IRREPLACEABLE

Once Upon A Time....

2011-03-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, there was a neglected blog and a neglected camera. Before a quick trip to California, 6 months of pictures were discovered. Here are a few that I found...

Once upon a time, it was still warm...warm enough to go to the zoo!

And once upon a time (when it was still warm), a sweet baby boy named Jack was born who changed our lives forever...Once upon a time there were field trips to fun places like the pumpkin patch!

Once upon a time, we were late to the field trip, and mommy had to console a sad 4-year old boy as we drove up and watched his class driving by on a hay ride. "Driving" a tractor did the trick!Once upon a time there was a Halloween parade!And trick-or-treating at Primary Children's Medical Center!Once upon a time, a boy named Joe missed his wife who spent every extra hour with her sister at PCMC, so he whisked her off on a quick Vegas get-away. Phantom of the Opera and a few full nights of sleep were all she needed before heading back to reality!Once upon a time, we celebrated Thanksgiving at the hospital with Baby Jack. It was the best Thanksgiving EVER! And we decided to make the Festival of Trees a new Christmas tradition!Once upon a time, there was Christmas morning. Somehow Santa actually came! There was a rocking horse, a firetruck, and lots of wrapping paper!

Once upon a time, my angel baby girl turned 3! And once upon a time, I ruined the princess cake I'd planned and had to go with the WinCo plan B version for the party!Once upon a time, we went to Build-A-Bear for the 3rd birthday celebration and woke up at 2 in the morning to a boy and girl who just couldn't wait a few more hours to play with their bear creations!

Once upon a time, Lily was big enough to sit up in the bathtup! Somehow I blinked, and she was 8-months old and crawling!

Once upon a time, we were living, but not blogging... someday I'll catch up! To be continued...

Sunflowers, Blue Skies, and Gratitude for my Little Ones!

2010-09-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

Last week, Kandis called to tell me that she was heading over to a pretty sunflower field by her house to take pictures of her kids if I wanted to tag along. We'd spent the morning on a field trip at Wheeler Farm, but I decided that naps are overrated...so we headed over! The kids were tired, but they had fun playing in the dirt and occasionally glancing at the camera! Poor Lily is starting to get used to being dragged all over the place. She definitely sleeps better in the car seat than in her own bed! And I kind of like her cute-tired-sad face. Love this baby!And I can't say enough how much I ADORE my little 2-year old girl. She's sassy, she's a terror, she screams louder than anyone I've ever met, but I just can't get enough of her. Super shy, super smart, super grown up, super sensitive, super girly, and super cute. I feel like I'm watching myself grow up...she's the middle child! I've loved every phase of her life, and I especially love her right now. Her cute, raspy voice always turns heads. She sounds like a cartoon character, but talks like an adult! A few weeks ago at a family reunion, she came within feet of being smashed by a car in the parking lot, and I'm so grateful that in this great big world, Heavenly Father was even watching over my little Avery! Another car turned into the parking lot at just the right moment, saw what was about to happen, and honked to alert the driver (when screams and yells from outside the car weren't heard). Coincidence? I don't think so...someone knows that I probably couldn't handle losing this... I LOVE my Avery!
And though they fight like crazy, they adore each other. Parker and Avery play all day long, which has made the transition to having three SO MUCH EASIER! I'm so glad Avery has Parker to watch out for her!And my little Parker is so grown up! He has so much excitement for life. He wakes up happy every morning, and can't wait to find out what's going to happen next! I love seeing how his little brain is starting to process so much grown up information! He's in preschool 3 times a week now, including one day of tumbling. He's my little social butterfly, and isn't afraid of making new friends, or entering new situations. I'm so proud of how much he's grown up, what a great big brother he is, and how he really cares about making his mom and dad happy. If I'd known how hard being a parent would be, I think I would've decided against it. But I'm glad I didn't know, because I can't imagine life without my little buddy or his little sister followers! Thanks Kandis, for the fun afternoon, and the amazing pictures that helped me remember how blessed I am to be a mom!

Summer Adventures with Baby Lily et. al

2010-08-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

Lily is officially two months old! I can't believe it! And for the record...she's definitely not starving! The girl is in the 97th percentile for weight, height, and head circumfrence! Way to go, Lily. I started wondering how time has gone SO FAST, and then I realized that I haven't let time slow down...we've stayed busy all summer. Lily's been a little trooper going along with our crazy adventures!

First, she was born...Then she was welcomed home... (Thanks, Evelyn for the signs! I was sad when we finally took them down!) She's had lots of visitors...
And has made lots of visits...
As a one-week-old baby, she celebrated the 4th of July at a big fireworks show!
And a pool party with visiting cousins!A week later, she went on a Girl's Night Out to see Eclipse!
As a two-week-old, Lily didn't want to miss an outing to Utah Lake...Lily's been so busy, even Avery's worn out!

But exhaustion hasn't stopped Lily from running with mommy (and daddy) in her first post-baby 5K, or watching Parker run in a kid race...Lily's been all smiles...She loved having more visits from Grandpa and Nannu. After Michael's graduation, she even "helped" load the moving truck so he and Anne could move to San Antonio...She rode the tram at Snow Bird, and patiently posed for family pictures... She planned matching outfits with Maizie...
And looked forward to visits from Alli and other far-away cousins...

She borrowed Avery's sunglasses...she already can't wait to wear her older sister's things...She went to a "Princess and the Frog" birthday party...And even spent a full day at Lagoon (but refused to wear the matching green shirt...she claims that pink is more her color)...I thought having a baby in June would ruin my summer, but Lily's made it even better! She's had to endure thousands of kisses...thanks for the amazing summer, Baby Lily! Maybe it's time to stay home so you'll stop growing so fast!

The BIG 3-0!

2010-08-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

I have to be honest. I was a little bit worried about my birthday this year. Having a new baby, and turning 30 a month later put me into a pre-mid-life crisis. (I handle this sort of crisis by chopping 8 inches off my hair!) Luckily I have lots of people who care about me and made sure my birthday wasn't crappy! I woke up Sunday morning to a surprise breakfast on the porch that my friend Aubrey had left. Then Joe made me cry when he came home early from all of his Sunday morning meetings. Then Evelyn brought me a new plant for our house, and an awesome new homemade nursing cover! My parents made a big deal out of my birthday and sent me an awesome package, and Michael and Anne sent me this book to show their support of my weird eating lifestyle. By mid-morning, I was not longer worried about having a crappy birthday. I just thought I would cry all day long because my family and friends were so thoughtful and sweet!

Luckily my cute husband knows that I think birthdays are supposed to be a big deal, so he went all out and planned a SSSSSURPRISE party! (Which really would have been a surprise if Parker hadn't whispered to me at least 10 times how much I was going to love the cake they got me!) All of my friends and family who were in on the secret probably laughed all week when they talked to me because I complained about how crappy my birthday was going to be. Little did I know, this little invite that Devon made for Joe was floating around the internet... We showed up at Joe's parent's house for "cake and ice cream" on the evening of my birthday, and I felt so loved when I saw this...(Happy Birt-day to me!)Joe knows I want to go to Hawaii, so he did the NEXT best thing...he threw me a Hawaiian Luau party with a peanut butter and chocolate ice cream cake from Leatherby's. (And a strawberry ice cream cake, and a Costco cake...just in case there wasn't enough!)I had such a great time seeing so many familiar faces. There were Avery faces...And Lily faces... (and somewhere Parker faces...)

There were awesome-in-law faces...and college faces...
There were singing group faces...And friendly neighbor faces...There were pregnant-and-due-any-second faces...And Finnish faces...There were California faces...

and one happy, loved 30-year old face! (Yes...mine!) Thanks everyone for making turning "old" not feel so bad! (And thanks to Kandis for taking all of the pictures! You forgot to take one of yourself! She fit into the "pregnant-and-due-any-second" category! Welcome to Kandis' Baby Will, and Heidi's Baby Addison! Now Lily has friends!)

Lily Jo...What A Blessing!

2010-08-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

As the third child, Lily hasn't had many opportunities to be the center of attention. On August 15th, however, that all changed. The day was ALL ABOUT LILY! She was thrilled! Grandma Cathy made her a GORGEOUS dress for the occasion. She looked like a princess, and she knew it...she was all smiles!

We were supposed to be posing for family pictures with our little princess, but couldn't resist kissing those cute chubby cheeks. Yummy!

We felt so blessed to be surrounded by so many of our family and friends on Lily's special day.

She's only two months old, but I already can't imagine life without her.

Lily's completely spoiled. And if she keeps being as good as she's been for me, I'll keep spoiling her! From my experience, being spoiled comes with the territory of being the third child. Right, Michael? I guess I wouldn't have it any other way! We love you, Baby Lily!

Angel Lily...

2010-07-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

The week I was due with Lily was anything but relaxing! I really wanted to go into labor on my own, but as my due date came and passed, I was almost convinced it would never happen.

(Due date) June 22nd: Spin Class at the gym, walk 2 miles

June 23rd: SET class (Strength Endurance Training), walk 2 miles, have Marci and Marcus over to build shelves in all of our closets.

June 24th: Caulk and paint shelves ALL. DAY. LONG. House is in shambles, so I decide that not going into labor is a very good thing!

June 25th: Put closets back together, clean entire house, do laundry. Okay...NOW I can go into labor!

June 26th: Go see Toy Story 3 (which made me cry, by the way...), go to Family Reunion, relax! Induction scheduled for tomorrow morning at 8:30 am. Drop kids off at Joe's parents' house for the night.

June 27th: Wake up at 1:30 am to go to the bathroom. Try to go back to sleep (after opening dishwasher to make sure dishes are dry enough to put away in the morning), and realize that I'm having intense contractions every 6 minutes. Try to convince husband that I'm serious as he tries to convince me that it's just anxiety! Leave the house at 2:30 am, get checked into room at 3 am. Tell the nurse that I'm not getting an epidural. Change my mind after she tells me I'm a 4 as I listen to my sleepy husband trying to coach me on how to breathe. Get an epidural, then immediately feel pressure. Had I known I was already a 9, I would have held off on the pain meds! Feel ready to push at 4 am, wait 15 minutes for the doctor to arrive, push 5 times, then meet baby Lily at 4:42 am! Going into labor on my own is the way to go! From the time I woke up, I only had to wait 3 hours to meet this angel baby...

Devon took the sweetest pics of Baby Lily! I couldn't wait for his editing to share some...who needs editing when you're this cute? I didn't know whether I could love Baby #3 as much as the other 2, but Lily came into the world, and my heart definitely expanded. She's only a week and a half old, but I'm hanging onto every newborn minute...and Lily's patiently surviving the billions of kisses we give her every waking (and sleeping) moment. We love you, Lily Jo! Welcome to the crazy world!

Lily Jo Is Here!

2010-06-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

Lily joined our family at 4:42 this morning, weighing in at 8 lbs 13 oz and 20.5 inches. Dad is doing great (mom and baby aren't doing bad, either). Parker and Avery are beside themselves over the new arrival! More details and pictures to come (once the true blogger returns).

Pre-Baby Thoughts

2010-06-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

I am due with Baby #3 in a week! I don't know where time has gone. I know I'm going to love and adore this baby girl sooner than I realize, but for the next few hours/days/weeks before she makes her grand entrance into this crazy world we call home, I'm hanging on to the time I have left as a mama of two.

I'm not sure why we have to throw another one into the mix just when life is getting a bit easier, but that's the way it goes. At least I can say (before I turn into the emotional-sleep-deprived-new-mama-version-of-ME), that I really am enjoying my kids!

Parker has become my little buddy. He's definitely left his baby self in the dust as he's matured into a pre-school kid. I watch him ride his bike, dial numbers on the phone, sound out letters, write his name, play with friends, listen to a coach, and even bare his testimony, and wonder how he went from being my baby to this. I look at pictures of my cute baby Parker and miss that phase that went as quickly as everyone said it would. But I love the sweet, smart, fun boy he's becoming. He comforts me when I'm sad, takes care of his sister when she's upset, buckles himself into his carseat, tells me when I need to stop at red lights, reminds me that I shouldn't talk on the phone while driving, and does everything I would expect a firstborn to do. I'm sad to see little Parkercito getting so big, but love experiencing life through his eyes right along with him. He's our little social butterfly. He'll talk to anyone, makes friends with everyone, and can't wait to take care of his new baby sister! This time around, I'm so grateful to have Parker to help me out! He LOVES babies, and prays for his new sister every day!

Even harder to believe is just how grown up my little Avery is. She's insistent that she's NOT a baby, but still loves to be held, carried, and pampered. At home, she NEVER stops talking. If we aren't listening, she gets upset and says, "LISTEN to me!" I'm amazed at how quickly she changed from being my baby to being my big girl. I look at this girl every day and count my blessings that I can call her mine. She's a peacemaker, and will do just about anything to keep her older brother happy. She potty-trained herself at 2. She eats anything I put on her plate. She is the perfect child.

Avery's painfully shy around strangers. A few days ago, she was sitting in the shopping cart when a man approached her and said, "Hey there, cutie!" She started crying hysterically as she tried to climb out of the cart and into my arms. She was terrified! I didn't mind the chance to hold and comfort my sweet girl. I feel especially close to Avery because I was also the second-born-middle-child. Pretty soon she won't be my baby anymore! But she's a fighter, and has what it takes to establish her place in this world!

Thinking about having another baby makes me feel as if life as I know it is coming to an end. It's definitely the end of a chapter in my life. I've really loved being the mommy of two. I'm not sure how I'll survive a third. But I'm excited to feel my heart expand as I make room for one more. Ready or not, here she comes! I'm crossing my fingers (and legs) that she waits until next week, though...Joe's running a relay race this weekend, and his family might disown me if I go into labor and cause their team to run with one less runner!

Parker's Preschool Graduation (part 1)

2010-05-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

Hopefully he "graduates" again next year when it counts! We're proud of you, buddy!

Parker turns 4!

2010-05-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

When Parker turned ONE, I unknowingly started the tradition of making "cool" cakes for birthdays. Here's a quick re-cap...

Parker's 1st cake: The choo-choo train. Not bad, eh? The next year, Parker turned TWO with a sandcastle cake. No disasters.
Avery turned ONE with a princess crown cake.

Parker turned THREE with a race track cake. (His third birthday also marked the beginning of his annual birthday race).
Avery turned TWO with a piggy cake!

When Parker and I looked online for cake-spiration this year, we found this Motocross Mountain Climb Cake. He loved it, it fit the race theme, didn't look too hard, so I decided to make it. Last Friday, I baked 4 round cakes, got them stacked in mountain form, was talking on the phone, and watched in horror as the beautiful layers crumbled. I cried as I tried to salvage the mess. Then I ate a few handfuls of cake to make myself feel better before taking a picture.
Joe got home from work, and I informed him that we were going to buy a dang cake. He couldn't believe I was going to break tradition, and encouraged me to start again. Not wanting to disappoint my 4-year old (and apparently husband who I didn't realize was so attached to my homemade cakes), I started again. I baked the layers, sliced off the tops so they would be perfectly flat and therefore wouldn't crumble, froze the layers for easier frosting, and went to bed.

I woke up early to finish the mess before Parker's soccer game. We got home, and I hoped my eyes were deceiving me...the cake seemed to be sliding. I hurried and took a picture of the cake with Parker just in case, and wished we'd planned the event for just a few hours sooner.

As we drove to the park, I tried to keep the cake from crumbling, but it just wasn't meant to be. Here's the version our guests saw...

At least it still tasted good, and I didn't feel guilty dumping all of the remnants in the garbage before going home!

Parker got a "big boy bike" for his birthday.

He couldn't wait to try it out for the race...

Of course Parker was mad that he didn't win...Jacob won on foot! But all the kids loved their medals, juice boxes, and bananas at the end. Overall, the last-minute thrown together party was a success! I think we'll stick with the race tradition, but maybe I should re-think the cake one!?!?

Happy birthday, Parkercito! I can't believe you're FOUR! Here are some fun facts about my favorite little boy...who has really grown up this year! I love you, buddy!

NAME: Parker

AGE: 4

FAVORITE COLORS: Blue and Green

FAVORITE SONG: Break Your Heart (Taio Cruz), Hallelujah (Rufus Wainwright)--from Shrek, Take Your Hat Off When the Flag Goes By (Brite Music), Scripture Scouts

FAVORITE MOVIES: Up, Spiderman, Star Wars

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: Word World, Dora

FAVORITE FOOD: Pizza, smoothies, grilled cheese

BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Learning to write his name, being FINALLY potty trained (after 1 1/2 years of trying...), learning to call ELMO on the phone

FAVORITE TOY: Spiderman toys

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Riding his bike, playing with Avery, playing games on the computer, running, playing soccer, going to preschool, coloring, wrestling

TALENTS: Singing, being friends with EVERYONE, lego creations, making us laugh every day

MOST ENDEARING QUALITY: enthusiasm for life

GOALS FOR NEXT YEAR: Be a good big brother to his two little sisters, and help mommy accept the fact that kindergarten is just around the corner!

Life in Pictures

2010-04-11T20:59:00.000-07:00

I have GOT to start blogging on this blog again! Those of you who don't read FitMePink probably don't even know that I'm 30 weeks pregnant with another little girl! One of these days, I'll catch up! Actually, this might be as good as it's going to get for now... After a quick scan of the never-posted pictures on the computer, here are a few highlights:

First, Michael married Anne last August! My kids are absolutely smitten. I love seeing my baby brother so happy, and I love seeing my kids play with their fun aunt and uncle. (They're still fun because they don't have kids yet! I lost all of my fun-aunt-energy 4 years ago when Parker was born!)

Next, while trying to make these adorable TeePee cupcakes created by my cousin Christie (yes, waaaaay back at Thanksgiving), I nearly burned the house down with my culinary disaster! It wasn't pretty, but I finally figured it out several batches later!

We've played dress-up with cousins (just don't tell Marcus and Joe)! This could be blackmail in a few years!We've had visits from friends! (And yes...some things NEVER change!)We went on a kid-free FREE trip to California and Disneyland. Our FREE hotel room was the CRAPPIEST hotel we've EVER stayed at, but HEY...it was FREE! We had a blast!We had Easter! (And dyed our new clothes and kitchen table in the process!)And finally, undocumented....I officially have ZERO kids in diapers! (Until June, anyway!) I was VERY reluctant to give into Avery's non-stop requests to use the potty, because potty-training Parker has been nothing less than traumatic, but she did it on her own! She hasn't had a single accident since the day she refused to wear a diaper a week ago after receiving big-girl panties in her Easter basket (which, sadly, is still more than I can say for sweet Parker). So YAY for AVERY!

What have YOU been up to?

After a THREE month break, I'm back! Happy Birthday Avery!

2010-02-02T13:43:00.000-08:00

Name: Avery

Age: 2

Favorite Color: Peent (pink)

Favorite Song: Follow da Poffet (all NINE verses)

Favorite Activities: Dancing, running, jumping, singing, laughing, mothering her babies, reading stories, playing with water, loading toys in every random bag in the house, making smoothies, "helping" mommy, dressing herself.
Favorite Phrase: NO, let me!

Celebrity Look-a-like: Animal (especially with her Rock Star hair every morning)
Favorite Playmate: Parker
Favorite Accessory: ShoesWinning features: Big smile, chubby cheeks, bright blue eyes, dimple in chinWon't go ANYWHERE without: This silly, nasty, hair-collecting "piggy" pen topper. She sleeps with it, carries it in her purse, bathes with it, you name it.Biggest Accomplishments: Speaking in full sentences, almost potty-training herself, learning the words to all of her favorite songs, and somehow managing to keep us all smiling even when she finds "long-lasting lip color" in mommy's purse, and gets it all over herself, and Nannu's carpet on Christmas night!Favorite Snack: Gum (which she actually keeps in her mouth)

New Favorite Dessert: PIGGY cake (what would her birthday be without a cake to match her favorite toy?)
HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY, Little Miss Piggy! Sweet little Avery, we can't believe you're already TWO!!! We've truly enjoyed EVERY stage with you so far, and can't wait to experience more of the joy one little girl can bring. Just STOP GROWING!!!!

SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-09T20:29:00.000-08:00

If you're going to plan a SURPRISE 30th birthday party for your husband and his best friend, do the following:

1. Dig out the old yearbooks and wish that your Senior picture was half as cute! 2. Keep the SURPRISE element alive until an hour before when your husband's brilliant co-worker calls him to find out more about COLBY'S surprise party. Use all your inner strength not to rip the phone out of your husband's hand to tell the actually-cool-but-recently-named-an-idiot friend thanks for ruining the surprise...that's right, it's for JOE too! Ignore your husband for the next hour as you watch him watching the clock, obviously totally aware now of the importance of arriving to the destination "on time."

3. Put on a happy face upon arrival, and decide that the party will go on, surprise or not!

4. Enjoy the many faces of Joe as he enjoys the spotlight for the night! (Especially the "surprised" face).
5. Be THRILLED that Colby actually is completely surprised! (Especially since moments after it was ruined for Joe, I called Kandis who was in the car with Colby for the surprise-ruiner's phone number. I did call him...tried to be nice...not sure it worked...but we're still friends). Kandis played it off well, even though I was almost another surprise ruiner!!!! Colby had NO IDEA!6. Laugh at the un-planned BYU vs. UTAH attire.

7. Eat some delicious toilet and T.P. adorned cake in honor of the "old farts!"
8. Be grateful for supportive friends and family...yes, even the surprise-ruiner...makes for a better story, no?
9. Enjoy some serious talent from our niece and nephews Sadie, Ethan, and Spencer. I'm pretty sure I could never draw like this:

10. Start saving money in Joe's newest piggy bank from Matt and Erin (for all his failing assets!)

11. Enjoy the next nine months in your TWENTIES!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COLBY AND JOE!!!

Oompa Loompa Doompety Doo

2009-11-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

Oompa Loompa doompety doo
I've got a perfect puzzle for you
Oompa Loompa doompety dee
If you are wise you'll listen to me

What do you get when you guzzle down sweets
Eating as much as an elephant eats
What are you at, getting terribly fat
What do you think will come of that?
I don't like the look of it

Oompa Loompa doompety da
If you're not greedy, you will go far
You will live in happiness too
Like the Oompa Loompa doompety do
Doompety do

Oompa Loompa doompety doo
I've got another puzzle for you
Oompa Loompa doompedah dee
If you are wise you'll listen to me

Gum chewing's fine when it's once in a while
It stops you from smoking and brightens your smile
But it's repulsive, revolting and wrong
Chewing and chewing all day long
The way that a cow does

Oompa Loompa doompety da
Given good manners you will go far
You will live in happiness too
Like the Oompa Loompa doompety do

Oompa Loompa doompety doo
I've got another puzzle for you
Oompa Loompa doompety dee
If you are wise you'll listen to me

Who do you blame when your kid is a brat
Pampered and spoiled like a siamese cat
Blaming the kids is a lie and a shame
You know exactly who's to blame
The mother and the father

Oompa Loompa doompety da
If you're not spoiled then you will go far
You will live in happiness too
Like the Oompa Loompa doompety do

Oompa Loompa doompety doo
I've got another puzzle for you
Oompa Loompa doompedah dee
If you are wise you'll listen to me

What do you get from a glut of TV
A pain in the neck and an IQ of three
Why don't you try simply reading a book
Or could you just not bear to look
You'll get no
You'll get no
You'll get no
You'll get no
You'll get no commercials

Oompa Loompa doompety da
If you like reading you will go far
You will live in happiness too
Like the - Oompa -Oompa Loompa doompety do

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOE!!!!!!!

2009-10-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to...

The one who makes me laugh, The one who makes me run,
And the one who stole my heart!

Happy 30th Birthday, Joe! I love you!!! (Even if you are getting old.....)

Album Review: Harry Connick Jr. Your Songs

2009-10-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

When the One2One Network gave me the chance to review Harry Connick Jr.'s new album, Your Songs, I jumped at the chance! I grew up listening to the music of this amazing singer, actor, composer, husband, and father. Your Songs was definitely different than his previous works, but I actually enjoyed it.

On his new album, Harry performs classic songs by some of the greats, along with a full jazz big band and string orchestra! I loved that I already knew most of the songs on the album. I wouldn't say they're my FAVORITE songs of all time, but if I happen to be listening to FM 100 (which is pretty much...never...except maybe on Sundays) and they come on, I'll most likely sing along.

Here's the Album Tracklisting (Originally performed by):

All The Way (Frank Sinatra)
Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley)
And I Love Her (The Beatles)
(They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters)
Besame Mucho
The Way You Look Tonight
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)
Your Song (Elton John)
Some Enchanted Evening
And I Love You So (Don McLean)
Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett)
Smile (Charlie Chaplin)
Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)

I probably wouldn't have bought the album if I hadn't received it for free, but it makes good background music. Definitely not workout worthy, and probably not good driving music (unless I'm in the passenger seat and ready for a good nap), but I can see myself turning it on quietly as background music at a dinner party.

For more info. on Harry's new album, check this out. Or find him on facebook.

Album Review: Joshua Bell at home with friends

2009-10-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

When the One2One Network asked me to review Joshua Bell's new album, At Home With Friends, I hesitantly said yes. I love beautiful music, and yes...there's even a time and place for beautiful classical music. And maybe in the chaos of motherhood, I could use more. My children could definitely use more. When I got the CD in the mail, Parker was thrilled. He dragged his boom box into the kitchen, and I decided there was no time like the present to get a taste for the music of this very accomplished violinist. While the CD wouldn't normally be their first choice, the kids actually loved it. They stomped and pranced around the house to the soothing tunes.

The playlist looks like this:

I Loves You Porgy featuring Chris Botti, trumpet
Come Again featuring Sting, vocals
Oblivion featuring Carel Kraayenhof, bandoneon
Cinema Paradiso featuring Josh Groban, vocals
Para Tí featuring Tiempo Libre, various
My Funny Valentine featuring Kristin Chenoweth, vocals
Maybe So featuring Edgar Meyer Sam Bush and Mike Marshall, strings
Grieg: Sonata No. 3 featuring Sergei Rachmaninoff (Zenph re-performance)
Eleanor Rigby featuring Frankie Moreno, piano & vocals
O, Cease Thy Maiden Fair featuring Nathan Gunn, baritone
Il Postino featuring Carel Kraayenhof, bandoneon
Left Hand Song featuring Regina Spektor, piano & vocals
Chovendo Na Roseira featuring Dave Grusin, piano
Look Away featuring Edgar Meyer, bass and Chris Thile, mandolin
Variant Moods: Duet for Sitar & Violin featuring Anoushka Shankar, sitar
I’ll Take Manhattan featuring Marvin Hamlisch, piano
Left Hand featuring Regina Spektor, vocals

Impressive list of friends and musicians, no? And actually, it wasn't as classical as I thought. There was a great mix of genres and styles. So...while I probably wouldn't personally go out and buy this album tomorrow, if you love any of the featured artists, or love the violin, it's a good one.

Here's his website. Or become a fan on facebook.

Month In Review

2009-10-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

If I had updated my blog last month, I would've told you that Avery is the cutest, sweetest, funniest 20-month old I know. I would tell you that I can't get enough of her kisses, her songs, her dances, and her sassy personality. I LOVE this girl.

I also would've mentioned that she and Parker are still partners in crime. Don't leave your kids on the bathroom counter unless you want to clean up a soapy-all-over-the-bathroom mess when you wonder why they're being so quiet!

If I had blogged last month, I definitely would've mentioned the Utah State Fair. The Burnzies invited us to go, and we had a blast (minus Avery's fat lip from a stroller-pushing face plant, and my wasted money trying to climb the impossible ladder!)

I also would've mentioned the beauty of going to the park in the fall!

I probably would've talked all about our fun trip to Lagoon's Frightmares! It was the funnest family day this year. I thought we would last at the park for maybe a few hours. We stayed for nine! Parker liked the rides much more than last year. And Avery loved them right along with him!If I'd blogged in the last month, I definitely would've told you about the Ragnar Relay in Las Vegas. I got to run, eat, and drive 178 sleepless miles with some of my favorite people in the world (minus my 2 favorite munchkins...now that made for a good weekend!) My heart still aches, however, by the death of fellow runner, Jeremy Kunz . I would've had (and still may have) LOTS more to say about that!But since I haven't blogged for over a month, I guess this will have to do! Until next time...

Parker and Avery: Partners in Crime

2009-09-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

If I could choose a single moment in time to which I'd like to return, it would be somewhere in July 2009. Yes...I would definitely go back in time TWO months. You see, my angel baby was still my angel baby. She was only 17-months old. What a difference a month makes! She hit the 18-month mark, and something in her brain flipped. Why be an innocent observer to the daily commotion in the house when you can be an active instigator and participant! Parker has been slowly teaching her the ropes, and sometime in the last few months, Avery caught on. She can no longer be a time-out observer. She's officially the time-out queen!Don't get me wrong, Parker's definitely still the king of all kings and queens when it comes to time-out. More minutes are spent in the naughty corner these days than either of us would like to admit. But Parker's slowly trying to make the transition from "baby" to "big boy." In July, we had a "Bye Bye Diapers" party. We made up lyrics to "Bye Bye Birdie," made a cake, and watched as he ceremoniously removed the last diaper that will ever touch his bum.

The next step to becoming a Big Boy was starting preschool! So far he loves it! I especially love the new blackmail verbiage in our house..."Big Boys who go to preschool eat all of their vegetables." "Big Boys who go to preschool don't whine and cry about every dang thing." "Big Boys who go to preschool are nice to their little sisters." Blackmail totally works...he's devastated just at the thought of not being a Big Boy, or not getting to go to preschool.In order to be a Big Boy, Parker's spending his spare time teaching Avery the ropes. He's passing on all of his moves...(and let me tell you...his moves are good...) (Ignore the "water" on the front of his pants...I don't think that's water, buddy)Wherever we go, Avery is no longer content to sit in a stroller and watch the action happen. She has to be in on the action. Wheeler Farm is no exception. Watch out cow poop, Avery's coming through!Parker's also teaching Avery to eat her vegetables...and to prove she's eaten them by showing us her green-filled mouth! Nice manners...Parker's taught Avery that she should be the one in charge of what she wears each day, not Mom. Each outfit should include someone in the family's swimsuit. Shorts on the head are always an option.And as much as I'd like to believe that he had nothing to do with my couches being covered with Avery's marker-drawings TWICE in one week, I'm not sure I believe him. How could my precious Angel Baby do something like that? Oh yeah...she's moved on from that angelic phase. She prefers the partner-in-crime title. This girl's gonna seriously give us a run for our money!

And if you need a translation to her cute language, here are a few Avery-isms. This girl does not stop talking!

SHIPPOOT--swimsuit

LOWN--lay down

I LULLOO!--i love you

PAWTER--parker

PAFF--bath

WADA ON--turn the water on

CHEW ME--excuse me (when she or anyone else burps...including Shrek during the movie)

BESS YOU--bless you

I DO IT!!!!--stop helping me! i'll do it!

MINE!!!

HANN--hand (as in--stop carrying me...put me down and hold my hand)

MY SHEET--my seat

SUH-SHINE--(don't sing twinkle twinkle, sing you are my sunshine!)

MY PHONE!

FROGGG--frog (heavy emphasis on the G)

FWY--there's a fly!

DAMMA B--grandma b

NANNU--call nannu

DAPPAW--grandpa

I NONNEE--i'm naughty

POTTY--i want to go potty!

ELMO ON--i want to wear parker's elmo underwear

TEEN-TEE BUM?--stinky bum?

CHANGE A BUMMIE?--change my bummie?

NO DAMMIES--i don't want to wear jammies!

I TUM!--don't leave me...i'm coming!

I LIGHT A MATO--i like tomatoes

TOY-LETT--toilet

FUSH IT--flush it

NONNEE DURL--naughty girl

Letter to Parker in the Year 2020

2009-09-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Dearest Parker,

You have just reached the glorious age of 14. Yes, you've reached this wonderfully awful age when you're too young to drive and date, but too old to be seen in public with your (still 28-year-old) parents.

If you're anything like your (once 14-year-old-with-no-concept-of-frugality) mother, you have an unfortunate taste for expensive clothes. You can't stand the thought of being seen in the same clothes you wore last week. Hopefully you're more like your dad--great taste, but you realize that the number of times a shirt's been worn doesn't determine whether or not it's still a good shirt.

I assume you're still as social as ever. Starting when you were born, you lived for the next party or social gathering. If I told you "no" because I didn't want to spend the money, you'd whip out your penny-filled money jar as the solution to every problem. By now you probably realize that the 200 or so pennies won't actually get you very far. That's right, the fun activities you long to participate in cost money. The clothes you HAVE to have cost money.

Let me take you back to your 3-year old days. The FUNNEST days in the world were the days when I LET you help me clean. Pouring COMET in the bathtub brought exclamations of sheer joy. Actually getting to help scrub and rinse the tub was even better. And what could beat dumping a teaspoon of baking powder into the cookie dough mixture? You were quite the helper. Do you remember the first time I let you help me mop the tile floor? I cringed as you left puddles of icky water all over the floor, but to you it was THE. BEST. DAY. EVER.

So sweet little teenage Parkercito, get that grumpy look off your face, and get to work. If you want my money, you're gonna have to work for it. And no, that REALLY FUN MOPPING EXPERIENCE 11 years ago doesn't count. You were sure cute, though.

Love you,
Mom

If The Shoe Doesn't Fit....

2009-09-07T21:16:00.000-07:00

Wear it anyway!

Fishing, Hiking, and Jet Ski's, Oh My!

2009-08-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

After Michael and Anne's wedding, we decided that they shouldn't be the only ones who got to go on a little vacation. The rest of the family needed a week off to recover. I mean, being the groom's sister is a lot of work, after all! (Any excuse for a vacation, right?!) We got to stay in a house big enough for all eleven of us in Midway, UT. With the few pictures I actually took, I'll let you in on some highlights...

Fishing with Grandpa at Jordanelle Reservoir...the fish weren't very hungry the first day. Parker reeled in his Sponge Bob fishing pole every 3 seconds just to make sure.
But at least one fish was hungry later that night in the pond by the house...and the Sponge Bob fishing pole caught him! Parker couldn't sleep all night because he was worried that his fish was in his room "wiggling." A poor, dying fish was almost more than Parker could handle.
But that didn't stop him from going again. The next day, all the kids caught fish. We cooked all TEN for dinner! (They were yummy...but we had rotisserie chicken just in case!)
We saw Park City and the Wasatch Mountains from way up high on The Flight of The Canyons gondola ride.
We rented a jet ski at the windiest reservoir ever...Jordanelle! Luckily they let us come back another day after the weather turned for the worst on the first try. We tried to brave it out, but after Joe took me for a joy (death) ride through the choppy waves, I was done. Round 2 was much better...even Parker loved it! (But it didn't beat standing on the beach throwing rocks with Blake!)

We cried, we laughed, we played lots of "Heck, Fire and Darnation," we went on morning walks and bike rides, and we ended the week even more sleep deprived than when it began (darn kids who don't know the meaning of sleeping in!).
For me, the week was a solid reminder of just how much I love and need my family. My kids loved playing with their cousins and Grandpa and Nannu...and nothing made me happier than watching them play. (Too bad the newlyweds missed out and had to spend their time on a dang cruise!)

We love you guys! Come again soon!!!

Rock of Ages soundtrack review

2009-08-16T15:10:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I am a huge American Idol fan! After my personal crazy-audition experience, I've felt a certain connection with the show. As dorky as it sounds, it is my show. So when given the opportunity from the One2One Network to review the new Broadway musical starring American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis, I jumped at the chance. And I have to say...I was kind of disappointed. The music was fun. I enjoyed rocking out to the old school goodies, but the dialogue drove me crazy! Granted, the only time I really listen to music is either while working out, or while in the car with kids in tow. This time, I had the kids with me. While my 3-year old loved the LOUD music, I personally cringed whenever the music stopped. There were several conversations involving foul language, and topics definitely inappropriate for small ears. So I have to be honest...I would probably prefer an album with the songs from the musical without the added conversation. As much as I want to give a positive review (because of my love of all things American Idol), I can't. Don't buy it. But here's a list of the songs if you want a good mix without the junk:

Tracklisting
Just Like Paradise / Nothin' But A Good Time
Sister Christian
We Built This City / Too Much Time On My Hands
I Wanna Rock
We're Not Gonna Take It
Heaven/More Than Words / To Be With You
Waiting For A Girl Like You
Wanted Dead Or Alive
I Want To Know What Love Is
Cum On Feel The Noize / We're Not Gonna Take It (Reprise)
Harden My Heart / Shadows Of The Night
Here I Go Again
The Final Countdown
Any Way You Want It / I Wanna Rock (Reprise)
High Enough
I Hate Myself For Loving You / Heat Of The Moment
Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Can't Fight This Feeling
Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Oh Sherrie
The Search Is Over
Don't Stop Believin

Raubel Reunion 2009

2009-08-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

What seems like just a few years ago (in 1998), I graduated from High School. I moved to Utah to go to BYU. My sophomore year, I went on a little study abroad to the Dominican Republic. I'm pretty sure one of the reasons I was destined to go there was to meet Rachel and Aubrey who were also in the program. (Of course the reason wouldn't be to actually learn Spanish...pssssh...that's what college was for). I HAD to meet these girls. When we got home, I lived with Aubrey and Rachel and their other friend who would also become one of my best friends, Eleisha. And thus was the beginning of RAUBEL (Robyn, Rachel, Aubrey, and Eleisha...four names in one! Get it? Dorky? Fine.)

I must still like these girls, because THREE years ago, we chose to have a little reunion over the weekend of my 26th birthday. Two of us had teeny, nursing babies, but we didn't want to miss out on the fun. So we brought them along. We celebrated, and I left even more sleep deprived than when I'd arrived. This year, over the weekend of my 29th birthday, we had another reunion...this time in Vegas. And my present to myself was to LEAVE my children home! I couldn't miss out...friends like these are hard to come by. A weekend away with these girls was just what I needed!

We ate. We shopped. We laughed.

We ate some more, and laughed some more. (What's on your shirt, Rach?)

We sweat. We swam. (And no, Michael, I didn't come home with a spotted tan, thank you very much!)

We saw the latest Cirque du Soleil show, The Beatles LOVE show. We loved it!

Did I mention that we ate? My new favorite chips and salsa are in Vegas...at the Isla Mexican Kitchen at Treasure Island. My favorite birthday dessert continues to be at the Cheesecake Factory. We were even good girls, and went to church...only to find out that it was the Spanish branch! Fitting, since Spanish is sort of what brought us together in the first place. (Even Eleisha, although she doesn't speak it! Her and I wouldn't be friends if I didn't!)

Rachel is getting ready to move her little family to Australia. Here's hoping that our next reunion is somewhere down under!

Problem is, I may never again be able to bribe anyone to watch my kids. While we were gone, my sweet mother-in-law and hopefully-still-friend, Kandis watched my kids while Joe worked.

Kandis made it look like she had a fun day by taking these pictures in our backyard:

But what you don't see is that Avery actually threw up all day long, and Parker decided that he didn't want to poop in the potty anymore. Kandis is going straight to heaven!

Joe's weekend wasn't much better. So thanks to RAUBEL, Mom G., Kandis, and especially my amazing husband Joe for giving me the best birthday present ever...time for ME!

And after one day back...I'm ready for another vacation! (I know, poor me...)

Let's do it again soon, girls!

Not So Cool!

2009-07-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

Hi there, little blog. Have you missed me? Well, I'll be back soon. As soon as I can stand being inside during the heat of the day! You see, a few months ago, Joe signed us up for Rocky Mountain Power's coolkeeper program. In theory, it's a great idea. My experience so far? Not so "cool"! Is the $20 credit to our bill this fall, and the $25 amazon gift card worth living in an 85 degree home? Read what I think here!

5 Years and Counting!

2009-07-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

HOW 5 YEARS ADDS UP!

ONE beautiful wedding reception (plus+)

ONE bride (plus+)
ONE groom (plus+)

ONE honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico (plus+)
ONE apartment in Midvale, UT (plus+)
ONE trip to Guatemala (plus+)
ONE move to California (plus+)
TWO places of residence in CA (plus+)
ONE winning of the Showcase Showdown (plus+)
ONE move back to Utah (plus+)
ONE short-term-living-with-the-parents residence (plus+)
ONE home purchase (plus+)
ONE now 3-year-old beautiful baby boy (plus+)

ONE angelic 17-month old baby girl (plus+)

ONE amazing husband (plus+)

ONE happily satisfied wife (plus+)

FIVE years of anniversary fireworks (equals=)

THE best five years of my life! I love you, Joe!

And what would a tribute to the love of my life be without the lyrics to a cheesy country love song? Thank you Brad Paisley for this one...

I THOUGHT I LOVED YOU THEN

I remember trying not to stare the night that I first met you
You had me mesmerized
And 3 weeks later in the front porch light taking 45 minutes to kiss goodnight
I hadn’t told you yet...but I thought I loved you then

Now you’re my whole life now you’re my whole world
I just can’t believe the way I feel about you JOE
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than it’s ever been
We’ve come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then.
I remember taking you back to right where I first met you
You were so surprised
There were people around
But I didn’t care I got down on one knee right there
And once again I thought I loved you then

Now you’re my whole life now you’re my whole world
I just can’t believe the way I feel about you JOE
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than it’s ever been
We’ve come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then.
I can just see [me] with a baby on the way
I can just see you when your hair is turning gray
What I can’t see is how I’m ever gonna love you more
But I’ve said that before.

Now you’re my whole life now you’re my whole world
I just can’t believe the way I feel about you JOE
Well look back some day at this moment that we’re in
And I'll look at you and say and I thought I loved you then
And I thought I loved you then...

Living Not Blogging...

2009-07-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

So I guess I've been sort of absent from the blogging world. That's why I love summer...it's time to LIVE instead of just BLOG! Most of our pictures are on my brother's camera, but here's a preview of how we've been "living not blogging."

We've been looking at cool trains before watching mommy run in the Ogden 1/2 marathon...and not blogging.

We've been staining our hands, faces, clothes, and nostrils with popsicles...and not blogging.We've been running in special "Parker's 3rd Birthday Biathlons" and getting our own medals...and not blogging.
We've been fishing with daddy...and not blogging.

We've been happily splashing in the water...and not blogging.

We've been swimming like sharks...and not blogging.

We've been swimming like wannabe-swimmers...and not blogging.

We've been playing with friends...and not blogging. We've been running the Wasatch Back and Bear Lake Marathon...and blogging elsewhere.

We've been visiting the library to watch cool shows, but liking the fountains outside even better...and not blogging.
We've been jumping on trampolines (which mommy hates)...and not blogging.
We've been loving red wagons and cute cousins...and not blogging.

That's us. How have YOU been living and not blogging this summer? We've missed you!

Ode To My In-Laws!

2009-06-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

I've been married to my husband for almost 5 years. Before we started dating, a girl we both knew called Joe "the best kept secret in the ward." She had NO idea how right she was. She'd never met his parents. Honestly, if I'd met thousands of people who could possibly be my future in-law's, I would have chosen Cathy and Larry, hands down.

I often hear horror in-law stories, and sometimes wish I could add my $.02 (just because I like having something juicy to talk about), but I can't think of a single negative thing to say. My contribution to the horrible in-law conversation would be this: "My mother-in-law is awful, because when she watches my kids, she also cleans the stains out of all their clothes. Can you believe that?" Or about my father-in-law: "He provided the best living example to Joe of how to live within your means. I sure wish he'd encouraged debt a little more."

I can honestly attribute every good quality that Joe possesses to his parents--his parents that I am so thankful my kids get to call grandparents.

My father-in-law's birthday is today, and my mother-in-law's tomorrow. All they wanted for their joint birthdays was a day in the temple with the whole family. And while we all should have been responsible to make sure it happened, they were the ones arranging babysitters (or paying the babysitters we'd found), feeding all 18 of their grandchildren, and all 6 of their own children and spouses so that our pre-temple evening wouldn't be hectic. We should have been the ones feeding them!

I don't think a day in my MIL's life goes by that she doesn't happily give multiple acts of service. In addition to caring for her own elderly mother (which should really give her the right to say "no" to anything else requested of her), it's a rare day when she's not also tending multiple grandchildren, sewing blankets for premature babies, making dinner for someone who's sick, inviting someone else to dinner, etc. She's Wonder Woman multiplied by 10 million. She really does it all.

She has the amazing ability to see the good in all people, and all situations. But she's also really good at making those of us who sometimes like to complain--like me--feel validated. If she were normal, as in not-the-model-of-perfection that she is, she'd probably be thinking, "Girl, you have no idea what hard is...you only have two kids...I had six." But she sits and listens, and I guarantee that thought doesn't even cross her mind. Because of her ability to listen with love, my mother-in-law has become one of my closest confidants. I'm a lucky girl.

My father-in-law is just as incredible. He often claims that he's going to make it into heaven hanging on for dear life to his wife. But we all know that they will march together, side by side, equally worthy. I will forever be grateful to Joe's dad for the things he taught his children. He taught them self-reliance. He taught them hard work. He taught them service. He's one of the most talented men you'll ever meet, but unless you see him in action, you'd never know, because he's also one of the most humble. He won't boast of the homes he's built, the websites he's created, the cars he's fixed, the organ he plays, the Monopoly games he's won, or the service he's rendered. You just have to see it. If Joe has a project he's working on, his dad volunteers to help. If Joe needs advice, his dad has the right kind to offer. If we have a new game needing playing, he joins right in. Teenage-me would never have believed that my favorite people to hang out with are...parents!

So for your birthdays, Mom and Dad G, I hope you know how much we love you. I hope you know that I am watching everything you do, praying that just a little smidgen of goodness will rub off! When I married Joe, I had no idea I was landing myself on such an incredible goldmine. You were Joe's best kept secret! I love you! Happy Birthday!

P.S. I know Joe's parents will be horrified when they read this. They hate this kind of attention. But too bad. Some people are just too good to go un-recognized!

Cruise Photos

2009-06-09T21:15:00.000-07:00

I know I've taken WAY too long to stop already with sharing the details of our Cruise that ended a month ago today, BUT I just have to share a few more things.

We traveled with the travel gurus, Matt and Erin. And let me tell you, traveling with them is THE. WAY. TO. GO.

They research every aspect of every minute of the Cruise, sorting through the necessary information to help you plan the BEST trip ever.
They are easy-going, and not discouraged when their hours of planning are destroyed by a slight itinerary change. Stupid Swine Flu! Your well-planned Western Caribbean Cruise turning into a last minute Eastern Caribbean Cruise doesn't phase them.
They stay up all night researching the new ports!
When your husband would rather eat at the midnight buffet, your SIL Erin will dance with you!
Erin will also sing karaoke with you!
They are the only dinner mates who won't think you're crazy for ordering 5 different entrees. And appetizers. And desserts. Every night.
They will let you use their calling card to check on your babies.
They will make you laugh 'til you cry.
They will make you feel good about your scary Gloria Estefan karaoke performance.
They will bring along a really expensive camera, and send you the eleventy billion pictures!
A few of the pictures will look like this....

THE FOOD
THE BEACHES

THE FORMALS

THE STOMACH-ENLARGING FOOD

THE BEST TRIP EVER!!!

Thanks, Matt and Erin! We'll travel with you again anytime (even without the big, expensive camera!)

Joe's "Chicken" Karaoke

2009-05-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

I'm not the only one who sang Karaoke on our trip! First, Erin and I decided to do a little rendition of Tiffany's I Think We're Alone Now. We were pretty proud of ourselves in our matching black dresses......but we were put to shame by my cute husband. His "chicken" rendition of You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling won him lots of drunk friends. He proves that you can have fun without alcohol! We all vowed that "What happens on this ship, stays on this ship." But some vows were meant to be broken. (Although I'm pretty sure I'm not going to post my Gloria performance in video...come to my house if you want to see it!) Here's JOE! (Love you, babe!)

Let's Start at the Very Ending...A Very Good Place To Start!

2009-05-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

I promise not to bore you with every last detail of my Cruise--I still want friends when I'm done! But I couldn't go without blogging about one of the scariest, yet funnest moments of my life! (I wouldn't be me if I didn't find SOMETHING, even on vacation, to stress me out just a little bit.) I found it on the first night of Karaoke: auditions for the final big show of the week on the Carnival Glory...Carnival Legends! Auditions were being held that very night for none other than Gloria Estefan! I signed up. I sang. I sat down. I waited for someone else to audition. NO ONE DID! So, by default, I won the audition! So throughout the week, while others on the beach listened to their own music, I listened to a little mp3 version of Rhythm is Gonna Getcha to prepare for my big night!

So I never made it past the first round of American Idol auditions, but I had my shining moment on the big Carnival Glory stage. I actually had a blast and decided that I'd WAAAAY rather sing on a big stage with lights shining on my face, in front of thousands than in Church! In Church you can see everyone's face. On the big stage, I couldn't see a darn thing!

Praying I'd remember the words...

Me with my "dancer-escort" at the end of the show...

Showing off the new look...

And the full Cruise-passenger cast...

I'm thinking about coloring my hair...what do you think?

By the way, if you're ever planning a vacation, plan it with a family photographer! My cute sister-in-law, Erin, documented EVERYTHING! Thanks to her, you're probably going to see way more pictures than you want. Stay tuned. (She may even have a few goodies from the beaches at St. Maarten...look out!)

Cruise, Glorious Cruise!

2009-05-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

Hi, friends! Is anyone still there? I'm in denial that I no longer have a vacation to look forward to, so pulling myself together to post a blog hasn't exactly happened. And now that I'm ready to share with you all the blissful 8 days I spent away from my children, I can't find the camera cord. So instead I'll give you a few highlights of my Western turned Eastern Carribbean Cruise on the FunShip Carnival Glory!

Food, Glorious Food!
Sleep, Glorious Sleep!
Sun, Glorious Sun!

That pretty much sums it up, but here are a few more glorious moments...

Riding on the back of a motor scooter as my husband tried to remember to drive on the LEFT side of the road in Nassau, Bahamas.
My husbands brother, Matt pretending he's a race car driver in our rented jeep on the island of St. John (while winding through the mountains also on the left side of the road!) Aaaaahhhhh!
Island smoothies.
KARAOKE! Joe did an amazing chicken rendition of You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling by the Righteous Brothers.
Performing in the last, final big funship show as Gloria Estefan. I looked like a homeless person in the big, black curly wig, but I got to sing Rhythm is Gonna Getcha in front of a few thousand people! My years growing up listening to my dad's favorite Latina singer, Gloria, paid off. Aaaaahhhhh!
Learning that you should NEVER, under ANY circumstances go to the beach on the island of St. Maarten unless you want to see lots of wrinkly, fully nekkid bodies. F.U.L.L.Y. N.E.K.K.I.D. Not what I signed up for. I'm still trying to get the images out of my sheltered mind. But the beaches were beautiful!
Running (fully clothed) with my (fully clothed) husband on said nude beach.
On Deck For the Cure
Joe winning the free-throw contest
Our cruise director, Butch from Minnesota...ya!
Getting dirty looks from the drink servers everytime we ordered ice water.
Being more tan than all of my Utah friends...won't last long, but I love it while it lasts!

It was great. It was even greater coming home to my babies. Sort of. But I'm ready for another sleep-ful trip.

Pictures will be up soon, if anyone's still out there. What have YOU been up to?

Parker's B-day!

2009-05-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Dearest Parkercito,

Three years ago yesterday, I entered the hospital. Twenty hours later, you finally made your grand entrance into the world. Getting you here was a long, slow process. But your birth was the last time I remember wishing you would hurry up.

I was completely overwhelmed with the newness of motherhood. Your Daddy and I were terrified to put your tiny little 8 lbs. 8 oz. body into a big scary car. We were even more terrified to get you out of the car and into our little apartment, because that meant that we were really in charge.

I remember crying a lot in those first few days and weeks. Motherhood was hard! And I felt so responsible! Responsible to feed you, to get you to sleep, and especially to make sure you were comfortable, and happy in this new, scary world. I loved you something fierce...even when your projectile poops reached 9 feet across the room.

Three years ago, I never dreamed that you would grow up to be a walking-talking-running-laughing-memorizing-brilliantly-talented little boy. I only saw the tightly swaddled, feisty little baby.

And my how you've grown! By your first birthday, you could say over 10 words. By your second, you could speak in 10 word sentences. Now, on your third, you're "reading" books. Your favorite to recite is Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. I squeal with delight everytime I hear your cute little voice saying, "They ROARED their terrible roars, and gnashed their terrible teeth, and rolled their terrible eyes, and showed their terrible CLAWS!" You remember everything.

Parkercito, you have the ability to think and reason beyond your years. I give you two options and you choose the unspoken third. You're a master negotiator, with frequent bouts of defiance.

Yes, you are a stinker, and have yet to accomplish some of the goals I set for you for your third year. Yes, you've learned to poop and pee on the potty...but only on your own terms. You still growl. You also still sleep in a crib. (Daddy and I aren't ready for the independence you'll gain from a big-boy-bed.) But you're an amazing big brother, you have your colors straight, you say your own prayers, and you've given us daily hugs and kisses all year long. Four out of seven ain't bad. I've learned that some things just can't be forced...especially with an independently stubborn little boy.

You have an amazing zest for life. You love people, and people love you. You have a sense of humor, and work to make me laugh every day. You also have a tender heart, and hate to see anyone hurt or sad. When Daddy and I left you for eight glorious days last week, you were the one telling me not to cry.

I love having a constant chatter-box with me all day. You are a master conversationalist, and can keep the conversation going for hours. "So mom, how's your day?"

I'm not going to lie, it's been a rough year with a defiant, tantrum-throwing two-year old. But now that you've stepped beyond the terrible two's (most likely into the terrible three's), I feel mostly grateful for the chance I've had to witness the development of your fun little personality. You're one of my best friends, little buddy. If I had to choose someone to spend my day with, you'd be at the top of the list.

Happy Birthday! Let's hope that by next year you're officially out of diapers!

We love you little guy!

Love,

Mom and Dad

Fun and Not So Fun Activities...

2009-04-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

FUN: Going on an Easter Egg hunt with your oldest cousin, Spencer.NOT FUN: Trying to keep your kids from eating too much candy. NOT SO FUN: Smiling for the camera.FUN: Digging for gold...

FUN: Eating at Grandma's House

FUN: Playing with toys at Grandma's House.

NOT FUN: Falling asleep in the highchair at your own house!

NOT FUN: Spending an hour curling your hair.

FUN: Being dressed up to sing!

NOT FUN: Trying to get all the Primary kids to hold hands while they sing in the ward talent show.

FUN: Watching the Elders' Quorum perform synchronized swimming, singing with your friend Kandis, and watching your husband excel while playing the cowbell.FUN: Having a clothes dryer that works.

NOT FUN: Having your dryer clogged with a huge bird's nest!

NOT FUN: Swine flu! Finding out that your Mexican ports have been cancelled on your Western Carribbean Cruise.

FUN: Getting to go on an Eastern Carribbean Cruise instead!

NOT FUN: Babysitting for a week.

FUN: Leaving your kids with babysitters for a week! Thanks Mom G. and Kandis! Good luck!!!!

We'll see you when we get back...hopefully nothing NOT FUN will be reported!

Happy Birthday Month, Mom!

2009-04-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday, dear Mother, I looked at Michael's blog

My heart completely dropped.

I've lost my mind. Where, oh where did time go?

On your birthday, it forgot to stop!

An unwritten rule we have in our fam,

That on B-day's we must post

a tribute to the special one

To whom we'd like to toast.

But April 8th, it came and left.

And not one post you read.

"What's wrong with my family?" you surely thought.

When not a word was said.

So here's my "tribute apology"

To the one who gave me life.

To the one MOST deserving of all:

My mom, my friend, dad's wife.

When I was just a wee, wee babe,

I learned to count on you

To hold my hand, to kiss my cheek

To help me as I grew.

I'm pretty sure I was quite a brat,

Major attitude every day.

I am probably the #1 reason

Dad's hair has gone so gray!

But you loved me, you taught me,

You watched, and you knew

The things I needed the most.

You loved me and became my best-mommy-friend

Yes, the coolest mom, I'd boast.

Remember the time I broke my leg?

We really bonded back then.

Or after the birth of Parker, my boy?

When reality was sinking in?

You laughed as I cried. His "food" had come in.

I had turned into a milking cow!

"It's not funny," I sobbed, sitting topless with a pump.

Good thing we can laugh at it now.

Throughout my life, there have been ups and downs.

You've helped me turn "downs" into "ups."

Every experience I've had has taught me some thing.

Like when Duchess lost all her pups.

I think the number one thing I have learned,

From dear and sweet mama-you,

Is the importance of just coming together.

Instead of just coming un-glued.

In this life, a family is all,

yes all that we've really got.

We love and support no matter the weather.

And we talk to each other A LOT!

A family should be the bestest of friends.

The ones with whom we spend time.

You should love and support each other through life.

You travel, no matter the dime.

So mom, though it's late, I hope that you know

How indeed important you are.

I'm so thankful for a mom who continues to care

Although in a land somewhat far.

Way out there in Tennessee,

To you, I still call with all news.

The ups and the downs, you're the one I tell first.

When I'm happy, or singing the blues.

Happy Birthday, Mama-Nannu. We love you so much!

Like you, there isn't another.

I'm so very grateful that I have the privilege

of calling someone like you, my mother!

Delinquents in Training

2009-04-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

Hello there. Have you missed me? I've missed you more than you know, little blog. See, the only thing that got me through last week was knowing that I had a good story to tell. The story that began early Saturday morning as our friends Colby and Kandis left on an airplane to some warm places of paradise, leaving us in the bitter cold with high hopes of a fun week with four kids under the age of 4. Before you get the wrong idea and think I am any sort of a Saint, don't. They're returning the favor in 24 days as we depart on our Western Caribbean Cruise. Sorry guys, but you're going to need another vacation. Why? These 4 kids are CRAZY! Let me introduce you to the little delinquents.

NAME: Parker
WANTED FOR: Peeing all over my floor.
CAPABLE OF: The defiance you would expect from a 16-year old.
NUMBER OF TIME-OUTS: 1,578
FORM OF COMMUNICATION: Screaming, whining, growling, yelling, screaching.
DISLIKES: Sharing toys.
LIKES: Taking friends into forbidden areas of the house.

NAME: Carter
WANTED FOR: Sleeping with scissors.
CAPABLE OF: Cutting up an old blanket, and stealing brother's binkie.
NUMBER OF TIME-OUTS: 543
DISLIKES: Sleeping in the basement.
GOOD AT: Being obedient (and staying in time-out), unlike partner-in-crime, Parker.
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Filling bags, baskets, and boxes with toys to haul around the house.
NAME: Brooks
WANTED FOR: Happily eating spaghetti, then puking it up ALL. NIGHT. LONG.
KNOWN FOR: Being happy unless hungry.
ATTACHED TO: Binkie and blankie.
WANTS: To be one of the "big boys."
BEST KNOWN FOR: Climbing into the tub fully-clothed.

NAME: Avery
WANTED FOR: Breaking her arm when we weren't watching!
CAPABLE OF: "Limping" when crawling.
KNOWN FOR: Crying A LOT, and wanting to be held constantly.
DISLIKES: Sharing mommy's attention.
LOVES: Dancing.
TRYING TO: Walk.
LIKES: How hair sticks up when she rips her bows out.
RECENTLY: Dove head first into Parker's bath.

After 5 days at my house, Carter and Brooks were thrilled to see their Grandma and Grandpa at our doorstep. I have to admit that I wasn't too sad to see them go. But now our house is empty, my kids are bored beyond belief, and I'm ready for my next assignment. But this time, I'll just leave ice cream and cake out on the counter incase they get hungry, pillows on the floor incase they get tired, plastic on the carpet incase they get sick, or need to pee, a bounce house for Avery incase she decides to try breaking another bone, and scissors incase they get bored. And I'm getting ON the plane! Love ya, kids! Have fun, and don't kill each other!

Our Trip To Warsh-ington

2009-03-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

When you decide to take a road trip to Washington, first make sure everyone's healthy. Baby vomit isn't the best odor to travel with.

A lways find a hotel close to your final destination last-minute to avoid passing the throw-up bug to all five of Brian and Carrie's kids.

Survive the first night vomit-free, and haul all your stuff to the all-too-generous-to-let-us-crash-the-place-house-of-fun.

Happily watch your almost-3-year-old play for three days straight with his cousins Allie, Josh, Andy, Rachel, and baby Nate.

Ignore the mischief Parker and 3-year-old Rachel are creating--he's never played this well with anyone in his life! There's hope for the social-future of Parker after all!

Never move Parker from the "spider man" twin bed to the floor as previously planned. It'll be easier to sleep in another twin bed with your hubby than to endure the sure-to-happen-scream-of-all-screams when you move Parker out of his "special bed."

Go shopping. Spend money. Get pedicures. Rejuvinate with the girls! (Carrie, Allie, and Grandma Cathy)

T ry (unsuccessfully) not to cry as Joshua gets baptized. (Or as he wins 4th place in the pinewood derby!)

Opt to stay awake talking, and playing Rock Band each night. Also decide to stay a few hours longer than planned on Sunday morning for a special pre-trip feast.

Nudge your hubby every-so-often to make sure he's awake as the rest of you doze off. Cut an hour off the previous 12-hour drive time with the new and improved vomit-free-travel!

Thanks, Brian & Carrie, for having us! We had a blast!

To The Girl Who Just Might Marry My Birthday-Boy Brother....

2009-03-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Uncle Michael!!!!

______________________________________________

TO THE GIRL WHO JUST MIGHT MARRY MY BROTHER...

I'll start at Michael's very beginning...

When I was nearly 5 years old, a cute little brown-haired, blue-eyed baby entered the world. I didn't realize it at the time, but this darn little boy was stealing from me the precious "youngest child" spot, and forcing me into the dreaded "middle child" seat. Good thing I didn't comprehend the certain doom that comes with being the middle child, cuz I sure loved that cute, smiley, crazy little brother. Yes...I adored the toddler who ate fertilizer, swung a shovel at the neighbor's cat, and transformed our house of dolls and barbies into a house of trains and trucks.

Michael was always a stubborn little stinker. He was the two-year old who refused to order anything off the kids' menu. And he hasn't changed much (although I'm pretty sure he doesn't torture animals anymore). He's still stubborn, still a stinker, still the spoiled youngest child, and still a cute little brown-haired, blue-eyed, loving, talented boy. So here are a few things you need to know...

Michael is stubborn...never one to conform. Just because YOU want to play with barbies doesn't mean HE wants to.
Michael has expensive taste. So what if the kids' menu is only $2 and enough food for his little stomach. He wants the $20 meal anyway.
Michael is NOT afraid to try new things. Find the craziest, grossest sounding menu item. He'll order it, and love it!
Michael loves to tease! When I was an exhausted High School student (barely surviving early morning seminary), Michael didn't understand the beauty of naps, and would make as much noise as he could to ruin my blissful slumber...just to get a monster-me reaction!
Michael (now) loves to sleep! Don't interrupt HIM while he's napping! (Although being a wife will sort of grant you the privilege...especially when kids come into the picture...WAKE UP, da**it!)
Michael will, however, give up sleep for fun. He's always up for a late night dip in the hot tub..."for the memory."
Michael remembers E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.
Michael is VERY supportive of his family.
Michael is a home-body. When his friends were out partying, he preferred staying home.
Michael is a crazy driver.
Michael is a good boy! I think I've only heard Michael swear ONCE in his life...it seriously sounded like a foreign language coming out of his mouth!
Michael loves music...and somehow finds the most random, crazy songs. And he knows all the words. And he'll sing them loudly in the bathroom when your kids are sleeping.
Michael has NEVER changed a diaper in his life.
Michael loves cooking. He learned to cook LOOOONG before I did.
Michael is very opinionated.
Michael is very honest.
Michael will always give you his (sometimes brutally) honest opinion. After listening to a performance of my singing group at Christmas-time, he said, "You guys blended really well. That says a lot, because Robyn is sometimes really good at NOT blending."
Michael is a friend of the friendless.
Michael only wrote me ONE letter my entire mission. (I'm still a bit bitter).
Luckily he's made up for it with lots of phone calls and visits in the two years he's been home. He's VERY thoughtful!
Michael will be a dog owner someday.
Kids love him.
Old ladies love him.
Michael will treat you like a princess!

There's more...much more...but I'll leave it at 24 (since it IS Michael's 24th B-day). Later I'll tell you about being chased down the hall, fighting, punching holes in the bedroom doors, turtle funerals, and stuffed animals named "Brownie." But I have to say...he's a pretty dang good catch. One that I've been happy to be the "middle child" because of! Can't wait to find out what happens next! Oh the suspense! Good luck! And Happy Birthday, Miguelito!

Love,

Robyn

Happy Birthday, Dad!

2009-03-11T14:46:00.001-07:00

I'm the family rebel...I waited until the day AFTER my dad's birthday to post a special birthday shout out! Didn't want it to get lost in the mix with this one, this one, or this one. Not because I, ahem, forgot. I wouldn't do that! So now that I get my own spotlight to highlight my dad, I'll take it. Here are just a few reasons my 53-year-old dad really is my hero:

He's the most generous person I know. While touring London after my mission, I'll never forget him giving money to a homeless man on the street. He'd rather err on the side of giving. And he gives ... all. the. time.
He's a DOer. If you need something done, ask my dad. He won't sit and think about what he needs to do, he'll just do it!
He's extremely motivated. If he makes a decision to make something a habit, it's a habit (like his current working-out habit...I couldn't be prouder!)
He really does love everyone around him. There's not a fake bone in his body.
He loves shopping! (Probably more than I do...which doesn't say a lot...but I do love shopping with my dad!)
Once you're his friend, you're his friend for life. He's great at keeping in touch with old friends.
He loves his kids and grand kids...and he cries when he tells us!
He loves the Gospel, and lives it!
He's the reason Joe and I sometimes justify saying the "D" and "S" words. Since my dad sometimes says them, they must be OK to say, right? Ha ha!
He can fall asleep ANYWHERE.
He loves eating out.
PEPSI is his drug of choice. And he's trying to make it Parker's, too. Thanks, dad!
I have NEVER questioned whether my dad loves me. (Except maybe when he chased me down the hall.)
He adores my mom.
And I'm his favorite.

I love you, Dad! Happy Birthday!!!!

I Heart Peanut Butter!

2009-03-06T15:38:00.000-08:00

When I was pregnant with Parker, I think I ate peanut butter by the ice-cream scoop full! We bought the economy size at Sam's Club, and had to buy more every two weeks. It was the ONLY thing I craved! (With chocolate chips sprinkled on top!) Sadly, Parker doesn't share my love. Avery, however, does. That's my girl...we eat it by the (heaping) spoonful. Hooray for no peanut allergies! I've tried EVERY kind out there, and found an all-natural kind that I LOVE. Find out which kind it is, and enter to win a free jar by clicking here! Happy spreading!

Preschool Dropout

2009-02-27T18:52:00.000-08:00

Sad, but true. As of today, Parker is an official preschool dropout. After months of denial, I finally owned up to the reality that my 2-year-old doesn't belong in the same class as 4-and 5-year-olds. Better luck next time, little buddy. As much as I hate "missing out," sometimes it's the only option. Is there still hope for the future? Hope so...I'm looking at the bright side!

No more sleepless Thursday nights preparing for my Friday morning turn.
No more Parker-hysteria as he's forced to share his toys with 5+ others.
No more forcing Parker to sit still to "learn" when all he wants to do is play. Playing is learning, right?
No more feeling like a failure because Parker's not writing his name like the 4-year-old.
No more feeling sorry for myself when Parker's left out. He's an oblivious-I-still-love-solo-play two-year-old. Why can't I be so oblivious?
No more Friday-from-10-12 commitments.

Play date, anyone?

Robyn Needs...

2009-02-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

I saw this on facebook, and thought I'd give it a try. I googled "Robyn Needs." The internet didn't disappoint with the results.

Robyn needs to be replaced immediately!
Robyn needs a home.
Robyn needs help.
Robyn needs another sandwich now!
Robyn needs a boyfriend.
Robyn needs to go home.
Robyn needs you!
Robyn needs absolutely no introduction.
Robyn needs to start considering a solo album.
Robyn needs to turn 3 more or gain 73 more Zombie points. (What?)
Robyn needs some education.
Robyn needs a few parenting classes.

So, so true. What do YOU need?

Skiing Shmiing

2009-02-18T20:37:00.000-08:00

Before two days ago, the last time I went skiing was 5 years ago. My husband and I were just dating, in the marriage-discussion mode. We (along with my younger brother) were taking a ski class together. If ONE thing almost caused an end to our courtship, it was this ski class. You see, when I get nervous/feel insecure/wish I could crawl instead of ski down a mountain, I get a bit snippy. Don't try giving me advice. Don't tell me what I'm doing wrong. I'll bite your head off. After one particular ski class, mi esposo vowed NEVER to go skiing with me again. But he did again the next week. And I tried really hard to be nice. I guess it worked, because he still has his head, and we're married!

When my brother suggested a President's-Day-Ski-Trip, I had mixed feelings. Read On

Parker's newest fashion statement

2009-02-15T20:13:00.000-08:00

Two years and two months ago, Parker received a pair of pajamas for Christmas. He was 7 months old. He refuses to stop wearing them. He'll be 3 in May.

Every time he insists on wearing these too-small-a-year-and-a-half-ago-jammies, I pray that no unannounced visitor stops by. So if you ever happen to be that visitor, I promise he has PJ's that fit. He just prefers short-sleeves, a scoop neck, and wedgie heaven. That can't be comfortable.

When will he realize that?

Avery's First Year In Review

2009-02-04T14:17:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law, Marci asked me if I was going to write 100 Things About Avery for her 1st birthday like I did for Parker on his. As much as I'm sure you'd all LOVE to read 100 things about a one-year old, I'll spare you. Instead, Avery's going to take you on a little sentimental journey through the fastest year in history...2008!

I, Avery Diane, was born on February 1, 2008. I arrived much more quickly, and much less painfully than my older brother. Unfortunately, I had to learn patience right at birth...my mommy was dilated to a 10 for an hour and a half before the doctor finally came to deliver me! Although just a small package (weighing 7 lbs. 4 oz.), I held my parents' hearts in a BIG way.
With a dimple on the chin, a bow in the hair, and chubby, squishably-kissable cheeks, how could you not love me? (I'm pretty sure I've been kissed at least 1,000 times EVERY day thus far. And I love giving wet, mushy kisses, too!)
My mom has had probably TOO MUCH fun dressing me up. And I've had a lot of fun un-doing her hard work. I hate having bows in my hair...I rip 'em out the first chance I get. On my blessing day, however, I was a good girl and left the bow in place.
Thanks to me, our home is filled with talk of blow-outs, constipation, and Bumbo miracles!
I'd like to think I'm a well-traveled baby! I've been to Nashville (twice), Cedar City, California, camping, the zoo, Lagoon, baseball games, Cougar football games, and Wheeler farm (to name a few)! I've even had a snake wrapped over my body (unbeknown to me) during my blissful slumber!
I've spent a lot of time with the person who makes me laugh better than anyone can...my big brother, Parker! He's not very nice to me all of the time, but I know how to fight back! And I know that he really does adore me...these pictures prove it!
I've chosen a toothbrush as my object of attachment. Not a blanket. Not my stuffed animals. Not even a binkie. A toothbrush. (Any toothbrush will do, but I especially love my dad's...he just loves me sucking on it and dragging it around the house)!
I celebrated my birthday football-princess style. (Yep...my birthday was on Superbowl Sunday!) If having my birthday on this special day means pink football sugar cookies, chips and salsa, and a princess crown cake, I'll take it! I was dressed to impress, thanks to my tu-tu-onesie-making-aunt (who claims me as HER baby). And as much as my mom would love to take ALL the credit for the cute, delicious cake, she owes Family Fun for the brilliantly easy idea.
I'm anxiously awaiting spring, so I can really discover the joys of exploring. I've uncovered every mystery inside the house. Now I need to uncover the outside!
Happy Birthday to ME! Maybe now that I'm ONE, I'll start sleeping through the night! I'm making progress...but not fast enough!

Avery turned ONE!

2009-02-01T21:32:00.000-08:00

Avery turned 1 today! I canNOT believe it. More on Avery later, but here's a sneak peek into today's festivities (for those in MY family not here...namely ALL of you...besides Michael!) Happy Birthday, Princess Avery! We love you!!!!

Parker's First Meal

2009-01-25T20:56:00.000-08:00

I just found this little gem. Where has time gone?

And poor Avery...I'm pretty sure her first solid food tasting was indeed NOT documented!

Parkerisms

2009-01-19T20:07:00.000-08:00

Some funny things overheard in our house today from Mr. Personality himself:

I don't like talking to you when you cry wiff your face all dirty.
So mom, how's your day?
Gosh Dangit!
We say go away to Avery nice. Right mom?
"Go away sandwich!" Is that how we talk to the sandwich?
What you talking about, guys?
I need to be naughty to Avery.
What am I being quiet for?
What am I getting a new diaper for?
It's not night-night time yet. Five more minutes.
Can I sleep wiff the candy? I'll not touch it. I promise.
Is that how we talk to Heab'nly Fadder?
I love you, mommy!

American Idol Wannabees

2009-01-13T14:38:00.000-08:00

"Hello?" I sleepily answered the phone to the voice of my breathless sister.

"Did you hear? American Idol auditions aren't being held in San Diego anymore."

"Oh....oh well then."

Exasperated, Kimberly exclaimed, "Robyn. I really think we should still audition. Devon's sister lives in Denver. We could go there. What do you think?"

Waking up now, I felt a familiar nervous flutter in my stomach. "I guess we could...I just get so nervous thinking about it. What the heck am I going to sing?" My mind raced with questions of how it would work out. Kimberly's kids. My job. Singing in front of all those people. Aaack!

I hurried and got ready for my day job. The day couldn't go by fast enough. I considered calling my clients to tell them I had to cancel our personal training appointments for the night. I was dying to get home, get on the computer, and look at flights, and songs. Ohhhhh, songs. Did I really want to do this? WHAT would I sing? Kimberly's song was a given. She'd performed it dozens of times. Had a Dream, by the Judd's. But me? The one song I'd performed as a solo in High School, When You Say Nothin' At All, by Alison Krause was, as my sometimes-brutally-honest brother said, "not my best performance." Should I sing Shania? Something bluesy? Old? New?

I arrived home, and booked our flights. We were really going to Denver. I couldn't help but get my hopes up. My sister and I had dreamed of singing professionally for as long as I could remember. My problem? I loved being the back-up singer and harmonizer. Deep down, I knew it probably wouldn't work out, but it was an experience I couldn't pass up!

______________________________________

The auditions were over. We'd sung our hearts out for our 10 seconds of glory, Kimberly with Had a Dream, me with my finally-decided-on Mr. Melody by Natalie Cole. A few of the thousands made it through to round two.

We sat in the hotel lobby, exhausted after two days of waiting in long lines and waking up at 4 am to get ready for our big moment. We waved good-bye to our new friend, Chris Daughtry who'd traveled with us on the shuttle from the Red Lion hotel to downtown Denver for some sight-seeing.

"Did you guys make it?" he yelled.

"No! Did you?" We shouted in unison.

"Yeah!" he exclaimed.

"Good luck!"

We should've snapped a picture of this humble family-loving-guy with a southern accent. We thought he was all country. Who knew he'd end up the successful rocker?

The morning after returning home, I took the test I'd purposely waited two extra weeks to take...just to be sure. It was positive. Parker was on his way!

_______________________________________

Now, 3 1/2 years later, Kimberly still called me to excitedly remind me that American Idol's season premiere is tonight. It's our show! I read her blog today and laughed as I remembered:

our scary hotel room the first night
the nasty Mexican food Denver had to offer
booking a room in a new hotel for night #2
singing over and over for each other the night before the actual audition
our "friends" in line
visiting my sister's sister-in-law after the audition and almost missing our flight home when her daughter choked on a screw
yelling at each other at the height of the stress
Kimberly missing her kids
wearing our shirts on the way home and being asked if we would sing in the airport "Didn't you hear us? We DIDN'T make it. We are NOT the next American Idol."

Christmas 2008!

2009-01-02T20:59:00.000-08:00

We had a fabulous pre-getting-sick Christmas! Christmas Eve was spent with my wonderful in-law's, then we welcomed my entire family into our home...7 adults, 5 kids, 1 shower! Good thing we like each other.

Parker was so cute this year. Anytime we asked what Santa was going to bring him for Christmas, he'd say "a red present." Or, "a red car." Silly Santa forgot that little detail, but Parker didn't seem to notice!

Avery was so fun! Her favorite present...from Grandpa and Nanu...Minnie Mouse!

See? I told you she smiles! And maybe I shouldn't have been so ambitious with the big-sized jammies.

The family band on our after-Christmas Christmas with Kimberly and fam.
Christmas wouldn't be complete without matching PJ's, pictures of 4 generations of girls, sexy heels, and long-into-the-night games. This year's pick (thanks to Michael): Ticket To Ride!

After Christmas, we went for a girl's breakfast out (along with my dad who couldn't bear missing out) with some of our childhood friends...Aly and LaDean!

Not pictured: The Discovery Museum at the Gateway...possibly more fun than Disneyland.

Thanks for such a fun Christmas, everyone. Maybe I shouldn't admit this, but this was probably the first year I really was more excited about what I was giving than what I was getting. I couldn't wait for Parker to see his presents on Christmas morning. I must be getting old!

Beauty Tips I Learned on New Year's Eve...

2009-01-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

This year marked the second year of our now annual sleep-over tradition on New Year's Eve: our good friends come over, we have dinner together, we all put our kids to bed, we play games to ring in the New Year, sleep for a few hours before the kids wake up, have breakfast together, then go about our New Year's Day. I was UGLIER than ever this year as we bid farewell to our friends. Here's what I learned...

How to avoid unbecoming smelliness:
How to avoid red, puffy, swollen eyes (and a minor heart attack):
How to avoid full-blown, fatigue-induced ugliness:
How to avoid weight gain as the New Year begins:

My mom always told me sleepovers made me ornery. She never told me they made me ugly, too! Find out why I'm so ugly today at Fit Me Pink!

P.S. My Christmas post will be up soon!

Drumroll, please....

2008-12-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

And the winners of our healthy recipe contest are.....

read on

TWELVE DAYS OF FITNESS

2008-12-15T14:33:00.001-08:00

If you haven't already, check out the TWELVE DAYS OF FITNESS going on NOW at FitMePink! You'll find lots of fun holiday fitness tips, healthy recipes from our contest, and more! And stay tuned...the winner will be announced soon!

Pictures With Santa...

2008-12-12T21:39:00.000-08:00

Erin took some more cute pictures for me...with Santa! Just had to share...Avery's actually smiling! And Parker...a bit disappointed that Santa didn't have a "red car" for him...

...but much happier than last year!

The Taste of Christmas

2008-12-10T21:08:00.000-08:00

To me, Christmas morning just isn't Christmas morning unless it tastes like this....

1 lb. sausage (Jimmy Dean Regular)
8 slices of bread (remove crust, cut into cubes)
6 large eggs
3/4 tsp. dry mustard
2 1/2 cups milk
2 cups sharp cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 can milk (c. of mushroom soup can)

Brown sausage, drain well.
Spray 9x13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Sprinkle bread on bottom.
Sprinkle sausage over bread.
Whip 6 large eggs, then add 3/4 tsp. dry mustard and 2 1/2 cups of milk.
Pour egg mixture over the bread and sausage.
Grate 2 c. sharp cheese, and sprinkle over the top.
Refrigerate over-night.
Pour 1 can cream of mushroom soup mixed with 1/2 can of milk over entire dish.

Bake 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting it.

Eat in your new pajamas (opened on Christmas Eve). Go back for seconds. And thirds. And fourths for lunch. And maybe dinner.

This tradition was started by my Grandma J. Every Christmas, we would gather at her house for a Christmas morning breakfast/gift exchange. When she passed away in 1998, we knew the tradition had to continue. We now do our own thing Christmas morning (which for us still includes this yummy breakfast). However, at some point in the season, my parents, along with my dad's siblings, and any of their kids who can make it, reunite for this Christmas morning-ish feast. I love it. And even if I found a recipe I loved more, I wouldn't change it. It really does taste like Christmas.

What does your Christmas taste like? What other traditions do you enjoy?

Gratitude AFTER the long drive is over....

2008-12-03T13:47:00.000-08:00

When we left our house early the Saturday-before-Thanksgiving morning, I sort of thought to myself WHY are we doing this? Do we really want to go? I kept these thoughts to myself...Joe didn't need any reason to stay home to watch this game. I knew the drive would be worth it. As weird as it sounds, I actually enjoyed the drive (for the first few hours, anyway). I liked having my little family packed into Michael's little Versa. (Thanks, brother...we got AMAZING gas mileage). I saw parts of the country I've never seen before. In Wyoming, we saw the exact spot where Joe's best friend Brian was killed. Then Nebraska was, well, boring. We also happened to be listening to the *%&$#& game in Nebraska. We moved on to Iowa for about 30 seconds, then entered the land of SLOW drivers...Missouri. Apparently folks in Missouri aren't in a hurry to get ANYWHERE! It's redeeming value was AMAZING gas prices. (We filled up one time on the return trip at $1.39/gallon.) Hallelujah! We eventually stopped at 3 am in Columbia, Missouri...wherever that is.

The next day we crossed into Illinois...pretty exciting. We met Superman! Parker was terrified, and refused to stand by himself anywhere near the monstrosity! After Superman, we entered Kentucky, then Tennessee AT LAST! I was seriously NEVER coming home.

When we made it, we remembered WHY we'd driven 20 billion miles in the first place.

For kisses from Nannu.
For breakfast at the Loveless Cafe.
To unorganize the organized cupboards, and to climb on unclimbable surfaces.
For teething. (My kids always get their teeth in Tennessee. Coincidence? I think not.)
For a trip to Gaylord, Opryland.
For a 3D movie after an amazing turkey meal.
For Grandpa and Nannu spoiling.
For running up crazy hills.
For Monopoly and Settlers matches.
For Ping Pong fun.
For chillin' time with Uncle Michael.
For wishing the big sister and fam were there.
And mostly, for spending time with the ones I love most...LOTS AND LOTS of time...

We have SO MUCH to be thankful for!

Twilight!

2008-12-01T20:09:00.000-08:00

OK...I have lots of catching up to do. Most of it involves NO sleep, lots of driving (3400 miles worth), lots of poop (all in the potty!), lots of food, and lots of fun. The fun began two nights before the first 27-hour leg of our journey to Nashville. I'm not sure why I agreed to see a movie at 12:15 am (which didn't actually start until 1 am due to technical sound difficulties), but HELLO, it was Edward. I'm not sure if I would've loved it if I hadn't read the books...low budget at it's best. And actually, I'm not sure I loved it anyway...because I couldn't stay awake! I would say that I must be getting old, but let's be honest. Even in High School, I couldn't watch a movie after 10:00 pm. But the girl's night out was a blast (even though I only knew three of the girls...we were all BFF's fighting over Edward...ha ha!)

Here's what Kandis had to say about the night...

Ok, Ok, we all knew the movie wouldn't meet our expectations, and if I hadn't read the book I would have been sitting there wondering why I was at such a craptastic movie instead of sleeping. But hey, Edward was cute, there were only a few really awkward scenes, and I was with my girls--so all in all, I'd consider it a great night! (Half of my fun came from looking over every few minutes to see Robyn dead asleep with her mouth hanging open:) Sorry Robyn, you've been outed! It was hilarious! Aren't you glad you didn't snore?!

So yes...I guess I'm glad I didn't snore! But I have to see it again...who wants to come? I'm totally up for a matinee!

As for our ROADtrip to Nashville, it was great. The kids did amazingly well. Parker pooped in THREE different gas stations. And these poops usually coincided with Avery's poopy diapers. Tender mercy? I think so. When we finally arrived in Nashville, however, I was really tempted to inform you all that we were NEVER coming home. I couldn't fathom turning around and driving across the $%@# country again. But we did. And we survived. And MAYBE we'll do it again...in like 10 years. I'll never complain about a layover again!

Before the trip, we subscribed to Sirius Satellite Radio so we could listen to a certain football game. Joe now hates the state of Nebraska, but I won't go into details. 'Nuff said. Go Utes!

More on the trip later...I know you're all dying to see pictures, right? So am I! Send me some, mom!

Edited To Say: Parker is POOPING in the potty, but far from potty-trained. I actually gave up yesterday after cleaning pee off the floor 5 times. So for now, I'm happy with the poop in the potty, and the pee still in diapers!

More Poop

2008-11-14T14:02:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer #1: We've already established that I have no problem talking about poop. Want proof? Go here, here, or here.

Disclaimer #2: What I am about to tell you means that we will probably be talking A LOT about poop in the near future.

Are you ready for it?

PARKER POOPED IN THE POTTY TODAY FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!!!!!

Disclaimer #3: This doesn't mean I'm ready to REALLY start the potty-training process. Meaning: 24-hour car ride to Nashville next week. Stopping every 10 minutes for potty breaks? Don't think so.

Disclaimer #4: I have no idea what I'm doing. Advice needed? Desperately!

More pictures and introductions...

2008-11-06T13:54:00.000-08:00

After introducing you to Mickey and Minnie last night, I checked my inbox and found WAY better pictures from my beautiful photographer (also sister-in-law). So allow me to introduce you to the new and improved Mickey and Minnie Mouse!And as themselves...Parker and Avery. Avery even smiled once! That's right...out of several hundred pictures, there was one. single. smile. I love my little stinker!

A few introductions...

2008-11-05T20:23:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce you to Fred and Wilma Flinstone, the adoptive parents of Minnie and Mickey. (Hi, Ev! Thanks for the Flinstone costumes, you domestic diva!)

Which leads to an introduction of Mickey Mouse. Also known as: Mickey the Candy Addict Mouse, Mickey the I-want-to-sleep-in-my-costume Mouse, Mickey the squeaky-ears-make-me-happy-and-my-mom-crazy-but-I'll-squeak-them-all-day-long-anyway Mouse, and Mickey the thank-goodness-Halloween-finally-arrived-so-I'd-stop-asking-when-I-got-to-go-Trick-or-Treating Mouse. That Mickey Mouse is quite a character...and a cute one at that.

Now meet Mickey's sister, Minnie Mouse. Also known as Minnie the I-will-smile-all-day-long-until-you-pull-out-the-camera Mouse, Minnie the why-are-you-putting-me-in-this-itchy-dress-again Mouse, Minnie the my-ghetto-headband-was-made-with-electrical-tape-and-cardstock Mouse, and Minnie the I-didn't-get-a-single-piece-of-candy-and-I-don't-care Mouse!

Fast forward a few days for our next introductions. After 70 degree weather on Halloween, it decided to snow. Meet a very happy I-want-to-play-in-the-snow-all-day boy. And a coatless why-are-you-putting-a-fifth-layer-on-me-mom? girl. And another Cougar fan...Parker's first snowman!

Happy Birthday, Kimberly!

2008-10-31T14:15:00.000-07:00

I have a big sister,
Parker calls her Kimblee.
Could I live without her?
Don't think so. Not me.
Kimberly is so like me
As if twins, only not.
We talk alike, think the same,
Cry and laugh a whole lot.

Growing up with a 'sis
like Kimblee was the best.
My hair she made pretty
(Though it hurt, I'll attest).
Her beautifying skills are unlike any other's
Make-up, she enhances.
With her, I've two mothers.

Fun and games, was it always?
Prob'ly not, I'll admit.
Like the time she knelt on me,
and proceeded to spit.
Or the time on a brownie,
when landed a fly.
She gave that one to me.
Fly poop--how I cried!

We got a bit older.
Sure loved all her clothes.
Did she share? On occasion.
Mom threatened her so.
Well maybe "threat" isn't quite the right word.
Mom just helped us not act
quite so darn immature.
We'll just say Kim's posessions
were treated with care,
and with my sticky fingers,
would you want to share?

When Kimblee met Devon--her prince in disguise,
They'd hug and they'd kiss,
and I'd roll my eyes.
But really, I watched
ev'ry move with intent.
This is love, turned to marriage,
then three kids, so it went.
The love my 'sis shares
with her family of five,
Has shown me the course
for which I should strive.

In life, she came first.
I followed behind.
I still follow, and watch,
and try not to be blind.
The lessons she teaches
are many and often.
A mom, a true friend,
with a heart meant to soften.
All around her admit
cuz of her, life is better.
Now I'll end this small tribute
with just a few letters.

K is for KINDNESS, you'll never meet nicer.
I for INTELLIGENT. Than me, she's much wiser.
M stands for MERRY. She makes life so bright.
B is for BUSY. She works hard day and night.
E is for EAGER. So willing to please.
R is for RADIANT. A beauty with ease.
L is for LAUGHTER. Or LIGHT. Also LOVE.
Y is for YOU, are what life's made of.

A Birthday's a day to have fun.
Celebrate.
Halloween birthday? Better.
All around think it's great.
The party has started.
Dress up. Trick-or-Treat.
Just remember your YOU day.
Feeling old? Don't. Just sweet.

I adore you, big sister.
It's your day--go have fun!
Just remember, I love you!
My best friend...number ONE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIMBERLY!!!!

Prop 8

2008-10-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

I know I've posted about Proposition 8 before. And I'm posting again. I got a degree from BYU in Marriage, Family and Human Development. I studied the family for four years. I'm currently a stay-at-home mom, so I don't officially have a "job" in my field. As a School of Family Life alum, however, I feel a certain responsibility to helping safeguard the family.

Many are questioning the LDS church's position on California's Proposition 8. I do believe that everyone has a right to their opinion, and can vote accordingly. I'm certainly grateful the church isn't telling us who to vote for. (Although in some ways it would be nice to just be told...I don't really like either candidate very much). So I will use my brain to vote for who I feel is the lesser of two evils.

The church has, however, instructed church members in California to take a stand on the moral issue of gay marriage. Without going into depth with my personal feelings regarding this issue, I will say once again that I truly believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. I believe we should respect and love the people around us, no matter who they are. I think homosexuals deserve rights and freedoms. I just don't think the legal definition of marriage should change.

I'm attaching the Church's official statement regarding Prop 8. You can read it below, or here. It is long, but well worth the read. I will bold some of the points that stood out to me, personally.

The Divine Institution of Marriage

Introduction

The California Supreme Court recently ruled that same-sex marriage was legal in California. Recognizing the importance of marriage to society, the Church accepted an invitation to participate in ProtectMarriage, a coalition of churches, organizations, and individuals sponsoring a November ballot measure, Proposition 8, that would amend the California state constitution to ensure that only a marriage between a man and a woman would be legally recognized. (Information about the coalition can be found at http://www.protectmarriage.com/).

On June 20, 2008, the First Presidency of the Church distributed a letter about “Preserving Traditional Marriage and Strengthening Families,” announcing the Church’s participation with the coalition. The letter, which was read in Latter-day Saints’ church services in California, asked that Church members “do all [they] can to support the proposed constitutional amendment.”

Members of the Church in Arizona and Florida will also be voting on constitutional amendments regarding marriage in their states, where coalitions similar to California’s are now being formed.
The focus of the Church’s involvement is specifically same-sex marriage and its consequences. The Church does not object to rights (already established in California) regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the family or the constitutional rights of churches and their adherents to administer and practice their religion free from government interference.

The Church has a single, undeviating standard of sexual morality: intimate relations are proper only between a husband and a wife united in the bonds of matrimony.

The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility towards homosexual men and women. Protecting marriage between a man and a woman does not affect Church members’ Christian obligations of love, kindness and humanity toward all people.

As Church members decide their own appropriate level of involvement in protecting marriage between a man and a woman, they should approach this issue with respect for others, understanding, honesty, and civility.

Intending to reduce misunderstanding and ill will, the Church has produced the following document, “The Divine Institution of Marriage,” and provided the accompanying links to other materials, to explain its reasons for defending marriage between a man and a woman as an issue of moral imperative.

The Divine Institution of Marriage

Marriage is sacred, ordained of God from before the foundation of the world. After creating Adam and Eve, the Lord God pronounced them husband and wife, of which Adam said, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Jesus Christ cited Adam’s declaration when he affirmed the divine origins of the marriage covenant: “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.”

In 1995, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” declared the following unchanging truths regarding marriage:

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children . . . The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.

The Proclamation also teaches, “Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.” The account in Genesis of Adam and Eve being created and placed on earth emphasizes the creation of two distinct genders: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

Marriage between a man and a woman is central to the plan of salvation. The sacred nature of marriage is closely linked to the power of procreation. Only a man and a woman together have the natural biological capacity to conceive children. This power of procreation – to create life and bring God’s spirit children into the world – is sacred and precious. Misuse of this power undermines the institution of the family and thereby weakens the social fabric. [4] Strong families serve as the fundamental institution for transmitting to future generations the moral strengths, traditions, and values that sustain civilization. As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms, “The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society.”

Marriage is not primarily a contract between individuals to ratify their affections and provide for mutual obligations. Rather, marriage and family are vital instruments for rearing children and teaching them to become responsible adults. While governments did not invent marriage, throughout the ages governments of all types have recognized and affirmed marriage as an essential institution in preserving social stability and perpetuating life itself. Hence, regardless of whether marriages were performed as a religious rite or a civil ceremony, married couples in almost every culture have been granted special benefits aimed primarily at sustaining their relationship and promoting the environment in which children are reared. A husband and a wife do not receive these benefits to elevate them above any other two people who may share a residence or social tie, but rather in order to preserve, protect, and defend the all-important institutions of marriage and family.

It is true that some couples who marry will not have children, either by choice or because of infertility, but the special status of marriage is nonetheless closely linked to the inherent powers and responsibilities of procreation, and to the inherent differences between the genders. Co-habitation under any guise or title is not a sufficient reason for defining new forms of marriage.
High rates of divorce and out-of-wedlock births have resulted in an exceptionally large number of single parents in American society. Many of these single parents have raised exemplary children; nevertheless, extensive studies have shown that in general a husband and wife united in a loving, committed marriage provide the optimal environment for children to be protected, nurtured, and raised. This is not only because of the substantial personal resources that two parents can bring to bear on raising a child, but because of the differing strengths that a father and a mother, by virtue of their gender, bring to the task. As the prominent sociologist David Popenoe has said:

The burden of social science evidence supports the idea that gender differentiated parenting is important for human development and that the contribution of fathers to childrearing is unique and irreplaceable.

Popenoe explained that:

. . . The complementarity of male and female parenting styles is striking and of enormous importance to a child’s overall development. It is sometimes said that fathers express more concern for the child’s longer-term development, while mothers focus on the child’s immediate well-being (which, of course, in its own way has everything to do with a child’s long-term well-being). What is clear is that children have dual needs that must be met: one for independence and the other for relatedness, one for challenge and the other for support.

Social historian David Blankenhorn makes a similar argument in his book Fatherless America. In an ideal society, every child would be raised by both a father and a mother.

Challenges to Marriage and Family

Our modern era has seen traditional marriage and family – defined as a husband and wife with children in an intact marriage – come increasingly under assault. Sexual morality has declined and infidelity has increased. Since 1960, the proportion of children born out of wedlock has soared from 5.3 percent to 38.5 percent (2006). Divorce has become much more common and accepted, with the United States having one of the highest divorce rates in the world. Since 1973, abortion has taken the lives of over 45 million innocents. At the same time, entertainment standards continue to plummet, and pornography has become a scourge afflicting and addicting many victims. Gender differences increasingly are dismissed as trivial, irrelevant, or transient, thus undermining God’s purpose in creating both men and women.

In recent years in the United States and other countries, a movement has emerged to promote same-sex marriage as an inherent or constitutional right. This is not a small step, but a radical change: instead of society tolerating or accepting private, consensual sexual behavior between adults, advocates of same-sex marriage seek its official endorsement and recognition.
Court decisions in Massachusetts (2004) and California (2008) have allowed same-sex marriages. This trend constitutes a serious threat to marriage and family. The institution of marriage will be weakened, resulting in negative consequences for both adults and children.
In November 2008, California voters will decide whether to amend their state constitution to define marriage as only between a man and a woman. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has joined in a broad coalition of other denominations, organizations, and individuals to encourage voter approval of this amendment.

The people of the United States – acting either directly or through their elected representatives – have recognized the crucial role that traditional marriage has played and must continue to play in American society if children and families are to be protected and moral values propagated.
Forty-four states have passed legislation making clear that marriage is between a man and a woman. More than half of those states, twenty-seven in all, have done so by constitutional amendments like the ones pending in California, Arizona, and Florida.

In contrast, those who would impose same-sex marriage on American society have chosen a different course. Advocates have taken their case to the state courts, asking judges to remake the institution of marriage that society has accepted and depended upon for millennia. Yet, even in this context, a broad majority of courts – six out of eight state supreme courts – have upheld traditional marriage laws. Only two, Massachusetts and now California, have gone in the other direction, and then, only by the slimmest of margins – 4 to 3 in both cases.

In sum, there is very strong agreement across America on what marriage is. As the people of California themselves recognized when they voted on this issue just eight years ago, traditional marriage is essential to society as a whole, and especially to its children. Because this question strikes at the very heart of the family, because it is one of the great moral issues of our time, and because it has the potential for great impact upon the family, the Church is speaking out on this issue, and asking members to get involved.

Tolerance, Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Freedom

Those who favor homosexual marriage contend that “tolerance” demands that they be given the same right to marry as heterosexual couples. But this appeal for “tolerance” advocates a very different meaning and outcome than that word has meant throughout most of American history and a different meaning than is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Savior taught a much higher concept, that of love. “Love thy neighbor,” He admonished. Jesus loved the sinner even while decrying the sin, as evidenced in the case of the woman taken in adultery: treating her kindly, but exhorting her to “sin no more.” Tolerance as a gospel principle means love and forgiveness of one another, not “tolerating” transgression.

In today’s secular world, the idea of tolerance has come to mean something entirely different. Instead of love, it has come to mean condone – acceptance of wrongful behavior as the price of friendship. Jesus taught that we love and care for one another without condoning transgression. But today’s politically palatable definition insists that unless one accepts the sin he does not tolerate the sinner.

As Elder Dallin H. Oaks has explained,

Tolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner of relating toward one another’s differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination.

The Church does not condone abusive treatment of others and encourages its members to treat all people with respect. However, speaking out against practices with which the Church disagrees on moral grounds – including same-sex marriage – does not constitute abuse or the frequently misused term “hate speech.” We can express genuine love and friendship for the homosexual family member or friend without accepting the practice of homosexuality or any re-definition of marriage.

Legalizing same-sex marriage will affect a wide spectrum of government activities and policies. Once a state government declares that same-sex unions are a civil right, those governments almost certainly will enforce a wide variety of other policies intended to ensure that there is no discrimination against same-sex couples. This may well place “church and state on a collision course.”

The prospect of same-sex marriage has already spawned legal collisions with the rights of free speech and of action based on religious beliefs. For example, advocates and government officials in certain states already are challenging the long-held right of religious adoption agencies to follow their religious beliefs and only place children in homes with both a mother and a father. As a result, Catholic Charities in Boston has stopped offering adoption services.

Other advocates of same-sex marriage are suggesting that tax exemptions and benefits be withdrawn from any religious organization that does not embrace same-sex unions. Public accommodation laws are already being used as leverage in an attempt to force religious organizations to allow marriage celebrations or receptions in religious facilities that are otherwise open to the public. Accrediting organizations in some instances are asserting pressure on religious schools and universities to provide married housing for same-sex couples. Student religious organizations are being told by some universities that they may lose their campus recognition and benefits if they exclude same-sex couples from club membership. Many of these examples have already become the legal reality in several nations of the European Union, and the European Parliament has recommended that laws guaranteeing and protecting the rights of same-sex couples be made uniform across the EU. Thus, if same-sex marriage becomes a recognized civil right, there will be substantial conflicts with religious freedom. And in some important areas, religious freedom may be diminished.

How Would Same-Sex Marriage Affect Society?

Possible restrictions on religious freedom are not the only societal implications of legalizing same-sex marriage. Perhaps the most common argument that proponents of same-sex marriage make is that it is essentially harmless and will not affect the institution of traditional heterosexual marriage in any way. “It won’t affect you, so why should you care?’ is the common refrain. While it may be true that allowing single-sex unions will not immediately and directly affect all existing marriages, the real question is how it will affect society as a whole over time, including the rising generation and future generations. The experience of the few European countries that already have legalized same-sex marriage suggests that any dilution of the traditional definition of marriage will further erode the already weakened stability of marriages and family generally. Adopting same-sex marriage compromises the traditional concept of marriage, with harmful consequences for society.

Aside from the very serious consequence of undermining and diluting the sacred nature of marriage between a man and a woman, there are many practical implications in the sphere of public policy that will be of deep concern to parents and society as a whole. These are critical to understanding the seriousness of the overall issue of same-sex marriage.

When a man and a woman marry with the intention of forming a new family, their success in that endeavor depends on their willingness to renounce the single-minded pursuit of self-fulfillment and to sacrifice their time and means to the nurturing and rearing of their children. Marriage is fundamentally an unselfish act: legally protected because only a male and female together can create new life, and because the rearing of children requires a life-long commitment, which marriage is intended to provide. Societal recognition of same-sex marriage cannot be justified simply on the grounds that it provides self-fulfillment to its partners, for it is not the purpose of government to provide legal protection to every possible way in which individuals may pursue fulfillment. By definition, all same-sex unions are infertile, and two individuals of the same gender, whatever their affections, can never form a marriage devoted to raising their own mutual offspring.

It is true that some same-sex couples will obtain guardianship over children –through prior heterosexual relationships, through adoption in the states where this is permitted, or by artificial insemination. Despite that, the all-important question of public policy must be: what environment is best for the child and for the rising generation? Traditional marriage provides a solid and well-established social identity to children. It increases the likelihood that they will be able to form a clear gender identity, with sexuality closely linked to both love and procreation. By contrast, the legalization of same-sex marriage likely will erode the social identity, gender development, and moral character of children. Is it really wise for society to pursue such a radical experiment without taking into account its long-term consequences for children?

As just one example of how children will be adversely affected, the establishment of same-sex marriage as a civil right will inevitably require mandatory changes in school curricula. When the state says that same-sex unions are equivalent to heterosexual marriages, the curriculum of public schools will have to support this claim. Beginning with elementary school, children will be taught that marriage can be defined as a relation between any two adults and that consensual sexual relations are morally neutral. Classroom instruction on sex education in secondary schools can be expected to equate homosexual intimacy with heterosexual relations. These developments will create serious clashes between the agenda of the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children traditional standards of morality.

Finally, throughout history the family has served as an essential bulwark of individual liberty. The walls of a home provide a defense against detrimental social influences and the sometimes overreaching powers of government. In the absence of abuse or neglect, government does not have the right to intervene in the rearing and moral education of children in the home. Strong families are thus vital for political freedom. But when governments presume to redefine the nature of marriage, issuing regulations to ensure public acceptance of non-traditional unions, they have moved a step closer to intervening in the sacred sphere of domestic life. The consequences of crossing this line are many and unpredictable, but likely would include an increase in the power and reach of the state toward whatever ends it seeks to pursue.

The Sanctity of Marriage

Strong, stable families, headed by a father and mother, are the anchor of civilized society. When marriage is undermined by gender confusion and by distortions of its God-given meaning, the rising generation of children and youth will find it increasingly difficult to develop their natural identity as a man or a woman. Some will find it more difficult to engage in wholesome courtships, form stable marriages, and raise yet another generation imbued with moral strength and purpose.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has chosen to become involved, along with many other churches, organizations, and individuals, in defending the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman because it is a compelling moral issue of profound importance to our religion and to the future of our society.

The final line in the Proclamation on the Family is an admonition to the world from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve: “We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.” This is the course charted by Church leaders, and it is the only course of safety for the Church and for the nation.
________________________________________________
[1]Genesis 2:24.
[2] Matthew 19:4-6.
[3] Genesis 1:27.
[4] M. Russell Ballard, “What Matters Most is What Lasts Longest,” Ensign, November 2005, p. 41.
[5] United Nations, “Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” General Assembly Resolution 217 A (III), 10 December 1948.
[6] David Blankenhorn, Fatherless America: Confronting Our Most Urgent Social Problem (New York: Basic Books, 1995); Barbara Schneider, Allison Atteberry, and Ann Owens, Family Matters: Family Structure and Child Outcomes (Birmingham AL: Alabama Policy Institute: June 2005); David Popenoe, Life Without Father (New York: Martin Kessler Books, 1996); David Popenoe and Barbara Defoe Whitehead, The State of Our Unions 2007: The Social Health of Marriage in America (Piscataway, NJ (Rutgers University): The National Marriage Project, July 2007 ) pp. 21-25; and Maggie Gallagher and Joshua K. Baker, “Do Moms and Dads Matter? Evidence from the Social Sciences on Family Structure and the Best Interests of the Child,” Margins Law Journal 4:161 (2004).
[7] David Popenoe, Life Without Father (New York: The Free Press, 1996) p. 146.
[8] Ibid., p. 145. See also Spencer W. Kimball, “The Role of Righteous Women,” Ensign, November 1979, pp. 102-104.
[9] David Blankenhorn, Fatherless America, pp. 219-220.
[10] Stephanie J. Ventura and Christine A. Bachrach, “Nonmarital Childbearing in the United States, 1940-99,” National Vital Statistics Reports 48:16 (18 October 2000); and Brady E. Hamilton, Joyce A. Martin, and Stephanie J. Ventura, “Births: Preliminary Data for 2006,” National Vital Statistics Reports 56:7 (5 December 2007).
[11] Alan Guttmacher Institute, “Facts on Induced Abortion in the United States,” In Brief, July 2008.
[12] Christine Vestal, “California Gay Marriage Ruling Sparks New Debate,” stateline.org, 16 May 2008, updated 12 June 2008. Stateline.org is funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts.
[13] Matt. 19:19.
[14] John 8:11.
[15] Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Weightier Matters,” BYU Devotional speech, 9 February 1999.
[16] Maggie Gallagher, “Banned in Boston: The Coming Conflict Between Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty,” The Weekly Standard, 15 May 2006.
[17] Jonathan Turley, “An Unholy Union: Same-Sex Marriage and the Use of Governmental Programs to Penalize Religious Groups with Unpopular Practices,” in Douglas Laycock, Jr., et al., eds., Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty: Emerging Conflicts (Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 2008, forthcoming).
[18] Marc D. Stern, “Gay Marriage and the Churches, paper delivered at the Scholar’s Conference on Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty, sponsored by the The Beckett Fund, 4 May 2006.
[19] “European Parliament Resolution on homophobia in Europe,” adopted 18 January 2006.

Joe's Birthday!

2008-10-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated my darling husband's birthday. He turned 29...yowza! The day was pretty much a success...unless you consider a few minor details. Here's what I learned...

If you plan on making your husband a special birthday breakfast, make sure you actually get out of bed before he leaves for work.
If you plan any surprises, such as taking cupcakes to work (to make up for the missed breakfast), don't tell your 2-year old. While calling the birthday boy to sing the birthday song, all will be revealed!
If the box says "24 cupcakes," don't try to squeeze all the batter into "12 cupcakes". Tasty? Yes. Pretty? No.
Huge, ugly cupcakes at work will, however, ensure that employees know it's the big day. Sorry, babe...I had to tell.
When you go shopping for presents, avoid the section of the store containing children's toys and books. It's hard to explain why daddy needs socks instead of a puzzle book.
When you drop the kids off at Grandma's house (so you can actually enjoy a dinner out), don't leave the birthday cake on the counter. A 2-year old that's been waiting ALL DAY to eat some won't be able to resist scooting the chair over to have a few little tastes of frosting.
Smooshed, finger-printy cream cheese frosting doesn't ruin a good cake.
I have the most easy-to-please husband in the world!
It's better to post a birthday blog on the actual birthday to remind friends and family of the occasion...oh well!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOE! We love you so much! One more year until the big 3-0!

TRAKS Reunion

2008-10-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

In High School, I had a great group of girlfriends. As cool as we thought we were, we were actually pretty dorky! We called ourselves TRAKS...for Tricia, Robyn, Amanda, Katie, Stephanie. Cool, I know. In the ten years since High School, my circles of friends have totally changed. I have college friends, mission friends, Joe's friends, and since-being-married friends. This weekend was our 10-year High School reunion, and for the first time in 10 years, we had a totally TRAKS weekend! It was great for me to remember how lucky I am to still have these friends.

These girls were my friends at a totally crucial time of life...High School. Post-High School friends have helped me remain true to who I am, but TRAKS helped me become who I am. We all made some pretty dumb decisions time and again, but we loved each other, supported each other, cried with each other, and helped keep each other somewhat in check. And while the rest of our Class of 98 was out partying, we were busy making our own talk shows, going to church dances, water skiing at the lake house, taking pictures of the pizza guy, making prank calls, day dreaming, cheerleading, playing basketball, waking up for early morning seminary, playing Mafia, watching X-Files, having pool parties, breaking our legs, and being super dorky. (Trust me...I have pictures.)

I really hope my kids are as lucky. Our friendship has survived 4 marriages, 1 divorce, 9 1/2 kids, 2 LDS missions, 1 parent's death. Lots of happiness. Lots of heartbreak.

Needless to say, it was great to see my girls.

We kicked off the weekend with some hot-tub fun. (Never mind the biting ants when we were close to the edge).

After a few (literally 4 for me--thanks to Avery) hours of sleep, Katie and I woke up to Turbo Jam (Katie obviously knows what she's doing much better than I do!)

Then it was on to pedicures, smoothies, shopping, and pre-reunion prep! (Avery even had her toenails painted!)

The time for the big reunion finally arrived. I dropped off my crying baby to her adopted California Grandma's house, and it was time to par-tay.

1st stop: Brea Mall for a "family photo"

2nd stop: Red Robin for dinner

3rd stop: Back to put my hysterically-attached-to-her-mama baby to sleep.

4th stop: House of Blues in Anaheim

It was pretty much like a "High School party that we never went to". Lots and lots of drunkenness. A few awkward conversations. Mostly lots of fun seeing faces I haven't thought of or seen in years.

So we paid $60 (since we bought tickets early) for everyone else's booze...and a cup of Sprite. But it was worth it. And our husbands are probably glad they stayed home.

We were kicked out at 11 pm, and were invited to continue the party at another local bar. We pretended we were going to go, but knew no one would remember that we weren't there, anyway (since I'm pretty sure the 5 of us were about the only ones not drinking). Psssst...can I get a refund?
So we left as TRAKS, and our own party continued with Hot Chocolate and another sleepless night. It was great.

Other trip highlights:

Going to the Single's Ward with Stephanie. Every time Avery even breathed, all eyes were on us! I forgot what church was like in a quiet ward!
Hanging out with Mandy and family. It was nice to relax (and sleep!) before returning to my tornado of a 2-year old!
Bringing home some special souveniers...ants! They somehow found their way into my diaper bag and appeared on Avery's head on the plane ride home...ewwwww!
Being so excited to see the aforementioned tornado, and Joe!

Thanks for the fun weekend, girls! Let's not wait another 10 years to do it again!

Brian Hovey

2008-10-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

Joe had a best friend growing up. His name was Brian Hovey. They met when Joe was 4, and remained best friends until almost 4 years ago when Brian was tragically killed while on his way to graduate school in Colorado.

Brian would have turned 29 last week. We got together with his family and a few other close friends to celebrate Brian's life. We laughed a lot, we cried a little, and we remembered Brian.

Brian's mom, Dian, has always collected Precious Moments figurines. His sister, Renee was published here telling her story of how Precious Moments continues to bless their lives after Brian's passing with figurines such as "Lord, I'm Coming Home" and "Until We Meet Again". Renee promised her mom that there would be no more sad ones. However, as we celebrated what would have been Brian's 29th birthday, Renee gave her mom one last "sad" Precious Moment figurine.
We still miss Brian. We still wonder why he was taken at such a young age. But we remember him and know that we'll see him again! This poem by David Harkins (which I believe was read by Renee at his funeral) is a great tribute to our friend (and Parker Brian's namesake)!

He Is Gone

You can shed tears that he is gone
or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him
or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he’s gone
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back
or you can do what he’d want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

We miss you, Brian!

Scarecrow Festival

2008-10-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

Every year, Marci and Jacob invite me and Parker to the scarecrow festival. (This was the third year of this tradition). This year the party grew, and somehow I didn't get any pictures of Parker and Jacob! But we had a blast! Instead of just the 4 of us, Tate and Avery came along. So did Grandmas G and B. And I thought, what the heck. Why not bring Parker's girlfriend Ellie, along with her mom and brother. And Marci thought, why not bring Jessica and her two boys and niece and nephew? So our party of four quickly became a party of sixteen.

At the festival (AKA "bess-bull") we did some crazy house-bouncin', slide climbin' and slidin', pumpkin picture takin', choo-choo train ridin', and best of all Navajo Taco eatin'. Long live the scarecrow bess-bull tradition!

My Cosmic Twin

2008-10-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

Last night, my brother discovered that I have a cosmic twin! Who knew? Her name is Nicole. Find out how we are so cosmically connected here!

High School Reunion to-do's

2008-10-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

My 10-year High School Reunion is next week. I feel like I have so much to do before leaving town for a weekend with my High School BF's.

Clean and scrub my house. (It's a pre-leaving ritual I HAVE to do).
Create a new budget.
Organize our finances (up until now I've pretty much left them up to my husband. I'm ready to turn over a new leaf. Maybe I'll spend less if I'm more aware of where it's all going...we'll see).
Find a babysitter in California for my 8-month old (unless she decides to take a bottle before then, so I can leave her home).
Pack for myself and baby.
Pack for my 2-year old and his stay at Grandma's.
Probably pack for the husband and his man-weekend-pheasant-hunting trip. Ewwwww.
Shop for what-I-consider-suitable-snacks for my trip (we all know I need my fiber).
Gear up for some most-likely awkward reunion conversations (Yeah...I do remember that time...errrr...what was your name again?)
Get out old Yearbooks for a refresher.
Cut my hair. (I want it long again, but this in-between length will never do.)
Get a pedicure.
Find something suitable to wear (for each of the 5 days I'm there).
Lose the last 9 post-baby pounds.
Workout 3 times a day in a last-ditch effort.
Hurry and start a successful business.
Wonder why I care about impressing people I haven't seen for 10-years, and probably won't see for another 10 (besides my girlfriends...but why would I need to impress them?)
Decide that cleaning, packing, and budgeting will have to suffice.
And maybe just one new outfit.

Do any of you have times where you want to appear beautiful, successful, happy, intelligent, fill in the blank with desirable qualities, etc. Read on

Protect the Family!

2008-10-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

Because I care about the future for my children.

Because I want to have a say in what they are taught in school.

Because I want to be the one who teaches them about marriage and families.

Because this Massachusetts man was sent to jail for wanting to be informed on what the schools were teaching his son regarding the institution of marriage.

Because I'm not willing to sacrifice my parental rights.

Because marriage as God intended is between a man and a woman.

Because this affects all of us!!!!!

If you're a California voter, vote YES on proposition 8!

Lagoon, Cedar City, BYU, oh my!

2008-10-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

Lagoon

We've been busy hanging on to summer. Last weekend, we went to Lagoon! Don't get me wrong, we had a great time with Colby&Kandis&family. However, I had a few major epiphanies while there.

It's probably a good idea to ease Parker into the rides. Like maybe a carousel before the Dinosaur Drop or Ladybug Bop. He may look like he's having fun, but pictures don't capture the worried yelps and screams.

I kind of know what a hangover feels like now. I used to love rollercoasters, but realize now that having my head banged from side to side, or my brain twirled around isn't very fun. Over a week later, I still feel a dull, nauseous ache in my head.

After getting soaking wet, it's totally socially acceptable for a 2-year old to walk around in nothing but a t-shirt and diaper.

Avery is an angel.

Leaving the men with the kids for an hour and a half so we can ride on the big rides is a much needed break. Yay for girl time at Lagoon (even if it does result in a rollercoaster hangover)!

I miss Disneyland!

GO COUGS!

Since Parker's been so busy practicing the BYU fight song, we decided we had to take him to a game. So we went to Logan with Jake and Jaclyn for the big game. Here are a few highlights...

Yes, we are hardcore BYU fans.

Utah State fans are actually quite pleasant.

However, one particular Utah State fan was a little too friendly...I now need to spend some time teaching Parker about strangers, AND taking candy from strangers. Lots and lots of licorice.

Next time a nice candy-giving stranger asks to hold my baby, I should just say no. It's totally uncomfortable watching a strange man kiss and cuddle my fussy, crying baby. GIVE ME MY BABY!

We will stay until the bitter end, even if the outcome is certain.

Next time Joe thinks he might fall asleep while driving, just turn on the post-game show. Works better than his "spicy drinks"--the term coined by Parker for carbonated beverages.

Did I say GO COUGS?!?!?!

CEDAR CITY

My sister now lives only THREE HOURS away! Last week, I went on a middle-of-the-week trip to see her. We must've had fun, because I didn't take a single picture. Here, howev, are some highlights from that excursion...

It isn't very easy to stick food in a rear-facing baby's mouth while driving.

But it is possible.

Parker is very vocal. When you want to play with his toy, he screams and yells.

Blake knows how to fight back. He punches!

Devon can totally handle watching 5 kids so that I can go to Kimberly's Pilates class.

Cookies and movies are the key to Parker's happiness.

Parker and Avery don't sleep well in the same room together.

At the McDonald's playland, take the sticky fruit leather out of Parker's hand before he starts climbing the nasty slides.

I don't know how I'll survive when my kids have actual schedules! Kimberly knows how to move fast from place to place!

Driving home at bedtime is a good idea.

When Parker throws up ALL NIGHT, try not to think about the possibilities of what went in his mouth at McDonald's. Good thing the vomit only lasted through the night. Heaven forbid we miss the BYU game!

GENERAL CONFERENCE

While the men went to the Priesthood session of conference, we hung out with Erin and kids. Parker absolutely adores Spencer, Ethan, and Sadie. They even let him play "radio games" as Parker likes to call them.

I loved Saturday's sessions. Most of Sunday's, however, will have to be read online. In the future, remind me to stay home the week leading up to conference so I can stay awake!

Laundry Mishaps

2008-09-24T21:21:00.001-07:00

Those of you who know my mom, know what a great housekeeper she is. Almost before you've finished your dinner, she has your plate in the dishwasher. Before you take your shoes off, they're stowed away in some unknown closet. Before your dirty clothes hit the laundry basket, they're washed, dried, folded and put away.

It's a good thing I take after my mom. Because if I didn't, clothes might occasionally pile up. But since I'm so on top of things (like my mother), they of course never do.

And speaking of laundry, my mom always taught me to wash whites with whites, darks with darks, and lighter colors with their likes. And usually in small loads. Since the laundry never piles up, of course.

So today when I finished folding all the laundry (that didn't take two hours...since of course I've been so on top of things the past few weeks...), I wouldn't have dreamed of throwing all the clothes we've worn in the past two days into one load...just to have everything clean and put away at once. I would NEVER do that. Because my mom never would.

If I did think it a good idea to throw everything into the washer (not to mention the still-wet-from-yesterday clothes I forgot to put in the dryer), that would mean a HUGE load with every variety of color. White. Black. And lots of pink. Lots of new, bright pink baby clothes. Good thing I know better than to mix all those colors.

I can only imagine what would've happened. Like Joe's white underwear...pink. Or maybe Avery's cute, white shorts and new white blouse...pink. Or my family reunion t-shirt...pink tie die. And any white socks? Pink.

Good thing I know better. Because as much as I love pink, it just wouldn't be pretty. And my mom would probably have a heart attack. So don't worry mom...I know better. Ahem.

How to run a marathon...and enjoy it!

2008-09-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

Well, he did it. My husband completed his 8th marathon on Saturday, along with two of his brothers. This picture was taken after the race. They all look like they're trying really hard to smile.

I've already established how much I love watching marathons. This was the first race (as a spectator) that I didn't spend the whole thing driving madly along the course to find a spot to scream at Joe as he ran by. Instead, my friend Katie and I slept in. Well...sort of. Joe thought it would be a good idea (before leaving) at 4:30 am to put Mr. Ornery Pants back on the mattress he'd fallen off of. Which led to the awakening of the Angel Baby. Which led to a party in our room for the next hour before everyone finally settled down and went back to sleep.)

Katie and I did Turbo Jam, ate breakfast, then shoved 5 kids in her van to meet our husbands at the finish line. I felt slightly guilty for not being more supportive. Until I found out that if I had been somewhere along the course, Joe would've climbed in the car and suggested that we go home. Starting at mile 13.

So yes, my friends, Joe survived. But if he'd actually trained (5 weeks really doesn't count), he could've enjoyed the race...not just survived it!

So here are some tips for any of you considering running a marathon...or a half-marathon...or any race, for that matter. (Since I'm so experienced with ONE marathon under my belt...next time I'll follow my own advice)! Read On

Things I've Learned This Week

2008-09-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

When it's your turn to have preschool at your house (and you already have a busy week), plan accordingly! Otherwise you'll be up until the wee hours of the morning preparing silly animal crafts.
Before going to bed (at 1:30 am), if you have the thought to download some preschool music, ignore it! Otherwise you won't be able to fall asleep due to the Old Macdonald Orchestra running through your head.
When you're choosing a REAL preschool for your children (in years to come), check to make sure the teachers are well-rested. A tired teacher makes for a frazzled, impatient, grumpy teacher.
Your own children have a 6th sense...when you're tired, they're extra grumpy, and will try your patience.
You are SO lucky to have Evelyn two doors down to come steal your baby so you can focus on the 9 other children at your house. In fact, you have to fight back tears when she walks in the door, takes Avery, and walks back out. Only a real friend would use her free-time to watch my needy baby!
Whoever decided to assign a "helper parent" to each person in charge is a genius!
Whoever assigned the two of us with small babies together (not to mention Rebecca's toddler twins and preschool boy)? Not so smart! (Once again...thanks, Ev!)
Parker doesn't like to share his things. (Oh wait, I already knew that).
Finger painting is fun...but it's not very easy to listen to a grown up who tells you not to touch ANYTHING with your painted hands.
Crayola paint really is washable!
It's really exciting to see what "sinks" in the water, and what "floats."
Two hours go by a lot faster than you think (especially when it's your week off!)
You really CAN mask tired grumpiness if you try hard enough! The kids will hide by the fence when their parents come to retrieve them, so apparently something was fun.
When you noticed that your "day" was the same day you have to leave for your husband's marathon, you probably should've switched...
Too late!

And we're off....after I pack! I'll let you know if Joe survives...

Fit Me Pink Healthy Recipe Contest

2008-09-08T20:42:00.001-07:00

If you haven't yet, check out our healthy recipe contest. For the measly price of 1 or 2 healthy recipes, you could win one of three prizes! The BEST recipe we get will receive a $20 Visa Gift Card. The runner up will receive a custom vinyl lettering phrase (of choice) from Starpansie Designs. And every single recipe we receive will be entered into a drawing for another prize...still undecided what it will be...but it will be GOOD! Check out the contest details, leave your recipe(s) in the comments, or email them to fitmepink@gmail.com. Tell your friends! Submit your entries by next Monday (September 15th)

Cougar Fight Song

2008-09-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

GO COUGARS!

Rise all loyal Cougars
And hurl your challenge to the foe
You will fight, day or night
Rain or snow
Loyal, strong, and true
Wear the white and blue
As we sing, get set to spring
Come on, Cougars, it's up to YOU!

OH, rise and shout
the Cougars are out
along the trail to fame and glory!
Rise and shout, our cheers will ring out
As you unfold your vic'try story
On you go, to vanquish the foe
For Alma Mater's sons and daughters
As we join in song,
In praise of you, our faith is strong
We'll raise our colors high in the blue
And cheer the COUGARS OF BYU!!!!!

Ra ra ra ra ra, Ra ra ra ra ra,
Ra ra ra ra ra
GOOOOOOOO COUGARS!!!!!!!

I spoke too soon!

2008-09-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

What was I saying about no longer getting that "sinking feeling" when Parker wakes up from his naps? I spoke too soon!

Avery, on the other hand can't wake up soon enough! Well...sometimes! (And sorry about the crappy video...she's still cute, though!)

More Parkerisms...

2008-09-04T21:51:00.000-07:00

I can't say that Parker is out of the terrible two's just yet, but life has definitely been more pleasant around our house lately. Parker is just turning into the sweetest little boy. I don't get the same sinking feeling like "here we go" when he wakes up in the morning or from his nap. He's my little buddy. We have full blown conversations. He says "thank you" for everything! We laugh together. He gets worried when I'm crying. I'm constantly amazed and intrigued by his language development. Here are some of my favorite recent Parkerisms...

Here comes me. (Here I come)
Where is me? (Where am I?)
Daddy, don't be scared.
Mommy, I sorry.
Thanks for openin' door, mommy.
My do it.
No, my do it.
I not Parky, I Parker.
What's Avery's name?
I two.
Mommy, want some birthday cake? Yeah? (He answers his own questions for me).
I makin' hamburr. (hamburgers)
Where's a one? (other one)
Wuuuun more. (one more)
Laaaast time.
I be rye back. (I'll be right back)
Mommy, wait for meeeee!
No, my do it (yes...this is the third time I wrote this one. He wants to do EVERYTHING himself).
I luh you (I love you)
I wanna blow mommy kiss.
Mommy, kiss it beller. (kiss it better)
What are leeze? (What are these?)

And many more....

I love you, little buddy!

And Averyisms...

mamamama
bababababa
mmmmmmm

She's still our sweet little chunker baby--7-months old! Yikes! She's rolling EVERYWHERE, sitting up, getting on her hands and knees, has two teeth, and weighs 19.5 pounds! Watch out world, she's gonna be mobile!

We've Had Company!

2008-09-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

Signs that Nannu's visiting...

Your kids' hands are always washed.
You're in the middle of a conversation and the vaccuum turns on.
Your bathtub sparkles.
Someone is following the brownie-eating children around with a bucket of water and a mop.
The fridge and pantry are fully stocked (with food, goodies, and Pepsi (thanks a lot, dad!)
Before leaving the house at 4:50 am to catch a flight, the sheets and towels are stuck in the washer.
When Parker can't find the majority of his toys, you finally find them loaded in a hamper tucked away in the guest bedroom.
Post-guest cleaning isn't necessary!

Thanks for taking such good care of me, mom and dad! We loved having you! (And you, and you!) We love you!

Fit Me Pink!

2008-08-27T13:29:00.001-07:00

My sister and I have thrown around the idea of starting a fitness blog for a while. We finally did it! We aren't dieticians or physicians, but we've realized that the only way to stay sane as stay-at-home mom's is to make healthy living a priority. Every day. Check out our new blog and feel free to comment, ask questions, give suggestions, etc. so we can learn from each other! So without further ado (or is it adieu?), I'm excited to introduce you to Fit Me Pink! Check it out!

Paddle On!

2008-08-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

I was scrolling through old posts from last summer trying to find one that portrayed just how much I HATED summer last year. I did a pretty good job at hiding how absolutely miserable I was. Apparently we had a pretty fun summer. So....just so you all know, I HATED last summer. Not because of all the cool things we did, but because our house was literally a sauna! If I were in Finland, that would have been great...but I was in hot, dry, deserty Utah. Sure we had fun, but I DREADED coming home. The heat is all I remember. We got our swamp cooler to work a few times, but it would last only a few hours before spewing water all over the place. Parker slept in a diaper. I won't tell you how we slept. Joe and I finally decided that central air was 100% necessary for my sanity as a stay-at-home mom, so last fall we got it. I dreamed ALL. COLD. WINTER. LONG. of the return of my normally favorite season--summer! Not a single day has gone by this summer that I haven't praised the heavens for central air. Walking into a cool house is the cherry on top of every hot, fun thing we do outside. Last year, I was thrilled to say goodbye to August and hello to a loooooong winter. This year couldn't be more opposite. I am holding on with every ounce of strength I can muster to the hot days of summer.

Last Monday night we went with Joe's parent's and grandma for a little paddle boat excursion. What I thought was going to be a relaxing ride around the lake turned into a hot, sweaty, crazy good workout! We had a blast! We came home tired, sore, and HOT! But thankfully the heat isn't really what we remember. We remember enjoying the beautiful, outdoorsy summer that living in Utah provides, along with great company! Thank goodness for WONDERFUL in-laws. And once again, praise the heavens for central air!

Don't Snore Me Again....

2008-08-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

While reading a bedtime story a few nights ago....

Me: Parker, what does a lion say?
Parker: Rooooaaaar
Me: Yep, it says rooooooooaaaaar!
Parker (with quivering lip): Mommy!
Me: Roooooaaaar!
Parker (starting to cry): Mommy!
Me: Parker, are you scared?
Parker (now hysterical): Yeah!
Me: I'm sorry, buddy! I was just pretending to be a lion.
Parker: Mommy! Don't do it again!

_______________________________________

While driving home from a wedding reception last night...

Parker: Mommy, go to sleep!

Me: hooooonk shoooooo... (think: snoring)

Parker: Mommy!

Me: hoooooonk shoooooo.....

Parker (voice shaking): Mommy!

Me: Parker! I'm sorry! I was just pretending to snore. I'm not really asleep.

Parker: I don't like that, mommy!

Me: OK. I'm not snoring anymore.

Parker (repeatedly for the remainder of the ride home): Mommy! Don't snore me again!

OK Parker...I won't "snore" you anymore!

_______________________________________

And some photos leading up to the big scare... (photos courtesy of Erin)

Our New Vehicle!

2008-08-11T22:20:00.000-07:00

Don't get me wrong. I love our house. I really do. But it has some interesting (read: stupid) features that make me seriously question what the builders were thinking!

There is no back door! If we want to enjoy our backyard (along with the less-than-luscious garden, or Price is Right hot tub), we have to go out the front door and around to the side gate. Heaven forbid we have to take those 20 extra steps to get back there!

We have a BBQ patio. Why couldn't they have made this totally enclosed outdoor space into a backdoor? I guess because they were also brilliant enough to have the next-door neighbor's yard come right to the edge of our house! Our house is part of their fence...part of our property line is actually in their backyard. Hmmm....

We have a single car garage next to a single car carport! Make up your mind, people!

When we first moved in, the garage belonged to our precious PIR Ford 500 (Thanks, Bob!) After Avery was born, I decided that it was WAAAAAAY too much work to back the car out of the garage before putting Avery in. I gladly handed the garage parking privileges over to Joe's 1998 Honda Civic. But with the recent purchase of our newest vehicle, Joe has happily given up his prime parking spot.

I'm pretty OCD about keeping the inside of my car clean and clutter free. The rules for this vehicle are even more stringent, however. The kids can have nothing but water to drink. Every crumb is removed immediately upon return. When the exterior gets splashed with mud, it's instantly wiped down. With the rising gas prices, this may soon be our only mode of transportation. Let me introduce you to the Trek Sport GoBug...

Come On, Let's Crawl....

2008-08-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite movies of all time is Disney's Summer Magic (1963). The story of adjustment to simple life in Beulah, Maine is great, but I mostly just love the music!
Especially the song about the "Ugly Bug Ball." It's amazing how entertaining a song about crawling insects can be!
So when I heard that our library was hosting an "Ugly Bug Ball," I knew we had to be there! I had visions of Parker prancing to the ball in his home-made bug of sorts costume. But life happened, and Sunday night came. Still no costume. I considered using Parker's Nemo costume from Halloween, but couldn't stand the thoughts of embarrassment as my child showed up to the bug ball dressed as a bug-eating fish!

After some thought, however, I decided that having Parker dressed as a bug-eater would be better than not dressing up at all! After all, in a few years, Parker will be the one horrified at the thought of not wearing the right thing.

So off to the ugly bug ball we went! We met up with Ellie the Ladybug, Ammon the Bumblebee, and Ella the Butterfly. Luckily they embraced their friend, Parker the Fish...he decided not to eat them for lunch! We had a ball!

Once a lonely caterpillar sat and cried,
to a sympathetic beetle by his side.
"I've got nobody to hug,
I'm such an ugly bug."

Then a spider and a dragon fly replied,
"If you're serious and want to win a bride,
come along with us,
to the glorious annual ugly bug ball."

Come on let's crawl, (gotta crawl, gotta crawl)
to the ugly bug ball (to the ball, to the ball)
and a happy time we'll have there
one and all, at the ugly bug ball!

While the crickets clicked their tricky melodies
all the ants were fancy-dancing with the fleas
then up from under the ground
the worms came squirming around

Oh they danced until their legs were nearly lame
every little crawling creature you could name
everyone was glad,
what a time they had,
they were so happy they came!

Everyone was glad!
What a time they had!
They were so happy they came!

Come on let's crawl (gotta crawl, gotta crawl)
to the ugly bug ball(to the ball, to the ball)
and a happy time we'll have there
one and all!
at the ugly bug ball.

Then our caterpillar saw a pretty queen
she was beautiful in yellow, black and green
he said, "Would you care to dance?"
their dancing led to romance.

and she sat upon his caterpillar knees
and he gave his caterpillar queen a squeeze
soon they'll honeymoon
build a big cocoon
thanks to the ugly bug ball.

Come on let's crawl (gotta crawl, gotta crawl),
to the ugly bug ball (to the ball, to the ball)
and a happy time we'll have there
one and all!
at the ugly bug ball!

Happy Birthday To Me!

2008-08-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Camping...

Overheard (last Thursday):

Marci: So, what are you guys doing today?

Robyn: Well, I'm not sure. We were thinking about going camping, but it's the last day of the month, so Joe probably won't be able to get off early enough.

Marci: What? You're going camping? By yourselves? Weren't you going to invite us?

Robyn: Well...we weren't sure if we were even going. But if we were to say, invite you, would you come?

Marci: Uh, yeah!

Robyn: OK, so do you want to go camping with us for a few nights?

Marci: Sure! We'd love to! I'll tell Marcus to get some firewood and take tomorrow off. We need to do something spontaneous! I'll leave right now to get a spot!

Robyn: Sounds good!

(a few minutes later...)

Robyn: So, I guess we're going camping.

Joe: Really? Well, I won't be off until at least 7 (which will turn out to be 8), so we'll probably have to set up camp in the dark!

Robyn: Well, Marci already went to get us a spot, so we have to go!

Joe: Alright! See you at 7! (Make that 8). Wait, what? Marci's coming?

Robyn: Yep! She talked me into it!

____________________________

So turns out we went camping for my 28th birthday celebration! When I married Joe, he informed me that we were going to be a camping family. I'm a shower-and-wash-my-hair-every-day kind of a girl, so I wasn't too sure I'd let his plan succeed. But as things turn out, it's kind of fun to get dirty every once in a while.

Camping highlights:

Forgetting to put batteries in the lantern before leaving.
Marci and Marcus forgetting batteries for theirs as well!
Setting up our tent in the dark.
Joe's trip down the canyon the next day for the essentials I'd forgotten (including batteries, his contact solution, and deodorant).
MY BIRTHDAY!
Walking around Silver Lake.
Jacob falling in!
Parker throwing a tantrum on the boardwalk.
Laying next to Parker as he fell asleep in the tent. Each time I thought he was out, I'd try to sneak away quietly. He'd pop up every time (the kid has serious mommy radar) and say, "Mommy, stay. I want you stay." Me: "I'm just going to go potty, Parker." Parker: "Mommy, no goin' potty. I want you to stay." Me: "OK, I'll stay!" Such a sweet boy!
Great meals! Marci and I did pretty great for having a 5-minute over-the-phone planning session!
Even better snacks! Mmmmm....smores!
MY BIRTHDAY!
My surprise B-day Cake!
Lots of walks to get Avery and Tate to sleep!
The beauty of having NOTHING to do!
Jacob getting sick.
Jacob and Marci leaving in the middle of our game of Settlers (since we actually had working lanterns on the second night) so that Jacob could sleep in his own bed.
Parker and Avery waking up WAAAAAY too early.
Marci returning early to gather her also-sick husband, tired baby, and stuff!
Parker falling off the picnic bench as Joe and I were folding the tent...onto his head!
Parker being OK!
Feeling so grateful for my little family...there's just something magical about being in the great outdoors together! I loved having all four of us crammed into our two-man tent! (But if we're really going to be a camping family...it's time to upgrade!)

Which Disney Princess Are You?

2008-08-03T19:52:00.000-07:00

I AM JASMINE!!!

Independent and adventurous. You don't want much; just to break out of the guilded cage society has put you in and experience life to the fullest. Following orders isn't really one of your strong points, and you would rather live a life of poverty than being forced into something that you hate. Kimberly did this, so I had to try it! How funny...I think that describes me pretty darn well!

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Pioneer Day Highlights

2008-07-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

Pioneer Day Highlights

We decided to commemorate Pioneer Day with a firework show with Art and Evelyn and kids. Everything felt how summer should feel. It was warm and shady. The sun was slowly setting. The kids were laughing and playing. Slowly, more neighbors trickled out of their homes to join in on the fun. Another neighbor decided to join in--the neighbor's dog! He couldn't wait to get his paws on the fireworks. He was in such a hurry--he made a mad dash from the garage door to the sparkling box of fire. He didn't bother sniffing or exploring. He saw what he wanted, he grabbed it with his jaws, then he madly ran back towards the house to enjoy the hot treat. We all started screaming in horror, and Parker and Ellie started crying hysterically. The neighbor's brother (or someone) got the firework out of the dog's mouth and threw it back to the street before the lawn caught fire. The dog went for it AGAIN! This time I got a picture. The guy got it from the dog again, and got the dog with the now melted fur back in the house. We reassured our crying children that the dog was OK, and spent the rest of the night slapping ourselves for not turning on the video camera...it would've been a serious candidate for America's Funniest Home Video.

The next night, we turned on the baby monitors and went outside to light a few more. I think Joe and Art were seriously hoping for a reenactment. When we were done, Joe had the brilliant idea of lighting the firework box and creating a bonfire. Firework-flavored roasted marshmallows...yummy!

Are you as dumb as me?

2008-07-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

QUIZ

Answer YES or NO to the following questions to determine if you are as dumb as I am....

When you find out that the race packets for the Deseret Morning News 10 K that you are running in have to be picked up downtown, will you decide to take TRAX rather than drive?

Since you'll be doing a lot of walking downtown, will you decide to take your bulky, awkward double stroller?
Will you assume that your train will have handicapped access to get on the train with said double stroller?
When you realize that there is NO RAMP when you open the first door, will you run madly from one door to the next in a futile attempt to find a stupid ramp?
Will you accept help from a stranger to lift the stroller (with your unbuckled baby) up the narrow stairway?
Will you block the aisle for most of the journey with your stroller?
Will you (and your friend Kandis who was smart enough to bring only a small umbrella stroller) experience anxiety during the course of the trip downtown thinking about getting the stupid stroller back off the train?
Will you meet several nice people who will take pity on you and the spectacle you've become and offer assistance?
Will you be grateful that you have the stroller to use as a time-out spot to restrain Parker from picking the flowers at Temple Square?
When you arrive at the Energy Solutions Arena to pick up your packets, (and discover that once again, there are lots of stairs and no elevators to the underground level you need to be at), will you carry the stroller with your now sleeping baby down the long flight?
Will you once again accept assistance back up the stairs?
Will you dread getting on the now packed-with-passengers TRAX train?
Will you bark orders at your 2-year old to run up the stairs so you and another helping hand can get the stroller up?
Will you stand awkwardly as he freezes mid-climb crying and unsure of what he's supposed to do?
Will you watch with horror as the "helper" assumes you are holding onto the stroller as he lifts his end, tipping your (luckily buckled) baby forward?
Will you sigh with relief as you walk back to your parked car after creating your last deboarding spectacle?
Will you wake up at 4:45 the next morning to go downtown to run 6.2 miles?
Will you drive?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you might be as dumb as me. If you answered "yes" to #18, atleast you're a quick learner!

Scales and Tales

2008-07-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

Last night for FHE, we went to the local library for a reptile show by Scales and Tales of Utah with our good friends Colby and Kandis and Art and Evelyn. Parker was actually pretty interested in the giant turtle, iguana, and snake...from afar! He wasn't so excited at the end of the show, however, when we tried to chase him and the animals around the room to get a stinkin' picture! I totally remember going to a show like this when I was little, and volunteering to have the giant boa constrictor strung around my neck! I was hoping Parker would be brave and follow suit...he wasn't. He finally consented to the smaller snake being strung around him and Joe. He wasn't about to touch it (or pretend to be excited about it for the picture)!

Avery pretty much screamed through the whole thing...poor tired, sick, ornery baby! (Who by the way is allergic to amoxicillin!) Anyway, she finally passed out in my arms at the end, which was a good thing before we attempted holding the snake. She would've eaten it for dinner!