Olives and Pickles! Relishing Life!!!

Happy Birthday Macey and other big events

2011-11-28T00:25:00.000-08:00

Macey is three!! Wowzaa!!! I honestly didn't think this day would come, but it has and she is already getting easier. If ever a child has embodied the phrase terrible twos, it is her!! She is a tough cookie, but boy is she funny!! And adorable to boot!

She loves to sing and dance and sing and dance, and pretend and pretend. She loves princesses, especially tangled, she loves to scream still and wrestle jamesy boy. She won't keep her little hands and mouth off the baby, she also loves to give the dog a run for his money.

BOY SHE SURE KEEPS US ON OUR TOES AND MAKE OUR EARS SORE!!!! But what fun would life be with out her? And what would my washing machine do all day without her?

Today at church (as every week) she had me almost in tears. Not in a good way! There is hardly anything I can do to make her listen. But all week she walks around with her hands on her hips and sings I am a child of God, and says "Mom, Heavenly Father no want you do that!!!!!"

I have just stopped watching Mikes expression from the stand. But sister Gibbs just gives her a little snack and that at least keeps her quiet for a while. Sister Gibbs (mother of 15) just shakes her head and calls her my handful. Maybe one day when I am done with little ones I will be able to do that too. Macey has taught me to develop a thicker skin, and also that a mother who looks calm on the outside while is crazy on the inside is key!

Today at church she ate an entire pack of gum! And also yesterday! Oh how we love her.... PLEASE SAY THIS MEANS SHE WILL BE AN EASY TEEN!!!

Joey is now 4 months old! He is getting more and more mellow (hallelujah!) and is soooo giggly. We all live to make him laugh. When he smiles he does it with his mouth open as wide as can be. Babies are fun!!! He is a cute as can be and even has dimples. I can't remember what life was like before him. He loves to look at books and the laptop. Just studies every little thing.

Sonia is practicing her heart out at piano. She is playing Rockin around the Christmas Tree for her Christmas recital. She is such a help to me. She is soooo pretty and looking into her eyes just melts me. But boy can she sass too! Mike says there is a reason our girls are sassy and boys are mellow, but I refuse to acknowledge it! And she could talk a stranger to death, let alone me!! She tries her best to keep us all in line and let us know what we ought to be doing. She is a lot like me, but soooooo much better!!!! She is incredibly in tune with right and wrong. Loves Heavenly Father and is so knowledgeable about the gospel. She is looking forward to being baptised this Jan. I love admire her like crazy! She is an excellent example to me. And a great communicator.

James is James steady and reliable as can be. He forgets everything he owns, but is as smart as a whip! I am amazed by him daily. He is so sensitive too, never wants any of his friends to feel bad. He cried at night for a month because he tripped a kid at the park! We prayed for the little kid all month. We had to teach him about the atonement of Christ and how it can take away things we have done wrong, and heal our hearts. James is also amazing at understanding the gospel. He also takes good care of Rosie, the girl down the street. I will send him to school and say James there isn't time to pick up Rosie today, yet somehow he always picks her up. He is as loyal as the day is long and always tells me he loves me and gives me a hug at just the right minute.

As I write this I am reminded of why each of these little spirits are here on this earth and how much they have taught me by stretching and helping me grow up. I am one blessed lady! There was a day I worried if I would ever have one kid let alone 4. Children are my greatest blessing, and I am trying to live worthy of them every day.

AND RIGHT NOW AS I TYPE THIS THE LAUNDRY IS EVEN DONE!!! Maybe for the first time in a year or so. Life doesn't get any better than this, and I just had to tell you about it!

Lindsey

PS Christmas is coming!!!

4 babies means 1/4 a parent?

2011-10-02T23:42:00.000-07:00

Just wondering why Joey wakes up every night at 10? Is it so he can have me all to himself? He smiles and smiles at me every night and is even starting to coo and giggle. OH i love that!!!

General Conference was great, the whole family took a recharge day. We all sat around and listened. It was so great to be inspired and taught by the Prophet and Apostles. I feel ready to face the challenges ahead with a good attitude.

I have been wondering though...when will we obtain that synergy as a family that all the great people around us have, setting goals, super clean house, feeling the spirit 24 hours a day.?. Some times I feel like we are just keeping our heads above water. I mostly feel like my little kiddos only have 1/4 a mom, instead of a plugged in, focused, driven, amazing woman at the helm of their little lives. Gonna have to pray about this one, but some suggestions in the comment box wouldn't hurt either.

BYU Blue and fall time blue, but in a good way, ya know?

2011-09-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

Can you believe how cute little Joseph is!!!!!!!!! We super duper adore him!

Ahh, Here is our team spirit in action!!!! Mr James is "the biggest fan in the world, mom" So we have all caught coug fever. Funny what kids will do....it has been such a fun family tradition, mike took him to a few games last year, so we had to get some seats this year too! When the kids came to visit Joseph in the hospital they brought him that cute onesie, and happened to all be outfitted too...even brought some gear for mom. Love my little family, it is so great to make fun traditions. Now all we need are some for winter, we don't really have a winter sport/activity....and winter is sooooo long, already dreading a little! Although I love decorating for Christmas------lets narrow it down to the months of January and February.

What more to tell???? Everyone is doing great. Joseph got his two months shots today, but don't tell him because he doesn't know he is supposed to be super sad :(

Life is moving along....feeling the familiar nostalgia of fall and loving it. Hard to believe Mike and I have known each other for 12 years this fall, see told you I am feeling nostalgic.....Hurry stop reading before I get really sappy. He has been so good to me through this little adventure we have been on. I have to sing his praises here because I don't even think he knows how to get to our blog. Just for the fun of it lets do a top 10:

Top 10 things I have learned about mike over the years:

10. He is sooooo motivated to do right for his family

9. The most loyal person on the planet I will even include any other planets that may be discovered in the future, thats how loyal of a guy he is

8. Has a deep testimony the Savior Jesus Christ. Is willing to sacrifice anything for his beliefs

7. Can be brought out of any grumpy mood with homemade desserts. Seriously I have made him happy many times with cookies, cakes, and cinnamon rolls.

6. He loves a clean house!!!!! Too bad his wife isn't the best house keeper....luckily he is willing to pitch in when things get tooo bad.

5. Will go to any length to get a job done right. He just won't quit. He is willing to stay up all night is he has to. He is the poster child for our family motto I can do hard things

4. He loves his kids. He can be a tough love kind of dad, the kids listen to him way better than me they love to make him happy. But....whenever he may need to come down hard on one of them he feels terrible after and will stew all day and night about if he did right and is not afraid to apologize of necessary.

3. He is a mans man, he loves to be manly and all the things that includes

2. He is always supportive of me in the end, I may have to do some convincing, but he always wants me to be happy and looks out for my real best interests

1. I love him and that is that, I can truly say he is my best friend.

Sorry I tried to warn you.....

That about concludes it, now I must sleep while I can.

Lindsey

JOSEPH DANIEL=LOVE

2011-09-06T20:05:00.000-07:00

HE IS HERE! and we are getting adjusted to life with four littles.

He was born July 20, weighing in at a mere 8.2 and 19 and 1/2 inches.

he is a great baby and still sleeps a lot!

Yesterday was blessing day and Michael gave him a nice blessing. I love having such a good daddy for our babes.

We are all in the throws of school, and are getting busier every day,

Sonni starts suzuki method piano tomorrow we are thrilled for her. She has such a talent for singing and music we can't wait for her to get started. James and Sonia are in soccer and are having a blast, and trying to get used to running again.

Miss Macey is sassy as ever and is loving the time James is at kindergarten and Joey is napping and she gets me all to her self. We have had some fun times dancing and baking and visiting the park or just relaxing, it has been good for both of us.

Life is great, I would love a vacation from our hectic pace, but a late night movie at home with the hubs will just have to do! (at least for now)

Is anybody there? or are we all on facebook?

2011-05-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

I've re dedicated myself to blogging!!!
Especially now that the business is closing its doors. Suffice it to say it was an expensive lesson but not our most??? That should cover it. Oh did I forget the Hallelujah???? Can I just say being stay at home mom is something I took for granted. (Next time I blog in a complainy voice about laundry and dishes please remind me!)
Life is trucking along around here. Baby whats -his-name is kicking away in my tummy, and Macey is still throwing fits like crazy. But she is potty trained!!! Which reminds me---hold on I will be right back!
Ok-disaster adverted.
It has been raining for 3 months now with only brief sunshine here and there. Crazy weather...I can't wait to get out and garden and as soon as I do I forget that I can't bend over, so it hasn't been a very productive spring that way.
Sonia is almost done with 1st Grade, she had a great teacher Mrs. Cavin and is such a social butterfly. Mr. James is almost done with preschool with Ms. Mikki. He is so excited to start Kindergarten. I am so worried they will kick him out and tell him he has to go to first grade he is such a smarty pants, but I feel we did the right thing by waiting.
Mike is still working at Apex edi which has been a great opportunity for our family! We are so thankful for that blessing.
And this grouchy old mama is ready for hormones to not be ruling my life!!! But is still grateful I have them in the right proportions :)
8-10 more weeks we will have another member of this family to blog about!!!! I wonder what his name will be? We are stumped!

Allergic to the Dog!!!

2011-01-25T19:59:00.000-08:00

There is a slim chance that Sonia is allergic to the dog Rocky!!!! Oh no, my worst nightmare. Don't get me wrong I would love to get rid of that flea bag...but sonia thinks that would make us the worst parents in the world. She is probably right! So he is strictly banished to the back yard. This is the funniest part: he picks today of all days to be obnoxious and naughty! He stood at the garage door and barked for 2 hours straight and then chewed up any thing he could find. Dogs!!!

Life is okay other than that. I just made my mormon.org profile, and I feel really good for doing it! Macey sits on the bed with me while I work and types on her lap top. Ha Ha.

James is still James, all the moms in the area want to recruit him for play dates...but I love having him home, he is a pretty mello jello.

More later,
here is the latest pic from bella grotto.

Love being the MOM

2011-01-10T01:34:00.000-08:00

I am writing this in bed as my littlest is next to me snoring away...love that! I can't help but wonder how many more years I will get to enjoy these times...(with little ones under foot) Life has been busy and stressful. But I have felt Heavenly Fathers guiding hand through it all. Just when I think I have a handle on things I realize the only reason I do is because I have His help. Being a mom of all these little souls is such a big responsibility. I pray always that I am doing what is right for them. They have been little troopers through this parents-who-own-a-business transition. I hope that the changes that are happening don't change them. They have been working hard right along side mike and I and I can see their little characters shining through. I cant wait to see what they become...just not too soon. I have always said "If we could just flash forward to see what life will be like in 5 or 10 years that would be great" But experience has shown me that everything will be fine...we have Heavenly Father on our side!
Pregnancy is going good. Other than morning sickness we have had nothing to worry about; another blessing. I have been craving cucumbers..they smell sooo good, about the only thing that does, and start dry heaving every time I walk near the kitchen...sort of a problem when you have a family to feed. If only there was a food delivery service to the couch or my bed we'd be set! I can't believe I was able to forget how hard pregnancy is...The mind is a tricky thing.
Kid Update
Sonia had her first piano recital, she played somewhere over the rainbow, and jingle bells as a duet with her teacher...she is doing great! I love to hear her learning!! Her teacher is great, Suzanne Tingey is a neighbor and I can convince sonni to ride her bike or walk if it is not too cold. She just had her 7 birthday and is soooo big...now we just have to plan her party, hmmm what to do?
James Michael is good, he loves school and we are living with the decision to not put him in kindergarten this year. He would have loved it, but to be honest, I love having him home one more year before the world takes him away. I figure its either now or before his mission...patience was never my strong suite. He is funny and is always saying "mom what can I do that isn't boring?"
Macey has reverted to wearing diapers and not potty training again. I have to admit I am a little happy, but dreading the time when we actually do have to potty train. This gave me a little taste of how hard it is again....booo. She loves rocky and begs me to have him inside. I try to let her (he has a little bed he can lay in) but within minute he smells so much like a dog I have to send him back outside dry heaving. She screams at me "No, No, ocky bed mom!!" Well at least some one likes the dog! He has started appreciating this fact about her and the have called a truce to the knocking eachother off the garage steps...for now.
Life is good! We have each other, Heavenly Father loves us, and we have lots to keep us busy.
Lindsey

Just when you think!!!!

2010-12-09T13:09:00.000-08:00

Just when you think things can't get any crazier they do!
I'm Pregnant!!!!!! We didn't have to do any fertility treatments so we are sooo excited about that~
Things are still moving at warp speed....now they are just a little nauseous and dizzy too.
On top of it Macey decided to potty train herself...ha! She just took off her diaper and figured she doesn't have to wear them anymore...ha!ha!....ha!! At least she is trying! Doing pretty good too. She is one persistent chica!
Tell more later just wanted to give the update

Deep Down I Knew This Day Would Come...

2010-11-12T01:36:00.000-08:00

So....Its happened. I own a business. Thats not supposed to sound sad. No really....The business side I am really excited about. The parenting side of me is torn.
The business side is something I am passionate about.
The Mommy side that is struggling to find balance is worried that I am ruining my kids forever.
The housewife side of me....the one that normally ignores the dishes, can hear my home screaming. "Please we just want to be ignored again. Not completely forgotten!"
One day I WILL change the sheets again. Maybe even wash them and put
them away! One day I will have that talk with my kiddos in the early morning hours when the sun is just a hint in the sky.....but for now I will have to settle with my kids standing over my bed saying...."Mommy its 8 o'clock, why are you still sleeping?" If you are wondering why I am still sleeping notice what time this blog was posted...sleep is a thing of the past.
Was that enough of a pity party? Ok, just wanted you all to know where I am at.
Here are the details of my new baby. Its name is Bella Grotto. It is the chance of a life time. We will be hosting Weddings, Boutiques and other events out of Tuscan Garden Works. We are sub leasing space and they are providing the product from which romantic weddings are made of. The picture above is one of the Gazebos that we will have in our space, along with drippy fountains, a grotto (gazebo cut in half) arches, benches, statuary...you know all the things my garden dreams about. The best news of all is that I get to be partners with Chris and Christy Yadon who are not only some of my fav people, but some of the smartest, talented, driven people I know as well. And of course My hubby is also a partner. He is once again proving himself an amazing marketer...with drive to match. We open doors on Jan 1. I am so excited to have the space set up that I am staying awake at night thinking what pot will go where, how will we mark the door...and such things. Now to book events. Oh, yes there is that small detail.
Mean while, my kids are still terrific! Sonia is doing awesome in school, she had a hard time adjusting to the long days, I think I did too. She is a super learner and is reading like a champ. She can just sit and read books all by herself!! Piano is going great for her. She is practicing Jingle Bells and Somewhere over the Rainbow for her first piano recital! She is one talented child. I love her spunk except when it is directed at me! She is so independant now....its hard to believe she is so big.
Mr. James is doing preschool and starting to read. He is also a champ at all things learning and is a little time and math wizard. He is so low key and keeps himself busy with legos and the computer all day. We just finished his first soccer season. He was a little rusty at first but after a few games really got into it. He was the kid out on the field pushing other kids!!! Can you believe it! I would tell him to stop...and then wink and kiss his little cheek. What a kid he is! He also discovered he is BYUs biggest fan...before he had even been to a game! So mike decided since all of his mental energy was focused on BYU he should probably take him to a game. He loved it!!!
Macey, Macey, Macey...what do you say for the girl who keeps you up all night kicking you in the face. I love you. She is now binki free and more hooked on the bottle than ever. I am still struggling with putting her to bed at night. That girl!! She now loves, loves purses and babies. I think little girls are great. She wants to push her own shopping cart, and spends most of her day telling me that sonni, and daddy are bye-bye. She even made up a song. It includes James when she feels brave enough to say his name... Meesh bye-bye!
Through it all I feel keenly blessed! Life is good. I can't believe how much my Father in Heaven love me and protects my family. I feel the desire to know Him better every day, and am truly grateful for the atoning sacrifice His Son gave for me. I want to be a daughter and sister They are proud of. All things are bright and beautiful around here even if they are at warp speed and whizzing past my head...literally...today a bouncy ball almost took my ear off!
PS Harry Potter Halloween Theme went well except that the Owl wouldn't wear her costume and had to me a magical tiger instead....Macey.... and the golf cart is totally the way to trick or treat!

Wild Wild West

2010-07-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

We just got back from Yellowstone, and we had so much fun! As soon as I can get my photos off of my evo I will post some for all to see. We camped in Mikes mom and dads pop up trailer for 2 nights and then used our free hotel nights for the other two. After leaving Yellowstone we took a quick stop at Hilary and Shawns in the cute town of Rexburg. It was the perfect vacation for a one family trip. The kids did phenomenal in the car even though most of the trip was spent there. We spent lots of quality time together and it was a great chance to reevaluate our little family and each member in it. I am newly inspired as a mom!

Here are the top things to remember about our trip!

1. Getting an old fashion picture taken, we were all cowboys and girls and we even captured maceys binki!!! It turned out sooooo cute! The kids had a riot.

2. Camping--our kids love the outdoors and kept themselves so busy.

3. Seeing Buffalo, we had to search high and low but we found a few. Mike and I might have even seen a wolf (kids were sleeping of course!)

4. The artist paint pots were great and a fun short hike for the kids. Boiling mud is amazing.

5. Best of all was the Rodeo we went to right outside of town....The bucking broncs were right in front of us kicking dirt in our faces it was soooo exciting. James was the star of the show chasing the rodeo clown around trying to get his dollar we were crying it was so funny. Then he starred in the dance competition and was sooo cute dancing with his little thumbs up and kicking his heels in the air. HA

6. We can't forget swimming in the hotel too. The kids went three times in two days. They love the water and call themselves little fish. They would jump off the side over and over again.

7. Hanging out with my sis and her hubby, seeing their life and eating dessert in the beautiful BYU Idaho gardens with Shawn and Hil as our own personal tour guides. Cousins laughing and playing is a happy sound!

8. I can't say enough how blessed we are and how lucky we feel to have had the opportunity to have such a good vacation. It really could not have been better if we dreamed it!

the stone....

2010-06-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

I guess I have a kidney stone...I haven't seen it....I don't know if I have felt it.... but the doctor says it is clinging to the side of my kidney, hanging on for dear life just to annoy me! Really as if I need one more thing to occupy what little brain capacity I seem to have these days. Apparently is pretty big too. They will have to do the Sonar treatment to get it broken up enough to pass it in a million different pieces (if I am lucky.) I am trying to look on the bright side...but there doesn't feel like one right now and I thought it might be a good idea to turn to my 4 online friends for sympathy...I mean support. Maybe after blogging it I can put it to rest and just get on with my life and the sonar treatment because right now I am scared to death!

Swim lessons are great. The kids are loving all the water time they are having. I think they would have gills if nature didn't prevent it. Sonia jumps from the life guard chair today thus earning her traditional snow cone and James is going to attempt it tomorrow. Macey however has spent the entirety of two weeks strapped in the stroller...Sorry. I am going to try to get her into another session just to make up for it! Love those kids. I can't believe how fast summer is going and I don't know if I will be able to give my kids up again to elementary and preschool....ugh.

As Per Popular Request

2010-06-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

Okay here it is the DAILY SEVEN:
first of all I can't take all the credit because I got the idea from my sister in law Laura.
The idea goes like this, you post them somewhere that the kids can see them (if your kids can't read draw pics)
These can be modified for individual kids and family needs but here are ours:
1. Read Scriptures
2. Say Prayers
3. Get dressed
4. Brush hair
5. Brush teeth
6. Tidy bed/room
7. 15 min chore (more like 5 min chore 10 min whining) ie. emptying garbage, washing windows, tidying a bathroom.
When you have done your daily 7 you have access to media, tv computer or movies and also friends.
My kids memorized the daily 7 pretty quickly and it is funny to hear them counting down... okay now i only have 2 left. This normally takes my kids anywhere from30 min to 45 depending on how motivated they are. Another cute idea I heard was that Sunday is also Sloppy Bed day. My kids would love this if they actually made their beds well everyday this part of the daily 7 gets glossed over 4 out of 7 days of the week, but now we have a goal for when we get bed making down. HA

Memorial Day-Day Hike

2010-06-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

This Memorial Day we did a little day hike up to a waterfall in Payson Canyon, it was great it was only about 1/2 a mile up grotto trail. A perfect hike with all the kids, we loved crossing all the split logs across the stream and getting wet and muddy at the falls it was just what our little family needed, some fresh air after being cooped up with this crazy weather, the whole excursion took only 5 hours, perfect! We even got the lawn mowed in the morning and would have had enough time to do chores had we not been lazy in the morning.

Summer has proven fun and messy at our house. The kids have to do their "Daily Seven" plus a fifteen minute chore before they can have access to any media (comp, tv, movies). We have gotten rid of cable forcing us all outside more and we are all better for it! The messy part comes in with trying my best to keep the house clean...trying is the key word.....ottor pop wrappers and wet towels the biggest culprets.

Macey has proven an outdoors-woman as she makes a run for it as soon as the door is ajar. She has been to most of the neighbors houses with the older kids. It is hard to keep her contained. If only she had any fear in her I might feel a little better, but roads and traffic mean nothing to her and coming home doesn't seem to be on her radar either.

Over all we are reveling in the togetherness of summer. It feels good to have my kids back and have them being kids again!

Japanese Maples make me happy!

2010-04-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

Have you ever put a plant in the perfect spot and loved it?????? My red Japanese maple just outside my front window is and I am in heaven now that I am getting leaves on it!!! Spring is here hence the long awaited post, I've mostly been outside in the yard. I know I am a weirdo.....its been long established that I am addicted to gardening so we don't have to dispute it.
I have to say I totally lucked out with Macey, she is the cutest garden companion she loves her red wagon and as long as she is in it she is happy, all day, she doesn't care. It must be really comfy....
James is determined to learn how to ride his bike without training wheels this summer, good for him! I hope is tall enough! His bike is huge for him!
Sonia mean while is like a fish in water on her bike, she rides it everywhere, most days she just keeps her helmet on, you never know when a riding emergency will arise:)
The trampoline is getting lots of use....by every kid in the neighborhood, I really hope none of them fall of the cliff side of it and sue us!
mike and I have mowed the grass 3 times now and shoveled threee yards of mulch and weeded and planted...when I say Mike and I, I mean Mike with me looking over his shoulder. Ha Ha
LIFE is just rolling along!

Having the Woodburys

2010-03-11T12:21:00.001-08:00

This week the 3 Woodbury kids got to come and stay at our house while the their parents went off to Puerto Rico! (Payback for Hawaii) Even today at the end of 4 days, I am exhausted, The sink is full of dishes, the house looks like a tornado, I am equally grateful for an opportunity to spend time with my cute nieces and nephews. Last night as all the kids slept in the loft (long awaited bribe for being good all week) I couldn't help but think how great it is to have my kids cousins, on both sides, so close and have good influences on my children from built in best buddies. Thanks to all my siblings and sibling in laws.
Macey yesterday popped up with an infection on her finger from a cut. And it was growing up her arm...scarrrry. Poor baby, although this did reinforce the fact that I really am not talented enough to look after 6 people all at once:( Or at least not long term. Crazy life. One shot of antibiotic later and we should be on the mend, although I am now indebted to all those sisters that I farmed children off to while I went to the follow up apt. Thank you thank you thank you!

WE have another busy week ahead so we shall see how good our endurance really is as a family...if any of you find me in the corner of my house crying give me a couple of minutes I'll be just fine! HA

There's Lightning in my Pants!!!

2010-02-25T19:51:00.000-08:00

Last night James couldn't go to bed because there was Lightning in his pants! His fleece jammy pants made static! I love kids!!!

Quick update... Valentines/Anniversary went swimmingly, I dipped about 80 Chocolate Strawberries...Tempered milk chocolate and Chocolate Ganashe mostly, but my favorite was the white chocolate coconut! Yum, I won't divulge how many of those I ate myself, but it was pretty fun next year I want to get a wholesale fruit person so I don't have to pay so much. Valentines was promptly ruined when Sonia threw up...(can I take back that dreamy sigh now)

She is all better now and this week cut off her hair and donated it to Locks of love. And I quote "Mom, its not important how cute my new hair cut is.. it is only important that little kids with out hair will get some now." end quote. Again... I love kids.

Miss Mace is officially walking. She is so thrilled with herself, it is even cuter than her walking. She takes 3 steps, throws her arms in the air, plops herself down and giggles her little head off!! Cute. She also loves ring around the rosies and Elmos World...which she loves most at 3 in the morning...(she is the third child what more do you expect from me, I haven't slept in almost 7 years!)

Life is just plugging along. By the way does any one know how to get a playlist onto your blog??? I am dying to share my fav tunes with all 4 of you!

febuary blaaahhs

2010-02-03T20:35:00.000-08:00

Thought I might post just to fill in the dead space between January and Febuary. I keep telling myself that I should be cleaning because spring is going to roll around and I am going to want to be outside as much as possible. This is where the blah part comes in, I don't feel like cleaning, I feel like idling away the days with wishing for spring...
On a lighter note I went to Sonias Parent Teacher Conference, and her teacher said she is doing just great. She also asked if she always has to know what is going on at home like at school, and I said, you only get to see 3 hours of it!!! Her teacher then said she will make a great leader...(leave you to your own conclusions)
James is doing good too, we are trying to decide if we should put him in kindergarten next year or wait, I think we are leaning toward wait...first he has to know where he left his coat:)
Macey is her same old teething sassy self. Love the Girl... she loves elmo.
Mike is doing a side job at the neighbors, so it is nice to know he is close. Couple more weeks and he should have it busted out with the help of our neighbor.
My biggest dilemma is naming my new Garden Society... I've found my calling in life starting Garden Clubs. If you want one let me know. I can collect dues and then I will set up all the tours and itinerary and then you go and enjoy. This is all complimentary if you are in my Club. Lately I've been thinking of Calling it Red Spigot Garden Society. If you have any other ideas let me know. And while I'm on the subject of Gardening the Deer have demolished my new yard. Booooo hoooo...and I am helpless just sitting here watching them knowing full well I live in their yard not the other way around... Next post my favorite holiday....(dreamy sigh) Valentines.

Yippee for you!!

2009-12-21T20:24:00.000-08:00

You guys are the best!!!

Thank you all for your comments! Now that I know I have 4 followers... (not related to me) I will for sure keep blogging, thanks for indulging me!! Now I feel so super responsible to keep you all happy. Maybe I should do a drawing or something. Maybe one lucky person who enters a comment could win...oh I don't know...My super top secret cornbread recipe, or...a....okay I'll keep thinking, but know just how appreciated you are.

Meanwhile we are still plugging away at Christmas, the warm snuggly feeling grows stronger every day and Mike and I almost completed our neighbor gifts tonight. Big victory!!! But for all you not in my neighborhood anymore. Sorry. I miss you too. The gift of your influence will always be with me.

Kids are great these days they are growing so big I love them so much. And...drum roll please...After 13 months of waiting Macey got her first tooth!!!!! It is adorable bottom right and the second bottom is peeking through too.

Merry Christmas to all and since I clearly did not mail Christmas Cards this year (or any other year so far) you can all stop holding your breath. But for the record it is my new year resolution to mail some next year so... we will see...

Merry Christmas

Come on!!!

2009-12-15T20:27:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas, my house is all frilly, kids are extra good (Santa Bribe) and I have that oh so warm snuggly feeling in my heart...but...if I may, I can't help but feel a little lonely, have you ever wondered who reads your blog but can't figure out how to put the little counter device on.
I have.
Just wondering if some of my fav bffs in the world and some of you strangers, if there are any would kindly post a comment, it would really boost my christmas blues...
Is this going to ruin blogging for me? It could in so many ways you know. Oh well bring it on.
luvs

Ps Just wanted a little someone who I adore to know I am thinking a lot of her right now, sorry, I couldn't be silent anymore. If only I could think of some way to make you laugh right now you know I would right?

Mom: this is for you

2009-11-25T04:58:00.000-08:00

Mother of my heart and soul I would love to post a picture of my tree...but its not up yet. Maybe Camron could come and set mine up for me too... But just to let you and Hilary and Kylee know next year I am setting mine up for Labor day so I can beat all of you. Ha

Vynessa I am sure you will have none of this nonsense and set your tree up in a timely fashion like all of us normal people :) So since I don't have a picture of the tree..... here are some others and actually I was just testing to see who reads my blog even if there are no pictures....

Ps special thanks to angie jones who spent 1.00 in lemonade. She is my kids new best friend.

I hope they call me on a mission!!!

2009-11-25T04:43:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to do is snuggle the kid that wakes up early and talk with them about how things are going and then kabamo get really deep with them and talk with them about the things that really matter in life so the other morning I was talking with James in just this sort of fashion, and I asked "James are you going on a Mission?" ......long pause so I thought he had gone to sleep, so I asked again "James are you going on a Mission? this time in a whispery voice...And he said "yes"
So I said "well what if it is really hard work?" He answered " well then I will do it because I am an Oliver and we can do hard things." at this point I thought I am so glad I believe in catch phrases and have pounded this into my kids heads!!!! So then I asked " Well what if it is really really hard and you miss your mommy and daddy so much?" and he rolled over to look at me with his huge blue eyes and said, "Then I will be brave mommy."
"Okay," I whispered "so will I"

Gratitude

2009-11-25T04:32:00.000-08:00

It overwhelms me when I think of everything I am grateful for this year. So I decided it is best to make a top ten out of it.
1. I am grateful for the understanding of just how blessed I really am.
2. I am grateful for the opportunity to be this blessed.
3. I am grateful for work
4. I am grateful I learned to work at an early age, and still get to learn every day.
5. I am grateful Heavenly Father chose me to be a steward over 3 special kids.
6. I am grateful to learn the lessons they teach me, even if with one particular kid I feel like I've already learned them...the hard way, which I now am finding out was not the hard way at all.
7. I am grateful for health. I know you don't always get it. It is a blessing.
8. I am grateful for a husband who is loyal honest and has integrity.
9. I am grateful for the knowledge that Heavenly Father Loves Me.
10. I am grateful for being his child.

ring

2009-11-25T04:29:00.000-08:00

Almost 10 years ago a handsome guy decided he found enough good in a silly 18 year old girl to pop the question and give her a ring. Thank you mike!!!!!

quick catch up

2009-10-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

I just thought I could quickly recap all that is going on.
Hawaii---- Ahhhhhh! super huge shout out to Laura and Mom O for watching the kids. We had so much and fun and after about the second day of waking up at 5:00 am Hawaii time we realized that was the most relaxing we had done in a long time. Funny thing is that we actually went a tad stir crazy. Polynesian Cultural and North Shore were my personal favs. Its nice to have a happy place in my mind to go to when kids and real life crazy. Best of all is it was a great marriage rejuvenate. I love my honey.
Wade Vreeken friendly reunion at our house was super fun. WE carved Pumpkins and made the worst caramel apples ever! You guys are a fun bunch of people.
Other than that we are just plugging away. Two kids in school brings a whole new set of stresses along with it. Life is teaching me to take a chill pill ( as my kids say ) Not much more time in the day than to do house chores homework and reading and give kids kisses and hugs and send them off to bed. Crazy, we live for the weekends.
I'll post more later and pics of Hawaii right now James is begging to play webkinz

My little ones!!

2009-09-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

Can you believe they are so big!!! You feed them, you diaper them, you give them every thing you have, and then whamoo(word girl) they turn around and leave you for school. And thats not the worst part they come home the first day and you are thinking: who are you, you look like my child? You just have alot more attitude:(

But at the end of the day you have to cut off a little bit of the apron string because they love school and they are becoming who you know they can be.

It still stings a little bit!!!

Sonia and Jamesy boy are doing great in school! It is fun to be the mom of such fun kids! Not much other news besides that! Post more later!

Oh yeah, mike got his tonsils out. Yes... we are crazy. He is all but better now, but, it was kind of touch and go for a week. I literally thought he would die of pain. Poor guy. i wish I would have taken pictures!

P.S. Doesn't Macey have the coolest hair and don't worry we will put her in gymnastics, and yes she is wearing sonnis socks...don't ask!

just keep swimming

2009-07-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

Swim lessons are under way and the kids love them. We have been having fun, thanks to all the cousins and old friends that are there. The WJ pool has been awesome, sonni says she loves her teachers! So fun. Kids are learning a ton too.

P.S. Its an indoor pool, so yes that is my super scary farmers tan. Yikes!!!

A change in the wind

2009-07-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

Big and little changes for the Oliver clan.
For all those who haven't heard Mike was made the First Counselor to the Bishop in our ward. This means lots of big changes for our little fam, but I know the blessings will keep rolling in.
For the last 3 years I think Heavenly Father has been preparing our family, especially Mike by giving us life experiences and testing and proving our faith. I am grateful for all the tender mercies Heavenly Father has given us whether through family, or people who have come into our lives. Please pray for our family to be able to be resilient to life's changes. We love all of you that have touched our lives and been such great examples to us.
List of Little Changes
Lindseys going to have to wake up 1 hour earlier to get all kids ready for church Sunday mornings
Mikes going to have to wake up1 hour earlier to go to meetings
Lindseys going to have to get used to missing her honey a little more
Mike will probably have to listen to a very minute amount of more whining
Lindsey will problaby have more time for FSI and blogging at night
Mike on the other hand will probably have less time in general

List of Big Changes
Spiritual Stretching and Maturing for "Olive" us
More pondering about lifes meaning, challanges and triumphs
More Quality family time, less quantity time
More Gratitude for lifes blessings
Added measure of Spirit in our home (if we are doing our part, of course)

Killer Duckling Attacks on the Rise

2009-06-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

My child is going to hate me for this one day, but this is by far my favorite picture of the summer to date! My new TM friend Emily took me and the posse to This Is The Place Park. It was so fun! We loved it. There was a petting zoo and pony rides, fun history facts on little old log cabins. A train and much more we didn't even get to see because we got a little wet, which was fine because I was just grateful it wasn't 100 degrees. This was our first visit and it is at the top of my summer picks for a fun day trip with the kids.

Top Five reasons I think summer is really just around the corner!

1. How many days can it rain in a row?

2. We just finished our landscaping before it got hot...so...anytime now.

3. I just cleaned all the windows in my house this morning which promptly got rained on; signifying the beginning of a long time summer tradition for me :)

4. My darling children are ready to burn their mommy at the stake because every time we put on our shoes to go to the park, thunder claps and it downpours, which I don't understand because nature loves them (hence the great genes) so I think it should stop raining any day now.

5. I get more and more funny the longer I am cooped up and finally am driven to expressing myself via blog....(thank heavens for Mike) and there are only so many of these kind of posts you guys can take!

P.S. Michelangelos baptism and the air show makes for the best kind of Saturday!!!!!

GROWING PAINS! FOR PARTY OF FIVE!!!!

2009-05-06T20:42:00.000-07:00

Once again. James is the great indicator of how life is going around here!

We are totally feeling the growing pains of three kids, I feel like its finally set in. Craziness at our house! Some times I feel like our theme song should be du dut dottle dot dut do do dut dout. (think three ring circus theme song) I keep telling myself someday things will get easy again, someday I'll enjoy one of those quiet afternoons I used to love. But deep down I know an era has ended... kind of like the Sunday Nap era after two kids. And as far as mothers day goes, I have been noticing a lot of unmothers lately and have thought, wow look how long they spend putting on lip gloss before they get out of the car? Or what would it be like to carry just one bag every where you go? But I keep reminding myself: you chose this crazy sort of happiness, your investment isn't in perfectly glossed lips, its in the future and most of all I remember that if someone wouldn't have sacrificed this much for me I wouldn't know how important it is to do it for some other ungrateful child. (That was your official mothers day shout out mom!) So, chaos take your best shot, the laundry will get folded one day, and someday 3 kids I know will be worried about a hectic home and I can sit at my computer laughing my head off. Ha

Easter

2009-04-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter. Who in their right mind isn't happy that it is spring (in a fashion)

I love my Savior and just wanted to take a minute to express how much I believe in the Atonement and how much I am grateful that we can each partake in it no matter who you are, or how much you need it. Lately I've especially been happy for the enabling power of the Atonement and hope to use it more in my life. I normally try to keep my blog from coming across too preachy, but today I feel so blessed to have a testimony and to have the Spirit that I cannot contain myself. My cup is running over and I don't have the power to turn off the faucet. Don't get me wrong, things aren't perfect, in fact they have been kind of stressful this week, my emotional burdens are heavy, but my blessings out weigh my trials, and in the end I have the power to ask my Father for help, and with His help I don't see anything that I can't accomplish. So my gift for Easter to each of you isn't a heaping basket of candy, although that in itself is a blessing, but a testimony of Christ, and a Heavenly Father who loves us.

Baby Unicorn Loose at Our House

2009-04-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

April Fools, Macey thought up this joke and the kids got a kick out of it. Hopefully you guys will too!

Okay, seriously

2009-03-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

Does it get much better than this? I love sunsets and this is just one I've captured off the back deck. Love it!
I haven't blogged for a while and just wanted to stay updated, since this has also become a family journal of sorts.
March has been fun and eventful. We had a special visit from those tricky leprechauns, they left us all kinds of goodies. The kids had a blast looking out on the porch for the foot prints.
The weather warmed for a bit, but is now back to freezing, I am having to get used to living here because all the springy ness takes about two weeks longer to get here. Booooo, but we've traded for sunsets, so I can't complain too much.
This very minute mike and chris are ripping out part of our rock wall and making more room for the trampoline and adding a wall for trailer parking, thanks to chris who has spent all morning so far on our yard with the track hoe. We are going to make a few changes to the back including stairs on the south side and hopefully and paver patio and fire pit. I is going to be a lot of work to do a new yard, and we still have to take things out of the old. Yikes.
Sonia is doing well at preschool. Miss Jen has been heaven sent. She is so good with Sonia.
we are picking up joy school again starting on monday with nolan and anniston. James is super excited. that makes me happy.
Macey is growing, little by little, I finally broke down and started supplementing with a bottle of formula at night it seems to be helping.
My mom is going for an "early retirement" which makes me happy even if it wasn't her first idea. Yippee for lazy lunches on the patio. Thats the way I like life.
Mike is busy with yard, scouts, and work. He picked up a side job so we could get some trees for the yard. He knows how to speak my language:)
I just got called to be an assistant stake extraction director, and am happy to dive into the world of family search indexing.
Bottom line life is plowing on....

2009-03-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

WHAT A GREAT VACATION! WE HAD SO MUCH FUN, THE KIDS WERE SO GOOD, THE WEATHER WAS AWESOME, AND OUR HOUSE WE RENTED WAS PERFECT FOR THE YADONS AND US. HERE'S HOW IT ALL WENT DOWN:

SAT WE TOOK A DIRECT FLIGHT OUT OF BLIZZARDY SALT LAKE TO ORLANDO, PICKED UP OUR CAR AND HEADED TO THE HOUSE TO FIND THE POOL WAS STILL HEATED FROM THE LAST GUESTS SO MIKE AND CHRIS AND THE KIDS ALL JUMPED IN AND PLAYED UNTIL EVERYONE WAS READY FOR BED, THEN CHRISTY AND I WENT SHOPPING!

SUNDAY went on a nice drive on the way to church, aka chris took us the long way and 1 hour later we made it to the kissamee ward which was so welcoming to our families, came home a shorter way and met up with our new favorite friends Tamara and Aaron and kiddos we all had a grill out(Florida's version of a bbq) and hung out, nice and relaxing!

MONDAY Let the games begin we started off at Epcot where sonia promptly swore off any and all roller coasters, but changed her mind later, then enjoyed perfect weather!

The next few days are all a blur but Chris' mom and sister joined us, and we went to magic kingdom, sea world, animal kingdom and mgm and had so much fun we were exhausted but here are the photo highlights

and really need I say more than the looks on their faces in these ones when mickey rode in on the train to magic kingdom

I know I don't need to say any more, but since this is the only exciting news that I ever get to blog about, I will.

The next Sunday we did church again and then after got to go hang out with Tamara and Aaron, kayden and tanner. Soooo fun they are great, who says southern hospitality is dead, not me! Aaron grilled fresh caught salmon and cod! Loved it. And Tamara made a delicious apple croissant dessert. Yummy. I'll be sharing the recipe later-

Monday we headed back to magic kingdom to squeeze the last drops of disney out of our trip and did a little (very little) souvenir shopping. Then it was back to the airport and we had to kiss 70 degree weather goodbye....Noooooo.

The next morning it was unpacking, okay the next three mornings, and now we are back to reality, but we did rename the hill to our house splash mountain ;) and my kids keep asking to see Preston, Sophie, Isaac, aunt Lori and Grandma Carol

M I C K E Y MOUSE

2009-02-12T19:53:00.000-08:00

Hallelujah!!!!
The official count down is 36 Hours until we board a plane destined for Orlando! Is it typical that your kids are extra naughty right before you blow your life savings on vacation? Its typical at my house. James has been especially naughty this week. I'm not being mean, only honest. My little angel of a boy is really trying my patience. And I can only handle one trying child at time:
I guess in the long run it doesn't matter because I'm going to dream of palm trees and roller coasters. Yippee!
PS only 1/4 of the way packed!

Blessing Day

2009-02-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

Blessing day was a hit. Macey was great and Mike gave her the most beautiful blessing ever! Can you ask for anything more? No, but we got it. We were surrounded by loved ones. It was so fun to see everybody. We had such a blast at the breakfast after, we had way too much food. Thanks to everyone who came to see us. Thanks to every one who brought something. Camron asked me if I would cater thier baby blessing, but I didn't make it all every one else did.
Ps a little shout out to Cam and Missy and soon to be born Evelyn today. Vynessa bore such a beautiful testimony. I can't say enough how nice it was to have most of my favorite people all together.

Right after we changed Macey out of her dress she had an explosion with poop up to her hair, no joke. Laura dug right in and helped me bath her and redress her. Thanks, hope you got all the mess off your hands:)

Mike was also in charge of taking pictures so we didn't get as many as I would have liked, but maybe at her baptism when everyone is back together again, we will practice mikes photography skills then, or maybe Sonni will be old enough to take over by then. Ha Ha

Speaking of Sonia, she has more or less decided she likes Sonni better. The Funny Girl asked me how to spell Sonni after school one day. Of course we have a rule of thumb that she should write Sonia at school, didn't I know that by setting the rule I sealed fate right there! At least she has a nickname we picked and isn't coming home and saying mom, I wish my name was------ fill in the blank with what ever the most popular name of the day is. Who knows maybe we will do that too.

Anyways back to blessing day, as it progressed little Macey just got more and more sick as the day went on. Poor girl, such a trooper. She was pretty worn out by 8 o'clock. Hopefully now that all the excitement is over she will recoop fast.

Loving Mommyhood

2009-01-12T12:28:00.000-08:00

Sometimes as a mom I feel a little like robin hood. I steal from the rich (child with two toys) and give to the poor (child with no toys) all day long, not worried about true justice, just trying to keep the peace, hopefully one of these days I will get it together enough to teach some real values and not the value of yelling. Until then I'll just nurse a baby 5 hours a day, change diapers for 2 and do dishes the other... I'm so tired I can't even subtract 7 from 24. Oh well you get the point.

I'll blog again when I've taken a nap.

P.S. It was fun to go mikes friend Wades baby blessing and they fed us doughnuts after, can't beat that.

Loves,

Momma-hood

I only have a moment

2009-01-10T21:24:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd post a quick gratitude to all of my friends and family. Can't say enough how much I love you all. I am so blessed with so much support! Thanks a million to every one who has helped us these last couple of months and thanks to all my friends who have called from the tuscany ward. We miss you and didn't know how great we had it with all the best people in the whole world located just around the corner from us! Hope everyone is doing well.
Today we had fun with the Shayne B family they came over to the park by us and went sledding with Mike and the older kids, then came by for some impromptu hot chocolate and snacks. Fun. Life is just trucking along.

too much wood?

2008-12-30T11:39:00.000-08:00

What do you think is this the right chair for the room? different placing of course.

Silent Night

2008-12-17T15:14:00.000-08:00

We made it through to the other side. And now that we've made it-we can look back and laugh. We may have all had nervous break downs (seriously) if it weren't for all the help we received I know that it was an answer to our prayers for all the people who showed us such examples of service and love. Thank you a million times over.

Macey Ann Oliver is here and it is so amazing how great she fits into our family. She is meant for us. She is our little prize for all the hard work. Its awesome how much Heavenly Father loves us, he just keeps sending us the best kids. Here are her stats

Born November 28, 2008

Time 4:13 pm

Weight 7.12 lb

Length 20 inches

Our labor and delivery went GREAT! She is also a marvelous sleeper and eater! Hip Hip Hooray!

As I type she is snug asleep in her swing. I don't think she has slept more than 10 minutes in her room. She sleeps in bed with us or in the swing. Already spoiled at least we didn't waste any time or energy trying not to spoil her.

Sonia and James Love her and have also spent lots of time with their wonderful aunties who have made all the changes in their little lives acceptable.

Life is back on track again and we are all feeling good and looking forward to Christmas in our new gorgeous home, Mike has worked so hard to make it feel comfortable and put together.

Merry Christmas!

Crazy Dayz

2008-11-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

First and foremost I want to apologize for being a terrible blogger. Next I want to apologize for any thing else I might be terrible at too. After that I have more breaking news for you.
The Oliver Family is starting a new adventure and leaving an old one behind. Mike and I have made the exciting and heart breaking decision to move to Lehi. After being prompted to be open to a move for our family, we looked at a few houses and put an offer on the one we felt best about. Then thinking we had done our job as listening children of Heavenly Father, gladly went on our way back to life as normal... Only deep down we knew a move was coming and spent many tears and sleepless nights worrying and contiplating how we could make it all work. Especially with our new little one on the way. Pile up a ton of emotional things to happen to the friends of our neighborhood, and sum it up with a little "its my way or the highway and there is no way I'm moving and having a baby all in the same week"...and voilah here we are learning the lesson of living and excepting the Lords will not mine.
So because I am deeply bonded to our house I thought a little closer couldn't hurt and figured I'd blog 10 things I love about our Herriman home.
1. After waiting for a year for the perfect paint I have to say I still love it.
2. Our home is nestled in the middle of a little mountain hug.
3. All of Mikes hard work has paid off and it is so comfortable and beautiful.
4. A comfy place to bring home a little new born pink bundle of Sonia.
5. A breezy summer suite to bring home a little newborn prince James.
6. Still room to grow into.
7. A stable home that Mike has given as a gift of his love for our family.
8. Neighbors who haven't just accepted us, but embraced us and given us the priviledge of knowing them for 6 years.
9. Lazy spring days out in the yard with little feet, runny noses, delphinium, and bleeding hearts.
10. Security, Love, Peace, and growth.

Thanks to my beautiful home.

Okay enough of that.
Baby Oliver is coming in 3 weeks and counting. We are super anxious at trying our hand at a newborn again. What if I am too tired to be a good mom? What if I've forgotten how to swaddle a baby. What if I've forgotten how to nurse, or give her a bath? I know it sounds silly, but I'm so entrenched in 3 and 4 year oldness I'm afraid I've lost the touch, and 3 kids is a lot to keep track of for a scattered brain like me. Especially in an unfamiliar home and neighborhood. I don't even know if our car can fit 3 car seats. Mental note try that one out today. Poor little girl is going to come home to a life that is totally crazy with no hope of improving. But the one thing I know is that Heavenly Father teaches the best lessons in the fire, So bring it on, but slowly and in a controlled manner if that's okay.
Here we go friends its time to hop on this roller coaster and not look back. I'll see you on the other side

i'm.....baaack

2008-08-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

alright if you haven't noticed by my recent blogging disappearance...We're Pregnant!!!! and at a mere 25 weeks I'm now ready to reenter the blogging spectrum so hopefully all my blog groupies haven't given up on me yet.

Summer has been super fun and eventful, we started it off with of course being nauseous, and then after that we went to lake powell. the kids loved it. Made a trip up to Rainbow Bridge which from the distance we saw it at was awesome (the kids only made it halfway before they got hot and grouchy)
Next we went to an awesome condo in wolf creek. thanks to missy and cam for helping mom set it up. The boating was great.
Hilary and Shawn and the kids have been on a sabbatical to utah for the summer and we spent some time with them.
then came the scout month, between youth conference and scout camp, Mike was busy most of July.
Just last week we went on a wirlwind tour of utah county with the oliver moms, making stops at cabelas and the ml bean museum. Poor Sonias seen enough dead animals to last her at least til shes 5. She is already a little animal activist in training. She could not understand why someone would hunt all those polar bears. I didn't have the heart to tell her most of bateman realitives love to kill animals:)
And to top off the summer it was James Birthday last Friday. He is the most humble 3 year old I know saying he only wanted blue cupcakes for the big day and "No thank you" to any toys we offered. Don't worry he still got toys and you would have thought we gave him toys are us with his level of enthusiasm.
Happy Birkay day James. We all Love you

So now we are awaiting the arrival of fall, patiently, soon we leave the free days of not running around and enter the reality of motherhood. Becoming a chauffeur.
Sonia is starting big kid preschool
James is starting Joy School
Both are so excited they could burst.

Mom on the other hand can't believe my babies are getting so big.

A little preview for next time
Baby, Baby, Baby

metaphor for life

2008-04-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

Last night James fell asleep in his dinner at the kitchen table and instead of thinking awe... that is so precious, I thought "I wish I was him" and heres the kicker we were only eating corn dogs and french fries thats what a gourmet chef I am. And to make it even worse I couldn't get my camera to take a picture because it was out of batteries. Boooooo for blogger mom. But I've now immortalized the memory and so I can alleviate my blogging guilt (thats for you Hil) and if I'm lucky maybe I will also go fold the laundry. Then I would really be having a power day.

If I am sounding a little bummed it is probably because we have all been sick, booo again and yesterday we missed the first 80 degree day of the year, and now the dandelions officially have a leg up me. urgh.

But on the bright side our house is now painted. Thats right Lindsey-the-indecisive finally picked a paint color, and I'd like to thank all of you little people for standing by me for the last year while I braved the harsh and cruel world of beige and came out triumphant in a nice summer sand yellow.
Mike also installed a ceiling fan 2 can lights and a chandelier over the kitchen table. Lets here it for Mike handy man extraordinare. Hip hip horrayy!!

Thanks to Laura for giving Sonni and me super cute haircuts, especially sonia who got her hair cut up past her shoulders in a chic a line bob. I'll post a picture when she feels better and will let me touch her hair again.

Well James just "went potty in his unerware" so that about wraps it up for this entry.

One last thing I'm holding a contest to "Name that Blog" so if you have any bright ideas let me know.
I'm ditching confessions of an aspiring TROPHY wife (which stands for Totally Righteous Organized Prosperous Housewife of the Year, and now am thinking along the lines of Organized Pandemonium, but it just doesn't have that ring to it so let me know.

Do you love me?

2008-04-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick gratitude entry.
10 reasons I love our kids
1 because you say the funniest things
2 because you are both potty trained
3 you eat all your veggies
4 you both like to shake it
5 James our softy with a mind like a steal trap
6 "I say make some, you say noise"
7 Sonia is alway energenic and happy
8 Just give me that milk moo moo moo moo
9 you wub me too
10 you changed our lives

Potty Trained Champion

2008-03-29T06:18:00.000-07:00

James you rock!!!! I can't believe how easy you were to potty train. I told myself we were not potty training until you were three but no matter how hard I tried to deny you of big kid-ness you started going into the bathroom taking off your diaper, going potty, flushing the toilet, washing your hands, going and getting me a diaper and asking if I could put it on. Fine... I guess its time. So, first the potty fairy came and dropped off some potty beans. Then you saw your cousin Corbin peeing in the toilet. Then I showed you your underwear...and that was the end of it now you are a big kid. Huge shout out to Sonia for being an "honorary member of the order of the potty trained" and helping to remind James it was time to go.

Other big news, my awesome brother-in-law Shawn got offered a professer job at BYU-Idaho. Go BYU. Go Shawn. Thanks for being such a great example of hard work and faith.

Spring has officially visited our house and we have been working hard in the yard. Bad news is that it still doesn't look like a botanical garden or temple square, good news is that my first daffodils of the year have bloomed (which Sonia and James promptly picked) that took a lot of restraint on my part, but they are now in a vase in our bedroom. I guess that will have to do.

I love spring, and life is taking on a new shiny quality. Things are going awesome around here. I love my family we have been having so much fun playing outside and working together.

Mike and the wicked witch of the west

2008-03-14T20:58:00.001-07:00

Mike gets stuck in a tornado, his eyes go crossed, his wife starts a blog and they go uncrossed go figure.

Thats right, as I am typing mike is in a hotel in atlanta with tornado damage from the tornado that came in around 3 hours ago. He is safe but there are still 2 more coming and so I figure "nothing more exciting is ever gonna happen than this so why not start a blog" and I'm probably not going to get much sleep so might as well work on it now.
Actually it is a pretty great time to start up an on-line family journal. Some of the scrapes we get ourselves into can now come to life on the information super highway.
Hopefully mike can get out of atlanta tomorrow, but the weather may still be bad so if not probably sunday. CRAZY!!!!