"We're In This Together"

12 RESOLUTIONS FOR 2012

2012-01-05T20:01:00.003-06:00

This year I resolve to do the following things. Some are silly and some are very important. Here they are in no particular order.

1. Go to the temple more regularly.

2. Buy moisturizing eye cream. I keep seeing the wrinkles around my eyes and know that I need start using cream but I can't bring myself to buy it.

3. Document more. More pictures. More blog posts. More videotaping. I discovered that I have a terrible memory. My memories are jogged much better if I can see a picture or something. During the break Jeff and I burned everything that we have video taped onto DVDs and there was a year and a half on one 1 hour tape. Seriously a year and a half summed up in 60 minutes. That is pathetic.

4. Print off pictures. I haven't printed pictures for three and a half years. They are all on my computer.

5. Feel the spirit everyday. I read and I pray but sometimes I get nothing out of it. Its like doing your laundry but not putting any soap in the washer. It doesn't do any good and I am going to stop my lameness and do better.

6. Start a new tradition. I measure time by holidays and birthdays and I want to make them more memorable for me and my kids.

7. Get a new phone. Those of you who have seen my phone or have tried to talk to me on the phone understand this resolve.

8. Sell a cake. I really do like to make cakes but they are sooooo time consuming I think that I would enjoy making them better if I got paid for the time I put into it.

9. Go to Target no more than once a day. Sounds easy right? WRONG.

10. Spend more quality time with my kids. I sometimes feel like I am around them all the time but that I'm not really with them, if that makes any sense.

11. Make my children their birthday cakes. For a person who likes to make cakes I have NEVER made a birthday cake for my children.

12. Say kinder words. Every knows that I speak my mind and sometimes it hurts peoples feelings. So maybe my resolve is to "think kindlier"

2011 in Review

2012-01-01T21:11:00.003-06:00

I think that New Years is becoming one of my favorite holidays. It's a holiday
where we reminisce of what we have done and who we have become and the promise of doing better and becoming more of the person we should become. So with no further adieu here is my list of the top 11 of 2011

1. Finding out that we were having baby number 3. Exactly one year to the date.

2. Taking our first real family vacation with just the four of us. We went to Kansas City and it was so fun to make memories with our little family. Lauren and McKenna still talk about it.

3. Having Jeff take Lauren on a date to go see Annie. It was so cute to see how excited she was to wear her new dress we bought for the occasion.

4. Jeff had a week off from School and we did lots of fun things together, but by far my favorite was having a picnic lunch. It was just one of those perfectly perfect days that only come around once in a while and I will always cherish it.

5. Moving to our three bedroom apartment. Moving is a lot of work but we really love our new place. An attached two car garage. Heavenly. The perfect sledding hill. Awesome.

6. The 4th of July. We went out to Fremont Lakes with friends and then watched fireworks.

7. Preparing for Callum. I love to decorate and having a new baby is a perfect excuse. It really took up a lot of my time.

8. Trying to sleep in a tent in my parents backyard. Ha. I was really pregnant, but we got two air mattresses in it and we read a Junie B. Jones book, but then Kenna wanted to sleep inside so just Jeff and Lauren slept outside but it was still fun.

9. Having Callum. It was painful and by far my worst recovery, but we are glad he is in our lives. He is a little tricky. When he is happy he is really happy and when he is mad he is really mad.

10. Going on interviews with Jeff. SLC was the most enjoyable because I got to see my brother and sister and their families.

11. Lauren's preschool program and primary program. She is a hoot to watch as she is quite the belter.

We have been so very blessed this year. We are grateful for such wonderful friends, good neighbors and loving families. It has been an amazing year of watching my kids grow up and try new things, to get to see Jeff prepare for his future and for me to try and enjoy the ride. We are nervous and excited to see what changes the new year will bring for us. HAPPY NEW YEARS.
(And maybe my next post will be a list of my resolutions). (Aren't you excited)?

Hoarse

2011-12-29T08:43:00.002-06:00

The other morning Lauren woke up pretty hoarse. I said:

"Lauren your throat sounds like it's a little sore. Does is hurt?"

Lauren- "No. My words are just a little crumbly."

Ha Ha. So funny.

Christmas

2011-12-28T10:53:00.003-06:00

Can you believe I didn't take a single picture on Christmas? Well I can. I was busy video taping. It was a really great day starting off at 5:45 am. Yikes. My parents have 9:00 church so I just decided to get up after I fed Callum. My parents spoke at church which was lovely but it meant that Jeff and I wrestled our kids alone in a ward that was VERY QUIET.

There were some really cute things the girls said on Christmas

1. Lauren ran downstairs and looked in her stocking and saw that Santa Claus had left her some new cups and she "Cups. That's 'zactly what I always wanted." She is so easy to please.

2. Kenna and Lauren took candy canes to church to eat after the sacrament and then I notice that both of them had them unwrapped just holding them, and then a little while later they were licking them.

Me: Kenna we can't eat those till after the sacrament.
Kenna: I'm not eating it. I'm licking it.

Me: Lauren we can't eat those yet.
Lauren: But they are so yummers. With the cutest little look on her face.

It was a long Christmas day that didn't end until 11 or so. I got it in my head to do a 12 days of Christmas Christmas dinner and it was really fun. I made up some menus, and served the courses. We started appetizers at about 2 and dinner was at 6 and I think dessert was at 9:30 or 10. It was fun and I'm glad my family went along with it. (They all think I have crazy ideas and are sometime leery to let me do what I want to do).

2011-12-28T10:29:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was my 26th birthday. I woke up to Lauren telling me happy birthday. It is really fun having kids to spend a birthday with. I asked Lauren how old she thought I was (probably a mistake) and she said 42. Hmmm. Sometimes I feel 42. I noticed 5 or 6 grey hairs on Monday.

Jeff made me breakfast and gave me my present (a really nice insulated picnic basket). Then my Mom took me to lunch and then we all went roller skating. I have been wanting to take the girls roller skating for awhile but the logistics had never quite worked out, but my Mom came and watched Callum and my Dad actually skated. The girls did really well. Kenna seemed to like it a little better then Lauren (she was enthralled with the arcade games though). Lauren liked to hang onto your hand and then drop and slide her skates around making both of us almost fall. And we spent a lot of our time under the disco ball watching the circles on the ground, and that made me totally nauseous.

We had dinner and ice cream cake with my parents and my sister and her husband, then Jeff took me to see New Year's Eve. It was a really great day.

A little note about Laundry

2011-12-15T13:37:00.003-06:00

This may seem like a funny post but laundry has been on my mind lately. McKenna has been potty training. She went two weeks without an accident, but now we seem to be regressing and have about two accidents a day. The only benefit to this is that I get a load of laundry done everyday washing the clothes she had accidents in.

My girls get dressed in the morning for our "outings" and then when we get home the first thing they do is strip down to their underwears. Why is that? Is that normal? Should I be concerned? So if you come to my house you will find discarded clothes in the living room, the bathroom, hallways. We go through a lot of clothes in our house. And since my girls only wear their clothes for a few hours do they go back in their drawers or in the dirty clothes? Hmmm?

I have a spouse

2011-12-11T18:07:00.003-06:00

During the fourth year of medical school the students get one month of vacation and Jeff started his month right before Thanksgiving. It has been lots of fun having him home. We've been able to paint Christmas ornaments, get our Christmas shopping done (together), had a little Christmas party at our house, went to see the animals at the zoo open their Christmas presents, and watch tons of movies together. I wish Jeff never had to go to school or to work.

On Friday night we had a double date to see a Junie B. Jones Christmas play. Jeff took the girls and Callum took me. Of course we car pooled. Basically it was a family outing but the girls thought it was more fun to call it a date.

Last night was our ward Christmas party and McKenna asked Santa for a puppy. I have no idea where that came from. She has never asked for a puppy before and she certainly isn't going to get a real one if Santa knows what's good for him. The other morning Lauren woke up and ran into our room and said "Did Santa Come?????" It was really cute and it is really fun to see the wonder and magic of Christmas come to life again. It almost feels like I am a kid again.

Malls

2011-12-07T12:00:00.002-06:00

I was just at the mall to pick up Jeff's third wedding ring in five years. (If all I have to do to get a bigger ring is to lose it, then sign me up). Anyway back to the point. I used to work at the mall. I was there almost everyday for years. And now, I go maybe three or four times a year. There are so many stores and so much in each store, Yikes. I was so overwhelmed and I wasn't even looking for anything, I was just picking up a ring. In and out in ten minutes.

I'm afraid I might turn into a "What Not To Wear" case simply on the basis that I will get too exhausted at all the possibilities and options that shopping at the mall presents. I'm tired just thinking about it. You know what I mean?

Things I've Learned

2011-11-27T16:28:00.003-06:00

Jeff and I just got home from doing three interviews. University of Utah on Monday, University of Wisconsin on Wednesday and Mayo Clinic on Friday. Here are things I learned.

1. I am a little claustrophobic in the last row and next to the window of an airplane.

2. Having a stroller and a baby gets you on the airplane first, but you also get off last.

3. Just because the word Grand is in the name of the hotel doesn't necessarily mean that the hotel IS grand. And in our case, far from.

4. The water in Madison Wisconsin is disgusting.

5. I was not meant to be a traveler. I kept getting confused about which state I was in and which one I had come from.

6. It is a good thing that I don't rely on public transportation. Jeff and I rode the trax in SLC and it took me like ten minutes to figure out the map and which train to get on.

7. My scarf got stolen on the airplane. That's not something I learned, just a side note.

8. You apparently have to either ski or mountain bike to fit in in SLC.

9. I really should have bought those pacifier wipes before we went on our trip. Callum's poor pacifier was on so many airport floors, airplane floors, hotel floors, restaurant floors. YUCK. Let's just say his immune system got a little tougher.

10. Car rentals are really REALLY expensive. Hence the reason we only got a car for one day to drive from Madison to Rochester.

Well that's all that I learned on this trip. We'll see what I learn when we go to Nashville in January.

October

2011-11-02T13:36:00.006-05:00

Really creative title right? I'm a little short on imagination and motivation so...yeah. This is mostly just a picture post of the things we did in October.

Here is a wreath that I made for fall. I got motivated when I went to Hobby Lobby and the wreath I liked was 4o bucks. NO WAY was I or will I ever pay that much for a wreath. This beauty was only three dollars and five hot glue burns. The picture isn't great, but I love it and feel a deep sense of pride every time I look at it. Pathetic I know.

Vala's Pumpkin Patch

It was a perfect day and we all had such a fun time.

Here is my little man already six weeks old. We love him.

Halloween

Ahhh. My little Toy Story family. I was trying to think of a family costume theme and it just hit me. You know when Mr. and Mrs. Potato head adopt the three aliens that came from the Pizza Planet. Here we are. I even got the girls to walk around saying "you have saved our lives. We are eternally grateful," well their version of that statement anyway. I made the costumes without patterns. I was totally stressed out, but they got done.

My girls cheating and holding the string to eat their donuts. Hmmm. I wonder where they learned that trick. (From me. I love this tradition of eating donuts from a string, but I always cheat too).

GoodWill Finds

2011-10-24T16:50:00.005-05:00

We were recently in North Platte and I love the Goodwill there. It is so disorganized and everything is so cheap. (Not that I love disorganization, but if it keeps the prices low, then sign me up. I don't mind rummaging. That's half the fun right. Thrill of the hunt and all).

I found a bag of these for $2.00!!! I loved these things growing up. (Do you see the babies in the background? They are in timeout for not listening. She put them there after she bashed them against the toy box. I would have put them in timeout for hitting, but whatever).

Two of these are Littlest Pet Shoppe toys and one is a My Little Pony toy. Each one was 50 cents and dug out of a bin of random toys.

Okay these were a little more expensive, but come on look at them. Adorable right???? Callum will be able to wear them in approximately two years.

Ahhh. I love a good deal. Don't you??????????

My Handsome Boy

2011-10-07T15:23:00.008-05:00

Here are some long awaited pictures of Callum. My friend Sherrie from SherriJay Photography (http://www.picturethepossibilites.blogspot.com/) kindly took these pictures for us. I think they turned out lovely. Here are just a couple of my favorites. Enjoy.

(I love love love this picture)

"You Know What Makes Me Sick"

2011-10-06T09:07:00.004-05:00

"You know what makes me sick? You know what makes me so angry" I could just kick a trash can and spill everything out of it and just leave the contents rotting on the ground for days and days?

(Have you heard of Earl Pitts Uhmerikun? This is how he starts his daily commentary).

Well the things that make me angry aren't political they are these as follows:

1. When I can't figure out what a vanity plate says. You know how they leave out some of the letters?

2. Craft blogs. They give me so many ideas and then I get a "project list" that is far beyond the realm of possibilities to accomplish, and then I get so overwhelmed that I don't do any of them. SO FRUSTRATING AND DISCOURAGING.

3. When people don't know how to use 4-way stops. The other car gets there first so you wait for them to go and then they wave for you to go. DON'T YOU KNOW, YOU WERE HERE FIRST. PAY ATTENTION. (Jeff just thinks they are being nice, but he does this too, and I know its because he isn't paying attention).

4. Getting speeding tickets. I have only gotten one, but it seriously ruined my whole week.

5. Proactiv. They are such scammers.

6. When the first stitch you make on the sewing machine the tread comes out of the needle. AHHHH.

7. Thinking that you kids are all peacefully asleep only the find out that they aren't.

8. Pretty much I get angry when someone doesn't give me what I want. (I admit it: I have a bit of the youngest child syndrome, but really who doesn't)????

9. Not being able to understand the lyrics of a song. I always think that I'll come home and look up the words on the internet and I never do. Why can't you just annunciate people?

And Earl Pitts always ends his rants like this. "I'm Earl Pitts. Uhmerikun. PITTS OFF."

Adjustment

2011-10-03T16:27:00.002-05:00

So I think the person who needs the most adjusting to life after having baby number three is me. Perhaps I should have know this or at least entertained the idea, but I didn't. There has only been one really bad day when the girls didn't nap and we were trying to get ready to go to Lincoln and Jeff was having a guys night and I would be putting the girls and Callum to bed on my own. My emotional energy was drained and then Callum didn't sleep good that night and Lauren woke up twice. (one of those times screaming and screaming for ice in her cup). Needless to say I was a wreak.

I feel like the most important thing that I can do is to have energy. How does someone get more energy. The times I yell is when I am tired. I don't want Lauren to tell me "hey, you're being mean to me" anymore. I don't want to be a mean mommy.

The other thing that has been hard to adjust to is the lack of time. I feel like someone is needing something all the time. I am constantly saying "hold on a minute," and my whole day is eating up helping the kiddos. I'm sure that is is supposed to be that way and I am sure that I will get used to it, and I'm sure it will get better (right?????)

But for now I am adjusting. Trying to be more energetic and giving than ever before.

Update On Jeff

2011-09-30T12:59:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to update everyone on Medical School. Jeff is in his final year. He graduates in May (Hooray). And then it is residency. He has already applied to residency programs. Here is the list in case you are curious.

1. Iowa (Iowa City)
2. Oklahoma
3. University of Wisconsin
4. Colorado (Denver)
5. Oregon
6. Nebraska
7. Vanderbilt (Nashville Tennessee)
8. University of Utah
9. Northwestern (Chicago)
10. Mayo Clinic (Minnesota)
11. University of Minnesota

He has heard back and has interview set up at half of the schools. So if you are near these cities expect to get a phone call for us to come visit/stay with you during interviews.

He takes his step 2 board examines October 16th and sometime goes to L.A. for another part of the test. And something...something...and something else.

Just so you know.

McKenna at Play

2011-09-30T12:37:00.002-05:00

I was busy making some caramel apples this morning and McKenna was happily playing. These just made me laugh.

What a Stud!!!!!!

2011-09-26T20:13:00.004-05:00

NEED I SAY MORE?????

Welcome to the Rodeo

2011-09-20T21:17:00.002-05:00

He is here. Our little cowboy is finally here. Actually he has been here for a week and half and I am just now getting around to anouncing his birth.

Customize a free scrapbook design

Boy, oh boy. Where is our boy???

2011-09-05T13:29:00.006-05:00

This is where our boy is:

Yep. Still inside me. I can't believe it. My due date is on Wednesday so I shouldn't be complaining, and I'm not really, I am just in shock that I haven't gone into labor yet.

We have been keeping busy. Lauren started preschool this last week and was so excited about starting that she ate breakfast with her backpack on. I have a little problem though. I started this new routine that we pick out Lauren's clothes the night before preschool and before she comes out of her room in the morning she gets dressed. The only problem is that she eats breakfast after she gets dressed and spills on herself. Hence the spot on her skirt. What is the best way?

We had a rainy Saturday and we decided that it would be great fun to jump in puddles. And Jeff showed the girls what a pro he is on roller skates.

I'm ready

2011-08-22T08:57:00.003-05:00

So I am ready to have this baby. We finally got the room all put together and that was about the only thing keeping this baby in. Poor Jeff was on call, so he was up all day and all night and when he got home I made him finish the crib and toddler bed. I let him take a nap and then he spent 2 1/2 hours putting the crib together. He is very nice to me. So any day now our baby can come. Here are a couple of pictures of the room.

2011-08-11T16:17:00.003-05:00

Oh my, oh my. Sigh. We have been so busy. We moved a week and a half ago and are working on getting all settled in before baby brother comes. The girls are really really excited and I'm a little afraid a newborn baby might be a little of a let down for them. I am 36 weeks along and feel like I still need a little time before the baby comes. Here are projects we are working on:

1. Painting baby brother's crib

2. Painting Kenna's toddler bed to match

3. Painting a changing table

4. Sewing matching crib skirts

5. Sewing matching pillows

6. Trying to unpack the last two random boxes that may never have a proper home here.

If any of you really love to paint stop by anytime.

On a side note I just wanted to write these down because I think that they are funny.

Lauren has a blister on her foot from a pair of shoes that were apparently too small and she calls it a "blizzard."

McKenna calls headbands "band-aids."

Hace Frio

2011-07-15T16:06:00.003-05:00

I thought that I recount this conversation I had with Lauren the other day.

Lauren: I know how to say cold in Spanish

Me: Really????????

Lauren: Brrrrrrrrr.

I thought that it was hilarious.

Lake Pictures

2011-07-06T10:11:00.003-05:00

I asked if they wanted to roast marshmallows for smores and I look over and they were just eating the marshmallows off the roaster. No cooking needed for these girls.

On the way home in their underwear.

The busiest Week Ever

2011-07-05T09:52:00.002-05:00

Jeff is now officially a fourth year medical student. He had this last week off from school and we were planning on going somewhere fun, but as funds were limited we decided to do a 'stay'cation. Jeff's Mom took work off and came down for the week to watch the girls while Jeff and I went on dates. Here is a short list of all the things that we did this week:

Saturday Night-Jeff took his Mom to go see Shakespeare on the Green
Monday- Jeff and I wandered around Hobby Lobby.
Monday- Jeff took his Mom to lunch.
Monday- Jeff and I went to a College World Series final game. It was a perfect night to sit outside for four hours.

Tuesday: Jeff's Mom took the girls to see Cars 2. This was McKenna's first movie experience.
Tuesday: Jeff and I went on a picnic lunch at lake Zorinski. Also a perfect day to sit outside. And the best part of the picnic was that it was from Panera.
Tuesday Night: Marlene and I went and got facials while Jeff put the girls to bed. The facials were fun, but I think I prefer a massage.

Wednesday: We all went to the Zoo and we got to ride the Skyfari. It turns out that I am fairly terrified of ski lifts. Yikes.
Wednesday: Jeff and Marlene took the girls bowling.
Wednesday: Jeff and I went to Brother Sebastian's for the first time and hated it.

Thursday: I think Jeff and I went house looking on this day, but I can't really remember. We put in our 30 day notice and now have 25 days to find a place to live.
Thursday: I think that we went swimming, but also can't remember.
Thursday: Jeff had his first pack meeting (he is the new cubmaster in our ward) and he did a wonderful job.

Friday: Also can't really remember this day. But I think Jeff took Lauren swimming. Jeff's Dad came down

Saturday: Jeff and his Dad woke up early for an early tee time.
Saturday: Family bowling trip.
Saturday: Family Swimming trip.
Saturday: Date night. We went to Outback Steakhouse, and loved it.

Sunday: Church

Monday: Jeff and his Dad had a really early tee time.
Monday: Made blueberry pancakes to celebrate the fourth of July.
Monday: Jeff's parents took the girls to the park while we went and looked at apartments.
Monday: Went to Fremont lakes for dinner and swimming with friends.
Monday: Stayed up way to late to watch an awesome firework show.

Let's just say that we are ready to have a normal paced life back.

Thank You Marlene for coming and watching the girls and spending time with us. We loved it.

When Jeff Is A Doctor

2011-07-03T11:56:00.002-05:00

So I have been working on a list of things that I will buy when Jeff actually makes money. Here is the short list.

1. A four slice toaster

2. A stainless steel trashcan. Did you know how expensive those are? YIKES.

3. A new spray bottle for our iron. Ours is broken and sometimes the bottom part falls off and water spills all over the floor. Maybe this is fresh in mind because it happened again this morning.

4. A new curling iron. Mine hasn't worked quite right since it fell into the toilet three years ago.

5. A combo VCR/DVD player. Our VCR is missing the cover plate so you don't know which button does what. My Dad saw it and asked what it was.

Jeff needs the computer so I guess that is the end of my list.

Dear Mom

2011-07-01T21:14:00.003-05:00

Mom,

This is a post just for you. It is mostly dedicated to you because you are the only one who would really be proud of my sewing accomplishments. You are also probably the only person who knows how much I hate sewing, because you are the only person who knows how much I like to take short cuts, which you taught me isn't allowed in sewing. Hence the hatred

All the seams have been pressed open and all pieces have been measured. All the threads have been clipped and I am so proud of myself.

Here is a carseat cover that I made for baby brother. I since adjusted the length because I didn't like how much it dragged on the carpet, but you get the general idea. Did you notice that I pieced two fabrics together? Pretty fancy, right?

Here is a peek at the reverse side. Also pieced. Hmm? Hmm?

This is the nursing cover that I made. It has boning in it. Oh did I mention the D rings?

Aren't you so proud of me Mom?

Love

Stephanie

New Record

2011-06-30T21:27:00.001-05:00

Today is a very important day. I have broken a record. It has been 5 days since I have been to Super Target. (applaud here).

Lost Brownie Points

2011-06-25T19:35:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I left Jeff in the car with the girls while I ran into Goodwill, and when I came back he said, "Did you know we have beautiful girls." The rest of the conversation is as follows.

Stephanie - "I know, sometimes I look at them and think 'gosh they are so pretty'. I don't know where the get it from."

Jeff- "Yeah, I don't know either."

I just kind of looked at him and he totally realized that he should have said that they got their looks from me, and we both just started laughing.

Maybe you had to be there.

Bikes and Ballet

2011-06-23T09:27:00.002-05:00

Bike safety is always important. Even in the house right?

2011-06-22T22:01:00.004-05:00

I know everybody has been anxiously awaiting the pictures of my latest cake that I made for my brother and sister's-in-law baby open house. (ha ha) So here it is.

What a Steal

2011-06-06T09:57:00.005-05:00

So I got sucked into a neighborhood garage sale last week and have now consequently been cut off for the rest of the month. Hopefully the high of my purchases will hold me over. However as a back up plan I have a couple of books to read from the library. The only problem is that I am such a bad mom when I get into a book. Whats a girl to do?

So this toy box and little wood princess vanity were such a steal. I got them both for 20 bucks. And the toy box is the one that you have to push the lid down so no little fingers get caught in them.

And this headboard was 15 dollars. The lady told me it was a full. But when we got next to the bed we realized that it was a queen. It did have the holes for a full so I guess we are keeping it but I was a little annoyed.

And here are some pictures of my deals in use.

Lauren is four

2011-06-05T14:58:00.003-05:00

Dear Lauren,

I can't believe that you are a four year old now. Suddenly you seem so much older and more capable of doing things for yourself (which I always wanted but now feel a little sad about). And I have seen your determination to do things by yourself because you are a four year old now, and I have to remind you that even four year olds need help with some things.

I think that you and me are a lot alike. We are both afraid to be wrong. At your four year check-up they did an eye exam. You got the first ones right and then as they moved down the chart and had you cover you other eye with your hand you melted onto the floor because you couldn't see it and had tears in your eyes. The nurse was waiting for you to tell her what the shape was and you very slightly would move your hand so that you could use both eyes. It was the saddest thing I have ever seen, to see you crumble because you were embarrassed. (I cheat a eye exams too. They make you wait for so long I memorize the chart. Eye exams are so humiliating. I think they should be done away with). So we left the office with the name of an ophthalmologist.

You are a little unstable when you meet new people and are at new places. (Also a lot like me). I remember being a kid and not being able to eat a restaurants. I would just get so nervous and my stomach would just be in knots. You are scared of public bathrooms. Maybe because they are all different and there is no consistency. And I agree, some of those toilets are really loud.

Like your dad you are a loyal friend. You ask about your friends and think about them and always want them to come over a play. You have so much love to give people. You loving being with your family too. You ask when we can go on family vacations. Stating that your favorite places to go together are Kansas City, North Platte and the big house we went last summer. Also like your dad you have an amazing memory. Most especially things that have happened. Like going to the lake last summer and remembering that we brought our slide, and throwing up at the zoo in our double stroller and when you went to the park with your cousin Maddie that daddy carried both of you. Silly things like that. Or the time you were supposed to give the opening prayer in primary and you were excited about it all week and then they forgot to have the opening prayer and you didn't remember until the closing prayer and I could hear you crying in the primary room while I was playing the organ. You are so easily heartbroken when things don't go as planned. (A little like me).

You love summer. And you do not get that from me. We check the pool at our apartment everyday to see if it has water in it yet so you can go swimming. You love the park and most especially when our friends are there too. You could be outside playing, chalking, laying all day long. You always seem a little happier in the summer.

Such a sweet girl. I hope the upcoming birthdays never change that about you.

Happy Fourth Birthday
Love Mom

(Here are my favorite pictures of your birthday)

Recent Cake Adventures

2011-05-17T09:05:00.004-05:00

I had two cakes to do in a week. Ahhh. I like to keep at least two months in between cakes so I can forget how much work and time it actually takes to make a cake. Luckily these both went smoothly and Jeff as always was very supportive of my endeavours.

This cake was for a friend's baby shower. I was afraid the color wouldn't match very well, but it ended up being almost perfect. (Oh and the paper towels were just there till the bow dried.

This one was for a stake achievement day activity that my sister asked me to make. I didn't really love this cake. I was going for boutique looking and it just didn't end up looking like that. And I didn't love the purple and pink combo. (It looks blue in the picture but it was purple). And I was so excited to do a purple cake. Oh well.

Does It Even Make A DIFFERENCE?????

2011-05-11T20:59:00.000-05:00

The other night I went to Target to buy some groceries. For those of you who know me, this is a daily occurrence. And when I got done I only had four bags. FOUR BAGS. Now here is the dilemma. The young man (hmmppph) who bagged them put way too many groceries in each bag. I grumbled all the way up to our THIRD floor apartment (40 stairs, in case you were curious) about how the bags were heavier and awkward because they were too full. Then I thought "HMMM. They weigh the same amount whether they are in four bags or ten." So my question to all you shopping connoisseurs is this: "DOES IT EVEN MAKE A DIFFERENCE????" (If not, then I have some repenting to do).

Perhaps I'm Irrational

2011-05-10T14:05:00.002-05:00

I am a little spontaneous. But there is a reasoning behind my madness (or my maddening behavior to my mother). And here it is: It feels that whenever I plan anything it ends up getting cancelled. For various reasons such as the kids are sick or other people's kids get, or weather issues. So I have just decided to wait until I know everyone is healthy the morning of and make plans accordingly. Jeff says this is irrational behavior because things go as planned more than they are cancelled. Am I alone in this spontaneous way of living?

Naming Game

2011-05-01T20:24:00.003-05:00

One of the things that scares me during pregnancy is the looming idea of picking out a name. Some people can pick out a name on day one and stick with the whole pregnancy. Why would they make a pregnant woman who is emotional and short of brain power pick out a name that their child will be called for the rest of their life. Sometimes people hear a name and think "WHAT WERE THEIR PARENTS THINKING." I'm telling you it is not a good combination.

For example #1: The other night I was trying to think of an N name. (Because we have an L, M and I thought it would be cute to have an N next. The problem was I couldn't think of any. Low Brain power.

Example #2: On Friday I heard the name Kent. I thought that it would be a cute name. (Yes, I realize that it is not an N name, but then it could go J, K, L, M. Get it)? Anyway I was trying to think of a middle name. Clarke is a family name and I really want to use it so I was saying in my head "Kent Clarke" hmmm..."Clarke Kent" that sounds familiar for some reason....Oh yeah. SUPERMAN. I guess that name is out.

AHHHHH.....So much responsibility.

As Bad As Sid the Science Kid

2011-04-29T20:31:00.005-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I bought some birdhouses for the girls to paint and put on our deck. Last week they got painted, today they got a little mod podge (because let's be honest, everything looks better with mod podge), and tonight we got birdseed in them and got them on the deck.

Here are the girls putting the birdseed into the houses. The holes are very little and it was very messy. That's what vacuums are for. Right?

The finished product. I thought they turned out very well. The girls did so good painting and mod podging the paper on. I was totally impressed.

We nailed them onto the railing so those birds won't knock them off.

And this is my brag picture. I got this table and chair set at GoodWill for $30. It was their half off furniture day and I only hesitated a minute before buying it. I am so glad I did.

Oh, I guess I should explain the title of this post. The reason we put birdhouses up was because we saw it on Sid the Science Kid. Anyway the day they put the birdhouse up Sid wondered where all the birds were and was anxious about it. We put the birdhouses up two hours ago and I keep looking out the window to see if we have any bird snacking birdseed. What am I, five? So those birds better come or I will be mighty disappointed.

When we went to Wal-Mart to buy the birdseed we went outside to the Lawn and Garden area, and there were tons of birds flying around and chirping. Lauren said to me, "They are on their way to our house to eat our birdseed, because we have it now." I told her that maybe she should tell them that we have birdhouses at our house but she said, "No. They already know."

Things I'll NEVER Understand

2011-04-23T22:32:00.002-05:00

1. I'll never get Z scores. I get the basic idea, but not really how they get it.

2. I'll never get why men act like a cold is the worst illness ever.

3. I'll never get why all parts of your body get bigger with pregnancy instead of just your tummy. (thighs, ribs, feet, buns). (And I'm pretty sure that my organs aren't getting moved to any of those places, if you used that as an answer).

4. I will NEVER NEVER get how the internet works, digital cameras or T.V. It does in fact kind of freak me out so I prefer not to think about it.

5. Geometrical proofs. I understand calculus proofs but geometrical proofs are like a foreign language to me.

6. I will never get how to wear red lipstick. Celebrities that are pale do it, but I can't get it to look right.

7. I will never get how tennis is scored. People have explained it to me, but it has been "a lesson in futility" (that's for you mom)

8. I will never get the sizing on baby clothes. If it says three months that should be when they start wearing it right? Apparently not.

9. I will never get what the big deal is with Kate and Prince William's wedding. (are those even the right names)? People are crazy about it.

Jeff is telling me that it is time to go to bed, so I guess my list will have to be prematurely ended, as I am sure there are many more things that I will NEVER get.

CAKE CUTTING REVEAL

2011-04-18T10:10:00.004-05:00

HERE IS TEAM PINK

HERE IS TEAM BLUE

(THE WINNERS GOT THEIR CAKE AND ICE CREAM FIRST)

THE CUTTING

TEAM BOY WINS!!!!!!!

KENNA'S RESPONSE

LAUREN'S RESPONSE

OUR RESPONSE: WE'RE HAPPY TO BE HAVING A BOY!!!!!

Spring Break

2011-04-12T20:31:00.005-05:00

Two weeks ago was Jeff's spring break so we headed south to somewhere warm. That's what you do for spring break right? We went to Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City. The water park is 85 degrees. I personally thought the water and air was too cold, but I am kind of a wimp when it comes to cold.

We headed out Wednesday after preschool and drove 30 minutes before Lauren said she had to go to the bathroom. So a quick detour to a rest area, a few moments of apprehension because of the strange toilets and we were on our way. The girls watched Sid the Science Kid and did really well.

We got to the hotel and while Jeff checked in, us girls waited in the car. When he returned the car wouldn't start so we could park. Luckily there was a nice man who came over and gave us a jump. We drove around for awhile scouting out places to have dinner.

The girls were so scared of going into the water park because it was so loud, but they relaxed and I think over the course of the two times at the water park they went down the kids slides 300 times.

The girls were sooooo good. They loved it. For the course of our trip there were no tantrums, no fighting, just happiness.

A couple funny side stories. We made a quick stop at Russell Stovers for some ice cream cones. It turns out that Russell Stovers is like the old people hang out place. Anyway I was eating my ice cream cone and a Katy Perry song came on and I kind of started dancing. Lauren looked at me and said, "Mommy do you need to go potty?" I said "No, I was just dancing." and she said "Oh, it just looked like you were wiggling." So apparently I'm a pretty lousy dancer.

Just one other really cute thing Lauren did as we were leaving Kansas City: She was so sad that we were leaving and asked why we couldn't stay in Kansas City forever. I told her that we didn't have enough money to stay any longer. And she said "OOOHHHH, I have money in my cup holder, you can use that." It amounted to all of 70 cents. Her enthusiasm is so affecting and so adorable.

She still talks about Kansas City and is saving coins to go. I didn't get very many pictures before our camera died, but here they are:

I think this picture is great. So this 1,000 gallon bucket dumps every five minutes and it isn't the heated water. It is freezing. I could stand in the kiddie pool and feel the cold mist come over. We all watched Jeff do this on a dare and then Lauren wanted to try it, and she did. She didn't like it and was a bit startled but was brave about it. She was also brave about the crazy water slide Jeff went on with her. She said she had fun, but it was a little scary too.

QUESTION

2011-04-09T09:16:00.003-05:00

Dear Problem Solvers - I have a question that maybe you can answer. Why doesn't toothpaste foam. It drives me crazy when it doesn't. I feel like my teeth don't get clean. Is it the toothpaste that isn't foaming OR is it the toothbrush that isn't letting the toothpaste foam. If you have any wisdom on this oral care question please enlighten me. -Foamless in Nebraska

Perhaps I'm egotistical

2011-04-01T16:39:00.005-05:00

Perhaps I am egotistical. Frequently in the last few months I have seen some sort of advertising or billboard or logo that I have, frankly, found hideous or lame. Who passed off these decisions. I certainly wouldn't have. I feel like I need to have a desk where I'll put seal of approval on all major redesign and advertising ideas. It reminds me of a quote from You've Got Mail where Joe Fox's girlfriend Patricia is talking about Kathleen Kelly "Her taste is flawless, if she likes it sells. PERIOD." Of course she was referencing books, but I like to think the same applies to me. (Hence the egotistical heading). Here are just a few examples. 1. Village Inn's new colors and signs. UGLY 2. A kitty litter ad where a cat looks like it needs to go to the bathroom and can't find the litter box. When I see that ad I think "so the if I buy this kitty litter, than my cat is going to pee on my carpet because it can't smell the litter box?????" 3. I sometimes go as far as criticizing roads and city planning. Like "why didn't they put an entrance here, that would make much more sense?" And of course the decision of speed limits. 4. The layout of some grocery stores. Bakers for instance 5. The pictures in cookbooks. The recipes sound good until I see the picture. These are just some examples that I can think of right off the top of my head. And every time I see something like this I think "YOU SHOULD HAVE ASKED ME? DON'T YOU KNOW THAT MY OPINIONS ARE THE BEST." This post comes as no surprise to the people who know me. But for those of you who don't know me as well; don't be scared of me. I'm not as critical as I seem. I'll only tell you the truth if you want it.

A Birthday Message to McKenna

2011-02-18T16:10:00.002-06:00

This free scrapbook generated with Smilebox

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!

2011-02-14T18:19:00.003-06:00

Today is my favorite day ever. There is no other holiday that makes me want to buy presents and decorations like Valentine's Day. Here are a couple pictures of our morning. The girls woke up to a heart attack in their room and then followed the trail of candy hearts to their Valentine Love Baskets. (Complete with a mailbox).

Wearing their cool new shades

HOPE ALL OF YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY FULL OF LOVE.

Pedicures Anyone?

2011-02-07T09:45:00.004-06:00

Last week Lauren wanted her toes painted. And who did she want to paint them? Jeff. So he happily (maybe that's not the right word) obliged.

Lauren patiently awaiting her nails to dry

Kenna also got a much needed pedicure from Jeff. Doesn't she look like she loved it?

Hmmmm.

2011-01-26T19:08:00.008-06:00

I can't believe that it has been so long since I have blogged. So tonight while Jeff is studying I will buckle down and update. Here are some of the things that have happened since I have last blogged.

1. Thanksgiving. Ha ha ha

2. Christmas. Ha ha ha

3. New Years Eve. Ha ha ha

Okay seriously here are some things that have happened.

1. I had my first cake job. I charged about as much as the cake cost to make. Not mentioning the probably eight hours I spent making it. I made it for a baby shower that a nurse Jeff met while on his psych rotation was throwing.

2. Lauren got her first haircut. She did really great and when I told the lady who was cutting it that it was her first haircut she said, "her first, first?" Yes I know that my child is four and still has short hair.

3. Lauren is potty trained at night. I had been putting off letting her wear underwear to bed, but she hasn't had an accident. Knock on wood. She just gets up and goes on the little potty in her room.

4. I Celebrated my 25th birthday. Jeff was really sweet. I said here are a list of my wants, and if they don't happen I will feel sad on my birthday. Crete Paper and balloons, (decorated before I wake up) a store bought cake, and scrambled eggs for breakfast. We were at Jeff's parents house and they didn't have crete paper and balloons, so he so sweetly got up super early to make a Wal-Mart run.

5. McKenna stubbed her toe on Christmas morning. Jeff's parents have these neat swinging doors in their living room so their dog doesn't go in there, but Kenna got her toe under one of them and cut it. That healed up pretty well, but then the nail bed got really red and infected. When we got back to Omaha I took her to the doctor and she was on two different antibiotics. Then all the skin peeled. Anyway a month later and it just about looks all the way back to normal.

6. Lauren had her preschool Christmas program. She was so cute and got so excited when people started clapping.

7. I got addicted to Super Mario Bros. for the Wii. Jeff and I missed midnight on New Years Eve because we were so absorbed. I think we stayed up till 1:30am. When we found out that we missed it we leaned over gave each other a kiss said "Happy New Year" and kept on playing.

8. I have decided that Jeff is doing residency somewhere warm. I hate snow. I hate cold. I hate winter.

9. I ate a whole package of E.L. Fudge in three days. I guess that's not exactly true. Jeff ate two and the girls each had one.

10. I have felt really stressed out. My girls have been sick off and on for the last month and they are totally unstable, and melt down over the littlest things. I feel like I am just trying to survive. I think I need a vacation.

11. We got our family pictures taken by a friend in our ward. Here are a couple of my favorites.

12. I'm now a red head.

13. I bought a brand new pair of Merrell shoes from Goodwill today for $9.99. Sweet. I'm wearing them right now.

14. While waiting for Jeff to get the camera out of the van for me I decided to clean out our email inbox. I just erased 1028 messages. There were some from March 2008. So if there was something important that you have sent me and I haven't responded you should probably call me because I didn't look at them. I actually never look at my email, hence the 1028 messages.

15. Jeff and I went ice skating for one of our dates. It was really fun, especially when I backed into a wall while skating backwards only to find that it was an open door and I totally fell back and bruised my arm and had a couple a 7th graders laugh at me. Super embarrassing.

16. The Christmas Story. Lauren was Joseph and McKenna was Mary. Are you loving the costumes?? If you can get past the scary eyes. This was before the performance. McKenna was terrified to ride on the donkey (Jeff). So Lauren rode on the donkey (by this point McKenna was out of her costume and just in a diaper. Lauren was afraid to knock on the inn door, so the donkey did and when my brother "the innkeeper" opened the fabric door he was mean and scared both of the girls and neither of them wanted to finish, so nobody actually got in the stable during the production. All that hard work for nothing.

It was actually still very good. We sang songs in appropriate spots and my niece played her violin. And my little niece was the angel and she left her costume on. We had dinner in the "inn." Which included flat breads, cheese, figs, fruits, grape juice and was surprisingly good and filling.

Hopefully I won't be such a stranger to my blog. I hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy.

A Funny Story

2010-11-10T16:16:00.003-06:00

Lauren got to play with her boy cousins a while ago and they taught her a little bit about guns. Well a very little bit. She was building with legos and built herself a gun. She jumped onto the couch and said "I'm GUN GUN GUNNING." As she was getting off the couch she dropped her lego gun and said "Oh!!!! My Shoot." Got things a little bit backwards. Kind of on the same note she calls the washer "the wet dryer." Funny Funny girl.

McKenna has been saying quite a few words, but I'm not sure anyone would know that they are words.

Cookie= coookie

candy= andy

Hold me= olde mie

jacket= jayka

croc= cock

boots= boots

map= map

backpack= baa paac

rock-a-bye= rok-by

book= bok

diaper= biper

blanket= E-E

milk= mock

goodnight= nigh nigh

sock= ock

help= eeelp

tickle= ickle icke

apple= oppole

She also says mommy and daddy, uh-oh, yes and no. That's all that I can think of right now, but I am sure there are more.

Things I hate

2010-11-07T21:03:00.003-06:00

1. Forgetting to set our clocks back and show up at church an hour early. When we pulled in I said "There aren't very many cars here for 9:00 o'clock and 11:00 o'clock church." And when we were walking in the halls I wondered why there were so many people, but it didn't click until I walked into the nursery and saw a bunch of kids that were not in our ward. So Lame.

2. I hate beef jerky, or deer jerky. Just the smell makes me so nauseous.

3. I hate falling asleep before I have done my bedtime business. (washing face, brushing teeth, praying).

4. I hate waking up at 2:00am to do bedtime business when I have falling asleep before doing bedtime business.

5. I hate having headaches everyday.

6. I hate how quickly and thoroughly addicted I get to things. (Italian Soda, HGTV, Glee (which I said I was giving up, but I'm on the wagon again), Scarecrow and Mrs. King).

7. I hate that whenever I borrow anything from anybody it winds up broken. You have been warned. Loan at your own risk.

8. I hate getting back from the grocery store and then realize that I forgot something.

9. I hate fish, all kinds.

10. I hate that I eat too much and then feel like I'm going to throw-up all night. (While typing this I am eating a cookie, after I have already had a big dinner and dessert).

11. I hate that whenever I have company the food never turns out like it should.

12. I hate being startled awake. I feel jittery and nervous for like a half-hour.

13. I hate returning things to the store. It is such a hassle.

14. I hate that apartments don't have a ceiling light in the living room.

15. I hate math. Hate. Hate. Hate.

16. I hate all the new songs by Tim McGraw

17. I hate going out to dinner and end up getting mediocre food. If I wanted mediocre food I would have stayed home and made dinner.

18. I hate the bitter winds of winter.

19. I hate the smell of gas fireplaces.

20. I hate getting stains on new clothes.

Confessions

2010-11-01T21:11:00.002-05:00

1. In ninth grade I stapled my finger on purpose to see if it would hurt. It did.

2. I stick candy wrappers in the couch cushions. Or just throw them on the floor.

3. I have had an Italian soda almost everyday for two weeks.

4. I somehow graduated from high school without taking a world history class and sometimes when people talk about history I have no idea what they are talking about.

5. I like to eat macaroni and cheese cold.

6. I'm scared of going into a new building (ex: doctor's office, community centers, schools) because I think I'll get lost or I'll do it wrong (if there is a way to actually find your way wrong? (If that makes any sense? (So I always give myself some extra time ))).

7. I usually only like books or movies if there is a love story involved.

8. I didn't get asked to prom junior or senior year. In fact I don't think I ever really got asked out on a date until after I graduated from high school.

9. I daydream about having hundreds of pairs of heels. Lined up lovely on shelves of course.

10. Jeff and I had our first kiss before our first date.

11. I cried watching "Cars" today. You know the part where Lightening McQueen stops to help "The King." Gets me every time.

12. I hate washing windows.

13. I had headgear that I had to wear at night when I was a teenager.

14. I still use my fingers to count. (Only the hard ones like 7+5 and 8+5).

15. I love to eat laffy taffys becuase its candy and entertainment. (But only the pink kind).

16. I think that I am a little bit psychic. For real.

Conversations

2010-10-19T09:47:00.002-05:00

I just want to entertain you with a few of Lauren's conversations that I overheard.

Lauren: "I eat my boogers. Sometimes they are old and yuckers. And sometimes they are yum yum yummers."

(This was so funny to me, kind of disgusting, but still funny). We have been working with her on this, but every time we tell her not to, she thinks it is funnier and ends up doing it more.

Here is the second conversation

Lauren: "Lauren, do you believe in God?"

Lauren: "No."

Lauren: "NOOO???? Why not?"

Lauren: "Because he lives so far far away."

2010-10-14T16:55:00.004-05:00

I can't believe that it has been over a month since I blogged. I have felt busy but I am not really sure what I have been up to. Here are a few things that I can think of:

1. Making a stick horse for western day at Lauren's preschool. Let's just say that it involved sewing. Shocker right?

2. Making a dress for western day. Which incidentally didn't get worn on western day.

3. Working on a magnetic board. Why is everything so much harder than it should be.

4. Christmas shopping and Christmas dreaming.

5. Family trip to Vala's pumpkin patch with Lauren's preschool.

6. Sick with G.I. flu (sorry, no pictures of that).

7. Reading lots of books.

8. Making stuffed fabric pumpkins which my sister says look like apples.

9. Refereeing two girls who always want what the other has.

10. Working on polishing off two bags of Halloween candy before Halloween.

11. Playing in the beautiful fall leaves while it is still warm.

What I did this Weekend

2010-09-07T11:47:00.004-05:00

1. Went to the grocery store three times in one day

2. Got carded for buying non-alcoholic margarita mix.

3. Went to three stores looking for a picnic basket (can you believe that we don't own one)

4. Couldn't find a said picnic basket (can you believe that we STILL don't own one)?

5. Went on a picnic with Jeff (with food in a paper sack (it's a step up from the regular plastic sack)).

6. Finally went to find out what was at Memorial Park

7. Wasted a good hour and a half at Nebraska Furniture Mart (I could go on every date to NFM)

8. Went to G.I. for the Nebraska State Fair

9. Went to a Demolition Derby for the first time ever

10. Ate a deep fat fried Twinkie for the first time.

This is the girls at the D.D. my camera died before I got any pictures of the cars. Look at the picture above and see how dirty Lauren's hands are. It was so windy at the fair and sand would just blow into your eyes. I came home and felt so dirty. There was even dirt in the girls' ears.

This was Lauren's first day of preschool. She loves it. On the first day of school the teachers sent her home with candy and she has been in love ever since. It is so weird picking her up from preschool. She seems older somehow. She is learning things that I didn't teach her and when she tells me stuff that happened in preschool I just have to believe her because I wasn't there. And I don't think McKenna knows what to do with herself. I decided that McKenna would never cry if Lauren didn't take toys away from her, she was so quiet while Lauren was at preschool.

Vote Here

2010-09-02T09:10:00.002-05:00

Okay so Jeff and I recently watched the new Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley and then last night we stayed up til 1:00am watching the six tape Collin Firth Pride and Prejudice. And had a fairly heated discussion about which one was better. Jeff thinks the new one is better (I think it is because he thinks that Keira knightley is cute), he also says that it makes you feel more emotion than the old one does.

So which one is overall better? Leave comments here.

Cake

2010-08-30T09:09:00.003-05:00

I made this cake for my really good friend's baby shower. It took me all week, but since it is something that I love to do, it doesn't bother me at all. (But I do have to say just one or two cakes in a year is enough, and if I did more than that I probably wouldn't love it).

The cake isn't perfect by any means but it is the best one that I have done. I made my own fondant this time and it was much easier to work with and so much softer. I can't comment on the taste because I didn't taste it, and haven't tasted store bought fondant either. (Oh and I didn't make any of those other tasty goodies. That was all Melanie).

Out of the Mouth of Babes

2010-08-27T17:29:00.002-05:00

I had to post this conversation that I had with Lauren just now.

Me: I love you babe.

Lauren: I don't love you.

Me: Really???

Lauren: I love just my Daddy. I love for you to go to cub scouts.

Our Home (basically pictures of our apartment)

2010-08-26T20:42:00.004-05:00

Okay for some reason blogger has been really weird for me. I know that one time I had pictures up of our apartment, but the post is gone. So here is round two of our apartment. Sorry if you have already either seen these pictures, or been to our apartment and know what it looks like. Also for those of you who are interested I decided not to go back to school right now. I AM SO RELIEVED. I just thought that I would need a lot of support and Jeff needs support too. I guess I'll wait until I am a more motivated person or until Jeff isn't busy. (I'm not really sure which one will come first).

(The painting above the fireplace is one that I painted. I know it doesn't look like much and it really isn't much, but it does look better in person). This last weekend I took a class from a "Certified Bob Ross Instructor" at Hobby Lobby. It started a 9:30am and went until 3:30pm. It was long and I had a sore neck and shoulders for the next couple of days, but I do now have a painting in my kitchen of a "happy, dead tree." I think that must be my theme.

It's pretty self-explanatory as to which room is which. And sorry about the tree being in the picture again. I know I already posted about it, but I do really love it.

Things I want to Do

2010-08-25T15:27:00.003-05:00

The weather the last two days has been hinting at fall. I love fall the very best out of all the seasons. It's the kind of weather that makes me want to....

1. Clean out my car and take it to a car wash

2. Go buy cool jackets. (I love layering)

3. Go buy boots (I love boots)

4. Make pumpkin chocolate chip bread

5. Go through boxes and toys and re-organize

6. Go on a picnic

7. Kidnap Jeff from school and go do something fun

8. Sit outside and just take deep breaths.

9. Make casseroles and warm food

10. Buy a backpack and other school supplies.

MMMMMM.......I love fall

Things I learned in Texas

2010-07-28T10:00:00.007-05:00

1. The sun is much hotter there, and you burn much more quickly.

(Did I mention that is was hot)??? Look at my sweaty girls

2. Spray on sunscreen put on in the wind isn't a good idea. Hence the learning of numero uno.

3. The ocean is very loud.

4. I decided that I am scared of the ocean because of its vastness. I like to see boundaries.

(Lauren loved loved loved the ocean)

5. The ocean is salty. Yuck

6. I could live in San Antonio. The riverwalk made me feel like I was in a different country.

7. Shammo is very very huge.

8. A whale show can make me emotional enough to cry.

(Here we are awaiting the show)

9. 3 adults in the backseat of a minivan makes for a hard time sleeping in the night

10. Pepto Bismol is a very good product. Don't ask.

11. I am scared of roller coasters. I opened my eyes once and saw that I was a bit tilted and really high and going really fast and then promptly closed my eyes and tried to relax for the rest of the ride.

12. It is possible for both of my girls to fall asleep after SeaWorld before we even left the parking lot. Just a wee tired, you think????

The girls awaitng swimming at SeaWorld. The water was so warm from the heat that it almost wasn't refreshing. Lauren went down her first waterslide here.

13. Boogie Boarding is really fun and really tiring.

14. Historic Galveston is a really sweet place.

This is the hotel that Jeff and I stayed at.

This is a place where Jeff and I ate dinner. It was really good except that we walked over a mile to get there. Through kind of a not so good part of town. Next time we'll drive. (Lesson number 14 1/2).

Picture of Us before we walked to dinner. We probably didn't look like this when we got there. Did I mention that it was really really hot??

15. Hurricane damage is quite frightening. (It has been 2 or 3 years since the last hurricane and there is still damage that hasn't been fixed. As in a giant hotel that is half in the water. (Some of the walls were missing and all the windows were broken and they are just now starting to tear it down)).

16. GPS is a life saver.

17. Toll roads are stupid

18. Houston drivers are crazy. I was driving and there was a huge billboard that said "Use caution Next 20 miles. 5 dead and 70 injuries." Scary right? So I look over and on the other side of the road there was a huge accident and lots of firetrucks and ambulances. Luckily we only got honked at once or twice, and missed the barricade on a quick exit. Hee Hee. Maybe I shouldn't have been driving.

19. Barney can keep Lauren entertained for hours. Literally hours. We Know.

20. Family Vacations are a lot of Fun.

Back to School

2010-06-29T12:34:00.002-05:00

Jeff had to go back to school today. We were so very sad. Anyway here is a sweet conversation between Jeff and Lauren.

Lauren: You have to go back to school????

Daddy: Yep.

Lauren: Why do you have to go back to school?

Daddy: So I can finish and be a doctor

Lauren: (In the saddest voice you can imagine) I don't want you to be a doctor.

M&Ms

2010-06-24T18:07:00.004-05:00

Today I am feeling a little sick. Just a fever and a few aches, but I am fine otherwise. I have so many back posts to do, but right now I am just going to say that we are trying to potty train Lauren. We gave her a drink and told her that if she went potty in the toilet she would get two M&Ms (her choice). Well it has been one hour and she has been five times. She just barely gets off the potty and washes her hands before she announces in a semi-excited, semi-terrified voice that "I'm GOING." I'm ready to put a diaper back on her.

Soon I will post about our trip to Texas and all other past excitements.

Also I am need of a good ice cream. I am so tired of going to the store and buying ice cream and having it not be good. But here is a list of kinds that I don't like

1. I don't like chocolate ice cream
2. I don't like butterscotch
3. I don't love caramel
4. I don't like nuts.

So if you have a favorite ice cream that doesn't involve these things leave a comment and I'll try it and if I love it, then I'll be greatly indebted to you.

Blonde

2010-06-04T08:31:00.003-05:00

So as promised here are a couple of pictures of random projects and my new blondies.

This is a picture of the hutch I bought on craigslist for my kitchen. It was a ghastly shade of forest green but it is much better now especially with the new hardware.

This is a picture of our dining room. Are you noticing my beautiful tree. This is what I tell everybody who asks about it; "It is like a fake tree, but it's real, but it's dead." Cool Right???Here is a picture of me and my girl. She went 'peeps' on the potty for the first time last week. It was kind of exciting actually. We go to the doctor today for her three year check-up and for McKenna's 15 month check-up. (I want Mickey to be her nickname but spell it like this: McKe. Is that totally dorky)?? (I'll need your help calling her that though, more than one person has to call her McKe for it to be a nickname).

And here are my new blond hairs. Okay my hair is not usually this flippy-outey, this is my attempt at straightening, Pathetic right? The hair is okay for summer, but I have no intentions of being a permanent blond.

Today is Jeff's boards, so if you can say a little prayer for him, I know that he would appreciate it. I am so glad that it is ALMOST OVER. !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bragged about Jeff on my family blog, but I'll brag about him here too. He recieved a regent scholarship again this year. I am so proud of him and all of his hard, focused work that lets him be a great student and a great husband and father. (Just a side note; it you look closely behind me you will see my giraffe covered bar stools)

Another Year

2010-06-02T13:56:00.003-05:00

Create a scrapbook design

Lauren's third birthday was a week ago. Sorry it took so long for me to get this posted but our borrowed internet wasn't working. Sheesh. So enjoy it. We borrowed my parents old digital camera (thanks again). (Why didn't I think of that earlier)??? If my house ever gets cleaned maybe I'll post pictures of our new 'crib.'

Apartment Living

2010-05-13T13:48:00.002-05:00

It has been two months since we have moved to our apartment. I realized this the other day and asked Jeff if he could believe that is has only been two months since we moved? He said no. Let me clarify that confusing conversation; I can't believe its only been two months. I feel like we have been here forever. Perhaps we are just super quick adapters. And perhaps super quick get bored-ers as well. Which is perhaps why we don't mind moving (or should I say "I").

I would post pictures of our apartment ,which is in my opinion lovely, but our camera is still lost. (Would you people get busy and start looking for it; it is a Cannon and it is blue and small and filled with pictures of us). I have been keeping myself busy with projects. Here is a list of projects that I have done since moving in.

1. Buying and painting a hutch for my kitchen.

2. Covering my stools in giraffe print material

3. dragging a stick up to my apartment.

4. Spray painting a pot for said stick

5. Spray painted some old pictures frames and mats.

6. Spray painted some jars for my kitchen

7. Spray painted a vase (does it sound like I'm addicted to spray paint)?

8. Made a headboard (still in progress, someday I will find nail head trim).

9. Painted a picture for above my fireplace

10. Ruined said picture above my fireplace.

11. Painted a picture for my Mom for Mother's Day

12. Covered some old pillows

13. Made Lauren some file folder games. (I now HATE contact paper).

When said camera is found I will take pictures of my projects and of my NEW BLOND HAIR. Okay maybe it is more "wheat" colored.

Also I know that I haven't commented on blogs lately because I'm mostly too lazy to think of something clever to say, but know that I do read all of your blogs dilligently.

Scooped

2010-05-04T21:59:00.003-05:00

Today has been a stressful day in my heart. Does that make sense? That is where I feel all tension and anxiety. How does one get sisters to be nice to each other and to NOT HIT. (I am asking for ideas here).

On the way down the stairs to go to the grocery store McKenna started to go down and the stairs and then started to go back up and so I scooped her. (That is what happens when my girls aren't being good listeners or are doing naughty things). It makes Kenna pretty mad, and Lauren doesn't usually like it, but as I was going down the stairs Lauren plopped down at the top of the stairs and said "Mommy, I'm being naughty, scoop me too." I was so not going to go back up the three flights of stairs and carry both of them down the stairs. So it was a waiting game. She at the top, and I at the bottom. And do you know who won? ME!

Tomorrow we go to look at a preschool for Lauren. Wish us luck.

I think that I am going to have to do yoga everyday until these girls are 18.

2010-04-18T20:03:00.004-05:00

It has been seven posts since I have posted a picture. There are a couple of reasons for that. First we lost our camera (if anyone has seen a little blue Cannon digital camera, it is mine and I want it back, thank you). Second I have been busy. (Not really actually, just lazy). But tonight the girls were put to bed at 6:30pm because of lack of naps and Jeff went to bed at 6:45pm so I am awake, the house is clean and I am bored. (And kind of reflective).

I want to tell about my girls. They drive me crazy and nothing makes me feel like I am losing my patience more than the two of them fighting or diddle-dawdling. And YES they fight. I feel like I am a referee all day long and I can't hardly count to twenty after leaving the room before one of them is crying.

But conversely nothing makes me happier than hearing their little giggles and sequels when the actually are playing nice.

McKenna is so easy going but at the same time has some serious personality. She has a mischievous smile that you can't help but be a little bit proud of, and a cheeser smile that can make even the most solemn person laugh. She has an arm that will guarantee her a spot as a pitcher. When that girl is done with something you had better watch out. She is playful and happy except when she is tired or sick. She is feisty and she is brave. She is a leader.

Lauren is the most observant, and specific girl I know. And I wonder if in her little world she gets scared because she is so aware of where she is and what she is. She is bossy and emotional. She can look at pictures when paired with music and just start bawling. She feels emotions stronger than most. Sadness, and happiness, love for things and hate for things. And did I mention her sense of fashion? Lauren loves songs and will frequently be singing the hokey pokey or rock-a-bye. Lauren is a good Mommy to her babies, but tough. (She once put her baby in time out on the window ledge and left her there till the next day and when I tried to move her she informed me that she was still in time out and I explained that the baby had probably learned her lesson for hitting). Lauren has an amazing memory, she talks about things that happened last summer and is a loyal friend.

I have just been thinking lately about my girls and their differences and their persons in general and wanted to write it down for my own motherly sake.

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-15T22:10:00.002-05:00

I DID IT. . .

I registered for classes in the fall. Watch out HGTV, I'm on my way.

P.S. for those of you who are not around me to hear me talk about my dreams, interior design is the goal. It is all I ever think about. I try to nap and sometimes I can't turn my brain off long enough to fall asleep. It's always designing chandeliers and couches. So in ten years when I finish school and you want some advice give me a call.

I HAVE

2010-03-26T14:01:00.004-05:00

I HAVE

1. Won a root beer tasting contest

2. Been on a hot air balloon ride

3. Been to Target three times in one day, or was it four?

4. Only had three jobs my whole life (I don't work much)

5. Been fired from a job

6. Been given a bouquet of french fries

7. Ordered a Runza at Wendy's (I thought I was at Runza, and I couldn't figure out why they didn't have Runzas and Runza, I later realized as I was leaving the parking lot that it me who was the idiot and not the poor girl taking my order who didn't know what a runza was).

8. Eaten a whole medium pizza from Pizza Hut

9. Won a french toast eating contest (9 French Toast, no wonder I gained the "Freshman 15") (The pizza was a contest too, also my freshman year).

10. Reoccurring dreams about being able to fly and being an ice skater. (What do those mean)?

11. Watched every single episode of Scarecrow and Mrs. King ever made

12. Read every book Sophie Kinsella has written

13. Tried to jump across a creek and ended up in it instead. (Luckily it was after Jeff's family pictures and not before).

14. Eaten Pate (goose liver)

I HAVE NEVER

2010-03-24T13:57:00.004-05:00

I have never . . .

1. Purchased a CD

2. Ordered soup at a restaurant

3. Seen the ocean

4. Finished reading/watching Harry Potter

5. Painted my fingernails any color but pink or red. (I just look down and my toes are painted purple)

6. Made a pie crust

7. Eaten at a seafood place

8. had my eyebrows waxed

9. been inter-tubing

10. and will never want any pets

You Know You Have A Two Year Old When...

2010-03-01T07:56:00.003-06:00

1. The toilet paper in your house is pulled all the way down to the floor.

2. You curse the garbage man for being too loud in the fear of them waking your child up.

3. Your eyeliner is more often used for kitty faces, then for lining your eyes.

4. It takes about 20 minutes to get out the door when you are already ready to go.

5. It takes 10 minutes to get out the driveway when you are already in the car.

6. You find yourself singing "This Old Man" while you are grocery shopping. . .alone.

7. You change not only your children's diapers and clothes but also those of all the dolls in your house.

8. Find yourself asking what your child's doll would like for lunch.

9. You get reprimanded and told "Oh Bugger" is a bad word.

10. You feel as those you constantly wear a black and white stripped shirt with a whistle.

11. Every step you take in the kitchen results in the crunching of cereal.

12. You eat more imaginary food than you do real food.

13. You base who you see most often on who your kid likes the most and plays with the best. (I would love to see the mall and Hobby Lobby more, but two years olds don't play nice with Hobby Lobby)

14. You have vowed never to paint your fingernails again in their presence, it is too diasterous.

15. You laugh everday of your life, and thank Heavenly Father everyday for the blessing of being a mother.

You've got to love it.

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-26T07:35:00.003-06:00

I realize that this wasn't on my original list, but it is something that I have never done before, something I have always wanted to do. I INHALED HELIUM. COOL RIGHT? Last night was our blue and gold banquet for cub scouts and I saw some kids doing it so I snagged a balloon from a little girl and I DID IT!!! (Sorry Mom, I know you always told us not to). I felt a little constricted in my chest after and lucky for me there was a doctor on the scene (I just wanted to be sure that I wasn't going to die or anything, wouldn't that tick you off if it turned out that your Mom was right)??? and he said that I was fine and wondered how I had ever made it through childhood without inhaling helium. I AM A VERY OBEDIENT CHILD.

What I would (will) buy!

2010-02-23T09:10:00.003-06:00

1. Two armless slipper chairs. $139.99 each 15% off brings me to $238.00
http://www.target.com/Avington-Slipper-Chair-Leaf/dp/B001CEFDPU/ref=sc_qi_detailbutton

2. New dishes two sets for $50.00 $288.00

3. Pots and pans. Our have gone to pot (ha ha). $40.00 $328.00

4. Platter to put on the table as decoration $16.99 add up to $344.99
http://www.target.com/dp/B0030CRC2Y/ref=sc_qi_emwa

5. I will need a new rug in the kitchen and a couple of matching towels. Estimated at $45.00 totals $389.99

6. Two sets of curtains; estimated at $60.00 brings me to a grand total of $449.99.

Hopefully I can find things on sale and on clearance, because I didn't even get to new towels and rugs for my bathroom, or the sofa table I wanted, or the lamps for the living room, or Easter dresses for my girls. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhHH.

There had better be some good clearance and sales in the next month.

Target Gift Card

2010-02-21T15:19:00.004-06:00

So the apartment complex where we are moving was having a special that when you leased an apartment you get a $450 gift card to Target. Well I have my ideas and that will be my next post, but what would YOU do with a $450 gift card. Leave responses here! (I bet I'll have you dreaming of Target)

Growing Up

2010-02-17T22:03:00.001-06:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

I couldn't end the day without an ode to my baby girl on her first birthday. We started the day off right with decorations, had a special dinner just for McKenna (Macaroni and Cheese) and finished with presents and cake. All in all, not too shabby.

I DID IT

2010-02-16T08:47:00.004-06:00

2010 is the year to say "I DID IT," and so here are some things that I want to say I did in 2010. Now that I am saying these things to all of you readers out there, I might need you to motivate me to get some of them done.

1. Eat a Klondike bar. I have always heard the theme song "What would you do for a Klondike bar?" But I had no idea what they were. The other day I saw them at Target, bought them and "I DID IT."

2. Go to a concert. I have never been to a concert.

3. Write a children's book. I have some ideas, but they are just ideas.

4. Submit an article to the Ensign. I have one written, but I need to work on it a bit more.

5. Go water skiing. I am a bit afraid of the water, so this one might be tricky.

6. Run a half-marathon. I'm only half serious about this, so I won't feel too bad if I don't get to say "I did it."

7. Register for classes. I want to go back to school, and though the timing is not ideal, I know that I'll never do it if I don't do it soon.

8. Go to Arizona, or somewhere south. Just because I want to.

This is a year of firsts. So when you see a post entitled "I DID IT," you'd better check out my latest first. Yahoooo.

For the Love

2010-02-09T15:34:00.003-06:00

Today has been a tough day to find loves so in lieu of daily loves I will post five things I love about the three people I love with all my heart!

Jeff:

1. I love Jeff's sensitivity to my feeling, my thoughts and dreams!

2. I love Jeff's eagerness to help anyone who needs help

3. I love Jeff's protective nature of his country roots! (Do not make fun of North Platte in front of him, or small high schools).

4. I love that when Jeff feels frustrated, he will stop and say a prayer. (This happened yesterday, so it is fresh in my mind).

5. I love that Jeff doesn't mind sleeping on six inches of mattress. I was making the bed the other day (a rarity) and noticed that my pillow was in the middle of the bed and his pillow was hanging off. It's not that I am a bed hog, I just like to sleep RIGHT NEXT to Jeff. He must have scooted over and I must have followed. If he doesn't want to fall off the bed he should scoot to the middle instead.

McKenna:

1. I love McKenna's big front teeth, and the smile that shows them.

2. I love that whenever McKenna wakes up, she is happy. (She gets that from me by the way).

3. I love that when she gets excited she makes really loud noises. And it seems like it is always at church.

4. I love the way she eats mac and cheese. She grabs a handful and shoves it in.

5. I love that when you give her her blanket she snuggles it and puts her fingers in her mouth.

Lauren:

1. I love Lauren's ability to love. When she loves something or someone, it doesn't matter if it is reciprocated or even ignored. She will just go one loving it.

2. This girl has some real spirit. When she wants something she is AVID. I usually end up weighing why I don't want her to have something, and usually decide that it is easier for me to help her get what she wants versus telling her no.

3. She is observant. Even this morning she kept asking me "Whats matter, Mommy"? I wasn't saying anything, but she could tell that I was frustrated. She notices everything.

4. She is my feelings girl and I love it. If you have hurt her feelings, she will tell you.

5. I love her way of being loved. She loves being bought things. It doesn't matter what it is. Months after I bought her her pacifiers she still says, in the cutest voice I might add, "Mommy, you buy these for me? Thaaaaank You!!!"

More Love

2010-02-07T08:26:00.004-06:00

Well here is my list of things in the last two days that I have loved:

1. Jeff and Lauren built a snowman. It is a lovely snowman, but with a square nose (don't ask me why). It has been snowing for a couple a days and the snow was so wet and so perfect.

2. We finally found us an apartment to move into. After looking at it three different times. Sorry to anyone who comes to visit us because it is on the third floor. This will be mine and Jeff's 5th place to live in 3 years of marriage. What can I say, I get bored in one place. Which seems funny, because I lived in the same house until I was a sophomore in high school. (But I guess that was a house and not an apartment).

3. Last night Jeff and I went with some friends to see Avitar. Not really a movie that I would normally go see, but it was pretty cool and I loved the 3-D glasses. (I brought them home with me). We went to this totally chic theater/lounge place that serves you dinner while you are watching the movie. (Just a note: If you are going to eat dinner while watching a movie, it might be better if it wasn't a 3-D movie. Watching it was making me a little nauseous, not good when you have food in front of you that you are trying to it. It was fun because that place is multi-level and it was packed. There is just something more fun when the theater is full, than when you are the only person watching it.

4. The theater was downtown. And believe it or not, I have lived here for two years and this is only the second time I have been downtown. Totally lame. It is where all the cool people hang out. Well I guess that answers the question that I am not hip.

5. I made some really great strawberry trifle on Friday night. Totally my favorite dessert.

6. Also for dinner on Friday Jeff and I waited to put the girls to bed until we made dinner. I was fun to cook together and have a quiet, non-messy dinner.

7. I took McKenna to the doctor on Friday per Jeff's request because she has had a high fever, only to be told that there is nothing wrong, except a cold. I called Jeff after and told him that I am never going to the doctor when he tells me to. Anytime that I have taken them in they have actually had something wrong with them that could be fixed. Score one for Dr. Mom.

8. Only one week till Valentine's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Loves of Yesterday

2010-02-04T13:28:00.009-06:00

Some things I loved about yesterday:

1. Stick Shifts. I love to drive them. (After our car broke down we were in a bit of a pinch and Melanie said we could borrow her car for the day). I drove a stick shift after high school and it just reminded me of how much fun they are to drive.

2. New car smell. Since it will be a while until Jeff and I purchase a new car perhaps I should buy a new car air freshener.

3. McKenna woke up at about 10:30pm last night so I brought her into our room to let her play for a bit, and it was so much fun. Jeff and I never get to spend time with just McKenna. She was also smiling so big and she would crinkle up her nose so that you could see her two big front teeth.

4. Jeff rocked her to sleep when she wouldn't go to sleep at 11:00pm.

5. The hole in Melanie's ceiling got fixed yesterday.

6. Lauren fell asleep last night with her only her head and her arms on the bed. It was really funny, and also very progressive for my floor-sleeping girl. We have been telling her that the "Bed Fairy" would come and put money under her pillow if she fell asleep on her bed. Now she wakes up and says "the bed fairy put monies under my pillow?"

We'll see what kind of things I will love today!

Things I love

2010-02-02T22:14:00.003-06:00

I absolutely love Valentine's Day. Now some of you may think that this is because I have such an amazing husband who does lovely things, but in fact as a married couple we have had pretty much flops for Valentine's Day.

I have always loved Valentine's Day and to get into the spirit of things I will post some of the things that I loved about today and yesterday!

1. Lindor truffles (if you have never had them you have never had chocolate)

2. I love this dress: http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-437-carousel.aspx (and pretty much every dress on this website)

3. The target dollar aisle (enough said, right)?

4. Our car broke down yesterday and when I was explaining to Lauren that the man was going to hook it up to his truck and take it somewhere to be fixed Lauren said "our car broke? We put tape on it!!!"

5. French dip sandwiches for dinner (Thanks Natalie for introducing me; I am totally hooked)

6. I love our new Community Center where we will be spending every second at from now on.

7. I love that in a 1/100,000,000 chance my girls slept till 8:30am. Yahoooooo.

8. Cinnamon french puff things (thanks Kim, sorry I can't remember the name)!!! They were super-good.

I hope all of you will think about the things and people that we love this Valentine season. And yes it is a season to me!!

Trains

2010-01-25T07:46:00.003-06:00

Me: Lauren do you want to be potty trained and be a big girl and go peeps and poops in the potty?

Lauren: I want to be a train!!!

Me: (Confused) You want to be a train??????

Lauren: I DO!!!!!!!!! I DO WANT TO BE A TRAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looks like we have watched too much Thomas around these parts.

Victorious

2010-01-21T12:59:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I reached my weight loss goal of seven pounds. Hooray. I guess that is the only benefit of the stomach flu:) Think I'll keep it off????? We are all feeling a little down the last couple of days and today we all napped at 10:00am. We have been filling our daytime hours with Thomas and Maisy and filling our nights with HGTV.

Needless to say we are ready to feel better and get off our couch potato buns. (Even though mine is so slim now). ha ha.

Many blessing to Jeff for staying well and staying home from class and studying to take care of us.

Also blessings to Natalie for watching Lauren whilst I was sick, only for Lauren to get sick at her house.

"Silly Gurl"

2010-01-17T08:25:00.005-06:00

Lauren has been saying some really funny things and I wanted to write them down so I would have them.

Conversation #1 -today

Lauren: Mommy you vacuumed your room?

Me: Yep. I vacuumed your room too, doesn't it look so much better clean?

Lauren: Uhh? (A look a disgust on her face) Stepnie, no don't vacuum my room. . . I like it dirty.

Conversation #2 -Yesterday

Lauren: Mommy whats you got? (I popped a zit and had a little piece of toilet paper on it)

Toilet paper?? ha ha Silly! Toilet papers for yours bum.

Conversation # 3 - a while ago

We were at the mall and I was putting Lauren into her stroller and was tightening the straps when my hand slipped and bonked her in the nose.

Me: Oh, Lauren I'm so sorry, are you okay.

Lauren: Daddy going to be a DoCtor?? He get me a band-aid.

Rocker-Do

2010-01-11T08:42:00.002-06:00

So I got my haircut on Saturday and this is my new punk hair-do. I am not so sure it is me, but I guess I will rock it as best I can. Peace Out.

I know, I know

2010-01-06T20:34:00.009-06:00

I realize that it has been forever since I have last blogged, and many thanks to those of you that have pointed this fact out. It somehow makes me feel loved and slightly pestered.

Let me first explain the reason for my absence, and it is a good reason. I have become an HGTV junkie. (I know that there are plenty of other people who can sympathize with me). Melanie I love your home but it will be much healthier when I am forcefully removed from the satellite. When I was bored I used to just jump on the computer for some blogging, but laying down on the couch and vegging is so much easier. Thus the reason for my lack of blogging.

Our Christmas was wonderful and having Jeff here with us was such a treat. We all miss him, but we express it in different ways. For Lauren she called him on Monday morning when she discovered that he was back at school and started crying when she said "I miss you daddy." Or when he tried to lay her down that night she clung to his neck and said "Hold you daddy, Sleep here on MY pillow." So Jeff ended up sleeping on her floor just to reassure her that he did indeed love her and would play with her when he got home the next day. For me, I just feel lonely without him around during the day and being snowed in doesn't help matters. McKenna misses having me all to herself. When daddy is around Lauren clings to him which opens me up for McKenna.

So here are a few pictures of our holidays and some other random favorite photos.

This is our lovely table spread for our Christmas Eve dinner. Take notice of the ice candle holders. Super cool (thanks HGTV), but melted before we even started dinner. Perhaps in an Arctic climate it would have been better.

Here is McKenna opening her present from Santa. This little lady has her top two teeth and her bottom two teeth and she grinds them together. Before I couldn't hear it before because her teeth weren't out all the way but she must have been able to feel it because she would stick her bottom jaw out a lot, and I just figured her teeth were bothering her, but now I can hear it and it is kind of sickening.

This is just one of my favorite pictures of Lauren. She has really blossomed in her abilities to do everything. I am trying to find an art class for her and she loves to do anything artistic.

My birthday was on the 27th and I turned 24. Jeff and my Mom teamed up to make me eclairs. Don't they look beautiful, and they were delicious. Here is the proof . . .

For my birthday Jeff tackled the feat of buying me clothes. This was the first timed he attempted to buy me clothes and I think he did a great job. The pumps, the shirt, necklace and tank top were all of his choosing. I do have a question for you fashionistas: What is the proper bunch necessary for wearing skinny jeans with heels. I usually just wear boots over them but know that I have heels I need to know. I personally think that the lack of bunch makes these too short.

Probably the highlight of our vacation was taking part in the making of a guest room in my parents basement. They were kind enough to listen to my input because they know I love this stuff, and I have nothing to decorate. This room had a lamp, desk and the couch in it before. Then in two days the walls were painted, a headboard was cut and covered. We brought down the bed from upstairs (My Dad and Jeff). A curtain rod and curtains were put up. Pillows were made, the couch got slipcoverd, vinyl was cut and put up (don't say anything about the "levelness" of it, or that the 's' isn't cut out because trying to get it straight about killed me and the 's' just didn't cut out)

This is the wall opposite the bed. Look at those pillows. I made them. Well not the green one, we bought that one. It was so much fun. Now all I need is a house and some money and I can play designer a my house.

I know that her eyes are closed, but this picture just makes me Laugh.

I'm posting this one because I think that I look good in it, and those kind of pictures are so few and far between, right????

Here are my two Oreo lovers. Got Milk?????

Jeff brought me down my toothbrush so we could stay on schedule and I've left in my mouth for like five minutes and I think that the toothpaste has burned off my taste buds so, I guess I need to go spit. Hope everyone is having a lovely and encouraging start to their new year.

CAST VOTES HERE

2009-11-16T18:45:00.004-06:00

I'll quickly update my blog for those of you who have been nagging me (hmm...Marni). So I pose a very serious question. A couple of weeks ago Jeff was babysitting for our friends and their daughter is potty trained, but needed help wiping after she went poops. Well Jeff has never helped someone go potty before so he was pretty clueless. So Jeff gets a couple squares of toilet paper and starts to fold it, and she told him not to fold but to bunch it.

When Jeff was telling this story I started laughing and said that he was probably one of the only people who folded their toilet paper. He disagreed and now the question is posed to you.
ARE YOU A BUNCHER OR A FOLDER???????? Leave your comments here.

A Message from Lauren

2009-10-14T15:24:00.003-05:00

Laruen: "I need to blog. (While hitting random buttons) Oohhh I blogged."
Me: "Do you want to say anything else for the blog?"
Lauren: "Ummm two. I turn it on."
Me: "Do you want to talk about your day?"
Lauren: "Balls in playground Mommy. Playground. Playground Mommy. I flicked Mommy's booger. I Flicked Mommy's booger. (She picked my nose while I was typing (it was quite painful)). I bite my arm. I blogging. Mommy blogging."
Me: "What else?"
Lauren: "Battery....Bad to Bone. Bad to Bone. I need Lauren. (That means she wants to see pictures of herself on the blog) My music stuck (her CD was skipping) My musssssic stuck. My musssssssick stuck. I need to blogging. Mommy-O's shirt. I zip Mommy's jacket. (she unzipped my hoodie). Hold on, Hold on (while moving my hands while she tried to hit the power button. I throw it. I throwed the ball. (She threw a tennis ball)

I always think it is funny to listen to Lauren talk. She has a running commentary and easily gets distracted from the task at hand. When I typed out what Lauren was saying I could see how her mind transferred from one thing to the other. Even now Lauren found a pump bottle and is trying to pull my shirt down to make me pump. Ahhhhhh. This is really hard to have her climbing all over me. So goodbye from a crazy mom of a two year old.

AAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-11T14:08:00.004-05:00

Today we had our Stake Conference and Elder Quentin L. Cook was there. Nothing makes you feel more discouraged then having two kids at stake conference on hard chairs, with small rows, and a hardwood floor. Needless to say we spent our time out in the foyer running and stealing other kids snacks and toys. My favorite moment was when our stake president asked all the primary kids to sing "I Love to See the Temple" on the way home from conference with their parents. He then proceeded to quote the words and Lauren said "NO SING TEMPLE." Lovely.

Lauren had reverted back to 15 months old. You know when they are learning to walk and explore. Lauren has re found the joys of unrolling the toilet paper, and dumping everything on the floor. Most often her snacks which proceed to then be smooshed to oblivion. And recently she has turned into a bully. Pushing her friends and McKenna.

(Here is Lauren in her general naughtiness)

But on a happier note. We woke up to beautiful snow. It snowed probably six inches and was made all the more fun because I didn't even know it was supposed to snow. We were mesmerized and Lauren and I watched the snow for about 20 minutes. When McKenna went down for her nap Lauren and I bundled up and played for about an hour. I have never seen anybody Love the snow as much as Lauren did. After about a half hour I was cold and ready to go in, so I asked Lauren if her hands were cold and she said "No" How were her hands warm when she kept putting them in the snow.

(Our humble little snowman who after this picture did get raisins for eyes. I went out later that night and all that was there was the two raisins, the snowman ran away)

On to McKenna (Reese, for those of you whom prefer that name). I think it is safe to say that she is a crawler. She is just starting so she doesn't go far fast, but she will. She doesn't get frustrated with trying like Lauren did. Anyway she is also eating cheerios now. What a big girl so fast.

Oh just in closing. Lauren learned a new word on Friday. No word has ever brought such fear to my heart. Are you ready for this: "WHY?????"

(This is a picture of the cake for Alissa's shower. The more I look at it the less pleased I am. Over night the top layer of cake squished out the frosting in between the layers on the bottom tier so it looks lumpy. Next time I just won't put the top layer on till morning, or I'll have to put dowels in the cake to help support the weight).

Distracted

2009-10-04T17:30:00.003-05:00

I'm so sorry to all of my blogging friends and by that I mean that you are my friends on a much deeper level and in a very non-cyberspace way. I haven't really been that busy, just distracted. I blame it all on Melanie because she has satellite, which will end soon so I'm trying to soak it all in before it is gone.

Other than that I have been reading a lot. Usually 2 books every week or so.

Jeff loves to make pumpkin pie, like cut up a pumpkin and bake it in the oven kind of pie, any other way is an impostor pumpkin pie. He spent all day today making pies and they were great. What a great spouse.

I promise to post again semi-soon with pictures. I made a cake this past week for my sister's shower that I am totally proud of and will post of picture of that too.

Loves to all.

Funny Faces

2009-08-19T21:26:00.007-05:00

I was just looking through the pictures on the camera and had to post my girls and their cute, and funny faces.

Our apartment is now officially a disaster area (hmm...do you think the government will give us money for that? (a man made disaster)). I packed the pots and pans tonight, mostly so I don't have to cook for the rest of the week. (Maybe I'll just lose that box in the move, sounds like a good idea huh)???

Life is good and we are just trying to wind up our summer before school starts again on Monday. Some of these pictures are of us feeding some geese. Well I actually didn't get any shots of that, but Lauren was so cute throwing bread into water, really it was more like she was dropping it into the water, but either way it was still really cute.

Hope all of your summers have been filled with bliss, I know ours has, and we will really miss our special Daddy-O!!!! Enjoy the rest of our funny faces.

This is was McKenna's first time going swimming, so we had to take a picture of her cute little swim suit. I posted two pictures because McKenna's smile in the first one is so cute, and Lauren's face in the second was just too funny not to post.

This here swing was a garage sale steal at only five dollars. Whoohoo. Lauren and McKenna Love it. And no it was not cold enough outside to warrant a hat, but it was windy that day and Lauren is really sensitive to the wind. So she was just holding her hands over her ears while she swung, so the genius that I am, went and got her a hat to put on.

YUCK!!!!!

She actually made an ever better face than this one, but I couldn't ever quite get it. She really holds no love for peas. (And yes Mom, I DID warm them up AND thinned them) Side Note; she is now six months old, I can't believe it.

YUMMM!!!! I'm starting her off right.

LOVES TO ALL

Gushy

2009-08-16T12:50:00.004-05:00

This week Jeff and I celebrated our third anniversary. It has gone by so fast and has been so fun and so irritating (at times). We started the day off (or I should say that Jeff started his day off) by taking his classmate and his wife to the airport at 4:30am. He then came home and said that he couldn't go back to sleep and that he felt cold. (Alarms were going off in my head). I got up with the girls and played with them while Jeff slept until 10:00am. (Did I mention that we had anniversary plans at 9:00)? He had a fever and took some medication and then got ready to go to a luncheon for school tutors. The car wouldn't start when he tried to leave, so the poor guy had to walk to a gas station to, obviously, get gas. He then went and got me flowers and a violin bow, and went to a part store to find out about our car. When he got home is was about 3:30pm and was so tuckered out that he passed out on the couch until the girls went to bed.

He somehow suckered up the will to get ready to take me out to dinner as planned and then went to go see the proposal. (really funny p.s.) So all in all it was a semi disappointing day but one that reminded me of what love is really about. And one that reminded me of how much Jeff loves me.

A List of the reasons I chose Jeff

1. Jeff is the most sincere man I have ever known

2. Jeff is the eternal optimist (very refreshing when you are as pessimistic as I am)

3. Jeff is a hard worker (the whole time we have been married Jeff has handled school, me and the girls and usually two jobs)

4. Jeff is a perfectionist (well this is actually a totally irritating trait to me, but I know that if I want something done well, I know who to turn to).

5. Jeff once brushed my teeth for me when I was sick (he was a CNA and I knew then that he would always take care of me when I needed it)

6. Jeff once came and threw rocks at my window and went for a walk in the rain

7. On our first date Jeff made me a bouquet of candy bars.

8. Jeff is a good dresser (shallow, I know, but important).

9. While we were dating, Jeff sent me a dozen roses while I was in Utah. I remember I seat-belted them into the van on the way home).

10. A week before we got married Jeff brought me 7 gladiolas, one for everyday until the big day.

11. Jeff surprised me with a limo ride on our wedding day, because he knew I really wanted to have a limo.

12. Jeff would very occasionally skip class to spend time with me while we were dating. (He put the kibosh on that one after we got married).

13. Jeff would come over while we were dating and he would end up watching a movie with my Mom because I would fall asleep in the first ten minutes.

14. Jeff always helped me experience new things like four wheeling, golfing, rummy, apple cake, and dumb and dummer

15. Jeff does everything in his power to make, and keep me happy. (Except playing ticket to ride on Sundays)

16. Jeff is always giving of himself to others.

17. Jeff has no enemies. There is no one that Jeff doesn't like.

18. Jeff is morally astute.

(Jeff singing Forever, and Ever at our reception)

This is just a short list of the reasons I fell in love with Jeff. He always treats me so well, and not just part of me. He is always conscious of my emotions, my physical comfort, my mental fortitude and my spiritual well-being. Jeff is an amazing person, as all those who know him would agree. I am truly lucky to have a such a fine and dedicated man as my husband for all eternity.

Ups' and Downs'

2009-08-11T21:38:00.012-05:00

Today had been a surprising and disappointing day. I won't go into all the details, but it involves a car not starting, Jeff being gone, walking in the heat of the day, and Hy-Vee AND Walmart NOT having "17 Again" at red box.

But on the up side, we had a really great time with Scott, Kim and Tyson who bailed us out of car trouble and invited us to dinner. YUM! They are really such wonderful friends (thanks again).

Another happy thing is when Lauren and Jeff were leaving to go to the park this morning, Lauren blew a kiss to McKenna and said "I Lub you McKenna." So adorable. I thought Lauren was handling things really well when we first brought McKenna home from the hospital, but as I look back a pictures she always has a blank stare on her face, or a slightly confused one. I can really tell that she is back into her happy, exuberant self (even though I didn't realize she had been missing until yesterday when I had this epiphany).

More happiness is that we are making fried ice cream tonight. I also re-stocked my Swiss Roll stash tonight so I can have a fix when I have days like today. Hope all are well.

Go With the Flow

2009-08-08T21:04:00.005-05:00

Today when Jeff got home from his busy day we went to the mall to get a new charger for my phone. The guys was selling us a car charger, which was fine, when Jeff said "yeah we have this one, but the thing broke off." So the guy just gave us the replacement piece for free. Totally awesome.

While we were there I saw my old spanish teacher Senora Johnson from when I was a freshman and sophomore. She is really the only teacher I would ever go up to and say hi, but that is because I always helped her shop at Younkers when I worked there.

Well actually the whole point of this blog is to ask for your opinions; while at the mall we stopped at the play place. There we about twenty kids running around and jumping (a lot of them were about 9 (which by the way totally annoys me)) and Lauren is just not very good at going with the flow. For instance there is this one toy that could be a slide either way you go (if that makes sense) but the kids today were doing it backwards than the way Lauren usually plays with it. It didn't make a fuss, but would still just try to go her way, which meant that she would be trying to climb up while others would be sliding down.

I sat there and wondered why some kids are just so easy going and could just change directions because that was the flow, while my sweet Lauren was so insistent that it be her way. Is this something that I need to work on with her; to just kick back and let it be? And if so, how?

This is really just one example of Lauren's insistence. Another good one was when everyone in the room had their socks off except Jeff and she noticed and told him to take his socks off too. When he said that he liked his socks on, she went over and started to take them off for him. Is this behavior obsessive.

Anyway just wanted to know your thoughts on my sweet little lady's temperament.

Upload Mania

2009-08-05T12:58:00.006-05:00

So this is a very long post of our summer fun. Jeff goes back to school in 2 1/2 weeks, and we are so desperately going to miss his presence, and adventurous spirit.

I'll do this in chronological order. May garage sales were good to us as we found this stellar table and chairs (with a leaf) for $125. Thank you Stacey and Greg for loaning us your table for the last three years (and sorry about the crayon/paint/glitter on your table).

McKenna Reese had her first bath in the big tub with Lauren in the month of May. It is a little tricky because McKenna is such a stander.

Our first visit to North Platte this summer saw a couple of projects; The picture above is building a swing set. (Which Jeff did very little of, since he only worked on it one day). And also fixing up an old pick-up truck his Grandpa gave him. It had been sitting outside for pretty much 30 years, so basically it is a piece of rust. Or I should say that it was. Jeff, Calvin and Bill took it all apart and sanded it down to nice shining metal. (Well, two fenders and the hood). I got to help for a while and it was pretty fun using power tools.

Just a side note on Jeff's projects; He has a rocking chair sitting in my parent's garage that he has sanded and primed and started painting for Lauren's room (well it was for Lauren's room when we were going to buy a house).

Side note B- Much of our Summer was devoted to the process of buying a home. We found one that we really liked and made an offer. We didn't get approved for the loan that we wanted, but we did get approved for an FHA loan. We prayed and fasted about it and decided that we should just wait, after all we don't have an income. After all the phone calls and the faxing and the questions, we were a little bummed about not getting a house. I joked to Jeff that maybe an older couple in our ward would go on a mission and let us live in their house. I used this same joke when we were on a picnic with some friends from our ward (What can I say, if it is good joke I'll use it more than once) Anyway our friend called me the next day and long story short, Jeff and I are going to house sit while her husband is in Iraq (she'll be living at her Mom's in another state). So many blessings.

Back to side note A- Jeff also bought an outdoor glider on craigslist for $25. It needed a lot of work so he has been working on it in Jeremy's garage while they are out of town. (Sounds like we need our own garage, huh)? Jeff is a very good wood worker and strives for perfection.

Our first trip to North Platte also saw lots of fun, here are the cousins at the rodeo. It rained for the first twenty minutes or so, and it made the ground all muddy and soppy. I HATE MUD.

We went to a fun little water park, Lauren loved, loved, loved it.

Here is evidence.

Here is a picture of Marlene with all of her grandkids. Lauren Loved them so much. And still a few times a day she'll say "Connor far away" in a really sad voice, and continue through each of her cousins saying that they are far away.

In between trips to North Platte my brother Daniel and his wife Jessica and kids came to Nebraska for a visit. It was so fun to see them. We roped Jessica into taking some familia pictures for us while she was here. A couple of weeks later my nephew Dillion was in town and went house shopping with us and gave his expert opinions (the house we made an offer on did meet his qualifications).

Now for the second trip to North Platte. We went for the family reunion and one of the days we went to the lake. Lauren as you can see preferred to eat her fish on the sand then to play amongst them in the water. (I don't blame her though, lakes have the funniest smell). She did one time go on the rope swing with Jeff.

Lauren got so dirty everyday that we were there and when I would tell her that it was time for a bath she would recruit her cousins to take a bath with her. Here is one very crowded tub.

The 27th was Jeff's birthday. He started the day off right by going golfing with Calvin and his Dad. It started pouring on the 7th hole so they came back soaked and were welcomed with omelets that I made. (I'm not sure if that was a treat or a punishment, I had never made omelets before).

Later he got to do an experiement. You'll have to go to his blog for the science part of it, but here is a little teaser for you:

This is a picture of Jaylin and I (you can't really see it, but we are sporting Zac Efron rings that came on the high school musical cupcakes that I bought Jeff for his birthday (okay so they were more for me)

And here is a picture of our photographer.

Sweet Ava was in love with McKenna and loved to hold her. One morning McKenna decided to just take a little nap in Ava's arms.

And this last picture is just for a laugh. We were getting ready to go somewhere last night and I came out of the bedroom and Lauren had packed everything we needed into McKenna's carseat; four pairs of jammies and two pairs of shoes. Looks like we were all set.

I'm sure that has been more summer fun, but at the moment they allude me. So this will have to suffice on our summer journey-ings thus far.

Lauren's Language

2009-07-29T10:22:00.008-05:00

I was just thinking of all of the adorable things Lauren says and the words that only we know. My Mom told me to write them down or I would forget, so here goes:

Lauren's Words Translation

E-E= Blanket

Pa-a =Pacifier

Pa-Ha = Grandpa

Buckle-lo = buckle it

Cow Milk= Chocolate Milk

Daddy-O =Dad

Tiss = Kiss

Trey Diper = A pampers diaper vs. a huggies diaper (beacuse this is what kind Trey wears)

Shut Door = Anything that involves closing (like McKenna's eyelids, or the hymn book)

baaank = she wants to play with the piggy bank

La La's car= Basically any car

Ringer = Ring around the Rosies

Awake = She's not going back to sleep (even if it is a one in the morning. I had the unfortunate experience of asking if she was awake when had woken up crying at said time, and she hopped up and said "AWAKE")

Oh No, Oh NO = You don't have your seatbelt on. (I have never taught her this, but every once in a while when I start to back up without my seatbelt on first she will notice).

Hold You/ Hold Mommy = "I want you to hold me"

Dono= Donut

Tinna= McKenna

Lauren really is a sweet girl with a very logical, imaginative mind. It is so fun to see her reason and place concepts together.

BIG NEWS

2009-07-14T08:51:00.002-05:00

Hey everybody; Jeff has started his own blog. It is listed here on the side as Jeff's science blog. They are experiments that he has been doing with Lauren over the summer. Also it is his big money making idea since we are income-less, because he put the "ads by google" sooo if you feel so inclined give it a click.

P.S. I'll update soon. It isn't because I have nothing to blog about, it is because I have so much to blog about. Since our last post we have taken 80 pictures. Sometime I''ll get on the ball. Hope this finds everyone well and happy.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

2009-06-17T23:14:00.007-05:00

Well everyone else is updating their blogs so I thought I would join in. For those of you privileged to be around me, you have probably heard me talk about our hot air balloon ride. After two cancelled attempts, we finally had a nice enough night to fly. So here are the pictures to prove that we went (in case you thought I was lying).

Here is the inflating of the balloon

This is all of us in the basket (There was literally no room to move) The lady with the hat (whom you cannot really see) on was celebrating the end of her chemotherapy for her brain tumor and the other lady is her daughter. It was really sweet the nurses at the cancer center bought the balloon ride as a present for her. I just want to mention how hot it was up there. Not only because it was a warm day, but because the burners are really hot. I was the tallest one in the basket and I could really feel the heat on my head and neck. I thought it was going to fry my hair off.

Here are some cool pictures of the view:

These are pictures of our shadows/reflection. During our flight we had a maximum speed of six mph and height of 1500 feet. Rich, who is an avid balloon competitor told us his max. height was 18,000 feet and his max. speed was 97 mph (which was a major disappointment because he wanted to go 100 mph) He holds a record for the longest flight time (23 hours, which was also a disappointment because he wanted to go 30 hours). His flights are in the middle of winter because the fuel is more efficient and this year he hopes for -40 degree weather. What a nut.

We were in the air for about an hour and during the flight we had an unexpected visitor:

The landing was really the coolest part, mostly because it was the scariest part. We landed on the highway. Yes literally cars had to stop for us. We landed and then the chaser dragged us into the grass. We landed pretty soft but Rich the flier said on one of his solo flights he landed going 37 mph (he said it was pretty much a wreck). Once you land you have to wait a little while for the balloon to steady and cool off. You get off one at a time as instructed, I guess if the balloon wasn't cool enough you'd take off again. It was hard to fight the urge to just bail once we landed.

Here is Jeff and I happy to be back on the ground safe and sound. We did have to sign our lives away to go on this ride. I'm serious.

Here is the deflation of the balloon.

This is a picture of us all helping to put the balloon back into the bag. It was kind of fun that we got to be apart of the ground crew.

I just thought that is was amazing that the chute all fit into this little bag.

After the balloon and basket are put away safe and sound it is tradition to drink "bubbly." Rich instructed us to kneel down and he poured us all bubbly. We were supposed to hum America the Beautiful while he recited the balloonists prayer which goes like this: "The winds have welcomed you with softness.The sun has blessed you with his warm hands.You have flown so high and so well, That the gods have joined you in your laughter and set you back again into the loving arms of Mother Earth." When he finished we were supposed to pick up the bubbly with our teeth and drink it.

And when we bent down Rich dumped bubbly on our heads. Luckily I was last and saw what was happening so I missed the sticky fluid.

It was really a fun adventure and we were blessed with a beautiful night.

Bragging Rights

2009-06-04T14:43:00.006-05:00

brag, bragged, brag⋅ging, noun, adjective

–verb (used without object)
1.to use boastful language; boast: He bragged endlessly about his high score.

–verb (used with object)
2.to boast of: He bragged that he had won.

–noun
3.a boast or vaunt.
4.a thing to boast of.
5.a boaster.
6.an old English card game similar to poker.

Consider this your warning that this is going to be a bragging post.

THINGS TO BRAG ABOUT

1. Jeff

2. Garage Sale deals
3. My Cake

4. My Girls

1. Jeff- Some of you may know that Jeff is pretty much a genius (or really, really blessed (well actually it is both)) so you can imagine that he did really well in medical school. Yesterday we got a letter in the mail telling him that he is a REGENT SCHOLAR. Which means that he is top seven in his class, and means we don't have to pay for tuition next year. (a.k.a 20,000 less debt). Congratulations, your girls are so proud of you.

2. Garage Sale deals- This is actually due to popular request that I post pictures of the amazing deals we've found.

This here dresser, two nightstands and a mirror cost us only $65. I know, gape right?? We've also picked up a little slide for Lauren, some fun dress up clothes. A 10 dollar golf bag for Jeff and a cake stand for me. I love garage sales.

3. My Cake- I recently helped throw a baby shower for a girl in my ward, and the theme was "Born to Be Wild." I made the invitations and offered to make the cake. I realize that the cake is by no means perfect, but I do think that it turned out pretty well. What am I saying, if it's on my brag list than I must think that it is fantastic.

4. My Girls- also due to popular demand (okay well only Natalie) a picture of each of my girls.

This one of McKenna wearing her hat is of Lauren's choosing. Yes McKenna is a huge finger sucker. Which is nice because it means we won't have to look for lost pacifiers.

And this one of Lauren is with her little boyfriend Corbin. They are so cute; we were at the zoo looking at the monkeys and she and Corbin were off on there own eating fruit loops. Later they held hands back to the gates. SOOO CUTE.

Anyway that was my brag blog post. Are you jealous???

A Birthday Message

2009-05-27T15:32:00.003-05:00

I can't believe that as of yesterday I have a two year old. It has gone by so fast. We have had many tears of frustration (from me), and yet so many moments of joy. So hope you all enjoy this little montage of Lauren's first two years. They have been magical.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

2009-05-21T17:51:00.002-05:00

Due to my overwhelming popularity yesterday, it is already time for a new blog. Now the only problem is thinking of something exciting to write about that will warrant my blogging friends to leave comments.

10 Things that have made me laugh today, or yesterday or anytime if I can't think of any.

An elder in our ward calls chapstick "lip chap"
Lauren wore two left shoes today. (Yep, that would make them non-matching
A guy was laying out at the pool yesterday and when he was walking into his apartment he was checking out his tan (which needs another month of laying out)(he was actually really scrawny and geeky looking, which adds to the hilarity of the picture)
Lauren has started to talk baby talk to McKenna
Tonight while grocery shopping Lauren was helping to push the cart and it looked like she was playing "SuperMarket Sweep." She grabbed the biggest bag of cheese imaginable, broccoli, marble artisan bread, salami and some other interesting stuff.
When McKenna farts Lauren kind of looks surprised and laughs then says "Poop"
At a garage sale today they were trying to sell a little girls shirt for $5.50. Hello I am so not paying that much.
I tripped going down the stairs last night on our date. I kind of hurt my finger when I was trying to stop myself
What did the snail say when he was riding on the turtles back? "Weeeeeee"
We went to the park the other day and Lauren was dumping buckets of sand on herself. Anyway when we got home she had pooped and I was changing her and was surprised to see so much sand in her diaper. I told her she had sand in her poop. Now every time I have changed her she say "sand. poop" "sand. poop"

I hope that these weren't too much of the "you had to be there experiences" or they won't be funny to you. You can tell I need to get a life when I think poop is funny.

Criteria

2009-05-20T14:51:00.006-05:00

Some of you (like my sister Alissa) know that for me to post a new blog I have to have a least six comments. Yes I am a comment snob and other kinds of snob, but this is who I am. Well thanks to the two comments Alissa made just so I would update my blog I am once again updating.

UPDATE

Well lets see what has been happening. First of all Jeff is doing a rotation in Valley for three weeks which leaves me car less. Me being the pioneer that I am met some friends at the park in their neighborhood. It is probably a little over two miles there and back. Not really a big deal except add in the hills, the strongest wind you can imagine, and a double stroller. Lets just say that I am a little tuckered out and I don't plan on doing that anytime soon.

Lauren has pretty much mastered putting her shoes on. Today she came in with one blue shoe and one purple flowery shoe. I took them off and put her crocs on and she was livid and when I went to get her snacks put her first choice back on. Oh and she also wore not one hat to the park, but two.

What else is new. hmmm. Oh my Nanny addiction is over, but only because I watched every episode there was on You Tube. Speaking of addictions, Garage Sale Season is back. Jeff's mom, Marlene and I went on Saturday morning while they were here and we got some awesome deals.

Jeff and I are on the lookout for a double jogging stroller, and as evidenced by craigslist, so is everyone else in Omaha. We have the crazy idea to run in the Cornhusker State Games.

Well I guess it is up to my blogging friends as to when I'll blog again.

Like Sunshine in the Morning. . .

2009-05-11T07:45:00.006-05:00

Lauren has been sleeping in as of late and usually McKenna snoozes too, but today she is awake so I thought I would take advantage of this time and review Mothers Day. I'm not usually the gushy type when it comes to blogging but I have to say what a wonderful Mother I have. I can't think of a single person who has more love for her children. My Mom cares about every feeling, every failed attempt, every pain, every idea when it comes to her children. Thank you Mom.

A special thanks to Marlene for raising the man in my life to be so kind and patient. You did such a wonderful job.

More thanks go to all the moms that I am surrounded by, your example and friendships help me to make it through the day.

On to the fun stuff. Yesterday the boys were in charge of dinner. See Photo below. It was really a great dinner. Poor Jeff has such high ambitions. He decided that he wanted to make a homemade fresh peach pie AND a banana cream pie. The sweet man was in the kitchen for about 31/2 hours. There were no tears shed, but it was a close call.

But Jeff went all out, I feel so spoiled but also have the need to brag. He bought me a corsage to wear. "Lauren"got me a certificate to go get a massage, since I do blame her for my back pains. "McKenna" got me the greatest gift I could ever imagine:
I have always wanted a beach towel. I was always the dorky kid at the pool with just a normal bath towel. Now I can be in style with my High School Musical beach towel. It had to be from McKenna because there is no way Jeff would have bought me a Zac Efron towel.

Thanks Jeff for being so thoughtful and loving. (Sorry about the spacing of this post, I am so computer illiterate)