Halloween 2008

There have been many costume changes in the past few days and I expect a few more before the night is over, but this is what they looked like this morning before they left to school.

Halloween 1988 and 1989

For some reason, my friend Kim and I thought it was fun to dress up like this.


We went to the DI and picked out those stylin dresses in the first picture. And yes I look really tall because I am and Kim is short, we were quite the pair. In the second picture, I remember we put tutu's around our legs to make them look bigger. I prefer the ropes tied around the pillows in the first picture for the "roll" effect. I have achieved that on my own now. And you gotta love our 80's hair!

Halloween 1977 and 1979

Me!

Halloween 2001

Aren't they the cutest? I just want to go back in time and squish them! I honestly don't know who is who in these pictures (I think David is on the left and Jacob on the right).

Grandma bought them costumes as well, so we had double the dress ups!

Halloween 1993

I thought it might be fun to post some Halloween pictures this week. This was taken my senior year of high school, good times...

Today I Cried

Today was our ward's primary program. Our kids were asked to wear white. They don't always wear white shirts and ties, but they did today and I thought they were so handsome. I love my boys a lot! The primary program was probably just like the one in your ward, same music, etc (except we got out early, yipee). We have a large primary and some of the kids had to sit on the first few rows in the congregation. One of them was my little Ethan. Luckily we were on the same side, so we got a great view of him. I had a great view of all of my boys. One of their favorite songs is "Called to Serve". They have requested that a lot at FHE this year. Today when the piano struck up the intro for "Called to Serve", Ethan crinkled his nose in excitement and shook his head like a rockstar. All of my boys eagerly sang this song (not so much on the other songs). I couldn't help but picture them in the MTC singing this song in the near future and leaving for missions. And I couldn't help but cry. They are growing up so fast. And I can't stop it. Faster than I realize we will be at the MTC, and sooner than I like, they will be leaving me and their dad and brothers to serve the Lord. I know that they are all going to be great missionaries. I just never thought part of me would dread the day they have to leave.

Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat (warning more cheesiness)

Yes, I went and saw HSM3 (High School Musical 3). And it was good. And yes I really was a Wildcat in real life. And yes, I married my high school sweetheart who also happened to be a high school basketball star. If only we would have been in the drama program...Someday we will try to convince our kids how cool we used to be.

Warning! (This may be too cheesy for some of you)

This photo was taken when Kirk and I were 18 years old. I found some other beauties that I will have to post later.

One time when I was in high school, Kirk REALLY wanted to talk to me in the middle of the night. So he came to my house flanked with about 3 or 4 friends. They all took posts just in case they woke up the wrong people. Kirk proceeded to the backyard to my basement window (which is also just below my parents window). He made all sorts of attempts to wake me by knocking on the window, but it all resulted in nothing. I didn't hear a thing! He told me the story the next day and I had no idea he was there.

So he learned early on that I am a GOOD sleeper. When we were blessed with twins, Kirk was just finishing up his last semester of college. So I usually got up by myself with both of them. He was in the middle of finals and working. On weekends, Kirk always helped. He has been the best husband and dad as far as helping out with the kids. Fast forward a couple of years later and sometimes I wouldn't even hear my babies. There were times he would get up with them and I wouldn't even know it. And it still happens to this day.

It takes me awhile to wake up and be coherent. Sometimes Kirk will tell me things that happened in the night and I thought I just dreamed them. Last night Tyler came in to our room and he was sick. He was throwing up all over. Kirk literally sprang into action. I laid there in bed dreaming about a little boy throwing up for awhile before I realized what was actually happening. We got him cleaned up and back to bed. Then we sat in the hall with our soapy water scrubbing our carpet (we had taco soup last night so we have some nice red spots left over). It was 4:00am. I was thinking how lucky I am to have Kirk. He had an early meeting this morning. He has also had a really busy week at work, we have hardly seen him. He very easily could have told me to get up and take care of it because he had meetings and work early in the morning, but he has never been like that. He is so good to get up and help. I am so lucky to have him. And it is a good thing, because I am a GOOD sleeper!

Tag-9 Things (that I changed to 5 things)

Thanks for the tag Josy. I am just not that interesting, so I changed it from 9 things to 5 things. Here goes...
These are in no particular order

5 Favorite TV Shows

1. The Office
2. American Idol
3. Dancing With the Stars
4. Cold Case
5. Biggest Looser
6. Project Runway

5 Favorite Restaurants

1. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
2. The Riverhorse
3. The Cheesecake Factory
4. Coco Cafe
5. Olive Garden
6. Los Hermanos

5 Things That Happened to me Yesterday

1. Went to the doctor for my cold sore
2. Talked on the phone with my sister
3. Laid in bed because I felt sick
4. Cut David, Jacob, and Ethan's hair
5. Made soup for dinner

5 Things That I am Looking Forward To.

1. Thanksgiving
2. Christmas
3. Christmas Shopping
4. My son's birthday
5. The weekend

5 Things on my Wish List

1. A new desk
2. A clean and organized house
3. A cleaning lady to help keep the house clean
4. A stable economy
5. A family vacation

5 People That I Tag

1. Kaitlin
2. Samantha
3. Trisha
4. Alleen
5. Michelle

The Corn Maze

Stay-cation

We didn't go anywhere for UEA. When I was little we used to go to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes. It was awesome! We camped in the campground and spent our days riding four wheelers and playing games. My parents are currently trying to sell their trailer. Which I think is sad. It means that there will probably not be any more camping trips to the dunes. They are closing the door on an era of their lives and their children's lives. At least they still have four wheelers and I hope we get to go again even if it is only a day trip. My husband has been working the past couple of days and the kids and I have been on a few adventures. We tried to go to the zoo, but it was too crowded. So we went to visit grandma. We ended up at the stake park with her and some cousins. It was very fun.




I have fond memories of the stake park and I am glad that my kids have been able to play there and make some memories as well.

We also went to Gateway. I needed to pick up a few things and the kids came unglued when I told them we had to go. They were very unhappy about going shopping (they always are). Even with the warm weather and fountain, they did not want to go. We got parking right on the street (almost in front of the store)! That never happens. I bought my stuff and we headed for the fountain. David wanted to buy a new shirt. Since we were right in front of the Gap, I told him we would see if there was a sale. Sure enough there was. I got 3 super cute graphic t's for the boys and a polo shirt for David. And my grand total was $18.38. Not bad for 4 shirts! By now all the kids were happy, thank goodness! Then we made our way to the fountain and they had a great time.



And to make the day even better, my sister came to visit from BYU and brought me some mint brownies! Mmmmm my favorite!

Saturday Afternnon

Yes, all those boys are asleep. There was no posing or pretending going on for these photos. In fact, I bet my husband won't think his picture is quite as funny as I think it is.

Winding Down

Once I fall asleep, I am out. I can sleep through most anything. When I was younger and living at home, I remember many nights when I couldn't sleep. It always took me quite awhile to settle down. I frequented the family library all the time. It was just right down the hall from my room. Lucky for me, my mom was an English major, so we had a great selection of books for me to browse. I remember sitting in there and looking through books and taking one to my room to try it out. Reading would always make me sleepy. Another night time activity of mine was re-arranging the furniture. I used to have a "day bed". Remember those? I even had a trundle for when my grandma came to visit or my friend Kim slept over. Everything else in my room was a left over. One time I even had an old love seat in my room. I wanted it there and thought it was cool to have a little couch in my room. I used to have an old black and white tv in there too. It was perched upon some old 70's looking end table with some wicker. I tend to get bored easily and so at nights I would think of different ways to place the furniture and move it all myself. I totally enjoyed the cleaning it involved and the finished product, a new and clean perspective.

For the most part, my house is fairly clean, except for our bedroom. It is the dumping ground for everything. I would say, "if we had more space and a bigger closet, it wouldn't be so messy." But that is probably not true. Last year we got new furniture and painted our room. I still haven't decorated it. And it hasn't looked good for a long time. So last night while Kirk was at YM's, I (yep, just me) re-arranged the furniture. I moved the bed and the nightstands. I admit I waited for Kirk to help me with the dresser, but it looks so much better. I switched out our bedding (did I mention I get bored easily? we have different bedding that I switch once in awhile). This bedding is my very favorite though. I love my clean room and our new perspective.

No Pokeys

Last night Tyler was snuggling with Kirk during FHE. Before it was over, he crossed the room to my lap and snuggled up to me. He brushed his face against mine and said, "Mom, I love you because you don't have any pokeys."

No Schedule? No Problem!

Today is the best day I have had in a long time! I have had absolutely nothing on my schedule! This has not happened in a long time. It has been a great day. I stayed in my pajamas for a real long time today. I watched cartoons with Tyler. I ran to the grocery store so I could make cupcakes for my boys and get lettuce for our chimichangas tonight. I turned up the music really loud and danced around the house with Tyler and his friend. I chased them around with the vacuum and got the vacuuming done. I made yummy cupcakes, and we danced some more. I dusted the piano and did the dishes. I made myself a sandwich and ate it in peace. I painted my fingernails and talked on the phone. I even read my scriptures. It has been the best day ever. I am tempted to never volunteer at the school again or schedule anything for the rest of the week. I forgot how good this feels.

Sunday, Sunday

Every Sunday my kids fall asleep in church. Tyler is usually asleep before sacrament meeting. As soon as David sits down, he folds his arms across his chest, tilts his head back, and he is out. For Jake it is all about finding a comfortable position, then he is out. Ethan is most likely to stay awake all meeting, but he falls asleep quite often as well. I am not sure what it is, but maybe their pre-church activities have something to do with it...

Crazy, Busy, Fun, Life

Monday-go to Bountiful and take Grandma D* out to lunch for her birthday. Had a great lunch and met the cutest dog ever! Our travels took us on the new Legacy Highway, good adventure.
Tuesday-babysit my husband's cousin's kids. She recently discovered some horrible things about her husband and is trying to do it all alone. She is an awesome, capable individual. I am so happy to help her anyway I can. Garage door broke...Alfredo came to check it out. Yes, his name is Alfredo. How cool is that?
Wednesday-go help Grandma B* clean her house and help her get ready to host lunch for her friends. Pick up lunch for her at Marie Calendars and do final preparations. Leave just before noon to meet mom at Cheesecake Factory. Have lunch and take mom to the Mac counter for a pre-birthday make-over. (Feel gross after cleaning all morning and standing in fancy nordstrom watching mom get all fancy, me still gross) Alfredo comes and fixes garage, yipee!
Thursday-volunteer at school and then return to Tai Pan WITH coupon to purchase a Christmas tree. Then waste the afternoon blogging, now I am going to make some chocolate chip cookies, YUM!

Is It Sunday (yet)?

I have a church calling that I like to complain about. I lead the music in Relief Society. Even though I LOVE music, I am not musically talented and feel totally out of my comfort zone. And I just keep getting this calling. Sometimes I even have to play the piano (scary)! And because this isn't my only calling, they always get someone else to help me.

One of the best gifts my parents ever gave me was the gift of piano lessons. I am not very good at the piano, but I can play a little. A couple of years ago my parents got a new piano and we inherited their old one. It has been a huge blessing in my life. Sitting at the piano and playing is great therapy for me. Most of my music is just church music and I guess that is ok, maybe that is why it is so therapeutic for me.

My calling allows me to really "study" the Hymns and I love that. I really love the Hymns. Sometimes I feel like I was born in the wrong body. I would love to be able to express myself musically, whether it be on the piano or vocally. So with conference and having someone else to help me, I haven't had to think about the hymns for awhile.

My week so far has been pretty hectic with no promise of relief. This morning I found myself at the piano. It calmed me and renewed me and I realized that if I didn't have my calling I wouldn't have the opportunity to "practice" the piano and "study" the Hymns. So although I do a lot of complaining, I think I really do like my calling. Every time I play the piano, my youngest says, "Is it Sunday today?"

Conference and Nun-chucks

How do you even spell nun-chucks? I am not sure. We had an amazing weekend relaxing and taking in the good word. I just LOVE conference. I am so glad we get to listen to it twice a year. And I love our prophet. I love the children's choir too, that doesn't seem to happen too often. My kids really enjoyed it as well. It was fun for them to see the kids and hear them sing. I am excited for the new temples, especially in Italy. I had 2 brothers serve missions there. I really enjoyed hearing all the different accents. It is such a good reminder of how international the church is. Their testimonies are so powerful because of the sacrifices they have had to make. And they help make us stronger.

My boys were pretty good during conference. On Sunday morning, they were content making various things with paper. They were coloring, cutting, and taping. They were most excited to create nun-chucks by rolling up 2 different pieces of paper and connecting them with several pieces of tape. We have several sets laying around the house this morning. It's a good thing. You never know when you might need a set.

We also had the pleasure of having some of my siblings come for the day. They are all young. It is fun to be around them and remember that we used to be young too. Those were good days, hard days too. I had a lot of fun but I am grateful all of those big decisions are behind me (like what to major in and who to marry).

October is the month for Halloween!

And it is a good thing because I make one scary cake!

I Have a Confession....

We have some really great friends and neighbors, and I mean really great! We love our neighbors and cherish the friendships we have with them. Recently some very dear friends of ours invited us to a football game. My husband knows just about everything about every sport. He is a HUGE fan of most sports. He loves them! So he would NEVER pass up the opportunity to attend such a great event as the one our friends invited us to. I was certainly up for it as well. I love football games. I love the weather, I love the energy in the air, I just love it! I might mention here that the only football games I have ever attended were the ones in high school, I grew up going to BYU football games, and then I went to the games as a student. This game was at the "U". My husband finished up his degree there after we were married. So he is a fan. And also a fan of BYU if you ask him, but he might just being saying that because of who he married, I am not quite sure. I am NOT a sports fan. I have never really cared that much. I played volleyball in high school once, but I could just never get into it. So I don't really claim to be much of a fan of anything.

I had never been to a game at the U. Their stadium is very nice. I had heard so many horrible things about the crowds that I had pretty low expectations, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. The people seemed like any other normal fans and so did the students. There was definitely more language, cleavage, and alcohol than BYU, but it's the U, that is what I expected. But I couldn't really cheer for the U. It was like going against everything in me. I found myself secretly wishing the other team would win. I couldn't believe it! I am not really a football fan. I have never really cared until now. I can fully declare myself a BYU fan! (with every fiber of my being, I have a testimony of it:)) I have never had these kinds of feelings for any athletic team ever! I REALLY love BYU football now. I always thought that I didn't care, but now I know differently. I know there are some U fans out there that might be reading this. I hope we are still friends :) Even though I am becoming a true blue BYU fan. I bleed blue! And I still love our friends who shared this experience with us.

Happy Birthday to My Husband!

Today is my husband's birthday. So I thought I would post a picture of him doing what he loves the most, golf. I am sure he probably won't read this, but I still don't want to embarrass him too much. But I do love him a lot and he is pretty amazing. I will end the cheesiness there.

Bite Size

I love cupcakes. If you do too, you should totally go here So Cupcake. Their cupcakes are super yummy. But eating a regular size cupcake can be a little awkward. So the other day I made these little beauties. Bite size cupcakes and they were so yummy! And I didn't even have to use liners. I am loving the possibilities of my mini-muffin pan.

Seriously!

Thanks Amy for your comment! The rest of you have got to read this blog (seriouslysoblessed), the more I read, the more I laugh. It is hilarious! And the sad part is it reminds me of someone I know. Let me know what you think.