Are We There Yet?

MTC Drop Off Day Jan 25 2012

2012-02-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

Ryan really wasn't crying that hard...the sun was just really bright!

Matching dork faces!

As good as it got for a quick family picture.

Hunter and one of his best friends (and cousin) Kaylee.

Hunter with a solemn face. Terrible lighting on the picture...it was so bright out!

Me trying to bite back the tears. I did ok until Wes teared up.

I know it's short but Blogger isn't exactly picture loading friendly and I'm frustrated! Hunter is doing well after being gone for two weeks. He misses chores "stupid crazy" in his words. He is doing well with the language and sends his love to all.

For the Sweet Elder Heading To Guam...

2011-10-09T12:23:00.000-07:00

I sat next to an amazing young man on the plane on our way home from Disneyland. I believe his name was Joseph and he was from Riverside CA and he was heading to the MTC. I hope he looks for this blog and keeps in touch. He was a joy to sit next to and chat with. His Mom should be very proud of the wonderful young man she is sending to the MTC! He will be a blessing to the saints in Guam. The story of my Grandparents conversion was something I told him I would post...so here it is as it was published in the Ensign.

That Process Called Conversion By Elder Hartman Rector, Jr. Of the First Council of the Seventy
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That Process Called Conversion

The testimony of the Saints is the strength of the Church; or should we more properly say that those who are converted are the strength of the Church. President Spencer W. Kimball seemed to indicate this when he said that the converts are the lifeblood of the Church and “if there were no converts, the Church would shrivel and die on the vine.” (Ensign, October 1974, p. 4.)

This surely points directly to the need for conversion. Missionary work was the first responsibility laid upon the Church by the Lord in this dispensation, just as it was the last commandment by the Master in the meridian of time. His parting injunction was, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15.)

There is no one in the Church today who is not either directly or indirectly the result of missionary work. Only one man (the Prophet Joseph Smith) received the message in this dispensation without a missionary, and I’m not sure Moroni would be too happy with that statement. I think Moroni considered himself a pretty fair missionary, and surely he was. But everyone else has received the message of the restoration through missionaries, either directly or indirectly. It is expected that missionaries will seek out those who will hear the message and teach the gospel in plainness and simplicity as it is found in the standard works of the Church. Also, they will “testify of the truth of the work and the doctrines revealed anew in our day.” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Ensign, July 1972, p. 28.)

Teaching by the spirit is the vehicle of conversion. Before a testimony can be born in the heart and conversion take place in the soul, the individual must be taught the truth about his relationship to God. He must not only believe the truth but must also act in harmony with the truth. Belief plus action is faith, without which it is impossible to please God “for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb. 11:6.)

This requires someone to preach the gospel because “faith cometh by hearing” the word of God. (Rom. 10:17.) Before one can believe, he must have information presented to him. He can then either believe the information or doubt it. If the information is true and he hopes it is true, believes it is true, and then acts in obedience to the information he has received, he is exercising faith and will know that it is true and become converted. On the other hand, if he doubts it even though it be true, he will never find the truth, never receive a testimony, and never be converted—at least, until he ceases to doubt.

Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge, for surely if he had a perfect knowledge of the information, he wouldn’t need faith. If you know a thing, there is no need to believe it. (See Alma 32:18.)

Faith, then, lets one act as if he knows it is true even though as yet he does not know. As such, it is power to the investigator. It is in action that knowledge is born. Knowledge of a principle of the gospel is testimony, and action, or living in accordance with the testimony is evidence of conversion.

It is true that it is possible to have a testimony and be converted to a principle of the gospel and not have a testimony and be converted to the whole gospel program. In the beginning, Peter had a testimony that Jesus is the Christ but not of telling the truth, as we can see from his actions on the night of Christ’s betrayal. One can be converted to the law of tithing and pay his tithing, and yet refuse to pay fast offerings. Some are converted to following dead prophets but are not converted to following the living prophet. Some are converted to following the living prophet but are not converted to following their bishop, who serves at the call of the prophet. Such people, I suppose, would probably refuse to sustain Judas as a member of the Twelve even if Jesus asked them to do so.

The true mark of conversion is willingness to fast and pray for a witness of the counsel given by the Lord’s anointed servant even though you don’t agree with him. True conversion reflects the fifth principle of the gospel, which is endurance. In fact, it is the will of the Father as recorded in the Book of Mormon. Nephi records, “And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.” (2 Ne. 31:11.) Later he records, “And I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved [Son] are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.” (2 Ne. 31:15.)

Then Nephi records a most significant statement: “And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved.” (2 Ne. 31:16.) The distinguishing characteristic of Jesus’ example was obedience. “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.” (John 7:16.) “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do.” (John 5:19.) Again, the Son came not to do his own will, but that of “him that sent me.” (See John 4:34.)

Nephi continues,

“Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.

“And then are ye in this straight and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.

“And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this straight and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

“And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” (2 Ne. 31:17–21.)

Based on Nephi’s statement, it is obvious that conversion is an ongoing process. Surely, all who are on the path need help from those who have gone before, which means that new members who have entered the gate surely need help from those who have preceded them and have greater experience in living in obedience to the commandments.

This brings us to another great evidence of conversion. You cannot be converted to Christ and his example and hate your brother, your family, your neighbor, or the stranger that is within (or without) your gate. The true convert must even love his enemies.

In other words, we don’t get credit from the Lord for loving those who love us unless we can also love those who not only don’t love us but don’t even like us. It is this kind of conduct that really bespeaks conversion. This conduct cannot be demonstrated by passiveness or lip service. We cannot sit by and watch others struggle with great physical, mental, or spiritual burdens and do nothing but urge them on with our high-sounding words.

James significantly records,

“If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

“And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” (James 2:15–16.)

There is such joy engendered in the heart of one who has been lifted from the darkness of uncertainty and unbelief—from not knowing who he is or where he came from or why he is here or where he is going—into the marvelous light of Christ, that he feels impelled to share what he has found with others. He must tell everyone of the wondrous change that Jesus and his love have made in his life—that he has, in Alma’s words, “been born of God,” experienced a “mighty change” in his heart, received the image of God in his countenance, and become a new creature in Christ. (Alma 5:14.)

There has grown a new and very personal relationship between the convert and Jesus Christ. You consider him your friend and have a great appreciation for what he has done for you. You also know that not only your acts but your innermost thoughts are open to him. Nothing is hidden; therefore, honesty, fairness, and fidelity become the hallmark of all your dealings, both public and private. The true convert becomes the supreme creation of God—an honest man.

Conversely, those who profess to be followers of Christ or members of his church but do not love mercy or deal justly with God, man, and creatures, walking in all holiness before God and circumspectly before their fellowman, are still in need of conversion. (See Micah 6:8.) It does not matter whether you are born in the Church or joined the Church six months ago; if this description fits you, you are still unconverted. You are still a prospective convert.

In the words of Alma,

“And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?

“Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins?

“Behold, are ye stripped of pride? …

“Is there one among you who is not stripped of envy? …

“Is there one among you that doth make a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions?

“Wo unto such an one, for he is not prepared, and the time is at hand that he must repent or he cannot be saved!” (Alma 5:26–31.)

Conversion does away with all such conduct and thus is the foundation of the society of God. Conversion not only indicates an awareness and acceptance of these growth principles, but also encompasses the principle of endurance. Faith unto repentance, and precise persisting in righteousness, is the saving power of the gospel. Conversion implies a change—a change from the natural man who is selfish, conceited, impatient, intemperate, disobedient, and rebellious to “a saint … , a child [who is] submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.” (Mosiah 3:19.)

But you might ask, “How can I start to make this change if I perceive that conversion has not fully taken place within me? Where do I start?” You start with attitude.

The apostle Paul demonstrated precisely the correct attitude of the true convert—and the conversion process is, to a great extent, a matter of attitude. It is a fact that any man can change his life by changing his attitude any time he wants to do it. This is in accordance with the statement that “as [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Prov. 23:7.) When Paul, on the way to Damascus, saw the light and heard the voice of the Lord, his question was, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6.) Until we come to the place where we need only to know the will of the Lord in order to start to do it, we are not really converted.

Having considered, to some extent, the meaning of conversion, perhaps we should consider something about how it takes place in a human soul. In talking to a number of people who have experienced conversion in their lives—people who have come out of the world into the kingdom of God—four basic experiences seem to stand out. One, or a combination, of these four themes runs as a thread through the fabric of a convert’s testimony. Converts are profoundly impressed with:

1. The Book of Mormon. Many feel that this is the key to their conversion. Often they say, “I read the Book of Mormon and I knew it was true.” When you know the Book of Mormon is true you are also convinced that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself to all nations, that “the holy scriptures [the Bible] are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old.” (D&C 20:11.)

2. Prayer. Many converts confess that they have never prayed in their lives before being introduced to the restored gospel, even though they had been members of another church all their lives. When they finally went down on their knees to the Lord in humble, sincere prayer, they knew the gospel is true, and then they were able to call upon the Lord for strength to change their lives.

3. The missionaries. Many converts are tremendously impressed with the young men or women who come to them in the name of the Lord. They are amazed at their wisdom and the authority with which they speak. It is not uncommon to hear new converts say of the missionaries, “Their appearance was not striking, their diction and grammar were less than perfect, they did not possess great worldly knowledge, but there was just something about them that convinced me that what they were saying was true; in fact, I knew they were telling me the truth.” (No More Strangers, Bookcraft, 1971, 1:viii.)

4. The Church members. A convert’s association with Latter-day Saints, in which he feels their true love and concern, is often a new and inspiring experience. He gains strength from the members who have overcome some of the things with which he is still struggling.

Perhaps an actual account of a conversion could be helpful to see how these principles work in us to produce this miracle of conversion. Some years ago when I was a relatively new convert to the Church, I was living in Arlington, Virginia, surrounded by nonmember families. Within a one-week period, two new families moved into my neighborhood. One was located directly behind my home and the other was directly across the street in front of it. I was working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the time, and my assignment caused me to do much traveling. I was away about one-half of the time.

I came home one Friday evening and found that I had a new neighbor across my backyard fence and that he had cut a hole in my chain link fence and installed a gate in it. Now, I considered this a very neighborly act. He had not charged me for the gate; in fact, I had never even met the man, so I went over to his home to get acquainted with him and tell him how much I appreciated the gate in my fence. I have found that if you consider everyone you meet a potential member of the Church, it will temper your response to certain stimuli you receive from time to time. You cannot afford to offend anyone. When you offend, you lose. The Lord uses the expression “in mildness and in meekness” (D&C 38:41) to express the way we are to tell people about the Church.

The new neighbor’s name was McKoy. He was from North Carolina and, sure enough, he had a lot of great qualities that would make him a tremendous Latter-day Saint. To enumerate a few, he was a salesman by trade, and a good salesman, too. He really knew how to close a sale. I have found in my experience that good salesmen have little or no sales resistance whatsoever. If you have a good product to sell or promote, a good salesman is a prime prospective buyer.

Also, this new neighbor was easy to talk to—a gregarious individual. This is always a good sign; frankness and forthrightness usually bespeak basic honesty, which must exist if a witness is to be borne to the heart. In addition, he was the head of his family. He audibly and obviously presided over his family. I remember remarking to my wife after that first visit with my new neighbor that he was a good man and that he would join the Church.

I became vitally involved with the McKoy family. Every time I observed him doing anything contrary to the principles of the gospel, I’d talk to him about it. For instance, one Sunday morning I came out of my house on the way to priesthood meeting and found my new neighbor planting strawberries in his backyard. I leaned over the backyard fence and said, “Mac, all of your strawberry plants will die.” Surprised, he wanted to know why. “Because you are planting them on the Sabbath. You can’t expect strawberry plants to live that are planted on the Sabbath.” Mac laughed heartily at such a ridiculous notion, but they all died—every one of them.

Some time later I took occasion to ask Mac about his strawberries. He said, “I can’t understand it. They all died.”

I said, “Remember what I told you? That they would all die? You couldn’t expect those plants to live, being planted on the Sabbath.”

Mac considered that statement for a moment and said, “You work for the Department of Agriculture, don’t you?”

Mac decided his strawberry plants had been cursed—he had made many successful Sabbath-day plantings in the past; why did this one fail? As I think about it, I felt impelled to tell him his strawberry plants would not live. I am persuaded that the Lord took care of those plants. I have found that the Lord loves to stand behind his servants and he does it at every opportunity.

Some time later Mac told me he had just thrown two elders from his church out of his home. I asked him why. He said, “They came to collect my contribution pledge.” I asked what that was and he indicated it was his practice to pledge a certain amount of money to his church each year. This year he didn’t feel he could contribute the amount he had pledged, so the elders from his church had come to encourage him. Mac had been offended and asked them to leave his home.

Now, it might appear that this would not be the best time to speak of tithing to Mac McKoy, but for some reason I felt impressed to pursue the subject. I said, “Mac, did you know that ten percent of what you earn does not belong to you?” Mac didn’t understand so I continued. “Ten percent of your earnings belong to the Lord.”

Mac said, “Tell me about tithing, would you please?” I didn’t know at the time, but Mac told me much later that he had been praying to the Lord to understand tithing, wondering how he could possibly pay tithing when he was already spending ten percent more than he earned.

I took occasion to tell Mac everything I knew about tithing. Among other things, I told him President Heber J. Grant’s story about the Sunday School teacher who took ten big red apples into her little Junior Sunday School class and asked how many of her pupils would return one apple to her if she gave them all ten apples. Every member of the class responded enthusiastically in the affirmative. The teacher then likened this analogy to the payment of tithing where the Lord gives each of us everything we have but only asks for one-tenth of it to be returned to him. President Grant added, “What most of us do is cut the tenth apple in half, hold up one half to the Lord, and ask him to take a bite.” I said to Mac, “It seems to me you fit the illustration. You’re only offering the Lord a small bite.”

Mac thought about this situation and finally said, “Yes, I can understand that. I believe what you say is true.”

Well, when Mac said he believed in paying tithing, I knew he was ready to hear the message of the restoration, so I said, “Mac, there are going to be two young men from the Church in my home next Thursday evening. They have come all the way from Salt Lake City, Utah, to talk to you about the Church. We have just been scratching the surface in our conversations about the gospel over the past six months, but they will give you the full story. Why don’t you bring your wife Betty and your four children and come over? Besides, when we finish with our discussion we’re going to have a nice dessert.” I knew he couldn’t turn down dessert.

Well, Mac came. I’m not sure whether he came for dessert or not, but he came and brought his wife and his four children. The missionaries did a great job in presenting the first proselyting discussion. Surely the Lord speaks through 19-year-old young men and he speaks eloquently. Mac and his family were tremendously impressed with these missionaries. My wife had also invited the new neighbor who had moved in across the street, so we had both families together in our living room for the missionary proselyting discussions.

The meetings went forward each Thursday evening for six weeks. After the third meeting, both of the investigator families asked to be baptized. I had the privilege of baptizing Mac, his wife Betty, and his two daughters. As I recall, we confirmed Mac a member of the Church and then ordained him a teacher. I remember telling Mac that if he would really apply himself, he would be able to baptize his son Bob, who would be baptismal age in nine months. This appealed to Mac. He wanted to be the spiritual leader of his family. As a matter of fact, I have never met or known a man who did not want to be the leader of his family. It is a God-given right.

So Mac prepared himself and did in fact baptize his son nine months later. A short time after he baptized his son, he was ordained an elder and was called on a stake mission. Mac baptized 28 people his first year as a stake missionary. He had friends all over town. He would call on friends and invite them to accompany him to a baptismal service. He wanted them to feel the special spirit of such an occasion. I’ve heard him introduce his friends as “investigators.” His friends didn’t even know what an investigator was, but they surely received special attention from all involved in the baptismal service. Those who are attending Church for the first time surely need to feel the love and special concern of the members.
Mac has continued to bring his friends and acquaintances into the Church. Since he and his family were baptized 15 years ago, he has personally baptized 112 people into the Church. He is a real estate broker by trade, and, when he picks up a good family in his business pursuits who are in the market to buy a home, he endeavors to locate them in his ward. He is precisely honest with them with respect to the home they buy, which they always appreciate. When moving time arrives, Mac arranges through the bishop for assistance from the ward priesthood quorums. Food is brought into the home by the Latter-day Saint neighbors. Help in locating schools, shopping areas, bus schedules, getting utilities turned on, and newspapers delivered comes through the local seventies quorum members at Mac’s request. When it comes time for the new family to begin attending Church, it is quite natural for Mac to take them, where they also meet their new neighborhood friends. In a short time, a new family has experienced the miracle of conversion and is baptized.
It is most interesting to see the real changes that have taken place in the McKoy family in general and in Mac in particular. First, the McKoy family is now an eternal family unit, having been sealed for time and eternity in the house of the Lord by the same authority that Jesus gave to Peter. Not only are they bound on earth but are also bound in heaven. Mac still presides over his family, but now with persuasion, tenderness, kindness, and love unfeigned.
Second, those two daughters have both married returned missionaries in the temple. Third, the oldest son, Bob, is serving in the mission field as an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ, a full-time missionary. Fourth, the next son, Steve, is soon to depart on his mission. Fifth, there is a fifth child, Tina, a bonus on Mac’s membership in the Church, because he learned the object and design of his creation. Sixth, Mac is a high priest and is a temple worker in the Washington Temple. Seventh, Mac has taught early morning seminary for the past eight years, where he has touched the lives of hundreds of young church members in the northern Virginia area. Eighth, I have heard Mac bear his testimony in testimony meeting that he gives more to the Church in one month today than was his whole annual pledge to his former church, and he had asked the elders of his former church to leave his home when they came to collect his pledge.
It is amazing what a man will do if he knows the Lord wants him to do it. I care not who it is. If you can manifest to almost any man what the Lord wants him to do and he knows it, he will come very, very close to performing the act. I believe this is true primarily because all men are offspring of the same Heavenly Father and we all react similarly to the same given stimulus. Mac is not the same man he was. He is converted, which is the fundamental qualification for citizenship in the kingdom of God and, coupled with endurance, is the guarantee of eternal life. May it be so with us all.

Baptism Day!

2011-07-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend! It was baptism day for Ryan and Katelyn. A lot of friends and family came to share this special occasion with our family. Aunt Bec french braided Kate's hair so it wouldn't float. I don't do well with french braids. We are glad that Aunt Bec was willing to take the time and do this for us.

Here Katelyn is with Mikkelle before the baptism service started.

Here is Katelyn with her Daddy before the baptism. Wes just loves pictures, can you tell?

Here Ryan is with his Dad. Ryan likes pictures still. At least one of them is smiling. I think Wes was a bit nervous. It had been since Riley was baptized that he had performed the baptism ordinance. Apparently it isn't like riding a bike. We had a few chuckles when Ryan wasn't sure how to hold his hand to pinch his nose. Wes was so nervous he had forgotten too! He did a really great job baptising the two of them. I am very grateful and feel very blessed that he is a worthy priesthood holder and he can do these important things for our family. I am so proud of him. I teased him later that he touched the bottom of the font with Katelyn. He said that he did that on purpose so her hair didn't float up!

When I was helping Katelyn change for her confirmation, I looked at her and she was smiling so cute. I asked her how she felt, to which she replied "wet!". I'm not sure what I expected her to say...maybe something a little more spiritually enlightening? We hurried as fast as we could so everyone wouldn't be waiting on the girls for the confirmations. We ended up waiting at least another ten minutes for Ryan and Wes. The boys in our family are definitely on Deweyville time! I am proud of Ryan and Katelyn and their decision to be baptized and become members of the church. It was a sweet moment for me as a Mom to have our youngest ones take this big step. Funny though, it took two minutes in the car on the way home for Ryan to start picking on Katelyn and make her scream. Fleeting moments of bliss...

Afterwards, everyone came to our house for taco salads. They were pretty good. I tried a new recipe for shredded taco chicken. It was way easy and super yummy. I promised a few people I would share so here it is:

Crockpot Chicken Tacos
2 lbs. boneless chicken breasts- I used them frozen.
16 oz. jar of medium heat salsa
6 garlic cloves- rough chopped
2 serrano peppers- seeded and rough chopped
1 lg jalapeno pepper- seeded and rough chopped
1 packet taco seasoning- I used Ortega
1 C water

Place all in a crockpot and cook 10 1/2 hours on low temperature. Shred chicken with two forks.

Note: I always put foil over the crock before putting the lid on, it seems to hold the moisture better. I also checked and added an additional 1/2 C water after about eight hours. Also, an easy way to seed the peppers is to cut them in half lengthwise and then use a teaspoon to scrape out the ribs and seeds in one easy scoop!

Thanks again to everyone that shared this special day with us. I hope you enjoy the recipe.

OH- I almost forgot!!! A super big THANK YOU to Aushlyn for bringing me an Oakcrest Camp Songs CD! I have loved listening to it. It brings back great memories! Aye Ky a Zimba, Zimba, Zia!

Environmentality-

2011-04-03T05:48:00.001-07:00

Just thought I would share the article that I wrote for our newsletter at work. The topic I was assigned? Environmental Safety and Awareness! Hope you like it.

I Learned It All Watching Cartoons…
As a child growing up in the 70's, my Saturday mornings were filled with unique learning opportunities. I learned how a bill comes to sit on Capitol Hill and about our nations' 'Great Melting Pot'. I learned that 'three is a magic number', about the function of conjunctions and that Lolly's sells adverbs. Timer taught me why it's important to have a good breakfast every morning, had me 'hankerin' for a hunka cheese' and begging my mother for freezer space to make 'sunshine on a stick'. I'm sure that you have your favorites and can still recite a line or two as well.
There are dozens of other lessons that I learned on Saturday mornings. Among those widely popular characters who had something to teach was our good friend Woodsy Owl. Looking back, I realize that what Woodsy taught provided a foundation of environmental awareness for me. Woodsy taught me about water pollution and how it's important that we keep our lakes and streams clean and free of contaminants for animals, plants and for future enjoyment. I learned that whenever I see litter I should pick it up and throw it away. I learned that vandalism destroys property and trees. Woodsy even skipped down a street with at least a hundred boys and girls on bikes instead of in cars while singing about clean air. He taught me that if we each did a little bit, it would make a big difference. His message, as simplistic as it was, still applies today. "Give a Hoot, Don't Pollute".
A few weekends back, I spent a Saturday morning watching cartoons with my little people. I quickly realized that their Saturday ritual is vastly different than mine at their age. All of the educational messages that once played in between my favorite cartoons have been replaced with advertisements for toys and kids meals.
Environmental awareness and safety is everyone's responsibility. As adults it is our responsibility to teach children and youth about our environment and how to protect it. The messages need be no more complicated than those that Woodsy taught on Saturday morning years ago. Teach by example, show them how to recycle, and explain complicated things like air quality and oil spills to them in terms that they can understand. The example that you set and the things that you teach them will leave a lasting impression and provide a foundation of environmental awareness in our rising generations. "Hoot, Hoot!"

Head 'Em Up and Move 'Em Out

2011-01-14T07:51:00.000-08:00

I love my little people tons. However, I seriously struggle with them obeying me. Especially in the mornings. I DREAD getting them up in the morning to go to school. They whine, cry, scream, kick, put the blankets over their head, and even go board stiff when I try to get them up and dressed. Joy of joys!

I've tried putting them in bed earlier, making hot breakfast, being sickening sweet and convincing, being firm and forcing them from bed, encouraging them to race each other getting ready, (which by the way I do not recommend as it causes additional melt downs from the loser.), taking away valued possessions and throwing my arms in the air and yelling "Fine, but you'll have to spend the ENTIRE day with me and I'm cleaning the house!" Sometimes that last one works and sometimes it doesn't. It's AMAZING to watch them leap right out of bed for Wes...little stinkers...

I was definitely NOT looking forward to getting both of them up and to school on time by myself this morning. I wanted to pull the blankets back over MY head when the alarm went off! The thought of letting them stay home and fight with each other all day brought my feet to the floor rather quickly.

Katelyn was in my bed..WOW...I had no clue she was there. I wondered when it was that she wandered in. She must have slept soundly...usually she sleeps like a cement mixer- thrashing about, hitting me in the head and kicking me in the kidneys when she gets in our bed. I rubbed her back a bit and tried to wake her up. She stirred, growled and pulled the blankets over her head. I knew I was in for trouble, so I went to get dressed. While I was brushing my teeth I heard her get up and go into her bathroom. Woo Hoo! One down!

When I finished dressing, I went to Katelyn's room to see that she was getting dressed...to my surprise she was buried under her blankets sleeping again! Really???? Where did I go so wrong??? I found her favorite outfit, (lucky for me it was actually clean!), and she was so excited to wear it that she jumped right up and put it on. I sent her in to brush her teeth and hair and poured her a bowl of cereal. One down...again!

I turned on the cartoons to keep her attention, and to keep her from going back to her bed. I went to the fridge and pulled out the Diet Coke. I decided to firm up my determination to get Ryan out of bed with some much needed caffeine. I've been trying to kick the caffeine habit...Isn't it sad when you kids cause you to drink? Anyway, caffeine fix satisfied and taking a long deep cleansing breath, I headed downstairs to the cave of the beast...Ryan's room.

As expected he was snuggled under no fewer than twelve blankets, the top of his head barely sticking out. I had to chuckle to myself, he had pencil shavings in his hair! What on earth did he do last night after he was sent to bed??? Midnight art class???? After making a mental note to find the pencil sharpener today to avoid future unwanted messes, I reached a hand out to stir the beast.

"NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I don't like you! Don't TOUCH me!!!!" the beast bellars. Great...this is going to be fun. I'm so lucky..."Time to get up Ry, you'll be late for school", I say. This is met by unnatural moans and grunts as he burrows to the bottom of the bed. Hmmmm...rip the blankets down and drag him out or proceed with caution? "Yellow or red shirt today Bud", I ask. "MMMPPPPHHHH", the beast replies. "Yellow it is!", I chime cheerfully. "Blue or black jeans?", I sweetly ask as I rummage through his drawer. This gets a reaction. "Let me pick!", he screams at me as the blankets fly and he leaps toward the dresser. I think I've won the battle when he's up to pick his jeans. Blue jeans selected, I turn to get socks from the drawer...two seconds later I turn back and he is in bed again...clothes UNDER his body. Why me????

He now starts the stiff body trick. It's hard enough to dress a one year old when they are unwilling, but a seven year old with a determination to best me??? Nearly an impossible task. Now that I think about it, when he was two he could dress himself and do it willingly...he's regressed. "Come on Ry", I coax. "MMMPPPPHHHHH", he replies. "Really? Can't we do this the easy way?", I beg. "What's the easy way?", he comes back with. "Whatever you say the easy way is.", I wisely reply. "Sing a get ready song", he bests me with, "Make it up."

Super! How do I get myself in to these things???? He's seven! Think, think, think..."Get a move on little doggie", I tell him trying to avoid singing. "I'm not a dog!", he screams! "Ryan, it's something from an old song that cowboys used to sing when herding cows on the range." I reply. "Then sing that one." he states calmly. I can't remember ANY of the actual words or the tune. I guess I should have had the entire Diet Coke before coming down. The only song I can remember any of the words or the tune to is the Rawhide theme song. Why not try it???

Move 'em on, head 'em up

Head 'em up, move 'em on

Move 'em on, head 'em up

Rawhide

Count 'em out, ride 'em in,

Ride 'em in, count 'em out,

Count 'em out, ride 'em in

Rawhide!

Keep movin', movin', movin'

Though they're disapprovin'

Keep them dogies movin'

Rawhide!

Don't try to understand 'em

Just rope, throw, and brand 'em

Soon we'll be living high and wide.

My hearts calculatin'

My true love will be waitin',

Be waitin' at the end of my ride.

Rawhide! Rawhide!

As I sing, he actually gets up and gets ready. He giggles and laughs especially when I sing the rawhide part louder and louder each time. Katelyn comes down the stairs to hear the tune just in time to hear the last two "rawhides" as loud as I can sing and somewhat falsetto.

"You need to sing that every morning mom." the tamed beast clearly demands. "I promise I'll get up." Great, I am so NOT doing this when Wes is home. I get enough crap from him as it is.

"How about I put it on the computer and I just play it for you?" I ask. "That will work" he agrees. This I can do. He happily proceeds up the stairs and selects cereal without incident. They both hurried and put on their coats and boots and had their backpacks in hand before I could get my shoes on. We sing several impromptu versions of Rawhide on the way to school. "Mom, this is the new morning theme song.", Ryan states. "We have to sing it everyday going to school." "As long as you get ready and get along we can." I tell him.

As I drop him off at school, he asks if I can walk with him to the door. Katelyn runs ahead singing our new theme song. We get to the door together and he is still holding my hand. He gives me a quick hug around the legs and even lets me hug him back. For those that don't know, this is somewhat of a miracle. Earlier this year he refused to let me walk him to the door. In his words, it was "so kindergarten" and physical contact of any kind with a girl has been uncool for about the last year.

"I'm going to sing our song for my teacher.", he calls back as he heads through the door. Boy is Mrs. Nessen in for a treat...

It Was a Coach Pitch Year...

2011-01-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

Ryan and Kate played caoch pitch ball this last summer. Here is a picture of their team. I'm not sure that Katelyn will play again next year. She gets really upset when people can't pitch to her. She's a lefty... and so were five other kids on the team. The poor coach...not only was he nearly twice as tall as most of his team, but the majority of the players being lefties made for a difficult pitching season. Katelyn would roll her eyes and huff off everytime he struck her out. She couldn't believe that her own coach couldn't pitch to her!

Here she is attempting to hit the ball. She did get on base a few times.

Ryan makes a great swing...super form! Too bad he missed!

A Few of Hunter's Senior Pictures

2011-01-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

This is my story of getting Hunter to pose for his senior pictures. I harped on him for literally weeks to get ready. He responded by tuning out my voice and pretending that he never heard me. Wes eventually came to my rescue and told him either get ready and go for pictures or hand over the keys and ride the bus to school. That did the trick...at least for the get ready part.

This is how happy he started out. I have about 100 pictures like this. He claims that this is smiling!The attitude continued until I let him hang upside down in a tree. After that the personality came out, but then I was laughing so hard most of the pictures were blurry. He was being a dork...about like I'd expect my dad to act in pictures. Goofy faces, standing with locked knees and an arched back, giving me the centerfold poses. What a silly kid!

He claims this look gets the girls. Since he doesn't have many girls calling or flocking to the house, I'm not sure how effective it really is.I found a cool tree that I wanted him to pose by. I told him to get closer to the tree when he was still standing 10 feet away and claiming that it was close enough.Can't get much closer than this!He did eventually give me a pose by the tree that I could work with.Followed by insisting on jumping out of the swing. After all the trouble he gave me to get them done, I was glad to at least have a few that I could use. I have to say it was a bit more fun than I expected it to be. It's not that often that he let's me see the cool character side!

Peterson Boys

2011-01-08T12:57:00.000-08:00

These are my way cute nephews. I did a photo shoot with them late last fall. We took a ton of pictures and I played with a few of them in photoshop. I think they turned out pretty good.

I love this one! Such personality! Aren't brothers great?

Kai's look is so cute in this one!

Disney Rewards

2011-01-07T11:17:00.000-08:00

I've been saving my Disney Rewards points for quite some time hoping against all hopes that they would repost the One Share of Disney stock reward again. (You just can't have enough Disney stock!) Alas, it was not to be...I received an email from guest services that they would not be offering that reward again in the near future...sniff, sniff...

I decided that I was going to spend my points anyway. I was feeling like I needed a new prize and what better way to get one than with points??? Wes can't complain about spending money that way.

I was so exicted when my new prizes came. They are way cute! This is the Blue Fairy. She lights up under her waist with a blue LED light that shines on Gepetto and Pinocchio-they turn with the music "When You Wish Upon a Star". Her wings sparkle too. Way cute!This is Captain Hook. When you turn him around...

Mr. Snee is on the other side! The detail on both of these is remarkable. They are both from the Jim Shore Disney Traditions Collection. I couldn't be happier...except if I had been able to use the points for Disney stock! I can't wait to collect more points!

Too Big for the White Rabbit's House!

2011-01-06T10:56:00.000-08:00

When we visit our Happy Place, I try to take pictures in the same places just for fun and memories. This set makes me laugh and feel a little sad at the same time. October 2006- with their first mouse ears. This is in front of the White Rabbit's door just west of the Alice Coaster and the Tea Cups. December 2010- Too big for the door...and too cool for mouse ears!
they're growing up way too fast!

BUNCO!

2011-01-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

So last fall I started playing BUNCO for the first time. I've heard of other groups playing for years but had never been invited to play. I was so excited to play! The group I play with is a bunch of really talented, gorgeous, fun young ladies. Most of them have spouses that work with me at Malt-O-Meal. Rikki even joined us. It's nice to get her out of the house and spend some time with her once a month.

The first time we played I even won the big prize for having the most BUNCOS! It was so cute.. Julie made a wooden display that said WITCH... the I is a witch and the H is a cat. I've already put it away or I'd post a picture. All the prizes have been way cute! AND the food has been outstanding as well. Last month, Stephanie made a chicken and vegetable chowder type soup that was to die for. I can't wait until she shares the recipe!

Wes gives me a really hard time over it all. He teases and reminds me not to stay out too late, or tells me to have fun with my little friends and stay out of trouble. He's such a smart alec!

I look forward to playing every month. It's tons of fun! The only bad thing in all of it is that I am the OLD person there. Everyone else is newlywed or just starting their families. It's kinda weird. Last month we found out that there are now four ladies in our group that are expecting. Someone at that point piped up and suggested that we all should have babies! NOT! I just don't think that would be a great plan for me! It bites being the oldest sometimes.

Anywho, I have BUNCO at my house in July and September. I get two months since Rikki doesn't have a lot of room at her place. (The things we do for our kids!) I desperately need ideas for themes, food and prizes. Any suggestions would be welcome!

More Pictures for Friends

2011-01-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

I took a few pictures for a friend of mine just before Christmas. It rained the entire weekend, so we only got one background. She really liked them, so that's a plus. I hope she comes back this spring so we can get more pictures of her super cute boys in different places. Enjoy!

Late Fall Pics of the Littles

2011-01-04T08:19:00.001-08:00

Just a few pictures...I'm really enjoying my camera. Beats the heck out of spending $200 at Kiddie Kandids! I just need to decide on a few favorites and get them printed!

I think I'll do black and white on this one.

Hunter Earned His Eagle!

2011-01-04T08:01:00.000-08:00

Long time no post! Sorry everyone! It's amazing how quickly life can pass by. My new resolution is to post at least a few times a month. We'll see how that goes. Anyway, I was trying to remember the things that have happened since my last post. Here is one of the more significant milestones for our family...Hunter, (and Wes and Grandpa) earned his Eagle! Finally! It did take threats of relieving him of his keys and making him ride the bus to get him to finish, but whatever it takes, right? For his project, he replaced the foot boards on the opponent bleachers at the high school. Most of the boards had been replaced at one time or another, so there were no less than five different bolt sizes and most of them were so rusty that they couldn't turn them. They ended up cutting most of them off. They finished just as it started to rain. I'm not sure how happy Hunter was about all this scouting stuff, but he did make me happy getting it done. Oh, and he has his keys and doesn't have to ride the bus. That would have been embarrassing for a senior!

One more big thank you to Mr. Perkins for helping Hunter get everything filled out and in place for this project. He is an amazing man. When Hunter went for his interview, I had a chance to visit with Mr. Perkins for a minute. Not only has he helped dozens of boys finish their Eagles, but he was in the Armed Forces (Army I believe) and faithfully served our country for many years. I hope these boys that he has helped over the years realize what an outstanding man he is. Hopefully, they learned something about serving others from this great man.

The Best Banana Nut Muffins

2010-10-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

Banana Nut Muffins

Makes 12-15 muffins

2 C flour

1 C sugar

1 t. baking powder

1/2 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

3 very ripe bananas- mashed should be about 1 1/2 C

1/3 C buttermilk

2 large eggs

6 T butter- melted and slightly cooled

1 t. vanilla

1 C walnuts- chopped finely

Oven rack to the lower-middle position. Preheat to 400 degrees. Prepare muffin tins by spraying with non-stick spray or you can use liners.

Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Mix bananas, buttermilk, eggs, butter, vanilla and 3/4 C of the nuts. Fold the banana mixture into the dry ingredients. until just combined- batter will look lumpy. Be careful not to over mix!

Use an ice cream scoop to drop the batter into the tins. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 C nuts on the tops of the muffins.

Place in oven and drop the temperature to 375 degrees. Bake 20-23 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean. Cool in tin 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack for 10 more minutes of cooling before eating.

Happy Birthday to Kelle Belle!

2010-08-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

Aren't school pictures great?

Happy, happy birthday Kelle! You've sure have gotten old fast! Where does time go???

Fudgy Goodness!

2010-08-10T13:52:00.001-07:00

Wes' mom gave me this recipe shortly after I met him. Next to chocolate chews, these fudgy babies come in second on his list of favorite treats his mom made. I added my own little twist...hidden Mickey's! Hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

Revel Bars

3 c. quick oats

2 eggs

1 c. butter-softened

1 t. soda

2-1/2 c. flour

2 t. vanilla

2 c. brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Mix oats, eggs, butter, soda, flour, vanilla and brown sugar together in the mixer. Press 2/3 of the mixture into a lightly greased sheet pan.

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1-1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 T butter

2 t. vanilla

In a saucepan, melt together the milk, chips, butter and vanilla over low heat. Stir until smooth. Pour over mixture in pan and spread evenly leaving 1/4" edges. Dot with remaining oat mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden.

Visiting the Bear

2010-07-27T20:01:00.000-07:00

Wes invited us to go for a ride with him to Randolph...with the promise of stopping at Bear Lake on the way back. He said he would need to fix a wheel on a swather and then take it down the road from where it was at to a different farmer so he could demo it. He said,"Shouldn't take longer than a few minutes." We couldn't turn down that offer.

We picked up lunch on the way and after a long ride to Randolph-and the first SuperFriends disc watched, Wes had the tire fixed in record time. We stayed in the truck...It was @99 degrees outside and there were these HUGE black bugs there that could carry off a toddler. Poor Wes had to wear a long sleeved jacket in that heat to keep the bugs from assaulting him. Anyway, It took roughly 45 minutes to follow him to the farmer's field where the swather was to be left. He promised that it would only take @ 15 minutes to show the guy how to run it. Funny thing, on the way down this DESOLATE dirt road there was suddenly a traffic jam. Eight vehicles not including myself and the swather! STRANGE.... SURPRISE! ALL the farmers in the trucks were on their way to demo the swather.....EIGHT of them. I realized right away that it was going to be longer than 15 minutes.

At first, we had the windows down for the breeze...the big black bugs finally smelled our blood and showed up in swarms...Windows up! GREAT! Now we have to run the A/C in short blocks of time to keep from over heating while we're sitting there. Next comes the "I'm Bored!" from the back. SuperFriends was not going to keep their attention much longer...Wait! I remember I have a deck of cards stashed in the truck somewhere- (You never know when you may need a deck of cards for a spontaneous game of poker...) At least 50 games of Go Fish later, Wes was finally ready to go. Good thing, Katelyn REALLY REALLY needs to GO! Poor Wes was drenched from head to toe after having to wear that long sleeved jacket for 4 hours- he drank all the rest of the water we had in the truck.

On our way back to the lake, we talked about the pioneers and how they must have thought that Brigham Young had lost his mind when they traveled through this area. Swamps, big black biting bugs, mountains in the distance that you just knew you were going to have to cross... We decided that we would have made terrible pioneers...Oh and about 15 minutes down the road we had to turn around...the swather was making a funny noise. Woo Hoo! More Go Fish!

After the stop at the icky blue boxes it was off to the lake for a while...

Katelyn and Ryan looking for shells.Ryan picking up rocks to throw in the lake, (notice the respect that he gives me??? Pretty brave since he was a long way from home!)Ryan trying to skip rocks.Wading out as far as Dad will let them. Ryan walking on water...

All in all, it wasn't too bad. We picked up dinner at LeBeaus on the way out. By the time we made it home it was time for bath and bed. Good thing, it was a looooooooong day!

OOooooo...The Claw.....

2010-07-26T20:11:00.001-07:00

These were super easy and tons of fun to make! The Littles have been standing over them repeating "The Claw..." and then stealing one to eat.

Beautiful Sunset

2010-07-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share a sunset view from our deck...

We've had some breathtaking ones this summer!

Jail....

2010-06-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

Here's a story that Debbie related to me. She has all the funny ones of Ryan and Katelyn. Last week, Debbie's dad (who used to be the chief of police) was at her house. Ryan and Katelyn love Grandpa! Somehow they got on the subject of Ryan and Katelyn reading this last school year.

Debbie told her dad that they would bring home "baggie" books. Baggie books are loaner library books that the librarian picks for them at their grade level- the kids have no choice in what they get. If Ryan and Katelyn didn't want to read the book that was picked for them because maybe it looked to hard, or the pictures were not so good, they would write my initials, or Debbie's or Wes' on the card.

Debbie's dad told them that they shouldn't do that. He told them it was against the law and they would go to jail for forgery. To which the conversation proceeded something like this:

Ryan: So, I want to go to jail.

Katelyn: Yeah, me too!

Gpa: No you don't want to go to jail. All they have is a bed to sleep and sit on, a toilet in the room, and all they get to eat is moldy bread and water.

Katelyn: Oh, you mean like church???

Out of the mouthes of babes!!!!

A New Friend

2010-06-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

I took Katelyn to the new neighbors house to meet their little girl. Katelyn and Savannah are the same age. I thought that they may like to play together.

While waiting for them to answer the door Katelyn took a look around the front porch.

"Mom, I just don't think I'm going to like this."

"Why not?", I asked.

To this she put her hands out and did the "Vanna White" gesture to the items on the front porch...

DOLLS!

Birthday Time!!!

2010-06-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

Well it was birthday time again at our place. Ryan and Katelyn are finally two...ok seven, they just act two sometimes. It must be a twin thing.Here's Katelyn with her cake... Wonder Woman...who would've guessed????Here is Ryan and his cake. Batman...he almost didn't get the cake. He threw a fit because it wasn't chocolate. It started out chocolate but due to a technical issue I had start over...don't ask!Here is Katelyn with her haul.

Here is Ryan with his...don't you love the pose?

I attempted to post a few pictures of all the nice gifts they received at their party...like the new Zhu Zhu pets, the games, the sidewalk chalk, the cute clothes, the bike helmets, the Superfriends DVD, and the Wonder Woman complete series DVD...BUT...google just did not want to upload any more pictures for me tonight. Five must be my limit when I don't post everyday! Thanks to everyone for the nice things that I will likely get to clean-up nearly everyday for the next year. (Except for the sidewalk chalk. They plan to use that at Aunt Becs!)Wes and I got them bikes for their big day. I REALLY wish they could already ride them. It's going to be a loooooong summer. Do you know how hard it is to balance kids on bikes these days? What ever happened to banana bike seats with a handle on the back? I can't quite figure out where to hold them...handle bars or shoulders????? I just may give in and buy training wheels yet...

A Bit of Embellishment

2010-05-27T08:14:00.000-07:00

Here's my welcome that I put in my entry. Anyone know where the saying came from? I had tons of fun putting it up. I'm excited to put more up...Julie, I'm gonna be calling you!!

Spring Soccer Pics

2010-05-24T18:26:00.001-07:00

Here's a few pics of spring soccer. I froze...Ryan and Katelyn had a blast!Ryan dribbling toward the goal.Katelyn trying to get the ball turned around!

A big kick to get the ball outta the cluster of competitors!

Katelyn at goalie...making a save! Way to put your whole body into the game!

What did we get for all our troubles??? Two participation trophies- $50, two team pictures with Ryan's eyes closed- $22, Fighting off pneumonia for the next month-PRICELESS!

Cake with the Topper

2010-05-23T20:31:00.001-07:00

It turned out way cute with the topper! Lisa seemed to really love it. I'm glad she was happy...

Lisa and Jack's Wedding Cake

2010-05-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

Well, here is the finished cake. I didn't get the cake topper out for this photo op. It's one of those really cute Precious Moments toppers. I was afraid that I would drop it because I was so tired. That's the last thing I would have needed last night.

I'll take some pics of it tonight with the topper.

Sorry to All My Faithful Followers...

2010-05-20T14:18:00.000-07:00

All five of you...

I am sorry for putting off updating my blog. I have a million excuses to list, but for times sake I'll only list a few for your entertainment.

1. I was sick. Ok- not the entire time, but a cold on top of allergies makes for one bad headache and a terrible attitude.

2. I've been reading...a lot! I found a bookstore in Logan where you can buy used books (most are in excellent condition) for only $7. That's $7 for as many as you can stuff in a plastic grocery bag! Terrific deal!!!! I've been there three times now and can't wait to finish what I've got now so I can go back. I decided that I'd better read as much as I can now...the little people will be out of school in just a few weeks. When they're here, I get to referee, not read.

3. I've been getting ready to do another wedding cake. Lots of prep work...psychologically.

4. Chasing to spring soccer games. This was a first for us. I did not like it at all. It was way too cold. Mostly I just froze. Ryan and Kate had tons of fun though. I'll post some of those pics later.

5. More reading...I am not looking forward to losing my personal time again...

6. Unmotivated....I don't know why. Perhaps it's because the computer is located all the way down the stairs. If I go downstairs, I can see that the stairs need to be vacuumed. So I vacuum. Then if I vacuum the stairs, the family room looks like it could use a once over. If I'm going to vacuum, I have to dust first. Ryan's room is a disaster...Oh here's another load of laundry on the floor....you know how it is. By the time all of that is finished, it's time to get the littles from school.

7. My Sunday post days are now spent on the back row in Relief Society freezing to death. I feel like I'm the only one on the room who is not having hot flashes. The last week that I went, I took my winter coat and refused to hang it up. (Not that I'm asking for a job in the Primary...)

8. I'm too busy trying to figure out what to make for dinner...For those who don't know, Wes is now on a restricted diet. Low fat and cholesterol. I haven't the first idea how to cook like that. I prefer to use butter, cheese, meats, you know all the good stuff. I do like vegetables too, but Wes doesn't like them... unless you count corn as a vegetable. I keep telling him that it's a starch / grain. He insists that it grows in a VEGETABLE garden, therefore it IS a vegetable. Go figure. If you know any good sites / recipe books for a meat and potatoes low fat diet, let me know.

Ok- enough whining from me. I have a renewed commitment to keeping up the blog. Check back often so you can keep up to how much fun we aren't having during the summer. Two house payments is really a bummer. I SOOOOOO want to go to DISNEYLAND!!!!

FINALLY! Ryan's Big Day!

2010-04-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

Saturday night, Ryan came up to show us his loose tooth. I don't know why it is, but our littles like to wiggle their teeth while in bed...

Anyway, sure enough Ryan had his first loose tooth! We were beginning to worry he wouldn't loose one in the first grade. His teacher gives the kids a cool tooth pillow when they lose their first tooth. He would have been devastated to miss out on that cool prize!

It was just a little loose, you could barely wiggle it. Katelyn was excited that it was the same first tooth that she lost. We told him to go back to bed and keep wiggling it. We assured him that the more he wiggled, the quicker it would fall out.

Sunday night after bath time, Ryan was convinced that his tooth was ready to come out. I was quite surprised at how loose his tooth was after just one day. I guess I know what he did in primary!

He called Aunt Bec the magic tooth puller to come remove the loose pearl niblet. He sat really good and when she pulled it out he had a slight look of horror on his face. It must have been from the "pop" sound it made when it came out. Just like Katelyn he was OK until he saw blood. A paper towel and a cup of cool water fixed everything and he was on his way to call Debbie and Grandpa. Thanks Aunt Bec! You're the best! That Tooth Fairy is going to go broke visiting the Pierson household this year!

Miss Kris Has Been Busy Again!

2010-04-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

Miss Kris sent home more personalized sodas for Ryan and Katelyn. They were thrilled! They couldn't wait to have one. Katelyn is amazed that Kris knows just what they think is cool. Ryan says she knows what's cool because she's an adult. Funny- they don't think of Mom as cool....

Ryan and Katelyn send their thanks to Miss Kris! They think she ROCKS!...And she has cute puppies too!

Our Friends Out Back

2010-04-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

Just about every night, these "friends" of ours wander through the back field. We've counted as many as fourteen at a time out there. Most of them are pretty small. Wes can't wait until they move on. He says it's like having a herd of sheep in the grain field...I think I'll be ready for them to go as soon as the garden is in. Ryan likes his little friends. He tries to get close to them. He's been as close as about 20 feet away in Grandma Great's back yard. If you come to visit, be sure to watch really careful for the deer on the road!

Easter Feast

2010-04-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

We went to Sue's for Reed's birthday dinner on Easter. The kids participated in the candy gathering on the front lawn and each came away with a grocery sack of treats. I'm glad that bunny didn't bring a lot to the house...

Brad grilled burgers (he was even nice enough to grill the turkey burgers that I brought for Reed and myself-he did a great job too!), Sue made potato salad, and I made dessert for the gathering. Dawni and Shawn came to our house early to help. Believe it or not, Shawn did help...He stirred the strawberry glaze in the pan over the ice bath!

This was our contribution:

We made about 150 of these cute little strawberry tarts. They were sure yummy!

Easter Morning 2010

2010-04-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

Easter morning at our house was relatively uneventful. Katelyn was the first one up. She came into our room dressed and ready for the day. I love it when I get to sleep in on days off...this was not going to be one of those days.

Ready for the basket hunt...Not ready for the basket hunt! He later thanked me for getting him up...After the great basket hunt, here they are with their goodies. The Easter Bunny decided that since they got a lot of candy at Debbie's and at the hunt they went to with her on Saturday-they did not need candy...Instead the Bunny brought them a few fun things. They both got bubble bath and a small hollow chocolate bunny.Ryan got the movie Astro Boy, a few Hot Wheels cars, and yellow Peeps. If you haven't seen Astro Boy- rent it! It's really cute! Katelyn got The Princess and the Frog, earrings and pink Peeps. Kate and I watched her movie later in the week. I have to admit I did choke back a few tears over a bug.

MUD, MUD, MUD!

2010-04-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

Wes got a really terrific deal on fill dirt. They dumped about forty loads in the front and back. When they ran out of room, it was dumped on the bottom of the drive. The first night I couldn't get into the driveway because of the massive piles blocking my way. It's a bit deceiving for pile size- try gauging it to Wes on the tractor...the tractor IS NOT small. Then it decided to change back to winter...SNOW, melt, SNOW, melt, SNOW...you get the idea.

(Notice the dark clouds in the picture?) The next morning, I made it to the truck before it melted since I had to be at work before the sun rises. When I made it home that night, I wasn't a happy camper. I had to help Ryan and Katelyn tromp through the slippery mud- about 150 yards- to the garage door. (Computer bag, lunchbag, purse, backpacks, DS's and crafts from Debbie's-UPHILL both ways- really!) I had six inches of mud on the bottoms of my shoes- Katelyn and Ryan had mud to their ankles! What a mess.

Wes fixed it that night so we could drive into the garage. So, it is a little better. Unfortunately there's still a mud hole at the bottom of the drive...and more fill dirt coming!

Kate Finally Asked!

2010-04-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it's done! Katelyn finally asked to have her ears pierced. Wes told her that she had to wait until she was five...we ended up waiting until she asked. I knew that as soon as Gracie had hers done, Katelyn would want to have hers done too... She was very brave- only little tears for a second- then they painted her nails and all was well. She's already started to amass the earrings...and is counting down the weeks until she can change them.

Anyone remember when she wanted earrings when she was about 4? I bought her some magnetic earrings and sent her in to show Wes. He was furious and didn't speak to me for hours. I egged it on a bit asking him to explain just exactly what I had done to make him so mad. He definitely wasn't amused when Katelyn should him that they were magnets! I on the other hand found it quite funny!!

Vilai's Carrot Cake

2010-04-02T17:13:00.001-07:00

Danielle requested that I make her a carrot cake in exchange for Disneyland fudge. Pretty great offer, but we couldn't work out the logistics.

So, instead I am posting the carrot cake recipe that is the best ever! I got this recipe from a friend of mine at Pepperidge Farm. She is the best cook ever! This is a must try recipe AND it has carrots in it (that makes it healthy right?).

PS- I didn't take the picture- I stole it, but it's pretty close to what it should look like (I would frost neater!)

Vilai's Carrot Cake
3 C carrots- grated-must be grated to turn out properly
2 C sugar
1 1/2 C oil
4 eggs
3 C flour
2 t soda
2 t cinnamon
1 t salt
2 t baking powder
1 C walnuts

Mix carrot, sugar, oil and eggs. Mix together dry ingredients and add to carrot mixture. Beat well, stir in nuts. Bake in a greased and floured tube (I use a Bundt) pan for 1 hour at 300 degrees. Cool completely before frosting.

Vilai's Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz cream cheese- softened
1 stick butter
2 t vanilla
1 box powdered sugar (1 lb)

Cream butter and cream cheese. Add vanilla and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth. Can adjust sugar to desired spreading consistency.

ENJOY!

Jack and Lisa- II

2010-03-23T17:23:00.001-07:00

Prom Night 2010

2010-03-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

Hunter actually asked a girl out to prom. He said he had a nice time, but dating is too expensive. That's why he's says he's never going to have a girlfriend! Wes is rubbing off on him.

Here's Hunter and Megan- I hope that's spelled right...

Hunter cleans up pretty nicely. (OK he's looking awfully grown up- I can't believe that he graduates next year!

Here they are with the whole group. What cute dresses! Some of the girls wore Keds! Too funny-

Here's what Hunter picked for shoes. Pretty slick!

Dax is Three!!!

2010-03-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

Dax had his third birthday party last weekend. I can't believe how fast this little guy is growing up. We love Dax for obvious reasons, but here are a few things that make him extra special:

He gives great kisses.

He's an awesome dancer- We call him Action Daxen

He's always laughing at the funny things he does.

His hugs make us smile.
He's nice to everyone and loves to share.

He's an artist- Ask Rikki about midnight art!

Dax and his cheese smile.
Renny and his cheese.

The annual magic show by grandpa- a few of the tricks I figured out. Getting a little slow with the sleight of the hand grandpa!!!

Rikki bought these really obnoxiuos party horn favors. They went right to the garbage as soon as we got home.

Dax had lots of fun presents to open. We got him a tee ball and a mitt. Dawni and Shawn got a bat for him. They were a hit until he opened the Buzz Lightyear remote control spaceship from Tara. (That's what he's holding in the picture with Dawni) He loved that- it fit nicely under the sofa and he thought that was really cool! Both Dax and Renny ran around yelling "To Finity" after that.

Cake Faces!

He picked a SpongeBob cake. I know- I didn't make it. I've not been feeling up to anything lately- BURNED OUT- BUMMED OUT- STRESSED OUT-SPRING FEVER- I'm not sure which.
This little guy was one of the party goers. He had such cute sad eyes. I just had to get a picture! I believe his name is Dillon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAXEN- WE LOVE YOU!

Only When Wes Goes...

2010-03-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

While Wes is gone, Hunter and I get to do a few things that usually don't happen when he's here.

We can eat chips and cheese for dinner and it's OK- We like to melt Velveeta, salsa and chili together- Yummy!

I can read an entire book in a few hours without interruption...

It's the novel that the movie Precious was based on. I liked this book just because it makes me appreciate what I have. It's a very graphic (and disturbing) book and it's very sad-but it does have a good message about self worth.

And we made our favorite cookies that Wes turns his nose up at. We ate them all before I took pictures, but here's the recipe. They're better the second day...

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 c butter

1 c brown sugar

2 eggs

1 T vanilla

1 t almond extract

1/2 c sour cream

1/3 c water

2- 3/4 c flour

3/4 t salt

3/4 t soda

1 (8oz) bottle of maraschino cherries-chopped

1 (12oz) bag of chocolate chips

1/2 c slivered almonds (optional)

Cream butter and brown sugar. Beat in eggs, vanilla, almond extract, sour cream and water. Add dry ingredients. Stir in cherries, chips and nuts. Drop by heaping teaspoon- Bake at 350 on lightly greased sheet pan for 10-12 minutes. Makes 5-6 dozen smaller soft cookies.

To top of the Wes is gone event- Ryan got sick. My kids always wait until Wes is gone and I'm at work to need to visit the doctor. After a throat swab- which he was very good for- and a stamp set to appease the sick child- we got to go pick up this:

Ryan has strep for the first time. I guess I'm pretty lucky. He's my first kid to get strep-EVER! Let's just hope we can keep Katelyn and Hunter healthy. Hunter has a big date this weekend-Jr Prom!

Lisa and Jack

2010-03-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

I was priviledged to take engagement pictures for Lisa and Jack this week. Here's a few of my favorites:

Super Star Katelyn

2010-03-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

Why is it that kids always wait until the last minute to remind you about little things?

I've heard them all- like...I need my book order money TODAY

My library books are due...TODAY

I need twenty dollars for ____ TODAY.

Or my favorite of all...I need a super star poster IN THE MORNING...

Katelyn reminded me that she needs a superstar poster Monday morning- at 7:00 pm on Sunday as I'm dropping her off to Debbie's to spend the night. (Wes was out of town and I have to get up at 3:30 am to go to work). Like my friend Marty says- they're cute in self defense...

So here's my quick hour and a half job on Katelyn's 2010 Superstar poster. Thank goodness I have Hunter to drop it off to her in the morning...

I wonder how many years we get to do superstar posters in school...???...

What Little Boys Learn on the Farm

2010-03-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning Ryan's room the other day. A huge pile of stuffed animals was in the corner of his room AGAIN. When we moved here, I put most of there toy treasures in the storage room- which will be the play room as soon as I get around to organizing it. Ryan and Katelyn insist on pulling EVERY stuffed toy out into their rooms that they own. I'm getting ready to pack them all up and send them to the DI!

Anyway, I was sorting the pile of stuffies to take the no so favorite ones back to the storage room and what do I find at the bottom of the pile shoved in the corner against the wall???? A pile of stuffie fur!

At first I'm a little peeved to be cleaning up this mess- Ryan knows better. He knows that scissors are off limits and that we do not destroy toys. He also knows that I don't like to clean up messes. I start looking for the poor stuffies that are likely going to the trash after this stunt. Here's what I found (and could match up with the pile of fur in the corner using my household CSI skills).

You see, what he has done he learned with his Dad and Grandpa on the farm. He trimmed the bridle paths on his horse stuffies- all eight of them. It was hard not to smile...

Heartfelt Tribute

2010-03-04T13:04:00.001-08:00

My sweet Mother-In-Law passed away just over a week ago. We are so grateful to our Heavenly Father for the privilege of having her with us for as long as we did and for the plan of happiness- We know we will be with her again.

It just seems right to add a few things that I admire about her.

She NEVER complained...she had every right to, but I never heard a complaint from her about anything.

She always had a smile on her face.

She was always happy to see me.

She loved the gospel and we watched many BYU devotionals together.

She loved spending time with her family and it didn't matter what we were doing-

Disneyland vacations- her favorite ride was Soarin' Over California

Family dinners

Horse races

ball games

She loved doing puzzles and spent hours completing variety puzzle books.

She loved flowers- all of them. One of the first things that she would mention when we'd visit were her beautiful flowers that her friend brought her every week.

She had a great sense of humor. I occasionally saw that side of her. After Wes and I were engaged, I was in the kitchen with her while Wes and Reed did chores. She asked me when we were getting married. I told her I wasn't sure. She let me know that she hoped it was soon because she was getting tired of doing his laundry. When she was able to come see our new home just before we moved in, she said something really funny- and I think I'm the only one who knew she was joking. When they wheeled her into the library- and told her what room it was before she went in- they turned her toward the bookshelves that make up the entire wall. She looked right at the shelves and asked just where the books went. Hysterical!!

She was a FANTASTIC cook! (Self made I later learned) Some of my favorites that she made were:

Homemade bread- she made THE BEST!

Chocolate Chew cookies

Chocolate Cake- she always cut out the middle of the cake for Wes.

BBQs

Jet Oven chicken and Parmesan potatoes

Revel Bars

Rolls

and she taught me the best way to make turkey steaks!

She loved all of her step grandchildren as much as her blood grandchildren. As a matter of fact, I don't think I ever heard any mention of "step". They were all her grandkids and she was so proud of each and everyone of them. This means so much to me. A few years after Wes and I were married she let me know that we better hurry and have some more grandchildren for her while she could still hold them. She was so excited to find out we were having twins! When she finally got to hold them, her face glowed!

She was able to see each of her children become grandparents and held each of her great-grandchildren. The same glow was on her face each time.

She was always more concerned with others than herself.

She always served others. When Wes and I were dating, I remember spending the night multiple times at their home the evening before horse races. Reed and Yetta always left with the horses before I got up. Without fail, she always fixed something for Wes and I to eat. She left pancakes or she would cut a bowl of peaches for me to have (she loved them as much as I do). I'm sure this was not easy for her to do, but she did it because she loved us!

She loved old movies and love stories. Some that I watched with her were:

An Affair to Remember

Sabrina

Paint Your Wagon

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

She was always kind.

She had the courage to create her life story for us. The nice people from hospice helped her do this and we have it on DVD. What a special treasure it is.

She and Reed have the sweetest love for one another. It is a treasure, true, unconditional and eternal. I know that's how Wes and I are too. I am so blessed to have a husband that grew up in that kind of home. I am his treasure and he is mine.

A few weeks before her passing, I was able to spend a few hours with her. She told me that really soon she would be able to get up and come to our house. She knew that they'd find a way for her to do so. She also asked me if I wanted anything of hers. I refused and she still was insistent that I choose something to take home with me. I finally got up the courage to tell her what I had wanted to for a very long time. I told her that I already had the one thing that meant the most to me and that was greater than any other thing that she could offer. I told her that I have her sweet son as a husband and that she had done a wonderful job raising him to be the great man he is. She was a perfect mother.

A Snippet of the Past

2010-02-22T10:57:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-22T10:41:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-22T10:08:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-06T07:46:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-05T20:44:00.000-08:00

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!

I've Been Trying For Hours!!!

2010-01-31T19:36:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to update my posts for the last few hours. For the life of me I CANNOT get a single picture to LOAD!!!!!!!

I guess I'll try again tomorrow night after work (No cooking for me, just leftover reheating! YEAH!!!)

Thanks for being patient. I certainly hope it's technical difficulties with Blogger...

Someone is Taking Lessons From Hunter!

2010-01-31T18:50:00.001-08:00

I went downstairs the other night to make sure Ryan was getting into the shower. I had spent close to two hours cleaning downstairs earlier in the day. Much to my surprise, this is what I found...It took me another few hours to clean the mess the following morning. Why is it that boys don't have any problems living in this kind of disaster????

Alas!!!! This is my number one pet peeve lately. Both Katelyn and Ryan think this is an acceptable practice in our home. YUCK! Anyone else have these problems???

Tooth Fairy Time!

2010-01-20T19:11:00.000-08:00

Another first with Katelyn has come and gone. Thought I'd share the story and a few pictures of the event.

A few weeks ago, we put Katelyn to bed (likely for the third time of the night!) and she wandered into our room shortly thereafter SOOO excited.

"Look Mom and Dad! I have a loose tooth!" Sure enough her tooth was loose- it was hard to scold her for getting out of bed. She was so excited and so cute. She ran down to check if Ryan had a loose tooth as well. No loose teeth for Ryan- Katelyn was thrilled that she was going to be first in losing a tooth.

The past few weeks she has wiggled and wiggled, had me check how loose it was everyday, have Wes check the loose tooth- everyday and even Debbie got in on the loose tooth action and wiggled and checked. She even got Katelyn a tooth fairy pillow for her treasure.

Tonight was the BIG night- She decided that it was loose enough to be pulled. She insisted that Aunt Bec pull her tooth because she's magic when it comes to that. She had me dial her number. She asked Bec to come pull her tooth and told her that the tooth fairy would bring her a hundred dollars. I'm not sure what tooth fairy Katelyn has talked to, but I'm pretty sure it's not the same one stopping here! She told me that she was splitting the money with Aunt Bec before Bec came over to pull her tooth.

Here is the loose tooth! Notice how nicely it lays flat!Here's Katelyn sitting so nicely while Aunt Bec "checks it out".Whata you know- popped right out! Katelyn says it didn't hurt a bit. She did panic for a second when she realized that it had blood on the end of it- a wet paper towel took care of that. She decided really quick that if the tooth fairy did bring a hundred dollars, she wasn't sharing. Poor Aunt Bec! All that work for nothing!

And here we are- missing our first tooth! She admired the nice hole for nearly five minutes in the bathroom mirror. She thinks that we all need to go to bed early tonight so the tooth fairy can come faster. Hope the tooth fairy can stay up later than the one waiting and watching! I wonder what the going tooth rate is these days...

Happy Birthday to Grandpa Hot Rod

2010-01-20T18:37:00.000-08:00

Today is Grandpa Hot Rod's birthday.

Happy 99th birthday Grandpa Hot Rod-You are really old. My dad is about 40 and my mom says she's 28, but I think she must be about 32 and you're the oldest person I know next to my Grandpa Reed and Grandma Yetta. Bart and Debbie are old too, but only just like my Dad. Mom says that Grandma Ruffy is older than you and I think that's so funny!

Thanks for taking us for rides on the four wheeler to see the elk. And thank you for locking up the dog when I come over. I don't like dogs that are big and jump. I don't like it when dogs scratch me- once I got scratched on my side and it wasn't fun. You have funny wigs! You look better without hair. I like when you do magic too. My Mom says you have a funny song about dogs and boys that you should sing to me. Love Katelyn

Dear Grandpa Hot Rod-

Happy birthday- I don't know how old you are. Are you 63? I like that you laughed when I gave Hunter birthday spankings. I like to play with the cars at your house and ride the motorcycles. I like to see your baby elk and feed them. It is fun! I like when you joke Hunter too.

I hope you have a nice birthday and get lots of presents and eat cake and ice cream. Maybe you'll get a saddle to ride your elk for your birthday. Love Ryan

This is a picture that I assume was taken at Christmas @ 1977 at Grandma and Grandpa Peterson's house. Nice chops! It's funny how much my Dad, Jeremy and Charlie look alike. the shirt looks strangely familiar...like he may still own it! Just kidding, but I do remember my dad wearing clothes forever! Like the green plaid slacks with the green velour shirt or who could forget the character / crazy socks that he wears for the kids in primary?

All fun and kidding aside, I hope you have a super birthday. Love ya dad!

Spanish Anyone?

2010-01-17T16:49:00.001-08:00

Katelyn came home from school the other day with an urgent request. It was imperative that she learn Spanish- now.

A new girl has moved into her class and she only speaks Spanish. We thought it was really cute and sweet that she cared enough about this new little girl that she wanted to learn how to talk to her!

Wes and I both took Spanish in high school like- 20 years ago! We remember things like "Hola", "Adios" and 'Gracias"- you know the same things that Dora teaches. Do they make Rosetta Stone for 1st Graders????

Oh, I didn't forget...

2010-01-17T16:41:00.000-08:00

It was my Mom's birthday on Friday too! Hope you had a great day Mom. The kids enjoyed talking to you on the phone!

I looked for some really embarrasing pictures of her to post, but I couldn't find any. I guess that's because she was always the one taking them when we were kids. (Heaven knows that Dad can't take a picture to save his life-)

Happy Birthday!

Hunters Birthday- Happy 17th

2010-01-17T11:49:00.000-08:00

No matter what I did, this picture wouldn't post the right way. Figures- Hunter's always been a little goofy anyway...

We celebrated Hunter's big 17th birthday this weekend. Where does time go? It seems like just a few years ago he was starting kindergarten and now he's a junior in high school. I know I've posted this picture before, but it always cracks me up!
Hunter decided that for his birthday dinner he wanted to go to Texas Roadhouse. Katelyn and Ryan were so excited that he'd picked there to eat...Obviously Hunter had forgotten about the "Saddle Up" and the "Texas Ye Haa!" that birthday guests are honored with.

After we ate, the waitress brought Hunter ice cream to eat and said that she wasn't going to bring the saddle and embarrass him. Katelyn and Ryan were devastated! They insisted that she bring the saddle. When it came, Hunter refused to sit on it- So Ryan and Katelyn did it for him. The Ye-Haa was as loud as they come. More than loud enough to get the attention of the entire Bear River Girls Basketball team sitting close to us. Hunter can't wait to go back to school Monday! (It really wasn't all that bad...He did get the scope for his 22 that he'd asked for!)

We love you Hunter! Thanks for being the great young man you are. You're a great kid- even if you do try my patience and pester Ryan and Kate!

Wes is a Lousy New Years Eve Date

2010-01-02T14:03:00.000-08:00

I was interrupted with my catch-up posts on the 31st. Wes came home and told me he was certain that he was dying. He said he had a sharp pain all of a sudden in his lower back. After a minute I could clearly see it wasn't going to subside and we went to the emergency room.

On the way there (between Wes yelling at me to go faster, don't hit the bumps and not to stop at the stop signs), I remembered that last week he had a pain in his lower back. This thought brought me back to just over twelve years ago. Kidney Stones...that was the night he ate home made chicken noodle soup for the first and last time. Super! We had our favorite Olive Garden salmon tonight- so much for ever eating salmon again!!!

It was really sad- he was in so much pain. It took four doses of narcotic to even get him a little bit comfortable so they could do a catscan. After the third dose the nurse announced she was bringing another dose. Wes said don't bring me that shit bring me the good stuff. I'm still wondering what the good stuff is. He said such pretty words!

Even luckier- I knew a few people in the ER- most were there because alcohol makes people do stupid things. I wonder how many people now think Wes was just another New Years moron...

Pain under control, we went home around midnight- He was so drugged I thought for sure he was going to ask that we stop for Doritos! Instead he critiqued my driving the whole way home. We got the littles to bed and I was just getting to sleep when the pain hit him again. Back to the ER- go faster, don't hit the bumps, just run over the people in the road.

After three more hours in a very uncomfortable chair in the ER- no sleep in over 27 hours for myself, Wes gave in to being admitted to the hospital. Great! This moved me to a miserably uncomfortable foam sofa without arms to rest your head on. I tried to talk him into moving to the maternity ward and getting an epidural. At least the maternity ward has recliners for spouses. This would have been the preferred if we had to be at the hospital. The nurse at least brought me a few of those really warm blankets from the warmer to try and help me sleep too.

The next morning, Wes was feeling lots better- drugged of course. Ready to go home. Once again the ever loving husband he is- thinking he's hysterically funny says to me- "Well you asked for a night away from the kids with just me- isn't that what you got?"

HA HA HA! Very funny! This wasn't exactly what I'd had in mind when I said a night out alone. It took us both almost 24 hours to recover and feel human again.

Hope your holiday was less eventful than ours! Happy New Year Everyone!!!!

It's Time For Holiday Catch-up

2009-12-31T19:31:00.001-08:00

Ok- I'm ready to be a good girl and keep my blog updated. Thought I'd hurry and update this before the end of the year. We are settled in for the most part and I LOVE our new home. It's so nice! You should stop by for a tour if you haven't already.

Ryan and Katelyn had a ball this holiday season. Miss Kris gave them what they call the most awesomest thing ever...personalized soda.Here they are posing with their awesomest ever sodas. What makes them so neat?... These sodas were personalized just for us! Ryan has grizzly bear soda. He just loves the animal pictures that Kris sends him so this was just too cool! Katelyn had what else?, Wizard of Oz Soda! She refuses to drink the bottle of rootbeer because it is just way too special to open! Kris also made Mickey soda wrappers...LOVE IT! This idea was just too cool. We plan to steal it for next years gift giving. Like Kris says, the best ideas are stolen!

Dawni facilitated gingerbread house decorating this year. I bet she spent at least $20 on candy to deck these sweet little babies out...

He's Ryan's all done... It's hard to tell, but he made a tree out of gumdrops and put snow and ornaments on it-it's by his hand- wish I'd gotten a better shot of it : (

Here's Katelyn's. It did have icicles on the eaves, but Ryan broke them off and ate them! They had a lot of fun with the houses. We'll have to do it again next year. Dawni even made a Christmas "Don't Eat Pete" game for them to finish off the rest of the candy. Anyone remember that game????

Last for this post are a few pictures of our trees this year. I really wish I still had my tall one, but the 6.5 ft was good enough this year. This is the tree in the window of the library...I decorated this one with all my new Disney Storybook ornaments and set up the Mickey train under it. It was off limits to the little people.

And here is the one in the great room. Ryan and Kate decorated this one. That's why all the ornaments are at the bottom. I let them re-arrange this tree at will. It made it fun for them to have a tree that was not hands off.

Please Be Patient!

2009-12-03T04:42:00.001-08:00

We haven't dropped off the face of the earth, we're just moving!

I'm currently only spread between two houses instead of three. Our computer isn't set up because:

1. Frontier claims we don't exist, therefore they won't transfer our phone...

2. Ryan still doesn't have carpet and is set up in the computer alcove...hopefully his carpet will be here before Christmas.

Until then, bear with me.

Oh, one more thing...THANK YOU to our secret sender!!!! Ryan and Kate love the new ornaments and the Furbys! It's been great entertainment for them during the changes that our move brings!

Another Cake for a Happy Day!

2009-11-09T08:25:00.000-08:00

Here is my last Saturday project......on display.

This one turned out quite nice!

Still Waiting on the House to Be Finished...

2009-11-08T19:55:00.000-08:00

We'll we have carpet- everywhere but Ryan's room- they ran out. I suppose they must have measured wrong. They should be back Wednesday to finish. I'd post a picture, but it hasn't been vacuumed! Silly I know, but we do want our best foot forward at this point!

UNFORTUNATELY...before the carpet was installed, Wes soaked the side of the house that previously leaked. Mind you, the guy that said this was fixed never did this himself to check for leaks. Guess what????? It still leaks. In the same places...go figure! Wes was so thrilled that he was the one who had to soak the house and find that it was still leaking. Overjoyed you might say... here is kinda what he looked like...
Not exactly a happy looking fellow is he??? My favorite is all of the white silicone caulk that the ding-a-lings used all over my beautiful brown brick to try and fix the problem. (Which didn't help matters at all! Still leaking!) Can't wait to see how this is resolved... : (

My Cutest Little Trick-or-Treaters

2009-11-08T19:36:00.001-08:00

Here are the cutest trick-or -treaters that I had come to the door this year! Ryan and Katelyn didn't want to come stay with me- so I didn't get pictures of Wonder Woman and The Flash. I'll take some later and post them. We tried to teach Daxen "To Infinity and Beyond!" He managed a really cute "To Finity!" Close enough!

Doesn't Renny look cute as Stitch? He was really excited to get a big candy bar and a bag of candy from our house. It's funny to see these two in Ryan's old costumes. It really doesn't seem that long ago that he wore them. Dax always tries to get as close to the camera as possible! What a nut! He kinda looks like he's already on a sugar rush.

Pumpkins Everywhere!

2009-10-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

One of my friends from work gave our family an early house warming gift. She couldn't wait any longer and heaven only knows when we'll get to move in the new place.Here Hunter is putting the gift up for us...such the handyman.Ryan and Katelyn were so excited! Lisa, you couldn't have picked a better gift...Ryan and Katelyn have wanted one of these since they saw it in the store almost a month ago.

THANK YOU... We love it!!!
Here is Katelyn with her pink poodle pumpkin she made at Debbie's. And this is Ryan's scary monster pumpkin. Rather frightening, don't you think???

Wedding Cake

2009-10-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

As you can see, I was really busy this weekend. Here is another one of my projects...

The bride decorated the cake with live Gerbera Daisies. I can't wait to see the pictures with the flowers on the cake!

Nikki's Bridals

2009-10-25T20:58:00.000-07:00

We went this weekend to take Nikki's bridal pictures. Here are a few of my favorites.

Bored Farm Kids...

2009-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is across the canal from our new house. Ryan thinks this is so cool and can't wait to paint grandpa's hay. Too bad grandpa doesn't have round bales!

Ryan and Kate Fall Pics

2009-10-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist taking Ryan and Katelyn for pictures at the farm since Roger's family pictures were so good. Hunter refused to go with us...

Halloween Pics From A Few Years Ago

2009-10-20T10:21:00.001-07:00

Ran across these from 2006 looking for pics to update posts...Enjoy!

One of the few times Wes let me take pictures- and smiled!I think this is about the age that Ryan and Katelyn started refusing to take pictures together...so we have Ryan with the pumpkin......and Katelyn with the pumpkin!Buzz and Aurora- Boy they look so little!

Pumpkin Carving Time

2009-10-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

We're getting ready to carve pumpkins this next week. I found free Disney pumpkin patterns and thought I'd share the link.

http://family.go.com/holidays/pkg-pumpkin-templates/#

This link is from their sister site- it has some simple kids patterns:

http://familyfun.go.com/halloween/pumpkin-carving-decorating/printable-halloween-patterns/

Happy carving! We'll post our pics when we're done. Can't wait to see yours!

We're Gonna Hafta Watch That Hunter...

2009-10-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

Hunter pulled his usual and let us know that he needed something for school at 9 p.m. the night before he needed it. Oh joy! Wes left early to take him to school and pick up a lock at the Alco in town. Alco was the only store open that early and they didn't have a lock. So Hunter went without a lock on that day in welding class.

He went to Grandpa's after school to help with chores. Grandpa gave him an old Master lock that didn't have a combination. Hunter was up to the challenge of finding a way to figure out the combination. He thought he could log onto the Master Lock website and enter the serial number and get the combination, it wasn't that simple...

He found a website that taught him how the lock worked and gave him the know how to figure out the combination himself.
http://fusor.us/lockpick.html
An hour or so and 70+ tries later the lock opened! He phoned Grandpa right away-Grandpa thinks he's a genius now.

I just hope he doesn't use his newly found skill as a career!

Roger and Family

2009-10-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

The last weekend I was off, I went with some friends and took engagement/family pictures for them. It was cold, but they turned out ok. Maybe I'll invest in a photo editing software and get a side job to pay for that new house! I had to compress them to get them to load- the actual photos weren't grainy...

Hunter's Early Halloween

2009-10-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, Hunter came home complaining of a sore on the side of his nose right at the corner of his eye. It looked like a zit to me. He asked for acne zapper for it- I wouldn't let him put any chemical by his eye. A few whining hours later, he went to bed.

The next morning, I got up and went to work, only to have Wes call me shortly after eight. He said that the whole side of Hunter's face was swollen and his eye was shut. So, I called for an appointment to see Dr. Rod.

The Dr. said that he had an infection and gave him so pretty heavy antibiotics. (I thought it looked more like a spider bite...) He missed two days of school- Wes took sympathy on him, figured with a nick name like Homer, he didn't need to go to school looking like a doofus too!

I tried to get Hunter to let me take his picture since he'd already dressed up for Halloween, but he threatened to break the camera. So I found a picture that closely resembles what he looked like...

This is pretty close, although the other eyebrow was the one a half inch higher than the other. Oh, and his eye was all the way shut- not just droopy! Sad but true!

Sticky Treats

2009-10-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

We made yummy sticky treats...it's better than caramel corn because it doesn't have hulls to stick in your teeth. Caramel Corn Pops

2 bags Corn Puffs or Corn Pops- buy them in the chip aisle
1 stick of butter
1 c. corn syrup
2 c. brown sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk

Pour the bags of corn puffs into a large bowl. In a saucepan, combine the butter, syrup and brown sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes, remove from heat and stir in the sweetened condensed milk. Pour over corn puffs and stir well. Cool completely before covering.

Playground Reasoning

2009-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

I took Katelyn and Ryan to school last week. I usually walk them to the doors because Ryan thinks it's funny to close the door on Katelyn. She's too little to open it with her backpack on.

When we got to the door, one of Ryan's friends came running up- "Hey Ryan, don't forget to meet at the slide at recess, and DON'T bring your sister." Before Ryan could even speak, Katelyn jumped in with-"I can go wherever I want and play on the slide- MY mom pays taxes too!" Where do kids come up with this stuff??? Truly brilliant on her part- The boy just looked at her and said, "Oh, alright." For someone so little, she can hold her own with her wit.

Ned's Head

2009-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ned's Head is a game that the Mystery Giver sent to Ryan and Katelyn. They've had hours of fun playing the game. It has really gross things in his head that you have to find like a dead rat, a sticky sucker and a spider. They giggle and laugh when Wes plays with them- he holds their hands in the head so they can't find the pieces!

This is Ned's head and the gross pieces it came with. It had ten additional blank cards so that you can add more pieces to his head. Ryan and Katelyn went with what they consider to be scary things to add to Ned. Kermit is scary because he is green like boogers. The golf ball is scary because if it hits you in the head it will hurt. The rock is scary because it has a spider crack on it and the plug cover is scary because electricity can kill you. The last item they selected is scary without explanation...

This is even scary to me!

Another Blast From The Past

2009-09-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

The McKoy Cousins- Here's an oldie! I'm guessing this is from about 1977. (Jana is still little so it had to be before September 1977) I think this was the family get together before Grandpa and Grandma went to Washington on their mission.
Top Row L to R: Dana, Robyn
Seated on sofa L to R: Mindy, Jeremy, Grandma Mckoy in her sweet glasses, Grandad McKoy, Jana on his lap and that's me on the end!

I think that the dresses that Mindy and I were wearing were from Randy and Susan's wedding.

Puzzling With The Mystery Giver

2009-09-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Our Mystery Giver sent us a magnetic puzzle of the United States. Ryan and Katelyn have put it together several times already. They even put it together once on the fridge. Katelyn likes to read the pieces. She lets us know where the east coast and west coast is too. West coast is Disneyland, East Coast is Disney World. They can both point out Utah, California and Florida. Imagine that!

It's a bit of a surprise to me, but they actually sit and put the puzzle together without fights. This is a nice change of pace! They enjoy finding the pictures on each state. Wyoming has a cowboy. Kentucky has a horse. Oh, and then there's Georgia- Katelyn is sure that her Dad will never go there- it has peaches on it!

Our Mystery Giver Strikes Again!

2009-09-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

Our mystery giver has sent another package. Ryan and Katelyn were so excited! They were literally jumping for joy! The package was loaded with cool activities. First, they wanted to color the pillowcases...

Ryan got right to work coloring the car pillow case. He was really taking his time to make sure that it was perfect!

Katelyn decided to go with a rainbow colored princess theme. They both sat for nearly an hour and worked on their pillowcases. I unloaded the dishwasher.Here's Ryan finished product...
...and here is Katelyn's. Now I just need to find the iron to set the color. I'm pretty sure it's packed at Grandma's.

Must Love Dogs...

2009-09-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's not that I don't like dogs, I just don't want one in my house. ( I don't want two in my house either!) The three kids still at home make a big enough mess!

When I picked up Ryan and Katelyn the other day, they had decided that Santa was bringing them each a dog...Katelyn thinks she is getting a Yorkie from Santa...Ryan says he is getting a Chihuahua. Debbie and Lacy helped them to write name lists for their new dogs. I had to make them cry and tell them that we are not getting dogs from Santa...it was then that I thought of the best plan ever.

I told Ryan and Katelyn that we didn't have a fence- it would be really sad if a dog jumped in the canal and drowned or ran in the road and got hit. I said they should try and find a place to keep them that had a fence and then maybe Santa would bring a dog. Ryan decided that Debbie's house has a really good fence. So they plan to ask Debbie to keep their dogs at her house.

Turn abouts fair play....

It's coming together...

2009-09-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Jeremy H. has been to the house installing the cultured granite. I'm glad I went with the darker color. It compliments the tile well! The grain is really fine- it looks really neat.

Woo-Hoo! A make-up counter! I just need to find a chair for it now.

The Disney Keys to Excellence

2009-09-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was able to attend the seminar "The Disney Keys To Excellence" on Wednesday with two of my friends from work. We had a great time and learned a lot too. It was really a fun atmosphere- the instructors were awesome. I can't wait to get back to work and "create magic"!

I would really like to be able to attend the 3 1/2 day Leadership Excellence program at Disneyland or Disney World some day. Maybe next year...

One of my favorite things that was said at the seminar regarding leadership was the following:

"You can't push a rope-You can only pull it!"

We need to be leaders and take the lead position- pull others along! After all, you can't push people into anything. If you pull the rope, they'll soon be onboard pulling too!

We were given a copy of Creating Magic by Lee Cockerell to enjoy too. I've already starting reading and it's a fantastic book- can't wait to finish it. Maybe it will help with Hunter...

New Fridge Art

2009-09-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about school being back is session is the new fridge art that I get every week. We have to rotate sides of the fridge. Ryan get the bigger side one week and then Kate gets it the next.

Oh, and as a bonus-this first grade art has a moral to it!

A Wise Old Owl

A wise old owl sat in an oak,

The more he heard, the less he spoke;

The less he spoke, the more he heard;

Why aren't we all like that wise old bird?I think this will stay up a while longer!

Kiss The Easy Suppers Goodbye-

2009-09-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

Katelyn loves Spaghetti-Os, or rather she used to. I can't talk her into eating them anymore. They were so convenient to make for her when she was starving- RIGHT NOW! Gone are those days- Here's what happened: It was pretty late and she was starving- she wanted Spaghetti-Os. The whole can. She has eaten the whole can before, I didn't think anything of it. She wanted milk with her Os. She drank two glasses- about 16 oz. You can see where this is going, right????

She got up to get her jammies- she made it halfway down the hall... Wes laid her on her bed just in time for what we like to refer to as "Spaghetti-Os, Out the Nose!" and in her hair, on her bed, and in her ears! Poor girl! She stood in the shower and gagged the entire time as I washed the Os out of the ringlets! YUCK!

She can't even look at a can now without dry heaving! I guess she'll have to eat corn dogs...

A Cute Little Sweetie

2009-09-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

We went last weekend to see little Paizlee May. Charlie and Alisha are great first time parents. They're really cute with her. It's pretty funny to see Charlie with her. It's amazing to see how fast that sweet little girl wrapped her daddy around her little finger! We took her a Roxy girl dress that matches Katelyn's. Katelyn is so excited to have pictures taken together when Paizlee's big enough for her dress.

Sleepy Girl!Katelyn giving Charlie a tutorial on Guitar Hero for the DS!

Soapstone

2009-09-17T09:54:00.001-07:00

Raul came last Friday and installed the soapstone in my kitchen. I LOVE it! It's looks really neat! Check it out...The grain really shows up with the camera flash- It looks more black without light. Here's what it looks like standing back. I can't wait for you to see it in person!

Fall Pics Around the Farm

2009-09-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ryan wanted pictures in the field on a bale of straw. I was happy to assist him.

It kinda looks like he's sitting on the ground. But he really is on the bale of straw.

We had to take Katelyn's glasses off- they were dark black! If the bales are still there this weekend, I think I'll take them back at dusk for better shots!

The Letter

2009-09-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

It often times seems unfair that the harder you work to better yourself, the bigger price you pay. Let me explain a little using a recent experience.

It's not a secret that I was once younger than I am now and VERY dumb. I ended up divorced with three really great kids to care for on my own. I say on my own because unless I was able to find where out where their dad was working, the state made no efforts to seek him out to collect child support. (Oh, and it took me nearly a year to save the $50 required by the state to instate a garnishment on his wages.) BLAH-BLAH, long story short- this has not been easy at times.

Along the way, I met a really sweet guy (who I love very much!) and he was more than happy to take on the role of substitute father. Truly a blessing in my life.

Through the years, I've made every effort to learn and better myself. (Busted my behind if you will.) I managed to earn a really great job that I love and it pays well too. (Okay- that may sound like I'm bragging, but it isn't intended that way- bear with me.)

Where does all this hard work get me in relation to the fore mentioned days of stupid???? Well, let me tell you- I get a bigger share of the support bill for Hunter! I'm not complaining about paying more, I love the kid. BUT- the ex has done nothing to better himself. Alcohol (and probably still drugs), bouncing from job to job, trouble with the law, whining about how difficult his life is, wah-wah. Something about assaulting an officer and going to rehab instead of facing the music- Now he claims that he is incapable of working and reports zero income. (Funny- He told Hunter that he works at Cal Ranch...)

Now comes the kicker- since he is so poor and pathetic, the state reduces his share of the child support to a whopping $48!!!!!!!!! Can you believe that???? Outrageous! I work hard and earn more so he can pay less- What's that about?????? Hunter suggested that I just send a thank you card.

You can see that all of this did not sit well with me- until the letter.

The Letter-

Dear Dad,

I just wanted to thank you for your continued lack of support and disregard for my care. It has taught me something very important- others love me.

I have the privilege of having the best father in the world. I work with him. He teaches me about hard work, respect and honesty. I have also learned how to be responsible by watching him. He respects me and our family. He gives me the things I need, and gets me some extra special things too.

The best part about it is that no one told him he had to take care of me and teach me to be a responsible man. He did it because he wanted to and because he loves me. I hope when I grow up, I'm just like him.

Thank you for the opportunity that you gave me- to see the world with open eyes and to decide for myself the example that I want to follow.

...I guess life is fair after all

Finally! A Bit More Progress

2009-09-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Someone told me that once the paint is done, everything else goes really fast...

...NOT!

So far, it's gone slower than I could have even imagined it would.

The kitchen hasn't been touched in nearly two weeks- Oh wait- they cut the hole for the downdraft vent in the cabinet.

This still looks the same-DEPRESSING!!! I wish they'd hurry!

Doesn't really look like an island yet, does it???

This is the wall that Wes has to cut- OOPS! Missing wires! I suppose that's what happens when you're working full time and staying up late to wire. He thinks he wired this part of the house somewhere around 01:00.

Look! I found something that's new! This was not here yesterday! (I'll bet Wes did it.)

WOW! The pillars are FINALLY sided! Nice!

Front view with gutters and sided pillars-

And finally- a few views of the trex deck. I was worried when the frame was the only thing up. It was pretty ugly- I have to say it's starting to look better!

Does This Look Clean To You???

2009-09-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

I've sent Hunter to his room every night for the last two weeks to get it cleaned. He claims this is clean. Is he blind???? What do you think??? Any suggestions??? I understand that most teenage boys have messy rooms, but this is utterly ridiculous! The worst part is that the house is on the market...what am I supposed to say to someone looking at the house??..."We don't open this door, just trust me it's a bedroom."????

Birthday's are Still NOT Happy Days...

2009-09-08T16:53:00.000-07:00

Another birthday has come and gone for me.

I'm still holding at twenty-eight. There will be no discussion regarding this matter.

I tried to sleep in- kids were up as soon as the phone rang.

They don't get along- they can't go even a few minutes without a battle- Oh joy!

Hunter tried to keep their fighting to a minimum- but somehow Ryan was pushed by Katelyn- He'd been standing on the arm of the couch- Ryan called Kate a goo-goo, gaa-gaa baby. Kate says she accidentally bumped him off- it was his fault he almost hit the brick fireplace. (Hunter says she shoved him pretty hard!) By the time I made it downstairs, Ryan was on top of Katelyn and her glasses were on the carpet. Good morning to me!! I sent them directly to their rooms to think about it. Ryan hollered down the hall- "Happy Birthday Mom!, Can I come out now?"

Wes spent nearly the entire holiday working at Buttars. The rest of the day, he worked on the house. I decided that I wanted blackened shrimp for dinner- Ryan and Kate will both eat penne pasta. So, that's what I made. I also made an apple pie. Wes and Hunter weren't answering the phone, so I ate alone. They reheated later.

Wes surprised me- He picked up a few things when he was at Disneyland for my birthday- A gorgeous watch with interchangeable bands and bezels. Way cool!

He also got me a shirt- it's a little small, men just don't get the buy the size for the boobs! I'll need to loose @ 10 pounds to fit in it. At least he didn't buy too big! I'd rather he thinks I'm smaller than bigger!

Be Safe! Put Down Your Phone!

2009-09-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

After losing a great friend to a fatal car accident late last year, things seem to touch home more than they used to. A recently watched a video about texting and driving- thought I'd share it today with you.

http://ut.zerofatalities.com/images/0809/vid.jpg

Please watch the video- and remember, there is no text, email or phone call that cannot wait until you are safely off the road...

Love You All!

Busy Week

2009-09-04T09:14:00.001-07:00

The first week of school has been extremely busy, so I apologize for not posting for awhile. I just love the hour plus of homework each day with Ryan and Katelyn!

The finish-up stuff on the house has kept me busy too- both days that I have off, I've spent running around the entire state...at least Ryan and Kate weren't whining in the back seat the entire time! (I did enough whining for the three of us because of all the adventures I had on Monday getting a sink!)

Thought I'd share a few pictures of the first day of school.. Katelyn (a.k.a. Roxy Girl) showing off her style...
Ryan happy to be going back to school......I mean really happy!

At Least Five Hundred...

2009-08-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

This year Wes planted a few things in the garden for some curb appeal. The result has been pretty good- We have huge healthy plants loaded with tomatoes. At least sixty tomatoes per plant and we have eight plants! UNFORTUNATELY- they're all still green as can be. We have not picked one ripe tomato yet.

I'm sure that they will all ripen at the same time. Isn't that one of the clauses in Murphy's Law??? So- friends and family, be ready to come pick tomatoes to your hearts content!

YUMMY TREATS!

2009-08-30T15:40:00.003-07:00

Wes went to California on Friday night to watch Spark-E Boy run. He took Hunter too. This was the second time in two weeks that he was within 25 miles of Disneyland and did not take me. So...to make up for it, look at what he brought back for me this time!

FUDGE from Marceline's in Downtown Disney!
My two favorite kinds from Disneyland- Chocolate Nut and Tiger Butter! I do have to wonder though- If Katelyn had not requested fudge as well, would he have gone to Downtown Disney just for me? I'd like to think he still would! Thanks Wes! I'll enjoy each piece. Hopefully, this will last until I go myself.

A Week of the Fair

2009-08-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

Around here, the week before school is fair week. (a.k.a. a week that I don't have to cook!) We were all ready for school to start on Monday- so we played all week. We wandered booths- bought a few bracelets from Larry's sister, said hello to the people that move away and still come back for the fair, and got a free supply of pencils from vendors for the school year. Why the Littles collect pencils is beyond my reach of understanding-

Ryan and Katelyn had their fill of Farm Bureau hot dogs- all week. Ryan was playing shy at the time of these photos.

Here they are on the dragon coaster. (Ryan is still being camera shy!) We only allow a few rides at the fair. First of all they are way expensive @ $3.00 a ride each kid. Second, they are way dirty and pretty scary looking- they get hauled in on semi trucks and put up in the matter of a few hours. How safe can they really be??? AND- have you seen the characters that operate the rides????

Here they come around the corner...

Notice anything strange??? Where did the glasses go????
Here they are! The guy operating the ride was less than happy to get them for us...we had to ask twice.
Glasses recovered, Katelyn and Ryan pose for a picture with Warren. Doesn't he look happy to be out in the heat???? Dax was with his dad-we didn't see him all day.
Here's Hunter- working in the lamb barn. As the younger kids came back with their lambs from the auction- Hunter helped put lambs back in pens and put ribbons back up on the banner.
We needed a few pictures of Hunter with his lamb for his record book. He did not want his picture taken. I kept taking pictures until he smiled- (It took Wes threatening the loss of his license to get him to smile!) Before long, Hunter actioned his lamb- we ate dinner and went home early. Another year at the fair over! Boy are we tired!

Today was a special day...

2009-08-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

Dinner for Dad...fried shrimp and cheesy potatoes.

A present for him- Big Bang Theory Season 1 DVD

Dessert- homeade chocolate cake- grandma's recipe. One circle piece from the middle for Dad.

Disneyland- where he takes us to have fun.

Yes!, We love him!

Happy Birthday Wes!

Thank you for all you do for us!

Katelyn enjoying the chocolate frosting a little too much. Ryan was sleeping- he was an ornery bear when we got home. He went to bed for throwing a fit and didn't want to get up and join the party.

Dad's favorite show and Katelyn's too! Can we watch it all tonight?

Just Another House Update~

2009-08-24T20:21:00.001-07:00

Quick update-sorry ahead of time for more pictures than words... The tile is grouted in bathrooms and where the cabinets will sit- brown grout in the kid's bathrooms.

Black grout in the kitchen and entry areas. Black in the master bath as well. We started with brown for everything- Wes was really sweet when I asked him to remove the bit of grout he'd already put in the tile in the kitchen. The brown wasn't the same color as what was on the bag. WOW was it really not working in the kitchen! Black is much better.

The cabinets are installed in the basement kitchenette. They were almost done in the kitchen- Wes showed up and remembered that the heat and duct guys still need to cut the vent for the downdraft on the range top...Uh,Oh another oops in planning by the site manager. It's a good thing Wes is on top of things!

Just a close-up of the wood grain.

The built-in bookcase in the library, minus the shelves.

Paint is just about done!

2009-08-21T05:16:00.000-07:00

Here we are the day before the painting started- tile and windows masked.Ryan was worried that this was his new curtains!

Here's the paint all done- just a few touch-up spots left. The painter didn't want to do semi-gloss-BUT- that's what I asked for. He did a really good job- it turned out great!

He finished the railing as well- I LOVE IT!

This is the tile in the master bath- I love this too! Wes is grouting this weekend- the site manager had arranged to put in the cabinets before the grout. Wes set him straight rather quickly. I hope Ryan and Katelyn behave so that I can help too!The cabinet guys showed up and dropped of half of the cabinets- minus the doors! They pretty much fill the kitchen and the family room. This is the built-in for my walk-in closet. I LOVE the cherry wood! Wes would have preferred oak- I'm so lucky to have a sweet husband who lets me pick these things without too much flack! We're almost there... Can't wait to have you over to check out the new place!

Finish Work Before Painting

2009-08-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

The finish work guys were at the house. In addition to working on the base boards, hanging doors and working on the stair railing, they managed to bump a hole in the ceiling downstairs and break tile. Wes was not a happy camper prying up broken tile and scraping the thin set from the hardi-backer. They've almost finished the railing-
The closets are ready for paint too! It's so close to being finished- it just seems to be getting slower! Does that even make any sense????