Thanksgiving and Santa

Seriously, aren't these the two cutest kids you've ever seen?!

Luke informed me that we don't have a chimney. I agreed. He then said that it would be okay if Santa came through the door. I suggested we leave it open for him. Luke told me we should keep the door shut so the cold air doesn't come in; Santa can open the door himself. Ha Ha! Awesome. I guess he's got it all figured out.

Get Out of Jail Free

While on a recent trip to Boise, Rich and I both spent some time in the Ada County Jail.

Thanks Anna.

Now, to clarify a little. My sister-in-law, Anna, works at the Jail. She is an RN and wanted to share with us where she works. So we left the kids with Rich's brother and headed out for a little field trip and tour. We saw "Booking" and "the Tank" and one of the dorms and the medical part. It was ...hmmm....what word to describe?...intriguing? interesting? unnerving? Yes, unnerving. I am SO glad I've never been to jail before this...YIKES!! The deputies and employees are awesome, but the inmates would just stare - almost like they were trying to see if they could break you down with just a look...ugh.

I was a little overwhelmed, but by the time I was back in the car to go home, I was relaxed again. (duh) Anyway, we forgot to take the camera, so there's no proof that we were really there...you'll just have to take our word for it. It definitely takes a certain personality to work somewhere so ... concrete. I'm glad I don't have to, but I'm grateful to those who do and find a way to smile each day they're there doing a great job!
Thanks Anna!! It was great!

Thriller!!

I had a great time with friends this weekend! We did a lot of shopping, sleeping, eating, shopping...oh - and we saw THRILLER!! Thanks for the fun, girls!!

Family Pics

So we celebrated by dad's birthday by having family pictures done (poor guy). Here are some of the highlights:

The poor kiddos had about had it by the time we got up the canyon for this shot...it still turned out okay:Seriously, aren't these two the cutest kids ever? Awwww.....That's all for now...you can see the rest at Christmas!

Lord of the Flies

So I think something strange is going on at our house...Maybe Rich is secretly a fly; it's possible that I transform into a Queen fly at night and have millions of babies each night; it's even plausible that my children don't actually sleep at night, but rather, go out collecting flies to live in our house.

No matter the cause I think I just might lose my mind. I just added "fly paper" to my list of necessities when I hit the store tonight. I'm SO done with flies. What the crap?! (no pun intended)

grapes grapes grapes...

We are in the middle of grape-juicing this year. This is quickly becoming an annual tradition. We all love to eat the preserved fruit, however, (if I'm completely honest) Rich is the instigator in getting it done. I like the idea of doing it, but actually starting can be a little overwhelming to me.

After 3 days of searching, we found Concord grapes (not an easy task) locally. Two trips to the fruit stand later, we have 4 boxes of grapes, 5 dozen new jars, and we're on the call list for next year (YAY).

We started last night (hello? Who starts doing this AFTER the kids go to bed??) about 7:30 and Rich finished while I dozed on the couch until about 11:30.

I started this afternoon (what was I thinking? Oh yea: I should do grapes while Lucy's napping and Luke is enjoying a happy little movie called Toy Story 2), Luke watched a movie, then another movie; Lucy slept and Rich got home from work just in time to get the campchef going and really start crankin'.

Then, the movies ended, Lucy woke up, and we stopped for dinner....that's where it's ended for tonight...more tomorrow? (very possible)

Ahhh....Autumn is here....?

I love Autumn...the leaves changing colors; jeans, sweaters, and jackets; kids in school; Halloween. All that stuff. So far it's been a great Autumn, except it doesn't FEEL like autumn. I'm still wearing shorts and tees every day. I put my flip flops on so my feet don't get hot (ugh) and my AC kicks on every day. What the crap?! I'm SO ready for my fuzzy jammy-socks and a sweatshirt. Help me be patient while I wait...HELP...Help...help...

I guess I shouldn't complain too much...I REALLY don't like winter.

Happy Birthday!

I'm coming to realize that I have very selfish tendencies....especially when it comes to my birthday. I don't care if people know my age: 32. I don't care if people know it's my birthday and I'm getting older...Sept 21 and yes. I even like it when people send birthday wishes.

So, I began my birthday celebration on the 17th - shopping with mom and sis (Rich stayed home with kids - yay!) and lunch, too. On the 19th, we had dinner with my family (it's my mom's BD, too!!!). Rich cooked the meal - super yummy chicken tacos and beef enchiladas - from scratch! The celebration continued on Monday: leg wax with a friend (heavenly); and Tuesday - lunch with mom in law and kids - thanks!! Tonight it's pedicures with Mom and Sister - Fab.U.Lous. And dinner somewhere that doesn't have a playland. Now, my birthday celebration still has one more event - dinner with Rich's family on Sunday - always a good time!

Thanks to everyone who sent happy wishes and/or cards or gifts. They mean a lot!

Thanks, Rich, for the fun game - can't wait to try it out with friends.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!! (same day as me)

sorry, no pics...:(

BOUTIQUE

All right...I'm giving it one more shot.

This THURSDAY, FRIDAY, & SATURDAY is the

Blue Goose Boutique

in Lehi, at the Legacy Center.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE stop by and see all the cute stuff...we only saw a handful of them as they were setting up and I'm definitely going back!

It's open TH and FR 9am to 8pm and SA 9am to 5pm.

Hope you find something cute and fun!

I don't know the exact address, but you turn North off Main St at either the Light by Porter's Place or the intersection by H&R Block.

On his way!

Luke started Preschool today! He wasn't so keen on getting dressed, but after that was done, he was ready to go!

He found his backpack and put it on - wore it in the car, too.

When we got there, he "cheese"d at the door before going in and made his way inside.

After hanging up his backpack and taking off his shoes, he went to his seat and was good to go...leaving me standing there looking like a lost mommy. I wasn't nearly as emotional as I thought I might be. In fact, at the moment I was so happy he didn't do anything crazy that I wasn't sure what to do next. Lucy and I came home and puttered until it was time to go pick up. Luke came out lined up with his class and ran to the car with the BIGGEST smile ever! YAY Miss Sommer - Good Job!!

We tried to have a picnic after school, but the wind was blowing and it was chilly - Luke and Lucy were happy to eat in the car:)

Two Words...

GO COUGARS!!

We all got into the spirit of college football this season! I don't have a pic of all of us, just the most spirited of the clan. Lucy was decked out in her game day shirt, sporting her new legs - you likey?! Rich was less than impressed, but Lucy, Luke and I love them!

After our silly spirit, I'm so glad for a win...!

A Day with the Trains

Saturday was a mini-reward for Luke doing so well with potty-training: We went to Heber to see and ride the train!!

Heber Valley RailRoad was hosting the Heritage Festival, so we saw restored tractors, a stagecoach, and a miniature train.

Luke would have stayed on the mini train all day...one ride was enough for Lucy and I, so we were glad there were other options.

Luke got to sit in the Engineer seat AND pull the horn! It was exciting!

We rode the train to Swiss Days, enjoyed lunch (and the heat) with Grandma Madsen and Dave - thanks! I walked through the booths...good times...and we had ice cream before hopping the train to come back to the car. Luke got one more ride on the mini train before heading home.

It was a Good Day!! YAY Luke!

Pack Trip 2010

Oh yes! I got to go this year!!! My dad makes an annual trip into the Unitahs for about a week. He packs in on the mules and "roughs it" while there. I didn't go last year becuase Lucy was only about a month old (I considered it...), so I was so excited to go this year. I like to do the menu and cook while I'm there, so I chose my dishes, made my list, bought all the needed goods, packed them up and headed to my parents. We left on Wednesday morning, packed the mules, and headed down the trail (I guess UP would be more accurate).

Gordy leading up the trail; Uncle Doyle followed leading a pack horse and baby; Harold was caboose.

When we arrived at camp and got set up, I looked and looked for dinner....uh oh...didn't get packed. When I got home 4 days later, I found it in my freezer (I forgot to grab it)...I think I'm fired.

Needless to say, we fished:

Look at my fish...it was the largest one I caught!

It was a great trip - no wrecks, no injuries, no meat (my bad), but we fished! We rode to Ryder Lake and Amethyst Lake and looked for a phantom lake that I think was a typo on the map - never found it...maybe next time...On Saturday, (after a Friday afternoon of rain) between rain showers, we packed up and headed home.

Coming down the mountain

Good place to rest a minute - talk to the hikers at the trail fork.

It was a great trip, Dad! Thanks to Dad, Uncle Doyle, and Harold for being to easy-going about the food (no pork chops, no burgers, but we had fish!)...I owe ya!

Wow...she's queen of the world...?

Alright, I did take a pic from inside the wagon on the parade route...actually we were lining up to get started...

This little girl had the grumpiest face ever and the BIGGEST crown ever! What the crap? We laughed and giggled at how contradictory that whole situation was - We think maybe mom was living vicariously. No offense princess mom, but really? I hope she at least pretended to smile during the parade...

What's Going On?

Well, I don't know what happened, but I think it has something to do with the cord to the camera that allows me to put my pics on the computer is no longer kept near the computer anymore. And I'm just too lazy to walk to the other room to get it - until now!

Here's what we've been up to the last few weeks:

We spent the day at the Summit County Fair. Dad put the wagon in the parade (forgot to take pics, duh.), so we all rode in it. Then, Grandma and Grandpa bought tix for the boys to ride some of the rides...waa hoo!

Riding the elephant ride...... on the dragon roller coaster... driving a car! This was the favorite!

Last ride...flying turtles...?

It was great! The boys loved it. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!!

Dear...

Dear Pepsi w/ lime,

I have found myself craving you mroe and more as I see my store of you running low. I want to keep you for as long as possible. The only way I know to do this is to only partake occasionally. I know we have had great times together. We've shared laughter and tears. We've seen each other through afternoons full of screaming children and evenings alone. We needed each other. That time is passing. We can't continue doing what we're doing. I must begin, at least, finding a healthier companion. I've tried in the past and couldn't pull myself away. I'm stronger now. I can do it. I know we'll still cross paths, and that's okay. I'll miss our afternoons on ice and our evenings in the driveway, but it's better this way.

I can't bear to go, but can't bear to stay.
You'll be gone soon enough.

Desperately,
Lover of the lime.

Seriously!

Lately, I've been a little cranky - not sure why - still trying to figure it out. Regardless, I guess Luke has picked on my crankiness. Last night while sitting on the couch, he looked around and said in an irritated voice, "What is all this Crap?!" Rich and I looked at each other and laughed.

Over the past few days, I've noticed Luke saying things, like, "No. No. Lucy. That's naughty." What? How does he know she's being naughty...oh wait, that's what I always say to her.
-OR-
"Shoo fly. Go Away"
-OR-
"Get. out. of. here. Mom. I said, go away."
Seriously, I'm sure I never say things like that. Especially when I find Luke in the front room near my table of breakables....and he is not listening to a thing I say (or so I think).

It's been a good reminder that I need to get it together and clean up a little. No more "go aways". Although I might still have a few "shoo fly"s - our house is full of them...argh!!

Well, until next time, America...

Ok...

My Dear Dr. Pepper,

You are a great friend. You're there in times of need and times of happiness. You're there for laughs and tears. Thank you for all you do for me. I'm so sad to see you go, but I can't bear to lean on you any longer. The time has come to part ways. I'll go mine; you go yours. Together we were great. Apart, we'll be great, still.

Good bye.
Devoted follower

p.s. I'll still see you on special occasions, but we'll have to keep our time together brief and controlled.

Been fun!

Well since my last post, we'd done so many fun things!!

On Wednesday, Aunt Lacee and cousins, and Grandma Becky met us at the Copper Mine for a little tour. We saw the HUGE tires on the trucks and watched the trucks carry rocks and dump them...it was great! We stopped at Copperton Park for lunch and play - AWESOME park! Full of shade, fun playground, shade, tennis court, a few people, and...shade!! We were on our way to the Herriman Beach and/or Splash Pad (depending on crowds) when the kids fell asleep. We still stopped to see if we wanted to return another day (YES!!), but let the kids sleep while we chatted.

It was so fun to spend the day with my family! Thanks for the great day!

On Saturday, we met Uncle Brian and his family at the base of Timpanogas Cave for a morning of hiking. Luke had Dad's hand, Lucy was strapped in the backpack (thanks, Julia) and we were off. After just over an hour, we found ourselves at the entrance to the cave...we made it...no mishaps, either! We saw "bacon", "curly fries", "the Heart of Timpanogas", and "ice cream" before heading back down to the canyon floor where we picnicked in the shade. What a great way to start a weekend. Although, Rich and I decided we wouldn't be doing that again until Luke was old enough to walk and listen without either of us freaking out because of the 100-ft drop on our left. We also realized that neither of us do well with heights and children...other than that, we did good.

After a nap and some quiet time, we geared up for the annual 24th of July "Cul-de-sac of Fire". Grilling began around 6:00, eating commenced shortly after. We had burgers, hot dogs, chips n salsa, pasta salad, watermelon, chips, rice krispie treats and peach cobbler. What a great feast! While the grill was cooling, the dads and the kids set off parachutes fireworks and had a blast chasing the parachutes all over the neighbors yards. At dusk, we set off a few fountains and called it a night. We love spending quality time, eating quality food, with quality people! Thanks friends and family for being so....quality!

Sunday was business as usual: wrestling Luke and Lucy during Sacrament meeting; walking the hall doing little tasks during Sunday School; passing Lucy to a friend during RS; after church, home for lunch and a....
No nap. We headed to Grandma Madsen's to spend time with Uncle Brian, Aunt Anna and cousins before dinner with the rest of the family. It was fun to play a game and banter and eat and banter and eat and banter and eat before dinner.

Dinner was great! And we celebrated (a little late) my nephew, Jake's 13th Birthday! What a great kid he is!!

Here are some...memories...to add, too: Luke managed to poop in his underwear, pee on Grandma's carpet, have an absolute meltdown, fall asleep in the office chair, and still have a great time!! Lucy slept through most of the excitement and ate. Rich napped on the couch and in the chair. I...talked and ate and talked and ate and talked and ate. It was great!

Today we're off to swim with cousins and have another great day before reality hits again tomorrow and we're back to our everyday stuff.

July is a good month!

So this month, Rich and I decided that we were going to only spend money on gas and groceries, unless I had the cash in hand for something else (i.e. movies, lunch, etc). So far, so good. Mostly it's me anyway who spends on fun, useful, but unnecessary, items.

So....I found a way around it...I had the cash for a few bottles of gift soap, but I didn't want to go to the mall, and they're not on sale right now, anyway. I was asking my mom for ideas for new babies (I usually give a yummy smelling hand soap 'cuz new babies=lots of diapers=lots of hand washing) because I was out of soaps and couldn't go buy more. I could crochet something, but it's 100 degrees outside, who wants a sweater or hat?! Anyway...I bought soaps from my mom, at sale price, with cash I had for such occasions!

I know this seems totally menial (?), but it's HUGE for me...I found a way to get what I needed WithOut spending senseless money. ah. What a relief. One trip to Target for yummy soap would have meant a few Useful, although unnecessary items more at the Bearden house.

It's been good practice...I think I'll do it again in August - with one exception - TCP summer clearance at the PC outlets!! Stock up time :)

Monday, Monday, nah nah....

Here we are again. It's the beginning of another week. I'm not sure how I feel about this. As I type, I'm torn between absolute sarcasm for another week of the same old thing and hints of melancholy for another week gone and I didn't accomplish much. I survived a morning at church without Rich (work. ugh.) - only because I have great friends who taught Luke in Nursery and entertained Lucy in Relief Society. I tried to enjoy Sunday School (good lesson, good teacher, good discussion) but Lucy wasn't having it - tired baby with no place to rest. It is a HUGE bummer that she won't sleep in her carseat anymore. Needless to say, she and I spent the end of Sunday School and the majority of Relief Society in the hall. She was SO tired, but wouldn't relax and go to sleep - so we wandered the halls and gathered the rolls, and talked to fellow hall-wanderers. Not the most inspiring Sunday, but I DO appreciate Rich even more! He usually takes Luke to Nursery and keeps Lucy during RS/Priesthood, so I can distribute rolls, get RS ready and gather rolls in the end. Oh my. Somehow it all got done, but I was a little neurotic during the whole thing.

Well. On to a new day with new things to look forward to. Today we get to go to a swim party with friends and do laundry (can you guess which one I get to do and which one the kids get to do?). This week we get to go visit Grandma Becky and Grandma Irene (my grandma). I get to play piano and sing (well, I won't be singing) songs at her assisted living center. I'm excited! We also get to go to the dentist and get our teeth cleaned - I am SO looking forward to this (crazy, I know).

Ah. I'm feeling better already...No more melancholy. A lot less sarcasm. Feelings of good karma and positive energy are beginning to form - that must mean I'm ready to begin a new week of fun with my kids and friends. Maybe I'll even accomplish something along the way:)!!

Curious George Makes Muffins

I woke up unusually early this morning. While pondering what we should eat for breakfast, Luke watched Curious George on TV. It was just ending when I asked Luke what he' d like for breakfast. Imagine what he said. "Mom, can I make muffins like George? I want muffins like George!" He didn't demand, he was just excited...! Normally I'd push that request aside with something like, "We don't have muffins. You can have toast and eggs or cereal." But this morning, I decided to go with it. I have 4 cases of muffin mix in my food storage, why not put it to good use?!

We put on our aprons. Luke wanted a chef's hat. I told him I didn't have one, to which he replied, "Can I wear my snow hat for a chef's hat?" Of Course!!

So, aprons on, "chef's hat" on, muffin mix available. We were ready. Luke helped me pour in the ingredients (thanks to Jiffy brand there were only 3) and we mixed, poured and baked.

I haven't seen him so excited to eat breakfast since Rich cooked sausage last week (sausage is always cause for excitement to Luke). I guess I'll have to start paying more attention to my little guy!!

What a great way to start the day...

My week is made

I'm not fanatical, but I AM a fan.
I enjoyed the midnight showing of "Eclipse" with great friends!

Thanks for the fun night ladies!!

Calgon.....

Oh seriously. This morning started out fine. Rich got the kids breakfast, I showered. We moved a bookcase into Lucy's room and anchored it to the wall. Then Rich left for work. In a matter of 15 minutes, Lucy was crying because she was tired and ready for a bottle and a nap (no biggie, I can take care of that); Luke yelled to me, "Mom, I'm wet" as he ran down the stairs to his potty. I promptly followed only to realize he had pooped, too. EW. I get Luke cleaned up and I'm making a bottle for Lucy when Luke asks me to clean up the floor. He was getting a drink from the fridge and knocked an open can of grape soda onto my rug...meanwhile, Lucy is still crying, and now hanging on my leg. I, in near hysterics, asked Luke to please leave because "Mommy is gonna lose it". He quickly left (happily I might add) and I tried to get it together.

Lucy is now asleep in her room, Luke is still dry and quietly playing downstairs. I just read an email with a link to a blog of a woman who has a real connection to children adopted from China. Needless to say, that was the kick in the pants I needed to adjust my attitude.

Thanks Anna, I needed that.

Hopefully, I can carry my good thoughts all day long and the rough morning (ugh) is in the past.

Day...redo

So, I've decided that I must have some kind of attention deficit. I cannot keep doing the same exercise over and over (mostly walking or running). I lose interest. So. What. To. Do.???

I found a couple of classes that sound like fun at the Legacy Center - Zumba, water aerobics (yes, I know, I'm old), and a couple of Yoga classes. My only hang up is - I have to be a member to go at certain times (of course, the classes I want are during those times)...do I pay up and be glad they offer babysitting? Or, do I get a few videos and do them at home?


What. To. Do.

Away...

We made the trek to Las Vegas this weekend for a fun family reunion with my mom's family! While we had a great time, here are a few moments that were memorable:

On the way down the DVD player went on the fritz. By Santaquin, it wasn't working at all...oh good, only 5 hours to go

When we arrived, our room wasn't ready - only an hour until we could check in - no biggie, what's another hour when you've been in the car since 11 that morning...

We had an enjoyable evening and decent sleep (as good as can be expected in a bed other than my own). :)

We were up at the crack of dawn (almost literally) when kids got up at 6:30 Utah time (5:30 local)...oh my...the pool didn't open until 9...

We got going and out the door to be to the park by 10:30 AM. On the way, we noticed low, black clouds over where we were headed...no worries...it doesn't rain in Vegas in June...

By 12:00, Lacee arrived (oops, my bad, poor directions), and we were all packing up to head to my Aunt's house...it started raining and was turning cold (relative term). Too cold to play, anyway.

We all made it to my aunt's. We finished our lunch, visited, enjoyed the cool weather, etc. The big kids played with and entertained the little kids (thanks!!!), and the (wait for it)...sun came out!! The big kids got in the pool. The little kids did too (although we forgot to our suits)...clothes and all!

After a great visit, we headed back to our condo (Thanks Aunt Mary!!) and all the kids had naps...YAY!

We enjoyed an evening of rain, swimming (br), pizza and TV.

We swam the next morning we swam again, grabbed some breakfast and were on our way by 11:15 (yes, we were all up by 5:30 local, so we had lots of time to pack and clean up).

Lacee lent us her iPod with fun videos for Luke and Lucy had a couple good naps...

Home by 4:30 and unpacked by 5. Dinner by 5:30, kids in bed by 8:30...it's good to be home.

I took my camera everywhere and didn't take a single picture...what a dud:/

Day...

So I haven't been super-consistent about daily exercise, but I haven't given up completely. It's turned out to be about every other day. I can live with that.

Wednesday I got up about 6:30 (just as Luke came and crawled into my bed), and walked to the church to enter my VT report. Then I enjoyed a brisk walk home. Yay! I love 2-fers.

Keep on truckin'! (or walkin')

Day 4/5

So yesterday I didn't get up in time to walk so I took the kids on a walk in the afternoon. We made it around the outer boundary of our ward...I was delivered belated birthday gifts from the RS (oops). Anyway, it was SO muggy and hot...ugh...I don't think I'll be doing that again. Even Lucy was very still in the stroller when we were stopped because it was too hot to move.

Well, this morning, I was so excited to go walking again before the kids got and and the day got going...then...at 7:00 A.M. (Yes, I woke up without an alarm), I realized Rich had gone to play tennis with friends. That meant I couldn't leave the house (although I admit I was tempted, 'cause I can see my house from the track I walk on)...I got my iPod and put on a yoga session. 10 minutes into it, here's Luke talking to me, asking what I'm doing. Needless to say, yoga ended there.

Oh well. It was a good try. I'll take Sunday off and begin again Monday morning :)

Day 3

I promise I won't subject you to this monotony forever; however, it's a fact that it takes 21 days to form a habit...so.......... :)

I made it out for a 40 minute walk this morning. My legs are still sore from days 1 and 2, so I thought a brisk walk would still qualify for exercise but less impact on my legs. I was enjoying myself so much I had to catch myself several times singing...not that anybody was around...but still.

On to the next!

Day 2

I'm sorry that you have to read this again...but it's helping me stay motivated. I made it up and went out for a walk/run this morning! I was a little tight so I kept it somewhat slow and easy, but tomorrow I'll be right back up to speed! YAY!!

I got new shoes, too - oh lovely little pillows for my feet :)

Day 1

Over the weekend I decided I was sick of feeling tired and not being able to put on my clothes and be comfortable because they were too snug - not mention how they look on me...ugh. So. I made a goal to begin exercising daily. I intend to be able to wear my summer clothes before the end of summer.

So far, so good. I made it out for a 20-minute walk/run (more walk than run) and a little stretching.

It was refreshing.

A bad case of the grumps!

All this week I've woken up grumpy. I'm not sure why, but I don't like it. This morning just after 6AM, my 3-year-old came in telling me he was wet and wanted his diaper changed. Rather than just take care of it and go back to bed, I told him to go get a diaper and I'd do it. I did this knowing it was unlikely he would return with a diaper (I was right). However, on his way to his room, he woke up his sister, who cried until I convinced him to give her a binky. Not long after, the crying continued, Rich got Lucy out and there were then 4 people in my bed rather than 2. The two little extras are snugglers, so instead of a cozy morning in bed it was 2 little people jumping and climbing on 2 big people who in turn snapped and growled back.

NOT a good way to start my morning.

Is this something I should get used to? Or would it be okay to lock my door until I'm ready to get up (maybe I need to lock the kids' doors - oooh, not safe, I know).

What. to. do.....

Regrets...

I try not to do things that I may regret. I have made choices that I have had to learn from, but I don't really regret those, as I learned and became a better person. Having said that, I have a regret:

As I was getting the stroller out of the trunk, I sat my phone on the ledge where the trunk clasp closes (I distinctly thought - "Oh, I won't forget and leave it there, because if I try to shut the trunk, it will hit my phone and bounce back open" - What the Crap? How do I seriously think those thoughts and not realize how stupid they sound?! Ugh! Needless to say, I shut the trunk and it DID just that - bounced back open. However, my phone now has a huge crack in the screen and can't be read. It still rings (I think) and I can dial and talk (and get VM if I remember to dial for it).

This all means:

I can't text a friend to see if they're awake so I can ask a question - I'll have to call (or not) or ask them later (not likely).

I can't text my sister to see if she's on her way or still loading the kids (Sorry Lac, I love ya).

I can't text my husband and ask him to stop on the way home from work to pick up a few items (or a Dr. Pepper)

I can't have a full on conversation over the course of an hour or so without actually speaking a word (Yes, Haley...we have to use our verbal skills...:/)

I can't text my neighbors or friends to borrow some obscure item in the middle of dinner or naps or whatever. I just have to call or go without.

I guess what it all comes down to is - if I need to talk to somebody or they need to talk to me, we'll have to pick up the phone, dial, wait for the pick-up, and physical say what needs to be said.

Who Does That?!

Me.

Until further notice.

At Last...

There are few key signs that summer has arrived:

First, the BBQ is out of storage and is used at every possible meal (usually with friends)

Second, kids get a bath EVERY night no matter what because they're covered in a film of sunscreen, sweat and dirt

Third, Luke falls asleep (on a random place on the floor) by his own volition in the middle of the afternoon

Well. We have BBQ'd three times in four days (Fri, Sat, Sun); Luke has been bathed four of four days and still has a bunch of black grease spots that won't come off; I found Luke on the family room floor this afternoon when I realized that it had been quiet way too long - happy ending, he slept for almost two hours.

SUMMER IS HERE!!!!

Part of the Team!!

Luke went to his 3rd Itty-Bitty Ball today....

And he PARTICIPATED!!! YEA!

I won't tell you that I had to bribe him with a soda if he stayed with his coach and did the stuff she asked, but it was SO great to watch him be part of his team!

Hooray for small miracles.

The muffled cry of a child...

Yesterday I was enjoying a few minutes of quiet while my children were playing happily together (rare, I know), when I heard Lucy's muffled cry. She was within sight just seconds before, so I assumed Luke had thrown a blanket over her. I instantly got up to check it out...hmmm....all blankets were bump-free and Lucy was nowhere to be seen. As I was listening to this muffled cry, I notice the big green tub Luke keeps his blocks in was near the couch, upside-down (not unusual). I soon realized the muffled cry was coming from the tub. Luke had seen Lucy happily playing on the floor and decided he could do something to change that blissful moment. I picked up the tub to see Lucy, toy-in-hand, sitting there looking up at me with crocodile tears in her eyes. She was happy to "see the light" once again. Once my hysterical laughing stopped, I kindly asked Luke to please not put the green tub on Lucy because it's not safe....even now, re-telling the story, I get the giggles!!! I needed the laugh.

Itty -bitty...something

So we signed Luke up for Itty-bitty ball (3-4 year-olds). This session is baseball, although Luke asked for golf when we talked to him about it. Regardless, I knew it wasn't really baseball, but I thought he'd love being with other kids his age and using a mitt and bat.
WRONG.
He was glued to my leg the entire time...I was able to unstick him long enough to bat with him a couple of time off the tee. He did two more swings on his own before it was time to do something else. The class was set up as a round robin of 6 stations. They got to take turns batting, throwing, catching, and running bases. It was great! Maybe next time he'll want to do more on his own - at least I'm hoping - if I wanted to pay for ME to do something, it would be something else, for sure (pedicure, maybe?).

I'll take the camera next time. Maybe I can get a pic of Luke actually playing something....?

COME SEE...

If there's a baby on the way for you or someone you know,

you MUST come see great gifts at the

COALVILLE BOUTIQUE!

One Day Only

Friday, April 30

12:00 to 7:00

Quonset Hut

(East off Main at Center,

follow road around the bend.

On the Right)

Carseat Covers

Hooded Towels

Baby Wipe Cases

Hair Clippies

and more...

See you there!!

BOUTIQUE!!

This weekend at the Coalville Fire Station is a Boutique!!

FRIDAY and SATURDAY 10 AM to 7 PM....FIRE STATION

i don't know all the stuff that will be there, but here's a few I DO know:

Carseat covers

Hooded Towels

Baby Wipe Cases

Bookmarks

Aprons

Front Pack Baby Carriers

Crochet Kitchen Towels and Dishcloths

Hair Clips

COME SEE!!

A Day with the Family

Rich was home yesterday, so after I spent a morning in Kindergarten, we (meaning Rich) finished some Spring yard work and headed to Wheeler Farm (thanks for the idea Alissa). Luke got to see mom (ME) milk a cow (kind of cool!) and lots of different farm animals - the pigs were super-stinky! We had a picnic dinner and fed our bread crust to the ducks and geese. It was SO fun (and free except for the $.50 to milk the cow)! I think we'll go again soon.

BTW Rich - the lawn looks luscious and green!! Nice!

I think today I'll attempt to put our new outdoor table together...maybe...?

beep...beep...beep...

A funny observation of my three-year-old:

He doesn't respond. Rephrase. He doesn't even flinch when he directly asked a question by mom or dad. He hears the beeps of a motorized wheelchair going backwards in Wal-Mart and immediately says with great intensity, "Mom, what was that?" What the...? How does that happen? Maybe I'll have to invest in a little beep beep button just to get his attention at home.

That's all.

p.s. I'm still looking for good books to read...http://alwaysliterary.blogspot.com

It ALL hits the .....?floor?

I thought we were having a good day - a little tension, Luke not listening - but productive and bearable, nonetheless. I showered and was getting ready to head out when I hear terrible noises coming from downstairs. I immediately assumed Luke had picked up Lucy and thrown her across the room - thankfully, not the case. What I did find, however was much less harmful but just as frustrating: While I showered, Rich took a little snooze in the chair, Luke and Lucy played. Somewhere in the middle, Luke found the Fat Sharpie (black) and proceeded to decorate the kitchen - fridge, pantry door, nearly the entire floor, with a few finishing touches on the dinner table, computer (closed, phew!), gate, and post by the stairs. When Rich saw what had happened, he flipped (rightfully so). We both immediately grabbed Magic Erasers (how did we ever live without them?) and got busy. Lucy was trying to be helpful, but ended up in the way. So, at Rich's request, Lucy and I headed to Wal-Mart, Rich stayed to clean up. Luke spent the entire 2 hours in time out on the step...it was ugly. Poor kid keeps asking to play the computer - much to my chagrin, I must remind him that he doesn't get computer time for a whole week. Why? because you drew all over the kitchen. ERGH!

btw - if you are familiar with Harold and the Purple Crayon, I do believe Black Sharpies are just as effective in Luke's mind. That DVD is going into the archives for a LONG, long time!

fyi - we got all the marker off the floor and computer. Didn't bother with the gate. The fridge is left with faint purple streaks and the walls and door - well, they'll soon be getting a new coat of paint...while the kids are both elsewhere for the time.

I wish I had had the mindset to grab the camera, although I don't know how much reminding Rich wants...

Discovery Day

We have enjoyed a prank-free day - Hooray!! We met Rich's brother and their kids and his mom for lunch at Scaddy's - YUM YUM!! Then we trekked to the Gateway to the Children's Museum. With a 2 for 1 coupon, it was well-worth the money spent. Luke was busy and engaged for a solid 90 minutes...we decided it was time to go - no because Luke was getting bored - because it was late in the afternoon and we knew he was going to start being tired and cranky soon. What a blast! Thanks Mike & Jill and kids for a fun afternoon! It was great to have lunch with Mom, too!

We are DEFINITELY going back!

pardon the interruption

ok. As I have been looking at the blogs of my friends and family, I have realized that I'm not doing a very good job keeping up on mine. so, here goes:

Quick updates on the fam:

Lucy - growing like crazy. crawling like a crazy person, and already knows when to cry for mom's attention even if Luke isn't being mean (although, lately the not being mean is rare)

Luke - terrible twos? I think not. Three has been WAY worse than two ever was...attitude needs adjusting regularly, ears forget to send messages to the brain to be followed, and his new favorite word must be "no" - not a loud defiant no, just a very calm, matter-of-fact, no. Terrible Three's aside, He is growing and learning so quickly...preschool in the fall (if we ever get enrolled). He loves to play games on PBSKids.org and play outside with his friends (especially Mark). He says the doggone funniest things, i.e., "Mom, why you say idjut?" = I called a driver an idiot...oops.

Melissa - hopefully NOT growing like crazy - that would not be pleasant. Still loving Relief Society. Excited to go to Vegas with Mom and Sis (a much needed weekend away). Loving the warm-ish weather and being able to go outside and play (well, watch my kids play, anyway). Enjoying the lost art of crochet - despite the grandma jokes from friends (Mark) and family (Rich), I find great satisfaction in finishing a project.

Rich - still working hard. Ready for BBQ season to begin. Has the greenest lawn in the neighborhood. Is watching his bracket carefully while his wife's bracket is fading fast. Is not making a big deal of his wife being gone for three days, leaving him with the kids....by himself....alone....with no one to help him....on a sunday....at church....you get the picture....he's the Best!!

That's a little update on our little family. Back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Good Ol' Days!

So I got to have lunch with one of my greatest friends! After several years of plugging along, trying to keep in touch, and getting together for an hour here and there, we were able to get together for a fun afternoon at....(drum roll please)...IKEA! I know. Who would have thought it would be all that?! IT IS! Kids' meals, family-friendly eating area, toys, TV....need I go on?
Nat - Little baby girl is so stinkin' cute! Your teenager-want-to-be is adorable, and your twin (ha ha)! We'll do it again...Maybe at the park next time.
Dang! No camera, but good times. It was great to make a new memory instead of just talkin' about the good ol' days all the time!

Happy Birthday!

So, it's now March 8th...not quite one month since Luke turned 3! Here are the highlights from the many celebrations:

Luke and Dad opening his new truck from Grandma Madsen!!

Playing outside with friends after a fun party!

Blowing out the candles on Grandma Madsen's cake!

Opening gifts from Grandma & Grandpa Wilde (cousins doing their best NOT to open gifts themselves).

New bike! Yea! (I think Mom was more excited than Luke)

Mom's cake (3rd one ever)...! Each year gets a little better...fortunately they always taste better than they look.

Birthday Breakfast! Upon request, Luke is having Dino-nuggets to start the day! (yuck)

We ended up with 3 different days to celebrate - one for each year?! It was fun...but next year...we're simplifying.

FYI

In case you're wondering, I haven't forgotten about Luke's BD. I'm waiting for a few more pics so I can post them all together. We've celebrated four different times over the past week...talk about a party that never ends...

NEW BLOG

Ok. My book list was getting a little hard to manage. I was frustrated because I couldn't put descriptions about books, or likes and dislikes. SO....I created a blog dedicated to just the books I finish (or don't if applicable).

Check it out: www.alwaysliterary.blogspot.com

As I get time, I'll try to add books I've read in the last few years, too. For now it contains the books I've read since the beginning of the year...if you have favorites, please leave them in the comments so I can add them to my pile of books to read (it's literally a stack of books on my nightstand - Rich hates it being there all the time!). I'd love to hear your feedback on the books posted, as well...feel free to write!!

Thanks, can't wait to see what happens...

"Diamond" in the rough

I hope Valentine's Day will be as memorable for you as it is for us. My husband tends to be somewhat shy when it comes to public...anything (affection, performance, you name it). However, he caved at our Ward Valentine Dinner Party.

Watch and you'll see.
Sorry it's sideways, I'll try to fix that.

Merry Christmas ?? HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

(p.s. another video of the same performance is available on YouTube...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pURljKefUQ...just copy and paste)

Of all the Fishes...

We took Luke and Lucy to the aquarium today...how fun! Being the good mom, I am, I forgot the camera; but, when we were all done, I asked Luke his favorite fish: the Nemos. Ah...the clown fish. I guess I don't need a pic for that...we ALL know Nemo. It's been a good day!

5 Days...

If you are a child of the 90's you may remember a song about 5 Days....anyway...that's totally unrelated to what I wanted to share, but the song popped into my head.

How Random

I am proud and excited to let everyone know that I have exercised EVERY day for the last 5 days!! While to most people that may be miniscule, in my life, that's AWESOME! I generally have no follow-through for long-term goals and I'm not one who gets all worked up if I don't finish something...I'm working on improving both of those things.

If I can keep this up for 8 weeks, I might actually be able to squeeze my pre-baby jeans on - even walk around or sit in them!!

It's New Year!

In case you hadn't noticed, it is a new year. That means it's time to begin goals that will (or, as in the past, won't) be fulfilled throughout the year.

I thought I had better document a few things I want to do this 2010:

I AM going to exercise regularly...daily for 30 mins.

I AM going to clean my office (I will do this in February)

I AM going to keep my office functional - or die trying

I AM going to read the lessons each week for Sunday School

I AM going to read the lessons each week for Relief Society

I AM going to memorize the Living Christ (I will begin that in March)

I AM going to limit my time of FB to 1 hour a day!!

For each goal I accomplish I'm going to celebrate - movie, new outfit, babysitter to go to Costco alone or with Rich, something fun!!

2010 Here We Come!!

Ok, so here's a quick recap of our December and Christmas:

Maddux turned 3. Luke wanted to take Maddux's new toys home.

Luke is ready to play in the snow - bring on the cold!!

Rich and I headed to the Vegas Bowl....Luke and Lucy stayed at Grandma's and cheered from home. Thanks Moms!!

New Chrismas Outfits....need I say more?

Christmas Day at my Parent's house....good times!!

On to 2010...

I'd like to accomplish a few simple things this year:

1. Lose 20 lbs by incorporating a little exercise and un-incorporating Dr. Pepper in my pantry.

2. Actually read the sunday school lessons BEFORE sunday morning.

3. Read the RS lessons BEFORE I'm sitting at church.

4. Finish crocheting a bag I started 2 weeks ago.

5. Clean my office upstairs and keep it functional throughout the year.

6. Finish a project once it's started....and don't start something I know I won't finish!

I'm sure I can manage these few things over the course of a year.

Happy 2010 to you!!