On the Verge of Spring

Hamilton's Farm Herriman, Utah

You Popped Your What?

Cali wanted to play outside, so I told her to go get her shoes on. She put them on and then came limping into the living room doubled over as if she were in some real pain. Slightly alarmed I asked her, "Cali what's wrong." Her reply......

"Mom, I popped my boob."

I didn't have the heart to tell her that 1) she has no boobs {pretty much no one in our family does} 2) even if she did, they don't pop {unless they're made of saline....which is a conversation I'm not ready to have}.

After some prodding and pointing we both realized that she popped her rib. When she bent over she felt her rib pop and thought it was her boob. Pheww.

Easter Sunday

Insert Beautiful Family Easter Photo Here......
Oh wait, we don't have one!


Easter Sunday Fiasco
1. Carter and his runny nose had a major melt down in the middle of church, and had to be escorted home by me.
2. The thought of me and Carter going home sent Cali into a tirade, which took Christian out of the Easter spirit altogether.
3. At home, Carter cried and screamed for about 20 minutes then fell asleep in a puddle of his own boogers (I hope his nose quits running soon).
4. I noticed half-way through church that although my skirt was an appropriate length while standing, it was NOT appropriate while sitting. Not to mention kids climbing on my lap, you get the picture.
5. After a wardrobe change, Christian and I switched off. I went back to church and Christian chilled at home with Carter.
6. When I picked Cali up from her primary class her hair looked like she'd been rubbing her head on the floor, or something of that nature.
7. By the time I got home Cali's hair was in shambles, my 2nd outfit was not as cute as my 1st (although more modest in deed), Carter had long since been in his sweats and Christian was wearing basketball shorts and a t-shirt.

Now that is the picture I should've taken!

Easter Morning

On Easter morning Christian hid about 50 Easter eggs all around upstairs in our house. The kids went crazy finding them. Carter slammed them into his basket so hard, there was candy everywhere.


Cali found most of the eggs, since Carter was busy cracking them open. They made a good team.

Along with some movies (Fox and the Hound & Aristocats), and coloring supplies Cali found some girl panties (her term for underwear). I purchased them after she told me that her "bum cheeks" were "hanging out all over the place" in her old girl panties.

byw: For any of you with little girls out there. Did you know that they make semi-sexy underwear in a size 5 and 6. Does a 5 year old really need underwear that say "naughty" on them? I think not.

Easter Package from Grandma Vicki

Who doesn't love getting a huge package in the mail. Especially when it's full of candy (m&m's and fruit snacks), instant oatmeal (my kids most favorite food), clothes (a shirt and shorts for each kid), games (Go Fish) and movies (Enchanted and The Game Plan). Thanks to Grandma Vicki for the huge Easter surprise.

Never Say Never

I have learned that when I say, "I will NEVER do......" it means that one day without fail I'll eat my own words. For example, I told many a friend and family member that I would NEVER get married (so, I got married when I was 18). I told Christian that I wasn't really into having kids, and made it pretty clear to those around me that I would NEVER have children (ok, so I have two!) About six years ago when a bunch of our friends/co-workers moved to Herriman I told anyone that would listen that I would NEVER live in Herriman (and we've lived here almost 4 years now). Do you see the trend? I am famous for eating my words. I've often wondered why I even open my mouth in the first place. Which brings me to my latest.

When we lived at the University Village in SLC we were one of the only couples who didn't have kids. I always felt pretty out of place there because all of the moms were friends. I was working full-time and going to school, and didn't have much in common with the other women in the court. I would walk into our apartment and see all the mothers playing on the playground with their kids, and mutter to myself, "I would NEVER sit around at the playground all day. I can't believe these women just let their kids run all over the playground while they sit and talk all day, they should get a life."

Fast forward six years. My sister Bethany and her husband Tyler now live at the University Village. Bethany watched my kids for me last week, and after work I went to pick them up from her apartment. I walked into the court and saw that Cali and Carter were playing all over the playground. Bethany saw me and walked toward me, we met up at a park bench in the middle of the playground and we both sat down together.



And there I sat in the middle of a pile of women watching their kids at the University Village playground. Never say never.

10 Years Ago? Really?

I received an email the other day from the senior class president of Emery High with the date of our ten year class reunion. Just a few days before I was talking with a couple of my fellow Spartans about the impending reunion, but the email I received made it official. Ten years? Really? Just when the traumatization of high school begins to wear off we have to rehash it all over again? Really? I'm not going to lie.....I'm a little terrified.

Don't get me wrong, I had a great time in high school. I participated in lots of different activities, (which is a huge plus of going to a small high school) made some great friends, I even got to hang out with my dad at school. So, what's my hang up?

Well, here's my theory. I think that while I was in high school I was oblivious to the fact that a lot of the social situations were really traumatizing. Maybe because I was more resilient, less afraid, or maybe just because when you are in the middle of something you can't really see it for what it is? Looking back I can say to myself, "I can't believe I did THAT!" and "What was I thinking when I let THEM treat me like THAT." and "Why did I think THAT was a good idea?" and this could go on and on. Hindsight is a strange thing. It gives you the opportunity to examine situations that you were embroiled in and analyze them as a bystander. Thus giving you the opportunity to remember things better or worse than they really were.

So, I think I will save the date for Saturday August 2nd to attend my 10 year high school reunion (10 years? Really?). I will also pencil in a date with my therapist for Monday August 4th.

*Also, my older and much much wiser blog readers what did you think of your 10 year reunion?

Christian's Side Job

It's no big secret the Christian is multi-talented, not to mention a fantastic multi-tasker (feel free to be jealous!). So I thought I would dedicate this post to his most recent "side job". He's even sporting a T-shirt with the logo from his "day job". True Christian style!

He cut my brother Brandt's horrible hair on Monday. And I mean "horrible" in the best sense of the word. You see, Brandt thought it would be a great idea to dye his hair black. Not the best idea for a blond haired blue eyed boy. And yes, those eyebrows were dyed too.


He also buzzed Carter while he was at it. I'm not a huge fan of the buzz cut (until the temp gets above 50 degrees), but whatever. Carter was just glad that he didn't have any more "foofers", a term he uses when his hair is sticking up.


The final and crowning moment of Christian's skills came today. He sent me this picture from his phone while I was at work. He was very proud, and so was I. He told me that it started out as a high ponytail, but wanted to try something new. He does Cali's hair every Wednesday and Friday for school while I'm at work, and I have yet to be disappointed. He can now add the "bun" to his arsenal of hair styles.

Our Winning Streak is Over

We almost made it the whole year without any sickness. I thought we were in the clear, I was wrong. Cali and Carter both started coughing on Friday, and haven't stopped. I ended up at the dr.'s office with Cali on Sunday, and Carter on Tuesday. Cali's ear drum had ruptured, which was surprising because she has tubes in her poor little ears. Much to my surprise the tube in one ear had fallen out, the infected ear nonetheless. Carter, on the other hand, has some viral runny nose cough thing going on. It was determined that he didn't have an ear infection. Although, the dr. sure earned his $15.00 co pay. It took me, a large nurse and the dr. to hold him still. All the while he was screaming some choice phrases like, "Don't touch me ever more!" "I want to be done, because I'm going home!" "Get the man away from me!" and my all time favorite "I never never never never come here again!" Oh Carter, I'm sure we'll be back.

I Thought I was Tough...

Not kidding, I really did. I say "did" because last Thursday I had a body shock! Bethany and I are training with Leisa of Tough Girl Training. I work out everyday, I'm in good cardio shape, my dream is to be a contender on American Gladiators, but nothing could've prepared me for what Leisa had is store for us. It was amazing! We are doing a four week program with her, so I hope to report my results when we are finished.

Check out her fitness tip of the day. And if any of you are thinking about getting in shape, or want to take your training to the next level, hire Leisa she really is tough (not fake tough like me)!

Introducing....

It's my new blog and it's dedicated to my quilting projects. I hope it helps me get some motivation to start (and finish) some things I've been wanting to work on. You can check it out at http://www.pieceandquietquilts.blogspot.com/

Help: Is there anyone out there who can help me post some buttons on my side bar. I have the graphics, I just need to know how to turn them into links. Thanks!

Reunion via the World Wide Web

These are the cutest kids this side of the 84513!

The blogging world is definitely a small one. I ran into a friend from elementary/jr. high/high school at Smith's several months back. After talking we realized that we don't live too far from each other. We exchanged phone numbers and blog addresses, and the rest is blogging history!

We met up at her house this past week for lunch. The kids played with no fighting and screaming (which is a miracle for my children). She made pizza (from scratch I might add) and we had a great afternoon. Hopefully we can get together again soon. Thanks Aimee for having us over!

Smash It Up

Aren't these pendants lovely? You must check out The Broken Plate Pendant Company . They make pendants out of broken china and other glass wares. You can choose from her collection of broken glass, or send her the broken plates from your wedding for a personal touch. I like these so well I just may throw some dishes on the floor today, although I think she deals mainly in china.....not corel microwave safe.

Get Your Can To Maceys

Maceys is my all time favorite grocery store. I didn't know that I could have a favorite grocery store until we lived right down the road from a Maceys in Sandy. To be able to eat a Kong Kone while grocery shopping is amazing. My kids think so too.

So if you live in the greater Salt Lake area get to Maceys and stock up on some canned goods. It's the semi-annual case lot sale. I was also unaware that a case lot sale could bring so much joy, until I had two extra mouths to feed!

Oh Yes it's 80's Night!

My dear friend Regina threw a rockin' 80's party for her husband's 30th. Aren't these the two cutest things? Seriously! Steve was shocked and amazed, and Regina's bangs were the star of the party. It was so much fun, Christian and have been talking about it ever since! Thanks for inviting us.

The party thrower and the birthday boy+cake.


Me, Audrey and Dorey. We thought we were pretty hot stuff, until the girls with the 80's work-out suits showed up. So funny.


Stacey and Dorey. Check out the dude's stone washed pants in the background. We were amazed by those pants all night long.


I'm not going to lie. I'm kind of a big deal when it comes to dodge ball. Until I got trashed in the face by my husband. Note to self: next time dodge ball breaks out be ON Christian's team
(I think all you party goers will agree!)

This is NOT an Announcement in Any Way Shape or Form!

I found this picture while I was blog stalking and about peed my pants (like a pregnant woman) with laughter. I have several friends who claim that being "crafty" is not their thing. In fact, my friend Natalie has dedicated whole blog posts to her lack of craftiness. This brand of humor is right up my ally (and I suspect many of yours too). Although, after a day like today I would not highly recommend making people. Especially little sassy ones who back talk and throw fits all day. She shall remain nameless. I hope tomorrow is better....for all of us here!

Make These!

Cookie Bars From Heaven
(Taken from an old recipe book my mom has)

Cookie Crust
1 C Butter
2 C Brown Sugar
2 Eggs
2 tsp Vanilla
2 1/2 C Flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 C Oatmeal

Filling
1 pkg semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla

Cream together the butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the creamed mixture. Add oatmeal. Combine.

In a microwave safe bowl (or a double boiler pan) mix together the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, salt and vanilla. Microwave on 40% power in one minute increments until all ingredients are melted and combined. Or, stir constantly in a double boiler. Note: don't let the chocolate burn.

Take 2/3 of the cookie crust and press into the bottom of a cookie sheet or dripper pan. Spread chocolate mixture on top. Crumble the remaining crust on top of the chocolate.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Eat the whole pan!

The Hills Are Alive....

The Sound of Music is one of my favorite movies ever. I can pretty much sing every song, and recite many of the lines. Which was perfect, because this play was a sing-a-long. All of the words to the songs were listed on the program. When it was time for the actors on stage to sing the musical numbers, the audience was invited to join in. We sung our hearts out!

My sister Dory was Leisel the oldest VonTrap daughter, and is the gal on the far left of the picture.

A Stroll Down a Country Road

While we were in Castle Dale my dad took Cali and Carter for a walk to my grandma Peacock's house. She and my aunt Mari only live about four blocks away. It's a walk that I took almost every day as a child. The kids loved being able to walk down the middle of the road, and my dad was thrilled to show them the sights in Castle Dale.

We Make Aprons from the 1970's Look Good

This weekend the kids and I (+Bethany and Tyler) made the journey to Castle Dale to see my sister Dory perform in my favorite play (The Sound of Music to be exact). While we were there we got our cooking on at my mom and dad's house. We made the South of the Border Chowder (I really am a one trick pony) and my mom made some delicious cookie bars that we all ate way too many of. I'll get the recipe from her, and post it....it's a good one.

So as to not smell like the food we were making, we stripped the shirts and threw on the aprons. I had to do some curious cropping for Bethany's sake. By the way, could this sister of mine be any smaller. She is so mini.