Fifteen Years

My Grandpa Peacock passed away 15 years ago. I was only 12 when he died, but I remember him well. He was a school teacher, and loved to quiz me on my knowledge of random topics or school assignments. He was a geologist, and loved to take trips out to the desert to teach us about rock formations. He was an artist, and drew me many funny cartoon pictures. He was a humorist, and had many funny expressions, jokes and phrases that we still use to this day. He was a scholar, and his academic specialties ranged from chemistry to law. He was sick, and I watched my dad care for him until the end of his life. He is my grandpa, and I know I will see him again someday.

My grandpa always wanted his headstone to read, "I Told You I Was Sick". People have found this phrase a little too irreverent for a headstone. However, it really illustrates my grandpa's sense of humor. Those who knew him have to laugh when they see it. And that is what he would have wanted.

Thanks to Mari Peacock (my aunt) for the email and the photos.

Thank You!

This quote is the main reason that I didn't have a complete motherly meltdown today. So, I thought I'd share it.

Thanks to my friend Nicole, I stole this from her blog.

He's a Boy

Carter is a tornado. He goes from room to room, he leaves piles of toys and destruction in his path. He NEVER walks, he only runs. When he runs by something and wants to stop, he jumps to a stop. He can't be controlled. All day long he chatters to me about going outside, fliding (sliding), cows, horses, buffalos, kicking, growling and his favorite word, NO! He pulled all of the padded stopper things off of the inside of my cupboard doors, just so they would make a loud noise when he slams them shut. I've asked my mom, the doctor and many friends if I should get him tested for ADD and ADHD. Everyone keeps saying, "He's a Boy". Today I captured a very reverent version of my son, he was waking up from his nap and was not quite awake or ready to get out of the crib. Take a long look, because I'm not sure if I will catch him this still again!

My Day with Jay

("This is such a great 'before' picture, you look so ugly, this will be great" --Jay)

I've been thinking about cutting my hair for the last month or so. Well, today I finally did it. I felt like I needed a change. I've had dark hair ever since Carter was born, and I've loved it. My hair naturally went darker after having kids and it's been very low maintenance. But sometimes you just have to do something different. So here it is! What do you think?

Before.

After.

Back. It looks better in real life.

Side.

Something Delicious

I found a recipe for Key Lime Bread. It's easier to make than Key Lime Pie, and is really refreshing and delicious. You have to make sure that you use key lime juice and not just plain lime juice. I found Nellie & Joe's Famous Key Lime Juice at Smiths, and whipped up this recipe in no time. I made two loaves and we've been eating it all week.

2/3 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tablespoons grated lime peel
2 tablespoons key lime juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 cup chopped walnuts (I left these out due to Carter's allergy of all things nutty)

GLAZE (this is what makes it really limey and sweet)
2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons key lime juice

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs; mix well. Add lime peel, juice and vanilla; mix until combined. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Fold in walnuts.

Transfer to two greased 9-in X 5-in X 3-in loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over warm bread. Cool completely.
Yield: 2 loaves.

Painting with Cali and Calee

Cali's friend Calee was over this morning for some serious water coloring. When they were younger we called them Big Calee and Little Cali. Well, Little Cali caught up to Big Calee and now they are the same size. So we just call them Calee Jean and Cali Lynn. It can get confusing, especially when I'm yelling at Cali and Calee looks at me like she's in trouble. Carter also joined in on the fun. I really should be cleaning up my kitchen instead of blogging about it.

He was painting a "Mee Mow". Which in Carter language means Cat.

The art gallery in my kitchen!

I've Been Tagged....Again!

My friend Nicole tagged me last week, and I've been meaning to respond. This tag was pretty hard, and took some thinking....but I did it. I must also mention Nicole's blog, she has been a friend of mine for the past 8 years. She is a wonderfully silly person. Not to mention a world class scrap booker and talented photographer. She also has two of the cutest boys on the planet!

1. What's the best thing you cooked last week?
I haven't really been cooking much this summer, due to the heat and all, but on Sunday I made corn chowder for dinner. Courtesy of the slower cooker crock pot.

2.If money, time and babysitter were no object where would you go and with who?
Christian and I would really like to go to Italy for a while. Partly for vacation, but also to research his grandfather's family. So, we would want to go for a few months and learn about the area and have time to visit cemeteries and try to get to the bottom of his family tree. We would probably also need an interpreter, since neither of us speak Italian.

3.When was the last time you cried?
Probably last Tuesday.

4.What is the most played song on your ipod right now?
Funny thing about that, I don't have an Ipod. I actually may be the only person in America without one. It's a funny story, really. I need a new computer and new operating system before I can get one. Windows 98, just isn't compatible with new technology. I hope Santa is reading this blog!!

5.Is there something on TV this week that you are more excited about than the So You Think You Can Dance Finale?
Not really a fan of the dancing shows. I did get hooked on the Lifetime series Army Wives. The season finale was last week. It's a good show.

So there you have it. Tatum, if you are reading this you're it! Also, if anyone else wants to do it..feel free!

I've Been Tagged

10 Things I Splurge on and 10 Things I Don't

I got tagged by Regina, I loved reading her answers...so here are mine.

Splurge:
1. Vacations. When we actually go, we like to go all out.
2. Park City outlet shopping. It always feels like you are getting "good deal".
3. Hair cuts and colors. Much love to my boy Jay Shaw at Ardeo Salon
4. Cars. We don't get new cars very often, but when we do we like to have them loaded.
5. Jeans for me. I would rather have one nice pair of jeans than 10 pair of illfitting jeans.
6. Steaks. My husband is a serious meat eater.
7. Running shoes and cross trainers. I never cheap out when it comes to athletic shoes.
8. Eating out.
9. Fabric. Never let me in a fabric store, I blame my Grandma Cook for this one.
10. House and yard accessories.

Don't Splurge
1. Kid Clothes. I only shop sales, because they grow so fast.
2. Kid Toys. I don't buy many toys. That's what grandmas and aunts and uncles are for.
3. Gas. I like to see how long I can ride around after my low fuel light comes on. It's a fun game!
4. Make-up. I usually buy most of my make-up at Target.
5. Trendy Shoes. There are a lot of cute affordable shoes out there i.e. Payless.
6. Fashion jewlery. Once again, Target or make my own.
7. Diapers. Love the Costco Kirkland Signatures!
8. Bulk items. I buy a lot of Kirkland Signature products
9. Snacks. I usually don't buy many snacks, especially overpriced store cookies.
10. Canned vegtables. I am comfortable buying Kroger peas and beans.

So that's that. I now Tag Nicole, Jan and Natalie!

Baby Carter and Mother Cali

Today while we were cleaning, de-junking and rearranging our bedrooms, Carter decided that he wanted to be a baby. He sat in the baby car seat for about 3 minutes, which doesn't sound like a long time, but it's like an hour in Carter time. He pulled the blanket on him and held some of Cali's dolls while he fake cried, "wa wa waaaa" like a little baby. It was very funny.

Cali, on the other hand, thought that she was the mother. Which naturally made me the grandmother. I snapped this picture while she was supposed to be putting her doll clothes away. Instead, she was tucking her baby in and reading it a good night story. These kids usually do a pretty good job of driving me nuts all day. However, all the craziness seems worth it when you see them do something sweet. Even though the moments are short.

Mom, Can I Get a Skateboard?

First thing with morning Cali asked me if we could go the store and get her a skateboard. I think the question was inspired by some Dora the Explora' knee pads and elbow pads that came with her bike helmet. It could also have been caused by our cute little neighbor boy who patiently pushes Cali and Carter up and down the street on his skateboard (Thanks Jordan). Either way, I told her that we wouldn't be buying a skateboard today. So she came out with her pads on and her sleeping bag rolled up. She used her sleeping bag as a skateboard, and had a wonderful pre-breakfast ride on her "skateboard".

A Shoulder Ride Up To Bed

Christian likes to give Cali a shoulder ride up to bed at night. We all think it's really funny that Cali's head hits the ceiling.

Bessay and Tywer aka Bethany and Tyler

On Saturday my sister Bethany and her husband Tyler made a trip to the big city. They were on a school shopping extravaganza, and a took time out for some lunch at Wingers (Cali's favorite). They've been married for almost 2 years. When they were dating Cali couldn't say either of their names very well, so she called them Bessay and Tywer. The names stuck, even though Cali can speak much more clearly now.

Tywer is not impressed with mypaprazzi skills.

He just tries to ignor me.

Bessay and the kids. Yes, Cali was dressed like that all day long.

Girl's Camp (My Day Stuck in a Time Warp)

On Thursday I had the chance to go to girls camp. I was sort of dreading driving out into the ferocious wilderness by myself, thank goodness my friend Audrey rode with me. We had a fun day, but it seemed as if time had stopped. We both thought that it was about 7:00pm, but when I checked my watch it was only 3:48pm. This happened several times during the day. I have no explanation. If you want to read a more in depth account of our travels in the wilderness check out Audrey's blog, she did a wonderful job of documenting the fun and has tons of funny pictures.

Audrey took this picture and I really love it. Mostly because it looks like the harness is a g-string and my under clothes are my skin.

Did You Turn Your Lights On Today?

Many of you are aware of the Crandall Canyon mine disaster in Utah. The small Utah town of Huntington is about 8 miles from the town where I grew up, Castle Dale. Emery and Carbon Counties are located in South Eastern Utah, and the coal mines located there provide the fuel for most of the power plants in the western United States. Most of my friends growing up had fathers who either worked in the coal mines or at the power plants. My husband's great grandparents came from Italy and Yugoslavia to work in the coal mines. Both of Christian's grandfathers were coal miners too. His father Carl has worked as a mining engineer and as a manager over many mines. And his brother Carson is studying mining engineering at the University of Utah.

Without coal we would not have electricity. Without electricity we would not have much of a life. It's my suggestion that we remember coal miners all of the time, not just when they are trapped or injured or dead. We should remember them when we turn on our lights, or run our air conditioners or cook dinner. All of these things would not be possible without the electricity that the coal industry fuels. There are people working underground everyday so that this nation can have electricity.

Not much good will come from this tragedy, but maybe it will help us be more thankful and grateful for the simple things we take for granted.

Ron Richmond, Exchange No. 8 2004

I saw this painting at an art exhibit called Beholding Salvation. It was an exhibit all about the life of Christ. This painting was the final exhibit at the end of the gallery. This post card sized version of it was in my scriptures, and I found it while at church today. I think it is a very powerful image. Here are some of the suggestions on the back of the post card.

• How might the chairs in the painting remind us about Jesus' role as King? As Judge?
• What might the red and white cloths draped across the chairs in the painting stand for?
• How does the overturned chair remind us of Christ's victory over death?
• How might the painting help us think about the Atonement and Jesus' sacrifice for us?

"...though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18

No, I Do Not Have a Peg Leg

My sister Bethany always has a hard time finding pants that are short enough. The other day she found instructions on the web about how to hem jeans. The bad thing about cutting off jeans is that you can never get the same factory hem look when you try to hem them yourself. She sent me the instructions that claimed you can hem the jean, and keep the non altered look. So I tried it out. And guess what? It worked! I don't have the same problem that Bethany has, in fact, I've never had to have a pair of pants shortened in my life. I'm on the other end, sometimes I can't find pants that are long enough. So, I took a pair of my pants that were too short, and turned them into shorts. Well, almost, I still have one more leg to do.


I am now taking orders! Bethany....you're first!

Copperton Park

My new favorite park is Copperton Park. We have a lot of great parks near our house. Herriman is about 90% children (give or take), so there are lots of places for kids to play. The only problem is that there is NO shade. Most of the housing developments were built on farm land that had been cleared of trees long ago. The city and county have done a good job of planing lots of trees, but it's going to take 50 years or so before there is any significant shade out here. That's why Copperton Park is my new favorite. We had to drive about 5 miles, but it was worth it for the shade and charm of an old park.


A beautiful day



A beautiful girl


A Wild Meowzer


Fwinging. Carter doesn't like to "fwing" (swing) as much as he likes to "fwide" (slide). His words.

Climbing Cali

One of the attractions at the Copperton Park was an old fashioned version of a climbing wall. Cali can never pass up a good climbing wall. Who can?

What is Wrong With This Picture/Child?

On Friday night, after a wonderful evening of playing outside, it was time to take a bath. I finally got Cali and Carter in the house (kicking and screaming of course). Once we were in the house I stared the bath water, then went to change my clothes. Error in judgement. Carter bailed into the tub, clothes and all. Sometimes when screaming and yelling doesn't work, all you can do is take a picture.

The Mother Bear Instinct

My new trial in life is how to handle kids who are mean to my kids. I've talked with my mother about this, and she has convinced me that the fierce mother bear instinct never goes away. By mother bear instinct I mean the overwhelming urge to kill (OK maybe not kill, but seriously harm) those who are mean to my children. Along with the drive to protect my children from having their feelings hurt.

I ran into a situation where Cali was pushed to the ground by another girl. Cali was stunned and ran home to "tell". The girl who pushed her, plus all the other kids she was playing with, ran to our house too. The neighbor, whose house they were playing at when the fight started, came too. The kids were arguing back and forth. My neighbor confirmed that Cali had been pushed. The girl had palmed her face and shoved her head to the ground.

My mother bear protection instinct set in and I told Cali to go in the house. I thought that by taking her in the house I could protect her. But, she didn't want to go in. She wanted to stay and play, so she started to cry. The girl who pushed her started taunting her and telling her that she didn't want to play with her anyway. This made me cry. One of the other girls stuck up for Cali and said, "if you won't play with Cali then don't bother playing with me either". The girl was 5 and I was still crying. Thankfully, Christian (the voice of reason), walked up and told the girls to knock it off and go play.

Why didn't I think of that?

I watched the pile of girls run across the road to the neighbor's house where they were going to play. The same girl that pushed Cali down let all of the other girls in her backyard, and then stood in front of the gate and told Cali to go home. I was devastated. This time I had to go inside to cry. Christian walked over and brought her home and got her occupied with something else.

Why couldn't I do that?

I have never felt some many emotions at once. I was mad, and sad, and wanted to kick that little girl. Have you ever wanted to kick a 5 year old? It's not the best feeling. I still don't know how to handle these situations. But, I do know that Cali was fine. She was playing with the same girls the next day. She didn't even remember what happened. But as the mother bear I am less forgiving. How do you handle these situations?

My Dad, But EVERYONE Calls Him Neal

This article was written in the Emery County Review about my dad. I posted it yesterday, and it was really hard to read. Well, today I found the link to the paper that it was written in. Here's the link. http://www.theemerycountyreview.com/Archives/7-31-07/Lifeisswell.html There are two stories on this page. The first one is called "Circle of Sisters". Just keep scrolling down, it's the second story on this page.


P.S. to family. Dad also reads this blog every week, so if you want to leave him any comments please feel free to do so. Just click on the "comments" link at the bottom of the blog. You can type your comment, then choose the radio button marked "other" and leave your name. When you're done click the "Publish Comment" button at the bottom.

The Castle Valley Pageant

After touring the pioneer village, we sat in our seats to watch the legendary Castle Valley Pageant. The pageant is a depiction of Mormon pioneers who settled the Castle Valley. When we were younger, my sibilings and I were in the pageant. We dressed up like pioneers and had some little dancing and singing parts. The script is the same every year, and there are several phrases that we have incorporated into our regular vocabulary. For example, my brother Brandt is constantly saying, "I'm gonna get a willer and tan your backside." Just one of the many wonderful sayings we have adapted from the pageant.

I haven't been to it for probably 10 years, but I thought that Cali would like to see it. It was really fun, and it was a beautiful night.

Bethany (brother), Carter (father), Neal (baby), Dory (mother) and Cali (sister)

Waiting for the pageant to start.

A real covered wagon and "real" pioneers.

Pioneer Village

Saturday night we took a tour around a pioneer village.

Bethany and Cali on a real horse drawn buggy ride.

Getting sniffed by a real donkey.

Papa Neal and Carter petting a real horse.