childsish behavior

Isn't This Fun? (Road Trip Part 7)

2010-08-30T08:56:00.001-07:00

While we were in Wisconsin, we had a reunion with the family that owned the insurance agency with my dad. To read a story about them and our lives growing up together, and to see what this cake is all about, click here and here. This particular day was my very favorite of the whole trip.

Jasper

2010-08-20T09:01:00.001-07:00

Recently I did something I swore I'd never do. I got a dog! He's just about the cutest and whitest dog you've ever seen. We named him Jasper. He is a Havanese. I would recommend this breed to anyone. He's very mild-mannered, hypo-allergenic (they have hair, not fur), he doesn't shed at all, and he hardly ever barks. All of us are completely smitten with him and couldn't be happier to have him in our family.

Look at that FACE!

He likes to walk around on two feet. It's pretty adorable.

Crescent Lake (Road Trip Part 6)

2010-08-15T21:02:00.001-07:00

Grandpa & Grandma's beach and dock on Crescent Lake...it's a pretty dreamy place. We enjoyed every minute we spent out on the lake.

Grandma Judith

Grandpa

Amber & Josh

Jack & Myah

Kate

All the kiddos. I love Kate and Jack's faces here.

Leer in the kayak

You could hardly get Chloe out of the kayak

She absolutely loves paddling around the lake in it.

It is pretty fun! Me giving Myah a ride.

Little Myah

Myah & Granpda riding in the gator.

Recreating a picture; same kids...different summer.

Animal Sanctuary & Wildwood (Road Trip Part 5)

2010-08-05T20:03:00.001-07:00

Finally, we made it to Wisconsin! And that means, fun times with cousins Kate and Jack. The first day we were there, we went to Minocqua and visited an animal sanctuary.

Myah, Chloe, Kate & Jack in front of an eagle's nest.

Mostly, this place rescues owls.

They had several different kinds. Such an interesting animal.

Then we went to Wildwood, which is sort of like a petting zoo but with more wild animals. The kids LOVE this place. We go there every time we go to Wisconsin.

Goats will eat anything. Even Jack's hair.

I love Kate's face...

this face??? Not so much.

Awww!

Alvin, Simon, THeoDoRe! Doo Doo Doodoo DOODOO!

Just kidding. I know these aren't chipmunks. Close enough.

Ok, so these two pictures sadly show the lack of skills that my kids have with animals. Poor bunnies! Give them a break, we've never had pets.

They have the coolest exhibit there. It's a big screened in room that you can go in and there are hundreds of parakeets flying around.

They sell these popsicle sticks that have bird seed stuck to them and the birds will come and land on them and eat the seeds.

So cute!

Well, my kids didn't just learn about birds during our visit to Wildwood. They got a firsthand lesson about the birds AND bees courtesy of the cougars who went all kinds of "National Geographic" right in front of us.

Half Pint (Road Trip Part 4)

2010-08-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

My kids have been in to Little House on the Prairie, lately. It started when Chloe chose that book to read for a book club that she has with her friends. We had the best time hosting the book club at our house.

Brielle, Hannah & Chloe

We made whirligigs, which is a toy that kids would have played with in that era.

The girls enjoyed making homemade lemonade, churning butter and eating homemade cornbread as they discussed the book.

Then Chloe had to do a biography for school where she had to dress up like the person. She chose to do Laura Ingalls Wilder (Half Pint). Yes, she was a real person. The TV show "Little House on the Prairie" was based on her life.

Luckily, we have a pioneer dress that fits her.

Well, one day we were at the dentist and I was reading an article in a magazine about a road trip you can take and visit all the places where Laura lived. Three of them were in three of the states that we were already planning to go through anyways. We decided to go to Walnut Grove, Minnesota where the book "On the Banks of Plum Creek" is about. Jason wasn't too keen on seeing ALL the "Laura Ingalls" sites and we decided we would only make him suffer for one day.

Chloe & Myah playing "on the banks of plum creek".

They had a big family festival happening the day we were there complete with a Laura & Nellie Look-Alike Contest. So, since we had a pioneer dress that fit Chloe, I decided to enter her in the contest.

She was shocked when she was chosen to be 1 of 3 finalists out of about 30 girls.

She was paired up with a "Nellie" look-alike and they had to perform a skit together.

They didn't win though. Here is a picture of the "Nellie" and "Laura" that won.

We had a great time touring the little town of Walnut Grove and the museums they had there. That night they had a pageant that we went to, but we were bummed when they announced on the loud speaker that everyone had to evacuate and take cover because there was a huge storm coming. They even had police escorting everyone out. We were told to go to the local school, but we just drove to our hotel which was about 80 miles away and witnessed the most awesome lightning we had ever seen. It was literally like a strobe light for about 2 hours.

She Did It. Even Though I Asked Her Not To

2010-08-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

OK, clearly I must not be a mean enough mom, because every night when I tuck my girls into bed, I politely ask them not to grow. And every night they do. I can't believe they would just disobey me like that. I really think they are noticeably bigger and older every morning when they wake up. At least they are to me.

And if the whole growing thing weren't enough, Chloe decided to go ahead and turn 11 last week! I know it's been asked a bazillion times, but why can't they just stay little?

Anyway, in honor of Chloe's 11th birthday, here are 11 reasons why we just love her to pieces:

1. She is a very loving daughter. She has a particularly close relationship with her dad. It has always been that way. She thinks EVERYTHING he says is SUPER interesting. They will have these in depth conversations about the most boring things (like: atoms, or black holes, or accounting, or Star Wars) and she is just hanging on his every word. She even visited Jason in a dream 2 days before she was born. He woke up one day and told me that Chloe was going to have a ton of black hair. Of course I informed him that he was wrong...she was surely going to have blonde peach fuzz. He was right.

2. She is very innocent, naive, and without any guile. She thinks the best of everyone. She doesn't really have any concept of popularity or other kinds of drama that tends to happen with tween girls. She is a good friend to all, yet is happiest with just a couple true friends. I like that about her and hope she stays that way.

3. She is a great sister to Myah. She is compassionate towards her if she is ever hurt. She reads to her almost every night. She is pretty good about letting Myah play with her even when she has friends over.

4. She is very sensitive. She expresses all her emotions with tears. In other words, she cries a lot. She'll probably cry when she reads this. However, I don't necessarily think this is a bad trait even though I am trying to break her of it. It shows that she cares deeply about things and is aware of her feelings.

5. She loves to dance. And she is constantly moving. About 10 times a day she is telling me to look how high she can kick, or she's showing me a new move she's invented. I'm glad she loves it so much. It's fun for us, too.

6. She is smart. She loves going to school. (This concept is foreign to me. :)) She loves to read. She loves to learn about anything new. She tries her best at school and is very conscientious about her grades. She loves to get 100%s on tests because her dad gives her a dollar for each one.

7. Speaking of dollars, she is a good saver of money. She has a bank that is like an ATM machine and she can tell you, down to the cent, how much money she has at any given time. She likes to save up and then buy something she really wants. She is currently saving up to buy an iPod Touch. She almost has enough!

8. She is spiritual. She loves going to church and learning about the Gospel. She has a really good memory and once she learns a story from the scriptures she never forgets it. She is blessed that way. She is diligent about paying her tithing and she loves to plan our Family Home Evening lessons. We learn a lot from her.

9. She likes to play the piano. She loves to master a song and then play it over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. If I ever have to hear "The Entertainer" again...

10. She loves to eat, although you wouldn't know it by looking at her. If there really is such a thing as a hollow leg, she has it. She is not picky and finds excitement in trying new foods such as sushi or buffalo. She has recently discovered Butter Pecan ice cream and swears it's her favorite. The only food I can think of that I know she doesn't like are mushrooms. Ew. She loves to help me out in the kitchen and will probably be a wonderful cook someday.

11. She is not interested in boys at all at this point in time, but she already knows that she wants to marry a redhead. This is fun to tease her about. Whenever we see a boy with red hair we say, "Look Chloe, there's your husband". Then she gets all embarrassed. On our road trip we ate at Cracker Barrel and they had Magic 8 Balls in their gift shop. I heard her whisper to the Magic 8 Ball, "will my husband have red hair?" Funny stuff.

Good thing she didn't turn 12! Otherwise, #12 would be about how she's disobedient about this growing up thing. And to prevent it from happening next year, here's how the bedtime routine will go in our household from now on. They'll do the usual...go potty, wash hands, brush teeth, read, say prayers, and then, instead of asking them politely not to grow, I'm going to demand in my LOUDEST voice, "STOP GROWING!!!!", then kisses and hugs and sweet dreams.

Happy Birthday, sweet Chloe!

First Day of School

2010-07-27T21:25:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe that Chloe is in 6th grade.

Apparently, 6th graders are suddenly embarrassed to have their mom take their picture in their new classroom.

Mortified, in fact. I wonder how she'll feel next year when she's in Jr. High...

My Little Myah started 1st grade today. First grade. First grade!

Pondering.

Lately, if you talk to Myah, she will let you know that she has 4 wiggly teeth.

And she will show you all the tricks she can do with her tongue.

I'm proud to announce that I only hyperventilated for about an hour this morning. I miss these two terribly when they're away from me (even though they drive me a little nuts when they're with me). Why is it like that? Tell me I'm not the only one who feels this way. And tell me I'm not crazy for feeling a little bitter at their eagerness and excitement about school. I know I should be tickled that I have daughters who love school so much. But I'm not. Not in the least. Shouldn't they be sad to leave me? Because they're not. Not in the least. This worries me. I think I need therapy.

Bear Country (Road Trip Part 3)

2010-07-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

Yes. I said BEAR Country.

If you know me at all, you know that I am deathly afraid of bears. However, I do have to admit that driving through Bear Country was one of the highlights of the whole trip. These bears are used to people. At least that's what I had to tell myself.

Did you know that Leer can growl like a bear? It's a gift. He didn't know the camera was rolling when he was trying to wake a sleeping bear. I seriously laughed all my make-up off as I kept replaying this clip.

He got me back though when he rolled my window down while a big ol' bear was only about 15 feet away from me. Not nice!

Even though it's called Bear Country, they have a lot of other animals roaming around too.

Elks

Reindeer

Arctic Wolves

Big Horn Sheep

and Wolves

Mount Rushmore (Road Trip Part 2)

2010-07-25T17:42:00.000-07:00

Day 2 of our road trip found us at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. I guess we can now remove that from the bucket list.

Mount Rushmore in the daylight.

Mount Rushmore at night.

Martin's Cove (Road Trip Part 1)

2010-07-25T17:05:00.000-07:00

This summer, our little family took a rather large road trip through 10 states.

Our first major stop was Martin's Cove in Wyoming. This is a place where the pioneers in the Martin Handcart Company had to stay on their journey west while they waited for snow storms to pass.

I have a deep respect and fascination for the pioneers. I think all they were willing to sacrifice and everything they had to endure for their beliefs is truly amazing. We were grateful for the chance to stop there.

Stadium of Fire

2010-07-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

Chloe once again had the opportunity to participate in Stadium of Fire. Just like last year it turned out to be a wonderful experience for her. I think it's such a neat thing for her to do even though it's tough. It builds character and shows her that she can accomplish something really awesome because she worked hard. And let me tell you, these dancers work HARD. First they learn the dance at their own studios and then all the dancers practice together for about 25 hours over the course of 2 1/2 days. And it takes 840 dancers to put on a show like Stadium of Fire. They practice outside on astro turf and it is HOT and exhausting! It is so grueling that they have a team of EMTs there and believe me, they were busy. Luckily, I had the privilege of being able to volunteer again. I get to be responsible for a group of girls and give them rides to and from BYU, make sure they stay hydrated and spray them with water to try to keep them somewhat cool.

Soup (Ashlyn), Sasha (Chloe), Mrs. Wilkinson (Sarah) & Johnny I Mean Tina (Sophie)

This was the group of girls that I was responsible for. Oh my goodness, they had so much together. The conversations they had with each other during the car rides made me laugh until I cried. They even had nicknames for each other.

I didn't get any coverage of the dance performance or the Carrie Underwood concert or the fireworkds because my camera died. It had a message on it that said "Battery Exhausted" and I had to laugh because I knew all these girls could identify with that.

Timpanogos Cave

2010-07-25T15:23:00.001-07:00

Well, here we all are at Timpanogos Cave. I wish I had put on some make-up. Oh well. We had a good time hiking up there with the fam. If you haven't been there, it's probably worth the effort to see the formations that can only be seen there. They named a lot of the formations after food or food related items. Here are some examples:

Caramel Falls

Salt and Pepper Shakers

Cave Bacon

Cave Popcorn

The Hershey's Kiss

Drinking Straws

Caves are weird.

Ryan & Lindsay

2010-07-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

On May 7th, my little brother-in-law married the cutest girl you ever did see. What a perfect match they are for each other.

The Bride and Groom

The shoes

The kiddos

The kiddos with Grandpa and Grandma

Hither, Thither, Yonder, Here, There & Everywhere

2010-06-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

I've said before that something happens to Chloe when she goes to the beach. The beach for her is serious business. There are seashells that need to be collected, waves that need to be jumped, pails that need to be filled, kites that need to be flown, birds that need to be chased, footprints that need to be left and memories that need to be made. Don't try to interrupt her with some dumb camera!

But, this is nothing new. This phenomenon started the first time she ever set foot on a beach. The next few pictures were taken when she was about 7 years old.

Seaport Village

2010-06-29T08:19:00.001-07:00

Cardiff By The Sea

2010-06-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

After Disneyland, we stayed in a beach house in Cardiff By The Sea. The beach there was c.o.l.d. We enjoyed it none the less. Remember when I said that I think Leer is just a big kid? Here's more proof...

He had help from Myah

Success.

Disneyland! April 2010

2010-06-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

In April we took a fun little vacation with Jason's brother and his family to California. We had a great time! Here is the Disneyland portion of our trip.

Chloe, Hannah, Olivia, Myah. The kids had so much fun with their cousins.

Sometimes I think Leer is just a big kid.

The dang Tower of Terror. Don't be fooled by the smile on my face...I DO NOT enjoy this ride. I am not fond of the falling sensation. But, notice how Leer is thoroughly enjoying watching me squirm. This was the first time that Myah was tall enough to go on this ride. Of course, she decided it is her new FAVORITE ride. Last time we came to Disneyland, her favorite ride was Winnie the Pooh. Why can't they stay little?

Thankfully, Lindsey volunteered to ride the Teacups with the kidlets.

This is the kind of ride that I like.

Myah on the Merry-Go-Round

Myah and cousin Olivia

Chloe getting ready for the Bugs Life movie

I just think this picture is so funny! Their expressions crack me up. "What? You're supposed to wear these."

And Austin. He's my cute little nephew.

Valents Tine Day

2010-02-26T20:31:00.000-08:00

That's what Myah calls it, but it is otherwise known as Valentine's Day. This year Myah was really interested in Valentine's Day. It's truly the perfect holiday for her because she is such a loving little girl. She made gifts for all of us and was so excited to give them to us. She was especially proud of the gift she made for her dad. When he opened it, she cheerfully yelled, "It's a Pixo Mama!!!"

Look how happy Leer is! And look how proud Myah is. And it looks just like me...right?

This is a Valentine project that the kids and I worked on. I had seen the cute heart-shaped crayons all over the internet and thought it would be a fun Valentine for the girls to give to their friends. It took forever. And you need A LOT of crayons.

It made quite the mess, too. And that pile of barrettes were all removed from my hair. Myah didn't like peeling all the wrappers off of the crayons, so she decided to give me a new hair-do.

Just to give you an idea of what it looked like, here is an example of a hair-do she gave me on a different day. She does this quite often and you can tell by the look on my face how enjoyable it is. I mean, it doesn't HURT YOUR HEAD at all. Attractive, isn't it? It's ok to be jealous. She'd probably do yours if you're interested.

Where was I? Oh yeah, crayons...

You end up with a massive pile of crayon papers and really sore fingernails.

Baking...

Here's the end result. They look good enough to eat. But don't. Wax. Ew.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?

2010-02-08T23:03:00.001-08:00

I'm not, but Chloe is! She was one of 2 students from her class that qualified to participate in the Geography Bee at her school. I was really proud of her. She did well, but didn't win.

So, are YOU smarter than a 5th grader? Here is the question that she got wrong:

Which state is not partially located in the Mississippi River Drainage Basin?

A) Vermont

B) North Carolina

C) Wyoming

Ummm, I don't know. I've never even heard of the Mississippi River Drainage Basin. She guessed North Carolina and that is not the correct answer.

It's Vermont for those of you who are playing at home.

Christmas 2009

2010-02-08T22:31:00.001-08:00

Better late than never. Not sure why I can't rearrange my pictures. These are not in any kind of order.

Myah playing with her new Crayola Glow Dome

Myah's artwork display on her bedroom door.

A handmade Nativity scene that one of the kids made last year. I can't remember who made it, but I think it's absolutely adorable.

This year I let the kids decorate their own tree in the playroom. It turned out really cute.

This is Myah tackling Chloe. Chloe had knitted this hat for Myah and wrapped it up and put it under the tree for her. Myah was mad at Chloe for several days because she was certain that Chloe was trying to play a trick on her and that she had wrapped up an empty box. She was so happy when she opened it and saw what her sister made for her. They love to make each other gifts. Sadly, that was the last time we saw the hat. I'm pretty sure it somehow got thrown out with all the Christmas garbage. Boo Hoo!!! Good thing we at least got a picture of it.

Cute Coco.

Chloe was so happy that Santa brought her a new American Girl Doll. She had been wanting Emily Bennett for a really long time. Emily has red hair and Chloe has a fascination with redheads. She's even decided that when she grows up she will marry someone with red hair.

Santa also brought Myah a new American Girl Doll. She got Rebecca Rubin.

A Christmas Surprise

2010-02-08T20:21:00.000-08:00

The Sunday before Christmas the kids were busily building a gingerbread house with Grandma Judith when we thought we could hear the faint jingling of bells coming from outside. Then suddenly, there came a knock at the door...

It was SANTA!!!

It was such a fun surprise! We had no idea that we would be getting a visit from Santa before Christmas. The girls were speechless, but their smiles pretty much say it all.

Christmas Dance Recital

2010-02-08T19:42:00.001-08:00

Chloe & Myah looking super cute in their dance costumes. They did a great job in their recital.

Slip of the Tongue

2010-01-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

Watch out Gene Simmons! You've got some competition.

Piano Recital 2009

2010-01-06T08:38:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to have our annual Christmas recital at a nursing home. I absolutely loved having it there. It turned out to be a great recital and a really neat experience. It was a fun opportunity for the kids to be able to do some service and share their talents with the patients there. They were so appreciative that we would come and entertain them.

All of my students performed exceptionally well. Yes, there were some mistakes, but if you have never played piano in front of an audience, you don't understand how difficult it really is. I always tell my students that I don't expect perfection. I don't think it's right to put that pressure on them. Plus, I think the fear of making mistakes is what keeps people from sharing their talents with others. At the end of the day, you just need to do your best. There has never been a time when I've played in church or in front of an audience that I haven't made some huge mistake. The important thing is to JUST KEEP GOING. Nine times out of ten, the audience doesn't even know that you made a mistake. Great job, guys!

Back row: Chloe, Me, Hayden, Tim & Jaden

Front row: Cassidy, Olivia, Makayla, Brackon, Myah & Elsie

Glasses, Genes & Jeans

2009-12-08T20:09:00.000-08:00

After having Lasik 11 years ago, Leer finally had to break down and get glasses again. I can't stop looking at him because I think he looks so good in them. It reminds me of what he looked like the first time I saw him. My stares are starting to bug him, but I don't care.

For Christmas, I am asking for a new camera. Mine sucks, as you can see. This was the best picture I could get of him out of about 30 that I took. He was thoroughly annoyed. But that problem could be easily solved if he would kindly buy me a new camera. Hint. Hint.

One more thing, Leer getting glasses prompted this funny conversation between Chloe & Myah:

Myah: How do you know if you are going to need glasses?

Chloe: It depends on your genes.

Myah: Oh...what if your jeans are light blue?

Myah The 6 Year Old

2009-12-02T08:39:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday, cute Myah! I hope you know how special you are to us. You bring so much happiness to our lives and also a lot of entertainment with your funny personality. I hope this is your best year yet.

Thanksgiving

2009-12-02T08:08:00.001-08:00

Here is what Thanksgiving looked like at our house this year. We all had the Swine Flu. Not fun. We even had to cancel our plans to spend the long weekend in Las Vegas with family. Instead we stayed home, watched movies, and coughed on each other. We'll probably never forget this one.

Frosty

2009-11-15T18:18:00.000-08:00

One of Myah's favorite songs this time of year is "Frosty The Snowman". But, she doesn't quite have the lyrics exactly right. Oh, and she pronounces the "th" sound with an "f". Her version goes like this:

Frosty The Snowman was a jolly happy soul,

wiff a corn buck toof and a button nose...

She Feels So Free & So Graceful

2009-11-12T21:36:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of Chloe running. Bless her heart.

Her running style is actually one of the things I love most about her. So carefree...

Does it remind you of anything?

My Name Is Becky and I'm a D-I-Yer

2009-11-08T18:53:00.000-08:00

I have a disease. It's the "I-can-make-that-myself-for-so-much-cheaper" disease. I have a really hard time paying full price for furnishings for my home when I know with a little bit of elbow grease I can turn trash into treasure. Almost everything in my house is used. It's either hand-me-downs from family members or stuff I find at garage sales or thrift stores. I actually quite like refinishing furniture. It has been a very satisfying hobby for me. Here is my latest project:

It's a coffee table that I bought at D.I. for $40

I look for furniture pieces that have "good bones" and are in good condition structurally.

When refinishing furniture, you must wear your ugliest clothes, don't take a shower or wear make-up, make sure you are way overdue for a hair color and let your 5 year old play with your camera.

I used 5 cans of this for this project.

I love my horses, my sawhorses, that is.

I used a walnut stain to rub into the crevices of the table. I'm usually not a fan of distressed or antiqued furniture, but the design of this table called for it.

The stain really highlights the unique lines of the table.

And here she is in her new home in my basement. This picture says a lot about my taste. When it comes to design, I'm a fan of the mismatched. Just look at my pillows for example. On my green sofa I have 5 pillows, all different, none of which are green. And look at my tables; I have a rattan bombe chest, a black metal end table with bamboo shaped legs, a natural maple plant stand (that my dad made), and behind my sofa I have a dark cherry wood sofa table. Plus my new antique white beauty. Somehow all these different things work together. At least they work for me.

Ding-Dong, Trick-or-Treat!

2009-11-02T08:38:00.001-08:00

Myah the Witch. I think she really thought she could fly on that broom. We were excited to find that at DI. It had a lovely mauve and country blue floral arrangement attached to it that we promptly removed. Sweet ride, Myah!

With all the commotion of helping our neighbors pack up for their big move and with Jason being out of town so much this month, we never did get our pumpkins carved. Oh well.

Chloe's friend Brielle the Vampire and Chloe as Raggedy Ann. Chloe's costume was actually mine when I was her age. My mom made that costume for a play I was in at church. She even made the wig out of bright red yarn and pantyhose. Don't ask. And don't tell Chloe...

We were lucky this year to spend Halloween with our dear friends and next door neighbors the Tammens. They stayed with us for a couple days before moving to Nashville on Sunday morning. So sad to see them go and terribly hard to say good-bye. Boo-hoo, sniff, sniff, waaaaaaaahhhh, whimper, whimper...okay, I'm hyperventilating again. Moving on... Layla and Addi were black cats.

Tammy & Brad as Vampires

63, 64, 65.... "Mom, you're making me lose count!"

88, 89, 90...Taking inventory

It was a great night. I just love Halloween. Nothing too scary this year except for the Lawrence Welk marathon airing on PBS that my in-laws insisted on watching. :) Just kidding...well, not really but I did enjoy their company while everyone else was out trick-or-treating. Happy Halloween!

He's Alive! He's Alive!

2009-10-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

Last night the girls and I tried our hands at making some Frankenstein pops. If you want to make some, here are the ingredients that you'll need.

I added some peppermint extract to the green candy melts, but you could also use green mint chips.

Note: You might also want to borrow Myah. She will sing her rendition of "I Want To Rock & Roll All Night" the entire time you are making these.

So, you dip the marshmallow into the melted green candy and use a small spatula or knife to wipe off the excess coating. Then dip the top into the chocolate jimmies.

Then use a small paring knife to make some holes in the sides for your tootsie roll bolts (or earrings, as Myah calls them). Also, you'll want to add your licorice lips at this point while the candy coating is still wet.

Then stand them up in something, like a mug (or hot tub as Chloe calls them).

Once they have hardened, you can lay them on a piece of wax paper. Pipe some eyes on. We used melted white chocolate chips for this. Then use some melted chocolate chips to pipe some pupils on.

Some of them turn out pretty darn cute.

Others...well, not so much.

We ran out of jimmies for their hair, so I decided to let Myah decorate the bald ones all by herself. They look AMAZING!

If you have a daughter as talented as Myah, you may even end up with one that resembles Sloth from The Goonies.

Anyhoo, we had lots of fun and they taste pretty good!

The Writing On The Wall...And The Table

2009-10-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

The other day, Leer mentioned to me how great he thought it was that our kids never really were the type to write on the walls. But recently, while painting the walls, we found this:

It says "Chloe and Myah's hideout"

Well, you know how one home improvement project leads to another...I decided to try my coffee table from downstairs in the family room upstairs. That's when I discovered this:

Artwork on the underside of the coffee table

And it's even signed by the artist

There are 3 drawings of houses

And of course she wrote "I love my dad"

Then in big green letters "You are the Best"

I tell myself she wrote that for me, but it's probably meant for her dad. Again.

And then she wrote "I am the best in my flamle" which I think means "family". Best at what, Chloe? Graffiti?

Myah's So Glad When Daddy Comes Home

2009-10-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

Leer was away on business all last week. We miss him terribly when he's gone. He called once he left the airport to let us know he was on his way home. Myah parked herself in the middle of the driveway and waited 45 minutes for him to get here.

When she saw him round the corner, she did a celebratory cartwheel.

Then she giggled with glee and wiggled her feet in the air.

And greeted her Dad at the car.

Summer Was A Total Flop

2009-09-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of this summer has been swimming with Myah. She has mastered the belly flop and does them over and over again. She feels no pain.

The Belly Flop...

She's got other skills, too.

Like the Cannonball...

The Back Flop...

The Walk-Right-In...

The Sit-Right-Down...

Leer + Zip Line = Scared Horse & Worried Wife

2009-09-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

First Day of School & One Lonely Mom

2009-08-25T23:25:00.000-07:00

Today, my baby started Kindergarten.

I always take a picture of Chloe on the first day of school in the front yard. I thought I'd do the same with Myah. She's cute!

Then we got in the car and I let her sit in the front seat. She feels special when she gets to sit in the front seat. She looks big.

Then we got to school and she got in line with her friends. They're cute too.

Then I took about 65 pictures of her standing in line, because she's so cute.

Then she was like, "MOM, seriously..."

Then she just ignored me and my camera.

Then she walked away.

And I cried. It was ugly.

Then I got in the car and thought it would be a good idea to call Leer. It wasn't. Crying, I told him that I had just dropped Myah off at school and that I was on my way to Target. Trying to help, he said, "just think, you get to go there all by yourself!"

Therein lies the problem. Now I have to go to Target by myself. Alone. Without my baby.

In other news, Chloe started 5th grade last week. This is the first year I didn't cry when I dropped her off. Don't get me wrong, I like her just as much as I like Myah. I guess by now I'm just used to her being at school. It's going to be a great year for her.

I always take a picture of her in the front yard on the first day of school. She's something pretty.

Trek - An Experience To Treasure

2009-08-16T20:53:00.000-07:00

They, the builders of the nation,

Blazing trails along the way;

Stepping-stones for generations

Were their deeds of ev'ry day

Building new and firm foundations.

Pushing on the wild frontier,

Forging onward, ever onward,

Blessed, honored Pioneer!

Service ever was their watchcry;

Love became their guiding star;

Courage, their unfailing beacon,

Radiating near and far

Ev'ry day some burden lifted,

Ev'ry day some heart to cheer,

Ev'ry day some hope the brighter,

Blessed, honored Pioneer!

As an ensign to the nation,

They unfurled the flag of truth,

Pillar, guide and inspiration

To the hosts of waiting youth

Honor, praise, and veneration

To the founders we revere!

List our song of adoration

Blessed, honored Pioneer!

It was our honor to participate in the Pioneer Trek that our Stake organized for the youth in our area. Basically, it is a pioneer reenactment. A call was extended to me over a year ago to serve as the Clothing Committee Head. What a joy it has been to serve in that capacity and to work with such great people. My specific duties involved choosing what projects the youth would have to work on, supplying patterns to all the wards, and organizing sewing activities so that everyone could achieve an authentic pioneer look. It was truly rewarding to see everyone in their costumes. I believe the costumes really enhanced our Trek experience and helped everyone identify with the pioneers.

Jason was asked to be a Company Captain. That meant that he was there to help 4 of the 18 families with any emergencies or anything that they might need. We were able to trek all 25 miles with our 4 families and it was great to get to know them.

I'm really at a loss as to how to explain the experience we had there. The Spirit was sweet and strong. Before Trek, I had a respect for the pioneers and the struggles they had. I was truly grateful for the sacrifices made by them that we benefit so greatly from. However, now I find that I have a new reverence for the pioneers. We trekked 25 (sometimes grueling) miles over the course of 4 days. They trekked 1100 torturous miles, sometime walking up to 18 miles per day. We trekked in summer. Many of their journeys lasted well into winter. We had nice, comfortable shoes. Many of them ended up with their feet wrapped in burlap because their shoes were worn through. We ate extremely well. By the time they reached Ft. Laramie, they were allotted less that 1 cup of flour per day which they mixed with a little bit of water. Everything we own was waiting for us when we returned home. The pioneers were allowed to bring only 17 pounds of their belongings with them. We all survived, most of us with minor blisters. Countless pioneers buried their loved ones along the way. I recently heard a story of a pioneer mother who buried each of her 5 children during her journey West..digging their graves with her only possession - a tablespoon. I never want to know what that would be like.

My favorite scriptures are found in the 26th chapter of Alma. They seem to express my feelings in so many situations. These few verses definitely apply to my feelings about Trek: "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever...Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord?..Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel...Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people...I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land."

The Goodwins - An Inspirational Story

2009-08-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

Christine & Gary

Myah, Chloe, Mitchell, Ryan

January 1994:

One uneventful day, two missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints tracked a particular street in Watford, England. They didn't have any success that day, in fact, only 1 person was home on the entire street. Christine was a stay at home mother with 2 young children. When she answered the door, she saw who it was and promptly dismissed the 2 missionaries. They left.

The following week, the two missionaries found themselves in the very same neighborhood, even the very same street. For some reason, they felt a strong impression that they needed to tract this street again even though they had been unsuccessful just one week before. Again, it seemed nobody was home until they came to Christine's house. This time when she answered the door, she said, "I know who you are". They asked her how she knew and she explained that she was actually a member of the church who in her words was "beyond less-active". The prompting the missionaries felt to tract that street again was an answer to Christine's prayer. After they had left her house the prior week, Christine felt bad for the way she had treated them and prayed that she would have an opportunity to see them again. Jason was one of those missionaries. This was the beginning of a relationship that made my husband's entire mission worth it. With permission from Christine's husband Gary, they began teaching Christine and her little daughter, Victoria about the Gospel. Even though Gary wasn't interested in participating in any discussions or learning about the church, Christine faithfully started attending church again. She would walk an hour and a half to church every Sunday with her 2 children. Eventually, something changed within Gary and he was baptized as well. Their family has been blessed because of the choices they made to accept the Gospel in their lives. They have had 5 children, Victoria, Connor, Ryan, Mitchell and Joshua.

Sometimes, Heavenly Father gives you special experiences in your life that let you know that He is there, that He is mindful of you, that He knows you personally, and that if you are willing, He will use you to bless the lives of others. In our church, we have what is called a Patriarchal Blessing. This is the definition found on the Church's website:

Patriarchal blessings are given to worthy members of the Church by ordained patriarchs. Patriarchal blessings include a declaration of a person's lineage in the house of Israel and contain personal counsel from the Lord. As a person studies his or her patriarchal blessing and follows the counsel it contains, it will provide guidance, comfort, and protection.

Jason received his Patriarchal Blessing a couple months before he left to serve his mission in England. Amazingly, it speaks of this great family that he would meet and the impact that he would have on their lives. The Goodwins have been vacationing in Utah and last week we had the opportunity to spend some time with them. When Christine answered the door, she gave us all big hugs and knelt down by my daughters and said, "Your father changed my life".

The Goodwins are truly an inspirational family. You see, their youngest son, Joshua was born with Edward's Syndrome and died an hour after birth. As tragic as that is, to hear them speak about him, their testimonies of the Savior and the Atonement are very evident. They know that they were chosen to be Joshua's parents and that they will be reunited with their son and that he is still with them. They are able to cope with their great loss and recognize the many blessings and miracles in their lives because of the choices they made to accept the Gospel back in 1994 when my husband had the privilege to teach them.

Note: The feeling you are feeling right now is the Holy Ghost telling you that it is true.

How wonderful it was to see them! It was my first time to meet Gary and Mitchell. I had met Ryan when he was a baby and Christine flew all the way to Utah with him to come to our wedding. Sadly, I didn't get to meet Victoria and Connor this time because they were attending EFY down at BYU. Someday...

Mitchell, Christine, a moose, Gary. What's a trip to Park City without kissing a moose?

Doorbell Ditching = Career

2009-07-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

Chloe: "Mom, when I grow up I want to be one of those people who delivers packages."

Me: "You mean like a Fedex person?"

Chloe: "Yeah, it looks REALLY fun. They have to ring your doorbell and then run away before anyone sees them."

Happy Birthday Chloe!

2009-07-29T12:56:00.001-07:00

Caring

Huggable

Lovable

Outgoing

Energetic

Happy 10th, Chloe! We love you very much.

Where has the time gone? Seems like yesterday that she came into our lives. (sniff, sniff)

This Is Myah

2009-07-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

She is bored.

Poor, poor Myah. Poor, poor Chloe.

Cowabunga Bay & A Car Accident

2009-07-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, I took the girls and some of their friends to Cowabunga Bay for Chloe's birthday (which is next week and I'll do a proper b-day post then). They had so much fun!

Myah, Shaylie, Brielle, Chloe, Hannah

Seriously, I think they spent a good hour trying to get everyone onto the inner tube at the same time. You can tell by their faces how proud they are of their accomplishment.

Here is my review of Cowabunga Bay. Typically, I like a good water slide. This place however, may have done it in for me. First, let me say that I HATE being splashed unexpectedly even if I'm already wet, (I know I'm weird) so that's kind of where my problems started. But, just getting from point A to point B is a feat in itself. Unbeknownst to me, kids can dump buckets of water on you and squirt you with hoses while you're walking up the stairs (which is SUPER funny). There is also water shooting out of the structure from every which way. Goggles would have come in handy. Then I finally get up to the tallest slide (the purple tube slide) and was not prepared for what would happen next. Take my advice and don't attempt this slide unless you are wearing a one piece swim suit. After being shot out of that thing at bullet speed, my swim suit top was wrapped around my head. No one wants to see that. And if you're going to be getting an enema, I think it would be nice if they would inform you of that with some sort of warning sign. I should have stopped there. But no. I thought it would be a good idea to try the red tube slide which was not quite as high as the purple one. Needless to say, I had pretty much the same experience but for that slide you get to scale a mesh/net ladder thingy which forced me to stare death in the face wondering if they had tested the ladder for use by chubby people! Also, if you are walking along and you start hearing bells, that means that 2 tons of water is about to be dumped on you which is also quite enjoyable. Not.

I will say, after I tested out all the slides and was violated by water in every possible way, I noticed that the girls were still having loads of fun so, I felt pretty confident that I could let them go at it themselves if they stayed together. I was able to relax in a lawn chair, work on my tan, and catch up with my long lost friend Sudoku. I knew it was a good idea to bring that book.

Now, if that wasn't enough excitement for one day, we were involved in a car accident on the way home! I was rear-ended and pushed into the car in front of me. And it happened to be at that intersection that's about a mile from our house. You know the one...the one EVERYONE drives by 10 times a day. I probably don't even need to post this since most of you drove by and saw it all. I do appreciate all the concern that was expressed towards us, it's just that it's kind of embarrassing. Especially when you're in your swimming suit. Anyhoo, I'm happy to say, it wasn't my fault and we all seem to be okay.

The hole in my back bumper.

The dangling license plate on my front bumper.

Good times. Good, GOOD times.

Stadium of Fire

2009-07-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July is my favorite holiday. I love everything about it. Leer and I often discuss how blessed and lucky we feel that we were born in America. I don't even want to imagine how different my life might be if I had been born anywhere else.

For about the past 11 years, we've made it a tradition to go to the Stadium of Fire. (I think we've only missed 3 of those years.) It is absolutely the best celebration around and on the 4th of July, there is nowhere else I'd rather be. This year was particularly special because Chloe had the opportunity to be one of the dancers in the show.

I was so proud of her. I got the chance to be one of the mom helpers for our dance studio which I was so grateful for. Driving down Friday morning, we got to see the hot air balloon festival going on. That pink one is a giant piggy bank. The girls in my car thought the balloons were pretty cool.

You cannot imagine the work they put into organizing this event. And the dancers worked their butts off! I was in shock when I saw the rehearsal schedule:

Thursday 4 pm until 7 pm

Friday 7:45 am until 11 pm

Saturday 6:45 am until 12 noon

Needless to say, the girls were sore and exhausted. It was totally worth it though and they should be proud of themselves. Look how cute they are!

Now let's talk about the JONAS BROTHERS. Is it wrong for ME to be a fan? I guess I was too busy enjoying the concert to take any pictures of them. But, they were great! And it was pretty funny to hear thousands and thousands of teen aged girls screaming their heads off for them. This was definitely the most rowdy Stadium of Fire that we've been too.

One word...FIREWORKS. I L.O.V.E. fireworks. And this year's display didn't disappoint (although Leer thought they were shorter than usual). I don't know if the Stadium of Fire has the biggest fireworks show in the nation, but I'm sure it's the best.

'Til next year...sigh.

Let's See...Where Was I?

2009-06-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

Oh yay! Leer figured out what was wrong with my blog and now it's fixed. So, I'm back! Be sure to check out my previous post.

Talent Show

2009-06-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

Chloe participated in the Ward Talent Show back in March. She did a fantastic job even though her accompanist (me) made a few mistakes. We are so proud of you, Chloe!

Stay Tuned

2009-04-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

First I couldn't upload any videos...now I can't seem to upload any pictures onto my blog. Not sure what the problem is, but stay tuned.

Way Too Excessive and What A Load Of Crap!

2009-03-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

No, this isn't a post about the stimulus package...

This is about our playroom and the problem with excessive amounts of toys.

Neat Freaks, look away.

I don't know if your kids are anything like mine, but I have the kind of kids that had tons of toys that were never played with. And I'm the kind of mom who thinks that all the Littlest Pet Shop toys should all live in their very own bin. And the Barbies should all be together in their own bin. And Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head should all be in one bin and so on and so forth. And I'm also the kind of mom who prefers to have the kids' friends play at our house. And my kids' friends are the kind of kids who like to dump all the toys out, but don't play with them and then I'm left to clean up everything and put all the toys back into their proper bins. I'm not the kind of mom who enjoys this. I started thinking about what toys my kids do actually play with. They like their Littlest Pet Shops, their Nintendo DS's, their American Girl Dolls and Webkinz. I was fairly certain that I could get rid of all other toys and they wouldn't really care as long as they kept what they really love. So since I'm the kind of mom who isn't against bribery, I enlisted the help of two new Webkinz that would live on top of the fridge until my kids got rid of almost all their other toys. Brilliant, I know. Meet Pansy the Hummingbird and Bubbles the Seahorse. I couldn't have done it without them.

With their help we were able to get rid of bags and bags of toys. Gone are the Legos. Gone are the Polly Pockets. Gone is the Princess castle. Gone are stacks and stacks of books, games and puzzles. Gone are all the Dora The Explorer toys. Gone are 2 garbage bags full of stuffed animals. Gone are the doll strollers. Gone are 2 toy cash registers. Gone is the train set. And guess what?!? It's been about 2 weeks since I did all this and the kids don't even miss any of those toys.

Here is the load of crap headed for DI.

You can tell from the debris that was swept up that this is a girls playroom. Beads, barrettes, Barbie shoes, oh, and a fake chicken drumstick...all sure signs.

And here are the results. Looks pretty good.

Now, don't feel sorry for my kids, I have vowed to get rid of half of all my stuff, too. All in all, I feel like my kids have learned a valuable lesson about excess. And how anything in excess can be too hard to manage. Hopefully they will remember this. Ha, who am I kidding?

Don't Try This At Home...Unless You're An Astronaut

2009-03-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Neopolitan Astronaut Ice Cream = YUCKY!

Leer had to go to Seattle for work and he brought us home some Astronaut Ice Cream from a museum he went to. It is gross. Well, unless you like your ice cream warm, chunky, chalky and freeze dried. Needless to say, this is one item that will not be a part of our food storage. In case of disaster, we just won't be eating ice cream. Thanks for thinking of us Leer! Glad I'm not an Astronaut.

Wick & Dilma

2009-01-28T17:49:00.000-08:00

Leer has a great uncle and aunt named Dick and Wilma. We rarely see them and the kids don't really know who they are, but Leer and I affectionately refer to them as "Wick & Dilma". A couple weeks ago we went to a family function and when we pulled into the parking lot, I noticed their car and said, "Hey, there's Wick and Dilma!". Chloe, in her pre-teen, cynically-toned, voice asked, "Who's WICKED Dilma?" She didn't understand why we were laughing so hard.

You Be Thelma, I'll Be Louise & Moqui Caves...A Roadtrip

2009-01-23T16:09:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, my dear friend Cindy and I, drove the long 12 hours back to Utah. We talked, we sang, we reminisced, we laughed. There is no one else that can make me laugh as hard as Cindy does. It brought back a lot of memories of all the road trips we'd taken in the past. At a gas station along the way, we even found some of the chocolate toffee covered almonds that were the standard snack we used to eat whenever we would travel, back in the day. They were $6.95 for a little bag, but we didn't care...it's tradition. Just out of Kanab, we stopped for a little culture (and to stretch our legs) at Moqui Caves. The girls had a great time checking out the collection of fluorescent minerals on display there.

All of us

Aubrey, Chloe, Myah

Myah in front of an international money display.

Since it was too dark to photograph any of the fluorescent minerals, I made a video. Probably not the greatest quality.

I Shall Call Her Squishy

2009-01-22T08:47:00.000-08:00

The girls and I left Leer alone to study, and took a road trip to Arizona. We finally got to meet Heidi's baby Audrey. Heidi & Jason have waited over 10 years for this baby. I kept asking Audrey, what took her so long to get here and where has she been all this time...but she didn't answer me. What a special baby, though! Totally squishable. I guess it's true what they say, "good things come to those who wait". Myah kept telling Audrey that they were best friends. We miss them already.

Myah & Audrey

Me & Audrey

Heidi, Cindy & Me. These girls have been my best friends for a long time. Heidi since 5th grade & Cindy since 7th. Anyone who can put up with me for that long deserves a medal.

While we were there, we decorated Heidi's plant shelves. This is Cindy, way up there.

Chloe got to spend some time with her friend, Karly, who is Heidi's niece.

Myah Says...

2009-01-13T08:25:00.000-08:00

"Mom, did you know my birtday is before Jesus' birtday? 'Cause mine is in Nobember and His is on Christmas....Jesus' birtday should be on Fanksgibing 'cause we're so fankful for Him."

'Twas The Month After Christmas & I Ate Too Much!

2009-01-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

'Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.
When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).
I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."
As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt.
I said to myself, as I only can"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"
So--away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
Till all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won't have a cookie--not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.
I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore,
But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

Christmas

2009-01-03T13:51:00.001-08:00

Ice Skating on Crescent Lake

2009-01-03T09:50:00.000-08:00

The kids had so much fun trying to ice skate on Grandma & Grandpa's lake. They did a pretty good job!

Myah

Chloe

Chloe and Myah falling on their butts simultaneously. This happened quite a bit.

My cute nephew Jack

My adorable niece Kate and my BIG brother Josh

I was kind of worried at the thought of letting my kids skate on a frozen lake because I thought maybe they could fall through the ice. Then I found out that the ice is about 16 inches thick. This is a picture of some ice fishing shanties and trucks out on the middle of the lake. I guess it's safe.

My Dream House

2009-01-03T09:17:00.001-08:00

After much finger-licking, stickiness and teamwork, we were able to build our dream house over the holidays. Quaint and tasty...what more could you ask for in a house?

Over The River and Through The Woods...

2008-12-27T13:59:00.003-08:00

...to Grandmother's house we go.

I thought I'd take some pictures of my parent's house. They live on a lake in Wisconsin. This is where we are spending Christmas this year. It is really beautiful here and really cold.

Front of house

Back of house

My Dad's woodworking shop and boat garage

What you can see of the house from the lake

If you look closely, you can see a squirrel in this bird feeder on their deck. They get a lot of deer, birds, squirrels and other wildlife in their yard. Even BEARS. Good thing it's hibernation season.

I Like Cookies

2008-12-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

If I come back and I'm hardly recognizable, this is why. Judith really outdid herself when she decided it would be a good idea to make over 15 different varieties of cookies, 4 different kinds of breads, and half a dozen different kinds of candy.

I like cookies.

I like candy.

I like bread.

Don We Now Our Gay Apparel

2008-12-20T15:27:00.000-08:00

Gay as in...cheery: bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer; full of or showing high-spirited merriment; given to social pleasures often including dissipation; brightly colored and showy; offering fun and gaiety;

Last night we had a fun evening with friends. We went out to eat and thought it would be fun/funny to wear an ugly Christmas sweater. Hopefully YOU don't own any of the sweaters pictured below. It's OK to be jealous.

L-R: Sally, Chris, Shane, Kim, Ben, Heather, Tiffany, John, Cousin Eddie...I mean Tom, Tiffany, Carlye, Cameron, Jason, Me

Some didn't participate (LEARNUS). But I think it was torture enough to have to be seen in public with me in my unfortunate ensemble. Who invented the ugly Christmas sweater, anyway?

Dance Like No One Is Watching

2008-12-19T08:31:00.000-08:00

Chloe and Myah had their dance recital last night. It has been so much fun to see them participate in dance this year. They have both absolutely loved it and I think it does wonders for their coordination and self-esteem. Have a looksy.

Myah

Chloe

Great job girls! I'm proud of you.

Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk

2008-12-11T17:14:00.000-08:00

Since Myah has turned 5, she is very much in the "I can do it myself" stage of life. For the most part, this new independence works out just fine. Today, however, we discovered that getting a gallon of milk off the top shelf of the fridge is still going to require parental assistance.

This is a gallon-sized puddle of milk on my kitchen floor.

I guess plastic milk cartons are not made to withstand a 5 foot plummet to the floor.

Piano Recital

2008-12-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

This year was the first piano recital I've had since I started teaching lessons. My friend Kim and I had a joint recital which worked out good since I teach her boys and she teaches Chloe. I think everyone who participated did a fabulous job. All the hard work and practicing really paid off for the students.

These are my students. Cute, right?

Chloe's playing has really taken off this year. She's worked very hard and I could not be more proud.

This was Myah's big debut. I recently sat down with her just to see if I could teach her or if it was too early. She's a natural and is very eager to learn. The ideal student! As you can see, she was not the least bit nervous and was totally unaffected by the large audience we had.

Festival of Trees

2008-12-08T07:58:00.001-08:00

The girls did a great job in their performances at the Festival of Trees. Myah's group danced to "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and Chloe's group danced to "That's What Christmas Means To Me". They have had such a fun time participating in dance. Now we're looking forward to the recital.

The Recorder Is Such A Lovely Instrument

2008-12-05T22:35:00.000-08:00

For some reason, I can hardly control my laughter when 100 fourth graders are performing in a Recorder Concert. I think I have some sort of disorder or disease which causes me to laugh at inappropriate times. (I know, that's very immature of me and probably bad parenting.) I don't know if it's the high-pitched, off-key, ear-piercing sound or how serious they all are about it. I do have to say, whoever taught them did a great job. They were totally into it and knew every song. Here. Have a listen. Chloe is in the back row and you can hardly see her. :(

I had to stop recording so I could regain my composure. It's hard to keep the camera steady when you're laughing so hard. Sorry, Chloe. I really am proud of you.

Breakfast With Santa

2008-12-05T18:26:00.000-08:00

Cousin Hannah, The Grinch, Chloe & Myah

Grandpa and Grandma Childs took everyone to Breakfast With Santa last weekend. It was lots of fun (except for the annoying Sugar Plum Fairy who pranced around like she really was a fairy). Grandma Shelley even bought all the girls matching outfits and crocheted hats for the occasion. Myah laughed her head off when The Grinch told them they looked like strawberry ice cream with whipped cream on top. But the highlight of the event was when Myah won a candy counting contest and walked away with 23 kit-kats. She guessed 22.

Happy Birthday, Myah!

2008-12-01T08:25:00.001-08:00

Dear Myah,

I cannot believe you are 5. I hope you know what a joy you are to us. Life with you has been wonderful! Know how much you are loved, Myah. Dad and I wanted another baby so badly and we are so grateful to have you in our little family. You were an answer to our prayers. You are a great daughter and such a fun sister for Chloe. She loves you very much. At this point in your life, here a 5 words that describe you:

1. adorable

2. feisty

3. friendly

4. obedient

5. bright

Happy Birthday, Myah! Love, Mom.

This was Myah's cake. Her party was supposed to have a ballerina theme. But my frosting was so fluffy that my ballerina candlesticks look more like synchronized swimmers.

Too Much Information...I Know!

2008-11-25T09:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, the girls and I went to Hobby Lobby to purchase some items for Myah's birthday party and a school project I'm, I mean, CHLOE is working on. Among those items was a package of feathers, which reminded me of a funny thing that happened one busy day, not so long ago:

Do you ever have one of those days where you are so busy that you never once sit down? I mean, not even to go potty? Well, this was one of those days. All throughout this particular day, I kept feeling a sharp poking sensation in my nether-regions. (Yes, "nether-regions" are what you think they are.) It wasn't a constant poking, just an occasional, annoying poke. I figured it was probably a fingernail or something of that nature that had attached itself to my unmentionables in the wash. Well, after my long, busy, poke-filled day, I finally had the opportunity to investigate what it was that had caused all the discomfort. Imagine my surprise when I discovered a long, white feather in my unmentionables.

(this is NOT the actual feather)

When I say, "long, white feather", I'm talking about the kind of feather that would have once been used to make a quill pen. Why was it there? How did it find it's way into my unmentionables? Where did this long, white feather come from? To this day, it remains a mystery.

The moral of this story is: No matter how busy you are, if you experience a sharp, poking sensation in your nether-regions, be kind to yourself and don't wait until the end of that day to investigate the source of it. I guess I should be grateful it was just a feather and not an entire bird!

Normally, at this point in a post I would ask if this has ever happened to you. I'm certain it has not. Feel free to leave a comment anyway unless I've left you speechless.

Armadillos

2008-11-23T17:45:00.000-08:00

As Chloe was getting ready for school the other day, Myah matter-of-factly said:

"I don't like those earrings. They look like armadillos."

cRazY 8's

2008-11-05T11:29:00.000-08:00

Here you go Tiffany!

8 T.V. shows I love to watch:
The Biggest Loser (Vicky & Brady suck!)
Next FoodNetwork Star (when it's on)
American Idol (when it's on)
Grey's Anatomy (but I probably have to stop since it's naughty now)
Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team 3
Barefoot Contessa
Divine Design
What Not To Wear

8 of my favorite Restaurants:
Costa Vida/Cafe Rio (Costa Vida has better tortillas)
Mimi's
Taco Time
Sweet Tomatoes
Maggie Moo's (totally a restaurant)
Chick-fil-a
Outback
Oregano's (in AZ)

8 things that happened Yesterday:
Taught 2 piano lessons
Cleaned up dog poop off my neighbor's floor (we're dog-sitting and apparently not good at it)
Played cards with friends
Did lots of laundry
Hoped John McCain would've won
Kicked Myah's butt in a game of Trouble
Almost forgot I was supposed to make funeral potatoes
Went to Relief Society Social

8 Things I am looking forward to:
No more election talk
Thanksgiving
Myah's birthday
Christmas
Going to AZ
Leer finishing all the CPA tests
Leer's Christmas work party
Meeting Heidi's baby

8 things on my wish list:
A pressure canner
A Cricut
Photoshop Elements
Double ovens
The food processor attachment for my Bosch
To lose 25 pounds
Patience
That my husband and kids are happy

8 people I am tagging:
Cindy
Cedar
Lindsey
Tammy
Stacy S. (SS minnow)
Amber
Nicole
T Turnbow

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

From the Beekeeper and his bees!

Have You Seen This Face?

2008-11-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

Late last night, we believe our beloved Daddy Pumpkin was pumpkin-napped! This morning when we woke up he was nowhere to be found. We're pretty sure he's been pumpkin-napped because we were such a happy pumpkin family and we can't think of a reason why he would just run away. Plus, he doesn't have any legs. He was last seen on our front porch about 10:00 p.m., Halloween night. The only possession he seems to have left with is a candle, which further supports our pumpkin-napping theory. (It's just not like him to leave home without his wallet or keys.)If you see him anywhere, please return him to us. His place of honor on top of the flower pot is waiting for him and so are his pumpkin wife and pumpkin kids.

This was the last pumpkin family picture we had taken. This was Halloween at about 5:00. I know his face may not look like he was a happy pumpkin, but I promise he was. He may have aged in the past few days and might appear slightly shriveled by now.

Please come back, Daddy Pumpkin! We miss you!

Should you choose to join in the search for our missing pumpkin, here is a detailed description of what to look for:

Orange

Round

Hollow

About 9 lbs.

About 14 inches tall

Sharp features

Pointy teeth

Long stem

Candle inside

beep! beep!

2008-11-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

Chloe came home from school the other day and proudly announced, "I passed my hearing test! I heard EVERY SINGLE beep".

I thought that was odd considering she never hears a SINGLE word I say!

If I could only speak "beep"...

Infomercials

2008-10-29T18:36:00.000-07:00

I don't really like infomercials. I find them ridiculous. Every time I watch one, some smooth-talking salesperson is trying desperately to sell me something that I really don't want or need. It's always a product that you know is too good to be true. You know what I'm talking about: some cleaning solution that will make your home/car/laundry cleaner than ever, a cream to rid your face of wrinkles, an exercise video that will make you look like a supermodel, some book that shows you how to get rich quick through real estate investments...I could go on. And on. What's most annoying about infomercials is how they make you think your life will somehow be so much better if you buy what they're selling. Many times, they even include freebies to try to entice you. And if you ever do give in to the smooth-talking salesperson, you find out soon enough that what you bought is really no good at all. It hasn't made your life better. In fact, it's made it worse because now you feel foolish and you're out the money. I've learned my lesson, and am now skeptical of anything pitched to me through infomercials. Though sometimes I still catch myself watching infomercials, I don't buy things featured on them anymore because, products sold on infomercials turn out to be disappointing and never what I need.

Tonight, I found myself watching yet another, ridiculous infomercial. It was a lot like other ones I've seen in the past. It had a smooth-talking salesperson, touching stories, promises of an improved life, even background music. I wasn't fooled this time though! I knew that what this smooth-talking salesperson was trying desperately to sell me was once again not at all what I needed. I knew it wouldn't make my life better. It would make it worse. Voting for, I mean purchasing what was available on this infomercial would also come with freebies like universal health care, the right to choose to terminate an innocent life, same-sex marriage...I could go on. And on. But none of those things will in any way enhance my life. Barack Obama, I mean this smooth-talking salesperson, even tried to entice me with the promise of lower taxes. (Now, I know that's too good to be true. Democrats don't lower taxes. Doi!) But lower taxes aren't enough to entice me to buy what he is selling, anyway. Remember, I learned my lesson about infomercials and I don't want to make a foolish vote, I mean purchase, because things featured on infomercials turn out to be disappointing and never what I need.

Before you make a foolish purchase, I mean vote, check out some of these topics and how they relate to Barack Obama:

infanticide - abortion
William Ayers
Acorn
socialism
spreading the wealth (possibly yours)
universal health care
off-shore drilling

I could go on. And on.

I would just feel terrible if anyone made a bad vote, I mean purchase, as a result of a misleading infomercial.

Grandpa Great

2008-10-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we went to visit Leer's Grandpa(Chloe & Myah's Great Grandpa). We LOVE him. You would too if you knew him. For your reading enjoyment, (and for my posterity) allow me to share some of my favorite things about him along with some pictures we took while we were there.

My favorite thing about him is his house and barns. Everything he has is old. He has several barns and garages that are filled with old farm tools, old military uniforms, old bicycles, old furniture, old soda bottles, old rollerskates, old typewriters, old toys and games, old books...really anything you could possible think of, but old. It's like taking a step back in time. However, he always has a NEW, fancy truck.

No, actually my favorite thing about him is that the Gospel is an essential part of his life. The scriptures are always sitting on the table next to his recliner. He is always willing to serve. He served as the bishop in their ward for over 6 years, and has also been a counselor in the bishopric and a High Councilman. He was instrumental in helping to get the Stake Center built in their small town.

Or maybe my favorite thing about him is that he's a really good grandpa and I feel like he's my OWN grandpa. (I didn't really ever get to know my own grandparents very well considering I was the very last grandchild born on both sides of my family. My grandparents have all passed on.) He's always been kind to me and is always genuinely interested in what we're doing. He is sharp and keeps up on current events like politics, the economy, cars, and of course, BYU football and the Utah Jazz. When you visit with him, it's like talking to someone who's your own age, not someone who has lived 83 years. He remembers to send birthday and Christmas cards to Jason. He will sit patiently and listen while Myah shows him how she can count to 100. He is never grumpy.

No, my favorite thing about him has to be that he's a REAL cowboy. Picture the Marlboro man, without the coffee, cigarettes and alcohol. He has owned and maintained a 250 acre cattle ranch all his life and still does this back-breaking work EVERYDAY (remember he's 83). He was raised on this farm and bought it from his dad and this is how he supported his family. This is the only life he's ever known and he loves it.

Well, my favorite thing about him could be that he's popular. He has lots of friends. You would want him to be your friend too. He's always telling stories about his friends and you can tell he truly enjoys their companionship. And I love that his friends all have "cowboy" names like: Jarvis, Garn, LeRoy, etc. He is the one that they call when they need something like a ride to Priesthood or to know how to program their cable box. He is a loyal and reliable friend.

No, this is my favorite thing about him: his name is Grover. Yes. I said Grover. Grover Childs. It's awesome! We call him Grandpa Great. And he is GREAT!

Truly, my most favorite thing about him is the example he is to us. He lovingly took care of his wife who suffered from Parkinson's Disease for over 35 years. He never complained about having to take care of her and you could tell how much he truly loved her. She passed away a few years ago and he misses her terribly.

We need to be better about visiting him more often.

Me and Myah.

Me and Chloe.

Ryan and the girls on the 4wheeler.

Jason and his brother Ryan. He's single, ladies. Not Jason...Ryan.

I've been known to shoot guns on occasion when we've visited the farm. Turns out I have pretty good aim. Just puttin' it out there.

Childs Look-alike Meter

2008-10-22T11:15:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Old photos - Family pictures

Childs Look-alike Meter

2008-10-22T10:47:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Kids'll Say The Darndest Things!

2008-10-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

1. What is something mom always says to you?

Chloe: "You know...some kids don't have funny moms."

Myah: "GO TO BED!"
2. What makes mom happy?

Chloe: The cards I make you.

Myah: When you play wis me and I give you kisses, and I say "I love you", and we do puzzles.

3. What makes mom sad?
Chloe: Ummm, when I don't clean my room.

Myah: When I don't play wis mommy.

4. How does your mom make you laugh?

Chloe: When she says, "you look so pretty, like model...cheerleader...something pretty!"
Myah: When she puts funny teeth in her.

5. What was your mom like as a child?

Chloe: How do I know that??? Huh???

Myah: Oh, just so cute.

6. What is her favorite thing to do?

Chloe: Cook.

Myah: Make flower barrettes.

7. What does your mom do when you're not around?

Chloe: Call people.

Myah: Just go on the computer.

8. What is your mom really good at?
Chloe: Making cards.

Myah: Playing wis me. She's good at winning me.

9. What is your mom not very good at?

Chloe: You're not good at knowing what boys like.

Myah: Knowing how to make chocolate chip cookies. Really you're not. You just know chocolate chips go in em.

10. What does your mom do for her job?

Chloe: Makes dinner.

Myah: Be's nice to dad.

11. What is your mom's favorite food?

Chloe: What is it? I think it's salad.

Myah: Orange Chicken I fink. Or Red Chicken, ok?

12. What makes you proud of your mom?

Chloe: She takes me to school.

Myah: Let me fink...when I clean my room and she likes it. I don't have a big closet you know.

13. What do you and your mom do together?

Chloe: Play Skip-Bo. And Phase 10.

Myah: Umm, we like to play and we like to look at baby pictures.

14. How are you and your mom the same?

Chloe: We both have green eyes.

Myah: We look like eechudder.

15. How are you and your mom different?

Chloe: You have yellow hair.

Myah: We don't have big hands togedder and you don't wear sparkle toes.

16. How do you know your mom loves you?
Chloe: She buys things for us.

Myah: Cuz she has a heart.

17. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?

Chloe: Umm, Sweet Tomatoes.

Myah: Our house.

Dear Leer,

2008-10-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the shiny new computer. I really enjoy typing with BOTH hands now instead of having to hold the computer cord in awkward positions being so careful not to move even a hair while typing with my other hand. This shiny new computer doesn't burn my leg when I use it either. It even turns off/on every time I push the power button. And thanks for transferring all my pictures and itunes over to my shiny new computer and for setting up my email in such a spectacular new way. You are my most favorite computer nerd. My life would be so much less technical without you. And technically, I love my life with you.

Now, if I could only figure out how to print...

Get Busy!

2008-10-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

We are in trouble.
The population of this country is 300 million.
160 million are retired.
That leaves 140 million to do the work.
There are 85 million in school.
Which leaves 55 million to do the work.
Of this there are 35 million employed by the federal government.

Leaving 15 million to do the work.

2.8 million are in the armed forces preoccupied with killing Osama Bin-Laden.

Which leaves 12.2 million to do the work.
Take from that total the 10.8 million people who work for state and city Governments.

And that leaves 1.4 million to do the work.

At any given time there are 188,000 people in hospitals.
Leaving 1,212,000 to do the work.
Now, there are 1,211,998 people in prisons.
That leaves just two people to do the work.
You and me.
And there you are...
Sitting on your behind...At your computer...
Reading jokes/my blog.

Nice.
Real nice.

Do You Haiku Too?

2008-09-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

hai·ku [hahy-koo]
–noun, plural -ku for 2.
1. a major form of Japanese verse, written in 17 syllables divided into 3 lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables, and employing highly evocative allusions and comparisons, often on the subject of nature or one of the seasons.
2. a poem written in this form.

The other night we went out to eat at Chili's. I confess I'm a people watcher and enjoyed watching a young couple on a date. (I'm guessing a first date by the awkward body language.) I noticed the guy had a shirt with writing on it. So, curious, as we were leaving, I walked slowly enough so that I could read it. It said:

Haikus are easy

But sometimes they don't make sense

Refrigerator

Chloe and I had a good laugh about that one. Anyways, I didn't want to forget about that funny shirt...and so I post.

I'll also take this opportunity to share some Haiku poems that my little Chloe has written. You see, she's quite the poet (I'm biased, I know). Prepare to be amazed:

Butterfly

by Chloe Childs

She flies through the sky

Oh how beautiful she is

What a sight she is

Rain

by Chloe Childs

Pitter patter rain

Falling from the sky down, down

Oh so beautiful

Mushrooms

by Chloe Childs

Growing on the ground

Spotted, striped and growing slow

Grow mushrooms, grow now

The Beach

by Chloe Childs

It is very fun

Playing in the sun all day

Collecting seashells

And while I'm at it, here's her newest poem for your reading enjoyment. This one's not a Haiku, but totally blogworthy. I think it's really cute.

My White Kitty

by Chloe Childs

My white kitty is soft and cute.

She likes it when I play the flute.

She plays all day and then I say,

"I'll love you, Kitty, always."

And then I tuck her into bed,

"Meow, I love you too!" she said.

Precious, I know. And to think...we don't even have a white kitty or a flute! I love having Chloe for my daughter! (sigh)

Star Mill

2008-09-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

Me and Myah took my parents to the Star Mill in American Fork on Tuesday. They have tons of cool antiques. Sadly, though, they're only open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, so I wasn't able to purchase anything. But it was still fun to look at all the treasures and take some fun pictures of Myah and some of the sights there.

Lindsey, we need to go here next time you come to visit.

I See Dead People

2008-09-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

We recently went to see the Body Worlds exhibit that's in town right now at The Leonardo. For those who don't know, there are people who donate their bodies to be used in this travelling exhibit. The process they use to preserve the bodies is called plastination. You are literally looking at dead people. Sounds kind of gruesome, I know, but it was awesome. It was so interesting to see the inner workings of the human body. Such intricacy! While the exhibit is purely scientific in nature, on a spiritual level it reconfirmed for me what I already know - that we are products of a Divine Creator. Our bodies are amazing and each and every blood vessel, muscle, tendon, nerve, and organ was placed precisely where it is and functions as it does because that is how God intended it to be.

President Hinckley said:

"I have in my home a reasonably good sound system. I do not use it frequently, but now and again, I sit quietly in the semidarkness and listen for an hour or so to music that has endured through the centuries because of its remarkable qualities. I listened the other evening to Beethoven’s Concerto for the Violin and marveled that such a thing could come of the mind of a man. The composer, I suppose, was very much like the rest of us. I do not know how tall he was or how broad he was or how much he weighed. I assume that he got hungry, felt pain, and had most of the problems that we all have, and maybe some that we do not have. But out of the genius of that mind came a tremendous blending to create rare and magnificent masterpieces of music.
Have you ever contemplated the wonder of yourself, the eyes with which you see, the ears with which you hear, the voice with which you speak? No camera ever built can compare with the human eye. No method of communication ever devised can compare with the voice and the ear. No pump ever built will run as long or as efficiently as the human heart. What a remarkable thing each of us is.
Look at your finger. The most skillful attempt to reproduce it mechanically has brought only a crude approximation. The next time you use your finger, look at it, and sense the wonder of it. While sitting in Symphony Hall listening to a concert, I was in a position to see the fingers of the performers in the orchestra. Every one, whether playing the strings, the percussion instruments, the brass, the woodwinds—all used their fingers. One does not have to use one’s fingers to sing or whistle, but beyond that, there would be little of musical harmony without the deft action of trained fingers.
I believe the human body to be the creation of Divinity. George Gallup once observed, “I could prove God statistically. Take the human body alone—the chance that all the functions of the individual would just happen is a statistical monstrosity.” Our bodies were designed by our Eternal Father to be the tabernacle of our eternal spirits."

Here are some examples of what you see there:

Go check out this exhibit while it's here. Caution: Not for the faint of heart.

Getting To Know You

2008-09-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:00
2. Diamonds or Pearls? YES!
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Kit Kittredge
4. If you were to get a tattoo? I would never get a tattoo.
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Flax Plus with frozen blueberries on it.
6. What is your middle name? Joyce
7. What food do you dislike? mushrooms, can't even stand the thought of them
8. What is your favorite CD? Right now it's Adele but it changes often
9. What kind of car do you drive? Explorer
10. What is you favorite sandwich? Reuben
11. What characteristics do you despise? People who lie and people who are negative
12. Favorite item of clothing? Jeans
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Hawaii
14. Favorite brand of clothing? Don't really have one.
15. Where would you like to retire? Coronado Island off of San Diego
16. Favorite candy/candy bar? Junior Mints
17. Favorite magazine? Good Housekeeping
20. Person you expect to send this back first? Carlye
21. When is your birthday? May 24th
22. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night
23. Any Pets? When they make a pet that doesn't poop, then I'll get one.
24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Not at this time.
25. What mood are you in today? TRYING to be pleasant.
26. What is your favorite flower? Easter Lily
27. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to and why? Halloween
28. What is your full name? You know what it is.
29. What are you listening to right now? The popping sound from the Trouble game
30. What was the last thing you ate? Some pumpkin bread
31. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Leer
32. Favorite soft drink? I don't drink alot of pop, but I can't pass up a root beer float.
33. Favorite restaurant? Costa Vida or Mimi's
34. What was your favorite childhood toy? My Cabbage Patch Doll Erica Lorraine
36. What is under your bed? The leaf for my table and a whole lot of dust
37. What did you do last night? Played games with my mom
38. What are you afraid of? Bears and aliens
39. Salty or Sweet? sweet
40. How many keys are on your key ring? 3
41. How many years at your current job? don't have one
42. Favorite day of the week? I've always liked Thursdays, don't know why
43. How many towns have you lived in? 8
44. Do you make friends easily? I try
45. How many people will you send this to? none, post it on your blog if you want to
46. Do you like finding out all this stuff about your friends? Yabetcha! I'm kind of nosey that way.

Secret

2008-09-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

Myah: (Excited) Mom! Mom! Let me put a secret in your ear!

Me: (Bending down) Okay, okay. What?

Myah: I love you!

Leaf Me Alone

2008-09-16T11:04:00.001-07:00

Scudderia Furcata

We've seen several of these leaf bugs in the yard recently. I guess they are commonly known as Katydids. Nice expression, Learnus.

Cascade Springs

2008-09-14T16:30:00.001-07:00

Saturday, we spent the day in American Fork Canyon. Learl loves to spend time in the mountains and this was a perfect day to go. We picnicked, hiked, saw lots of beautiful scenery, and had a great time just being together. Some of the leaves are already starting to change colors. I guess fall is upon us.

Kennecott Copper Mine

2008-09-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

My parents and the girls in front of a really big tire...

that goes on a really big dump truck.

This is blogworthy...right? We took my parents up to the copper mine on Friday. It was pretty interesting. Did you know you can see the mine from space? Next time you're in space, look out your window and see if you can see it.

Remembering

2008-09-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2001, was one of those days in history where everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing when the attacks happened. I remember I had just gone jogging, came back to my apartment and turned on the news (just like every other day) and was absolutely horrified at what I was seeing. I watched the first tower fall and was talking on the phone to Leer when the second tower fell. I have never felt so shocked and helpless. I just sat there and sobbed. Those images are forever ingrained in my memory. I think maybe the next day was even worse though when I woke up and realized it wasn't some horrible nightmare. Plus, that's when the media started playing all the recorded messages that the victims had left for their families and loved ones. I didn't personally know anyone, even remotely, who died that day, but I sure felt an overwhelming sadness for all those who were directly affected by the attack. I still feel sad for them. That is why I go to the Healing Fields every year. Myah and I took my parents over there this year to look at all the flags. Each flag represents either someone who was killed on 9/11 or a soldier that has been killed fighting in The War on Terror. There are thousands of flags. I think Myah said it best. When we turned the corner and she saw all the flags, she said, "Mom, there's too many flags". I wish there were no flags to go look at but as long as there are, I will go and walk around with a lump in my throat, trying to hold back the tears. I don't want the soldiers who have died for America, or those who were killed on 9/11 to be forgotten. I will never forget.

American Girl Place

2008-09-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

This was so fun! If you have a little girl, this is a must-see, must-do!
We had a wonderful time.

Frivolities included:
A fancy four course lunch with dolls
A personal shopper
Finding just the right doll
Matching outfits for the dolls and girls
Photo shoot with the dolls
Picture on the cover of their own magazine

Look how cute the cafe is! So girly!

Pure enjoyment

They even bring plates and cups for the dolls.

My girls with their girls.

Myah chose Kit Kittredge.

Chloe chose Felicity Merriman.

Thanks Aunt Amy for the fabulous day!

Santa Monica Pier

2008-09-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

(Quick apology for the bad picture quality, not sure what happened.) Here we are at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. on the Santa Monica Pier. Remember, this is where Forrest Gump turned around after running across the country. My sister, Amy from Los Angeles, met us for dinner with her boys Lucky and Tanyon. It was great to see them. After dinner, we enjoyed a walk on the pier and a ride on the Ferris Wheel (no pic).

Chloe even got to wear Forrest's shoes. Run Chloe! Run!

Lucky, Amy, Tanyon, Chloe, Myah, Leer, Me.

Cousins - Tanyon, Chloe, Lucky, Myah

La Brea Tar Pits

2008-09-02T08:14:00.001-07:00

I thought a little education might be good for us on our vacation. Actually, my girls really love this kind of thing. La Brea Tar Pits are naturally occurring pools of tar. Scientists have found bones of ancient animals and people preserved in the tar pits. It was pretty interesting to see the all the bones they've discovered there like, Sloths, Saber-Tooth Cats and Mastodons. Apparently what happened is an animal such as a Mastodon would get stuck in the tar and become an easy target to prey upon. However, whatever animal thought it would be a good idea to feast on the Mastodon would also get stuck, then they became the prey and so on and so forth. They've discovered almost entire food chains through this process.

A Mastodon skeleton.

These are hundreds of wolf skulls that have been recovered from the tar pits.

Examining the laboratory where they clean all the bones.

An actual tar pit. Those aren't real Mastodons (of course) but if they were they would be stuck.

Laguna Beach

2008-09-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

The Beach
a Haiku Poem
by Chloe Childs

It is very fun
Playing in the sun all day
Collecting seashells

Dear Chloe,

I've noticed something happens to you when we go to the beach. You are somehow transformed before my very eyes. It's as though the ocean washes away all your worries. You become carefree. It brings me true joy...bliss even, to watch you play there. The beach has given me some of my favorite and most special memories of you.

Love,
Mom

The Happiest Place On Earth

2008-09-01T21:48:00.000-07:00

Laughter is timeless,
Imagination has no age,
And dreams are forever!
-Walt Disney-

Some highlights from our trip to Disneyland.

Goodbye seems forever

Farewell, the end

But in my hearts a memory

And there you'll always be.""

-From: Disney's The Fox and the Hound -

Who Is Jason?

2008-08-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

ApparentLy, I've confused a Lot of peopLe with the whoLe nickname thing. Leer's parents came to church with us one Sunday and whoever was sitting in front of us turned around to taLk to my Mother-In-Law. Here's how the conversation went:

"So, you're here visiting the ChiLds'?"

MIL: "Yeah, I'm Jason's Mom!"

{Long pause...puzzLed Look}

"Who is Jason?"

We had some new neighbors move in a whiLe back and we introduced ourseLves as Jason and Becky. A few weeks Later, this neighbor came over to heLp us move some furniture downstairs and when he went home he toLd his wife, "Did you know that Jason is not his reaL name? It's Lawzin or something...I think he might be from YugosLavia."

Even LittLe Myah caLLs her dad Learnus sometimes. I better make sure she knows his reaL name is Jason. Do any of you have nicknames for your husband (or vice versa)? Leave me a comment and teLL me what they are and the story behind them if there is one.

P.S. Lason calls me Lecky. Go figure!

Hi Learnus!

2008-08-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

Here's the probLem...anyone who reaLLy knows me weLL knows that I never caLL my husband "Jason". Since I've been bLogging I've refered to him as "Jason" and it just feeLs, weLL...wrong. So from here on out, I'LL caLL him Learnus. Or Leer. Or Ler. Or Lason. Or Lawzin. Or Lawzin-Daas. Or LerLus. Or LearL. Or Lernie. Or any other "L" name that I feeL compeLLed to use. There's no significance to the nicknames and no reason why they must start with "L". My friend Heather wouLd say, "It is what it is". It's onLy "Jason" if he's in BIG troubLe and right now he's not.

Love you Lots, Leer!

Tusk

2008-08-12T18:41:00.000-07:00

Chloe just came in the room and asked, "Are you laughing or crying?" This is hilarious. I laughed until I cried! Try this yourself and post it on your blog. Some of the answers are surprisingly accurate.

1. Put your iPod on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it sounds.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY? "Why Ain't I Running"
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF? "Jesus, Take the Wheel"
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY? "Chemical Party"
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE? "If It Kills Me"
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU? "Little Bitty"
WHAT DO YOU OFTEN THINK ABOUT? "Competition Smile"
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LOVE? "Tattoo"
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY? "Details In The Fabric"
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? "Over-Rated"
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LOVE? "Miss America"
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING? "Standing At The Edge Of The Earth"
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL? "Dig It"
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR? "It Must Be Love"
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET? "Island Girl"
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS? "Ghost In This House"
WHAT DID YOU SEE OUT YOUR WINDOW TODAY? "The Man With The Bag"
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? "Broadway"
WHAT DO YOU DREAM ABOUT? "Proud Mary"
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR HIGH SCHOOL YEARS? "Tiny Dancer"
WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE FUTURE? "Rest Stop"
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE WAY YOU LOOK? "Start Of Something New"
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF YOUR BLOG? "Tragic Kingdom"
WHAT GOAL ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON? "I Want To Be A Missionary Now"
WHAT WILL THE TITLE OF THIS POST BE? "Tusk"

Ahhh, The Great Outdoors

2008-08-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I am not the best camper. I do love the outdoors, and the beauty of nature, but my blasted bear phobia puts a damper on the whole situation. Yesterday, I got brave and decided we could go camping with the ward even though there was a bear that wandered into this same camp last summer. (Yes, I brought my bear spray.) Also, we've been having a lot of summer storms here lately, but decided we would chance it and go anyway. Naturally, as soon as we got there we started to put up our tent (thanks for the help Dave). Then it started to downpour. We got drenched!

Here I am trying to blow dry my hair with the air mattress pump. FYI this method doesn't work.

Here's Jason roasting his weenies.

Cute picture of Myah and Jason at the campfire. Honestly... he can sleep anywhere!
I, however, can't sleep just anywhere. I made a valiant effort to sleep in the tent, but ended up in the car about halfway through the night. I feel safer in the car even though everybody knows that bears totally know how to open car doors.

The next morning was great! The weather was beautiful, we ate the fluffiest pancakes I've ever seen, we were finally dry, and the camp we stayed at had a zip line which we all tried. It was really fun!

Going, going...

Gone!!! I was so proud of Chloe.

What a sad face! So, Myah cried the whole way up the ladder and the whole way down the zip line. I thought at some point during the ride she would realize that it was fun. I was really starting to question my motherly judgement when she never seemed to enjoy the experience. 15 minutes later, after she calmed down she admitted, "Well, it was actually fun". Phew!!!

Me.

Jason

All in all we had a great time on the campout. We really appreciated all the hard work the Turnbows put in to plan this fun activity. And most importantly, NO BEARS!

Be(ar) Aware!!!

2008-08-09T18:37:00.000-07:00

Please read this sign carefully. It's for your own safety!

So, I have a totally irrational fear of bears. Not sure why. Last summer I had to confront my fear while serving as the 2nd Counselor in Young Women. I did a lot of research to try to ease my mind and educate myself and the young women so we would be safe at camp. I'm happy to say we had a successful girls camp with no bear encounters. Well, no real bears. (Who knew you could make realistic bear sounds with an empty can and a wet shoelace?) I thought I would pass on my bear safety facts and tips to you all.

I also purchased some bear spray.

Note: Where I live, there are only black bears, so most of this info only applies to black bears. Grizzly bears have a whole different set of rules.

General Black Bear Facts:
Black bears are generally shy, solitary animals. They try to avoid humans and are considered non-aggressive except when injured, protecting their young, or protecting themselves. The black bear is inclined to escape for human presence.

Bears are most active in the cool of the evening or early morning. Dawn and dusk. During the heat of the day, they will seek shade in dense underbrush.

Black bears are not always black in color. They vary in color from white through chocolate brown, cinnamon brown, and blonde to black, but most are black or a dark shade of brown.

Each bear has a different temperament sort of like humans. Some bears will attack, others will not.

Black bears are carnivores, however they act like omnivores, with only one quarter of their diet being meat. They mostly eat plants and other vegetable matter.

Black bears can run about 35 miles per hour.

For every death caused by a black bear in America, there are 17 deaths from spiders, 25 deaths from snakes, 67 deaths from dogs, 150 deaths from tornadoes, 180 deaths from bees, 374 deaths from lightning. You are more likely to get struck by lightning or killed by a bee sting than being attacked by a bear. (This does make me feel better about bears...but now I need to be afraid of spiders, snakes, dogs, tornadoes, bees and lightning. Actually, I'm not really afraid of any of those things.)

How to keep bears from campsite:
Do not leave food, garbage or any scented items out at the campsite. This includes any and all food, food wrappers, juice, pop, soap, feminine products, gum, deodorant, shampoo, lotion, sunscreen, lipgloss, chapstick, toothpaste, hairspray, perfume. Bears are attracted to smells and will taste anything even if it is unedible.

Do not keep snacks in your tent. Not even gum.

Do not eat anything in your tent.

All garbage must be kept together and stored away from tents.

What to do if a bear enters our campsite:

Never feed the bear!!!

Never try to get food away from a bear.

Try to scare them away by making loud, deep noises, or banging pots and pans.

If a bear tries to rip through your tent, talk in loud and deep tones, try “There is a bear in my tent. I am now leaving.” :) Make sure others are aware of your situation. Do not turn your back to the bear. Do not run away. Try to make yourself as large as possible. Stand together in a group.

How to avoid bear encounters when hiking:
Be loud. Sing, talk continuously and loudly and make unnatural noises. This will alert bears that we are near and will scare them away.

Do not whistle, this may sound like an animal noise.

Do not spend time near bears food sources like animal carcasses, berry patches and fish streams.
At night, always carry a flashlight.

Stay together. Do not get separated from the group.

If you do see a bear, do not panic or scream.
Stand close together.
Make loud noises.
Do not make eye contact with a bear.
Do not turn your back or run away.
Do not climb a tree. Black bears are good climbers.

Never try to get a closer look.
Never approach a bear.
Never corner a bear. Always leave an escape route for the bear.

Bears do not like surprises. If you see a bear that has not seen you, do not disturb it. Retreat slowly and quietly. When you are far away from the bear, begin talking loudly to prevent future encounters.

If the bear sees you, remain calm, and try to look as large as possible.

If the bear is not aggressive, talk softly and back away slowly. If a bear rears up on its hind legs and waves its nose in the air, it is trying to identify you. This may seem intimidating, but do not panic. This is a gesture of curiosity and is a bears way of getting a better look at you. Keep still and speak softly. It doesn’t matter what you say, try “Go away bear”.

Signs of an aggressive bear are, snapping its jaws together, making a whoofing sound, or keeping its head down with ears laid back. If the bear begins to approach, this is a good time to throw a large rock or stick toward the bear.

If the bear charges at you, muster all your courage and stay standing. Do not crouch down, play dead, or show fear. The charge is most likely a bluff and if you stand your ground the bear will turn away.

If a bear attacks you:
If you find yourself being attacked by a black bear, do not play dead. Black bears eat dead animals. Your only option is to fight back. Yell loudly, hit the bear with rocks, fists, anything handy, really. You can punch the bear in the nose, try to poke his eyeballs out with your thumbs. A blind bear cannot attack you. The bear most likely does not want to eat you. It may be wounded, or immature and may be easily scared if you fight back.

Hopefully no one will actually need these tips, but it's better to be informed. Leave me a comment and tell me what you are afraid of.

Music To My Ears

2008-08-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without. ~Confucius

I absolutely love music. Playing it, listening to it, and singing along with it (when no one can hear me, of course). I love all different kinds of music, it just has to be good or meaningful to me. I particularly respect REAL musicians. You know, people who can actually play an instrument, or people who write their own music. I am truly amazed by such talent and wish I was blessed with it. Sure, I can plunk out something halfway decent on the piano, but write a song?...I think not. Well, here are my 3 current favorites:

Adele is amazing! She is only 19 people. She writes her own music and has a voice and style that is totally unique. If you haven't heard of her, you must check her out. My favorite song on this CD is called "Tired". If she ever comes in concert here, I'm there!

It's rare that I really enjoy a CD from the minute I first hear it. Not the case with this one. I really like almost every song on this CD. The exception is called "Steve Earle". Why, oh why, Jennifer Nettles? That is 3 minutes and 36 seconds of my life that I will never get back. (I'm writing that in my most whiney voice.) The rest is awesome. Get the CD that has the bonus songs. The live tracks are great.

I just like this guy. He's kinda quirky. You should check out his website and you'll see what I mean. http://www.jasonmraz.com/ This CD has alot of different sounds and styles on it. The songs remind me of anyone from Lionel Richie to the Beatles. It even has a duet with Colbie Caillat, who I quite enjoy as well.

So, do yourself a favor and purchase these CDs. You'll be oh, so happy that you did. Leave me a comment and tell me what your current faves are.