Twelve Years Ago Today...

Summer Faces

To have good summer face you need, dirt, a little sun, and some ice cream. Check, check, and check!

My brothers, one from my mother (Brandt) and one from another mother (Tyler).

Bethany and her nice fund raising friend Julia.

My dad taking a picture of getting his picture taken. I gave Dory my camera for several minutes while I caught up with some Utah friends that were there walking with their family and team. I told her to take a few pictures...

I found this nice little picture of my parents frenching.

We finished, and we have a medal to prove it!

Me, Bethany, and mom. It was a great day and a great walk.

Carter and Bethany. Carter held down the Gateway while we were gone, his dad even bought him a cool Woody hat. He nearly wore it to church the next day, and is still wearing it.

My father in law, Carl and brother Brandt, deep in conversation and thought.

Flashback Friday {Weezer Edition}

Right before we moved at the end of 2008 my brother and I had the most wonderful experience of going to a Weezer concert together. The story goes like this...

I was driving to work one morning listening to X96, they mentioned that Weezer was coming in concert and looking for amateur musicians. My brother just happens to be great musician so I called him up and told him to call the radio station. He did, did a small audition on the phone/radio, and was picked to play his trumpet on stage with Weezer at the concert. He was also given two tickets to the concert, and he picked ME, of course!

Here's a few pictures from our adventure that night. This is Brandt with his backstage pass. Woot woo!

Just enjoying the music, and acting like goof balls!

And here are the lucky radio winners/musicians on stage with Weezer. The band members are in red jumpsuits. You can see Brandt right in the middle...look for the sweater vest!

Flashback Friday {Thumb Sucking Edition}

This is a picture that Christian took of Carter on February 9, 2006 when Carter was three months old. Although he'd been trying to suck his thumb for about a month, it was on this day that he finally got it....really got it.

Now, here we are four years later, and he's still got it...I mean really got it. He has limited himself to sucking only at night, and only with his Yankee Blankee, but it's got to stop eventually, right? Last night I told him that if he stopped sucking his thumb I would take him to Build A Bear and let him build a friend for his dinosaur, Topper. His reply, "Ok, I'll start trying in April."

So, now Caleb is working hard at finding his thumb and I have mixed emotions. It's cute and peaceful at three months old, but not so cute at four years old.

Flashback Friday {Time Flies Edition}

Here it is folks...Picture proof that time flies by way too fast. Most the time when I look at Cali and Carter I still see these little Meowzers from January 2007.

However, I am quickly reminded that they are no longer babies. In fact, they are tinylittle adults complete with their own personalities, vocabulary, and ideas. It's so cliche, but I guess that's why it's true, time really does fly.

Flashback Friday {Back by Popular Demand Edition}

Last spring I started posting a flashback each Friday. Somewhere between running around all summer, and having a baby in the fall...I neglected this addition to my blog. So, here it is, back by popular demand....And by popular demand I mean, some people asked me about it. But, they were really popular people, therefore....Back by popular demand! Here's my first flashback of this year.

This is a picture from our wedding reception. Aren't we cute. I love to tell people that I was almost 19...which really just makes me 18 in this picture. Christian was 22, and at least 22 pounds lighter! Quite possibly the best wedding reception ever. My aunt Ruth, uncle Dean, and cousin Thomas put together a wonderful display of real lillies. It was spectacular to say the least. A killer combination of my mom, her friends, and my mother in law, put together a spread of food yet to matched {in my opinion} in the county of Emery. This picture also features three of my all time favorite people. Christian, of course, and my Grandma and Grandpa Cook.

We had a lot of good times with my grandparents, I am so glad that Christian was able to join our family to get to know them while they were on this earth. Especially my grandpa, who just 18 months later was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. It's a really horrible disease that I do not recommend to anyone. He passed away in October 2006, and my grandma followed in April 2008. I am positive that I will never recover from the loss of my grandparents.

After my grandma's funeral my mom decided to divide up her fashion jewelry and broaches among the grand daughters. There was no shortage, she was a very fancy woman! We all took turns choosing a few pieces. When I got home and was arranging my choices in my jewelry box, I noticed that I had picked the very broach that she wore to my wedding, and she's wearing it in this picture. Chances are, I'll never wear it, but I thought it was very special that after all those years, I would...without knowing...pick the piece that she wore to my wedding.

Flashback Friday {Surviving Summer Edition}

We made it through our first week with no school. I'm not going to lie, I was a little terrified about how this was going to go....but we made it! Having Cali home is really fun, but Carter has had a little bit of an adjustment with his sister back in his business all day long. Cali would be as happy as a clam if I could entertain her with friends, parties, ponies, and other exciting things all day every day. Unfortunately for us all, we just have to do our best. We've been spending our mornings at the Rec Center. I tend my friends' daughter while she works out, and she watches Cali and Carter while I work out. Then it's off to scrounge up some lunch, birthday parties, gymnastics, store, mall, errands, and downstairs for some painting in the evenings. By about 8:30 p.m. we're all ready for bed!

This summer is shaping up to be pretty busy! We are looking forward to a trip to SLC next week, Reading Camp, Princess Camp, Song and Dance Camp, some more gymnastics, trips to Castle Dale, trips to Price, birthdays galore, going goo goo gaga over baby Mia, and HOPEFULLY we can top off the whole summer with a trip to Disneyland in August!

Flashback Friday {Making Progress Edition}

Here's some flashback photos of what our basement used to look like!


Framed, Electrical, Insulated...Check, Check, and Check!

Drywall hung, Taped, Mudded, Sanded...Check, Check, Check, and Check!

Sanded again, Textured, Primed...Check, Check, and Check!

We are now onto the painting phase. Christian finished all the ceilings last night, maybe if he has some touch up work to do I'll snap a few photos. It really is a sight to see him standing flat footed on the ground rolling out the ceiling. Hopefully we'll have the wall color up this weekend and finish up the trim next week. Then onto tile and carpet!

Flashback Friday: Memorial Day Edition

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer, the first really great excuse each year to get out and do something fun! However, it's also a time to remember those who have gone before us. As a child I spent many Memorial Day's visiting graves around Carbon and Emery County, placing flowers on graves, and even pulling weeds and raking dirt around graves in obscure cemeteries {apparently I have distant relatives buried in Molen Utah}

We also spent the weekend pick nicking at the park in Fountain Green and walking through the beautiful old cemetery overlooking my grandpa's farm. Last year we were in Fountain Green for Memorial Day {see family picture on the side bar...it was taken then}. To place flowers on the graves of the people who taught me how to place flowers on graves. It made the word "Memorial" seem so much more.

Due to distance, time, and home improvement projects; we are staying home this year. However, that doesn't mean I can't remember those ancestors who have passed on. In fact, for the ones I've known in my lifetime, I prefer to remember them as they were. The height of my memorial glory. Which is why I picked this picture of my Grandpa Cook giving my Grandma Cook bunny ears at a wedding reception. The picture is so typical and so "them". My grandma, intently, sincerely, and lovingly listening to a friend or neighbor. My grandpa, sees a camera and can't pass up an opportunity to pose. My dad took this picture at my cousin Doug's wedding reception in December 1999, talk about memorial!

Flashback Friday {What the...Edition!}

This is a fairly recent flashback...Last fall {October 2008} before we moved to Wyoming, my friend Aimee was gracious enough to spend the afternoon taking our family pictures. If you've ever taken family pictures with more than two adults, you know that it's not small tasks to get smiles, keep eyes open, stop crying, look forward, and basically just act normal. She did a wonderful job, and we love the pictures she took of us and our kids. However, do you see someone missing from this picture....?

How about this one? Anyone missing? Nothin'......Um.....

Maybe this one? Anyone missing?

Oh, maybe it's this little meowzer just cooking away in the oven...So, I'd say the things missing from the above pictures would be this new addition to our family...and my waistline! Seriously. I am pregnant, not JUST fat. It will be FOURTEEN weeks on Wednesday. Not the best fourteen weeks of my life...but I'm hoping the gags are on their way out along with my gut!

Flashback Friday {Random Sample Edition}

I've been a little lazy with the blogging this week. I actually thought of several very funny and blog worthy experiences that happened this week, but never got around to posting. So, it's already Friday and time for a flashback. Today I picked five picture folders and selected the fifth picture, it doesn't get more random than that! Enjoy!


Cali's first Christmas December 2003, of course 90% of the gifts picture were for her!

Cali washing her wagon on our driveway in Herriman Summer 2005. We picked that M&M shirt up for her in Las Vegas at M&M World, she loved it and wore it for years.

Carter in a cool green sweat suit sitting in his bouncy seat February 2006. He was about three months old.

Carter standing in his crib looking out the window at our neighbor's dogs March 2007. He would do this every morning before I came into get him and I finally caught him. I love this picture.

Cali's 4th birthday July 2007. Cash! Just look at those eyes, classic Cali.

Flashback Friday {Desert Adventures Edition}

This weekend last year we spent some quality time with my parents and siblings hiking around the San Rafael Swell. I grew up only 20 minutes from some of the most hidden and spectacular sights in all of Utah {I'm not bias or anything}. This was possibly the best weekend of the year, up to that point, and one we will never forget. The weather was perfect, the sights were incredible, and the company was even better. So here's to wishing I were there today....

Flashback Friday {Happy Birthday Grandma Edition}

Today is my Grandma Cook's Birthday. She passed away last year on April 30th, and spent her last birthday in the hospital. The entire 5 1/2 week ordeal involving numerous hospitals, endless diagnosis, and medical mysteries was one of the most trying and profound experiences of my life.

I was glad to be able to spend many days and several nights with her in the hospital, and am honored to have been present as she passed on. I thought for sure I would never be able to go on without her, but somehow life goes on.

I still have to fight the compulsion to pick up the phone and call her almost weekly. I still have days where I miss her to tears. However, I think of what she would say to me {one of her famous quotes} "Cry a little...and then stop." How wise and special those words are to me. To me it means don't hold your emotions in...let them out. However, don't dwell on the sadness. Which is what I am doing!

It is also a miracle that she ever lived in the first place. She was born 81 years ago in a house in Fountain Green Utah. She was barely 2 pounds at birth and, according to rough calculations, approximately three months premature. She told me once that her mother had told her that she should've been born the end of July or the first of August. Some friends of mine recently had a premature baby and spent three months in the hospital. It was so intense to see such a tiny baby, and so miraculous to find joy in her progress. Without a hospital or incubators grandma was warmed on the door of a stove, she was unable to sit up at six months old, and the whole experience landed her mother in bed for nearly two years.

Last year at this time we were hoping for a miracle that would let her live. But, this year I am just focusing on being thankful for the miracle that she was born.

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!!

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?