A Snippet of the Past

Littles- literally...

OK- so these aren't too old. Almost seven years...where does time go??? I told some friends of mine at work that I would post these so they could see how small the littles were.

I can't get Ryan's picture to load- I'll try and update later and include it...

The Last Piece

Ryan called me at work yesterday- just devastated. He and Katelyn had been working on a puzzle together. She got to put in the last piece. Apparently this was enough to send him over the edge and call me to be consoled. I suggested that he remove a piece and put it back in. This was not good enough. He called it a "redo".

It's funny how the last piece is such a big thing...

Tripping for Work

I had the opportunity to travel to Minnesota about a week ago to attend a HACCP training at the new Malt-O-Meal technical center. I had a lot of fun traveling with my co-workers and I have to admit the class was OK too.

I traveled with a Line Manager from the opposite shift and really enjoyed getting to know him better. We had four others from Tremonton in our group as well. We had a great time and they even humored me and we went to the Mall of America and they let me go to the Disney Store. I hurried and got Ryan and Katelyn each a valentine, (cute pj's) and didn't even look for myself. I was afraid that they'd get bored really fast if I took too much time- kinda like Wes would!


We ate at a really great restaurant called Molly Cools. It was recommended by one of the big guys at the Tech center. I had blackened salmon and mashed red potatoes and fresh steamed green beans. WOW! was it ever good. I should have taken a picture of the presentation too- it even looked good. I can't say I've ever had better salmon anywhere else. As a bonus to me, a few of the guys I traveled with are on weight watchers- I had an opportunity to learn a little about the points system that they use. Sounds pretty good- and I don't think that those guys ever went hungry. They ate more food than I did!


We went to the Cabela's store one night too. (I know, so not me! But they did go to the Disney Store!) One of the guys we were with mentioned that he wanted to look for night vision goggles- thought that they'd be cool to have. Another in the group wisely asked what he's do with them if he had them. He replied that he'd use them to look at cats. The cats may be surprised that someone else could see at night too. OK- this was too much for us- Like the cats would know someone could see in the dark- AND cats????? Why not the deer or even to play jokes???? But Cats?????? This was too funny and some laughed until tears were in their eyes. Everyone also told their most embarrassing moments at the table that night. WOW! It was pretty funny. I work with some fun people. The best was from Ryan (the cat guy). All I'll say is never send a 19 year old for a physical without a little bit of knowledge first. Oh my! Some of the other stories had to do with embarrassing yourself on the radio- and saying too much. Or there was even the crazy old aunt who got into bed with her newlywed nieces' husband. My embarrassing moment wasn't that good- I seem to have a swiss cheese memory and let those things fall right through the holes.


After we went to Cabela's, we programmed the St.Paul temple into the GPS and went for a drive. (GPS' are way cool! Gotta get one of those!) Anyway, the temple was really neat. It was quite small- built in the same lot as what I think was the stake center. I took the picture with my cell-so it's not to great, but still beautiful.



I got home safe-It's always nice to go home. The house was in a little bit worse shape than I left it in, but the kids were happy to see me. It's strange how much they change in just three days!

Mystery Giver Strikes Again!

Ryan and Katelyn were elated to find out that their mystery giver knows our new address. Last week, yet another box of treasures arrived from our generous benefactor. It was just like Christmas all over again.

The new treasures include Zhu Zhu Pet Beds, a whoopie cushion, a cool wooden train set, sea creature capsules, candy!!!!, a princess night light, Valentine's Day stuffed animals and glow bracelets just to name a few.

The whoopie cushion was a fun joke on Mom, overplayed if you ask me!! The Train Set was Ryan's favorite, and Katelyn loved the Zhu Zhu pet bed. Jilly has been warm every night...

We tried (again) to send a thank you note to the address on the shipping box, but it was returned to sender (again). THANK YOU MYSTERY GIVER! You make two little children very happy!

Ryan's Growing Up

A few weeks ago Ryan asked me to help him with his MP3 player. It seems that he has outgrown the likes of The Wiggles, The Backyardigans and the Wonder Pets. When I feigned sadness over this milestone in his life, he told me that he guessed it would be OK to keep Disney and Elmo.

He had me add a lot of "Cowboy" songs. Added to his Disney and Elmo he is now listening to George Strait, John Denver, Styx, Chris Ledoux, Brenn Hill, and Santa's Using Zebras!

Interesting choices...At least he didn't ask for Iron Maiden, Metallica, Madonna or Van Halen!

Miss Kris Rules!!! Just Ask Katelyn and Ryan!

Miss Kris sent home special prizes for Ryan and Katelyn. They were so excited!!!! They bounced like Tiggers all over the house. Both of them have decided that Kris is their favorite "bigger than they are person that I work with". ( I think that's the same as five star, five diamonds, five Mickey's, a big box of crayons, a coke with their kids meal, etc.)Here they are with their new Jazz Bear umbrellas...you'll have to imagine the multiple choruses of "Singin' in the Rain". They tried to dance just like in the movie. (Wow! I really need a digital camcorder... You had to see it to appreciate its laugh factor!)AND, just as I predicted...here they are bouncing the nerf mini basketballs down the entry way. They laughed and giggled doing this fun thing, UNTIL Dad got home. They hid the balls after that! Thanks Kris! You're the best!