Alien Life Form {ALF}

Carter has a love hate relationship with ALF. My dad bought several seasons of the old TV show on DVD, and every time we go to Castle Dale Carter asks if he can watch ALF. However, he also lets us know that ALF, "scares me to death" and he, "needs grandpa to hold me when I watch ALF". Luckily Christian had an ALF stuffed toy when he was a boy, and he took the time to find it at his parent's house and we brought it home. Now Carter can play with ALF all day, he can even feed him some of Cali's Littlest Pet Shop cats. Even now as I was uploading this picture Carter said, "Mom, does ALF scare you to death?"

At Least Someone's Been Blogging

I totally forgot about posting a flashback on Friday. Saturday came and went without a thought about blogging. On Sunday morning while I was doing my hair Cali sat down at the computer and created her "blog" on her new "laptop". I thought it was pretty creative, and at least someone was in the blogging mood!

Suck It MS

MS is a lifelong and often disabling disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system and destroys the protective sheath (myelin) around the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. As a result, scar tissue (sclerosis) forms and disrupts messages from the brain to other parts of the body. MS is a "prime of life" disease, striking people between the ages of 20 and 50. It comes and goes unpredictably, leaving people to wonder, "Will I become paralyzed, blind or have trouble walking? Will I be able to raise my family and continue my career?"

So to that I say, "Suck it MS!" We {Team Tootsie Roll} are in our final weeks of fundraising for the MS Walk 2009 in Salt Lake City. I am so grateful for the many donations and kind words of encouragment and support we've recieved over the last two months. With just a couple weeks left we are nearing our $2000.00 goal, we would LOVE to meet and exceed it if possible. If you would like to donate or join Team Tootsie Roll for the MW Walk click here http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/cammiepollastro or on the Team Tootsie Roll logo on the upper right side of this blog.

At this time I would also like to publically thank the donors who have supported me and in doing so, have joined with me in saying...."Suck it MS!"

Neal and Gwen Peacock
The Mason Family
The Freer Family
The Cody Peacock Family
Christy Yost
Cammie Pollastro
Emily Dunn Parsons
Nykelle Pollastro
Leslie Mortensen
Roz Jensen
Tamra L Jones
Crue and Addison France
The Kendrick Family
The Cottam Family
Josh Anderson
Anonymous
April Bingham

Good News Indeed

This is a picture from Cali's school journal, and also one of my all time favorites. Here's what she wrote...

"Dr. Soos did so vere logago The good noos is that it was his brthday not verelogago."

In English {not sound spelling English} Dr. Seuss died so very long ago, the good news is that it was his birthday not very long ago.

I love this girl!!

Finding Joy in the Journey

I've really been trying a lot harder lately to find joy in the journey. Waiting for Cali to get done with gymnastics is always a little boring for us. Her class is too long for Carter to wait in the gym {we've tried...it wasn't pretty} and a little too short to get errands done or to go all the way home. So, I have tried to come up with creative ways to entertain Carter while we wait. Last week we sat in the back of the Pilot and played Kung Fu Panda Uno. Carter thought it was so funny that we were in the "trunk" and we managed to play several games and enjoy the journey while waiting for Cali.

However, being the genius that I am, I didn't realize that the back door doesn't open from the inside. We jumped in the back from the outside and slammed the door behind us. When it was time to go, we both had to barrel over the middle seat in order to get out. It was a sight to behold!

On A Roll

Late last week I decided to make some homemade cinnamon rolls. It all started when Cali got talking about our friends, Travis and Lori. Travis made the best cinnamon rolls and the kids in our neighborhood in Herriman used to beg him to make them. So, I thought I'd give it a try. I used my mom's recipe that she made for us growing up. This being my first time, I think they turned out rather well. Although, only a close second to Travis and Lori's!

Flashback Friday {I Wish I Were Here Edition}

The very first time I went to Disneyland I was 20 years old. As a kid my parents took us on millions of family vacations, but we never seemed to end up at the "Happiest Place on Earth". During spring break 2001 Christian and I decided to take a week off work and school and go to Disneyland. It was one of the most memorable trips we've had together, and still one of my favorites. We had so much fun we went again over spring break in 2002. We took Dustin and Carson on this adventure, and we all had the best time. During the spring break week of 2003 I was pregnant with Cali. We decided to go on a road trip to California. We didn't make reservations anywhere {except for our fun an fabulous stay in Vegas with our friends the Freer's} , we didn't really plan anything, we just enjoyed our last trip as just a couple. We ended up at Disneyland. Although I couldn't go on any rides, we shopped in Downtown Disney and ate at some of the fabulous restaurants.

March of 2004 Cali was eight months old and we were in the process of building our first house. We opted out of going on a vacation this year. However, the next year, in June of 2005 my dad was organizing a trip of high school seniors to go on a senior trip. Lucky for us he needed two more chaperone's, so Christian and I went on an all expense paid trip! We left Cali with my mom, and we just had to make sure the kids got on the bus at the right time....easy enough. We had the best time with my dad, Brandt, and Dory. I was mildly pregnant with Carter at the time, so some of the rides were off limits, but it was still so great. Dad, if you're reading....we should do that again!!

When spring fever hit in 2006 Carter was just a tiny baby, and we only did a few short trips around Utah that year. Finally in the fall of 2007 I wasn't pregnant {yahoo} and the kids were just old enough to make their first pilgrimage to Disneyland. I thought for sure they would never remember it, but they still talk about it today! We took Carl and Vicki with us, and had so much fun!

So, this time of year I remember all the fun we've had over the years and wish I were at Disneyland. Spring and fall are the best times to experience the magic, and with spring approaching fast I need to get some reservations made! After all, Carter is potty trained!!

Good Reads for a Good Reader

As of late Cali has developed into a champion reader. Maybe it's the glasses {I've heard that being able to see helps with reading....} maybe it's the thousands of memorized sight words, maybe it's her new ability to put sounds together more quickly, or maybe it's my {im}patient nightly reading with her. Whatever it is, I thought I'd share her two new favorite books.

Happy Green Day

Today I had the adventure of helping prepare a green breakfast for Cali's class. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, and a love of all things Dr Seuss, the kids got to eat an entirely green meal. I had the prestigious job of toasting the greenish toast. Apparently the Smith's bakery here makes a green marble bread just for the occasion. Also on the menu: green grapes, green apples, kiwi {which most kids didn't even know existed}, honeydew melon, green milk, green eggs and ham, and green toast {thank you very much}.

Miss Mosbey helped the kids dish up a heaping plate, and then they all got their eat on! Cali has NEVER eaten an egg in her life, and she told me that she ONLY likes eggs when they are green....and she ate most of them. Carter managed to eat a piece of toast, but was more intrigued with the toys and play area in the classroom. He even pulled up a chair and made himself at home. When it was time to go he cried and screamed, "My teacher said it was time for recess!!!" It really was time for recess, and Miss Mosbey really did say that....it's just that Carter had a hard time coming to grips with the fact that he wasn't a member of their class.

If only I'd been lucky enough to get out the door without a fit!

A Date with Grandma & Grandpa

A few weekends ago Cali went on her annual date with Grandma Vicki and Grandpa Carl. For Christmas each year Vicki gives the kids a book, inside the book is coupon to go on a date. This year she gave Cali a book about gymnastics, and for their date they went to see the Red Rocks at that U. She loved it, and came home with a life-sized poster of their star gymnast {granted the girl is only 5'1" but it's still cool!}.

Here she is practicing her best landing pose. Thanks to Brittany for snapping these photos for us with her trusty cell phone!

Flashback Friday {Pomp & Circumstance Edition}

May 2002: I was 21 he had just turned 25

Since I found out this week that I was accepted to graduate school, I've been thinking a lot about school in general.... Which reminded me of when I was in school, which reminded me of the day I graduated. So here's a picture, and a little background, about our graduation day from the University of Utah.

Christian and I both finished our classes at the end of Fall 2001, but since the U only has one Commencement ceremony per year, we decided to walk with our friends and classmates in the Spring of 2002. It was a windy day {as you can see Christian is holding onto his tassel} and a long day, but one of my favorite days ever.

We started the day off by attending the University Commencement ceremony, during which my boss at the time {Ralph Boren} gave me his SLC Green Jello Winter Olympic pin. We both got really crazed by the pin collecting during the winter Olympics and somehow he ended up with two of the coveted Green Jello pins. When I shook his hand at the end of our commencement line, he put it in my hand. It was so great! After the Commencement my mom and dad gave me a set of diamond and pearl earrings, and Christian a fancy onyx tie tack. We barely had time to talk because it was time for the College of Business to start their Convocation, so Christian had to rush off to get a seat. After about an hour it was finally his turn to receive his diploma {*cover} and have his name read!

We then went over Rice Eccles Stadium to have lunch in the top of the stadium. The food is always so-so, but the view is amazing. Our parents loved it. After lunch we had several hours to waste while we waited for the College of Humanities Convocation at 5pm. Christian's parents went to visit relatives, and Christian and I went with my parents to check out the art museum and buy up some Ute paraphernalia at the bookstore.

Around 4:30pm I lined up with my friends Natalie and Nikki to get ready for my Convocation. After about an hour of speeches and awards it was time for my name to be read. Cammie Lynn Peacock Pollastro, it's a mouthful, but the reader managed to get it right and I was presented with my diploma {cover}.

After it was all said and done we had a fancy dinner downtown at the Gateway at our favorite restaurant, Z Tejas. It was a delicious way to close a very memorable day. However, the day would not be complete if I didn't mention my mentor and close friend Suzanne. Between her duties and job assignments during the ceremony she managed to attend both of our Convocations and hit up the bookstore with us and my parents. My entire academic and professional career at the U would be incomplete without her!

*Hey former U of U employee friends....wasn't it fun stuffing those whilst RP stared out the window and "superivsed" our progress?

A Compliment?

Last night when I was tucking Carter in bed our conversation went something like this:

Me: Love you, goodnight..
Carter: I love you more...
Me: No, I love you the most...
Carter: No, I love you the next...

That's a pretty normal bedtime exchange, and it usually stops there. However, Carter took it to the next level.

Carter: Mom, come back here...I have to tell you something.
{I walk back from the door to his bed and lean my ear down by his face}
Carter: Mom, you are so pretty...even your big fat bum
{I burst out laughing...which made him think he was pretty funny}

I guess I'll take compliments where I can get them!

Steady Progress

Remember when our huge wood pile looked like this?

Well, now it looks like this...

this...

this...

and this. And it's all thanks to these guys and...

him!

University of Wyoming...I Apologize...

Since moving to Wyoming I have been overwhelmed by the abundance of brown and prairie gold. I have also seen a cowboy riding a horse on signs, sweatshirts, hats, truck windows, and neck tattoos. One of Christian's UW loving co-workers put this sticker on his office wall, and he promptly showed his true Ute-ness by desecrating the cowboy. Which, apparently, is not only blasphemous to the school....but to the entire state.

Back in Time: When I found out we were moving to WY I decided to look into possible graduate programs. I got my stuff together and finished the application process in late January, just in time to make the February 1st deadline.

Back to the Future: On Friday I found out that I have been accepted to the Master's of Education program. The focus of the program is Instructional Technology, which I am very excited about. I start my studies this summer, and am looking forward to being a student again!

So, I must eat my words once again, UW I apologize. Sorry for making fun of your colors and your symbol, sorry for mocking your sports teams and trash talking your campus. Sorry to Tyler Gilson {future PharmD} for making fun of you and vowing to NEVER visit you if you ever got into pharmacy school in Laramie. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. I will do my best, as a true Ute, to honor and respect the cowboy. After all...there is a very good chance they will be giving me a degree within the next 2ish years!

Go Cowboys! If we can't be best friends, at least we have a common enemy...{suck it BYU}

Feeding Frankie

No trip to Castle Dale would be possible or complete without playing with Frankie the Goat. The kids love to feed him his favorite treat, pieces of bread, and get inside the fence so he can chase them. Carter tries to bunt him back and has even been know to say, "You wanna piece of me, Fwankie!" I think he really just wants a piece of bread!

Whirlwind Tour de Utah

On Wednesday night we headed to Utah for a quick trip. We tried to cram as many activities into two days as possible. On Wednesday night we stayed in SLC at the Embassy Suites {note to self: obtain a king sized bed!} it was just me and the kids, but we had a few visitors. Bethany and Tyler stopped by with food {Costa Vida...even ripped off Cafe Rio is better than nothing!} and Grandpa Carl and Brittany came by too.

After our luxurious night sleep, and a made to order breakfast, we picked up Bethany and headed out to do a little shopping. I didn't have much success, but we had to cut it a little short because the kids had a dr.'s appointment. We stopped by our favorite pediatrician's office for a once over, and we made it out of there with only one Rx!

Then onto Red Robin for a delicious lunch....we had to take advantage of the eating establishments NOT found in Wyoming. After lunch we drove from SLC to Castle Dale. Just in time to say good bye to Brandt. His dear friend from Scotland passed away last week, and he was on his way to SLC to catch a plane. It has been a very sad time for him. He was planning on staying with this friend for the month of May this summer, and was looking forward to so quality time with him. We snapped these two pictures before he left.

The first one is of my mom, dad and brother, Brandt. The second one is Brandt, Me, and Bethany. We also have two other sisters who were not there {Jayna and Dory...Hi guys! We missed you!!}

After Brandt left we hung around my parents house and then headed to the high school where my dad's drama department was performing the play, Snoopy. It was very cute, the kids did a wonderful job. We were also able to see Melissa, Devin, and Parker who were in attendance too! We also took advantage of some of the props for some photo-ops {that rhymed...}

Later that night Bethany helped me with my kickboxing routine and we ended up punching, jamming, and kicking late into the night. The next morning we woke up and headed to Provo to meet Grandma Vicki and do some more shopping. After some success in the shopping department, I left Bethany and Cali with Grandma Vicki and Carter and I headed home to RS. Cali had a "date" with grandma and grandpa...and Bethany just needed a ride back to SLC.

It was a fun pre-weekend trip and I can't wait for the summer time when we can take our time and not have to hurry home!

FYI: Miles Logged

RS to SLC 185 miles

SLC to CD 149 miles

CD to Provo 105 miles

Provo to RS 203 miles

Total Miles driven: 642 miles

I also probably should mention that I had to drive these 642 miles in a White Chevy Impala {oh cruel fate} with NO DVD player. Our Honda Pilot is in the shop having some "work done" to repair the damage inflicted by a crazy Wyoming driver!

{Late} Flashback Friday {Random Hair Edition}

This flashback documents just a few of my hair styles over the past ten {ish} years. Enjoy!

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

And Now the Story {MOVIE} of a Wealthy Family Who Lost it All...

I saw on Access Hollywood the other night that there WILL be an Arrested Development movie in 2010. Ron Howard said that they were just waiting for Michael Cera {George Michael Bluth} to sign on. I guess since he was a big hit in the movie Juno {+ a few others} he was holding out for more money. Well, he's got his money now, so it's on with the show. I am so excited! I didn't get into the show until after it was cancelled, which in my opinion, should NEVER have happened. Maybe a movie will spark more interest and they'll run a few more seasons....I can dream!

A Person's A Person...No Matter How Small

Just a little phrase I learned from my endless watching of...uhem...I mean reading of Horton Hears a Who. Today is Dr. Seuss's birthday, and Cali's school is participating in many Dr. Seuss related activities. They were even encouraged to dress up in "Seuss gear" we didn't have any specific Seuss clothes, so we did our best to turn her into a Who.

A Successful Saturday

My successful Saturday started at 7am when I went to Herberger's {if you don't know what Herberger's is, it's a department store, similar to Macy's} for their "Community Day" sale. I bought a $5.00 coupon book from Cali's school fundraiser, the book contained a $10 off coupon plus four 20% off coupons. I arrived early to take advantage of the door busters {85% off}, and came home with a Santa sized sack.

The Community Day coupons didn't disappoint, and getting another 20% off by using my Herberger's card didn't hurt either. So here's what I came home with

Christian:

3 shirts

Cammie:

2 pairs of jeans

4 shirts

Cali:

1 pair of jeans

Nike sweat suit {shirt, hoodie, sweat pants}

Columbia wind breaker

Carter"

2 pairs of jeans

Total: $160.00 {It was a glorious day!}

As if the shopping wasn't enough, the weather also cooperated long enough for us to get some quality time in at the playground. Christian was working on the basement, so we took a little trip over to the Rec Center park.

This girl really is pretty amazing....I wonder where she gets it from?

Oh, wait, that's right...she gets it from me!

This little meowzer is as cute as can be, and is learning how to pump his legs on the swings so that I don't have to give him endless "Hunder Dogs" {or as they are more commonly know...Underdogs}

They were pretty sad when we finally had to go home, but all in all it was a wonderful Saturday!