living arizona

yum.

2011-04-13T00:29:00.000-06:00

These kids are oh, so delicious.

Yummy. Little. Helpers.

i love this kid.

2011-02-13T23:17:00.000-07:00

that's it.

now see here ->

2011-01-10T16:12:00.001-07:00

Look up in that corner right there. See that little link?

I finally decided to start posting on my style blog. Woo to the hoo. Check it out...

Oh Christmas Tree

2010-12-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

I'm really proud of how my Christmas decorations turned out this year, and since we are leaving for Christmas so no one will be seeing them, here they are in all their glory...

Garland swags and burlap bows.

the curio, with a swag of it's own and all the things I don't want the kiddos to touch tucked neatly behind the glass.

Just a reworking of my sofa table

One of my beloved Apothecary jars filled with pine cones and lovely white and silver berries.

the "kid" tree in the family room.

the "you'll die if you touch it" tree in the living room. I went with old fashioned this year. Aqua, burlap and tule. I love all the different textures.
I also wrapped all the presents with brown paper instead of the traditional Christmas paper and used raffia and burlap ribbon.

A bigger shot of the room

I hung up burlap and used clothespins to hang up Christmas cards. I liked it alot more than stuff taped on the fridge.

Thirty.

2010-12-05T03:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, my darling.

5 things I love about you:

1. The way you laugh when you're really laughing.

2. Your zeal for life.

3. Your love of the Gospel.

4. Your maturity.

5. The way you put up with my shenanigans, and love me anyway.

I love you.

oh I love my brother.

2010-10-09T09:09:00.000-06:00

yes i do.

dear...

2010-09-27T23:20:00.000-06:00

Dear Self,

Can it possibly be over a month since you last posted? How pathetic. Well, perhaps not pathetic when taken into consideration that the reason for such neglect is that in fact life is insanely hecktic right now. As in 3 children, two of which go two different directions to school each day, one husband who is NEVER home (grad school, full time job...), busy calling at church, a whole 2850 square foot house that needs cleaning/decorating/ up keep- pretty much all by my lonesome (since like I said before, the hubs is MIA), a yard that needs mowed, trimmed, weeded and coddled (because it is still ridiculously hot here in the Zona.) oh, yeah, and my 7 credits of classes that I am taking myself- one a 400 level literature class, the other one, French. And a- yikes. Okay, I don't feel like such a loser now...

Dear Hannah,
Thank you for being perfection every single day. For acting older than you have to, for always keeping tabs on your crazy brothers, for doing what you are told, for having a conscience, for feeling bad when you do something wrong, for saying fabulously cute things like: "Oh, Carter, you should not have done that, it was very foolish," oh, and also for looking so painfully cute every single day when I drop you off at school with your little backpack hanging all the way down to your knees. I swear, every day I want to jump out of the car and make you come back home with me. I don't know what I'm going to do if you ever get rebellious, because you are such a heaven-sent.

Love, Mom.

Dear Carter,
Remember how you stapled those two sheets of paper together the other day then "decorated" them, (which means colored all over them with a red crayon) and then called it your indian hat? And you wore it at dinner, and to bed and then to preschool the next day. Yeah, that was pretty much the cutest thing ever. Thanks for reminding me that amid all the chaos that is your personality, you are pretty dang awesome.

Love, Squaw.

Dear Ethan,
You have the most delectible little body in the world. You're squishy, so deliciously squishy, and you're spunky and hilarious, which makes the squishiness even more desirable, and also your skin is so sweeeeet. Except now the mosquitos seem to have discovered your yumminess and they won't leave you alone. Your siblings wake up without so much as a nibble on them and you have been the midnight buffet. I don't even know where they are coming from but they head straight for you. I love that I have to rub bug repellent on you before bed, but I don't like that it makes you taste weird.

Love, Resident nibbler.

Dear Hubs,

Remember when you used to just come home from work and we'd all hang out? Yeah, me either. But I bet it was really cool.

Your wife,

Remember me? The short one, who birthed all your babies.

Dear Arizona,

Are you kidding me? 108 on September 27th. 109 TOMORROW. If this is a joke, it is the worst one ever. Come on, it's fall already, let's try to act like it. Get with the program.

Love, I'm tired of the sweaty face/dribble running down between my non-existent chest, and I am sick of my SUMMER CLOTHES.

Dear House,
I still love you, even if you are a pain to paint. You are really starting to show some progress. Thank you,
Love, Girl in the paint splattered clothes.

Dear Reader,
the end.

seven.

2010-08-22T20:04:00.000-06:00

Time flies...

when you're having fun.

Happy Anniversary to us!

California love.

2010-08-09T23:48:00.000-06:00

I love to write. In fact, writing is what I am slugging my way through a degree for. (with 3 kids in tow and a husband working his way through a challenging MBA himself) I love to write, but I am too tired to write, right now. And by right now, I mean for the last 3 months or so. Inspiration: nada, whitty one-liners are in short supply, and everytime I sit down to write something fabulous I come up short. Writing is a workout, and I am out of shape. This blog has suffered. Obviously. My book, which I used to cherish and (perhaps) even coddle is in a stagnant state of editing. Right now, I kind of hate it. I keep making these goals for myself, finished by Christmas, finished by summer, okay then, the end of summer, etc etc. I want it done. I want to send it out and take a risk. I want to get 18 million rejection letters from editors. Okay, maybe not, but let's face it, it's inevitable so I might as well act like I want it. Glass half full and all that...

So, since I've turned into a writing slob and let my mind turn into mush that has trouble remembering any kind of grammer and also finishing coherent sentences I guess I better start slow. Maybe five-ten minutes of writing a day, just to get back in the groove. But now I really must go to bed. We're in San Diego and the beach was heaven today. The sunburn covering the entire backside of my body this evening... not so heavenly. That's what I get for napping under the fabulous California sun.

Oh how I love California, always have, always will. It's in my blood.

Peace out peeps.

summer.

2010-07-30T11:46:00.001-06:00

girls camp. ah yeah. check out my friend Renae's more cowbell shirt. love this girl.

batman a la backyard.

nice indian. oh good. we don't want the scalping kind...
stopping at the road side jewelry stands in nowheresville, az.

checking out the merchandise.

seeing my sister again after way. too. long.

playing with grandpa's new pup, Tucker.

sa-weet dog. semi-sweet kids. haha.

the wasatch back.

the team: "No More Runs." pun. intended.

my longest run. 7.4 miles on a gravel road climbing avon pass. hot+hills= he**. just kidding, it was awesome, but the hardest run of my life. look at hard core me go.

the baton hand off, and a kiss. double bonus.

woo, and a hoo. only 2 more runs and about 25 hours to go.

Craig literally chucking his water bottle back to Justin, who was (obviously) not ready for it.

done with run 3.

hubs, me, dad-in-law

not loving a 15 hour car ride.

the grand canyon. meet the scruffy family.

all my favorite people.

the 4th of July

watching the fireworks

he had a big day.

happy kids.

a fishing we will go.

that's not blood under his nose. it's chocolate. yummy yummy boy.

fishing without fish.

precarious.

hannah the vampire. tee hehe.

6th birthday ear piercing.

showing off our earings. as hannah said, "we match mom, but our earings aren't the same."

just hanging out.

<><>

he pillow bet.

helping.

the end.
for the record, bloggers new picture loader sucks. and i can't remove the extra picture of ethan.
oh well.

happy summer to you.

my new hobby... or blog at least.

2010-07-24T11:10:00.000-06:00

I was walking out of a young women's activity this last Wednesday and talking to my friend about what we used to wear in high school. (insert laugh) It got me thinking, which by the way always produces interesting (at least to me results). When I was in high school, living and wearing mostly hand-me downs from my younger sisters (I was the smallest) and whatever I bought with the money I earned babysitting, brand recognition was vitally important to me. As in, "I wanted everyone to know that I got this shirt from Gap and look how conveinent(!), it says GAP right on the front of it." And, "I most certainly must where my plaid shirt hanging open and loose so that everyone can see that the shirt I'm wearing under it is from Abercrombie." Now I think back on this mind set, and it was/is, well ridiculous. There are a number of reasons. First, they were just dumb t-shirts. Really, does stamping GAP or Abercrombie on the front of it make it any cuter? No, my dear, it does not. It's still just a t-shirt. What made it cuter was the idea that the person wearing it, shops at those desirable stores, instead of well, Ross. This is sad because, basically, it's a promotional tee. Whoever created this concept is beyond brilliant, and the people (ie: sheep-like teenagers like myself) buy right into it. See what I didn't (and apparently none of my friends either) realize was that I was a walking advertisement for Gap, Abercrombie and whatever other popular store had items on the clearance rack. That would be fabulous, if I were getting a commission, getting store credit, or at least a discount of 30 percent. But no, I walked right in to that store, picked up their shirt and paid them to have me advertise it. That's like asking someone if you can pay to give them a foot massage. Not really. But really.

What is my point to all of this? Coco Chanel (loooove her!) once said, "Fashion fades, only style remains the same." How brilliant is that? I wish I had heard that quote as a teenager; it would have saved me alot of years blundering around like a goober trying to figure out if what was "in" was in my price range, instead of figuring out if I even liked it. And more importantly, it would have sent me searching for something infinitely more desirable than fashion, personal style. Fashion comes and goes, and then comes again and goes again, but when you develop your own unique style--a look that you feel comfortable in, a look that defines your character, and sings to your creativity, a look that compliments your body type (very very important!) well that's never going to go out of style.

And personal style goes beyond clothes. It lives in the way we decorate our house, fix our hair, the color cell phone we pick, which accessory we choose, the way we set a table, speak in public, the way we write our emails, the way we wrap a gift. Like Miss Chanel said, "Fashion (or style) is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

And finding that style is my mission peeps. Styling every aspect of my petite life. Welcome to the blog. Stick around...

happy birthday hannah.

2010-07-17T09:36:00.004-06:00

you are six. holy cow. how did that happen so fast?

i miss you as a baby.

but i love you as a six year old.

happy.birthday.hannah.banana.

when in heat...

2010-07-16T01:21:00.004-06:00

I am, apparently unable to update my blog properly. That isn't to say that I don't get online quite often, because I do... too much. But lately, my little mommy blog has felt well, flat. And honestly, I'm pretty swamped everyday trying to decorate, clean, placate and hold down the fort here while Craig hits it hard on his MBA. And so this little blog, which I used to love and cherish and update so darn regularly gets the shaft. BIG. TIME. I am, however, very happy to report that it is now 1/2 way through my second summer in Arizona and I'm still loving it down here (even if I did get mild heat exhaustion bringing in my bulk items from Costco today). I love the weather-- especially the other 2/3 of the year when it is perfect cardigan weather all the time. Oh how I love love love cardigans. Oh, how I can't wait to wear them again!--Sorry for the side note. I love all the stuff to do, I LOVE the shopping opportunities! I love our house. Everyday, I walk around in amazement that it is mine. With such a lovely open floor plan, and so much space, a fenced backyard with GRASS! I love all the fabulous people I've met down here. Especially all the AMAZING women that I've gotten to know. They must grow them good down here in Arizona. I'm so glad that we've both been able to go back to school, even if it is expensive and STRESSFUL! And even though I miss Craig when he's gone all the time.

Anyways, no idea where I am going with this, expect that I actually felt like updating my blog for the first time in, like. forever.

I would like to pose a little question. Does anyone ever get decorator mania? I feel so manic about decorating my house. Like it is just constantly on my mind. Perhaps this is because I am totally at a loss in several rooms as to what to do with them. And also, I have to stare at the unfinished spaces all.day.long. Not good for the obsessive nature.

How do you cope you decorating obsessives out there? I am dying to know...

And also, I put up wainscoting in my family room when Craig was in China, because I am one fabulously motivated woman, and also because my dad is a saint and drove all the way from Logan, UT (carting all of the tools in his repertoire) to assist me in my renovation project and make my home feel much less cookie cutter. Thanks pops. You are the best.

Here's a little preview of the room, for your viewing pleasure, as well as an awesome shot of us practice fishing off the back of my new sectional. It turns out it was a good prep for the real thing. The carpet produced the same amount of fish as the lake. Nada. Zero. Zip.

The end.

m.i.a.

2010-07-01T21:58:00.002-06:00

this blog is seriously neglected.

but i'm still alive.

i promise.

just not in the mood for blogging...

i'll post pictures of the summer thus far soon.

ps. it's hot here. like HOT. 114 degrees.

the great wall.

2010-05-23T18:25:00.001-06:00

for reals.

apparently you can see this thing from space with the naked eye.

is it wrong to be jealous of your spouse?

:-)

this is not china town.

2010-05-20T10:00:00.004-06:00

this is the real thing.

Craig in

Beijing, China

man, I love this guy...

Just in case you were looking for the world's best man:

he's taken.

I married him.
mwahahaha...

love you baby.

Yes on Prop 100

2010-05-05T14:40:00.003-06:00

I just found out that if Prop 100 down here in AZ doesn't pass, Hannah's perfect, darling, amazing Kindergarten teacher won't have a job next year.

This recession stinks. Seriously...

PS. if you are a Zonian, please vote yes, for Miss Hann's sake.

come on, don't be cheap people...

50 kids per classroom, doesn't sound ideal to me.

Every child is worth a cent...

dirt.

2010-04-29T09:38:00.002-06:00

I opened the blinds to the massive expanse of windows in my bedroom this morning and looked out on the dirt filled back yard and our trampoline. Just above the top rim I could see the toe-headed hair of my sons tossing around in the sunlight and wind. I know they have dragged their blankets outside in the yard, even though they know they aren't supposed to. They both need bath; Ethan still has chocolate donut smeared across his delectable cheeks. But they've got their giant tonka, a tractor, a bunch of dirt and some weeds. They have arrived in little boy heaven. I can see the glee exuding from their faces, it's the most beautiful sight in the world. Seriously. Dirty jammies and all.

I finished my last class of the semester last night. yessssssssssss. 4 months of nothing but fun with my kids. And the landscapers are beginning the yard today. (We finally finished putting in the sprinklers) Look out dirt, you just joined the endangered species list.

And that, also makes me very happy.

butterball

2010-04-26T10:46:00.004-06:00

You know, there is a difference between the way that my kids love me. Hannah, loves me. My boys, are in love with me. I think that's how it works with little boys and their mommies. And no, it's not in a gross way. Carter, for instance asks me at least 2 times a week if I will marry him. And Ethan, oh what to even say. He is my little butterball. Complete delectable deliciousness. He is also in love with his mama, and I cannot get enough of him. He is so edible, and I have a feeling I'll be munching on him for years to come. mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....

tore up.

2010-04-16T11:05:00.001-06:00

i have been so sick all week and i am so sick of it. bronchitis, a chest infection, nausea, the whole nine yards. (no I'm not pregnant, so don't start speculating). now my 3 kids and hubbo are all sick. lovely. i hate illness. i really really do.

my husband loves me... alot.

2010-04-03T19:53:00.002-06:00

meet my new car.

she has yet to be named.
2011 Honda Pilot EX.

thank you, mr. robinson.

thank you, very much.

ps. i realize that my blogging has been pathetic. especially for family far away who would like to see more pictures of our kiddos.

i promise an improvement very soon.

and i still love arizona.

no really, i LOVE arizona.

side note: I have wanted a honda since I knew what a civic was...

my life is so blessed.

oh my(ley)

2010-03-22T17:06:00.004-06:00

thank you Ashton for getting me hooked on the Miley Cyrus song "Party In the USA" after I officially swore that I would never ever like anything by Miss Cyrus.

I am now obsessed.

Listened to it at least 6 times in a row.

Pretty sure I'm going to put it on the ipod.

I am such a teenage girl.

john mayer, and stuff that's making me happy in my house.

2010-03-11T18:27:00.006-07:00

I wish John Mayer wasn't such a complete idiot. I seriously love that man's music; his new song, Heartbreak Warfare is especially good, but the fact that he is a total moron in real life kind of almost ruins it for me. Do all true artists have to be insane? I mean come on. I usually just listen to his stuff, and try to forget that a psycho wrote it...

And now for the house. Yes, I know this post is total randomness. But hey, it's almost a miracle that I am posting more than a quick pathetic sentence at all. So, my house is basically more than twice the livable space of my old house. Our old house was 2000 sq feet, but 650 of that was an unfinished basement. My new house is 2850 sq feet of carpeted and tiled goodness. Oh how I love my home. But one problem, we have no stuff for it. Combination of changing my decorating theme... all the red got old, and doubling the living space. Any ways, I'm also going to school, so is Craig, and we have a front and back yard to put in, so home projects go. really. slow.

Here are a few improvements/purchases that are making me very happy, and also making our house feel like home.

1. The little counter coming in from the big garage. My mom helped me put this all together when she came to visit a couple weeks ago. AND. I. LOVE. IT.

It's the perfect area to put keys and mail, and drop my purse, but it's also decorated. Cute organization makes me happy.

2. This is for mom. I picked this baby up at a garage sale for 55$. And it was ugly, part real wood, part veneer, there was a brass mesh thing going on on the two side windows, and the hardware was hideous. It seriously looked like 1995 people. But the structure was good, and it was unique, it had personality and I thought, "potential." Though I wasn't sure...

So I spent too many hours to even divulge taking it all apart, cleaning, sanding, filling old hardware holes, priming, painting, painting, painting, faux finishing, and attaching new hardware, and voila! It goes very nicely in the nook across from the dining room.

I am quite proud of the finished product. If you think it's ugly, don't tell me. I may cry.

3. Vintage Lamp. I found this baby at a Methodist church rummage sale. Never underestimate the power of a good RUMMAGE SALE. 10 Bucks for this baby. It was an okay cream color, but not very distinct. I can't have that!
So I spray painted it green and then rubbed on a nice stain to age it. I love the way it looks now.

My one problem: it's a giant lamp! I can't find a big enough lamp shade that isn't boring or ugly. But don't worry. I will prevail.
4. Awesome Eiffel Tower picture. You are going to hate me for this one. This picture was originally 160$ at hobby lobby. I found it in the 80 percent off bin because there was a chunk missing from the top left hand corner and apparently people don't want to pay that much for a picture that's got a messed up corner. I looked at it and thought, "I can fix that so easily and you will NEVER be able to tell." So I snatched it up for 30 dollars.

I put wood filler on the crack and used a little black paint, not even with a brush, just the end of my finger. You tell me, can you even tell?

5. The mammoth wall. Not really a joy, although the picture/clock thing makes me happy. I just wanted you all to appreciate what I am up against. The picture and clock are huge and the wall just dwarfs them. I have a few ideas for that empty space on the left, but I haven't found what I'm looking for yet... also, we painted this room over a month ago, and I've decided, it's too light. boo. I need to repaint. and also, I cannot find fabric to suit my fancy for curtains yet either. Still lots to do.

6. Apothecary Jars. Oh how I love these babies. Oh, how I've looked for them EVERYWHERE for this awesome fruit I found at Ross about 6 months ago, to no avail. The only place I saw them was online at Pottery Barn for over 50$ a piece. Yikes. Not gonna pay that much. So the other day I went to Ross, actually to look for a lampshade for my vintage darling, and guess what I found? THESE BABIES. I seriously let out a yelp in Ross. Best part. they were less than ten dollars each. I found a fourth one, and bought it too because it was a miracle. It's in my laundry room housing vintage clothespins. So 40 bucks for 4 beautiful apothecary jars. LIFE. IS. GOOD. in bargain world people.

There is a reason why I almost NEVER pay full price for anything. Patience, and hard work pay off.

Lastly, I must give a nod to my dear mother, who imparted her bargain hunter genes and mad skills to me. And also helped me hang that giant picture when she was here, which I could never have hung alone, and also folded laundry and played with the kids so I could prime my huge curio. thanks mom. mucho.

ps. I know I'm a dummy for not doing before pictures, but like I said there is a lot on my plate and little details like that get swept aside.

and it's not even me.

2010-03-08T16:57:00.005-07:00

i am so excited about my little sister Meghan's baby, i could just scream! i wish i lived closer than 12 hours away right now, or my hands would be all over her belly.

ps. can she get any cuter pregnant? I submit that she cannot.

Quotable:

2010-03-05T17:02:00.002-07:00

Carter, sitting at the counter with a mouth full of Cherrios (that he poured himself) for his late afternoon snack:

"I wanna live at Home Depot."

classic.

remember this?

2010-03-02T20:15:00.002-07:00

http://www.r-word.org/

spread the word to end the word.

tomorrow. 3.03.10.

pledge with me.

and stop using the r word. (retard)

if not for me, do it for my brother matt.

kickin' my booty.

2010-02-16T22:40:00.005-07:00

I went back to school 6 months ago. Just two classes but yikes, it was hard, and worth it. Somehow I survived last semester and I even did pretty good too. Two A's. One was even an A+. Sorry if that sounds like bragging, but sometimes you just have to pat yourself on the back when you do something you thought was impossible. And let me tell you, when I was halfway through my literature class that had 3,500 pages of reading in one semester, I thought anything better than a B was pretty much dang near impossible. But I got an A. So I went into this semester sufficiently buoyed. If I could do it last semester, this whole finishing my degree thing should be a breeze. Except now, I have a house, and it's bigger than that teaspoon of a townhouse we were living in last semester. Which means about a gazillion more rooms to clean/organize/decorate. And a yard to landscape. And my husband is busier than he was last semester with his own MBA. And my baby who was super easy-going/ angelic has decided that he now wants to be the world's biggest stink, right behind his older brother of course. It's still mind-blowing the shenanigans those two can get in together. Oh, when will I have an easy-going child? And my classes are harder. Who would have thought? I'm so stressed, I've spent the last 5 days with leprosy-like acne all over my face. Lovely. I guess it's payback for never having pimples when I was a teenager. Except it's kind of disgusting to have a breakout when you are 27. Everyone thinks I'm crazy for doing this. But I know why I am doing this. I believe in education. It's more than a degree to me. It's about showing my kids how important finishing college is, even when everything else is fighting against it. It's about proving to myself that I can still do anything if I put my mind to it. And I will. One class at a time. That is, if this semester doesn't kill me.

ps. this guy has been in Seattle on business for 2 days; he won't be home until Thursday night.

and man I miss hugging him.

Pray for me.

Quotable:

2010-02-10T08:45:00.002-07:00

Last night Hannah and I were working on decorating a tissue box for her to take to school to put her Valentines in. She picked out the pretty paper, we'd cut it out together and she would glue it onto the side.. On one of the sides she started gluing before we had finished cutting out. "Wait, honey," I said, "we have to finish cutting it first."

"Oh," she said, putting the gluestick down. "My bad."

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

I'm in love with my daughter.

happy birthday,

2010-02-08T17:36:00.003-07:00

to an amazing woman, who once stuck her bare arm inside a beehive. who birthed 10 babies. who gave me my first sewing lessons. who once made a costume for my school talent show. who used to give the best toothless kisses. who left a very large legacy, and an even larger family behind.

whose blood is in me, and it makes me proud.

happy birthday grandma dot.

i still miss you.

good stuff for me to remember...

2010-02-08T09:44:00.001-07:00

"Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results."

David A. Bednar

i miss this kid.

2010-02-05T00:33:00.002-07:00

alot.

So...

2010-02-01T22:09:00.002-07:00

This blog has gotten really lame. and boring.

i guess my plate is a little full right now.

a few random thoughts:

*last week was the week from painting hell.

*had a heavenly visit from the inlaws this weekend, that made it much better.

*turns out the higher you get in college the harder (larger workload) the classes get. uh, and yeah.

*my house seems really big, especially when I'm cleaning it/painting it/trying to figure out what to do with the mamouth wall in the family room.

*i'm typing this with a wiggly ethan on my lap, who doesn't want to sleep apparently. don't mind the missed caps/typos.

*kinda putting the etsy thing on hold for a while. not that they are selling like hotcakes or anything, but the stress of coming up with brilliant new ideas is just a little more than i have time for.

*i dropped all the pices to try and empty out some of the merchanise hangin around the house... hint: now's the time to buy, they may become collectors items and then you'll just have to admire them on ME! ;-)

*i love ann taylor loft, you should too. i should advertise for them. i'm probably their biggest fan. do you think they'd have me?

* i really need a good start for a short story for my writing class, and i got nothin.

*i really want a new sectional for my family room.

*i'm addicted to netflix... anyone know a good anonymous group?

*i love my hub,his fam and mine, my kids, my faith.

life is good.

good and busy.

and i dream about decorating my house.

literally.

is that weird?

Cheerios.

2010-01-15T08:36:00.003-07:00

Hannah is sick again today. She was sick yesterday too, and last night I was up until the wee hours with her, rubbing her feverish forehead and reading to her from "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe." During which time she used both of the following phrases: "Mom, I don't feel very well," and "Who is the author of this book?" It seems my daughter may have mastered the English language entirely at the age of five.

This morning we slept in a little. Hannah is still in bed. The rascals (aka Carter and Ethan) tromped into my room, mussy haired heads and all at 8 am, just to inform me that they were, in fact, awake. I heard them tromp back down the hall, into their bedroom, and onto their bunk beds. I could hear them romping around for a minute or so before Carter made the customary morning trip to the bathroom, accompanied by Ethan of course. I got up when I heard Hannah crying about someone turning the light to the Jack and Jill bathroom on and off, on and off. It was Ethan. He was pushing the light switch up and down with his fat little fingers, perfect glee evident on his chubby little booger covered face. I thought I could maybe nibble him down to nothing right there.

When they were done with the bathroom I followed the boys out to the kitchen, got Hannah a drink and took it back to her, sprawled out on her bed in feverish misery. I asked her if she wanted to come and lay on the couch. She said no, which means she feels really really bad. I think we'll be taking a drive to pediatrics today.

When I came back out into the kitchen Ethan was holding his chubby hand up to his eye and crying. Carter said he poked Ethan's eye, "but it was just an accident." I believed him because Ethan concurred with his overemphasized nod. (Craig alone knows what that means) Of course this meant Ethan wanted to be held and snuggle his face into my chest then sit up every thirty seconds or so with a Popeye like expression and show me his war wound by pointing with that same little candy corn finger. In the meantime, Carter was busy at work, pulling his apron down, the one Craig painted horses and tanks on for him, having me tie it, and informing me that he was going to "cook Ethan breakfast, but not use the oven." When Ethan felt better he climbed down off my lap and I sat on the couch with my chin on the armrest watching Carter's cowlick bob in and out of view behind the counter, as he pulled the bowls down, took them over to the pantry, fished the Cheerios out from the cupboard, retrieved the milk from the fridge, and got two adult size spoons from the drawer. Everything set gently on the floor he shook the Cheerios into the bowl, twisted off the milk cap and carefully poured it into the bowls. The milk that is, not the cap.

When he was done, and it was clear that Ethan would rather eat at the table instead of the floor, Carter obliged, with a whispered "oops," when he spilled two Cheerios on the table.

They're running around playing cowboys right now, with their little handmade toy guns with their names carved in the size. Their little mouths are firing out the word "pchew!" every time the gun fires. Carter still has his apron on. He asked to go outside and when I said it was a little chilly and did he want a jacket, he replied, "that's okay, I have my apron."

The milk and Cheerios are still sitting on the floor by the pantry.

Man I love my kids.

what's the weather?

2010-01-11T16:16:00.002-07:00

apparently the whole nation is experiencing a major cold streak.

it's 72 degrees and sunny today.

we are so weather immune down here.

i love it.

the winner.

2010-01-10T22:10:00.002-07:00

is...

ASHLEY CROWN!

here's what you do now...

Send me an email at (sophiesroom6(at)gmail(dot)com

let me know: which one you want and what size (very important)

and your mailing address (also very important)

CONGRATS!

to clear it up.

2010-01-08T08:42:00.003-07:00

just to clarify the post from my birthday. I did know Craig before he came to pick us up that night. He was my hometeacher for a semester, but we knew his roommate Bryce a little better. We were friends, sort of. After he picked us up that night, we started hanging out all the time, and the rest is history...

ps. today is the last day to sign up for the giveaway. I'll announce the winner tomorrow. go here

one.more.day.

2010-01-07T11:17:00.002-07:00

Just a reminder...

...you have one more day to enter the sophie's room giveaway! go here to enter!!!

27

2010-01-06T09:40:00.003-07:00

Seven years ago I was 20. I had a horrible sore throat, probably the worst of my life, and I spent the day on an airplane and then on a bus getting back up to school at BYU-I. I could hardly breath in the Las Vegas airport, the air was so dry and my throat burned so bad. When we got to Salt Lake, my roommate Rochelle and I were STARVING. We had a 5 hour bus ride ahead of us and we also didn't realize the only food available at the Salt lake airport is after you pass security. So we rushed down to get our bags and locked ourselves out from the food. Nice. We ordered a pizza and had it delivered to the airport where we sat and ate it on napkins and drank soda from the vending machines, and laughed with the other BYU-Idahoans waiting to take the shuttle. It was hilarious. When we got close to Rexburg we noticed that there was probably 3 feet of snow on the ground. We each had two LARGE suitcases, plus a carry-on, and about a mile to walk from the shuttle drop off to our apartment. Rochelle made a phone call. When we got to Rexburg a red-head and his roommate pulled up in an old car, a couple of friends who were thankfully willing give us a ride home. That was maybe the best birthday present I have ever gotten. I'm from California, I was not looking forward to trekking through the snow with a suitcase, but that's not why. That red head, was Bryce, my husband's best friend. His roommate, was my husband.

Before I turned 21, I was married and pregnant.

I was sick on that birthday too, but it was a different kind.

A lot can change in a year. A lot can change in seven. I wonder what this year with bring?

prima ballerina.

2010-01-05T17:35:00.003-07:00

hannah started ballet today.

holy flashback.

3 thoughts:

1.how did she get this old?

2.how did i get this old? i mean, i'm turning 27 tomorrow, that's way too close to 30.

3. she is delicious.

modeling the leo. intimidated.

quietly thoughtful.

calm, but excited.

the end.

(sorry, you can't have her, she's mine)

*enter devilish laugh, mwahhahaha...

Sophie's Room giveaway

2010-01-04T13:29:00.003-07:00

I've started doing some clothing for baby girls, and little girls on my etsy shop. This giveaway is a chance to win either:

the rosette tee for little girls.

or the rosette onesie for baby girls.

I'll be giving one of these babies away. One person will win, and then let me know which one they'd like and in what size.

Here's how you enter:

Go to my etsy shop and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item is. (gets you one entry)

post a link to the giveaway on your blog or facebook, leave a comment letting me know (gets you a second entry)

grab my etsy shop button and post it on your blog, leave a comment letting me know (gets you a third entry)

contest ends this Friday Jan. 8th
good luck!

me and wyatt earp.

2010-01-03T20:17:00.006-07:00

Our trip to Tombstone, AZ.

(this is for you dad)

outside the OK Corral

Watching the Historama about Tombstone. Craig and Mini-Craig

Ethan, showing us how Earp whipped those Bad guys into shape,

then flirting with the girls behind us in line while we waited for the gun show.

the actual spot "where they fell"

cool and kind of eerie to be standing there.

waiting for the show to start

Ethan didn't like it when one of the characters charged in and fired off his gun very suddenly. He kept that expression for the rest of the show.

In the corral.

All tuckered out.

Thank Goodness for Denny's.

And their kid's milkshakes...

the end.

ps. posting another giveaway tomorrow... come back.

...and a happy new year.

2009-12-31T18:39:00.001-07:00

to you.

may it be a good one...

I've been a little busy...

2009-12-26T14:58:00.007-07:00

I apologize for the lack of posting and pictures lately. To say that I have been busy, would be an understatement... Anyways, I don't have a ton of time to post now, but here are a few pictures of the new house and moving in and Christmas. I'll write more of the highlights from all three experiences at a later time. But until then, enjoy! I am truly truly happy with our new home... it is fabulous.

family room
kitchen
kitchen again
kids frolicking through the living and dining room
the hallway to back to the bedrooms

getting our keys, on Dec. 21, yay!
little helpers

they were just as excited to move in as we were.our new tv is delivered... a slight upgrade from our last. Our new console is on order, luckily I had this little kid activity table which worked perfectly as a tv stand for the time being.
the kids playing in the backyard. Lots of dirt all ready to be landscaped...
me bonding with my new kitchen, which I LOVE!!!! I truly enjoyed making Christmas dinner in this heavenly room.

decorating the tree again on Christmas eve... sort of old fashioned

opening jammies.

Christmas dinner.
Christmas morning... this kid loves his new scooter...

happy wednesday.

2009-12-16T08:32:00.001-07:00

"As disciples of the Savior, we are not merely striving to know more; rather, we need to consistently do more of what we know is right and become better."We should remember that saying 'I love you' is only a beginning. We need to say it, we need to mean it, and most importantly we need consistently to show it. We need to both express and demonstrate love." David A. Bednar

This quote is awesome...

just wanted to pass it along.

ps. 5 more days and we'll live in our new house!

done and done.

2009-12-13T23:51:00.001-07:00

I finished my final for my literature class tonight. And that completes my first semester back at school. phew. I survived...

And we are closing on our house tomorrow...

life is fabulous.

this is when you know you suck.

2009-12-10T01:18:00.004-07:00

So I know I just posted something a few hours ago, but it's 1 am and I'm sitting at my computer and I just had an ah-ha moment. I realized that lately... meaning the last 4 months, I have been pulled so thin and wound so tight, that all there is left to do when anything at all goes wrong is snap. And snap I do. And what happens when you live really far away from anyone who knows you even remotely well enough to be completely yourself with? You snap at the only person who does. And poor Craig has been snapped at a lot lately. That really isn't fair is it? I mean, it's not his fault that I forgot to put in my works cited page when I submitted my research paper, or that blackboard won't let you go in and fix it. He is responsible for giving me the idea to email it to my professor, who was fine about it. Of course, I made a big stink about it in his face, even though he took the time to come over and help me stop hyperventilating, when he had a huge amount of studying to get done for his own class tomorrow. That is AFTER he brought home pizza so I wouldn't have to worry about dinner, then did the dishes, bathed the kids, and cleaned the house. Yeah. I suck. Sorry, I know that's crude, but it's true. The truth is, I want to be an amazing wife, and a wonderful mother, and a really good writer (published preferably), and design little delights that people wear around their neck and in their hair, and I want to be a woman of faith. I want it all. And (naive as it may sound) I think it's possible. Not perfection. I don't believe I can be perfect in everything (or anything for that matter) But I believe holding myself to a higher standard produces a better result. And since I am not perfect there is only one solution. Less getting wound-up about things. If things go wrong... so what. The point is not perfection, the point is to try and be more...

ps. I love you Craig...
you believe in me when no one else does.

bla!

2009-12-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

I just submitted a research paper for my literature class that pretty much consumed the last three days for me. One final, and a short story revision, and I am home free this semester... Merry Christmas indeed!

ps.
we close on our house on Monday!!!! I will post some delicious pictures soon. It is quite lovely folks. quite lovely.

pss. check out my etsy shop for some yummy for Christmas!!!

The winners...

2009-12-07T18:33:00.003-07:00

Well Random.org has spoken. And here are the winners:

Meghan Floral Bib...

Rachel Barker!

Black and Silver Floral Brooch...

Maran!

Pink Posies Headband

The Tinsley Family!

Okay ladies, here's what you do now,

email me your addresses at sophiesroom6@gmail.com and I'll mail your goodies to ya!

Hurray!

happy birthday,

2009-12-05T07:53:00.003-07:00

to him.

love you craig.

ps. you have until midnight to enter the giveaway. :-)

Sophie's Room Giveaway

2009-12-01T11:10:00.004-07:00

Did you come back for the giveaway? You will not be disappointed. You have 3 chances to win. Would you like to see the prizes?

I bet you would...

1st Prize:

Meghan Floral Bib Necklace

2nd Prize:
Black and Silver Floral Brooch

3rd Prize:
Pink Posies Headband

Here's how to enter:

1. Grab my etsy shop button from the sidebar and post it on your blog and post a link to the giveaway. Then leave me a comment letting me know.

or

2.Put a post with a link to my etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/sophiesroom/)
on either your blog or facebook and a link to the giveaway. Then leave a comment letting me know.

If you don't blog or facebook, DON'T FEAR, you can still enter.

3.Go to my shop and look around, then let me know what you like best by leaving a comment.

Most important LEAVE ME A COMMENT so I know who you are.

You have until Saturday Dec. 5 to enter.

Winners will receive one of the previous delights, shipping on me!

Good Luck.

Happy Accessorising.

looking for an awesome stocking stuffer?

2009-11-29T23:28:00.002-07:00

check out my etsy shop.

click here:

want to personalize?

email me at sophiesroom6@gmail.com

ps. come back on tuesday for a chance to win something fabulous...

greetings.

2009-11-28T09:01:00.001-07:00

from san diego.

hope your thanksgiving was thankful.

pontificate.

2009-11-19T15:45:00.004-07:00

Please don't think worse of me for admitting that there are a few people in this world who bug the crud out of me. Seriously. Like this girl in my literature class for instance. I'm sure you know the type, we've all met one at some time or another. People who love to pontificate. And excuse me while I pontificate on this subject for a minute.

This girl, seriously loves the sound of her own voice. For some reason she feels the need to comment on EVERY single point the professor makes, whether she's looking for participation or not, and whether this girl has anything interesting to add or not. Seriously, half of her comments are nothing more than what the professor already said, filtered through her (obviously) superior mind and vomited back to the rest of us in different word order. Brilliant girly, pure genius. Thank you for repeating almost exactly what the professor just said for all of us. We none of us lower minded folks got it the first time, but now that you have so graciously repeated it back again, well, shoot, now we get it. Whenever we're on break, she can be heard chatting quietly at the top of her inside voice lungs to anyone around her or within ear-shot (which at her volume means the whole class) about how old she is, how she's been in college for so long, and is so much older than everyone in this class. (Apparently too, because she's SOOO much smarter and more mature) I laugh because while I may look young (see here), I'm pretty sure I'm at least 3 or 4 years older than her. Not only that, but she loves to use this, I have a PHD in every subject under the sun, tone to her voice whenever she does comment. I wish I could describe listening to her when she uses this tone, but there are not words. What I'd like to do is stand up in the middle of her discourse and chuck my copy of Mansfield Park right at her head. Does that sound extreme? Perhaps it does. But before you judge me too harshly, let me illustrate one last thing.

Now this class is a Victorian Literature class. Perfect subject for me, let me tell you, since I LOVE Jane Austen. A phrase commonly used in that time period, and consequently in many of the books we've read this semester is: "What the deuce?" Meaning, basically, "What the Devil?" Interesting phrase, but one not typically used in our language. But alot in the books we've read. Well, yesterday evening I'm sitting in class. Potificator is sitting in the row behind me, and believe me she was in rare form last night. Fabulous since I was sitting in the perfect spot to get the full benefit of her volume whenever she chose to extrapolate, which was every other minute or so. At one point, the teacher went over to the computer to adjust something on the power point. She of course began, bla bla-ing it as soon as the teacher stopped for air. The volume was turned up on the speakers in the classroom and when the teacher started clicking around, it sent a DE-DONG sound across the classroom so loud that the whole class jumped, and the girl behind me yells out, "What the deuce?"

Seriously.

Maybe it was the fact that I had gone to bed at 1 am and was exhausted, maybe it's because it's "that week of the month," maybe it was having to sit 2 feet in front of her and listen to her all evening bugging the crud out of me, but it took all my self control not to turn around and say, "Are you kidding me?"

I have a lot of self-control.

Good thing for her.

grades are in.

2009-11-14T09:18:00.002-07:00

My Husband's Report Card

for the first round of Grad School:

Statistics: A+

Organizational Behavior: A-

Business to Business Marketing: A

I told you I married a genius.

ps. that's while working full time and most weeks putting in overtime as well.

1 down 5 to go.

love you craig.

do you want to see my kitchen? I bet you do...

2009-11-12T18:57:00.002-07:00

Pardon another post about the house, but there is just SO much progress now. Let me introduce, our cabinets! No counter tops yet...

I may be biased, because after all we picked them out, but I think these babies are gorgeous!

I might be shallow, but you have no idea how happy the sight of this makes me... I'm laughing right now, I'm so excited.

fridge

2009-11-11T09:06:00.003-07:00

I sold our fridge last night. It was the fridge we bought when we bought our old house. Just a normal basic white freezer on top fridge. We're going with black appliances in our new house and the old fridge was taking up space in the tiny garage that doubles as a storage unit here in this tiny townhouse. I posted it on Craigslist and some guy drove halfway across Phoenix to buy it. While they were loading it on the truck, he said did I mind him asking what my husband and I did for a living. "I'm a stay at home mom," I said. "And my husband is an Engineer. He works for Boeing." I realized when I said this, how proud I am to be a sahm. And proud that my husband works so hard so that I can be one. It was nice. I didn't feel the need to explain myself. I am a mother, my job is caring for my children. There are other things I love, but I don't need to tell him that. I smiled as I was thinking this. Thinking about how I didn't have to explain myself, or why I've chosen to do what I do. And as I was thinking about this he started telling me about his life. About how he used to have a business, about how he just got divorced, how he lost his house. He told me he kept saying it couldn't get worse and then it would, so now he said it will get better. He told me how awful it was to lose everything at once. His wife, his job, his home, everything. I felt so, I don't know, sad I guess. The kid that was with him, it might have been his son, looked like he was embarrassed that the guy was telling me this. But there's no shame in admitting that life has humbled you. No shame in saying that life is hard and bad stuff happens, and we can look at whatever situation we've been given and say, "it will get better." I hope it will get better, for that guy. I hope the fridge treats him well.

halloween at last.

2009-11-10T13:30:00.004-07:00

A smattering of fall pictures for your viewing pleasure...

pumpkin patch adventures

Hannah's get-up. Purple Butterfly

I thought Ethan's face was priceless in this picture.

Hannah was all ready for her school party.

Painting up Carter's face for trick-or-treating.

Carter's Get-up. A Bluejay.

It looked kind of freaky.

BLuejay zombie, maybe.

The little bunch.

Painting on Ethan's Whiskers.

Ethan's get-up: A Puppy.

Just Waiting.

Trick-or-treating.

sand angels. yuck.

Shorts in November.

Welcome to Arizona.

The end.

painted house.

2009-11-09T11:15:00.002-07:00

Sorry, you're going to have to endure another post about the new homestead.
They painted on Friday. Hurah! For progress.

Do you love the color? I do. Fabulous earth tone. Lie to me if you don't like it...

In side, textured and painted as well. Here I am standing in the entryway. That's the library right behind me.

Craig in our bathroom. I love that man. He's worked so hard to get us this house, and he makes it possible for me to stay home with the kiddos. Plus, he looks hot in a tie. Sorry, I'm just sayin'.

Me on the back patio, chillin with the dirt. Yes. I am blessed. So so blessed.

...on the poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson

2009-11-08T20:54:00.003-07:00

I wonder if I've made it clear in writing sporadically on this little online journal of mine, exactly how important the written word is to me. I've had my nose in a book since about the time I learned how to read. I started writing poetry in 6th grade. Everyone told me it was wonderful. Now that I look back though, I think it probably wasn't all that good. Love of the written word has not lessened as I have grown older. It has blossomed into an appreciation for good modern literary writing, a love of the classics, a slight obsession with Jane Austen, and now, with writing my own words. Where did this come from? I often ask myself. I think everyone is given to certain tendencies, things they naturally gravitate to. I think I would have been a reader/writer whatever my background, but I truly believe that I found these things earlier in life due to the influence of, my mother. Nora Lee the saint. Seriously, not kidding about the saint thing. My mother, how to describe this woman? I don't have the words. I'll have to illustrate for you instead. I grew up on the poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson. My mother laying next to me in my bed tracing her finger slowly across my face, over my cheeks, along my forehead, down my nose, and singing softly in her clear as a bell voice, the words to "The Swing" and "My Shadow." Beautiful children's poetry written by a superior mind, made more magical in the melody of a mothers voice. Literature soothes me. Reading a book makes me feel happy, content. Poetry is like music. It's not hard to see why. Thanks, Mom.

My Shadow
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed.
The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow--Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow;For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball,And he sometimes goes so little that there's none of him at all.
He hasn't got a notion of how children ought to play,And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way.He stays so close behind me, he's a coward you can see;I'd think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me!
One morning, very early, before the sun was up,I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup;But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head,Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.

ps. I sang that song to Carter tonight, Mom. He smiled the whole time.

instead,

2009-11-06T00:10:00.003-07:00

I was going to blog about Halloween, but instead I wanted to show you all the pictures of our house!!! It's getting SO CLOSE, finally!!! We make a little trip out there after church every Sunday to check on the progress. This in addition, of course, to me driving past it everyday when I pick up Hannah from school.

family room
front, we have a door people
front again, with me... sweating in the 90 degree weather, in November

Entry way, living room and dining are in front of me, kind of where Carter is. If you look just past Hannah's head you can see into the library.
Kitchen, it connects to the family room. (and there is my huge island)

yay!

ps. our move-in date is set for December 21st.

this should be an interesting Christmas.

been there.

2009-11-02T22:11:00.001-07:00

this video is so freakin' hilarious, I'm crying right now.

but that's probably because I've been there a thousand times.

14, seriously?

2009-10-27T12:50:00.004-06:00

I'm in the gym today, on one of the machines and as I stop to take a break between sets I'm approached by two men. One of them older, one probably in his late 20's. The younger one said:

"I'm sorry to bother you, but we've been having a little discussion and we were wondering if you could clear it up for us?"

"Okay?" I answer.

"You see," the older one goes on, "neither of us thinks you are old enough to be working out in a gym..." he wasn't rude about this, he was being perfectly polite, "I think you are 14, my buddy here thinks you're 16."

"HAHA!" I laugh. "You're both wrong, I'm 26."

They blanked. I just snickered.

"Wow. You look really young." says the younger guy.

"Yeah, I get that all the time," I say, then I laugh again. "In fact I'll be 27 soon, and" for added measure I add, "I have three kids."

The older guy started laughing, and says, "well you are so tiny, I never would have guessed."

"Thanks," I said.

"You'll love it as you get older," he said rubbing his gray hair.

"I think so too," I smiled and they walked away.

I laughed again, I couldn't help it. I know I look young, but 14? Seriously?

I don't know you tell me, do I look 14?

Hmm.

As I'm leaving with my boys the younger guy (who's standing by the front desk) yells out, "Bye teen-mom!"

hahahahahahaha...

2 big 2 fast.

2009-10-19T09:39:00.002-06:00

Today I'm celebrating,

the birth of the world's most delicious child.who's cuddly, easy going, and a big tease.

Who's let me nibble his scrumptious cheeks everyday for the past two years.

and even likes it.

Why does he insist on growing up so fast? I want to keep him my baby forever, and he just won't let me...

darling, delicious, beautiful boy.

Happy Birthday Ethan.

found

2009-10-15T12:21:00.002-06:00

do you remember the check that i tore the townhouse apart for last week.

this morning i found it.

yeeesssssssss.

4 years ago

2009-10-13T08:38:00.005-06:00

I brought this precious little man into the world.

I had no idea, just no idea what was in store...

Happy Birthday Carter-man.

I love you.

More me.

2009-10-12T10:51:00.003-06:00

I learned how to relax again this weekend. That sounds really weirdly bizarre, but it's true. I didn't realize until this weekend, when nothing could bother me, that I had completely forgotten how to relax for the past... well a long time, anyway. Stress has been the theme of my days, and in consequence my life, for far too long. And for no good reason, it seems. This weekend something happened. Something and nothing. Nothing substantial happened to create this change, but there was a change. On Saturday I felt, great. I felt totally relaxed. I had a mountain of school work, a house that needed cleaning, a husband who was in class half the day, three antsy kids, and somehow nothing bothered me. I drifted around getting things done, and feeling like life was pretty darn good. Then the hubby got home and I found that the same stress less state had ballooned out to enclose him as well. He was somehow equally relaxed. The feeling extended into Sunday, which is usually a very stressful day, and I discovered how delightfully restful it can actually be if you let it.

Hannah is off school this week for fall break. I woke up at five a.m. (which is when I usually go running) and my back hurt really bad. I went back to bed. Craig went to work and I slept, in. It was so nice. I didn't have big black circles under my eyes when I emerged from the covers at 8 o'clock. I thought those were going to start to be a permanent fixture. My kids slept in too. The little darlings, they were tired too. Hannah woke up at 8:30, Carter at 9:15 and Ethan... he's still asleep. It's 10 o'clock. I did my reading for class and edited a short story of mine a bit, and now I'm writing this blog. I am so relaxed I'm wondering if there is somebody else inside my skin. Is it possible? At the same time, I feel more like myself than I've felt in a very very long time. And that, my friends is a good feeling.

ps. my second born turns 4 tomorrow.

niece reese

2009-10-08T20:50:00.002-06:00

I have a new niece!

Reese Lauren Baird.

9.5 lbs.

Sheesh! Way to go Tarah!

You are a queen.

Check out this chubby little darling.

If only I could hold her right now.

95%

2009-10-07T18:36:00.003-06:00

I tore the townhouse apart today.

When the movers moved our stuff into this crackerbox a few months ago and put the crib back together, it was discovered that they had broken off a certain piece that held the railing on. Kind of important. Anyways, the mover guy taped up the side (good and safe, you know) and told me to fill out a form. Then I went through a ridiculous process that ended, finally with a check of 90 dollars to order the new part with. I still haven't placed the order, because school started and well, yeah. Life is insane. Then I lost the check. Or someone did. I tore the drawers apart looking for it, but to no avail, and then promptly had a breakdown when Craig got home from work. Lucky lucky him. It wasn't so much about the check either, (it's only 90$ after all) but what the check represents. The chaos of this house we live in, the way everything gets so dirty so fast when you are living on top of each other, how stuff is literally spilling out of every closet, how I don't know where anything is, and I really miss my rolling pin that's buried somewhere in a box in the garage, and it feels like we've been living this way for a really really long time. It's that I spent 5 and a half hours at the park yesterday, yay for good weather again (low 80's!) letting the kiddos play so I could study, and I am still way way behind on my school work, and my house is a disaster. Nice.

Craig reminded me of something the sealer said to us in the temple when we were getting married the other day. He took our rings in his hand, he said they were all shiny and new. He said pretty soon they would get scratched and beat up, that life would getting really hard and we would get beat up. Boy was that prophetic. I had no idea how hard it would be to have a family. But I am grateful, because through all the tough stuff and chaos, we've stuck together. The payoff is coming, I can feel it. I'm looking forward to it, and our new house. All 2850 sq. feet of it. In just a few. more. months.

In other news, Craig wrote a big paper on Saturday. He started it at 8 pm, it was due by 11pm. 7-10 pages. Yikes. He got his grade back today.

95% The professor wrote a bunch of praise to my genius of a husband that ended with: "a first rate analysis."

I hate him.

but not really.

Carter-isms

2009-10-05T22:40:00.003-06:00

This was written by Craig.

The other night after the kids had gone to bed, Carter came out and I was teasing him that I though he was a dinosaur. In a very serious voice he replied, "I'm not a dinosaur. I have a bum and a pee-pee. Dinosaurs just have tails." And actually, that may be the only difference.

Tonight, Cori vacuumed up a marble, which got stuck in the fan. That caused the vacuum to sound REALLY bad. This allowed me the pleasure of completely disassembling it in the garage this evening. The only way it could have been more disassembled would have been if I had melted it down into a blog of plastic. Once I got the fan open and got the marble out, I turned it on briefly to make sure it was working before I put the thing back together. I'm not sure if you've ever turned on a vacuum motor when it's out of the vacuum, but take it from me, it's really loud. The kids were out there playing while I was doing this, and after the really loud noise, Carter ran up to me and yelled, "Bloody Hell! What was that?!" I think he's been watching too much Harry Potter. He even said it with an English accent.

cheesy.

2009-10-01T09:37:00.002-06:00

carter has become a bit obsessed with self portraiting lately.

my camera is filled with all kinds of these little gems.

man i love this kid.

ps. my beautiful big sister is coming to see me today. yay!

ah... progress.

2009-09-30T13:36:00.003-06:00

this is our house.

this is my kitchen. imagination people.happy wednesday.

Magic Beans...

2009-09-29T17:30:00.005-06:00

You know how when you have little kids you get tired of just taking them to the park or chuck-e-cheese and you don't want to wait until their teenagers to give them a little culture?

On Saturday we took the kids to the Hale children's theater to see Jack and the Beanstalk. Totally darling, and the play was good too.

Nobody screamed, the atmosphere was totally casual and kid friendly. I'm in mother heaven...

Happy Kids= Happy Mom= Happy Family.

The end.

What is our world coming to?

2009-09-25T22:29:00.003-06:00

Irena Sendler

I was sent this story in an email. I had to share for two reasons. 1. This woman was amazing. 2. I'm so disgusted with the end of it, ug... just read on...

*There recently was a death of a 98 year-old lady named Irena. During WWII, Irena, got permission to work in the Warsaw Ghetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist. She had an 'ulterior motive' ... She KNEW what the Nazi's plans were for the Jews, (being German.) Irena smuggled infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried and she carried in the back of her truck a burlap sack, (for larger kids..) She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto. The soldiers of course wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the kids/infants noises.. During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants. She was caught, and the Nazi's broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely. Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar, buried under a tree in her back yard. After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived it and reunited the family. Most had been gassed. Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes or adopted.

Last year Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize ... She was not selected.

Al Gore won, for a slide show on Global Warming.

Cori note: When people start valuing liberal bandwagon agendas over true heroism in the face of real personal danger, that is when our world goes to hell in a handbasket.

I think if our forefathers were alive today, they would kick our butts.

happy today :)

2009-09-25T13:07:00.002-06:00

it's friday. that means it's the weekend, which had always been exciting. but now more than ever. let me explain by telling you what our weeks are like.

monday: get up at 4:30 and 5 am (I'm the 5), exercise, Craig goes to work at 5:30, i drive Hannah to school (4 miles to our new nieghborhood that we still don't live in). I go pick hannah up at 3pm, Craig gets home for work at around 4:30, i head off to class an hour later and don't get home until after 9 pm.

tuesday: same morning routine. Craig works all day and then goes to school all night, and doesn't get home until around 11 pm.

wednesday: same morning routine again (and for the rest of the week) Craig get's home at 3:50 I beat it out the door to make it to my 4:40 class and don't get home until almost 8pm

thursday: Craig goes from work to school, and again, doesn't get home until 11pm. (So I'm alone with the kids all day and night)

Friday: Hannah has school, Craig has work and then NOTHING! NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING!!!!!

Two and a half slightly uninterrupted days with the hubby, and nothing but studying and 3 children to interrupt us. I love the weekends.

I'm mad right now.

2009-09-23T09:50:00.002-06:00

That I wasted 2 hours and stayed up late, (meaning I didn't get up on time) to watch this stupid, ridiculous, disgusting excuse for a movie:

did they really finish that up and think, "oh yeah, that's a good one."

pathetic.

not even worth a redbox rent.

as long as i live,

2009-09-21T23:18:00.002-06:00

I will never forget the sight of my daughter leaping from the car this morning, her turquoise tinkerbell backpack strapped tightly to her shoulders and hanging down past her knees. She was running to keep from being late, and her gait was so light and happy it was almost a skip. Her bright pink and white polka dot shorts stood out next to her white shirt, from the sea of other children and I could spot her across the field where I sat, parked, watching her skip/run into kindergarten. Her little a-line bob bounced up and down with her movement, her face was so confident, so determined, so focused on her run, thinking only of getting to class on time. It overcame me. I sat in my car, my boys strapped in back, all ready to go to the park, and all three of us watching Hannah, make her way fearlessly into school. So many kids still have their mom's holding their hand all the way to the kindergarten door. My Hannah is a champion. Watching my daughter run into school was like Christmas morning. Seeing the combination of such differing traits married into the perfect contrast that is my child overwhelms me. She is small, her features are dainty and pretty, she has more spunk in her pinky than most people have in their whole body, she is tough, she is sensitive, she is pensive, kind, aware. She notices things most kids would miss. I sat in my car watching her little body until she disappeared into the swarm of five-year-olds and Carter asked if we could go to the park now. When I turned around to answer him, I was crying.

"What's wrong, Mom?" he asked.

"I just love Hannah so much," I answered. "I love you all so much."

He smiled back at me, Ethan grinned (I tickled his legs) and we drove to the park with Carter's favorite monkey bars.

motherly musing.

2009-09-16T22:16:00.005-06:00

I volunteered in Hannah's kindergarten class today. I don't know how kindergarten teachers do it, and still keep their voices so high pitched and cute. That's a whole lotta 5 year olds, mmm yeah. Hannah's doing really well. She's perfect in class, not surprisingly, and she tries really hard. Plus she has my brains, how could she go wrong? Just kidding, sort of...

But I noticed something today.

It is so much easier for little boys to be naughty in class than little girls. Or at least it seems that way. They are more rambunctious and wild, and consequentially they get in trouble more often.

Two little boys in Hannah's class got yellows today while I was there.

Yellow is bad.

But not as bad as red.

(Hannah's words, not mine)

I felt pleased about my perfect little peanut, who charms all the teachers, the yard duties, the people who help move the cars along through the drop off, and all of the kids older than her, with her tiny little body, beautiful little cherub face, and articulate speech. I couldn't help winking at her every minute or so. She's just so cute when she tries to wink back.

Then I started thinking about Carter. In two years I won't be sending a perfect little girl to kindergarten, I'll be sending a boy. Carter.

Carter's been struggling, I'm not going to lie. He's impulsive, and has a temper, and doesn't handle change as easily as my other children.

The move has been the hardest on him. For sure. It's been a rough six months. His behavior has been, how should I put this... less than ideal. And many, no- most times, I'm at a complete loss as to what I should do with him.

It gives me anxiety, makes me feel like a bad mother, makes me worry about how on earth he will handle kindergarten.

But I thank God for two tender mercies. 1. that he gives me little slivers of guidance with Carter. and 2. he has an October birthday, that means he doesn't start for two more years.

i love my life.

2009-09-15T22:08:00.002-06:00

1.i love where i live, seriously arizona rocks.

2. i love my husband, he's perfect for me, patient with me, and still wants to hang out with my moodiness after 6 years.

3. i love my new house. it's just framed walls and a roof, but dang it, it's going to be mine!

4. i love my kids.

5. i love that my kids were pretty good in target today.

6. i love target.

7. i love my classes.

8. i love the book i've been working on for the past year and a half. it makes me feel like the worst writer in the world one day, and the best the next. and hopefully soon, i'll finish editing it.

9.i love my laptop. i love that i can carry it around to any room in the house with me; untethered goodness.

10. i love the jewelry screen i saw online and went ahead and made for myself. yay, decorative jewelry.

11.i love things that serve dual purposes.

12.i love that there's an anthropologie located exactly 12 minutes from my house so i can go in and bath in the goodness of that store whenever. i. want.

13. i love ann taylor LOFT. they sell petites, xxs and 00short. beautiful feminine clothes that actually fit. so i can love that i'm tiny and still dress like an adult.

14.i love my dry skin. sure i get eczema on my hands, but i have pretty clear skin too.

15. i love the superstition mountains. we have the coolest view of them in the east valley, and they look so cool and purple every day against the clear arizona skies.

16. i love being mormon. yes i do.

17. i love that i figured out how to handle carter a little better this week.

18. i love that the inspiration came from the Lord.

19.i love that in my literature class we are studying authors like jane austen and charlotte bronte.

20. i love that i love the classics and am still obsessed with twilight. (new preview posted on stephenie's website!!!)

21. i love how long this list is... i bet you do too.

the end.

labor day in logan.

2009-09-14T10:57:00.004-06:00

a taste of the trip.

see ethan on an airplane.

see ethan dipping cookies in milk.

with papa. his favorite person.

dinner by the river.
nick and tash.
the mouth of the canyon.
hiking,
logan canyon. in flip flops. (didn't bring my hiking shoes)

i love my sisters.

the end.

if you're a super hero...

2009-09-12T12:49:00.004-06:00

you must have a secret identity.

that way you can run around,

fighting bad guys, and defending the innocent.

and still have a normal life.

it's hard to be batman. (especially when batman is obsessed with spiderman.)

Squeal.

2009-09-10T13:47:00.003-06:00

My third child is squealing in his bedroom right now. Not screaming, or crying, but squealing. He doesn't want to take a nap and he really really needs a nap right now. I'm sitting here listening to him, wanting to go in and pick him up, but knowing that it won't do any good. As soon as I put him back down, he'll just start squealing all over again. I feel a little sad, because I know that all the squealing going on right now, and at many other times of the day, means that Mr. 3rd Child isn't a baby anymore. He's a rip-roaring toddler, squeally grumpy disposition and all. I'm sorta bummed out that as of next month I really can't call him a baby anymore, and I have no immediate plans, or hopes of another bundle any time in the next... however many months. I really don't think I can do a 4th right now. I really don't want to not have a baby either.

I might go in and rock Mr. E now. Even though I know it won't do any good. Just to hold on a little longer.

the state of the sink.

2009-09-03T20:25:00.003-06:00

My sink is backed up. My kitchen sink. Then center of my world. Of every mom's world. The place where I wash and peel and scrub half of my life away. The center of my home is the kitchen. The center of the kitchen: The sink.

I spent 200 dollars on groceries today...

Don't gasp (although I still do every. single. time.) I spend that much every other week. Feeding a family of five is really really expensive. But I took the boys today. Usually I go at night when Craig can be home with the kids. But Craig has class on Thursdays, he'll be in Seattle all day tomorrow, till late, and I'm flying to Logan on Sat. morning. So I went with the boys today. All things considered, it went well. But, they both fell asleep on the 5 minute drive home. Which meant that neither of them took a nap. Which also meant a screaming temper tantrum afternoon, while I tried to shove 200 dollars worth of groceries into our teaspoon size kitchen.

Then I did the dishes and cleaned out the stinky old leftovers from the fridge. As I was running the disposal, I noticed a problem. The sink wouldn't drain. Disposal is running fine, but the sink won't drain. And I just poured 2 tons of stinky mouldy food down it. Fabulous.

2 hours, alot of plunging and still a big soupy, mess.

Pause. Go get Hannah from school, come back. No better. Plunge, and poke the sludge some more, still no progress. Pause again for the evening with 2 screaming boys, and my poor kindergartener who has to deal with mom being at her limits. We played t-ball, went to the park, cleaned the rest of the house (except the sink, of course- still backed up) had baths, cold-cereal for dinner (every mom does this sometimes), vaccumed, did homework, scriptures, prayer, book, teeth brushed, and bed.

Now I'm going to fold laundry, mend a few clothes, do some of my own homework, finish a project, and do pilates (if I can still stand at that point)

My sink smells like vomit.

Craig doesn't get off school until 10:00pm and then it's a 35 minute drive. Please let him have the energy to fix the sink as well...

I'm feeling grateful for that plane ticket to Logan...

I need a break.

tattoo.

2009-09-02T23:17:00.003-06:00

there is a girl with a flock of tattooed black birds flying across her back in my literature class. it could be a tribute to the Beatles' song, in which case that would be cool. they are surprisingly realistic looking. every time i see them, i wonder how in the heck she held still long enough to let them etch those birds so perfectly in her back. i could never get a tattoo. never mind the fact that i think they are disgusting, and the idea of doing anything damaging or restricting to your body (including tying up the tubes) just seems really really wrong to me. (it's a long time to live to have the nickname from high school written on your arm, what if you want another baby in 5 years? etc.) and also, i wriggle and writhe when in pain. i can barely hold still long enough for them to insert the epidural needle when in child birth... tangent...

but walking to my car tonight after class, i felt empty. it was a good class, very stimulating, cool professor, studying jane austen right now (can life get better!?) but still i was empty. and i missed byu-idaho. there is a tangible spirit in the air there. and you can feel it where ever you go. ASU is a good school, but void of that. and when i walk back from my class to the parking garage that houses my vehicle for the 3 hour stretch of class, i find myself wishing i could be back there, (if only for a moment) so bad it almost hurts.

my professors used to begin the classes with a prayer. can you think of a better way to start? now i walk out of the building and right into a cloud of cigarette smoke (possibly my least favorite thing in the world). sad.

i'll always be grateful for the time i had at byu-i. it brought me a lot of fun memories, a husband who rocks my world, an associates degree, and a greater testimony of the Lord's power to improve the educational experience.

everything is better when you let God into it.

thank you byu-i.

for many many things.

idolized

2009-09-01T11:04:00.003-06:00

Sitting on the grass next to the park this morning, I was trying to shove my little boys' feet into their shoes. It was a warm Arizona morning and the sun shimmered in their blond hair. Their toes were sweaty and covered in sand, which I tried to brush off. I could hear the children playing outside at Hannah's school around the block and wished I could drive over and give her a little hug in the middle of her Kindergarten morning. I didn't. I wouldn't want to be that embarrassing mushy mom. So I sat on the grass working Carter's dirty little boy feet into his sneakers. He sat on the grass being silly and waiting while I moved onto Ethan's feet. He'd lay back in the grass, and then so would Ethan. He would sit back up, and once again, his brother would follow suit. He laughed, Ethan laughed. Laid back again, and so did the younger. All the time the baby's little cherub cheeks glowed as he watched carefully and imitated everything his big brother did. Then his idol stood up and scampered across the lawn. Only one shoe on, he wriggled free, his only thought to follow Carter, and ran after him. His feet, only half shod, bounced up and down with his little hop run. I stood up and walked behind, his other sandal dangling from my fingertips.

happy.birthday.meg.

2009-08-26T10:49:00.002-06:00

25 is half way to 50.

go you.

Happy Birthday.

kisses,

your big sis.

six.

2009-08-22T08:58:00.004-06:00

then:

now:

stats:

6 years

3 kids

6 apartments

1.5 houses

2 degrees.

4 states

3 "real" jobs

a few vacations

alot of stress

and...

one husband who still likes to check me out.

happy anniversary.

i still love you.

more than ever.

set-back.

2009-08-18T11:29:00.003-06:00

remember how last week, i showed you a picture of our "firm foundation?"

by thursday we had framed walls and ceiling trusses.

yesterday we had this.

remember the song about the foolish man building his house upon the sand, and what happens...

apparently, you get the same result when the foolish man accidentally lays the house out 2 feet back and to the side from where it was supposed to be plotted.

...and the house on Roselle got bulldozed away.

sniff sniff...

ps. since they are starting over completely, it adds another 2-3 weeks before we move in. we got a free rv gate out of it, so it's not a total loss i guess.

so much for hoping for a drama-less home build.

book worm.

2009-08-12T13:00:00.005-06:00

i went in to get ethan up from his nap the other day and this is what i found.

apparently he's following in his mother's footsteps.

can this child get any more delicious? i think not.

you've got to have a firm foundation...

2009-08-11T14:17:00.003-06:00

and now we do.

YAY!

side note: this is a house just around the corner from ours, same model, that's a few weeks ahead of ours in the building process. they're all framed so we like to go over there and look at the way the rooms will lay out. this is not my kitchen, but it is the way my kitchen will be laid out. that island has me leaping for joy.

for the benefit of family... living far away.

2009-08-10T16:54:00.008-06:00

a photo journal of hannah's first day of kindergarten.

Our Celebrate the School year dinner.

complete with a cake.

and a fashion show of this little lady's "first day" outfit.

her clothes laid out before bed.

ready to head out.

walking to school, and I quote: "mom, my backpack is very heavy. it's giving me lazy legs."

this dear is only the beginning.

outside the kindergarten playground

happy girl.

not so happy brother.

said "hello" to her teacher, miss hann.

she is very pretty and sweet.

thank goodness.

no crotchety old kindergarten teachers here, no sir.

one. last. hug.

lining up.

so tiny.

hannah doing her, "i'm focused" face.

"i'm nervous/embarrassed" face.

calm.

focused.

sad.

here comes miss hann!

this kid threw one massive fit when we left, i had to drag him off the premises.

sad sad.

but then we went to the park.

and he decided it might not be so bad to stay home with mom.

except for saying, "hannah, bye bye." ethan was oblivious.

the pick-up. this little chicky had fun at school.

this brother was happy to see her.

so was her mom.

kindergarten rocks!

tuesday evening dialogue.

2009-08-05T10:27:00.004-06:00

Last night we were in Hannah's room trying to read scriptures and the boys were being rowdy. Ethan was doing his hop run whilst screaming gleefully, and Carter was pretending to be a lion. I looked at Carter, who was wrestling in Craig's restraining arms and said in my very serious mom voice:

"Carter, how do three-year-olds act during scriptures?"

He threw up his claws, scrunched up his nose and growled,

"Naughty!"

Well, yeah.

We laughed all night at that one...

PS.I'm writing this with Carter standing precariously balanced on my shoulders. Why are all boys monkeys?

cinnamon toast.

2009-08-03T22:38:00.003-06:00

I'm eating cinnamon toast right now, because it's 9:30 at night and I feel like a snack and nothing really sounds good. And when your hungry and nothing sounds good, cinnamon toast is always a good bet.

My family is all asleep. The kids tucked in their beds with sweaty heads, and Craig has fallen asleep on the floor of the family room. That man can sleep anywhere, I wish I were that lucky. When everyone goes to sleep before me, I start thinking.

Hannah got five shots today. Five. For some reason it's easier to watch your baby get shots than your five year old, who is now old enough to understand exactly how terrifying the experience is, and then be traumatized by it for a few hours after. Babies forget the second you stick a binky in their mouth. Well, not Hannah. She never did. I was thinking about the first time she got vaccine shots five years ago (has it really been that long?) She screamed for a good 30 minutes afterward, even though I'm pretty sure they didn't hurt anymore. She's always been the kind of kid who holds on to stuff. She did so well as the creepy male nurse proceeded to stick five different needles in her little miniature arms, but she talked about her shots for the rest of the day, which makes me think she was being extra brave for the benefit of mom. And when they were done the man-RN handed me her immunization card and said, "She's done. No more shots till 12." Twelve. That's a long time away. Check that milestone off.

When we were done I drove over to the Elementary school with her newly completed card to finish up registering her for kindergarten. I acted as much like an adult as I could as I spoke to the lady at the front desk but I felt like an impostor. Those attendance ladies still intimidate the crap out of me. I feel like just got a tardy or something. So Hannah is registered for Kindergarten now. Another milestone, slightly painful.

After I went home, I felt a little weird. Too many big things in one day. And I tried not too think about how they do all day kindergarten down here. 8-3 everyday. Holy cow. Seven hours is a long time for a 5 year old to be away from mom. And I know how much Carter is going to miss playing with his sister. It makes me sad.

This evening, we looked over our upcoming schedule for the next few months. Craig is finishing up the last of his to-do's before he starts his MBA this fall, he's also slammed at work, Hannah starts all day kindergarten next Monday, and I'm going back to school (part-time, at night) at the end of the month. Oh yeah, and we're building a home.

Life is about to get crazy. Really really crazy. It's the calm before the storm. And there really isn't anything to do right now, but think about the craziness and plan a way to navigate it.

That, and eat cinnamon toast.

let me tell you why...

2009-07-30T23:51:00.004-06:00

I love this man:

(Craig riding a horse is seriously one of my favorite things to watch him do... think "Man from Snowy River.")

We went and picked out our appliances today (so fun, even with the kids!). I am the kind of person who likes to get everything on Sale. I don't buy ANYTHING full price. So you know what I would have done, gone with whatever came with the house.

You know what Craig did? He upgraded. He wants me to have a fantastic kitchen. Moms spend alot of time in there. He got the bigger dishwasher that you don't have to scrub the dishes first to use, the built-in microwave, and the tripped out five burner gas stove/oven with convection heating and a glass front control panel. I honestly can't wait to cook with it.

I picked out black... stainless steel is a no-no for little toddler fingers that like to leave little sticky peanut-butter prints everywhere. And I can't wait to see our new goods at work...

Saturday is our meeting with the designer... flooring, counter-tops, cabinets... I am in heaven.

My husband is so good to me... he is my hero.

ps. We hired a babysitter, it will make it much. more. fun.

love-hate.

2009-07-30T14:57:00.004-06:00

When I was a kid, my sister Tashi and I HATED eachother. It used to make my mom cry how much we would fight. We both have strong personalities, and the immaturity that comes with childhood didn't exactly help them mesh together very harmoniously. In fact we clashed, alot. Especially when mom and dad were gone and Tashi was babysitting us and I was not all about getting bossed around by my older sister. I was a bit of a wretch, and I guess if you asked my husband he would tell you I still am.

Luckily, we both grew up, and somehow growing up seems to change things. Our personalities are more mature, if not different than they were back then, and now the differences between us seem to make it easier to love my sister.

Thank goodness.

Because I do love my sister. I love the relationship I have with her. I love that she gives me advice and listens to all the little inconsequential goings on in my life, and gets a kick out of the stuff I tell her about my kids. And I love that when she calls to give me good news about her life my throat kind of swells up in excitement for her, and I almost do a toe-touch.

I'm proud of her. She is an amazing woman. You wouldn't believe it when you look at her, because she's gorgeous and looks like a Barbie doll, but that chickie spends all day everyday, teaching special needs kids. She wrestles them, helps them go to the bathroom, plays games with them, teaches them how to take on a world that sometimes isn't kind to them. She is so good at what she does. (And she often does it in heels, I might add-- that is awesome). Yesterday, she had another victory in her career. Way to go sis, your hard work is paying off.

What an awesome thing it is to be family. To be able to cheer for one another in our successes, and mourn with eachother in our failures. I'm so glad I've been blessed with the family I've got. And I love my big sister. She's one of my best friends.

I'm still cheering for you, Tash, toe-touch and all.

enough.

2009-07-29T12:43:00.003-06:00

Question: What do you do when you've spent 4 1/2 months looking for a house, 2 1/2 of those waiting for a short sale, and then when it finally comes through, you get the inspection done and there are a TON of issues?

Answer: You say enough is enough and you build your own house.

Which is exactly what we are doing. And yes, we are crazy. And very excited. And have another four months to wait before we will be in a house.

But when we are it is going to be fantastic and new, and (hopefully) without drama. And a steal, I might add... Which is why we finally decided to go with a builder. We're done with the foreclosure/short sale nonsense. So now I get to document the building of our new home. I'll post pictures every week of the progress.

This is what our house will look like when it is done (except a different color)

This is what it looks like right now.

Use your imagination...

hilarious.

2009-07-24T23:11:00.001-06:00

This is hilarious. Watch it, you will cry laughing.

good news.

2009-07-23T12:01:00.002-06:00

yesterday we had some news. some very good news. like over the moon, jump up and down news. do you want to know what it was? i'll give you a little clue, courtesy of a friends episode:

Chandler: Hey Joe! We've got a couple of things we've got to check out at the new house. You want to come with us?

Joey: No, thank you.

Monica: All right. I know you're not happy about us moving, but you're the only one who hasn't seen the house.

Chandler: Yeah, come with us. You'll see how close it is to the city.

Joey: But no, it's not close. You said it was in escrow? I couldn't even find it on the map!

Ah, I love friends.

Did you figure it out?

tuesday morning dialogue.

2009-07-21T10:37:00.002-06:00

Ethan (screaming bloody murder and pointing at Carter's toy): "Mine!"

Carter: "Ethan, I'll make you a fair offer."

Ethan: "No."

Where do my kids come up with this stuff?

Would you like to know why....

2009-07-20T16:59:00.005-06:00

I've been such a terrible blogger lately?

I've been finishing this little project.

Which proved to be much more time consuming than I originally thought. Behold my fabulous garage sale find. Which needed only a little vision...

and a little, no scratch that, alot of paint (10 coats of white to be exact-- never cover navy blue with white)...

vintage scrapbooking paper and modpodge...

And you have a completely new kitchen, totally personalized for a little girl's bedroom. Well worth the effort in the end.

For this little chickie's 5th Birthday.

Details on that festive milestone to follow soon...

visitation.

2009-07-16T02:51:00.012-06:00

Why is it that the end of every vacation means a week of HE-- to get the house/life/kids back in order. So much so that I feel like I need another vacation just to recover. That and the fact that we literally squeezed every last thing that we could into our visit to Idaho and Utah. Here, friends are some highlights from the trip.

Hannah got sick in the car on the second day of driving. We've decided that Mesa is a LONG LONG way from Idaho. We left after work on Wednesday and didn't get there until Thursday afternoon late. (with a brief stop in the middle of nowhere'sville to sleep for a couple hours) Anyways, half an hour into the drive the next morning Hannah starts screaming "There's juice coming up in my mouth!" Yeah we pulled it right over, but she still managed to puke it up all over Carter's arm and blanket, but luckily nowhere else in the car. So he starts screaming bloody murder and yelling "EW!!!!" Craig and I were cracking up so bad that we had trouble even cleaning up the mess. Anyways, she spent the rest of the morning holding a bag up to her pale little face. She didn't throw up again.

This child is so delicious. I know I say that all the time, but seriously. Don't you just want to devour that?

I forgot how pretty the sunsets are in Idaho, always so vibrant. I wanted to take a picture of the kids in front of this one. This is Hannah's version of cooperating.

Sparklers, and illegal fireworks at Uncle Darren and Aunt Melissa's house. I just have to turn off the fire chief's daughter within me.

We smoked up the air pretty good.

Little pyro's in the making. Craig's mom used to let him go out on the driveway and light a handfull of matches if he was being "really good." He said it was so fun. We came from SUCH different upbringings. Unfortunately it seems our children have the same fascination with flaming objects.

Carter at random times will get slightly apprehensive. Here he is in one of his little mini three-year-old anxiety moments before they started lighting them off.

Hannah L.O.V.E.S. Craig's cousin Jenny. Well, actually all my kids do...

4th of July, lunching it up at BAJIOS! If you live in Idaho Falls, Jackson Hole, Rexburg, Pocatello, or Logan give my father-in-law's restaurant a try. You WILL NOT be disappointed. I crave this place when we are gone. They don't have any in Mesa :-(

Fourth of July Duds. We went non-matching this year. You may remember why. Anyways I think my kidlets are pretty darn cute. That, by the way, is Ethan's "cheese" face. Yummy again.

4th of July on the greenbelt, packed with people, very festive, good good food, the best of the 4th of July. I love this picture, all the big cousins taking a walk with Grandpa while we wait for the sun to go down.

Ethan "cheesing" it again.

Hitching a ride from Daddy.

My father-in-law pretty much insists that we walk about 3 miles to the VERY end of the greenblet to be right across from the place where they launch the pyrotechnics. That way you have flaming ash landing on you the entire show. It's kind of become a joke now, and it really is the best spot. But still not worth making a 9month's pregnant woman walk. (Craig is still apologizing for that one). It also means, that I have to walk another 3 miles to have one of these babies. Oh how I crave my beloved funnel cake, that comes but once a year. So worth the walk. I relished every second of this one.

My mother in law says that the country is treacherous. She wasn't kidding. Hannah's procurred this little baby playing in the spa. Watch as it grows darker with the trip. PS. She still has the bruise a week and a half later...

I love this girly.

The kids are obsessed with the trampoline. I'm obsessed with the next. Brilliance.

Cousins.

And there must be horseback riding of course. But nobody got kicked this year. Thanks goodness Carter learned his lesson.

Swimming up at Hi-C.

My little modest baby, you don't want to show too much skin..
Last night with Grandpa.

Down to Logan, at the Legacy center. I look pretty fierce throwing this tomahawk don't I? Too bad it just bumped into the log I was throwing it at and fell on the ground.

My husband, the warrior.

Nasty little helmets for pony riding. ew. But once again. Cute baby.

Tubin' it on Nick's boat. Hannah was so brave. We totally hit a big wave at the end and crashed into the water. I didn't want her to be afraid, so I told her we should go again. Such a trooper.

they loved handging out in the front of the boat with uncle Ashton.

Nick skiing. He is SO good.

The Hubs, skiing it up.

Takin' a break.

Sushi baby. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

My husband is not capable of taking a non-goofy picture.

Apparently none of us are.

Lagoon. After you've been to Disneyland, Lagoon jsut seems like a giant carnival. But we still have fun.

My kids are so precious.

Uncle Matty. Speaking of cuteness.

Craig on the sky coaster. Yahooo!

My sister's threw Hannah a little Birthday party. They are the BEST aunts ever!

Hannah the little photog. She is so funny. Cute sibs.

Presents. Mmm, lots of clothes. Mommy likes that.

We went to Bear lake on Sat. and I didn't take a single picture. Worst conditions ever. Muddy swampy, sold, choppy water, windy. Yuck. Plus, my dad got a huge call that day just as we were leaving and couldn't come. When a mountain slides down the Fire Chief has to be there. My dad is the world's BEST FIRE CHIEF!

Drove home Sunday, long long drive. But it was a great trip and we're glad to get back to reality.

Um, yikes. that was really long.