The temps have been cool (though fluctuating - 90's one day and 60's the next) and we've been having quite a bit of rain...but we'll take it if it means cooler temps!! And the kiddos obviously don't mind the rain too much - these cuties had tons of fun splashing around in a nearby puddle. Actually, the point of rain gear eludes me...they were soaked to the bone within minutes!!

Superman's kryptonite

2009-06-30T12:40:00.005-05:00

Superman & big brother (on a good day) driving around the hospital

Recently our family had our worlds turned upside down. At the end of May my 2 year old nephew "Superman" was diagnosed with cancer. After many tests and surgery it was determined that he has a rare form of cancer called Clear Cell Sarcoma of the Kidney - a cancer affecting only 20 people per year, and I think my brothers own words voice perfectly what went through all of our minds when we heard this diagnosis,

"When I think about it, it seems almost preposterous that my son would be one of those few. Like most people, I've seen people from a distance that get very sick, or lose loved ones tragically, or have children stricken with cancer or other severe maladies, and I've rarely if ever seriously considered the possibility that it could hit so close to home. But on the other hand, I have always had the thought "why not me?" or "why not us?". In other words, I've always known that nobody is immune to great trials, and I guess now I know it more than ever. There is one thing I have learned from seeing other people face similar trials, and that is that there is always a bigger divine purpose, a greater life lesson to be learned."

This trial, for my brother & his wife and family, is huge. Juggling the lives of 6 children is challenging enough, and added to that now is a two year old going through chemo. We all know the difficulties of dealing with a young child who simply has a fever or common cold, now imagine the ordeal of trying to get medicines/catheters/needles/food/drink etc. into a child who is suffering with every pain and trial imaginable. And yet each day my brother and his wife share with us what they are going through, and each day it is one of the two of them who is reminding us to have faith and trust in Heavenly Fathers plan for us. Their strength and faith is almost incomprehensible at a time like this...and yet it is certainly not misplaced.

There are a few words which the wife of my other brother shared with everyone, which I never want to forget, and so I will share them here,

"When my dad had his stroke he went through surgery the first night. If it had been successful it would have made the recovery much quicker. I remember thinking that the surgery was the answer. It wasn't successful and my mom taught me a great lesson of faith. She related a story from Judges 7 where the Lord told Gideon, as he was about to go to battle, to reduce his army from 10,000 to 300 men so that they could see that it was the Lord who would save them. I learned that sometimes things have to look pretty bad so that we can see the miracles from the Lord. We aren't saved by man but by the Lord. No matter how bad it looks or what the medical research says, "Superman" can be healed completely. My mom was reminding me that we only listened to the doctors with one ear because we know that the Lord's power is great. It didn't really matter what limitations they were putting on the recovery because with faith and the Lord's power there are no limitations."

Isn't it easy to let ourselves rely too heavily on man and forget where true power and true healing comes from. Right now Superman is struggling with the early phases of chemo, and with adjusting to a life that is entirely unfamiliar to him. The miracles at this time are small and simple, "Superman drank 4 oz. of juice today" or "Superman took most of his medicine without a struggle." But we are certainly praying for the big ones as well, like that Superman won't lose his hearing due to the form of chemo he is going through, and of course that the cancer will leave his body entirely and that the small lesions they've found on his brain and spine will not also prove to be cancerous. There are hundreds, if not thousands of people praying daily for Superman (one of the bounteous blessings of belonging to a church such as ours) which makes it easier to have faith that the will of the Lord will come to pass. Please, if you feel so inclined, add your prayers to ours in behalf of Superman. And there is a website I can direct you to, which my brother and his wife update daily, if you know them or us and would like more information/updates.

Below I am including an MR image of one of the tumors...it is unbelievable.

This is a "cross section" image of Superman's abdomen. The lower circle surrounded by the white horseshoe is his spine. The large smooth grayish mass to the left is the tumor(s). The cluster of multi colored shapes to the right are his organs. Unbelievable.

A day for daddy

2009-06-21T18:14:00.002-05:00

A day in the life of the "Best Dad in the world"

Wake to Snackie, cuddle cuddle

Get The O', cuddle cuddle

Tend the garden
Make some breakfast

Wrestle Snackie

Get squeals from O

Empty the dishwasher

Say some prayers

Get some work done (here or there)

Lego break with the Snackie

Dancing time with Little O

Make some lunch, or some dinner

Hone the skill of a pizza maker

Clear the table
Tend the garden

Family swim time

Make a smoothie

Read to Snackie

Cuddle and love time

Tuck the kids in

Kiss goodnight

Get some work done

Read a book (don't watch a movie)

Play a game...kill the bad guys

Brush the teeth

Watch some 'Conie'

Check the doors

Check the kiddos

Plan canoe trips

Plan some zoo trips

Hug the mama

Say Goodnight

We love you Dadda! And we're so grateful and proud of you for all you do, and all that you've accomplished these last few years. Thanks for all the fun and adventures. The Best is yet to come!

Long overdue Ladies night pics!

2009-06-17T23:42:00.008-05:00

Can you believe this is from way back in March? I'd say we're overdue for some more crazy times ladies!

My Super Jetter Man

2009-05-08T14:06:00.007-05:00

Secretly and affectionately also known as Super "cheddar" man. And what a little man my Snackie is! He's the reason why in this house we eat things known as, "monster soup" (minestrone), "cat pee juice" (orange juice), and "invisibility sticks" (carrots). He's an adventurer, a musician (it's quite amusing to hear a 3 year old singing "knocking on heavens door"), a comedian (every punch line includes "road hog!")...and a lover not a fighter (well...he can hold his own I suppose!). He's in love with life, and everything about it...even the flies ...they're "nice" and they're his "pets." He's our sweetie, and our cutie, and our reminder of all that is, and should be good in the world...and golly, we love him!

Little O's BIG day

2009-04-03T16:33:00.008-05:00

It's hard to believe my little St. Patty's day baby is a year old already, but it's true. And since we can't turn back the clock, we decided it was time to celebrate!

It was a great party with great friends, a gorgeous professional grade cake (thanks Kara), good food (thanks Bryce), and plenty of smiling Irish eyes. Check out the pics, and the little video of an adorable Little O, and a little bit of The Snack as well.

(side note: Bryce's 30th B-day was the day after Little O's, so we surprised him with a candle on the cake too) :)

North of the Border

2009-03-29T17:07:00.006-05:00

Did you know there are mountains in Texas? Neither did I. But Bryce knew it, and all he could talk about doing for Spring break (and his birthday) was going to Big Bend National Park. So we decided that as long as we're living in Texas, we better make the most of it, and see what beauties exist. But of course we didn't decide this until 4pm the night before we'd have to leave in order to make the 10 hours (each way) of driving worth our while! So we scrambled. Our camping gear was a little out of date for this growing family, so we had to purchase a larger tent, and some miscellaneous other gear, but we pulled it all together (this, by the way, is a great way to see if your emergency kits are up to par...ours were not) and were on the road before 7am the next morning. And we had a fabulous time! Big Bend is an oasis of beauty in our forlorn Texas landscape, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. As you can see in the pictures, our campsite was in the middle of the desert, they call this, "primitive camping" I call it, "where's the toilet!!??" Everywhere...and anywhere is the answer, so I enjoyed a couple of days urinating with the rattlesnakes and scorpions (fortunately we did NOT actually encounter any of these!). Baby O was thoroughly intrigued by cactuses, and determined that desert rocks and sand are some sort of delicious treat, so needless to say she never left our side. Snackie on the other hand could hardly be contained, he is truly an adventure man, rarely did he go anywhere without his backpack on....always begging Bryce to hike this hill or that one.

Our first day in the park we visited the hot springs, and splashed in the Rio Grande. Bryce took a little swim across to the Mexican side...only to find out later that this is strictly forbidden so technically he is now here illegally! The next day we hiked around the more mountainous side and saw some beautiful views. There was one hike we really would have liked to have gone on, but the sign at the start read "Mountain lion warning" and gave instructions to hike in large groups, try to appear big and scary, and keep children close. It doesn't take much more convincing than that to send us in another direction! So we headed out to Santa Elena Canyon, and hiked some switch backs (yikes....I'm slightly paranoid of ledges...especially with children!) into a beautiful sandy shaded area of the canyon with large boulders to climb and rest on. We unfortunately witnessed a teenage boy jump about 20 feet and land with a broken leg...and more unfortunately witnessed the inefficient rescue operation where several Rangers hiked all the way into the canyon carrying large heavy equipment to wheel the boy out on. I asked one of the men why they didn't boat up the river, and he responded "this is what we get paid to do." What ever happened to working smarter, not harder?

We saw our share of wildlife as well. The first night a mouse was scampering around our campsite, Bryce tossed a rock in it's direction, and it leapt 3feet in the air! Ever seen that before? Neither had we. We found out later they are appropriately named "Kangaroo Rats." From the safety of our car we saw a few Havalinas (wild pigs) a Coyote, some Deer, and on the last day we made friends with a couple of lizards (and sadly brought one home with us wrapped up with our tent...it now rests in peace on the door jam above our back porch).

We had a wonderful time camping as a family. Bryce took great care of us, making fire, food, shelter, and fun. He made sure we stayed warm enough at night, and cool enough in the day. He even was the one to get up and cuddle with Baby O when she would awaken, and drag Snackie back into his sleeping bag when he'd slither across the tent floor at night. We're looking forward to many more camping trips as a family, we probably won't be driving another 10hours to Big Bend again any time soon, but if you're up for it....do it - in our opinion, it's well worth it!

Good morning little walker!

2009-03-02T21:50:00.004-06:00

It's hard to believe our Baby O is walking! But it's official...she chooses walking over crawling, so I guess we can call her "Toddler O."

Instant Pudding...

2009-02-09T15:39:00.003-06:00

I was lost to the world for a while there. We moved to a new apartment, and it took like a month to get our internet turned on...unbelievable!! Add to that that we were over on our cell minutes, so it was like living on the moon! How did people live without instantly being able to connect to each other? We live in an instant world...that's for sure.

But Hey...I'm back...pistachio anyone?

Twilight...at midnight

2008-11-21T22:15:00.008-06:00

Staying up way past bedtime...

Waiting an hour in line and another in the theater...

Straining my neck from the 3rd row...

Listening to girls squeal and guys guffaw...

Getting home at 3am and heading off to work 5 hours later...

...and was it all worth it?

Uhmm...yeah!

I can't deny I went into this thinking I would hate it. I had visions of a super cheesy teenage love story drama unfolding before my eyes...yet again (yes I loved...and hated the books). And it's true...that's exactly what the movie was...but there was something more to it that really appealed to me. I had serious doubts when I heard they were making this movie. I thought it was done too quickly, which would mean cutting corners on quality etc. I also worried that the characters would not meet my expectations and that they would alter key aspects of the books. So I walked into the theater prepared for the worst, and I believe that is why I walked out of it with two thumbs up (or at least one and a half). In our group there were a lot of mixed reactions, a few people were disappointed that it wasn't truer to the book, others thought is was way too cheesy etc. etc. But we determined that our varied reactions all depended on our initial expectations...and who we were sitting next to! (A little advice...don't see this with your husband if he's a "tough guy" or with a friend who's never read the books and already knows she will hate the movie).

I really loved the way the movie was filmed, loved the lighting and the pace, and I was absolutely drawn in by the music and the scenery of the Pacific Northwest (it helps that I lived there for a year and a half, so it brought back fond memories). I quickly adjusted to the characters and found that the adaptation from book to movie was done better than I expected. Of course...it was still super cheesy! And yes I had some guffaws of my own, and a little bit of disappointment, but all in all I think I'll add this one to my A list.

So....what did you think?

Halloween '08

2008-11-10T22:28:00.008-06:00

"Looky there Cap'n...them's comin' fer our booty!"

We sat down for a little candy break at the trunk-or-treat party, and Baby O warns Cap'n Snack that mama's laid claim on the Twix bars!

Snacker had a blast carving pumpkins with daddy this year...or more accurately, he had a blast playing in the slop!

And we all had a good time at our friends costume party where mommy and daddy went as ourselves...super geeks! :)

Skater boy

2008-10-30T22:14:00.005-05:00

The skate board has made it's way out of hiding. When he turned two, Mr. Snack got a super cool skate board for his b-day from super cool cousin Harley. But given the fact that my Snackie was still just a baby (at least in my eyes), I kept it tucked away for a while - only emerging at rare times, only to be used on the carpet...and only in a sitting position! Then we took our annual pilgrimage to Utah again this past August, and again out came the Long Boards and of course Snackie and Harley could never get enough of them! So I resolved that maybe the boy is ready to be...a boy (with the proper safety gear of course!). Suddenly he's not a toddler anymore, he's ready for action all the time now, climbing crazy things, zooming out of control on his big wheel, and wanting to ride his skate board...every day....first thing in the morning...before bathroom visits...before breakfast...before getting dressed...before we're even AWAKE! But dang, ain't he cute.

Snackie demonstrates his best skateboarding "trick"...a head stand...sans skateboard! :)

Pumpkin patch kids

2008-10-13T21:52:00.011-05:00

Snackie & Baby O chat about life and pumpkin patches, and the weather (yes it's still dang hot here in Texas!)

I had be pretty quick with the camera to catch these two in such sweet poses...pumpkin patches are just too much fun to be slowed down by taking pictures!

Snack & his buddies had a blast together bouncing and running and wrestling and laughing.

(we only had one kid fall off the 4 foot high hay bales...I'd say that's not too shabby!)

Mama had some fun too, it's always nice to get out and about with the kids (and the moms!). Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to work on my back flips this year...sorry to disappoint you all.

To Kill a Fish

2008-10-03T22:37:00.005-05:00

When I was growing up our cats would often show their love for us by leaving lovely little treasures of dead mice or birds on our doorstep. And although we were entirely repulsed by the sight of these gifts, they brought a certain degree of happiness with them in knowing that we really were appreciated. This pretty much describes the way I felt when this beauty showed up on my doorstep, courtesy of a neighbor we do adore. My reaction was a sore sight, according to Bryce, because my son now believes that fish are the cause of all that is evil in the world. And it may well be true! What you're looking at is a real, live, genuine, bottom feeding Texas Catfish -sitting on (what used to be) my lovely cutting board. And I do mean live. Not only was I disgusted by a fish about to be gutted in my kitchen, but I was entirely distressed by the fact that it was still moving...and suffering...however small it's brain is. I begged Bryce to put it out of it's misery quickly - which is the only reason I didn't take the time to set up a gutting station OUTSIDE. I removed Snackie from the room (the tasks of "hunting and gathering" will likely not exist in the LaughAtme household...we simply enjoy our weekly grocery store outings too much, so seeing daddy kill a fish at age 3 would probably only instill fear in the boy), and poor Bryce set to the awful task of killing and gutting the fish. And of course...then eating the fish. I am certain that it will disappoint many of you (ahem...Chewy) to know that I do not enjoy eating fish, but the first and last time I tried catfish I found it similar to slurping pond scum through a straw - something I generally try to avoid doing. So, no, I did not partake. Nor did I partake of the lovely soup our friends offered when they invited us over for dinner later that evening. And just watching as everyone "fished" tiny little bones out of their mouths as they ate, reinforced my decision.

So...just in case y'all were feeling a desire to share some love, just know that I do prefer Chocolate & Toffee cookies over catfish any day.

a little smooch anyone?

Dear Mama Willy,

2008-09-30T16:52:00.003-05:00

Remember that time you crashed into the wall at the institute building? It was a slow little bump as you pulled into the parking spot, but still...totally Willy...and totally "Animony" of you :)

So, we've got another "Animony" incident going on. Your babies (Dillio & myself) are currently on the BLOCKED list for your blog. You gotta INVITE us to view it Mama! And we somehow don't have an email address or other way of contacting you! So unless you want the two of us beating down your door there in WA (we may have to do that anyway), please invite us to be readers of your blog...then we can reciprocate the love you give.

Love,
Sister C

(sorry all you other readers...this was the only way)

It's not a Mullet

2008-09-28T22:56:00.002-05:00

Check out the new do. For almost 10 years now I've been "all talk" and no "sit down, let me get my scissors." I think I've been complaining about my hair...ever since I've had hair! In my younger years I had "gorgeous wavy curls" which grew out into long straight stringy locks to about my butt, which eventually got up to around shoulder length, and stayed there...for too long. The thing is, I'm not a "girly" girl. I don't enjoy painting my toenails, I'm not into pretty pink bows and I hate, hate, hate styling my hair. So technically I'm the kind of girl who needs a "get up and go" haircut, but my fear of looking like a boy (or worse) always stood in my way. I wondered if I'd be able figure out how to style it once it was cut (I honestly can't work a curling iron), and worried about freakish things like "what if my hair bugs out into crazy curls!" So needless to say, it took a lot of courage to sit down in a hair salon and say the words, "I want a pixie cut."...but as my luck would have it I happened to get the one stylist in the salon (a place carefully selected and recommended by two separate friends) with whom I had a slight language barrier...she was Mexican...I was not. I got a blank stare and a "huh?" response. After recovering from my urge to run screaming through the plate glass window, I did my best to describe what I wanted, only to realize later, as I gave the descriptoin to my friends, that it sure sounded like I wanted a totally rockin' mullet --->

So it turns out the language barrier helped the situation...or possibly this nice stylist couldn't bring herself to admit that she did understand what I was describing - so as to save me from myself! Anyway, I must say I'm pleased with the result. It's very easy to style...almost wash and go...no blow dryer, and no curling brush. It's certainly not as short on top as I really wanted, but this is a big step for me, and this will allow me to work my way up to the actual pixie cut. But I think next time I'll go in with a picture to aid me in my description because, though I love it and all, the whole mullet thing...ain't my thing.

They keep growing and growing and...

2008-09-23T14:37:00.004-05:00

These kids are growing so fast I have to be careful not to blink, so I figured it must be time for another update so the grandma's and the grandpa's etc. etc. can keep up with us!

Sir Snackie is my energizer bunny these days. He goes and goes and never seems to loose the wiggles. We enjoyed a slight cool down out here and started getting outside on some walks again so he's been enjoying some "cruisin' fun" on his "motorcycle." He's my biggest helper around the house - helping clean tubs and "fold" laundry, and my best helper with Baby O - always watching out for her safety and making sure she's happy. He tolerates her pulling his hair and loves it when she "hugs" him, always calling out to me, "she loves me mommy, she loves me!" His sense of humor is also developing quite well, he loves to quote, "There are no spices, where are the chips" (Nacho Libre) when I hand him his lunch, and it seems he is destined for greatness musically, "playing" his guitar and learning new songs with Bryce all the time.

Baby O is my little angel. A sweet little girl who only needs the simple things in life to make her happy (too bad some of those "simple" things are needed at odd hours of the night like 2am and 4am). She is not at all interested in any form of spoon feeding yet (she reacts to a spoon coming toward her like a pencil headed for her eye) but she is very interested in "going places." She gets around in a variety of ways, her latest skill is getting up on all fours and rocking back-and-forth then sort of face planting it - which gets her a few inches forward - then going at it again. Bryce loves to place toys just out of her reach to see her work at getting them, and of course we all cheer and chant for her as she struggles...and eventually achieves her goal! She's turning out to be a very social, smart and inquisitive little girl, happiest when there are people around to squeal at with delight, and always interested in studying new things very carefully...before chewing on them!

it's my birthday and I'll eat what I want to, eat what I want to...

2008-09-18T14:28:00.005-05:00

...you would cry too if it happened to you. Ok...so I'm not exactly crying about all the wonderful treatment (and treats) I received for my birthday, but come scale time and I might start! This year brought a feeling of elderly-ness and a lot terrific foods, here's how it went:

Made from scratch chocolate cupcakes with a heavenly frosting, from a friend
Lunch with the girls at Fuddruckers (heavy on the dippin' sauces & soda mix-ins)
Bryce's marvelous dinner of Carbonarra, Caesar salad, and fresh strawberry's & kiwi (topped with a sugar glaze of course!)
A strawberry's and red velvet ice cream cake from Cold Stone
A gift of "Sublime" white chocolate candies
2 inch thick homemade brownies with Milky Way's melted inside, from another friend

...and the scale says, "ouch, they may love you - but I sure don't! Go take a walk...or two."

thirty...one

2008-09-16T16:32:00.005-05:00

Pictured LtoR: Shaka, Laurel(age..4?), Jar-head

This little girl aint so little anymore. Why does 31 seem soooo much older than 30?

LiFe uNsCRIpteD tAg

2008-09-05T11:42:00.020-05:00

I was double teamed here - both Kara as well as Shaka tagged me with this one. For some reason they want to know exactly how messy I am in my every day life ;)

So here's how it works. You cannot clean, straighten, or prep. You must grab the camera and start snapping pics of specific places (it's amazing how much of a mess can be hidden simply by angling the camera one way or another). So behold...my life:

1. The kitchen sinkWe were at an art show last night, so dinner didn't happen until around 8pm...that's a pretty good excuse for dirty dishes this morning...right?

2. Fridge

3. Laundry room

not much to see here...just my 25 year old washer (note my dryer in number 5)

4. Bathrooms/toilets

it's usually not a good idea to get too close to my toilets

5. Favorite room

this is where we spend the most time, that little couch is also my favorite place to take a cat nap...whenever I can (ha ha ha)

6. Bedroom

Yes...I actually do make my bed most days. I find that doing so makes my day run smoother...go figure.

7. Closet

8. Favorite pair of shoes

I'm a super picky shoe shopper! So when I fell in love with these at first sight I knew I had to buy them. They're perfect for me.

9. My kids/hubby

10. Me

When I remembered about doing this tag I was actually standing in the bathroom doing my hair. As you can see I got a little carried away with the camera, but I was having so much fun I couldn't stop (I was actually taking pictures of myself as I made fun of myself in the mirror...the dirty, spotted, streaky mirror).

Kudos to Kara

2008-08-30T12:32:00.005-05:00

(sorry Kara, these pics were just toooooo awesome not to share!)

I brought Bryce some leftover cake from a baby shower last night, and as he gobbled it up for breakfast this morning he exclaimed, "that's the best cake I've ever had." Of course I didn't need to tell him that our friend Kara had made it, he knows well enough that she is an amazing baker. So he then proceeded to tell me that I should, "take baking lessons from her." I felt you all cringe at that one...but I didn't cringe one bit. He and I both know that I can't bake/don't desire to bake...even to save my life, and his statement was said in the same way someone might say, "you should learn Chinese" or more accurately in my case, "you should create a Universe." Bryce would LOVE to have the kind of yummy treats around our house on a daily basis that you find at the Nelsens, but the truth is I really have no desire to bake. I mean I do wish I had the ability to make wonderful yummy things if the mood arose, but it would only really be worth it to me if they simply appeared in my oven without the labor involved, and the mess to clean up afterwards...or better yet...it would be nice if they simply appeared...on my doorstep! But until that day I'm sure Bryce will survive on the yummy BlueBell Popsicles in the freezer, and the store bought sugar cookies on the counter. :)

"Where am I?"

2008-08-27T22:18:00.005-05:00

Shaka want's to know where I am...and so do I!!

It's so hard to get back into the swing of things after vacation (I think I left my brain in Utah). I look around my house and can't even figure out where everything goes in order to put it away! But despite the mess, the piles of mail, and the missing family & friends out west, it is nice to be back home.

We had a fabulous vacation. It seems there is never a shortage of things to do when we go to Utah. Bryce & The Snack can't get enough of the mountains etc. and I never tire of spending time with family. I was especially excited about being able to spend time with two of my sisters on this trip since they are in Utah & Idaho going to school. And it was nice to be able to make a short trip up to Idaho to see (and introduce Bryce and the kids to) some relatives I haven't seen in around 10 years! We covered a lot of ground on this vacation, had a lot of fun times (including two weddings), and took a TON of pictures! So I'll try to share a few (of the 562) with you....so check out the slide show...

My family ROCKED the 80's!

2008-08-12T22:38:00.005-05:00

No doubt about it...you all wish you were as cool as this clan! Is there anyone out there who can claim that the 80's didn't "claim" them at some point, in some way? Even my dad was totally rockin' his Magnum PI mustache! Gotta love old pics. I'm in Utah right now hijacking my sisters computer...and she's got all these terrific old pics on it, so I couldn't resist sharing...so...can you tell which one is me?

It's Baby O time!

2008-07-27T19:19:00.005-05:00

Some long overdue pics of this sweet face

Summer Reading

2008-07-19T13:49:00.009-05:00

I don't know where that term comes from, for me, "Summer" and "reading" go together as well as "motherhood" and "sleeping!"

I suppose if I spent my Summers lying on a beach somewhere, then Summer might bring time for reading...but then again...if I were lying on a beach somewhere it would likely mean that my children were off eating sand somewhere. Heck...never mind "Summer reading" - reading in general probably means that my kids are off eating sand somewhere!

With that said, this is what I'm "reading" this summer:
Integrative Nutrition by Joshua Rosenthal. I know, I know! Ooo what a page turner! But you've got to understand, I've decided that I have a little OCD when it comes to reading. I get these feelings of guilt if I just pick up a random novel. In general a book has to come to me highly recommended, or I don't trust it to be worth my time. During the day the kids need tending, at night the house needs tending, and on top of that I have a backlog of Ensigns and Readers Digests that need reading (and here is where the OCD comes in...I must read a magazine from cover to cover...or why pay for it!). But this summer I determined that I need to do more for "me." By that I mean I need to better myself, so I did a little self survey to find out what really interests me, and what of those things could be beneficial to both myself and my family. This is one of the interests I came up with. I really do enjoy learning about, and practicing, healthful habits. I didn't select this book based on any recommendations (risky, I know), I simply chose it off the library shelf because it was the most currently published book on nutrition - and it's proven to be a good find so far. Ok, so I've only read the first chapter, but already my perception of what is healthy has been changed! And, my conspiracy theorist brother will appreciate this, I've learned that we are foolish to trust the federal government to inform us of what is healthy and not healthy. Did you know the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine won a lawsuit against the government for the over promotion of meat and dairy products in the original Food Guide Pyramid. It seems the USDA is also effected by lobbyists and big money corporations - just like any other part of government! This is the reason they recently changed the food guide pyramid...but for the last 15 years this country has been becoming obese based on the recommendations of the federal government! Ohhhh the tangled web we weave....look at the health care problems this has created! And it seems this is just he tip of the iceburg with this book. I'm excited to read & share more, so watch for future posts...if my "Summer reading" works out.

So...what are you reading this Summer?

Just another reason...

2008-06-23T23:19:00.007-05:00

...why we love the Dad-n so much! Bryce will usually take a day or two of the week and whip up a tasty meal for us. Today's meal was worth a post (this one is for you laina).

We're not big on burgers around here, so Bryce bought some burger sized Portabella mushroom tops and fried them up. He added cheese, and bacon on the side. Very tasty! Better than a burger any day honestly, and I'm generally not a huge mushroom fan (even eating this I couldn't really look too closely at it...looks like squid or something!).

Bryce also whipped up his summer time specialty - Pasta Salad. Bryce makes one of the few pasta salads that I actually like. It's a very lite, simple salad - not doused with dressings etc. Vine ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, cucumber, garlic, whole milk mozzarella (fresh is best...hard to get that in Texas!), freshly grated parmesan, olive oil, salt, and a good al dente pasta. Yummers.

Bryce's Day

2008-06-14T12:41:00.025-05:00

Daddy, we think you're the best! Thanks for making every day so much fun!

Happy Father's day

We love you!

Blessed...

2008-06-11T16:49:00.009-05:00

Our lives are blessed...

Bryce gave Baby O the most beautiful blessing last Sunday - words from his heart for our beautiful baby girl.

She is healthy, happy, and brings joy into our lives daily.

Grandma Lilon & Grandpa Jim drove many, many hours to be here this week and to share the special day with us.

Baby O wore the same blessing dress I (and my sisters) wore when we were blessed, thanks to my mother's labor of love in restoring it.

My little Rock Star

2008-05-14T21:36:00.006-05:00

Snackie doing a little "tribute" to Bob Marley.

Is there anything in this world that can compare to the joy your kids can bring into your life!? I could watch this video a million times and never stop smiling.

“Two” many kids…too much to drink…and Walmart!

2008-04-18T15:35:00.005-05:00

I’ll tell you I’ve never paid attention to this before, but I’m sure paying attention now, moms are truly amazing. Grocery shopping with a toddler was a challenge in and of itself, but adding a newborn to the mix I’ve found requires super skills and an engineering degree!

I’m certain it was a man who invented shopping carts - a bachelor no less, without even a niece or a nephew to think about. Maybe his mother mentioned to him that they should have a little seat for a kid somewhere, so he stuck one in there, but he must have been reading some strange statistic that said families only have one and maybe ½ kids! So shopping carts are obviously not made for gigantic families like ours (yes we have two now). If the infant seat goes in the basket…where do you put the groceries? If it goes in the seat area…where do you put the toddler? And regardless of what method is “best” the toddler will certainly disagree and want to be wherever the baby is…or else he will be playing fireman, and pushing the cart (and the precariously perched baby seat) away from you as you stop to pick out some tomatoes! So….shopping is a challenge! Kudos to all you other moms who already have this one down to an art…I’m impressed!

Anyway, as if shopping (and having a newborn) weren’t challenging enough add to it that we’re potty training our toddler. No, I’m not a masochistic mother…this potty training idea was actually daddy’s idea. We decided to use General Conference weekend to make it happen, since we’d both be home all weekend, and basically be sitting there for hours just waiting to hear “I gotta go pee pee” (and listening to the speakers too of course). Now, The Snack is an amazing toddler, and I knew that once he was ready for this it would just “click” which really it did, and he’s doing great, but…we still have our challenges (wow it’s hard to wipe a bum while nursing a month old baby!). So, Bryce and I…well, really The Snack, determined that Pull-ups are nothing more than glorified diapers, so we decided to do away with them in our potty training (it’s so convenient to just pee pee and keep playing when you know it’s not going to come running down your leg). And so day 1 without Pull-ups and I find myself…dun dun dun…at Walmart of all places.

Now, you experienced mothers know that being out in public with a potty training toddler requires “mom training” more than anything else, but keeping track of time in the black hole called Walmart is virtually impossible! So we’re standing in the check out line 2 minutes from being done and a frantic little voice pipes up, “huh! I gotta go pee pee!” (que the music)…dun dun dun “wait, Snack, can you wait?! Don’t go, ok?!” “Ok, mama” and he waited!!! Wow, what a kid. So 2 minutes later I’m rushing off to find a bathroom (of course only to find out hours later that I left my last bag at the check out…another story). When I get there I just stop and stare at the door dumbfounded. What do I do now? I have a cart full of groceries, including melting popsicles, a month old baby sleeping in a carrier, and a toddler who needs to pee! And I’m staring at the door of a WALMART BATHROOM! Darn those little bladders! So I bump the door open with my butt and peek inside. “Oh…there is just no way I’m going in there!” Grimy floors, scummy stalls, and where the heck do you put the shopping cart and the baby…never mind how in the world you get a toddler to pee in a toilet without touching it!

So here’s the big question. What’s more daring…

Braving a Walmart bathroom?

Or

Taking a gamble and facing the possibility of pee all over the car etc.?

So I made my choice…

“Can you wait, Snack?” And, hallelujah, he did! What a kid!

Love to Brit

2008-04-11T11:41:00.009-05:00

She's Back!

My youngest sister...little Brit (a.k.a booger) just returned yesterday from her mission in "South Africarolina" (she served a year in South Africa, then for safety reasons they closed South Africa to sisters, so she finished up in South Carolina).

Brit, we're sorry we can't be there to give you hugs and kisses in person, so we're sending our lovin' via blog. We're so proud of you and can't wait to see you!!

Best kept secrets...

2008-03-21T17:52:00.009-05:00

Believe it or not my friends, but I can keep a "secret." This was a particularly hard secret to keep especially with so many of my blogging friends having babies...but I did it! I suppose it helps that I have a paranoid sort of fear of sharing TMI via blogs, but none-the-less, here's the latest...I HAD A BABY!

It's hard to believe it actually happened. The labor was...not fun...but surprisingly a heck of a lot easier than with my first...is that standard procedure? After my 16 hours of labor (a full hour of just pushing) with The Snack I was in bad shape, but this time, in comparison, it was a piece of cake (if we can ever refer to labor in that way) only 7 hours (with an epidural) and 3 pushes and there she was. I was so happy when she came so quickly that I was like laughing when I was done...I was truly ecstatic!

This is a pic from a couple hours after delivery. The Snack loves "Baby O" and is so excited that she is finally here. Bryce did a really good job preparing The Snack to be a good big brother, so we've been blessed not to have to deal with jealousy...so far! I wish I could say we've also been "blessed" with no sleep deprivation...but I guess we'll have to work on that one!

Snow!

2008-03-03T21:45:00.007-06:00

Ok...it's March...we're in Texas...and it just snowed.

well...ok...so it looks more like this...

...but the point is...it was in the 70's yesterday, with hardly a hint of "winter" all season!!! What is this freakishness?

Hubby tag

2008-02-27T15:41:00.009-06:00

All about my Hubby......

Bryce on one of our rare snowboarding outings

What is his name? Bryce

How long have you been married? 3 ½ yrs

How long did you date? About 6 months in our teens and then about 3 years when we returned from our missions.

How old is he? 29, in a couple weeks.

Who said "I love you first"? He did. He wrote a song for me, “...and I’d tell you I love, but I think I’m scared…as the dandruff falls from my hair…and I’d tell you you’re beautiful, that your voice is sweet, of your voluptuous hands and cobalt blue feet…”

Obviously a lot of “insider information” in that song.

Who is taller? Bryce by 7-8 inches

Who eats more sweets? Hard to say. I’m the sweet fanatic, but he can eat a lot more in a sitting than me, so it probably evens out.

Who can sing better? Bryce. If you heard me sing you’d run from the room…either screaming or laughing…but I love to do it anyway!

Who is smarter? No argument…Bryce is a true genius. I’d say I have more common sense type smarts, but Bryce is like unbelievable to me with the things he knows.

Who does the laundry? Me. I’m a control freak.

Who pays the bills? Me, and I do the taxes and anything else that has to be done on a deadline.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Bryce, if you’re standing at the foot of the bed. We never plan it that way, it just seems to end up that way.

Who mows the lawn? Presently…neither of us. But I know it would be Bryce…though I have no aversion to it…I mowed the lawn as a kid.

Who cooks dinner? I do…but only because I’m the one at home. Bryce is a waaaayyyy better cook. He just has knack for it.

Who drives? Bryce. I’ve given in to the whole “let the hubby do it” mentality in so many ways (“ohhh this jar just won’t open”). But he’s a very good driver, so it makes sense.

Who is more stubborn? Me for sure.

Who kissed who first? Bryce, way back when we were teens. And then I’d say Bryce again when we hooked up later in life…but he may debate this one.

Who asked who out first? As teenagers Bryce was Mr. Smooth. But after our missions I invited him to the movies - at his sisters urging!

Who proposed? Bryce. I’m traditional. We talked about it all the time, but I just waited “patiently” for him to finally propose. I could never have done that.

Who has more siblings? I guess we’re equal. There are 7 kids in my family, and when you add Bryce’s two step siblings, he has 7 as well.

Now...I tag...all of you! Gotta get the inside scoop any way I can.

definitely, maybe

2008-02-21T22:22:00.004-06:00

Two thumbs up....

Amazingly enough, Bryce and I agreed that overall we liked this movie. And getting Bryce to like a "chick flick" is no easy task...so this one wasn't too over the top. Of course, as movies go these days, it had it's share of, "why did they have to put that in there??" but in the end it proved to be a feel good/make you smile kind of movie. I guess if you want to dig deep, you could go into the politics of whether the ending is "right" or "wrong" but I won't because I'd ruin the ending for all of you...and plus...you'll all be smiling in the end too, so it doesn't really matter what I think.

a little lovin'

2008-02-16T16:08:00.003-06:00

I love living where I live right now! Having to be away from family is sooo hard, but good friends make all the difference. We've got some great friends in our apartment complex here in Texas, with kids the same age as Snack. It seems we are always looking for excuses to get together, so holidays - big or small - never get forgotten.

For Valentines we decided to put out mailboxes so each kid could deliver a little valentine to each friend. I surprised The Snack with this Blues Clues mailbox when he woke up from his nap...he loved it...despite my poor artistic skills! So every time we checked the box we'd sing our "here's the mail it never fails..." song. It really made the day special for him. He was so sweet, he'd always say, "we got a letter because they love me?" And the little messages he wanted me to write on the valentines he gave away were so darling...

"Snack, what do you want to say to London?"

"Uhmmm...because I love you."

As for Bryce and I, our Valentines plans could not interfere with the watching of The Lost! So we made sure to schedule that in. No really, we could have...and should have gone on a date considering one of our wonderful friends here offered to babysit, but I have such a hard time saying yes. But alas...she is a good friend, and she wouldn't let the offer go unanswered, so we're going out tonight! And Bryce, being the sweet heart that he his, does let me choose the movie...once a year...so we're seing a chick flick, believe it or not!

Definately, Maybe here we come!

301

2008-02-11T21:24:00.000-06:00

Shocked The Snack...yesterday in Sacrament meeting we sang the Hymn, "I am a Child of God." And The Snack, sitting on the floor playing cars, stood up and looked around at everyone in utter amazement. You could tell by the look on his face what he was thinking..."they're singing my bed time song." It really took him a minute to wrap his mind around it, it was so cute. Then he started singing along. The 2nd and 3rd verses kinda threw him off, but the chorus made it ok. It's funny, I used to be really bored by that song - I think we sang it in every FHE growing up - but now that The Snack is so in love with it, I think it's just the greatest thing!

Don't kids just melt your heart!

Art Show

2008-02-11T17:53:00.000-06:00

I'm slow to post, but I gotta say congrats to The Dad-n! Last Wednesday night was the opening reception for Bryce's latest art show. The show went great, good turnout, good art, good food. And you know it's true because The Snack kept saying "great show daddy" which was ever soooooo cute! And of course The Snack is always the hit of the show....The Dad-n's greatest work of art yet!

A Vacation....from the Vacation

2008-01-22T12:00:00.000-06:00

Oh yes...there was certainly snow!

I'm back. Golly it's been over a month since I last posted, I guess I needed a little break. We went back to Connecticut for 2 1/2 weeks over the Christmas holidays. It was a great trip...but as these things go, the real vacation was needed when we got back home! We departed for our trip thinking 2 1/2 weeks was a looooonnggg time, but the time passed too quickly, and the loooonnngg list of things we thought we'd have ample time to do while we were there quickly was forgotten! The best part of the trip was simply hanging out & playing games with the fam. I don't know why we try to plan so much when in the end there is nothing better than laughing our heads off playing Cranium or Scattergories etc! And the truth is, trying to get 26 some odd people (and believe me we're "odd")to go out to dinner etc. is quite a feat. Next time, guys, lets just go to a lodge where the best thing to do is simply relax and play games!

Some Favorite Photos:

Dad-n and The Snack huddle together to keep warm while we're waiting to see Santa Clause (fortunately for us this day it was slightly warmer than the single digit temps we experienced later in the week).

Some of the Grandkids help Grandma & Grampa tell the Nativity story.

Christmas morning Auntie Heather helps The Snack get excited to open Christmas presents.

My little Guitar Hero rocking out with Uncle Willie.

Grandma following The Snack through a tunnel at Mystic Aquarium (The Snack LOVED this place!).

7 Random..."Things"

2007-12-11T15:39:00.000-06:00

Another Tag I'm waaaaayyyy behind on! This one wants me to list 7 random things about myself...but I think this will be more fun (cackle cackle [evil laugh]).

So, I'm one of 7 siblings, and gheesh...without a doubt, they are the most random things in my life! And 'cause I love them so much this post is dedicated to them. So all this may bore the rest of y'all, but I hope the fam. will enjoy it!

Sibling #1 - “LainaKay” - as she is known to the blogging world. This is her in her “natural state”…in front of a computer screen designing something spectacular and amazing. She’s a whiz and a half at everything she does. She has a vocabulary that could top any politicians (she could write their speeches). She’s an artist, an interior decorator, a party planner, and a connoisseur of everything from pizza to perennials. (hey laina, can't wait for CT and Skippy's Dare!)

Her secret - you may just find her secretly rocking out to Def Leppard in her car.

Random fact about Laurel in relation to Laina – I used to be able to make her laugh until she cried. I haven’t tried this in years, but it’s the gosh darn best thing in the world!!

Sibling #2 - “Jar-head” - Don’t be fooled by the picture, this guy is making the big bucks as a quantum molecularus noputulus magolicious bolifulosolure…or running some kind of computer programming company (one way or the other it’s all Greek to me!). He’s a true Einstein, an avid reader, and a sports fanatic. Again, good at just about everything he does, even art, go figure.

His secret – he can get just as engrossed in the back of a cereal box as a Louis Lamore novel! Either way if the fire alarm goes off you'll have to carry him out on your back while he reads...and he still won't notice.

Random fact about Laurel in relation to Jar-head – I wouldn't consider myself a genius like he is…but we both graduated college Suma Cum Laude…so maybe if I were a guy I’d at least rank up there with the big boys.

Sibling #3 - “Shaka” - Yes, that’s me kicking her butt in a serious rollerblading competition. We rarely played together as kids (she was busy with boys and friends and boyfriends) but we have a lot of fun playing as adults. She’s not afraid to try anything, mountain biking, snowboarding, rollerblading, rock climbing etc…all my favorite things. She’s fabulous in a kitchen, somehow her cookies always come out just right and of course mine never do.

Her Secret – well…you can read her post to find out all her deep dark secrets. But my favorite one to tell is the time she ate all my stash of chocolates from under my bed and told me it wasn't her. Well…I should give her the benefit of the doubt, I suppose it could have been some of her friends!

Random fact about Laurel in relation to Shaka – In high school people used to say to me, "you're not Shaka's sister?!" with complete surprise...yeah....she was a bit cooler than me.

Sibling #4 – “Wonder boy” – He gets the name not just for his pseudo breakdancing skills, if I have a question about everything and anything…he’s the guy I go to. A sponge of useful as well as useless information he could win any game show.

His Secret – he’s the biggest conspiracy theorist I know…but such a comedian about it too! If you don’t think the squirrels in the trees are trying to get you…he can convince you they are! (oh, and he’s afraid of sand too)

Random fact about Laurel in relation to Wonder boy – growing up we were the best of friends…and the worst of friends! Inseparable…even when we were beating each other up. Wrestling with him is where I got my big muscles from!

Sibling #5 – “Brezo” – Let the record state…this girl is crazy random. Laying under the wheel of this wagon, dangling from trees, boxing bears, wrestling alligators…ok maybe she’s not that extreme, but she’s certainly a wild one! And randomly enough despite all that she’s got this organizational know how thing going on. She’s the guru of clean. Don’t mess with her perfectly organized space, ‘cause she’ll know it in an instant. If you need someone to organize your life she’s the one to call!

Her Secret – She's terrified of "old people"...and yet they LOVE her.

Random fact about Laurel in relation to Brezo – I may be an old timer now, but I think I can still school her in basketball, and baseball, and football, and soccer, and lacrosse, and...etc. (yeah you heard me, Brezo, the challenge is on!)

Sibling #6 – “Booger” – We could go with “cute as a button” or “guy magnet” but I generally like to refer to her as something more endearing like Booger – she’s perfect. And I mean perfect. It’s like she can’t go wrong. Smart, attractive, great at everything, friendly to everyone, kids adore her, guys worship her, other girls hate to love her etc. She eats right, she exercises, she reads books by Stephen R. Covey and Dale Carnegie. She loves public speaking so someday she’s going to make a lot of money…and I just hope to be somewhere on the receiving end of it (I’m hoping this little plug helps)!

Her Secret – she’s a bit of a ditz…but it works for her! So I think it’s just another one of those things she has perfected!

Random fact about Laurel in relation to Booger – here she is even on a ski lift looking perfect and cute. My mom often reminds me that one of my claims to fame as a kid was teaching all the neighborhood kids "mad skills" like how to ride two wheelers. Well, I taught miss Booger to snowboard, and the crazy little chick had perfected…and surpassed my abilities within the first day!

And I make 7. I fall smack dab in the middle of all these crazies...and I wouldn't have it any other way.

A little treat

2007-11-21T10:46:00.000-06:00

Our little M&M family. I saw this on another blog, and thought it was so cute. So The Snack and I had a little fun creating our own M&M characters (note the "yellow bus"...The Snacks favorite addition to the picture). We each are holding an item we absolutely cannot live without. Yes ice cream is my item. Gotta have it. Can't live without it. If I started to get fat I'd work out twice as much just to be able to keep ice cream in my daily diet! The Dad-n is an artist, so that's an easy one. A paint brush...which of course is coming very close to painting my hair! Typical of a true artist...not only does he create beautiful paintings...he's also prone to create quite "beautiful" messes at times. Fortunately he now has his own studio (hallelujah). And for The Snack, a music lover just like his dad-n, a little guitar. This kid is always hoppin' and boppin' and begging me to "sing loud" in the middle of the grocery store. He's the voice in the back of the chapel at church singing "BOB THE BUILDER" at the top of his lungs long after the sacrament hymn has ended!

As for this family we're, without a doubt, peanut-butter M&M's. Unfortunately the Dad-n and I both adore the peanut-butter kind, so I'm not able to hide them and hoard them all to myself. But then again, maybe that's a good thing...I mean it's already enough work just to keep ice cream in my diet!

So...what kind of M&M would you be?

p.s. If you want to create your own M&M characters click here.

It was meant to be

2007-11-13T17:05:00.000-06:00

I'm playing catch up on some tags. Here's one I'd almost forgotten...this one's for you Shaka...so here goes!

1. Where did you meet?
Our first meeting was on a youth temple trip to the Washington DC temple. I was sitting on the bus looking out the window at people getting on and saw him and said to my friend, “who’s that kid?” I’d never seen him before, and she had no idea, so I just forgot about it. Then the next day everyone went to the Lincoln Monument, it was raining so my friends stayed on the bus, but I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to see the monument of my favorite president, so I went alone. On my way back some kid ran down the steps after me and asked if he could walk me back to the bus…it was HIM. Too weird. I was nervous, so I forgot his name and practically ran to the bus. He was great though, and we ended up sitting by each other later…and then “going out” for several months.
2. What was the first thing you said to your husband?
I probably told him my name, and something lame like “oh I know your mom from girls camp.”
3. Where was your first date?
My senior reception. We really hit it off on the bus trip, but he lived an hour away, so we'd talk on the phone for hours every night (yikes those phone bills!). And since he was my "boyfriend" I asked him to be my date for the reception. We had a great time (my sister let me borrow her red Mitsubishi Eclipse for the night…thanks laina!)

4. Where was your first kiss?
He was about to leave on a long family vacation and I drove out to see him. We walked to the movie theater, he gave me a gift – a Blues Traveler tape, and in it a note I wasn’t allowed to read until I left. On the walk back I could tell he was nervous and trying to figure out what to do, we ended up standing outside by my car for a long time, until finally he kissed me. It was ruined by the neighbor taking out his trash, but we were just kids…so it was awkward anyway! The note was about his plans to kiss me, he figured he couldn’t back out if I had the note!
5. Did you have a long courtship/engagement?
Uhmmm…I'd say so! We dated for the whole summer after I graduated high school. Then broke up, but it was easy going and mutual. I went to Ricks, he’s a "younger man," so he finished high school and went to Utah State University. Then we both went on missions and actually stayed friends and kinda wrote on our missions (like two letters). I got home a few months before him so I was ready and waiting to welcome him back to the real world when he returned (his younger sister kinda pushed us into hanging out together, thanks Jess!). We were inseparable from that moment on. And got married 4 years later (we stayed in Connecticut and finished up college together).
6. Where did you get engaged?
On my last day of college classes, before all the graduation junk, he took me to a park by the school for a celebration picnic. Again the nervousness showed, and he broke out the little gift box and popped the question. And the coolest part was that a newspaper photographer for the Hartford Courant caught the “yes” moment on camera, so it was published in the newspaper the next day! We thought that was appropriate after so many years of dating our engagement should be a news worthy event!
7. How did the reception go?

More than fabulous - it helps to have your own personal Martha Stewart for a sister! It was outdoors with tents and a dance floor my dad created. There was a local fireworks show that night, so we had fireworks for free! It was seriously a reception you’d dream about with all the roses and flickering candle lanterns etc. but these few pics can't even begin to do it justice.
8. How was the honeymoon?
We had a “prima-note” as my husband calls it, the first night. We just went away for the weekend to New London, Ct. (crazy town we think everyone we met were aliens hiding in human bodies like in Men in Black). But we were waiting for our real honeymoon until the next month when his aunt’s summer cottage on Cape Cod was available - where we had a great time biking, swimming, exploring, visiting art galleries, shopping, eating great food...all the fun stuff you do on Cape Cod!

There were incidents and accidents...

2007-11-06T16:59:00.000-06:00

Golly...how can I find time for blogging with all the other craziness that happens in life?! So the other day I hear this hissing noise coming from behind the fridge, which is plenty frightening, then water...no, strike that...WATER came pouring out everywhere! So the story is; the line that feeds the ice maker burst, and my kitchen floor got a good washing in places that have never seen the bristles of a broom, never mind a mop! Of course the Dad-n had just left like 20 minutes earlier, so I was alone on this one...well, me and The Snack. So I'm trying to squeeze behind the fridge and The Snack is standing at the edge of the kitchen with water lapping at his toes saying "Wha happn' mama? Wha happn' mama?" Trying to stay calm as I twist, and twist, and try to twist some more, the knob that supposedly shuts the water off, I yell "get some towels, Snack!" Knowing that sending my two year old off to fetch towels is a fruitless effort, but he nevertheless attempts to comply and goes running off to each bathroom coming back empty handed. Of course he can't reach our towels on the back of the bathroom door, but it brings some relief to me that I can at least yell some orders out. Eventually after getting ENTIRELY drenched I got the knob to turn the right direction and turned the water off. Then after breast stroking my way to the bathroom I grabbed all the towels I could and dropped them in the water...but as we all know, a towel doesn't really do too much to lap up a lake. So I set to work with the mop (wishing I'd invested in a wet/dry vacuum like my genius mother has...but hey, she's got YEARS on me, ok). Of course The Snack is always willing to lend a hand "my turn mama?" grabbing the mop and nearly knocking over my bucket of freshly absorbed ocean. Eventually I get the water up, but of course floods aren't cooperative, and they like to get into EVERYTHING. So, needless to say, my pantry as well as my laundry room got a little "Spring Cleaning." Which of course brings about new stories and tasks that I don't even want to go into! Now, if only I'd had the presence of mind amidst all of this to snap some great blog photos, but I'm certain you can all have a good time imagining this scene on your own.

83% Texan

2007-11-01T22:07:00.000-05:00

I may be biased, but I think he's the cutest darn cowboy I've ever laid eyes on! (and I'm not really into cowboys). As you all know I was looking to go the easy route this Halloween, so The Snack happened to have these itty bitty Wranglers in his wardrobe which, in my non-cowboy-loving opinion, could be worn for nothing but a costume! So the inspiration finally did come, I just had to search a bit for it. I even found The Dad-n's cowboy belt buckle (a gift from an outside source...obviously!) which was super large on The Snack, and perfect for a real rodeo cowboy! Yes those boots are real snake skin (borrowed of course). And the bandanna is real....uhmmm girls camp issue? Ok, so we didn't go fully Texas here, but we sure tried. Actually my husband always says that percentage wise The Snack is more Texan than anything else...Yikes! I think it's starting to show because he's actually a little obsessed with cowboys these days (somehow I took out a cowboy book as well as a cowboy Bob the Builder video from the Library as a fluke recently, and now The Snack just can't get enough cowboy...hence the PJ's pic...he loves the look...day or night!) And it sure seems to work as far as winning over the ladies, you can see he caught himself a couple of cowgirls here

The Dad-n and I even had some fun this year. Our friends had their annual Halloween costume party, so I wrestled The Dad-n into a costume (he HATES dressing up, but finally agreed to think of something and settled on a masking tape mummy) I went as a pirate because my other choices according the the flier from the party store were; half naked hooker, half naked waitress, half naked nurse, or half naked Gypsy. We ended up winning this apple eating contest...which I guess proves we're either good kissers, or good at biting each others heads off! All in all, it was a fun filled Halloween. I think year 2 is the best for trick or treating...The Snack actually recognized this year that it was candy everyone was giving him, but now can't understand how it is possible that it is "all gone" as I keep telling him when he begs for it!

Well, now I'm off to search the candy bag for chocolate...Twix if I'm lucky...So I'm curious...what candy are you stealing from your kids stash this year?

Uhhh...I've been slacking for a bit...

2007-11-01T15:56:00.001-05:00

I was tagged with this cute little guy a while ago, but I've been all-computered-out for a bit. So I'm back now. And since he's a candy corn (can't stand to eat these things actually) I thought he should just be a little Halloween post. Thanks for the tag Shaka...now I'll go work on the other tag you sent me!

Pumpkins and hayrides and bounce house backflips, oh my!

2007-10-22T20:46:00.000-05:00

We finally did it! We pretended it's autumn (we're in Texas). And we took a trip to the pumpkin patch with our playgroup friends. It was great! Being from New England I was a bit bummed that it was like nearly 90 degrees and MUGGY (no sweaters or fall foliage) but we tolerated it and everyone had a blast.

There were pumpkins galore, and all sorts of festive decorations, but really the best part of this trip was that I learned I have a secret knack for gymnastics! At the bottom of this bouncy slide thing I went to sit down and somehow my butt connected with nothing but air, and I did a total back flip, completely by accident...and landed on my feet on the ground four feet below! I absolutely thought I was going to die the whole way down (it's amazing how many things can pass through your mind in 3 seconds). Once my friends determined I was ok we all cracked up. Of course the woman in charge came over and reprimanded me for fooling around and I'm like, "Oh no, I really don't have that kind of talent! That was a total accident." I don't think she believed me! Oh how I wish it had been caught on camera. I'm sure it was worthy of a win on Funniest Home Videos!!!

Celebrities...

2007-10-16T21:36:00.000-05:00

Ok, so this is totally random...and I'm not a big celebrities person or anything, but I love, love, love the new Macy's ads! (Not really a Macy's girl either, I kinda like to get the Maxx for the minimum price if you know what I mean). But whenever these ads come on I smile. I even call my husband into the room to watch. I think it's so intriguing to see celebrities outside their "element." Marketing genius. My favorite ones are with Martha Stewart. Something about this somewhat serious lady being kinda silly really gets to me. Anyway, if you haven't seen them, you can check one out here.

A little Halloween help please!

2007-10-13T12:38:00.000-05:00

I'm at a loss for what I want The Snack to be for Halloween this year. Last year I made him this Leprechaun costume - I did it completely from my head...no pattern, just made it up as I went along. Needless to say, it was quite a challenge, and took a bit of time....so I don't think I'll go that route this year...unless I can think really fast!

So I need ideas! I'm just not getting any inspiration. I'm sure if he were old enough to choose, he'd want to be Spiderman or something, but I'm going to avoid that route a long as I'm still making the choices!

Anyone got any fun ideas?

Poop.

2007-10-09T21:44:00.000-05:00

Ok...so NOT a picture worthy post. We visited friends this past weekend, and they have a boy about the same age as The Snack, who is potty training. Well...it got a little quiet so I sent Dad-n to check it out. He came back looking green. "Poop" was all he could say. The other boy had let one slide right onto the floor and was playing in it! Fortunately The Snack only had a little tiny bit on his foot. Oh boy. But of course we didn't learn our lesson! Yes...it happened again! This time we weren't so fortunate. The Snack comes to me with what looks like chocolate on his hands (and I soon noticed everywhere else). My friend and I both go "oh that isn't..." Yeah, it was. I should have just asked for a hose this time! I just hope and pray that The Snack doesn't get any ideas!!!!!!

a gift for myself...

2007-10-06T22:00:00.000-05:00

Ok....so I know at least laina knows this about me...I can't resist red and orange. I bought this funky chunky watch from the museum gift shop for myself...for my b-day. How could I not? So, it's super hard to match, but it's worth it to me!

So....tell me, what's your funky treasure?

Inevitable...

2007-10-06T20:32:00.000-05:00

Some people call it Murphy's law, and it doesn't matter what you call it...it happens! So one day my mom is commenting to me about always keeping a change of clothing in the car for my son. I think to myself, "yeah, that's smart, but I've never ended up needing it sooo..."

Ok, so then THE VERY NEXT DAY we're down at the art museum, and it has this incredible reflecting pool almost surrounding the whole building (like a magnet for The Snack). We've been there several times before, and Snack likes to look at the water and be close to the water...but this time was different...

He goes around the corner and my mom is following him and suddenly....SPLASH! So...did she push him in to prove her point or what!? ;) (LOL) Moms...go figure...are they always right? I like to think I am!

The Snack attempts to dry off after his little dip

A visit from Mom...

2007-09-25T18:24:00.000-05:00

A little lovin' for Gramma from The Snack (what else can bring out sweetness like a promise of candy?!)

So, nothing will pull you away from the real world better than a visit from family. Yes, that's where this slacker blogger has been...cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, and then playing, playing, playing (why is it that we think even the crack between the fridge and the counter needs to be cleaned before your mom spends the week?)

It was a great visit. One of my sisters came too (one of four...yes four...where are the rest of you?!) We hardly had a days rest I'd planned so many things (go figure, Texas can be fun)! But next time I'll be sure to plan some down time...everyone needs a nap occasionally...not just cranky two year olds!

A few pics of our adventures...we saw the crazy-awesome long horn cattle at the Fort Worth Stockyards, caught the rodeo too (uhhmm...insane!). We visited the Zoo, and the Train Museum, and for the Dad-n's sake we caught the Ron Mueck show at The Modern (wayyyyyy cool, and totally freaky real).

Zions Canyon

2007-09-11T15:07:00.000-05:00

Ok...so I've been a little busy, and I know you're all totally over my trip to Utah by now, but I still gotta share one of my favorite parts of the trip!

The one BIG thing the Dad-n really wanted to do while we were in Utah is visit Zions National Park. Now...I didn't really care one way or another if we did this or not, except that I did want him to have his fun (despite the hassle I thought it would be with hours of driving and finding a place to stay etc.) Well, the last weekend we were there we worked it into our schedule and boy I'm glad that we did! I loved it! We took auntie Jessica with us, and my friend Mary (not pictured...she's like SUPER hiker woman...every pic with her in it she's like 100yards away just waiting for us to get movin'!)

There were many spectacular views, but the best part was the River walk. It's like 2 miles up river and you walk through the water the whole time. It's all sand or smooth rocks, so I went it barefoot, but many people wore shoes. It was crazy but fun, and we even took a break to take a dip...fully clothed! Such a fun adventure and The Snack thought it was totally wild too!

The Family

2007-08-29T10:01:00.001-05:00

Here we are picnicking and enjoying some kickball and Frisbee in Provo canyon.

It was great to have siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, Great Gramma etc. all together. It's quite to feat gathering everyone from New York, Connecticut, Utah and California... but we were all there to celebrate with The Dad-n's mom who turned the big 50! It was the party of a lifetime. A fun-filled 10 days, starting with the BIG party, and moving on to hiking, canoeing, playing games etc.

The Snack especially enjoyed all the exploring and hanging out with the "big" kids he got to do. Some of his favorite adventures were longboarding with cousin Harley...

Climbing on rocks with Auntie Chrissy, and playing in the waterfall at the Grotto with Gramma.

Share, Dad-n, SHARE

2007-08-28T10:45:00.000-05:00

We (and everyone on the plane) learned that The Snack knows all about sharing! Dad-n was opening some food and Snack decided he wanted some too, so he calmly at first, then rather loudly let us all know!

So I think I'll take The Snacks advice and do some sharing of my own. Here are some pics from our GREAT trip! It's hard to be back to real life, but at least the pictures will help us hold on to the memories .

The House

Talk about fabulous. The Dad-n's family just moved to Utah last summer, and they bought this great old house with all sorts of outdoor sitting area's, and beautiful trees and flower gardens. It's like being at a quaint Bed & Breakfast.

The Snack's favorite part of the house was this small apple tree in the backyard. If you ever couldn't find Snack...you knew exactly where to look! He eats these little apples core and all!!! Wow...but he still won't eat regular apples like that at home. Go figure. Well at least we know he could survive on his own outside.

(Auntie Jessica demonstrating how to eat an apple)

10 days of Vacation!

2007-08-15T22:20:00.001-05:00

It's time for a little break. Off to visit the Dad-n's fam for a bit. Can't wait to see everyone! We've even trained The Snack to say "Utah" but we're still working on "Gramma & Grampa"...well, at least he knows where he's going...just in case he get's lost...!??

I'm hoping that because The Snack basically loves anything that drives, rumbles or beeps, he's gonna love flying...but y'all can still pray for my sanity still the same!

Pink Ribbons

2007-08-11T09:21:00.000-05:00

When your son walks up to you with a pink bow in his hair, it's a good indication that it's time for that haircut you've been talking about for weeks! This was at playgroup the other day...he's got a lot of girl friends, and apparently some of them know how to do hair!

Can't help but love this fresh new face, military haircut and all. And even though I do miss how his hair would curl in the back, it's worth it.

Welcome to my World

2007-08-08T16:40:00.000-05:00

I've been roped in. I love keeping up on the lives of family & friends via their blogs, so now it's time for them to keep up with me! I can see already how this beast is going to try to consume all of my free time, but at least it's a creative outlet, and hopefully it will bring joy to my life and others.

I recommend checking back once or twice a week...I doubt you'll waste your time that way. But, if you fail to leave a comment after visiting, I swear your fingernails will fall off.