What a week!

A quick recap of important events last week!

Monday: had TWO root canals. Finally out of pain, and money (Merry Christmas to me!).

Tuesday: Voting! Went at 7:30 am and found out I would have to wait two hours! Wow. I came back at 2 pm. No wait! Voted mostly Republican, I still believe in the basic tenets my party was based on. Namely, family values, LESS government, free market/free trade. Okay so I could go on but I won't. Like most Americans I haven't been too thrilled with the way things have gone the last few years. But, I hope we don't have too much CHANGE, there are millions of things I love about my life. Crossing my fingers...

A funny story about the elections. The kids did a mock election at school and were so into the results. They totally wanted to watch the news all night. Sam said, "Mom I know why everyone wants OBAMA to win, he's going to give everyone money." I was totally confused about the statement, then upon further prying Sam said, "I heard it on the radio, Obama is going to give everyone change!" It put a smile on my face!

Wednesday: My crazy neighbor Paige talked me into doing the first 100 at the new Chick fil A. I in turn talked Candace into coming. We had a blast! It was seriously fun until about 1 AM at which time it did not seem like such a great idea anymore. Okay, so it was the COLDEST night of the year and we slept in tents with ice on top. We didn't really sleep because it was sooooo cold. But we got our amazing free year of Chick fil a and lots of memories. Love you girls!

Saturday: took the kids to watch Richard's dad do the weather. He is retiring in a couple of weeks. It was a neat moment! The kids were so excited about the event. It is bittersweet. We will miss seeing him on TV but we will enjoy seeing him more in person!

Sunday: wished my cute cousin off to serve a mission in San Francisco at his farewell. He gave such a wonderful talk that truly made me want to be better. You are going to be one awesome missionary Brian! Good Luck... Then off to the Primary Program in our home ward. It was awesome, especially since we have only been a ward for a month and a half. I love Primary and my calling!

Phew, here's to this week.

My heart belongs to fall

Thanks to the awesome weather the last couple of weeks, we have been out to play! We hit the WJ City park, Gardner Village, Boo at the Zoo and the pumpkin patch. Winter, Winter stay away!

Twilight Funny

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

You are thoughtful and care very deeply for your family. A loving home is of great
importance to you and you always try to make people feel welcome. Although you have a great capacity to love, you also have a great capacity to hurt, so at times you can be sensitive. You're firm when you need to be, but people trust your judgment and appreciate the kind way you always handle things.

Happy Birthday

A big birthday shout out to two of my favorite people who share the same birthday.

First off my little Sam is seven years old. It seems like just yesterday he was my chubby little baby and now he is so big. I love his tender heart, constant smile and sensitive personality. I am so thankful to have my Sam, I have a little tender spot for my only boy.


Happy Birthday to my sister Casey! Love your fun and generous ways. Love all your good ideas on decorating, clothes, crafts, makeup, fads, gifts and the list goes on. You are one of the most talented people I know. Hope your day was great.

So loved...

Being the youngest has some advantages! Our little Addy always has someone to love her, pester her and play with her. Here are some random shots of Addy and her fans the last couple of weeks. Hoping this friendship/love lasts a lifetime.

Yum-O

Look what I made tonight...

I know I have already confessed my non love of cooking homemade bread on this blog. But then my friend Kacee invited me over for a fabulous dinner of homemade pizza and cinnamon twists and convinced me that homemade breads were easy with this recipe. So...I'm hooked even though I think Kacee's (kudos again girl!) were prettier and tastier. I'm hoping this isn't a super secret recipe...but here goes. From mixer to oven in 1 hour, seriously! In Kitchen Aid or Bosch mixer (can double with Bosch):

5 1/4 cups bread flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tbs salt
1 1/2 tbs saf instant yeast
1 1/2 tbs lecithin (buy it at Kitchen Kneads in WJ or other specialty stores..squeeze quarter size for a tbs)
2 cups hot tap water.

Mix dry ingredients. Add lecithin and water. Mix one minute. Check consistency, adding water and flour as necessary. Mix 5 minutes. Do not add water or flour after mixing. Spray counter with Pam. Cut into two loaves. For bread shape loaves and cover with a dish towel. Let raise 25 minutes. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. For bread sticks, roll and shape. Let rise 20 minutes. Bake 350 for 20 minutes. Pizza, don't raise. Cook at 400 for 25 minutes. Cinnamon Rolls, cut and let raise 20 minutes. Bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes.

Happy Baking. Hello 5 pounds.

Watch this if you want to laugh

For all those of you who took Spanish in high school or college this will take you back! Enjoy...

Baby Must Haves!

Just yesterday as Addy was drinking out of her sippy cup, our piano teacher (a grandma) told me how lucky I was to have a sippy cup. She told me how they best sippy in her day was a Tupperware cup with lid. We all know those do not work for babies! That got me thinking about all the great products available to us. Here are some of my "favorite baby things" this time around.


A bumbo seat! I loved this thing. I saw it on Heidi Swapp's blog when Karissa was two. I just thought to myself, too bad they didn't have those when I had babies. Then, surprise Addy! That was the first item on my list. I loved this thing, she looked so cute in it.


Adorable pacifiers. When I was pregnant I read a study that said babies who had a pacifier had a lower risk of SIDS. That hooked me right away. While my other children never took a pacifier, Addy did. They have SO many cute ones now. New designs and colors pop up every month. Now that Addy is one I have to tell myself no more! Lucky you if you still get to browse the pacifier isle at Target!


Flower clips and bows. So cute! I loved it when I could force Addy to wear them. The flowers are just adorable and I wish someone would have thought of this 9 years ago when I had my first girl. Too bad the bow/flower phase didn't last for long. Our little bald Addy will have nothing to do with anything being on her head.


Baby Cheetos...aka Gerber Crunchies. Addy loves these things and still does the happy dance when we pull them out. All the texture of Cheetos puffs and they say packed with vitamins (not totally sold on that). All the texture babies love without the orange mess and guilt!

Here are just a few of the things "new to me" this baby. Enjoying it all since she is my last baby. Hope some of you new Mom's and Mom's to be enjoy all the great stuff out there!

Dancing Queen

Do your kids do this?

I know I just need to chalk it up to creativity, but sometimes it creeps me out when I find pictures like this on my camera....


Upon further investigation, I realized it is just Super Why. =) For some reason Karissa can't get enough snapshots of TV shows. Please tell me your children are somewhat paparazzi-ish too.

Back to Blogging!!

I have missed you all! I took a little blogging break so I could enjoy the summer with the kids. And, every other extra spare second was filled with preschool! But, now that school has started I feel like I can breathe again and come back to blogging. Here is a little catch up on what we did over our blogging break.



1. Addy turned ONE! I can hardly believe it. She is such a sweet baby. Now that she is one and mobile...she is into everything! We love her so much and can't imagine life without her.



2. Camping. Truth be told, camping is not one of my favorite things, but it is much more fun when filled with great friends . We enjoyed our yearly camping trip with our high school friends and are so glad we are still so close. Love you guys! We also headed up to Payson Lakes with some of our friends from our Trowbridge Home. After all my camping complaining, the Stanworth's forced me to sleep in their trailer.=) Flushing toilets and soap and water put a smile on my face.


3. Park City with my family at a condo at the Lodge at the Mountain Village. A yearly highlight...even if we didn't have enough beds this year! We had a great time...and LOVED the Alpine Coaster.


4. School starting! The kids are growing up so fast, I can hardly believe it! Wow. The kids and Mom were way excited for school to start and they are loving it and doing great!


5. Finishing a room in our basement...so glad it is done! We hired almost everything out, but Richard and I did the painting ourselves. It was, quite the bonding experience. =) So thankful for a wonderful husband who supports me in all I do. Love ya.

So, I am back...and I can't wait to catch up on you too.

Channeling My Inner Domestic Diva

Richard has been hinting that he would love me to make homemade bread for him for the past 11 years. I have just pretended not to hear him, because to be totally honest, there are a lot more things I want to do with two hours of my life than make homemade bread! But, I finally gave in when my sister's neighbor gave me a sourdough starter. I felt so domestic. I was a little proud of my hard work when Kaela told me our house smelled like Great Harvest. Amanda's homemade raspberry jam made it taste even better (hugs Amanda!). It still was A LOT of work and not something I am planning on doing on a regular basis (I had to put that out there so Richard didn't get his hopes up). I think it will be a little sooner than another eleven years, every now and again for a treat. Here's to learning something new!

Family Photos

Here are a few of our family photos my super talented friend Allison took. Sam and Karissa did not want to cooperate...family photos with six people is CRAZY. I love the ones of my kids, especially on the bridge and water. Can't decide on a favorite...

A little cheesy, but it's true...

To be honest I have felt a little ripped off that both my sisters and Mom have worked full time while I have been at home for the past 10 years. My Mom and sibs are my best friends (can't leave out my favorite brother, whom I talk to at least every other day). I have been a little jealous of all of you who get to hang out and make huge batches of cookies to freeze with your loved ones on a regular basis.

So, whenever one of them gets the day off we usually spend it together. I got to spend the whole day on Friday with my little sister Ashley. We hit the gym, decided to visit our Mom (who was taking a class at the U) for lunch, hit the Gateway so the kids could run around, visited Richard at work and ended the evening with a family dinner (missed you Casey, but looking forward to SYTYCD this week). Anyway, glad to have days like this...they are FUN (especially in the summer when there are no schedules ruling us!).


And, I have to say I have some wonderful friends whom I get to hang out with on a regular basis, don't think I could function without my weekly lunch date with Candace, and other random events that come up each week. Just feeling a little grateful for all the moments I get to spend with my loved ones here and there. Just so you know the above picture of my fam was from our SF trip together last year when I was 7 months pregnant, no I am not pregnant now, just last year. =)

Things that make me smile...

Kaela is a member of an All Girls Book Club with eight friends from school. Each month the girls take a turn picking a book from the Newberry Medal or Honor list and hosting Book Club at their home. It was our turn to host this month! The girls read "Rules" by Cynthia Lord. Kaela and I totally enjoyed it, even though it was a little of a challenge to find (if you are interested, wait a couple of weeks until it comes out in paperback). The book is about a girl with an autistic brother whom she makes rules up for to help him understand how life works.

We were so excited to find this cake that had ducks...you'll notice them on the cover because one of her rules is, No Toys in the Fish Tank. We also had fun crafting our own book of rules out of composition notebooks. I was genuinely surprised at how much the girls had to say about this book, I'm talking a few minute answers instead of a yes or no. It totally wowed me to see their reaction to this heartwarming and funny story. Sometimes being a Mom just makes you smile!

He's Home

After almost three long weeks of working in Peru...Richard is home! The kids were so excited and so was I! A couple of months ago, I sarcastically commented that I was the only one who knew how to do the dishes in our house. Richard just smiled and said, "and I'm the only one who knows how to do 500 other things." I had to laugh because it is so true! I realized how right he was while he was gone. I count on him for so many things (yard work, bathroom cleaning, fixing of anything broken, garbage taking out - inside and out, sprinkler system running, temperature controller, house vacuumer, plant waterer, etc). Okay, I should have NEVER complained about the dishes. I was not only exhausted with taking care of the kids by myself while he was gone, but also in trying to do all the things he usually does.

Not to worry, I put him to work fast when he came home, fixing the many things that broke while he was gone. He finished fixing Addy's car seat tonight! I realized how lucky I am to have such a helpful husband. So glad you are home. I also realized how awesome my family and friends are, thanks for all you did for me...from mowing the lawn to watching the kids and just keeping me company. Love you guys.

3's Tag

I am a little slow on this blogging thing lately, but here goes the tag from my cute friend Terry.

3 Joys:
1. Alone time. I really savor it these days, not enough of it to go around for me. Nothing like reading the newspaper, shopping, watching TV or taking a bath without anyone crying, fighting or saying "Mom" a million times.

2. Summertime. I don't want to brag, but our backyard is quite the neighborhood hang out. =) It's been so much fun. Loved chatting with Diana, the Shamrell's and all the neighbor kids, since it has been warm. Feeling like that might all change when their yards are finished soon.

3. My family. Love that husband of mine and the kids are pretty cute too.


3 Fears:
1. I know everyone says this, but something happening to Richard. I think raising four kids alone would be so hard.

2. Not being a good enough Mom.

3. That Richard will NEVER get a new car. =)


3 Obsession's

1. My Friday Step Class at the gym. I have been going to this class for the past six years now, and only miss when really pregnant, vacationing, sick, etc. When moving I had to make sure I could still go to my class. A little obsessed with it.

2. Finding a good deal. Yes, a little obsessed with finding a 97 cent shirt.

3. Magazines. Usually get obsessed with reading them the day I get them. I generally realize I won't have time to pick it up again, so I have to get through it in one sitting. This generally annoys family members a lot! =)

3 Goal's (tried and true...)
1. Eat less
2. Move more
3. Read and ponder the gospel more


3 Random Facts about Myself:

1. I graduated from the University of Utah 10 years ago this week! I remember feeling so confident and happy to have finally reached my goal. I never thought this one accomplishment would mean so much to me through out my life. Although I have been in Mom mode for 9 years now, it helps me remember that I really have done something just for me in this life.

2. I love all things Gilmore. I just finished the 7th season of Gilmore Girls and have been totally caught up in it this month. If you have 61 hours (I calculated it out) of free time, I highly recommend this well written, endearing show. The best part is that you can watch the whole series in marathon form (when the kids are tucked in) and get all the seasons from the library. I know this is so last year, but this is life without DVR. I laughed, I cried, stayed up until 1:30 AM and I so want more. Maybe the movie rumor will come true. 61 hours well spent (but I did watch over the space of 2 years, didn't want you to worry about my TV habits too much).

3. I love to have my nails painted. In college I gave myself a manicure every week! That has changed with kids. Painted nails that only last a couple of days just don't seems worth the effort, and I haven't even painted them for over a year. Sigh. But, I am totally looking forward to the days when I can have well manicured hands again. I am telling you, my nails look fabulous painted!! =) I might just go crazy and paint them this week.

Can't eat, can't sleep, must blog.

I can hardly believe I have been blogging for a year now!! What did we do with ourselves before we blogged away? I have been thinking about this whole blog culture lately and here are some random thoughts that have crossed my mind...

1. Should I have my blog go private in case anyone crazy reads my blog and tracks me down, and already knows all my kids names...

2. Am I totally flattering myself to think someone "crazy" would actually spend time reading this blog??

3. If I go private will I miss chances to catch up with some old friends?

4. Love that I have caught up with some old friends through blogging.

5. When are other friends/family members going to start a blog so I can catch up on their lives and family?

6. Please, no one else start a blog, I. CAN'T. KEEP. UP. =)

7. How does only five more minutes, turn into 5 blog jumps and 30 minutes?

8. Does anyone else's back hurt from blogging?

9. I must have improved my typing skills from all the comments I have left.

10. Do I need to give myself a blogging time allowance, like I give my kids video game time allowance?

11. Can I fit one more person into my links?

12. Have I left someone off my links?

13. Have I hurt someones feelings by accidentally leaving them off my links.

14. Does anyone else think, "I've got to blog this", mid sentence, mid party, mid thought, etc.

15. If I see one more word verification...

16. I love this whole blog thing.

17. I hate this whole blog thing.

18. Better update my blog.

19. Better read blogs.

20. Bloggity, blog, blog, blog.

Here's to another year...

Blog vacation.

So, I took a little blog vacation and it was nice. But, like all vacations it is good to be back! We have been busy celebrating. Our girls both had their birthday's. I love them both so much and like every parent says at birthday time, "I can't believe they are getting so big." I have to admit I am loving my kids getting older. Kaela and I have enjoyed rocking out to her High School Musical Wii game (sorry neighbors), going to dance comp's, eating out together, enjoying the same play list on the ipod, painting our nails and more. She is so fun, genuinely sweet and cute. Karissa is getting there. She seriously says the cutest, sweetest things ever lately (mixed in with a little spice as well). We have enjoyed our Chick-fil-A lunches and spending time together while the other kids are at school. And, not to be repetitive but I can't believe they are getting so big!





I hope you all had a great Mother's Day. I woke up at 6:45 AM with the baby. I have been so longing for a good sleep in lately...but, I really just enjoyed her that morning. Everyone knows babies cutest time is usually right when they wake up and she was true to form. Amidst all the craziness of life with four kids, I felt so completely grateful for this little blessing in my life right now. Not to mention the three others that were still sleeping. I honestly am so thankful for that moment, you need those as a Mom. I also am so blessed to have so many wonderful women in my life from my own angel Mom and Mom-in-law, to sisters and wonderful friends. What would this world be without us, GO GIRLS.

Some things are priceless

I love the quote "the best things in life are free." This weekend I experienced how kindness and love between siblings makes that statement so true (for parents at least). We had a family party to celebrate Karissa turning four yesterday. Kaela got out her jewelry kit...I thought to make herself something. But, she was actually making this for Karissa:

It made my day. The best things really are free.

This girl loves to eat!

My first three children just loved milk, milk, and more milk. Did I mention they loved milk? They were really never interested in baby food at ALL. Enter child number 4. She loves food! We can't give her enough. She gets her arms up and starts dancing when I get the rice cereal box out. Her new favorite, avocado's and cheerios. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that she is our first child below the 70 percentile on weight? Maybe she gets it from her Mom.=) Whatever it is, it's cute!

Happy 32nd Richard

I can hardly believe we are getting this old =). I was reading the Dear Abby column a couple of weeks ago, and ran across this comment from Abby, which pretty much sums up how I feel about you:

"While diamonds may be "a girls best friend," most women know that a life partner who gives them attention, affection, praise and assistance when they need it is a jewel more precious than any stone could ever be."

Amen. Thanks for all you do for me Richard. Can't imagine life without you, and here's to many more years together.

Life goes on...

We just got back from our annual St. George trip, where Kaela has a dance competition yearly. We were SO excited to go, a little too excited and on Saturday morning when I got up at 6 AM to get Kaela ready, we realized we forgot the garment bag with her costumes! I could hardly believe it, let alone that I hadn't even realized it until that morning. A private jet would have seriously come in handy!

Kaela was such a good sport about it only commenting "all that hard work for nothing!" We went and cheered on her team, and her teacher was so forgiving. I was so frustrated there but realized that life goes on (I am hoping someone leaves me a comment saying they have done the same thing)!

All things considered we had a wonderful time. Some highlights:

*Dinner at Pasta Factory, although Richard and I had a beam between us!



*Swimmiming, swimming and more swimming in 80 degree weather!




*Hike in Snow Canyon, totally breathtaking and beautiful!


*Richard's DI church clothes (the garment bag had his clothes in it too)


*Spending time with all my family

I really love vacations, even when they are only 3 days!