In my opinion, which I like to share, The Costa, a newish Mexican restaurant here in town is delish. It EXCEEDED my expectations.
In my opinion going to the movies is not fun.
In my opinion boxing is evil and those involved will be held accountable one day. I hate watching it or movies about it.
In my opinion Lady GaGa is super strange and fascinating at the same time. I want to look away, but I can't.
In my opinion people should not talk on the phone while they drive. Don't even get me started on texting.
In my opinion baseball isn't a real sport, it's just chubby dudes standing around hoping the ball comes their way.
In my opinion it's freaky when people move their toes.
Just in case you were wondering.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Sometimes...
Sometimes she looks like a Cockatoo.
Sometimes she likes to sleep on her brother.
Sometimes she likes to perch on her daddy's shoulder.
Sometimes she looks like a demon.
Sometimes HE does.
Sometimes THEY BOTH DO! I'm scared.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Garden of 2011
Our garden this year is much like our garden last year, including the part where we plant too early and then fret for weeks about what the cold weather is doing to our poor little garden babies. Matt planted on May 14th this year. We have been told that the weekend after Mother's Day is the day to plant here in Utah, but then there is always a long patch of cold after that.
Just as we did last year, we planted four tomato plants on one side. I'll be using the large orange pot for basil again this year, but I have yet to buy that plant.
On the other side we have six jalapeno pepper plants and the strawberry patch that is thicker than ever this year. I have a feeling we won't have much room for peppers next year, as I'm sure the strawberries will have taken over this whole patch of garden.
This year I bought the tomatoes and peppers from the High School for a dollar per plant. Stay tuned for a garden update next month.
Just as we did last year, we planted four tomato plants on one side. I'll be using the large orange pot for basil again this year, but I have yet to buy that plant.
On the other side we have six jalapeno pepper plants and the strawberry patch that is thicker than ever this year. I have a feeling we won't have much room for peppers next year, as I'm sure the strawberries will have taken over this whole patch of garden.
This year I bought the tomatoes and peppers from the High School for a dollar per plant. Stay tuned for a garden update next month.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
A woman's sacrifice | Mormon Times
A friend of mine posted a link to this article:
A woman's sacrifice Mormon Times
Thank you to Kathryn Lynard Soper. I loved the article. It totally hit home, and reminded me of a quote I read in a book once that I wrote down because it reminded me a little of how I felt after each miscarriage.
"But I was glad of this weary day after, for there be times when the only comfort a body has is the remembrance of hardship borne for somebody dear." ~Prue Sarn, Precious Bane by Mary Webb
A woman's sacrifice Mormon Times
Thank you to Kathryn Lynard Soper. I loved the article. It totally hit home, and reminded me of a quote I read in a book once that I wrote down because it reminded me a little of how I felt after each miscarriage.
"But I was glad of this weary day after, for there be times when the only comfort a body has is the remembrance of hardship borne for somebody dear." ~Prue Sarn, Precious Bane by Mary Webb
Monday, May 23, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Winner, winner, Chicken Dinner
The winner of our caption contest is:
Sandy,
who said
"Ah, is that Sam again standing behind me ready to pounce?"Sorry, the prize is not a Chicken Dinner, but it will be coming your way very soon.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Lola's Birth Story
I know Lola is five months old and all, and I've probably missed the boat on this story, but one of my friends is about to have a baby any minute, and I was talking to her this morning. Then a mutual friend and coworker that we have was talking to me about her. We are so excited for her. Then we started talking about our own birthing stories, and I don't know about you, but I love to hear about birth stories so it's on my mind, so here we go. If this isn't your thing, I totally understand and you should stop reading now, before I use words like dilating, efface,etc. If this is your thing, maybe you'll get lucky and I'll tell Sam's birth story tomorrow...
As you know, Lola was long awaited. As we got closer to the due date the anticipation was too much for all of us, our emotions were going crazy. And my body was hurting so bad. You see, I have two kids, but I've had 8 pregnancies and my body knows it. So my pelvis loosened up and then the bones were rubbing together, bone on bone. It was bad.
My doctor said he would induce me four days before her due date and I was all over that. I mean, she WAS about seven years over due already. I had him try to strip my membranes that day to see if we could get things started before then but it didn't work out. My cervix just wasn't soft enough yet.
We got an appointment for 7 am on December 8th. Then the night before they called and asked if we would come in at 5 am. Of course we would, there was no way I was going to sleep that night anyway. Becky and Marley spent the night, to take care of Sam while were were in the hospital. I did end up getting a little sleep, but I popped out of bed around 4am, took a shower, kissed Sam good bye, and we headed over to the hospital.
They put us in our room and I got the gown on and then we had a little trouble getting the IV in, which is always the case with me. They called in their special guy and he did it on the first try. By then it was about 6:30. They started a bag of fluids and the pitocin. A few minutes later I could tell something was starting to happen. Around 7:00 my doctor came in to break my water. And as he did there was a major gush (is that word too graphic?) and he hopped off the bed because there was so much, then he got super serious and intense and started pushing hard on my pelvic boned and I felt like he was wrestling me. It was painful. And, the water just kept coming and coming. My socks were completely wet. Then he stops, smiles at me, pats my leg and says, "Okay, I'll see you a little later." And walked out. I looked and Matt and said, "Holy cow! That was crazy!" I better tell you now, I LOVE MY DOCTOR!
I immediately had to go to the bathroom, and they needed to change my bed so I headed to the bathroom, with my IV in tow. That's where I was when the contractions really started, and by that I mean I could actually feel that they were contractions. When I got back in my bed, Matt announced he was going to go find a snack. He was only gone for five to ten minutes, but in that time I got so scared! I wanted to call the nurse in and tell her to find him and bring him back. Every contraction, which at this point was just barely on the brink of maybe, possibly being a little bit uncomfortable, but for everyone, my body was getting more and more tense. When he came back, I played it cool, waited a minute or two and then mentioned that I think I might want an epidural. But I wasn't sure at what point it is appropriate to ask for one and what if they think I'm a wimp if I already want it. I hadn't actually felt any labor pain yet. When I had Sam, I didn't get an epidural (though I wanted it) , so through out this pregnancy I was thinking I didn't need one because I had done it before without one and so maybe I could again. But I will tell you now, PITOCIN IS SCARY! It didn't feel the same, and that was messing with my head. I asked Matt if he thought I should get it and he said YES! So I pushed the button to call the nurse and said I would like to discuss my epidural options. She came in and I said," If I decide to get an epidural, is there any reason to wait?" She looked at me like I was crazy and said,"NO!" So I told her I was going to and she told me the anaesthesiologist was right out in the hall and that she would get him to me first.
Ten minutes or so later, I had my epidural and felt SO much better. Matt said I was all of a sudden very chipper.
Shortly after the anaesthesiologist left the nurse checked me and I think I was at about a four.
Matt's mom and sister were there with us by this time, or they had been and then left, but Matt's mom was back. So we just sat and talked. I gave Jeanna and Mary Jeanne strict instructions about where the cameras were aloud to point. The time went quickly. We talked with Sam on the phone a few times. He was staying home from school and going to see Santa at the mall with his aunts and cousins.
Around 11am I was starting to feel contractions on my right side. I told the nurse and she told me to lean to the right. She propped a pillow under my left side and gravity helped move the meds to the right and then I stopped feeling over there again. It was so amazing.
At 11:35 I looked at the clock and thought, I guess she won't be born by noon. A few minutes later the nurse checked me and said I was dilated to a ten and fully effaced. I was shocked. She said the baby was still pretty high up, so she put my bed into a straight sit up position and said we would "rest and descend" for one hour. Then she went to tell the doctor.We decided we had better call and let Becky know the baby would be born in about two hours, so they could bring Sam over. But the doctor came right in a few minutes after that, checked me, confirmed that I was at a ten, and started putting on his little paper outfit. And as he did we had this little conversation:
Dr: I guess I can tell you now.
Me: Tell me what?
Dr: When I broke your water, the baby's hand came out.
Me: (Look of shock!)
Matt:(Look of shock!)
Dr: I got it back in, luckily. If I hadn't been able to, we would have had to do a c-section right away because if the cord is being pinched in anyway it's really dangerous for the baby.
Me: (Look of shock! and thinking "That explains the wrestling match.")
Matt:(Look of shock!)
Dr: Are you glad I didn't tell you?
Me: (pointing at Matt) I'm glad you didn't tell him, because he would have been asking me all this time, "Can you feel the hand? What about a finger? How about now? Is the hand still in? Let me take a look." I'm really glad he didn't know.
Dr: (Smiling) Okay, let's have a baby. Matt, you hold that leg. The nurse will hold this leg. Okay, Julie, here comes a contraction. Push.
I pushed but couldn't feel a thing. I looked at Matt and he nodded his head and said,"It's working." We stopped for a second. I gave another quarter of a push and out she came. I couldn't believe it. I didn't feel a thing and it was so easy, it didn't seem real. It wasn't even noon yet! I really could not believe it.
They put her on my chest. The doctor had me guess her weight. I guessed somewhere around 6 pounds. She seemed so tiny to me. She was 6lbs.12oz.
We got on the phone and told my sisters to bring Sam right away, the baby was already born. They said Sam shed a few tears in the back of the van.
They immediately had me order some lunch, which is like ordering room service at our hospital. Then we just hung out waiting for Sam and lunch. Once he came we introduced him to Lola and she gave him a present she brought with her from the womb, a T-shirt that said, "My sister has the best big brother in the world." Then we had a picture fest with aunt Becky.
It was a wonderful day!
I was starting to feel my legs again by the time they wheeled me down to our room. And honestly, I had no recovery. I never felt like I had a baby, never needed any pain medication, and didn't feel a single cramp. Amazing. I would be thinking it was all a dream, except that I have this darling little angel baby here to keep me company.
As you know, Lola was long awaited. As we got closer to the due date the anticipation was too much for all of us, our emotions were going crazy. And my body was hurting so bad. You see, I have two kids, but I've had 8 pregnancies and my body knows it. So my pelvis loosened up and then the bones were rubbing together, bone on bone. It was bad.
My doctor said he would induce me four days before her due date and I was all over that. I mean, she WAS about seven years over due already. I had him try to strip my membranes that day to see if we could get things started before then but it didn't work out. My cervix just wasn't soft enough yet.
We got an appointment for 7 am on December 8th. Then the night before they called and asked if we would come in at 5 am. Of course we would, there was no way I was going to sleep that night anyway. Becky and Marley spent the night, to take care of Sam while were were in the hospital. I did end up getting a little sleep, but I popped out of bed around 4am, took a shower, kissed Sam good bye, and we headed over to the hospital.
They put us in our room and I got the gown on and then we had a little trouble getting the IV in, which is always the case with me. They called in their special guy and he did it on the first try. By then it was about 6:30. They started a bag of fluids and the pitocin. A few minutes later I could tell something was starting to happen. Around 7:00 my doctor came in to break my water. And as he did there was a major gush (is that word too graphic?) and he hopped off the bed because there was so much, then he got super serious and intense and started pushing hard on my pelvic boned and I felt like he was wrestling me. It was painful. And, the water just kept coming and coming. My socks were completely wet. Then he stops, smiles at me, pats my leg and says, "Okay, I'll see you a little later." And walked out. I looked and Matt and said, "Holy cow! That was crazy!" I better tell you now, I LOVE MY DOCTOR!
I immediately had to go to the bathroom, and they needed to change my bed so I headed to the bathroom, with my IV in tow. That's where I was when the contractions really started, and by that I mean I could actually feel that they were contractions. When I got back in my bed, Matt announced he was going to go find a snack. He was only gone for five to ten minutes, but in that time I got so scared! I wanted to call the nurse in and tell her to find him and bring him back. Every contraction, which at this point was just barely on the brink of maybe, possibly being a little bit uncomfortable, but for everyone, my body was getting more and more tense. When he came back, I played it cool, waited a minute or two and then mentioned that I think I might want an epidural. But I wasn't sure at what point it is appropriate to ask for one and what if they think I'm a wimp if I already want it. I hadn't actually felt any labor pain yet. When I had Sam, I didn't get an epidural (though I wanted it) , so through out this pregnancy I was thinking I didn't need one because I had done it before without one and so maybe I could again. But I will tell you now, PITOCIN IS SCARY! It didn't feel the same, and that was messing with my head. I asked Matt if he thought I should get it and he said YES! So I pushed the button to call the nurse and said I would like to discuss my epidural options. She came in and I said," If I decide to get an epidural, is there any reason to wait?" She looked at me like I was crazy and said,"NO!" So I told her I was going to and she told me the anaesthesiologist was right out in the hall and that she would get him to me first.
Ten minutes or so later, I had my epidural and felt SO much better. Matt said I was all of a sudden very chipper.
Shortly after the anaesthesiologist left the nurse checked me and I think I was at about a four.
Matt's mom and sister were there with us by this time, or they had been and then left, but Matt's mom was back. So we just sat and talked. I gave Jeanna and Mary Jeanne strict instructions about where the cameras were aloud to point. The time went quickly. We talked with Sam on the phone a few times. He was staying home from school and going to see Santa at the mall with his aunts and cousins.
Around 11am I was starting to feel contractions on my right side. I told the nurse and she told me to lean to the right. She propped a pillow under my left side and gravity helped move the meds to the right and then I stopped feeling over there again. It was so amazing.
At 11:35 I looked at the clock and thought, I guess she won't be born by noon. A few minutes later the nurse checked me and said I was dilated to a ten and fully effaced. I was shocked. She said the baby was still pretty high up, so she put my bed into a straight sit up position and said we would "rest and descend" for one hour. Then she went to tell the doctor.We decided we had better call and let Becky know the baby would be born in about two hours, so they could bring Sam over. But the doctor came right in a few minutes after that, checked me, confirmed that I was at a ten, and started putting on his little paper outfit. And as he did we had this little conversation:
Dr: I guess I can tell you now.
Me: Tell me what?
Dr: When I broke your water, the baby's hand came out.
Me: (Look of shock!)
Matt:(Look of shock!)
Dr: I got it back in, luckily. If I hadn't been able to, we would have had to do a c-section right away because if the cord is being pinched in anyway it's really dangerous for the baby.
Me: (Look of shock! and thinking "That explains the wrestling match.")
Matt:(Look of shock!)
Dr: Are you glad I didn't tell you?
Me: (pointing at Matt) I'm glad you didn't tell him, because he would have been asking me all this time, "Can you feel the hand? What about a finger? How about now? Is the hand still in? Let me take a look." I'm really glad he didn't know.
Dr: (Smiling) Okay, let's have a baby. Matt, you hold that leg. The nurse will hold this leg. Okay, Julie, here comes a contraction. Push.
I pushed but couldn't feel a thing. I looked at Matt and he nodded his head and said,"It's working." We stopped for a second. I gave another quarter of a push and out she came. I couldn't believe it. I didn't feel a thing and it was so easy, it didn't seem real. It wasn't even noon yet! I really could not believe it.
They put her on my chest. The doctor had me guess her weight. I guessed somewhere around 6 pounds. She seemed so tiny to me. She was 6lbs.12oz.
We got on the phone and told my sisters to bring Sam right away, the baby was already born. They said Sam shed a few tears in the back of the van.
They immediately had me order some lunch, which is like ordering room service at our hospital. Then we just hung out waiting for Sam and lunch. Once he came we introduced him to Lola and she gave him a present she brought with her from the womb, a T-shirt that said, "My sister has the best big brother in the world." Then we had a picture fest with aunt Becky.
It was a wonderful day!
I was starting to feel my legs again by the time they wheeled me down to our room. And honestly, I had no recovery. I never felt like I had a baby, never needed any pain medication, and didn't feel a single cramp. Amazing. I would be thinking it was all a dream, except that I have this darling little angel baby here to keep me company.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Rubio's
Have you ever had the fish tacos at Rubio's?
No?
You gotta try them !
AND Tuesdays they are half the price!
Guess where we're going for our din dins.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Sam makes the news.
One of our friends is an author. His name is Steven R. Burke and he wrote The Guardian Chronicles. The first book, The Broken Council, and the second book, The Fallen Guardian, are both available now. And Steve is working on the third book in the series now.I haven't had the chance to read them yet, but we recently went to a book signing Steve was doing. It was fun and it got Sam totally interested in creative writing. He had several questions for Steve and went right home and got busy writing.
While we were there, there was a photographer from Provo's Daily Herald there. And sure enough Sam made the paper the following week. To see the picture and read the article click here.
Our neighbor, Chris, brought over a copy, and Sam was thrilled. About 30 minutes later we got a call from the librarian at Sam's elementary school, letting us know he was in the paper. On the Sunday after, I was visiting with some ladies after church when Sam walked up. Chris was there and she brought up Sam's picture in the paper to the other sister we were talking to. Sam reached behind him under his little suit coat and pulled the paper out of no-where... or maybe it was in his pants, unrolled it and showed it off. Until that moment, I had no idea he had it with him all day. The part that makes me laugh the most is that the picture is of Steve and Sam is in the background a little bit cut off. But he is so super proud to be in the shot. It reminds me of Mike Wagowski on Monster's Inc. When he and his partner make the news he's always thrilled, but in all the pictures you can only see his hand or elbow. Funny!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
What I Believe
I believe that Jesus Christ lives and that He is my Savior.
I believe in the Atonement.
I believe in Eternal Families.
I believe in personal revelation.
I believe there is a prophet on the earth today.
I believe in scriptures, such as, the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I believe their pages contain truths we need to know and practice to obtain happiness and eternal life.
I believe Heavenly Father loves me.
I believe in the Atonement.
I believe in Eternal Families.
I believe in personal revelation.
I believe there is a prophet on the earth today.
I believe in scriptures, such as, the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I believe their pages contain truths we need to know and practice to obtain happiness and eternal life.
I believe Heavenly Father loves me.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Friday the Thirteenth
Are you superstitious? Sometimes? Me too, sometimes. And after yesterday, it' still up in the air.
I had a busy, busy day planned. Starting with a early morning shift at the Fitness Center daycare. I was super organized though so I was going to be five minutes early to work, after I dropped Sam off for his early morning reading class. As I went to move Lola from her bouncy seat to her car seat, I noticed she was wet all on front, and it was worse down low and moving up rather than up top from drool, and moving down... You guessed it, POOP! I ran upstairs (though it was really more like a quick waddle, because that's what I do) and set her on the changing table and got started. But, because the poop was all up her front, she got it on her hands every time she moved, then when I would wipe her hands she would kick her feet, into the diaper and poop got on her feet. Some how I got most of it and pulled the onesie over her head. Sure enough, poop in her hair. We headed for the bath, got her all cleaned up and redressed and ended up to work about 20 minutes late.
I always feed Lola before I go to work to make sure I don't have to nurse her during my shift, and I did that yesterday, but I think she was feeling empty after her morning fiasco because she didn't make it through the two and a half hour shift. I had to nurse at work, BOO.
From work, I went and picked up my sister Liz. She called me before work and asked me to bring a diaper, which she was out of, she needed a diaper for Percy, which I forgot to bring, so we put him in a size two diaper, he normally wears size four, and hoped he wouldn't do anything major in it.
Then we headed over to the High School where we bought plants for our gardens. It was fun, except that we weren't sure how to get into the green house. A kind and helpful student gave us directions. Then the teacher in charge of the green house was in the middle of class, so we felt shy about interrupting him. Then picture this - Me, pushing Lola in a stroller, Kelsey pushing Percy in a stroller, and Liz carrying two flats of plants out through the dark metal shop and classroom and hall way and parking lot. We made it. And Liz managed to hold all the plants while I loaded the kids and strollers in the car. PHEW!
Then we went to Costco to make some purchases for a baby shower I was going to host the next day. I saw some gorgeous Gerber Daisies that I thought would be a perfect decoration for the baby shower. While shopping we got the best sample ever! A WHOLE CREAMY POPSICLE, EACH! When we got to the checkout we found out that the Gerber Daisies were part of a six pack, so we had to go back and pick out five more plants.
From there it was off to Wal-Nast. Wal-Nast always brings me bad luck. The mojo there is totally off. We pulled into the parking spot, busted Lola into the cart, got Kelsey and Percy out when Liz's cell phone rang. It was Matt saying that Sam's school was trying to get in touch with me, Sam laughed way too hard, lost all his senses and had an accident. He needed some clean pants. Friday the thirteenth does not agree with my children's bodily functions. So, Liz loaded P and K back into my car, and went to get some clean clothes for Sam and took them to him at the school while Lola and I went on into Wal-Nast and did the rest of the shopping. Then she came back and picked me up.
Then I had wonderful plans to visit with a friend who was in from out of town that fell through. So disappointing! Michelle! I Love You! I miss you! Come see me!
Anyway, maybe I'm superstitious, maybe I'm not. But it felt like the day was one fiasco after another. It wasn't a totally terrible day, but I hope your day was better.
Be sure to view my post from Friday and enter the caption contest!
I had a busy, busy day planned. Starting with a early morning shift at the Fitness Center daycare. I was super organized though so I was going to be five minutes early to work, after I dropped Sam off for his early morning reading class. As I went to move Lola from her bouncy seat to her car seat, I noticed she was wet all on front, and it was worse down low and moving up rather than up top from drool, and moving down... You guessed it, POOP! I ran upstairs (though it was really more like a quick waddle, because that's what I do) and set her on the changing table and got started. But, because the poop was all up her front, she got it on her hands every time she moved, then when I would wipe her hands she would kick her feet, into the diaper and poop got on her feet. Some how I got most of it and pulled the onesie over her head. Sure enough, poop in her hair. We headed for the bath, got her all cleaned up and redressed and ended up to work about 20 minutes late.
I always feed Lola before I go to work to make sure I don't have to nurse her during my shift, and I did that yesterday, but I think she was feeling empty after her morning fiasco because she didn't make it through the two and a half hour shift. I had to nurse at work, BOO.
From work, I went and picked up my sister Liz. She called me before work and asked me to bring a diaper, which she was out of, she needed a diaper for Percy, which I forgot to bring, so we put him in a size two diaper, he normally wears size four, and hoped he wouldn't do anything major in it.
Then we headed over to the High School where we bought plants for our gardens. It was fun, except that we weren't sure how to get into the green house. A kind and helpful student gave us directions. Then the teacher in charge of the green house was in the middle of class, so we felt shy about interrupting him. Then picture this - Me, pushing Lola in a stroller, Kelsey pushing Percy in a stroller, and Liz carrying two flats of plants out through the dark metal shop and classroom and hall way and parking lot. We made it. And Liz managed to hold all the plants while I loaded the kids and strollers in the car. PHEW!
Then we went to Costco to make some purchases for a baby shower I was going to host the next day. I saw some gorgeous Gerber Daisies that I thought would be a perfect decoration for the baby shower. While shopping we got the best sample ever! A WHOLE CREAMY POPSICLE, EACH! When we got to the checkout we found out that the Gerber Daisies were part of a six pack, so we had to go back and pick out five more plants.
From there it was off to Wal-Nast. Wal-Nast always brings me bad luck. The mojo there is totally off. We pulled into the parking spot, busted Lola into the cart, got Kelsey and Percy out when Liz's cell phone rang. It was Matt saying that Sam's school was trying to get in touch with me, Sam laughed way too hard, lost all his senses and had an accident. He needed some clean pants. Friday the thirteenth does not agree with my children's bodily functions. So, Liz loaded P and K back into my car, and went to get some clean clothes for Sam and took them to him at the school while Lola and I went on into Wal-Nast and did the rest of the shopping. Then she came back and picked me up.
Then I had wonderful plans to visit with a friend who was in from out of town that fell through. So disappointing! Michelle! I Love You! I miss you! Come see me!
Anyway, maybe I'm superstitious, maybe I'm not. But it felt like the day was one fiasco after another. It wasn't a totally terrible day, but I hope your day was better.
Be sure to view my post from Friday and enter the caption contest!
Friday, May 13, 2011
I love Blogger!
"Mom, what do you mean Blogger isn't working?!"I love blogger but I've lost my daily post streak because blogger was set on read mode only yesterday while they did maintenance. Also, I happened to notice that two comments from a recent post have myseriously dissapeared. Where did they go? I'm still going for it and blogging every day I can for the rest of the month and I'll try to make it up next week with two posts in one day.
After the cookie post, it seemed like there were several comments that were putting a quote to the facial expression. See how I did it above? Now it is your turn. We are going to play a little game. The winner, which I will choose at my own whim, will get a prize from me.
Here is the picture that needs a Quote, so imagine a little thought or speech bubble coming from Lola.Winner will be announced next Friday, May 20th. Ready, Set, Go!!!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Sam, Mack, and the Zip Line
A few weeks ago, Matt told me about some free tickets he got for some Nascar races out at a track in Tooele. He said they were for a suite with free food and I immediately had a vision of Matt and Sam on top of a RV parked in the middle of the track, sitting on broken down lawn chairs with a cooler of RC cola and a box of moon pies.
It was like that at all and they had a fun day experiencing something they don't normally follow.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Conversations with Kelsey
When ever Cousin Kel comes over for a visit, I am always entertained...
While hearing a shaking sound in the living room from the kitchen, Kelsey asked, "Is Lola playing her maraca's?"
While sitting in the kitchen eating some oatmeal:
K: Percy is my cousin, I have two cousins. No, three, because of Marley.
Me: What about Sam?
K: Yeah he's my cousin.
Me: What about Lola?
K: Yeah.
Me: What about D'Artagnan?
K: He's my cousin too!
Me: What about his little sister?
K: Yup.
Me: What's her name?
K: I can't remember. Next time I go to California, I'll ask her and then come back and tell you. But I hope her name is not Angelina.
While sitting next to me on the couch:
K: Arctic Circle has the BEST tacos!
Me: Really? Is that true?
K: Yeah, I've never been there.
While wrapped up in a blanket on the floor, with her head under the covers:
K: Julie guess what I am.
Me: A Bean burrito?
K: No.
Me: A baby Dinosaur in it's egg?
K: No.
Me: A butterfly in it's cocoon?
K: YES!
She then proceeded to wiggle her way out of the blanket.
While hearing a shaking sound in the living room from the kitchen, Kelsey asked, "Is Lola playing her maraca's?"
While sitting in the kitchen eating some oatmeal:
K: Percy is my cousin, I have two cousins. No, three, because of Marley.
Me: What about Sam?
K: Yeah he's my cousin.
Me: What about Lola?
K: Yeah.
Me: What about D'Artagnan?
K: He's my cousin too!
Me: What about his little sister?
K: Yup.
Me: What's her name?
K: I can't remember. Next time I go to California, I'll ask her and then come back and tell you. But I hope her name is not Angelina.
While sitting next to me on the couch:
K: Arctic Circle has the BEST tacos!
Me: Really? Is that true?
K: Yeah, I've never been there.
While wrapped up in a blanket on the floor, with her head under the covers:
K: Julie guess what I am.
Me: A Bean burrito?
K: No.
Me: A baby Dinosaur in it's egg?
K: No.
Me: A butterfly in it's cocoon?
K: YES!
She then proceeded to wiggle her way out of the blanket.
While curled upon the couch, half way between awake and asleep:
K: One day, I'll be an angel.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Lola is 5 Months!!!
The last five months have gone by One Thousand times faster than the last five weeks of the pregnancy! I could barely get a shot of this wiggly girl that wasn't a blur of motion.
Lola is such a darling and we just love having her in our family so much. None of us can get enough of her. On Friday, Sam had some friends over for his birthday to play video games. At one point Sam was doing something during the party that was making Lola laugh from her bouncy seat. Though she is a happy baby, her giggles are still few and far between.This was a full on belly laugh. In the middle of all the chaos, Sam, Matt and I were in separate parts of the room, but all immediately zeroed in on her laughter and watched her and grinned at her and each other as she laughed. Everyone else was oblivious to our delight. I felt a cute little bond for our family. Is that weird?
Our little Darling all ready for church.
Oh, and Happy Mother's Day!As you can see, I was well taken care of.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
My 300th Post!
Dear Becky,
I'm dedicating my 300th post to you...
Here is my list for the day.
Sleep in- Thanks to Matt and Lola this worked out.
Talk Sam into scrubbing the bath tub - it took a $2 fee.
Beg Matt to clean the bathroom floor- I love that guy!
Blog
Clean the upstairs bathroom.
Start the laundry, because it didn't happen yesterday.
Clean my room, because it looks like a hoarder lives in there.
Help Sam clean his room because a hoarder DOES live in there.
Vacuum the whole upstairs.
Finish up Mother's Day prep.
Fold the laundry.
Clean the kitchen- Matt did this for me too!
Vacuum the downstairs.
Love, Julie
P.S. I'll be referring back to the list through out the day to get the satisfaction of cross things off.
I'm dedicating my 300th post to you...
Here is my list for the day.
Fold the laundry.
Vacuum the downstairs.
Love, Julie
P.S. I'll be referring back to the list through out the day to get the satisfaction of cross things off.
Friday, May 6, 2011
10 Years Old!
Ten Year Old SamI can't believe my baby boy is ten years old! No matter how much I beg him to stop growing up he just keeps getting bigger and more grown up.
He's so excited. He woke up to a new banner. One of our good friends made Lola a banner, which Sam and I decided to hang up every year for her birthday. As Sam's birthday approached I started to think that he needed a banner too.
Monday of this week became OPERATION:BIRTHDAY BANNER day. I roped Liz into helping me, like I do for all my crafty ideas. But Lola had been sick and slept all day on Monday. So then Tuesday became OPERATION:BIRTHDAY BANNER day. We got off to a late start again, because Lola slept in during her morning nap (we found out on Wednesday that she has bronchitis), but she eventually woke up and we went over to Aunt Liz's house and the banner got made. Last night Matt and I hung it after Sam went to bed. He was pretty happy to see it when he woke up this morning. I guess 10 isn't too old to enjoy the little things.
Now he is off to school with a backpack full of oatmeal cream cookies to share with his class and then he'll be having a little video game party with three of his friends this afternoon.
I think between now and the party I'll just curl up in a corner somewhere and cry because my babies are growing up and someday soon they are going to leave me, and I just don't think I can take it!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Firebolt
The following video is serious business, and it made my day when I saw it. Enjoy!
I wish with all my little heart that I could have been in this video.
I wish with all my little heart that I could have been in this video.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Lola and Aunt Liz
Aunt Liz made little Lola another adorable sweater.
I love,Love, LOVE the hood!
I think she looks like a little elf.
We wanted Lola to put her hand in her pocket, but she wasn't really feeling it.
If you are wondering what is going on in this picture, go back to the top of this post, scroll through the pictures again, and see if you can solve the mystery. FYI it's CREEPY! GO! LOOK AGAIN! Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The Royal Nursing Party
I'm not a Royal watcher, but I spent most of last Thursday debating with myself about whether I should have a wedding party or not. I puttered around looking for items I could use to make myself a Fascinator. And thoughts of yummy foods floated through my head. I wanted to wear a fancy hat, sip out of a goblet, or better yet, a Tea Cup, munch on delicious finger foods, and watch the much anticipated wedding. I was a bit taken by the idea of a common girl becoming a real princess. Such a fairy tale.
But I came to the conclusion that I'm too lazy for all that.
So, when evening came, I rolled into bed and my eyes slammed shut. Sammy woke me up around 1:30AM to show me a toilet full of barf. (I love it when kids can get themselves to the toilet before it all comes out!) But my sweet little princess, the one who sleeps in a little princess bed next to my king size bed, woke me for a Royal Feeding around 3:40 AM. I woke up and went about the business of setting up my big pile of pillows that I lean against while I nurse on the bed and I thought, well, since I'll be awake anyway...
I turned on the TV and turned the volume all the way down. I tuned in just as Kate's mother got out of the car at the abbey. And I watched in silence until they were married and sat down to sing a hymn. Then I turned off the TV, put my little princess back in her bed, took the pile of pillows off my bed and went right back to sleep.
Here are my thoughts:
Loved the dress
Loved all the hats
Loved Prince Harry turning around to see his new sister walk down the isle
Loved Prince William's shy look as he told Kate she looked beautiful
Loved the two smooches on the Palace balcony (Later that day.)
Loved them leaving the reception in the convertible decorated just like a normal couple
Love how protective and gentle Prince William is with Kate
I wish them the best and I hope they have a great life together.
And did I mention I loved the hats? I LOVED the HATS!
When Matt woke up, he said he had a dream that he was hanging out with the Royals.
But I came to the conclusion that I'm too lazy for all that.
So, when evening came, I rolled into bed and my eyes slammed shut. Sammy woke me up around 1:30AM to show me a toilet full of barf. (I love it when kids can get themselves to the toilet before it all comes out!) But my sweet little princess, the one who sleeps in a little princess bed next to my king size bed, woke me for a Royal Feeding around 3:40 AM. I woke up and went about the business of setting up my big pile of pillows that I lean against while I nurse on the bed and I thought, well, since I'll be awake anyway...
I turned on the TV and turned the volume all the way down. I tuned in just as Kate's mother got out of the car at the abbey. And I watched in silence until they were married and sat down to sing a hymn. Then I turned off the TV, put my little princess back in her bed, took the pile of pillows off my bed and went right back to sleep.
Here are my thoughts:
Loved the dress
Loved all the hats
Loved Prince Harry turning around to see his new sister walk down the isle
Loved Prince William's shy look as he told Kate she looked beautiful
Loved the two smooches on the Palace balcony (Later that day.)
Loved them leaving the reception in the convertible decorated just like a normal couple
Love how protective and gentle Prince William is with Kate
I wish them the best and I hope they have a great life together.
And did I mention I loved the hats? I LOVED the HATS!
When Matt woke up, he said he had a dream that he was hanging out with the Royals.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Books I read in 2010
I know that 2010 was SOOO five months ago, but I never took the opportunity to brag about all the books I read last year. Please know that this is just a list of books a read, and not a list of books I recommend. I didn't enjoy all of these and one I even left off because I was sure that someone would look at it on the list and go check it out thinking I recommended it to them, when truely, I would never recommend circus porn to anyone.
Some of these books were chosen by one of my three book clubs. Some were nominated for Beehive book awards and brought to my attention on special displays at the library. Some were random picks at the library. Many are Newberry Honor or Medal books, which I am trying to read them all. And some I bought at the DI having never heard of them before. And others were loaned to me or recommended to me by friends and family.
The grand total for 2010 was 79 BOOKS! This is unprecedented and only because I spent so much of last year in my bed waiting and hoping for Lola and trying not to puke my guts out.
Here they are in the order in which they were read.
The books in green were my favorites.
Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas
Matchless by Gregory Maguire
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon
Toast by Nigel Slater
The Magic Thief Book 1 by Sarah Prineas
Vinegar Hill by A. Manette Ansay
Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky
Everything is Fine by Ann Dee Ellis
Precious Bane by Mary Webb
Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
Where the Lilies Bloom by Vera and Bill Cleaver
Nurture Shock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman
Fablehaven 4: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary by Brandon Mull
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freedman
Diary of a Wimpy Kid 4:Dog Days by Jeff Kinney
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
Lust for Life by Irving Stone
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani
And Nanny Makes Three by Jessika Auerbach
Me and the Pumpkin Queen by Marlane Kennedy
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner
Percy Jackson: The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson: The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson: The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
The Mother In Me Edited by Kathryn Lynard Soper
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Peace Like A River by Leif Enger
Calamity Jack by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, Nathan Hale
Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson
The Indian In The Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
The Liars Club by Mary Karr
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
Sidartha by Herman Hess
A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck
Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins
Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Banner In The Sky by James Ramsey Ullman
The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel
The Musician's Daughter by Suzanne Dunlap
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass
The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Stead
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods by Suzanne Collins
Project Sweet Life by Brent Hartinger
The Adventurous Deeds of Deadwood Jones by Helen Hemphill
Whittington by Alan Armstrong
Fablehaven 5: Keys to the Demon Prison by Brandon Mull
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith
Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
P.S. I have absolutely no idea why the top part of this post is highlighted in yellow, or how to make it stop. Or how it randomly did stop . Or how it randomly started again, and then stopped again. This is what happens to people who don't go to college, right?
Some of these books were chosen by one of my three book clubs. Some were nominated for Beehive book awards and brought to my attention on special displays at the library. Some were random picks at the library. Many are Newberry Honor or Medal books, which I am trying to read them all. And some I bought at the DI having never heard of them before. And others were loaned to me or recommended to me by friends and family.
The grand total for 2010 was 79 BOOKS! This is unprecedented and only because I spent so much of last year in my bed waiting and hoping for Lola and trying not to puke my guts out.
Here they are in the order in which they were read.
The books in green were my favorites.
Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas
Matchless by Gregory Maguire
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon
Toast by Nigel Slater
The Magic Thief Book 1 by Sarah Prineas
Vinegar Hill by A. Manette Ansay
Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky
Everything is Fine by Ann Dee Ellis
Precious Bane by Mary Webb
Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
Where the Lilies Bloom by Vera and Bill Cleaver
Nurture Shock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman
Fablehaven 4: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary by Brandon Mull
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freedman
Diary of a Wimpy Kid 4:Dog Days by Jeff Kinney
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
Lust for Life by Irving Stone
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani
And Nanny Makes Three by Jessika Auerbach
Me and the Pumpkin Queen by Marlane Kennedy
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner
Percy Jackson: The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson: The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson: The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
The Mother In Me Edited by Kathryn Lynard Soper
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Peace Like A River by Leif Enger
Calamity Jack by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, Nathan Hale
Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson
The Indian In The Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
The Liars Club by Mary Karr
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
Sidartha by Herman Hess
A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck
Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins
Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Banner In The Sky by James Ramsey Ullman
The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel
The Musician's Daughter by Suzanne Dunlap
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass
The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Stead
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods by Suzanne Collins
Project Sweet Life by Brent Hartinger
The Adventurous Deeds of Deadwood Jones by Helen Hemphill
Whittington by Alan Armstrong
Fablehaven 5: Keys to the Demon Prison by Brandon Mull
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith
Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
P.S. I have absolutely no idea why the top part of this post is highlighted in yellow, or how to make it stop. Or how it randomly did stop . Or how it randomly started again, and then stopped again. This is what happens to people who don't go to college, right?
Sunday, May 1, 2011
May 2011 FAFREWIBLOPOMO
Do you know what FAFREWIBLOPMO is?
Me neither, but I am dragged into it anyway.
It all started with an innocent conversation over the phone with my sister, Becky. I can't recall what we were talking specifically about (we talk about a lot of stuff), but some how that time we blogged everyday for one whole month came up. Then one of us, maybe me, maybe not, said, "We should do that again in May". Then I forgot all about the conversation.
On Friday, I was behind on all things computer. I hadn't checked my email in 3 days, let alone read my favorite blogs for about a week. I don't even think I was on Facebook all week (I was revolting because we watched Social Network last weekend and I was seriously reconsidering my FB account after watching it, but now I'm all calmed down and realize that it was just a movie and maybe not EXACTLY how things went down, but still what a bunch of creeps, especially that Napster dude, which makes me really sad because I really, really am fond of Justin Timberlake, because he brought sexy back and we all needed that, so it broke my little heart to see him act out such a mean character, know what I mean? I'm still on FB, just so ya know). So, I was behind on all things computer and I paid a little visit to my sister's blog Farmer Freitas' Wife , where I found myself roped into FAFRELMNOPWIBLO9erPOMO. She straight up announced to the entire inter webs that I would be blogging everyday in May.
Okay, I'll do it.
If you would like to join us in blogging everyday this month, leave me a comment letting me know with your website if I don't already know it so I can follow along and get ideas from you, I mean, enjoy your posts.
Me neither, but I am dragged into it anyway.
It all started with an innocent conversation over the phone with my sister, Becky. I can't recall what we were talking specifically about (we talk about a lot of stuff), but some how that time we blogged everyday for one whole month came up. Then one of us, maybe me, maybe not, said, "We should do that again in May". Then I forgot all about the conversation.
On Friday, I was behind on all things computer. I hadn't checked my email in 3 days, let alone read my favorite blogs for about a week. I don't even think I was on Facebook all week (I was revolting because we watched Social Network last weekend and I was seriously reconsidering my FB account after watching it, but now I'm all calmed down and realize that it was just a movie and maybe not EXACTLY how things went down, but still what a bunch of creeps, especially that Napster dude, which makes me really sad because I really, really am fond of Justin Timberlake, because he brought sexy back and we all needed that, so it broke my little heart to see him act out such a mean character, know what I mean? I'm still on FB, just so ya know). So, I was behind on all things computer and I paid a little visit to my sister's blog Farmer Freitas' Wife , where I found myself roped into FAFRELMNOPWIBLO9erPOMO. She straight up announced to the entire inter webs that I would be blogging everyday in May.
Okay, I'll do it.
If you would like to join us in blogging everyday this month, leave me a comment letting me know with your website if I don't already know it so I can follow along and get ideas from you, I mean, enjoy your posts.
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