Cousins

Our family is so blessed to have cousins so close.  Here we have Addie (my brother's daughter), Easton (my sister's son), and Max.  Addie was actually born about 12 hours after Max in the same hospital just a few doors down from me.  It was fun to be in the hospital the same time and to share stories.  My brother just moved up here from Arizona and already we are loving having them so near.  

Max and Easton cannot be separated.  They have a fantastic time together and are constantly wanting to go to each other's house to play.  It's wonderful having them so close.  My sister and I help each other out all the time and I don't know what I would do without her!

These three are quite the rascals and I'm sure they are going to love growing up together.

Milestone

David mentioned the other day that the reason he thinks Blake isn't walking yet is because we got rid of the walking toy that we used for Max and Jane (it was a little too tattered and torn to use again).  

So yesterday I went out and got Blake a little walking toy.  He loved it.  He walked up and down the sidewalk, showed off for Dad when he got home.....and....

That night he started walking.

I'm a believer in the walking toy.

As Nature Intended

My little nudist Max.

This is Max playing on the beach in the Bahamas.  My parents were serving a mission there and we went to visit during Christmas break in 2003/2004.  This beach was just wonderful for kids.  Max played with starfish and could go out quite far in the water because it was so shallow.  My dad told us that a while after we left a hurricane came through and completely wiped out the beach.  It now is covered in debris and the trees were ripped up.  I'm glad we got to enjoy it while it was still intact.

Faces

Never let it be said that this kid didn't have facial expression.

Blake, you are delightful.  Thanks for coming to our family.

I love Park City

Yesterday was awesome.  

The show was great, for many reasons:

#1--Shelly was right next to me (my friend who introduced me to the show), and although we didn't get to chat much during the show, both our families went to dinner afterwards which was wonderful.

#2--David came up with the kids during the show and I think he was pleasantly surprised at how fun the show was.  The kids had a blast as well.  The elementary school had tons of volunteers that were helping the kids do art projects (the entire evening is a benefit to help raise money for the public school for ART.  They usually raise over $5,000 each year--incredible!)  There are now a few more "pets" in our house (pet rocks--phew!)

#3--I saw so many people I recognized from last year.  There were many people who said, "I bought a few of these last year to give as gifts, but I kept them all for myself so I guess I should buy some this year for actual gifts".  It's always great to see people come back again.

#4--A gentleman was looking at my booth for a while, then he walked away a few steps, made a phone call while looking at the booth, then came to talk to me.  He was a Upper Management Type Guy from Glenwild Golf Course who wanted to buy 50-60 bags for some women golfers that were coming in for a tournament.  He would just be giving them as complimentary gifts for the ladies.  AWESOME!  However he had to get the stamp of approval from his "partner".  

When his partner showed up she was this gorgeous little thing who (thankfully) loved the purses as well.  

They ended up buying 75 bags right there and then.  They wanted to have a few extra so that the women always had a choice and wouldn't feel that they were getting the last pick (smart business decision).  Anyway, when I called David and told him he had to bring me more bags he was freaking out that I didn't get him at least one golf game at the course (apparently it's an extremely elite, private course).  I'm just happy with the huge sale.

Sometimes doing little shows like this are extremely beneficial.  Sometimes you make contacts (like Shelly who I met at another show, but invited me to this one as well); sometimes, because it's a small show, the community comes out in droves to support the cause; sometimes you get a major sale like I did this past time.  Most of the time it's just great because you get to know people when you do the show multiple times and you feel a sense of belonging where people appreciate you.

Again, this business does so much for me.

Park City

Today I'm going to a "show".  That's what I call it when I head out to sell my purses at a boutique, or an art fair, etc.  The show starts at 4 and goes until 8.  It's a very small show, but I did this same show last year at the request of my friend Shelly and it was great.  

It's done at an elementary school where they have raffles, arts and crafts for the kids, and about 25 vendors.  I was a little leary of doing a show that was so small last year, but it was a great success.  This year I'm going to have David bring up the kids when he gets home from work because the crafts that they had were awesome.  I think they'll enjoy themselves up there and it will give me a chance to show my kids what mom is actually doing when she leaves for her shows.

I love the fact that I have this little business.  It provides so much for me.  I get great confidence from hearing that people love something that I created.  The other day I got a phone call from a lady who found my internet site because she had stopped a woman in the grocery store to ask her where she got her "bagette".  Then she called me to tell me how cute she thought they were and she bought one herself, had her sister buy two and her sister told a friend and her friend bought two as well.  

Can you imagine how something like that could just make your day?  

It made my week. 

And the Winner is....

This is from Carol Anderegg's front yard.  I love this flower.  Julia told me what it was called, but I can't remember right now.  It looks like a poppy to me.  Too bad Carol is off in London and not here to enjoy her flowers.  But I'd wager that she's not feeling too sad about it.

Our Neighborhood

We live in an awesome neighborhood.  While it's usually littered with bikes, balls, scooters, etc. there are other terrifically beautiful aspects as well.  I took these pictures a few days ago just from my street.  

This is from Jen Lynsky's yard.  She always has the most wondrous flowers.  Mostly wondrous because of the pixies that live in that house love to pick the flowers---but in spite of that they always seem to have an abundance.  Sarah Lynsky once told me that they have fairies that live in their flowers that protect them.  If you see their yard you'll know it's true.

This is just a random dandelion (we won't mention whose yard it came from), but needless to say there is beauty in a dandelion as well.  (Macro photography is so much fun!)
This is from Melinda McLain's yard.  This is actually the flower that inspired me to go out and get my camera.  The photo doesn't do it justice, but the color differential is very pretty.  I'm still figuring out how to get macro photos in focus.  I went to my photo class on Saturday and asked him about some techniques, but apparently I still need some practice.
The O'Dells flowers behind their mailbox.  You wouldn't even be able to see these as you were driving by, but Jane noticed them and told me to "take their picture".  
This daffodil is from Julia Woolf's yard.  She labored diligently to plant her bulbs a few years ago and that very year Jane pulled many of her flowers out.  We had her go and apologize to Julia and draw her a picture of some flowers to "give the flowers back".  (Julia later gave me the picture back because it was so cute with all the little tulips that Jane had drawn).  My job now is to keep Blake away.  
My favorite picture wouldn't upload because I used up too much space putting these on.  So you'll have to wait until tomorrow to see my personal favorite.  ohh the suspense!

Boots

We love boots at our house.  You've probably seen my kids running around in these tattered and worn yellow boots.  I bought them for Max, but they have lasted long enough that Jane now proudly wears them.  Hopefully we'll have them for Blake.

These were for Max.  He wore them almost everyday for a year.   I loved how charismatic they were, and how easy they were to get on.  They have a hole on the side and the eyes of the caterpillar are worn off, but they are still hanging in there.
And for the grand finale.  
I saw these at Target the other day and HAD to buy them.  It wasn't even my choice, they were just so awesome.  They don't even fit Jane yet, and probably won't for quite some time, but they sit in the closet, quietly waiting for her.  I'm sure the Giraffes will get plenty of time to play.

Day One

Well.  Here it goes.

I've always had issues with my weight.  I've listened to people like Oprah talk about "emotional eating" and other reasons for overeating, but none of that ever made sense to me.  I would just say--"I just like to eat.  I like yummy, fattening, comfort food and I'm not so big into eating the stuff that is actually good for you."  My problem is that I am an instant gratification eater. Most physically fit people wouldn't eat dessert, my philosophy--Why wait for dessert until after dinner?  

A few weeks ago I had an epiphany, my "aha moment".  I was thinking about how people are quite often in debt and how they just don't have the self-control to save up to buy things, or how many people are incapable of scrimping in order to pay off debts, etc.  I've been listening to Dave Ramsey a lot and it would just amaze me the questions that people would have when it would come to money.  It just didn't make sense to me that people would get themselves into such a bad situation because they weren't thinking clearly about the future and their finances.  

Um....duh?  That is me with food.  I am in debt.  I'm wearing it.  The problem with my type of debt is that it's physically visible as a fat suit that I've literally built up by not making smart food choices and eating what I want when I want it.  It's that instant gratification.   I have been thinking about this a lot over the past few weeks and I'm finally ready to make a change.  I'm starting my "scrimping" in order to get myself out of debt.  

Typically when someone wants to get out of financial debt they put themselves on a tight budget.  This is no different.  Recently I bought a book called "Where Did the Fat Go?".  It's a book by the doctor from The Biggest Loser and it goes into detail on how the contestants on the ranch lost the weight.   In order to lose weight they exercise anywhere from 4-6 hours a day in the beginning and end up exercising some ridiculous number of 10 hours a day (if they are in the final 4 people chosen).  Anyway, I'm not going that crazy, but it does require 2 a day workouts.  The doctor suggests working out 10-12 hours a week, as well as limiting your calorie intake to about 7x your weight (if you weigh 150 you'd be limiting your intake to approximately  1050 calories).  It's certainly not starvation, but it is very low.  

Today is the first day.  It's actually 5:17 in the morning and I've been up with Blake since 3:20.  He took a big nap yesterday and I guess it wore off sometime in the middle of the night.  He's back to sleep now, but my alarm is set to go off in 13 minutes so I figured I'd write for a moment.  This would be a good day to say, "forget it, I'll start tomorrow" and go back to bed.  But if you're committed, you're committed, right?  I have my entire day planned out with food and I'm actually quite excited about starting this life-long journey.  

Wish me luck people, I'm off to the gym.

David's Last Day

Today is David's last day being the primary choir director.  He's had this calling for about 2 years and has loved every minute of it (or at least almost every minute).  This picture shows those "minutes" that he didn't like so much--the prep work.  He did prepare well, however, and the kids noticed.  He will be missed by the children, and I'm sure the teachers as well.  (I've been told numerous times how great it was to have David in there for comic relief/distraction for the teachers).  

Good luck to Sister Cooper whom I'm sure will do a fantastic job as well.  I'm betting that if she ever needs a substitute that David will readily oblige.  And look out cub-scouts....David is coming your way next.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

My dad turns 67, or is it 68? today.  Regardless, it's his birthday and he's off cruising the world.  Happy Birthday Dad.  We love you.

Awake/Asleep

On one of our many road trips.  Max and Jane were obviously a bit sleepy.  These photos were taken within 10 seconds of each other.  

Jamaica

If you looked really (and I mean really) close up, Jamaica was beautiful.  Otherwise you saw a very poor, very depressing island with inhabitants that don't appreciate the beauty that is all around them.  The people are friendly, but also drug induced.  While we were there David was actually offered a "TOKEn" gesture of the great national past-time (again, friendly and drug induced).

All these pictures were taken from the parking lot at Dunn's Falls (a man made waterfall that my family all hiked).  

I love my camera.

BMX Dude!

The smile on his face says it all.  We went to a skate park near my brother and sister-in-law's house in Draper yesterday.  The kids loved it, Max especially.  I wish I had the video camera to catch the "tricks" they were doing.  I was a little nervous for them in the beginning, then once they caught on it was smiles all around.

I have a feeling we will be bringing our bikes, skateboards, and scooters in the car a little more often.

Blake's Day Out

So not only did we get the Pirate Ship pool, but I saw this froggy pool and was suckered in.  

It's got a little spray fountain on the front (which worked great for all the kids to get little drinks as well).  
He's so ridiculously cute.

He didn't last very long outside, but he did enjoy himself long enough to get wet.

Berry Flavored

We've been eating a lot of strawberries around the house.  Jane decided they look like tongues, so before she eats one, she makes sure to enjoy it "Jane-style" first.

It's supposed to be wonderful weather today.  I think we will end up buying a little swimming pool, break out the sunscreen and have the kids enjoy the day outside.  

The Scurvy Dog

The Scurvy Dog has landed.  It's gorgeous outside and the kids are loving it.  We went to Target this morning and splurged on this little diddy.  It took forever to blow up, but once up the kids from the neighborhood flocked to check it out.  

It's going to be cold again tomorrow so we'll probably put it away tonight and not see it again for a while, but at least it's keeping the kids occupied today.

He's Off Again.

Okay, he's not going to the place in the picture, although I bet he wishes he was.  David is going out of town on business to Boston for the week.  THE WEEK OF SPRING BREAK!  So if anybody else is stuck home not going anywhere this week, let me know.  We'll play checkers or something.

Deal or No Deal

Yes, I'm a goofball.  I actually got up early this morning and went to the casting call for Deal or No Deal in SLC.  I stood in line from 5:30 am until 10:30 when I got to stand in front of a casting director and give my 20 second spiel.  It was actually pretty fun.  I took my iPod and watched 2 movies while sitting in line.  (which if you've read the past couple of blog entries you'll know that I've had a tough last few days and it was a needed break).

So when you actually get up to the casting director they take 10 people at a time and you stand around a table and they give you 20 second to talk--literally.  She had a stop watch that she would use and when it beeped you just stopped talking.  After we all said our thing she picked ME and another girl to stay behind.  At that point I started having fun.  The next level of casting director came over and listened to me talk for about 30 seconds, he asked me questions and then went on to the next girl.  That poor girl only said her name and the guy walked away.  I guess that is how they do it.  

I didn't get to go to the final level to meet the grand poobah casting director who was behind a sheet like the Wizard of Oz or something, but at least I got through one level.  :)

21 days

My parents leave today for a 21 day cruise.  This photo is taken from the cruise that we took about a month 1/2 a go.  We went to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel (Mexico).  My parents took all the kids along with their spouses (the grandkids got to stay at home).   We had a great time.

On another note, David came home last night.  He missed Max throwing up all over our bed by about an hour.  All the kids were asleep when he got home and I was washing the sheets, blankets, pillows, etc. when he came in.  I'm truly hoping that all the sickness is done and over with now so when David leaves on Sunday for another week we can at least get good sleep at night.  

Yeah, a 21 day cruise sounds pretty good right now.

Heaven

This might be the best place on earth.  If you've never had  Matsumoto Shave Ice, I'm sorry.  If you have then you know what I'm talking about.  (My good friend Charisse is taking her kids to Hawaii for Spring Break and if she doesn't eat one of these while she's there I'm going to kill her).

You simply cannot start them too young on this stuff.

While we were in Hawaii we made it a priority to eat one of these every single day we were there, and we accomplished our goal.
MMMMmmmmmmm.

Neighbors Cat: Annie

This is the Anderegg's cat.  I told Carol that this cat would make it into the daily blog, I just didn't know when I would put it in.  Today seems like as good of a day as any.  The poor cat got "fixed" and the next morning had chewed through her stitches.  I can just imagine Carol's disgust as she was trying to hold in the cat guts while getting her kids ready for school that day. 

For some reason the thought makes me chuckle a bit.

Sick Baby.

Blake is sick.  He has a fever which is only kept at bay every 6 hours with Infant Motrin.  Thank heavens for good neighbors (thanks Julia!) who I could call this morning at 7:45 for a refill on the medicine that I had used up.  

Blake slept horribly last night (hence I slept horribly) and I'm not really looking forward to tonight seeing as he took two miserable naps today (both about 20 minutes) and he just went to bed at 6pm.  

Pray for me.

NAR!

This is my nephew Spencer.  He could (and should) be the poster-child for IKEA.  He is the most Sweedish looking child I've ever seen.  And although he is looking very serious here, he is actually hilarious.

For David

This post is to make David just about as homesick as he could be.  He left for a couple of days on business and I'm going to do my best to make sure that he comes back to us.  There have been quite a few times in the past few days that David and I have felt very blessed to have the great kids that we do.  They truly are a delight.  

Robot Children

I'm not really proud of the fact that my kids still wear pull-ups, but oh well.  I guess I'm just not too worried about it.  I've changed enough sheets trying to get them to be dry all night and for the time being, it's not worth it.  I've been told by doctors, friends, etc that kids usually get the hang of it by the time they are 7.  (I'm taking a lot of solace in that).

 Anyway, the kids wanted me to turn them into "robots".  This is as creative as I could get.  They had a lot of fun running around the neighborhood.

Sorry I haven't been posting the past few days.  I had a virus on my computer but my super-genius-computer-wizard husband fixed it today (thanks again David).

Korean Boy Scouts

While we were in Korea we went to a traditional folk village located South of Seoul.  Before we could even get to the beginning of the village we were literally swarmed by a flock of boy scouts.  Seeing an American baby was clearly the highlight of their day.  

Little did they know that David spoke Korean and was translating to me the things they were saying about our baby Blake, such as:  "he has blue eyes" and "look at the beautiful baby". It was so much fun to see these cute little boys so excited about seeing a "foreign" baby.  They were touching his toes, his hair, patting his head.   

Then David gave them a shock when he started to speak Korean to them.   I can't remember exactly what he said, but they started laughing like crazy and wanted to ask him millions of questions.  David was famous for about 5 minutes while these boys just giggled and smiled at him.    

I love this picture.

Happy Birthday David

Well it's happened.   If you see this man, wish him Happy Birthday.