This & That

Ice Skating at the Olympic Oval

2011-12-30T18:32:00.000-08:00

The #1 item on our "to do" list this Christmas/Holiday season {Holidays because we needed Thanksgiving break to New Years to fit all the "to dos" on the list in} anyway, #1 on the list was

Ice Skating!

The great Groupon had a discount to the Olympic Oval, 50% off for a family of 5. Bea is free except for skate rental because she is still under the magic age limit.

Today we finally headed up to Kearns for the much anticipated Ice Skating Extravaganza!

They had these neat walker/skater holder uppers {technical term} that little kids with no balance or experience could use. In theory, the child could stabilize themselves and learn to skate like a pro. In reality, the child held on for dear life and mom/dad held onto the child's hands and the contraption at the same time while bending at a 90 degree angle scooting around the oval while the child's legs and feet "went all crazy," as the Boss said.

This is the view I had for most of the outing. The Boss couldn't keep her feet going in the right, or even the same direction.

Apparently Bea, who was with Dad, had the same problems as the Boss and I.

Drama got the hang of it right away.

and Pooh Bear was a pro by the end of the outing.

Ahh, a helmet, a really good idea, considering.

Why won't they even look at me when I am taking a picture?

In the end we had a great time and the Boss cried most of the way home because she wanted to go back and ice skate. Of course Mark and I will be bed ridden tomorrow from the bending, stooping, lifting, balancing, steadying, and ice skate induced ankle pain.

Christmas Break

2011-12-28T16:33:00.000-08:00

What do you do with 4 kids over Christmas break when it's too cold to go outside?

(The kids could probably handle the cold just fine but I don't really want to go out with them to ~~referee~~ ~~supervise~~ play.}

You could go the the Church to play basketball, soccer, and run around the gym for an hour and a half...

You could head to the Dinosaur Museum and play in the fun hands on exhibits.

(However, covering yourself with the wet sand is discouraged Ms. Bea.}

Thanks Grandma Tina and Grandpa Phil for the fun ideas and taking us out to lunch and to Orange Leaf later tonight {hint, hint}!

Piano Recital

2011-12-18T18:55:00.000-08:00

December 17, 2011

Drama and Pooh Bear began taking piano lessons at the start of summer. We have thoroughly enjoyed ~~enduring~~ listening to them practice. Last night they participated in their first piano recital. They did fantastic!

Drama played

Carnival and Harmonic Blues

Pooh Bear played

Jingle Bells and Indian Dance

Afterwards we went out to Maggie Moos for ice cream with Grandma and Grandpa Van Horn.

Mmmmm. Blue cotton candy ice cream. Delicious.

I've been published, sort of...

2011-12-08T20:40:00.000-08:00

I recently won a give away from a sweet little running blog called Teacher2Mother2Runner. I won a cute little tee shirt with their motto on it. They asked me in return if I would answer a few questions about why I run. "Sure, why not." I emailed back. Here is the link to my answers to their questions

{scroll all the way to the bottom of the page}....

http://teacher2mother2runner.weebly.com/stars-of-the-week.html

I must have sounded way too excited about my new found love, speed training, because they asked me to write an article about it! "Sure, why not." I emailed back, again. It was way more difficult that I thought it would be. I over analyzed every little thing I wrote, I'm so OCD sometimes! Anyway here is the link to my 15 seconds of fame. Don't judge to harshly {cough, Billie, put your red pen away}

http://teacher2mother2runner.weebly.com/lifes-lessons.html

Drama's Service Club

2011-12-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

October 29, 2011

An ambitious teacher at Drama's school started a Service Club this year and Drama was very excited to be a part of it. To get into the club you had to apply. Drama had to tell about herself, her other activities and commitments and write a paragraph about why they thought they should be accepted into the Service Club. And then a parent (me) had to write a paragraph detailing their child's strengths and recommending (or not) that their child be accepted into the club.

As part of the club they have to serve a certain number of hours per quarter. Once a week Drama stays late after school to help a teacher with whatever needs to be done, tutoring, correcting homework, random errands, etc. They also meet after school once a month as a club to discuss how things are going, upcoming service projects, etc. One Saturday in October they all met together for a team building conference at the school. As part of the conference they, of course, had a service project planned. They were all asked to bring one of their old backpacks and as much food as they could manage. Here in Utah there are some kids that only eat at school. They get a hot breakfast and lunch but have no food at home. Kids that don't have food in their cupboard can go to their school's office and pick up a backpack that had a package of crackers and a can of tuna fish (or similar) and take it home for the night so they have something to eat that evening. Here is the pile of backpacks and food that the club collected that morning to help feed hungry kids.

They also put together alphabet books for children in other countries, had motivational speakers, played some team building games and ate lunch together. One of the motivational speaking groups were the guys that make the "Kid History" videos. If you haven't seen them they are hilarious, go here to laugh pretty hard. They were nice enough to stick around afterwards and sign autographs for the kids and take pictures with them. I was helping with the lunch so I was around to take some pictures of Drama with the guys.

Fact!

One of the Service Club girls inquired if this cute boy had a girlfriend!

I love the Service Club and that Drama loves being a part of it. It's such a great experience for her. I am so grateful that the teachers at her school are so amazing. Not only do they put in all the hours teaching, preparing lessons, grading homework, etc., etc., etc, but they are willing to mentor students in great activities like this one and give up so much more of their time and talents to help the kids learn how to be great people! Thank you teachers, we love you here at our house!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-26T10:36:00.000-08:00

For Thanksgiving this year we went up to Grandma Tina's and Grandpa Phil's house in Idaho Falls. We had so much fun that the Boss informed me this morning that she wanted to "Stay at Grandma Tina's ever" {forever}.

We drove up on Wednesday and made a quick stop at Grandma Great's house for a visit.

Grandma Tina was the chef de cuisine Thanksgiving day and the gravy was fan.ta.stic!

Grandpa Phil was the master turkey carver.

Sweet potatoes with marshmallows? Yes, please!

The left side of the table...

The right side of the table... {hats provided by Drama, who believes that every holiday should be accessorized appropriately.}

and the clean up crew...

Dinner was fantastic and the pie was heavenly. Thanks Grandma Tina and Grandpa Phil for letting our crazy troupe invade your house for the Thanksgiving weekend!

California Vacation Part 1, The Beach

2011-11-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Temps at the beach 100! at Disneyland 104! Holy Heatwave.

We went on a fun little family vacation in October to California, specifically Disneyland, but we wanted a beach day somewhere in the week. As it turns out California decided to have an unseasonable warm week the week we visited. It got up to 104 degrees on Wednesday! I guess it's a good thing I only packed 2 pairs of long pants for each person, we really didn't need those. Or the 2 jackets per person. But I did bring sunscreen, lots of sunscreen.

Anyway, Wednesday turned out to be a perfect beach day. At the suggestion of Grandma and Grandpa Van Horn {who are still sulking because it wasn't their turn to be the Grandparent chaperones ;)}we went to Huntington Beach and it was A.MAZ.ING!

It was Grandpa Phil and Grandma Tina's turn to chaperone this family's vacation - lucky.

Perfect sand with lots of sea shells for the girls to discover. We got there pretty early in the day so it was still pretty chilly, hence the jackets, but we pretty much had the beach to ourselves. The girls loved watching the surfers out on the waves, that was fun.

Drama and Pooh Bear started building a sandcastle with dad but spent most of the time playing in the ocean.

The Boss loved playing in the giant sandbox and eventually had fun playing in the waves.

She was moving sand from one end of the beach to the other - with a plastic spoon.

Bea was the most hesitant about the "big water." She was fascinated by the ocean and the waves and loved marching in the wet sand but wanted me to pick her up if a big wave came close. After a little while she braved all but the biggest waves while clinging to my hand and laughing. When we left she turned and waved good bye to the "big water" several times.

It was a fantastic day! Perfect beach. Perfect weather. Perfect Sand. And playing in the ocean!

The sand didn't taste perfect though, but she had to try.

2011-11-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

Halloween, Halloween

Trick-or-treat!

Our costumes

Can't be beat!

{Thanks Dora, I won't be able to get that out of my head for weeks}

The Boss had a party at pre-school last Thursday. I guess Candy-corn witches don't like having their picture taken before school.

She was so excited to go trick-or-treating in Miss. Cathy's neighborhood!

Bea had fun mostly because Miss. Cathy kept sneaking candy to her!

Drama and Pooh Bear dressed up for school Monday.

And then trick-or-treating after dinner. But first could you hold still for 2 seconds while I take a decent picture?!

The Queen Vampire, sans vampire teeth

A Purple Witch

Buzzy Bee, did you know that bees have magical bee wands? Neither did I.

We carved pumpkins Saturday afternoon. Pooh Bear and Drama did all the work on their pumpkins themselves this year and they did fantastic. Dad did ~~all~~ most of the work on the other pumpkins with direction from the most helpful 2 and 3 year olds.

From left to right: The Boss', Pooh Bear's, Bea's, & Drama's

New Family Photos....Again

2011-10-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

You know it's getting out of control when your oldest daughter, who loves shopping, dressing up all fancy like, and anything to do with new shoes, complains when you inform her that we are having new family photos taken.

"Awe, Mom, we just had new pictures taken." {pouty face}

This is a true statement. Five formal photo sessions in 12 months is probably more than normal...

1. There was lasts years family photo taken at the end of October.

2. Photos with my fabulous Grandma in December.

3. Photos before Ella's baptism in May.

4. Extended Family Photos because little brother and fam came into town in August.

5. This years family photo, October.

But really, can one ever take too many photos? I don't think so.

{obviously}

So here are a few more.....

I have to say that I was not that impressed with our new photography studio here in Lehi. She didn't take very many pictures and there were only a handful of different poses. It's sad because I was so excited when this studio went in. I don't think that we will be going back. I mean, come on! My girls are freaking cute and you can only take 2 or 3 pictures of them?! And it's not like we were late or uncooperative. We were right on time {shocker, I know} and the girls were so good and happy {double shocker}, but she only used 30 minutes of our 45 minute session. I tried to speak up but everyone seemed to think it was all hunky dory. So we left. They have a guarantee policy that you can come back for a re-shoot if you are not satisfied with your session. But who wants to get 6 people ready for another photo session? {6th one in 12 months}

No, really. Will you come over and get everyone ready....It's not that hard to blow dry 5 heads of hair perfectly!

**I promise that I am going to post all the amazingness that was Disneyland. I just took a lot of pictures {I don't have a problem clicking the shutter. I feel the more you take the more turn out. cough} Now I have to go through them and add narrative in my witty fashion. I'm getting there, promise.**

New Specks

2011-10-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

Pooh Bear got her new glasses today. (If you can believe it she lost her other ones, which we {I} discovered 2 days before we left for Disneyland. They were in the bottom of the shoe basket, under all of the shoes. Isn't that where you keep yours?)

Her eye dr. told her she should wear them all the time now as her eye/brain connection is in overdrive trying to compensate for her farsightedness {which spell checker confirms is an actual word!}.

She looks smart. Unfortunately, these glasses haven't helped us find her missing school planner that she has to turn in each morning with a parent signature to receive proper credit for her homework.

Speaking of doctors....in the car today, The Boss informed me that her eye hurt. Here is the following conversation:

the Boss: "My eye hurts. I need to go to the doctor."

Me: "Why do you need to go to the doctor? Can't I help your eye feel better when we get home?"

the Boss: "No. I need to go to the doctor so he can kiss it better."

And now you know why an MD is so expensive. It takes a long time to get those medically necessary kisses just right!

The Wheatley Clan

2011-09-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

We had family photos taken with my whole family while we where at my parents in August. There are some super cute people in these pictures! Here are a couple of my favorites....

One of my personal favs....

Camping - For Real

2011-09-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know that I am not a camper. You know that I was not raised a camper. I went camping a couple of times in my youth, and have great memories of camping with my Grandparents, but "camping" in my family is staying at the lower budget hotel. Seriously. Drama and Pooh Bear love to "camp" with my parents at the local Marriott. They recently discovered what camping really is and have been begging to go "real" camping ever since. {okay maybe recently as in a few years ago but my power to block out painful activity requests by my children is great!}

Finally, over Labor Day weekend Mark and Grandpa Van Horn took Drama and Pooh Bear For Real Camping!

In a Tent.

On the Ground.

In Nature.

Outside.

Grandma Van Horn and I, being the more sensible ones in the family, opted to take The Boss and Bea up for the campfire dinner and dessert and then go home to our warm cozy beds and sleep.

In a house.

In a bed.

Where nature was not invited.

Mouth full of cookie....

I don't know why they insisted on sitting under the table. They wouldn't sit anywhere else!

Serious conversations.....

Mmmmm, dutch oven peach cobbler...

When we got home, The Boss was seriously ticked that she didn't get to sleep in a tent. So I pulled out the play tent, set it up in her room and she zonked right out! She slept there for most of the night and then took a nap in it the next day...

The Boss Starts School {finally}

2011-09-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

Preschool has to be the best place on Earth. It is so much fun and my girls have loved every minute.

This year The Boss started Preschool at Ms. Cathy's Preschool. Ms. Cathy has a 3 year old preschool class on Tuesdays and Thursdays and a 4 year old class on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. So, you can start at 3 and go again the very next year only you get a whole extra day of learning!

We went to the open house last Thursday night, and my camera's battery decided to die. I did get this picture in the car on the way there and walking up the sidewalk. She was so excited.

Drama had soccer practice until 7:00 pm and we were waiting by the back door already - with backpack on and everything - for Drama, Pooh Bear, and Daddy to walk in.

And then today, finally, the day came, to actually go to school.

She had waited and waited. Her sisters started school and she wanted to start school so badly. Every time we went anywhere she would ask, pointing out different people, "Is that my teacher? Is that my teacher?"

And of course Bea is just happy to be part of the fun and picture taking.

When Bea and I picked her up 2 hours later.....

A frog on a lily pad! See, I told you, most fun ever! And totally worth the wait.

The Boss, Bea and I went to McDonald's for a special lunch after. They both got stickers in their happy meals and guess where The Boss' ended up attaching themselves....

My Half Marathon Recap

2011-08-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

Woot! I ran a half marathon this morning. Yeah, I'm feeling pretty awesome, except for my legs.

They don't feel so awesome.

Mark said that the race director was letting everyone know how proud she was of the incredibly hard course she had laid out for us.

Awesome.

I learned a few things while I was training and at the race. I feel that they could probably be applied in everyday life so I feel it is my obligation to share my nuggets of knowledge with you.

1. Don't be afraid to do something because you will

not know anyone there. I was worried about hanging

out by myself before the race, it might be

embarrassing {shhh}. If you ever need people to

talk to and don't want to just go up to someone and

say "hey" - go get in the line to the girls bathroom.

I made 5 friends almost immediately as we marveled at

the length of the line. And since the line is

soooo long you won't have much time to fill before

the gun goes off. Seriously, I was in the

potty line for 25 minutes. {However, this might
not work so well for the boys.}

2. Did you know that it is easier on your knees to go uphill
than it is to run on flat or downhill terrain? I read this
on the internet last week {so it has to be true}.

I kept repeating it to myself over and over. My left

knee had been super sore and I was having a difficult

time getting it to be happy on my training runs. But

today I had no knee or ankle pain. At one point I

thought it might be an indication that I was dying. It was
weird not feeling the ever present pain from

the last 3 weeks and I thought that the fact that I

couldn't feel the pain didn't mean it wasn't there,

it just meant that I was dying and was beyond feeling pain.

Of course then I hit the "hills" and wished that I

had died a mile back.

3. Don't be afraid to finish last. I was worried

about this one. No one 'wants' to finish last. I decided

on the hill from Hell that if I ever made it to the

finish line I didn't care if I was last. I just

wanted to be done. I wasn't last though - there

were, like, 9 whole people behind me!

4. As a wise old knight in my favorite Indiana

Jones movie cautioned, "Choose wisely." The next

race I sign up for I will check out the course

elevation before I register and pay my $70. The

next race will be flatter than the pancakes I

make my kids for dinner.

5. At the end of the race the most awesome sight

was not the finish line {although I'm not gonna lie,

I was super glad to see it.} The best thing is

seeing your husband {who put up with all your training}

and your kids cheering you on and holding your

hand across the finish.

And now you have to endure pictures of sweaty me....

{Oh sure I'll carry you, I haven't done anything much this morning.....}

First Day of School

2011-08-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

Already?

Finally!

5th Grade - Mrs. Martinek

3rd Grade - Mrs. Brown

I told her to think about school and this is the look she gave me...

Beyond excited to go back to school. Apparently summer is so boring. The only thing to do is to "visit relatives, chores, read, and babysit little sisters!"

Family Reunion - Twenty Eleven

2011-08-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

How much fun can you have in 1 week? I didn't use the scientific method or anything but I'm pretty sure that we maxed out last week. My awesome brother {Matt}, his amazing wife {Rosanna}, and their two fantastic kids planned a trip to Grandma Tina and Grandpa Phil's house so of course I had to butt-in on the fun and invite myself and my four ~~maniacs~~ lovies {no that wasn't us that taught Oliver how to jump off really high unstable objects}.

We did so many fun things together.

Both Matt and Rosanna and Billie and Justin blessed their little bundles of super cuteness in my parents ward.

{My seriously amazing sisters, Billie and Rosanna with their little lovies, Roman and Hazel.}

We took new family pictures since we {them, not me} have added to the family.

This woman was fantastic with all the kids...Excursion Photography.

We went to the zoo.

{I love the faces on these kids in this picture! They say more than words ever could!}

We went to Bear World.

{Bear World is awesome. You drive through the park in your car, the bears are just hanging out, wandering around, and fighting - this close to you - imagine I am holding my thumb and pointer finger only 1 inch apart.}

The adults went to the temple and did an afternoon session together {that was awesome}.

The "kids" played in the pool in Grandma's back yard for many, many hours.

{This is my baby brother...he's a doctor.}

The highlight might have been going for fro-yo at the Orange Leaf. I am now addicted. No, I have not been there twice this week. You must be thinking of someone else....

I am going to post more detailed posts of the different activities with many, many pictures, for historical purposes and posterity.

The Forgotten Present

2011-07-22T18:27:00.000-07:00

Mark put together one of Bea's birthday presents the night before her birthday and then put it outside so we didn't have to wrap it. She was so happy with all of the other things that she received on her birthday that we decided to leave this one outside until the next day, that was Sunday. Today, I finally let her outside in the backyard to play with it. See, technically I didn't forget that it was out there. It was sitting on the table on the patio and I shielded it from view every time they helped let the dog out. We have been so busy this week that we just haven't had the time to go out there and spend quality time with it.

But today we did...

And it was almost more fun than swinging.

Both girls took turns "accidentally" getting the other wet and getting upset at the unfairness of it all.

In Case of Emergency, Call...

2011-07-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

My favorite time of day to run is in the early morning. It's almost chilly, super peaceful and there aren't that many runners out so I don't have to wave and say "morning" as many times. The downside is the light, there's not a whole lot of it in the early hours. And while there aren't as many cars in those early hours, their drivers are probably sleepy.

I have contemplated the possibilities of getting hit by a car many times and hitting the pavement in a bad way. At first I though that because I ran with my iphone, if I were hit and incapable of speech whomever came upon me could call home on my phone. Then I realized that if I where so incapacitated that my phone would probably be incapacitated as well. So, I finally ordered a Road ID bracelet and I love it. I have the Wrist ID Slim. The good folks at Road ID gave me a coupon to share and a sample email in case I couldn't come up with anything to say {which follows}. Click the link and you can get $1 off of your very own Road ID, and be safe out there!

The coupon is good until August 13, 2011.

**********BEGIN Sample Email**********

Hey Everyone,

I just ordered one of the best products ever. It's called a Road ID - perhaps you've heard of it. If you haven't, go to their website and check it out. Road ID is a great product that could save your life someday.

When I ordered, they gave me a coupon that I could pass along to my friends. Here's the coupon number:

Coupon Number: ThanksAmy8147910

The coupon is good for $1 off any Road ID order placed by 08/13/2011. To order, simply go to RoadID.com or click the link below:

http://www.RoadID.com/?CID=ThanksAmy8147910

If you prefer, you can call them at 800-345-6335.

You can thank me later,

Amy Van Horn

Oh by the way, their website is awesome, the customer service is outstanding, and the owners are very smart and good looking.

**********END Sample Email**********
**********************************

Bea Turns 2

2011-07-21T20:48:00.000-07:00

It's official. I don't have any more "babies."

{Sadly, The Boss and Bea will probably always be called "the babies" even when they are 12 and 11. I should probably start saving for their future therapy.}

Bea loves Yo Gabba Gabba. It's her favorite TV show. Sure she can watch a Dora or a Deigo, but YGG is her go to show. So, we had a Yo Gabba Gabba Birthday party for her. Nothing fancy. It's hard to find YGG stuff around town, so I had to make my own cupcake toppers and printed out masks and decorations of all the characters that Drama cut out for me.

Muno {red, Mark's personal fav.}, Plex {yellow robot}, Brobee {Green w/ freaky long arms}, Tootee, {blue, cat like creature}, Foofa {pink}, and of course DJ Lance Rock.

Miss Bea is an awesome 2 year old. And by awesome, I mean, A LOT of work! With three older sisters she has many examples of what you can and cannot get away with. And of course she likes to push the boundaries to see how much she can get away with.

This girl has an amazing vocabulary. She loves gymnastics and swinging and eating sand. Still pretty accident prone as her legs and sometimes her face testify. She loves to give "Big hugs" and "kisses". Most afternoons we snuggle together on the couch, she watches a Yo Gabba Gabba and I watch the inside of my eyelids with the smell of sunshine in my arms. She has the best confused or "I don't really want to do what you are asking me to do" look (it's the exact same look for both). Really, it's classic, I will have to get a picture next time.

She's amazing and can put a smile on almost anyone's face, even if the smile is because they are glad the super cute wholly terror goes home with me and not them.

You Could Probably Skip this Whole Post and Just Look at the Picture...

2011-07-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

Can it already be July 21st?

Seriously?

Where did the summer go?

I was contemplating catching up on all of my blog posting since I haven't posted about pooh bear's birthday...or drama's birthday...or other things (that I can't recall right now)...But I can only find two of my camera cards and pooh bear's and drama's birthday's are on the card I can't find...

Of course.

{Warning - several mega run on sentences follow, in which I attempt to explain why I am a lame blogger}

I also have to say that because picking up part time employment, raising four {ahem, high maintenance, ahem} children, pretending to be an adequate wife, finding fulfilling/educational/enriching activities for said children during the summer {Dora counts, right?}, being the best ever Webelos Den Mother {ha}, and keeping up on the housework {oh, wait, I don't really do that last one}
....because all of this left me with oodles of extra time, I have decided to train for and theoretically run a half marathon.
That's right, I have officially lost my mind.
Thursday mornings are my "long run", that is today if you are keeping track at home, and I have worked my way up to 9.5 miles and I am wondering how I will ever make it to 13.1 miles...by August 27. That's the date of the race by the way {haha, race, what a funny word, not at all what I will be doing. Survival, that's what I'll be attempting. So really that's the date of "Attempted Survival"} If you want to take a moment that morning and offer a prayer {or two} that I don't keel over and die somewhere on the side of the overly hill course in Alpine. I would appreciate it.

Anyway...
Me=Crazy Lady
Crazy Lady likes to use a lot of .... and {} in her post.

Yes, you should stop reading now, if you haven't already... and {}.

And as a reward for sticking with me through what I can only assume is a side effect of severe sleep deprivation, here is a photo, which is why you come here to begin with right?

From Bea's birthday party, which I would really like to post... right now...but I'm so tired...5 am is very early...

She very much enjoyed dropping her ice cream onto her tray. She didn't eat it or her cupcake, just the red homemade butter cream frosting. But it was fun to play with.

4th of July Parade, Idaho Falls Style

2011-07-04T18:43:00.000-07:00

We visited Grandma Tina and Grandpa Phil again this year for the 4th of July. This year it was a beautiful warm day and the parade was super fun. When you sit right at the beginning of the parade route you can score a lot of cool freebies. Free shirts, neck ties, water bottles, otter pops, tennis balls, sun glasses, and a gallon zip lock bag overflowing with candy. It was awesome!

Parades are always more fun when your with the cousins.

Pooh Bear, Drama, E-man, Roo, The Boss, Grandma Tina, and Bea

In the back row, brand new cousin Roman with his dad.

Happy Birthday America!

Summer Summer Summertime

2011-06-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

Finally....it may be summer here.

Today, it was beautiful.

Not too hot but perfect for bringing out the new wiggly squiggly sprinkler.

What is better than running through the sprinkler in the summer?

Newest Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2011-06-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

June 4, 2011

Last Saturday Pooh Bear was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am so proud of her thoughtful choice to enter the water's of baptism. We had many conversations about what it meant to be baptized and about the covenants she would be making. She was very aware of the choice she was making and she could not have waited another day longer!

With sisters and cousins {E-man and Roo}. They came down with Grandma Tina and Grandpa Phil because their Mom {my super amazing and talented sister} just had super cute baby #3.

With proud Mom, who is trying hard to hold it all together.

With Dad, he just humors all the insanity.

With Grandma Great {my Grandma Larsen}.

I snuck a picture during the special musical number, "Father, Do You Love Me?" They did an amazing job.

With Grandma and Grandpa Van Horn and Grandpa Sam. We were so glad that Grandpa Sam could come up from St. George to share in Pooh Bears special day. She will always remember that he was there. She is also wearing the amazing baptism dress that Grandma Tina made for her.

Everyone was invited to our house after for lunch. I am so glad that it was a beautiful day. We set up outside in the SUN! {Thank you sunshine for finally gracing us with your presence.}

Mark and Gordon {totally awesome family friend} smoked several pork shoulders. One word...Yum.

Love IBC Rootbeer and the awesome bottles it comes in. All the kids loved the awesome bottles too.

and the Watermelon

and the cookies {or maybe it was the frosting} I think she ate the frosting off 5 cookies.

8 IS Great!

School Dance Festival, Twenty Eleven

2011-05-31T11:58:00.000-07:00

May 31, 2011

Every year, the last week of school, there is a dance festival. Every grade learns a crazy dance and then they get to perform it out on the playground for all the parents, siblings, and fellow students.

It is super fun and something they look forward to. Except if you are in the fourth grade and then you have to do a square dance.

With boys.

And that's lame.

{do people even say lame anymore? probably not.}

Drama, doing a square dance. With a boy.

The pioneer dress that she is wearing is mine. It is the one that I wore when Mark and I went with the Young Women and Young Men on the Trek in Wyoming. The skirt was a little shorter on me but not by much. Drama is getting to old and big for my taste. Where did my little baby girl go?

Pooh Bear, dancing to High School Musical. She didn't know I was there, even though I yelled at her several times. Oh well, I have the pictures to prove that I was, in fact, there.

A Few Things I Forgot to Mention...

2011-05-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

Last night I was in such a hurry to get the super cute pictures of my kids online that I forgot a few details...

If you want to see all the photo's that Foto Fly took I have an online gallery and password, email me or leave a comment and I will send it to you.

Also, if you want prints {grandma's} I can order prints from the studio at $3 a sheet until Friday. After that they're $4 a sheet. A sheet has the following configurations:

1 - 8x10

8 wallets

4 - 3.5x5

3 - 4x6

2 - 5x7

1 - 5x7 and 4 wallets

1 5x7 and 2 3.5 x 5

I also uploaded them to Shutterfly if you prefer.

As a side note - these are the girl's Easter dresses but I didn't have time before church on Easter to take pictures. These are way cuter than any I would have taken in the 30 second time window I had before church.

And one more just for fun....

Okay, maybe one more....

Beautiful Inside and Out

2011-05-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

So, if you didn't know, Pooh Bear has chosen to be baptized. To become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is so, so excited. I just can't tell you how excited she is.

Traditionally, at the baptism there is a cute photo of the baptize-ie. Originally I was going to take the photo myself, 'cause, you know, I have a camera. Last minute, like 2 pm yesterday, I was looking at my "to do" list & decided that I didn't have time to do this. So I lucked out and slipped into a coveted spot at Foto Fly (super awesome studio, not to far from our house) this afternoon. Here are the amazing results. And I kid you not, I almost started crying when I was at the studio watching the slide show of the photos captured today.......

She totally got her glare on in this photo... I love it!

And since I went to ALL that trouble to schedule a sitting, I made the others get all fancied up and made them act happy and cute... it was hard work, I tell you.

And one more of Miss Sass-o-frass!

Pooh Bear's baptism is Saturday, June 4th at 11:30 am. You are invited to share this amazing day with her!

You're Invited!

2011-05-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

Buddy

2011-05-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

Meet the newest member of our family....

Buddy 

Buddy is Drama's birthday present. Drama will be 10 this year. 10! Where did the time go?

 Buddy is a Chiwawa and Shih tzu mix so he will not get very big. He's a hit with everyone.

{Mark and I tried very hard to name him Javi, after RSL player #11 Javier Morales, who's ankle was broken in a brutal tackle two weeks ago. But we were out voted and {not so} gracefully conceded defeat. We were told Javi could be his nickname. So, maybe I'll add his picture to the side bar with his nickname......hmmm.}

Experimentation

2011-04-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

It's Spring Break Week! Yea!

To fill our time today we learned a little about espionage. I ordered a couple of super cool science-on-the-go test tubes stuffed with mini experiments inside.

{Fresh spies, just out of spy school}

Today we learned how to write in code so no one else can read our super secret plans. We also learned about cracking rival spy codes. Then the best part, we learned how to make an intruder alarm!

Now, I am no electrician, so the wiring was....not great, but we worked it out. I guess since these experiments are recommended for 8 year olds it was inevitable that I would struggle.

{Do NOT try and sneak into our art closet!}

{You will be caught for sure!}

We really should have put it a little higher on the door. After Bea woke up from her nap she thought it would be nice to eat the experiment.

Science is awesome!

GymCat

2011-04-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

Another guest poster today!

A big welcome to Pooh Bear on her first blog post!

Saturday, April 2, 2011

On Saturday I went to my inter-squad gymnastics competition.

We did floor first.

I did good. I pointed my toes.

Then we did vault. I ran and ran and ran and I hit the fat Joe.

Then I did it again and I did the same thing.

Then we did bars.

I did good. I like bars.

Last but not least, beam.

It was fun.

Then we got metals and guess what? I was in first place!

I love gymnastics.

The End.

A few comments from the editor (mom):

1. Pooh Bear is on the gymnastics team at her gym (Gymcats, hence the blog title) and is a Level 4 (the first level, the highest level on this team right now is a level 7). The "inter-squad" competition was just their team, it helps them practice for the "real" competitions.

2. The fat Joe is the big fat mat that the level 4s do their vaults onto. It is super hard to take a picture in that corner because of the light situation, so imagine the dive you see in the vaulting photo above. She ran, jumped on the spring board, dove (photo), into a handstand and fell over flat onto her back. They do the same vault twice. She was awesome, she got an 8.6!

3. The bars are totally hard, enough said. You should see this girls ripped stomach and back muscles! (and arm and leg muscles too)

4. Beam was awesome too. She had two jumps and a leap that she totally nailed. I love the photo of her jumping in the air on the beam. It just looks impossible to me, with gravity not being my friend and all.

5. All the girls got metals, but Pooh Bear did have the highest score in her level. I don't have a picture because I had to leave (I know terrible mother) and head home so Mark could go to the airport. He said something about not wanting to miss his plane? No, I didn't make her walk home. Grandma Tina and Grandpa Phil were there to witness the magnificence that is Pooh Bear's gymnastics skills and they brought her home. I'm sure Grandma took pics with her camera but I forgot to get them from her. Maybe she will post one on her blog for us? Thanks Grandma Tina, you're the best! Click here to see the award winners!

Anyway, thanks Miss Pooh Bear for an awesome Gymnastics Meet and an even awesome-er blog post!

the 50's

2011-04-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

It seems that all the blogs I follow have a guest poster every once in a while. And, since I am slightly behind in my posting of events. And I have willing writers who consider it pretty cool to post on Mom's blog. Here you go....

Guest Post by Drama

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Mom and I went to a really fun party where we got to dress up in the 50's! It was a recognition night for Activity Days. Mom bought me a costume that got a lot of people's attention. It was a Pink Lady costume, it also came with the record earrings. The earrings got most of the attention. Mom just wore one of her black skirts, a white shirt, and a blue sweater. That was good enough.

At the party we had fun hula-hooping.

We also ate ice cream. I got ice cream for mom. I'm nice.

This is me and my friend Anna.

Can't a Girl Get a Break?

2011-04-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

Seriously, as if cracking my iPhone screen right down the middle wasn't enough...

Curse You Fake Spring...

2011-03-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

I am now cursing the fake spring like weather we had two weeks ago.

Bea's new favorite word and place to be is "outside."

Of course, the last two weeks have been rainy and snowy and COLD.

It, apparently, doesn't matter to these folks.

We just get all bundled up, snow boots, hats, gloves, coats, and head out.

These were taken on March 20, 2011. . . the high was 39 degrees that day.

{And now that The Boss and Bea have watched me

post these pictures guess where they want to go.......}

An Ode to Spring

2011-03-16T20:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a be.a.u.ti.ful day.

I mean, seriously, can I order a couple more of those please?

Doing their required reading, outside, with Popsicles in their hands, I scored some serious mom bonus points with that.

We have not soaked up enough vitamin D this winter.

Popsicle deliciousness.

{When the Boss decided she didn't want her Popsicle anymore,

I did NOT hand it to Bea and let her finish it.}

These poor cabin fever babies were devastated when they had to come in for dinner.

lil' Elvis

2011-03-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

The hardest thing about going back to work is that I don't remember to take pictures every day and look for those "blogging" moments. You know the wacky little things that my kids do that ya' all love to read about...They still do plenty of wacky things that make me laugh but part of my brain has been allocated to work and I think it took over my brain's blogging space.

But, this morning I didn't have to go to Drama's class to help in math because they were having a test. {lil' Elvis, The Boss & I go in on Tuesdays and Thursdays and "help" in Drama's math class. I'm not sure how much help I am with those two in tow and Drama informs me that they can be annoying sometimes, but her teacher thinks we are helping. So, we keep comin' back.} Anyway, we decided to play in our jammies for a little while. And so, when lil' Elvis was running around, my blogging brain kicked in and I took these super cute pictures just for you. Okay not just for you but I figured I could share.

You're Welcome.

This is her new thing, unzipping her jammies, even if they have a snap at the top.

I love bed heads!

She loves to read. "Go Away Big Green Monster!"

{As a matter of fact, as I try to type this now she is sitting on my lap and we are reading one of her favorite books, "Neighborhood Animals."}

Drama's Pirate Play

2011-03-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

February 15, 16 & 17, 2011

Every year at our Elementary School the 4th through 6th graders can audition for and participate in the school play. Of course Drama wanted to be in the play. To even audition the kids had to memorize the songs, just to show that they were serious about all the work that would go into the production.

She tried out and was chosen to be a "No Beard Pirate" (because these particular pirates didn't have beards, duh.) The group worked hard two days a week after school for months (moms sewed costumes and painted sets) and finally the week of the play arrived!

The play was awesome. All the kid's were amazing! And I enjoyed it each of the 3 times I saw it!

Here is our No Beard Pirate

With the Stowaway

With one of her best friends, Miranda (Polka Dot Beard)

Signing autographs for her adoring fans

With her amazing Art and Music teachers that put the whole thing together

Happy Birthday Boss

2011-02-20T19:49:00.000-08:00

February 3, 2011

Woot! The Boss had a birthday, turned 3, and went in for a checkup!

Daddy bakes and decorates a princess cake for the birthday princess. Seriously, this guy's a keeper...

The Birthday Girl...

The loot....

February 7, 2011

The wait for the doctor...

The zebra band aid for the 2 shots...

The tasty sucker for being super good...

Her stats....

Height: 37 inches, 50 percentile

Weight: 28.6 pounds, 25 percentile

Bea's 18 Month Checkup

2011-01-27T19:48:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 24, 2011

Bea recently turned 18 months. {Yea, I don't have to stay in nursery with her any longer!} She is doing very well, happy, healthy, all that jazz.

Bea's 18 Month Stats:

Weight: 26 pounds 1 ounce (75th percentile)

Height: 32 inches (75th percentile)

Head Circ: 45.4 centimeters (25th percentile)

Diaper Size: 4 {FYI, just in case you wanted to send me some. They are very expensive.}

{Bea, pre-doctors visit. Before she was brutally jabbed with a Hib and DTP shot. So, sorry baby.}

Developmental Milestones:

Walks quickly, up stairs, & backwards
Climbs up but can't always get down
Eats (anything within reach) with a spoon or fork
Plays games such as talking into a telephone {I apologize if she has actually called you while pretending to talk into ours.}
Behavior: "Children at this age rarely share." {Seriously, a direct quote from our cheat sheet.}

{Weigh in}

Words or Phrases that I Understand when She Says Them:

Get down
I love you, too
What's that?
Where did it go?
Yes (emphasis on the s}
No
Poop {when she wants her diaper changed, also hits her backside with the back of her hand while saying "poop"}

{Waiting, ever so patiently for Mr. Dr.}

Another Slice of Life

2011-01-27T16:07:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 26, 2011, just before dinner time

What happens when an 18 month old, sitting at your kitchen counter, keeping you company whilst you cook dinner decides that something looks particularly yummy?

Why she climbs up onto the counter, pulls the bowl containing said particular yummy thing over and scoops up a bite, of course...

Serious Fun Times 4

2011-01-27T16:02:00.000-08:00

Friday January 21, 2011, Continued

My previous post was about what happens when one almost 3 year old plays in the water soluble packing peanuts. Since I love math, and my Dad used to say, "Life is a story problem," here is a real life story problem for your enjoyment.

A train leaves the station traveling north at 40 mph {oh, wait, wrong story problem}.

One small living room contains one large box and one small box of water soluble packing peanuts. It also contains one smallish 3 year old girl. After said girl's nap her 2 older sisters arrive home from school and one younger sister wakes from her nap. Determine, using Chaos Theory, how large of a mess can and will be created.

Items of note:

Drama is laying on her back, top half inside the box and lower half outside as if she were working on a fine automobile. Pooh Bear is the project manager...

Bea's not sure what is going on, however, she is L.O.v.I.n.G. every minute of the chaos...

The Boss decided that sharing {in this particular instance} is way fun. The sharing of one's toys has yet to become a pattern. She has also changed out of gymnastics gear and into princess gear...

This Is What Serious Fun Looks Like

2011-01-21T13:25:00.000-08:00

Two boxes from Soap.com arrived on our doorstep right after we got home from gymnastics class. (The Huggies came in the giant box)...

Apparently their "water soluble packing peanuts" are an unadvertised bonus. At first she was "helping" me clean up the few that puffed out of the box when we took the goods out. She then "helped" a few more peanuts out of the box....

The Boss played in them until nap time. Even then I had to promise her they would be right where she left them if she took a nap...

Sometimes I Just Can't Get a "Head"....

2011-01-20T07:49:00.000-08:00

Life is so crazy right now. It's hard to keep up with everything that's going on and still make my bed and clean my room. This morning when Bea climbed up on the bar stool for the 8 hundredth time, I thought she was just being naughty. But apparently Polly needed a drink of apple juice.......

Seriously, How am I supposed to get anything done if I am fishing heads out of juice all day. That's going to be my new metaphor for the crazy things that happen around here. For example, "Polly's heads in the juice again!" I like it. And I give you all permission to use it as often as needed. You can even put a bad word in front if the situation warrants it. Just make sure that if you are around children you say the bad word in your head! ;)

And to think I almost dumped Polly out and washed her off before I took pictures. Then you would have missed this little slice of crazy.
That would have been sad for you.

Lost Another One

2011-01-17T22:07:00.001-08:00

Overheard today around lunch time...

Pooh Bear while eating her bagel: "Wait, what is that? Is that my tooth? How can that be my tooth? Mom, is this MY TOOTH?"

Yes, it was her tooth. How's the poor girl supposed to eat anything now?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Woot, I'm Gonna Get a Dollar!

2011-01-13T16:08:00.000-08:00

January 12, 2011

That, my friends, was the quote of the night last night here at our house.

Of course, that came after a lot of tears and drama...

Working At Home

2011-01-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

This is what it looks like when you work at home. To the right of this picture I have both of my laptops open on the counter (personal and work) with papers strewn about.

Your co-workers are easy on the eyes...

But they make a terrible mess (that you get to clean up), they are whinny if they don't get a snack, and sometimes you have to wipe their bums.

Love to Read

2011-01-05T09:33:00.000-08:00

January 4, 2010 10:34 pm

Last night as I was getting ready for bed I noticed the Boss' light was still on. When I peaked into her room I discovered this...

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas!

2010-12-31T21:25:00.000-08:00

Grandma Tina was afraid that we would not have anything to do on Christmas Eve so she thought up some games and a FHE lesson and a craft that the kids L.O.V.E.D. That is in addition to all the amazing food that she made for us to consume.

The Mitten/snowball/spoon relay was the favorite of all.

Another tradition: New Jammies.

Oldest to youngest: Drama, Pooh Bear, cousin E-man, cousin Roo, the Boss, & Bea.

Christmas morning brought many smiles, happy faces and happy children.

With a new mountain bike for Drama (adult size)...

an Ipod touch for Pooh Bear...

Princess dresses for the Boss...

and Pop-on pals for Bea...

Best garbage bag ever. It started as a bike gift bag but Drama's bike didn't fit. This year Grandpa only hauled one garbage bag to the curb. I don't think his garbage men like him very much anymore...

Poor, Dad. I think he is worn out from all the fun. He spent a lot of time in this position...

Christmas Eve Bowling

2010-12-31T20:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas was a whole lot of fun this year. We went up to Grandma Tina's and Grandpa Phil's Christmas Eve. We got there just in time for bowling with the cousins. My little brother thought up this tradition long ago and it is still just as much fun as when we were all younger.

Bea didn't really get the whole bowling thing...

Drama and her cousin E-man comparing scores, intensely....

Pooh Bear looking for that elusive strike...

Me, tolerating the annoying paparazzi (a.k.a Mark. It's one thing for me to be in everyone's face, but I have to draw the line somewhere.)...

The Boss, well, the Boss is just the Boss. Apparently, she too is hounded by paparazzi...

As always, Bea takes a lot of hands to keep her out of trouble...

Pooh Bear and cousin E-man showing off their amazing bowling shoes...

Cheering everyone on...

We had a ton of fun, thanks for letting us come!!!

Pooh Bear's 2nd Grade Thanksgiving Play

2010-12-31T19:30:00.000-08:00

November 19, 2010

Every year Ms. Cox's 2nd Grade class has a Thanksgiving Play. Some kids play Pilgrims and some play Indians.

Pooh Bear was cast as an Indian. Good thing that Drama had a report on Pocahontas last year, we recycled her costume for the play.

Grandma Van Horn came down to watch the play but she mostly wrestled with Bea while I wrestled with the Boss and vice versa.

Seriously, cutest face in the class....

Singing At Grandma Van Horn's Piano

2010-12-31T18:42:00.000-08:00

For some reason the Boss thinks that the world revolves around her. She also believes that everything she does is super cute. Time to dig out that FHE lesson on Humility...

Clearing her throat and getting our attention. Ahem.

The Beginning....

And the song is building......

And a grand finale......

Somedays

2010-12-31T18:29:00.000-08:00

December 1, 2010

I am just not in control of the situation......

Drama's Book Report

2010-12-31T18:19:00.000-08:00

December 3, 2010

When I was in fourth grade, a book report was, well, a report on a piece of paper. Now-a-days a book report consists of making a castle out of a graham cracker box, a couple of toilet paper rolls and a lot of imagination...

Drama was a little bummed out that she only got a 95% on her October book report. She lost points for neatness. So, she literally redoubled her efforts on November's report, a Historical Fiction. She chose to read about Queen Elizabeth.

Working draw bridge, Young Queen Elizabeth waiting just inside to greet her guests, flower garden, a glossary, and summary of the book.

Well done, Drama, you deserved every last point!

Nym-sastics!

2010-12-31T17:49:00.000-08:00

December 9, 2010

Bea and the Boss started taking Gymnastics (the Boss pronounces it "nym-nastics") this month! (This was a trial class because the coaches wanted to make sure that they would like it. Ha! They start their real classes next week at Gymcats!)

Oh man, how much fun can two little girls have at gymnastics? It is truly A LOT.

They start out in the little gym and then they get to play in the big kids' gym on the big trampoline, in the big pit, swing on the rope, jump on the springy floor, walk on the tall beam.... too much fun.

So much fun that I can barely keep up with the two of them, let's not even talk about trying to take some pics of the action!

Pity Party

2010-12-31T17:32:00.000-08:00

Welcome all to my Pity Party. You may or may not have noticed that I have not blogged at all this month. I'll pause for the collective *gasp*. I know you all think that I have forgotten about you and that I may not love you any more, but I assure you that that is NOT true. And here are my many excuses for not blogging this month:

1. Christmas. Hello, magic maker here, how may I help you? I have understood for years why Christmas was not my mother's favorite holiday.

2. New Job. Yes, I re-entered the work force just before Thanksgiving. I am now employed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know, right, have to watch my language. I am working for the Audio Visual Department and I will be writing user manuals for their new archiving software. It's a pretty amazing gig and I can't believe how lucky I am to have this opportunity. But, I had to look for a daycare solution for the Boss and Bea. My amazing previous daycare provider abandoned me and started teaching school so I had to start from scratch and find someone new, in about a week. But I had faith that the Lord would help me find someone to take care of my precious little ones. And I was right. I found an amazing woman, who had spots open and was willing to work with my crazy schedule until I got settled into a routine. The girls love going to Heidi's to "play with the kids."

3. And if making Christmas magical and starting a new job (one that I have no idea what any of the acronyms stand for) was not enough for one month I had gum graft surgery this week and I am seriously grateful for pain killers. I also fit 27 hours of Professional Engineering Continuing Education into this month so I can renew my PE license which will expire the end of March (but you have the have the credit hours in by tonight). Can you say, "procrastination?" My excuse here is that I wasn't planning on renewing my license but at the last minute decided it was probably easier to do the credit hours and renew that decide later that I wanted to re-instate my license.

So, there you go. All my reasons for ignoring this blog, (that I love doing, btw). I had a goal earlier in the year to have more posts this year that I did last year. I'm not going to make it but I am going to get a few in tonight. They will probably be out of order and random but any post with pictures of my crazy little trouble makers is a good one, right? Can I get an Amen?

And to make this post worth your reading time, here are a few gratuitous photos:

Bea (Love the gummy grin) - Feb. 28, 2010

The Boss (@ a Children's Fair in the Southtowne Expo) - Feb. 6, 2010

Drama (Best Big Sister EVER) - March 16, 2010

Pooh Bear (displaying one of her many school creations) - March 1, 2010

New Family Photos, Reprise

2010-11-30T12:44:00.000-08:00

As you all know we had a do over on our family photos. I am so glad we did because I think that these are One Hundred times better that the last set.

Here are a few of my favorites. I have also update the girls on the side....

All the ones of the girls turned out amazing, they are so photogenic.

Man oh man. This looks so much better blown up to 16 by 20 and hanging over my piano than the previous one did. Don't you think. (I know I didn't show the previous one, but trust me, it's better. So just nod your head yes.)

Don't you love it when your pictures make your heart smile?

I have uploaded them all to Walmart's photo website so if you want copies, email me and I will send you the link unless you are a creepy stalker and then you are out of luck. If you just want to see them all, cause you are a creepy stalker, I have also uploaded them to Picasa, here. And I put some on Facebook just cover all my creepy stalker bases, cause I heart you all! (I just noticed that you can order photos from Picasa now, lucky you, stalkers! But I took extra time and uploaded the larger files on Walmart's site, so if you want good photos you still have to email me. Ha!)

Also, if you wanted to be surprised when you open up our Christmas card (which isn't coming for a while because I just ordered them Sunday night), don't look over to the right there were I embedded it in the sidebar. Shutterfly said they would give me a $25 gift certificate if I "shared" it all with you here on the blog. And we all know that there is not much I won't do for a free $25!

I almost forgot to give props to our totally amazing photographer:

Kristen Spencer

Here is her Facebook page

& her website.

Highly recommend this little lady if you are in the area, or not, she's worth the trip.

She's A-MAZ-ING with the kids.

Most Important Meal Of The Day

2010-11-30T07:24:00.001-08:00

There is nothing like a nutritious breakfast at McDonalds, where my egg McMuffin is stollen by a 2 year old. Again.

And yes, Bea is in her jammies at Walmart.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

What, It's Supposed to Snow Today?

2010-11-23T13:19:00.000-08:00

So, you didn't get the memo there was a wicked blizzard headed our way?

Practicing her swim stroke.

Good form.

Diners Beware

2010-11-18T19:47:00.000-08:00

Diners beware, if you are lucky enough to be taking a meal with the Boss, your meal is not really yours. It's the Boss' unless she deems otherwise.

Since I am a great mother, we had take out, again. Yes, if you are counting at home (but how could you be, I mean your not spying on me - are you?) that's three times this week. (Mark comes home tonight, I may cook tomorrow, but I wouldn't count on it.)

Tonight we decided on Winger's.

I thought I got a sticky finger salad, but I guess The Boss ordered that and I ordered the Mac & Cheese. I get so confused sometimes.

She was sitting at the counter happily until she realized my mistake. So, being the industrious child that she is, she pulled the stool out of the pantry, scooched up to the counter where I was standing (I eat standing up when Mark's gone, it's just easier), and totally took over my salad. I think her exact words were, "Go away Mommy. Mine." I didn't want to pick a fight so close to bed time, so of course I caved in and gave her the salad. However, I made her sit down to eat it. I do have some standards. Jesh,.

I don't know how she can do her homework with the antics going on around here.

Seriously, Pooh Bear, I said to quit gargling your milk (after this one last picture).

Where Did You Get Your Genes?

2010-11-09T10:55:00.000-08:00

According to friends, and perfect strangers, my children really don't look a lot like me. So I'm always asked who they do look like.

In The Boss' case it has to be Aunt Karen.

Mark (aka Dad), Aunt Karen (hello twin), Uncle Jeff, Aunt Jennifer - circa 1976

The Boss - circa 2010

Freaky, hu?

But ALL of my children have that mischievousness of their adorable father.

Mark (4 1/2) & Scott (2 1/2) - circa 1979

I mean seriously, how cute are these little guys? I am lovin' those pants! The 70's were awesome!

A Bahamian Cruise

2010-11-08T18:44:00.000-08:00

September 27 to October 1, 2010

Or what I like to call the vacation where we battle Tropical Storm Nicole. It may have been "short lived" and "no big deal for Florida", but when this is your first "adults only" vacation in years (Thank you Grandma Tina for watching the crew while Mark and I were gone) well, you take it kinda personally.

Mark planned a cruise to the Bahamas for our 14th anniversary. (I know - he's a keeper.) We were both excited to get away for a couple of days and didn't let a little thing like a tropical storm get in the way of a relaxing, much needed, vacation.

Our first stop was in Key West, Florida, on Tuesday. The storm hadn't gotten that far yet so it was a beautiful day. We rented scooters and motored around the island and accomplished a little shopping. We hit the beach and in retrospect we probably should have spent more time there because it was the only beach time we saw.

Next we sailed to Nassau, Bahama where we enjoyed a little souvenir shopping while trying to avoid the sudden downpours. We had scheduled a snorkeling excursion but it was canceled.

We were supposed to hit one other island but due to the weather our ship stayed in Nassau an extra day. We re-scheduled our snorkeling excursion and were determined to do something other than nap and eat all day (the cookies were

A - maz - ing).

This photo was taken on the way to our ~~doom~~ snorkeling adventure.

In our zeal to "do something" on our vacation we failed to realize just how ~~completely horrible~~, ~~nauseating~~. . . Well it just was not a good idea to try snorkeling in 3 foot waves. The water was too murky to see anything and the waves would crash over your head and inundate your snorkel thingy with salt water. Yuck.

Despite our losing battle with a tropical storm, we actually had a really great vacation. Because we were stuck on the ship a lot, we could take a morning nap AND an afternoon nap. It was fabulous.

Mark has promised that the next vacation will be beachy, sunny, and the snorkeling will be non-terrifying.

Sign me up!

Fabulous Fall

2010-11-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

November 5, 2010

Friday was a beautiful fall day.

Perfect for raking up the leaves

And jumping in them

And burring you sister in them

And throwing them in the air

How great are these faces?

Halloween 2010

2010-11-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2010

aka: Let's see how many times you can dress up and it's not actually Halloween

We dressed up Tuesday night for the annual ward Halloween party.

We dressed up Friday for the school Halloween parade/parties and for trick-or-treating at Dad's work.

Waiting patiently for the sisters to come by...

We dressed up Saturday night for trick-or-treating in the cold and rain.

(I didn't actually take any pictures this night, I mean, how many times can I take pictures of these kids, really? Okay, I love to take pictures of these kids. I just got lazy. What can I say?) Enjoy these I took Tuesday night...

I Heart Target Clearance

2010-11-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

All Target's Halloween is on Clearance for 75% off! Today while trolling through the store we found and could NOT pass up this 75% off "princess dress"!

It's perfect for twirlling...

And can be worn to many princess type functions...

It's just lovely...

It's also perfect for sitting on the couch watching TV but I don't have a picture of that.

At first I though the headband had ears on it (?) but I think it's supposed to be Alice's hair bow.

Jack-o-Lanterns 2010

2010-11-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

Drama and Pooh Bear love to carve pumpkins. We started the Sunday before Halloween. It was the Sacrament Meeting Primary Program so Grandma and Grandpa Van Horn came down to watch the girls and spend the day. Dad was out of town but Grandpa Van Horn very bravely "volunteered" to help the girls.

Drama wanted an elaborate wolf design

and Pooh Bear designed her own kitty face.

Unfortunately they were not able to finish carving on Sunday. Hmm, wonder why?

So, I plopped them out in the garage hoping we could finish them sometime during the week. . . which never happened. So, dad had to come to the rescue. He finish carving Pooh Bear's kitty face and then rotated Drama's around and made a completely new face. All of this about 20 minutes before trick-or-treating Saturday night! (BTW wolf = too hard) I think they look pretty great...

Snow Day!

2010-10-28T07:22:00.000-07:00

It snowed yesterday. Most of it has already melted but there was plenty of snow for these two to dawn their gear and play in the snow!

The Boss didn't want to wear her gloves at first. But quickly learned how fast snow freezes those little fingers!

Can a Shoe be a Muse?

2010-10-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

New family photos tomorrow.

Mark says that shoes are my muse as I was inspired to take this photo (I got out my tripod and everything). It just struck me as I walked by. All the shoes accounted for, cleaned, shined and ready to go.

You might remember we had a photo taken in July, not that long ago really, right. When I blew it up to 16" by 20" and hung it in my living room, I hated it. Every time I walk by, which is a lot, I cringe. So it simply must be remedied.

Bea's 15 Month Check-up

2010-10-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

Bea turned 15 months yesterday. I can't believe how fast the little monster is growing!

Here are her stats from her doctor's visit.

Age: 15 months

Date: 10-18-2010

Length: 31.8 inches (75%)

Weight: 23 pounds (50%)

Head Circumference: 44.7 cm (15%)

She is healthy, happy and up to the typical antics of 15 month olds.

Of course typical 15 month olds are usually up to no good.

And she definitely is typical in that respect.

If the doctor makes you wait a really long time - this is what happens.

Door open.

Door closed.

Door open.

Door closed.

Drawer open.

Drawer closed.

Drawer open.

Take out all the emergency diaper stash.

Drawer closed.

She did manage to put all the emergency diapers back in the drawer herself.
See - she's getting more mature by the day!

ps - I just noticed that The Boss is holding the play doctor kit shot! If that isn't foreshadowing. Everyone got their flu shots, me included. The Boss is still very upset about it. Just ask her. "Owie. Owie. My leg owie!"

And They Said It Wouldn't Last

2010-10-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

14 years

14 crazy, happy, sad, exciting, stressful, amazing, breathtaking, tense, educational, tearful, joyful, lazy, hectic, eventful years.

14 years of married bliss

This was what my sweet husband left for me on the kitchen table this morning.

Layers of all my favorite candies in a cool apothecary jar (I love apothecary jars). Starting with Swedish Fish, Mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Hot Tamales, Milk Chocolate Kisses, & Red Vines.

There are 2 problems with this, however.

#1 How should I go about eating them. Probably layer by layer is best.

#2 I will probably have consumed the entire array of confections before Mark gets back from Virginia! Already, as I have been typing, I have been swiping Red Vines from the top!

And here is a picture of what I got for Mark on this, our Anniversary Day...

Sadly, I forgot it was our anniversary. I remember, generally, when we were married, October-ish. But I can never remember the day and this year I totally spaced it altogether. In my very sad defense, we did go on a cruise for our anniversary a couple of weeks ago and we weren't supposed to get each other presents. So, really, he broke the rules....

Thanks for 14 amazing years "sweetie"

Corn-bellies

2010-10-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

The girls were on "Fall Break" Thursday and Friday and I had promised them that I would take them to Corn-bellies. For those whose aren't in the know, Corn-bellies is a fall carnival out at Thanksgiving Point. They pass out advertisements at school so the kids beg their parents to go until their parents wish their ears would fall off. I caved and said we could go. So after all the trauma Bea cooked up that morning (see previous post) we headed over for some BIG fun.

Here the girls are in Princess Land (or something like that) riding the knight in shining armor's horse.

In Cinderella's carage.

Bea showing off her sliding skillz.

Lost in the non-scary corn maze.

Driving the play firetruck.

I only lost The Boss for 6, 7 minutes tops in the huge crowd of kids. No Biggie, right.

The One Where I Make It All About Me. . .

2010-10-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

Fact: I ruin all my shirts. Every single one of my t-shirts has little holes in the front at about kitchen counter height (what that's all about I don't know) or has bleach spots down the front (I love bleach. I get it from my Grandma Wheatley, (the trait/gene - not the actual bleach). If it can be bleached, I'll do it. If it can't be bleached then I will probably try to at some point and if it gets ruined then it really wasn't worth it anyway.) Friday I was wearing a brand spanking new shirt from Target, I love Target too, and was prepared to ruin it by the end of the day. Man, do I really wish that I had ruined it my normal way, i.e. holes/bleach, because this shirt was used to mop up Bea's blood. That's right, I win mother of the year again because Bea fell off the kitchen chair and bit through her lip. I have a woozy stomach and couldn't verify that it actually went ALL the way through but it was gaping enough on the outside that I hauled her into the doctor's office. And since I have somehow made this post all about me. . .the Jeep wouldn't start so Mark had taken my car to work that morning. I had Drama call him and ask if he could come home or if I needed to call a friendly neighbor. He raced home and I took Bea up the street to the Pediatrician.

It turns out I may have over-reacted just a tiny bit. Bea didn’t need stitches but they did super glue her “gaping gash” back together and said she shouldn’t have much of a scar.

Bea was really only upset for a few minutes right after the “incident.” In fact the nurses commented on how happy she was (even though she was still eeking blood out of her lip). I informed them that she could be mortally wounded and still be happy smiley baby frolicking down the halls and to not read too much into it.

PS-Please disregard the applesauce all over her mouth. The only way I could get a picture was to feed her and trap her in her highchair.

Why is Cornmeal More Fun than Sand?

2010-10-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

It tastes better!

School Mug Shots

2010-10-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again . . .

School mug shot time.

Eye Candy

2010-09-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I realized that I haven't blogged at all this month! I can't go a whole month and not have any posts, that would just be wrong. So, when Bea pushed a stool over to the kitchen counter, climbed up, peaked over the edge and started eating my banana, I was inspired.

So, here is a little eye candy of my muse.

REAL Salt Lake Game

2010-08-31T20:49:00.000-07:00

August 14, 2010

Drama's soccer team got to run out on the soccer field before a REAL game and stand out there during the national anthem. Then her team, coaches and parents (and a couple of awesome grandparents) all sat together and watched the game. Well, the adults watched the game, the girls mostly ate as many snacks as they could barter out of their parents.

Waiting in the "corral" before the game. . .

"Chilling" and waiting (patiently) for Drama to run out onto the field. . .

On the field with her friend Brielle. . .

"Watching" the game and enjoying an icee. . .

The whole gang. . .

Serious Sass

2010-08-31T18:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I amaze myself with my skillz. I love to browse the site You Can Make This. Every once in a while I feel inspired that, YES, I CAN make that! Today was one of those days, so I made this....

A couple of things I totally shocked myself with, I made my own bias tape.

That's right, I. made. my. own.

Now the pattern said to make it out of the same material as the main dress fabric, but of course I didn't have enough of that. So I thought I would make it out of the trim fabric. But what I didn't realize right away was that it would make it (and any mistakes I made) super noticeable. I also thought that the hot pink thread was a good idea until I remembered I was a terrible seamstress!

So I went extra slow, only had to pick out one seam, and practically had a heart attack every time the needle moved....

Two naps and a couple of Dora's later....

And voila! Super cute, super sassy little dress for a super cute, super sass little girl...

Oh, btw, The Boss got a hair cut.