My new Mii

June 30, 2012
Pearl and Jeff decided my Mii needed some updating. And apparently my attitude does too.

I admit. I've been a real grump lately. Like the entire month of June. I have no clue why. Even my coworkers were concerned that I'd had it and was ready to quit. I jokingly (sort of) blame it on my new exercise routine. It's the only thing I've done differently this past month. So logically, getting an hour of exercise in four times a week - which should make me feel more energized, alert, and happy - has messed with me. Big time.

Hopefully for everyone's sake, the next time my Mii gets an update, I get a smile and non-furled eyebrows.

Magical time of year

June 29, 2012
Summer time must be absolutely magical for children.

I'm so old I can hardly remember.

You get to eat outside in the front yard every single night.

You can jump on the trampoline. With the sprinklers on.

No one cares if you wear your swimming suit all day long.

There's dirt to play in, bugs to catch, and Popsicles to eat.

You get to play in the pool. And squirt your sister. And mom.

You can run around barefoot in the grass.

And you get to stay up WAY past your bedtime. Even if it's just because your mom and dad were too busy enjoying the summer magic themselves and lost track of what time it was.

An epic day for our country

June 28, 2012
Today is an epic day for America. Whether you agree or not, it's a day that our country will remember for a long time. It changes everything.

I promised myself when I posted about the Supreme Court ruling the Affordable Care Act constitutional, I'd be nice about it and to the point.

I do not agree with everything in the Affordable Care Act or what the Federal Government does.

I fully admit I do not understand all the financial costs and scenarios that come as a result of this ruling.

But....

I believe health care is a basic human right.

I believe our country MUST begin shifting from a health care system that "keeps slapping band-aids on a gushing, bleeding wound" to preventing that gushing bleeding wound in the first place. Wellness - which the ACA has millions of dollars for and many, many provisions on but which NO ONE seems to remember in the discussions - is a proven way to save lives and save money.

I believe it's time for American's to stop being so selfish. No one wants to help anyone else who is different from than themselves and yet, when they need help, they expect everyone - including the government - to swoop in and save them. Think about it. Most folks making comments about how the ruling is, and I quote from a friend's Facebook status, "the day the American dream died" have never been poor enough to worry about a medical disaster ruining their lives, or if they should buy medications or food for their kids, or have a job that does not offer affordable insurance. (BTW, health reform should be called health insurance reform... it is not true health reform people!)

I believe that it is the right thing to do to pay for something that everyone deserves to have access to. I personally enjoy having schools for my children, roads to drive on, state and federal national parks to enjoy, clean water, and so many more things that our taxes provide for. And speaking of taxes, no one seems to be outraged that we are required to pay a slew of other taxes already to the government and/or private industry... car insurance, mortgage insurance, property taxes, etc., etc., etc. Paying taxes so everyone can have access to health insurance is no different. And we pay for this care whether we all pay for it or not... that's why so many without insurance end up in the ER where they can't be refused care. And who pays for it? Us. Tax-paying Americans.

So, yes. Today is an epic day in our country's history. Whether the law survives in the future is unknown. But today, our country wins an enormous victory in finally doing something - anything - to ensure every American a basic human right. Health care.

Speedy as a snail

June 27, 2012
Sadly, this is about the speed of my morning walk today.

Did your husband play in college?

June 26, 2012
Jeff is a softball monster. Really. I am impressed. If he was in the mood to sprint, he'd hit an in-field home run each time he's up to bat.

Tonight a fellow ward member came over and causually asked me if Jeff had played baseball in high school. And college. Because in his words, "You can tell he knows what he is doing. He's good."

I giggled. And confessed that Jeff's baseball career ended when his shoulder had to be reconstructed. I didn't exactly confess that this happened in high school though.

Better to let the "groupies" think Jeff is as awesome as I do.

Sprinklers and trampolines

June 25, 2012
They thought they were soooo sneaky. Jumping on the trampoline with the sprinklers on.

The exact same thing their Dad has tried to get them do ever since we bought it.

Buu peas!

June 24, 2012
When a little boy who has worn the same swimming suit for three days straight tells you, "Buu peas" it really means, give me the blue Sqeeeze-it. Now!

Pickleville Playhouse

June 23, 2012
I know screen time on Facebook is turning my brain to mush. But every once in awhile it pays off big time. Like this week.

I saw a post about getting free tickets to "Forever Plaid" at Pickleville Playhouse. First come first serve. Well, we just happened to be going to Bear Lake this weekend and I just happened to be the second person to comment, so I scored 7 tickets to tonight's show. It's been far too long since I've been to Pickleville. And considering how often we are in Bear Lake and that we can walk to Pickleville from our property, it's almost inexcusable.

I wasn't sure how everyone would like Forever Plaid. The story line isn't the laugh-your-guts-out show that we've seen at Pickleville before. But, geez! It was free, something different to do, and got us out of the wind. My parents came up to enjoy dinner with us and to watch Cole while the rest of us (me, Jeff, Pearl, Kurtis, Jesse, Emily, and Ruby) went to the show. They also came and got Pearl during intermission because she was bored and tired. Ruby, though? She LOVED it! She got to participate in the show and after that she was hooked! She "commentated" throughout the show., the highlight of which was, "This is AWESOME! I love it!" And "Open it!" (when they got a present with their plaid jackets) and "Are they going to sing again? What's taking so long?" She was hilarious! Ruby-juby even got her picture with one of the actors and was all smiles.

If you've never seen a play at this little gem, you MUST go! The shows never disappoint. The theater is small and intimate, there's a lot of interaction with the audience, and the actors are always hilarious and very talented.

Famous Bear Lake raspberry shake

June 22, 2012
Oh. My. Over-the-top. Deliciousness.

Famous Bear lake raspberry milkshakes from Home Town Drive-in. With malt for extra deliciousness.

Summer is finally here.

Owie

June 22, 2012
The picture really doesn't do Jeff's "owie" justice. It was a big owie. Like, half of a pine needle jammed in his finger big owie.

Imminent failure

June 20, 2012
This can't be a good sign.

And it was the second "warning" my computer had given me. The first told me some hard drive system failure had been detected and to immediately back up my work or risk losing everything. Emphasis on everything.

Great.

My IT department told me it was probably a fluke and to just reboot. Did I mention my computer was brand new? Less than a week old? Hence the reason they thought it must be a fluke message.Well, their idea didn't exactly work. I got the black screen of doom... imminent failure. That can't possibly be a good sign. Unless it means I get to go home for the day.

Ballpark

June 19, 2012
Church softball has begun.

Which means Pearl will do just about anything to get free nachos and a hot dog. Fern is just excited to go play ball. And Jeff? Well, if he hits the ball every game like he did tonight, then he's going to be the MVP! Seriously. Apparently those mega-antibiotics he is taking to keep his lungs from drowning in fluids are laced with steroids. 'Cause he hit it out of the ballpark!

Day of play

June 18, 2012
It was hard to pick just one picture today. Not because I had a slew of amazing photography to choose from, but because we had jam-packed day of fun. All day. And this was the best shot of my two pipsqueaks having fun together.

First, we went to the Tracy Aviary with our friends Libbey, Jacob, and Alexia. We explored the Owl Forrest, found the long-awaited flamingos, fed the mamma and baby ducks, and stuck our heads in the bird cut outs. It was our first time to the Aviary.

Then we ate lunch near the water feature in Liberty Park. If you've never taken your kids there, you are all missing out! It is AWESOME! The water feature is a replica of all the rivers and lakes flowing into the Salt Lake Valley. It's not very deep so you can sort-of relax while watching the kids. But on a hot, hot, hot day like today, it was fun joining the kids as they ran up and down the mini streams and rivers.

Then, if hours at Liberty Park wasn't enough we came home (napped, watched cartoons, and went to the grocery store and did some laundry... but that wasn't really fun) and got ready for a friend BBQ at a nearby park and splash pad. The winds started whipping around, which put a damper on Pearl's excitement to play in the splash pad for too long. The kids played in the water for awhile then ate nothing but chips for dinner (and pre-bedtime snack) and played at the park. I was thrilled to not have to cook dinner. By 8 o'clock I was exhausted from all the fun.

Oh and Jeff? He missed out on everything. He's got walking pneumonia. 

T.I.E.

June 17, 2012
Pearl made Jeff a cute gift for Father's Day in Primary. His favorite... peanut M&M's. How did I luck out with such cute Primary teachers for my kids? Seriously. It makes me feel guilty that my poor Primary classes had an uncreative, boring teacher.

The kids also got Jeff two Phineas and Ferb DVDs. I really wasn't thrilled about the idea, but Pearl saw a coupon for $6 off on the counter and just knew it was exactly what her Dad would want. She kept telling me, "Dad loves Phineas and Ferb. Just like me. Cole does too." So we had a Phineas and Ferb and free doughnut marathon this morning to let Jeff know he is "T.I.E."

Here's a special tie for you,

To tell you Thanks for all you do!

Dad, you are:

T-errific

I-ncredible

E-xtraordinary

You're the best a kid could have,

I'm so glad that you're my Dad!

Happy Father's Day!

Love, Pearl.

(Then at the bottom, in smaller font it says:)

It's not another tie to wear,

But maybe one that you could share?

 

(courtesy of Little LDS Ideas)

Free doughnuts

June 16, 2012
Jeff sent me an email with a link to an article about how to get free doughnuts at Krispy Kreme. He said it was all he wanted for Father's Day.

Free doughnuts? How you might ask.

Just bring in your ugliest tie and get a free dozen glazed doughnuts. Simple as that.

So this morning, Cole and I ventured to the nearest Krispy Kreme for a sweet treat. I laughed when we walked in and saw hundreds of ugly ties hanging from the ceiling and families leaving with four and five dozen free doughnuts. Cole (and me too) happily handed over Jeff's ugly fishing tie. Of course, I had to treat Fern and myself to something extra special... a chocolate sprinkle doughnut for Cole and a blueberry doughnut for me.

Father's Day is going to be one sweet day. That is if I can keep the kids out of Jeff's present!

Car show

June 15, 2012
This is a 1935 Ford pickup.

We see it almost every year at the Rotary Club's "Coats for Kids" car show.

And every year I take a picture of it. And wish I could give my Dad enough money to restore his 1940 Ford pickup that my mom refuses to let him sell.

Someday....

Long

June 14, 2012
Thank you JBellashop.com for a dress that is actually LONG on me!

It's a rare find to have an article of clothing that actually hits at my ankles. I laugh at clothing that advertises as long because most of the time capris look like too-long shorts on me and unless I buy pants by the length, they look like floods. And I won't even start on tops... they never feel long enough to cover a mommy body.

I may not look the greatest in it, but the dress is super comfy and light. Perfect for summer. You should get yourself one.

Check out the view

June 13, 2012
My consultation prize for sitting in a meeting for 7 hours was the view. The West Jordan Library opened about a week ago and it is gorgeous! The outside looked like a Jenga tower. Even the stairs were this retro laminate that looked like cork board or wood. And the view from the second floor conference rooms over looked a huge grassy area, "castle" park, and trees.

Too bad we don't live closer because my kids would love it!

Slurpee medicine

June 12, 2012
Why is it that one day - one day - after a visit to the doctor for a well-child check up (with a clean bill of health) BOTH of my kids now have fevers? And gross, snotty noses. And headaches.

Seriously.

With my ridiculous schedule jam-packed with meetings (forget actually getting my work done) at work, Jeff and I split child care duties today. Which explains why both kids had Slurpees when I got home.

Hey, whatever works, right?

Kindergarten shots

June 11, 2012
Every kid entering kindergarten (even those who are already in kindergarten as Pearl points out to everyone who asks) eventually hears the rumors from the older kids.

You have to get shots.

Now Pearl has been blessed with a pretty robust immune system. Which is a blessing for all of us because she is an absolute whimp when it comes to going to the doctor, getting shots, or having to take any form of medicine.

But even Pearl knew what was coming. She's been prepping herself for months about her kindergarten check up. Telling me she'd be brave and not cry when it was time to get her shots. I had to remind her on several occasions when she had near panic attacks about it that those shots are what helps her stay so healthy so she doesn't have to go to the doctor.

All morning she kept asking me if it was time to go yet. She was really looking forward to her visit with Dr. Doug. She passed all her balance tests (to check for brain tumors I think), has eagle eyes (unlike her parents) and sees as well as second graders, and as our pediatrician warned me is smart enough that we should be very concerned she'll be bored in school. She even counted to 10 for Dr. Doug in Spanish and then did a trick "1, 2, skip a few, 99, 100" just for giggles. Even Fern passed with flying colors, as he refused to be outdone by his sister and climbed right up on the doctor's lap for a check up himself. I joked that if Dr. Doug looked in his ears, he'd probably have an ear infection. Luckily, it was just a summer cold.

Sadly, as soon as Dr. Doug said "three shots" Pearl panicked. She started whimpering and asked me if I would hold her hand. Too bad for her she ended up in a bear hug with the nurse jabbing three needles in her legs. It was traumatizing for her and she's been asking when she has to get shots again ever since. It is kind of sad. But I'm grateful for two healthy children.

Peace and quiet

June 10, 2012
Too bad the peace and quiet didn't last for more than three minutes.

Old Grist Mill Bread Co.

June 9, 2012
There is a debate among some about which bread company is better.

Great Harvest or Old Grist Mill Bread Co.?

If you are even remotely arguing Great Harvest, you are wrong. Dead wrong.

Now if I could only get Old Grist Mill to set up shop in my neck of the woods.

LAX

June 8, 2012
I am THE best sister in the world.

Me and the kiddos surprised my little brother at his lacrosse tournament. My mom and dad couldn't make it tonight, which is very rare, and my mom sent an email to me this morning about the game. They were bummed that no one would be there to support Kurtis.

The kids love watching Kurtis play lacrosse. Even if Cole claps and yells "Go Kur" when the other team has the ball, Pearl gets upset that Kurtis isn't paying sole attention to her, and I have no clue what is going on. But I did know when he scored a goal. Too bad it was immediately after I took this picture of him shooting the ball. He's the one in blue who looks like he is going to throw his shoulder out.

Kurtis had a big grin on his face when we walked over to tell him good job. I hope he always thinks I'm cool enough to smile at in front of his friends.

Early morning walk

June 7, 2012
I didn't want to go on my 6:00 a.m. walk today. As is apparent by my picture. I sort of got distracted by the sprinklers and blades of grass. Like a kid who stops to look at the bugs on their way to school.

Oh well. I still got my fat butt out of bed.

Walk to the temple

June 6, 2012
In preparation for Trek, our Stake President asked all the youth to walk to the temple.

Up hill both ways.

Ok, so not both ways. But it feels like it when you finally get there.

If you've ever driven to the Bountiful Temple then you'll know the uphill climb is STEEP! Several years ago, I made a goal to walk to the temple from my house. It took me two hours. I was dumb, thinking, it's not that far (technically it's not that far in terms of miles, but as I said, it's a very steep incline the entire way up) and forgot to take water. It was hot. I sweated A LOT. And Jeff figured I'd passed out somewhere along the way.

But I did it.

And my Young Women did it tonight.

I told one of the girls, if an old, out-of-shape lady like me can keep going, so can you! I think the goal of making it to the temple is a neat experience not only because it helps the youth get ready physically for Trek, but because sometimes getting to the temple in your life isn't always easy.

But it's worth all the sweat and pain to get there.

Scraps and skinned knees

June 5, 2012
It's that time of year for scraps and skinned knees.

Especially if you are a busy, little boy who thinks he can do ANYTHING by himself.

5

June 4, 2012
Happy birthday to my sassy, spunky, smart, and super cute Pearl.

Who said she was bored all day, even after building a doll house, playing in the sprinklers, sliding down the slip-n-slide, eating Popsicles, going to the pool, getting a burger, and opening even more presents.

Is she five or 16? I get confused.

Smurf kiss

June 3, 2012
It was HOT today when we got home from church.

Of course, it didn't help my internal thermostat that I had to teach my first YW lesson today, broke out into my typical "bridal rash" and bawled like a baby. Then had a near heart attack leaving the church parking lot after realizing my absolute favorite painting I took for my lesson (which I didn't even use because of time) had been left in the library - which was now locked - and then ran around in heels trying to find someone to let me in to get it.

So the second we got home, I told the kids we were having a Popsicle.

And as you can see, the kids picked blue ones. Cole kept looking at me and pulling the funniest faces, with blue dripping all over his mouth and chin. I'm almost 100% positive he's figured out how funny and cute he is. Especially when his sister laughed and told us, "Cole looks like he got kissed by a Smurf!"

Party day

June 2, 2012
Since Cole and Pearl's birthdays are only a couple weeks apart, Jeff and I decided long ago to ride the combined-birthday-party-train for as long as possible. We figured it's better to be completely broke, utterly exhausted, and our kids totally spoiled once instead of twice. So with a ballerina party this morning and a family BBQ this evening, you'd think I'd have gotten one decent picture of the two birthday kids together. Or at least a family picture.

But it didn't even cross my mind. 

And since it doesn't really seem fair to post just a picture of Pearl or just one of Cole, you'll have to take the only shot of them together. Blowing out their candles.

Happy birthday Pearl and Cole! I sure hope my pipsqueaks had fun today because I am exhausted, I've never seen so many dishes in the sink before, and my feet and legs hurt so bad that I can barely walk!

Party preparations

June 1, 2012
I had grand plans today.

Spend all of Jeff's hard earned money at Walmart, the grocery store, Costco, and the party planning store. Then clean the house until it shines. Ok, so really just make it somewhat presentable with a quick vacuum, dusting, de-cluttering, and maybe a good mopping. Then clear off all the junk on the back patio, pick up the toys and random gardening supplies strewn about the yard, paint the trampoline box for a "ballet shoe" toss game, and then bake 30 cake pops and a dozen blueberry muffins. Oh, and this was all after getting up for a 6:00 a.m. walk plus the normal "mom" stuff trying to keep the kids feed and alive all day. All in preparation for not one, but two birthday parties tomorrow.

Instead, Cole begged "home" after the party planning store, Costco, and an unexpected stop at Kid 2 Kid for a new pair of ballet slippers for Pearl. I couldn't blame him though. I was just as tired as he was from running errands and cleaning the patio.

We fell asleep together on the couch while Pearl fended for herself until Jeff got home. Needless to say, I was up until the wee hours of the morning attempting my first try at cake pops. Good thing sprinkles hide blemishes!

Cheesy face

May 31, 2012
I thought Cole looked SOOOOO cute tonight. Something about the right color of blue shirt bringing out the sparkle in his blue eyes!

I had a bazillion pictures of him. And he's pulling a different face in all of them... hmmm sounds like his sister. But this one made me giggle. This is Cole's cheesy face. He squints his little eyes nearly shut, puts his teeth together, and does this funny smile. Then he laughs through his teeth and usually says, "Mom" and tries to kiss me afterward.

I love it.