Babe in Boysland

2011-04-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

They were so quiet. They seemed to be getting along. I was proud in that moment. That is until I saw WHY they were being quiet. Now I can't decide if I prefer them fighting like bear cubs, or peacefully destroying the house.

(My favorite moments are at minute 1:45 when Gabers starts eating his shirt, 2:15 when he starts eating cheerios off the floor. Hey why not, its there.)

This video is not as clear here as it is on my computer, and the color of our carpet camouflages the cheerios very well. They are equally dispersed from wall to wall.

Their Best Jumps

2010-10-26T12:23:00.000-07:00

We took the boys up the canyon a few weeks ago to see the changing leaves. The leaves no longer mattered once they found a log to jump off. Nuthin' like a log.

Here are the best jumps from their jumping show. The lighting and the cruddy camera make the color terrible, but look really closely at their expressions. Some of them are so funny.

(Are these too tiny to see? Double click on a collage, then when it pulls up larger, you can click it again and it zooms a little closer.)

All tuckered out

2010-10-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

This is my three year old. He's pretty busy. Busy busy busy. This morning he had spent doing his normal amount of exploring closets and unloading the toy box.

He also spent a good amount of time pulling the cushions off the couch and then jumping on the springs. I guess it wears a guy out.

Halloween Package!

2010-10-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

My little Dream Team had a mini package swap this month! The budget was just $5. But I think everyone managed really cute things!
Sheryl had my name and she, of course, made the cutest stuff.

This little pouch was stuffed with color coordinated candy. With four boys in the house it really didn't last long. :-) It's been hanging on this door all month and it's getting to look a little mangled. I love the colors!!!!!!!!!

She also covered this notebook to be all matchy. But she didn't make it toooo Halloweeny so I can keep on using it for a long time and it's just cute.

Sheryl, you're the best. I love you.

Rick's Graduation!

2010-07-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

I'm exhaustified of not blogging. I'm going to whip myself back into blogging shape.

In May my best-friend-big-brother Rick graduated from Drake Law School. LAW SCHOOL! I'm so proud of him. Just our parents and I were able to attend, and it was really nice to have some time with just the four of us (particularly with no kids needing our attention for just a few days).

Rick and I had a fabulous time just touring around, meeting his friends, laughing at jokes that I'm now certain weren't really that funny, and staying up late watching bad movies.

(On a side note, if you're looking for a comically bad movie, look for Val Kilmer and Adam Lambert starring in The Ten Commandments the musical. I'm not kidding. It exists and it is baaaaad. WE LOVED IT!)

I'm so proud of you Rick!!! Thanks for such a fantastic four days.

I changed my back ground!

2010-07-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

Look! Hey look! Are you seeing this? I no longer have the Sheryl-inflicted Twilight backdrop!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WAIT! STOP!

2010-06-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

I did NOT do this to my blog! Someone, I won't name any names (but you can figure it out for yourself on the bottom right column), but someone, hacked into my blog and picked the most ludicrous background she could find. I didn't know until my friend Dawnell commented on it.

Truthfully, I've been wanting to change my background, but this is not what I had in mind.

I don't remember how to change my back drop, and I don't have time to figure it out right now. But I'm certainly more motivated to get it done.

Geeeeezzzzz.....

Last Dream Package

2010-06-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

This time Melinda was sending a package to me and our theme was "handmade". She made such sweet things!!

First I want to acknowledge the cute rose she drew on my package. I just love little details like this...

When I opened this box it was like I was 7 years old again. My mom often made me things with roses on them because my middle name is Rose. That's exactly what Melinda had done and it was so nostalgic and cute.

First pic is a little rose necklace. I actually sneaked into my mom's room and stole a rose necklace from her once when I was like 6 because I thought it should belong to me. Now one does :-)

Second pic is the handmade pillow and covered hat box. As soon as I saw this pillow I could just imagine Melinda stitching on every single one of these buttons into a letter M. It must have taken forever! Melli, thanks for taking that kind of time for me. And this box is perfect for storing my craft ribbons!

Third and Fourth pics are my cute shabby chic rose bracelet. I love this! I've gotten lots of compliments and I'm totally making some more! SO cute.

Thank you Melinda!!!! I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Once Upon a Poison Oak...

2010-05-31T10:07:00.000-07:00

We have a little tiny house and nice big super great yard. I mean, look how pretty!

But there are a few dangers, the creek and the busy street we are on, for starters. But the one that sneaked up on us has been the worst... poison oak. Here's how it went down.

During 2006 Spring yard clean-up, (you know raking up dead leaves and things that were buried in the snow) I developed an allergic reaction to something I touched. It was horrible. It would itch beyond belief, but scratching or rubbing it was like setting my arm on fire. NO JOKE. It kept me awake at night for over a week. It had hard blisters that would "weep". EW. EW. EW.(I've spared you the nastiness of the weeping sores photos- but I do have them!). I finally saw a doctor and found out it had gotten infected too. He had no idea what caused it except that it looked like a plant allergy. FINE. So we looked for new plants that I may have come in contant with, and Jeff killed it with poison. My arms took nearly 4 weeks to heal.

There are all kinds of wild vegetation that we can't identify in our yard. We don't care though, it's pretty. One spring purple wild flowers sprang up, and they continueto bloom every spring. Awesome. Then another spring this dark leafy ground cover started growing along the creek. I loved that too- so pretty! It got a little taller as June progressed but I still thought it was pretty.

At the end of June 2006, Jeff went on a trip for about a week. We were just fine at home. On Sunday night I let the kids play in the yard for 30 minutes before bed, got them cleaned up, in pajamas, and kissed them goodnight.

No one was sick or unhappy, but after 3 year old Bear took his nap the next day he looked like this:

Odd. Slightly swollen but nothing alarming. I decided to take a picture to so I could compare it later to see if it got worse. IT DID.

My mother-in-law-offered to take the kids overnight so I could have a break from being a single mother (she's crazy awesome like that). But she called me the next morning to tell me that he looked worse. MUCH worse. When I saw him I was horrified- so I rushed him to Insta Care.

The strange thing was that he really didn't seem uncomfortable. They did a lot of shoulder shrugging and one doctor suggested it was probably poison oak. Of course! My neighbors had mentioned in the past that there was a lot of poison oak in our area.

Over the next few days he got a little worse...

... and then slowly better. By the time Jeff got home, Bear looked like this:

Jeff said he looked Chinese.

Unfortunately, by the time Jeff got home, MY lips looked like this:

I had kissed Bear goodnight before I'd known he'd rubbed flipping poison oak all over his face! I don't know why it took a few days longer to affect me, but I'm glad it waited because I was able to focus on my poor swollen baby.

I swore to Jeff that if we ever got poison oak again we were MOVING. I was not going through this again. We finally figured out which plant it was and got rid of it (it's that nice big leafy plant behind Bear at the creek's edge). And every spring we carefully watch for new growth and keep it at bay.

The End. (Don't use this for a bed time story. I've found that these pictures frighten children... and some adults.)

Camera Shy

2010-05-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

Gabers is actually not camera shy at all. But the other day he was very grouchy and did NOT want his big brother taking his picture in the car.

That's all . I just thought these pictures were funny. :-)

Rez Prez

2010-05-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

I was under the impression in the past that as a member of a Relief Society Presidency one would have a sobering and serious work to do. And although that can be true, I've found that as a member of such a presidency there is much more love and cheerfulness and silliness than I expected. I've found some of my dearest friends.

Holla to Sue, Heidi and Joannie- MY Rez Prez.

We went out for a birthday dinner last month and it was too much fun.

When we got to the restaurant it was so windy outside (stupid stupid wind) that it revamped our hair for us. Don't Sue and I look pretty??? This is honestly truly what happened to our hair. Haha!

Heidi forgot her reading glasses, so all she had to read her menu with were her prescription sunglasses! I couldn't stop giggling as she read her menu or looked up at the waiter over her glasses- she looked like some starlet who didn't want to be recognized in public.

We mostly ordered a bunch of appetizers for dinner. It was so unhealthy and indulgent, but boy was it GOOD.

We then shared a slice of chocolate cake.... Happy Birthday Sue and Heidi!!!!

Me and Joannie digging in....

After dinner we went shopping for a bit. Yes, we're in a lingerie department. Don't judge us, sometimes a girl needs a new bra!

I love you Rez Prez!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love hanging out with you a few times a week, caring for others, meeting new people in our ward, sharing our testimonies, and learning from your greatness. And I can't WAIT for our next birthday dinner! :-)

Toilet Troubles

2010-05-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

This is Jeff. He was woken on Saturday morning 2 weeks ago by children telling him the toilet didn't work. So poor Jeff tried to plunge the toilet for 10 minutes. When that didn't work he got out the pipe snake and worked at that for about 20 minutes. THEN he ended up disassembling the whole thing.

He then took it outside to find out what may or may not be blocking the flow of traffic, so to speak.

Here is the culprit:

HOW IN THE WORLD DOES ONE ACCIDENTALLY FLUSH THE LID TO AN AEROSOL CAN? How?!?! Why can't anyone tell me exactly how this happened?

After the mystery was solved, Jeff had to go to Home Depot to buy replacement bolts and a seal (or something, don't ask me) before he could put it all back together... sigh...

You know, my brother told me that somewhere in cyber space theres an entire blog dedicated to stuff that children have ruined of their parent's. I understand that anyone can post things. I may look in to that.

And that is how Jeff spent the first 2 hours of his Saturday morning. The End.

Dream Package numero dos

2010-05-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

This time for our Dream Package swap the theme was "My Favorite Things". In the rotation Sheryl and I were sending to each other. It was sorta funny that we would end up doing this particular theme for each other because we kind of already know all each other's favorite things. I mean, come on, we've been best friends for fifteen years. But it ended up being really fun to decide which things to do! It was a challenge to make ourselves stay in the budget, and it was also really funny to discuss it all after we got our packages to see the thought process that went into each item.

See all my cute brown paper packages tied up with strings! FUN. Sheryl is gift wrapper/presenter extraordinaire.

I got lots of cute things: notepad and pen because she has always LOVED to doodle, Milano cookies because if you don't love these frankly you're stupid, chick flick, children's books, fabric quarters...

...and MY most favorite thing in the package, a satin flower she made to clip onto my purse. I bought this functional, yet somewhat boring bag months ago and I've been trying to figure out how to snazz it up. She bought satin in the exact colors I had mentioned and I LOVE IT. As a matter of fact, I lost it at the grocery store the other day and I panicked. I went straight back to the store and hunted it down. Whew! Thank you to Adam the bagger at Macey's for finding it for me!!!!

Special recognition goes to Nathanael and Max. They took some of these photos for me and also discovered this hidden message in the bottom of the box under the packing paper!

I love my best friend Sheryl and I love that she'd a doer. We're different and same in all the right ways to make us mesh just perfectly.

Never alone....

2010-04-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

I am never alone. Which to the lonely may seem quite nice. Just like I admire all your quiet time and opportunities to shower. But there comes a point where the constant company of tiny humans that never cease to need need need you starts to mess with your mind.

The other day I was looking for something (on behalf of a child of course) and as I walked around hunting I was talking to myself. I talk to myself a lot. Not because there is no one to hear me, it's just because no one listens. So I'm mumbling: "Maybe it's over here, nope." "Did it get left under the?....no" "Well, maybe if people would put things away...". As I'm searching I tell the children to stay upstairs and look, while I look downstairs. I continue to mumble. "I swear we saw it when we were in here a minute ago. Why can't we remember...". Then I stop. I'm sorry, "we" who? Michelle, you are talking to yourself.

I think I may be going mad. The continuous hum of little voices and all the no-longer-warm meals are going to my head.

We're going crazy now aren't we precious?

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-04-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

This is what my two school boys did for their Valentines boxes this year.

Their classmates could put the Valentines in the tank or the bowl:

One boy chose to have a tiny tissue box on top and the other chose flowers. I can't decide which I like better. I think its the tisses...

Did you ever have a favorite Valentines box for school?

Emily and Adam

2010-04-10T19:12:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share of few of my favorite shots from the wedding I shot today.

Poor Vacuum

2010-04-10T17:49:00.000-07:00

I LOVE my Dyson vacuum. "I just think things should wook propehleh".

I've recently taught my older sons how to use said vacuum. However, they just don't care how much your vacuum costs, or about doing things propehleh, they just care about getting the chore over with. And that is exactly why my perfect purple vacuum stopped working for the first time in 4 years. So I called the phone number printed right on my vacuum, and a patient and competent woman actually helped me. WHAT? I know!! I don't remember the last time I called a manufacturer, or a credit card company, or my insurance and actually got help. AND I was able to solve the problem! Wow. YOU should invest in a Dyson. Seriously.

What was the problem you ask? Well, just take a look at all the stuff that my children sucked up into the vacuum that got stuck in that little gray tube.

A puzzle piece? A BALL POINT PEN? Come on guys. You can't possibly think that either one of those is okay.

Dying Easter Eggs

2010-04-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

These pics pretty much explain themselves. Cute boys, eggs, and dye.

My mom got this totally brill idea from a magazine and passed along the information. This worked so well! The egg was easy to get in and out of the whisk, and there was no balancing act with a spoon or those metal octagons that come with a dye kit. I conveniently had three whisks so, of course, the oldest gets stuck with the balancing act, but he can handle it.

There you have it.

My dream package finally got here! WOOHOO!

2010-04-06T12:11:00.000-07:00

I have been blessed many times in my life with great friends. I always love it when I find someone new that I really connect with. And it seems as though my friends always fall into categories, you know, depending on when and where I met them, or how I associate with them. Is this how it is for everyone? Well, Sheryl, being my BFF, falls in with several different groups of my friends- I mean, it's only natural.

Lately, my newest little group is something we like to call "The Dream Team", not to be confused with my beloved Support Hotties, Preschool Moms, Singing Ladies, Rez Prez, Ward Friends, School Moms, or High School Friends. Unfortunately, the members of the Dream Team don't exactly live next door to each other. Sheryl and I live about 45 minutes apart (in good weather and traffic), and Shellie and Melinda live on pretty much opposite ends of the country. How did we meet? Well, the stars aligned, Fate was on our side, Luck was our lady, and Destiny was ignited. That's how. Now stop asking questions and let me finish.

We've designed a way to cheer each other up during this crazy unpredictable weather (that's right, Kevin Eubanks and Dan Pope, you heard me, not even you seem to be able to guess it quite right lately). We are sick of cold and snow, and want some flippin' sunshine. I'm pretty sure all credit goes to Sheryl for initiating this, but I have loved that these girls aren't all talk- they are doers! So we'll be rotating names and sending each other packages in the mail for the next few months. FUN!

I sent a package to Melinda in Washington, and I loved being able to pick things out for her. It was kind of tricky at times to keep with in the budget we set, but I'm always up to a challenge... well, maybe not always, but this time for sure.

Shellie sent a package to me from Georgia. Shout out to Shellie- HOLLA! I love my stuff!!!! Here are some photos of me opening my package. (I hadn't washed my hair or put on make -up. If you want to see pics of me lookin' pretty, find a different post...)

I was on the phone with Sheryl when the UPS man knocked on my door, so Sheryl told me she wanted to be in the picture. Can you tell I just told her to smile?
Everything was in this tote bag. Isn't that the cutest bag for a mom/create-y person like me?

Springy Colored binder with a suggestion written on it for it's purpose... can I fit a new house in this folder? :-)

The rest of the stuff was in this cute springy wrapped box. Actually, I was so excited to get my Dream Package, that I quickly started to unwrap this before I snapped a picture. So before I took off the lid, I rewrapped it to take a photo. But as soon as I finished wrapping it and replacing the bow, I forgot what I was doing and started opening it again before I took a picture. Hahaha! Then I did it again! I'm such an idiot that I ended up rewrapping it THREE times. HA! I blame Sheryl on the phone, she was distracting me.

Inside were these tins.

And in the tins were other bright colored Springy odds and ends. Spring green tank top, socks, and sponges. Then she included my favorite scented soap from Bed Bath and Beyond. I can smell the Coconut Lime on my hands right now. Mmmm.

Thank you again Shellie! I love my fun stuff!!!

Van of Bull

2010-04-05T16:36:00.000-07:00

When we were driving home from CA in December we stopped at a gas station for the norm: pee-peeing and to fill water bottles. It creates a cycle of sorts, but it must be done.

When I stepped outside, this is what I saw:

That's right, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you, this IS in fact a van with a bull in it. A VAN with a BULL in it. What you can't see is that sticking it's head out the other window on the driver's side is a donkey. A DONKEY. A bull and donkey in a van. A VAN people.

I dedicate this post to Abe- do I win?

AGAIN?

2010-04-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

Why does Gabers look so sad?

Oh maybe its's because he never learns...

Sigh.

Disneyland March 2010

2010-03-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

It's been two whole years since we've been to Disneyland and Jeff and I were having serious withdrawals (I know we're ridiculous, you don't need to tell me). So off we went! We got a deal on a hotel, we got a deal on tickets, and only bought one meal in the park, so even food was inexpensive.Here are my cute excited little guys waiting for the park to open. They were climbing on the giant letters that spell out California. They're so cute!!!

Jeff's parents, Mike and Mary, came with us and they made it even better! The past two times we've gone, we've had some of my family come along, so their turn was long overdue. Having them there also meant that the boys were a little more spoiled than they might have been (take a look at the Disney shirts they're all wearing- thank you Grandma!)

Grandma also somehow got suckered into buying Mickey shaped ice cream. It must have cost hundreds of dollars- I didn't dare to ask. Gabriel felt deeply cheated that his ice cream didn't have a stick like all of his brothers- you can see how happy he is in the first picture, but once we traded with him, all was better than good.

My Funny Boys

When The big boys went with the other grown ups on Indiana Jones, the little ones and I went for a walk and then we got some french fries. Knowing that the big boys would be disappointed about not getting the novelty of fries, we quickly gobbled the last ones and threw away the container when we saw them coming. Then I said "Okay, little guys, those were our secret french fries, so we can't tell anyone we had them". As soon as Jojo saw his brothers he shouted excitedly, "GUYS! Guess what?! We had secret fries, but we can't tell anyone!". Hahaha!!! This was met with the disappointment I expected from the big brothers, but, oh well, they got to go on Indiana Jones.

Look at my cheesy little actors "trying very hard" to get the sword from the stone. They did this for several minutes before any of us noticed their theatrics- they're usually weird for their own enjoyment.

The first photo makes me laugh the hardest because, well, just look at Bear's face. But secondly, because one boy is pulling up and the other is pulling down. Hahahaha.

The Characters

The Tigger photo was taken right after Jojo actually knocked Tigger over from crashing into him with the worlds most insanely energetic hug. It was kind of hilarious.

The Rides

Notice the posed surprised face we all have on the Splash Mountain photo. Even Jojo did it!

Jeff, the big boys, and I all decided that Space Mountain was our favorite ride. Gabers and Jojo say that Pirates and Winnie the Pooh were theirs.

Disneyland wears you out. Especially when you miss a nap. But all the walking and sounds and excitement definitely proved to be too much for Gabers and he zonked out. Mary pointed out how funny it was that he sound asleep in the middle of the day wearing a festive button that reads:

"I'm Celebrating". Hehehehe.

Jeff has a very fond memory of going to Disneyland with his paternal Grandfather. He was so exhausted at the end of the day his grandpa carried little Jeff out of the park sleeping on his shoulder. When he and I realized that little Jojo's grandpa was doing the same thing, we had to get a photo. This is one of my favorite pictures from the trip.

Stools

2010-03-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

Do you see them? Do you?! Aren't they beautiful? Comfy?
I love them so much!!!

You may think I'm insane for being so excited for stools. But you know don't know how much these little babies mean to me, do you? Well, let me tell you, when Jeff and I bought our cute little house we were so in love with it. It was ours. Our kitchen, our walls, our bathroom, our grass, our trees, OURS. We didn't care about the upkeep of an old house or other minor inconveniences like having no outlets in the bathroom.

Our house is 90 years old- it has the original doors and hardware on the upstairs rooms, you know the knobs with the skeleton keyholes that you can see through? So cute (although not always very private:-). The kitchen had been remodeled with LOTS of cabinets and counter space- I still love love love my kitchen- with one exception. When the kitchen was remodeled they put in a big island and rather than leave space for a table, they just put four chairs at the island rather than lose the storage space that the island created. So Jeff and I and our two boys enjoyed that seating situation for about a year or two... until we had a baby and lost the seat to him. And then we had another baby. Now we have four kids and four chairs. So for the past 2 years Jeff and I stand for every meal. I've been running around all day, then standing and cooking for an hour and when the meal is served, I continued to stand there and lean over the counter to eat the lasagna and steamed veges I just slaved over. There isn't room in the kitchen for more chairs at the island, the lip that you tuck the chairs up to barely fits the four that are already there. And there isn't a place around the island for any other seats that won't block the fridge or other cabinets if it's left there.

I finally had had enough. These two beauties now sit against the far wall away from the island. When it's time to eat we drag them over and, get this, sit down. WHAT?! I know! We sit down to eat dinner!

I love those stools...

Dinner with our Cousins

2010-03-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

In January we went to have our little bi-yearly dinner with my Cousin Wendy and her family. She made some DEElish chicken and Caesar salad and then we chatted and played some guitar hero. Rick was still in town so he was able to come with us. It was, as always, delightful fun and most certainly worth the 45 minute drive. I wish we did it more often.

Me 'n' Wen getting silly.

Each one of our kids matches up pretty close in age with one of theirs. Except her baby- ain't he cute?

Our two year olds were TRU-BUL. It was funny how cute they were together. (I couldn't fit their horizontal photo in the other collage...)

We ARE guitar heroes. :-)

After we were done rockin' out, we found Paul doing the dishes! What a man.

Right as we were getting coats on the kids Wendy disappeared and came casually gliding into the room on this scooter with out a word- hahahahaha! Then of course it took 15 more minutes to get going because everyone had to try it.

I wish we all lived closer because it's hard to find a couple to hang out with that both spouses get along with. They are one of our favorite families to spend time with. Love you guys!!!

Window Dancing

2010-03-02T16:15:00.000-08:00

Most people know that I'm pretty uninhibited. Most people know that my brother Rick is also. Most people know that I live on a vey busy street. Most people know that Rick and I always manage to create our own brand of fun.

One night in January when we had nuthin' better to do we decided to do a dancing show for all the passersby. It lasted for a good hour. We had no music playing but we didn't need it baby.

Nanos and Max played along too. I wonder how old they'll be when they finally decide that I'm an embarrassment and stop joining in.

FINALLY got my hair done!

2010-03-02T08:29:00.000-08:00

It's been six months since I've had my hair cut and it was beginning to get pretty scraggley. Is scraggely a word? Whatever, it is now.

Here are some before and after photos. Not super exciting, but it feels so good to have it cut now!

This time I was able to go with Sara. Ren overlapped our appointments for us (which wasn't easy for him to do. He even cancelled someone else for us- what a guy!). It was really nice to hang out with them.

Thanks to Ren and Sara for a lovely Saturday morning. :-)

Knock it off Napoleon! Make yer self a dang kaysuhdilluh!

2010-02-22T14:56:00.000-08:00

Today my 2 year old insisted on watching Napoleon Dynamite. So about half way through I joined him and my 4 yr old Jojo on the couch. First of all, that show is still funny. What's even funnier is when Jojo casually said:

"Mom, did you know I can throw a football over the mountains?"

Me: "Really?"

Jojo: "Yep."

Embarrassing story for Shellie

2010-02-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

My newest favorite friend is Shellie Kendrick and she is an absolute professional at making embarrassing moments a hilarious part of my everyday. I can't claim to be able to rival her retelling of her most horrible moments in life, and I can't hope to match the joy she has given me by blogging about them. However, I dedicate this post to her (plus she was all nagging and accusing me that I don't blog often enough for her taste).

Once upon a time, at the tender age of 12, I had a mad crush on a boy. His name was Jayson Kennedy. I drew pictures of him and wrote his name repeatedly all alone in my room while listening to Wilson Philips. He was the coolest boy in 6th grade. I think this was largely due to the fact that he was the only black kid to attend my school in a decade or two, and also because the dude had hair like MC Hammer and a killer running man to match. It was the first time I remember thinking that dancing was hot. Actually at the time I used the word "fine" or "foin". He had a best friend named Jacob Majors. It sounds like a foin name to be sure, but he was the nerdiest looking kid you've ever seen- super blonde hair, glasses so thick he looked cross eyed, and a lisp to boot. But that guy was funny. So we all over looked the dorky exterior cause we really did like him. As a matter of fact, my friend Jennie had a crush on him, and I decided I did too after a while.

At my school, everyone at recess had to get a pass from the Aide to go in and use the restroom. The closest bathroom to the playground was the one in the 6th grade so there was always a 6th grader stationed at the bathroom doors in an authoritative neon orange vest checking for a pass from anyone going into the restroom. The Bathroom Bouncer if you will. This job was highly desirable because it meant that you got to stay there and bum around during all the grade's lunch recesses while the other sixth grade suckers had to go back to class. One fateful day, Jayson Kennedy had this job...

That day little awkward knock-kneed 6th grade Michelle decided to stall doing math so had a sudden need to walk really really slowly to the restroom and carefully study everything on my way as though that was what I was going to be quizzed on when I returned to class. I rounded the corner to the bathroom and there sat Jayson Kennedy, looking as cool as could be, leaned back on two legs of the chair against the red brick wall and donning an orange vest that I was certain was the only person to look that rad in it. He teasingly asked me if I had a pass and I sheepishly nodded and slid past him against the opposite wall trying to hide my flushed cheeks. So since I didn't really have to go to the bathroom I stood at the sink and tried to breath again. Fixed my hair, which I'm now certain was unsalvagable, and then decided to pee anyway... but very quietly because I would be so embarrassed if he heard me. As I exited the bathroom he put his high-topped foot up on the wall while still balancing on two legs of the chair and said "So did you wash your hands?" and gave me a crooked smile. Since I had no idea how to flirt I just said "Uh, yes..." (I hadn't) and waited for him to drop his foot. Then I as I walked past I suddenly had a spurt of sass, a swing in my step, I think I may have even flipped my loose french braid over my shoulder. I disguised my sheepishness so well he couldn't possibly have detected that I like him. And then I walked away on a cloud because holy crap I think he likes me!!! He must! He was being all cute, and did you see that smile? Oh...my...gosh. My cheeks were warm and my pits were getting sweaty for like the 3rd time in my life and I finally had a need for that deodorant I had begged my mom for. And then I realized something... a weird tugging feeling at the back of my waste band. Did I tuck my shirt in funny? So I pulled at the front of my shirt to adjust it. Then I pulled at the front of the elastic waistband of my pink and orange cotton unit. It still felt funny as I walked. So then... I can't say it... it's giving me bad feelings in my heart.... I reached to the back of my waistband to discover a long flowing tail of toilet paper. It was so long that it was dragging on the ground which is what created the funny tugging sensation. I HAD A T.P. TAIL IN FRONT OF JAYSON KENNEDY. Someone please just kill me. I was walking all sassy and it was probably swinging like I was a freaking cat... a rough one ply toilet paper cat.

HOW could this have happened? I'm now assuming that as I stood up to pull up my pants at the toilet that the long strip of t.p. hanging from the roll got caught in my waistband and as I walked away to go not wash my hands (cause I was in 6th grade and I was gross) it just kept pulling off the roll until it finally broke. But at the time, I didn't care how it happened, I just cared that it had. I balled it up in my fist behind my back without looking at that horrible horrible sight as fast as I could (which seemed to take a shocking amount of time and I envisioned that it stretched from my pants all the way back to the bathroom where Jayson K. was laughing and deciding when to tell the whole grade). I slunk into my desk and stuffed it into my tote tray.

I don't remember what happened after that. I may have blacked out from shame. From riding on the shame train. The shame train of toilet paper.

But you know what? No one ever said a word about it, not even Jayson Kennedy. That's the kind of classy guy he was.

Just Beachy

2010-02-18T15:45:00.000-08:00

On our last night in CA for Christmas we went out on the rocky levy at low tide to see what sea life we could find. There was about a bamillion sea stars and tiny mussel thingers clinging to the rocks. It was crazy cool.

The funniest part was when Jeff wasn't watching the ocean and it's rage and he got totally douched by a wave. HA!

We only had about 20 minutes before we lost the sun, but it was spectacular. I love how the ocean looks purple in this one...

...and hot pink in this one. My brothers in law were out boogie boarding at the same moment and said that it was awesome to be out on the water when it looked this way.

Beach Boys

2010-02-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

For Christmas Jeff's parents helped us all go to Oceanside for the break from school. My boys LOVE the beach. These are just a few of my favorite shots- they're worth clicking on to enlarge.

Christmas morning

2010-02-03T12:48:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas morning with kids. It's magical and exciting. I'm sure when they aren't around it will be a lot of sleeping in and relaxing, but I love the excitement for now.

We usually have gifts for the boys unwrapped under the tree to make it visually thrilling when they walk in the room. Both Nanos and Max love chess, so that was their unwrapped gift.

And Jojo and Gabers got a vintage collection of Fisher Price Little People that I retrieved for $Free.99 from my mother's basement(Thanks again Mom!). They freaking love this and play with it ALL THE TIME.

On Christmas morning I go into the living room first and Jeff holds back the crowd, then on my signal he lets them loose youngest to oldest so I can capture that moment of surprise on camera. So sweet!

Up for a game, anyone?

2010-02-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

This photo may give one the impression that this is just a nice friendly family game of cards...
(Left the right around the table: Jeff, and his brothers, Stephen, Phid, and Halley.)

...but you'd be sorely mistaken. However, not as sore as the guys are. Instead of betting money, they bet in indian burns.

Another twisted version of Abbott brother's play is the way they play "Guess Who?". You know, the 20 questions style game where kids have to guess which character the other has chosen.

Well, rather than asking standard questions like "Does your person have a moustache?", or "Is your person a boy or a girl?", Jeff and his brothers ask questions like this:

(These are direct quotes here people)

"Has your person ever participated in plural marriage?"

"Does your person have poor self esteem?"

"Does your person have backne?"

"Has your person ever been on America's Most Wanted?"

"Has your guy ever had a date in his whole life?"

"Has your person washed his hair in the last month?"

"Has Stephen King ever based a character on your guy?"

I think you get the picture. The rest of us try not to ask too many questions, it's much much too easy to pokes holes in their logic... mostly because there is none. However, the astonishing part is that they can usually guess the correct person based on these inane questions.

You may be asking yourself why Jeff is playing "Guess Who" with a homeless guy, it's actually his brother Philip who decided (to our displeasure) not to shave or do his hair while on our vacation over Christmas break. One word: FANCY.

Honest Abe

2010-02-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

Jojo's new favorite game is playing "Abraham Lincoln". He does it a few times a week. I'm not certain he knows much about good old Abe except that he was a president and he's on a penny (his other new favorite thing: money).

When Gabers saw this photo of his big brother dressed up, he shouted out, "A hobo!".

Doesn't every four year old boy admire former presidents of the United States?

Jojo in Boots

2009-12-18T17:22:00.000-08:00

I raided Sheryl's DI bags and found these cowboy boots that Jojo absolutely fell in love with. I don't know what it is, but I think it's SO STINKIN' CUTE how much a loves them. He wears them to school, church, and yes, even first thing in the morning with his jammies. AWWWW!

Dude, where's my car?

2009-12-18T17:10:00.000-08:00

Gabers was playing with a motorized car track set today. I walked away and moments later he was crying. I couldn't find his car, and he couldn't articulate his problem.

Oh, wait, look! There it is. See it?

Here, now can you? HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Poor Mupp. That hair can be somewhat of a curse.

Our Thanksgiving...

2009-12-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

For more than 6 years Jeff has been grilling whole turkeys. They are deeeeelish. And the great part is that they cook in about 3-4 hours rather than the 6-8 hours it takes in an oven.

This year the big 'ole bird was cooking up beautifully.... until it happened. 20 minutes before it was done, there was a grease fire, or that's what we assume because we never saw it. Maybe some mean person sneaked into our backyard with a blowtorch or some accelerants and torched it. I guess we'll never know.

Our Thanksgiving ham was delicious.

New Moon

2009-12-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

I resisted the bandwagon as long as could, but when my friends were squealing with delight and came to pick me up, I decided to jump aboard for the fun... and it always is!

Some of my friends bought twilight themed shirts, but since I'm too cheap and don't care enough to spend the money, I decided to be festive and gave myself a vampire bite mark.

Here we are some of us at dinner. Chrissy showed up with a cardboard cutout! HAHAHAHA! It was hilarious, and I'm sure the other restaurant patrons were thoroughly annoyed.

We waited in line for a little over an hour. It's really a big part of the fun, since spending time talking is one of our favorite things to do. We waited about an hour and we had good seats.

We bestowed the "Edward" to Vashti (who joined us after a performance in her Hillcrest HS musical- stage make-up and all!) as a keepsake of the evening.
Even though I think the whole Twilight Saga craze is sometimes a little exaggerated, it really is so much fun to giggle and hang out with my friends. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!

MUPP

2009-12-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

This is the hair that has earned this child the new nickname of Mupp. This floppy flyaway mop of hair looks just like a muppet's when he's running around the house or singing to himself and bobbing his head back and forth.

Do you think we'll still be calling him Mupp when he's in High school?

Where's Gabers?

2009-11-12T13:51:00.000-08:00

The other day I took the two little boys to storytime at the library. It was a jungle theme and it was so cute. They always love storytime. Afterward when I was checking out the stack of books they selected (ha! selected... that implies some sort of thought or intent as they crammed random books in the bag), Gabers wandered off. Jojo informed me that he had gone downstairs which he isn't supposed to do. All that is downstairs are offices, meeting rooms, and set of shelves with books for sale. I went to look for him and I called and called his name and couldn't find him....

But then I did....

Look how funny he thinks it is! Okay... it was funny.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-12T13:20:00.000-08:00

I loved Halloween this year! All of our festivities were spread out over three days. Usually I run around like a crazy person from one place to another on Halloween and it's exhausting. It was so nice to have regular meals and naps for the little ones so we could have happy kids- after all this holiday is for them... mostly.

Our boys chose their own costumes and fortunately they were fairly simple to create from finds at Savers and some fabric remnants. Nanos was a disco dude, and he actually looked kind of handsome, so I'm making him be a pumpkin or something cute next year because I refuse to let him get any older. Bear was a chef and he totally loved it! I made his trick or treat bag to look like a pot of soup and it opened like a flap for candy deposit and retrieval. Jojo was The CUTEST Man With The Yellow Hat and carried his Curious George. I loved his oversized cartoony tie! And Gabers was able to fit into Nanos' old Mr. Peanut costume and Jeff and I (and a surprising amount of other people) were delighted that it finally fit another one of our boys. It is probably our all time favorite Halloween costume (special props go to my mom, Grandma Judy, for making it so well!)

Jeff wore a Frankenstein head and I was Little Dead Riding Hood. I usually don't have time to costume myself when I'm running around so much, but it was fun to do something this year. I included a photo of Jeff's parents because I think they're so funny! Jeff's mom is a witch and his Dad is a neanderthal - I wish they'd been able to wear costumes. HAHAHAHA!!! Kidding, my mother in law should have dressed like an angel and my FIL should have been a... pun.

Here I am with my beloved Sarah-lula just bein' dorks. She's an 80's diva and apparently has a wide range of expressions, where as I have but one.

On Halloween night we first went "trick or treating" at our church for an hour and my parents and siblings always join us. I wish I could have gotten photos of everyone, my nieces and nephews looked awesome. Check out my mom's crazy cool lashes! Holla to Joannie, Missy and Kristie who are these photos!

After we were done at the church, we went real trick-or-treating in Jeff's parent's neighborhood. They have the BEST trick-or-treating neighborhood EVER. There were people every where and the houses are decorated and well lit. It's just fun. I've bragged about our great Halloween events so often that my cousin Wendy and Paul and their family decided to join us this year- I love them and their ADORABLE kids and I'm so glad they drove from Heber to come with us!

Kristie's Family

2009-11-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share these photos I took of my friend Kristie and her cute family (Justin, Kai, and Bailey).

Awwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!

Sigh...

2009-10-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

Two boys, two different days, two similar disasters, ONE culprit.

Who can guess why Jojo is BANNED from yogurt?

Two questions remain for me: 1- why would a person think of using yogurt as a weapon? 2- Why does Gabers just sit there and take it without complaint?

Twinners

2009-10-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

My boys have recently decided they love to wear matching clothes. These two usually are the planners. They go through everything they have to find the thing that they think matches the closest. Then they jump out from around a corner and say "Ta-da!". I must admit it's pretty freaking cute when they're standing there all matchy, arms outstretched, grinning in self satsifaction.

I wonder if any other 4th graders would find it socially acceptable to wear matching outfits with their younger siblings. But since they go to different school I suppose it really doesn't matter.

Funny Strangers

2009-10-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

I drove past this after I dropped my kids off at school. I laughed out loud, got out, and took a picture.

Thank you funny stranger, for making my morning a little more laughy.

Meg 'n' Chels

2009-09-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

As a birthday gift, my triplet sisters (the other two are identical and I'm fraternal- it's very rare) took me out to see Chels in her show. It was pretty much awesome.

Now, here we see Meg and I doing a self-inflicted photo. I typically love how these turn out.

See. Don't we look cute? But undoubtedly, some good citizen always comes along and offers to help us take our photo...

And THIS is what happens. We laughed ourselves sick over this picture, it was so funny to us at 10pm. So I'm actually grateful that this horrible photo was taken. So, thank you kind stranger, who ever you are, for taking this awful picture of us.

Hahahahaha! Okay, I'm laughing again, it must be funny at 2:30 in the afternoon too. I look like I'm tasting something terrible and Meg looks like she has something in her eye. We totally missed the mark on a cute winking picture. Hahahahahaha!

Here is Chels (in the middle) during the final curtain call. I'd like to mention that this is right after I was dragged onto stage for an "audience participation" number and forced to ad lib a devil dance while playing a washboard with a stick. Yeah, that's right, you heard me. It was supposed to be completely random selection from the audience- apparently not. She ganged up with Ed (who my brother and I knew in high school) to put me intentionally in the aisle seat for easy access for just this situation. Happy Freakin' Birthday to me. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!

Chels, Me, and Meg. I wish I'd gotten their gorgeous giant eyes.

Oh, yeah, here's Ed. He did a good job in the show, he's a long time pro at Desert Star. However, I think he's still in the dog house for bringing me up on stage. Ed, Don't think I didn't noticed that mischievous delighted look in your eyes as you were taking me from my comfortable anonymous seat and onto the bright stage full of strangers. Brat... :-)

Thank you Meg and Chels for such a fun night. I only wish it had lasted longer! Let's start our next "Triplets Night Out" earlier than 9:30, and lets do something where we can actually talk to Chels while she's entertaining us. Love you!

OUCH.

2009-09-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

When he smacks his head, he does it right.

Who ya gonna call?

2009-09-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

I don't know who did this or why. But I like to send a message out there into cyberspace.

Dear Person Who's Car I Passed In A Parking Lot,

You. Are. Awesome. Congratulations on being dedicated to being original, funny, and doing what ever the crap you think is cool.

You win. I don't know what you win, you just do.

What the butter?

2009-09-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

What could possibly have happened to this half stick of frozen butter? I had it out because I was cooking dinner while the kids were outside playing in the dirt. Then I turned around and it was open and mangled. Poor little butter.

EW. I threw the butter away immediately after I saw these little hands.

Baby Rae

2009-08-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

These are the photos I took of my new neice. She's so perfect!

Congratulations Laura and Nick!!!

Summah time, summah time, sum, sum, summah time

2009-07-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

So it would appear to someone that only knew me through my blog that we didn't have a summer at all. As though perhaps we'd entered some sort of worm hole or time continuum that caused us to skip time and go from one school year right into another. Quite the contrary actually. So here are some of our summer goings-on.

Bear bear in coach-pitch baseball. Awwww. It was so cute. He got a hit every time he was at bat (except the one time they had to break out the tee for him...).

Nearly every Tuesday has been "Park Day" with the cousins from my family and Jeff's. It's always a different crowd, but its been really fun to have the little cousins from both sides of the family all play together.

We've been having "Friday Night Swim Party" with Jeff's family nearly every friday since May. It's been great to have a regularly scheduled time to get together.

Our Fourth of July was pretty fun. We went to the Sandy city celebration with a bunch of people (Mortensens, Hortins, Gadds, etc...) to see the festivities and fireworks show.

My brother, Rick, was here visiting for a MONTH! It was so nice to see him on a regular basis. We went hiking a couple of times and the boys loved it. Uncle Nate came with us once too, and boy, I was so glad because I could not have carried the little ones the way the uncles did.

One of my fondest childhood memories is all the time my Dad spent with us at the University of Utah Natural History Museum. We took the kiddos a few weeks ago. They had a really cool frogs display with amphibians from all over the world. And of course the standard dinosaur bones are always the favorite. The museum still has the dark and musty smelling diamond mine and the money eating dinosaur sticking out of the wall... "Hi, my name is Al. Feeeeed me money. Mmmmm. That tastes gooooood." I love that place!

A few weeks ago we visited "This Is The Place Heritage Park". I thought it was a little pricey, but it was well worth it. The boys absolutely loved doing pioneer chores (why do they think hand-washing laundry and beating rugs is easier than putting away toys?), and learning how to card wool, and play that hoop 'n' stick game. We rode a train, and saw a old west quick draw gun fight, pet lambs and goats and oxen calves, saw Brigham Young's house, and had a pony ride. It not just for kids either, Jeff and I enjoyed learning the history and seeing the old structures that began our valley home.

Okay, I have about a bamillion more photos of stuff, but you get the idea. So clearly no worm hole entrance here, although that would have been a cool adventure too.

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

2009-06-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

(Michelle Rose Grove...circa 1994)

It's my big day, so tell me how much you LOOOOOOVE me and all my awesomeness!!

I want a record amount of comments today!
For REALZZZZZ.

Love, Michelle.
(This is totally me typing.)

For My Jeff

2009-06-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

Jeff is out of town this week. I hate it. I miss him everyday. This post is for him so he doesn't miss out on laughing at our funny little boys.

This is my Bear and me at his school.

Our cute four boys lookin' at water. Why aren't they as excited to stare at water in other forms?

This is the day that Jojy decided it was much more fun to paint his little brother rather than the paper he was given.Then he disappeared and let Gabey take the heat for it. I can't leave them alone for a second...

This was the Saturday before Mother's Day. Poor little Jojy fell on his knees at Home Depot when we were choosing flowers for grandmas.

The rest of the boys enjoyed choosing flowers. Jojy still couldn't muster a smile after his injury.

If it looks as though Nanos is in a garbage can- it's because he is. Actually, it's the recycling bin, so it's not as gross. Doesn't he look happy? Hahahaha.

How was that Honey?

Saturday Memorial Day

2009-05-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

We went to visit my Grandma's, and Jeff's Grandparent's and sister's graves on Saturday. The weather was perfect. We talked about family history, eternal families, and did rubbings of the headstones. It's an important tradition in my family and we've had to miss it for a couple years so it was nice to participate.

This photo would be so sad if this headstone was for someone we actually knew.

They looked so cute taking break on this gravemarker that I snapped a photo.

Then we all got in there- is that disrespectful? I figured no, because it was family time, but maybe other people looked at us and thought we were horrible.

If you think I'm terrible, don't tell me, what's done is done.

Playing In The Yard

2009-05-25T18:46:00.000-07:00

We have a great yard for little boys. So much adventure to be had- diggin' holes, climbin' trees, the creek, bridge, rope swing, space for a baseball game. We honestly spent probably 8 or 9 hours straight in the yard on Memorial Day. It was great.

Is it me, or are these boys so handsome????

Nanos Gets a Guitar

2009-05-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

This was such a great moment and I couldn't wait to share these pictures. I love this kid. He's been saving, and saving his money to buy a guitar and he thought he wasn't even close to affording one, so when I surprised him with it, it was priceless. He did have to pay for half (an exercise in responsibility) which he gladly handed over to me today. It's something that's really his, that he bought. I hope he continues to love it as much as he has the past 24 hours.

I always look at my oldest son and think how big he's getting. Until I look at this photo- that guitar drowns him! Hahaha! He seems to handle it pretty well though, and play the few things he knows. He'll just keep on growing at an alarming rate, and I'm fairly certain at some point we'll have to commission the creation of some larger guitar just so he can keep playing. :-)

Thank you again to Neil who sold this to us for a great deal. We'll always be grateful to you for Nano's first guitar.

Sister's Retreat

2009-05-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

Jeff's sisters, Olivia and Sarah, planned a Sister's Retreat Slumber Party for us. It was so much fun!

First Mom treated us to dinner at Zuppas, then we had some girly craft time where Carol planned flip-flop decorating and Ashley taught us how to make hair bow clips. I made dragonfly barrettes for my nieces (now my sisters won't be surprised)- so cute right?

Modeling our creations...

Getting silly...

And if you're an obnoxious brother and you invade our estrogen filled space: watch out...

We listened to music and laughed and joked and stayed up until 2am. In the morning Mom made us waffles topped with strawberries, huckleberries and raspberries. Holy deeeelish. It was all so great and I can't wait until we plan something again! Saaaaay, next weekend? I wish. :-)

Thanks for all the fun girls!!!

So sweet.

2009-05-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

I just love his beautiful little face. That's all.

My Band

2009-05-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we're not a band. But we do sing together every week. Well, we plan on singing together, but for half the time we're together we end up talking or laughing or crying- whatever we may need that week. We all really do love to sing- it's good for the soul, and if I do say so myself- we rock. :-)

This was mid-April when we sang in my parent's ward. Left to right- Kandis, Robyn, Missy, Christine, Kristi, ME!

This was in March. We were singing "Down Mexico Way" for a RS Fiesta, so we tried to look somewhat festive by wearing red lipstick, cotton skirts, and bare feet. Most people thought we were trying to look Hawaiian. Hmph.

Kristi, Me, Kandis

Kandis and Me.

I have one thing to say: why are my friends so freaking pretty???? I mean seriously. I should add that not only are they beautiful, but they are really good friends to me. Supportive, kind, thoughtful, playful, fun, with depth and warmth.

Oh, and a shout out to our newest recruit Heidi!

I really treasure my time with them each week because I just know it can't last forever.

Jojy's Birthday!

2009-05-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

When a boy turns four, it's magical how easy it is to make his birthday just perfect with $25 in gifts from Target. Hahaha.
Just look at his sweet little face, he's thrilled with everything.

(Please overlook some of the girly-ness of his gifts- we're hoping it's a phase. :-)

He's been sad lately because, and I quote, "all of my brother's have a bear and I don't", so Grandma picked him up and took him to Build-a-Bear. You can see how pleased he was. Of course, Grandma did have to distract him from choosing the Hello Kitty outfit for his bear. THANK YOU GRANDMA...

But I gave in on his request for his cake. Oh, well.

When I asked him which piece he wanted to eat, he asked for Hello Kitty's face. Okay...

(I have to mention that a couple days later, Grandma Judy gave him a robe just like his big brother's. It's very cowboyish and I'm glad because it balances out some of the pink and purple stuff he's been liking lately. :-)

Nanos needs a guitar.

2009-05-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

Look at this cute boy. He's nine and a half and his dream is to learn to play guitar. Anytime we're with someone who owns a guitar you'll be sure to see him with his arms around it, strumming away- playing and replaying chords his cousin Davis taught him. I've been looking for one we can afford but it's beginning to feel impossible. I'm not buying a super nice new one for him just to learn on. We're hoping to find a used one. I've searched classifieds and Craigs list, but with no luck. My brother Scott told me that the way they were able to find one for Davis was by putting the word out there and when someone came across a guitar they were getting rid of they already had them in mind.

So that's what I'm doing. I'm putting out the word that we want yours, or your brother's, or your sister's boyfriend's, or your neighbor's used guitar that they don't use or need.

Let us know!!!

Sensational Sarah

2009-04-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

Sarah is my sister-in-law, but I've known her since before her 5th birthday. I've watched her grow into one of the most amazing people I know. She is thoughtful and sensitive and humble and smart and fun and I couldn't love her more. She's truly one of my most favorite people in the world. Aside from all that she's just so darn beautiful!

Sarah and her teacher, Jack Ashton.

Sarah is only 15 and she is a VERY accomplished violinist. She's incredible, it truly is a gift. She's a sophomore and in the Concert and Chamber orchestra's at her high school. This week she performed a solo concerto with full orchestra.

I know this is a long clip (8 minutes), but if you are patient you can see my favorite parts at about minute 3 and then again around minute 6. Sorry the video gets a little shaky- it's hard to keep it still while crying and/or clapping.

I also want some special attention paid to my mother-in-law, Mary, who has raised such a musical, talented family. Her dedication to her children's education is phenomenal. All of her ten children play the piano, and many of them play additional instruments. Some have been things they just tried for a while (like the clarinet, bass, and trumpet) and others instruments they continue to play in their adulthood (including violin, viola, cello, piano and organ). But whether is was sports, academics, singing, or instruments she has always been an unfailing and selfless support.

I'm so proud of you SARAH!

Bear Bear's Birthday

2009-04-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

It seemed like Bear Bear's birthday lasted for days. Lucky.

A few days before the "big 06" Grandma Judy and Grandpa Gary threw him his own little party. Decorations, a cake he got to help frost, and a scavenger hunt. He's been begging me for a robe for months, so Grandma Judy took on that project and made him this Ute robe that he didn't take off for a week.

Encouraged to get silly.

On his actual birthday he got to pick every meal, and do pretty much whatever he wanted. He got a few small gifts, and I was planning on getting him something big and cool later that day, but he was so pleased with what he gave him, we skipped the big one.

He sweetly let his excited little brother help him unwrap his gifts. Awwww.

That night he requested a picnic at the park and pirate cupcakes.

He insisted that some of them have pink on them because some of his girl cousins would be there. Jojy loved the pink ones the best.
THEN the next day Grandma Abbott picked him up after school, and took him for a book day: A long visit to the library and a new book of his own. He couldn't have loved it more! He's really really into reading, especially about science and wild life. Then he spent the rest of the evening with her too.

He felt very special, and really that's the point.

The Egg Drop

2009-04-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

Nanos had his "egg drop" project last week: make a contraption at home that will protect an egg from cracking when dropped off the school roof. So Jeff and Nanos came up with this:

Fill a bouncey ball with foam insulation, then wrap the egg in a sponge and duct tape the ball back together.

It worked! The egg was safe and sound.

I loves me some girly time.

2009-04-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

As anyone with four boys knows (there are a few of you out there), girl time is very valuable. I LOVE my little men, (and my big man too) but sometimes I need to giggle and chat and be surrounded by people in pink and jewelry. :-)

So we got who could and had dinner at Zupas (I love this place now!) and hit the dollar theaters. Economical and fun.

Melinda, Kandis, Kristie, Me, Aleece

Oooh, the evil red eyes. I coulda fixed it, but nah. I look derf in this one, but my friends are pretty cute.

Ron's in Town!

2009-04-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

These are some of my friends I've had since I was fifteen years old. I hate calling them my high school friends because they aren't. I do have "high school" friends, the ones I had then, but have since not spent much time with. These are the ones that have stayed with me all along. We have adult friendships now. However, at times, we really don't act like adults.

Ron moved to Japan with his beautiful wife Saori and was back in the US for the first time in four years. We were thrilled to see them!

This, of course, as you all know is my BFF Sheryl. Ain't she pretty?

This is Matt. I'm totally diggin' his hair right now.

This is Neil. He looks so handsome when he laughs. I, however, look a little derf in this one.

And of course, Ron. I think adulthood suits him nicely. It was so nice to see him and meet his gorgeous little boys.

Matt and I, having no shame, took some idiotic photos of ourselves.

Then for this one Matt decided, for his own selfish enjoyment, to make me think he was pulling a face and then looked cute and normal. Thus making me look even more ridiculous. It worked. And then we laughed until I nearly vomited. I told you we weren't really all that adult.

I lifted this collage from Sheryl's blog, cause the only group shot I got with my camera is out of focus.

Aaaaahhhhh. It's so great to see them.

Ren Rocked My Hair

2009-04-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

I look like I have black eyes in this picture, bad lighting? I dunno. But I love my hair. Three shades darker it is now what I wish my natural color was. And the blonde streak is just for sass.

What do you think? Hot touch or too much?

Jojy's staples

2009-04-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

Yup. Staples. I think in a house with four boys, these things are inevitable. Sigh...

He was really good gettin' em put in, and havin' em taken out. He was polite, didn't wiggle, and I'm sure he didn't mind all the attention he got from the whole thing.

**My apologies. I didn't explain: It's really not very interesting, but Jojy and Bear were wrestling around on the floor like cubs and Jojy fell against a corner. He cried for maybe a minute and then was rather calm throughout the rest. Doesn't he look so cute and little on that exam bed?**

Gabey loves Nate...

2009-04-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

He just does. I might even venture to say that Gabey is obsessed with Nate. He asks for him every morning, he thinks he sees him every where we go, and now every time he puts on a hat he shouts "I'n Nate!".

It's super cute.

Winter blues... forever....

2009-03-29T16:39:00.000-07:00

Apparently winter isn't going to end this year since it's March 29 and we had a freaking blizzard today. Whatever. I'm trying to remember times when the fact that it was snowing didn't send me into a blind rage. Maybe it will help me feel better about it. Doubtful, but maybe.

This was right after Christmas. I was watching them play from my window, but that only lasted about ten minutes. They were just so cute that I had to get out there and play with them. And naturally the camera came too.

Jojy did a lot better than I anticipated. This is probably the most upset he got.

And this after I wiped the snow off his face.

My sweet Bear-bear.

Funny little snow angel.
Nanos coming down the "Hillery Hill" on the boys' new Christmas sled.

Nope. I don't feel any better about the snow. But my boys are very cute. And that's a nice distraction.

What the?!

2009-03-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

Oh! Here's my blog! I was lost, and I couldn't find my way here. Whew. Everything's okay now, I can post again.

Look at my cute little family at the Draper Temple Open House. Ain't they sweet?

I Survived the Ward Game Show

2009-03-22T19:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the photos of the Third Ward Game Show! Before I begin explaining them, I have to give a shout out to our impromptu photographer. I know there is a very slim chance you'll read this, but THANK YOU JORDAN BRYNER! I handed my camera to Jordan and his new bride right before we began and he got great photos. I'm so pleased!

(Remember, to see the photos better, just click on them to get a larger view. Some of these photos will enlarge and some won't, I don't know why. Sorry!)

Of course any great game show show needs a great, cheesy host; please welcome Groovey Gary! (applause). And what would he be with out his lovely assistants and a whole crew to keep it running smoothly? I love working with this fun committee, I wish I could have gotten pictures of all of you!

The Oldy Wed Game. One word: HI-larious.

Ride 'Em Cowboy. You wouldn't believe the competitiveness the men mustered for this!

Pantyhose Polo. Objective: With pantyhose tied to your waists, swing the orange to hit the ball to the finish line. Difficulty level: high.

Who Nose? My boy actually painted a pretty cute smiley face. He even has talent on the tip of his nose.

Colander Catch. How many marshmallows can you and your partner get into your colander?
Wendy and Joyce would have surely won if hers hadn't fallen off her head half way through! Dang. (Great action shot here Jordan!)

The Spelling Test. Participants had letters on their backs and bellies and tried to spell the given words before the other team. The winning team is pictured.

Don't Kandis and Heidi look just as cute from behind as they do from the front? Hehehe.

Jump-a-thon. Who jumps rope the best in 2 minutes?

At Your Service. It's not easy to bounce a tennis ball on a racket with an apron and oven mitts on! Jay Forbush didn't win, but he was my favorite to watch!

Beach Ball Shuffle. First, I'd like to say, I love these two women! Janet and Kristie, these photos make my heart so happy.

The contestants were supposed to kick a ball around the entire audience while wearing goggles and flippers. Sounds funny already. Just wait until Janet fell...

And when Kristie stopped to help her up, Janet intentionally pulled Kristie down to the floor. Hahahaha. It was a riot.

Once some of the stage crew got them back up, they were off again...

But my Tayva still won!!! And my poor Jacqui's ball rolled under a table and it took her so long to get it, that when she finally crossed the finish line, no one noticed! Jacqui, I noticed! I was so proud you kept at it! You baby girls are my new heros.

Battle Of The Sexes. Men, what are sling backs? Women, name a race care driver that isn't Mario Andretti.After 5 questions for both the men and the women, it ended in a tie, which was broken by good old fashioned "rock, paper, scissors".

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is my absolute favorite photo of the night. Clearly, Lamar won, and Kandis is less than pleased.

Jordan, I love this photo. It's brilliant. A perfectly captured moment. Look how Kandis' hair is still swining, Curtis is pumping his fist in the air, Corriane winces in pain at the loss, Groovey Gary and Kassandra-Vanna are both laughing. You can practically hear Lamar's "Aaaaaaahhhh, yeeeeeeeah".

This photo really shows how much fun we all had. I love this ward family!!!

And then naturally, every good LDS social function must end with home made goodies. Mmmm.

What were your favorite memories from that night? And if you weren't there, I'm sorry, you missed out! Come next time, I'm personally inviting you.

The Hollies

2009-02-09T09:26:00.000-08:00

This is my friend Holly. She moved to Australia. I love her. She has Pica. It's a disorder where you want to nibble rocks or dirt. She also loves chocolate. For her going away gift I made some chocolate drizzled slate pieces for her. She nibbles slate when she's stressed. She ate this entire box of chocolates in her first week in Australia. Hahahahaha. I love that Holzy.

This is what Jeff and I gave the kids for Christmas. She's a teddy bear hamster, and the boys named her Holly because of the holiday. They all love playing with her, and watching her climb the sides of her cage, and laughing when she falls. Gabey calls her Wah-wah and insists on telling her goodnight before he goes to bed. She's been a cute addition to our household.

2009-02-09T08:50:00.000-08:00

Jojy loves my foot. He calls it Toby and talks to it and giggles if I wiggle my toes. If I'm sitting at the computer, or on the couch, or my bed, or making dinner, or any other activity where I might be in one place for a bit, he sits down next to my foot to have a conversation with Toby. He shows Toby his toys or drawings and tell Toby stories.

There you have it. My children confirm to me with their daily actions that their parent's weirdness did not skip a generation.

Torch it.

2009-01-09T15:59:00.000-08:00

My men and I spent days making our little Christmasy-gingerbreadish house. It was fun. But after all of the sugar my family has consumed since Halloween, I thought it best to discard this without eating it.

Then Bear suggest we "light it on fire". We all laughed, but then I realized it wasn't such a bad idea. Naturally, my pyro husband agreed. We all cheered as it went up in flames. I think we have ourselves a new tradition.

Isn't it beautiful? (click on image to see the progression)

Christmas Eve

2009-01-08T10:11:00.000-08:00

My little darlings frosting cookies for Santa.

This is right before bed in their new Christmas Eve jammies.

These are some of the only pictures we shot during the Christmas season. I'm doing so many things in December that I always forget to take photos. You'd think it'd be the opposite, that I'd want to capture all those precious moments with my boys, but apparently, I'm an idiot. Oh, well, at least I've come to grips with it.

Mr. No-Pants

2009-01-08T10:01:00.000-08:00

He's all about Peek-a-boo and high fashion. Tre chic, no?

5k with Sara

2008-12-28T20:23:00.000-08:00

My Sara and I ran the Cottonwood Heights Thanksgiving Day 5k. She's a marathon runner, so I know it wasn't much of an accomplishment for her, but I was so glad I did it. It was SO nice to get out there in the brisk air and get some exercise to justify the pie we know we'd be eating later that day!

She shamed me just a bit because she had a baby two months before. I'd NEVER attempt to run a 5k that soon after having a baby, but it's pretty safe to say she's tougher than.

Sara, thanks for getting me out there. Love you!

Sadie and Ann

2008-12-28T20:07:00.000-08:00

The day before Thanksgiving I was able to meet up with two of my dear friends that I've known since I was 15. Ann and Sadie both live out of state and I treasure time I get with them. We have the kind of friendship where I may not see them for years at a time, but when we're back together we fall right back in with each other; laughing, and offering me supportive advice, and passing our plates around to each other to taste all the yummy seafood!

We met at a restaurant for lunch where Ann gave me these and another pair of adorable earrings she made. (pictured below)

Sadie's sweet hubby, Sean joined us too. I'm glad he did. It's so nice to see them together and how happy they seem to be.

Check out the cute earrings we're all wearing!

Thank you, thank you, Sadie and Ann for making time for me!

Halloween

2008-11-30T18:12:00.000-08:00

I thought I should hurry and post my Halloween pics before December officially starts. Check the post date, it's still November for 4 1/2 more hours.

My kiddos wore a few different costumes over the 2 days of Halloween events because they just couldn't decide which one they liked best.

The pilot and pirate. This is what they wore at Nanos school while watching the parade. I'm diggin' the kids' mustaches, but the poor Black Pearl has seen better days...

Nanos and his best friend in their class. They are so freaking cute.

On our way to the church for indoor trick-or-treating. The kids love this because they know most of the people, and they hit the sugar-coma jack pot in less than an hour. Honestly, they walked away with several pounds of candy each.

Jojy looks so cute as Elvis!!!! He loved wearing it too. Even though he has no idea who Elvis is, he proudly declared it when asked. I also taught him to tell people "Thank yuh, thank yuh veruh much"- surprisingly he actually said it a lot and soaked up the laughter and attention. Not usually his thing, so it was even more fun for me to watch.

Bear as a "Wild Thing". Very appropriately dressed. ;-)

The baby "King Max" and his Daddy. Sure the baby is adorable and all, but look at Jeff- swoon! He is so handsome!

My niece as Minnie Mouse. Awwww. I especially love the cartoony shoes! I wish I'd gotten better pictures of her.

My nephews as Mario and Luigi. Why do I think mustaches on kids are so HI-larious? And yes, my mother made every costume you see here. She's pretty awesome.

These two pics were after our outdoor trick-or-treating with Jeff's family. I just love this costume, this is my third child to wear it because I love it so much!

We still have a ridiculous amount of candy left. I'm ready to throw it away. Thankfully the kids are good about it and haven't throw one fit about me mixing everyone's candy together or restricting it's consumption. Whew. My kids are awesome.

Home made Apple Pie...mmmmm

2008-11-25T10:42:00.000-08:00

Clearly, I've dropped the ball on blogging our trip. I'm going to take my friend's advice and create a web album, it will be MUCH easier and faster for people to view if they're interested. Moving on....

The other day after school Bear asked if we could make an apple pie. Um, I NEVER bake pies, but sure, let's give it the old college try.... er, whatever. Here are the results.

I prefer a peach, or berry, or chocolatey cream pie normally, but this turned out pretty dang good. Go us!!!

The Food

2008-11-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

When we decided to go to the Piazza Novana for dinner we had no idea we'd be attacked by restaurant managers as we passed their displayed menus. We got good at walking away after the first few, but then there seemed to be an all out battle between two of the managers. Looking back, it was kind of funny how the one guy kept talking trash about the other, but honestly it was stressful. And then after we'd made our decision, the other manager kept giving us the stink eye. Whatever dude, you lost, take it like a man.

The food was good. Amy Waldron was right, everything tasted good, everything was beautiful. However, my absolute most favorite thing I ate was bruschetta (I got corrected on my pronunciation of this word "brew-sketta"). I LOVED this more than anything. I had a few different kinds, and all of them were exquisite. There isn't any in these pictures because it was always quickly devoured.

The were two other foods I loved. #1- The tomatoes. NO WONDER these people have so many foods based around tomatoes. If they tasted like this in the U.S., I'd eat them at every meal too! For those of you that know me, or even read this blog, you'll know that I have some issues with tomatoes, so you may understand how good these would have to be when you hear me say that I ate a tomato like an apple. It's true. I did. Even I was surprised.

#2-Gelato. MMMMMMM. So good. We ate this stuff every day. No joke. There was a gelateria at every corner! We never had to walk more than a block to satisfy a gelato craving. These people take their ice cream very seriously.

2008-11-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure why, but I just couldn't get over the image of this beggar woman. She had small religious cards you could take in exchange for your donation, and when I gave her some change and took her photo up close she smiled sheepishly. Her face was scared and her jaw and teeth appeared painfully crooked, but her eyes were so sweet and kind that I just kept thinking how beautiful and honest she seemed. I can't say that for a lot of the people that were begging. She was somehow unique- she fascinates me. How old is she? Is she married? Where is her husband or children? Where does she get those cards? Why does she have to beg? I'm actually very frustrated that I didn't get a better photograph.

Another history lesson...

2008-11-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

This is the Pantheon. It was originally built in 31 bc, and then destroyed in a fire in 80 ad. The current building was rebuilt in 125 a.d. as a temple to all the pagan gods. In 609 a.d Emperor Phocas gave the building to the pope who then converted it to a Catholic Church. It is still being used as a church to this day. It is the oldest and best preserved building in Rome.

Just like all the amazing Roman sites, it sits among restaurants and buildings in the center of the city.

In Rome we also visited the Basilica Di San Pietro In Vincoli (Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains). We wandered the streets looking for a church until a nun pointed out that it was right behind us. It wasn't labeled and it didn't look like any other churches from the outside, but I was taken aback as I stepped into this surprisingly vast building. This church is special because it houses a shrine which displays the actual chains that held the Apostle (or saint) Peter before his execution in Rome. It's other unique possession, which is the reason we actually wanted to find it, is the impressive sculpture of Moses by Michelangelo.

The Colosseum

2008-10-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

I was surprised that many of the famous historical sites are not set atop a grassy hill like I imagined, but rather are squeezed in among the busy city streets and apartment buildings. They are part of the background of everyday life. My first view of the Colosseum was from inside an insanely swerving taxi. We came screeching around a busy corner and there it was towering above us. It honestly made me gasp, and then the taxi driver paused from his phone call and looked up from the planner balanced on his knee to tell us what we were looking at. Amazing.

The facade of the Colosseum is pocked with holes. A guide explained that this structure was once covered with marble, and decorated inside with columns and statues, but all those things were ransacked and removed hundreds of years ago to be used in other buildings and upperclass homes, leaving it permanently scarred.

What you are looking at in this photo is what is left of the Colosseum. This building was built in 4 years by 40,000 slaves and was completed in 80 a.d. It once seated around 50,000 spectators and has been estimated to have housed the public deaths of somewhere between 500,000 and 750,000 gladiators, criminals and slaves. I always thought that these events took place on a dirt floor, however they actually constructed tunnels and cells below a wooden floor (which has been partially reconstructed to show were it was).

Too much information? Sorry if it is, I was just so excited to learn all this stuff!

Italy, October 2008

2008-10-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

For all those of you that have asked: Italy was perfect. Each thing I saw and experienced seemed to outdo the last. My close friends and family know that I'm a fascinated by history and I love museums- what place could be better??? There were times that I was so overwhelmed by an ancient site or breathtaking art that it brought tears to my eyes. I know that may seem nerdy, but I don't care. My sweet mother and father in law were a delight to be with. I love the way Jeff's dad plans trips: non-stop-see-it-all.

We started in Rome, got to Florence in the middle, and ended with Venice. On top of that, we hit about a dozen or more quaint towns in between. The towns and countryside of Tuscany were gorgeous, no wonder so many movies are made there.

I took about 700 photos. Wanna see 'em all? Hahaha. I'll post a few photos of each of the best things we saw and did in the next few posts.

For me, this was a dream come true.

Happy 10th Anniversary to us!

2008-10-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I have been married for 10 YEARS! (Yes these are photos from our trip, and I love them!)

I am still smitten by my husband. I even think he looks adorable walking away from me.

Ah, Venice- Wedded bliss.

We took this photo on a cliff top town overlooking the Mediterranean, called Vernazza. We were at the highest peak on the ruins of a castle at sunset. It's one of the most romantic places I have ever been. I'm so glad we found a spot to set up the timer on the camera and get a smoochy shot.

There are a MILLION things I could say about how wonderful my husband is. We are perfectly suited for each other and I'm so blessed to be so happily married to him.

One more day!

2008-10-08T06:08:00.000-07:00

Today is my last day to get everything ready for our trip. I'm losing my mind trying to think of everything I need to get done for Jeff and I AND our four kids. Jeff and I are packing light and I think we have everything, but the children are much more complicated because I have to pack them for our 12 day absence and arrange for them to go back and forth between FOUR different caretakers. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.

Okay, so wish me luck! I won't be back on here for a while! Arrivederci!

(A shout out to my brother, Rick, who took these photos in Italy when he went a year ago.)

So many choices...

2008-10-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

We pulled out the Halloween costumes the other day in an attempt to decide what to be for Halloween. We got no where, but it was really fun.

Bear and Jojy both liked Cap'n Crunch...

Gabey and Bear are the perfect ages to fit in to "Max the King of All Wild Things" and a "Wild Thing"

I fear the police officer costume held little appeal this year... too bad, cause it's one of my favorites.

Jojy tried on the bat, but was less than enchanted, so we lent it to his "twin" cousin that's the same age who I hear LOVES it. Good.

Bearbear loved the Jack Sparrow costume. I think he may use it. However, the full size Black Pearl that my mother and brother constructed to be worn with this costume, might drown him. I think we'll skip that part.

Jojy wore this last year and still loves it. I think I'm ready for him to move on and use some of the other billion costumes we have that are frankly, much cooler.

Gabey Baby actually loved wearing the costumes and even left the hats on. WEIRD. Is he the cutest little werewolf you ever did see????

Fortunately for Nanos he almost always gets a new costume every year of his choosing. Unfortunately for Nanos, being the oldest means no costumes from previous years actually fit him. Except for this awesome Indiana Jones costume (he didn't want me to take this picture of him trying it on with a green shirt and jeans instead of a white shirt and khakis- pretend for his sake please), which he still likes.

This isn't even all of them! Elvis, a Pilot, The Phantom of the Opera, The Planter's Peanut, etc, aren't even on here. If anyone wants to borrow a costume, just ask... :-)

Full weekend

2008-09-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend was exhausting! I'd much rather spend my entire weekend bumming around and sleeping in, but that never happens. Even if I don't have plans my kids are all "Mommy, I want breakfast", blah, blah, blah- what's with kids and needing to eat? Lame.

First off I took the kids with me to my In-law's house for a big day of cooking freezer dinners. While the women slaved in the kitchen, the men went to do some home improvement construction at Jeff's sisters house. It was totally fun and exhausting, but I left with 10 dinners for my freezer, so it was worth it. A BIG thanks to Susan for organizing the whole thing.

That night, although I felt like I'd rather die than stand up ever again, Jeff and I went to see his sister, Elizabeth, in the musical Nunsense. She played Sister Robert Ann and she was fantastic. The show was so funny. Not only was she in the play, but she was the musical director as well. She's a busy woman. Yay Liz!!!

After church on Sunday we jumped in the car and drove to Price to see Sara's new baby. Awwwww! Sheryl came with her family and we brought dinner along as well. It was so nice to hang out in her new huge house and take turns snuggling the baby.

We crawled into the house, threw the kids in bed and felt like we wanted to slip into a coma. What is it about long drives or plane rides that are so draining?

We survived the weekend and actually had a lot of fun.

Cute luggage

2008-09-26T09:28:00.001-07:00

My mother and father in law love to travel and they usually do that with a friends, but now that many of their children are adults they've decided to start traveling with them more. Jeff and I get the first turn to go somewhere with them, and it going to be ITALY. I'm busting with excitement. We leave in two weeks. AAAA!!!! So I don't really have much else to say except look at this cute luggage I ordered:

6 Unspectacular Quirks

2008-09-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

Here are 6 quirks that you won't think are very interesting, but that's the point. Plus, Chels told me to do it, and she's way smart, so I think it's best to do as she says.

1- I'm probably the least picky eater I know. Well, I may tie with Jeff for that title. I love trying new foods and flavors. Surprisingly though, I love the basic beans, cheese, salsa and spicy simplicity of Mexican food the very best.

2-I don't have outlets in my bathroom. My 1920 house just wasn't built with them. I've had to be very creative with my hair dryer and straightening iron over the past 4 1/2 years.

3-I say "P.S." a lot in conversations instead of saying "by the way". I didn't realize this until my friend mentioned it the other day...while laughing at me p.s.

4- One food item I don't like is tomato snot. Seriously ew. When I cut a tomato (especially gross orange grocery store tomatoes that are more snot than actual tomato), I cut off the top, hold it over the sink, and dig out the slime. Then I finish slicing or dicing. (If I have a yummy red fresh garden tomato, I almost never do this.)

5-I love chunky desserts. Ice cream, or a cream pie, cookies or cakes- whatever it is, I want it full of nuts, and cookies, and pieces of chocolate and brownies, and coconut. My favorite Ben and Jerry's is called "Everything But The..." because it's so full of chunks. Magic Shell is awesome for this purpose.

6- I like Full House. This is a bold statement. I know it's stupid, and cheesy, and predictable, and Uncle Joey if beyond annoying. I would even usually say I don't like it. But I recently realized that if I walk through the room and my kids are watching it, I find myself unable to walk away. I stand there with a stupid mouth-breathing look on my face and watch it. SO STUPID. I dunno. Can anyone explain to me why this happens?

Okay, so I know I could have come up with some better things, but I don't have the brain power right now.

New Babies!!!

2008-09-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

I love the excitement I feel when new babies are born! As opposed to those old babies that are born- they're lame.

However, THIS new baby is GORGEOUS!!!
Jeff's brother, Stephen, and his sweet wife, Ashlie, have welcomed their new baby girl! She was born on Sept. 10th and weighed 6lbs 9oz. Isn't this a beautiful beginning to a great family?
Also one of my best friend's in the whole world, Sara, just had her cute little boy who was born on September 16th, weighing 6lbs 10oz . Isn't he sweet?

And this picture proves that I'm not the only one in the world to have four boys. Why does Sara look so unfairly beautiful??? Someone forgot to remind her she's supposed to look like crap after giving birth. Whatever.

Welcome to the world little ones. I can't wait to smother you with adoration over the next forever.

Ducky and Dog

2008-09-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, my Jojy is very attached to his Ducky. It's been so loved and dragged around that it never looks good anymore, even after being washed and fluffed. This was a new world for me because my first two boys didn't have security items. But now...

Gabey has become pretty attached to this dog. It's been so funny to watch these boys show so much affection to a stuffed animal, especially at such a young age.

Oddly enough, Ducky and Dog were both part of their birth gifts from our friend, Traci Brown. I know I've thanked you before, but if you ever read this- Thanks again!

Triplets

2008-09-19T11:48:00.001-07:00

When we were at the State Fair last Friday, Jojy couldn't get over these bronze statues. He was fascinated, and named them after himself.

I'm sorry

2008-09-19T11:00:00.001-07:00

I'd like to extend sincerest apologies to Holly for being so blog negligent. Had I any idea the suffering I would cause, I shan't have been so lackadaisical.

Please enjoy the new posts, and forgive me.

(Holly doesn't appreciate this photo I took of her Saver's. So, to please Her Highness, I took this next photo from her very own blog. She can't possibly disapprove of a photo she herself posted, right? Good. Here Holz- love ya.)

Ooh, who's the babe?

2008-09-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

Don't I look hot with this headlight thing on?

2008-09-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

We went camping with my cousin Wendy, her hubby Paul, and their kiddos. 8 kids (7 boys and ONE girl- story of my life...). Are we nuts? I guess not, cause we had a great time. I took a bunch of photos but I haven't loaded them onto my computer yet, so this is it. We got rained out this morning and ended up packing up first thing in the morning. I was bummed because we had planned a whole day of hiking and hanging out- oh, well, I guess we'll just have to go again!

Thanks to Paul and Wendy for being so great and coming up with this idea. Jeff and I and the kids loved it.

(forgive the crooked photo, the camera is propped on a rock on a log, not exactly level.)

My beautiful boys

2008-09-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

I love taking pictures of my kids, I wish I made more time for it. I think I'm doing this in lieu of paying for expensive school photos.

BUNNY

2008-08-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

This is Eyeliner Bunny. Don't you think this dark liner is a little too heavy for a daytime look?

Thursday...thinking back?

2008-08-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, I couldn't think of a title for this flash back post, but I just realized this dance was in February and I never said anything about it. I helped plan a "decades" Valentines dance at church and not many people dressed for the theme, so here are a some photos of the brave few that came and actually had fun!

1- Do you love my friend Cathy's giant 80's butt bow? I was very impressed.
2- Cam 'n' Aub. This was an authentic 70's orange dress with matching jacket that she borrowed from her friend's mom.
3-Holly and Quintin. Holz bought this original 70's dress on EBay and had it shipped from Australia just for the occasion- it arrived just days before the dance. Then Holly and I found Quintin's outfit at Savers. What a delightful find.

Jeff and I went 40's/50's (there was some debate on the actually era, but I was going for early 50's). Jeff is so handsome in a tux. I know most of you don't care, but I have to say, I have thankfully lost some of this post-pregnancy weight since February.