This is How I spent my Evening...

Avery is not feeling well at all! Normally she goes nonstop and doesn't want to be held. She has just wanted to sleep all day so since I'm under the weather as well I took advantage of the cuddle time...yes two hours of it! :)

Flashback Friday: Written by Yours Truly...

When I was in high school I took a creative writing class. The teacher made a book out of some of the stuff we wrote. I came across this the other day and couldn't help laugh. But before YOU laugh just remember I was in HIGH SCHOOL. Here are the three that I wrote that were selected for the book.

Sick Kids and a "New Addition to Our Family"...

I was hoping that the wintertime sickness was going to pass us up this year. Well it didn't and both the kids have been sick this week. They have the yucky, runny nose, fever and cough stuff. I also woke up feeling a little under the weather myself today and I am hoping it doesn't get too bad. Maddy has pretty much camped out on the couch, only getting up to go to the bathroom. Avery has been pretty much the same. Not her normal spunky cruising around self(and actually wants to be held.) Here our a couple pictures of them I took.

What is it about sleeping kids? This hardly ever happens. He was just so tired from not sleeping well at all that he just couldn't stay awake any longer. Don't you just want to cuddle up to him?

Avery has been so attached to her doll while she has been sick and has a complete meltdown if I take it away from her even when I'm feeding her. Now if I could just get her to keep the clothes on her doll and herself for that matter. I'm a little worried because I have gone in to get her from her nap a few times and her pajamas are unzipped to her waist and her diaper undone. :( Maddy has never done this but I guess they are all different right? I just hope she doesn't get too creative! :(

So did I have any of you thinking I was pregnant? This is the new addition to our family. I guess I'm on one this week...in a joking mood. Really though...what do you think of him? Steve brought him home today and insists that he is going to be placed right on our computer desk. That is not what I want staring at me while I'm playing on the computer! When I told him of my disapproval he said he could make it the center piece on our kitchen table. As if that is any better! Maddy was pretty funny about it though. He kept flexing and saying he was flexing like the muscle man. Wish me luck with this thing...it just might end up on one of your doorsteps if I get desperate!

Whatever Wednesday: I Have a Twin...

OK, so not really...did I fool anyone? So here is the deal. I got this "Sally Hansen PM Lip Plumper" as part of a gift for Christmas(from my sister Stacy.) As soon as I got over the initial reaction of laughing at the fact that such a thing even existed, I decided to actually try it out and make a little experiment out of it. HAHA! I used it at least once a day(as recommended) sometimes three or four times a day for a week. I tried to make the pictures as similar as possible but was trying not to laugh in the second one so my lips are slightly parted. Just a side note...I wasn't wearing any lipstick or anything of the sort in either. In case you can't read the words the first picture is the "before" picture and the second one is the "after."

Here is what it says on the back of the product...

PM Lip Plumper

Wake up to fuller, plumper, shapelier lips

*Collagen enhancing Peptide complex delivers full plumping benefits as you sleep.
*Micro sponges help trap moisture in lips, making lips look plumper, fuller and more voluptuous.
Special Ingredients:
24hr Time Released Retinol boosts moisture and smoothes the lip's surface night & day.

So what do you think? Personally I don't see much of a difference, may be just a little. However I'm a little weirded out by my pictures. I think I look like a different person in each of them...almost like I could have a twin. Granted in the second picture I have some highlights and I didn't blow dry my hair so it is a bit fuller and messier. I also think my face looks thinner in the first one? The pictures were only taken a week apart Weird!

On a more successful note, I'm way excited because after a lot of hard work I am finally seeing results with my workouts(so shouldn't my face look thinner in the "after" picture?) Last week I dropped 1.5% body fat which as a result my weight dropped as well. YAY! I will find those abs that are hiding in there eventually!

The Bachelor...

So I guess I have been slacking(or so I've been told) and not blogging about the Bachelor this season. I didn't realize it would be missed. I've just been trying to keep up with the three posts(MWF) that I've committed too and must admit that I've become a little addicted to Facebook. If you are not on Facebook yet you really should check it out! I have found tons of old friends and have had a blast catching up and getting to know them better. May be you shouldn't check it out...you will become addicted and I don't want to be blamed. :) Anyway, if you do look me up and request me as a friend! I definitely have been watching every episode of the Bachelor and must admit I've missed blogging about it. So here it goes. Just to catch everyone up about what I've thought so far, I've pretty much agreed with who Jason has sent home so far. However I wish he had sent Megan home earlier. He does have a pretty good head on his shoulders and is pretty predictable or at least they are airing it in a way that is pretty easy to figure out who he is sending home. You can usually tell by his reactions to them. Tonight was an upsetting rose ceremony during which he choose to not give anyone his final rose and send home three ladies instead of two in addition to the one he sent home on the two on one date. He said he didn't want to lead any of them on which I thought was admirable. Here are the final 5 ladies in order of my most favorite to least favorite.

As of right now Naomi is my favorite. Not only is she beautiful(she totally looks like Eva Mendes to me), she seems like a really beautiful person on the inside. She kind of stays away from all the caddy bickering and talking crap about the other girls type of stuff.

Melissa is such a cutie as well. She just seems so fun and outgoing which is something I know Jason is looking for.

Molly also seems like a fun genuine person. I also have to say she got the most awesome one on one date in Bachelor history at least I think so!

Jillian is ok in my opinion. They seemed to have a great connection on their first one on one but I haven't really seen much of a connection since.

Stephanie is probably one of the sweetest people but she is just a little off to me and I can't quite put my finger on it. She seems a little "motherly" to Jason and it is very difficult for me to watch her for some reason.

Here are the girls that Jason sent home this week...

I actually liked Lauren until tonight. Tonight I guess her true colors really came out! She was far to confident in my opinion!

I was glad to see Megan finally go...and what a doosy of a kiss she laid on Jason during the "General Hospital" stuff. And can I just say that wasn't a very nice group date to put the girls through. Watching each other pretty much make out with Jason. Kind of messed up if you ask me! But I guess they are going for ratings right?

Nikki is also very beautiful and nice. I knew though the minute she told Jason about her only relationship which happened to last 11 years that she was going home. From his point of view he probably felt she hasn't dated enough to truly know what she wants in a husband. She was also way to introverted for what he wants.

And that leaves us with Stalker Shannon. She is a cute girl with amazing teeth(go figure) but she was too over the top and would probably scare off any guy. She just got all EMO a little to quick...like right from the get go and never backed down.

So there you have it! I must admit I'm looking forward to the drama of when Deanna comes back and I am excited to see what goes down. Let me know what you all think!

Music Monday: Maddy Singing...

This is probably my favorite "Music Monday" so far! I finally got Maddy singing on video. He is singing "Close to You(Carpenters)" and "You are My Sunshine." I'm biased but I think it is the cutest thing ever! Notice his little eye brow lifts at the end. So cute!

Home for my Dad's Birthday...

Once a month my family rotates having dinner at one of our homes. This month it was my Moms turn and so she scheduled it near my Dad's birthday. So on Saturday we headed back home for some grub and my Dad's birthday. Five of the seven siblings(and families) were there and we had a great time.

Of course we always have lots of good food! We had a family favorite-barbecued turkey, homemade baked beans(that a long time family friend made), salad, potatoes and yummmmy(did I mention yummy) homemade scones with honey butter on them(they were always a favorite growing up and my mom couldn't cook them as fast as we were eating them.) For dessert we had our choice of(I sampled them all except the apple crisp-I'm not a big cooked apple anything fan) pies(cherry or banana cream), apple crisp and a blueberry dessert that I made. All were homemade by my sisters and I.

My sister Laney and the kids. The legos were a huge hit with the kids, however we didn't have so much fun keeping Avery and Jace from eating them. :( Maddy has bigger legos but this was his first time playing with the smaller ones. I've never seen anything keep his attention so long. Seriously for hours, I could hardly even get him to eat. Maddy also had tons of fun playing "Hide and Seek" with his cousin Dallin.

My brother-in-law Justin and my nephew Dallin. As you can see the big kids enjoyed them as well. :)

Isn't this the sweetest picture! My dad reading "Chee-Chee and Keeko" to Avery. He's had these books since we were growing up so it was really fun to see him read them to her.

Me and three of my sisters(we miss you Jen!) We missed you to Shawn! We had a great time hanging out and chatting(fun and humorous conversations as always) with everyone and eating lots of yummy food! Steve was even able to sneak in a nap(so not fair-I was the one that got no sleep the night before.) I did however snooze a bit on the way home.

Friends With Benefits...

On Friday our friends John and Lyndsey came over. John is an amazing cook and wanted to cook for us, so of course that was no problem with us. :) Here he is presenting his masterpiece. We had a blast hanging out and chatting! I drank my first "Monster" energy drink and paid for it in a big way! I got no sleep whatsoever and was a bit shaky and nauseous! I guess that is what I get when I pretty much never drink caffeine and then drink almost an entire energy drink myself for the first time late at night. Lesson learned! I'll be sticking with water from now on!

A close up...he made fresh wild Ahi Tuna served on Quinoa with roasted peppers and topped with a yummy avocado sauce. It was very tasty and even a hit with Maddy who shared my plate. Thanks again John and Lyndsey! You can come over any time! :)

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday Dad! Today my dad turns 56. He is such an amazing person and Dad, I couldn't have asked for better! You can read more about the kind of person he is here. Love you Dad! Can't wait to see you tomorrow!

Flashback Friday: Senior Pictures...

"To My Child"

The other day Maddy brought me a bunch of ribbons(I don't know why I've been keeping them, until now) he pulled out of the drawer and asked me to tie them together and then tie them around Avery and his heads so they could be pirates. They were so cute and having so much fun running around making pirate noises(arrr) I had to take a picture! I couldn't get them to hold still, look at the camera and smile but hey it adds to the pirate affect right? I've been really trying to play with them more and enjoy living in the moment. My sister sent me this next poem in an email and I think it is a great reminder for everyone to live in the now and appreciate the little things.

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favourite TV shows.
Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.
And when I kiss you goodnight I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day...

Whatever Wednesday: 8 Things Tag...

My sister Stacy tagged me so here it goes...

8 Things Tag

8 TV Shows I enjoy watching:

1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Private Practice
3. Desperate Housewives
4. The Bachelor/Bachelorette
5. The Biggest Loser
6. American Idol
7. So You Think You Can Dance
8. Dancing With The Stars

8 Things that happened yesterday:

1. Cleaned up Maddy's "first attempt to pee standing up" mess.
2. Worked out.
3. Watched coverage of the Presidential Inauguration.
4. Filled out and faxed another health insurance application.
5. Laundry.
6. Paid Bills.
7. Blogged and played on Facebook.
8. Made chicken tacos for dinner.

8 Things I am looking forward to:

1. Going skydiving for my birthday(as long as I'm alive, insured and not pregnant.) :)
2. Spring/Summer.
3. Going to Ephraim this weekend for our monthly dinner get together with all of the family!
4. Getting pregnant again (this is not an announcement, we are not trying yet-we are currently uninsured-and the whole being sick part will really suck-as well as the fear of going pre-term again.)
5. Valentine's Day.
6. To have Avery pottie trained.
7. The day when none of Avery's nutrition comes from a baby food jar.
8. My 15 year high school reunion this year.

8 Things on my wish list:

1. Some new sexy/geeky librarian eye glasses(or better yet lasik surgery.)
2. For Steve's new business to do well.
3. To get lean enough that I feel confident in a bathing suit.
4. A new laptop just for me.
5. Lean to play the guitar.
6. Digital SLR(and classes to learn how to use it.)
7. A fence around our backyard.
8. Vacation(all expense paid would be nice.)

8 Things Steve did yesterday:

1. Trained clients.
2. Worked out.
3. Ate a ton of food.
4. Installed new lights in our garage.
5. Limped around on his injured knee and made me rub it.
6. Got a hair cut.
7. Rocked Maddy before putting him to bed.
8. Worked on his new business

8 People I am tagging:

1. You
2. You
3. You
4. You
5. You
6. You
7. You
8. You

A Day in History...

Today Obama was sworn in as the 44th U.S. President. Regardless of what your political views are this is definitely a big day for the U.S. During these times full of turmoil His message of 'Hope Over Fear' is one that I think we can all take something from. If you weren't able to catch it live you can watch it here.

I couldn't help but think that this is one of those days that most people will remember where they were and what they were doing. I will remember that I am doing the most important thing I could be doing at this time in my life, which is being a Mom. My day started with Maddy's attempt to pee standing up for the first time(without any assistance.) Lets just say I don't think a drop made it into the toilet! The shower curtain, floor, his pajamas and everything around the toilet sure got "showered" however. I just love his determination and how eager he is to learn. Although being a mom is anything but glamorous, I'm so grateful that I have the privilege of raising and being a part of my kids life. I just hope that I do a good job and that they will grow up to be loving, confident and respectable adults.

Music Monday: Till We Ain't Strangers Anymore

I think this Bon Jovi/Leanne Rymes duet is beautiful!

Flashback Friday: California/Cruise 2002...

In July of 2002 Steve and I took a fun vacation with my sister Jamie and her husband Ben. We drove to California and then took a short cruise to Mexico.

We spent some time in San Diego and stayed with a relative of my sisters. We had so much fun and spent some time at La Jolla beach which was beautiful.

The guys being a little crazy back at the house...I'm pretty sure I'm going to be in trouble for these...oh well! Love you Benny! :)

Getting ready to finally(it was a pretty long process) board the ship. We kind of look a little cranky don't ya think!

Sitting through the mandatory emergency drill...we look really scared don't we! HAHA :)

Happy to finally be out to sea...

Our first stop was at Catalina Island. This was the view as we approached.

The day we spent at Catalina Island was a really nice day weather wise. The rest of our cruise was mostly rainy. :( We had a lot of fun walking around, shopping and of course snorkeling. The only picture of me is the nice backside shot on the side...go figure! I know this sounds dumb but I remember being surprised at how salty the water was. I know it's the ocean but it was so salty! I had a hard time with the whole snorkel thing(I'm a bit claustrophobic) so I swallowed my share of water. :(

The four of us on Catalina Island.

Steve and I at dinner on the cruise ship. I really like this picture of Steve!

Food and Entertainment! Of course we did a ton of eating while on the ship! The food was amazing and by the end of the cruise our waiter just knew to keep bringing Steve food! He ate multiple entrees every night. We also shared a table with two fun ladies that hooked Steve up with some good medicine to help him get over the motion sickness that hit him from the get go. There was also lots of dancing and fun entertainment. I actually got some pictures of Steve getting his grove on but he banned me from posting them. :(

My sister and her hubby Ben. As you can see they were still newlyweds. :)

Some of our fun. While we were in San Diego we saw some orange trees and my sister freaked out because she had never saw one before. So of course we had to stop and pick some(top right picture.) We also spent a day in Ensenada but I didn't take any pictures. There really wasn't much to see. Lots of cheap shopping but the novelty wore off quick because you started seeing the same stuff over and over. There was also a lot of little kids practically begging you to buy their stuff. It actually was kind of sad because you knew their parents had sent them out. I ended up scoring some really cool sterling silver jewelry and some cool marble games for dirt cheap.

On our drive home on the long stretch from Vegas to home we were lucky enough to see this...

Ice & Kisses...

Steve recently tore some ligaments in his knee and was icing it a couple nights ago. Ever since then Maddy is obsessed with ice. If I say anything hurts(which has been a lot lately because I've been pushing myself more during my workouts) then he quickly goes and gets ice for me and even wraps it in a towel. He also fakes his own injuries so he can put ice on them. This is a cute video of one of his faked injuries from today and him doctoring himself. The cutest part is towards the end when he also adds kisses into his treatment.

Whatever Wednesday: One Word...

I didn't have anything for my post and saw this on my friend Valorie's blog so I thought I would go for it.

TYPE ONLY 1 WORD...IT'S HARDER THAN YOU THINK!!!

1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2. Your significant other? Steve
3. Your hair? Straight
4. Your mother? Talkative
5. Your father? Quiet
6. Your favorite thing? Bed
7. Your dream last night? Weird
8. Your favorite drink? Water
9. The room you're in? Office
10. Your fear? Loss
11. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Here
12. Where were you last night? Home
13. What you're not? Rich
14. Favorite muffin? Blueberry
15. One of your wish list items? Glasses
16. Where did you grow up? Utah
17. The last thing you did? Chat
18. What are you wearing? Jeans
19. Your TV? Off
20. Your pet? Fish
21. Your computer? On
22. Your life? Average
23. Your mood? Mellow
24. Missing someone? Always
25. Your car? Acura
26. Something you're not wearing? Shoes
27. Favorite Store? Express
28. Your summer? Hot
29. Your favorite color? Aqua
30. When is the last time you laughed? 11:40pm(ish)
31. Who will/would re-post this? Stacy
32. FOUR PLACES I GO OVER AND OVER: a. Mail b. Bank c. Church d. Wal Mart
33. FOUR PEOPLE WHO E-MAIL ME: 1. Stacy 2. Jamie 3. Jennifer 4. Dad
34. FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS: a. Lasagna b. Pizza c. Cream of Broccoli Soup d. Salad
35. PLACE I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW? Vacation

Snow! Snow! Snow!

Last week we got tons of snow! We lost track after about the forth time shoveling the drive way in a few hours and I know many of my neighbors will say the same. I finally got around to trying out my new camera(which I'm loving) and took a couple pictures.

I know this doesn't look like enough snow to even bother shoveling but Steve is a little ocd about it and my car seriously won't make it up the driveway if there is anything on it.

The backyard...