capture the moment

Stationery card

2012-02-10T15:05:00.001-05:00

Top 10 Loves Valentine's Card

Make a spooky statement with your Halloween cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

2011-12-16T18:45:00.000-05:00

Make Merry Christmas Card

Design your Christmas cards at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

july wreath

2011-07-02T14:08:00.004-05:00

Okay so I was looking through Little Birdie Secrets and found an adorable Christmas paper wreath she has made. I have been looking for a 4th of July wreath and haven't found one that I want. When I saw this I knew I had to make one with the patriotic paper I already had :).

I cut the wreath backing out of a large piece of cardboard. I did spray all the stars with a clear glossy spray paint to add just a little bit of protection as I am hanging this on my front door. I looked for a die cut and couldn't find the size that I wanted so I looked for a star pattern online and used that. I love how just folding the stars gives dimension. So the total cost of my project $2.39 for ribbon, $3.25 for spray paint. That works! I have to admit I miss playing with paper, this was a fun project.

Mad Hatter Tea party

2011-04-10T12:44:00.005-05:00

so the leprechaun...

2011-03-17T22:42:00.004-05:00

well parents were off and the leprechaun must have drunk too much guiness...so we didn't get green colored pancakes as we have in the past. Thanks goodness for crafty clever blogging gals Little Birdie Secrets for calling my attention to Beth Proudfoot's cute idea, I quickly redeemed myself by getting a few items at the store. Here is the cute thing, this is Beth's picture from her blog. I used her tag and added rolos and Hersheys nuggets to it. The rainbow licorice had 5 of each color it was perfect. So cute! Grateful for creative people who saved me. I made the kids bed (like I said parents were off and we slept in) and then put the rainbow with pot of gold on their pillow.

Spring cleaning...

2011-03-05T22:20:00.004-05:00

well not really but trying to get some of my thousands of pictures editted and do something with them. So I thought I would tackle some India photos from last year. Hard to believe we were there, let alone the fact that it has been a year??? Here are some favortie photos from the Agra section of our trip. The Taj Mahal has to have its own post :)

quilt kick

2011-02-27T13:17:00.005-05:00

Ok so I get obsessed with things and have to just run with it...Well quilting has taken over my life right now. I LOVE IT! Wish I could spend more time doing it but one has to attend to the rest of life too. Why do we need exercise, food and sleep? it just gets in the way sometimes ;).

Well I took a stab at a small quilt for a friend. I saw this on Little Birdie Secrets and thought it would be fun to try and the fact that I could quilt it on my sewing machine was something I had to try. I think this won't be the only one I do. Really fun to piece, quilt and bind. I love tangeable progress! Now to part with it...that is another question...I will but I may have to look at for a little longer.

I saw this on Moda Bakeshop and had to make it. It is pieced but waiting for the applique and borders. Hoping to get this one to the quilters soon. Tried to get it done before Valentine's but end of February? or mid March....not too bad. So grateful to have found a website where I could still buy the same fabric jelly roll because I couldn't find the fabric anywhere in town. I think I will do another jelly roll quilt, this was fun!

This is a Christmas quilt I finished last year. It has stayed out year round because I need to make more :).

This is all L wanted for Christmas. He was at the fabirc store with me in November and picked out the pattern and fabric. Thank goodness my quilter knew who much this would mean to a little boy and got it quilted just in time for Christmas. It was the sweetest thing to watch him open it Christmas morning. "This is the quilt Mom built for me." Everyday he would ask if I had finished building his quilt. I had to sneak it away to drop it off for quilting and it didn't take him long to figure out it was missing from Mom's sewing room.

So I have an obsession with this fabric. Moda Figgy Pudding. My Christmas quilt is made out of this and don't worry I always overbuy fabric so I have intentions to do several more out of it. (I made a skirt for M out of this fabric too)

The first quilt I pieced. I had to tackle the most difficult first. I completed the blocks driving our moving truck across the country. Then it took me another year to finally pull it out and sew all the blocks together and another bit to find borders and then get it quilted after the Christmas quilt. It was hard to let anyone else touch it. I am so pleased with it.

And remember how I said I overbuy fabric well I made this one out of leftovers from the above quilt. Well my mom also said that there is no way that I could put the above quilt on her bed, so I still needed something to fold at the bottom of her bed. I also hand quilted this one to give it a whirl. Labor of love, I took it around with me everywhere I had to sit for a while.

itching to do more....my oldest has reminded me several times that he doesn't have a quilt yet. I offered to buy him whatever one he wanted out of Pottery Barn Kids (He has a Star Wars theme in his room) but he insists that I make him one. I finally found a pattern that I feel would be masculine enough for him but having a hard time finding the right fabric. Hopefully I will be able to do it soon. He is feeling left out. I did ask him if he wanted a little Star Wars quilt like the little crib quilt and he thought that would be good. I have leftover fabric from making Star Wars pillow cases that I could piece together and maybe buy me a little more time on the bigger quilt.

Puerto Rico Day 1

2011-02-17T21:40:00.007-05:00

Okay I have put off posting about my trip long enough. I fell in love with Puerto Rico. It was very easy actually, when trading 5 degree windy weather with 80 degree sunshine and 80 degree water, can you blame me? I didn't want to come back. I can't tell if that is a good thing to do to break up the winter or if it has put me in depression at the thought of the months left of winter.
so I will start with day 1: we flew into San Juan and visited Old San Juan. Wikipedia's explanation, "The city is characterized by its narrow, blue cobblestone streets and flat-roofed brick and stone buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th century when Puerto Rico was a Spanish possession. Near Fort San Felipe del Morro is the Casa Blanca, a palace on land which belonged to the family of Ponce de Leon."

Monday love!

2011-01-24T14:17:00.002-05:00

Okay I used to dread Mondays.. heading back to work after a weekend off. Well as years go by I have fallen in love with Mondays. The kids go back to school and new week is started. House can stay clean for at least a few minutes and I can hit the gym. I love my Monday schedule and actually get excited on Sunday night. I feel energetic and ready to take life head on...some times it only last a few of the morning hours and other times a few days. Goals begin on Mondays and my hope is each Monday gets a little better each week. Now if that could stretch to the whole week I will feel I have got it made...unrealistic? maybe but if I shoot for the moon maybe I just might get it :). Happy Monday!

Momix Botanica

2011-01-23T00:49:00.005-05:00

Justin bought tickets for me and the two older kids to Momix. What a breathtaking experience. I think the kids and I had our mouths dropped open for most of the performance. I found a few images from the show for this post. Can't find all the pictures of my favorite pieces but here are a few. The piece that was mind blowing was with black lights, I still can't wrap my brain around it. Talented, creative people!!

she let me

2011-01-20T18:07:00.003-05:00

And even gave me a full grin to document her stage of life right now. Love it! She has always been "only on my terms" type of baby and kid. That being said she has a very full tender heart. I have a very special love notes lunchpail that I get to add to everyday with her sweet notes she gives me or leaves for me to find. It is quite full and I will need to start another because I can't let go of even one note. Occasionally I can get a snuggle, especially when it is bedtime and she wants to stay up..."Mom can I snuggle you in your bed." I am a softy so that usually means dad takes her to bed when he is ready for bed.

sick of facebook

2011-01-20T00:17:00.004-05:00

Well it is time to stop wasting time and the drama of it all. Now I haven't quite got to the point where I have deleted my account but who knows...I have loved catching up with everyones blogs. I have neglected mine and so have neglected yours as well. I will do better. I guess I had a false belief that everyone was on FB.

Our tradition: Valentine pics, my daughter still hasn't been willing and now I have to go buy new flowers because they are wilted. Darn :) Trying to get back into using my dslr. ahh I have missed taking pictures.

Halloween

2010-11-02T22:42:00.006-05:00

So I can't remember what started the Alice in Wonderland theme but here is what we ended up with. We were all going to be a form of the Mad Hatter but who can resist having an adorable Alice and even cuter White Rabbit?

almost 4

2010-09-23T21:51:00.002-05:00

"Mom her is my best friend! I love her!"

to blog or not

2010-08-25T22:56:00.002-05:00

I am glad that i have some of the memories here. Life seems to be going by at a quickening pace. I just spent time looking back at the old posts and so grateful to have done them because I forgot. I haven't even taken pictures of my kids first day of school. So it looks like tomorrow I will have to fix that. The blog drove many of the pictures that were taken because they tell a story or capture that fleeting moment. If anything I need to have somewhere the photos go that isn't just the external harddrive or a dvd to be forgotten. Even if it means nothing to anyone else just me.

cheetos puffs

2010-08-16T19:04:00.003-05:00

What does one do with handsful of cheetos puffs? Make art of course. This is what "Thing 3" came up with. What does it look like to you?

need to get ready for summer?

2010-06-08T19:33:00.002-05:00

I just have to give a plug for my lil' sis. She is doing eyelash extensions, airbrush tanning and making her beautiful headbands. Check it out!

http://nataliekeys.blogspot.com/

look what was in our backyard

2010-06-02T18:38:00.002-05:00

A takes full credit for discovering these hidden behind a chain link fence and the neighbors wood fence. Are these Quail eggs? hmmm I think we will have to do a little research. Our first summer project!

13.1 miles !!!!

2010-05-31T18:10:00.007-05:00

Excuse me for a moment while I shout from the roof top I DID IT!!! Okay now I will recompose myself and explain. So this began a little over a year ago with a friend (Dustine) saying "Hey Ash do you want to run a 5k with me?" Well with a little bit of training and lots of guts we went for it and found out we could do it. Then i injured my hip getting ready for a 10k. It put me out all summer. I was finally able to get back to running in the Fall. My sights were set on the Salt Lake Half Marathon and was almost there. Old knee injuries resurfaced and I was advised not to run it. So I was going to cheer on my friends that were running the marathon and forced to the sidelines. Well Dustine got injured, both having to watch from the sidelines. We decided to go cheer on our friends, Salt Lake race day we ran to Sugar House park to see everyone. We ended up regretting not running the race even though we were told not too. Then we set our sights on the State Capitol Half Marathon. It was not advised to be your first half marathon. We figured that out when we hit the trail (uphill, water erosion, big rocks, rough terrain). It was a challenge and fun to tackle. The view was spectacular, we ran through a golf course, This is the place state park, Red Butte Garden and the trails behind the JCC and UofU. Justin and I used to mountain bike these trails. I felt strong and prepared. I have trained for this moment. It was nice to finally hit pavement in the Avenues and a stretch of downhill. My favorite part...my kids cheering me on and M running in her flipflops with me all the way to the finish line and of course being done! (She thought she should get a metal too because she crossed the finish line.)

My friend Dustine when she crossed the finish line. WOOT WOOT!!!

Escape artist

2010-04-14T18:11:00.003-05:00

And sometimes he can be mistaken for a streaker...he has more clothes on in this picture.

No excuses, just a picture

2010-04-14T17:26:00.002-05:00

Grandpa Joe's burial

2010-04-05T17:38:00.000-05:00

Forever a cowboy!

sun and sand perfection

2010-02-16T12:33:00.005-05:00

It was a quick trip to San Diego and we are already figuring out how to get back. I now know why people love San Diego.

We ran the Silver Strand trail in the morning. The weather was perfect.

The rehearsal dinner was held on the the pirate ship that was on Master and Commander. The location was awesome, great food and a fun celebration.

The wedding was held at the Hotel Del Coronado and was absolutely perfect! We had so much fun and the best part is the party is going to continue in India in less than 2 weeks.

"come to my bed Mom"

2010-02-11T19:36:00.001-05:00

That was the last thing he asked. I am unloading memory cards and found this. He is growing up so quickly.

ughhh

2010-02-10T18:40:00.002-05:00

This blog is soo boring. I am sorry it really needs love and I just haven't had the time/energy to update it. Life is good. Maybe after the weekend in San Diego I will be rejuvenated, then a few weeks later India. Until then...well it just may be neglected.

Christmas treat

2009-12-25T12:37:00.001-05:00

My adorable niece!!! Seriously can't get enough of her and her scrumptious rolls. YUMMY!

2009-12-25T00:45:00.006-05:00

Well this is what is all about...FAMILY! All of my siblings, spouses, kids and parents together. We also had some extended family, Grandma & Grandpa and some friends too. Whew it was a house full and it was wonderful.

(Not pictured )Aunt Tammy, Cousin Josh, Cousin Jake, My Dad, Mom's husband Steve, friend Kathy H., friend Kathy, friend Josh, Nat's boyfriend John...ahh did I forget anyone else????? It could be easy as it was literally a house full.

Tumbling

2009-12-16T15:20:00.004-05:00

L favorite part of the week is Wednesday. "Mom we go to gym and then tumbling at morning?" Is his usual question when he wakes up. It is hard when it isn't tumbling day. "oh just gym and then tumbling Sunderday." which is his definition of another day.

Miss M has been making big improvements and can now do a back walk over. She is gumby and looks so cute too. A is also taking tumbling but he doesn't want any documentation, as he thinks it would be good blackmail for mom later on.

Santa

2009-12-05T16:14:00.001-05:00

proud mommy moment

2009-12-03T14:11:00.001-05:00

I was in charge of organizing the Reflections contest at our school this year. It was a big job but well worth it. The hardest part was getting the entries back from the judges with who had won. Ugh a little heart wrench for all those who had entered and didn't win. Thank goodness I didn't have to judge...I wouldn't be able to do it.
It was fun to be able to call up the kids that won and give them their trophies. The best part was being able to call out my son's name and see the look of shock and excitement. He didn't have a clue. On our committee we swore everyone to secrecy until the day of the assembly. No telling any of the kids including our own. That was hard but really fun to see the end result. (The Reflections contest was what started me on my love of art and especially photography. I still have my Reflections trophy from long long ago for one of my first photographs, when I asked my dad if I could use his camera to take a pretty picture. Thanks Dad!)

Here is the picture. I have to say I was quite envious because I didn't see it when we were taking pictures. He said Mom give me the camera I want to take some pictures. I love when someone, especially my kid can give me a better perspective. We haven't heard any news yet on whether he is progressing past the next level. But he was thrilled with getting a trophy. He worked so hard this year to pick his best photo. Last year he was so heart broken when he didn't win anything. I shed a few tears with him because he was so upset. It was a good teaching moment though and look what he was able to do this year. It is good to not win sometimes.

turkey for me, turkey for you

2009-11-27T15:59:00.005-05:00

I can eat turkey in a big brown shoe....
Even my youngest sings it and I LOVE IT! L was singing it this morning and I just wanted to eat him up. We had such a great Thanksgiving Day. So many things to feel complete gratitude for that I can't even begin to put words to the list.

I think this is a new tradition that we will do every year. Thanks Peen and Bear Bear. And we are not FAT because we got up early and ran a 5k. So all the rest of you that stayed in bed you are fat :P. I am so pleased with myself because I shaved off 12 minutes from my last 5k. WHOOT WHOOT!!! sorry just had to toot my horn for a moment. Can't even begin to express how grateful I am to have a healthy functioning body!

Hey that is 16 people in my kitchen....grateful for more than a one butt kitchen :).

Some pre and post turkey activities. Band Hero, Up and beat up on cousin Braden.

I sat back after all the stuff was over and felt peace, contentment and gratitude. Grandpa Price told us about in WWII when he was on one of the destroyer escorts and they were in the middle of the typhoon, while he was steadying himself on the metal walls as they washed back and forth he caught his wedding ring on a rivet and he was washed out on the deck and was able to grab a life line and then other sailors jumped on top of him and drug him back to safety. Grandpa Price said with a little choke in his voice, "That is how close all of this (pointing to all of us) wouldn't have been."

peace and quiet for a moment

2009-11-25T16:49:00.000-05:00

headband obsession

2009-11-19T15:26:00.003-05:00

Okay I know this is hitting me later than most people but my sister Natalie made some really cute ones that I thought I would try. I seriously think I need hoards of these in different fabrics, flowers... the endless possibilities.

ps do you know how hard it is to take pictures yourself of yourself????

oh deer....

2009-11-16T19:08:00.003-05:00

I LOVE this fabric.

ahhh back to life

2009-11-15T11:50:00.006-05:00

Reflections contest is done at our school. I have a few more things but at least the biggest chunk is over and maybe I won't live at the school or make 6 trips in one day. So last night I finished a couple of sewing projects I have had sitting. Here is the one M is wearing today for the Primary program. I literally stole this pattern from Leigh the day she got it. I did fess up before I walked out of her house with it. (and I have returned it to her) It is ModKid Kyoto. I am in love with this pattern it is so fun and a few different variations which don't worry you will get to see them because I have others almost finished.

My sister Natalie makes the best headbands, hair pieces, flower clips and also does bridal pieces. Anyway here is her blog. I need to take more pictures of the cute stuff M has from her so she can update her blog. She sells them so fast that we never get to see all of her amazing creations. Here is one flower clip I just love.

Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T22:43:00.002-05:00

These are pictures taken a few years back in Washington DC at the WWII memorial. Thank you to all who have served and our currently serving. Especially my Grandpas and their generation! I went to my Grandpa's Veteran dedication today at his Senior center. Have you ever heard this generation sing patriotic songs? They mean it with every fiber of their being and you can't help but have it resonate in you. There was my Grandpa with his oxygen tubes in, singing America the Beautiful waving his little American flag and very proud. Are we learning from them? It's not long until this generation is gone. It will be a sad day, did we listen and have we learned? Are we forgetting their sacrifice?

blink....October is gone????

2009-11-01T14:20:00.008-05:00

October 1-3 Girls trip with Marnie and visited Erin

Ahh what a breath of fresh air. Traveling without kids to go stay in the Renaissance Glendale Hotel in Phoenix,AZ watch Marnie teach at the scrapbook convention. Eat yummy Mexican, catch up and laugh. Visiting Erin was so much fun. I love friends that even though it has been 8 years since we lived by each other and very infrequent phone calls we can spin back time and make it seem like no time has past and remember why it is we LOVE our friends from college so much. Oh and Marnie and I subjected a huge room of women to our karoke...I bet you wished you were there!!!!

Jemima and JoAnn came from CT the same weekend. I got to spend Sunday evening with them before they flew out. I love FRIENDS! Come and visit anytime!

October 9: my baby's bday, he's "FREE" in his words

Halloween party: Toy Story family theme

Oct. 31: one picture taken

Finished just in time for Halloween our new table runner.

Hens and chicks

2009-09-23T17:44:00.002-05:00

Okay so I already completely apologized to Danielle and Leigh but seriously I made fun of them buying this fabric. It was ridiculous and I had no vision for it. Then it happened, they both made cute skirts and then I was begging for remenants.

batman

2009-09-23T17:41:00.002-05:00

Okay we have entered into the world of superheroes again at my house. I LOVE it! Thank goodness I kept some of these items. "You not batman Mom. I batman."

it's a bird, no it's a plane

2009-09-16T10:02:00.004-05:00

...it's superman!

"Mom I jump the table, K Mom! Oh I need my superman first. Mom go get my superman right now Mom K."

how much is a smile worth?

2009-09-09T22:26:00.005-05:00

Enough to make me say yes to more lessons. This is no pose for the camera smile...this is "I can hardly contain myself, I am giggling the whole time, tickled pink, don't you dare take me off this horse smile"

She is taking lessons with her cousin who is riding English style and looks so good doing it. M will move onto that once she has learned the "ropes". Her cousin was cantering and jumping gates today. I was not there for her first lesson 2 weeks ago but Grandpa Gull was. M got right on the horse and was soon onto a canter and went over a gate and landed on her bum. Well a few tears were shed but she dusted off and wanted to get back on. Great Grandpa Joe will be so proud. M wanted to post in this lesson today, she started out pretty well but I think that will come with practice.

Labor Day

2009-09-08T22:59:00.000-05:00

Who likes to go on the "carwheeler"? That would be L. We spent the weekend with G&G Gull and Justin's youngest sister and family. Lots of 4 wheeler rides, yummy food, crazy kids....

And I finally started L's Cars quilt. I am thinking I went a little crazy with fabric so we will see once I start piecing it.

Hi my name is Ashley

2009-09-04T15:10:00.003-05:00

it has been 2 hours since I bought fabric and 13 hours since I last sewed. I definetly have an addictive personality. I can't get enough of sewing skirts and buying fabric. Leigh, Danielle and I are grounded from going to quilt shops until we finish the projects we have started and bought. That being said I stayed up way to late sewing this skirt and cleaning up my choatic craft room. I really should have taken a before and after pic.

notables

2009-09-01T23:12:00.006-05:00

Last night at FHE, Justin was asking the kids about the lesson and trying to make sure they were listening. A asks,"Dad do you suffer from short term memory loss? We just talked about that!"

I had my camera out tonight, "Please don't step on my camera L." L replies, "Mom it's not your camera, Mom, it's your smile." Ahhh see you learn something new, I bet you didn't know it was called that.

Miss M is loving 1st grade but thinks she can hide her homework and pretend she doesn't have any. Hmm nice try but NO.

Our first pinewood derby tonight. Thanks to Papa Gull who supervised the construction. Justin and I both are maybe a little to OCD to have been able to handle the project. Each time he raced it was last. Grandpa said, "It's a Gull tradtion to come in last place." A replies, "That is a stupid tradition, why would you want to start that Grandpa?"

And really I just have to blame Leigh for this one. She has been sewing skirts like crazy and making them so stinkin' cute. So I had leftover, literally leftover pieces from the Christmas quilt I just pieced together. I am so in love with this fabric, it is the perfect mix of scrapbooking and quilting mix just for me and my favorite colors. (Moda Figgy Pudding by Basic Grey) So I also tackled my first project without a pattern. I almost have the Halloween skirt done and it is yummy (I really wasn't going to do one but then I reorganized my totes of fabric and discovered some cute halloween fabric that I bought on clearance as a remenant and it was downhill from there). Really I should be sewing that but instead I am updating my blog to keep all of you happy ;).

Back to School

2009-08-24T09:30:00.002-05:00

Back to School to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool....
The kids were so excited today. I didn't have to beg to get them up. A has been counting down the days, hours and minutes until school starts. He is bored of summer and wants school to start. M has caught on to her older brother's excitement. She seemed a little concerned under the surface today but hopefully it will be just fine. First day of first grade can be a little daunting. Then the shocker is that I have a Fourth grader. He had to inform me that in only a few years he will be in junior high. Quick grab the defibrillator my heart stopped! He loved the reaction and keeps repeating it seeing if the gray hairs will pop out right before his eyes. L has quickly acclimated and as soon as we walked back in the door "watch a movie!" Which was his morning routine when the kids were in school and didn't have to negotiate which movie was going to be watched.

Mom=punctuation

2009-08-21T16:03:00.002-05:00

Mom ______ Mom. MOM! MOM?
I know Leigh will be laughing because she can even hear who is saying this. That would be my baby. Everything starts and ends with Mom and if I am not answering MOM MOM MOM MOM MOM MOM MOM with not even a breath in between.
annoying/cute....
L has been loving this week because the older kids have been in climbing camp in the afternoons. Today was pirate day at camp so we made a quick run to ToysRUs to gather some pirate paraphernalia. Well no luck but when we pulled up to the store L points to the sign and said "Mom I want to go to that store Mom. Mom why is there a twinkling star Mom? (pointing to the star around the R). That is Toys R Us, he responds with an OHhhhhhh. Do you want to go in there? "Sure Mom"
Next we stop at JoAnn's "Mom no I am not going in that store Mom." It was a fight but luckily it was a quick trip. Then the dollar store, jackpot. Feed the kids lunch drop them off at camp and drive back home. L falls asleep....transports to his bed and now I need to pull myself away and get something done. School starts on Monday YIPPIE!!!!!

kid update

2009-08-19T23:22:00.004-05:00

Okay so the boys like to play guitar hero. Well of course the little one just pretends he can play and he makes me turn the radio station to find a "guitar song". A is getting better at it. He is such a perfectionist that he won't even try if he feels he can't suceed at it. Well he finally decided he could do it. (It doesn't help that his best friend can play almost everything on expert...seriously it makes me not even want to play, I still will play with you though C.)

M got her hair permed by Aunt Bear Bear. She says she won't do it again because it took way to long for Aunt Bear Bear to get all the rods in but we will see. M loves the result.

Here is right after and good news the perm did take and is still in. This is also a dress that I made for her. I have been sewing up a storm this summer with my friend Leigh.

Calgary Stampede

2009-08-16T22:15:00.005-05:00

So in my effort to feel more caught up I am starting with our vacation photos and making mypublisher book with them. I am sick of the thousands of photos that we have on disks and no pictures to show for it. Anyway here is pics from our day at the Calgary Stampede, and if you are from Alberta you will know what a big deal this is :).

So where are these kids' mothers? Look Mom I can do jumps on my motorcycles far into the air and let go. Seriously made me a nervous wreck but the kids liked it.

And your eyes do not deceive you, that is Justin busting a move on stage with the USA breakdancers. He was too good that they quickly shewed him off stage but he was the clear cut winner of the bunch.

The native dress was amazing. I was so proud of a mother of a teenager, the mother told her teen daughter to quit her complaining and appreciate this part of Canada's heritage. You go MOM!!!!

The kids loved the military section of the Stampede, they climbed on tanks, pretended to shoot guns and get your face painted with official army paint for FREE. My kids were so excited about the FREE part, oh and A got to hold a real bazooka.

L loved his turkey leg and wouldn't let anyone near it.

One of my favorites was the recycled percussion show. These guys are from New Hampshire if I remember correctly. Anyway they put on a great performance.

We ended the day with a Chuck Wagon race and The Big Show. And they weren't kidding when they named it the Big Show because it was exactly that. Death defying acrobatics and dancing....fireworks....it was so overwhelming I failed to take even one picture.

tipi style

2009-08-06T16:34:00.005-05:00

Staying in a tipi is definitely on the kids favorite list. We were just outside of the East entrance of Glacier National Park in Montana. And staying in a tipi with modern amenities is awesome.

There is a small cabin assigned to each tipi with a huge jetted tub, double sink and toilet.

All in the bed and little one said roll over I'm crowded.

vacation pictures

2009-08-06T15:42:00.005-05:00

A highlight of our trip to Banff was canoeing around a glacier lake will turquoise blue water. Lake Moraine, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada.

here's the proof

2009-07-22T19:20:00.002-05:00

Yep that is Peen sewing and Leigh explaining how to sew a seam. I still don't believe Paige went camping so I am sure there are others who don't believe she can sew.

This is why I wanted my craft room. Three sewing machines easily fit on the table without even extending the table. It made me "sew" happy. Anyway just thought I would get this posted because I know Paige and Leigh need a copy.

ash, kenji & co

2009-07-22T18:01:00.005-05:00

I am just so happy to have Kenji part of our family!!! So I organized the photos today because the files were so big, that my SIL who is visiting couldn't even see them all. So while all the kids and cousins were playing, Jason on a business call and Raylene reading a book, I got busy. This is probably my favorite of their family. I am sure I will come up with others I love but this will most likely remain my favorite.

and of course a ring shot! I love the way this turned out. (Can you see the shadow in her ring that makes a heart?)

apparently one isn't enough

2009-07-22T15:38:00.002-05:00

...at least to my one blog stalker :P. So Dad here is a picture from the Salt Flats that Amy took. I LOVE IT!!! ...usually I am behind the camera... I love the way Amy captured my kids. Sooo cute and stopped time for a brief moment that I will have for a lifetime.

okay okay okay

2009-07-18T17:38:00.004-05:00

I have several people (you know who you are!) reminding me that I need to post pictures. Well where to even start? I am currently loading all the pictures on my computer. How shall I post? There has been so much happen and I am so far behind. Do I post in order or do I just post whatever I feel that day....hmmm. Well I guess posting something is better than procrastinating. So I just had a lovely visit with my friend Amy she stayed for a few days with her kids. We didn't get everything in that we wanted but it was a successful visit. The kids all got along, we played with our cameras, photoshopped until 1:30 am one night and sewed until 2am another. I feel the creative energy returning. It feels great to feel recharged and ready to get on with it. So because I have one photo out of thousands (so not exaggerating) from the past 3 weeks editted I will leave you with it. Ahh I just remembered I haven't finished editting bridals and the rest of the engagements....okay deep breath....here is the photo... at the Salt Flats with my kids from this past Wednesday.

unplugged

2009-07-13T10:56:00.003-05:00

ahhh it was so wonderful. No house construction to worry about, no phone ringing off the hook, no cell phones, someone else to make the bed, clean up and refresh towels and bathroom. No TV or movies to watch...just beautiful surroundings. We accomplished exactly what we wanted, to get grounded again and feel relaxed. So if I can get the massive amounts of photos loaded on my computer I will get some posted. Where did we go? Glacier National Park, Calgary Stampede and Banff National Park. Now I must get off the computer and finish the mounds of laundry.

a teaser...

2009-06-26T11:20:00.001-05:00

okay well since I excused myself from blogging, I now have a couple of seconds to post.

well this morning I woke up not knowing which way to position myself on the toilet....ugh.... luckily I am feeling a little better because today (tomorrow while I am typing this but I have to post date it because I can't run the risk of someone not sleeping tonight and checking out his beautiful bride before the wedding) is my SIL's wedding. This will be posting when we are at the Salt Lake Temple for their ceremony. We are excited!

and just for the record I am not a wedding photographer

AWOL

2009-06-24T15:56:00.002-05:00

okay I have been and will be..... My SIL is getting married on Friday! WAHOO!! but that means lots of family stuff. July is going to be a blur. So please don't miss me too much. I will update when I can.

still pinching myself

2009-06-05T14:30:00.002-05:00

Last day of school, has a really been almost a year since we moved??? M is done with kindergarten

my nieces

2009-05-22T10:30:00.002-05:00

Tiffany Burke of Follow Your Art Photographpy is amazing! I had so much fun being a baby wrangler yesterday for my twin nieces. Go check out the sneak peek of what fun we had.

how many guys to hang a mantle?

2009-05-21T17:16:00.007-05:00

Well before we get to that I have to bring you from the beginning. Prepare to be amazed....for those who had been in my apartment in Connecticut new that my tv spot was inside the fireplace. Well I graduated to above the fireplace but it still was "temporary" for me. I had grand schemes of how to cover in the horrific cove above the fireplace. It just wasn't me. I had to argue my side many times of why we should even do something like this. Well...you will get to see the proof. I WON!!!!! Without further delay...... the dreaded BEFORE pic

and some transition photos for your viewing pleasure. Though no one will get as much pleasure from it than ME!

and the drum roll please......

ohh did you guess how many guys it took to hang a mantle?????

sneak peek..

2009-05-19T17:19:00.002-05:00

of my mantle....

I am beyond excited about this. I LOVE how I can do crude drawing of what I want and voila the finished carpenter is able to produce something even better than I had roughly pictured in my head and attempted to draw. I can't wait to see it in person tomorrow when they are installing it. I went to the stone place today and picked a couple of samples to see how the color works with my house. I will definetly need to repaint that room. (YIPPIE! goodbye pink (oops I mean beige) walls!!!) These pics were sent by Kirk's iphone. I get a kick out of these old school builders who embrace technology :).

eventful week

2009-05-17T23:32:00.008-05:00

Well this week flew by and I can see why. So many things happened this week.....
Monday: Carpet installed, I don't think I have ever experienced new carpet. I LOVE IT!

Tuesday: my sister had her twins!!!!

Wednesday: Started construction on the fireplace off the kitchen and

had some dear friends that I met in CT over for lunch. (Thanks for being understanding of all the construction going on around us.)

and spent the night in the hospital with my sister and her new twins. I have a new appreciation for what she will be going through but man they are too cute and I got to snuggle both of them for long periods of time and sneak in some interupted sleep.

Thursday: I think we had just about every type of contractor over here trying to get their work done. I had to leave for a pta convention in Provo, luckily Justin was able to come home. I haven't seen that many trucks in front of my house before but it feels good to see some progress. Crash on the couch at 7pm nothing could stop me.

Friday: waited and waited for contractors to show up finally they start trickling in, in the afternoon. Granite and sink installed, then others show up but it is Friday afternoon and no one wants to be here so they all left without being very productive.

Saturday: wake up early to go on a 6.2 mile run, not even a block into it and my hip started burning and didn't stop, was able to push through a little over 3 miles and then it was over and I had to walk the rest of the way. (Wondering if I did some serious damage, it still hurts) Crash on the couch for a midday nap. Yard work and moving stuff around, chucking boxes that we have accummulated. Our friend Marc stopped by and we had a great visit and ate Molcasalsa (yummy mexican food).BBQ at our friend's house and an unintented dip in the pool for me. Someone pushes M in and it was where she couldn't touch. She knows how to swim but she panicked and so naturally in goes mom fully dressed to her rescue.

Sunday: the babies came home yesterday so it was photoshoot time. Was really hard and had limited amount of time. I can see why someone would need several assistants. I couldn't pose, pacify, change and snap pictures fast enough. Church, could hardly keep my eyes open, luckily they needed help in the nursery so that kept me awake. Then crash in my bed for a nap...ahhh. Justin made a yummy dinner and his parents joined us. Now I have my little one saying "please hold you mama, rock-a-rock." so I am off to get him taken care of.

painted

2009-05-11T11:17:00.006-05:00

Yep we finished up this morning at 2:30am. It was hard work but I love the result. I don't think I want to paint an entire basement again but I haven't completely sworn off painting.

so here is a portion of the theatre room, we are still waiting for the wall sconces that are on order and the rope lighting above the crown molding has not been installed yet and the rubber molding for the curved wall. I could seriously lick the walls, the paint color is bitter chocolate (behr)and it looked like chocolate syrup when we were pouring it into the paint trays.

I love the way this turned out. These are my happy colors. I have already had "Why did you chose those colors?" well the truth is I really don't care what others have to say about it. I just smile because they make me happy! Above the bead board is fossil butte (behr) and the trim is stowe white (glidden) I had a behr paint picked out and bought a five gallon bucket of it and when we started painting it was the wrong color. I was freaking out and couldn't understand why I would have picked a color like that, well apparently there are two different colors, so FYI if you chose Artist Canvas make sure it isn't Artists canvas. There is a huge unmistakeable difference. I couldn't find another color that I liked so I matched the ceiling paint, we had the paint leftover from painting an exam room in Justin's office. Thank goodness I picked out the color at the time because I love it.

My office...ahhh I love it...wild mushroom (behr) and I love my ceiling fan. I can't wait to move in.

The carpet installers are downstairs pounding away....I am too giddy to think about how tired I am!

CELEBRATION!!!

2009-04-25T10:41:00.006-05:00

So after more years than I have been alive my Mom graduated with her bachelors yesterday! I am so proud I can hardly keep from shouting it to the world. I only know a fraction of the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into this accomplishment. She is the first one in my family (dad and siblings) to complete it! There were a few of us that were slightly jealous because we aren't there yet. What an example. My kids went to the graduation ceremony, what a great example of life long learning. It is never too late to complete a worthy goal.

Grandma with all her grandkids (at least for the next few weeks, twins and another baby are due in May)

We are missing the youngest Craig. We wish Des and Craig could have come but they are getting ready to have their first baby. Sarah finds out next week when these twins will get here. I think it is totally unfair that she looks so good. I swear I was that big with only one baby and we have pictures of my Mom when she was preggo with Craig and she was competing with Sarah's size.

We learned an interesting tidbit from Grandpa about how he traded a pig to pay for the hospital bills when my mom was born. Grandma was there with us even though physically she couldn't make the trip. We missed you Grandma but we did take pictures and a video.

on to finish work...

2009-04-21T16:30:00.004-05:00

Well the door were mostly hung yesterday. I was helping hang the doors until Justin joked that my hourly rate was $3000 and household duties took over. The tile started today. The shelving will go in tomorrow and the doors left will be hung. Next step will be finish trim, base boards, beadboard. Crown molding for the rope lighting in the theatre room still needs to be ordered because it accidentally got left off, I guess it is a good thing because Justin will probably have more of an opinion on that. I picked up the caulking and painters putty because that is my job, meet the painter...aka me and some friends and family and once that is done, watch out here comes paint. I have the colors picked out and approved! Carpet will be delivered and installed May 4th and completed May 5th, Happy Birthday to me!!!! I can't believe it is finally coming together.

a beautiful day to

2009-04-18T15:24:00.003-05:00

run a 5k! Seriously it was so perfect and the other fantastic thing was I jogged the entire way. And even better I beat my personal goal by 3 minutes. I was watching the half marathoners come in and was green with envy. So I guess I will be researching one of those for the summer. 10k is next on the list at the end of May. Dustine was the best running partner. Thanks girl for motivating me to sign up and go for it! The one regret I didn't have a camera small enough to pack with me, we looked fabulous even at the end. Though the girl that was putting on the liploss while she was walking up the hill and ran a few steps around the corner and started walking again really made me laugh. St. George marathon in the near future (this fall please)???? We will let fate decide, (I have to get in first).

update: I got the official time and I finished 5 minutes better than my goal!!!!!

popcorn popping

2009-04-13T15:00:00.001-05:00

on my weeping cherry tree! Yesterday it was green buds and today blossoms!

drywall taped

2009-04-13T13:45:00.000-05:00

Thank goodness for warmer weather. Hopefully that means it will dry faster so we can get on with texturing. It takes two coats so dry dry dry dry. Finished carpentery is being delivered on Friday and some will go up if dry wall is finished and dry. I spent Friday afternoon at Burton lumber with our builder and my three kids. I think they were glad to see us go. But it made it so much easier with me right there to answer questions and make decisions. I don't think I could ever survive building a house from the ground up. So remind me I LOVE my house and I never need to move or build new.

easter egg hunt

2009-04-11T15:27:00.000-05:00

Well this is the best we could get...seriously trying to get a decent picture of these crazy kids was impossible. To think this is my kids and my nieces and nephew and it will grow by three in the next 2 months.

drywall is hung

2009-04-09T15:37:00.000-05:00

look who's 6

2009-04-08T15:18:00.002-05:00

I can't believe my baby girl is 6! Seriously I remember waiting forever to get her here and now 6 years has gone by??? On the eve of her birthday before bed, she said, "Mom I don't want to turn 6. I just want to stay 5." I reply, "Why sweetheart?" M, "Because then that means I get older and then I become a Grandma and they don't look so good." I really tried to repress the laughter but couldn't disagree aging doesn't seem like something we look forward to unless you are coming up on your sixteenth birthday.

framing is complete

2009-04-03T15:15:00.007-05:00

They are insulating as I post this. The first thing L will show you when touring our basement is "see the dirty tub." He is very intrigued by this and thinks it is yucky. Thankful I think that means that my other tubs don't resemble this. Whew!

Here is the the wall knocked out and the stairs opened up. It is better than I could have hoped for. My kids are already excited about the understairs play area. I am going to have my mom paint a mural in there. I am debating between a bistro or marketplace feel.

The entrance into the theatre room is turning out awesome. Justin wanted a curved wall and it gives the perfect touch. I can't wait until it is finished.

pockets

2009-04-03T00:03:00.006-05:00

The discovery has been made.... "Mom I have pockets!" It doesn't get much cuter than a little boy with curly hair and a hoody. Of course, I am completely biased. I just want to eat him up. He does taste pretty good too, just take a bite of his cheeks and you will understand.

ps where did my baby go? he looks so grown up in these pictures :(

give a boy a hammer...

2009-04-02T23:57:00.002-05:00

and tell him to hit a wall??? really I CAN? A timid wack....until finally he is going to town and has the mean face with it and everything. Luckily the little one was asleep for this or else all of my walls would be resembling this. This wall was meant to be knocked out. I will take some more pics tomorrow. Because next week...dry wall!!!!!

Update

2009-03-29T20:24:00.002-05:00

M won and got her haircut. She wanted it. She was sick of brushing her hair. I made her wait a few days to make sure it wasn't something she would regret and really wanted. Mommy wasn't quite ready to get her hair cut and realizing that she is wanting a say in her hair. Ahhh She will be six in a week.

Here is what A can be found doing..... We had a mommy/son date and went to the Fablehaven 4 launch party. Then we went to Five Guys Burgers and Fries. YUMMY!

And the other thing he loves is skiing. Check out his poor face. He went skiing with Dad yesterday. A claims he applied the sunscreen but we have our doubts. They had a great day and the sun was shining. Now we are back to yucky gray and snowing....ugh. I am done with winter. A has a positive outlook and says it is great for skiing though.

waiting for Cars..

2009-03-27T17:12:00.003-05:00

OKay so master L has decided to go on a Disney Pixar jag....most kids do a peanut butter and jelly, chicken nuggets or mac and cheese. Well L will only watch Cars and he wants it 24-7 if I would allow it. I mean really once a day is enough but as soon as it ends, "push play Mom." The other night L had me laughing really hard because he came up to me with 2 movies in hand, "Mom, watch Cars or Dory (Finding Nemo), Mom, Mom Cars/Dory, Dory/Cars." Mind you this is after he has asked at least 50 times to watch Cars. So he decided to give me two options (Hey if it works with me for Mom, maybe I can use it on her.) one in each hand, presenting his two options. I took him downstairs to try and change the scenery and see "Bob, Bob". Our builders name is Mike but not to L, it is "Bob, Bob" for Bob the Builder. He is just like Bob the Builder and has tons of cool toys, I mean tools. So it worked for a few minutes..then "Go upstairs, watch Cars Mom." The builders laughed. They are taking bets to what will be the first movie played in our new theatre room.

until next time...

2009-03-26T18:51:00.001-05:00

Jed, I hope you were listening or present at your services. I hope you realize how much of a void it creates by you not being here. Why didn't I take your mom up on stopping by to see you in December? It has been many years but the memories haven't faded. I am sad that just as I moved back into town I don't get the chance to catch up with you. My heart aches and I hope you have found peace. It is hard to believe you are gone and that I won't get that chance to see your smile again in this life.

Jed- A charismatic guy who you couldn't help but love and never forget. He was someone who always left an impression with his amazing talent of making people feel important and special. No matter how long it has been since you last saw him he would remember details of conversations or life events. His smile drew you in and his enthusiam was highly contagious. His amazing hugs just made everything else seem so insignificant. My freshman year at Westminster was the highlight of my college experience because of Jed. He always listened and conversations with him were never a bore. There will only be one Jed and those who knew him are better people for it.

tooth fairy visits again...

2009-03-24T20:02:00.000-05:00

but for the first time for M...

Dad took pliers and yanked it out because the new tooth was popping up behind and not making the baby tooth come out. M wanted the tooth fairy to wait a day before visiting because she wanted to take her tooth to school the next day.

how many men to take out a wall?

2009-03-12T12:19:00.002-05:00

Well as many as you allow. I know my brother would have been up here to take his wack at it too. The supporting beam was what needed the extra bodies. Justin has fun as they let him use all sorts of "REAL" man tools. It is amazing how much different it feels to have that wall gone. It really opened it up. I am so excited. Today is a recoup for the guys building from 7am-10pm. I am wiped out and all I did was take pictures and grap levels and nail clips. We had a great time and laughed so much my stomach hurts.

progress

2009-03-11T20:37:00.003-05:00

Justin is down there now helping (inbetween lectures on why one should wear ear plugs while operating the machinery they are using). I will have to go get a picture of them all working. They are going to put up this huge beam to take out the wall in the great room. Should be exciting!!!

The Before pics

2009-03-09T14:39:00.004-05:00

So I thought in the excitement of actually getting this completed, I thought I would post before pics. Hopefully I will be able to get the inbetween shots too. It is fun to see if this can come together the way we have it in our head. The builder was over today to chalk where the walls will go and the building commences tomorrow. I can't wait to get this done. It is going to be nice to utilize the extra space. I am also excited for the storage closets that will be going in too. We don't plan on furnishing the "great room" with anything other than tumbling mats for now (that will conveniently fold and be put in storage closets when not in use.) Is it bad that I am so excited so then I can move on to the next project: Upstairs. MWAAHAHAHA! Seriously though it will be so nice to get my "mess" I mean my stuff into a proper place out of the line of sight of innocent passersby (ie The Den the first thing you see when you come in my front door). And to have a space where the kids can beat, I mean play with each other when the weather doesn't permit them being outside in our backyard. Which have I mentioned how wonderful it is to have my very own fenced in backyard??? It only took 12 years to get to this point but I am going to savor this moment and watching from the window the kids run around outside in the back was pure bliss! Those that live in Heritage Glen or have in the past or anything else likened to it, will know exactly what I am talking about.

my niece

2009-03-02T15:49:00.005-05:00

So these are for Aunt Natty because currently I am the favorite aunt. I know it can quickly be replaced but I will relish in it for a moment. So :P

soo much fun!!!

2009-02-28T18:22:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was a action packed day. I had to make my first call to poison control. Luckily everything turned out all right. I am grateful it did for many reasons. I didn't want to have to miss out on getting to shoot with 2 very talented photographers and my sis as the model. Tiffany and Haylee were amazing and my sister was perfect. (You know I regret not taking a picture of your mobile closet Nat.) Dang, next time I will do that. Natalie has the most amazing clothes and funky fun shoes and she had a load full in her car for yesterday. Here are a few of mine

big brother...

2009-02-26T10:59:00.002-05:00

doesn't know everything. Here is the conversation I over heard this morning at breakfast. M,"A do you know where my hat is that Aunt Bear Bear gave to me that has the word and pirates skulls on it?" A, "No I haven't seen it." M, "Well do you remember seeing it?" A, "I have no idea where it is." M, "I thought you had a smart brain that remembered everything!"
She got him, discovered his secret...now when will she figure out that Mom doesn't know everything either? A had that figured out pretty early in life.

Girl's weekend

2009-02-23T18:26:00.004-05:00

M, my Mom and I went to visit my Grandma this weekend. We ate tons of yummy foods (I am not looking forward to my weigh-in this week.) Aunt Sandy helped us set up M's quilt so we could get the backing on. Now I just need to hand quilt it. I am excited to finish this project.

<

Then after we folded up the quilt it was time for cards. I am not one that is really great at these types of games but they taught me Hand Foot and it was really fun once I caught on.

happy valentine's day

2009-02-14T09:36:00.000-05:00

I miss Connecticut..

2009-02-13T13:29:00.002-05:00

for today....No not the cold or the weather right now but my friends. A big huge wave to all of you... you know who you are. I miss you today. And those that have moved on to other places but we met in CT...I miss you too!

"I hung-er-ee Mom!"

2009-02-09T22:15:00.003-05:00

L demands, "Mom I want CHI-cken fries (chicken nuggets and fries)! Mom replies, We are going to eat lunch at home. "I hung-er-ee. I want a hang-er-ber. Please Mommy, please." While it was hard to not just run through the drive-thru because of the hypnotic cuteness that was overtaking me. We have plenty of food at home that is healthy. But it was too cute to not write down. It reminds me of when A was this age and every time we passed a Burger King, McDonald's or Wendy's he would say "Fridays!" Which in translation is french fries. M always said "chickies" when we would drive by.

"I am not your girlfriend....

2009-02-04T16:50:00.009-05:00

..he is lying." M announces to the crowd of people. Later when telling dad about that night, "Dad I don't have a boyfriend and I don't want to be anyone's girlfriend. I want to wait until I am sixteen like you and mom." Well that is a least a little progress. Though the shades of red she turned when Benji called her his girlfriend was priceless. (The really cute thing is she has a crush and it started at my sister's other show the first part of January when she met Benji at my sister's place. She still doesn't know who he is, so we will keep it that way.)

So what exactly am I babbling about? Well to start out we went to my sisters performance Friday and Saturday night. Aunt Natty is a wicked hip hop dancer and her company was performing as well as some of the kids she teaches. We sent the boys to the cabin and we had a girls weekend. Here she is doing her signature move right before the curtain goes down.

Oh and they did an awesome dance to 90s music...ahhh the good ole dancing days for me. Nat shouted out to the whole audience in the middle of it "My sister taught me that!" Yep that would be me. Thanks Nat for helping me relive my youth :). They couldn't afford to have my expertise of dancing in the 90s on staff so I did what I could to help out :P

Here is my sister (far right) and her roomies. They are awesome! And when Benji is in town they have a 4th roommate. I have more pics but they will have to wait for another time. I can't wait until the video of their performance is out....it ROCKED!!! When I regain my hearing that I lost during the show...(from a certain 5 year old screaming..."Go Benji, Go Ms. Alexis, Go Aunt Natty, Go Alan!") Anyway it was a great time. M wants to know when I am going to sign her up. If only they weren't 45 minutes away on a good day. Maybe someday.

Someday when I grow up can I dance like my sister? Hey how about her legs too?! Why oh why did I literally get the short end of the stick on that......Only in my dreams.

Life is short...

2009-01-31T17:05:00.002-05:00

As I was stuck in traffic for over an hour, just sitting in one place, I had plenty of time to contemplate life...
I have been working on my 72 hour kits for the car but I am not done. I have blankets and drinks. M was with me and she was hungry. I had no food to give her and no way of knowing how long it was going to be. Oh did I mention I was almost on reserve gas tank. I had to alter a few plans while I was waiting as well. I was trying to figure out why all 6 lanes of traffic were not moving at all. Everyone was getting out of their cars, behind us people were turning up music and dancing on the freeway trying to make the best of it. Others were climbing on top of their cars trying to get a better look. I figured it was an accident or something spilled. Then I saw the Life Flight helicopter circle and land not more than 20 cars ahead of me. It really scared me. I was glad I hadn't got upset because some one's life just got completely altered and who knows if they will survive. My brother heard on the news that it was a five car pile up. How quickly can our lives be changed? Instantaneously! We listened to a Magic Tree House audio cd. I was grateful to have that to entertain M. It made it much easier for her to be patient, even with her grumbling tummy. When we were finally able to move and drive by, one little car was beyond recognizable I couldn't even tell you what make it was. Have you ever seen a car smashed into a ball? I am grateful I wasn't closer to see everything that happened. I feel bad for those that had front row seating and grateful for those that rushed to the aid of the injured people. So I am grateful to have made it home safely. Then I checked my email and we are trying get our basement finished so I had an email from my builder saying "sorry I didn't get back to you, my plumber has been missing since Monday and they found him on Thursday in the desert with a self inflicted gun shot wound. I have been taking it pretty hard. I will get back to you next week." Times are really tough and people are desperate, it makes my heart ache.

valentine's photos

2009-01-28T19:52:00.002-05:00

One down and two more to go...and they won't be as willing. When we were at Costco last week M saw the roses and wanted to buy them so we could take pictures again. I knew we didn't have time to do it so I told her we would get them next time. Well I had to return a couple of things so she reminded me. Luckily they were only $15.99. It is amazing how much they increase in price over the next 2 weeks.

gearing up for Valentine's

2009-01-16T15:05:00.002-05:00

I needed to replace the empty spots with something seasonal. Taking all of Christmas down was nice but then I realize how much I want to decorate and buy furniture and we aren't quite ready to go there yet. So I broke out the Flirty and Sweetie Pie Bo Bunny papers and made some fun Valentine's decoration.
Do you remember the Christmas calendar and stars I did for December...well I thought I would make a year of it and change it up with the season and add new calendars.

I wanted to find hearts in either wood or chipboard I couldn't find any that I liked so I went to the valntine candy aisle and got teh heart shape chocolate boxes. They were so much fun and easy to cover.

I just love these little birdies. They are so adorable!

books, books and more books

2009-01-14T01:27:00.002-05:00

It seems I can't get enough....I am really quite obsessed. Fablehaven series up to date until March 24, 2009 (Fablehaven 4), Twilight series (1st chapter Midnight Sun check! awaiting its release and will not give in to reading the leaked version), Don't gasp too much I have started Harry Potter. I know I know for all of you who know me you are reading this twice, I did in two sentenced type the two taboo series that I wasn't going to read. And I was just on half.com scanning books and just discovered I missed a new book in one of my favorite juvenile series Stravaganza: City of Secrets by Mary Hoffman....so yep I headed over to amazon.com and ordered it. Hopefully it will be as good as the others. I am also reading Three Cups of Tea. So between reading, no social life and scrapbooking (oh and doing the Mom thing)you can pretty much guess where my nose is....

"wook at dat Mom!"

2009-01-08T18:59:00.003-05:00

"Wook, wook Mom and a color!" (Autopilot as I am on the computer, "oh look how nice....") "Mom, Mom wook at me...I color." So of course I look and yes he did color on his face.... I am sure taking a picture only condones the behavior right?!

icy

2009-01-07T19:32:00.008-05:00

It almost felt like I was in New England..the windchill was definetly a cold reminder. We could have maybe picked a warmer day but we did it anyway. My mom gave me this cute snowman. I have him in my window above my kitchen sink. I love the way the sun hits him.

Here we are ice skating. It took awhile to find feeling in our toes and fingers....brrrrr. I have never had frostbite but was pretty sure I was nearing the first stages on my toes. Why don't they insulate the toes on ice skates???

Leigh had her phone picked up by a homeless guy. Thank goodness a security guard was right on it, (ie watching him pick it up). Then it was off to the Spaghetti Factory for Mizithra cheese spaghetti. We drank a ton of herbal tea to get warmed up and then I had minestrone soup too. Ahhhh it has been too long. After dinner we headed back to our place for some Guitar Hero World Tour. Watching their nearly 9 year old play on expert was seriously amazing. Justin and I want to get this when we finish the basement, we just need the game and some drums. We had a great family day. Thanks Fasslers for the good time, good eats and lots of great laughs!!!

Christmas Eve

2009-01-05T16:57:00.007-05:00

okay I know everyone is probably ready to move on from Christmas but we are still packing up the tree and decorations. I am almost done, I have been just dragging my feet because there isn't really much to put away.

Christmas Eve- We had my side of the family over to our house (We missed you Nick-a-Nick, Craig and Des). It was great fun and no one stressed out (I decided that I wasn't going to freak out on the details and just enjoy....It was wonderful, No need to be Martha Stewart and get sick over it.)

I had to take a picture of my driveway. Yep all those cars were at my house. Thank goodness we put in the extra cement driveway on the side.

Everything all set out and the game of prizes about to begin.

John and Natalie sporting the aprons I made that they won in the game. Aren't they cute!

And Santa's helper even came to our house too....(ie Papa!) We have great connections to Santa.

December recap

2008-12-28T23:26:00.008-05:00

There is so much I haven't blogged it is really daunting. So I just unloaded my memory cards.....oh and guess what I got for Christmas??? A 1TB external harddrive for all my backup pleasure! Wahoo!!! I will have to report on the rest later.

Dec. 3- M had a Grandpa date. She was quite nervous and wanted someone else to go with her. So she brought her doll with a new dress that I sewed for her to match M's dress. It took a little convincing and a slight bit of bribery, hence the red gloves and purse... but I knew that once she had left she would have a wonderful time. They went to the Mall and wandered, looking at things and then going to Build-A-Bear. She picked out a blue sparkly bear and a ice skating outfit for it. Then it was off to dinner at her choice of restaurant...she wanted Spaghetti. Olive Garden was close by so they went to dinner there. M reported that they had princess spaghetti just for her and a yummy Strawberry drink. She also said to Grandpa, "I was worried this wasn't going to be fun but I am having a great time." She couldn't stop talking about it to everyone and telling what a fun time she had. Thanks for making her fell so special Papa. When is the next date?

Dec. 4 Dr. Gull made a guest appearance in A's class to teach them about the ear. And teaching them to not use q-tips and wear ear plugs.

Dec. 6 Church Christmas party. The kids did a really cute nativity and I was convinced to do a duet. I am grateful there is only a picture to mark the event.

Dec.10-14 Jemima and her Mum came for a visit.

Dec. 23- And lots and lots and lots of snow. Did I mention that it has snowed a ton. The novelty of shoveling our driveway wore off quickly as I was spending many hours a day trying to clear it...why they didn't even consider a heated driveway when it is north facing is beyond me. So we purhcased a snowblower. It makes life so much easier. Eventually when the cement needs to be replaced...heated drive way is the only thing I will consider. Here is a picture that I took with a big snow storm heading our way. I grabbed the camera and ran up to our balcony. Dark low clouds with lots of snow, if you didn't know what you were looking at it would probably look like the sun setting on mountains.

Here is a picture taken off the balcony during the fall...just the valley no mountains.

Christmas Eve and Christmas recap will have to wait for tomorrow.

Christmas Decor

2008-12-13T15:54:00.001-05:00

They weren't able to use the whole thing for the Bo Bunny blog so I thought I would post it here. It is a December calendar and paper covered stars hung with ribbon. I have it hanging in my office.I love the Believe Bo Bunny paper line. The colors are perfect!

Tourist in my own city

2008-12-11T18:58:00.002-05:00

Okay so I have to plead guilty to not enjoying my surrounding when I lived in Salt Lake before. It took moving 2000+ miles away and Jemima coming to town for me to enjoy some beautiful heritage. (I will steal some pictures from her camera when she comes home) We started out at the Joseph Smith Memorial building previously the Hotel Utah. Our tour guide was great she suggested we go see the Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration. I am so glad she did. It was a tear jerker but so worth it to put into perspective how much the early saints and the prophet endured. The persecution and trials were on going. Then we went walked around and saw some of the beautiful nativities. Enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the Lion House Pantry Cafe I had stuffed pork, oatmeal zucchini soup (TDF) and of course there infamous rolls and honey butter. My tummy was happy! Then on to
The Beehive house for a tour. The carpentry was beautiful and the period clothing was amazing. I was appreciative of the hand made lace, we really take for granted we can buy premade lace most anywhere, including Walmart. It was wonderful to see how beautifully decorated Brigham Young's home was. After all they had endured to cross the plains to get to this valley, to finally have something nice. Then we were off to the Relief Society building This was built by $5 donations from sisters, that were encouraged to not get the money from their husbands but to find someway to earn it to give to build this building. For those sisters who were in other countries who couldn't send the money because of restrictions on mail, gave some amazing Meissin pottery and other gifts to decorate the building. It was moving to see what an amazing force for good women in our world wide Relief Society organization can do. I then had to leave their side to pick up children from school and they headed off to the Family History Library to research some of their family. It was a wonderful day! I especially appreciate Jason (Jemima's husband) for letting her come especially when today is their 15th wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary Jason and Jemima!

Quick Catch up

2008-12-10T10:59:00.002-05:00

okay I know I have been slacking but any extra time I have I am setting at my sewing machine instead of the computer. My friend Leigh and I have been sewing like crazy since right after Thanksgiving to get our girl's Christmas presents done. We have had so much fun. LOTS and LOTS of chocolate, caffeine and laughing. Little L has Leigh wrapped around his finger, he knows to go to her to ask for chocolate and then gives her a thumbs up, though it is more of just a fist and we were hysterically laughing about that for hours one night. Hey what better friend can I have who will still come and hang out with me even when L comes up and nuzzles his boogery nose on her shirt multiple times (luckily it is clear but still yucky).
-Thanksgiving was fun though we didn't get to everything we were supposed to that day. My mom takes us out to breakfast at Mimi's Cafe (yummy!!) and then we went to my brothers so Justin could go run with Paige. Then it was over to my Dad's where we were having dinner. It always takes a lot longer than what you think. We missed dessert at Justin's Aunt's house. We had a good time though. We played Rock Band for the first time. We had a blast. I am still partial to Guitar Hero but would love to get World Tour. We said we would get it when our basement gets finished which hopefully we will get to start at the beginning of the year.
-Black Friday shopping for me was hitting JoAnn's and Hancock Fabric. I met up with Leigh and her friend Jenn, it was fun and we have probably more projects than we can realistically get done before Christmas but we will try.
-M had a boyfriend, and told Leigh she has kissed him and she was asking the other day what breakup means? because a girl in her class broke up with two boys that day. What is it????? She has been in school for two years and this wasn't a main subject but come to Utah and the girls are BOY CRAZY!!!! OH the kicker....M's definition of "hot"- "Hot to adults can mean sexy!" HELLLOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! what is my child learning the the 3 hours she goes to kindergarten???? Not having full day kindergarten is a blessing in disguise. My baby is being exposed to the world.
-A is playing the piano and loving it. We went to a hockey game last night and he was obsessed with the goalie and thinks that they are amazing and he now wants to play hockey.
-L well he is a spit fire. He is talking so much now. I still get caught off guard when he is calling to me and I have remind myself that M is at school. The other night we were having spaghetti and he said "please noodle milk" translation- Parmesan cheese.

And the most exciting news right now is that Jemima is in an airplane on her way right now to come visit with her mom!!!!!! I only get them for a few short days but we have been planning this before I moved. I can't believe it is here. They really wanted to go to the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas program this weekend. The tickets are lottery and they didn't get any even from being from Australia and Connecticut. So we have been on a mission to find them tickets. My MIL and I asked a ton a different people on temple square what to do, pleading their case of traveling a long way. Finally talked to a nice gentleman who suggested standby I was feeling hope. Jemima had some people working on it as well. I had my MIL searching for tickets and my visiting teacher and pretty much anyone....I even embarrassed Justin at his work party when I talked about it to one of the Mormon Tabernacle orchestra members. Well one of our friends pulled through, she talked to her mom and was able to get the best seats in the house. I was so grateful when she dropped them off at my house. I have been giddy ever since. Just because I feel like it will be a special memory for them and there were many people who helped get them to this concert. Thank you, thank you!!! And especially the person who gave up their seats!!! I am so grateful.