4/30/08
Transcription Prediction
You know something bad is coming when the doctor starts the dictation by saying, "Patient is a 14-year-old boy who was mowing his lawn..." Boys this age seem to think they are superheros when it comes to reaching their hand into a running mower blade to clear the grass out!
Thoughts on Getting Old
I found my first gray hair today. I tried really hard to convince myself that it is white blond. But it's not - its stark white and coarse. I am mourning the fact that time slows down for no one, especially me. I still feel so young at heart and it's not right that my body goes ahead and ages like it has a mind of its own. I don't mind the gray hair itself. I can color it, pluck it, or live with it. It's what it represents - time slipping through my fingers and me powerless to stop it. I hate the fact that I can tell when a storm is coming because my joints start to ache. I hate that just holding my baby makes my back hurt. I am downright bitter about getting old.
I have experienced a lot in my 34 years. I was a young mom at 20 and I guess that should make me feel old, but it kind of had the opposite effect. When I compare myself to some of Connor's friends' moms, I am quite a bit younger than all of them.
A woman I used to visit teach recently died. I haven't seen her for a few years. She was beautiful, graceful, young and vibrant when I last saw her, so I have been having all sorts of dark thoughts about life and death, and how quickly things can change.
One good thing that comes from all this moroseness - it does make me appreciate my life RIGHT NOW so much more. I savor every moment a little obsessively, like I will never get a chance to experience it again. My kids wonder why I hug them so hard, or tell them I love them at every chance. But I know why.
What are you thoughts on getting old? Are they any more positive than mine?
4/28/08
Our Family Home Evening is the BOMB!
Zach called me from work today and told me that he wanted to do something a little more adventurous for FHE tonight. He said to have the kids ready to leave the house around 3:30.
When he got home, he told us that we were going to buy some bombs. "Buy some what?" I said, thinking that this was a little more down Aunt Linda's alley (Zach's aunt who was a civilian arms dealer for the government for many years). As part of his new office decor, Zach wanted some vintage WWII bomb casings to use as planters inside and outside the building.
So we headed down I-15 to good ol' Smith & Edwards where you can find anything from a baseball bat to stuffed animals to military surplus. They have a huge junkyard full of everything you can imagine has ever been used by the military, some of it looking like it dated back to WWI. After about 10 minutes of driving around the junkyard, Zach found what he was looking for. The back of our mini-van was magically transformed into a bomb bay with me as the bombardier to make sure none of the ginormous rusted pieces of steel fell on me or my precious cargo (children). We made it home without incident and the bomb casings were safely delivered to their destination. They look great by the way with spiral cut topiaries on each side of the garage.
The kids hated the adventure, by the way. They complained the whole time they were in the car. Emmy got car sick. Simon wanted out the minute he was put in his car seat. And Connor - well, let's just say that he seriously lamented all the lost time of not being able to play his new Wii Mario Kart. But in the end, I think the day we went to buy bombs for Family Home Evening will be the most memorable one we have had.
Watch for a follow up post with the finished product!
When he got home, he told us that we were going to buy some bombs. "Buy some what?" I said, thinking that this was a little more down Aunt Linda's alley (Zach's aunt who was a civilian arms dealer for the government for many years). As part of his new office decor, Zach wanted some vintage WWII bomb casings to use as planters inside and outside the building.
So we headed down I-15 to good ol' Smith & Edwards where you can find anything from a baseball bat to stuffed animals to military surplus. They have a huge junkyard full of everything you can imagine has ever been used by the military, some of it looking like it dated back to WWI. After about 10 minutes of driving around the junkyard, Zach found what he was looking for. The back of our mini-van was magically transformed into a bomb bay with me as the bombardier to make sure none of the ginormous rusted pieces of steel fell on me or my precious cargo (children). We made it home without incident and the bomb casings were safely delivered to their destination. They look great by the way with spiral cut topiaries on each side of the garage.
The kids hated the adventure, by the way. They complained the whole time they were in the car. Emmy got car sick. Simon wanted out the minute he was put in his car seat. And Connor - well, let's just say that he seriously lamented all the lost time of not being able to play his new Wii Mario Kart. But in the end, I think the day we went to buy bombs for Family Home Evening will be the most memorable one we have had.
Watch for a follow up post with the finished product!
4/25/08
Passing around sickbugs
Our family is playing a game of tag with a vicious cold. It started with Connor last Saturday. Remember that day with the incredible wind and the dust in the air? I think that's what got it started with allergies. But it went from bad to worse, finally ending in a trip to the doctor and a diagnosed ear infection. That was a surprise, because his ears weren't even the problem that got us to go in. He got to miss 2 days of school because of it. He tried going both days, but by mid-day, I got a phone call from him saying that he couldn't breathe and his teachers were telling him to go home. That is a huge deal in Jr. High because missing even 1 day sets them back quite a bit.Then Connor tagged Zach with it yesterday. He came home from work, quickly ate dinner, then slumped into bed for the rest of the evening. He definitely has a man cold. If you don't know what a man cold is, definitely click on the link to educate yourself. He actually is much more of a trooper than the guy in the video, though. He toughed out the night - not getting solid sleep until around 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. When I have nights like those, I cough and sniffle loud enough to let him know I'm not sleeping. He was a sweetheart and tried to sleep on the couch so I could sleep. Around 3:45, I woke up to the sound of the surround sound speakers (right below my bedroom) blaring the 20th Century Fox theme song. I guess he gave up on sleep and decided to watch Casino Royal. It must of worked, though, because I found him snoring peacefully on the couch this morning. He is staying home today to recover from his bad night.
Now Simon is starting to show signs of the bug. Looks like we are in for a fun weekend!
4/23/08
My To-Do List
Short Term:
* Buy mirror for front room
* Do photo collage on wall in kitchen
* Take Odyssey in to have them look at the automatic doors. The back passenger door keeps closing on Emmy (for some reason, only Emmy) whenever she tries to climb in the car. I push the button to open it, it starts to open, and then half-way it starts to close again.
* Prune shrubs in yard
* Clean office
* Go see "The Other Boleyn Girl" before it leaves theaters - may be too late on that one.
* Wash car
* Finish reading "The Memory Keeper's Daughter". I'm half way through and I have 200 pages to read in 2 weeks.
* Reconcile checkbook
* Wash exterior windows of house
* Work on Young Women's lesson for Sunday
* Help Emmy prepare for her musical number at the Miss Murray Preview and Murray Fun Days talent show
* Help Connor finish his Duty To God requirements before he turns 14 in July
* Buy a Spot Bot or some kind of steam carpet cleaner to salvage my carpets - I don't know if/when new carpet will come so I guess I will have to make this stuff work unfortunately.
* Make hair appointment
* Go grocery shopping - I don't know why I put this off until the fridge is nearly bare but I do.
* Clean out garage from all the winter grime that ends up on the floor.
Long Term:
* Re-decorate office as soon as Zach moves all of his planes/war toys to the new office.
* Start exercise program.
* Re-do my childhood photo albums.
* Plan/save for family trips for the coming year - hopefully family cruise in early 2008 and Seattle/Victoria B.C in summer 2008 to celebrate my grandma's 90th birthday.
* Learn how to digitally scrapbook .
* Finish basement bathroom.
* Paint master bathroom.
* Go visit my Phoenix relatives! Someday guys - I promise.
* While I'm on that note, go visit my brother David in Scotland. I've never seen their "flat" or their beautiful home of Edinburg.
Have you had a Simon love?
Lately Simon has been giving loves to many unexpected things. First of all, a "Simon love" consists of him leaning his head on the item being loved and then cooing "uuuhhhh". Sometimes people are the recipient of this very selective display of affection, but over the last few days he has given loves to:
* His favorite page in "Oh My, Oh My, Oh Dinosaurs" by Sandra Boynton. It is the page that says "Dinosaurs singing a dinosaur song!" Of course, I sing this page which may be why he loves it. He will actually lay the book down on the ground, then lay his head down on that page and do his vocal "uuuhhhh". So cute!
* His bottle. I have been trying to wean him from the bottle and he actually went a week or 2 without it, but he just wasn't eating or drinking enough without it, so I've decided to give him 1 a day. Once I started doing this again, he will down about 3/4 of the bottle, take it out of his mouth, look at it lovingly and say "bah bah" then give it his signature love. Now I'll never be able to take it away from him!
* Today at the grocery store, he gave a package of paper towels a love. Go figure.
* Also at the grocery story, he gave the sack of dog food a love, but this was easy to figure - there was a picture of a dog on it. He loves dogs.
* He loves to play with my pots in the kitchen while I'm cooking. Anything that makes lots of noise is a big hit with him. Today my pot was lucky enough to get a Simon love.
* Yoshi gets loves whenever he is in reach of the little guy. First he will get an affection sweet love (see above), then Simon will proceed with smacking the poor pug on all sides until he's had enough and walks away.
* His favorite page in "Oh My, Oh My, Oh Dinosaurs" by Sandra Boynton. It is the page that says "Dinosaurs singing a dinosaur song!" Of course, I sing this page which may be why he loves it. He will actually lay the book down on the ground, then lay his head down on that page and do his vocal "uuuhhhh". So cute!
* His bottle. I have been trying to wean him from the bottle and he actually went a week or 2 without it, but he just wasn't eating or drinking enough without it, so I've decided to give him 1 a day. Once I started doing this again, he will down about 3/4 of the bottle, take it out of his mouth, look at it lovingly and say "bah bah" then give it his signature love. Now I'll never be able to take it away from him!
* Today at the grocery store, he gave a package of paper towels a love. Go figure.
* Also at the grocery story, he gave the sack of dog food a love, but this was easy to figure - there was a picture of a dog on it. He loves dogs.
* He loves to play with my pots in the kitchen while I'm cooking. Anything that makes lots of noise is a big hit with him. Today my pot was lucky enough to get a Simon love.
* Yoshi gets loves whenever he is in reach of the little guy. First he will get an affection sweet love (see above), then Simon will proceed with smacking the poor pug on all sides until he's had enough and walks away.
4/22/08
4/21/08
Latest "Twilight" footage
This clip is getting me more and more excited about the film. Although at one point someone's head literally gets ripped off so I am a little worried about the rating.
http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1585900&vid=226476
http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1585900&vid=226476
4/20/08
Bubbly Fun
Emmy, Simon and I found ourselves with nothing to do last Friday evening. Zach was painting the office and Connor was at a late-night with a friend. I told Emmy we needed to find a way to entertain ourselves without spending money because that takes more creativity and is usually more fun. She came up with going to the park to blow bubbles with the cool bubble wand that my mom had given her. It was warm and the sun was still up, so we headed over to Riverview Park. Emmy twirled around and around making an incredible amount of huge bubbles. Simon is relatively new to bubbles so he was fascinated for a while. After a few minutes, however, he became intent only on going into the street. No matter how many times I picked him up and how far away from the street I took him, he would instantly go back in that direction. So I finally just put him back in the car, put his favorite song "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" on repeat, and watched Emmy from the car for the rest of the time. 
4/19/08
The Paris
Tonight Zach treated me to my favorite restaurant, The Paris, up on 15th E. and 15th S. It was the perfect therapy for the week I have had. Zach has been working every night on renovating his new office, and I was fit to be tied last night (Friday) when he told me he would be working there again. I REALLY look forward to the weekends, mostly because I have a second pair of hands to help with Simon. My sister-in-law Audrey was awesome enough to babysit the kids so we could have a relaxing dinner in a grown-up restaurant, which the Paris most definitely is. We started with a cheese and fruit plate with 3 very different kinds of cheese: Shepperds Farm Fresh Chêvre (goat cheese), an English cheddar and Shaft's Bleu. Layer that on a thinly sliced red pear or apple and you have perfection! For the entree, I ordered Pan Seared Filet of Black Angus with grilled porcini mushroom, artichoke gratin (think potatoes au gratin only with thinly sliced artichoke heart), and watercress. The meat was TO DIE FOR. The juices it was sitting in gave it so much flavor that I didn't need any steak sauce, which I always use. And of course we got dessert. You can't go to a place like this and not get dessert. I ordered Caramelized Apple Stuffed Crêpes drizzled with Calvados and topped with Crème Fraîche and Grey Sea Salt. Because I am clueless when it comes to liquor, I didn't know that Calvados is a type of brandy. Ugh. I can't stand the taste of liquor in my desserts. So Zach got that all to himself. He said the taste reminded him of when his mom used to rub some sort of liquor on his gums when he was teething. The music just made the atmosphere, too. Mostly 40's music. I felt like I had stepped out of current day Salt Lake for the evening.
If you are looking for a special place to go for an anniversary, birthday, or just to get a feel for Paris in Salt Lake City, treat yourself to a meal at this place. It is a little pricey (entree's range between $15-30) but it is worth it. For directions, menus or a sampling of the music they play, go to their website at http://theparis.net/ .
4/18/08
Ode to Yoshi
As most of you know, we have a pug named Yoshi. He just turned 6 (we think - we've lost track). He was the cutest puppy you have ever seen. I know, I know - pugs are known for being flat-faced ugly. Well, that is a matter of opinion. They totally grow on you. 
We were very naive dog owners, this being our first dog, and didn't follow some cardinal puppy rules, like giving them lots of chew toys so they don't chew on everything made of wood in your house or tear strips of carpet out of the rug. To this day, I can show you puppy damage in every room of our house. But it was our fault for not researching it before we got a dog. 
I also spent a day in court because of our cute dog. Seriously. Again, being naive dog owners, we let him run loose in the neighborhood when we were too lazy to take him for a walk to do his business (we didn't have a fenced in backyard at the time). One of the neighbors didn't like that, so they called animal control on us and they issued us a ticket. Yes - you can get a ticket for your dog and have to stand in front of a judge along side common criminals to testify as to why your dog was leaving presents on your neighbor's park strips. At the time I was really offended that a neighbor would do that. Now - I'd probably do the same thing.
He is a super cuddly dog. He sleeps with the kids. Sometimes I will go in their rooms in the morning to find him "spooning" with them or laying up on their pillow with their heads somewhere off the pillow. They take turns every other night with him. When they both have sleepovers, I reluctantly let him sleep on our bed. He sheds so much that I hate for him to do it. I need to have one place in our house that I can sit down in black pants and not have to worry about dog hair.
Some of his quirks are that he won't eat unless someone is in the kitchen with him. This is a real problem when we go out of town. We usually have someone come over and "hang out" with him while he eats.
He loves to chase birds. I think he actually believes he will catch one some day. You just have to whisper the word "birdie" and he tears off to the back door waiting to run outside to rid the yard of feathered creatures.
He has a girlfriend pug down the street named Lolly. She is an ugly pug. Yes, there are cute pugs and ugly pugs. I don't know how to describe the difference but there is one. He knows her name. Say it next time you are here and see what happens. Lolly doesn't know it yet, but she's about to be replaced. Zach's sister Adri is buying a female pug soon with plans of breeding someday. Yoshi will finally get some action! Zach and I are worried that he won't know what to do when given the chance. It has been ages since he tried mating with Emmy's stuffed animals. Ah - the things we pet owners worry about!
4/16/08
Ahhh, Jennica misses me!
Jennica so subtly reminded me that I haven't blogged for 2 days and that I needed to post again. I'm so flattered that she so faithfully counts on my blogging habit :) I can't think of much to write about today other than a couple of things...
* My good friend from high school days, Andy A., just had his 3rd baby and named him - Zachary. When I read that on his wife's blog this morning, I couldn't help but giggle to myself because I'm pretty much positive that was his wife's choice, not his. Andy was pretty upset when I started dating my Zachary. There was a pretty hostile confrontation in the halls of Murray High actually over the matter.
* American Idol - awesome again. I was a little worried when Ryan announced that Mariah Carey was the theme/mentor of the night. I'm not a big fan of the pop diva. But the boys especially turned her songs into something that I could actually see myself listening to. David A. was a favorite again, even earning the "David is the one to beat" title from Simon.
* Zach is in Idaho Falls right now trying to win a new customer. Good luck darling! If anyone can talk them into using your incredible talent, you can!
* I just got my morning dose of crying in by watching this...
http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/570/99-Balloons
It takes something like this to remind me what a blessing it is to have normal, healthy kids.
* I can't believe Nature would taunt us like it did this last weekend, then pull this snow stunt. I'm really annoyed...
And that's it! I can't believe it - I have never been at a loss for words since I starting this blogging thing!
* My good friend from high school days, Andy A., just had his 3rd baby and named him - Zachary. When I read that on his wife's blog this morning, I couldn't help but giggle to myself because I'm pretty much positive that was his wife's choice, not his. Andy was pretty upset when I started dating my Zachary. There was a pretty hostile confrontation in the halls of Murray High actually over the matter.
* American Idol - awesome again. I was a little worried when Ryan announced that Mariah Carey was the theme/mentor of the night. I'm not a big fan of the pop diva. But the boys especially turned her songs into something that I could actually see myself listening to. David A. was a favorite again, even earning the "David is the one to beat" title from Simon.
* Zach is in Idaho Falls right now trying to win a new customer. Good luck darling! If anyone can talk them into using your incredible talent, you can!
* I just got my morning dose of crying in by watching this...
http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/570/99-Balloons
It takes something like this to remind me what a blessing it is to have normal, healthy kids.
* I can't believe Nature would taunt us like it did this last weekend, then pull this snow stunt. I'm really annoyed...
And that's it! I can't believe it - I have never been at a loss for words since I starting this blogging thing!
4/14/08
Up close and personal
On Saturday, I needed Zach to take care of Simon while Emmy and I went to a voice recital for our favorite babysitter/piano teacher Brynn. I forgot to leave Zach with the van (the only mode of transportation we have with a car seat) so he and the little guy were stranded at home for 2 hours. With the awesome weather, they got cabin fever and Zach took Simon for a walk in the stroller. They walked and walked and walked ... until they ended up at the trax station! Now, Simon knows just as soon as you turn west on Winchester (or 59th) that there will be train tracks coming up. He starts doing his "choo choo" chant over and over until he sees them. Well, this was the first time he got to be out of the car and up close and personal to the actual train. Zach took him up on the platform and watched several trains come and go. Simon was in awe, to say the least. Then, on a whim, Zach actually boarded the train with him and took him down to the next station by the new hospital. When I got out of the recital, I had a text to go pick him up there. When I got there, I couldn't find them. Apparently, he got tired of waiting for me and they starting walking over the new bridge across 53rd where I found them and picked them up. What an adventure for such a little guy! I love that Zach did this for him. He is all about creating "happenings" for our kids.
Twilight Preview
The jury is still out on this actor as Edward. I know Lisa is refusing to even go see it because of the choice, but I want to keep an open mind.
4/13/08
Climbing the ladder with dad
What a beautiful day! This picture was taken in my in-laws backyard. We had a BBQ there tonight and I could have stayed out there for hours! Simon had his first real "boy" experience of playing in the great outdoors, crawling in the dirt, etc. Now that it's warm and he is walking, there is a whole new world for him to explore! Unfortunately it was a school night so we had to go home much sooner than I would have liked to.
4/12/08
Murray High Class of '92
6 years ago, I had the pleasure of planning our 10 year reunion. I say "pleasure" honestly, not cynically, because it really was a great chance to contact (or try to contact) everyone from our class and find out where they were, what they were up to, etc. I can't remember how many came vs. how many didn't come, but it seemed to me that almost everyone who came were people that I knew and was friends with to some degree back in high school. I really think we had a unique class that was very close and continues to stay in touch. An unusually high number of people from our class married each other, and/or still live in Murray and have kids going to Murray schools. Many of my blog readers and blogs that I read are friends from high school. I came across this picture recently and thought I would post it for those of you who attended and didn't order the picture, or didn't get a chance to attend.
4/11/08
Book Club / American Idol
Last night I hosted book club at my house. Let me just say that it's a good thing that I have to host things every once in a while like Bonko and book club because it's the only time I deep clean - places that no one who attended last night would even notice - like behind the fridge and under the couch, but it just feels so good to know that your house is clean. I took a small break in the middle of the day to go to lunch with Zach and Simon at Citrus Grill on 33rd South and 33rd East. We first tried to go to a place on 33rd down the hill called Zinn Bistro (in the Ivy Place mall) that we've never been to. But as soon as we walked in the door, a lady came up to us and said "We don't have high chairs, will that be all right?" So we said "no thanks" and
started to leave, but she felt it necessary to add insult to injury and called after us "This isn't really a place for kids". OK - we get it. We're not welcome because we have a baby. How can any restaurant in Utah not have high chairs? Citrus Grill was so good, though. I'm glad it worked out that way, because I had the best grilled cheese sandwich with brie cheese and slices of red pear. WOW - I'm gonna have to try that at home.
Back to book club - the book we were discussing was "These is my Words" and for the most part, everyone liked it. There were a few who didn't finish reading it. I barely did - I was reading it an hour before people showed up. But I think we all came away with some great life lessons that we learned from Sarah Prine, like it's good to always keep a pistol in your kitchen apron. Seriously, I think the most inspiring I learned was not to take my formal education for granted. It was something she didn't get in her difficult life, but she took advantage of every book and situation that came her way to further her education.
Can I just say how much I am enjoying these new friends of mine? We have so much to learn from each other, and if you always surround yourself with the same people, you limit how much you can learn! So Cindy, Lynda, the lady sitting next to Lynda (I don't know her name!!!), Julia, Lindsay, Katrina, Kari, Julie, Pepper and Ginger - thanks for gracing my home with your presence and brightening my night with stimulating conversation!
After almost everyone left, Julie, Kari, Emmy and I went back into my bedroom and watched American Idol to see who got voted off. Kind of a shocker that it was Michael Johns. He wasn't my favorite, but I didn't expect him to be in the bottom three, let alone be the one to go home! Probably my favorite part of the show last night was Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown singing "No Air". I think America got it right with her last season.
started to leave, but she felt it necessary to add insult to injury and called after us "This isn't really a place for kids". OK - we get it. We're not welcome because we have a baby. How can any restaurant in Utah not have high chairs? Citrus Grill was so good, though. I'm glad it worked out that way, because I had the best grilled cheese sandwich with brie cheese and slices of red pear. WOW - I'm gonna have to try that at home.
Back to book club - the book we were discussing was "These is my Words" and for the most part, everyone liked it. There were a few who didn't finish reading it. I barely did - I was reading it an hour before people showed up. But I think we all came away with some great life lessons that we learned from Sarah Prine, like it's good to always keep a pistol in your kitchen apron. Seriously, I think the most inspiring I learned was not to take my formal education for granted. It was something she didn't get in her difficult life, but she took advantage of every book and situation that came her way to further her education.
Can I just say how much I am enjoying these new friends of mine? We have so much to learn from each other, and if you always surround yourself with the same people, you limit how much you can learn! So Cindy, Lynda, the lady sitting next to Lynda (I don't know her name!!!), Julia, Lindsay, Katrina, Kari, Julie, Pepper and Ginger - thanks for gracing my home with your presence and brightening my night with stimulating conversation!
After almost everyone left, Julie, Kari, Emmy and I went back into my bedroom and watched American Idol to see who got voted off. Kind of a shocker that it was Michael Johns. He wasn't my favorite, but I didn't expect him to be in the bottom three, let alone be the one to go home! Probably my favorite part of the show last night was Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown singing "No Air". I think America got it right with her last season.
4/9/08
A New Chapter for Think Tank
On Monday afternoon, Zach and his partner, Allen, purchased a building that will soon become the new home of Think Tank Creative. Think Tank has officially grown out of their rental space in the bright yellow building on 300 South and 200 East. It has been a good home for the last 2 1/2 years, but they are bursting at the seams and it became necessary to take this step if they wanted to continue to grow, which they seem to just keep on doing. This building is located on 4500 South and about 760 East, just a few doors down from Smith's on 900 East. They do have some remodeling and re-landscaping to do, so it won't look exactly like this when they move into the building in May. I'm so proud of Zach (and Allen) and how far they have brought this little company that started 7 years ago in our basement. I've learned to believe Zach when he says he is going to do something by a certain date. He hasn't been proven wrong yet. Congratulations, sweetheart!
Emmy loves sliding around on the slippery floors.
Even in an unfurnished room, Simon still finds things (like phone jack covers) to get into.
Emmy loves sliding around on the slippery floors.
Even in an unfurnished room, Simon still finds things (like phone jack covers) to get into.
4/7/08
Weekend Update
* Saw some incredible photos from a collection being displayed at the Mesa Temple Visitor's Center called "Reflections of Christ" that was done in conjunction with the Church's Easter Pageant. 
See the slideshow here...
http://www.reflectionsofchrist.org/
and here...
http://mabrystudios.typepad.com/reflections_of_christ/2008/03/reflections-sli.html
I prefer the second website (the photographer's site) because it is set to an awesome version of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing".
*Celebrated not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 birthdays. My dad, my mother-in-law Vicki, my brother-in-law Brett Ballingham, and my dog Yoshi! Since my dad is in another state, I didn't get to do much to celebrate his birthday other than call him and send him a CD of the radio show "This American Life" that my brother introduced me to which I really like. For the Utah birthdays, we had a huge breakfast over at my in-laws on Sunday morning. I've said it before - no one does meals like the Sharples. Menu items included Zach's famous french toast, Adri's biscuits and gravy (a first for me and so yummy!), Audrey's quiche (I don't do quiche, but if I did, I'm sure hers would be the best), Melissa's mini-muffins of every variety, fresh fruit of every kind and sausage. Did I miss anything, Sharples? I am a huge breakfast fan so this was a great way to start the day.
* Watched some of conference, more than I usually do, but still not as much as I should. I have it all recorded, though, with the best intentions of watching it talk by talk for Family Home Evening's. What I saw was great. Is it just me, or does Pres. Monson seem so much more somber than he did before he was called? Even his jokes were somber, funny but somber. He must feel the weight of the Church on his shoulders now.
* Watched the last half of "Sense and Sensibility" on PBS Sunday night (actually Monday morning because I DVR'ed it). The funniest part was that as I was watching the final scene where Edward Farrows professes his undying love to Eleanor Dashwood (with tears running down my face), my sister Misty called me and asked me excitedly "Did you watch Sense and Sensibility?" She had just finished it and cried her way through the last scene, too. There's just something about Jane Austen love stories that ring so emotionally with me!
* Did my part to support the economy by going out and spending some of my tax return at my favorite store, Ann Taylor. I'm loving their shoe line right now - all super shiny patent leather. And they were having a buy-one-get-one-half-off sale which is the only way possible to afford their shoes.
* Watched the stupidest movie ever called "Blonde Ambition" starring Jessica Simpson and Luke Wilson. We rent all kinds of movies, and occasionally I just feel like an easy-on-the-brain kind of movie like this appeared to be. It turned out to be too easy on the brain - it didn't require any thought at all. We couldn't even get past the first half hour. Everything was so poorly acted and over-acted. It was bordering on slap-stick. I thought Luke Wilson might be the saving grace since we all know that Jessica isn't best known for her acting, but he wasn't even one bit funny.
* Got head-butted HARD in the cheekbone by my sweet baby. He has entered a new phase lately of biting, screaming, slapping and head-butting when he is out of sorts. Going to restaurants is proving a tad challenging with this new behavior. I love him but sheesh! he is getting hard.
(My mom worried that you would think this kid is actually Simon. It's not - he doesn't have the finger dexterity to flip us off...yet.)
* Took Simon to his 15 month appointment only to find out he has a raging ear infection. We had no idea. He hasn't had a fever or been tugging at his ears. Maybe this is the reason for the head-butting, etc...
He is 22 lbs. and 31" putting him in the 25% where he has been pretty much from birth. All my kids have been on the low end of the spectrum for weight and height.
* Watched Zach teach Connor and Emmy how to play blackjack...while listening to general conference no less. Hey - at least they sat through an entire session AND they paid tithing on their winnings!
* Took Emmy to a cake decorating class that my sister-in-law put on with her girl scouts. My sister-in-law is the world's best girl scout leader. She has had the same troop for probably 5+ years and took them to Catalina in California recently, something they had been working so hard to earn money for. Emmy had such a good time. She brought home one of those doll-cakes you've probably seen before and a cupcake with a frosting rose she made all by herself.
See the slideshow here...
http://www.reflectionsofchrist.org/
and here...
http://mabrystudios.typepad.com/reflections_of_christ/2008/03/reflections-sli.html
I prefer the second website (the photographer's site) because it is set to an awesome version of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing".
*Celebrated not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 birthdays. My dad, my mother-in-law Vicki, my brother-in-law Brett Ballingham, and my dog Yoshi! Since my dad is in another state, I didn't get to do much to celebrate his birthday other than call him and send him a CD of the radio show "This American Life" that my brother introduced me to which I really like. For the Utah birthdays, we had a huge breakfast over at my in-laws on Sunday morning. I've said it before - no one does meals like the Sharples. Menu items included Zach's famous french toast, Adri's biscuits and gravy (a first for me and so yummy!), Audrey's quiche (I don't do quiche, but if I did, I'm sure hers would be the best), Melissa's mini-muffins of every variety, fresh fruit of every kind and sausage. Did I miss anything, Sharples? I am a huge breakfast fan so this was a great way to start the day.
* Watched some of conference, more than I usually do, but still not as much as I should. I have it all recorded, though, with the best intentions of watching it talk by talk for Family Home Evening's. What I saw was great. Is it just me, or does Pres. Monson seem so much more somber than he did before he was called? Even his jokes were somber, funny but somber. He must feel the weight of the Church on his shoulders now.
* Watched the last half of "Sense and Sensibility" on PBS Sunday night (actually Monday morning because I DVR'ed it). The funniest part was that as I was watching the final scene where Edward Farrows professes his undying love to Eleanor Dashwood (with tears running down my face), my sister Misty called me and asked me excitedly "Did you watch Sense and Sensibility?" She had just finished it and cried her way through the last scene, too. There's just something about Jane Austen love stories that ring so emotionally with me!
* Did my part to support the economy by going out and spending some of my tax return at my favorite store, Ann Taylor. I'm loving their shoe line right now - all super shiny patent leather. And they were having a buy-one-get-one-half-off sale which is the only way possible to afford their shoes.
* Watched the stupidest movie ever called "Blonde Ambition" starring Jessica Simpson and Luke Wilson. We rent all kinds of movies, and occasionally I just feel like an easy-on-the-brain kind of movie like this appeared to be. It turned out to be too easy on the brain - it didn't require any thought at all. We couldn't even get past the first half hour. Everything was so poorly acted and over-acted. It was bordering on slap-stick. I thought Luke Wilson might be the saving grace since we all know that Jessica isn't best known for her acting, but he wasn't even one bit funny.
* Got head-butted HARD in the cheekbone by my sweet baby. He has entered a new phase lately of biting, screaming, slapping and head-butting when he is out of sorts. Going to restaurants is proving a tad challenging with this new behavior. I love him but sheesh! he is getting hard.
(My mom worried that you would think this kid is actually Simon. It's not - he doesn't have the finger dexterity to flip us off...yet.)* Took Simon to his 15 month appointment only to find out he has a raging ear infection. We had no idea. He hasn't had a fever or been tugging at his ears. Maybe this is the reason for the head-butting, etc...
He is 22 lbs. and 31" putting him in the 25% where he has been pretty much from birth. All my kids have been on the low end of the spectrum for weight and height.* Watched Zach teach Connor and Emmy how to play blackjack...while listening to general conference no less. Hey - at least they sat through an entire session AND they paid tithing on their winnings!
* Took Emmy to a cake decorating class that my sister-in-law put on with her girl scouts. My sister-in-law is the world's best girl scout leader. She has had the same troop for probably 5+ years and took them to Catalina in California recently, something they had been working so hard to earn money for. Emmy had such a good time. She brought home one of those doll-cakes you've probably seen before and a cupcake with a frosting rose she made all by herself.
4/6/08
Memories from Childhood
My brother reminded me the other day that as kids we used to love watching the Muppet Show in the evenings in our family room eating dinner off TV trays, the coolest invention ever. Did any of you remember doing that? I think I was quite young because he is 6 years older than me. Here is a clip from one of the shows featuring my favorite Muppet character, Animal.
A special day
Yesterday during the first session of general conference, we had the sacred privilege to sustain a new prophet of God, President Thomas S. Monson. I thought it was so COOL that everyone in the world who was watching or listening to conference, which must have been in the millions, stood up at the SAME TIME and raised their right hand to say they would support and follow him as prophet, seer and revelator. I had the thought that the earth must have shifted just a bit at that moment. I was honored to be a part of that. I had to explain to my kids that we weren't voting a new prophet in, as Heavenly Father has already declared him to our prophet, but we were saying that we will honor and support him in this role to lead our church. It was a special day.
Alphabet Tag
A-Attached or Single:
I'm singularly attached. I love my Zachary.
B-Best Friend:
That would have to be Zach also. I spend more time talking to him on the phone and late at night than any girlfriend.
C-Cake or Pie:
Mmmmmm, both please.
D-Day of Choice:
Right now it's Tuesday and Wednesday because of American Idol. After Wednesday night, I wonder how I will occupy my time until the next Tuesday night.
E-Essential Items:
Eucerin lotion, Shine-a-licious lip gloss, gum, my computer, my car.
F-Favorite Color:
Periwinkle Blue
G-Gummy Bears or Worms:
Bears.
H-Hometown:
Born in Murray, Utah.
I-Indulgences:
Pepsi and chips/french onion dip late at night while watching movies in bed with Zach.
J-January or July:
I'm so sick of winter that right now I say July. But in July, I would probably vote for January.
K- Kids:
Three - all in very different stages of life.
L- Life would be incomplete without:
My family and friends.
M- Marriage Date:
February 11, 1994.
N-Number of Siblings:
2 big brothers, 2 big sisters and 1 little bro (if almost 28 can be called little!).
O-Oranges or Apples:
Apples, Fuji apples to be more precise. They are the best! I can't stand pulp and oranges seem to be made of it - go figure!
P-Phobia or Fears:
Losing a child. I don't like spiders either.
Q-Quotes:
???
R-Reason to smile:
Seeing my kids get along and loving each other.
S-Season:
Late spring - when it finally warms up enough to wear short sleeves and sandals!
T-Tag Six:
How about Julie, Julia, Katie, Lindsay, Natalie, Jennica, Jenn B.?
U-Unknown Fact About Me:
I have told you every deep, dark, secret about me in previous posts. Go check those out.
V-Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal:
Oh, definitely oppressor of animals. I feel very strongly about not harming the vegetable population.
Y- Your Favorite Food:
I'm a meat and potatoes kind of girl. Steak, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls - ultimate dinner for me.
Z-Zodiac Sign:
Aquarius. Apparently this means I am friendly and humanitarian, honest and loyal, original and inventive, independent and intellectual. On the dark side, that means I am intractable and contrary, perverse and unpredictable, unemotional and detached. That's why I don't believe in this stuff!
I'm singularly attached. I love my Zachary.
B-Best Friend:
That would have to be Zach also. I spend more time talking to him on the phone and late at night than any girlfriend.
C-Cake or Pie:
Mmmmmm, both please.
D-Day of Choice:
Right now it's Tuesday and Wednesday because of American Idol. After Wednesday night, I wonder how I will occupy my time until the next Tuesday night.
E-Essential Items:
Eucerin lotion, Shine-a-licious lip gloss, gum, my computer, my car.
F-Favorite Color:
Periwinkle Blue
G-Gummy Bears or Worms:
Bears.
H-Hometown:
Born in Murray, Utah.
I-Indulgences:
Pepsi and chips/french onion dip late at night while watching movies in bed with Zach.
J-January or July:
I'm so sick of winter that right now I say July. But in July, I would probably vote for January.
K- Kids:
Three - all in very different stages of life.
L- Life would be incomplete without:
My family and friends.
M- Marriage Date:
February 11, 1994.
N-Number of Siblings:
2 big brothers, 2 big sisters and 1 little bro (if almost 28 can be called little!).
O-Oranges or Apples:
Apples, Fuji apples to be more precise. They are the best! I can't stand pulp and oranges seem to be made of it - go figure!
P-Phobia or Fears:
Losing a child. I don't like spiders either.
Q-Quotes:
???
R-Reason to smile:
Seeing my kids get along and loving each other.
S-Season:
Late spring - when it finally warms up enough to wear short sleeves and sandals!
T-Tag Six:
How about Julie, Julia, Katie, Lindsay, Natalie, Jennica, Jenn B.?
U-Unknown Fact About Me:
I have told you every deep, dark, secret about me in previous posts. Go check those out.
V-Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal:
Oh, definitely oppressor of animals. I feel very strongly about not harming the vegetable population.
Y- Your Favorite Food:
I'm a meat and potatoes kind of girl. Steak, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls - ultimate dinner for me.
Z-Zodiac Sign:
Aquarius. Apparently this means I am friendly and humanitarian, honest and loyal, original and inventive, independent and intellectual. On the dark side, that means I am intractable and contrary, perverse and unpredictable, unemotional and detached. That's why I don't believe in this stuff!
4/4/08
Book Tag
I was tagged for literacy by a fellow book clubber Lindsay. Here are the rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book (at least 123 pages)
2. Turn to page 123
3. Find the 5th sentence
4. Post the 5th sentence on your blog
5. Tag 5 people
Since I'm in my office at the moment, the closest book to me is in Connor's room. He is currently reading "Seventh Son" by Orson Scott Card. I suggested he read this since I remember really liking it and he had to choose from a list of authors for his English class and Mr. Card was on there. This is part of a series called The Tales of Alvin Maker. It is set in the past, but an alternate past. Kind of a fantasy frontier America where people used lore and folk magic. Orson Scott Card is a great author in my opinion. He writes in all sorts of different genres including fantasy, science fiction ("Ender's Game"), and religious historical fiction ("Sarah", "Rebekkah" and my favorite "Saints").
Anyway, here's the fifth sentence on page 123:
"In the days that Taleswapper had been with them, Alvin had come to know that Taleswapper never exactly lied."
Probably not the most intriguing of sentences, but it really is a good book.
I tag: Mom, Misty, Erin, Natalie, Katie, Jennica, Jenn, Julie, Adri, Audrey, Jasmin and Vicki.
1. Pick up the nearest book (at least 123 pages)
2. Turn to page 123
3. Find the 5th sentence
4. Post the 5th sentence on your blog
5. Tag 5 people
Since I'm in my office at the moment, the closest book to me is in Connor's room. He is currently reading "Seventh Son" by Orson Scott Card. I suggested he read this since I remember really liking it and he had to choose from a list of authors for his English class and Mr. Card was on there. This is part of a series called The Tales of Alvin Maker. It is set in the past, but an alternate past. Kind of a fantasy frontier America where people used lore and folk magic. Orson Scott Card is a great author in my opinion. He writes in all sorts of different genres including fantasy, science fiction ("Ender's Game"), and religious historical fiction ("Sarah", "Rebekkah" and my favorite "Saints").
Anyway, here's the fifth sentence on page 123:
"In the days that Taleswapper had been with them, Alvin had come to know that Taleswapper never exactly lied."
Probably not the most intriguing of sentences, but it really is a good book.
I tag: Mom, Misty, Erin, Natalie, Katie, Jennica, Jenn, Julie, Adri, Audrey, Jasmin and Vicki.
4/3/08
Kelly through the years...
What a trip this was putting this together!
KINDERGARTEN
FIRST GRADE
SECOND GRADE
THIRD GRADE
FOURTH GRADE
FIFTH GRADE
I can't find a 6th grade picture~
7TH GRADE
8TH GRADE
9TH GRADE
10TH GRADE
11TH GRADE
12TH GRADE
KINDERGARTEN
FIRST GRADE
SECOND GRADE
THIRD GRADE
FOURTH GRADE
FIFTH GRADE
I can't find a 6th grade picture~
7TH GRADE
8TH GRADE
9TH GRADE
10TH GRADE
11TH GRADE
12TH GRADE
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)