The Smith's

That Boy

2012-01-31T00:36:00.001-08:00

I was browsing through old pictures tonight, and came upon this one.
I cannot believe this is my Oliver.
It is from Novemeber of 2009.

Well, actually, I can.

That silly face and "make you smile for a while" personality shows through in every picture.

I guess it's more of shock that disbelief.
Shock that he is a "big boy" now...and not this little little little guy I used to tote around on my hip.
Now it's all superhero's and legos. Running and climbing. Talking and, yes, those wonderful tantrum's.

He's growing up.

Sigh.

How I Became a Pirate

2012-01-27T23:40:00.000-08:00

(Yet, more proof, that I cannot take a normal picture. Meh.)

It all started with hot wings.

Stupid, delicious hot wings.

Alma was in charge of making hot wings for his work party this week.
That means, I was in charge of buying supplies for a test batch (because I have a thing for hot wings....stupid, delicious hot wings...which means a "test batch" of the new recipe Alma had was essential to the party preparations).

So, off the the grocery store I go.
Bags loaded in the back of the SUV, I pulled into the driveway and heard the bags shift.
Still not thinking (mostly due to lack of sleep and nerves over a meeting I had that night), I opened the back of the SUV and...

CRASH.

Out rolls the glass bottle of Red's Hot Sauce....all over the driveway...and my legs...and my shoes.

Great.

In an effort to not pop the tires on all of our cars, I start picking up the glass out of the red hot sauce mess. This means my hands are now covered in hot sauce as well.

Glass picked up, I look at the mess on the driveway and realize it looks a little bit like a crime scene....
luckily it started raining and mother nature became my driveway cleaner.
Yes.

With time ticking, I ran to pick up Bella from school without fully washing my hands.
From school...we went to my least favorite place in the world...Jiffy Lube.
This particular Jiffy lube is slow, but it was for a secret shop assignment, so off I went.

While my kids ran around the waiting room, fully annoying the elderly man trying to nap in the corner, my eye began to itch...
so I rubbed it.

I rubbed my eyeball for a good 5 seconds.

And then it started.

That burning feeling.

What the?!?!

Oh yeah....remember the hot sauce?
I looked at my hand, and on my middle and pointer fingers were the slightest trace of orange glow.
The leftovers from my Red's Hot Sauce driveway massacre.

And now, those remnants of hot sauce were swirling around in my little eyeball....starting a fiery party on my cornea.

It felt....well...spicy.

My eye starts to water, and like an idiot, I rub it...with the same stinking hand!
Really!!!???
Really.

At this point I'm thinking my eyeball might be in a bit of trouble, but I don't want to start a commotion, so I keep it closed and let it water like Niagara falls.

My kids look at my with an odd smirk and I realize I look a bit crazy.
Sitting in my workout clothes, shoes stained with hot sauce, one eye closed....squinted tightly shut...and watering...something like a sad pirate.

The Jiffy Lube tech wants to review my "manufacturers recommendations"...and I just look at him with my one good eyeball like "really...there are only 2 people here, I've been waiting 50 minutes...and my eyeball is on fire....really?".

But, like a good little customer, I smile and review all the things I will tell them not to do to my car...
pirate eye and all.

We finally checked out, and as I loaded my kids in the car, I realized my eye had stopped watering.

We pulled out of the parking lot, and I dared open my eye for the first time in 15 minutes.
And guess what...it was "Arggghh-right" (sorry..coudlnt' help myself).
I could see!

So, the lesson I learned from all this?
1. Don't put glass bottles of hot sauce in the back of the SUV.

2. Wash your hands THOROUGHLY after handling hot sauce.

3. Don't rub your eyes...twice...if you happen to have hot sauce on them (like that's a no brainer)...because wings are good....but looking like a pirate is not!

Dear Me,

2012-01-18T03:02:00.000-08:00

(When I feel like I'm going a little nuts, I look back at this picture and remind myself "yes..yes you are going a little nuts...but look how fun it is"!)

There are things that I do..and don't do...in day to day life, that I sometimes wonder about.

Wonder, as in think to myself "Helllloooo Matti, we've been over this before"...kind of wondering.
So I thought I better sit down and write myself a letter, just so next time I start to "wonder", I'll have written proof that I've been over this before.

Dear Me,

1.Go to bed earlier. The dishes can wait. You don't really need to watch the weather...or the sports...or Letterman. You can turn off you phone. You don't need to read another chapter. Just close your little eyes and go to sleep, your body will thank you.

2.Get up earlier.
Yes...you can go sleep in Oliver's bed while Alma get's ready for work and Oliver watches Sesame Street.
OR
you can do those dishes from last night, and clean a bathroom, or fold laundry, or answer that email during that hour.
Just think, an hour of uninteruppted tasks.
Your day will go better if you just do it.
If you need a little help, see #1.

3.Read your scriptures.
You know why.
You know the tone it sets for the next day.
Just do it and quit making excuses.

4.Run the extra distance.
Yes, you can turn down the "shortcut" street...but you've also just cheated youself out of 3/4 mile...and it's downhill for heaven sakes!

5.You don't need the bubbles.
You were able to kick the diet coke habit in a week flat this month.
Now get rid of the carbonation.
Yes...those bubbles are sweet and delicious, and Fresca just looks, well, happy.
But really, the crystal light looks just as happy too, right?

6.Take a deep breath at bedtime...kid bedtime.
The day is almost over.
You've played hard.
Don't poop out at the last second by getting impatient.
Read that 4th book.
Sing them one extra song.
Sit with Bella "just one more minute" as she drifts off.
The world can be a hard place to be in, make sure they go to bed knowing they are loved, secure and un-rushed.
You won't feel so forelorn as you look at their sleeping faces if you know you've given it your all....all the way up until they are safe in dreamland.
Repeat: Don't Rush Bedtime.

7. Put away the clothes AS SOON AS THEY ARE DONE DRYING!
Don't throw them in that huge pile in your room that will overwhelm you by the end of the day. Just fold that load of laundry and put it all away.
It is 10 minutes you'll thank yourself for later.

8. No matter how hard you try, Oliver will always ask to go to the potty during meals and at stores. Just expect it. Take him to the bathroom when you get to the store...even if he went 5 minutes ago, so you don't have to hide your cart while you run to the bathroom. You know it's going to happen and he will ask, so save yourself the hassble. Remember, he likes to be a big boy...and that means using the potty EVERYWHERE, it won't last forever (or at least, let's hope not...that would be frightening).

9. Take the garbage out.
Yes, it's an annoying part of everyday life.
Yes, it's cold outside.
Yes, you will have to put your shoes on or freeze your feeties off.
But quit piling and shoving things in the garbage for Alma to take out later (even though, you are quite an expect at "kitchen garbage stacking", with all your ways of getting things to be in the garbage..even if they teeter periosly on the edge of falling out)
Just put on your big girl pants and go take it out.

10. Enjoy this time with your little ones. They are going to grow up so fast. You already see it. You know it's just going to keep flying by.
Relish in their smallness now, because it makes you so happy.

11. Read this letter to yourself often.
As in, tomorrow...because tomorrow is Laundry Day, and #7 is just for you.

The Color of Playdough...

2012-01-13T22:48:00.000-08:00

Yes, this a long post...
but trust me, it's worth it.

I was privy to one of those moments in motherhood that we all dread...and remember...and eventually laugh about (or at least...I tell myself I will laugh).

It all started with a pillow fight.

For dinner the other night I tried some new fancy schmancy recipe from Pintrest. I was delicious...and ridiculously spicy (note to all of you...chipolte chili's in adobo sauce may look small and innocent...and may even smell a little sweet...but they are spicy...like your nose running all over that pretty little tostatda spicy. Get the picture?).
So, while Alma and I consumed what can best be described as "the firey depths of hell on a tostada shell"...the kids had scrambled eggs and toast.
I know...dinner of champions.

Fast forward about 45 minutes.
Alma has left for his weekly church youth group activity, leaving me with two small children with energy to burn.
Enter: The Pillow Fight.

It was all fun and games until one fateful moment.
Bella was down for the count, so I started "roughing her up" with the pillows.
She suddenly sits straight up, stating those 3 words every parent dreads:
"I'm Gonna Puke!".

And then it happened.

Bella, who is not a puker in any form, covered her mouth in an attempt to stop the contents of her stomach from making an apprearance.
Guess what...it didn't work.

Up came the vomit.
Oh..and not just any vomit.
Vomit the color of green playdough.
Yes.
GREEN playdough.
I only assume it was from the blue slushie she had earlier that day.

So, there she is spewing abnormally green vomit...speckled with bright yellow chunks of scambled eggs (at which point I'm thinking "I should have made them pancakes for dinner intead...stupid eggs").

She is still trying to cover her mouth, therefore the gastric contents (you like my way of not saying vomit? shoot...vomit), those contents are SPRAYING out the sides.
All over her doting mother kneeling next to her...AKA...me.

Then, the smell hit.
I see a lot of vomit.
A LOT.
I'm a nurse for crying out loud.
But this..this was different.
Hot green and yellow gunk, spewing everywhere...and the smell was AWFUL.

So, Oliver starts gagging.

And then I start gagging.
Gagging, you see, is a problem at this particular moment.
A problem because my bladder is full of crystal light...and it also has the tone of jello. I have my kids to thank for that.
So, I'm gagging....and every time I gag....my jello toned bladder refuses to cooperate.
I'm gagging...and peeing my pants...at the same time...covered in bright green puke....with little specks of yellow...

Gag. Pee. Gag. Pee. Gag....
you get the picture.

It is not my proudest moment.

You may think the story ends there...but you are oh so very very wrong.

I scoop up what I can and dispose of it in the toilet.
I carry Bella upstairs to the tub and Oliver trails along behind me.

Kids in the tub.
Water is running.
And I start the fun process of treating the clothes covered in puke...and er...pee.

I'm in the bathroom or right at the door of the bathroom (where my washer is), treating clothes and eyeing the kids.
Not noticing all the while just how exactly full the tub is getting.
Trust me....it's getting full.
And the kids are splashing. A lot.
I'm too involved at the sink to look at the floor.

Oliver suddenly states he needs to go potty...NOW...in THE FROGGY POTTY (aka his little potty).
So, I give Bella the "I'm running down the stairs to grab the potty...you scream as loud as you can if Oliver puts his face in the water in the next 10 seconds.

I run downstairs, grab the potty...and as I'm sprinting back to the stairs...I hear the faintest trickle.

And there it is...the water leaking from my ceiling onto my cabinents....directly under the bathroom.

*$*#()@!

I run back upstairs, hurdling the puke puddle still settling into it's new home on my carpet, and turn off the faucet to the tub.
It is THEN that I look at the floor....which is covered...no...flooded....over the back half of the bathroom...and there are the two kids in the tub...

one with puke in her hair...the other looking at my face in horror...both holding buckets.
Buckets they have been splashing around water with....right out of the tub.

This is the part where I start to loose it a little.

I raise my voice to a stern "what in the world were you doing with those buckets!" tone (you know the tone I'm talking about...admit it...you know)....

and then....

to top it all off....

Oliver stands up in the tub....

and pees.

This would be the perfect time to yell one of those shreiking shrew yells.
In a matter of 15 mintues...my floor, my kids, and myself have been covered in lime green vomit. With yellow chunks.
The ceiling to the kitchen leaked....
and now the kids were sitting in a tub of warm water...and pee.

Yes, it was the perfect time to really really loose it.
But...

at that point, the only rational thing to do (and by rational, I mean "the crazy button" alarmed in my head)...laugh.

Really.
Laugh.

So I did.
One of those "this is ridiculous and I'm going to 'really' laugh someday...kind of laughs.
I think it freaked my kids out a little.

It all ended well.
The kids were extracted rapidly from the tub.
It was later refilled with clean water, in which all traces of pee and puke were washed off their bodies and out of memory.

The bright green puke was cleaned off the carpet (cleaned over 2 awesome hours and multiple treatments of Spot Shot and Lysol...and an appt. for a carpet cleaner next week).

The leaking ceiling is in repair processes.

We had warm stories and giggles before bedtime.

And I'm laughing about that horrid moment of motherhood.
That..and I've learned to NEVER "rough up" Bella[s stomach during a pillow fight...right after dinner....on a day she has had blue slusies and scrambled eggs.

Because Playdough Green vomit...can be the start of of very
very
very interesting evening.

NYE

2012-01-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

What were YOU doing New Years Eve?

Me?

Eating a lot of food.
Surprised?
You shouldn't be.

I'm always looking for a reason to celebrate.

We had friends over for games, dinner and treats to ring in the new year.

The 4 younger kids ran around like chickens with their heads cut off, until about 11:50pm..when they dropped like flies (well, at least my kids).
The older kid joined the adults (wait...that made us all big kids, right?) in a rousing 1.5 hour game of Life and some catch phrase thrown in for good measure.

There was lots of laughing.
Lots of goodies.
And lots of banging pots and pans at midnight (sorry to all my sleeping neighbors...it is like reflex action for me at midnight on NYE...I can't help it. It just happens).

It was a wonderful night to send off 2011 and bring in 2012.
So wonderful, that I didn't take a single picture of it.
Go figure.

So, as I send off 2011, I thought of some of the nightlights of the year.
At 4 am, this is what comes to mind.

2011

*Alma signs up for a triathlon 6 months before it is scheduled. Matti is convinced her husband has lost his mind.

*Matti goes to California with the Smith Girls to visit Vera. She discovers Trader Joes. Life will never be the same for Matti until there is a Trader Joes within driving distance of her house.
Matti also rides a train (aka Amtrak train) for the first time from Davis to San Fran...it's super fun.

*Oliver get's his tonsils out.
Oliver has apparently suffering from obstructive sleep apnea for quite some time. Matti feels bad for her son and the past 2 sleep deprived years. Tonsils come out. Oliver sleeps like a normal kid for the first time in 2.5 years. Matti and Alma (and the kids) feel human for the first time in 2.5 years.

*Matti quits her job at AirMed and returns to solely L&D and the U.
She isn't sure why this happens...it's a leap of blind faith. Something after much prayer and consideration that she does. It's hard to leave your dream job without knowing exactly why you're doing it. But she's know better than to ignore promptings, so she does it. It's a very hard thing to do, but..
She is happy on L&D. Very happy.
Still doesn't know why for sure why she was prompted to leave, but has a pretty good idea, and is glad she followed through.
Blind faith people...it works. Don't be afraid of it.

*Bella starts soccer.
Bella runs around the field daydreaming more than finding the ball.
I love Bella.

*Alma runs his first "sprint" triathlon.
He finishes...the ultimate goal.
Matti still thinks he's lost his mind.

*Bella turns 5 with a spectacular cereal party. Bella reminds us every day (and I mean every day) that she is now 5.

*Alma runs yet another triathlon.
Matti thinks it looks kind of fun.
Matti thinks she may also be starting to loose her mind.
Triathlon? That's just silly.

*The entire family visits Duck Creek for the Petersen Family Reunion.
Matti is in love with Duck Creek.

*Alma runs "the" triathlon that started his "crazy talk".
The Spudman.

*The kids run their first race. Both complete the mile run and get medals. It's a good day.

*Bella starts kindergarten.
What? I have a kindergartner????? (moan)

*Matti does a triathlon.
She has gone certifiably nuts....just like Alma.
She finishes in decent time and is now hooked. Just like Alma.
I'm telling you..a house of crazies.

*The Smith's DRIVE to northern California to visit Vera.
The kids survive...and actually enjoy..the 12 hour/one day car trip there.
The Smith's are spoiled rotten on their trip by Vera.
See these posts 1.2.3.4..and most of Novemeber's blog posts, if you want to read about it.

*Matti and Alma celebrate 8 years.
We are so old.

*Matti's Dad has heart attack and an unfortunate run in with a dining room chair..all in about a week.
We are all grateful for modern medicine, for blessing and that he is still here.
We are also grateful for ladders...and vow never to use dining room chairs as step stools.

*Matti and Alma join his family in The Santa Run.
It's an embarrassing riot of a time.
Worth every penny...even with the cheap suits.
The kids still talk about it.
2012 Santa Run...here we come.

*Oliver turns 3.

My baby is 3.

It's bittersweet.

*Oliver understands Christmas...and Santa.
Christmas is alive and exciting for our house all of December.

2011 goes out with a bang and a cheer.
Here is looking to 2012!

Christmas

2012-01-10T03:48:00.000-08:00

A little late, but here is the general idea of our Christmas and highlights.

This year, I had Christmas Eve AND Christmas Day off.....miracle of all miracles!
Christmas Eve started with the Annual "Christmas Breakfast" at my grandmother's house.
We have been doing this since the dawn of time.
Or..at least the dawn of my time.
Ham, eggs, homemade blueberry muffins....it's heavenly.

We ventured out to see Aurther Christmas.
It will be a solid standard at our house for the holidays from now on.
Trust me on this one.
If a cartoon can make me cry...it's worth buying.
(That...or I was having a super hormonal day....meh).

Christmas Eve at my parents for a delicious dinner with the ENTIRE family.
We sang songs.
Opened gifts.
Sang songs.
Ate food.
Sang songs.
Sang songs.
Sang songs.

You get the idea.

Then, that most wonderful of mornings...Christmas morning.

Since our house is filled with children who believe that sleeping past 630 am is a sin, you bet that they were up at 6 am on the button.

Now, call me a what you will, but I wasn't about to wait until after church for presents...not with an over eager 3 year old and hours and hours to kill.
So, we opened them up.

This year Bella wanted:
A "Toy Story Barbie"
Pink Princess Slippers
A Lalaloopsy with "crazy hair"
and a calendar.
Yes..a calendar.

Oliver wanted:
everything.

Santa delivered in true form.
Bella got her hightlight gifts and Oliver recieved a Leapster and a Batman Cave..among other things.

We had a nice time at church (I say nice instead of wonderful, because at that point the kids were overtired and over cranky), still...it was so nice to be in church on Christmas of all days. Just what I needed.

The kids spent all afternoon playing with toys (amongst the massive mess that consumed my house in packages and papers and toys).

All would have ended perfectly, except yours truly was left with some sort of nasty stomach bug by the end of Christmas night...it was a not so silent night for me.

Christmas this year was good.
No, it was perfect. Stomach bugs, early risers and all.
I was able to spend special time with my favorite people.
And really...that is the best present ever.

*Photos by my talented brother, Kyle.

3

2011-12-23T00:38:00.000-08:00

Oliver is 3.

At least...that's what I keep telling myself.
I tell myself at least 100 times a day "Oliver is THREE!".
I do this, because I have what can only be described as "denial" (I say that with a strong "emphasis" on the "quotations").

Yes, my little guy is now a "big boy".
A 3 year old.

For Oliver's birtday he was very specific that he "needed" a Spiderman birthday.
So, Spiderman is what he got.
The other rule for the day is he got "whatever he wanted"...within reason.

The day started with balloons.
24 balloons in spiderman colors.
Enough to give any normal adult a seizure; and enough to give any child the thrill of his day.

After dropping Bella off at school, we headed to Build a Bear for that right of passage into "big kid-ness" of making your own overpriced and polyester poof stuffed animal.
Sweet.

Oliver chose a dog.
Thus, I guess we really went to "build a dog".
The dog was also donned with camo boxer-briefs.

Oliver, who has never worn boxer briefs, was inisistent that he had camo boxer briefs...and NOT the regular camo underwear.
Whatever.
They were camo and they were on the dog...like I said..."whatever he wanted".

We where in the midst of picking out pants and a shirt for our very fluffy puppy, when Oliver squealed it what could only be described as sheer joy..."MOM! SPIDERMAN!".
And there is was.
The eerily small spiderman costume that cost about 90 x more than what is cost to make.
He had to have it.
And so he did.

Let me introduce you to "Spiderpuupy".

Spiderpuppy does NOT leave Oliver's side.
He sleeps with Spiderpuppy and they dream of superhero antics together.
He takes Spiderpuppy in the car with him....but always insists he is in his big cardboard box...er house...that he was given at the store.

Spiderpuppy also has a mask that is NEVER to be removed, per Oliver's demands.
Spiderpuppy.Is.AWESOME.

After we created Spiderpuppy at the "Build a Random Animal and Dress It Up as Anything You Please" store, we filled the rest of our morning with Mrs Fields Cookies, a Slurpee and a little Kung Fu Panda 2.
All before 1130 am.

After Kindergarten, Oliver picked Chik-fil-a for lunch.
He picked Chik-fil-a, but didn't eat any of it.
He played and played and played in the playplace and drank his chocolate milk on the way home.
He did manage to inhale some mandarin oranges shortly before falling asleep around 3pm.

The evening brought sugar highs and presents.
Because Oliver has a winter birthday that is just days before Christmas, he will probably never have a homemade birthday cake.
This, in my opinion, is not all that bad.

I always wanted one of those fancy cakes from the grocery store bakery...but my mom always claimed they were too much money.

Well, with the craziness of the holidays, those cakes are worth every penny and sanity.
It's made, it's tasty, it's exciting....and all I have to do is pick it up and pay for it.
Awesome.

Oliver spent most of the night gingerly opening presents (by gingerly I mean "as slowly as possible"....Christmas morning is going to be Looooong). He played with every toy at least twice before bedtime.

Oh yes...and did I mention there was a pinata in there
Yes. A pinata.
This was more Bella's idea than anything, but Oliver followed in true little brother style and insisted we have one.
Yes, I know it's a Batman pinata.
Batman at a Spiderman party...a battle of egos (or something).
Truth is...Batman was super cheap in the hispanic foods isle at Maceys.
All I had to do is word the question right when asking Oliver if he wanted a Spiderman or Bathman pinata.

Something like "Oliver...do you want a Spiderman pinata....or a Baatttmmmaaannn pinata?" The key is emphasis on the word batman...and make sure it's the last option he hears. He always picks the last choice.
So, Batman attended the Spiderman party.
A party of Bella and Oliver...Batman crashed it....so he was hit with a stick until candy fell out of his, well...you get the idea.

So, in the world of birthdays and little boys, Oliver spent the day in style.
Balloons.
Treats.
Presents.
Pinanta.
Presents.
Cake.
Hugs. Kisses. Giggles.
Oh yes...
and Spiderpuppy.

Happy Birthday dear sweet Oliver.
Thank you so much for coming into our family 3 years ago and blessing our lives with your sweet spirit.
We love you Ollie-bug.

The Run-Down

2011-12-11T20:23:00.000-08:00

So, I haven't blogged in...oh...a month.
Really???

Really.

It's been a busy busy 4 weeks with many unexpected events and many adventures.
So, here is a quick summary of November and part of December.

November 11-14....I went to Disneyland. Sort of.
Some of my dearest friends ventured to the happiest place on earth after taking their RNC exams.
I was unable to go this year, so I sent "flat Matti" instead.
Yes.
Flat Matti.

Flat Matti held up pretty good until she went on The Haunted Mansion...then my head fell off.

Yes....my flat Matti head is now a permanent part of the Haunted Mansion Nightmare Before Christmas ride.
I guess if you're going to go...that's the best way...right along Jack Skellington.
Luckily, my gals are crafty and secret plastic surgeons...and the re-invented my head.

My ears are a little bigger...but I think they did good.
And they even fed me a churro....they must really like me.

Thanksgiving.
We spent Thanksgiving in Salt Lake this year.
As usual, it was filled with lots of food, lots of family...and this:

Yes, leave it to my brother Kyle to bring out some old school polyester pants to the dinner table.

Chocolates.
195 boxes to be exact.

I fun-filled day of dipping and wrapping with my mother, aunts and grandmother.
I may have had chocolate for every meal.
I also ate more than a jar of maraschino cherries....shhh...don't tell anybody.

Heart Attack

My dad had a minor heart attack.
He is ok.....thank goodness.
He happened to be home, and my mom was home as well.
The whole situation turned out to be the absolute best case scenario.
And while I about had a heart attack thinking about what could have happened instead, I'm eternally grateful that he is here, and ok, and doing well.
PS...isn't my dad a handsome fella? Him and his "no shave November" beard (pic by my brother Kyle).

Santa Run
The first weekend in December, we did the Santa Run.
Me, Alma, my father in law, sister in law, brother in law, and nephew.
We ran in...you guessed it....santa suits.
It. Was. Awesome.

The kids had a great time watching and hanging out together. There was milk, cookies and hot chocolate at the finish.
Oh yes...and dinner at Chuck0-o-Rama afterwards.
True Story.
PS...running in a santa suit is hot....on all levels.

So, caught up.
Need a re-cap?
Beheaded at disneyland while sitting in SLC; eating turkey next to a brother in polyester pants, ate chocolate for 12 hrs straight, heart attack about heart attacks, santa suits are my new running attire for the month of December.

Whew.
Now...where are those chocolates....

Smith 8.0

2011-11-15T01:06:00.000-08:00

Last Monday, (11/14), Alma and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary.

We celebrated in style (my mother tells me I'm always "looking for a party" to have or throw. Truth is, I love to celebrate pretty much everything from birthdays to anniversaries to seasons to first poops in the potty.
It's true.
I like to party.

We spent a wonderful child-free evening at The Alaskan Inn B&B. We stayed up late watching movies in our own little cabin and eating goodies (like an entire bag of Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels). We slept in late and only woke up because they dropped breakfast off at our front door.

I'm telling you this for a reason.
If you need place to get away with your sweetie...The Alaskan Inn is it. My favorite B&B by FAR.

It's still hard to believe that it was 8 years ago that we were married.
Here are the "highlights" I remember of those years.

1st (2004): We were living in a very small apartment in Sugarhouse. Our little hardwood floors and arched entryways were charming and we frequently walked to the $1 movies or browsed books at Barnes and Noble for date nights.
We were both in school full time, and working full time.
Any time we spent together during the week was usually dinner and then straight to the library for studying until the wee hours of the morning.
Our ward was full of students or old people. I worked at Cottonwood Hospital on the medsurg floor as a CNA. Alma climbed poles and dug holes for the cable company.
We had a lot of fun learning how to be married.
We celebrated our 1 yr anniversary in Disneyland...because it had been 12 months since we'd been there and my husband really knows the way to my heart.

2nd (2005).
We moved to a tiny (and I seriously mean tiny) apartment in the basement of a home in Murray...in the stake I grew up in.
We were both in school full time still. I graduated from nursing school that spring. I had worked for the VA for a year in a SNT/LPN role. Alma was still at the cable company until the end of the summer. I was in the YW presidency in our ward, Alma was in the YM. We spent a lot of time at mutual and other activities.
Once I passed boards, we decided it was time to make our family of 2 bigger.
We found out we were having Bella 1 week before my birthday. Alma took a new job with Spillman Technologies.
There was no way we would all fit in our tiny apartment...so we moved again. 3rd move in 2 years.

3rd (2006)
We were living in another basement apartment, still in Murray, this time in the actual ward I was in as a teenager. No...it was not my parents house.
I was working full time on L&D. Alma continued to go to school at the U and work full time.
Bella joined us in June and made us parents.
We were clueless...we still are.
But she started us on this crazy parenthood journey and it's been blessing to our marriage. Definitely made us closer and more honest with each other.

4 (2007) Still living in the basement when our 4 year anniversary rolls around. Bella is about 4.5 months old and giving us a run for our money. We've learned to live on less sleep and more caffeine. We spend our date nights doing things like going to movies or simply going grocery shopping alone. Alma graduates with his BS in the spring. We move into our first house in the spring as well.
Buying a home...that's stressful, at least for me. Alma is a trooper through the whole thing. Alma starts a job with a a new company (I-Boats) in their marketing department. We spend our date nights doing things like movies, or more cultured things such as plays and theatre productions (we had a big thing for Hale Centre Theatre and Desert Star Theater that year).

5 (2008) We learn to joys and woes of owning a house. We learn the joys and woes of raising a strong willed toddler with darling eyes. We go on our first cruise together and swim with sharks in Belize. We decided to make our family bigger once again. We find out about Oliver in March. I'm excited, but more terrified than anything (me...2 kids...really?). Alma is the ever constant rock in the relationship.
Alma looses his job when the economy tanks. I am 7 months pregnant. Alma remains the constant rock while I freak out for a week straight. I calm down. I start working overtime help out. Alma searches for a job like a mad man...and finds one 8 weeks later...the week before my birthday. We celebrate by eating at 5 Guys (which I was addicted to during that pregnancy). I love my husband more than I have ever before, but realize it's changed. It's even better.

6 (2009) Oliver joined our family 4 days before Christmas in 2008. Alma drives me to the hospital after my water breaks all over our down mattress pad. He doesn't even laugh at me when I try not to cry while claiming "it feels like I'm peeing...ouch...pee...ouch...pee". He's a good man. Our family goes from 3 to 4. It's a trip. It's a very fun and very exhausting trip.
I take a leap and join AirMed as an OB Flightnurse. Life gets pretty hectic during my orientation. We are all very excited about the new journey. We buy a minivan. I swore I would NEVER buy a minivan. What is wrong with me?!

7 (2010) We have both turned 30 by this point. Alma lost his job again in the spring of that year. 2 layoffs in 2 years. I learned a great deal about the power of forgiveness...seeing as the whole situation made me actually wish death upon somebody for a small moment.
Alma is out of work for almost 6 months. I am working part time on both AirMed and L&D. Alma finds a new job at TechMedia before fall of this year, in their marketing department, where he currently remains.
Alma also finishes his business masters degree from the University of Utah. I'm beyond impressed.
Bella is in preschool. Oliver is in toddlerhood in all it's glory. This has been a hard year and yet one of the best years. Trials have made our family and us closer than ever before.
It's a good year.

8(2011)
We've gone completely off our rockers and start doing things like triathlons. Actually...Alma starts it and I follow along like a scared puppy dog. Our kids become obsessed with races and run a race of their own in the summer. Alma does 3 triathlons. I do 1.
I quit my job at AirMed and go back to L&D as my primary employment. It's a deeply personal decision and not one that was expected or taken lightly when making it. I struggle with doing what I want and doing what I'm prompted to do. Alma...my ever constant rock, supports me through it and I quit. It's one of the hardest things I do, but I'm assured it is the right thing to do.
Oliver had his tonsils out this year.
We are still driving a minivan (hmmmmm).
We take our first "long" roadtrip with the kids the California. They do well.
Our dates now consist of things like going to dinner and run errands without the kids, or the occasional movie. Mostly, we just enjoy spending time together, away or at home.

As I kissed my honey goodbye on my way to work tonight, it hit me how truly lucky I am to have him.
A lot has happened in the last 8 years. I can only imagine what the future holds.
I do know that I love my husband more now than I did 8 years ago. He is my rock. My best friend. My personal space heater during those cold winter months. He laughs at my stupid jokes and endures my stubbornness.

Happy 8 years sweetie

2003: Young and Naive

2011: Older...still naive...but laughing all the way

A Boo to You Too

2011-11-06T03:13:00.000-08:00

Ahhh...Halloween...my most favorite holiday.
The day was pleasant.
School for Bella.
Lunch with friends and kids.
Making the traditional Sloppy Joe dinner for pre-trick or treating energy.
Going to show off the costumes for family.

A dreamy day for yours truly.

The kids were troopers and hit up a whopping TWO streets....on BOTH sides (I know...real "go-getters" this year) before saying that phrase of trick or treating defeat: "Mom....I'm tired".

That, my friends, is the cue to head home.

No, I will not carry you.
If you have to be carried, you are done trick or treating.
Call me a mean mom, but that is how it is.
It keeps everybody happy in the end, and it also cuts down on the massive amounts of candy they will be begging to eat over the next week (not that they didn't have enough in their trick or treating bags already).

The kids dumped their loot on the living room floor and marveled at their collections.
They passed out treats to the few remaining trick or treaters we had visit our house (that means lots and lots of left over candy at our house....I've had to hide it...from MYSELF).

Overall, a spookily splendid Halloween.

And, the moment you've all been waiting for...the costumes.

Oliver as Spiderman (his favorite superhero)

Bella as Superwoman (because every superhero needs a partner in crime fighting...and Bella is just the gal for the job).

Alma and Matti as Burt & Mary Poppins (the family favorite movie at our house....and because I really wanted to say "Supercalifragilisitcexpialidocious" over and over and over...and over).

Halloween 2011...."practically perfect in every way".

Deadly Dinners

2011-11-06T03:05:00.000-08:00

If you've read this blog ever, you know I have a thing for food.
You should also know I have a thing for Halloween.

Put them together and it's a "deadly dinner".

This dinner even happens every year at my mothers house.
It wavers between gross and creepy looking...but it is always delicious.

The Menu 2011

Ready to Pop Pimples (stuffed grape tomatos)
Ooogley Eye Balls (Deviled Eggs)

Ogre Toes (little smokies)

Witches Fingers and liquid boogies (shortbread cookies and frosting)

Corny Turds (chocolate covered rice kripsie treats)

Spider Cake (chocolate pumpkin cake and cinnamon creamcheese frosting)

Zombie Brains (cauliflower)

Maggots (Orzo Pasta to serve with main dish)

Potty Surprise (yellow jello...in a NEW and CLEAN IKEA potty...Bella wouldnt' go near it....at ALL)

Roasted Rats in Sauce (mini meatloaves in "rat shapes" with tomato sauce)

Vampire Bat Wings (chicken wings)

Not Pictured:
Goblin Juice (red punch and skeleton goblets)
Perfect Plasma (cheese sauce for Cauliflower)

Happy Halloween!!!

On the Road Again.

2011-11-06T02:31:00.001-08:00

Friday morning was both beautiful and dreadful.

It was the day we started the journey home.

We had such an incredible time on our trip, it was truly hard to leave.
To ease the pain, we decided to have some breakfast at Putah Creek Cafe (featured on Diners Drive-ins and Dives....and rightfully so this time).
It was divine.

We packed up the car and said our goodbyes.
It was hard.
The kids asked "where's Vera" a couple times a day for the next week.
That woman really nows how to leave a good impression.

Vera....thank you for an incredible week.
You are a wonderful inspiration to us and such a breath of fresh air.
Thank you for making our vacation bright and spoiling us rotten.
We love you.

We drove half way home and stopped for the night for a thrilling stay in Winnemucca, NV.
We stopped the next day in Battle Mountain for visit Alma's brother Cory and his wife Melissa and the kids. The kids ran around like wild things while the adults caught up. The kids were exuding pent up energy and fulling enjoying seeing their cousins. They were nice and worn out for the remainder of the drive to SLC.

And we made it home in one piece, just in time for the ward Trunk or Treat.
Well, almost in one piece.
I give you "The Roadside Pee-er".

That night we all crashed into bed, exhausted from the adventures of our adventures and dreaming happily of California, all snug in our beds.
What a wonderful ending to a wonderful vacation.

P.S. I just realized how much I post about food. Ah geez....

This Is Halloween....

2011-11-06T02:13:00.000-08:00

Thursday night we celebrated Halloween with Aunt Vera.
We crammed all of our "traditional" Halloween activities into one fantastical fun filled evening.

First up: Sugar Cookies.
Winner for most sprinkles went to Bella.

Winner for most creative was Vera with her gray frosting coffin cookie.
Winner for most patient cookie decorating helper went to Alma for his endelss decorating with Oliver.

Winner for best cookie batter mixer? Well, since I baked them, automatic win.

Next, a break from sugar and over to Thai Food for dinner...a little out of tradition...but probably now a tradition. Nothing like Thai food to sooth the soul.

Back home, kids into costumes (which they couldn't get on fast enough), and homemade root beer.

This one of my favorite activities to do with the kids.
Every year without fail, they get that huge wide eyed-goofy grinned face when you add the dry ice.

Lastly, the pinata.
Bella is a bit obsessed with pinatas.
She has been asking for one for months.
Every where we go, she looks for a pinata. She can spot them from miles away.
So, being in the vacation mood, we promised a pinata at Aunt Vera's.

The kids picked a green monster pinata.
We stuffed it to the gills (or scales) with candy.
We hung it from the rafters in the chapel (remember....mortuary...perfect for halloween pinata party).
The kids smacked that pinata over and over and over until they finally busted it off the string.

Sadly, the didn't bust the actual pinata.
So, enter yours truly with a large stick and a mission for candy.
One smack...done.

The kids rolled, literally, in the candy.
Bella will someday curse me for putting this picture up...but it was perfect. She kicked her legs in the air and screamed "I LOVE PINATA'S!!!".
Awesome.

While in the chapel, we also got a little crazy with the casket we had served food out of at the cooking circle. No...there has NEVER been a dead body in this casket..just a chocolate crazed lady.

Note to self....caskets are not comfortable...make sure to request a posturepedic model for permanent resting place.

We ended the night with stories by Vera as the sugar coma's set in and we headed to bed for our last night in California.

The next day would be filled with goodbyes and drives...a sure tear jerker for me.
But hey, at least we had a pinata.

Little Ollie Appleseed

2011-11-06T01:23:00.000-07:00

Do you love apples?
I mean, REALLY love apples?

I know somebody who does.
His name is Oliver.
He has an apple....problem.

Every morning (and I mean EVERY morning), Oliver wakes and immediately asks for "apple and milk please???".
Every morning.

He then started asking to "go pick apples" about 3 weeks ago.
So, we tied it into part of our trip.

Bring on Apple Hill.

Apple Hill is about 1.5 hrs from Davis towards Lake Tahoe.
It spans over 3 different cities. It is comprised of 50 (FIFTY!) orchards, vineyards and Christmas Tree farms.
It...is...awesome.
The drive through Apple Hill was gorgeous.
We stopped at a few orchards on our journey..but primariliy spent our time at Apple Ridge Orchards.
The kids ran through hay mazes (they ran and ran and ran...and ran).

We walked the orchards.

We fed animals.

Had faces painted.

Picked pumpkins.

Oh yes...and ate.

When you visit an apple orchard, you can plan on them having a large variety of apple goods.
And Apple Ridge did not disappoint.
HUGE apple pies, apple tarts, apple donuts, apple cider, caramel apples, candied apples, apple crisp...and, my favorite...
the apple dumpling.

Do you SEE the size of that thing?

All warm and delicious...highlight of the hour.

Apple Ridge did NOT disappoint.
Except...
except for picking apples.

Apparently the apple season ended a week or so before we go there.
So we did the next best thing.
We stopped at the largest orchard stand (Boa Vista Farms) and let Oliver pick any apples he wanted....from the box.

And you know what?
Box or tree, he picked 2 delicious apples, and he was happy.

Only problem now?
I'm back home in SLC and hours away from Apple Hill.
Sigh.

Ol' Timey Time

2011-11-06T01:01:00.000-07:00

Date: October 26, 2011
Time: Approx 1220pm
Place: Some ol saloon in the desolate west
Situation: Children of adorable nature caught eyeballing candy, playing in ocean, and having way too much fun for their own good.

On Wednesday we headed into Sacramento, about 20 minutes from Davis. While there, we hit up "Ol Sacramento".
It is a fun little area with old west streets and builings for blocks and blocks.

We started with the Train Museum.
It was actually very fun.
We went in multiple trains...I suppose I've never stopped to realize just how BIG they are.
We went through old dining cars, sleep cars, steam engines, coal engines...you name it, we did it.

There is even a children's area with table after table of train sets to play with.
A kids dream come true.
Choo Choo.
Yes...I'm a poet and I didn't even know it. (Name that movie.....)

After the train museum we wandered "Ol Sac".
We are not going to get into why I think calling a town "Ol Sac" is funny. Keep in mind all I had growing up was 3 brothers...
That's why I insist on calling it Old Sacramento from here on out.

Old Sacramento was charming.
Tons and tons of darlign shops and boutiques. Lots a eataries and little coffee shops.
Fun stores and candy stores for the kids.

Oh yes...and the "Aunt Vera" tradition of getting that "old time photo" taken when you go to Old Sacramento.
I had a bit of a dilemma finding a suitable "get up" that was modest was a challenge, look closely..yup....thank you DownEast Basics for hiding my fancy underwear.

And, for a moment there, as I browsed dresses and hats jewelry, I realized why Bella has so much fun playing dress up.
Don't you love that little cowboy in front...best smirk ever.

That night we went back to the farmers in Davis. Live music, delicious food, a ride on the merry go round...and then off to Crepeville.

Crepeville.
Ah-Maze-ing.

There have been multiple "Crepe" places here in SLC and such. But mostly they overdo the crepes and I haven't been all that impressed.
Here, at Crepeville however, it's the real deal.
And they don't mess around.
Every kind of breakfast, lunch and dinner crepe you can think of.
Salads and fancy sodas.
And dessert.
Oh yes...dessert.

Dessert is what took us to Crepeville on Wednesday night.
Vera tried Nutella for the first time. First time EVER. I'm so proud.
The kids had straight Nutella and whipped cream on their crepes.
Alma with Banana and Nutella.
Me?
PB & Nutella Crepe...served warm with whipped cream.
Oh. My.

It think the kids liked it too...yes?
Then off to bed...where I drooled nutella on my pillow and awoke to a ghost shaking my bed (here).
"Sweet" dreams.

Cake, Candles, Jelly Bellys and a Rubdown.

2011-11-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

I awoke on the morning of Oct 24th at 830 am.
This, my friends, is a good thing...since my body really thought it was 930 am Utah time.
I was greeted by the two most adorable children I know, both of them screaming the Happy Birthday song at me and shoving hand made cards in the view of my half open eyeballs.

This was how I started my 31st birthday.

Not. Too. Shabby.

I enjoyed a lovely run around Davis.
The cool fall air and fantastic changing leaves made it for quite a sight.

My kids, Alma and Vera had decorated the house with birthday decor and I was treated to a hot oatmeal breakfast.
Yes...I requested oatmeal on my birthday.
I'm really 80 years old inside.
I'm ok with it.

I was also awaiting a much anticipated "surprise" that Vera and Alma had planned.
They had kept it a secret for days.
It was killing me.
They almost pulled it off....until Alma joked that I better not "be seduced by my masseuse".
Busted.
I was getting a rubdown for my birthday.
My muscles yelped with joy.

Let me tell you...it was probably one of THE best massages I have EVER had.
I didn't even care that my legs were prickly because I hadn't shaved (the downside to a surprise massage)...I was like jello on that table and almost fell asleep a couple of times.

Bliss I tell you.
Bliss followed by Chocolate Decadence Cake at The Ciocolate Cafe.

Bliss...and drooling.
That about sums it up.

We made a trip to my favorite...and I mean favorite in most every way...favorite grocery store: Trader Joe's.

I went a little nuts with the treats and such. But you only turn 31 once.

We ate chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles.
Nothing fancy.
Just straight from the box and can and made by my hubby and kids.
It was totally nostalgic..and delicious.

Dinner at Burgers and Brew.

Sorry 5 Guys...you have officially been knocked off my #1 burger place.
Too bad Burgers and Brew is....oh..12 hours away.

All in all, a splendid birthday with splendid people.
Oh yes....and that massage.

PS.
Guess what surprise arrived for me while we were in California?

Yipeeeee!

Tuesday was one of our "lazy" days.
But all in all....not really that lazy.

We headed out to Fairfield.
That translates to "we went to the Jelly Belly Factory".
Yes.
THE Jelly Belly Factory.

I have never seen so many jelly beans in my life.
The even had a cafe with jelly bean shaped pizza.
Yes.
It's true.

The tour was really fun....I almost passed out from just looking at all the sugar.
Crates after crate after crate....after crate, of jelly beans.
And samples along the way.
Can it get much better? I think not.

The "store" at the end of the tour even had a "sampling bar".
That's right.
You can sit there all day sampling jelly beans for free.
Every single stinkin flavor.

Call me cheap...but that's the best free sugar high ever.
That...and the fact that a huge bag of "Belly Flops"( aka "rouge" jelly bellys") is only $9.

I'm officially in love with jelly belly's now.
I've always like them, but now we may have an issue on our hands.
Oh...and my favorite flavor?
Has been, always will be a tie...between Buttered Popcorn and Speckled Pear.

After we all left in a sugar coma...we headed for real food and lunch before going back to Davis.

That evening Vera hosted a "cooking circle" for her ward.
The theme?
Spooky Food.

How appropriate that you host a "spooky food" cooking group...in a mortuary.
Yes.
Did you know that Vera is a mortician...and owns her own mortuary?
It's true.
In fact...her house is on top of the mortuary.
You'd never know it just being in the house...but it's true.
Thing it's creepy?
It's not.
In fact...it's pretty neat.
Especially when you get to host cooking circle in the mortuary...in the mortuary chapel...and serve the food out of a coffin.

Yes.
You read that correctly.
A coffin.

This is why I love Vera.
Because she serves food out of a coffin.
A girl after my own heart.
Oh yes...and because she is Vera.

We had deviled egg eyeballs, spider juice, pumpkin jello, zombie brains and maggot soup (butternut squash soup with orzo pasta), apple crisp, spider cupcakes, chocolate pumpkin cake...and of course, chocolate coffins.
And the company was fantastic. Seriously some of the nicest and neatest ladies I've met.
Best Cooking Circle...ever.

And how do you top an evening like that?
You run out the door after it's over while your husband puts kids to bed and Vera cleans up...and come back baring 2 orders of authentic handmade dumplings from The Dumpling House around the corner.

I'm still dreaming about them.
Authentic and divine.
I wish you could all taste them....then you'd know the torture I have just by thinking about them.

Needless to say, Alma Vera and I enjoyed our late night dumplings.
I went to bed full and happy...that is...until my bed started inexplicably shaking at 1130 pm.
But that's a story for another time.

Who's That Shaking my Bed...a "Ghost" Story

2011-11-03T14:46:00.001-07:00

I'm going a little out of order with this post...as it happened on Wednesday night while in California.
But, I think it deserves posting today.

So, as you know, my sister Vera works in a mortuary.
She owns it.
She IS the mortician.

That means at various times during our visit there are deceased bodies in the freezer awaiting embalming or cremation.
There is an embalming/prep room under the office.
There are various caskets in the display room.

There is a viewing room.
There is a sitting room for families.
There is even a chapel.

This,to some, would seem odd and scary.
To us, it's just life with Vera.
In fact, Alma and I find it totally fascinating and are pretty proud of dear Vera.
The kids have no idea what's going on, but know Vera has a huge chapel under her house that would be perfect for a pinata party.

I've never been "scared" or "freaked out" by staying there.
But then again, I'm not really superstitious and being from the medical field I find the whole thing, well...normal I guess. I saw a lot of death working at AirMed. I see life and death on Labor and Delivery.
It's always sad...but...
part of life.

I help bring them in the world at my work....Vera sends them off respectably at her work.

This was all fine and dandy except for about an hour late Wednesday night while we were there.

After a long day eating Jelly Beans, we settled into bed.
Vera in her room. The kids in there room.
Alma on the air mattress in the dining room and me asleep on the twin bed in my room.

I had just drifted off to sleep when the strangest thing started to happen.
By bed started shaking ever so slightly.
It felt as if somebody were at the bottom of it, kicking it...so I would shake a little. Maybe kicking it 4-6 times.

I sat straight up and stared at the darkness at the foot of my bed, fully expecting Alma to be standing there and laughing.
Except..
there was nobody there.
Nobody.
Nothing.

Just me, the darkness, and a moving bed.

Let's just say I immediately reverted back to a 7 year old child, afraid of ghosts as I slept above a mortuary.
All rationality went out the window.

I called out into the darkness "Alma....alma come here".
"Alma...come here NOW!".

Alma groggily trudged in.
"What?" he asked.

"My bed just moved. A lot. I'm scared"
(I'm sure he rolled his eyes at this point...but it was dark...and good for him it was because I wasn't thinking funny).

I made him check under the bed and in the closet.
I made him check that the kids were in there beds and it wasn't one of them.
Then, I made him climb into that twin bed with me because I was scared.

About an hour later, rationality set in...that...and sleeping right next to Alma is like sleeping in a fire pit. The man exudes extreme heat.
So...I kicked him out.
I kept telling myself I must have dreamt it.
I went to sleep....but with the covers over my head like I was 5 and a pillow against my back in case the "boogie man" came in and tried to grab me or something (ok...so I was still a little irrational).
I wondered if I should start whispering into the dark "go towards the light....".

Sleep finally set in a 1 am and I was out.

The next morning as I watched to news, however, my fears were eased and I became rational once again.
The headlines was as follows:
Sierra Earthquake Shakes Northern California USGS Reports 4.7 Magnitude Earthquake

The earthquake felt as far away as Sacramento area...where I was.

So, then I knew I wasn't totally crazy.
My bed was shaking.
I was the only one in the house who felt it.
But, at least I wouldn't have to be irrational anymore....and I could sleep without smothering myself with blankets over my head again.

Thank you California.
Always an adventure.

Left My Heart in SF

2011-10-25T22:30:00.000-07:00

Arrive day 2 in San Francisco.
We awoke and ate a splendid (and I really mean it, splendid) breakfast at our hotel.
Seriously...full breakfast and omelet bar, surrounded by a full atrium with Koi fish ponds.
Thank you Embassy Suites.

After checking out, we headed back into downtown.
First stop was Pier 39.

We had been telling Bella and Oliver about the Sea Lions for weeks.
Bella was seriously nervous that they would "roar" and "chase her". We explained multiple times that there IS a difference between Lions and Sea Lions.
It wasn't until she actually saw them, however, that she believed us.

The kids were AMAZED.
It was 830 am, so not many tourist yet.
It was pretty fun and the kids continued to bark at the sea lions...somehow communicating with them in a "sea lion/children's English" kind of way.

We viewed Alcatraz from the Pier...but opted to not totally freak out kids out by actually going to Alcatraz.

Bella purchased her very first "self chosen" souvenir.
A necklace of a pink mermaid.
Somehow I'm not surprised.

We browsed the shops.
Ate hot mini donuts.
Spent more than I needed at the candy store (good-bye diet).
Watched a street show/magic show on the Pier.

Oh wait...is that another carousal?
Why yes...yes it is.

Thank you cool Aunt Vera for hot mini donuts, toys and ANOTHER ride on a carousal....
Sincerely, the Lame mom.

Next off the Ghiradelli Square.
What do you do at Ghiradelli Square?
Why...have a lunch made out of 8 different flavors of ice cream, 6 toppings, mountains of whipped cream, dump trucks of sprinkles...and some cherries (because we all need our 6-8 servings of fruit, right?).

Meet "The Earthquake Sundae"....courtesy of?
You guessed it...Aunt Vera.
Go ahead kids...enjoy your lunch...at least you're getting your dairy.

We rode the trolley to China Town.
Funny thing.

Little Oliver was OBSESSED with the trolley (and me too for that matter...seeing as I had never ridden one in all the times I've been to SF).
Oliver even bought a toy trolley at the Pier.
So, when cool Aunt Vera takes you on the trolley...you get REALLY excited.

Oliver was SOOOO excited.
So excited, in fact, that he crashed from his ice cream high and fell asleep half way to China Town.
Poor Fella.

China Town was Bella's favorite.
Hands down.
Bella is my kid that is obsessed with other cultures.
Their language. The way the dress. The food.
She loves it.

So, as Oliver snoozed in the front of the stroller, Bella stood in amazement as we strolled down the lesser traveled areas of China town.
The incredibly busy markets with people cutting fish and ducks right there at the sidewalk.
The different foods and smells.
The tons and tons and tons of people...all speaking Chinese.
It. Was. Fantastic.

As we strolled away from true China Town and into the "tourist" part of China Town, Bella looked at me with big eyes and huge smile...pronouncing.
"Mom...China Town is AWESOME!".

At least we know it was a hit for her.

On our long walk back to the Pier, we wandered into the "Little Italy" portion of SF. (yes...we have now been to JapanTown, ChinaTown, and Little Italy...in 36 hrs).
We enjoyed cannoli and italian soda outside the tiny Stella Bakery...cooling off from the 80 degree heat in the setting sun.

After one more stroll around the pier and fishermans warf...it was back to the car.
The drive back to Davis was quiet....we were all pooped.

We had a late night of fresh hand made Chinese noodles at the Davis Noodle House, where Bella impressed all the patrons with her awesome chopstick skills (I'm telling you....the girl knows her stuff).

We all crashed that night at cool "Aunt Vera's".

Visions of noodles, sea lions and trolley's danced in our heads....and the Earthquake Sundae continued to settle in our belly's.

Oh, how I love San Francisco.

Frisco Town

2011-10-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

We decided to start off the trip nice and slow....
slow as in heading to San Francisco for 2 days.

We started our day at the Farmers Market in Davis before heading out of town.
I indulged in a chocolate croissant and fresh pressed apple cider....again.
Note the following two pictures dated 3/2011 and 10/2011.

Yes, I have a problem.

The produce was AMAZING. So colorful. So fresh. So local...so cheap.

Yes..I said cheap.
It's fantastic.

The kids were able to ride a carousal at the park where they had the farmers market.

This particular ride, however, is man powered....literally.

This dude sits and cycles in this little chair/boat/chair of torture for hours on end during the market.
When he cycles...it makes the merry-go-round...well, go around.

Pretty cool if you ask me.

P.S. Meet my Farmers Market pack-mules...best money can buy.

The kids also enjoyed fresh kettle corn and balloon animals courtesy of their Aunt Vera.

Aunt Vera is making said mom and dad look pretty lame to said children.
Just sayin'.

Then off to San Francisco.
The first stop?
Lombard Street.

We, being the awesome tourists we are, thought it would be fun to walk down and up first..then drive it.
We, being the naive tourists to Lombard street, decided to take the stroller down and up.

Note to self..and all of you future travelers of SF with children:
That little "ramp" at the top...is only at the top.
I repeat.
ONLY AT THE TOP.

And if you have a stubborn 2 year old, once you've gone a little way down in the stroller, no use in hiking the 5 minutes back to the car to put the stroller away.
So, what do you do?
Carry it.
Down.

And UP.

Workout completed.

Next, a short stop in Japan Town (much better than China Town in my opinion) for some Pan (pronounced "pawn") and choco babies.

Then off to Golden Gate Park.
The kids played and played and played...and played...and played...on the fantastic playground they have there.

Oh yes....please note the GIANT slide...
made out of cement.

Yup.
Cement.

Don't worry...we came prepared with cardboard to protect our bummies...and to gain warp speed...on the way down the cement slide.

Oh yes...and a carousal...since you must ride a carousal at least twice a day while on vacation with Aunt Vera.

This one not powered by bike.
Still made mom and dad look lame.
Thanks Vera.

Last stop, the beach.

This was Oliver's first time at the ocean.
Ever.

He was SO excited when we got there.
It took us 15 minutes to walk to the water because he was so fascinated with the sand under his feet.

When we reached the water, he was ecstatic.
Then a wave came in....and the water got closer.
And closer.

Oliver back up further and further.

The water touched his toes and he high-tailed it away from the water as fast as his little legs would carry him.

We tried 3 more times to get him to at least let the waves wash over his feet.
No dice.
Something about a big giant ocean and one little guy just didn't sit well.

He did enjoy digging and playing in the sand for a full hour though.

Bella had a blast.
As did the rest of us.
Bella and I were soaked in our street clothes by the time we left.

Well worth every drop of salty ocean water.

Off the the hotel, a dinner of pizza and pasta,

some swimming (in the hotel pool)...and then the kids zonked out big time in our suite as the adult pretended to be awake enough to watch some TV..then zonked out themselves sitting in their chairs.

Off to bed with sweet dreams of another day in SF to come.

How my Child Became a Pirate...

2011-10-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

So, what did YOU do yesterday?

We drove in the car....for 12 hours.
Well...technically it was 9 hrs, but with stops and a little "detour" in Reno, it took exactly 12 hrs and 3 minutes to get to my sister in law Vera's in Davis, CA.

How did it go?
Here are the highlights.

Time of departure: 4:40 am

Did the kids sleep?
They fell back asleep around Tooele and slept until Wendover.
That's it....the whole day.

Oddest moment:
Looking in the backseat at 6 am and seeing glowing heads followed by lots of giggles.

("Glowing Headbands from "The Car Store" I put together...more details on that later)
Best road side entertainment:

Apparently they didn't have a nurse approve putting their town initials on the side of the mountain. I can tell you I giggled out loud when I saw a giant BM on the mountain. The brown BM mountain. Wow...that's a big BM.
BM Nevada....beautiful place...unfortunate initials.
(Love you Cory and Melissa!)

Funniest Line:
"Go Baby Go!!!!!" (yelled by Bella from the backseat while watching a movie with headphones on. Imagine a silent car and then your 5 year old screaming that at the top of her lungs as you wind through Lake Tahoe).

Best Tunes:
Well....we listened to 2 kids CDs...and the rest were podcasts.
Alma and I learned a lot in about 6 hours.
Our fave podcasts: "What you Missed in History Class" and "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me".

Worst Idea of the Day:
Getting off the exit in downtown Reno to find lunch.
Got totally lost.
Ended up following GPS to a "Diners Drive-ins and Dives" place that was on the show.

It was the ONLY Triple D place I've been to that I can say should have never ever ever been on the show.
0.5 stars from me.
Sorry Reno...I could have eaten better at Wendy's.

Best Idea of the Day:
Sneaking into Vera's house and surprising her in her office with our arrival. Priceless.

So.
How did the kids handle the 12 hr trip?
Well...the following picture should sum it up about right.

Bella lost a hand..and an eye somewhere a long the way...maybe in Elko.
That drunken look is "car trip psychosis".
Authentic blood on her sleeve (really...it is. Bloody nose somewhere around Winnemucca).
Crazy hair from listening to podcasts and watching The Incredibles.
She has resorted to sheets of paper for blankets.

Oliver?
I turned the camera to him, and he said "Look away...I'm hideous!!!".

Okay, in reality, the did good.
Really good.
Fantastic even.
Sure they looked like orphans by the time we got to Davis, but at least Bella still had 1 eye and 1 hand left.

Anatomy of a Kiss

2011-10-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

You know those moments in life that make you sigh and think "ah...how darling".
Well...what you are about to see is NOT one of those moments.

It is, in fact, one of those moments gone ary...and caught frame by frame with my brother's camera.
At a quick glance, it wouldn't seem so bad.
But, slow it down, frame by frame, and it's wickedly entertaining, and kind of gross.

Rewind 2 weeks ago.
It's a cool October evening at Wheeler Farm and we are torturing our children by doing family pictures.

Actually, let me rephrase that.
We are torturing ourselves and our patient photographer by doing family pictures...and constantly saying "look at the camera...SMILE...hey...look at the camera...SMILE!!!!!".

During a moment of what we thought would be a pleasant and "cute factor" shot, we told the kids to give eachother a love. A little hug and a kiss.

Bella first.
Not too bad, eh?
It's cute.

But, then, tell the almost 3 year old boy to give her sister a kiss...and you get a whole other scene.
Something...
like...
this:

"Hehehe...sure...I'll give my sister a kiss...assume strangle hold."

"must...assume... "pucker up" position..."

"That's right...I'm giving you a kiss.........On Your NOSE".

"Ha!...In fact...I've got a flat out suction hold on your nostrils"
(At this point...Bella is squealing and laughing at the same time...and snorting a bit.)

"Hey wait....my sister is punching me in the eyeball for giving her a kiss!
Do I taste boogers??"

So, there you have it.
A meant to be cute moment gone awkwardly ary thanks to shutter speed and a pair of children always trying to steal the moment.
Oh how I love family picture time.

What I Need..er..Want.

2011-10-05T00:21:00.001-07:00

It's October....hallejuia!
I'm deeply, madly, truly in love with October.
It's my favorite month of the year.

I could stuff October in my back pocket and carry it around all year if it were possible.
Leaves.
Cool Weather.
Pumpkins.
Apples.
Hot Chocolate.
Halloween.
My Birthday.
Football.

Oh wait....did you see "my birthday"....yup.

10/24 at 10:24 pm.
That's me.

Last year I had the celebration of all celebrations.
3 days in Disneyland and then a fantastic and memorable celebration with Alma and the kids.

This year, 31 seems a little less, well..."celebratory".
Alma keeps asking "so, uh...what do you want for your birthday?".
To which I give the obligitory reply "nothing".

But, in reality, I can't think of anything I want.
Really.

Well. Let me correct that.
There are plenty of thing I COULD think of.
But until I win the lottery or $1000000 from my McDonalds Monopoly Diet Coke, I'm really ok with all I have.

Now, that said.
If I did have unlimited resourses...it might go something like this:
1. Shopping Spree.
I'm not even sure where...just a big budget and time to kill.
Oh yes...and to try on the clothes before I buy them (ever tried to take 2 kids with you into the dressing room? Doable...but chaos).

2. Dyson.
In Pink (but I'll settle for red).

3. iPad
1 or 2...in pink...or at least a pink cover.
Think of the things I could do ....oh yes...and the educational element to keep kids busy while running errands. Yeah..that's it.

4. Full day at the Spa.
The Kura Door to be exact.
Japanese baths, massages, facials....you name it...I suppose I'll let you give it to me.

5. New Kitchenaid
The Professional Series...red...or fantastical green (yes..I made that word up).

6. Le Crueset Cast Iron Dutch Oven.
Any color will do just fine.

7. My weight in chocolate from Godiva...dark chocolate..with caramel and sea salt.
You'll have to find out my weight first...but if you tell anybody, i'll smother you with a face full of chocolate.

8. Road Bike
Seeing as I'm obsessed, I mean..."addicted" to the tri thing now...I would be nice to have my "own" road bike. Rosie treats me well, very well...but I think Kira will be needed her back after she has her baby.
Like I said. Road Bike...with clips.

9. Eyelash extensions
I won't pick them off...I promise.

10. A full house DEEP cleaning
I'm talking by the real cleaning company...that will do everything. Walls, blinds, floors, bathroom, kitchen, etc etc etc...let them do it all for me. A "spring clean" in the fall.

11. Ticket to Wicked.
I don't care where...just to see it.

12. Speaking of theatre...how about season passes to Hale Center Theatre or Desert Star? I'm always up for some culture.

13.Toms.
I don't even know which ones...but I can find a pair...or two.

14. A quiet hotel room and 24 hrs to sleep in it.
Literally.
Can you tell I'm a little tired?
I will only emerge from the covers for pee breaks and chocolate...follow by chocolate milk.
Just sayin.

15. A date DAY with my husband.
Seriously.
A whole day and night to play and take on the town.

16. Some lovely cards from my kids.
Let's be honest...this is probably my favorite present I get each year.
I secretly keep them in my little hiding place and read them each year. Like the tiny scribble with Bella was 1. Be still my heart.

17. Waking up to my husband and kids singing Happy Birthday (after they let me sleep in a bit).

18.A kiss from my hubby. A squeeze and a smooch from my kids.
It's the best way to celebrate any day...even a birthday.

19. A pretty cake...or let's be honest...hand me a giant Creme Brule with a candle in it. I'll squeal with delight.

19. Nothing.
Nothing, because, in reality, when I look at this list, there are lots of fancy things, and some not so fancy things...but the most important things in life I already have.
A loving husband.
2 darling children.
A fantastic family.
Health and healthy family.
Stability.
The Gospel.
Happiness.

Could I really "want" anything more?
I think not.
It's a happy day no matter what....even for 31.

Swim. Bike. Run.

2011-09-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

*Disclaimer...I look like poop in these pictures...and I'm okay with it.*

So.
Guess who did her triathlon.

Guess who did herself a triathlon and survived.

And...guess who did a triathlon, survived....and LOVED it?

Yup.
That would be me.

Saturday morning was the long awaited day of my first triathlon.
Let's be totally honest...I had to drug myself with benadryl the night before in order to even get my body to hint at sleeping.

You would think after competing in races for 4 years in high school that I would have been used to it or know how to deal with it.
In reality...I think it gave me some PTSD and my body has long forgotten how to cope.

But, alas, I arose at 6am, poured myself into some awesome tri/bike shorts and a spiffy tri top...choked down some oatmeal that the butterflies in my stomach instantly overcame....and headed out the door.

When I arrived at the venue, it was packed.
I mean...400+ women overly anxious and way too early, but there anyway and set up to go...packed.

I managed to squish my bike into a spot and set up my transition area, going over the steps that Alma had told me to do.
My "bike neighbor" turned out to be a nurse...seems like nurses are drawn to each other.
We sat and chit-chatted in the cold and laughed at the people in line for the ONE port a potty....because if you are a nurse, you have a BLADDER OF STEEL...and peeing before a race isnt an issue.

We made our way into the pool area and the butterflies got worse...almost flying out of my throat worse.
Then, the race started.

I would like to say that the swim was well organized, but it wasn't.
Not at all.
They told us to put ourselves in three groups: Fast, Medium, Slow.
That would have been peachy, but people got over anxious and jumped in where they shouldn't have. You had ironmen(women) swimming with people doggy paddling.
No good.
When I FINALLY got in the water, the adrenaline took over.

I swam past 5 people...and over the top of one.
She deserved it.
I tapped her foot to move for almost 2 lengths of the pool...and she wouldn't.
So, I swam her over and left her in the dust.
No...I'm not competitive at all.

Next to the bike.
Let's just say that it was "interesting".
The first 5 miles is uphill.
Nice.

I managed to only get passed by 3 people, but was able to pass a few people myself too.
That was, until, I got to "the hill".

There was this hill.
And when I say hill...I mean cliff.
This cliff...er...hill...is between miles 4 and 5.
Half way up that hill, I was geared all the way down, standing to pedal...and then my legs cramped up and gave out.
Not cool legs...not cool.
I barely clipped out before biffing it all over the road...and walked my bike another 100 yrds up the hill with the rest of the bikers.
Swallowed my pride at the top.
Clipped back in.
And rode like hell for the next 7 miles.

Lastly, the run.
This, my friends, is the part I dread the most.
Interesting, seeing as I ran track for 4 years in high school.
Interesting, seeing as how I've always thought I was a runner...that was just what I did.
Interesting, that I have finally admitted that I really really don't like running, but, I can do it, so I do.

Running after biking 12 miles is like running with legs made out of jello.
You know your body is moving...but it doesn't feel like anything is really happening with your legs.
It's uncomfortable and bizarre.

That feeling goes away after about 1 mile.
At that point, I was just happy to be almost done, and a little excited that I was actually going to finish in something other than last place.

Yes, I could have run faster.
Much faster, actually.
But I must have swallowed too much chlorine in the pool and it made me all fuzzy, so instead of "really" running, I just enjoyed to tunes on my iPod and enjoyed a nice jog.

All of a sudden I was at the finish line thinking "gosh...should have run faster. Oh well".

Bella, sweet little Bella, was there at the finish line holding a sign she had made for me, and she held my hand as we crossed the finish line together.
I'll admit, at that point the adrenaline and exhaustion and hormones kicked in and I got a little sentimental.

I had just finished a freaking triathlon.

Overall, it was a good experience.
No...a great experience.

Did I like it? Well...yes.
Do I want to do it again? Yes.
Am I crazy? Maybe.

Thanks Alma and all my friends and family who encouraged and supported me and kept telling me to "stop worrying...you'll be fine", because, I was and it was worth every second of training.

So, how did I do?
Well.
I'm all about honesty, so here it is.
I finished in 1hr37 minutes.
I took 56 out of 112 in my age group (dead center).
And 178 out of 400.

For my first tri, where I really just wanted to finish, I'm truly thrilled with finishing in the middle.
The "average" spot for an above average experience.

I'm kind of at a loss as what to do with myself now that I'm not training every day.
That...and I have to actually watch what I eat now.
Truth be told...I only lost 4 lbs during all that training.
Training makes you hungry...like STARVING hungry.
That, I for the first time I could eat anything (and trust me, I ate anything) I wanted and it never made the scale go up.
Hmmm.

So, moral or the whole triathlon story?
So glad I did it.
So glad I "tried the tri".
Bring it on.
Swim. Bike Run.

"Big Kid School"

2011-09-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

Last week, we had a first at our house.
The first day of school....real "big kid" school (at least, that's what Bella calls it).

Yes, Bella started Kindergarten.
And while I was sure that I would be completely distraught when the day arrived, I was surprisingly calm.
Excited even.

Bella has been counting down the days since May.
If only she can keep that enthusiasm about school for the next, oh....16+ years, we should be good.

We picked out her "special" outfit the night before.
Bella woke up before the sun was up on the big day.
Sweet.

We had a special breakfast of her choice: cereal.
Yes...we live in the life of luxury with cereal and cold milk at our house.
Be jealous.

Oliver was anxious to join the festivities too, asking to "get school ready" all morning. So we dressed him up fancy and let him in on the excitment as well.

Heavens...I even got ready.
That is a real accomplishment to have us all exercised, showered, dressed, fed and out the door so early.
Pat on the back for me....at least that day.

When I dropped Bella off, it was the first time she had been quiet all morning.
I'm still not sure if was nerves or sheer joy at the sight of school and so many new potential play mates.

Either way, she was silent...with a goofy and completely heart melting smile across her face.

As they lined up in classes and filed inside, I'm going to be honest, I wanted to cry.
It was so cute....and so sad...all at one time.

By baby...my first child...walking into school for the first time.
A real "big kid".
I still can believe it's happeneing.
But, while I can't believe it, it's starting to sink in.

Bella comes home everyday excited and happy about her adventures in kindergarten.
She asks to to do homework.
She even started off the first day by discovering a loose front tooth...which she has been wiggling to death ever since.

So, no tears.
Just a happy little kindergartner and her mother and father still proud and in total disbelief.

Run....Run like You've Never Run Before!!

2011-09-13T20:19:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't know...I'm training for a triathalon.

Let me say that again.

In Case You Didn't Know...I'm Training for a freaking Triathalon.

Hi.
My name is Matti...and I've compeletly lost my marbles.

This summer has been filled with a lot of swimming, biking and running at our house.
Alma completely his 3rd tri this year in July.
I decided that I would try and show up my husband.
Kidding...I just really wanted to try and do a triathalon.

It's always been on the bucket list.
Now it's time to cross it off.

So.
Since the kids have been subjected to countless rides in the jogging stroller and many visits to the day care at the gym while we swim,....it's not really a surprise that they started asking to "do a race" and "get a medal" of their own.

Enter the Teddy Bear Kids K.
A 1 mile run for kids 12 and UNDER.
It is a part of the Utah Marathon Relay in South Jordan.

So, we signed them up.
Parents get to participate with their kids for free....and it said "run, walk, stroll".

We did many "practice" runs.
This mostly consisted of the kids walking then running then walking then running....etc etc etc.

The big day came and the excitement for both kids was INTENSE.
Picture Bella clenching for fists and screaming in a deep growl "I AM SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!".
Yup, that about sums it up.

The race itself was pretty low key. Good for a 5 and 2 year old.

Bella jogged about 2/3 of the route and walked the other 1/3.
Of course...when she saw the finish line, she left me in the dust looking like an overgrown idiot in a kids race.
Thanks Bella.

Oliver, sweet little Oliver, did then entire race by himself.
That's right, he ran or walked the whole thing.
Not bad for a 2 year old if you ask me.

The best part?
The kids finally have their own race t-shirts and medals..which they continuously run around the house with proclaiming their awesomeness.
The were also greeted at the finish line with a teddy bear and other prizes.
Not. Too. Shabby.

So, now the kids have their first race under their belts.
Alma has multiple.
And I'm still trying not to vomit as my triathalon date draws closer.

Too bad there isn't a Teddy Bear K for adults...I'd be all over that....as long as I got a medal a shirt and a bear.
Just sayin.

I Swore

2011-08-29T23:36:00.001-07:00

Anybody else noticed it's hot outside?
Just a little?

Well, at the Smith house...we are getting aquainted with the heat in a whole new way.

As I headed to work last Friday night, I was thinking to myself "wow...what a wonderful day. things. are. good".

Famous last thoughts.

3 seconds later my phone rings and the voice of my ever constant companion ring through the earpiece.

"Hi Honey....I have bad news"

Okay...what

"You left your cake here on the counter"
At this point I'm silently swearing over the cake I spent 1 hr making for work that will now never make it to work. Poop.

"And...(what? there is an AND??)....the air conditioner stopped working".

Oh.

Stunned silence from my part (verbal silence...I swore in my head...a lot.).

And, so started the longest and hottest weekend of our lives.
You see...the a/c decided to go out on the hottest weekend of the summer so far....100 degrees. Yay.

Night #1 the kids and Alma had a sleep-over in the TV room downstairs...windows open, fans on.

The kids thought is was all fun and games, until about 3 pm the next day, when our thermostat hit the high 80's in the house.

Night #2 brought another sleepover, and a rainstorm which cooled off the house nicely. It only took until 4 pm the next day to reach the "hour of unbearableness" as I have named it.

Luckily we escaped to my parents when the hour of unbearableness started.

Night #3...well that was a doozy.

Another storm.

This time with LOTS of lightening and lots of thunder.
And while I did enjoy the fact that it cooled off the house quickly at 11pm...I have to admit that it is hard to sleep when every window in the house is open and thunder is booming so loudly it shakes the house.

Imagine sleeping in a tin can during a thunderstorm...that's how my overheated and sleep deprived brain perceived it.

I silently swore at the storm.

After night #3, the solution to our nightmare showed up at the front door in the form of an A/C repairman.

After 3 days of waiting, our appt had arrived.
He tinkered with the central air and talked to tech people for almost 2 hrs.

As the Hour Of Unbearableness arrived, A/C repairman came upstairs and smiled...

and then said with the flattest affect

"Do you want the bad news? Or the bad news."

Great.

I silently swore at the A/C repair guy.

He gave me my options...new furnace/ac system all together (because apparently the only 6 year old model in our house is now obsolete...including the parts)...or he "retrofits" a new and different motor and we hope for the best.

Both ring $$$ in my ears.

Neither sounds good.

I silently swore at the A/C unit and it's stupid obsolete status.

The A/C repairman left to find some parts and come back in the morning....nightmare not over.

This meant a night #4 with no A/C.

I was secretly giddy that I was working a night shift...with A/C.

So, I started to make dinner in my kitchen with windows open and fans blowing hot air around.

I turned on the stove to boil water.

No heat.
I tried another burner.

No heat.

Another burner....

NO HEAT!!

The indicator light glared in my face and taunted me...it was on, but no heat.

I tried the oven.

No heat.

This time I swore...out loud.

So, I guess there is an upside to this.

The kids think that we are totally awesome parents because we have had 4 random sleepovers throughout the house this week and we are spending A LOT of time in the backyard pool.

The downside (besides the giant dent in my savings account)...is that there is no way for somebody like me (aka...somebody who cooks and bakes for stress relief), so bake away the stress in a scalding hot kitchen with a broken stove/oven.

No chocolate cookies.

No toffee.

No peach cobblers and no mexican wedding cookies.

I'll let you guess what I'm doing in my head.

Potty Training...in ONE Day

2011-08-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

The past week and a half have been insanely busy. 2 different vacations squeezed between work schedules and kid activity schedules.
I've been working on blog posts for over a week now and haven't uploaded the pics to finish them.

However....after posting about 1 day potty training yesterday on Facebook, it became clear that I'm not the only one who thinks doing dreaded potty training in 1 day is not only genious....but very smart..because we are ALL busy, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who didn't look forward to sitting home for a week straight. It's just not in my nature.e
And people wanted in on the plan.
So...here you go.

Enter Brittany Payton.
I've known Brittany (formerly Soffee) for over 8 years.
Back in the day before I had my own kids, and Alma and I were in the newlywed/school consumed phase, I served in the YW Presidency in the ward we were in.
Brittany was one of my Laurels.

Fast forward 8 years, and she is married and has 2 kids....and soon to be 3.
She is the one to thank for all of this.
Funny how things change. One day she is a senior in high school...the next she is giving me potty training advice.
Wow, time flies.

Anyway, enough jabber....
you want "the plan"...don't you.

Word of warning.
It can be very, well, tedious.
A lot of repitition.
It seems ridiculous at first...but guess what.
It worked.
It worked really really well.
Just hang in there.

Step1: Pick a day If you have other children this should be a day when the other children can go with daddy or grandma for the day. ( I didn't do that part....I just did it with Bella home and she was actually a HUGE helper...it worked out well.)

Step2: Buy 15 or so 1$ "prizes" from the grocery store or dollar store and put them in a box of some sort. Decorate with a fancy paper that says "_______ Potty Prizes"

Step3: Buy juice boxes or capri sun's or some kind of liquid they can drink through the whole day. Oliver's drink of choice? Root Beer. On the rocks.

Step4: Buy underwear (multiple pairs!) and it recommends a small potty. We bought Oliver a simple potty...no music or whistles and all that. It does look like a frog though...so that helped get him excited.

Ok what to do... -Woke up, put on underwear! Wahoo we're going on the potty today! - The key is Dont Ask Dont Tell! They have to tell you on their own!
-First Accident you say: Uh-Oh did you feel pee coming? Ok when we feel pee coming you (now do these steps and say them while you do them)
1. Stand up
2. RUN to the potty
3. Pull down your pants
4. Sit on the potty
5. Pull up your pants. Yay good job!
Then you repeat this 5 times!!
Yes 5 times. and you DONT change their wet pants while you walk them through the steps all FIVE times. So you go back to where you were playing when they had their accident. and you Say "Ok when you feel pee coming you......" REPEAT 1-5 ! Yay so fun!! I also asked Oliver every time we went back to do the five steps "did you pee your pants?" "Do big boys pee their pants? No...they go in the potty like this..." Then I did the 5 Steps.

-After 5 times you say Ok good job lets go look at your prizes. You pull down their prize box and say "which prize do you want right now?" and let them point or tell you and then you say "well too bad you didn't pee in the potty, maybe next time!" and you put the prize box back up. Let me tell you how VERY unhappy Oliver was about that part. Just be strong...it's worth it.

Then they get to put on clean underwear and pants, and emphasize how good the clean underwear feels!

-Repeat this HAPPILY (yes HAPPILY even after they've peed in their pants a bunch of times!) all day long:) and when they have a bowel movement you do the same thing.
It's pretty gross, by we only had that happen once and I got the idea about not pooping his pants (with the BM you clean out most of the poop and clean them up a little bit but not all the way trust me it's important! and then after the 5 times they can get in the bath and get clean clothes).

So that's it...one long day... but then it's over.
Oliver have 5 accidents in a row and I was about the give up (especially after the poop...this coming from a nurse who used to clean up brain matter off helicopters...odd).

It seemed so silly to do those steps over and over and over.
But then, suddenly, as I was cleaning up accident #5, he came to me and said "Mom...got to go potty"
I'm thinking "yeah, right".
But....he went to the potty, pulled down his pants, and pee'd.
We made quite the spectacular out of it.
He loved that part.

He hasn't had an accident since.
Not since 10 am yesterday.
He still wears a pull up at nap time and bedtime for now.
He has told me every time he needs to go potty today.
Also know, I think Oliver was ready for this.
I'm a firm believer in not "pushing it" if they really aren't ready.
But, Oliver has been telling us about all his messy and wet diapers for a week now.
So...I figured "why not?"

It is great.

Thank you Britt and thank you to Britt's pediatrician for sending this method along.
You save our sanity and rid us of diapers for the first time IN FIVE YEARS!
Woo hoo!!!

Now...go get a potty, some prizes, some patience....and start training!

The Nudist

2011-08-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

The time: 8 am

The place: Smith family backyard

The day: weekday of unassuming nature

The scene:
I am in the kitchen putting cereal bowls in the dishwasher.
I am still in my pajamas.
The kids have escaped to the backyard already....I fear for the neighbors that are about to here their squeals and antics.
I have put 2 of the 3 bowls in the dishwasher when I hear a small voice....

the voice of a 2 year old little boy...

a small voice saying to nobody in particular "clothes off....no more pants...."

a small voice then saying...."swimming...."

I freeze, then come to my senses when I realize as I look out the back door that Bella has stripped down to her undies and is wading in the pool....at 8 am.

But...where is Oliver?

He is here....talking about how is has undressed himself in 2.3334 seconds flat...a first for him.

And yes...it's only 8 am.
Super.

Athletic Vegetable Race aka The Spudman

2011-08-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we traveled to thrilling Burley Idaho.

Yes, I know you're all jealous that we went to Burely Idaho without you.
With it's rolling hills, big river and wild nightlife.

Yes...Burley.
The Las Vegas of Idaho.

Okay.
In all seriousness, we DID go to Burley.

And it WAS super exciting...but for many different reasons.

Every year, the quiet town of Burley hosts The Spudman Triathlon.
This is the time of year that local "Burleyans" either embrace the 4,000 people that converge on the town for 3 days...or get the he*% out of dodge.

Alma was challenged back in January by this man:

The challenge was to complete the Spudman Triathlon 2011.

When the challenge was first presented...and Alma said yes...I might have actually have laughed out loud..in his face.
Yes...such a supportive wife.

Little did I know what our lives were about to become for the next 8 months.

Alma started training.
A lot.
All the time.
He did 2 "practice" triathlons along the way.

He brainwashed me into thinking it looked fun...and I must still be brainwashed because I'm still signed up for 1...maybe 2 tri's of my own.

Then, the big weekend came.

Alma and I left the kids at the grandparents on Friday.
This would prove to be a good move.
With close to 2400 participants in Spudman...PLUS all the spectators...it gets a little crazy in Burley.

That...and the day starts before 5 am with preps and getting to the race site and ready to go.

Add that to the fact that, as a spectator, you walk a good 4 miles between transitions back and forth and do a lot of standing with a thousand other people....

I can only imagine what angels my children might have turned into during all of that.

Friday night was spent picking up registrations packets, eating a pasta dinner and surveying transition sites and the giant river.
We also spent a fabulous time with The Spongbergs and Latham's eating SteveO's famous fries and eating yummy birthday cake (made by yours truly) for Kira's birthday.

Alma and I crashed at the hotel early in anticipation for the next morning...which started early.

It was odd to go to the continental breakfast at the hotel at 530 am...and see it was PACKED with people. All Spudathletes.
We ate with our breakfast on our laps while discussing the upcoming festivities with my darling friend Erika and her hubby Will.

Then, off to the races.
Nothing like a beautiful sunrise over the Snake River.

The first event in a Tri is the swim.
In this case, the swim was in the Snake River.
Down river, which helps, but Erika thought it might be fun to make people swim upstream one year.
You would never be able to stop or you'd actually lose time.
Mean...but the ultimate challenge.
Luckily, Spudman is down river.
Do you see Alma?
He is the one in the orange cap swimming in the river.

Then the bike.
I would like to say I took awesome pictures of Alma on his bike.
In reality, I got 2. One was blocked by another bicyclist in an annoyingly yellow jersey...and the other shows the tips of his orange helmet and nothing else.
This is why I should not be allowed to take pictures while yelling, cheering, jumping, and trying not to pee my pants all at once.

While we waiting for the bike to transition into a run, we walked back to the finish line.
Along the way, I thought it might be nice to take a picture of what a REAL slide looks like for my kids.

Remember when slides were like this?

Only when we were little we had pure black asphalt at the bottom.
Only kids with massive scars on their knees and elbows from playground asphalt and giant metal slides can understand this.

Anyway....

Here come the bikers to the bike/run transition.

Apparently there was a massive 50 bike pile up somewhere on their route. Luckily, all the participants I knew managed to avoid it.

There he is....my biker babe.

Alma managed to still have the energy to give high fives as he took off on his run to the smaller spectators.
I'm not sure how.

He was even smiling.
Going from bike to run is BRUTAL.
I relate it to having legs made out of jello for a good 2 miles.
But alas, the man amazes me and even laughed a bit as he ran by.

Finally, the finish.
Alma gave a stellar effort and did really well (at least, I think so).
His final time was 2 hrs 26 minutes for his first Olympic Triathlon.

In fact, everybody that I knew that participated did well.
In my opinion...if you can even finish without that look of "I might die before I hit that finish line"...then that's saying something.

You know...that really ugly look like your face might explode?
I do...I get that face.
Gag.

In fact, finishing at all is good enough...and solidifies that fact that you are triathalon crazy.

As we left Burley Idaho, the sore muscles and exhaustion set in.
We were sad to leave the snazzy and beautiful town of Burley...but as Alma drifted off to sleep...I could almost see that little "dream bubble" in his head, with dreams and wishes of another triathlon or race.
Like I told you, he's a little nuts.
But then again....isn't everybody?

Congrats Alma...you did great and I'm so proud of you.
Thanks for setting such a great example and getting our whole family into a running, swimming biking frenzy.
Now we can all be crazy together.

The Week (thus far)

2011-07-28T01:58:00.000-07:00

The week so far, since Pioneer Day (the 24th) has had ups and downs. Many of both, oddly enough.

In words...here it is:

Work (admit a full board, clear a full board...typical summer on L&D)

Sleep.

Parade (on TV with kids...in PJ's).

French Onion Soup @ Jason's Deli with darling ladies.

Dutch oven dinner with my sweetie and kids.

Rain...on the day of fireworks=No firework. Not Fair.

Weeding.

Clean house (sounds fun, right?).

Make Cake bites (improved recipe...I'm onto something people...trust me).

Spend too much time on Pinterest while children sleep. Stupid Pinterest.

Pool.

Slide at pool with Oliver on lap and Bella following behind. SIXTEEN TIMES.

.
Sunburned mommy and unscathed children from pool.(think lobster red mommy).

Orange sno-cones from snack shack after pool.

3 hours naps and listening to rain.

Sore legs from doing the stairs carrying 30+ lbs on my hip...SIXTEEN times.

Updates on 12 hr sugery on my Aunt.

.
Grandpa on other side has heart attack.

Find out childhood dog is now blind..and being put down Thursday (insert gaspy sad sigh).

Run 3 miles in the rain. Alone. Theraputic...and a PR

.
Navajo Tacos and Scones for dinner. Droool.

New day and Cabella's with kids = Free fun.

Lunch with hubby in middle of work day with kids = divine.

Dizzy Lizzie's from Dear Lizzie on the way home. Be still my heart.

Make Lemon Blueberry Cupacke with fresh berries and Lemon Cream Cheesefrosting from here....Oh. My. Goodness. (Are you drooling yet?)

Another nap with rain as the background...wonderful.

Cuddle time with each of my kids.

Visiting Rhondalee and seeing her try to laugh...makes me feel good.

Faith.

Comfort.

Work.

Chocolate Brownie and Diet Dr Pepper at 3 am while at work.

Blog...from me to you.

That my friends, is the week.....thus far. Bring it on.

Duck Creek

2011-07-24T00:17:00.000-07:00

This year was the Petersen Family Reunion for Alma's side of the family.
Every 2-3 years, the family travels from all corners of the country (and further) to gather in the mountains somewhere and have a fun filled week together.

This year was Duck Creek, Utah.

It was SO much fun.
We spent a lot of time visiting.
The kids had an incredible time playing with their cousins...the even utilized the volleyball court as a giant sand pit.

We went on a gorgeous hike to Cascade Falls.

We played games and chatted until the wee hours of the morning while the children slept soundly in their beds (and then we all wondered why we were so tired? totally worth it).

Oliver and I picked up an nasty little stomach bug just in time for the drive home, but recovered quickly...but not before passing to Alma. Bella, miraculously, remained un-infected...and thought we were all crazy with our talks of bathrooms and stomach pains.

It was a truly enjoyable time with Alma's family.
The area of Duck Creek is gorgeous and the resort we stayed at was excellent.

Horray for family reunions!
Now...for the pictures galore.......

Tabiona

2011-07-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

Over 4th of July we ventured to Tabiona (well..Hanna, UT to be specific) to spend time with one of my Aunt R's and her husband Steve.

Good timing for us, as we were able to partake in the small town festivities.

There was a good ol' fashioned small town rodeo.
The last time I attended at rodeo in Tabiona, it was over a decade ago...a bull rider died after being tromped on.
So, I was a little nervous with PTSD.

However, all went well and we enjoyed it completely.
The kids went decked out in their Jessie and Woody Cowboy/Cowgirl gear.
So stinkin cute.

We even stayed for fireworks at the end...and I have to say, pretty good for small town fireworks....or even big city fireworks.

While in Tabiona, we spent a lot of time playing out in the fields, going on walks, playing games, vegging on the couch during the afternoon heat waves, and spending lots of time of the front porch chatting.

Alma and I were able to take in a 4 mile mountain run at sunset while the kids rode the 4-wheeler with my aunt.
It was gorgeous....and exhausting. I've never ran so many hills at once.

We left the afternoon of the 4th and headed back to SLC for BBQ and fireworks at my grandmother's house.

Tabiona was a special time for us to be with my Aunt R, because less than a week after our visit, she would be going in to have her entire jaw removed and replaced due to cancer in her jaw bone.
My Aunt R....Rhondalee...is bigger than life. To be able to spend time with her before she started on this long and hard road she now faces is a blessing.

Wonderful time in Tabiona.
Wonderful company.
Just wonderful.

Fantastic 5

2011-06-28T00:21:00.001-07:00

Guess who had a birthday at our house?
Guess who is STILL talking about the fact that she is "5" and "such a big girl now" at our house?

Yes.
Miss Bella turned 5.

I think she counted down the days for over 3 weeks.
She knows her birthday is after Father's Day, and as father's day came to a close and we tucked her into bed, she cried because the VERY NEXT DAY wasn't her birthday.
So sad.

When the big day DID arrive, however, it started out magically.

My dear SIL was able to come over the night before to hang out, chat, and help me set up for her birthday and party.

When Bella awoke the next morning, we crowned her the birthday girl and led her downstairs.

When she saw the decor, she put her hands on her cheeks and squealed "I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!! I REALLY CANNOT BELIEVE IT!!".
I was so darling.

We had Birthday Breakfast Donuts (a tradition at our house).

We played and lounged in our PJ's until her party started that morning.

This year, Bella opted for a "Cereal Party".
Yes, you read that right.

Bella LOVES cereal.
You can offer her pancakes with chocolate chips and ice cream on top...and she will still prefer cereal.
It's great.
So, it's only appropriate that we had a cereal party in her honor
(PS...this was the easiest party EVER...bonus for me!).

Attire for the party was pajamas. Yay!

We had a cereal buffet that consisted of cereals picked by Bella:
Lucky Charms
Cocoa Pebbles
Strawberry Mini Wheats
Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Blueberry Crunch
Trix
Fruit Loops
Honey Nut Cheerios

We also had toppings of sliced banana's, sliced strawberries, and mini chocolate chips.

I'll let you in on a secret...I should have just bought all boxes of lucky charms...because they were all gone in the first round.
That...and the chocolate chips.
Sounds like a gaggle of 5 and 6 year olds to me.

The was the milk station for filling bowls and making drinks (reg milk or chocolate milk).

The kids ate on the back porch (perfect summer morning and easy clean up for yours truly!).
They played on the swingset.

The watched 1 episode of Saturday Morning Cartoons (we went with Phineus and Ferb...gender neutral for our male guests).

The colored Phineas and Ferb pictures.

Made Fruit Loop Necklaces (to continue with the cereal theme).

Played on the swingset some more (note to self...swingset was a good purchase).

We opened presents.

And of course, the cake.

This year, we made a Rice Krispies Cake (seeing the theme here?). The recipe had FOUR bags of marshmallows in it...plus a chocolate marshmallow filling between the layers. Bella helped decorate it with Trix.

So easy.
So perfect.

For favors, the kids took home their necklaces, pictures, and a balloon.
They also had customized spoons made by yours truly (thanks for the dollar store for spoons and beads!).

We also made these fun "take home" boxes so they could create their own cereal concoction.
That was fun to watch as they mixed all the flavors of cereals.

In all, the party was a blast.
Bella LOVED all the guests, the gifts, and playing with her buddies.

The rest of the day was spent playing with toys and having family visitors call or come over for her birthday.

Bella also scored the most amazing dress-up from her Aunt R for her big day.
I introduce to you Bella aka "Jessie".

My aunt made the whole thing.
Bella was, and still is, thrilled over it.
She wears it EVERY day.
Sometimes, she doesn't even wait to get dressed before putting it on.

Super.

For her dinner, Bella chose "the place with the playplace, the nuggets, and the cow".
aka
Chik fil a.

Fine with me...I love that place.

Bella went to bed one happy girl that night.

I cannot believe my first born is 5.
Time is flying by so fast and it honestly makes me a little sad and a lot nostalgic.
However, as long as I have to honor of being her mother, and I happy.

Bella, I love you dear child.
You are so sweet and compassionate.
Even in your moments of "little girl drama", you intensity and passion for life show through.
Thank you for being my little girl.
I am so blessed.
Love you and happy 5th.

The Tri

2011-06-28T00:11:00.000-07:00

Alma did his second triathlon in June at Daybreak.
This was his first "open water" swim.
In the "lake".

The day started off early.
The swim first.
It looked cold. Very cold.

Alma finished his swim in respectable time.
I, personally, am quite proud of him.
You see, when Alma started training, he couldn't "swim" per say.

Yes, he could get in the water and tread and play and "not drown".
But, the actual act of stokes and breathing was a new thing for him.
That said, the fact he is swimming across "lakes" is pretty neat I think.

Next the bike.

Then the run.
Then the fantastic finish.

PS...I think my hubby is pretty darn spicy in his racing gear. Yup. I do.

This triathlon was particularly fun because Alma was able to race with his good friend Josh.
I was also able to cheer on my good friend Erika and her hubby as well.

It was so fun to watch them all and cheer them on...they all did FANTASTIC.

Here is the scariest part.
After being a spectator at yet another triathlon, I've come to the conclusion that they brainwash you.
Suddenly it "doesn't look so bad".
Suddenly it looks like something you might want to do.
Even when people are puking and shuffling across the finish line, it somehow looks appealing.

So, guess who signed up for her first triathlon this coming September?
I know.
I've joined the crazy train.

Here goes nothin'.

It's Baaaaacckkk.

2011-06-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

So, while I'm trying to catch up on weeks of actual blog posts...here is the latest and greatest Kid History Video.
Release just this week.

It does NOT disappoint.
Am I the only one who finds these funny?

Enjoy.

FACT!

2011-06-15T02:59:00.000-07:00

Fact: it is 4:00 am
Fact: the following clip is from Kid History
Fact: this film is funny at 4 am
Fact: this is funny if you have kids
Fact: this is just plain funny

Go watch this NOW.
Fact!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVlaZfLlWQc

Shower Time

2011-06-09T20:50:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was able to co-host a shower for my dear friend Sarah.
I've known Sarah since the day I started at L&D after nursing school.

I remember thinking she was such as smart-a$*....sounded like the perfect friend to me.

Over 6 years later she has seen me through every up and down that has come my way.
It was a pleasure to through such dear friend a shower.

Sarah's baby is a miracle of sorts....which make the whole thing that much more special.
I can't wait to meet her little guy.

Me and my co-hosts (Erika and Sarah)(yes...I have 2 Sarah's very dear in my life...I call them Sarah Squared), spent Saturday afternoon setting up.

My fabulous co hosts: Erika and Sarah

We prepped the tables with antique tableclothes.
The yard was adorned with paper buntings and wheels.

They made the flowers from my own yard into centerpieces using mason jars.

We made a "wishing line" for everybody to write their motherhood and baby thoughts on fabric scraps...then hang on the line...they will be sewn into a quilt for baby Wilkinson.

Gift "area"

Let's be honest...I was most excited about the food.
Gee....big surprise.
We went a little on the unique side.

You ready for this?

Macaroni and Cheese Bar.
Yes... you read that right.
Homemade Mac and Cheese from here, made creamy style.
And ironically...the very day I'm posting this on my blog, THE PW is also posting about a mac and cheese bar. Hmm...great minds think alike?
Anyway...
Then the toppings: bacon, blue cheese, tomatoes, cheese, green onions, parmesan.
Oh my.

Sarah made a fabulous fruit salad with honey mint dressing.

Beverages were water or sparkling white grape juice....in mini mason jars...with paper straws (I'm in LOVE with these big paper straws).

And dessert?
Oh boy.
A SMORE'S BAR.

Regular, Giant, Chocolate, Strawberry and Caramel Marshmallows.
Regular, Honey, Cinnamon and Chocolate Grahams.
Milk Chocolate. Cookies and Creme Chocolate. Reeses PB Cups. Mounds Bars.
Banana's and Fresh Strawberries.

Everybody just roast your own and create away.

I don't even want to tell you how many marshmallows I ate....but let's just say it was more than 2 very big handfuls.
Yikes.

We had a great turnout and visitors from near and far showed up.
Even sweet Jaime from San Diego.

The weather was perfect.

Sarah looks gorgeous with her awesome baby belly.

And there were only a few squabbles over marshmallows....

All in all.
A great shower.

Congrats dear Sarah.
I'm so happy for you. You are going to be a wonderful mommy.

For Kicks and Giggles

2011-06-08T14:24:00.001-07:00

TeeHee...this is SO something my dad would say. Makes me laugh...a lot.
Happy Wednesday!
-Matti

Take me Out to the Ballgame

2011-05-31T16:25:00.000-07:00

My mother...the deal finder that she is, got a sweet deal and a family season pass to the Bees this season.

8 tickets to every game.
This means me and my siblings all take turns using them, along with my parents.

Last week we took the kids to their first game of the season.
We sat on the back lawn...which was fantastic.
We sat out a blanket...ate $1 hot dogs and popcorn, the kids ran and played while we kind of watched the game.

My darling friend and her family also came with us and we had a blast...especially as we introduced the 4 kids to cotton candy.
That may or may not have been a mistake.

Yay for summer baseball.

The Ending of and Era...of sorts.

2011-05-31T16:20:00.000-07:00

The ending of an era.
Or, at least a phase.

Bella graduated from preschool last week.

I'm still in denial that she will be in kindgergarten next year (or as she calls it "big kid school").

Bella has been in the same preschool for 2 years, and has LOVED her teacher and classmates.

She actually cries when there is no school.

Now we are in the "adjustment" phase.
She asks daily "Mom..what do I have today?".
When I tell her "you have to hang out with me", she half smiles/half frowns and asks when she is going to Miss Jennifers again.
I remind her she's not going back.
She has summer vacation and then "big kid school".

This daily routine is getting shorter and less sad for her....especially as she realizes that "big kid school" is just around the corner, at last.

But me?
Like I said.
I'm still in denial.

Runs on the Run

2011-05-30T23:38:00.001-07:00

**If you can't handle "poo" humor...then you can stop reading now.
If you can...then by all means...read and on watch me completely embarrass myself.**

So, I had a, ummm...interesting experience.
Not to unlike a scene from a movie I saw recently.
Funny on screen.
Not so funny in real life.

I've been running a lot lately.
More than usual.

Mostly to clear my head.
Also...it's an hour of peace and quiet.
Lastly...it helps me justify all the crap I bake.

Anyway.
My "game plan" when I go running is to go half the distance I plan on running, then turn around an run back home.
For example...if I want to run 6 miles..I'll get at least 3 miles from home. That way I have to run if I want to get back to my warm and cookie filled house (okay...my house isn't ALWAYS filled with cookies...just more than half of the time).

So, on a cool Memorial Day morning, I set out on a 5 mile run.
It was glorious.
The weather was just cool enough. The roads were empty so I didn't have to deal with busy routes.
I was 7 songs into my ipod shuffle list...this means I was about 2.6 miles from home.
The turn around point.

And then...it happened.

As I rounded the corner, the overwhelming feeling, to ...uh...well....let's just say that last nights hot dogs and smores were finally read to be "dropped off at the pool".
Catch my drift?

It was horrific.
It was a feeling that stopped me dead in my tracks.
It hit like a ton of hot dog bricks.

And I was over 2.5 miles from home.

What to do.
What to do.
What to do.

My first what to do was simple:
"DO NOT CRAP YOUR PANTS."

Okay...I can hopefully do that.

My second to do was a little more difficult:
"Find a place to "NOT crap your pants"."

Okay...I can probably do that too.
Hopefully.

So, I set of in a slow...squeeze your cheeks together...kind of walk in the direction of home...or a public restroom.

I knew I was about 3/4 mile from a golf course.
If I could make it there...I would beg, plead, and cry to use the bathroom there.
I now had a goal.

Get to the golf course.

So, I walked.
After I got about a block, my body began feeling better.
Maybe it wasn't so bad.
Maybe a false alarm.

So, I set off in a slow jog in order to get home before it happened again.
After about 3 steps, the hot dogs and smores screamed at my insides to stop.
So.
I did.

For the next 3/4 mile I walked/jogged/walked/shuffled in discomfort/walked to the golf course.

My face probably looked like I was going through some sort of torture...or like I had just sucked on raw lemon.
I'm sure if you could have seen my eyes behind my sunglasses, they would have been watering...and a little bloodshot...and panicky looking.

Oh gosh...just find bathroom.

Every bush I passed was a potential lifesaver in case I just couldn't get there.
Those poor poor bushes. Especially the ones with decent sized leaves.
Lucky for them and me...it didn't get that drastic.
Thank goodness a hundred times it didn't get that drastic.

I fantasized about the things I would yell if the club house at the golf course wouldn't let me use the bathroom.
I fantasized about telling them where they could shove those golf clubs if they didn't let me use that glorious bathroom.
I had never wanted to see a bathroom so badly in my life.
Just a toilet...I didn't even care if it was a decent toilet or clean at that point.

"Just a potty.
Any potty will do" (go ahead and sing that last part to "Any Dream Will Do" from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat...it makes it all that much more entertaining...especially if you are typing...or reading this at 130 am).

I was suddenly jealous of the strangers mowing their lawns as I scuttled past their neighborhoods.
They had access to a toilet.
And toilet paper.
Lucky ducks.

I was left pondering the thought of strapping a roll of toilet paper to my shoes next time I go running.

Finally, the clubhouse was in sight.
I was sweating...and not from running.
My palms were even sweating...and I remember thinking how awful it is to need to go to the bathroom so bad that MY PALMS were sweating.
Sick.

My stomach HATED me...and I swear it practically could sense the nearness of a bathroom...the hate grew stronger.

Oh...the HUMANITY!

I gingerly walked up the steps to the cafe at the golf course...
I was afraid of the clubhouse suddenly and opted for the cafe for some odd reason.
I had stopped thinking clearly.

I practically tiptoed to the counter and looked at the young man behind the counter and whispered, as I stood there red in the face and sweating, "Is there a bathroom I can use....p p p please".

He half smiled and pointed my in the direction of my liberation from this horrible situation.
Sweet sweet liberation.

I'll spare you the details.

I walked out of the cafe after relieving my stomach for it was torturing me about..and finished my run home.

This time...I could actually run.
I wasn't shuffling.
And the sweat was from actually working out...not working to keep in.

And so...I have now had that horrific experience of "runs on the run".

I recanted the story to Alma multiple times during the day.
I've been a little traumatized about it.
I've entirely embarrassed myself I'm sure, but it's almost too ridiculous not to share.

I'm thinking new running routes that include public restrooms every mile or so.
I'm definitely not eating hot dogs and smore's the night before a run. Ever.

Oh yes...I want to right a thank you note to the golf course for being open on Memorial Day...because they save my dignity....
and my shorts.

Oh...the humanity.

Bella Bella Dancerella

2011-05-28T21:36:00.001-07:00

A preview to Bella's dance recital piece for late June.
Of course....I jazzed it up a bit with the "silent film editor" on my ipod...it's a fantastic little app that a friend of mine showed me...and now I'm totally addicted to it.

Bella is in black tights if you can't pick her out.

Everything is so much more entertaining in high speed black and white with some jazzy music, yes?

Where the Sun Does Shine

2011-05-24T23:56:00.000-07:00

Anybody here in SLC sick of the rain?
Yeah...me too.

I swear I don't live in Washington (sorry to my family in Washington).

Well, earlier this month Alma and I were lucky enough to enjoy a weekend away in Southern Utah and Nevada.

Alone.

No kids.

The first trip without kids in 3 years.

You know what that means?

Do you?

It means we held hands.

Okay, seriously.
It means we slept in...until after 6 am.
We ate at meals...and didn't have to cut up entrees into bite sized pieces.

It means we went to a 1030 PM movie...and then got a treat.

It was lovely.

We started the trip with some hiking in Bryce Canyon.
Alma had never been, and it's always been one of my favorites since I attended SUU.
We did a 3.5 mile hike....down hill for the first half and completely uphill for the last half.

That was fun in the 80 degree heat.
However, Bryce Canyon never ceases to amaze me.
It is gorgeous.

We spent the first night in St. George. Eating, hitting golf balls, shopping, movie watching and sleeping, and browsing Barnes and Noble...a favorite pastime of ours from the days we lived in Sugarhouse.

The next day we headed to Mesquite to meet Alma's sister Marie and her husband Joe. Alma was participating in a golf tournament with Joe the next day at Casablanca.

We gorged ourselves at the seafood buffet.
We taught the Haley's the joys of bingo. Oh...how I love bingo.
Let me say it again.
I. Love. Bingo.

The next day we spent hours by the pool while the boys golfed...and then more hours by the pool when they were back.

Alma and I drove back that night so we could get to our wardly duties the next morning.
We did, however, stop for dinner at 1o pm in Provo....boy...it's like we were young and crazy again...until we got home and crashed in bed and realized we are not as young as we thought.
Oh well...wishfull thinking.

It was a splendid weekend.
I didn't take many pictures because I was too busy doing nothing...and digesting lots and lots of seafood.

Love that sunshine and that hubby of mine!

Privates and Triathalons

2011-05-24T23:33:00.000-07:00

Got your attention, didn't I.

So, now the blog is private.

I'm still having mixed feelings about this.

I love the open view mode...but I also don't want that random person from who knows where viewing my kids.

Make sense?

So, until I adjust, I'll just eat lots of chocolate to better cope with the situation.

There is SO much to blog about.
It's been killing me not to post them all.
Why is it that when I have the most to say...I can't say it?

Oh well.

Let's start with the most recent.

Triathalons.

So, Alma did his first triathalon this past weekend.
Yes...he might be certifiably insane.

It took place in Logan, UT.

We stayed in a sweet hotel (Springhill Suites...FYI).

The morning of the race, we dropped off Alma at the check in and headed back to the hotel.

This is where I met officer "friendly".

Me and officer friendly are NOT friends.

Here I am minding my own business...driving back to the hotet to get the kids fed and changed.And officer friendly pulls me over about 3 feet after the speed limit changes and accuses me of going 15 over.
Nice.
He was SO super nice when he pointed out the houses and told me I was NOW in a residental area....3 feet after the speed limit changed.

And, even as he read (and I saw him mouth the words) "AirMed Flight Crew" on my license plate cover...he proceeded to chastise me and write me a ticket for 6 MPH over....because he was "being nice".

I probably had a stunned look on my face as I signed the ticket and came to the conclusion that he must be related to somebody who may or may not work for another local or non-local flight team.
Gee....thanks officer friendly.
Usually I wouldn't complain...especially if I deserved it.
I'm friends with a lot of cops...they are good guys.
BUT...
Nothing on my record for ELEVEN YEARS...and you right me a ticket for 6 over...in a speed trap...on an out of towner...who was polite and nice and apologized profusely.

Okay...6 over IS technically speeding...but really? What about the 15 people that passed us as I sat on the side of the road...going like 50?!

Gee...thanks.

I'm not bitter. Nope...not at all.

Anyway.
After we ate and packed up we headed back just before the tri started.
See my cute hubby in his tight pants.

Oooo, baby.

Alma was in the second heat for the swim and did pretty good.

We met him at the halfway point of his bike and honked and cheered...hoping we wouldn't startle him and make him crash as he passed our car on a quiet street in Smithfield.

Then the run.

The kids and I made a quick stop at the cheese factory for root beer milk and cheese curd (Ummm..don't diss it until you try it),

and then back to the finish line.

Alma finished strong and the kids were thrilled to see him run across the finish line.
He finished in 1hr 22minutes.
His initial goal was 2 hrs....so I suppose you can say he did amazing.
At least, I think he did.

Now he has the "tri bug".

His next one is in June.
Then a third in July in Idaho.

I'm still debating on if he is crazy for wanting to do this.
Then again...I'm training for races...but only running.
10K anybody?

So, a weekend of running, swimming, biking, driving, ticketing...oh yes...and some antiquing (Logan has awesome antique shops)....

and I'm still "tri"-ing to recover.

Good job Alma!

Privacy Matters

2011-05-10T00:19:00.000-07:00

Remember a couple years ago when our blog was private?

I do.
I was worried I was leaving people out...so I took it back to a public blog.

Guess what...that's changing again.

There are some creepy places popping up on our "visitors" list...and people prying that I'd rather not....and as much as I dread doing the private thing again, I really really think it's the safe for my kids..and our family.
This blog is going Private.

SO.
If you want to keep reading our blog...which I want you to keep reading our blog...
please send me your email address at:

malma24@hotmail.com

OR

leave a comment with your email after this post.

We will be officially private as of 5/23/2011.
That gives you about 2 weeks.

Thanks y'all!

Eggs and Bunnies and Candy, Oh my!

2011-04-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

Is it too late to post "the Easter post"?
Not sure, but here we go.

My kids have been asking for Easter for 3 weeks straight.
This is mostly my own fault because I set up the Easter decor and started making Easter treats on April 01.
That left a almost an entire month of torture for my kids...and therefore...the mother of the kids, me.

But, alas the blessed day came.
It was met with whopper eggs, jelly beans, chocolate bunnies (or Chocolate Thumpers as Oliver called them).
It had plastic yard toys and sand toys for the hopes of warmer weather ahead (no such luck yet...it snowed this weekend).
It was also graced with a new swingset for two VERY excited kids.
This means the mother of those 2 excited kids is outside alot...pushing a certain 2 year old on a swing....even in the rain.
Joy.

The kids enjoyed the annual egg hunt at my grandmothers house the day before.

I was unable to attend due to work, but they saw me as I flew to IMC, which is close to my grandmothers, on my last ever flight (more on that later).

They all enjoyed A LOT of bubbles at the hunt....the following are pics my brother Kyle took of the bubble fun.

Above: another of my "little" brothers, Ryan

(Above: Perfect shot of that "pop" moment)

Overall, a very good Easter.
The best of all?
Those small little lessons and rememberings of the true meaning of Easter that made such a wonderful feeling in our home all day.
Oh yes...and "swinging in the rain..."

When your parents speak at BYU Women's Conferance

2011-04-30T20:15:00.000-07:00

...you get to see a lot of neat things.

Yes, my parents spoke at the BYU Womens Conference this past week.
A little nerve racking as you can imagine to prepare for that....but they were fantastic!

With a handful of cousins and distant relatives....and 30,000 women (and some men...I think my dad counted 10...all presenters or those who were "with" presenters)...and you have one packed day.

We started off with a wonderful talk from Julie B Beck...who happens to be my mom's cousin. It's surreal sometimes to see her on the stand...but she is SO very inspiring and truly called of God.
My cute grandmother led the choir for that opening session.

We headed off to the next talk about friendships among women.

After that....I decided food was my #1 priority, so I wandered the Wilkinson Center and talked with my Aunt R at "her door" while my parents prepped for their session and my other aunt R and grandma listened to a speaker.

I may have also indulged in a large caffiene free diet coke (because this WAS BYU after all)...and a giant (and by giant, I mean 1/4 of the pan giant) mint brownie....all in a 60 minute time span.
No biggie.

Finally, we were shuttled off in the committee van (thanks to my other aunt R) to the Hinckley Center to see my parents speak.

It was bizarre to see women lining up outside the building to see my parents....MY parents.
Of course I think they are great, it was just so surreal.

The title of their talk was:
"Fear Not: For They That Be with Us Are More Than Thy That Be with Them (2Kings 6:16)

The description: Moral and physical dangers surround our families, physical and emotional aliments can threaten our peace. Amid the storms or life, we have an anchor in Jesus Christ, our Master, who calmed the winds and the waves, saying: "Peace be still". How do faith in the Savior and hope in His promises sustain us in meeting daily hopes and challenges? What can we do to fortify our families and replace fear with faith?

And the best part?
Their bios....which they wrote themselves:
Rochelle A White - Spunky wife, mother, and grandmother; loves people, nature, laughing and the gospel; three-time YW president; bad at math, but good at counting blessings.
Edward Marcus White - 32 years of wedded bliss, four wonderful children on most days; former bishop, variety of happy service, future senior missionary; redeemed by the gospel..

This gives you an idea of what people who have never heard my parents had to go off of to choose their venue.
As you can see....my parents of a bit of a sense of humor...even in their bios.
Lovely.

They told many many stories.
Like how my dad put on 8 pairs of undies and drew all over himself with colored pens...when he was 2 1/2....and how that was his first experience of "self awareness"....or early fear...when his mother found his shenanigans.
Or how when we were on my family cruise and one of my Aunt R's was complaining...and complaining....and complaining, about people taking too long on the tender and when asked "R....what would Jesus do?"...she replied "He'd get out and WALK!".
Bella was mentioned about her "we were born superheros" comments.
And there were other stories of trials, tribulations, fears...and how with faith and courage these trials were overcome and learned from.
The spoke a faith among trials.
Having faith to overcome fear.
To be delighted, delighted, delighted.

Oh yes...and my mother spoke "Quail" in her talk. Oh how I love her.

I was so impressed and moved by my parents words.
I sat with my brothers and extended family with complete attention to the inspiration coming from the pulpit.
My parents are continually a source of encouragemnet and wisdom. It was inspiring to hear them speak to such a wonderful audience of women.

I drove home with my dad snacking on a sandwich and another DELICIOUS brownie....fully edified by the words I had heard that day.
I am so amazed by the speakers I heard from, my parents included.
It was just what I needed.
That....and those 2 mint brownies.

Photography a la Bella

2011-04-30T19:51:00.001-07:00

Bella got a hold of the camera.

It started out okay.

See...not bad at all, right?

Stairway to the clouds.

Hmm...spying on the little brother.

The unfortunate shot of Alma's rear.

Oh wait....

what a little stinker.

Bella-ism's...for this week.

2011-04-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

1.

The Scene: Bella and Alma watching the nature channel. A mother elk (cow elk) is pacing and protecting her babies from a spying wolf.
Bella: Dad...what is the deer doing??
Alma: Well, she is protecting her babies from the wolf.
Bella: Dad...it's not a girl deer.
Alma: Really? How do you know that?
Bella: Because it doesn't have eyelashes
Alma: Oh...that's how you tell. Good to know.

2.

The scene: Driving home from soccer practice at the end of a stormy day. White fluffy clouds are sitting on the peaks of the wasatch front.
Bella: "Mom....did the mountains get their heads cut off?"
Me: "No. They are underneath the clouds."

a few seconds later...

Bella: "OH...so the mountains are wearing HATS today! That's awesome!"

3.
Scene: While being babysat by my dear aunt. Bella climbing over the back of the couch to the swift 4ft drop to the hardwood floor.
Anut R: "Bella....don't play on the back of the couch please."
Bella: "But my other babysitter let me"
Aunt R: "No...your grandma does NOT let you play on the back of the couch."
Bella: "No no no...not you and grandma....my other babysitter...the one with the flat front"
Aunt R: "What? What do you mean flat front?"
Bella: "You know...you have two bumps on your front like grandma and my mom. My babysitter with the flat front let me get on the back of the couch one time."
Aunt R(trying not to laugh):..."Oh...okay?"

We can only assume she was talking about those two womanly parts held in place by one of these:

4

Scene: Bella in bed...not going to bed.
Me: "Bella...you need to calm down and go to sleep"
Bella: "But I can't mom"
Me: "Yes you can....it's night time. Close your eyes and go to sleep"
Bella: "But mom....I can't go to bed...I'm SO nocturnal!"

T&A

2011-04-08T06:53:00.001-07:00

Isn't is odd how abbreviations can mean more than one thing?

For instance: Alma took an Organizational Behavior class during his MBA program....a class which they lovingly called "OB".
To any other man or woman in that class it probably seemed normal. But...to a guy married to a woman who deals mostly in placentas, uterus and female anatomy...having an "OB" class was a bit, well...odd.

Now, take T&A for example.
If you don't know what this means, it means "Tonsils and Adenoid".
At least...that in my mind has always been the meaning, ever since I was slicing those specimens up as a Pathologist Tech in college.
It makes sense....until you pop your mind out of the medical realm and think "Why the H#@* would you name a surgery that?!".
Hey...I'm going to the hospital for a "T&A".
Nice.

Anyway...medical terminology faux pas aside...let's talk surgery.
Oliver specifically.

Oliver has his tonsils and adenoids removed on Monday.
It's been an adventure.
Oliver had obstructive sleep apnea....that...and he snored like a trucker.
So, the ENT doctor took them out.

I was lucky enough to be the lone parent with Oliver.
This was totally planned, since he was set to stay overnight and Alma and I wanted to take turns being the "alert" parent at the hospital.
That...and I have a large familiarity with hospitals and this once in particular...so I wasn't worried.

Oliver was fore lorn most of the morning pre-op.
I'm guessing this is mostly because he hadn't eaten in 10 hrs...and the kids LOVES food.
When he met his anesthesiologist, he smiled at him. The first smile of the day to a stranger.
This is probably because the anesthesiologist could have been the identical twin to my brother Kyle...Oliver's uncle...the one who makes him belly laugh with mere facial expressions.
This also made it easier to hand him off to the anesthesiologist and watch him walk away into the OR.

The surgery was quick.
In and out in 35 minutes.
In post op...Oliver was DELUSIONAL. I mean...crying, screaming, eyes closed delusional.
Great.
He did manage to drink 1.5 sippys of Apple Juice during his 5 minute crazy episode...and then he was out cold on my shoulder.

In the PACU, he re-awoke and asked for Root Beer.
Good thing, since the PACU has a root beer slushie to die for.
After he polished that off...he drank another 2 cans of root beer....and keep his oxygen high enough.
He was a little kooky...but calm kooky.

To the doctors pleasure, Oliver was looking splendid.
What did that mean?
That meant we got to go home...that afternoon.

Sweeeeeeet.

The next few days have been an adventure.
Tuesday I was faithfully giving Oliver his Lortab as scheduled...but the results were only brief moments of pleasantry. It helped his pain, but he was acting like a lunatic.
That...and he kept holding his eyes, and his head, and his stomach.
Being the awesome mom that I am, it only took me TWELVE hours to figure out that it was probably making him sick. Narcotics make me vomit...so makes sense they might make him sick to.
We switched to regular Tylenol and he's been "normal" since.

He is still attached to my hip 12-14 hrs a day. Although at the moment he is actually playing on the floor with toys by himself.
My back thanks him.
He doesn't want to eat...which it to be expected.
But he is just fine drinking root beer, chocolate milk and Popsicles all day long, so at least we know he is hydrated.

Oh, and one more think...his breath smells like DEATH.
It's the healing and such from surgery, but man....it's bad.
Gag in my mouth bad.
It's hard to smile at you kid or console him when he's crying when the breath makes you want to simply hurl in his face.
Bleh.

And, with all this time spent inside the house, I've been mastering the art of "1 armed-baking". I'll actually post the latest to Smithalicious sometime this week.
And...with all the sadness and pain of recovery...Oliver has still managed to let his true colors shine through.
For instance....when he and his sister team up to "taste" the flour sitting on the counter while I am in the bathroom for the first time alone all morning.
Nice.

So, that's where we've been this week.
Some surgery.
Lots of Tylenol.
A 34 lb growth attached to my hip all day long (a cute, cuddly, but death breath growth).
An excess of root beer and chocolate milk.
Movies and puzzles galore...

And all because of a T&A.

Whoa

2011-03-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

"WHOA".

Those are the words that I heard escape the lips of the ENT (ear nose throat) doctor today as he looked inside Oliver's mouth.

If you've ever read this blog, then you know that Oliver is a miserable sleeper. He always has been. Every single sleep method we have tried fails at one time or another. Sure...a week or two will go by with varied success...and then it's back to the 5 am wake up call...or 2 am wake up call...or wake up call as we are going to bed. Not to mention he is exhausted all day and naps every time we get in car.

Well...about a couple weeks ago his pediatrician and I discussed his sleeping habits and snoring. Later in the appt she noted how huge his tonsils were and that they would probably have to come out sometime in the next year or two.

So, I start thinking.
Big Tonsils. Horrible Snoring.
Obstructive snoring.
Obstructive breathing.
Obstructive sleep apnea.

Bingo.

It was made quite clear as I share a bed with him while in Logan last week. He kept me awake most of the night with his tossing, turning, stirring, snoring...etc.
No wonder he was exhausted all the time.

After getting a referral to ENT...we met with the MD today.

He asked all the basic questions.
He looked at me questioningly as I explained his history and my concern.
I had even brought video of him doing his obstructive breathing.
He was polite and listened...but I knew he still had to make his own assumption.

Then he looked in Olivers mouth and down his throat.
"WHOA" is what I heard.
He followed that with a "on a scale of 10 in size...those are a 9.5...they have to come out".
He didn't even want to see the video.
He didn't even want to do the sleep study.
He was convinced by the outrageous size of my sons tonsils.

Nice to know your 2 year old can impress somebody with mere body parts.

So, tomorrow we figure out which day to start the path to better breathing and hopefully better sleeping for all of us...especially Oliver.

Whoa.

Hi Peeps

2011-03-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

Wow...has it really been that long since I've posted?
I suppose it has
It's been a whirlwind at our house this month.
Lots of events. Lots of changes.
Lots of everything.

Recently...

1. I traveled 10 days of a 14 day period. 4 in California. 2 in Logan. 4 in Mesquite, NV.

2. I found the BEST antiques store in Logan. I need to go back...without the kids...I sounded like a broken record of "don't touch".

3. Mesquite. Don't dis it till you try it...especially during a cold Utah winter. We enjoyed 80 degree weather. We went on long bike rides, swam, played at the park, gorged ourselves with buffets, spent quality time with my grandparents...and BINGO.
I have a thing for Bingo in mesquite. I will blame me cousin Dana for telling me about bingo while I was at SUU. Some friends and I ventured down there for an 11 pm game one night...and we were hooked. Yes, it's full of "season bingo veterans", dobbers and good luck charms. But trust me...it's the most fun you'll have for $3 and an entire hour.

4. Oliver is a naughty sleeper. Still.
Again...broken record. Next stop is the ENT and maybe removing tonsils if they diagnose apnea. Oh joy.

5. Oliver also has a new favorite song: 5 monkeys jumping on the bed

6. Bella is gearing up for soccer...but keeps telling me "it's gonna be tough..and fun..but tough". I'm just excited to watch her games and giggle at 4 year olds trying to play soccer.

7. Alma is still training for his triathlon. This means Alma is still crazy.

8. I had eaten dessert every day for 3 weeks...my scale will prove it.

9. Speaking of sweet things....Easter Candy is out. This is the WORST time of the year for me because in my opinion, Easter Candy is the best candy of the year. Peeps...Cadbury mini eggs, Cadbury eggs with caramel, large Reese's shapes eggs, Starburst Jelly Beans (this year in "all reds"!!!)...I could go on for a VERY long time.

10. And on the note of Easter Candy...who out there loves peeps? I have found people either love them or loathe them.
I LOVE them.
Especially if you open the package and let them dry out for a day so they are a still firm....drool.

11. My new favorite place to grocery shop is Super Target. I have saved more money there on groceries...especially if you take coupons...and the selection is wonderful. Yet another reason I should have invested stock in Target.

12. Today is the first day of Spring...and it's cold.
Did you know my kids were born on the first day of winter and the first day of summer? No...I'm not going to try for the other 2 seasons.

13. I'm dejunking my house. We decided that every 3 years we would go through our house and clear it out like we were moving. Well...it's almost 4 years now...and I'm a year late. But better late than never. The piles of "keep", "donate", "toss" are piling up in my basement...to the ceiling. Scary.

14. I'm in love with Salted Chocolate Caramels. Love.

15. I'm also in love with Loco Lizard Cantina in Park City. I'm totally addicted, and this is saying alot for a girl who usually avoids Mexican food. I would drive there ANY DAY OF THE WEEK...even multiple times...for that food. And of course...stop at the outlets while I'm there.

16. I'm tired. So, this list is done.
Hopefully I can keep up on this blog a little better from here on out.
Until then...I'll be enjoying some diet coke, a salted chocolate caramel...and dried peeps in my spare time.

Sun. Food. Fun.

2011-03-09T09:17:00.000-08:00

I have this sister in law who lives in Davis, CA.
She lives above a mortuary.

In fact...she owns the mortuary.
Guess what...she IS a mortician.
I, personally, think this is a pretty interesting job.

So, last weekend I, along with the rest of the "Smith women" ventured to Northern California to see her new place and to explore the area. And yes...sleep in (or above) the mortuary.

The trip started off on a sweet note the second I landed in Sacramento (ps...it makes me crazy to fly commercial flights now...something about not being able to hear air traffic control all around and feeling a little helpless about my surroundings...oh well).
My traveling companions have this crazy assumption that I like food.
I have no idea why. Hehe.

We stopped at The Cookie Factory for FRESH cookies. I've indulged in these cookies before...but never right off the shelf. Oh my.

The rest of the night looked mostly like this:

Like I said...they must know me and my food love.

I even think there was pizza in there somewhere, but I devoured it before I could get out the camera.Oh well.

The next day was all about San Francisco.
We took the train...Amtrack to be precise.
This was my first ride on Amtrack.
I was lovely to sit and relax on the way there rather than fight traffic. If only they'd had WiFi on the train...it would have been perfect.

We started the day just they way any day should start....hot donuts while on the pier. Oh.Yeah.

We ate lunch at Fisherman's Wharf and then took a tour of San Francisco.

I had my first experience in an actual H&M...rather than just drooling over it online.

I have to say...I like it. A lot. Too much maybe.

We did the China Town thing....and in my sense of adventure ended up tasting the worst food possible.

There was this little bakery that had delicious looking desserts.

We tried one and they were pretty good...so on the way back Melissa and I ventured back in and purchased a plethora of odd things that we were assured were "so good...you like...so good".

Yeah.
This was the first one.
Looks good on the outside....maybe a buttery flaky crust?

No. I repeat...NO!
This is the inside.

I tasted it in all it's glory.
That yellow thing?
Duck Egg Yolk...not fully cooked.
I might vomit thinking about it.

I would have taken pictures of everything else we tried...but this is where is all ended up.

One bite each...a small gag...in the garbage.
Lesson learned.

Next time it's Bearded Papa's and Golden Gate Bakery for me.

We also took a sunset tour over the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sausalito. It was GORGEOUS!!

The small town was darling and the views were spectacular.

I was able to score some Wheat Sourdough from Boudin's for Alma. It's super tasty...I guess a sourdough start from 1846 is the magic trick.

We arrived at Vera's back in Davis after midnight.
I slept until 9 am....it was MAGIC.

The next day was spent exploring Davis.
I love Davis.
It's quaint. Walkable. Bicycle capital of the USA...and they have wonderful shops and restaurants.
We went to the Farmers Market there. It was heavenly to walk around in the warm weather and browse the fresh...HUGE...strawberries, oranges, grapefruits..etc.

There were local almonds, cheeses, and even a chocolate pastry that...gasp...is better than Kneaders (but not as good as Montreal).

We walked around town for a couple hours.
We had a baby shower for Melissa in the funeral home meeting parlor (yes...you can start singing "The Circle of Life" now if you want...I am).
I experienced Trader Joe's...finally. I'm...in...love...with...that...store.
Fleur de Sel Caramel Sauce? Yes thank you!

That night everybody went out for Thai.
This was a first for most everybody at the table except a few of us.
I was so nervous they wouldn't like it.....but then again...it's Thai Food...that can never go wrong.
It was a hit I think.

We stayed up late talking.
Most left early the next morning. Two of us stayed until Sunday afternoon when our flights left.
We ate a a "Triple-D" cafe in Winters...and saw Vera's OTHER funeral home.
I spent the afternoon curled in a blanket, sitting in a chair by the fire while listening to the rain outside on the roof.
That was truly the perfect ending to vacation.

I won't lie...I cried about half the way home. For many reasons that we can talk about some other day.
I was sad to leave and head back to reality...however...I couldn't wait to kiss and hug my kids and husband. It think Oliver though I was nuts when I got home and just sat and kissed his chubby little cheeks over and over and over...and over.

So.
Girls Weekend in California. Fantastic
To sum it up?
I trip to the mortuary to bring a little life back into mine own.

Pony Time Out

2011-02-28T20:14:00.001-08:00

It's no surprise that my four year old daughter has a vivid imagination.
When I say vivid...I mean bright, glorious, 24/7 imagination.

It mostly shouldn't be a surprise to me...because I am her mother....and I used to have that same imagination.

Want to know a secret?
I used to have some "imaginary" friends.
Specifically..there were my "Care Bear" friends.
Remember Share Bear and True Heart Bear? With their fabulous belly badges? (On a side note...did anybody from the 80's have a Popple? I did...and Popple Sheets).

Anyway....I used to talk down the heater vents to my "Care Bear" friends. I made my parents hold car and store doors open for them until they "were all inside".
Even more entertaining is the fact that my "real" best friend also had "care bear friends"...and we would fight over them during dance class.

Anyway...now that I've thoroughly exposed myself to ridicule...you have a clear picture of the imagination gene that has been passed on to my children.

Bella....in her imagination world...will entertain herself for hours.
She also has to put all her babies, barbies, princesses and ponies to bed on a regular basis. It mostly consists of throwing them all in the doll house in mass chaos fashion...and then telling them to go to sleep or play quietly until they are sleepy.
This is for all of them....except the ponies.

Bella has 3 plastic barbie ponies.
1 pink.
1 white.
1 brown.

Frequently she "ties them up in the stall" at night...which means she put them under her nightstand and puts a belt around them.

Last night, however, 2 of the ponies must have misbehaved.
When I went in the check on her before I went to bed....this was the scene on her toy box:

But where, I ask you...are the other 2 ponies?
Surely they would like a nice pillow to lay and and have their plastic pony hair layed out so nicely for bedtime, right?
Well...the other 2 ponies are here:

Shoved into a canyon of toss pillows and darkness.
Pink Pony was comfy on the pillow....while white and brown pony huddled in their cave....no stall tonight.

This morning I asked Bella why 2 of her ponies were in the pillows and not the stall.
She delayed as she looked and me and tried to come up with a good answer.
After what seemed like forever....her response was simple:
"They are in pony time-out" (apparently for the night).
Nice.

I'm curious to see where the ponies will be tonight.
The stall?
Pony Canyon aka "time out"?
or resting comfortably on a squishy pink pillow.

Will pink pony win the prized spot again?
Guess I'll find out soon enough.

I'm rooting for you brown and white pony....no more nights in pony canyon!
But hey..if you're down there and see any Care Bears from about 27 years ago...
tell them hi for me.

Good Morning Chocolate

2011-02-26T07:54:00.000-08:00

When I got to work, there was a fancy magnet with this picture on it in my box.

Looks like somebody knows me too well. Thank you.

Now...I'm craving a treat.

Want to know my favorite treat while I'm at work at the hospital (minus a diet coke and a maple bar)?
It's chocolate covered grahams from Starbucks.

Starbucks...here I come

Food Love

2011-02-15T21:54:00.000-08:00

It's nearly nearly 11 pm...and I can't possibly study the algorithm for "pulseless ventricular tachycardia" for another second.

So instead...I let my mind leisurely wander into thoughts of food and treats.
Something I tend to do often.

Tonight we wandered (we...being me and my food subconscious I've nicknamed "craving master") into the realm of "food loves".

You know...those particular foods that you love and have a special thing for...and they must be excellent or it's not worth the calories or time?
Well...I have a few.
Okay...more than a few.
And with food loves, the quality always counts.
Let's also be clear that none of them are healthy for me...which is why I have a love-hate relationship with them.
Here are my loves:

1. Maple Bars.

I still don't know what started this little obsession a couple months ago. But let me tell you...not all maple bars are created equal. For instance..I purchased a maple bar from a Wyoming gas station about a month ago. It was dry. The maple was awful. And the cashier with no teeth coughed on it a little while she rang it up.
Lovely.
No...it must be perfectly fried and the icing sweet but not overwhelming. Something I haven't found in many grocery bakeries or gas stations run by toothless wonders.
My top picks:
Dunford Donuts
Banbury Cross

2. Creme Brulee

Who can resist that caramel sugar crunch? Uh..not me.
My husband can confirm this...he witnessed me eating 3 creme brulee's in one sitting for dessert on our cruise. Yes....3.
Oh...the humanity.
Our waitress looked at me like I was crazy when I asked for the second. When I asked for the 3rd....she gave me that "really?" Look.
I met that look with that of a deranged woman who must have more creme brulee...now.
My dessert was there in seconds.

However, if you don't have creme brulee done right, you'll be disappointed.
I realized this when I ordered some from a particular bakery downtown. A french bakery in fact. I wont point fingers.
It had no flavor. The sugar was burned.
I yelled at the scale the next day when I gained a pound over poopy brulee.
My picks:
1. Homemade (as in..I make it myself from Alton Brown's recipe).
2. The Roof

3. Chocolate Cake

Decadence to be specific.
I am not a cake fan in general. It's usually dry and overly frosted. I'd rather go without.

Now...Chocolate Decadence Cake?
That's a whole other story.
Flour less, dense and rich beyond belief.
Not to mention DARK.
Pardon me while I drool on the computer.

Some places can really mess this one up...which is surprising. It can be super dry or some clever people are really giving you chocolate-chocolate cake that they named decadence....and it's not flourless at all.

No...the best, in two forms?
1. Chocolate Decadence from Gourmandise
2. Godiva Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory (I'm not even sure if there is cheesecake in it....but that last time I ordered it, the waiter asked if I knew what I was getting into. Yes...yes I do).

4. Croissants (specifically Chocolate Croissant).

When I was 17 my dad took me to Montreal for 3 days with him. We stayed in a fancy boutique hotel with a fancy bakery in the bottom for breakfasts.

This is where I met croissants and chocolate.

A true french pastry croissant filled with a dark thick strip of chocolate and covered in crystal sugar.
Oh my.

I tried a few bakeries after coming home to SLC to try and find a replica.

Nothing worked. Then again, I didn't know I was a deep down foodie...so I didn't pursue it.
Fast forward 10 years later.
I had tried a few here and there...nothing met Montreal.

Then, Kneaders...of ALL places... had one.

The one.

It's the only one that compares.

They know when I come in I want a chocolate croissant and a large diet coke.

Is is bad that they know me by name?
My picks:
1. Some random hotel in Montreal, Canada

2. Kneaders.

5. Cheeseburgers

Time to divert away from the sweets.

I love cheeseburgers.

Really, I do.

But there are really 2 realms of the cheeseburger for me.

If we are talking "fast food"...I take McDonalds.

Don't gag at the computer...it's true.

Those stupid, flat little cheeseburgers with the mini bits of onion are simply delightful to me. The rest of the fast food places don't cut it.

Then there is the "upscale" fast food or restaurant category.

I love a good Apollo Burger (or Crown...or Astro..they are all the same, yes?).

In and Out doesn't do it for me. It's good...but not anything I crave. My brother in law would greatly disagree with me. Sorry Joe.

My favorite, without a doubt, is Five Guys.
And I get the regular...the one with 2 patties and 2 slices of cheese.

Put some mayo, ketchup, lettuce, pickles, sauteed onion and mushrooms....mmmm...can you taste it?

They are perfect.

I once went 6 months without going to Five Guys.

Then stopped a had a to-go order.

I sat in the car and held the 1/2 lb burger in my hand and couldn't contain myself.

I opened it and took a blissful bite.

I literally laughed out loud it was so yummy.

Is it wrong to laugh at food? No. No its not.

My picks:
1. Five Guys

2. Astro Burger

3. McDonalds (sigh)

6. Diet Coke

Okay...this is a big one.

You're thinking...it's just diet coke, right?

Wrong.

For me...the ultimate is NOT from a can or bottle.

It's a fountain drink, the cup 1/4 full of ice.

And let's be clear...not all fountain drinks are created equal.
Some jip on the fizz or syrup.

Some overdo it and it tastes like Coke Zero...gag.

AND...if it's not mixed right..your drink will go flat in a matter of minutes.
No good.

The perfect mixture= perfect beverage bliss.

The best mixtures in MY area of town:
1. McDonalds on 90th South and 40th West

2. Target snack bar (yes...it's true) at Jordan Landing

3. Kneaders at Jordan Landing.

7. The Brownie

This one can be touchy

It all depends on your preferences.

I like thick, fudgey brownies.

The danger is that you get a thick..DRY brownie that looks fudgey but really sticks to your mouth like glue and flour. Yuck.

In my opinion, the thicker, fudgier (is that a word?) and richer..the better.

I've found A LOT of places that can do this one right.

My favorite most recent picks are:
1. The Chocolate (the turtle brownie)(PS...if you haven't been there...you MUST also try the Cherub cake...remember how about I don't' really love "regular" cake...this is the ONE exception).

2. Kneaders...the mint brownie

3. homemade...nothing beats a good family recipe

8. Wings

When I was pregnant with my first child...I had this unbearable and insatiable desire for wings.
It was bad. I mean...really bad.
I could literally smell them cooking inside a BBQ restaurant once when we were still 2 blocks away. That was the day I first tried Goodwood BBQ.

And while I don't necessarily need them to go on another day in life anymore...I do love them. And crave them.
A lot.
Maybe I do need them to go on.

Moving on....with wings...I don't want my mouth turned into an inferno of hell and chili spice. I do like some kick though.
And please...NO gross Grissel or wings with 0.22331th an ounce of meat on it.
I mean..c'mon, really?

Plump and flavorful with gallon of ranch and blue cheese to dip them in, please.
My picks.
1. WingNutz (ANYTHING on their menu...but I have a special spot for the Parmesan Curry).
2. Goodwood BBQ wings

Lastly...

9.Corn.

Yes...corn.
I LOVE corn.
But...nothing like a good piece of sweet corn on the cob.

I'm not a fan of canned corn, but I will never turn it down.
Frozen is even better.
Fresh...off the cob is supreme!
But let's be honest...who wants dried shriveled kernels on a cob? Or tasteless kernels for that matter?
No...some sweet corn or "salt and pepper" corn on the cob.
Covered (and I mean COVERED) in butter (not margarine) and salted to perfection.
I told you nothing on this post would be heathly.

If I'm with my family...I'll eat if right off the cob.
In public...I'll most likely cut it off and eat it...so I don't have leftovers stuck in my teeth which I will get to floss out in a public bathroom.
Nothing like flossing while strangers poop in the stalls behind you.

It doesn't matter how you cook it...as long as it is good quality produce.
My faves:
1. Schmidts Farm Stand
2. Murray Farmers Market

For now that pretty much sums up my food love.
I think I've gained about 10 lbs just writing this post.
As you can tell...I like food.
I'll always like food.
I'll always be running at the gym because I'll always like food.
It's my food loves...and when it comes to love...quality counts!.

Today

2011-02-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

Today started with Oliver crying in his room for over an hour. Yeah..don't judge. Two years of sleep deprivation will make it easier to imagine, I'm sure.

Breakfast consisted of cinnamon toast crunch with pink milk (something those Valentines fairies from yesterday created).

The kids watched over an hour of PBS entertainment...straight...while I folded laundry and refolded laundry that Oliver pretended to be a T-Rex on.

I didn't shower today. I blame it on the fact that I will be at the gym running my guts out later today and I'll just have to shower then anyway.

Bella had dance...and as always...fought me on the fact that she had to wear tights with her uniform. I swear...summer can't come soon enough for that girl...no more tights or leggings or shoes for that matter.

I inhaled a large Diet Dr Pepper from the fountain at Chikfila...at 945 am on the way to dance. It was both un-nutritious and totally satisfying.

Oliver and I ventured to Harmons during dance class...I blame this on two of my friends who raved about the deli and bakery the other day. They were right....fantastic! I picked up some celery, caprese salad...and "non" pink milk...per Bella's request this morning.

Back to the dance studio and 45 minutes to spare....Oliver and I played with cars and dinosaurs. I have a pretty good story line going with his toys...most the time I'm the winner...but Oliver doesn't need to know that.

After dance...off to Chik Fil A.
Yes...again.
This time for nuggets and soup....and precious play-places where my kids can burn energy. Apparently Chikfila and myself have a "thing" today.
Sigh.

Now.
Now the kids are having quiet time...aka Oliver naps and Bella self entertains for an hour. It's lovely.
I should be studying for ACLS re-certifications on Friday; but, I think we'll go to the zoo instead and return home just in time to make Marie's fantastic Pasta Fiogoli.

Yup...today is a good day.
Maybe we'll stop at Chik Fil A for another drink on the way to the zoo.
Nah,

Currently...

2011-01-20T16:04:00.000-08:00

*Currently I'm having an obsession with Maple Bars.
And not just any maple bars....one from Dunford Bakers or Banburry Cross. I'd also take Krispy Kreme if they weren't so far away. I've become a maple bar snob.

*Currently I have eaten 3 meals this week with tofu. Not on purpose. Just odd coincidence.

*Recently Alma signed up for a lottery spot in the Spudman Triathlon. I think he's nuts....and I'm a little jealous. Guess I better start swimming and biking now.

*Lately my vision has been a bit fuzzy and my head hurts alot. I spent a fascinating day at internal medicine trying to figure it out. Let you know how that pans out. I do know I'm not a fan of bright lights being shined into my optic nerves while in a dark room for long long periods of time. I also learned that I have marked bradycardia...in the 40's...which they are chalking up to good health. Go me.

*Lately I've been obsessed with this site:
And this one: http://www.shopruche.com/
Oh...and this one:http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/
And...this one: http://www.bakeorbreak.com/ it has to do with baking. Surprised? Don't be.

*Recently I spent a thrilling 2 days in Afton, WY to teach a class for AirMed. I had one of the best sandwiches I've ever had at their local diner. Oh...and did you know there is a seafood restaurant in Afton? A good one? Yes...yes there is. And if you ever fly into Afton...the guy at the hangar has an AWESOME candy basket and an mini outhouse on his desk. Just so you know.

*We had dinosaur week at our house last week. We made dino cookies. Dinosaur eggs. Fossils. Went to the Museum of Ancient Life. Made wooden dinosaur puzzles. Looked at a GAZILLION different dinosaur species online.
I dream about a triceratops almost nightly now. Sigh.

*I'm currently addicted to Modern Family and The Mentalist.
And Despicable Me....if you own this..be sure to watch the "Banana" extra mini movie. HILARIOUS.

*Very recently I finished reading Stiff: The curious Life of Human Cadavers.
I now have a dying (no pun intended) need to go visit my sis in law at the mortuary she owns and watch an embalming. It also makes me a little too eager to go to Cadaver Lab next week.

*Recently my 4 year old girl acquired a "Rapunzel" dress. Add that to the "Tangled" soundtrack...and we have a dancing singing girl....all the time.

*I am lately obsessed with Valentines decor. The 4 year old girl is thrilled about the new addition of hearts and cupids to our house. They all look darling hanging above our vintage 50's red Formica table. Bonus. I'm tempted to momentarily dress up my 2 year old boy like a cupid...just for kicks and giggles...and excellent blackmail pictures.

*Currently I am purging the 6 drawers of photos in my mother's basement in order to photographically and chronologically document my first 30 years of life. Don't worry...the pictures will appear here. And I'm sure some sort of self embarrassment as well. Remember this one from a couple years ago:

Yup...something like that. Some serious stuff too...but life it too short to be too serious.

And...while browsing through old posts...I found a date in which I posted my top 10 restaurants..almost 3 years ago. Here are my top 10 CURRENTLY for SLC area (we could go national or more...but that would take too long).In no particular order:

1. Enjoy
2. Mazza
3. Tsunami
4. Spaghetti Factory (a favorite for 15+ years)
5. Ruth's Diner
6. Setebello
7. SuCasa
8. Gourmandise
9. 5 Guys (mmm...beef)
10.Chuck o rama (yes..yes you read that correctly. don't laugh...it's both sad...and true. so very very true).

And...
*Right now.
This very second:
*I'm waiting to eat dinner.
*Laughing about a brief conversation one of my aunt R's and I had, about a modern term involving a moose.
*Now I'm thinking about my darling family. Wondering if I should go private again with my blog. Thinking of what fun things I can do tomorrow.
*Longing to go to some small eclectic pottery shops.
*And ready to go to sleep...only so I can dream about more Triceratops....with a 2 year old in a cupid costume on it's back. Just sayin.

Today

2011-01-18T21:43:00.001-08:00

Today has been filled with a headache. Some vertigo. A knock down drag out fight with my laptop. A boy who wouldn't nap...at all.
Needless to say, it wasn't off to a pleasant start.

Then, along comes my 4 year old.
Dressed head to toe in Rapunzel like attire.
Spinning and dancing and humming to herself in some imaginary palace or forest I'm sure.

She stops.
Looks at me in a moment of sudden clarity and start with this:

B: Mom...We were sent to earth by Heavenly Father, right?
M: Yes
B: Him and Jesus gave us our bodies...didn't they?
M: Yes Bella...something like that.
B: Okay...but who gave Jesus and Heavenly Father THEIR bodies?
M; Well.......

In that one moment I realized how important it is to see the world through they eyes of a child sometimes.
Yes...the house is a disaster.
Yes...the Tylenol is taking a little long to kick in.
Yes...my 2 year old might be extra cranky....but he's still my little guy.

But if a 4 year old can come up with such a "deep" question right in the middle of her own little fairytale...then I can certainly let the little things go and enjoy all the wonderful blessings I have and focus on those instead.

Thank you, dear Bella.

When Bread is Embarassing

2011-01-13T14:28:00.000-08:00

Photo From PW Cooks

Yesterday on PW Cooks, she posted a recipe for Dilly Bread.

Big deal...so what, right?

Normally this would be my answer. Why would I want to bake dill bread. I'm a sweet bread girl.

Well, there is a story behind Dill Bread. And it's not even mine. Hehehe.

I have these aunts...my mother's sisters.
They are loving, loud and full of life.
This is evident in any and every gathering they attend.

When you put them together, stories start flying. I have learned a lot of incriminating info about my mother's childhood this way.
However, one aunt trumped the story of all stories when she spilled this one.
It's about Dill Bread.

As a young tween, my aunt R (I'll spare her the public name game...since they all have names that start with "R"), sat near the living room where my grandmother and a visitor were having a lovely visit.
I imagine about things such as laundry, children, how they will be fantastic grandmothers someday...and of course...cooking.

Somewhere in the conversation, the subject turned to breads.

I'm sure that somewhere in the mind of my aunt R, the subconscious kicked in and said "HEY...THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT BREAD! Mmmmmm...CARBS! LISTEN UP". She continued to mind her own business as the conversation continued.

As they discussed flours, kneading and glorious smells of baking...my grandmother's visitor mentioned how much she liked bread made with Dill.

At that moment, something in my Aunt R's stomach got in a tangled weave with her thoughts and the mention of bread making and Dill sent her running into the conversation.

Only...instead of exclaiming her love for bread with dill...she professed her love for dough with dill.
It came out like this:
"Dill dough?!?! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Dill dough!!!!".

My mom and other aunt heard this profession from the other room...and after their shock wore off...ran to the room.

"Uh...what did you say?"

"Dill Dough... I really like Dill Dough".

"No...you don't"

"Yes...yes I do"

"No...no you don't. Stop talking. Just stop talking".

I'm sure at this point my grandmother and visitor were either deep in other conversation, or watching the whole scene unfold in conservative housewife horror.

"No...No "R"...You don't like Dill Dough. You like Dill BREAD".

"Yeah...that's what I'm saying. Right?"

"No. Let's go tell you about what you're saying...and don't say it again".

"Oh".

I imagine that's the day my aunt R learned more than she had bargained for about bread, dough and oh so much more. It's the day bread became an embarrassing topic.

I will never be able to eat Dill Bread without thinking about her....if I can eat it at all.
Although I love my Aunt R even more for letting me laugh about this story for the rest of my life.

A good reminder that when you are young, innocent, hungry and eavesdropping on adult conversations...you can almost guarantee getting more than you bargained for....

And it won't come in the form of baked goods.

Red Rockin Night

2011-01-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, we had to pleasure of taking in a divine dinner at Settebello and then the gymnastics meet at the U. I would have taken pictures of the exquisite pizza...but I ate it too fast. Same with my Caprese Salad...and half of the kids Gelato. Not to mention the fantastic company we had with us.
This was the first gymnastics meet for the kids...and my first since 1987...seriously.

Boy, have I been missing out.

Bella loved watching all the tumbling and vaulting...but she kept telling people to fall off the beam...even our own team.
We had a talk about that one.

The environment is fun. The crowd is super peppy.
Oliver loved the Kettle Corn...and pooped out on us in the last 20 minutes of the meet.
And Bella now wants a "Go Utes" Leotard.

All in all..a rockin night.

Proof of a Free Spirit

2011-01-08T20:51:00.000-08:00

The scene: Alma Bella and Oliver painting masterpieces in our art room.
The converstation:
Bella: I like painting with white
Alma: Why?
Bella: Because it's like morning in the sunshine...and the clouds are shining.

Heehee.

If you forgot to eat breakfast this morning...

2011-01-02T21:34:00.000-08:00

There is always the 3 week old gingerbread house on the counter.
Hmmmm.

Silent Night...Happy Day

2011-01-02T21:29:00.001-08:00

Christmas, this year, snuck up on me faster than I expected.

I had been doing all the fun activities....just didn't see the actual day approaching so fast.

The week of Christmas, I've learned the past 2 years..is hectic.

With a kid that has a birthday just days before the 25th...I try to separate the 2 events...even if just for 24 hrs.
This, takes a lot of effort which I hope is paying off.

As Christmas Eve dawned...we started the day by making cookies for Santa to eat.

Chocolate chip...of course.

We took in a movie (is it wrong that I've seen Tangled 3 times now....and could tolerate seeing it yet again?) and went to lunch.

We spent the evening at my parents house snacking, singing carols and hymns and exchanging presents.

I, personally, was quite proud of my gift to my brother and his wife....even the real present.

The kids scored plasma wiggle cars...giant pillows...toys and games...and other gifts.

We scored some awesome Russian Stacking Doll Measuring Cups and a new fire pit, along with other gifts.

Truly...we love them.

After we got home, we sent the kids to bed in their new matchy matchy pajama's and awaited Santa's arrival time...which was fairly late in the night.

The kids woke up around 6 and the festivities began.

This year, Bella asked for a "BIG dollhouse and a FAST scooter".
Oliver just talked a lot about cars, dinosaurs and toy story.

Both kids came out of the day happy.

I love the looks of their faces as they survey their gifts....even if Oliver gave up on unwrapping after 2 presents.

Just give that kid a car or dinosaur and he's good for hours. No need for more.

We enjoyed breakfast and my grandmother's house.

And the rest of the day playing with new toys and games...and napping...and eating treats.

So, even though it snuck up on me....when it was finally here...it was as magical as ever.

2 !!!

2011-01-02T21:28:00.001-08:00

Oliver turned 2.

Holy crap.

My baby is 2.

When did he turn into a toddler?
When did he become such a little boy?

Why do I keep asking questions?

When Oliver's birthday comes around...the song "Silent Night" plays in my head all day.

When I had him...I listened to that song all during the day before my water broke.

The next night, as I lay in my hospital bed along and holding my new little guy...the snow was swirling outside my window in the darkness and that song played quietly in my head as that innocent little being snuggled and breathed softly in my arms.

It was a special moment.

It will always be the song I think of when I think of Oliver.

This year, we celebrated in Toy Story style.

Oliver has a bit of a thing for Toy Story. He is either Woody or Buzz on a regular basis. He can be seen running around our house in a diaper, shirt and cowboy hat and yelling "HEY COWBOY!". Or "flying around" with a dinosaur in his hand and shouting "TO INFINITY...AND BEYOND!".

So...

We had "Pizza Planet" pizza. "Alien Brand Soda" and of course, a Toy Story Cake.

With all the toy story balloons, decorations, wrapping paper, food and presents....you could tell this kid was in Heaven.

Especially with his "big buzz" present...just like the movie.

The best part was the look on his face most of the day after he realized "hey wait....this is all for ME. Just ME!". I don't think the smiles and giggles stopped.

Oliver is such a unique boy.

He is SO mellow most of the time. Only when he feels really strongly about something will he put up a fight.

He has a crazy imagination....at such an early age. He will play forever in his own little world with his own little game he made up. He doesn't mind sharing..most of the time.

He like to play with me or alma or Bella....but he is so content doing his own thing too. It has taken me a long time to both accept and appreciate this. He is truly patient.

He eats like a maniac...but I suppose that's the boy in him.

He LOVES his older sister. From the second he wakes up from the second he goes to bed...he wants to know where Bella is and what she is doing. He will even play princess and barbies with her...even if that means his dinosaurs are attacking the princesses...he is still playing.

He love to snuggle. I LOVE that!

He is a flirt...he even called a little girl "hey punkin'" the other day.

He loves hot chocolate.

He is my little guy.
I can't believe he is 2.

I love you Ollie! Happy Birthday!

Baking up Some Holiday Cheer

2011-01-01T08:58:00.001-08:00

Uh...bear with me as I attempt to catch up on a month of blogging. Oooops.

Another activity that consumed me for the majority of December was...surprise surprise..baking.
What a better time of year than winter and the holidays to go full on crazy with the sugar, chocolate, butter and candy.

The month started out with chocolates day at my Aunt's house.
This, my friends, is a yearly tradition dating back from before I could tie my own shoes.
My job growing up had always been "packaging".
Basically...throw the kids in the basement and make them put the chocolates in those cute little paper cups.

Well folks...guess what. I'm 30 now. And guess what my job is?
Packaging.
Oh...and a little taste testing :)
Not too bad really...I get to hang out in a cool garages full of tables of chocolates and have girl talk and sip a diet coke during the whole process.
Occasionally they let me stir the chocolate.
My kids, who were convienently sick this year and took up most of my chocolate day, usually get to chill in front of movies and eat snacks...and taste test.

Then, as if I hadnt' had enough of mass quantity candy production...I had a bit of a carmel and apple affair at my home the next week.
180 apples to be exact.
Did you know that flight nurses are also excellent caramel apple creators?
It's true.
We dipped caramel..into chocolate..and white chocolate...and then zagnut and oreos and sprinkles and gold sanding sugar and almonds...and drizzled in MORE festive colors of chocolate..and wrapped in pretty packages.
I had a lunch and dinner of chocolate pieces and diet coke.

My kitchen was an apple factory for about 8 hours...and all 180 apples got dressed up pretty and yummy.
It....was....FANTASTIC.

In addition to my attempts to be a candy factory during December...I made a ton of Bella Toffee and sent it all over the NATION. Yes...as in out of Utah. Glorious.

And, we made many...many many many too many treats for ourselves to induldge in. My favorite this year was the Creme de Menthe Brownies I sneaked from Paula Deen.

So...as I roll myself around the house after all my new years indulgances..I have to ask myself..."was it worth the extra calories?".
Yes.
Yes it was.