The Madhouse

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

It seems like it's been years since we had a Halloween at home. I think it has been, so this year I decided we were going to stay at home. It was a nice Halloween. We, or should I say I, carved pumpkins in the morning and then went to the honey's work parade where the boys always get a ton of candy. I love it because then it means we don't have to do that much trick-or-treating. My niece and nephew came with us this year trick-or-treating and then we had Broccoli Cheese Chowder for dinner. The best part of the night was that we were in bed by 9:30!! I hope you all had a great Halloween!

2011-10-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

Teague went to the pumpkin patch today with his pre-school and brought home the most adorable perfect pumpkin I've ever seen! I love the long stem! Now if only I could get him to look at the camera when I take a picture...

Khaki

2011-10-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

I love this dog, but he is quite literally my shadow. He follows me EVERYWHERE! The biggest annoyance I have with him is that when he wants attention, he purposely comes up to my hands and pushes his cold, wet nose right to them. EWWWW!!!! The good thing is that I've never seen a dog so good with kids. He's had kids pull on his ears and climb right on top of him. He doesn't even move and inch. He's a good dog, sometimes I just wish he would leave me alone for 10 minutes.

Fall Decor

2011-10-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

I decided this year to try to put some things up above on my ledge. My good friend Amy does this and I think it looks sooo good! I'm hoping maybe to get some Christmas stuff up there too.

I love my new tree. They've had them at Hobby Lobby for the last couple years and I've always been attracted to them, but never knew what I would do with them. When I decided to put stuff up on my ledge, it clicked and I was so happy they still had them this year.

I've been wanting one of these lanterns for such a long time and thought it would be perfect to use for Halloween. I will probably put in my kitchen somewhere afterwards, because for me, I want it out all year long. Unlike so many wonderful people I admire, I'm not really that great of a bargain shopper. I really wish I was so that I could save more money, but it's definitely something I struggle with. I think I'm getting better, but this was something I should have waited to go on sale. I didn't.
I really LOVE my floral arrangement. It was another idea I got from my wonderful friend Amy. I realize it may not be everyone's taste, but it seriously makes me sooo happy!This is actually not my favorite area of decoration this year. I haven't been the happiest with it, but I don't have anything else to put there. However, when I took this picture, I was amazed at how gorgeous the colors turned out together. It seriously doesn't look this great to me in person. I love the challenge of moving things around every year and not having things look exactly the same as they did the year before. It's so much fun to decorate, I LOVE it.

Teague's 4th Birthday!

2011-10-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

I'm a little slow in posting this, but that's just because I've been sulking about the fact that my baby is now 4. Just kidding. He is such a special addition to our family, and I'm so extremely blessed to have him as part of it. I joke a lot about how hard he was when he was a baby and a toddler, which was true, but he's really starting to chill out a little as he gets older. I love that I'm getting to know just him a little bit more while Aidan is in school. He's so sweet and loves to cuddle. Several times a day he'll just say out of the blue, "Mommy, I love you." He's very affectionate and very physical, which can sometimes get him into trouble. When he's in a good mood he wants to give loves, when he's frustrated he wants to hit, etc, etc. He's so giving to his older brother. I think the second child has to succumb to a lot of manipulation from the oldest. ;) He's truly an extremely wonderful blessing in my life and I love him sooo much! The wonderful cake that is posted is from his aunt and uncle Chase and Stacee. Thanks guys for all the effort you put into this.

2011-10-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

I picked up the honey something at the store today. Can't wait to give it to him. :)

2011-10-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

I saw a photo on pinterest for a pumpkin caterpillar and decided to try to re-create it with the kids. There is a farm right by my house that has pumpkins for super cheap and so it cost next to nothing. The boys couldn't decide on a color so we decided to do a green and purple caterpillar. Although it doesn't look nearly as nice as the pinterest picture, I still think it turned out pretty cute and the boys love it!

2011-10-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

Uh, Teague...I found your other sock. In my pantry. On top of the soda. Suspiciously enough, it looks planted there.

Paper Halloween Cup Lights

2011-10-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

Nicole and I found this cute project on the Good Housekeeping website. It was really easy and these cups look so much cuter even in person than on the computer. Plus, they're cheap and who doesn't love that? Nicole and I made this for about $10. The things you'll need to get started are: 3 oz. paper bath cups, an exacto knife, glue (we just used hot glue since it dries so fast), Halloween scrapbook paper, and a 20-25 count strand of led lights.

We cut apart one of the paper cups to make a template for the shape of the scrapbook paper we needed to cut out. Then we cut out the template in the various scrapbook papers we were going to use.

When that was done, we hot glued the templates right over the top of our cups. Our cups had a pattern to it, but after the project is done, you can't even see the pattern under the scrapbook paper. Also, be careful when you line the paper up or you'll get a bulge in the top of the cup.

Then we took an exacto knife and cut a small x in the top of the cup so we could push through the lights. Be careful when you push the lights through, as I tore a few of my cups and had to re-make them. I found 20 count led lights at Wal-Mart that were battery powered for $4.98. I love that they're battery powered because then you can put them pretty much anywhere!

Needless to say, Nicole and I loved this project so much, we're planning on making some Christmas ones. And, since they make scrapbook paper for any occasion, I might make cups for every holiday. That will ensure I'll get lots of use out of my battery powered led lights. They also said to use led lights instead of regular Christmas lights because of the heat involved, but just be warned, the led lights aren't that bright.

New Floor!

2011-09-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

So I've decided I need to start blogging more. It's a good way to stay in touch with family and let everyone know what you're doing. I haven't really liked blogging all that much simply because I don't really know how to use the program very well. I think that with a little practice, however, I will be able to figure it out.

The thing that has been taking up the bulk of our time lately is the new carpet. We weren't going to get new carpet until tax return time, however, a store was offering 12 months no interest financing and free installation for carpet. We decided we couldn't turn it down and that we could still pay it off with tax return money without losing anything. So we did it.

It was a rough 4 days having our house torn apart. We could eat in the living room and cook, but no one really wanted to spend any time in these big empty rooms. 4 people and 2 dogs lived in our master bedroom for 5 days. We tried to stay out of the house as much as possible.

The carpet installers did a great job. I LOVE it!!! I have to admit the carpet is a little darker than I thought it would be, but I did that on purpose to hide stains. The painting I wanted to do is finally done and now with the new carpet it feels like a whole new house. We also put laminate in the entrance we use the most since it was so disgustingly dirty you don't even want to know. Now I'm wishing we could do the bedrooms too. Gotta pay this off first though. :) I can finally put up my fall stuff now! Yay!

General Conference

2011-06-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

I love reading the Ensign. There are few things I look forward to more. My favorite is the conference talks. I like General Conference weekend, but the time I most grow is when I am able to read and study the talks. I learn so much more that I didn't hear when I was listening to it. Over the many General Conference's (and I'm sure many of you can relate), I have noticed that I take the most from President Deiter F. Uchtdorf's talks. I'm sure everyone has a favorite they like to listen to. I feel like he talks to my soul the most, that he relates to me the most. I was reading the conference talk from April titled "Waiting on the Road to Damascus" and I found a new favorite quote:

"The truth is, those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him. They will personally receive a divine portrait of the Master, although it most often comes in the form of a puzzle-one piece at a time. Each individual piece may not be easily recognizable by itself; it may not be clear how it relates to the whole. Each piece helps us to see the big picture a little more clearly. Eventually, after enough pieces have been put together, we recognize the grand beauty of it all. Then, looking back on our experience, we see that the Savior has indeed come to be with us-not all at once but quietly, gently, almost unnoticed."

Tired little Monkey

2011-04-26T14:45:00.001-07:00

This has never happened to me before. I guess there's a first for everything and there must have been too much Easter candy or something! :)

Happy Easter Everyone!

2011-04-26T14:27:00.001-07:00

Trying to stay on track...

2011-02-23T10:37:00.001-08:00

So, I've lost my camera. It is VERY frustrating because I wanted to post pictures of my BEAUTIFUL Valentine's Dinner!!! I think that one of my lovely children have gotten their hands on it and run off with it somewhere. So, the plan is that I will make my gourmet dinner for the week tomorrow night, but if I don't find my camera, it will be Friday. I want to post pictures of my wonderful meals along with the commentary. I'm also not very impressed with my book that I got from Amazon...I'm thinking of sending it back. I think I will just look online for recipes and build my own menu. The menu for this weeks gourmet cooking lesson (for myself):

Green Salad with Lemon Herb dressing
Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken
Twice Baked Parmesan Potatoes
Fresh Baked Bread (I can't believe I'm actually going to try bread; the only thing I have a really hard time with)
Brazed Cucumbers
Orange Creamsicle cupcakes

Inspiration and Motivation

2011-02-12T22:19:00.000-08:00

I am a perfectionist. I always have been. Ask my mother. ;) I'm never happy with the things I do, I always see something that can be tweaked, some way that I can do it better the next time. I'm far too critical of myself. But....I think most women are. I was doing my nightly scripture study and came across this quote by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, and if you're at all like me, maybe it will help you too.

"Let me cite a hypothetical example of a dear sister in any ward, the one who has perfect children who never cause a disturbance in church. She is the one working on her 20th generation in her family history, keeps an immaculate home, has memorized the book of Mark, and makes wool sweaters for the orphaned children in Romania. No disrespect, of course, intended for any of these worthy goals. Now, when you get tempted to throw your hands in the air and give up because of this dear sister, please remember you're not competing with her any more than I'm competing with the members of the Quorum of the Twelve in the 50-yard dash. The only thing you need to worry about is striving to be the best you can be. And how do you do that? You keep your eye on the goals that matter most in life, and you move towards them step by step."

Valentine's Day Dinner

2011-02-11T12:38:00.000-08:00

So, I kind of slacked. I really didn't mean to, it just kind of worked out that way. I went to Barnes and Noble last weekend to look at cookbooks. Man, was that intimidating! I almost got the BYU cookbook for my hubby but one of the recipes was literally to buy frozen cream puffs, strawberries and to put them on a stick and drizzle them with chocolate syrup. While it had great tailgating recipes, I felt it wasn't challenging enough for what I was going for. I also thought maybe an Italian cookbook would be fun. I found one called "Cooking with Italian Grandmothers." Sounds fun, right? Well, when I opened the first page and saw a completely whole dead fish on a white plate with just a little garnish I decided that was a definite no go (I'm not a big fish person, AT ALL).

So, although it was not my intention to buy the Julia Child cookbook, I did. I got home and was all excited to make bief bourguignon until I saw that it called for 2 1/2 cups of red wine! Now, I know this is just a little quirk of mine and I know that alcohol cooks out of the dishes, however, I just wasn't comfortable using THAT much alcohol. I really don't mind using a little alcohol here and there to cook with. I can appreciate that it gives dishes some really good flavor. However, I have to remember who I am and make things that I'm comfortable with. So.....Monday I took back the cookbook and decided to look for something on Amazon.

I did finally find a cookbook, but with the time it took to do all this, I probably won't have it by Valentine's Day. So, I decided to make one of my most favorite light recipes. I actually found it on KUTV on the news one day and decided to try it. The pork spice rub is the MOST delicious I have ever tasted. I've tweaked it a little. I only put in half the pepper it calls for because if you put it all in I'm just warning you it will be SPICY!! But here is the recipe, just in case you're looking for something to make for Valentine's Day. I'll post pictures when I make it on Monday. And I PROMISE next week I will be trying a new recipe out of my new cookbook!

Lemon Marinated Pork Medallion Salad
Ingredients:
4 Pork Medallions

Spice Rub:
1 Tbsp. Lemon Zest
1 Tbsp. salt
2 tsp. Pepper
1 tsp. dried sage
2 garlic cloves, minced or 1 tsp. crushed garlic

Salad:
6 cups spring salad mix
1 cup toasted walnut pieces (I use almond slivers, I'm somewhat allergic to walnuts)
1 cup chopped dried apricots
1 red bell pepper, julienne sliced

Dressing:
3 Tbsp. canola oil
1 Tbsp. Rice Vinegar
1 Tbsp. Sugar
1 Tbsp. Lemon juice
Salt and Pepper to taste

Method:
In a small bowl, combine all the spice rub ingredients. Rub the ingredients all over the pork and refrigerate for 30 minutes. In a large bowl toss together the salad ingredients. Set aside until ready to use. Pan sear the pork medallions for 3 minutes on each side or until golden. Finish cooking off medallions in a 400 degree oven until fully cooked through. Remove medallions from oven and allow them to rest for 10 minutes (VERY IMPORTANT!!) Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Slice medallions and place on top of the salad.

New Adventures

2011-02-01T09:29:00.001-08:00

My life is kind of in limbo right now. The big plan is that I want to be able to go back to school and quit my job to be at home with my kids. But that can't happen for at least another 6 months. So what can I do to keep me occupied in the meantime? Well, I don't know whether or not you've seen Julie and Julia, but that was such an inspirational movie to me. I LOVE to cook. It's very relaxing and very satisfying to make something that tastes yummy.

I've wanted for a while to get more techniques down and learn more about food and cooking. I'm also in a kind of rut as far as making the same things every night. But who has the money for culinary school? Plus, it's not something I want to make a career out of simply because it takes me away from my family too much. So, anyway, back to my point. :)

I decided that I'm going to go get a fancy cook book and make one meal out of it a week. I can't do the daily thing like she did on Julie and Julia simply because I can't afford it and I don't have the time. And my first assignment? To make something for Valentine's evening. I will let you guys know what cook book I decide on when I get it and I'll post a picture. I'm a little nervous, simply because I don't really like seafood, but I'm willing to try just about anything. I can't guarantee I'll be able to continue this when I finally go back to school, but I thought it would be a fun thing to try until school starts. Just to mix things up a bit.

Superman

2010-11-23T22:46:00.001-08:00

So the boys wanted me to tie their favorite blankets around their necks so they could pretend they were super heros. (When I say favorite I mean favorite so please excuse the nastiness) They were running around saying the cutest things like "Mommy, I fixed your car!" or "Mommy, you're a princess and I'm going to rescue you!" It was so cute I had to get some pictures, of course!

Family Pictures

2010-11-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to have my sister do a family photo shoot for us so I could update my pictures in my living room. I LOVED them! I know everyone goes to the Union station for pictures, right now that's the thing. I wanted my boys in little overalls with conductor hats though and there are so may DIFFERENT opportunities there. Even today as I was ordering pictures online Teague got all excited and said "Mommy, that was at the trains!" They had so much fun and I got some cute family pictures out of it. These were my favorite pictures (you'll probably be getting some in a christmas card). :)

Climbing a Wall

2010-09-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

So I'm extremely frustrated with things going on in my life right now. I don't know why I let them get to me so much, especially since they seem so small compared to some of the things happening in other people's lives and lives around the world. It just feels like every time I try to get something accomplished I hit a brick wall. I think I'm going to create a little story here. It feels like I'm in a city and I'm walking down the street towards something I want really badly or that I think is the thing I should be wanting right now. Something that I think is a good thing to be working for. All of the sudden, I'm in a dark alley way smack dab up against a brick wall that is maybe 8 feet tall. I think to myself "Ok, so this isn't the path. What else is a good thing to work for?" I'm trying to be upbeat and think, ok, this is obviously not the thing to be working for right now so let's work on something else. So I chart another course, figuring out the directions to get where I want in my head. Suddenly I turn around and BAM!! There's another brick wall. Ok, let's go a different way since there seems to be a brick wall in front of and behind me. I turn to the side and BAM! There's yet another brick wall. Before I know it, I'm in this tiny room surrounded by 8 foot walls on each side. Now, I have a strong testimony of the gospel which is why I am trying to keep an upbeat attitude about all of this. So I'm trying really hard not to get frustrated. I'm used to getting my way and getting my way when I want it. I've been pondering for a while what would be the reason for all of this happening and I think that maybe I'm just supposed to move this wall one brick at a time. I really think I'm supposed to be learning patience at this juncture. I'm also learning that even though I don't want to have a 'why me' attitude or be angry at the things that are happening that I'm human. It's ok to be frustrated with what's happening to me. It's ok to be confused. If anything, it's making me communicate with the Lord more fervently and more often than I normally would. I'm getting the same answers so I guess I need to figure out a way to climb that 8 foot wall and get over it, because even though the wall is there, the Lord wants me on the other side.

Some of you may be like, WHOA!! Where did this come from?!?! I've found that by writing things down they make me feel better. But sharing these things with just myself isn't helping anything. So I'm hoping that maybe by sharing these things with the people I love the most maybe someone else will get something out of this too.

2010-09-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

I think it's time to update the blog. Ya think??

Update

2010-04-14T08:17:00.001-07:00

No, I have not fallen off the face of the earth! Things have just been a little crazy lately so bear with me! Ryan is so close to finishing school that we can barely stand it. We're pretty much just trying to survive until that last day of school and then making it to the cruise. Ry and I need the alone time so badly I can't even express it. I will miss the boys, but I will definately be happy to have some time with just him. This week I've been battling with a little bit of stomach flu and I'm definately not happy about it. Just when I think it's gone, it comes back with a force! I promise, I will start posting more. PROMISE!

Wierdness

2010-03-04T10:07:00.000-08:00

I am laughing even as I write this. I purposely put this in my room so no one would know how really silly I am, but now I'm deciding to put it on my blog. Ry and I are SO excited. I have never been on a vacation like this before. Ryan and I are going on a Carribean Cruise after he graduates with his Master's and I made a paper chain to help me count down the days. Juvenile, I know, but it makes me so happy!

Happy Birthday to me!

2010-03-04T10:03:00.000-08:00

I have a little confession to make. I don't really like the paint color in my bedroom. We can't really change it either until we're ready to get new bedroom furniture and who knows how long that will be (since I've been living in my house for 3 years and still don't have any front room furniture). It's not that I don't like what I already have, it's just too ginormous for our bedroom. I have tried several different bed spreads to make the color more bearable. I FINALLY found one for my birthday. So, just in case you were wondering what I got for my birthday...

My Little Jedi's.

2010-03-04T10:01:00.001-08:00

Handy Manny

2010-03-04T09:58:00.001-08:00

The boys were pretending to be Handy Manny and thought it was so cool to put pencils on their ears. What a cute moment, I had to get pictures.

Decorating

2010-03-04T09:53:00.001-08:00

I have this little shoe rack by my front door and I've been meaning to try to get cute little decorations for the seasons for years but it seems so overwhelming. So I decided to start with just this little section in my house. Every year I plan on adding something new and hopefully eventually I will be able to make my house cute for every holiday. This was my Saint Patrick's Day display. The star was a paper mache box I found at hobby lobby for about $4. I painted the box white and put the four leaf clover on it. The letters I also got from Hobby Lobby. Love that store! It's uplifting to know I'm finally achieving my goals. I'm also working on a FAMILY craft that will be put next to my family pictures on my newly painted walls (when I finally get around to getting those done).

Craftin'

2010-01-24T18:53:00.001-08:00

Nicole and I went to Quilted Bear to get some cute Valentine's decorations. After rummaging through the entire store, we found a couple of really cute things but thought we could make them for much cheaper. Well, we saw something similar to this for $20 and I estimate that I made it for about $10. I know, I like things a little loud and very shiny but you really could do just about anything with them! It was so much fun, and I can't wait to see what Nicole does with hers! Aidan had to help me, of course.

Romantic Evening

2010-01-20T19:52:00.000-08:00

Ry and I had a romantic evening alone without the boys (Thanks mom!). We were a little low on cash so instead of eating out we tried to make it nice at home (The bubbly was actually cider for those of you who are wondering). We then went to a movie. All in all, it was a very nice night.

Aprons

2010-01-20T19:47:00.000-08:00

With the help of my stepmother I was able to sew these aprons for Christmas presents. (Ok, so Susan completely did the girly one which was my favorite while I worked on the manly one). I'm still pretty proud of myself though and they were received well, so it was tons of fun!

Aidan's Birthday

2010-01-20T19:33:00.000-08:00

My oldest little boy just turned four. I can't even believe it. I can honestly say it feels like yesterday that he was born. He had a transformers party and got spoiled enormously. Thanks to all the aunts and uncles and grandparents for putting up with the noise. ;)

Christmas 2009

2010-01-20T19:27:00.000-08:00

It was such a fun Christmas! There were so many memories and Aidan was so excited about Santa. Here are some highlights.

Cinnamon Rolls and Cookies for Santa

2009-12-21T19:45:00.000-08:00

It was our family home evening and a little crazy, but still a TON of fun! I love traditions and time spent together as a family this time of year. Ryan's family has a tradition to have cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning and Ryan completed his first attempt at making his mother's cinnamon rolls. They don't look exactly the same, but they definately passed the taste test and he was so proud. The boys and I made cookies and then we all decorated them as a family. As you can see, Teague decided he wanted to do a little decorating by himself. We ended the evening by driving through the lights in Layton Park. It was so much fun and something I will definately be remembering for years to come.

Seconds of Bliss

2009-12-15T20:19:00.000-08:00

The kids have been acting up. Ryan is gone right now on business and today has been horrible! I've threatened and never yelled more in a day then I did today. I feel like I'm constantly screaming at them to stop climbing on this and get off of that. I was sitting on the couch addressing Christmas cards and watching So You Think You Can Dance. I glanced over to see this. I didn't pose them at all, I didn't even realize they were sitting together. It made surviving the whole day worth it.

I'm BAAAAACK!

2009-12-15T17:02:00.000-08:00

I FINALLY have a camera!! Yay! I was not about to miss Christmas with my kids without a camera. I'm so excited to be back and ready to start posting again. I feel alive again! I've missed you guys so much!

Handsome Boy!

2009-10-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

It was a little rough getting these pictures. Teague did not want his picture taken at all! This was actually two sessions in the making, we had to reschedule because of bad moods. This is the best we could come up with and I love the one in the lower corner. I can't believe my baby is two! He's a sweetheart (most of the time) and makes me laugh almost all the time! I love my boys!

If Today Was Your Last Day

2009-10-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

Music has always talked to me. My mood has literally been lightened just by listening to a song. I've also been changing my quote weekly because for me it's therapeutic. Well, this time the thing I picked to quote was a little longer than normal and also a song I was listening to on my way home from work today. I know we hear the songs on the radio, but how often do we take the time to read the words? Are there really that many songs that have words worth learning? I LOVE this song. It is something I want and hope to live my whole life by. Many of you will know it, but just take a minute to read the words....maybe it will make your day too!

My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day's a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past, donate every dime you had?
If today was your last day

Against the grain should be a way of life
What's worth the prize is always worth the fight
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try
So live like you'll never live it twice
Don't take the free ride in your own life

Would you call old friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories, would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you're dreamin' of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you finally fall in love

Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life
Let nothin' stand in your way
Cause the hands of time are never on your side
If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

-Nickelback

Field Trip

2009-10-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday my sister and I took the kids to Aidan's pre-school field trip to the Firehouse. The kids had tons of fun and learned a lot about fire safety. They also got a tour of the station and they got to see the fire truck with all the lights and sirens. They were demonstrating the water for us all to see how far it could shoot and a gust of wind came and blew the water back at us. Everyone went yelling and screaming and there were some little kids very traumatized that they had gotten wet. It was pretty funny! Aidan's favorite part was holding the fire hose...he thought he was pretty hot stuff (he's the one in the blue jacket). It was a ton of fun!

Aidan is FINALLY playing hockey!

2009-09-21T12:43:00.001-07:00

First of all, I'd like to thank my Aunt Sarah for making these pictures even possible. Secondly I would like to say that I had sooo much fun watching Aidan. I could tell he built a lot of confidence and he improved a great deal on Saturday. He even skated by himself a little. I'm so glad he likes it and am really looking forward to th rest of the season! I LOVE the toothless grin.

Happy Birthday Misty!

2009-09-16T08:20:00.000-07:00

I can't say Happy Birthday to one sister without saying Happy Birthday to another! To the sister who was my friend long before I was old enough to make any others. To someone who is very resilient and can take trials with dignity. To a soft-hearted sister who wears her heart on her sleeve. I love you. You've grown into a passionate mother and a fun loving person. Happy Birthday to my wonderful sister! Let's go shopping!

Happy Birthday Jen!

2009-09-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

I would just like to say Happy Birthday to my first (but not only) sister-in-law. To the woman who is such an inspiration not only in raising children, but also showing me how to be a good wife and be supportive to my kids and my husband. Who teaches me by example to find joy in every day and to laugh of the things that aren't funny because life is too short. I hope you have such a good day; you deserve it. And make sure you find some time today for crafts. ;)

I'm not ready for these kind of Conversations.

2009-09-10T09:01:00.000-07:00

Aidan: "Mommy, I want a baby."

Me: "You want a little brother or sister?"

Aidan: "NO! IIII want a baby!"

What to say, what to say? Hurry, think quick! Me: "When you're much older and you're married, you and your wife can have a baby together like Mommies and Daddies."

Aidan: "No. I want a baby."

OH DEAR! All I could do at that point was laugh.

2009-09-05T20:21:00.000-07:00

Go Cougars!! Seriously, one of the BEST football games I've seen in a long time! You guys deserve it, be happy. I know I am, and I don't even like football.

No Camera, No life

2009-07-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

I'm so disappointed right now. We took the camera with us to California to take pictures and got sand in it while we were at the beach. So I didn't get to take pictures at Sea World and haven't been able to take pictures since then. Like for the 4th of July, Chase's wedding, and many other things I was wishing I had my camera for. This means no posts for a while, unfortunately, until I can either figure out how to get it fixed or afford to buy a new one (yeah right).

Forget Me Nots

2009-05-29T10:58:00.000-07:00

Sibling rivalry can sometimes be so funny. I had to buy Aidan some more undies because I can't keep on top of his laundry, it has to be done so often. Well, I cracked them out and I think Teague was jealous of the attention. He wanted to wear undies too. So here he is as a big boy. I had to put them on over his pants or they never would have stayed up! Hilarious!

Just keep swimming.

2009-05-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

So it's been two weeks since I did my last post, well almost. I've been a little discouraged, even though I've told myself not to be. Last week I was so sick I wanted to bury myself in the backyard so I haven't exactly eaten as well as I would have liked to.

But Ry and I bought a new elliptical a couple of weeks ago and I love it. I have to admit, I had rose colored glasses on thinking it would be so easy to do while I watched tv...you know, sitting on the couch or doing the elliptical. Easy, right. Well that part is easy, it's the huffing and puffing and wanting to die while I'm counting down the minutes part that I didn't consider. But it IS paying off as I have lost 10 pounds in the last two weeks.

I don't want to get too excited, especially right now because it's fairly easy for me to lose and gain ten pounds. When I get to 20, then I'll know I'm on the right track. I do have to say, I'm pretty proud of Ry and I for yesterday though. We went grocery shopping and now there are plenty of things to keep me on track. I do feel like I look better, and all around I'm in a happier mood. I think that's because now I really do feel like I'm committed to this. So in the words of the great philosopher Dory the fish I will "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming."

Boys will be Boys

2009-05-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

I'm way behind, but a couple of weeks ago Aidan's cousins stopped in for a quick visit. It was nice because we live so far away from each other. Now the dog pile has all the boys including grandpa...there are two grown men, an 11 year old, a 9 year old, a 6 year old, and a 3 year old.

They were all nice and orderly while we were eating lunch, but they soon got Khaki involved in a rough house. I was laughing when my Aidan's uncle said, "Khaki, sick!" Before you know it, Khaki was licking the pinned blond little blue eyed cousin of Aidan's to death. They all seemed to have fun though and it was nice to break up the monotony of my life.

Keeping it in perspective

2009-05-06T20:45:00.001-07:00

First of all, I want to say thank you to all of you....this is the whole reason I'm doing this extremely uncomfortable thing. I need the supoort and the help of all the people I care most about in the whole wide world.

Secondly, talk about having a balloon deflated. I had the flu last weekend so I was definately not in the mood to exercise. I had a break on Monday and then got a really bad chest cold yesterday! Now, one of the biggest things I'm working on doing is chaning what I say to myself. This is REALLY hard because your inner dialogue is kind of automatic and it's really hard to catch youself being mean until after the fact. But, I keep it no secret that I'm a HUGE Dr. Phil addict. He's like my personal psychiatrist minus the one on one relationship. I'm reading his weight loss book and I went back to find something he said that really stuck. I'm going to follow as he says and not let myself get down about such a bad start!

"Recognize that there will be events over which you have no control. For example, you are not to blame for missing your morning walk because there's a real gully-washer outside. If you say, 'I'm mad at myself because I didn't get to walk today," you are inappropriately internalizing. You're blaming yourself for the weather!" -Phil McGraw

Confessions of an overeater

2009-05-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

This is probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. To admit my mistakes in front of all my closest friends and family. But you know, it's not like no one has noticed. Looking back on the five years of my marriage, I can honestly I say I have been blissfully happy...except for my poor self image. When I am totally honest with myself I cannot believe that I have gained 70 pounds in that time and have tipped the scales at an astounding 250 lbs.

I cannot even believe the adrenaline that is pumping through my system as I am writing this. I have always told myself "You need to lose weight, you need to lose weight." Probably the thing that hit me the hardest was the first talk of the Saturday session of General Conference. He asked us to get out of our addictions and he actually named food as one of them. That stopped me dead in my tracks. You know how you can hear that same thing a million times by a million different people and it takes that one moment and that one person for you to feel like they're specifically talking to you? That's what it felt like....he was looking directly into my eyes and telling me that I had an addiction to food and that I needed to overcome it.

I have been doing research on the subject for several months, reading books and watching anything I could get my hands on about success stories and failures. I have been on and off of Weight Watcher's for years, and I've realized that it's not about eating right and exercising for me. Sure, those things are essential for actually losing weight, but my problem is not about that. It's about what I tell myself in my head. It's about how I justify eating the whole pie or not working out that day. I'm an avid Biggest Loser fan and can't believe some of the things that I see those people accomplish. They are truly an inspiration. Even yesterday, Kirstie Alley was on Oprah and I couldn't help but think of how these women have struggled with it their whole lives as I have and as I have come to realize I always will.

It really is an addiction. For me it's also been one I've struggled with my whole life. Well, now I have a plan and I'm sure the motivation I need to overcome this. Not only do I have ways to cope, I also have inspiration from the people around me...yes, you my friends who also struggle. Some of you are such good examples. We can do it girls, we just have to stick with it. This is my chance. I've aired out all my dirty laundry and now I'm starting from this point forward to turn my life around. I've learned to say to myself...would I tell someone else the things I tell myself? Would I treat anyone the way I treat myself? I am worth it, we are worth it and we can do it!

I'm hoping to find motivation and upliftment by posting this on my blog (you have no idea how hard this is). I need some kind of accountability, and knowing that my friends and family sometimes check their blogs daily, it makes me feel like I am accountable to each and every one of you in a way. I can't say I'll post daily, or even weekly, but I can say I'm going to keep myself accountable and share my triumphs and strenghts and even the bad days because I'm countingon the fact that there will be some. But I will not give up or give in. I will not let this rule my life any more. It's time for me to live my life instead of living it in a closet binge eating.

Wessen Oil Cake

2009-03-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

Yep! This week it's a dessert! This is the moistest cake I've EVER eaten. I don't like the taste of baking soda so I just leave it out and it still works great. I did think, however, that I should put this down in it's original recipe. This cake is good with just powdered sugar on top, but if you're really in the chocolate mood I've also put the yummiest frosting recipe on here too. Enjoy!

Cake Indredients:
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
4 Tbsp. cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup Oil
2 Cups Hot water

Method: Stir dry ingredients. Add the remaining. Mix well. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Frosting: In a saucepan combine 4 Tbsp. Butter, 1 1/2 Tbsp. cocoa, and 3 tablespoons milk. Mix together until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and add powdered sugar until it reaches the consistency you want...about 3 cups. Frost on top of the cake.

Hamburger Patties and Brown Gravy

2009-03-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I only promised I would try to post one a week...everyone knows how crazy life can get. This is a pretty easy recipe and pleases the husbands and the kids. Also, if your kids don't like onion, you can substitute the chopped onion for onion powder. It will still give you the flavor without the crunchy onion texture.

Ingredients:
1 lb. lean ground beef
6 good sized potatoes mashed or 3-4 cups instant
3 packets brown gravy mixed as directed
1 Egg
1 Tsp. Seasoning salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 cup finely chopped onion or 1 tsp. onion powder.

Method:
In a bowl combine meat, egg, and seasonings. Knead together. Form meat into 5 small hamburger patties. Fry on medium heat until browned all the way through (If you let the meat cook a little more well done, the meat that sticks to the pan will give the gravy extra flavoring.) After the patties are cooked thoroughly, remove from the pan and set on a plate. Pour mixed gravy into the pan. Run the wisk through the pan to get any of the leftover meat from the pan mixed into the gravy. Add cooked hamburger patties. Bring gravy to a boil and let thicken. Serve patties seperately or on top of the mashed potatoes. I usually serve this with rolls and a vegetable. Enjoy.

My Birthday

2009-03-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

I had the most wonderful birthday. We went as a family with my sister to the Draper Temple Open House. I know the kids were too young to remember and it was a lot of work, but it was well worth it. Due to the weather that day we were unable to take any pictures of the family outside the temple. Later that afternoon we all went to Tepanyaki for dinner. I was worried about everyone having to pay so much to go to dinner, but then my grandfather said he was paying for everyone. I couldn't believe it. I was completely dumbfounded and shocked. Looking back on it now, I can't help but say how special my grandfather is to me. He was a very good father figure to me, someone I always looked up to. Thank you so much grandpa...it was really improtant to me to be able to have my whole family together for dinner. Some of the pictures aren't that great because they were taken far away, but it was a BLAST!

Rosebud

2009-03-08T16:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a while and now I'm going to bombard my blog with all the updates. These are some pictures of our new little niece rosebud and the beautiful blanket I made her. I must say, it's the cutest one I have made thus far.

I have to say, holding rosebud makes me baby hungry however much I know I couldn't handle it right now. She is such a special and good little girl. You look into her eyes and can see she's an angel. I'm really sad right now that I can't hold her because I'm at home sick...but she's a sweetie! I had to upload the picture of her head, because I kid you not...I have never seen a baby with so much hair!

Picture Tag

2009-02-25T09:08:00.001-08:00

I was asked by Amy to do this picture tag. You choose the sixth folder in your pictures and then you choose the sixth picture in that folder. Then you post and get to blog about it.

This is Ryan and the boys rough housing. Ryan, as you can see is being over dramatic about it and a little too rough with Aidan. Poor kid, I can only imagine what I was saying while taking this picture. "Ryan, you're squeezing Aidan a little TOO hard. He doesn't like it!"

Pizza Dough

2009-02-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

This recipe is so easy and versatile. I use it for Pizza dough or to make scones. It's easy and will always rise.

1 pkg. yeast-Use the quick rise yeast in high altitudes
1 cup warm water
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. cooking oil
2 cups flour
1/2-1 cup flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, salt, and cooking oil. Stir until dissolved. Add 2 cups flour and mix until smooth. Stir in the seperated flour. Knead and let rise. Put onto a pan and top as desired. BAke at 400 degrees for about 20-25 minutes. 1 recipe will make one pizza.

Kielbasa Boats

2009-01-29T07:54:00.000-08:00

K, so this isn't really a recipe, I'm just giving you guys ideas for a pretty good and easy meal. You can also make this with hot dogs if you're worried the kids won't like the sausage.

1 kielbasa sausage, cut into fourths (it's packaged in a horseshoe shape)
1 cup mashed potatoes
Shredded Cheese

You cut the kielbasa sasauge into four sections, and then cut each section in half. Place both halves together on top of a baking dish with the flat side facing up. Scoop on mashed potatoes to make a little pile. Top with grated cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. I usually just serve these with a Rice-a-roni or some other side and a vegetable. Way yummy and oh so easy!

Ham and Potato Casserole

2009-01-20T13:26:00.001-08:00

This is kind of a harder recipe that takes more time but I can guarantee you ANY kid will eat it...sounds so simple but full of flavor! It was and still is a huge comfort food for me when I was growing up.

Ingredients:
6 or 7 medium sized potatoes chopped and peeled
1 lb. cubed ham
1/2 cup onion
5 Tbsp. Butter
4 Tbsp. flour
2 cups milk
3 cups grated cheese
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

In a frying pan cook onion, ham, and 1 tbsp. butter until liquid evaporates and onions are translucent. Boil potatoes until tender enough to eat. In a medium sauce pan melt butter and add flour, mix. Using a wisk, graudally add milk to flour and butter until mixed. Bring to a boil to thicken. Add 1 cup of cheese and let it melt. In a casserole dish, combine boiled potatoes, ham, white sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix together. Top with remaining 2 cups of cheese and bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Sooo grateful

2009-01-19T19:59:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it's really not a big deal. It wasn't extremely risky or anything, but my poor heart had a very difficult day. I am still praying constantly and thanking my Father in Heaven for everything going well. Aidan has recovered completely and doesn't even remember what happened.

Today Aidan had to be put under so he could have some dental work done. I even talked to Nicole because she did it with Malachi, and it was comforting to know that she cried when Malachi went under. However, there is nothing natural about how anesthesia works. They let me hold him while he went under...and I had an image in my head that he would just slowly doze off. Well, his eyes got this glazed far away look and didn't close all the way, and then he started making scarey noises trying to swallow and having a hard time. I knew mentally everthing that was happening was normal and okay, but emotionally I fell to pieces. It is so hard to see your children in the smallest bit of pain or confusion.

Well, they were just going to cap his teeth, but the dentist found out that Aidan had fallen and hit his two front teeth at some point in his childhood and he ended up killing the nerves, so unfortunately, they pulled both his front teeth. That was fine, and the work went just great. They brought him out to what they called the recovery room and we tried to wake him up. They wouldn't let him go until he could open his eyes and answer questions.

Well, after about 45 minutes of trying to wake him up and talk to him, they were starting to get a little annoyed, and one of the assistants starting being somewhat mean to him to get him to wake up. He cried for about 20 minutes before they could get him to open his eyes. So here I am, carrying him out in the cold to the car by myself (which was locke, I know I don't know how I managed either), and I am just bawling because he wouldn't quit crying. I started singing hymns to him and he finally started to calm down. To top it off, I was not able to put him in his car seat because his head would fall forward and cut off his air passage. So I had to drive clear from West Valley with Aidan lying down in the backseat without him buckled in...scarey!

Needless to say we got home okay, and the minute I brought Aidan into the house he started to wake up and the first thing he said was "Mommy, I want to watch Batman." As you can tell by the picture posted, he has recovered completely but the adrenaline is sill coursing throug my veins and I'm still anxious about everything that happened today. I'm just grateful that everything went as it should have been and although I hope I never have to go through anything like that again at least next time I'll know what to expect.

Recipes

2009-01-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

So, I've been told by all of my very generous friends that I'm a pretty good cook. I was looking at my sister-in-law's blog today and liked how she posts a menu every week of what she's making and thought that was kind of cool. I decided to put a little spin on that idea myself and post a family or favorite recipe for all my friends who are at a lossabout what to make this week. Hopefully you guys will enjoy these and most of them take no longer than 45 minutes with prep. I'll try my very hardest to post one recipe a week. I'm waiting to hear if you like them. Enjoy!!!

SAVORY PEPPER STEAK

Indgredients:

1 lb cubed steak or stew meat

1/3 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup cooking oil

1 tsp. minced garlic or garlic powder.

1/4 cup flour (optional)

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

1 8 oz. can diced or stewed tomatoes

2 bell peppers

2 packets of brown gravy

6 cups cooked rice

Method:

In a large sautee pan, heat oil, onion, and garlic. Coat meat in flour, salt, and pepper, and add to pan when the onions are cooked and translucent. Cook meat until brown on all sides. While you are waiting for the meat to brown, you can make the brown gravy as shown on the directions and cube the bell peppers. Once the meat is brown, add the can of tomatoes with the juice, green peppers, and brown gravy. Heat until it boils and brown gravy is thickened. Serve over cooked rice.

Hint: Not everyone likes green peppers, and it's a give in that the longer you simmer the mixture the softer the peppers will get. If you let the peppers get soft, then the flavor won't be quite as strong. If you like the crispy bell peppers, then cook just long enough for gravy to thicken.

Also, for all those who are Weight Watchers savvy, 3/4 cup of rice is 3 points whether it is brown or white, and 1 cup of sauce is three points.

I really hope you all enjoy this, it is a favorite!!

Need a little help...anyone??

2009-01-05T16:48:00.000-08:00

I am having a problem with my blog...nothing with mine persay, but with everyone else's. When I go to view other people's blogs I am only able to see the newest post they have posted, not any prior ones. And it does not allow me to make a comment. When I click on post a comment it takes me to the comments page, but it is in a wierd format and it doesn't allow me to post a comment of my own. Any help on what is going on?

Thanks guys!!

From the Mouth of Babes

2008-12-23T09:56:00.000-08:00

I really must say that there are moments that I feel Aidan is so loving and compashionate that it's amazing he even needs any guidance whatsoever. He is so good natured naturally that I can't even explain it and Ryan and I have both said on occasion that we don't deserve such a special little boy.

Last weekend I spent in the kitchen making sugar cookies for Santa and Chex Mix for the neighbors. We bundled up the kids on Sunday to deliver our goodies and I had exactly enough for all of our surrounding neighbors and for some other friends further down the street.

We set off and we thought it would be cute if Aidan was the one to hand them the bowl of goodies and if we could get him to say Merry Christmas. After the second house he was really into it saying "I want to do it again." He was a little nervous looking at some of the people, but after a little encouragement he would happily say "Merry Christmas!"

On our way home we came across a family we did not know that had little kids outside playing in the snow. They had seen what we were doing and Ryan and I felt bad that we did not have any extra bowls to give; as we only had one bowl left for one of our closest neighbors. Without any time to react, Aidan took the last bowl out from underneath the stroller and gave it to the little boy without hesitation saying as happily as possible "Merry Christmas!!!" (I am crying even as I write this). I was so overcome with his generosity and the fact that he did not know that that bowl was not for that family. He just knew that we were out giving away goodies, and yet he was doing what Ryan and I probably would have done eventually, but with hesitation.

Well, we figured out something for that last neighbor that didn't get his bowl of chex mix, but the most important thing that day was the lesson I learned from this sweet 3-year-old little boy.

Building a Ginger Bread House

2008-12-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

We have been trying really hard to follow the cute advent calendar that Nicole and I made for all the girls. Today we decided to make our gingerbread house.

Aidan was so excited once he figured out what we were doing. I don't know if he was eating the candy more than putting it on the house, but he decorated the whole back of the house all by himself after we were done with the candy. Right now he's really into being praised for his actions so every time he put a candy on the house he yelled "I did it!!" I'm so glad he had fun and hope we can make this a tradition he will remember in the future. Sorry, the pictures aren't really in order.

Date Night.

2008-12-14T19:55:00.001-08:00

First of all I want to say that I'm so upset with myself for not taking the camera with me. I meant to, but naturally I forgot it.
So I found out a week ago that Ryan was planning this date for last Friday. He called his mother on his own accord and asked her to watch the kids for the night. I overheard the conversation and he told me that he was planning a date night. He told me that the details were a surprise and so I laid in wait excited that he had taken the initiative to plan for us to go on a date.
When I dropped the kids off on Friday he was waiting at his mother's house where he had my new diamond ring. For those of you who don't know my ring fell off in January while I was at the office and I have not been able to find it since. Sniff, sniff. Ryan and I bought a new ring the day after Thanksgiving and got it for a ridiculously good deal.
The reason that this was so special was because it was five years to the day that he proposed while we were at his mom's house. I know, right!!! Sigh. He then took me to our favorite place to eat out....Cafe Rio. After that we were off to the Grizzly Hockey Game. It was seriously one of the best nights of my life! I could not believe that my husband was so thoughtful and that he actually did it all on his own! I love him so much and am so grateful that he took the time to tell me how special I was. Thanks babe!

My Alter Egos

2008-12-09T09:19:00.001-08:00

I thought this was hilarious, so I copied it from Jenn! Love you girl!

1. My rock star name: Jingle Saturn [first pet and current car]
2. My gansta name: Snickers Sugar Cookie [favorite candy bar and cookie]
3. My Detective name: Green Dolphin [favorite color and animal]
4. My Star Wars name: Madda of wellbutrin [First three letters of last name and first two letters of first name, then the word "of" then a medication you are on]
5. My Super Hero name: The Purple Coke [2nd favorite color and favorite drink with "The" in front]
6. My Nascar name: Karen Verle [first names of your grandmothers]
7. My "lover" name: Curve licorice [favorite perfume/cologne and candy]
8. My witness protection name: Jean Clyde [mother's and father's middle names

Christmas time.

2008-12-05T09:52:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas. For all the obvious reasons of course, but also for the not so obvious reasons. I love being in the kitchen making holiday goodies (for someone else of course ;). I love all of the opportunities to help out someone less fortunate. I try to do as much as I can...donating to the Salvation Army, the Food Bank, and we always try to do a secret santa.

I also love the fact that no matter how less fortunate you happen to be, there's always someone less fortunate for you and so everyone has an opportunity to give. I think people are better for the most part (although I don't see it at the stores; especially the day after Thanksgiving. LOL). I love teaching my kids about Christmas and the excitement of doing something new. Aidan was so excited when I got out all the Christmas tree stuff; he couldn't stop being in the middle of it to help.

I love feeling gratitude and being thankful for the things I've got now and for the blessings I've received throughout the year. I have a wonderful family, extended included. I've come to learn that every day is so precious and that I should be thankful for every minute with my kids (it makes me more patient). I'm grateful for friends and I think the longer you have a friend the more you love them. I love all five of my girls especially, I hope you know who you are.

I'll stop rambling, but I just wanted to express a little bit about how I feel about the Holiday and let everyone know how much I love them.

Super Grunt

2008-10-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

So Ryan and I got Aidan and Teagues costumes this year online and they are Batman and Robin this year.

Well, we got their pictures done at the beginning of this month so that we would have them back by Halloween. Ryan was putting some of them in frames and Aidan kept calling his younger brother Super Teague. When we asked him to say that Teague was Robin he said "no, it's Super Teague." We thought it was adorable!

I'm really going to miss all the cute things that kids say when they are learning to express themselves. Like tonight, I was going to visit some friends and Aidan was so excited to be going somewhere. We got to the end of the street and Ryan had come home from his school orientation. I asked him if he wanted to come with me and he said he did, so we turned around and went back to the house.

I pull into the driveway and Aidan says: "Dang it!" I look back at him and he has hit his forehead with the back of his hand. I asked him what was wrong and suddenly I realized he was reacting to have had to go back to the house after only making it to the end of the street. I ended it by assuring him that we would still be leaving, we were just picking up daddy so he could come with us.

Welcome nephew #4!

2008-10-21T12:33:00.000-07:00

After so long of waiting for him, he's finally here. I honestly can't say who's more excited; me or Booger. He cannot stop talking about the baby and every time he's in the same room he has to be holding him.

He was born on Friday at 1:53 p.m. and weighed 7lb. 11oz. 19" long. He looks just like his sister and has the same birth marks, only they extend over the other eye.

He seems to be a fairly timid baby and manages not to cry even when he's hungry. He's a little sweet piece of heaven to hold and it's so exciting to have another one in the family.

I have to admit, it makes me a little baby hungry, but I know that right now is really good timing for Ryan to get his Master's and I am not mentally prepared to change more diapers for the next two years.

Our goal is also for me to be able to stay at home so I'm not having to put another baby through having a mother who has to work full time and is constantly saying "I can play with you in a little while." It is just over way too quickly and I'm going to make it last as long as I can the next couple of times.

Grunt's Party

2008-10-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby is 1! It seems like just yesterday I was begging the doctor to put me out of my misery and send me into labor.

Teague loves to be the center of attention and is a total ham!! He's a lot of work, but when he smiles and acts all goofy like he loves to do, you often forget the work that goes into it. He's really a very sweet boy and I'm so happy to have hime, wiggles and all.

Ready for Church

2008-10-21T12:08:00.000-07:00

Here are my handsome boys ready for church after they got new outfits.

Unspectacular Quirks

2008-10-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

So I loved this post that my good friend Erin put on her blogspot and have decided to copy...it was funny to hear some of the things that she is so anal about. After knowing her for six years some of these things I still did not know and I thought it was kind of fun. The goal is to list six unspectacular quirks about yourself...I don't know if I can come up with that many, but here goes.

1) It absolutely drives me insane when Ryan won't finish the dishes! He's so good to help, but he just hates doing pans and absolutely avoids them at all costs. Even when he thinks he's done the dishes all the way, he usually hasn't washed out the sink. Love you honey!!

2) Like Erin, I hate it when the lids to Teague's bottles don't match. I noticed that some of the bottles weren't matching, and I would try to match them up when I did dishes and couldn't get them all to match up. I love Ryan, and thought that maybe it was his color blindness, so one night I asked him to try really hard to look at the colors and match them up. He responded by stating that one of the lids to the bottles had melted in the dishwasher. Now I have to put up with at least one of his bottles not matching at any given time. It's really annoying.

3) I'm like that with clothes too. Ryan will dress the kids for me some mornings, and because he didn't pick the pants that went with that shirt I'm up the stairs finding the right one. When he can help it, Ryan always asks what I want the kids wearing.

4) I LOVE to play card games. Solitaires are great, but I will even play 2 player card games by myself while filling in for both people. I try very hard when playing one person or the other not to help the other hand...I don't know if that makes sense, but I really enjoy it. Nicole says there were many a nights when we were living together that she heard me up in my room at night shuffling cards.

5) I HATE giving the kids a bath. I don't know what it is, I think it might have to do with being on my knees at the edge of the bathtub for so long. I usually try to talk Ryan into giving them the bath and then I will get them dresssed. When it is absolutely necessary for me to give the kids a bath I usually try to get it done as quickly as possible.

6) I LOVE to cook! To many of you this may not come as a surprise, but I love learning new recipes and trying new things in the kitchen. I'm not creative enough to come up with recipes on my own but I'm always trying to find something easy and new to try.

Hectic next couple of months, and some random rambling.

2008-09-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

So, I can't believe it's been a whole week since I touched my blogspot. I haven't taken any pictures, and I don't really have much to tell. It's kind of sad.

I have been pretty crazy busy with work and we're trying to refinance the home, so that's kind of a lot. I guess it really boils down to me being so busy. I am a kind of strange creature. I go through phases where I have to have the house clean and I am staying on top of everything by doing two loads of laundry a day, picking up 2-3 times a day, and cleaning the ENTIRE house on the weekends. This weekend I have a wonderful task of getting the front lawn ready for the fall. I want to replace all of the shrubs and start fresh in the spring. I'm also going to paint my shutters and front door.

Mind you, this only lasts 2-3 months, then I get frustrated because my house NEVER stays clean and I'm just picking up once a day and so swamped on Saturday that I don't really care taht I didn't get anything done. Well, I'm in one of those tidy moods right now and it's only lasted about 2 weeks, so I've got a ways to go. This really confuses Ryan because he then wonders why I all of the sudden care if the floors have been scrubbed or ligthly mopped, why I have to clean the molding, straighten out the cupboards, etc.

The next 5 months are going to be pretty crazy with Teague turning one next month, Misty having her baby, and moving to Germany in November. Stacey is also having her baby in November. I then have another little neice coming in January. Honestly, I'm looking forward to it because it means I will be making baby blankets and doing craft projects for the little ones I'm so excited to meet. And the last half of the year is going to be much better than the first by meeting these precious babies as opposed to burying a grandmother and almost a grandfather. Count you blessing, name them one by one.....

Trying on Our Costumes

2008-09-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween!! It is one of my all-time favorite Holidays next to Christmas. And yes, I know it's still a month and a half away...okay, maybe a little more.

I was surfing the internet looking for ideas for my witches costume when I found these costumes online. I couldn't believe they had them in toddler size and infants! They were not badly priced, so I got a bonus from work and ordered them online.

I got them in the mail yesterday and had to try them on the kids so that I knew whether or not they fit. If they didn't, I could return them and get them back in time for Trick-or-Treating. (ok, so maybe this is all just a ploy to cover my over excitement, but I think it's a pretty good cover). Anyway, they were so cute I couldn't resist getting pictures taken of my little Batman and Robin.

I was so surprised that Teague actually let us put the face mask on and then you could tell he thought it was so cool. He didn't touch it until we took it off of him and you could tell he just thought he was hot stuff. Aidan was throwing fits and so scared to put his costume on, and us being the mean parents made him put it on. It did help a little that Teague was in his costume first, because then Aidan wanted to participate. After we put it on him he kept asking if we were done. I guess I'll be letting him wear it a couple of times before Halloween just so that he can get used to it. Anyway, I'm just glad he was a good sport long enough to get these cute pictures.

Love/Hate Relationship

2008-09-05T21:13:00.001-07:00

This is a rare and once in a lifetime picture. Kylee NEVER lets Ryan hold her. I think this may be the second time in the entire 18 months that Kylee has been alive.

It's not that Kylee really hates Ryan or that Ryan doesn't like Kylee, but Ryan scares Kylee because of his yelling and his deep voice. She has not been around men very much since her father is in Germany and Misty and my mom have pretty much raised her. She tries to avoid him as much as possible.

Ryan can't really tolerate Kylee very much because she has those Kerby lungs and is very loud, and as most people know, toddlers have a tendency to whine. Now, this strikes me as odd because Teague also happens to have those Kerby lungs and can really get on my nerves when he's being difficult, but it doesn't really seem to bother Ryan too much. Ryan cannot tolerate, however, 10 seconds of Kylee's crying. My only explanation is that maybe it's because Teague is his own child.

Anyway, Kylee happened to be at the house, my mom and I were busy, and Kylee was very tired and therefore throwing a huge temper tantrum. Ryan asked her if she wanted him to hold her and before you knew it, this was the scene. I told Mom I had to be sure to get a picture of Kylee's face because I thought that Misty would never believe me....well, here's the proof.

Comic Created for ME!

2008-09-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

So Ryan totatlly made my day today by sending me this comic! He always rolls his eyes at my obsession to sleep with a fan close to my face each night. I've done this since I can remember. It has come to the point that I can't sleep without the noise or the air. I don't think Ryan would even have grounds to make fun of me except for the fact that not only do I have a 5 inch fan less than five feet away and directed right at my face, but I also insist on running the ceiling fan every night. Needless to say, this describes me to a T!!

Thank you PaPa!!

2008-09-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh!! Yesterday was the most wonderful relaxing day ever!! It was gorgeous weather and I had so much fun!

We had gotten up and finished doing our weekly cleaning of the house, Ryan and I had exercised...and his parents called to tell us that they were going to lunch with Ryan's uncle and aunt and invited us along. After a wonderful lunch with some extended family members we don't get to see very often, Ryan and I talked them into coming over for a couple games of pinochle (one of our FAVORITE card games). Aidan had been playing with Harlan's palm pilot and drawing on it. Harlan wanted to pay attention to the game at hand, and so he was going to put the palm pilot away. We talked him into letting Aidan play with it as long as he sat there at the table with us. As Harlan handed it off we could hear Aidan saying without any provocation "THANK YOU PAPA!" It was a moment where you had to be there, I know, but it was soo sweet! It makes you feel good when you know that your kids really are learning what you're trying to teach them.

We got to end the day by walking to Maverick with the kids in strollers and getting an ice cream cone. It was such a nice relaxing day.

I AM

2008-08-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

I.....Darcy

I AM ...someone who is fascinated by criminal justice. I spend my time watching cold case files, working in security, and watching crime dramas.

I WANT... to be able to stay home with my kids without having to work.

I HAVE ... a wonderful home, healthy kids, a super helpful and loving husband, and a wonderful religion that pulls me through EVERYTHING.

I WISH I COULD ... be a homicide detective without putting my family at risk. To become a detective, you have to be in patrol and that's just too much of a risk.

I HATE ... being so angry and nagging all the time. I take some things way too seriously.

I FEAR ... dying young...for some reason I thought it would always happen. I'm afraid my kids won't remember me if that happens.

I HEAR ....Aidan is watching one of his many favorite movies.

I SEARCH ... to become close to my Father in Heaven.

I DON'T THINK ... that my kids get enough of my attention.

I REGRET ...Not finishing my degree sooner.

I LOVE ...my husband and kids.

I ACHE FOR ... couples that are struggling to become parents.

I ALWAYS CRY ... when I'm overwhelmed and overstressed.

I AM NOT ...A typical mother.

I DANCE ... when I'm deliriously happy and to exercise.

I SING ... ALL the time. I even make up my own songs.

I NEVER ... want to give up on my marriage.

I RARELY ... get to spend time on my crafts.

I CRY WHEN I WATCH ...someone mistreating children. Children suffering for any reson.

I AM NOT ALWAYS ... as patient with my husband as I should be....I need to give him more slack.

I HATE THAT ... My house will never be all the way cleaned or organized.

I'M CONFUSED ABOUT ... my depression. I desperately wish I could get rid of it.

I NEED ... to feel validated and appreciated and needed.

I SHOULD ... be playing cars with my children and making the little revving noises.