Enjoying the Journey

Free food!

2011-03-11T14:33:00.000-08:00

I don't know if anyone even reads this anymore, because I'm so awesome at keeping up on it! But, oh well. I just wanted to tell anyone who is interested in food storage about this awesome opportunity. Especially since food prices are going crazy! Go to www.preparetoday4tomorrow.myefoods.com. And get FREE food! They have awesome food that has a 15 year shelf life. It's healthy and no preservatives. Everything we have tried we have loved. It's my kind of food storage... add water. The cool thing about it is, there is also an opportunity to make money while building it up too. Yes, it's basically a MLM, but who doesn't spend money on food every month? Long story short, my brother made over $800 his first month, and already has more than a 6 month supply. It's at least worth a look, and like I said, it really does taste great! Try the free stuff and see:)

Trying to remember how to do this!

2010-07-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

The last year and a half has been a whirl wind. Building our house was trying times, but we made it through the ordeal and now live in my dream home. Then... if you know me well you know that I love to play with hair and if you know me really well, then I've probably talked you into letting me cut or color your hair. So, a couple of months after we moved into our house I decided that it was my turn for a huge project and I started Cosmetology School. Life is NUTTY!!!! I am pooped all of the time. I have 4 months left and Paul is building me the cutest little salon you ever did see in my house. I'm so excited, I've always wanted to do this and I'm going to go ahead and toot my own horn and say I ROCK AT THIS!!! It's so fun and I've met some awesome friends, but I'm really looking forward to being done with school and for my life to get back to normal- and not have a test every Friday. So that's what is going on right now and my excuse for mot keeping up on the blog. Really I was just seeing if I could remember how to do it. Sometime, I don't know when I will post pictures of my new house, you can see some of it in Averie's 3rd b-day post that I just finished. It's not 100% finished but...someday I'll have my back splash maybe after the salon? No pressure Paul.

Averie's 3rd Birthday

2010-07-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

For her 3rd birthday, Averie wanted a rock-n-roll pizza party. I'm not sure how she came up with it but we went with it. It was so fun. We had a Guitar Hero competition, an Air Guitar competition, of course pizza, and a record pinata. Averie is such a big girl and she makes us laugh everyday with funny things she comes up with. The other day she wanted to sleep in our bed and Paul told her no. She told him that if you love someone then you let them sleep in your bed! She was dead serious too. She slept in our bed. We love our Avers!

The Cake (yes Paul made it, not me)
The Decor
Cool aunts and uncles that dressed up for the party

Guitar Hero Competition

Air guitar competition-no that's not Brett Michaels that's me!!!
The Pinata

Grandpa jammin on his air guitar

Bloggin Loser!

2009-09-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

Holy moly, it's been so long I almost couldn't remember my password! Here's my excuse... Our house has been taking all our time, thoughts, efforts- you name it, it has to do with the house. Every spare second we have we are doing something for or at the house. It's almost complete!!! Wa-hoo! Just a couple of weeks. Then it will take me another year to move in! Then, I am going to take 3 days straight and catch up on my bloggin. There I said it, so now I have to. There is much to report and lots of things I want to remember, so all of you hold me to it!

Happy Easter Every-bunny

2009-04-09T11:19:00.001-07:00

We are wishing (really hard) that you all have a very happy Easter!

Yeah Me!!!

2009-02-26T07:22:00.000-08:00

Averie is officially potty trained! I decided to try on Monday and she just got it. Hmm, maybe I should have tried sooner, oh well. Now when ever she sits on the potty she says, "Get out Mom! I need pribacy." I guess now that she's a big girl she's a little more private about her privates. Or in her case, pribates.

Simple Pleasures

2009-02-06T10:54:00.000-08:00

Another lesson learned from my favorite, tiny teachers.

Pushing the overfull cart out the doors of Wal-Mart with a kid on each side holding on, they start chanting, "GO FAST OUTSIDE! GO FAST OUTSIDE!" This is a grocery store (or any store with shopping carts) ritual; we go fast outside. We've done this a million times, but today it hit me. As I'm running as fast as I dare with my 300lb. cart, the looks of excitement on their faces and their high-pitched screams and giggles taught me my lesson. To get to my excitement equivalency would for sure have to be a roller coaster, a BIG roller coaster. Why can't I just stop, get out of "survival mode" and enjoy life's simple pleasures? It made me stop and think of the little things that bring my girls ecstatic joy. For instance;
* a band-aid, ooh and especially if it's colorful- WOW! That's exciting!
*pushing the button to open the microwave. My excitement equivalency; pushing the button to launch the space shuttle.
*Picking out a worthless toy at the $1 store. My excitement equivalency; picking out my new (not off the clearance rack) shoes.
*a few chocolate chips. My, I'm going to call it E.E. (excitement equivalency) so I don't have to keep typing it, is the whole bag of the expensive chocolate.
*Playing in a big bowl of suds (desperate times call for desperate measures). My E.E.; I don't know, swimming with the dolphins maybe?
* a sleep over. My E.E.; my honeymoon.
* a 25 cent ice cream cone. My E.E; dinner, a movie, and then a BIG ice cream cone.
* glitter. My E.E.; diamonds.
A few more pleasures; riding in Daddy's truck, going out to get the mail (big fights over who's turn it is), A great big box, like the one the swing set came in. It got more use than the actual swing set. Sleeping in Mom and Dad's bed, going to Grandma and Grandpa's house, stickers, play-doh, ringing the doorbell, mopping the floor and washing the dishes (that won't last long). I could go on and on, and I have, but my point is (I think) that this isn't going to last forever. Pretty soon they'll be saying, "I don't care", "why do I have to mop", "It's not my turn to get the mail", "I'm not riding in the cart, that's for babies!" Most of the time I'm in the mood where, I don't want the play-doh out because it's messy, or I'll say that they don't need a band-aid unless they're bleeding. Seriously! What is a few cents on a stupid band-aid that will make their day? Or, I'm famous for saying, "no, let me do it, it's faster." Where's the fire? Why do I need the floor mopped at warp speed, when I KNOW that using the Swiffer Wet Jet would be the talk of the 2nd grade for a week! Sometimes I get frustrated because I feel like I have to do everything for everyone, but how long will it be before they don't need me at all? :(

Lesson learned from my favorite, tiny teachers. Slow down, relax, and enjoy life's simple pleasures. And most importantly, enjoy every bit of every stage my children are in (minus poopy diapers).

I'm so lucky and blessed to have these precious little girls. I learn from them everyday about the person I should be. Please pray for me that I won't fail them, they deserve the best. I hope they NEVER stop enjoying life and it's simple pleasures.

2009-02-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

Maycie and her handsome cousins, Reece and Konnor, all ready for the school program. They all three had a part in the program, which is sort of funny because only about two kids from every grade had parts. I asked Maycie why she thought that they gave her a part, she said, "I think they just wanted someone who isn't afraid of talking a lot." She's probably right. She IS a talker! BTW, it was around Christmas time, thus the Christmas tree. No it's not up still up in February. Double click the picture to see how cute they all are!!! They're so cute!

Temple Square

2009-01-08T13:31:00.001-08:00

We took the girls to Temple Square to see the lights and attempt to freeze to death. Good times!
Me and my favorite little ladies.

On the way to UT.
OOPS! Wrong picture. Oh well, it's nice enough:)

Christmas Morning

2009-01-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

Yep! We are officially the meanest parents on the planet. We locked our kids upstairs so they would remember to wake us up first. I look forward to seeing their faces on Christmas morning all year!!!! The anticipation was killing them.

Ave's started going "oo oo ah ah, oo oo ah ah" and jumped around the whole house. (For you that don't have small children, this is Boots the Monkey) OO OO AH AH!

The new Pink Vacuum! Santa thought that since the girls like to vacuum so much, maybe they should have one of their own more their size. I think that was a very good idea Santa had:)

House Progress

2009-01-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

Just thought I should throw in an update on our house. It's so cute! I'm getting really excited.

Santa

2009-01-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

When Santa asked Averie what she wanted him to bring her, she lifted up her hands and said "a pwesent." I said how about Boots the Monkey? Then she rattled off; I want Boots, Dowa, Diego, Backpack, Jaguar, and Baby Dino.

Ellie's request was simple and sweet...Pixo's. That's all, nothing else.
Maycie is getting older. She wanted an MP3 player that plays videos, and a Password Journal.

Christmas at Grammy's House

2009-01-07T17:40:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa Jones

Maycie and Ashley checking out Ellie's new Hannah Montana doll. (BTW, I'm so happy that with this Christmas alone my family has collaboratively paid for Miley Cyrus's tuition to the college of her choice.)

The older kids waiting for the young'ins to finish opening their presents.

I am going to do my best at telling this right. When my Mom and Dad were young parents, in college, and dirt poor my Dad had to sell his beloved (something something) Savage or something or other gun. He seemed to be bringing it up to my bro. Brad a lot how he wished so badly that he would have found another way and not had to sell his gun. So, being the amazing dude that Brad is, he searched and searched for months to find the exact gun. Amazingly enough he found it in UT at the same time Paul and I were visiting there and we were able to pick it up. These pictures don't do the moment justice when Dad opened his gun and said, "OH MY HECK! It's my (something something) Savage something." I think he even teared up a bit and all night he kept saying how special the gift was, and that he just couldn't believe he found it. It was awesome.

Our (extremely) White Christmas

2009-01-07T17:10:00.000-08:00

Runnin and Jumpin.

This was actually hilarious. I just have to write it so I don't forget. Averie packed a snowball and attempted to throw it at Maycie while they were sitting there. I still can't figure out how she did it, but she threw it perfectly in her own face:) I laughed a minute before I went to help her, I'm such a jerk mom.
Trying to truck through the deep, deep snow.

Our 11th Anniversary

2008-12-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

Wow! Eleven years ago today, my feet were killing me, my hair was plastered with hairspray (probably bullet proof), I was freezing my butt off, but... I got to be sealed to the man I love forever! Paul still teases me because I was so nervous that day and when I said "yes" I had a frog in my throat. I sounded just like the albino in "the pit of despair" (The Princess Bride) when I spoke. I guess it didn't matter though, it worked! And here we are 11 years later, and he is still the one I want to be with (good thing). I'd rather hang out with Paul than with anyone else. There could NEVER be a more perfect fit for me. No one else would have the patience. I'm not going to lie...I am emotionally HIGH MAINTENANCE! If I could graph my emotions it would probably look something like the "Wicked" roller coaster. Paul is so patient and understanding. Now I'm not going to go on, and on, and on about how he's the bomb, and how awesome he is at EVERYTHING, and how talented he is on so many different levels, or how smart he is and is such a hard worker, and what an excellent father he is to my little girls, no, no, no, I won't do that! I'm just going to say how happy I am to be married to such a wonderful person who makes me want to be a better person. And, if I had it all to do over again, I would definitely say
"YhhES" all over again.

Nat + Paul = Love 4 ever

a few things I don't want to forget...

2008-12-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

Daddy: Averie, I love you.

Averie: Daddy, I love gowd fishies.

Daddy: Do you love your daddy?

Averie: Yep, I do.

Daddy: How much?

Averie: Um, yike a basebaw game.

Don't know how much that is exactly, but it must mean a lot. It made me laugh.

How do you know you live in the sticks?

When on your way to church your 7 year old daughter bursts out laughing and pointing. "That is the funniest thing I've ever seen! That cow was trying to give that other cow a piggy back ride!"
Good times:)

Ellie is trying out some new "cool" words and gestures lately. She'll say, "OH SNAP!" I can't find my shoes, or whatever else seems to be a big deal to her. And now when she gets done with a sentence she'll point to her eyes and then to mine (like Doug Focker on Meet the Parents). I'm not sure if she's trying to be funny or if she is really going to be watching me at all times. She's pretty serious about it though. I just shake my head yes, like I understand completely.
AHH, things to remember:)

Totally Retro Day for May

2008-11-21T14:26:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that I had a little too much fun getting her ready today. I almost ratted my bangs!

My Man has SKILLZ!

2008-11-16T16:44:00.001-08:00

Paul carved this pumpkin for the McBride family pumpkin carving contest. Oh, this is Paul's dad for those of you who don't know him. Paul won the contest, but it was a close one! Those McBride's are some talented people!...Nope! I don't fit in.

Halloween Fun

2008-11-16T16:07:00.000-08:00

Halloween was so fun this year. It started off with the McBride Monster Bash at Chris and Jewelia's house. They throw an awesome party! Paul and I went to a costume party that a friend of mine had. It was adults only, and we laughed a lot that night. And then on Halloween night, we went Trunker Treating, and Trick-or-Treating in the neighborhood. Averie was so funny. Any time we would walk past others she would yell to them, "Hi duys! Happy Hadoween! I'm weawing my pwitty dwess! I dot my twick o tweat bag!" EVERY TIME! I was laughing all night. When someone would ask her, "what do you say?" expecting trick-or-treat to be the answer, she would instead say, "I'm weawing my pwitty dwess!" She's pretty entertaining.

Some Random Fun

2008-11-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

The kids beg Paul every night to do "sack-a-potatoes" to put them in bed. He gives in more often than not.
This is how we find May most of the time now. She loves the A-Z mystery books. For a while she was busting through one a day and taking her AR test on it the next day. That lasted about 2 weeks, and now she just reads them at a normal pace. She's a great reader!
This is my funny, funny girl. I sure get a kick out of this kid. She makes me laugh everyday!
I forgot to post a picture of Averies Dora cake. In case you're wondering, she had to go over Muddy Mountain, down the River, and through the Gooey Geyser to get to her Birthday Party.

It seems like a moment ago...

2008-10-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

Averie at 2 weeks old

Although it seems impossible, she's 2!

2008-10-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

We went to the circus for Averie's Birthday! She thought it was pretty cool for at least 15 minutes or so, then she just wanted to run around in the halls. The next day we had cake and ice cream at her Grandma and Grandpa McBride's house. She had her favorite... a Dora cake made by her daddy. The girl has an OCD with Dora. Everyday I hear first thing in the morning and the last thing before bed "Nat I watch Dowa dee espoda (Dora the Explorer), pees Nat." I can't get her to call me mommy yet. She's so much fun and we love this child more than I could have ever imagined. I don't know how I ever lived without her in my life. She's my girl.

A row of cousins, Aly, Ellie, Katelyn, Boone, Maddy, Maycie, Ben (or Brady), Averie, Brady (or Ben) I can't tell them apart from behind!
What a sport! Poor Nikki was about ready to pop, and she did! About a week later.
"Yook Nat at da Edefants!"

Boone, Ellie, and Jayce

Curious

2008-10-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

Who are you voting for, and why do you feel strongly about that candidate?

How can she be 5?

2008-09-19T12:13:00.005-07:00

Once a princess, always a princess!

Happy Birthday Ellie!

2008-09-19T12:13:00.004-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Princess Ellie! We had the funnest Princess Bash ever! It was complete with handsome princes, the Fairy Godmother, and great friends and cousins. How cool is my sister? Well, she borrowed an old prom dress from the early 80's from her sister-in-law, she let me borrow her tiara from high school, and she led the princess dancing outside (see video). I'm thinking about hiring her out. She's pretty cool! Ellie loved her party, and we love our Ellie. Happy Birthday sweet girl! I can't believe you're 5!

Our Royal Family

Princess Party Highlights (for you Grandma!)

2008-09-19T12:13:00.003-07:00

Ya gotta love the 80's

2008-09-19T12:13:00.002-07:00

This was actually way too much fun for grown women! We were trying to channel our inner Disneyland Princess. Paul was loving it! O-kay.... so I made him wear it! But deep down I think he really wanted to put on an old suit from his mission that was entirely too tight around the waste, and a couple of inches too short. Who wouldn't right?

The Cake

2008-09-19T12:13:00.001-07:00

It is tradition that Paul decorates the birthday cakes in our family. It all started with Mayice's first B-day cake. I made such a mess of it, Paul had to save the day, and he did! It should come to no surprise to anyone who knows us that he is better at it. He can do EVERYTHING better than me, (except I always beat him at Boggle, woo-hoo!) Anyway, this year Ellie requested a princess cake that was white, pink and purple. Paul decided that he wanted to try fondant frosting for the first time ever. He even made it from scratch! The cake turned out to be very pretty and Ellie loved helping her dad make it. BTW, I did have to tie the bow with the fondant and it only took me about 45 minutes, so I guess I'm good for something.

The Finished Product

So She Thinks She Can Dance!

2008-09-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

This was at the Eastern Idaho State Fair. A band started playing next to where we (and a million other people) were eating and Averie COULD NOT contain herself! After a while she had as many spectators as the band did. If you notice behind Averie, Ellie had a hard time controlling herself as well. We got a kick out of it.

Finally! Preschool Started

2008-09-10T09:22:00.001-07:00

For the last 47-52 days I've been asked, "do I have school after this bed night?" That is Ellie's way of saying "tomorrow" and I can't bring myself to correct her because it sounds too cute. Maybe when she's 15 or so I'll let her in on the rest of the world's interpretation. She was so excited for school, she couldn't go to sleep that night and was the first one up in the morning. Hooray for Ellie!!!!!

First day of 2nd grade

2008-09-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

Maycie is so excited to be in 2nd grade at her 3rd Elementary school! What are we doing to this kid? It doesn't seem to phase her though. If any of my kids adjust well to change it is definitely her. After she got off the bus the first day I asked her how it went and she said "Mom, it was FANTASTIC!" All of my fears for her vanished. She had the names of all her new "best friends" and who she ate lunch with, what she did at recess, and in true Maycie style went on and on and on and on and on......you get the idea. My sister had a pep talk with her boys (who attend the same school) that they need to be sure and talk to Maycie at recess since she wouldn't know anybody. Konnor came home and told his mom that Maycie was playing and talking to everyone at recess and had tons of friends. He said "she was tearin it up mom!" That made me laugh and also relieved me. I love this girl and I am so happy with how well she adjusts!

Happy 85th Grams!

2008-08-22T09:37:00.001-07:00

Grams still looks so amazing and still walks with a little skip in her step. Oh how we love our Grandma Faye! She was telling us that she is still so tough at 85. I believe her! Don't mess with my granny!

HELP ME!!!!

2008-08-18T09:29:00.000-07:00

So, not that funny of a story. Last week I had a swollen, black eye. We won't mention how it happened, but maybe, just maybe it was a rare stint of unfortunate uncoordination...maybe. Anyway, I taped an ice pack to my eye for obvious reasons. Well, I always knew that I had a slight adhesive allergy, but apparently on my face it is not so slight. I have big, red, puffy hives everywhere the adhesive touched my face and I can't get rid of them. I have been taking Benadryl, and using hydrocortizone cream on them, but it seems no matter what I do they don't budge. Infact, if anything I would say they're getting worse. Oh, if you're wondering, yes, yes I am the most attractive I've ever been. Paul can't keep his hands off me. I've looked on the internet for help, but I'm getting more and more discouraged about getting rid of them any time soon. Anyone? I'll take ALL suggestions. Did I mention that they itch? And, I want to scratch my face off? HELP ME!!!

UPDATE: The doctor gave me a prescription for some kind of steroid cream. We'll see! Oh, and for all of you jerks that want me to post a picture so you can point and laugh at my expense because I look like Quasimodo... I'll think about it.

a visit from the GREATS!

2008-08-12T13:06:00.001-07:00

I love living close to these two special people! I love them with all of my heart. The best Grandma and Grandpa in the world, and I am certain of that! Plus, I'm their favorite! Simmer down Melissa and Nicci, you know it's true. You're just going to have to come to terms with it.

I comb yo hair gapa! (or lack there of) What a good sport!
Averie loved riding Grandpa'a cane around like a horse. He couldn't get it back from her.

A good trade! The cane for a pacifier or "binka" as she calls it.

Just Curious

2008-08-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

I just wondered what everyone thought of Breaking Dawn? I liked the way it ended. I was a little nervous, but I liked how it all came together. How about you?

Inspired by a Stranger's Life

2008-07-31T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. For those of you that don't know Heidi Spangler, you HAVE to read her blog. First of all, Heidi is an amazing person that I admire so much. I have never met anyone so absolutely perfect in every way. I was always asking people to tell me something bad about her, because it really does seem like she's perfect! BTW, no one could ever think of anything bad to say about her! She's beautiful and has a gorgeous family that is, well... perfect. Her sister just passed away and she has written such a beautiful and inspiring tribute to her on her blog. I never met her sister, but reading Heidi's blog about her life has truly inspired me. If you have few minutes, read it. You will not be sorry that you did. Get a tissue first! (I have a splitting cry headache!) This woman was amazing and beautiful, and I can tell just by reading about her that the spirit radiated through her daily. She was definitely no ordinary girl. I hope I can be a mere fraction of the person that she became in her short life here on earth. My heart aches for her husband and children, and all of those that had the pleasure of knowing her. The link is on my blog, it's The Spanglers.

LAGOON

2008-07-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

Our family after the last ride of the day. It was a long hot day, but we had so much fun. We were dead dog tired and ready to go home.

My sweet girl hung out in her stroller pretty much the whole day. She was such a trooper.

Maycie and Konnor were so brave and went on "Wicked", the biggest and highest roller coaster at Lagoon! As you can see they loved it!

Daddy's Portrait

2008-07-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

Maycie drew a portrait of Paul in Sacrament meeting a few weeks ago. It was at that moment that I realized that she just might be a child prodigy of art.

Busy Busy Summer

2008-07-14T13:42:00.003-07:00

I finally have a second, or let's get real, an hour to do some bloggin. We've been busy! It seems like if it's not one thing, it's another. Living close to family we definitely always have something going on. Swings, sprinklers, swimming, soccer, hanging out with cousins, and flooded yards. Just to name a few. We're having a fun summer! I've posted a million pictures trying to catch up. I haven't even got to the 4th of July yet. Maybe another day.

Frustrating Phases

2008-07-14T13:30:00.001-07:00

This is Averie's newest discovery. She stuffs her toys in the vents of the A.C. unit and then gets mad when she can't get them out. She's a tiny tornado!

This is her saying, "Iss stuck! Git it!"

Such a big girl! She has to do everything herself, but as you can see the progression of putting her shoes on by the end she is crying and mad at her shoes. She's pretty fun to watch.

Swimming with Friends

2008-07-14T13:25:00.003-07:00

Ellie and Gage in deep conversation

Ephraim Roots

2008-07-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

My siblings and our families had an awesome trip to Ephraim, Utah with Grandma and Grandpa Jones. Grandma wanted to show us where she grew up and where she and Grandpa met and fell in love. Grandpa was playing baseball at Snow College, and Grandma worked at a drugstore in town. She wanted to meet him, so she purposely spilled a milkshake on him. He was mad, but the rest is history! They are so wonderful, I enjoyed this "history trip" so much. We visited all of her family who are buried there, her mom and dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles etc. It was interesting. I wish I would have taken a picture of her old house. We also got to go to the Manti Pageant which is awesome! If you ever get the chance to see it... DO. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

The Manti Temple The Manti Pageant. It was so awesome!
Andrew and Averie cruising the cemetary.

Our family War Heroes

This is where Grandma's Grandma and Grandpa are buried. They have a beautiful view of the Manti Temple.

Tagged by Ginger!

2008-07-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

20 Years ago...
1. I was 11
2. I was living in Lava Hot Springs
3. I spent most of my time on my bike and playing with dolls
4. I looked like I was 16 and was insecure because I had big boobs!

10 Years ago...
1. I had been married for a year and was working at UCCU
2. We went camping all of the time. It was so much easier without kids.
3. Paul was always studying
4. We were building our first house in Lehi. (I loved that little house!)

5 Years ago...
1. I had my 2nd little girl, my Ellie Boo
2. We were living in Springville
3.We had just accepted a job in Washington and I was sick about leaving family. Little did I know that it was about to be the best decision we ever made!
4. Just loving being a mom. I'm so boring I can't remember what else was going on then!

3 Years ago...
1. Ellie was almost 2 and Maycie was 4
2. We were loving Washington and all of our amazing friends there
3. We were fixing our fixer upper
4. We spent the 4th with the Leavitts in Tacoma. Not the best 4th, remember guys? Ohmagosh, it was one catastrophe after the other!
5. I dyed my hair brown and it looked awful!!!!!

1 Year ago...
1. We put our house up for sale because we were moving to Idaho
2. Averie was crawling around, she was so cute and chubby
3. I got a little chubby myself, moving is so stressful!!!!!
4. A year ago in August we pulled up to the little house my sister found for us to rent, and I started to sob. I was thinking "what have we done?"

Yesterday I...
1. I spent the whole day throwing up
2. Tried to take care of my kids while wanting to die!
3. Cleaned up puke from Ellie slightly missing the toilet by about 10 yards.
4. Tried to comfort Maycie who was also tossing cookies all day.
5. Cried because I felt sorry for myself that I can't call in sick.
6. On the bright side... I lost 3 pounds! (usually my days aren't this fun, really)

Today I...
1. Took care of Paul, who unfortunately got the crud last night (and got to call in sick:)
2. Took Averie with me to run errands. We had a fun date together.
3. Actually took a nap while Averie did, because I'm not quite feeling 100%, more like 95%.
4. Did some more throw up laundry
5. Hope we never get the crud in our house ever again!!! I'm so done with puke!
6. Just realized I should have waited a few days to fill this out so it wasn't all about puke!

Tomorrow I...
1. Will take Ellie to Tumble Time
2. Will take Maycie to Soccer practice
3. Will get a few things done for the 4th
4. Will probably spend too much time on the computer

In the next year I...
1. Hope to have our house built
2. Hope to lose 30 pounds. Ya right, that's been my hope for the last 7 years!
3. Hope to potty train Averie
4. Hope I can find time for things that really matter in life. ( this was actually Ginger's answer, but I like it!)

I tag Jewelia, Elise, Kristy, & Jaime

Happy Birthday Maycie!

2008-06-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have a seven year old! She is getting so big, and responsible. It is not uncommon for her to get her little sisters out of bed in the morning and make them breakfast before I'm even coherent. She is so thoughtful and loving and still extremely... how do you put it nicely, um.....talkative. She's definitely not verbally challenged. We love our Maycie to bits! I could not ask for a better daughter. I'm so extremely proud of her. She's truly everything I wish I could be! Love you Sweetheart! (She loves to read our blog).
For her birthday she wanted to choose anywhere she wanted for lunch, get a manicure, get her ears pierced, and then go shopping. I have to say this was all entirely her idea. She's a woman after my own heart! We had so much fun. Her Great-Grandma Faye, Grandma Chris, Aunt Nicci, Aunt Wendy, and I spoiled this kid rotten , (especially Grandma Chris!) She chose to eat at Wingers where she ordered macaroni and cheese. When i asked her why in the world she would go out to eat and order that, she simply held up the menu and pointed. It read, "a meal fit for a princess." She knew I would understand, and I did. Then, we all went and got a manicure. After that, we headed to the mall for some ear piercing and shopping! My mom, (Grandma Chris) went coo coo bonkers and bought her everything she wanted at Claire's Boutique. She would say, "Maycie, do you like this?" Maycie would reply "yes" and in the basket it went. It was fun to have a special day with just her. I also have to mention that she absolutely had to make and decorate her own cake. She wanted triple chocolate fudge with chocolate chips, chocolate frosting, and chocolate sprinkles. Like I said before, a woman after my own heart!

Anything she wanted!

Ouch! Beauty is pain! But so worth it.

Manicures!
Lunch at Wingers.

Sorry about the picture, Wendy!

Music and Lyrics

2008-06-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

Why is it so dang funny when someone sings the wrong words to songs? Today I was laughing to tears because Maycie was singing, "Listen" from the Dream Girls soundtrack. (It's on my play list if you want to hear it), anyway the lyrics say, "I'm all alone at a crossroads." Maycie's version says, "I'm all alone as a cockroach!" I'm sure it was much funnier hearing her belt it out as serious as can be. It made my day!

What the Hail?

2008-06-09T08:31:00.001-07:00

Hmmm, I thought we left Washington. Maycie's first soccer game got rained out. Bummer! It was actually hailing after this picture. Yep, I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be JUNE!!!

Here's the Scoop!

2008-06-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

We moved yet again! Why do we do this to ourselves? I don't know! We moved to a town home (temporarily of course) because it's only a few minutes from where we are building. It will probably take at least a year since Paul is doing a lot of the work himself. So, we will get to move yet again next year! Yeah! Next time should be for A LOT longer (hopefully).

The water in the bathroom wasn't hooked up right, (did I mention this town home is brand new?) Averie got to take a bath in the kitchen sink until it was fixed. Pretty cool!

Hooray for Warm Weather and Power Wheels!

2008-05-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

Averie gets a head start for the big race around the house!

Ellie and Bo Bear

He's seven years old!
And the race is on!
Car-pooling.
My sweet girls enjoying the warm weather.

My Funny Girl

2008-05-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

I'd need a helmet too if I was making messes of this magnitude in just a matter of minutes!

CHEEEEESE!

Naked flying baby!

What a great spot to drink my juice!
What a great spot for my sandwich!

New Do!

2008-05-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

I had to straighten her hair to make it even. It's so hard to cut when it's that curly! It looks pretty cute straight though, I think we'll keep it that way a while. The only thing I hate about it is that she looks so much older! My little Ells Bells is growing up!

THE PROCEDURE

2008-04-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

BEFORE.

A little nervous for the procedure!

AFTER. Couldn't wait to tell Grandma and Grandpa!

Pulling Teeth!

2008-04-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

I know I need to stop with the videos, but Maycie was so brave I had to post it for all to see.

Shoe Fetish

2008-04-03T19:58:00.001-07:00

We're starting a shoe savings account now for when she's a teenager. This kid is obsessed with shoes! I swear I get her dressed and comb her hair! She's not really neglected although she appears to be.

Life With Girls

2008-03-29T13:57:00.000-07:00

The girls thought they had found all of there eggs when I took this video of Ellie. I just had to share, because the way she talks is so dramatic. She talks like this ALL of the time! Just the beginning of the video is what I wanted to share, but I didn't know how to edit the video to make it shorter, so it's a little long. (sorry)

2008-03-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

System for Maximum Eggs according to an 18 month old.

A Hunting We Will Go!

2008-03-26T09:35:00.001-07:00

That is one smart Easter Bunny! He knew that we were at Grandma Linda's house in Utah!

when children humiliate you

2008-03-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in Sacrament Meeting, Ellie turned Paul's face bright red. I'm so glad she was sitting on his lap and not mine. The lady on the bench right in front of us was turned around smiling at someone coming in. Ellie pointed at her and said, "Hey Dad! She didn't brush her teeth!" The lady just turned back around and didn't say anything, so either did Paul. What are you suppose to do in a situation like that? Ellie got a talkin to in the car on the way home. But, it's bound to happen!
It was almost as uncomfortable as when Maycie was almost three in a Subway restaurant. There were three female employees working on the sandwich line. One of them was a "Pat". I could tell she was female, but only because of her...I don't want to say enormous rack, so we'll go with womanly figure. Maycie notices her and can't tell what gender she is, so she starts going down the line, pointing at each one saying "girl...girl... (and then she gets to "Pat" ) and scratches her head and says, hummm? Boy?" The girl said, "no honey, I'm a girl. I just have really short hair." Maycie looks at her confused and says, "no, you're a boy!" I could have died. I was whispering to her the whole uncomfortable time, shut up shut up shut up shut up. What do you do? AWWWKWARD!!!!!! Ya gotta love 'em! They're brutally honest.

Funny Ell Stories

2008-03-03T06:44:00.000-08:00

The other day we were in the car and Maycie had to go, and I mean she had to go bad. She literally could not make it to a bathroom even if we would have been near one. So, I let her relieve herself in one of Ave's diapers. Ellie of course sees an opportunity to push Maycie's buttons and says, "Ya, I have to go too, but I'm just gonna wait until I get home because...I'm potty trained!" Oh boy did that tick Maycie off! "ELLIEEEEE! I AM POTTY TRAINED!!!!!" Paul and I had a hearty chuckle.

My kids love Arby's. They love the Arby's Melts in particular. One day as Paul was ordering at the drive-thru, Ellie yells to him "daddy I want a Barbie Melt Down!" I don't know why, but that still makes me laugh so I had to share!

She is trying out new words lately. Almost everything she says starts with "well actually." The other day she walked up to me and said "well this is awkward! My drawer won't open!" I was like wow, that is awkward! She's so funny. She keeps me laughing all of the time. She's in a very loving and obedient stage right now. If I tell her "no" she immediately says "O-Kay Mom." It's wonderful. I wonder how long it will last, but for now I'm lovin it!

2008-03-02T17:34:00.001-08:00

I betcha can't guess who helped Maycie build this igloo!!!!

So Busted!

2008-02-29T07:12:00.001-08:00

Toby isn't supposed to come in the house, but when he sneaks in Averie makes him pay for it! She loves her "Ki Ki Ki". She always yells at him "No no no Ki." Poor Tobes!
This kid can destroy a whole house in a matter of seconds! She is ALWAYS under the kitchen sink. I have found my car keys in there, old sippy cups, toys, hair brushes, etc. basically if we can't find something we look under the sink first.

My Dream Vacation

2008-02-28T09:19:00.000-08:00

Our Cruise to Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize, and Isla Roatan. Nine days of Paradise!
Here we are in Belize at the Altun Ha Mayan ruins. This was so fascinating! The earliest evidence of settlement here dates to 200 B.C.
Vegas on a boat!
Grand Cayman, Seven Mile Beach
Here is a private beach in Roatan, Honduras (where they film the Corona commercials). The only way to describe it is......PARADISE!

Aren't we so cute all dressed up? When my mom came to watch our kids (right before we left) she had this dress on. I said "hey that's pretty fancy maybe I should take that for formal night." She literally ripped it off her body and I through it in my suit case. It was a little snug (and old lady) but it did the trick. What a mom! Isn't Paul smokin hot in his suit?

We drove this Beach Buggy across the whole island of Cozumel. Then, we went snorkeling and then drove back. It took me a LONG time to get a brush through my hair again and the salt water mixed with the wind makes it especially nasty! So worth the damage! We had so much fun this day.