Whatever Wednesday: My Bare Essentials!

My favorite place in the world is probably my bed! I know it looks all nice and made in this picture but when I'm in it I love it a mess. Steve likes the blankets and sheets all nice and straight and tucked in. I on the other hand love to make the blankets, pillows and such conform to me. I love getting in my perfect comfortable position and get annoyed if I have to get out of it. Like when Steve asks me to pop his back after I'm all cuddled up. Oh the sacrifices we make! I always make sure he knows I probably won't be able to get back as perfectly comfortable as I was before his request! :) He is a good sport though and gives in to my requests as well. Now if I can just get past the phase of having two baby monitors on my nightstand!

My most favorite thing during my awake hours would have to be my computer! It is what keeps this stay at home mom of two connected to the outside world. What would I do without Blogging, Facebook, Digital photo. editing, Email, Youtube, Watching a missed episode of one of my favorite shows, Online banking, Business bookkeeping, Shopping, Googling, etc. I would be very lonely and bored. I mentioned to Steve the other day after one of those long days with the kids that if I ever go crazy and he decides to admit me to some institution he better make sure I have an internet connection. He just laughed and said "I know, I know."

This is random I know but I LOVE olives. In my opinion they are the best 10 calories ever invented(grown?) You all know you can't just have one and if I wasn't concerned about my waistline I would eat the entire can in one sitting!


Sleep, Friendship, Entertainment and Food...what more could a girl ask for?

Funnies: Broccoli and Carrots...

Today Maddy called me in to the bathroom after "taking care of business" for the third time. This was our conversation:

Maddy: "Look Mommy, I pooped again!"
Me: "Wow, you did a good job!"
Maddy: "It is because I eat lots of broccoli."

Later, while I was putting on my makeup...

Maddy: "Mom are you cleaning your eyes?"
Me: "No, I'm putting my makeup on."
Maddy: "Mommy you should eat more carrots so you can see better."

So my secrets are out...these are the kinds of things I tell Maddy to get him to eat his veggies. I guess whatever works right?

Christmas 2008...

Don't we all look so happy! We really were, it is just nearly impossible to get a family picture with everyone smiling AND looking at the camera AND with my eyes open. We had a great Christmas this year! Christmas Eve we ordered our favorite pizza(I didn't feel like cooking), watched Pirates of the Caribbean("At Worlds End"-first time I watched it all the way through) and of course let the kids open their Christmas pajamas before going to bed. They looked so cute and nuggly!

Christmas morning the kids slept until about eight and of course as soon as Maddy walked out of his room he saw Santa had brought him the four wheeler he had wanted so badly. He was so cute and was a little bit shy about it at first but once he started riding it he didn't stop until the battery died. He also got some cool pop up books, coloring book, and clothes.

Avery loved her new "baby." She also got more pajamas, coat and clothes. She wasn't too excited about opening the presents. Probably because she has been told no for so long. Her favorite part was trying to eat the wrapping paper.

Steve and the kids looking at Steve's new "Memories With Daddy" book(see previous post) they gave him. Isn't this just the sweetest picture! Steve also got clothes, the "Planet Earth" DVD collection, "Reflections of Christ" book and CD(OK I admit it, he got those because I wanted them.) :) Of course I got exactly what I ordered, a new camera with all the accessories. I also got a bunch of clothes and they even fit. Great job Steve!

Avery checking out her new leggings. Doesn't she look so cute!

Christmas afternoon we headed over to my sister Stacy's for our annual family Christmas dinner and gift exchange. Steve and I look a little happier in this picture than we did in the first one but the kids not so much. :(

Caught in the act! Yes he does eat chocolate! Good thing he got that workout in. :) He really did! Such dedication! He said it was nice because he had the gym completely to himself(who else would want to work out on Christmas morning?) This picture was taken right after he put a chocolate covered pickle in his mouth. Yummy! Not! My brothers dared him so he did it. He actually said it wasn't that bad.

I stuck with the fruit as far as the chocolate dipping went, pineapple being my favorite! :) The food was so yummy and I think I munched way to much before eating because I didn't have much room for the real food. I made an artichoke dip which seemed to be a hit along with the fondue. We had turkey roast(these are the best-tastes like roast beef), my brothers special mashed potatoes and gravy(which he claims are the best ever-and they were pretty tasty), corn, veggie tray, my aunt Carolyn's rolls which she sent up with my mom(yum), and my sister Shalane's special drink(7 up, pineapple juice and a few other things she threw in there).

Avery spent the majority of the day pulling the bows off the unopened presents and trying to eat them. This girl will eat anything but real food. :(

The adults relaxing, watching the Lakers game and playing some "Trivial Pursuit." We had so much fun hanging out and laughing! Seriously I haven't laughed that hard in a long time! The kind of laughing that makes you cry and makes your stomach hurt! It's pretty interesting the things that sisters can end up talking about! :) Sorry Dad that you overheard! We also decided this year to opt out of our regular pricier gift exchange and do a "nice" White Elephant gift exchange. It was really fun and probably what we will do from now on. I got robbed of my box full of dried fruit that my parents made. :( I ended up with a "Memoirs of a Geisha" DVD(which I actually haven't seen yet) and some "PM Lip Plumper." ??? LOL! I didn't know that stuff exists but I guess I will have to try it out. Stacy's mother-in-law swears it works! I have always wanted "plumper lips" and heck it beats injections right!?! Thanks Stacy-I really do love my gift even though you stole from me! :( The kids also did a cousin gift exchange. Maddy got "Martian Matter" from his cousin Dallin and Avery got the cutest shoes from her cousin Claire. My sister Laney also spoiled all the kids and got them presents. Maddy got a motorcycle and Avery got the cutest stuffed cat. Nana and Papa also got the kids puzzles. My brother Justin gave us all some steaks! Now that's what I'm talking about! Thanks Justin! Now if I can just get one of my brother-in-law's to come cook them for us! :) It always tastes better when someone else makes them!

Maddy and his favorite person, his cousin Dallin doing what they do best! Being silly!

The kids enjoying themselves playing the piano.

The kids on Sunday morning wearing their clothes they got for Christmas. Maddy wasn't too happy because he crashed into Avery's head and got a fat lip. Poor kid!

Music Monday: A Few Favs From One of My Favs...

This first one is among my top five Matchbox Twenty songs. It should have been a single but I'm kind of glad it wasn't(so that it didn't get way overplayed.) It's one of those that tugs at your heart strings. It's a little slow getting started but just be patient, it is worth it!

Hand Me Down(live)-Matchbox Twenty

This next one is a SWEET Beatles cover. I know I know, you are thinking it can't be that good but cutie pie Mr. Kyle Cook(Lead Guitar) has got some mad vocals and it is definitely a band jam session. Check it out!

Don't Let Me Down-Beatles Cover

This last one is a Cyndi Lauper cover and it is probably my favorite cover of this song(Time After Time) and that is saying a lot because it has been covered a lot!

Time After Time-Cyndi Lauper Cover

Book-"Memories With Daddy"

Remember this promo? Here is the book I made for Steve on Snapfish.com. It is called "Memories With Daddy" and the kids gave it to him for Christmas. Here are some of my favorite layouts(sorry about the glare.)

Flashback Friday: Preschool...

This was me on my first day of preschool. I actually remember waiting in line to get my picture taken. I remember being so nervous! I also remember singing the song "No more monkeys jumping on the bed," and being a little upset afterwards at the thought of "falling off and breaking their heads." I guess I was too young to understand that it wasn't real. I also remember riding big wheels and waiting for my parents to come pick me up.

This was me and my snazzy bike that my dad decorated for me for the preschool parade when I was five.

Merry Christmas!

Whatever Wednesday: Reflections of Christ..

Reflections of Christ is a book containing AMAZING pictures of Jesus Christ, photographs by Mark Mabry depicting the life of Christ during the New Testament-era. Scenes include the nativity, Christ's baptism, miracles, atonement, death, and resurrection. I absolutely love this book! The photographs are beautiful and there is also a lot of insight from the author on the making of each photograph and what he was trying to portray. Here is a link to a slide show of the photographs. You can go here to the official website for more info. Those of you doing last minute shopping this would make a great gift! Merry Christmas! Here are some of my favorite pictures from the book.

My absolute favorite picture is a close up version of this one(Christ's baptism.) You can just feel the joy on both of their faces. I couldn't find a picture to post so you will just have to check it out for yourself. You won't be disappointed!

Music Monday: "O Holy Night"

I decided with Christmas being this week I would post my favorite Christmas song which is "O Holy Night." I loved all of these renditions and couldn't decide which one to post so I'm posting all three. The first one I hadn't heard before(where have I been) and I absolutely love it! At least check that one out!

Celtic Woman/Chloe Agnew


Celine Dion


Il Divo

Flashback Friday: 1 Year Old...

This week Steve's grandma sent us some pictures of Steve and his parents when he was little. They were so cute I couldn't resist posting his baby picture. I decided it would be fun to post all of us when we were 1 year old. I was actually 16 months but it was the closest I could find. Steve and I are the top two and the kids are the bottom two.

Whatever Wednesday: Camera Shy...

First let me explain the above picture. Steve had a launch party for his new website last week. He got a bunch of tee shirts for their staff to wear to the party. He wanted me to try one on for "fit." Whatever! Anyway then he was goofing off taking pictures and wanted me to flex my muscles(the ones that I don't have!) I was laughing so hard of course I couldn't even be serious. Maddy got a kick out of it and started flexing also. So back to the subject of being "camera shy." My eyes are seriously camera shy! They can't stay open when someone takes a picture no matter how hard I try. Seriously ask my sisters or Steve. Whenever we are trying to take a picture the first thing they(sisters, Steve, etc.) say(regardless of how many people are in the picture) is, "Are Steph's eyes open?" They keep taking them until they are. So here is proof. Usually pictures(and I have a lot) like this don't make it to my blog but I'm making an exception this time to prove my point. I've even tried opening my eyes really wide...but then it looks like they are going to pop out.

Here is a "decent" picture after about 6 tries...for real! And as you can see I still have a lazy eye. Anyway! Whatever!

Maddy's Birthday Party...

On Saturday we celebrated Maddy's third birthday. He was so happy and had such a fun day! All of his favorite people were there.

Maddy loves tractors and picked out this cake.

Maddy kept sneaking a taste and wanted to put more candles on the cake.

Us and the Birthday boy. Maddy still sucking on his fingers after sticking them in his cake.

The first present he opened was from his cousin Dallin(who was right there with him the whole time-he was as excited as Maddy!) It was a collection of dinosaur figures, trees and rocks. Maddy LOVES dinosaurs so he was soooo excited. We had to wait a while before he was willing to open more presents because he wanted to play with the dinosaurs. Of course the dinosaurs had to help him open the rest of his presents.

Aunt Laney helping Maddy opening the tractors(to add to his collection) we got him. I just wish they weren't so noisy! "Caterpillar Power!" I look like I'm asleep holding myself up. I really was awake! :)

Maddy opening some of his other presents. He got puzzles, coloring/sticker books, markers, Diego and Diego underwear(his favorite.) He also had fun playing with his uncle Justin and cousin Dallin. They were chasing(and smacking) each other around with those Jazz balloon/sticks. I'm not even sure where they came from. I think my sister Stacy might have brought them. She is always bringing surprises for the kids.

Maddy blowing out his candles. It took him several tries. Notice he already has a blue tongue. My sister took a video of it. Thanks Jamie! If you listen closely you can hear Maddy singing "Happy Birthday Today!" over and over and keeps singing when everyone stops at the end. It is at the bottom of the post.

Maddy used the dinosaur toys off of his cake as his eating utensils. Funny kid!

Snow for the Birthday Boy...

Today my baby boy turned three. I can't believe it has already been three years since he came into my life. He has brought such joy into my life, the kind you never thought possible. Ever since watching "Frosty the Snowman" he has been so excited for it to snow. Today we got the first big snow storm of the season and I'm convinced it was just for him. He was so excited when he looked out the window today and couldn't wait to get outside. We bundled up and headed out to shovel the driveway. It didn't take very long for him to taste the snow. As I was busy shoveling away I heard him say "Yummm, tastes kind of good." So I decided I better give him the talk...the yellow snow talk. He kept asking me why he shouldn't eat yellow snow. "Why" seems to be one of his favorite words lately. We had a fun time together and here are my favorite three moments that we share together.

1. He loves giving me big running "dinosaur hugs." He tells me to get down on my knees and then he backs up as far as the room allows and runs towards me and gives me a big hug.
2. He loves to talk and sing with me all day long. His favorite song to sing right now goes a little something like this..."Why do birds suddenly appear, every time, you are near? Just like me, they long to be, close to you! Whhhhhy(he really belts this out), close you you!" It's the cutest thing ever! As soon as I get a camera with video mode on it I'm going to record him singing and post it. Hopefully I will get one for Christmas(it is at the top of my Christmas list-hint hint.)
3. He tells me all day long that he "Loves me so much!"

Here is a little Haiku I wrote about the day he was born.

The first time we met
Time paused as I held him close
Our souls linked for life

To Maddy: Happy Birthday Baby! I love you more that words can express! Your smile brightens my life! Love always, Mommy

Music Monday: crushcrushcrush-Paramore

Here's a song I'm loving right now...

Not Fans of Santa Claus...

I took the kids to the ward party tonight and Maddy was all excited to see Santa Claus. He kept asking when he was going to come. Well as soon as he made his entrance he had a meltdown and wouldn't let go of my leg. I gradually made my way to get in line trying to calm him down the whole time.

Avery not a fan...

Maddy wouldn't even get close to him and I took this picture after he had finally calmed down. Isn't it the saddest face you have ever seen! He also had a rough night and spilled his entire plate of food while we were still in line. Then once we got to the table he spilled his entire drink. Fun for me huh! On the way home he told me that he wanted to come back and see Santa Claus tomorrow. I explained that he wouldn't be here tomorrow. He was upset because he said he didn't tell Santa Claus that he wanted a 4 wheeler for Christmas. I told him that we would write him a letter so that he would know. He thought that was a good idea.

On a sweeter note he said the cutest prayer tonight. He thanked Heavenly Father for our house, pizza, ohgurt(yogurt), candy and chocolate. You know where his priorities are!

Shift Nutrition.com/Launch Party...

My husband and some friends have launched a new nutritional supplement website. There are over 4000 products at GREAT prices. You can check it out here or click on the logo at the top of my sidebar. They are having a launch party tonight at 8pm at Sammy's Cafe(I've heard the food is amazing) in Provo if anyone wants to check it out.

Flashback Friday: Childhood Christmas's and Memories...

With Christmas just around the corner I thought this was a great way to start my "Flashback Friday" posts...

Christmas 1975. This was my parents first Christmas together and my mom was 6 months pregnant with me. My dad made this cradle for my mom for Christmas. This cradle has become very sentimental and my siblings and I have been passing it around and using it for our kids. It's kind of neat to know that my kids have slept in the same cradle(that was made by my Dad) that I did over 32 years ago.

Christmas 1977. 1 year old.

Christmas 1978. 2 years old. Aren't my shoes so cute!

Don't you love my red striped leotard! My dad made both wood toys in the picture.

I remember being so excited on this particular Christmas. My dad made the little doll rocking chair, highchair and stroller that my sister Jamie is sitting in. I was also so excited that my sister Jennifer and I got the "Baby Alive" dolls. They actually really ate and pooped. We loved pretending we were moms and feeding them and changing their diapers(until the diapers ran out.) I also loved that we always had real Christmas trees.

I always looked forward to seeing what my dad was going to make for us. My dad also made a doll cradle for all of us girls. If you look closely you can see it has my name on the top of it(I still have it and plan on letting Avery play with it when she is older.) Here are some more Christmas/Winter time memories I want to remember.

*Making snow angels.
*Making sure I didn't eat yellow snow(yuck!)
*My dad taking us sledding on the back roads of Ephraim. He would tie long ropes to the back of his truck and pull us behind(I'm pretty sure this would no longer be considered safe but we loved it and it was definitely the highlight of the winter season.
*Going tubing down hills up Ephraim canyon with friends and church groups. My sister Jen and I even took our men for a little "moonlight run" one night after making them a yummy lasagna dinner.
*Sledding down Ephraim canyon(it was a long ride) with church groups/friends and then having hot chocolate and doughnuts once we made it down.
*In middle school trying to hang onto the back of cars(can't remember what we called it) to catch a "ride" home(something that I'm sure is also no longer considered safe(it wasn't really then either but that didn't stop us.) We just watched out for cops.
*Snow ball fights.
*Dreading walking home in middle school because of all the snow ball fights and face washing that was going on. There was one particular boy that waited for me and would chase me home trying to face wash me the whole way. One time we even ended up falling in the muddy snow and I dropped my clarinet(yes I was a band geek) and it feel open everywhere and he ended up with a bloody nose. He backed off a little after that. At the time I thought he was mean but later found out that he had a crush on me.
*Making cool snowman with carrot noses, dressing them and such.
*Christmas caroling on a big trailer with church groups
*In elementary school making those long red and green colored paper link decorations and hanging them all over the classroom and Christmas tree.
*Making popcorn strings to hang on the tree.
*Thinking we were so cool when we got those lifesavers books in our stockings or from neighbors.
*Getting practical things in our stockings(like underwear, socks, toothbrushes, nutritional food snacks, tons of nuts and of course always an orange.)
*Waiting in a huge line every year to sit on Santa's lap. Most the time I remember feeling shy and nervous. Afterwards getting a brown bag full of chocolate, gum drops, nuts and an orange from Santa. What ever happened to that? Now your lucky if you get a full size candy cane.
*Some of my favorite toys/gifts were a trampoline(we insisted my dad set it up and we were out jumping on it in snow and all), Schwinn 10 speed bike(my friends also got bikes that year and we were out riding them Christmas day and trying not to crash on the slippery roads), Cornsilk Cabbage Patch Doll, wooden marble toy my dad made, Linkin Logs, Jots-n-Tittles game, Sit-n-Spin, Lite Bright, Barbie House. I also remember my brothers getting Tonka Trucks.
*The excitement of Christmas eve and trying to go to sleep and be the first one to wake up. My parents would always make us go back to bed if it was too early.
*Watching traditional Christmas cartoons(How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, etc.)
*Participating in and being a recipient of the 12 days of Christmas. It was always so fun to wonder who was knocking and running(and try and catch them) as well as to do the knocking and running(and try not to get caught.)
*Ward parties.
*Building snow forts in our backyard.
*My parents driving us around to see all the lights. There was a house in Moroni that was always completely decked out that was our favorite.
*My parents reading us the "real" Christmas story from the scriptures.
*My Grandma's annual Christmas party. All my cousins, aunts, uncles(there were a lot of us) would be there. We always had a yummy dinner which always included my Grandma's frozen pineapple/banana/sprite slush drink. She always made a separate batch(without bananas) for the few that either didn't like or were allergic to bananas. Cousin gift exchange, family gift exchange(my dad was one of six kids), gifts from Grandma, ornament from Grandma on the tree that always had special meaning(magnet with our picture on it, silver dollar/two dollar bills made the year we were born.) Getting our family calendars that had our pictures(that she took up the canyon earlier in the fall) with the corresponding month of our birthday. Going to see Santa.
*Going to my friends house's to see what they got for Christmas.
*My mom's homemade divinity candy that she made every year at the request of my Uncle Roger.
*Snooping in my parents closets when I was older.
*Always having tons of nuts at the house and my dad cracking them open for us with his nutcracker.
*Going with my Dad up the canyon to pick out our Christmas tree. Sometimes getting stuck, but he was always prepared with chains for the tires.
*Gift exchange/Christmas parties with friends.
*Writing letters/lists to Santa Claus.
*Various church and school Christmas programs.
*Always wanting it to snow on Christmas(still do) and being disappointed if it didn't.
*Believing!
*Felt board Christmas story my parents had.
*Leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus.
*Listening to my parents traditional Christmas music.
*The city Christmas decorations that draped across the whole street.
*Plates of homemade candy from neighbors.
*The big Christmas toy JC Penney catalog. It had everything a kid could ever want.
*Christmas parades.
*Making Gingerbread houses and wanting to eat them(but not wanting to at the same time.)
*New Years Eve dances(where I usually had no one to kiss at midnight but always wished I did.)
*Bundling up in Snow suits, layers of socks, gloves, moon boots, hats, scarves etc. to go out and play.
*Presents wrapped in newspaper.