Dear Blog

Oh Lulu

2011-09-10T00:32:00.002-06:00

Walking through the grocery store meat department and Lulu suddenly says, "Mom, Maurice from my class eats kitty-cats. His mom even said he does."
I looked at her, a little troubled and said, "Maurice eats kitty-cats? Real kitty-cats?"
"Yes. His mom even said."
I am horrible because I happen to know Maurice's mother is from another culture. I thought maybe cat is a delicacy there.
Poor Emma was just grossed out.
And then a light bulb went off for us both at the same time.
Miss Lulu's favorite candy bar is a Kit-Kat. She calls them "kitty-cats".
It didn't seem so bad after that.

2011-08-24T17:42:00.003-06:00

Lulu: Mom why do you like coming to JoAnn's so much?

Me: Because craft stores make me happy. Doesn't JoAnn's make you happy?

Lulu: No. Candy stores make me happy. And toy stores.

And The Hits Just Keep Coming

2011-08-21T23:07:00.003-06:00

As if my baby having the audacity to grow up isn't painful enough, Sass has to go and start changing herself. For a few weeks now . . . okay all summer, I've been ignoring signs of maturity in Sass. But one thing could not be ignored any longer. The girl is a monkey. The hair on her legs has gotten so dark and so long that she stopped wearing shorts about 3 weeks ago to hide them. I've been putting off the inevitable because I felt she was too young, but really I've never seen hairier legs. So I helped her shave today. We used the electric razor. The girl had so much hair that I had to recharge it twice before we were through. And we weren't really through when we stopped. It was time to leave for church. You guess which is the before and which is the after. And yes those are Sass' legs not Awesome's.

Lulu turns 4. sob

2011-08-21T22:02:00.006-06:00

Today Lulu turned 4. Yes that IS the sound of my heart breaking. Nobody told me how hard it would be to watch your baby grow. Anyway. She wanted a Rapunzel party. More accurately she wanted a Tangled party. Of course to have a Rapunzel party you have to have hair. So we made a large braid. And we had to have a tower cake. This is how it started. It was my first time building a support structure for a cake. I felt very "Ace of Cakes". I mean look at it, PVC was involved. The finished cake. The plan was to cover the PVC in rice crispy treats and cover that in fondant, but the rice crispy treats would not stick to the pipe. So. I painted it. There would have been more details if I had had more time.This is the flag banner that I made. I cut those pennants out myself and hand painted each of those suns. Then I tediously hung each one on the string. Never, Lulu dear, forget the details. Or your mother's desire to make things memorable for you. Or just her insanity.We played "Pin the Nose on Flynn".Remember that braid I made? Yeah we used that for tug-of-war.Then we played a game I call "tangled". I split the kids into teams of two and gave them a roll of yellow streamers. On "go" they had to tangle one person on their team in the streamer. They loved this and we would probably have played it multiple times if it hadn't be gale force winds out there.We also played hide 'n seek, a favorite of Rapunzel and Pascal.
These are all of Lulu's besties. Well all but one. Most notably missing would be little S. Pommerville. We will forgive her absence seeing how she lives two states away.
Mother Nature tried desperately to thwart my plans but we casually did our best to ignore her. The kids just moved inside when the wind nearly carried them away and ran amok in the house. Good thing I spent days cleaning up EVERY ROOM. That way it was a clean slate for their chaos. I did buy some wish lanterns to send off (I mean come on you can't really have a Tangled party without lanterns). But score one for MN because it was much to windy to light those. Despite that little snafu it remained a fun party.
Love you Goosie Lou.

Little Grasshopper

2011-08-20T21:42:00.000-06:00

Back in early summer I asked "Who wants to play soccer this year?" I was asking the older kids, specifically Ethan and Emma. Lulu immediately replied that she did. I talked to her about it. I told her if I signed her up that meant she really had to play. She told me okay. I discussed this with her several times before I officially signed her up. She seemed to understand and agree with the requirements.

So we are clear, the above photo is a misrepresentation of Lulu as a soccer player. The following is more accurate. She will play with her daddy. And NO ONE ELSE. If Lulu doesn't know you she is extremely shy around you. Before her first game she had two practices. Both of them she refused to leave her parent's side. She didn't like the other people watching her. Knowing this I resorted to bribery on game day. I told her she couldn't have her birthday party if she didn't play. I brought some M&M's with me and told her she could have five every time she went on the field (by half time I told her I would give her the whole container if she would just run with her team, she didn't even have to try to kick it). I told her if she played I would buy her a new bike. Finally with five minutes before the end of the game she agreed to go on the field. IF. If I went with her and ran around with her. I'm weak. I caved. I ran around the soccer field with her. I did put my foot down and wouldn't let her hold my hand. It was the only way, people. The only way to get her out there. She even kicked it once. But just once.

*BIG SIGH* This is going to be a long season.

Yellowstone take two

2011-08-05T18:36:00.011-06:00

I'm a planner. I like making lists and doing research. I plan trips months in advance and reserve places to stay. Awesome is a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of guy.
Monday he came home and said he thought we should go to Yellowstone for the weekend. Have you ever tried to get any form of accommodation in the Yellowstone area in August with less than seven days notice? It was nearly impossible. Fortunately we have some friends that live close to Yellowstone. Well closer than us. Within two hours. So. We invited ourselves up for the weekend, cuz we're classy like that.

The night before we were supposed to leave my mom asked if I had heard about the funnel clouds spotted in northern Utah. Ethan has a mortal dread of all natural disasters. Mix this with his natural born tendency to worry and you get a nearly panicked child. He immediately asked if we could fly to Yellowstone instead or driving. Umm, no. All along the way he worriedly watched the sky.

(By the way that isn't debris flying around, those are bugs that had unfortunate meetings with our windshield).

As we neared Rexburg, Idaho, the skies turned black and it was obvious a downpour was in front of us. Ethan's eyes were huge and he asked, "What is that?" Lulu, sitting next to him, asked what he really wanted to know, "Is that a 'tomato'?" We explained that no it was not a "tomato" if it was a "tomato" we would probably have lots of wind. And the mass would be swirling. And you would see debris like shingles and car parts and cows and a witch on a bicycle flying through the air. So clearly it was no "tomato". It was still ugly. And looked scary.

We made it to the Pommerville's home without incidence. It was a load off Ethan's mind. The next day both families headed to Yellowstone park. We had gone earlier this summer but if you are keeping up than you may remember it snowed when were there. And there were road closures. And snow. And temps in the 30's. And snow.

This time we got to see Old Faithful.

This time the kids were happier (most of them) and Olivia made a new best friend in our friend's little girl.

Sassy was on crutches and was less than enthusiastic to walk around and see geysers.

This time we saw more animals-three bear, a lot of elk, some bison (no herds), a wolf, and lots of these:

Very aggressive chipmunks. These critters came towards us. As I was taking this picture he kept coming closer-less than a foot away. It was a little creepy. The only animal I really wanted to see but didn't was a moose. I was boo-hooing about that when Sass said, "Hey mom, turn around." I turned around and saw four moose. The cutest moose ever.

It was an great last minute trip. We loved hanging out with the Pommervilles. Thank you for your hospitality and all around awesomeness.

Ethan figures out the truth at an early age

2011-08-03T19:12:00.003-06:00

"Mom why are you so crazy about cleaning and safety and lots of other stuff. I think you are just crazy. "

He also asked me on the way to Wal-Mart, "I saw this question on the computer, 'how do you get pregnant?' so mom how DO you get pregnant?"

Push, push, push . . . now pedal,pedal, pedal

2011-08-03T14:09:00.002-06:00

Two or three years ago Ethan received a bike for Christmas. As of the beginning of August 2011 he had ridden it maybe a dozen times. He preferred riding his scooter. As he got older, he was embarrassed by the fact that to ride his bike he still required training wheels. NONE of his friends needed them. I decided it was time he learned to ride once and for all. Thanks to a tip from my cousin (Hi Kirsten!) we took the pedals (and training wheels) off a bike. Now I didn't want to take the pedals of HIS bike because it's a pain and I figured it would be equally bothersome to put them back on. Olivia doesn't know how to ride a bike either so we took the pedals off her small, pink, princess bike and let Ethan use that.
Perhaps it was just the right timing for Ethan, perhaps it was the removal of the pedals or perhaps it was being forced to ride a princess bike three sizes too small -- we will never know. Something worked because after only a couple of times pushing himself around on Lulu's bike he was ready to try his own. The first time out he had it. Yay Ethan!

Ethan loves riding his bike so much that he only pauses to refuel.

2011-08-02T14:06:00.001-06:00

She's got legs you idiot!

2011-07-21T22:57:00.002-06:00

She may not have traded her voice to the sea witch (although in this case that might not have been a bad thing) but she does have the use of her legs back. Sass has graduated from the wheelchair to crutches!

Camp Runamuck

2011-07-21T22:02:00.006-06:00

Ethan is seven. He no longer loves trains and building tracks all over the house. He no longer rides his stick horse up and down the hall. It's so sad. He is now Star Wars obsessed and "practices his skills" with the light saber on his younger sister. You might think I threw him a Star Wars party but you would be wrong. I really wanted to. I had some really fun ideas, but then every kid in his class threw a Star Wars party and I figured they needed something else to entertain them. So we threw a camping party instead.
I read this idea where the mom made invitations designed after a day camp brochure so that is what I did. I googled "day camp brochure" and mimicked one I found. I even had a form on one side to fill out if that was the preferred method of registration. I had two kids return their forms before the party. So cute. The invitation can be seen in two posts previous to this one.
I focused the activities around things you would do camping. In our camp we started out with arts & crafts: bird feeders. After all the kids had arrived and the bird feeders were done, we took them on a nature "hike". We split the kids into two teams and gave each team a scavenger hunt list. The intent was that they would collect things on their lists, then come back to camp and create some art project with those things. However, Counselor Awesome and Counselor Uncle Brian kept the kids out until dinner was ready. So no art project.
The plan for dinner was to eat around the campfire, but once again Mother Nature reared her ugly head. The wind was blowing a bit too blustery and fifteen minutes before the party started, it started to rain. Just a little, but enough that I panicked and moved all the camp chairs inside. Dinner was now in my family room. After dinner we went outside to play some games. First up was "canoe" racing. Again we split into two teams. We spray painted an outline of a lake on the grass and gave each team enough carpet squares per person plus one. The goal was to get the whole team across by moving the extra square forward and then moving everyone up and so on. The older kids got really competitive and started throwing the square and then leaping forward. It was the hit of the party. They had so much fun they raced back across the lake. After the canoes we "fished". Again in teams this time they had to fish for their teams specific fish type. If they caught the other team's fish they had to throw it back. The first team to get all their fish were the winners. I had planned on playing water balloon toss and trying the human knot as well as telling stories around a campfire. Due to time constraints (and weather issues) we skipped those and headed back inside for presents and dessert.
This year I made a small cake (made to look like a campfire) since I've noticed most kids don't eat the cake at parties. I had gummy frogs, gummy worms, chocolate rocks and s'mores-on-a-stick on the dessert table with the cake. As I expected everything else was preferred to the cake, I think only one child actually requested a piece.
In the end it was a fun party. Before bed Ethan hugged me, thanked me for the party (I think Dad told him too) and told me it was the best one yet.
Happy Birthday Buddy! We love you.

Sweet Niblets, I did it!

2011-07-13T12:55:00.003-06:00

Sometime in March or April my good friend Janna (that's her below) called me and asked if I was ready to get my ride on (not those exact words). I agreed to start riding with her. We started out hard core. We got up at 4:45 am in temps that were at a high of mid 30's. That's how we roll. She suggested we try an all women's bike ride that was just a few weeks after we started. You know, cuz we're hard core. Unfortunately I had plans that weekend so she went alone. But good news another all women's ride was taking place in July in Meridian, Idaho. For this one she wanted me to sign up for the 40 mile ride. Let me remind everyone that I had just started riding in April. Forty miles seemed outrageous to me. I went ahead and signed up for the forty just so Janna and I could start together, but admittedly I was dubious I could complete it. Especially since I took about a month off from "training" for vacation & nursing duties. Before the ride the furthest I had gone in one ride was about 20 miles.

This is Janna before the ride started. I didn't have time to get a pic of both of us.

This is us at 20 miles. Um, next time I will not be wearing white as it is not very figure flattering. I will also be wearing a more supportive sports bra. The ride was pretty flat so it wasn't that hard. The hardest part was one hill about mile 33. At the top of the hill was a sign that read "Chuck Norris thinks you're incredible". That thought helped me finish the last 7 miles.

This is us at the finish. I was so stinking proud of myself that I nearly cried. I really didn't plan on it being so fun. I completed 40 miles in about 4 hours and will definitely do it again. There is another Goldilocks ride in Vegas in the fall. Anyone want to join us?

It's that time of year again . . .

2011-07-13T11:58:00.002-06:00

Here is Ethan's invite:

I modeled it after a real day camp brochure. Party is next week.

July 4th

2011-07-13T11:19:00.008-06:00

On the fourth we went to the parade of course.It was the same as usual with a few exceptions.There was no fly over from the fighter jets. That is always my favorite part.Ethan decided to bring headphones to drown out the noise of the sirens--he still hates those.Emma rode in the parade this year. The girl next to her is our sweet, bestest neighbor Britnee. They rode on the softball trailer together. They only threw us a couple of pieces of candy-we were so disappointed in them.Perhaps the oddest entry this year is pictured above. It looked like a hot tub turned on its side and decorated to look like some kind of pod. It contained three grown (and rather large) men who were dressed as Jedi and some character from Star Trek. I don't think they were advertising a local company or anything. I think they were just a bunch of Sci-fi geeks getting into the spirit of the holiday.After the parade we went out to lunch with some of our neighbors. Lulu ordered a footlong corndog. And she ate most of it.Later that night we lit sparklers and a few fireworks.I like to call the above picture "How NOT to Behave With Lit Sparklers".
Also a new change this year-it is now legal to have the "good" fireworks. My husband, Mr. Pyro, was in heaven.

Annual Neighborhood Fiesta

2011-07-13T10:00:00.007-06:00

Every year our cul-de-sac throws a big neighbor party for the 4th of July. This year we held it on the 2nd of July, cuz we be crazy like that. The inflatable water slides (there were 2) arrived before lunch and my girls were outside from that moment until about 10:30 at night. It's an all day event. Ethan came up missing a couple of times and was found inside reading. He REALLY misses his buddy Isaiah. The filling of the water balloons The water balloon target for the day Lulu and her friend John-these two were inseparable from each other Guarding the water balloons from the boys who crashed our party The balloon guardians "Crack"Water slides are not just for kidsWaiting for the fireworks

One of our favorite days of the year.

2011-07-01T09:55:00.000-06:00

Unable to participate in the physical activities of the other children, Sass learns the joy of internet shopping.

The hip bone is connected to the thigh bone, the thigh bone. . .

2011-06-21T22:29:00.002-06:00

When I was a new mom every little thing caused me to worry. We once took Sass to the E.R. because she had started choking on a small piece of dry bread. She was breathing normal and everything but we just wanted to make sure nothing was trapped. I'm sure those doctors just rolled their eyes at us.
When Sass started walking I noticed her feet turned in a bit. So I did what any new mom would do. I immediately brought it to the attention of her pediatrician. I was told "they" (the pediatric orthopedists) would not look at this kind of case until the child was 5 years of age as most children out grow it. So we went home. Every year I would point out her feet to her doctor and every year I was assured that she would probably out grow it.
By the time she was 5 she still had not outgrown it. In fact it was worse. By then I was told that "they" wouldn't look at her until she was 10 as most cases often correct themselves over time.
At the beginning of this year Awesome was watching Sass and asked her why she was making her feet go like that. She informed him that was just the way they were. He did not bother with her pediatrician this time. He called the pediatric orthopedist directly.
They took an x-ray, did some knee rotations and watched her walk. Then they told us-she will not outgrow this.
Turns out her femurs were twisted which rotated her knee inward causing her feet to point in. The solution? Surgery. A lot of people questioned us for doing this. Was it necessary? Yes she could probably have gone through life without it. But as she aged the weaker her knee joint would become. A simple fall could cause some major knee damage. Not to mention that she could trip on her own feet and forget skiing, who can ski with crossed skis? So she had the surgery. On both legs.
Before surgery: Just in case you are wondering, that is not normal. Her range of motion was 90/30 meaning that she could turn her legs out 90 degrees but only 30 degrees inward. A normal range of motion is equal for both legs 60/60.
Post op:
She had femoral osteotomy. Fancy name for cutting both femurs, rotating the bone, inserting a titanium rod down the center of the bone, and screwing the rod in place. The incisions look worse than they are.She did really well. She was not scared at all. I cried when the anesthesiologist took her away but she just rolled her eyes at me. She was nauseous the first day and half. After not being able to keep water down, let alone any food, (even after they had her on 3 anti-nausea meds) they switched out the meds in her epidural (yeah she had one of those and a lovely catheter to go along with it). After that she was a rock star.

We (I say we because I stayed with her the whole time) were in the hospital for four days. That is two days longer than planned but when you can't keep food down you can't have oral pain meds so you can't go home. While being in a hospital is never fun, we loved Primary Children's Hospital. They are amazing there.
So Sass starts her summer in a wheel chair. After 4 weeks we go back to the doctor to see how her legs are healing. If they are good than she gets crutches for about two weeks and then she is on her own.

Adventures of Gnomeo, Vol. II

2011-06-17T12:51:00.017-06:00

Now That's What I Call a Road Trip

There comes a time in every one's life when they just need to take to the road. For a gnome this desire is even greater as we lead a rather sedentary life normally. On May 26 I accompanied my family for 14 days on the road. What a trip! Here are some highlights.
*13 state lines (although we only got a picture of 12)

*4 National Parks (Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Theodore Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain)
*9 LDS temples
*World's largest: Fake Baked PotatoPotato ChipHolstein Cow Buffalo

*Temperature range of 32 degrees to 102 degrees
*One dead cow
*Seeing two Great Lakes (Lake Michigan and Lake Huron)
*More roadkill raccoons than one person, let alone one gnome and a family of six, need to see in a lifetime
*Far too many u-turns to count
*Amish (or were they Mennonites?)
*Reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet above sea level
*Crossing three time zones
*Crossing the Mississippi River in 3 different places
*Best soundbites on the trip:
Ethan- It's obvious when I grow up I'm going to be a meat eater. Lulu- When I grow up it's obvious I'm going to be a princess and wear a pink dress.
Lulu- Why are we in the women's bathroom. Mom- Because we are women. Lulu- I'm a kid, you're a woman.
Awesome- This is where "Spirit" was filmed, huh?(And yes, he was talking about the animated movie) If you would like to see more from this trip click here

School's Out

2011-06-17T12:36:00.004-06:00

Lulu had her preschool advancement program on May 19. She kept telling me that I was going to laugh "so hard". She thought the songs they sang were hysterical. I laughed at her, for her loudness. Her teacher gave her a bag of books along with her advancement certificate halfway through the program. One of the books was "Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy" which happens to be a particular favorite of Miss Lulu. She stopped singing and kept staring at the book until I took it away.

I didn't take any photos of Lulu this day--just video which is on an old school video camera and I can't find the cord to download it.
The older kids had their advancement "ceremony" on May 25. I can't believe how much these guys have grown. Ethan won the spelling bee for his grade, but wears the title real causal. He doesn't like to brag. Emma's teacher praised her for her beautiful handwriting and creative writing. This is not news to us, we've always known that girl is creative. Sass was voted the nicest in her class. We here at home are puzzling over that one and wondering why we can't be treated as well as her class. Next year will be new adventures for us and we hope they will be as fun and exciting as they were this year.

Dear Blog

2011-06-17T12:31:00.002-06:00

Oh Dear Abandoned Blog,
I have not forgotten you. I have simply lost my voice. Or maybe the problem was I never found it. And that is why I left. I started you to record moments in our family life. Somewhere along the way I felt I wasn't a good enough writer. I became intimidated by the writings of others. And then there was the fact that nothing interesting ever happened. And so I stopped. I will try to do better for we love to re-read old posts and laugh at our follies.
Nancy

Tia the tapir

2011-05-18T14:20:00.001-06:00

The final big project in school for Emma was her South American animal project. She chose to research the South American tapir.
Besides writing a one page paper about it, she had to present her animal to her class in a creative way. It was the end of the year---our creativity was spent.

I bought her some modeling clay and let her at it. The only thing I helped with was attaching the head and feet to the body. She did all the sculpting and painting.

Lulu was the only one of us who knew what a tapir was. She learned about them on Diego.

Star Wars Mania

2011-03-16T11:46:00.009-06:00

Until recently our kids were Stars Wars virgins. They had never seen any of the movies and while they had a Stars Wars video game, they never played it because it was foreign to them. I decided it was due time for Ethan, almost 7, to be introduced to Luke, Hans and yes even the dark side-Vader. All the kids loved the original movies, but especially Ethan. He watched them over and over again. He now knows all the characters by name and corrects you when you call a Sandtrooper a Stormtrooper (is there really a difference?). Of course with this new obsession it was only a matter of time before the light saber wars were to begin.

May the force be with you.

It's Seusserific!

2011-03-10T15:14:00.003-07:00

Last week was Dr. Seuss spirit week at the kids' school. Wednesday was character day. Here are the older three's costumes. Can you guess what characters they are?

Lulu didn't have a character day. She did have a silly hat day and wanted her picture taken too.

Yeah, I don't know why she's making that face.

2011-03-10T07:28:00.002-07:00

"Mom, we have photographic memories. Actually we have videographic memories." - Sass

Just a thought

2011-03-02T21:19:00.004-07:00

"Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back on the horse."

While I believe it is important to get back on the horse I believe it's as equally important to assess why one got thrown from the horse in the first place. Perhaps doing this BEFORE one gets back on the horse would be wise.

To Chica: There'll be laughter in the cabbage patch again

2011-03-02T12:11:00.005-07:00

Recently, little Chica, you sent me this video:

Of course we owned this album and played it often. We also owned actual Cabbage Patch dolls. I think I had four (which sounds so excessive now, I'm awfully ashamed). Remember when you cut Lorna's hair and blamed it on the boys? Hee Hee. This video caused me take a stroll down memory lane. Couldn't help but drag you with me.

My very favorite thing to play with were Barbies. I especially loved the Barbie and the Rockers dolls. I had three of the six (Barbie, Diva and Derek). Bought two of them with my own money, which was a big deal to me. Remember, little Chica, you had the Heart Family? I loved Barbies and always wanted the Barbie Dream house but never got it. Remember how we made our own houses? I even made them water beds using those orange bags for the newspapers, remember Chica? Remember Care Bears? I never had one, but you, little Chica did. I think you had Wish Bear. Remember the original Strawberry Shortcake dolls? You got one for your birthday and I was so jealous I cried and cried until mom brought Raspberry Tart out for me. It was supposed to be for my birthday three months later. Remember Chica? Remember our pogo balls? I associate learning a (painful) lesson about being selfish with pogo balls. It involves my head and and Jan & Christi's bedroom door. I wonder what happened to those pogo balls. Do you remember the Atari? We didn't play it as much as the older kids. Mostly Frogger, I think. Then we got our first "computer", the Commodore 64. Remember, Chica? Remember all those fun games we had like Test Drive or Summer Olympics or that Wizard game we borrowed from the Fairbanks? Remember "running away" from home with Jan & Christi and sleeping in their station wagon? Jared Wanlass tried to scare us. He was hiding in the bushes and, against the morning light, we thought he was an indian. Remember Chica? Remember rolling each other down the street in wooden cable wheels? Remember that time Christi and I were in their raft on the pond and you and Jan took all of Christi's clothes and made that dummy? You swung it over the pond and it came apart, spilling Christi's clothes into the water. Those clothes are probably still on the bottom of the pond today. Remember that Chica? Remember when we started walking to the Kitty Farm and we saw what we thought was a coffin, so we ran home and told mom. Of course SHE jumped in the car to check it out. Turned out to be a feeding trough on a rock (or something like that), remember that Chica?
Remember jelly shoes? Remember all the colors you could get? Remember how they made your feet sweat, but no one seemed to be bothered by this because EVERYONE wore them? Remember stirrup pants, scrunch socks, high tops, fluorescent pink skirts with elastic waistbands? Remember side ponies? Little Chica do you remember how plastic charm necklaces were popular? I remember wearing them every Thursday because that was p.e. day and whenever I did push-ups my necklace would make a fantastic sound. How about Guess jeans? We never had a pair, but everyone else did (or so it seemed). I remember having a slumber party one night and Desarie inadvertently left her Guess jeans. I tried them on, so excited to think I would have them on if even for a few minutes. I couldn't get them past my thighs, cuz you know she was like size -2. Remember tying shirts with those little loopy things. We had so many. I think mom must have gotten a good deal on them at Jobber's Odd Lot or the Pic n' Save. Do you remember how fantastic I was at cutting your bangs? I bet you wish I would cut your hair now huh? Once I stabbed you with a seam ripper. Remember Chica? And you threw a matchbox oil tanker truck at my head. Remember Chica? Remember how we used to trade bedrooms? Remember when the cat had kittens in our closet? Diana had a fettish with the Golden Eagles hockey team and had those hockey sticks. We used them to turn off the lights so we wouldn't have to get out of bed. Once we were playing on the bunk beds in the boys' room and you called my name and I looked out of the bottom bunk and you spit on my face. Remember that Chica? Remember sleeping in the backyard and sound the sprinklers on the golf course would make? Remember throwing rotten tomatoes at the Faits? Remember Frankie? Remember going to the theater to watch ET and eating Reese's Pieces? Remember how when you wanted to rent a video you had to rent a machine too. I remember when we got our first VCR. I thought it was cool because it had a remote. The first movie I watched on it was Hamlet. Because it starred Mel Gibson. Remember that summer we ate Lipton's noodle soup for lunch EVERY day and we watched Lambert the Sheepish Lion EVERY day? I will always think of you when I see Lambert.
Remember how we used to go to all the neighbor's with trampolines and ask to jump? You fell off at the Winn's house. Landed on your head on their driveway. Remember? Remember when you climbed the poplar tree and when you got close to the top you fell? Remember making our own fishing poles from sticks and fishing in the pond? Remember how mom used to take us with her on her Tupperware deliveries but we always had to stay in car. And she is a talker. Once a kid came over to the car when Paul was getting ready to dump out a cup he had filled and the little girl asked him what it was and he told her lemonade. Remember Chica? Remember eating "cheesies"? What the heck were those things anyway? We played outside a lot. We ice skated on the pond in the winter, used our cheap plastic toboggans on the "hills" of the golf course, made snow horses. In the summer we rode bikes, walked to the swimming pool, made houses in the empty fields and adopted abandoned tree houses. Remember how we probably thought we didn't like each other but how we were really bff's? Remember Chica?

Gnomeo, Gnomeo Wherefore art thou?

2011-03-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

We are big fans of The Amazing Race. If you've seen this show than you know it is sponsored by Travelocity. At the end of every episode is a picture of the Travelocity gnome and every time I say: "We need to get us a traveling gnome." Guess what mom got in her stocking this year? Of course he needed a name. The choice seemed obvious in light of the current movie "Gnomeo and Juliet". The kids informed me he actually would be a member of Juliet's family because his hat is red. Details!

Adventures of Gnomeo Lizana, Vol. 1

Day 1: Started out my road trip to Phoenix. Carol (the woman in the GPS device) soon got upset with us as we took an alternate route that she was unable to identify. She refused to talk to us for several hours.
Phoenix promises to bring a little warmer weather. It is rather chilly up north, isn't?

Day 2: Driving for miles and miles can become tedious. Pit stops are so important. Who knew Arizona had volcanoes? And why is there so much snow? I'm looking for warmth here.

So many things to see here, that's a hot air balloon behind me. So festive and welcoming.

This is me and Carol making nice. Boy does she have some attitude.

Final destination reached! The Arizona Grand Resort. Pretty nice. Loving me that company called Lennox right now.

Look! Free shower caps!! Awesome!!!

Day 3: Just stayed in the hotel and relaxed while Awesome went to training classes. The silence is so refreshing.

Day 4: Decided to head home on an alternate route. Made a quick stop by the London Bridge.

And the Hoover Dam.

Relaxing in my sweet room.

Yep that's right, my room looks out on the Eiffel Tower. Amazing!

Day 5: Headed home to the family. We made peace with Carol. She didn't get upset when we took a different way home. I think she was a little embarrassed. She tried to tell us it was faster to go back through the RV capitol of the world (aka Quartzsite) and back through Phoenix. Silly Carol.

2011-02-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

I love this man:
I love him for loving me despite the fact that I'm crazy. I love him for thinking I'm sexy even with my stretch marks. I love him when he acts silly
or does Renee-esque things. (yes that is a pile of scrap wood collected from construction sites)
I love him for warming my bed at night. I love him for giving me these:
Without them I would be nothing.

It is no secret that I am spoiled by my husband. When I said I needed to just go away from everyone he said "okay". And let me take his new car with me. I drove for miles and miles through nothingness. And then I came to this town called Lovelock. Nothing much there except this: I bought me a lock. I didn't have anything but my keys to mark it, hence the crude looking nature of it. But I it love all the same. Happy Valentine's Day Lalas!

How I spent my Saturday

2011-02-12T19:37:00.002-07:00

Lulu's
Ethan's

Sass' & Emma's

Close-up

59 Valentines! Aren't they de-lovely?

Today's Sound Bites (and some other stuff)

2011-02-10T22:27:00.004-07:00

Lulu throws her cup on my lap as she passes by on her way to the bathroom. She returns moments later to discover the cup, still empty, exactly where she left it. She says, "Well, well, well. I see somebody didn't get me a drink. You're fired!"

This is Lulu reading to herself--so cute.

Out of the blue Sass says, "I hope there are Weinerschnitzels in Heaven."

Ethan responds, "Of course there will be. Everything you love will be in Heaven."

This is Ethan with a 'stache. A chocolate one of course.

Have you heard Avril Lavigne's new song? It's Sass' favorite. She loves to sing along, "I'll my life I've been good but now I'm thinking what the MEL."

Lulu earning her keep

I was helping Sass finish up her science project (Heaven help me, I'm so over science projects!) when she asked, "Do you smell onions?"

"No," I replied. "Do you?"
"No, I just smell your motherly scent."

I wonder what "motherly scent" smells like and if you can bottle it? Or maybe that's not a good idea because now I'm thinking it probably smells like onions.

It's like we are one, Eeyore and I

2011-01-30T13:53:00.003-07:00

The old grey donkey, Eeyore, stood by himself in a thistly corner of the forest, his front feet well apart, his head on one side, and thought about things. Sometimes he thought sadly to himself, "Why?" and sometimes he thought, "Wherefore?" and sometimes he thought, "Inasmuch as which?" and sometimes he didn't quite know what he was thinking about. So when Winnie-the-Pooh came stumping along, Eeyore was very glad to be able to stop thinking for a little, in order to say "How do you do?" in a gloomy manner to him.
"And how are you?" said Winnie-the-Pooh.
Eeyore shook his head from side to side. "Not very how," he said. "I don't seem to have felt at all how for a long time."

Confessions

2011-01-25T15:42:00.005-07:00

With my first born child I was a . . .different kind of parent. I got down on the floor and played with her. She would play dress up almost daily and we would have dance parties (I admit---mostly to Celine Dion). We didn't have cable and the only TV she really watched was Sesame Street. We never gave her sweets. Never. Even forgot to let her taste her own 1st birthday cake. It's true. By the time she was two she knew the alphabet by sight. By the time she was Lulu's age she knew all her letter sounds.

Poor Lulu.

Yesterday I realized that maybe, just maybe she watches too much TV Y-7 programming.

Everyone else had finished dinner but my pokey little puppy, Lulu, was still nibbling away at her meal. She came over to me, took my face in her hands, kissed me on the lips and said,

"Your my boyfriend."

Me: Okay

Lulu:What's your name?

Me: Jason

Lulu: Oh. What's my name?

Me: Alexa.

Lulu: Oh okay.

Me: Alexa, go finish your dinner.

Lulu: Okay, Jason.

She comes back a little later.

Lulu: Jason, what's your nickname?

Me: J

Lulu: What's my nickname?

Me: Lexi. Lexi go finish your dinner.

Lulu: Okay.

She continues to get down from the table and hop, jump or twirl around the room. I continue to say "Lexi go eat your dinner." Finally I spy her crawling on her belly under the table. In an extremely irritated voice I say, "LEXI GO EAT YOUR DINNER."

She looks at me and says, "I'm dumping you."

Hair

2011-01-21T12:48:00.002-07:00

Last night at a school board meeting somehow my children became subjects of a conversation. One of the teachers made the comment that my kids were polite, respectful, clothes neatly ironed AND THEIR HAIR WAS ALWAYS DONE SO NICELY. I almost jumped up to hug that woman. It is no secret my hair and I don't get along. Up until about the third grade my mom did my hair, but it was always wispy and crazy and uneven. I thought this was her fault. I've since learned. Around third grade my mother did something that even today I wonder why. Did she want me to be a social outcast? What she did was cut my hair. Short. Really, really short. She will defend herself by trying to convince you that it was the "in" style. My sister and I were the only ones sporting this do. The only ones to look like boys.

(I showed that picture to Emma a couple of years ago and she asked why those boys were wearing dresses. I showed this picture to Olivia today and asked her who she thought it was in the picture. She said, "Uncle Brian and ummmmmm maybe this one is Braden.")

There were girls in my classes who always had perfect hair. I vowed when I grew up my children would look like them.
Well now I'm grown and that is not the case. For years Emma has asked for her hair to look like the other girls in the neighborhood. Their moms clearly read hair blogs. They do all kinds of fancy twists and braids and hair smocking. They are accessorized with colorful ribbons and flowers and other pretties. Their parts are always even and there are no wispy, stray hairs. Ever. Turns out my hands don't work so well. Really. Even a simple braid is awkward and french braids, with the thickness of hair we have, our downright painful. Combine that with the fact that my girls all have sensitive heads. Lulu fears getting her hair combed more than anything else on earth. Actual conversation two weeks ago:
Me: "Oh Goosie-Lou come get your hair done."
Lulu: Why?
Me: Because you can't go to Grandma's unless your hair is done.
Lulu: I don't want to go to Grandma's.
Me: Well Grandma is expecting us and we are all going so come here.
Lulu: You go to Grandma's and I'll stay here.
Me: By yourself?
Lulu: Yes.
Me: What will you do when we are gone?
Lulu: Watch t.v.
Me: What if you get hungry?
Lulu: I'll eat popcorn.
Me: What if it gets dark and you get scared?
Lulu: I'll turn on a light.
Me: What if the house catches on fire?
Lulu: Ms. Karen told me to stop, drop and roll.
Me: Well I can't leave a 3 year old home alone so get over and let me comb your hair.
Lulu: Alright, but do it softly.
And so my girls hair is either worn down, straightened with a straightening iron, or worn in some version of a pony tail. We still have wispy, fly-away hairs. Our parts are never straight no matter how long I try. And there are always tears. Always.
To have an outsider tell me their hair always looks nice made my day. It's the little things.

2011-01-12T17:24:00.001-07:00

"I've been inside all day long so I'm room temperature"
-Sass

Old and gray

2011-01-12T07:42:00.002-07:00

Conversation this morning
Emma: Why does Grandma dye her gray hair?
Me: Because some women don't like to have gray hair. (Thinking to myself, "Like me")
Sass: Because gray hair makes them feel old.
Emma: If they have gray hair they are old.
Sass: Mom's not old. Her hair just aged faster than the rest of her.

Life lessons from Max. And Ruby

2011-01-11T14:53:00.002-07:00

There is a children's show on Nickelodeon that Lulu loves called Max and Ruby. If you are not acquainted with the show it is basically about a bossy older sister (Ruby) who never listens to her little brother (Max). And mysteriously they have no parents.

I detest Ruby. I actually get angry at her. I want to shout at her to stop and listen to Max. I know. I need to get out more.

Today I had an epiphany. I am Ruby. That's why I hate her so much. She reminds me of a part of my mothering that I wish I did different. I run around all the time, focused on what I want to get done and ordering my kids around. When they say something to me I usually mumble something that sounds like I'm paying attention. But I'm not. I'm missing all the butterflies, teeth in cupcakes and other magical things that only a child's imagination can come up with.

So Nancy: STOP AND LISTEN TO YOUR KIDS!!!!!!

Cold

2011-01-04T12:15:00.004-07:00

The thermometer in my car reads a balmy 20 degrees. It's that time of year when I am rendered immobile due to the cold. It gets in my bones and I can't will myself to do anything but curl up with a thick blanket and a book. You should definitely NOT stop by unannounced. Moving south always sound like a killer of an idea in January. Too bad the children are in school. Note to self: look into that whole home schooling thing. And the housing market in the southwest.

The List

2010-12-31T16:44:00.000-07:00

Officially the 30 day challenge is over, but in order for me to make a blog a day this month I need to post today but. . .
I got nothing. So.
Dundanaaaah! (that was a sound effect)
I'm posting my resolution list, which may come back to bite me.

learn Spanish, for reals this time
learn to crochet sufficiently enough to make a hat
work on enhancing my photography skills, which are base
give more
read at least 52 books
write at least 52 blog posts
simplify, simplify, simplify
finish what I start(ed) or abandon it all together-no more holding on to unfinished projects
stick to a cleaning schedule. . .for at least one month
be more affectionate
worry less, relax a little

Now I've told you mine, what are yours?

Challenge #30:The most recent picture on your camera

2010-12-30T12:42:00.001-07:00

Christmas breakfast-Lulu's hot cocoa

Challenge #29:What are you afraid of

2010-12-29T10:47:00.001-07:00

I could say something like spiders or snakes and that would be true. But what I am most afraid of is failure. Or being thought of as stupid. That is why I'm so afraid to speak up or try a lot of things. What can I say, I'm easily intimidated. And a chicken.

Challenge #28: What are you obsessively compulsive about

2010-12-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty obsessive about a lot of things but perhaps the most annoying of all is my obsession with keeping noses and ears clean. When my kids were babies I was constantly "grooming" them. Now that they are older I still am on them about it. Sometimes when I'm helping with homework I start working over their ears, checking for chunks of wax, making sure they are washing behind their ears, that kind of thing. And don't even get me started on their nose care.

Challenge #27: Why you are doing this 30 day challenge

2010-12-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

The answer is simple. I have yet to post everyday for an entire month. After this challenge I can no longer say that. Yippee!

Challenge #26: Another picture of you and your friends

2010-12-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

This is just a picture of me and my friends Janna, Amber and Tanya playing in the snow. Boy was that a fun day!

Challenge #25: What would you find in my bag

2010-12-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Receipts, chapstick, one or two pens, loose change, a fabric swatch, party favors of the femine nature :D, AAA card, library cards, wallet, a really old-unused bandaid, lotion and/or hand sanitizer, occassionally my cell phone, and absolutely no fewer than 5 lists (I can't help myself).

Challenge #24:Favorite Quote

2010-12-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

I've already posted this on this blog once, but here it goes again (someday I'll actually apply it's message to myself):

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we
are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most
frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be - brilliant, gorgeous, talented
and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your
playing small doesn’t serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about
shrinking so small that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were
born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in us,
it’s in everyone. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give
other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
- Marianne Williamson, 1992

Challenge #23:Something you crave a lot

2010-12-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

Let's face it, I am addicted to sugar. I always want something sweet. Not picky either. I'll take just about anything sweet.

Challenge #22:What makes you different from everyone else.

2010-12-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

Well I'm no different from any other passive-aggressive social misfit out there. Really. Except maybe this 1/2" birthmark on my upper right arm. Yeah that's it. The birthmark sets me apart.

Challenge #21: A picture of something that makes you happy

2010-12-21T10:25:00.002-07:00

I realize that most people will post pictures of something truly meaningful. As for me, I will not being posting a picture of Jesus or Awesome or even my children. Yes those make me happy. But let's be real. If you want to see me with a rosy glow and singing goofy songs give me this: A Clean House!

As you may (or may not depending if you have been to my house) realize those are not pictures of my house. That is because my house is not clean. My house makes me very grumpy right now. Where are those woodland critters when a girl needs a helping hand I ask you?

Challenge #20:Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future

2010-12-20T11:02:00.002-07:00

Whoops! Wrong picture.

For better or worse, we are stuck together. For eternity. Poor guy.
Doesn't he look good all sun kissed like that?

Challenge #19:Nicknames you have and why do you have them

2010-12-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

Well my husband calls me "Lalas". It was just something I started calling him when we were first married and then he picked up on it. I don't call him that much anymore, but he almost never says my actual name. If he does then he is usually mad at me.

My sister calls me "Chica". Actually I am Chica Bonita. She is Chica Freaka. We went on a road trip with our parents one summer (when we were really too old to be going on road trips with our parents) and we were just silly. We sang the goldfish cracker song a lot and started referring to each other as chica. The name stuck. My kids have to stop and think what HER real name is, they NEVER use it. They get upset with her when she calls me Chica because they think that's her name.

Challenge #18:Plans/Dreams/Goals you have

2010-12-18T10:39:00.001-07:00

I plan to replace by kitchen floor with tile.
I'm planning a loooooooong road trip with the family for next summer.
I plan on running away from home next week. Next week never comes.
I dream of having financial freedom.
I dream of having obedient children.
I dream of having a six pack for a midsection.
I dream my hair is auburn instead of gray.
My ever constant goal: pay off our mortgage!
Goal: to read a book a week
Goal: to keep up on my laundry. And those pesky toilet bowls.
Goal: to never say goodbye without an I love you (well maybe not to YOU, but to my husband and kids)

Challenge #17:Someone you'd like to switch lives with for one day

2010-12-17T10:18:00.002-07:00

This challenge is really showing the ugliness in me. I would trade places with him for selfish reasons. I want him to fully understand what I do everyday, the emotions I go through, the insults slung at me (from the fruit of my loins, no less), the stresses, the hormones. I want understanding! Not that he is a neanderthal or anything, but sometimes I know he wants to off me and get himself a new wifey. A better one.

I guess it goes both ways. I don't really want to do his particular job but I could learn a lot about his stresses, etc. Maybe I would be more tolerant of his tardiness, more lenient of his leniency (yes I am a drill sergeant), more affectionate at his arrival. I also would be horrified, I'm sure, of his diet. Sometimes it's better to not know.

Challenge #16:Another picture of yourself

2010-12-16T10:16:00.001-07:00

Challenge #15:Put your Ipod on shuffle, first ten songs that play

2010-12-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

Show Me The Key (the Secret Garden-original Broadway Cast)
The One by the Backstreet Boys (I'm so ashamed)
That's when I love you by Aslyn (How to Deal Sound Track)
Check Yes Juliet by We the Kings
Missing You by Tyler Hilton
Lemon Tree by Peter, Paul and Mary
Wonders of An Ancient Glory (Randy Edelman-Dragon Heart Sound Track)
More Than That by the Backstreet Boys (Okay so you are all giving me itunes gift cards for Christmas right?)
Music's A Language by Mr. Ray (I swear I don't know how this song got on here)
I'm On My Way by Rich Price (Shrek 2 Sound Track)

Are you embarrassed to say you know me now?

Challenge #14: A picture of you and your family

2010-12-14T10:06:00.002-07:00

This is defiantly not a great photo of any of us. Probably a more accurate description of our personalities though. This was taken on a hot, humid day when I forced my family to take a walk in the woods. They did not love it. Clearly.

Challenge #13: A letter to someone who has hurt you recently

2010-12-13T09:10:00.002-07:00

I thought about changing this post challenge as I may have changed other challenges **cough, cough**, but then I thought it might be therapeutic to voice my feelings. It may be awkward for anybody reading this other than myself, however. Consider yourself warned.

Dear _________,
I realize that I have issues. I realize that I hold back because I'm always afraid I will say or do the wrong thing. So maybe that is why you treated me like you did. I don't know. I can most assuredly say this: I fervently wish that we had NEVER become friends. I wish we had remained casual acquaintances, at best. To have things I told you, in what I thought was confidence, repeated back to me by other people (in a somewhat mocking manner, by the way) was both hurtful and humiliating. I realize that you care not one wit about me or my feelings. It bothers me that I care so much. I wish I could stop feeling so hurt. The way you've cut me out of your life makes me realize that I was never meant to belong or be accepted. I've learned that it is best for me to stay in the corner, mouth shut, head down, walls up. I feel lied to, I feel betrayed, I feel worthless. Not that you care.

Nancy

Challenge #12: How you found out about blogs and why you started one

2010-12-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

I found out about blogs through my sister. She started sending me links to various blogs. It wasn't until one of my friends (from a past life, apparently) started one that I realized it was a good way to keep people in touch with your life. I also found it easier to write a blog with pictures than to keep up-to-date on my scrapbooking. Unfortunately about the time I started my blog facebook became very popular. Other people abandoned their blogs to join that social networking world. I can't get into facebook. I would rather read short essays than one liners about how a person is doing.

Challenge #11:What are some of your holiday traditions?

2010-12-11T09:02:00.003-07:00

In the past we were fond of taking the children to see the lights at a place (not so local) called Thanksgiving Point. They loved the pooping reindeer. However, we did not go last year and I do not foresee us going this year either. We do drive around town and ~~make fun of~~ look at the local lighting efforts of the common folk. Yes we are light snobs.

Christmas Eve we have dinner at my sister's house. Then we take the kids home where we let them open one gift: the Christmas pajamas. They are so excited. It's funny, but it wasn't until last year (when Sass was 9, mind you) that they realized the Christmas Eve gift was always pj's.

Christmas morning we have Awesome's family over for breakfast. I always make the food. I don't mind doing it so much on this day. Except last year I cut my finger pretty bad with my new kitchen knives. My nerves have never been the same since. His mom usually makes this rather tasty hot chocolate, but she wasn't here last year and won't be here this year either. So sad.

Christmas afternoon we head to the Barlow's for dinner and gift exchange with those fine folks. We stay until bedtime and then toddle on home to sleep.

New Year's Eve is nothing special at our house. We very rarely make it to midnight. Well I do, but usually I am the only one. Do you have any fun traditions ~~I can steal~~ you'd like to share?

Challenge #10:Songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped or mad

2010-12-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

I am by Hilary Duff
Have a Nice Day by Bon Jovi
Not Ready to Make Nice by the Dixie Chicks
Home by Vanessa Carlton
Baby Work it Out by Jackie Wilson
Come on Get Higher by Matt Nathanson
Extraordinary by Liz Phair
Gravity by Sara Bareilles
Dance Inside by The All American Rejects
Lift Me Up by Kate Voegele
Shake Your Body Down by The Jacksons
Rhythm of Love by The Plain White T's
You & I Both by Jason Mraz
Whenever, Wherever by Shakira ("lucky that my breasts are small and humble so you don't confuse them with mountains" that line always makes me laugh)

This list was probably not supposed to be this long. My apologies.

Challenge #9: Something your proud of in the last few days

2010-12-09T08:35:00.001-07:00

Does NOT running away from home count?

After 3.5 years as secretary in the primary (at our church) I was released two weeks ago. I mentally checked out of this calling around the beginning of summer so it was not a sad event or anything. When I was first put in the position I was handed a bunch of class lists and that was all. Just a pile of papers. Anybody who has done this calling before knows that there is more too it than taking roll. Starting around the middle of October I started organizing everything I used to assist me. I copied all my files to a disk, updated lists and even created a year-in-review summary that I knew would be needed at the beginning of December. All this I handed over to the new secretary. I also explained everything I was in charge of, such as reminder phone calls and monthly reports. I even assigned the talk/scripture/prayer assignments for the rest of the year. I guess I am proud that I was able to pass on the calling in the most efficient way I could, tying up all the loose ends I could foresee. That's how I like things, all neat and organized and in a clean little package.

Challenge #8: Short term goals for this month and why

2010-12-08T08:24:00.001-07:00

Finish at least 3 projects that are currently "in progress" status because I'm tired of nothing being complete.
Finish my Christmas gifts by the end of this week because I'm too old to stay up all night finishing the sewing I always put off until Christmas Eve.
Get my hair done because it's waaaaay past time. (I haven't had my hair cut since Thanksgiving last year!)
Do fun activities outside the house during Christmas break because my kids will go stir crazy if we don't.

Challenge #7: A picture of someone or something that has the biggest impact on you

2010-12-07T07:46:00.006-07:00

Not the best picture of them, but if it was postcard perfect than it wouldn't be my family.

Challenge #6: Favorite superhero and why

2010-12-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

Spiderman

I'm not sure why exactly except that I used to read the comic strip in the newspaper when I was a kid. Since I followed the story I was most familiar with this super hero. Plus, when he hangs out on the ceiling? That's kind of sexy.

Challenge #5: A picture of somewhere you've been

2010-12-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

Name that place.

Challenge #4:A habit that you wish you didn't have

2010-12-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

Night Owl by Sasha Raksha

I have a habit of staying up way too late. Even if I'm tired I usually stay up until midnight. Or later. I like the quiet of the evenings after all those loud Lizanas have gone to sleep. Of course that means getting up in the morning is killer. Now you know why I take a nap every day.

Challenge #3: A picture of you and your friends

2010-12-03T11:09:00.001-07:00

Ahem, well, yes. I'm not very likeable, now, am I? Friends? I don't have any of those. Acquaintances, yes. Friends? Not so much. Okay maybe I have one friend. She lives next door, but I don't have any pictures with her. So I drew one.

Me and Janna

Moving on.

Challenge #2: The meaning behind your blog name

2010-12-02T11:04:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm not that good with catchy titles. Clearly. I named it DEAR BLOG because I thought it would be easier to write my thoughts if they were in a letter form. And also I always started my journal entries with "Dear Journal" and this was sort of like my journal. Just not as private.
Yeah, it seems kind of stupid now.

Following the leader

2010-12-01T22:10:00.003-07:00

I know, Chica. I am a copycat. But it is December and December tends to make for a rather empty blog. So I am taking on your blog challenge. Starting today. Only difference is I'm going to do it in 30 days. Give or take a few.

Challenge #1: A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

I'm the one with the chesire grin on my face, wearing purple.

15 facts (I do not claim they are interesting)

1. I'm the only one of 7 siblings to have hazel eyes (I think).

2. I am not sentimental when it comes to things like birthdays and anniversaries. Acknowledge me by saying "Happy Birthday/Anniversary" but cards and gifts are not required.

3. I count a lot.

4. Sometimes I really want to do my child's homework because I know I could do a much better job. I don't ever actually do it.

5. I don't really like food much.

6. I'm a light sleeper.

7. I kick my husband during the night when his snoring gets to be too much to take.

8. I think 15 is an awfully big number.

9. Somewhere along the way I became a great worrier.

10. I think holding a child's hand is one of the most precious things in life.

11. I have extreme guilt. You name it, I probably feel guilty for it.

12. I regret changing my major in college.

13. I have social anxiety problems. That explains so much, I know.

14. I drive a car that I've hated since the day I got it, six years ago.

15. I love Christmas more as a parent than I ever did as a child.

Eye doctors are NOT allergists

2010-11-21T18:23:00.003-07:00

Being a mother is really hard. At least for me. My patience is tried on a daily basis. And honestly my temper is on a short fuse. I fervently wish I was better at motherhood. At least once a week I throw my hands up and tell everyone "Been nice knowing you but I'm done."

I haven't ever actually left. Well one time I took a walk around the block. My then 5 year old followed me. While the children drive me to the point of insanity, they are the reason I stay. Or maybe it's my control freakish nature. I need to make sure things are done a certain way. Even if I do them poorly. (I've determined that I'm an imperfect perfectionist. Thinking about forming a club, anyone want to join?)

In the past when Awesome has asked to take a child with him to Chile, I have ALWAYS said "No way Jose" (sometimes we like to pretend he is Mexican). This time I said, "take Sass". Because, yes, she exhausts me. And now you know how crappy a mother I truly am. I thought her being gone was going to be the break I have desperately needed (AND DESERVED!!!). Um, it's much harder than I thought. I don't like to be away from my kids over night. I like tucking them, making sure they are breathing. I can't do that when they are 5742.7 miles away.

Tonight Awesome called. He sounded odd. He told me he was having an allergic reaction to something. He had started to itch all over and felt hot and his face started to swell. My over active imagination kicked in and I suddenly saw myself a widow. Fortunately his brother in law is a doctor. He gave him a couple of pills. Suddenly Awesome says, "Oh no. Abby's starting to itch. She's having the same reaction. Gotta go." Click. What the heck am I supposed to do with that!!!!!! They are 5742.7 miles away. My daughter's throat is closing up (okay, in my head it is) and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it. And Awesome's brother in law? Well he's an eye doctor.
Being a mother is really hard. Especially from 5742.7 miles away.

It's only been 29 hours

2010-11-19T18:11:00.002-07:00

Awesome went to Chile for 10 days to visit his sick mama, taking Miss Sassafron with him. We squabble and squawk on a near daily basis, Sass and I, and yet I miss her terribly.

Oh Oh It's Magic

2010-11-10T18:57:00.002-07:00

Want to know the secret for having magical dreams?

Why, sleep with your wand of course!

Our October

2010-10-31T19:57:00.009-06:00

OCTOBER 9: Emma got baptized. She was very excited. We were happy to have our families come to lend their support. For those family members that did not attend because they were perhaps sleeping, well we now see how much we mean to you. And you are no longer in a favorite uncle position. Just sayin'. OCTOBER 14: We (and, yes by we I mean I) decided to enter a pumpkin display in the Benson Grist Mill Pumpkin Walk. The theme was "Pumpkins on Broadway." We (I) chose Little Shop of Horrors. The contest awards prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. We (I) did not place. We lost to a preschool. Whatever.
OCTOBER 16: Awesome comes home from work and declares that he is going to get his pilot's license and buy a plane before he turns 45. He lines the chairs up in the family room and calls the children. And then they went for a ride.Later in the car he pulls out the wireless headphones and starts talking in "pilot speak" to the kids.

OCTOBER 28:Lulu had a costume parade at her preschool. She made a pretty cute Dorothy. The picture below shows two of her school friends, Tessa and Zack.OCTOBER 28: I was busy helping Sass with homework so the other three were left to entertain themselves. They came downstairs later looking like this: It's been a long time since anyone played dress-up in our house. It was rather refreshing to see.
OCTOBER 30: I sent the girls down to the basement to clean up their mess. Later I heard very loud music coming from down there and went to investigate. I found the "Sister Witches Band" having band practice.The drummer:The lead vocalist:The guitar player: And just so you know-they never finished cleaning up down there.
OCTOBER 30: Utah celebrates Halloween this year a day early. We took the kids to their school's carnival.
Their costumes were Lulu=Dorothy, Emma=Pippi Longstocking, Sass=Mrs. Potato Head, Ethan=Indiana Jones. We were at the carnival no more than 10 minutes before Sass asked to take her costume off. My feelings were hurt. This was another last minute costume and I hadn't gone to bed until 2 am the night before due to working on it. Later I came to realize that the other kids from her class were not dressed up at all and being dressed up as a giant potato may have been a bit humiliating. I guess we've officially reached the pre-teens. She did wear it later that night to trick-or-treat. Here is a picture of her smiling in her costume.

The Education of Sassafron

2010-10-25T07:32:00.004-06:00

This past Saturday we had some friends over for lunch. Sass joined the adults at the table, not completely unnoticed. We were discussing getting all the kids ready for church without the aid of husbands when something like the following was said:

"You make it sound like we are always late because of me, but the minute and half you had to wait for me would not have made us on time."
"Well if you hadn't wanted me to get in the shower with you." At which point I reminded them that a 10 year old was present, then I said, "They were just taking a shower together to conserve water."

This morning while doing Sass' hair she says to me: "I came upstairs last night to get some water and I heard your bed squeaking over and over again."
With a red face I told her "Sometimes Daddy and I jump on the bed."

My name is Nancy and I'm an addict

2010-10-21T16:52:00.003-06:00

We were without the internet for nearly two weeks. I learned in that two weeks just how addicted to the internet I am. How did I live before it's invention? More specifically, I'm completely addicted to Google. I went through withdrawls. Apparently I research EVERYTHING. I'm that much of a nerd.

Nancy Drew Party

2010-10-03T13:31:00.001-06:00

For Emma's birthday this year we did a Nancy Drew theme. When the kids arrived they were each given a card with a number on one side and a letter or picture on the other side. Then I gave them each a sheet with a "spot the difference" game on it so they could practice their powers of observation (extremely important in sleuthing). After they were done I taught them how to dust for fingerprints.

Then I suggested we go open presents. Only the presents weren't where we left them. Instead we found this note:

Gim E. That had stolen the presents! I told them that Nancy Drew told me if something were to happen before she arrived to use the cards I had passed out earlier. I had them line the cards up in numerical order. When we flipped them over they spelled out "fireplace (down arrow)(picture of stairs)". I also told them they all were supposed to choose a "tool" that Nancy had provided. The tools: a code key, sheet of paper with holes, roll of tape, pair of tongs, Spanish/English dictionary, invisible ink revealing spray, tape measure, baggie with index card and tape, baggie with tweezers, a magnifying glass, and a card with password written on it. When we opened the fireplace we found a note from Nancy. It said she was keeping a low profile because someone didn't want her to solve the case. She had hidden all the clues she had found and hoped we would be able to put them together to solve the mystery.

On the back of the note were directions to our first clue.

Only those directions were in code. So the girl with the code key translated the message to read "In the front garden hose"

That clue was a note written from Gim E. That to Nancy Drew. The girl with the sheet of holey paper placed it over the note to reveal that the next clue was in the shed.

The clue was torn up so the girl with the tape assembled the clue. This one said: The Lizanas haven't been using the fireplace in the great room. It won't turn on. Could there be a blockage?

We raced to the fireplace, dropped the access panel to discover a package shoved in the back. The girl with tongs pulled out the package and opened it.The package contained several pictures of a mysterious person placing a black bag into the grill.

Nancy Drew Party con't.

2010-10-03T13:29:00.001-06:00

The package of pictures indicated that something was hidden in the grill. So out we went to the patio. Inside the grill there was bag containing a disguise and a cell phone. When the cell phone was opened there was a text message that read "en pequeno casa, cerca la ventana" (for those Spanish speakers out there, yes I know that is not correct grammar but we wrote it in a way that was easier for the kids to translate). Here the person with the Spanish/English dictionary solved the clue to read "in the small house, near the window". Brinley trying on the disguise:

The clue here was a list of names with party dates and times. Most of the names had a check mark by them, indicating that party had already been spoiled. At the bottom of the list was a note from Nancy that read: Gim E. That's list reveals more than it appears. Sometimes you have to READ BETWEEN THE LINES to solve a mystery. The person with invisible ink spray sprayed the note to reveal a hidden message: What a lovely garden, are those tomatoes?

In the garden was a footprint that the person with the tape measure measured. There was also a plant marker with "tomatoes" written on one side and the next clue written on the other: There were some suspicious things found in the brown flower bag in the piano room.

In the bag were some magazines with holes and a pair of scissors. There was also a note from Nancy that said "Maybe there is a fingerprint on these scissors. Go dust them and then return to the crime scene. Maybe there is something you missed." After the child with the tape and index card dusted the scissors for prints we returned to the table where the kids with the magnifying glass and the baggie with the tweezers scanned the table again. They discovered a hair and a small piece of paper with super tiny print. It said "Go to the office computer. What's missing may be important." The child with the password used it to login in to the computer where two images appeared on the screen. There was also a note that said "Spot as many differences as you can then take all your clues to the great room to compare."

They had to find what was missing, which were 7 letters. I gave them 3 minutes to find as many as they could. They found 5. After that, we gathered in the great room and discussed what we found. The size of the footprint meant that it was probably not an adult, the hair meant the thief had dark, medium length hair, the finger print turned out to be only a partial and was hard to match but the 5 letters (i,g,a,i & a) led them to conclude that Abigail was the thief. They raced to her room only to find it locked. Good thing I am an expert sleuth and know how to use a bobby pin to unlock a door. We found the presents hidden in her closet. After opening them we had cake. And so ends the mystery of the birthday bandit.

Each girl was sent home with her own sleuthing kit. Included in each kit: a flashlight, roll of tape, clue notebook, magnifying glass, evidence bags, fingerprint dusting powder, a dusting brush, black & white index cards (for prints), a compass and a lemon bar.

Update

2010-10-02T11:00:00.006-06:00

So I've been a little busy lately. First Awesome told me he had traded some HVAC work for some shutters for the windows in the front of our house. Immediately I decided I had to paint the office before they were installed.
Before:
After:

Then I had to instruct my 3 year old in the fine art of swearing. Her preschool teacher told me that she (the teacher) had done something wrong and said "Darn it" and Miss Olivia pipes up with "Why don't you just say dammit. My mom always says dammit." She told me she had to turn away so Olivia wouldn't see her laughing. As if that wasn't bad enough, Olivia goes to a Catholic preschool that is held in the basement of the priest's living quarters (because there is no room for them in the inn, er, I mean school/church building. On a side note if you are interested in making a monetary donation to the school building fund let me know ; D).

I also chaperoned a school fieldtrip to the zoo. That middle child is Ethan's friend, Abbie. She is the most well behaved child I've ever chaperoned.

Emma had a birthday. She is now 8. She also had to be fitted for glasses and earrings this week.

But the real time sucker was planning for Emma's party. The last one of the year-woo hoo!

International Day of Peace

2010-09-22T16:40:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was "International Peace Day". Did you know this? My ten year old informed. It was after we had a rather bad start to our day.
I asked her to turn off a light in a room she had just left. She yelled at me that she didn't leave the light on so she shouldn't have to turn it off. I gently asked (okay maybe not so GENTLY) what the proper response should be when I ask her to do something. She yelled, "YES MA'AM! But that's STUPID!"
Words were exchanged. There was huffing and stomping out to the car. I felt bad for parting ways like that so before she exited the car I said, "I love you." It was met with the slamming of the car door in my face. I'll just remind you that she is 10 NOT 16.
When I picked her up from school I thought surely our conversation would go something like this, "Mom after having several hours to calm down and reflect on our episode this morning, I feel it my duty to apologize for my lack of respect to you. You are the best mother EVER and do not deserve my overly dramatized outbursts, especially before 9:00 am."
However things did not unfold quite that way. The first thing she said to me?
"Today is International Peace Day so you really should not have treated me so horribly this morning." Boy can that kid hold a grudge.

Mankiller

2010-09-16T21:20:00.001-06:00

Emma was doing her handwriting homework, which was to write out a scripture verse. She suddenly says, "I don't get it. Why does it always say 'man'? Why not girl?"
I tried explaining that it meant mankind. She interrupted saying, "I just want it to say girl sometimes."
I tried again, "Honey it just means huMANs." I'm thinking, "Oh boy, I've got a little feminist on my hands."
Then she says, "Only I wish the 'man-eating' piranhas really only ate men."

For Those Interested Parties:

2010-09-15T20:12:00.004-06:00

The details on Sass' Amazing Race Birthday.
First off I had four teams. There were 11 guests + Sass so the teams would have been 3 members each. Honestly I didn't think all 11 guests would show up, but they did. And then all my other kids wanted to come too. I made Lulu stay home, but Emma and Ethan joined a team so we had two team with four and two with three. In my opinion teams should be no bigger than two members. Four people was too much.
Each team was given a map, matching colored bandannas and a chaperone to accompany them. Originally the chaperone's job was just to make sure no one got kidnapped or stole a garden gnome, but they ended up giving out most of the route clues to their teams. Some of the chaperone's may have helped their teams cheat a little, as well. We won't name names to protect the guilty.
The first thing the teams had to do was solve a math problem:
The number of trees in Abby's yard - the sum of Abby's house number + the number of houses facing inside the cul-de-sac x the number of large rocks around the front window well=?
They really had a hard time with this. The SUM of the house number threw them off. I ended up having to give the numbers to them and then they did the math. The first team with the correct answer got their clue first and were the first to leave and so on. I didn't have the teams all go the same route but mixed up the destinations so they wouldn't know who was winning. Next time I'll probably change that. Anyway, on to the challenges.
THE DETOURS:
Dig or Dine: They either had to choose a bucket full of dirt and dig in it to find the lone gummy bear (they could not dump the contents of bucket) or choose 3 of 6 items to eat (prunes, dates, figs, zucchini, spaghetti squash, or edamame).

Needle or haySTACK: Look for a needle in a basket of laundry or stack a house of cards (instructions for card house were provided).

Hunt or Piece: Hunt for eggs that correspond to your team color, find the one with number and letters inside and arrange them to find the address to your next clue or piece together a puzzle, flip it over and find the address to your next clue.

Trick or Treat:Each team member had to perform a trick (instructions for different tricks provided) or find a house with a ladder on the porch and ask for a cookie, eat the entire cookie to get clue (I found the recipe for the cookies in a google search for "healthy cookie", they were disgusting).

Button or Hole: Count all the buttons in the jar, must have an accurate count to receive clue or dig a hole that measures 1' wide x 6" deep.

Peas or Q's:Fill a cup with peas using only chopsticks or answer 5 of 10 questions using only the 3 encyclopedia's provided.

THE ROADBLOCKS
Who is going postal: Choose a ring of keys, take it to the mailbox (mine is one of those neighborhood grouped mailboxes) and find the key that opens #11. The next clue was inside the mailbox.

Who has eyes like a hawk:There was a rope with about 100 ribbons hanging from it. They had to find one ribbon with an X.

Who is a rock hound:Find three rocks with the race symbol on them and move them to the designated spot across the street.

Who has perfect posture:Walk a balance beam with a book on your head. If the book falls you have to start over.

Who can speak with gift of tongues:There were five sentences written in Spanish. They had to choose one and translate it correctly to receive clue. A Spanish/English dictionary was provided.

Who is the hottest chick:Find your teams colored ice cube, melt it to get key out, find your teams backpack, unlock it. Inside were several books and magazines, with a clue hidden somewhere within.

All the challenges had to be performed in front of the chaperone who then gave out the next route clue.
The first team back received a 100,000 grand, travel journals and the book "1000 Places to See Before You Die." All the other teams received a 100,000 grand and a travel journal, because in our Amazing Race everyone was a winner.

Sass turns 10 (or Holy crap I have a 10 year old)

2010-09-12T17:17:00.003-06:00

Miss Sassafron turned 10 on the 9th. In celebration we had an Amazing Race Party. Let me just say this: The. Funnest. Party. Ever. I had a blast. And the guests? Yeah, I think they had fun too. I heard from several of the girls that is was the best party they had ever attended.
The concept of the party was based on the t.v. show THE AMAZING RACE. We split the girls into four teams. I had 12 different destinations placed all around our subdivision, each one identified by a marker. The teams would receive a route clue that would lead them to a marker. At each marker they would find either a Road Block (a challenge that could only be performed by one team member) or a Detour (a choice between two challenges that the entire team had to perform).
Some challenges were harder than others. For instance at one detour they had to choose "trick or treat". Most of the teams chose treat. This challenge told them to find a house with a ladder on the front porch and ask for a cookie. They had to eat the entire cookie before receiving their next route clue. The catch? These were not very tasty cookies. Some girls had a hard time getting them down. Like Mckenna below, she had that cookie in her mouth for a good ten minutes at least.
Another detour. Choose between digging for a lone gummy bear in the dirt (could not dump out the dirt) or eating three of the six foods. While the girls below refused to eat any of the foods (figs, dates, prunes, edamame, zucchini, or spaghetti squash) one of them did eat the dirt covered gummy bear.
These girls are using chopsticks to fill a cup with peas.
I will definitely do this party again, probably for Emma's 10th birthday. This was a good trial run. I will make some adjustments next time. And I will definitely remember my camera next time. These were all the pictures we got and only because one of the neighbors loaned me a camera for the few remaining tasks. If you are interested in all the challenges let me know and I'll share them with you. Like I said before, best party ever.

Lulu's First Day

2010-09-08T12:28:00.003-06:00

Today was Lulu's first day of preschool. Clearly she is my favorite as today is the 17th day of school for the other three and I have neglected to take the customary first day of school pictures of them. I've never sent a child to three year old preschool before. There are two reasons Lulu is the lucky one.
1. She is so shy. When anybody talks to her she hides behind me. I'm hoping sending her to preschool will help her overcome her fear of people.
2. Saint Marguerite's said "Hey since you are already paying for three students why don't you send the fourth for free."
It was reason number two that sold me.
She was really excited to go. When I dropped her off I just gave her a hug, waved goodbye and left. She did not cry when I left. I didn't cry when I left. (My heart must be made of coal.) She wasn't crying when I picked her up. I was patting myself on the back thinking how smooth it went. However, when I asked her how her day was she said, "I wasn't a big girl. I cried." I almost cried when I thought about her crying for me.
It will get easier for both of us. Right?

2010-09-04T17:36:00.003-06:00

On Wednesday Emma sat watching me busily work on details for Sass' upcoming b-day party. Emi's b-day is also approaching (Sept. 29) so she decided to give me some ideas for gifts. She said, "All I want for my birthday is a puzzle and peace in the whole world."
It's a good thing she gave me plenty of time to work on that request instead of waiting until the last minute.

2010-08-28T11:21:00.002-06:00

This is the last photo taken of all 13 kids in our cul-de-sac before the Wilkins (neighbors across the street) moved. Good Luck Wilkins. You will be missed. Now their house sits vacant. And my son needs some boys with which to play. Here is what the house looks like:

You want to buy it? Know anybody who would want to? The house is 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath. The backyard contains a sunken trampoline AND a playset AND a deck (with ceiling fans) that overlooks the city (one of the best views in town!). You should come check it out.

There are some restrictions on purchasing this home, however. You must have children. It will score you major points (with me) if you have a six year old boy or an eight year old girl. If you have both you get the GOOD welcome gift basket. :D An even BETTER one awaits if you have a 3 year old and a 10 year old (girl) thrown in mix.
*****Asking price $342,500 MLS#981356 located in Tooele, UT*******

Arrrgh

2010-08-27T11:34:00.005-06:00

Today I had my pest control people out to do their quarterly treatment. When they first arrived they rang the bell. They have a new technician and wanted me to meet him as he will be doing the work at my home from now on. Lulu is never far behind me but most of time I don't notice as I didn't notice today. After they went to work on the yard Lulu kept asking who the guy was at our door. I kept telling her that he was the bug man. She was getting increasingly frustrated with me and finally said, "He's a pirate. He has a pirate thing. Like in the Scooby movie. Aye, Aye Captain."

I burst out laughing. The one distinguishing characteristic of this man is an eye patch (needed as he is missing an eye). Kids are too funny.

Lulu Turns 3!

2010-08-26T17:26:00.009-06:00

We had an Alice in Wonderland themed party for Olivia. As usual Mother Nature was not cooperative. I had all this stuff planned that I didn't even set up or do because the wind was blowing something fierce. We moved inside but it left me very disgruntled. Anyway. The kids decorated hats.
And had White Rabbit races

Lulu was so cute. She tried really hard but never won. Braden (my nephew) ran in the first race with her and he purposefully went slow so that Lulu wouldn't come in last. What a great kid.

They also attempted to play croquet the Queen of Hearts way. That is with flamingos for mallets, hedgehogs for balls and playing cards for wickets. The wind made it really difficult.

The "hedgehog" balls. They are styrofoam balls wrapped in yarn with eyes glued on front.

See how windy it was?

I tried to make the party as colorful as possible. I had fun, colorful paper lanterns but the wind ripped them apart. That was when I knew we had to have it inside. This is my take on a soda bar.

This is Lulu blowing out her candles. Notice her mouth. It was more like blowing raspberries. Since she was getting nowhere and children have little patience, someone blew the candles out for her (which bothered me to no end.)

Going along with the bright colored theme I made this cake (from scratch!). I was raaawwwther pleased with myself.

Despite it not being perfect (oh no, they never are) it was a fun party. We had family and all Lulu's "best friends" (what she calls all the kids in our cul-de-sac) there. Lots of sugar was consumed (my no refined sugar rule being completely thrown out the window) and the kids were a little crazy by nights end but all in all a fun day.

Happy Birthday Goosie Lou!

Sometimes It Hurts

2010-08-10T10:45:00.008-06:00

Way back when we first moved into our home we had to build a retaining wall. Awesome hired a friend to do it. He assured me that he would make it look good. The job he did was not great. We ended up calling in another contractor to fix the back wall. At that time I distinctly remember saying to Awesome we should have them redo the east side as well since that side had a spot that went over the property line. I also distinctly remember Awesome telling me not to worry about it that it would be fine.

This is the most painful I told you so I have ever had to experience.

What my yard looked like before:

Before we decided to put in a fence and realized that yes, indeed, the east retaining wall would need to be moved.

A look at the property line. The pink rope in the picture below has been moved out of the way so as not to get tangled in the excavator. That dark spot about half way down is where our retaining wall encroached on the neighbor's property.
Yes that is a tree sitting there. We had to dig up two trees, 5 bushes, 5 perennial flowers, and several well established groundcovers growing in the existing retaining wall. My heart was broken.
We also had to rip out several feet of curbing.
Then there is the grass. It makes my stomach turn to look at it.
This is looking at the same corner as the first picture. The entire planting bed that was there before no longer exists.
Men, let this be a lesson to you. LISTEN TO YOUR WIVES!

Road Trip

2010-08-09T08:14:00.010-06:00

This past weekend Awesome and I helped his cousin, Danny, move by hauling a trailer containing all of their worldly possessions some 850+ miles. I have this "rule" that I can't leave my house in any state of disorder when going away for more than a few hours. I hate to come home to a mess. Because of this rule I stayed up until 2:15 am cleaning. I had to get up at 4:00 am. Needless to say I slept most of the 16 hour drive. I did manage to wake long enough to snap these pictures for Chica:

We didn't want to drive 16 hours, drop stuff off, then turn around and drive all the way back to Utah. So we split the return trip home into two days. We spent the night in Tacoma and then decided to drive through Mt. Rainier National Park.

I love driving through tall trees.

Awesome. Making fun of me.

If you are not familiar with this road sign, let me explain it's meaning. We call this the "Prepare to Lose Your Lunch" sign.

Imagine going down many, many, many roads featuring the above sign. These roads get progressively narrower and the sides of the road start dropping into progressively steeper cliffs. Now imagine you are driving this: An extra long truck pulling a 20ft trailer.

My once curly locks flattened and wild because when my husband said, "You'll get a better picture if you stick your head out the window" I foolishly tried it. Going 40 mph.

The park at last!

The day before had been beautiful sunny skies. This day was rather overcast and rainy. Perfect vampire weather. This is Awesome showing his vampire face.

While Mt. Rainier is further south than good ol' Forks we figured that even the Cullens go on vacation. Perhaps they were hiding out in these woods. This is Awesome's imitation of Edward climbing a tree.

I was really looking forward to seeing the mighty "Takoma" (that's the indian name for Mt. Rainier.) However as we climbed higher and higher two things became quite clear. There are little to no parking spaces big enough for our 40+ ft of vehicle and it was so foggy you couldn't see much.

This means of course that we did not get to see Mt. Rainier. And that Edward was probably standing on the summit.

Anyway. We drove only as far as Kennewick. The next day was another long drive in which I fell asleep many times. Once when I woke, Awesome had the following conversation with me.

Awesome:I decided I'm going to invent purple grass for golf courses.

Me: Purple grass?

Awesome: Yeah. I was looking at everything and it was all green, green, green. And then I saw some plum trees and I thought the purple looked so nice. I thought purple grass would be great. And the best place for it would be a golf course.

Me: Did you want to stop and buy a lotto ticket, dreamer?

Several miles down the road

Awesome: Is that a golf course over there?

Me: yes. You're thinking it would look better with purple grass?

Awesome: One day you'll drive by a golf course with purple grass and say "My EX husband invented that."

Me: I'll say "I should have stayed married to him cuz he's worth millions now"

Purple grass. Tee Hee. Driving for long distances can make you batty.

It's like working in your own screen house!

2010-07-28T17:45:00.006-06:00

There are some products on the market that just make me laugh. And think "who would buy that?" Like the snuggie. (My mom would buy that. She did buy that.) While browsing through a gardening magazine I came across this:

THE BUG BAFFLER- the essential bug protection.

Seriously? In the ad it says "Protective clothing for all outdoor activities."

Among the list of activities this clothing is useful for: walking, fishing, traveling and hiking.

Would I be the only one laughing hysterically at the sight of someone "traveling" around in this suit?

2010-07-28T14:25:00.002-06:00

Lulu is playing with the neighbor boy (Isaiah's brother, Gabe). I can tell she is trying to impress him. She asked if they could have graham crackers and then said, "Thanks Nancy."

The JOY of Motherhood

2010-07-21T10:14:00.003-06:00

Last night at approximately 2:00 a.m., after having been in and out of her room numerous times in the last hour, a very frustrated and tired me said, "Olivia I just want to go to sleep!" To which she answered, "I don't. I just want to bother you."

Ethan's birthday part 2

2010-07-17T23:11:00.008-06:00

The kids were invited to an archaeological tour in Peru. We started our "tour" at Dr. Jones base camp. When we got there, Indiana was nowhere to be found. We did find a letter, instructions and a map addressed to our tour group.

The letter told us about an ancient tribe whose leader had a dream about their destruction. He decided to hide some of his fortune to preserve his wealth. Later the tribe was conquered by the Incas and the chief killed. His treasure remained hidden. But Indy was on the trail of finding the treasure and needed the kids' help.
First they had to travel through the cave of doom.

Um in all the craziness of getting ready for the party I neglected to do my girls' hair. Nice, huh? Glad we captured that on film.

Anyway, the Cave of Doom led us to the Temple of the Golden Idol. Here we had to retrieve a piece of the tablet and try to steal the Golden Idol. But we were warned that the temple may be booby trapped and we could be in danger if we removed the statue.

Booby trapped it was! This is an awesome picture of us fleeing for our lives (our playhouse has a second story so Emma hid up there and threw water balloons at us). Yes I realize I look pregnant. No I am not.

Next we came to Snake canyon. There were venom-spitting snakes here so we had to be very careful while crossing the narrow bridge.

After crossing the canyon we came to Asphalt River. A crocodile infested river, mind you. We could only cross by the bridge. (I have no idea why everyone is holding on to their hats. They took this bridge crossing very seriously. No one strayed off the bridge, or ran. It was so funny.)

They crossed the bridge to the Revolg Valley where the Chavin Jungle was located. They had to find the sand pits. Then they dug in the sand pits for the tablet piece, they also found gold coins and jewels here. (Sorry no pictures). The next destination was the Quito Market where we were instructed to find a merchant by the name of Yunkapi Lota. He was in possession of a tablet piece. We were warned that he was greedy and it would take a lot to get him to sell it to us.

He tried to sell all kinds of things to the kids but they only wanted the tablet piece. They offered all the gold and jewels they had just found, but he told them it was priceless and he wouldn't sell it. So we offered the Golden Idol (the very one we had RISKED our LIVES to get). He finally let us have the tablet.

We raced back to base camp. Still no Indiana. Then we heard the theme music play and he came running into camp. Apparently he had been in the northern regions retrieving a fourth piece of the tablet.

We put all the pieces together and it revealed a coded message. It told us to look for four markers and where they converged we would find the treasure.

A better look at Indiana--he was able to steal back the golden statue because he felt it belonged in a museum.

These kids were super smart and quickly found the treasure. Oh how I wish I had done Lulu's hair.

After the treasure was found we partook of the complimentary meal with the tour.

We opened presents and had cake. This was the most pathetic looking "cake" I ever made (and Lulu's first cake was pretty bad). I used to make these elaborate cakes but I was too tired to make the effort. He was lucky he got cupcakes, that's all I'm saying.

After the cake we had a water balloon fight. Well, except for these two, who got drenched in the sprinkler. But they had fun doing it.

Very fun day.

Ethan's Birthday part 1

2010-07-17T16:06:00.007-06:00

Setting the scene:
Ethan's birthday was Indiana Jones themed. So. Much. Fun. I made the invites to look like postcards with a hidden message in them.
This is the "tablet", they were looking for the pieces

This is the back of the "tablet" with a coded message

The treasure they were seeking

Indiana Jones base camp

base camp picture 2

base camp pic 3

Cave of Doom, complete with bugs and cobwebs (although you can't really see them in this picture)

The Temple of the Golden idol

Snake Canyon

Asphalt river

Close up of bridge and crocodiles in the Asphalt river

The Quito Market (Lota's Loot shop in the back)

2010-07-13T22:36:00.005-06:00

Yesterday my neighbor across the street came over to tell me it's official. They are moving. We knew they were job searching, but I secretly was hoping it wouldn't go well. You see their son Isaiah is Ethan's bestest buddy in the whole wide world. I don't let my kids play before lunch. EVERY DAY Ethan watches the clock for lunch time because that means he gets to play with Isaiah. Isaiah is his saving grace from the girlocity that is our home.

When Isaiah told Ethan he was moving he immediately came to me and, with the saddest little look, said, "Is Isaiah moving to California?" When I told him yes he said, "We can visit right?" Later on I asked him how he felt and he said, "I'm not that sad because we can visit him. Can we take a two week vacation to California?"
Alicia, I hope you have a yard big enough for us to pitch a tent cuz it looks like we'll be staying for a bit.
*When I took the picture Isaiah said, "It so you have something to remember me by, huh?" Sniffle*Yes*Sniffle, sniffle.

Dear Grandma and Uncle Brian

2010-07-07T21:52:00.004-06:00

While putting Lulu to bed she asks for her two stuffed dogs.
Lulu: (holding one up)Who gave this to me?
Me:Uncle Brian
Lulu: Oh. (holding up second dog) And who gave this to me?
Me:Grandma
Lulu: Oh. Uncle Brian gave me this one and Grandma gave me this one.
Me: Yes
Lulu: I love those guys.

Having a Blast on the Fourth (for reals this time)

2010-07-04T11:49:00.002-06:00

We are all about being patriotic. Or about lighting things on fire. Whatever. So of course we had to continue celebrating our independence on Sunday. We had a light supper with the Millard's and then we invaded their driveway for fireworks. Dave had the kids so wired they were beyond crazy. This video does not do it just. Not at all.

This giant firework was called "Big Cannon". Chica, apparently it's not just hormonal teenagers that like to have fun with cannons.

Sex change

2010-07-04T10:16:00.003-06:00

Lulu associates colors as either male or female. Blue, in her mind, is definitely male. The following conversation took place in a GIRL'S bathroom with BLUE tiles.

Lulu: This is the boy's bathroom.
Me: No this is the girl's bathroom.
Lulu: No. It's the boy's bathroom. Where are the boys?
Me: There are no boys in here. Only us girls.
Lulu: Oh. Next week can I be a boy?

Having a Blast on the Fourth, er, I Mean the Third

2010-07-03T22:23:00.009-06:00

Utah has some strange customs. Independence Day fell on a Sunday this year so here in Utah, well we did most of our festivities on the third. Crazy I know. We started the day out at the parade. I dropped Awesome and Emma off at the parade start because they were going to ride the softball "float" (I use the term loosely, really it was a huge flatbed pulled by big rig.) I got caught in the traffic and the closed roads and ended up having to take many detours in order to skirt the entire parade route. By the time I found a place to park the parade had already started. We made it to a spot just in time.

After the first two entries went by I felt someone hugging my waist. It was a visibly upset Emma. Apparently she was the only one from her team who showed up and she was too embarrassed (or shy) to stay with the other teams. She and Awesome walked down the parade route until they found us. Upon seeing her tears, a smoothie was offered and all was well. The parade was the same old thing. Bad news: the Wal-mart semi truck was not an entry this year. Good news: Associated foods came through with their own semi truck entry. Good thing, wouldn't be the same parade without one.
Every year our cul-de-sac of neighbors rents some inflatable structure and we have a play day. Even though it was a tad on the chilly side, we still had a blast. Too bad you missed it. The Glover's got us addicted to crack and then tried to persuade us to get tattoos. PJ said if Awesome, Janna and I all got tattoos he would get one of anything we wanted. I'm thinking one that says "I am a Child of God" or "Jesus loves me" would look perfect. Ethan's girlfriend joined us this year, as well as several other people that just made the day that much more fun. We had something like a billion of kids running around wet and wild. Good times. We had some yummy birthday cake to celebrate Debbie's birthday (which is actually on the fourth but because we live in Utah, well we celebrate it on the third. It's the rule.) Later we broke out the wiggle cars and had races. H.I.L.A.R.I.O.U.S. And then we had a fireworks competition. North side vs. South side. There were some non-too pretty dance moves involved. I think the North side won but only because they had strobe lighting effects. Here are some highlights from this year's fiesta:

In the past the inflatables have been placed in the street. This year the Wiggins' yard housed the fun. It was perfect.
Awesome loves to start water balloon fights. This year Jason prepared himself by buying a water balloon launcher. The Big Boys had way too much fun bombing the neighbor's houses. Awesome also armed all the kid's with water balloons and instructed his army to attack the parents. Not cool. They nearly got the crack wet!

Not appropriate for the younger readers (Mom and Dad you should definitely not read this either)

2010-06-21T12:30:00.008-06:00

My husband offered me a 100 grand in exchange for, um (cough, cough). . . "knowing" him, as in the biblical sense.

If I took it does it make me . . . . . . a girl of questionable morals?

More memory making moments

2010-06-18T12:41:00.002-06:00

My neighbor and I were chatting one night and I said on the aside that we should do "Field trip Fridays" where we just tell all the neighbors we are going somewhere each week and whoever wants to come can come. I'm not real good at follow through and so I promptly forgot about it. Thursday night she reminded me and asked if I wanted to go dig for trilobites. I figured it was more memories to make so, Yes, yes I would like to take four children on a two & a half hour drive into the nothingness of western Utah to dig for fossils. Awesome!

Here's a tip: probably not the best idea to let two year olds pound rocks with real hammers. Just saying.

If anybody wants to do this the place is called "U Dig Fossils". They have a website that I am too lazy to link up to right now. It's located 52 miles west of Delta. Utah residents get a 20% discount because they don't get many Utahans. In fact we were the only Utah cars there. The other three cars were from California, Massachusetts and Florida. Even though it was hot and kinda of dangerous (children, hammers and sharp rocks. Oh My!) the kids loved it and want to go again. If you do go take water, sunscreen, gloves and protective eye wear. Long pants too.

Dear Blog

Oh Lulu

And The Hits Just Keep Coming

Lulu turns 4. *sob*

Little Grasshopper

Yellowstone take two

Ethan figures out the truth at an early age

Push, push, push . . . now pedal,pedal, pedal

She's got legs you idiot!

Camp Runamuck

Sweet Niblets, I did it!

It's that time of year again . . .

July 4th

Annual Neighborhood Fiesta

The hip bone is connected to the thigh bone, the thigh bone. . .

Adventures of Gnomeo, Vol. II

School's Out

Dear Blog

Tia the tapir

Star Wars Mania

It's Seusserific!

Just a thought

To Chica: There'll be laughter in the cabbage patch again

Gnomeo, Gnomeo Wherefore art thou?

How I spent my Saturday

Today's Sound Bites (and some other stuff)

It's like we are one, Eeyore and I

Confessions

Hair

Old and gray

Life lessons from Max. And Ruby

Cold

The List

Challenge #30:The most recent picture on your camera

Challenge #29:What are you afraid of

Challenge #28: What are you obsessively compulsive about

Challenge #27: Why you are doing this 30 day challenge

Challenge #26: Another picture of you and your friends

Challenge #25: What would you find in my bag

Challenge #24:Favorite Quote

Challenge #23:Something you crave a lot

Challenge #22:What makes you different from everyone else.

Challenge #21: A picture of something that makes you happy

Challenge #20:Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future

Challenge #19:Nicknames you have and why do you have them

Challenge #18:Plans/Dreams/Goals you have

Challenge #17:Someone you'd like to switch lives with for one day

Challenge #16:Another picture of yourself

Challenge #15:Put your Ipod on shuffle, first ten songs that play

Challenge #14: A picture of you and your family

Challenge #13: A letter to someone who has hurt you recently

Challenge #12: How you found out about blogs and why you started one

Challenge #11:What are some of your holiday traditions?

Challenge #10:Songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped or mad

Challenge #9: Something your proud of in the last few days

Challenge #8: Short term goals for this month and why

Challenge #7: A picture of someone or something that has the biggest impact on you

Challenge #6: Favorite superhero and why

Challenge #5: A picture of somewhere you've been

Challenge #4:A habit that you wish you didn't have

Challenge #3: A picture of you and your friends

Challenge #2: The meaning behind your blog name

Following the leader

Eye doctors are NOT allergists

It's only been 29 hours

Oh Oh It's Magic

Our October

The Education of Sassafron

My name is Nancy and I'm an addict

Nancy Drew Party

Nancy Drew Party con't.

Update

International Day of Peace

Mankiller

For Those Interested Parties:

Sass turns 10 (or Holy crap I have a 10 year old)

Lulu's First Day

Arrrgh

Lulu Turns 3!

Sometimes It Hurts

Lulu turns 4. sob