Harts A Plenty

The Day Phoebe Turns 7

2011-12-01T23:34:00.001-07:00

I can't believe my baby turned 7 today. I decided I would highlight her birthday from start to finish-

waking up another year older

this is what we woke up to -frigid temperatures. The high only reached 20 degrees. BRRR! taking that yesterday it was in the sixties. Phoebe wasn't too happy waking up to snow-she likes it warm and she didn't even get a snow day out of it.

the birthday girl before she heads off to school where she would get to hand out cupcakes to her classmates, get sung to, and wear the special birthday shirt.

getting picked up from school by her dad

coming home to presents

she LOVES to do art- one of her brothers gave her these great doodle books that start a picture for you and then you are supposed to finish it or they give you an idea of what to draw and design.

She got a "Kit" American Girl doll

She got the boots she's been pining for. She also got a shirt, earrings, a game, and some barbies because she says all she has are Isabel's old ones.

she chose to go to Red Robin for dinner-next picture will tell you why.

She wanted to get sung happy birthday to by the wait staff. I personally can't think of anything worse than being sung to in public -but Phoebe as you can see loved it!

She also chose to go to the high school play of A Christmas Carol

We came home to her favorite dessert-chocolate pie. She also came home and pulled out her 2nd tooth in a week. Now she really can sing "All I want for Christmas are my two front teeth."

I think overall she had a pretty good birthday-she went to bed happy.

We all went around and listed the reasons we love Phoebe-
1-Oliver said she makes him laugh
2-Her dad said he loved that she is opinionated(she looked at me and says "You love me sometimes for that") which is true because we have some battles where there is major negotiations that go on before school. But overall I'm glad she knows what she likes and what she doesn't.
3-I love that she still loves to hold my hand and crawl into my lap
4-Miles loves her because she has a good fashion sense(weird for him to care??)
5-She cares about how others feel
6-She's smart
7-Isabel thinks she's sassy in a good way

Some of Phoebe's favorite things are:

color -green and red.

subject-math and reading

food-fried chicken, macaroni salad and sweet potatoes

she loves doing art projects, riding her bike or scooter outside with her brothers, and reading.

she loved playing soccer this fall and is excited to play in the spring.

She loves school-I had her parent teacher conference yesterday where she had a glowing report. Her teacher says she is like a little grown up(I think that's a good thing??) I think because she's a pretty serious kid who is very focused about her work. Her teacher also said she is always very willing to help anyone who needs it. She is still very shy, she doesn't give a lot away with her expressions. People at church think it's a challenge to get Phoebe to speak or smile at them. I like to think she's just careful-because if she knows you well -it's another story and she has lots of little girl friends who she lets loose with and has fun.

We completely LOVE her to bits! We hope this coming year is full of wonderful and magical things for her!

My Little Monsters

2011-10-30T00:35:00.000-06:00

I am so EXCITED

2011-10-12T14:59:00.000-06:00

My parents are coming for a visit today!

I'm in the Mood For.....

2011-09-28T17:00:00.000-06:00

The most wonderful time of year is here!!! FALL!! And I'm so ready for it. So here is what I'm in the mood for-

hot apple cider,caramel apples, toffee apple dip, baked apples, apple pie-you get the gist, anything apple will work.
down throws to snuggle under
sweater weather
homemade doughnuts(I hope when my mom comes to visit she'll be up for doing this with me).
pumpkins on the porch
Halloween decorations
books that I save for Fall reading-I tend to read with the season- books that take place on beaches, islands, etc. in summer, heartwarming, sappy christmas books in the winter, -historical, family dramas, magical, suspenseful books for fall.
candles burning with fall scents
new tv season-I know it's shallow-but I sat watching nothing during the summer and now I'm excited to watch my old favorites-Parenthood, The Good Wife, Modern Family and new favorites- Ringer, Person of Interest, The New Girl
Soups, Stews, Roasts, Butternut Squash, Parsnips, pumpkin dump cake, pumpkin bread and all the other yummy comfort food!
General Conference-good reason to take a weekend off from work to fill my bucket.
A new fall wreath for my front door. So many cute ones in blogland to be inspired by-now I just have to find the time to make one-felt, yarn?? can't decide yet...
leaves changing-and a bite of cool in the air.

Now if we could just get out of having 86 degree days!

My Two Girls

2011-09-20T18:00:00.000-06:00

With September brings busy things for my girls. Phoebe started soccer which she is super excited about. Her turn has finally come-she sat through watching spring lacrosse with Oliver and summer baseball with Miles. I told her she had her turn in the fall. She actually has come out of her shy little shell with soccer which makes me happy and sends Trent over the moon that one of his kids shows interest in soccer. It's funny to watch her soccer games-it's like watching the running of a herd. This last game her coach said that they had to pass the ball 5 times before they could make a shot on goal and we started to see an actual team playing what finally looked like soccer ;)

Isabel had her homecoming week this past week. She is in Student Council this year which made her a very busy girl-with float decorating, decorating class halls, dancing in the homecoming game, parade, decorating for the dance and finally the Homecoming dance on Saturday. I told her I would host a dinner for all of her friends that night. So she invited 11 of her friends over for a dinner before the dance. My friend Erika worked her decorating magic and made it look special for Isabel and her friends. Shout out to my friends Erika and Nicole who served as my kitchen wenches and outdid themselves as always, thank you! Isabel had a great time.

Isabel in her words not mine- looking "2 sassy"

Isabel and the girls-from left to right Alyssa, Maddy, Isabel, Lauren,Mallorie,Torri,Kelsi,and Rachel

The guys-L to R-Aidan,Joel, Eric and Michael

The tables

10 Things That I Love About You

2011-09-05T22:34:00.005-06:00

Miles turned 10 today. I can't believe it . We moved back to Colorado when Miles' was 5 months old and here it's been 10 years already. Miles' will always hold a special place in my heart. Heavenly Father gave him to me when I was told not to have any more children. I always will think of him as my miracle, Heavenly Father showing me that I could.
A tradition we have started in our family is listing the reasons we love that person with as many reasons as they are old. So here is our list of 10 things we love about Miles........

1.He is BRAVE/FEARLESS- he will try anything whether it be a strange food, a new experience, a ride at an amusement park. He's not really afraid of anything except natural weather disasters. Our tornado a few years ago did him in on that one.

2. He is POLITE- Always holds the door open for his mom and sisters, along with strangers for that matter. He always remembers to say thank you to his teachers, coaches, and leaders.

3.Miles still wants to "HUDDLE" (that's what Trent says boys do instead of calling it hugging.) He still will climb up on the couch and snuggle, always seeks out a good night kiss and hug, and sometimes out of nowhere just come and get a hug. I hope this is something he will never out grow.

4.He is PERSISTENT- when he decides he is interested in something, he will practice and practice until he gets better, and learns all there is about it. Miles took up baseball this past summer and has become obsessed. He goes out EVERY night and either practices throwing or hitting until dark, has taken up watching MLB ALL the time, baseball is the only sport he wants to read about. He has found a series of books about baseball heroes that he is reading and loves it.

5. He always says he is SORRY- No matter what he has done, Miles will always come and apologize to whoever he has done or said something too. It's another reason he is brave, it takes guts to say your sorry.

6.He is HELPFUL- even if he doesn't want to do something he will, just to be helpful. He really never complains about it at all. He is helpful with small children, he is helpful to his teachers at school, and he is helpful with others who need help. He started tutoring kids in reading twice a week before school and loves it.

7.He is FUNNY. I am told by his teachers at school, at church, by his classmates how funny Miles is and how he loves to make others laugh. He does it all the time at home.

8.His MOVES- Only his family will ever know this-but as a stress reliever he does these super hero moves that I really can't describe but he crosses his arms and does this face when he thinks no one is watching and gets a little embarrassed when you catch him doing it. I've asked him what he is pretending when he does it -but his answers are pretty vague. I guess everyone needs their own secrets- I think it's pretty adorable.

9.He is EASYGOING- of all my children he goes with the flow the most. He's not really demanding, laid back, not picky about really anything.

10. His SMILE. If anyone knows Miles, you know that his smile is magic, that it lights up his face. He always has it ready to give.........even when he's mad I can get him to smile.

Use Your Imagination

2011-08-31T19:10:00.002-06:00

Our big project the last few months has been redoing our kitchen. I didn't take any pictures of before, which I could kick myself now for doing because it is hard to appreciate how much better it looks now than what it was before. That's where using your imagination comes in.... Our house was built in 1985 and had the original golden oak cupboard where the finish was starting to come off and they just looked sad. We had cream formica countertops that absolutely did nothing for the room. The floor is what I HATED the most, every time I cleaned it which was at least twice a day, I would curse it! It was white linoleum that looked dirty all the time even after mopping it. We also had a stainless steel sink that looked like it had better days. Needless to say it needed some love. Trent and I did everything except installing the countertops, it's nice to have my own personal handyman. I'm really happy with the results, it's amazing what it has done for the space.

Amazing what a coat of white paint will do for sad cupboards, and adding hardware totally changed the look of the cupboards.

Here are the new countertops-black added so much more warmth than the cream did before

Here's a glance at the new sink-I decided on white porcelain instead of stainless since we don't have anything else stainless in the room. It's a much deeper sink which makes a much bigger difference than I thought it would. I didn't realize I had such a shallow sink before.

And here is my favorite part of all-the floors-so much prettier if I do say than UGLY white linoleum. Trent did an amazing job. We also added the beadboard and trim for a finishing touch.

This was just a little side project that I did for my birthday with a little help from my friend, Erika. I have been wanting to do a gallery wall in my living room for awhile to fill the big wall above my sofa. I decided on the theme home. The thought that wherever you are is home. I framed a bunch of maps of all the places Trent and I had lived before adding in a few pictures of family. It turned out just the way I wanted it to and fills the space so much better than the one picture that was there before.

I mostly posted this for my mom to see, since I have been promising forever to send her pictures. I finally decided this is the easiest route to post them. So anyone else who reads this-thank you for indulging me.

SCHOOL DAYS, SCHOOL DAYS DEAR OLD GOLDEN RULE DAYS READIN' AND 'RITIN' AND 'RITHMETIC-

2011-08-24T16:53:00.005-06:00

So another school year has begun. Phoebe and Miles actually started school July 27th-but I've been waiting to post pictures when Isabel and Oliver started on August 22nd. Summer flew by but I think for most of my kids they were ready to head back to school.

Miles headed into 5th grade-and his last year in elementary school. His teacher is Mrs. Gelfand who he seems to like a lot. She loves to read and has a Masters in reading. I'm hoping that she will be able pass this onto Miles. Miles is a good reader, he just doesn't love it. He is training to tutor kids in reading before school and loves it. This proves to me what I already knew, is that Miles really enjoys helping people. He loves science and math so far, and loves being the class clown. I think he likes making people laugh.

Phoebe started 1st grade-and going all day to school. So far she loves it. Going all day wore her out at first, but now she seems to be in the swing of things. I am glad that we don't have to leave for school until 8:25 because Phoebe is not an early riser. She likes to take her time getting out of bed! Her teacher is Mrs Wenz, who was also her kindergarten teacher(she moved up a grade). This is great for Phoebe because she is already comfortable with her. Phoebe loves having homework like all the other kids and loves going to specials(art, p.e., music,computers, etc.). Her favorite subject is math-I don't know where that came from. Phoebe who is usually really quiet is not at school according to her teacher, which I'm very glad to hear :)

Oliver started 7th grade, and has got the middle school thing down. He started taking Spanish this year which he thinks is cool and is also looking forward to taking his encore class, Mythbusters. Encore class is his last period class where they take a "fun" class. They switch classes every quarter. Like every other middle school boy I know- It's hard getting information out of him. I ask how school was and I get "fine", "good", "I don't know." I'm going to have to think of different interrogation techniques to get information out of him.

Isabel is in 11th grade-I ask myself all the time-how is she already a junior??? This is going to be a very busy year for Isabel. She will study for and take the ACT, she is in Student Government (they are already working on planning for Homecoming), in National Honors Society, training dance company , and is taking a hard load of classes. Isabel loves school and loves learning. So far she loves all her teachers and thinks all her classes are going to be great (I'm sure I will have to remind her of this in the middle of the school year).

I hope this will be great school year for all of them, It's fun to watch them experience and try new things out. I can't believe all my kids are in school full time-it's been 16 years where I have had someone at home with me-it's bittersweet I will tell you. Luckily with year round school I won't be alone for long, Miles and Phoebe track off September 22nd and will be home with me for 3 weeks. It's a good way to ease into this alone thing.

What happened to the summer?

2011-08-18T10:56:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it's been over a year since I last posted. I have no excuses. I also realized I can't play catch up... its too hard. So, we'll just look at Summer- how it came and went in the blink of an eye.

Last day of school for everybody. Big day for Phoebe where she graduated kindergarten and our Summer began.

We did a little bit of hiking.

4th of July

Is summer really summer without sno-cones?

What people do for free food (dressing up like a cow got you free food at Chik-fil-a)

Oliver went to 2 scout camps.

Fun in the sun.

Cooling off in the pool.

Look, she turned 16. How did that happen?!

Making a wish for dates and cars....

Family reunion at the lake

Oliver playing lacrosse... number 22 in the weird shorts

I introduced my kids to shaving cream fights

They loved it.

Isabel and Oliver trying to "cream" their dad.

Oliver turned 12 and made me realize he isn't a little boy anymore.

Oliver the day he received the priesthood.

Hanging with friends.

Shaving their heads to support their cousin/niece, Brooke, who was diagnosed with cancer. The girls couldn't bring themselves to do it.

And there you have it, summer has come to a close. We crammed quite a bit in, there was also girls camp, youth conference, Miles playing summer baseball, trip to Utah, Grandma Hart visiting, frozen yogurt, staying up late, board games, rootbeer floats, smores, and movies. I don't know if I'm really ready to have it all be over. Oh well, what can you do?

Visiting my own Life

2010-07-28T10:14:00.010-06:00

The thing that I've noticed the most about working is that I feel like time is just racing past me, making me feel like I'm just a spectator to my life at home. I miss alot of things and my kids are growing and changing before I even blink. I know it's a lazy way to blog but here is Spring at a glance at what I actually was there for:

I call Phoebe Tutti(if anyone remember the tv show Facts of life, the character Tutti only wore rollerskates around the house). Phoebe will just wander around the house with skates on.

Phoebe at her St. Patricks Day program for preschool

Trent and the kids took off for Spring Break without me on a trip to Texas to visit their Grandma Hart and their Hart cousins.They had a great time and all I can say was that the house was really quiet.

Miles trying on a mohawk for awhile, feeling like he was cool!

Phoebe's end of year preschool program and graduation-where she played the part of

Little Miss Muffett

Following after his dad- Oliver chose to do his career day project on Landscape Architects

Easter

Hiking with the family is a favorite activity-the kids never wear out.

(this is in Castlewood Canyon)

He made it through 3rd grade!! Last day of school for Miles and his teacher Mrs. Call.

Another one through elementary school. Oliver finished up with 5th grade and is excited to move on to middle school. This is his Continuation Day(graduation) . Oliver and his teacher Mrs. Willett.

The kids here to support Oliver on Continuation Day

Isabel all cleaned up and ready for her adventure on the Pioneer Trek with the stake- she didn't know how she felt about going-but said it was the BEST thing ever!!! when she got home. This was Isabel's kick off to summer she went at the beginning of June right after school let out, while the boys were still in school.

So there went our spring and now onto summer where I can't believe it's almost over as well :(

Time Flys (Part II)

2010-01-31T21:52:00.012-07:00

Here we go again. This should catch us up finally. We left off in early September and this should take us to present time.

Homecoming - and Look No More Braces

Soup Day at Preschool

Field Hockey

Halloween, from left to right: Gambit, Young Vampire, and a Butterfly

Kids Finished Pumpkins

Isabel (Flapper) and her Friend Mallory (Hippie) on Halloween

Varsity Letter Ceremony for Field Hockey

Turning 5 was a Big Day for Phoebe

Boys Idea of Make-Up

Christmas Program for Preschool

Christmas Sunday

Christmas Eve with Pajamas from Grandma T

Christmas Day Opening Presents

Loving the Presents

"Favorite Game of All Time"

Who Looks That Cute on Christmas Morning

Dangerous Things Happen When I'm at Work and Trent is in Charge

We will see what good things February will bring. It is the month of love you know, supposedly.

Time Flys (Part I)

2010-01-30T23:52:00.010-07:00

I thought about starting fresh, but I don't want to forget the past 8 months. I noticed I stopped blogging when I started working full time, and I let time slip away. It is time to kick it up again, so here is a sampling from May through September.

8th Grade Graduation and Dance

Family Reunion and 4th of July in Utah

Isabel's 14th Birthday in Utah

Hiking Timpanogos Caves

Oliver's 10th Birthday

Summer and Fun

Back to School (3rd and 5th grade)

Camping

Starting High School - I can't believe I have a high schooler

Birthday and Baptism - the same day

Starting Preschool

Whewwww, that was a lot. I got through part I. Now, on to part II.

Stay Tuned

2010-01-29T22:16:00.003-07:00

Big post coming soon (Tomorrow) - I'm back!

Miss Smartypants

2009-05-21T23:00:00.002-06:00

On Wednesday night Isabel was inducted to the National Junior Honor Society. She has worked very hard this year. She's kept up a high GPA as well as doing 25 required service hours. Isabel is so much better than I ever was. She makes me one proud mom! showing off her award

reciting the oath as her name was called

Celebrations

2009-05-19T21:55:00.008-06:00

May is packed with celebrations, and I'm now just catching my breath from them all. I haven't had time to devote a blog for each event so I thought why not just celebrate them all at once. Better than never right?

ANNIVERSARY-May 1st was our 16th wedding anniversary. I feel like time has flown-we're almost to the point of being married as long as we were without each other. Trent is my one true love who I've created a life and family with that I wouldn't want it any other way. We escaped for the night (the first time in 16 years, let me say that it wasn't on purpose that we waited that long, and I won't wait that long again) Our friends Josh and Erika took the kids and made it possible(I will be forever indebted to them) Let me just say it was GLORIOUS!

2.Trent's birthday on May 4th is right on the heels of our anniversary. Trent turned the big 40- and I don't think he wants to claim his age, he says he definitely does not feel 40(what does 40 supposedly feel like?) Anyway-I wish Trent a magical year where all his hopes and desires come true. I love Trent for so many reasons but I will just list one practical reason, and one not so serious reason. 1. He is my rock, he's driven, ambitious, optimistic, confident, always believes in me, always has our families best interest, and a great father(okay I know that was more than one.) 2. He will get up and go get me a treat at any time of night, he actually asked me to show him how to fold laundry like I want it, he will go see any movie with me, he thinks I'm funny, he's adventurous and willing to try anything.

3. A WEDDING-We went home to Utah for the weekend to see my niece Gabbie get married to her sweetheart Matt on May 9th. She looked absolutely beautiful(it made me want to get married in 2009 instead of 1993,things are so much better now) I was grateful to be able to be there to celebrate with them.

4.Mother's Day,May 10th. I was able to spend the day with my own mother whom I adore. My mother is such a good example to me and I feel so blessed that Heavenly Father sent me to be her daughter. I've never seen such an optimist, such a cheerleader to her family, a testimony that can not be shaken, and a cook and a creator of a HOME like no other.

And I have 4 individual blessings in Isabel, Oliver, Miles and Phoebe. I love Isabel for her never ending smile, her sunny look on life, for being a helper whenever I need her, and her endless kindness. I love Oliver for his beautiful blue eyes, the sprinkle of freckles on his nose, his desire and drive to be the best, and for his competitiveness. I love Miles for his smiley eyes, his mismatched smile with baby teeth and big teeth, his tender heart, his humor, and his affection for Phoebe. I love Phoebe for her free spirit, her willingness to try new things. her laugh, and the beauty mark right up by her eyes. I think of Mother's day as really a day to reflect on how my heart has grown love for each of these children that only a mother knows and how lucky I am to be their mother.

I'm celebrated out not to mention I also came back from Utah and had my birthday on the 14th. As I celebrate another year of being older I'm grateful for so many things-my family, my wonderful friends (you know who you are) who make me feel like I have sisters who live right by me, and my Heavenly Father who is always watching over me.

I'm terribly sorry for such a long post but I couldn't leave any celebration unnoticed.

Playing Catch Up

2009-04-27T21:06:00.007-06:00

So here I am again trying to play catch up....again. I don't know what to say except I don't really have much going on that I find blog worthy or worth staying up late over. So here is my very best attempt to catch up on a few things.

1.OLIVER was in his 4th grade grade play last week called DINOMOTION. He played a dinosaur and he was a very good dinosaur indeed! Also, I have no pictures of him playing lacrosse because I forget to bring the camera every time and when I did it rained(I'll have to blog some later). But anyway he is turning out to be a great lacrosse player(since I'm an expert, you know) His position is MIDDY, which in lacrosse for dummies terms he plays offense and defense and runs up and down the field the most. At his last game he made two goals! Can you tell I'm proud?

2. OH my Miles-this picture I put on just because he has the very best smile I know. He is busy with Karate trying to get some "MOVES" He takes his test on Thursday to see if he can get some stripes on his belt. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

3.This is the most recent picture of Isabel that I had. Isabel is keeping busy. She just finished up her volunteer work at the library and as Student Body President she is planning the 8th grade formal dance(it's not really a formal, but it is at night, and you do have to wear a dress). She's trying to make up her mind between "A Night in Paris" or "Black and White Formal" I showed her my pictures from my 9th grade formal and it made me feel old because she couldn't get over hair and dress styles.(all I can say is-can I really justify anything in 1988?) She just got her letter of acceptance from her High School for the Honors Diploma Program and is very excited for that. The school year is wrapping up quickly for her.

4.BRAVE, BRAVE, BRAVE- Phoebe decided on Saturday that she wanted her ears pierced.)My rule is that they can have it done when THEY ask for it. They were at Claire's buying a birthday present for someone else. I asked her if she was sure and she said yes. Anyway, she asked if she could sit in my lap. After that she didn't move a muscle, flinch, act nervous, cry, make a sound. SO BRAVE! (the back story there is that Isabel at 9 years old wanted them done but cried, and cried through it all). Phoebe loves her earrings and thinks she looks like a princess, since her ears have pink sparkly jewels in them.

So there you have the low down on the kids but before I leave you, I need to share a few things.

I need someone to watch the movie DOUBT. I need to talk about it with someone. It's one movie in a very long time that actually made me think long and hard about it. I need some opinions on whether you think "HE" did it or not-So either share your thoughts or get out there and watch the DVD so we can discuss.

And last but not least-I'm so excited. One of my favorite singers, PAOLO NUTINI has a new album coming out in JUNE!!!! (Does anyone even call it an album anymore or is that one more thing to feel old about?) His first album NEW SHOES is one of my favorites but I'm ready for something new. So I thought I would share his new video for his first single of the album called CANDY(from watching the video I'm thinking candy has a different meaning) the link is below his picture.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid17587596001?bclid=17534559001&bctid=20475207001

There you have all the excitement that I can offer. I do have to say there is a lot going on in May-so I promise I will have more to offer soon.

HAPPY EASTER

2009-04-12T20:40:00.004-06:00

We woke up to a pretty dreary looking Easter morning. The sky was gray and rain was drizzling. I wish it could have been warm and sunny, oh well. It didn't rain on our parade of the kids dressed up for church though, so here is our Easter sampling:

So while I was at work last night Trent took on the task of dying Easter eggs with the kids-I thank him from the bottom of my heart. Anyway-the kids didn't want to bother with making pretty Easter eggs they just wanted to keep dipping them in the dye to see what color they would keep turning. That is why most of them look kind of prehistoric, I've been sitting buried in the ground kind of green. I guess as long as they had a good time who cares?

I hope wherever you all are on this Easter Day-I hope you had a very blessed and happy one!

Thank goodness for Friday

2009-03-27T22:22:00.008-06:00

Finally, it snowed!

Phoebe said they were building a bridge for the trolls(go figure)

We haven't really had a winter this year which made me really sad. Here it is the end of March and we finally get some snow. I couldn't be happier. School was canceled Thursday and Friday-my kids thought it was great because this is also the start of track-off for the boys and spring break for Isabel(who doesn't like extra vacation days). The kids got up first thing this morning and got outside to play in the snow. It's too bad it will all be melted before I know it.

Phoebe is the only one willing to pose.

Just a few things to note:

I have to share with you my bargain find-since I don't find them as often as other people. I got these shoes(rather cute I think) for $7.00, can you believe it? They were normally $49.50-I love me a bargain!

This is a shout out to Grandma T. mostly-Isabel got her hair cut and my mom wanted me to show her the new do.

So a few of the things on my to do list:

1.Read all these glorious books from the library-looking at them makes me actually smile, I can't wait.

2.Make some chocolate banana muffins tomorrow-they are to die for and I've got some bananas begging to be used, if you know what I mean.

3.I read two books this week coincidentally about knitting(Knit Two and The Knitting circle) and it makes me actually want to learn how to knit(if any of you know how I feel about sewing might have their jaw on the floor) it just sounds so cozy and therapeutic. My boss at work is a knitter and said if I was serious she would teach me-we'll see if I actually try(it makes me break into a sweat thinking about it).

4.Go on a date with Isabel tomorrow to the Young Women's Broadcast-hopefully it will fill her bucket some and maybe me a little too.

5.Think of some things to do while the kids are on break-if any of you have any great ideas-please share-I'm going to have to get creative.

Anyway, I realize it's a pretty random post and a little bit of everything, but that's how it goes these days-hopefully I made a little sense-
Have a good weekend everybody!

This and That

2009-03-09T22:21:00.006-06:00

So I know that I've been slacking in the blogging department-so I'm here to catch up. It seems like time is running away from me and it's becoming a rather busy time for the family. So here is the lowdown on what everyone's up to:

Isabel: IS A SAD, SAD GIRL. She received news this week that she did not get into her school of choice-that means starting high school not knowing anybody. I told her she can do it though-that she's a likable, friendly girl.-She's growing up faster and faster on me-the next thing I'll know is that she will be ready to date and drive-OH MY!

Oliver:GAME ON: He has started lacrosse and is so excited that he wants to wear all his gear around the house all the time. He will sit watching TV cradling the ball back and forth with his stick. His first game is this Saturday and he is READY! Also he wanted everyone to see the cake that he and his dad did for the Blue and Gold Banquet for Cub Scouts where the father and sons had to make and decorate a cake designed around the theme of the Blue and Gold Cub Scouts. I think they did a very impressive job.

Miles:ON THE GO: This past week I chaperoned a field trip with Miles' class to the Nature and Science Museum where we visited the exhibits on Dinosaurs and Natural Disaster and watched an IMAX film on the Grand Canyon. I am so glad for TEACHERS! I was absolutely exhausted after trying to keep my small group together all day and keep them behaved-Is that really possible? Somehow we all survived-We had a great time but I told Trent I've done my trip for the year it's his turn next time.

Phoebe: FISH OR MERMAID: This little girl wants to live in the water. She's been having swimming lessons and LOVES IT(understatement). I've asked her if she wants to take a break and try dancing or something and she just says NO, I WANT TO SWIM. Alright then. She's getting pretty good-I think she really just wants to be able to keep up with the big kids in the water. All I can say is she always brings a smile or laugh to my face-funny girl that she is.

So there you have it-the low down on the kids. Nothing really changes with Trent and I, except for just a couple of things that make me happy for the moment-

1.My new spring bluebird, who waits for me to walk by his bell jar and look in and think-Spring is right around the corner! Aren't I cute?

2.Bliss- my new found love that I try to eat in moderation(no, really I do) Dove with Almonds-All I can say is heavenly-it melts in my mouth with just the littlest flecks of almond that make you say YUMMY! You should all really try some. Any time of day works for me.

A Birthday Wish

2009-02-21T20:07:00.011-07:00

I'm a little late but want to send out a birthday wish to my DAD whose birthday was yesterday. He's so far away and I wish I could wrap my arms around him and tell him Happy Birthday. I've come to realize that no matter how old I get I will always need my dad. I have so many things I associate with my dad-here's just a few of my favorite.

-he is the most fabulous whistler.

-he has a sweet tooth like no other-he always has a candy stash hidden some place.

-his pockets always had a pocket knife, a coin purse, and a smooth rock.

-he always called me Lipsy as a young girl, and I find it very endearing.

-he has been and always will be my moral compass on what's right and wrong.

-his opinion matters-I value my dad's opinion like no other-I always want to know what my dad thinks about things.

-he likes his naps-he takes it very seriously.

-he has a love for classical music-I remember every Saturday waking up to opera or classical music played very loud.

-he is the smartest person I know, it seems he knows about everything-we could never beat him at the country game(a game we used to play in the car on road trips where we would go around in a circle listing all the countries we knew of).

-he has seen the world and always wanted to see and learn something more.

-I've never heard him speak badly about someone else.

-if I sit and picture my dad anywhere, it would be sitting at his desk in his library or out in the garden working.

-he is the very best listener I know.

I think I'm a pretty lucky girl to have such a wonderful father- I cannot put into words how much I look up to him and love him so very much. He is pretty exceptional. This year I wish him all the happiness he deserves.

Happy Birthday Dad

Paying It Forward

2009-02-13T08:21:00.001-07:00

Pay It Forward .....
So, here's how it works-the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year, a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well. Before you leave your comment, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going (or be lazy and copy and past like I did). Then come back, let me know you're going to play and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift! Please submit in an e-mail or on the comment, your address, if I don't have it already (My email address is to the right). Remember that only the first 3 comments will receive a gift from me, so be quick!

Friday Five

2009-01-30T21:11:00.012-07:00

So I thought I would take a break from all the heavy thinking I've been blogging about and just be totally superficial, shallow and not about anything where thinking was involved. So here we go with my Friday Five-

1. First order of business: My lanterns are lonely and my creativity is low so I need some feedback on what to fill my lanterns with-would a candle be to basic and boring, or would it be classic? Should I aim for something whimsical and funky? Yes, this is something I stay up nights thinking about among other things? I know you all are creative so I'm begging for some help.

Doesn't it look lonely?

2.If I had a Million Dollars-do you ever play this game? Ok after all the obvious things-if money weren't an object and I could just buy without guilt these are some of the things I would be buying. It never hurts to look(that's free).

This would be Phoebe's Easter dress-it's based on a vintage 50's dress from a new catalog in the mail from MINI BODEN. So cute to imagine Phoebe twirling.

These are shorts that my boys would love also from MINI BODEN(I'm telling you,it is all cute stuff).

These are beautiful pillows that would look absolutely lovely in my living room from Ballard Designs. (I tell you catalogs are wickedly fun).

This little gem is from Sundance catalog where everything is dreamy to look at. Wouldn't this be cute for the month of February with all the little kiss marks?

Another beauty from Sundance that would love my finger .

Can you tell I love jewelry?

Okay-thank you for window shopping with me-that was fun.

3.I totally love winter except for winter hands and lips. My hands look like sad, sad hands. My cuticles are peeling and bleeding, my nails rip constantly and my hands are so dry they look like alligator hands(that's what I call dry skin to my kids). And my poor kids lips look like they have stolen my red lipstick because they are so chapped. I should invest in a chapstick company.

4.Some of my favorite shows have started back up again-It doesn't take much to make me happy. I need something to look forward to-The Closer, Life, and Life on Mars.

5.And last, but not least another thing to get you thinking and hopefully your feedback. I was telling some friends how on MSN I had read an article interviewing people about what BOOKS that have INFLUENCED them? A lot of books I've loved, but ones that have really influenced me are: Harriet the Spy(I thought she was the absolute Coolest), Nancy Drew Books(I still want to be her. These books started my love for mysteries), Julie (First book I remember being emotionally connected to and crying over) Anne of Green Gables(I bought these books when I was young to save them for the girls I would hopefully have someday that now sit on my daughters shelves-I remember thinking I couldn't wait for my daughters to read these books-I loved them so much. Who doesn't love the redheaded spitfire of a girl growing up on lovely Prince Edward Island?) Okay, so now that I've shared, now if you feel so inclined what books have inspired you, for whatever reason?

I told you it wasn't going to be deep, but it was nice just to sit for a minute and think about things that really don't matter. Sorry I didn't mean for it to be such a long post. Have a happy weekend.....

Magic of Ordinary Days

2009-01-24T20:42:00.007-07:00

I really haven't been trying to ignore blogging but yet again the computer has been down again( the computer really is a love-hate thing). I've had a couple of days off this week and what I realized is I love the magic of the ordinary. I loved while the days were warm-to take the kids to the park and watch them run around in the sun. I love being home when Isabel walks in the door in the afternoon to tell me about her day. I love sitting on the couch and have Phoebe come snuggle right up to my side to lay her head in my lap while we watch TV. I love being there to watch Oliver receive his Bear in Cub Scouts. I love making dinner and being there to sit through all the craziness of kids talking over each other during dinner. I love getting up and having nothing to do but clean my house. I used to think I just liked the effects of a clean house but I actually really do like mopping my floors, vacuming, dusting, making beds. I do it mostly for myself but I also love doing it for my family. I like to be there at bedtime when I can go in and have a few minutes with each child and have hugs and kisses. I like all the little moments that make a day. I used to complain that I never had anything exciting going on and that all I did was stay home. I've decided that when I'm the happiest is when I'm doing the "ordinary" things. In D& C 64:33 it reads "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation for a great work. and out of small things proceedeth that which is great". That is my biggest hope..........

Phoebe At The Park

Miles Lovin' The Warmth In January

Oliver Shooting Around With His Friend

Isabel After A Long Day At School

Oliver Getting His Bear

Just a thought of gratitude this day- I've had my family (my siblings and parents) on my mind a lot this week. I'm so grateful for each one of them and I count my lucky stars to be part of such a wonderful family circle. Every single one of them holds a big piece of my heart-I love them all.

Doris Does the Job

2009-01-15T20:27:00.009-07:00

I felt like yesterdays post was a little bit of a downer(which I truly didn't mean it to be)but if there is anything that will pull me out of a slump-it's watching a Doris Day movie. She puts a smile on my face immediately. My two favorites are That Touch of Mink and The Thrill Of It All. I can put them on and she whisks me off to a better time(I've even got Isabel on board). The two movies are really light breezy comedies that don't expect to change your life but will definitely change your mood. Doris is so perky and happy-it's infectious(wouldn't that be a nice way to be remembered?). It also helps that she always has some dashing men as costars, a young James Garner and Cary Grant at any age are yummy to look at.

Also if I could go back to anytime it would be to the 1950's and early 60's. I love it all-the women who wear dresses even to clean house, and wear evening dresses to go to dinner with their husbands. They carry matching purses, and have a coat to match every dress, they wear gloves and have perfectly done hair do's, with the perfectly chosen lipstick to match. The cars, good manners, it's all divine. I think it was such a happy time, not perfect, but it looked really, really happy. So one afternoon and some popcorn is all I need and after watching Doris, she has the power to put a spring in my step, at least for awhile anyway............I'll save Audrey Hepburn for another day.

The state of my life........

2009-01-14T12:06:00.013-07:00

I have been meaning to blog for a couple of weeks now-trying to write something positive when I feel like I'm in a slump is hard. But as I read other blogs I find I'm not alone in feeling like January brings a little bit of the blahs. Don't get me wrong, I totally love winter time. Christmas is gone and so is some magic, the decorations are down and my house suddenly looks a little tired and needs some awakening(I just don't know what), and for the most part nothing exciting is going on or nothing to look forward to. I feel like all I do is clean my house and go to work and come home to more. (Am I whining, I think so, not good, I'll stop now) Anyway so let's see what of anything is going on enough that I want to remember:

1. The boys are off track(they have year round school and have 5 weeks off) and usually I've complained about going crazy and can't wait for them to go back. This time I'm actually loving having them home. I don't mind the happy screaming the running around, the constant nerf gun wars, the hide and seek, the adventures they dream up, It actually makes me happy.

2.Isabel is back in school and I miss her (she's the only one gone all day). She's in the middle of finals(I never had finals in Jr. High-what's with that?), she's hard at work studying, with a little stress mixed in.

3. Phoebe is in her own world as always, happily going about-loving the snow, eating it, making snow angels and having snowball fights with me (she just giggles every time she throws one at me). All the other kids have been having a 24 hour stomach bug go round but Phoebe informed me she has a "magic" tummy (Whatever, I just go with it).

4. I just finished reading An American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld, which is loosely inspired by Laura Bush. I need to do some investigating and find out how much is true. I actually really, really, liked it. I'm onto reading Sing Them Home by Stephanie Kallos-(I loved her last book-Broken For You).

5.I'm making and trying to keep my resolutions-(trying to be more grateful, seeing all that I am blessed with, reading my scriptures, saying my daily prayers) It all takes effort, which hopefully will make me a more focused and disciplined person-So far so good but it is only Janurary 14 after all. Exercise is always in my mind I'm just waiting for the weather to get a little warmer (did that sound like an excuse? I think so-I told you I'm not very disciplined).

I think a better way of thinking about January is found in the book Simple Abundance which says "January, the month of new beginnings and cherished memories, beckons. Come, let winter weave her wondrous spell: cold, crisp, woolen-muffler days, long dark evenings of savory suppers, lively conversations, or solitary joys. Outside the temperature drops as the snow falls softly. All of nature is at peace. We should be, too. Draw hearthside. This is the month to dream, to look forward to the year ahead and journey within." Doesn't that sound cozy-love it!

Snip, Snip

2009-01-02T22:37:00.004-07:00

So as I was looking through our Christmas pictures I realized one thing. I had been an inattentive mother and let Phoebe's hair get out of hand and scraggly. So Trent's mission today while I was at work was to go get her hair cut. He was a little nervous, claiming to know nothing about girl's hair. All the instructions I gave him were to tell them "to somehow make it look better". He went off to Sweet and Sassy a "girly " kids salon where they did her up right. They came into work to show her off to me and she looked all sassy, twirling around. The wonders of what a haircut will do for a girl(as we all know). Trent said she came home and didn't want to lay down on it or let anyone touch it. Phoebe's hair has been somewhat of a battle-she has really fine hair with huge cowlick in the back which makes her hair pop up like someone from a Dr. Seuss story. It's definitely getting better though and with the new haircut-she looks like a brand new Phoebe!

Before

After

I hope these pictures show the new Phoebe - justice!

New Years Tradition

2009-01-01T21:02:00.006-07:00

So this morning was almost as exciting as Christmas, with the kids waking up early and trying to hurry us out of bed- why you ask? Because it's New Years Day and with that comes New Years Books. My parents started this tradition long before I was born. Every New Years morning on your breakfast plate is a book, thoughtfully picked out by your parents, wrapped up like a present. Inside is a message from your parents wishing you a Happy New Year. As a kid the books sat under the tree with the Christmas presents and were the lone ones after Christmas day. I eagerly awaited and felt, stared, willing it to be New Years. I've talked to most of my siblings as we all feel the same way about the New Years Books. It's one tradition that we can't imagine living without. I still have all the books that were given to me for New Years and I happily let my kids enjoy them like I did. The thing about a book is that they never go out of style or grow old. I thank my parents for this wonderful tradition, and for instilling in me my love for books. As a parent, I find it equally exciting to go and look for books trying to match them up to what my kids will hopefully love. They are always so excited to open them up knowing that it will be a book, and not a toy. So on this years breakfast plates we found:

For Isabel-The Tree Shepherd's Daughter by Gillian Summers

For Oliver-Rune Warriors by James Jennewein and Tom S. Parker

For Miles: The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales

by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith

For Phoebe:Peter Rabbit Lift-the-Flap Words, Colors and Numbers

based on the original by Beatrix Potter

For Trent:Ball Four by Jim Bouton

For Elizabeth: Broken Things to Mend by Jeffrey R. Holland

I hope this will bring many happy days wrapped up with a book. And with it a Very Happy New Year for everyone!

I Believe In ANGELS

2008-12-28T21:13:00.004-07:00

If you've ever wondered if angels exist-let me be the one to tell you, they do.

Elder Jeffrey Holland said in this past conference on the subject of angels "I have spoken here of heavenly help, of angels dispatched to bless us in time of need. But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with-here, now, every day. some of them reside in our own neighborhoods. some of them gave birth to us.......Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind."

Our family during this Christmas season have felt the presence of angels, we may not know exactly who they are-but they have brought more happiness to our family than imagined, and let us know that God never leaves us alone in the challenges of life. I don't know what I have done to deserve this love but I feel it to the core of my being. In the Doctrine and Covenants 84: 88 It says I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left,.....my Spirit shall be in your heart, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." All I can say is I'm being held up by lots of angels known and unknown and I'm so grateful for each and every one. Elder Holland reminds us "that the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal."

I hope that I can try to be a little more angelic myself-and maybe one day be an angel to someone who needs one.............

Christmas-Is it over already?

2008-12-26T21:54:00.004-07:00

Christmas Day

I promise I'm still here, I apologize for not updating more, every night I have good intentions to sit down and blog and every night I fall asleep. I can't believe Christmas is already over. It's come and gone in a blur for me this year. It seems like we were busier this year for some reason. We did have a great Christmas though and my kids described this year as the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER.

I didn't even get cards out this year so I thought, however impersonal I think it is -it's what I can do now-so here goes.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and that this finds you and your family happy and healthy. 2008 has had it's ups and downs for us this year, but as I sit here reflecting- I realize how truly blessed our family is. So here's a recap of what our family is up to.

Trent: By mid year we were happy to have Trent back with us(he'd been commuting to Reno since last September 2007) we were glad not to have had to move to Reno. But this past October the economy hit us and Trent was laid off from his job. He's a big help around the house but is antsy(to say the least) to get back to work. We hope this upcoming year will bring some luck and hopefully a job will be found. (I hope you'll keep reading, I promise it all won't be so down sounding) I will say on a positive note- Trent totally disciplined himself with a strict diet and exercise and lost himself 50 lbs!(he looks fantastic! I'm so proud, I just wish it could rub off on me.)

Elizabeth: I thought I was busy when I had toddlers and babies. I find myself this year feeling busier and busier trying to keep up with the kids and their schedules. I finally know what all my sisters have told me about becoming a driver. Let me just say that I love my calendar, it's the only way I can keep it all straight. I'm working part time in retail, trying to help out(I don't know how working moms do it all). Trent is great helping out at home and the kids have been super supportive(what can I say-they're the best). My two book clubs are a welcome relief, and with great and wonderful friends (you know who you are) and a fantastic family I keep my bucket filled.

Isabel: She's 13 now and in her last year of middle school(I'm still trying to come to terms with the thought of her in high school) She's busy with student council, National Junior Honor Society(she has to do 25 hours of volunteer work), and she's taken and loved dance class. She's a busy girl. She has started babysitting and loves the extra money(for the trips to the mall with her friends, a totally teenage girl thing to do) How do I know where Isabel is-I listen for the giggles!

Oliver: This year is the year where I discovered Oliver no longer looks like a little boy. He seems to get taller every time I look at him. One day I'll be looking up to him before I know it. He's 9 and in the 4th grade. He's enjoyed swimming lessons and is dying to play lacrosse in the spring (hopefully we can make that happen) He's always full of energy and wants to be busy all the time. He's discovered a love of reading and zips through books, he loves scouts, friends, nerf guns, and all things adventure.

Miles: My thinker-Behind those beautiful blue eyes of his-is a little boy who is always thinking, worrying, wondering something. He is 7 and in the 2nd grade where he is the class joker and the little girls swoon(I volunteer in his class every week and little girls come up to me and tell me that they love Miles) He still loves all things Marvel (superheroes) I thought he would grow out this phase, but not yet at least. He's enjoyed trying out karate and swimming lessons(he can't wait to stop swimming lessons to go back to karate). Miles has a mouth full of empty spaces(it seems like he loses them left and right). Even with all the gaps his smile still stops me in my tracks.

Phoebe: I don't even know where to begin. Let me just say she keeps me on my toes. She's full of questions and wants answers. She's all girl but can hold her own playing with the boys. She's 4 and thinks she's a big girl. She has an opinion about everything and a facial expression to go with every one of them( I wish I could capture them in pictures). She decided she wanted to wait on dance (maybe later, she said) and wanted to take swimming lessons like the boys(she's a daredevil) With all of her energy, she has a very sweet side-she loves hugs, and giving compliments, every time I come home, she meets me in the garage so excited to see me. I love, love, love it!

Happy Holidays wherever you are and now it's looking forward to 2009!

Christmas Eve pajamas

Annual Santa Visit

2008-12-13T21:11:00.002-07:00

So it was the day for the annual trip to visit Santa. As you can see most of the kids were happy to sit with Santa and take a picture. Phoebe is scared to death of Santa and would not cooperate at all. She didn't want to even be near him, hence the lack of a smile on her face. I have yet to have one really perfect picture of all the kids with Santa. One of them has always been leary at one time or another. Isn't Santa supposed to be a friendly, lovable, guy that everyone adores? Not for my kids-he has to grow on them. Phoebe wouldn't look at or talk to, let alone sit on his lap. Maybe after the presents he brings her she'll love him a "little" bit more. I can always hope for a great picture next year.

For Real....

2008-12-10T23:44:00.005-07:00

Every night getting Phoebe to stay in her bedroom becomes an ordeal-she thinks something is going on that she is missing out on. Tonight was the kicker. She comes out like every other night (when I've already given her a drink, tucked her in, read stories, sung songs, given hugs and kisses) and tells me that she isn't tired. I tell her that that's okay and that she can just look at books in bed. Phoebe looks at me, with a roll of the eyes-and looks like she wants to say " hey crazy lady", but actually says "but that will make me tired." Is she for real? That is the point of bedtime isn't it? I didn't even know how to respond. I wanted to say "yes, that is why we lay down at night to go to sleep-now go do it." 4 year olds only negotiate and understand when they want to, otherwise it's a losing battle. I just told her to go into bed after a well covered up laugh and she stomped her feet as she marched back to her room to let me know that I hadn't won-she went to her bedroom where I guess she was working on her next scheme to get out of going to sleep............but finally, I guess she laid down and got tired.

Decking the Halls

2008-12-09T21:47:00.002-07:00

I am finally done with all the decorating for Christmas. There's so many pretty things out in the stores that I pine over and wish for, but this year I decided(okay the decision really was made for me) I needed to decorate with what I had on hand. I had to dig a little into my brain to get a little more creative(not nearly as creative as some out there in blogland). So here is just a peek at what I did(I'm documenting mostly for me, so next year I can remember exactly what I did).

1. STAR-This is the only new thing I did-Very cheap,easy and so fun(just the way I like it). I did this project with my friend Melissa. Each of ours turned out very different but both so cute(if I do say so myself). I just have to find a place to put it, so I can show it off properly.

2.This is my twinkle jar. Just some lights and berry garland wrapped around each other in a jar-tucked away in a lonely corner to light it up.

3.My front door this year-using a metal stocking that I got last year. My version of saying Welcome, come on in.

4.My mantle-using stockings that Trent's mom has made each of us-and our collection of nutcrackers that we've collected over the years. The kids fight over which nutcracker stands watch over their stockings.

5.Remember my bargain lanterns that I filled with Fall things?-they now have been switched to being all Christmasy(I love those lanterns, what can I fill them with next?)

6.My corner window, where I can be reminded daily-the reason for the season.

7.My living room table( Trent recently painted it the happy blue, it looks so much better than the green it used to be).

8.This inspiration came from my trusty Souther Living Magazine-I filled the tray with split peas(bag for 67 cents, who knew that I liked those green peas after all?) put some little red fake berries in, wrapped some red string around the candles and voila-Christmas.

9.I think this might be my favorite-strung some garland I had around the light and hung some ornaments. It makes me happy to look at.

So there you go- Hope you liked the peek-I'm wishing I could peek into each of your windows and see what cute things you've done to bring Christmas to your house. Have you hauled out the holly yet and hung the stockings with care? If not-remember Christmas is only 16 days away!(eek! I'm not ready!)

It's A Pinkalicious Party

2008-12-06T18:45:00.011-07:00

Soaking in the pink

Okay-I finally have time to post about Phoebe's party we had on Wednesday morning. Phoebe as most of you know is a very girly. A girl with certain color preferences that she doesn't stray from. It's purple and pink always but recently she's allowed "chocolate" and yellow into her color palette. I found this book called PINKALICIOUS a little while ago, which is about a little girl who eats too many pink cupcakes and turns pink. So that is what the theme of our party was-everything PINK(I do better with theme parties-it gives me a jumping off point). I made all the little girls pink and purple tutus(don't get excited I didn't sew one inch of it, luckily I have my friend Melissa who was willing to sew the elastic together).

Some of the girls waiting for the party to start. They were all smiling at the end.

We started off reading Pinkalicious and then I had all the little girls(all 9 of them) decorate hot pink foam crowns.

Working hard on the crowns

We did a pinata that was a hot pink princess crown(move out of the way, some of those girls have good arms), it was filled with necklaces,jeweled rings, and candy.

Phoebe taking the first wack

Opening the presents was quite a sight, I started with them all nicely in a circle, but as soon as Phoebe started opening them they were literally all on top trying to see, help, and touch. I tried moving Phoebe back, but they would just move along with her.

Just trying to help out

We then sang and had of course PINK cupcakes(I wish the picture could show really how pretty they looked, if I do say so myself).

Much prettier in person

By then the party was over and Phoebe sadly had to say goodbye to all her "girly" friends. She says she can't wait to have her next party(luckily I have a year to gear up for it). All in all, it was quite glorious and I think everyone had fun. Trent felt a little out of place with all the pinkaliciousness but he was a great sport. You only turn 4 once I say-it might as well be celebrated properly!

Are you surprised?

2008-12-02T22:40:00.003-07:00

I just have to comment on the breaking news the media let us in on-That we are officially in a recession and have been since last December. Okay-for real- are any of you surprised? I'm sure not. Next time, lay it on the line I say-the sooner we know the sooner we can deal with it-don't make it seem better than it really is. We're smarter than that. We're all feeling it in some way already-aren't we?
Okay-my rant is over.....I've got to get back to making tutus for someones(Phoebe's) birthday party tomorrow.

Can You Believe She's 4?!

2008-12-01T15:34:00.014-07:00

Phoebe 1 Day-old

All the children the day after Phoebe is born

The day has finally arrived, after patiently waiting through everyone's birthday, Phoebe's birthday is here! This is the most excited I think I've ever seen her. It snowed yesterday, and she told me "It snowed for my birthday"(I let her think that, I didn't want to burst her bubble). It's hard to remember a time before Phoebe-it seems like she has always been a part of the family. I waited so patiently to have her come (I had to get Trent on board for a 4th baby first). I was so excited to find out I was having another girl. You always think "how can I love another as much as I love the ones I have?", but somehow your heart expands and makes room for more. Having Phoebe has been sentimental for me, as I've said before since she is my last, and I try to hold onto everything she does knowing that every phase she goes through will be the last one I experience.

She still does this with her hands

Forget this posing stuff - lets get back to the fun!

Just being my cute self

Phoebe is such a joy. She is full of energy, spunk, sassiness, and sweetness. She is a little bit crazy, funny, girly, and she has a never ending supply of hugs and kisses. Demands her place in the family, not as the youngest but as an equal to anyone willing to take her on. She completes our family circle and I can't imagine our family without her. I can't wait to see what adventures are ahead for her and I have so many hopes and dreams for her. She's definitely not a baby anymore as she likes to tell me "I'm a big girl", but I will always think of her as my baby (Trent thinks I'm totally sappy, because as I sit here thinking of her, tears come to my eyes.) My heart is so full knowing that I got to be the lucky one that was chosen and be blessed to be Phoebe's mother.

Relaxing after a long walk (of course with the binky)

Looking sweet

Showing her silly-side

Phoebe enjoying the moment

Hamming it up

I hope that being 4 is a great year for Phoebe!

Finally 4 years old!!!! Ican't believe it.

1st Step-The Tree

2008-11-30T21:46:00.003-07:00

Thanksgiving is over and it's time to move onto Christmas. The first step is decorating the Christmas tree. Our ornaments, we've collected over the years. Each year everyone gets a new ornament, so that when they leave home someday they will have a box of ornaments to take with them. It's a little eclectic, but it's always fun to open the box and the kids love to find "their" ornaments.

We totally let the kids decorate the tree by themselves-we just hand them the ornaments and let them go to town(I know, can you believe I let go of all my control issues?Maybe one day I will have the perfectly decorated tree-but not until the kids leave home-I figure it's their tree to enjoy).

The only thing I did to correct the decorating process is when Phoebe placed a bunch of ornaments on the same branch, which was also the lowest branch. Anyway we turned on the Christmas music, ate cookies, and for a few minutes at least, with no fighting everything was right with the world.

I love to hear the kids conversations, as they talk about all that they love about Christmas. Isabel said that decorating the tree is her favorite thing. There is something so peaceful about sitting around the tree with the lights off and just the twinkling of the lights on the tree. I totally love it!

Now tomorrow I tackle decorating the rest of the house..........(my way).

Because I Have Been Given Much.....

2008-11-27T21:17:00.008-07:00

So at the end of this Thanksgiving night as I reflect on all the things I'm grateful for, I realize my blessings outweigh my whines and complaints. Even during hard times I know that I'm truly blessed in many ways. So here are a few of the many things I'm grateful for tonight....

I'm grateful for a wonderful husband who has stayed with me through thick and thin for 15 1/2 years. I'm grateful for 4 wonderful gifts that I have been privileged to be blessed with, their names are Isabel, Oliver, Miles, and Phoebe. In laughter, play, teaching moments, fighting, frustration, hugs and kisses, there is undeniable, unending love. I'm grateful for wonderful siblings and their families. I have always thought that the more the merrier-and even in our differences and how many there are of us(there is 34 of us in all) we stand together. I know that if I never needed anything, my family would be there-it's a comfort. I miss them especially during the holidays. I'm grateful for wonderful parents, who have given me a foundation and examples of which I try to live up to. I'm grateful for friends that even when I don't have blood family around they become my family here. We sat around the Thanksgiving table today with our friends the Howells and it felt like I was sitting with family. (not nearly as lonely as when we are by ourselves.) I'm grateful for the gospel in my life and the hope and strength that my faith gives me. I'm grateful for my Savior who I know eases my burdens willingly and gives me comfort when I need it the most. I could start getting really frivolous about things I'm grateful for (warm fuzzy socks, diet coke, magazines, books, chocolate, banana ice cream with walnuts, yummy smelling lotion,etc..) you get the idea, but I will stay with the things that truly sustain me. The song that says count your blessings name them one by one and you will see what God has done is very true. I truly feel blessed. I hope wherever you are tonight, you had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by friends and loved ones. I hope you are as full as I am(will I ever feel hungry again?).

Now it's onto the beginning of the Christmas season-I'm so excited! Let the Christmas music, the decorating, the Christmas movie watching, lighting of candles, Santa visiting, cookie making, the snow and cold, kids wish lists, begin!!!

They clean up good...

2008-11-16T20:32:00.003-07:00

This picture was right before we left for church. Can you tell we are having wacky weather, with Oliver in a sweater, and Miles in a polo? (pay no attention to Oliver's chapped mouth, he can't stop licking it). Somethimes I feel the need to document one moment where they are still clean, put together; no dirt, stains, hair messed up, rumpled. You know what I'm talking about. Not that I don't like those moments too, I just feel sometimes it's nice to remember that they always start out put together.

Nothing Really Going On...

2008-11-14T15:19:00.011-07:00

I noticed I hadn't posted since last Saturday, and I realized nothing of much importance has gone on. It's kind of hard to post when nothing out of the ordinary has happened. I try to keep in mind that in the ordinary, memories are created. But I thought I should post something, anything, a little something, so here's my attempt to make the ordinary seem somewhat exciting, interesting, bearable to read? Let's get started...

the boys on their way to school

1. IT'S ABOUT TIME-We finally woke up to snow. It's pretty late in the season for Colorado to just now get our first snow in the 2nd week of November. It's cold-but not for too long. Phoebe was desperate to get out and play in the snow. By midday the sun was out and the snow was melting,Phoebe said"It's not fair, the snow is just going to melt." It's supposed to be nice this weekend much to my kids dismay.Maybe some more snow is around the corner, or maybe it will come again in time Phoebe's birthday, that would be a good gift.

not much snow, but she'll take it

2.IT'S CONFERENCE TIME- Today Isabel had the day off from school because of parent teacher conferences. The boys conferences are on Monday. They only had good things to say-She got straight A's this quarter(I'm such a proud mom I can't help but share). It's sometimes nice to hear that I'm doing something right as a parent, when I doubt myself so often.

Isabel taking a self portrait

3.AM I A BEAR?- For some reason in the fall I start to feel the need to nest. Start organizing , clearing , and cleaning up neglected spaces. I like all the foods of autumn, cooking in autumn is much more enjoyable, making my house smell yummy and cozy. Am I ready to hibernate for the winter or what? Instead of spring cleaning, I like the idea of autumn cleaning(now if I can just get my kids on board).

4.ANGELS AROUND US-Last Sunday I went to a fireside, where Mariama Kallon spoke. She is a woman from Sierra Leone who lived through a civil war, and found the gospel. She was featured in an article in the November 2006 New Era. Read it here (http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=7d5a35c4ceeae010VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1). Anyway she had such a warm smile, contagious laugh and her voice was filled with hope. She talked of her conversion, but over and over she spoke of the scripture found in D&C 84:88 "..there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." Still at the end of this week, she has stuck with me as well as her message. We do have the Spirit and we do have angels that come in all forms who are around us, lifting us up. Truly inspiring..She made me grateful for all that I have.

5. AGENDA FOR THE WEEKEND. So what's on my plate this weekend, let's see-Enrichment dinner tonight, temple with Trent in the morning. I've got to get a jump on two book club books,both of which are next week. We're reading Garden Spells, and Killer Angels(such contrasting titles don't you think?) and I've got to finish the book I'm reading right now, it's overdue at the library. I'm reading THE OTHER QUEEN. And of course more cleaning of my house. What's a weekend without it? With them all home all weekend, it gets messy really fast(I've got messy children who drop and leave anything, anywhere. Knowing that I can't stand it, I end up either yelling, begging or giving up and picking it up for them.)

So that wraps up all the "exciting" stuff going on in my neck of the woods(not really, I live on the plains,who am I kidding?). Hopefully next week I'll have something better to offer. But since it's finally cold, I think I'm ready for hot chocolate, whip cream, and cinnamon sprinkled on it, right about now. Have a happy weekend!

Am I Cursed?

2008-11-08T22:00:00.007-07:00

I might be(if I actually believed in curses). Anyway on my way back from picking Isabel up from a sleepover we hear a noise. What else could it be but a flat tire? Why me? It only ever happens when I'm either alone or with children. In the past four years let me tell you how many times I have been stranded by the side of the road with a flat tire. here goes:

1. Pregnant with Phoebe, with the rest of my children in the middle of summer on the highway without a cell phone.

2.The day after Christmas on the way back from the dentist, on the highway.

3.Last year while Trent was in Reno, I ran over nails that had been placed in the middle of the road, and I ended up with 8 nails in my tire.

4.In the middle of winter taking Isabel to school, I slid into a curb while driving on ice, and popped a tire.

5.And then today (I need to learn not to be in my pajamas while driving, and I need to learn how to change a flat tire, you would think I already would have by now. Luckily,Trent is usually only a phone call away to come and rescue me.)

Flat tires seem to follow me around. Luckily, they replaced the tire today for free because the tire had a defect in it(also because they were freaking new tires that I had put on less than a year ago!) It never seems to happen to Trent, and really none of them were because of my fault. Is the streak never going to end? I'm tired of flat tires, can I just tell you? Ok, now I'm done venting...

Friday Five

2008-11-07T21:34:00.009-07:00

Here are a few things that I find myself thinking about this Friday, some good, some bad.

We'll start with the bad:

1. I just keep telling myself I love her-My Phoebe, who was being a very naughty 3 year old, because she was mad at her dad, took scissors and cut my duvet cover on my bed. I don't even know what to do. I hope that in a few years I'll look back and chuckle and tell her stories of bad things she used to do, but for now I still have a little steam coming out my ears.

Now onto better things:

2.I'm trying to patiently wait for this new CD Gossip in the Grain to come in at the library for me. Unfortunately I can't run out to buy frivolous things that would make me happy or else it would've already been bought. Ray Lamontagne is someone I love, he could sing anything and I would listen. I have two of his songs below, so give it a listen if you want to. He's fantastic!

3. I find decorating for Thanksgiving very hard because the colors and things I use for decorations normally for my house look like Autumn already. I did find this picture of Tom Turkey on the Internet and printed it out, used a frame I already had and framed him up. He makes me very happy to look at on my living room table(I'm trying not to think about happily eating turkey in a few weeks).

4.This week history was made as we elected Barack Obama as our new Presidentt. Now that it's all over I can be a little more open-as I listened to his speech that night, I was so inspired and I am willing to hang on to the hope that he offers. My sister, Jenni and I sat on the phone taking in the moment. Now I know many of you don't like him but please don't leave disgruntled comments here, just let me be happy.

5. A little quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that I came across this week made me smile so here it is "Women are like tea bags. We don't know our true strength until we are in hot water." I find this to be a little true-I don't know what I can do until I'm stuck in the middle of it. Made me smile.

Have a great weekend! And don't you love November?(the crunchy leaves, the smell of fall, cold nights, remembering to be grateful, crisp apples, etc..)

Toothless

2008-11-04T22:42:00.004-07:00

This is mostly a shout out to my mom, but I thought I would share it with you all too. Miles has finally started losing his top teeth. I told my mom about it and she said "please post a picture so I can see him. He has such a cute smile"(I couldn't agree more). I think when little kids start losing their baby teeth, they look so cute, with all the gaps and spaces(I wish you could also see the sprinkle of freckles across his nose too). We've been waiting it seems forever for this one he lost. It was a dead tooth that he's had since he was about 2 years old when he fell on my sisters deck and his mouth hit a flower pot. It's one of those last things before they start to look like big kids. He's officially on his way to being one of the big kids now.

One of Us is going to be Happy

2008-11-04T09:10:00.004-07:00

It's Election Day! I live in a split household, where Trent and I are voting for different canidates. We try not to talk too much about it because it usually ends in a draw where neither of us is willing to give in. We'll still love eachother after today no matter what happens. So one of us will be happy and one of us disappointed. I will let you all figure out which one of us it will be. It's an exciting day! I voted early last week and as I turned in my ballot I felt a surge of pride and excitement, knowing that my vote is going to matter this election and what a privelage it is. It was exciting to watch the news this morning and see the long lines everywhere, it's great to see everyone interested this go around. Even my kids are excited. Miles asked this morning if we will know tonight who the president will be, I said I don't know, but we can watch it on tv. He said "good"(what, he'll give up his shows to watch th election? fantastic!) So make sure you vote today. And I say- May the best man win!(as long as it's the one I voted for. I hope)

Isabel's Halloween Bash (I'm Tired)

2008-11-01T20:55:00.012-06:00

The kids pumpkins

First off, let's pretend I never showed you the Halloween costumes last week and this is the first time you've seen them. And plus Isabel wasn't in the last pictures. So here they are in all their Halloween glory. I think we've put our costumes to good use this year due to school parties, and ward trunk or treat, and to official Halloween last night! Just wait till I show you all the candy(I don't quite know what to do with it all, it can't be good to just let the kids eat it all, is it?)

Now onto the real reason for the post. Isabel, who's birthday is over July 4th weekend can never have a party because no one is ever around, so this year I said instead of a birthday party- why don't we just have a party during the year. So this is what she wanted-a HALLOWEEN BASH. She invited 11 girls over for a costume party and sleepover (I know, I'm a little crazy).

All the girls, except the two that were late.

Anyway, they went trick or treating, played lots of games, ate, read scary stories, screamed, giggled, non stop talking, and did it all some more. I left them to their own devices around 11:00(I was soo tired, have I turned old already? I remember when I was 13 and staying up all night with my friends) I fell to sleep instantly, and woke up at 2:30 to screaming and giggling girls. I tried in my nicest voice to tell them to try to keep it down(Phoebe and the boys somehow slept through all of it) I think they tried really hard but I didn't hear them settle down until after 3:00(I think that means they were having a good time, right?) Anyway we got up and fed them a pancake breakfast and said the last goodbyes around 11:00. I just have to say I'm still recovering from it all, and I'm glad tonight is Daylight Savings and we get an extra hour of sleep tomorrow!! Isabel said she had an "amazing " time and that is all that matters. I hope everyone had a great Halloween!! We did

An idea of the stash

I've Got A Secret

2008-10-30T08:18:00.007-06:00

Trent and I won some movie tickets, but last night Trent gave up his to let me and Isabel go off to the movies together. We went and saw THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES. We loved it! I read the book a few years ago when it first came out and really liked it. Last night I was not disappointed. The movie is just as good as the book(which doesn't happen very often). It's a movie that makes you happy(which everyone needs). It's a movie about what family really means, and finding love in unexpected places. If I didn't already have a wonderful mother who loves me, I would want these 4 strong women in the movie to love me instead. The movie and book take place in the turbulent South in the 60's which adds to the story. I love most southern novels to begin with, it takes you to a different place. Anyway if you are looking for a sweet movie that even though there is some sadness, love triumphs in the end, then grab a girlfriend, your mother, sister, daughter, or a sensitive husband and go find out what the secret of the movie holds.

My Trusty Sidekick

2008-10-28T23:04:00.008-06:00

Trent went off to a field trip with Miles, and Isabel who is on fall break went off to babysit all day, so it was just PHOEBE and I alone again. I feel so lucky that I didn't have all my kids super close just for the fact that I still get to have one home with me for a little while longer. I don't know what I will do when she goes off to school and I'm home by myself(I'm a little worried). Anyway, she is a good little sidekick. After everyone had gone we had cupcakes and milk for breakfast(she asked, and it's not going to hurt is it?) after, because she thinks she needs 2 breakfasts, she sat on the counter and helped me make a batch of oatmeal. While sitting there, she told me a riddle. She said "Mom, here's a riddle: a monster went into the garbage and got an apple." ( I pretend to understand, she's giggling, and in her world she thinks it's funny.) She followed me around the house while I cleaned up talking nonstop(I love it, will she always talk to me like this? I hope so). WE sang songs, because that's what she likes to do now. We sang until I ran out of songs. I then ask her what she wants to do, she asks if we can watch her Little Pony movie? I say yes, and she asks "are you going to talk on the phone while we watch?(cuz I never do that...) I say no, so we sit in our pajamas on the couch with her head in my lap. It's 75 degrees out so we go outside and I watch her run around in the sun (does the day have to end?). There's something special about every child, but knowing she's my last I'm trying to savor each and every moment knowing this is the last time I will have a 3 year old. I hope she will stay my sidekick for many more moments longer with days like this. We were very glad to have everyone come home to us though at the end of our day.

My Sunday Six

2008-10-26T16:48:00.009-06:00

So here a few things either I've thought about or done this week:

1.Yesterday was a trip to the pumpkin patch, we waited a little long this year, but I figure we still have a week to go yet. Anyway, all the kids quickly chose their pumpkin except for Phoebe who was on a mission to find the perfect pumpkin. Every pumpkin seemed to be to "scratchy", have green on it not the right shape and so on...I"m glad to say she finally found one to her liking.

2.Last night Trent and I went to a Halloween party hosted by our friends Josh and Erica. It was great fun. We dressed up, had lots of great food, played fun games, and had fantastic entertainment. It was nice to get out and have fun with grown ups.

3.I've always felt torn between having my kids share rooms with each other and thinking I'm doing a disservice to them because no one shares rooms it seems now days. I can't help think sometimes it's not a bad thing though because I do love to hear my boys giggle in the dark with each other in their bunk beds. And this morning I went into the girls bedroom to wake them up and found them snuggled up to each other(yes they share a bed) with limbs intertwined looking so peaceful and sweet. I couldn't help but pause and think this is what's great about having siblings; dreams, secrets, giggles, stories, and bonds to share.

4.Last week I was released as Primary President and so this week for the first time in 2 1/2 years I sat in Sunday School with nothing to do but listen. I miss the kids in primary but I've moved on to Young Women's for new exciting adventure teaching the Mia Maids. Who knew I could feel so rested on a Sunday.

5.The one good thing about having Trent home is that he can finish projects. We found a ridiculously cheap, solid wood dresser on Craigs List for the girls room that he was able to refinish and paint to beautiful perfection...now onto the next project.

Before/After

6.I'm so grateful for long distance phone calls. I talked to my mom and dad this week. Even though they are so far away in Israel, when they call on the phone it makes them feel so close. They give so much encouragement, comfort, and loads of love that I feel so lucky to have them only a phone call away. Only 6 more months!

Monster Mash (Halloween Preview)

2008-10-24T22:29:00.004-06:00

Getting into character

Phoebe as Little Red Riding Hood (her idea, and what's with the hand on her hips?)

Miles as a fierce ninja (deadly and silent)

Oliver as a wizard named something I can't pronounce from one of his video games

So tonight was the first of the many Halloween goings on. The boys school has a yearly MONSTER MASH, which is basically a carnival where they can wear their costumes. They have pizza, hot dogs, cookies, play games, play annoyingly loud music, and run around. They came home and filled up on candy from their goody bags until it was all gone. The kids had a great time though and are totally ready and waiting for the real night. 7 days and counting!

Pollyanna Effect

2008-10-22T15:22:00.005-06:00

Do you all remember "Pollyanna" the movie or the book written by Eleanor H. Porter. It is the story of a little girl who moves to a town and has an extreme effect on the people of the town by playing the Glad Game. The glad game is a game taught to her by her father where you are always looking for and finding the bright side of things in every situation. Now why am I talking about this you ask?

A couple of weeks ago as many of you know, Trent was laid off (due to this economy of ours). I remember the first day literally being in shock, crying, couldn't imagine what we were going to do. My sister Cathy called one day to see how I was doing and was talking how she had come across the movie Pollyanna and how she had stopped to watch it, having not seen it in years. Cathy reminded me of how optimism can change the way you look at things. I have always been a realist, verging on being pessimistic. I always think of the worst things before ever thinking of the good. But since talking to Cathy and having prayed harder than I have ever prayed, my outlook has changed. I have thought maybe Pollyanna is onto something. At the end of the book/movie (spoiler alert) Pollyanna loses the use of her legs through an accident- she sits in despair until all the people whose lives she has changed through her sunny outlook on life come to her and remind her of the glad game. She ultimately plays the game and realizes in searching for something to be glad about that she is glad she still has legs.

Now all that being said- I still worry (a lot) but somehow I have decided to be more optimistic. I have found some strength I didn't know I have, to wake up every morning and to be happy, to be happy for my kids, be happy and supportive of Trent, somehow believing that this is not the end. It will be a new beginning and that our family will come out stronger because of this bump in the road of life. Not everyday is perfect but I'm not the sobbing mess I somehow thought I would be. I might just have to start playing this glad game, because I know that there are plenty of things to be happy about. What about you, wanna play along?

We're going to zoo, zoo, zoo.

2008-10-18T22:32:00.008-06:00

Today the zoo was having a free day, so we decided to brave it on a Saturday and make a go of it. We missed the last free day because Oliver had to go in for an emergency tooth filling. It was such beautiful weather here (80 degrees ) and the kids were so excited to go. I must have had a crazy moment, because if I had known how crowded it was going to be I think I would have passed. We had a good time though and the kids were great (except for one constantly hungry boy) and it was nice to walk around in the sunshine. We left around lunchtime and headed over to a park near downtown that Trent had designed a few years ago to have a picnic and play. I think the kids could have stayed out and played all day if we would have let them. But the day had worn me out, and it was time to go back to real life where everyday things have to get done. I do so love these warm Autumn days that push you to go outside and enjoy.

Isabel - hanging out at the park.

Everyone enjoying the day - even if Phoebe doesn't look like it

Phoebe kickin it with the gorillas

Miles soaking it all in

Oliver - climbing to the top

Trent and me ready to call it a day.

It's Love That Makes The World Go Round

2008-10-17T22:31:00.006-06:00

At least my world. A few things that make me know that I'm loved and makes every day better no matter what...

1. Phoebe who likes to come to me at random times and wrap her arms around me and tell me that she loves me "more than much".

2. Going to the park and watch the kids run around in the sunshine, their imaginations go wild and without any cares in the world.
3.A husband who will do the dishes for me just to make my life better because he knows I don't want to do one more thing today.

4. Spending a night out with Isabel browsing the bookstore and her wanting to talk, sharing her thoughts with me.( How much longer will she want to spend a Friday night with her mom?)

5. Children(one at a time) who still tell me every dinner no matter what I make- "Good dinner mom!"
6.Snuggling up on the couch with kids piled on top of me to read bed time stories, with them all saying "just one more, please" (how can I resist) 7.Good night kisses. (need I say anything more?)

8. A husband who is willing to listen to me, even when it's nonsense.

I really should count my blessings more often-life is never so bad as long as this is what I have at home.

V for VICTORY

2008-10-14T22:36:00.002-06:00

I just thought I would follow up and let you all know that Isabel did it. She won the election for Student Body President, Yay for her!! Now if only the elections for Oliver and the big one in November will go my way.......

Busy Izzy

2008-10-13T22:29:00.001-06:00

Ok, I don't think I ever have called her Izzy, but I couldn't help myself, it rhymed. It's always been Isabel. Anyway she gets my post today because she is the only one who is busy at the moment, with the boys being off track and all. She is busier now than I ever was at her age. I thought I would catch up on all her goings on. She just finished track and has now moved on to National Junior Honor Society. It is primarily focused on service and you have to maintain a 3.5 average(which she manages to do easily with flying colors, she didn't get that from me). She will have to do 25-30 hours of service outside of school on her own time. She is also running for Student Body President. I won't be surprised if she wins, she is very confident(also not from me) and she is the friendliest girl I know. I wish her luck. She's taking swimming lessons that we signed up for last month, I thought it was about time that she learned how to save herself if needed. She's taught herself how to swim but not very well. Anyway, she has 2 after school clubs, lessons twice a week, and Young Women's every week. She also has about 3 hours of homework a night. I seriously don't know how she does it all, with a smile to boot. I think kids now days are definitely more stretched for time than I ever remember being. I'm happy if she's happy though. And really Isabel is the most sunny person who always looks at the positive(another thing she didn't get from me, is she my daughter? I think she must have gotten it from her grandmothers.) I'm still waiting for the tough teenage years that I hear about with girls. She's not perfect but we don't have the total mood swings yet, or the meltdowns(I totally feel lucky). Isabel is also a very wise girl, she told me last night as we were driving in the car that she is sure that Heavenly Father is watching out for our family and knows that he takes care of us. How did I get so lucky as to be blessed with someone so sweet? Sometimes I feel like she is going to grow up and be gone before I know it. I'm trying to keep the apron strings tied to me so I can keep her close. She is just one of the evidences I have that Heavenly Father loves me.

Scary Saturday Six

2008-10-11T21:59:00.008-06:00

Well we are now well into October, and where I am Fall weather has definitely arrived. With that-it is time to crawl under the covers and bring some scary movies out to watch. OK-not too scary, I admit, I don't like really scary movies that make my stomach in knots and have to leave the room kind of scary. I just like the ones that make me sit on the edge of my seat and hang on for the ride. So here are my movie ideas to get in the mood for Halloween-hope you like them!

1.Something Wicked This Way Comes-I remember seeing it when I was around 8 or 9 and being really scared. And to this day if I watch it I'm still creeped out. It's about a carnival that comes to town and 2 little boys who are affected by it. (all I have to say is carnival and it's already creepy, right?) The scene in the library still makes me nervous.

2.Here's one for the kids,Witches-based on the book by Roald Dahl. The movie has Angelica Huston in it. A little boy comes to a hotel with his grandmother and finds out there is a witches convention going on. My boys liked it and Isabel at 13 years old can't watch even now.

3.For scary funny, and the family- The Addams Family. Only the first one is worth watching, I think Raul Julia was fantastic and Christopher Loyd as Fester was great.

4.Gaslight (1944)-One of the scariest movies out there. I remember my mom and dad telling me this, and didn't believe it till I saw it. I think it being in black and white makes it even scarier. It is about a wife is being driven mad and menaced of being interned in an asylum by her husband.

5.The Sixth Sense-When I saw it I had not been told the secret to the movie. I remember seeing it in the theater with my sister Jenni and both of us clutching to each other the whole movie. I don't know even now if I could sit through it all without clenching my teeth, and I even know what it's about. This is one thing that Trent hates, is that I can't sit through a whole scary movie without leaving the room once or twice, asking him if it's ok to come back.

6. Alfred Hitchcock- I love them all. He is the master of suspense. My favorites and hopefully yours as well are-Rear Window(all I have to say is Jimmy Stewart), The Birds(freaky), The Man Who Knew Too Much(Jimmy again and Doris Day), North by Northwest (love Cary Grant and the mystery), Vertigo(Kim Novak, scary looking), I could go on and on but I won't.

This has made me want to make a movie marathon out of them all(I can't because life can't stop), but I'm definitely going to at least make a couple nights out of it. I just have to pace myself , my stomach can only take so much.

And for a little treat to have while watching- Marshmallow popcorn. So easy and so good. Just melt marshmallows and 3 TBSP of butter like you are making rice krispie treats except pour over popcorn instead. I can't stop myself when I make this.

Crazy Conversations & Control Issues

2008-10-09T21:15:00.005-06:00

I preface this post - some of the things I blog about are more for my own memory with the hope that you the reader gets something out of it to. With that being said, having a 3 year old comes with crazy conversations that are not so much laugh out loud funny but make you think "I can't believe these are the conversations I'm having". Usually they put at least a smile on my face sometimes a muffled laugh so as not to make the 3 year old feel like you are laughing at them. For example: I had put Phoebe to bed the other night and she hadn't been in there more than 5 minutes when she comes out and tells me that she can't go to sleep. I say she hasn't tried and that she needs to go back to bed. Phoebe says "sleeping is boring"(how would she know she hasn't tried yet) I tell her we need to go to sleep so that we can grow. I tell her that night time is when her body does its growing. Phoebe says in her rational tone that she doesn't want to grow that she wants to stay little....obviously I've totally confused her all the while I was just trying to get her to bed. The next morning I came back from taking Isabel to school and Phoebe meets me at the door and announces "Look mom, I''m still little, I didn't grow big" For real.

Next: Phoebe has this little green witch doll from McDonald's. She shows me the doll and how it closes its eyes when you lay it back. Anyway she says "Mom, look she has green eyes" I say "yes, she has green eyes just like you" Phoebe in all seriousness says "no, I don't (are you stupid lady) I say "what color of eyes do you have then?" Phoebe says "well, I like chocolate, pink and purple eyes" I wish I lived in her world where if you want something different like eye color then it just isn't so(I could change so many things about myself that way).

Onto control issues. I don't think I've ever had a child who had to be in control so much. Such as everyone has to get out of the car, shut the doors so that Phoebe can open her door and get out by herself. She has to be the first one to open the doors at a store, or else we wait while other people go in so that she can open them again. At the library she likes to scan and check out the books. If I hand her a book, she has to lay it back down, so that she can pick it up again to scan it. She is the only one who can say the dinner prayer or else if someone else does we say a 2nd prayer. I could go on. Have I created this? I can't make this stuff up. Sometimes it's not worth the battle. It does drive me a little crazy but in the end it's not going to last forever and then I will be sad that I don't have a 3 year old anymore who makes me laugh every single day. I love every little crazy inch of her.

Hanging on to Hope

2008-10-05T20:56:00.014-06:00

I figure everyone struggles now and again and hopes tomorrow is a better day, so here are some scriptures that give me some hope when needed. I thought scriptures were appropriate since it was Sunday after all. If everything is going fantastic for you I'm glad and you can just ignore this post.

1.Mosiah 24:14 "And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this I will do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions."

2.Psalms 30:5 "...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

3.Joshua 1:9 "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

4.Matthew 11:28,30 " Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

5.John 16:33 "...that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

6. 2 Nephi 31:20 "Wherefore, you must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ and endure to the end, behold thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

To the Moon and Back

2008-10-03T22:44:00.005-06:00

For my five Friday favorites I want to list 5 amazing people who in their own ways make my life more enriched and blessed just by having them in my life. I love them to the moon and back and then some more. Here they are:

Isabel

(this is this years school picture which she hates, I think she looks

cute but who loved their own 8th grade picture?)

My smiley Miles(I don't think he ever takes a bad picture)

My Oliver who is a tough kid (more about that down below)

My sweet and silly Phoebe

Trent- my rock, who my heart belongs to.

P.S. Oliver went to the ENT today to evaluate his nose, again and why he still isn't breathing after 2 surgeries. The doctor looked in his nose and his turbenate which is what she operated on was still clear and open. So she discovered by looking around that what she thinks is that he also is suffering from a chronic sinus infection. She said that when she pushed right between his eyes she could feel the infection way up there. She thinks Oliver hasn't complained because he probably doesn't know any different because he's had it for so long.( making him the tough kid) She thinks that his nasal cavities retain infection easily. She put him on 21 days worth of antibiotics hoping to clear up the infection and also Rhinocort which is a nasal spray. She put afrin in his nose today and he could actually breathe for the first time in a long time. You can only use afrin for 3 days at a time. The doctor says we should see a difference in 7 days (I'm hoping for his sake). She also said that from now on whenever he gets a cold we will probably have to use afrin the first 3 days to open his nasal cavities so that infection won't build up, she said that many people have to do this. I just hope this is the final thing to do on the goal to make Oliver breathe normally. He said today "Listen mom, I can breathe and smell" How sad that what we take for granted made such a huge difference to him.

Say It Isn't So!

2008-10-02T21:29:00.006-06:00

I was reading today and came across an article about the Amazon Kindle, which is electronic-paper. It is a device which has a high resolution screen that looks and reads like real paper. First off who really wants to read like this? The magic of books is the old fashion kind made with real paper that as you turn the pages you see your progress. And one of my absolute favorite smells is that of a new book. I like picking up and feeling it and flipping through it, giving me a taste of things to come. One of my favorite things of the year is New Years Day with the tradition that I grew up with was having a New Years book wrapped up on your plate at breakfast. I love looking at books sitting on a shelf. Seriously what's there not to love?

Anyways, back to my original thought, Steve Jobs creator of APPLE said speaking of the kindle, "It doesn't matter how good or bad the product is, the fact is that people don't read anymore," he also said "Forty percent of the people in the U.S. read one book or less last year."

I can't believe this, if this statistic is true. What have Americans come to if almost half of the country only manages 1 book or less a year? Truly sad. I can't imagine my life without books, let alone only reading one, which one would I choose? how many would I be missing out on?

So on Shelfari (http://www.shelfari.com/groups/10773/about?ec=7D8A021CFB00S18202) they have put a challenge out called the 50 Book Challenge. The challenge is to read 50 books in one year or establish a goal for yourself. It's up to you, just because they say 50 doesn't mean that has to be your goal.

I'll take that challenge, I've read 39 this year, so I just need to stay on track. Are you up to the challenge?

The Reason For The Season

2008-10-01T23:16:00.021-06:00

It's the first day of October. I know I said I don't like doing costumes that doesn't mean I don't like Halloween and the reason for the costumes. So I thought I'd get in the mood of October and remember the reasons I get so excited about the season. Here is a walk down memory lane of some of our past Halloweens. Take notice if you can how much Phoebe looks like Isabel. I could totally swap pictures between the two and you would never notice. Don't worry I didn't do any swapping this time. This Halloween it looks like I'm going to have a wizard (think Merlin) and a ninja so far. Isabel hasn't decided and Phoebe is being stubborn because I told her there is no purple pony costume out there. She thinks if she holds out, that magically it's going to happen. I've got to think of something that might distract her(is that possible?) Happy October!!

Oliver- a bat 2 1/2 yrs. old

Oliver- ready to saddle up as a cowboy
around 18 months

Isabel, truly an angel at 3 yrs. old

Isabel as Jane, where is Tarzan?

4 yrs old

Isabel as Ernie, 2 yrs

Miles in his halloween pajamas, my kids don't dress up until they ask to 2 yrs

Miles, Oliver as Harry Potter and Isabel as a witch

Miles as the Human Torch, Oliver named himself Skullazar, and Isabel as a friendly pirate

Phoebe in her halloween pajamas at almost 2 yrs

Isabel as a witch, Phoebe as a princess,Oliver as a zombie skater, and Miles as his favorite, Wolverine

Soup Anyone?

2008-09-29T17:48:00.003-06:00

So here is a new favorite soup of my family. I tried it and had no leftovers to speak of. Everyone liked it. Hopefully if you try it, it will become a favorite of yours as well. Who doesn't like a new soup in the fall. I got it from my Southern Living Magazine, and everything I ever try from there is good. I also like it because it's fast, only 15 min of prep. That's my kind of meal. And if any of you think it might be spicy, I don't think it was nor did any of my children. Enjoy!

Creamy Black Bean Soup
makes:16 cups Prep:15 min
cook:30 min

1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 (15 oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (32 oz.) container chicken broth
2 (4.5 oz.) cans chopped green chiles, undrained
1 (14.5 oz.) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (11 oz) can whole kernel corn, rinsed and drained
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin

Toppings optional: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped fresh cilantro.

1. Saute onion and garlic in 1 Tbsp. hot oil in a soup pot over medium high heat 6 minutes or until tender. Stir in black beans and next 7 ingredients, stirring to loosen particles from bottom of pot; cover and bring to a boil. Uncover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 min.

2.Process 2 cups of soup in blender or food processor 30 seconds or until smooth. Return to pot, and stir until blended. Serve with desired toppings.

Sunday Six

2008-09-28T16:53:00.012-06:00

Here's just a few random thoughts:

1. I got my bucket filled this weekend.

I went to Estes Park for an overnight getaway with one of my book clubs. We've been together 6 years and thought we finally deserved it. It was beautiful up in the mountains with great fall weather. We did discuss our book for the month, but we also window shopped, walked, ate, laughed till our sides hurt, relaxed and did it all some more. We ended on Saturday night by going together to the Relief Society broadcast where I always hear things that make my heart swell and my testimony grow. Can you believe I've never been away from all my children overnight? I think it needs to happen with Trent next time (we'll see how long that takes to happen) Anyway, it was a fantastic weekend!

2.Boys, balls, and broken windows.

Friday morning was the boys first track off day, and Oliver came upstairs that morning and tried to tell me that when he and Miles went downstairs that the window was broken in the basement. I knew that wasn't the truth and he admitted that he had been throwing a lacrosse ball around (which by the way is one of the hardest balls) and had broken the window. Now mind you, this is the 3rd broken window in the basement! One time was by a neighbor boy but 2 times it has been by Oliver throwing different balls. How many times have I told the kids not to play with balls in the house? ( I guess they haven't seen the Brady Bunch episode where the lamp is broken) I called Trent to tell him about it and he wasn't as upset as I wanted him to be. He said it's just something that happens with boys (Trent said he's broken about 10 in his life) Ok, do I really have to accept this? All you ladies out there please tell me that this isn't just something that goes with the territory of having boys. I don't know how many more broken windows I can handle.

3.Paul Newman died this weekend.
So sad. I know I didn't know him personally and he was old enough to be my father or grandfather but, he had the "it" factor. He had so much charm and he was so handsome. My favorite movie of his was Cool Hand Luke, if you haven't seen it, see it and if you have, like me I might just have to watch it to remember how good he was....

4. What's next on my reading list. Let's see- REVENGE OF THE WITCH(for one book club), WHISTLING IN THE DARK(for the other book club) Hopefully I won't be reading them the days of the discussion like this month. And for my personal reading RACHEL & LEAH, GOSSIP OF THE STARLINGS, THE VIEW FROM GARDEN CITY, THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY, THE SENATOR'S WIFE. I'll let you know what I think of them. I need a cloudy, cool day with nothing to do but snuggle up with a good book (is that really going to happen? I hope)

5. I hope this doesn't sound weird, but have you ever noticed the smell of your children? As I look at the different stages my children are in, it's quite telling about the way they smell (stay with me.)
Phoebe
literally always smells sugary sweet. I was hugging her the other day and her skin smelled so sweet, almost like syrup. Girls really are truly made of sugar and spice.
My boys
smell what I like to call sunshine. It's not a bad smell but like they've been running around letting the sunshine soak in. I know one day it will be gone and I will miss it.
Isabel
smells like a girl on the brink of womanhood, she experiments with different body sprays and girly perfume. She no longer smells like a little girl which is a little bit sad but I'm trying to be ready for her to grow up. When I think of all these it makes me a little bit teary. I just want to bottle the smells up so that when the smells are long gone and the kids have all grown up I can take a sniff and it will transport me back to the days of childhood. Can't they stay little forever?

6.A busy week ahead- Isabel's last track meet, One doctors appt for Miles(we'll see how big he's grown), one dentist appt for Oliver(he's got a big hole in his tooth) One doctor appt for Oliver(finally with the nose doctor to see if we can get him to breathe, please pray for him, it's going to take a miracle I think) one baby shower, one storytime, and lots of trying to keep the boys busy at home so they don't drive me completely nuts.

My favorite canidate

2008-09-25T22:16:00.009-06:00

I wonder who you all thought I was going to say? Anyway, my favorite candidate is OLIVER. He is running for school treasurer. He's given his speech to the whole school and today he put up his posters for the upcoming election. His slogan that he came up with on his own was "This Hart won't let you down" I don't quite know how much responsibility he will have if he wins, but he promises he won't let you down. Trent printed fake money with Oliver's picture on it for him to pass out to people, and Oliver is excited. The boys tracked off (they have year round school) for 3 weeks and the election will be when they get back to school. The rest of the tracks will have a chance to look at the posters and listen to his taped speech while he is off track. So we wish Oliver the best of luck and hopefully it will be a Victory!

Happy Anniversary

2008-09-25T21:58:00.006-06:00

I meant to post this last week on the actual day but of course you all know that my computer was out of sorts. So I'm posting this now because I want to note the day. My parents celebrated their 50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY! It was on September 17th and I just want to wish them a belated Happy Anniversary. It's amazing to reach 50 years! Their love story is one that I hold as an example of how a marriage should be, where two people love each other completely, through good times, bad times, trials and triumphs. They truly have an unbelievable love story, I hope I tell it right. They met each other one summer at the Del Monte bean factory where they were both working. They dated and were married in six weeks. My dad was soon going to Moscow, Idaho to college so they had to move quickly. And the rest they say is history. I remember when I was younger I would be so embarrassed that as soon as my dad walked in the door at 5:30 on the dot the first thing he ever did was to go kiss my mother. (it wasn't just a peck on the cheek either) He would dip her and give her a long kiss, who cares who was watching. I now look back and I wouldn't have a memory any other way. I never doubted the love that they had for each other. I can only say I feel so lucky to have such wonderful parents who are an amazing couple who I feel so lucky to be a part of their family. Victor Hugo wrote "A house is built of sticks and stones and tiles and posts and piers. But a home is built of loving deeds that stand a thousand years" You truly have built a legacy of love that all your family benefits from. So Happy Anniversary, even if it is a little late!

missing in action

2008-09-21T13:35:00.002-06:00

I just want you to know(whoever reads this) why i've been absent from the blogging business. Our computer is broken. I'm writing this at the library where Isabel is trying to get her computer done on the computer here. Hopefully the computer will be fixed by mid-week and I'll be back to posting. So don't give up on me, I promise to be back. Can I just tell you how hard it is living without a computer!

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!

2008-09-11T21:49:00.003-06:00

Before the race with her friend Courtney

Today was Isabel's first track meet of the season. This is her 3rd year doing track. It was freezing cold at the meet, it was down in the 50's. We were all cold, hopefully it is not going to stay this way. I don't mind lounging in the sun for a few hours, but today I couldn't wait to get out of the cold. Anyway, back to Isabel. She did great! She ran in two events. She always runs the mile, and today she also ran the 800m relay. I was so proud how well she did. She came in 3rd of all the girls grades 6-8. And her team came in 3rd in the relay of 8th grade girls. It makes me tired just watching her run, and she barely breaks a sweat, I know she doesn't take after me. She is off to a great season and I hope this will be a great year for her in track. Great Job Isabel!!

Isabel running the mile (I know it's blurry, but she is fast)

I Just Have To Share

2008-09-10T22:42:00.007-06:00

You have to use you imagination for the ugly silver

Ok, I always see all these pictures of people finding amazing bargains and turning them into things that are so cute, wondering where they find these treasures. I just have to share that I finally found my own. I was at Target just wandering for a minute as I usually do. On an end cap I see two lanterns. They are by the way shiny, ugly silver but that doesn't stop me. I look to see what the price is, they had been $30.00 a piece and they were marked down to $7.00. It was my lucky day. I thought of all the holidays that I could use them for. I took home my treasures spray painted them black (ok, Trent did), filled them up with some fall things that I already had downstairs, put them on my mantel and stepped back to enjoy. I don't like to toot my own horn, but I think they turned out pretty cute. I think finding them at a bargain price makes them even cuter. Anyway thank you for letting me indulge for a minute.

The finished product

Tagged

2008-09-10T22:22:00.004-06:00

I was tagged by my friend Kristie, so here it goes:

20 Years ago:
1. I was 15, and we moved to Connecticut for a year while my dad did a sabbatical.
2. I was listening to Erasure, 10,ooo Maniacs, Some Kind of Wonderful soundtrack, and Ziggy Marley, to the point that the whole family could sing along.
3.We got cable for the first time. I was glued to MTV for a really long time trying to catch up on what I had been missing out on.

10 Years ago:
1. Trent finished graduate school in Denver
2.We move to Memphis, TN for Trent's first "real" job.
3. Got pregnant with Oliver

5 Years ago:
1.I was trying to talk Trent into having another baby.
2.Trent starts at Manhard Consulting. I know it's a weird name but it is his current place of employment
3.Trying to deal with turning 30.

3 Years ago:
1.My brother, Thomas came to stay with us for 3 months(I loved it)
2.We move to our current house.
3.We went to Yellowstone

1 Year ago:
1.Think we are going to move and put our house on the market.
2. Trent starts commuting to Reno(turns into 9 months)
3.Oliver has his first nose surgery

This year so far:
1.My mom and dad left for a mission in Jerusalem
2.We find out we don't have to move to Reno, and Trent stops commuting(relief)
3.Oliver has 2nd nose surgery because the 1st one didn't work. The 2nd one doesn't work either. We don't know what to do.

Yesterday:
1.Went to the park with Phoebe
2.Cleaned house
3.Helped kids with homework

Today:
1.Went to story time with Phoebe
2.Helped in Miles' class.
3.Finished a great book.

Tomorrow:
1.Go to Isabel's first track meet of the season
2.Clean my house again.
3.weed the garden

Next year:
1.Isabel will start high school(I can't believe it!)
2. With that, I will have to wake up really early, every day to take her to early morning seminary.
3.I want to paint all my kitchen cabinets.

I tag Stephanie (since she got me last time) and anyone else who wants to play along.

Jungle Quest

2008-09-08T21:58:00.006-06:00

Miles Walking The Ropes

So I'm just now catching up from Miles' birthday. I offered him a party, but Miles said that he just wanted to do something with the family. (Who knew he liked us more than friends?) Anyway, we decided to take the kids to a place called Jungle Quest to celebrate his birthday. Jungle Quest is a place where they harness the kids in and then they are free to go on zip lines, rope courses, rope swings and climbing walls. They had a blast, we spent almost 2 hours there. Phoebe couldn't go because you had to be at least 5 yrs old (they had a tree house playground that she could play on). She really wanted to and I don't doubt that if they would have let her she would have jumped off without a second thought. They pretty much are all daredevils. Miles was a little hesitant at first but once he did it, he wouldn't stop. We went out to dinner after and we didn't get home until after 9:oo. The kids needless to say fell right into bed. Miles' said it was a great birthday!

Phoebe catching her breath

Isabel & Oliver getting ready to race on the zip-lines.

Miles making one of his climbs.

September Simplicities

2008-09-06T21:19:00.004-06:00

I wish this was my yard

Do you feel it in the air yet? Fall is on its way. Maybe some of you remember the book Simple Abundance, it came out about 10 years ago. Anyway it's a day book and at the end of every month the author would give you ideas about how to enjoy that month which she called Joyful Simplicities. So here are some ideas from both the author and myself about how to enjoy your September. So maybe take some of the ideas and enjoy the end of summer and the beginning of fall!

1. Stock up on your own school supplies. Experiment with every type of pen you can find until you discover one that writes wonderfully. Get your own notebooks, markers, tape and scissors. Should the kids get all the fun?

2. Make caramel apples. Roll them in nuts, chocolate chips, toffee bits, drizzled chocolate, and sprinkles.3.Pack away your swimsuit. Bring out your sweaters.

4. Celebrate the autumn equinox with a festive dinner of fall favorites (make a pot of your favorite soup, chili, soup, stew).

5.Start making your Christmas list this month so that you won't be frantic in December(ok this is a good idea, we'll see if it really happens at my house, probably not).

6.Bring home a pot of mums for your front porch.

7. Make or enjoy something with apples. (apple crisp, apple pie, apple tart, apple cider, you get the idea) or even just try a new variety of apple that you haven't tried before.

8.If you have children, this is the time to have them decide on their Halloween costumes. Don't despair. They don't divide the children into two groups at school: those wearing store-bought costumes and those wearing homemade ones!

Halloween 2007

9. Take a walk and breathe in the crisp air.

10.Start feathering your nest for fall, put away the summer stuff and bring out the fall decorations.

11.Buy yourself a new fall scented candle and light it. So even if you don't have fall weather yet the smell will get you in the mood.

Just thinking about these things makes me excited for fall! I hope wherever you are September will be a wonderful month for you.

Happy Birthday Miles!

2008-09-05T07:20:00.000-06:00

Today Miles turns 7! I can't believe it. I remember the day he was born so well. He made me wait until 2 days before his due date. He definitely was worth waiting for. So in honor of him turning 7, here are 7 of the many reasons I love him.

1.He has such smiley eyes, and even when he doesn't want to, he can't help himself from smiling.

2.He is such a good natured, laid back boy, who is always willing to go along with anything that I ask of him.

3.I love him because if I can catch him without him noticing he does what I call his "x-men moves" I don't know what he is exactly imagining because he's always embarrassed when he notices me. But I think it is funny all the same.

(Wolverine is his favorite - Halloween last year)

4.He's got such a gentle soul. He may play the tough boy, but he has a really good heart.

5.He is such a good brother. Especially to Phoebe. He loves the others, but he has always loved and taken good care of Phoebe. She can do anything and he will take it.

6.He's curious. He always wants to know why things are and where things came from, and how things work. There's a lot going on in that head of his.

7.I always think of Miles as my miracle baby. He was a surprise, and proved to me that I could still have children when I was told I shouldn't. He will always have a special place in my heart.

Happy Birthday Miles! I'm so proud to be your mom. I know that you truly were heaven sent!

Labor Day

2008-09-02T23:13:00.000-06:00

Castlewood Canyon

I don't exactly understand the purpose of Labor Day. I guess it's a day off from work but then you work hard at playing. It was a great day. We woke up early to go down south about 30 minutes from our house to Castlewood Canyon State Park to go hiking. We decided on a 2.5 mile hike which doesn't sound like much, but it was considered a moderate hike, and we hiked over boulders and places where the path disappeared. The kids were a little bit paranoid about the poison ivy that was all over by the trail. It didn't help that I told them of an instance when I was 15 and mistakenly got poison ivy from my knees to my ankles(it was awful!) The kids were great troopers though !

The kids crossing a bridge over a gulch

I was amazed at how well they did. Even Phoebe didn't give up until we were about an 1/8 of a mile from the end.

Phoebe & Trent (notice how happy Trent looks carrying Phoebe).

It was a beautiful day and it was great to spend time together just as a family. We had a picnic after the hike where suddenly I was bitten by a ton of mosquitoes. We made it home by the afternoon where we rested just long enough to re energize to have our friends over for a BBQ. It was such a pleasant night no one wanted to go inside and end the night. It was a fantastic day, I know because I did not here one sound at bed time. They all fell into bed and crashed. It was a good way to end the summer season!

The kids enjoying the day

Myself and Trent during our hike.

Crazy But True

2008-08-31T22:00:00.002-06:00

I looked over at Stephanie's blog (http://stephanieandaddison.blogspot.com/) today and low and behold she had somehow in a chain reaction given me this award. I know, crazy but true. I still don't think I'm all that great at this blogging business but ok, it made me feel good. Thanks Stephanie!

Anyway upon accepting this my prestigious award, I am to list 6 things that make me HAPPY and then send on the award to 3 more "Kreativ friends"

So here it goes. By the way it's a little stressful to think of all the things that make me happy and only choose 6-maybe it will be easier for some of you to do.

1.I'm stealing this from Stephanie but really it is true: TALKING TO FAMILY ON THE PHONE, it must be the same for her, when you live far away-I need connections.

2.NAPPING. On Sundays I need a big long nap to recover from church. Plus I had a meeting at church at 6:00 THIS MORNING so that means yes, I had to wake up at 5:oo A.M. I'm really tired on Sundays. Luckily my family must know this, because they are really good about letting me snooze for awhile.

3. PUMPKIN: I like anything pumpkin flavored, ice cream, muffins, bread, souffle, pies, pumpkin roll, you get the picture. Fall is right around the corner. Do you think September is too early for it. I'm kind of counting down.

4. My husband TRENT for not getting upset when I need him to still help me with some of this blogging stuff. He's so good at it though. And one other thing He's back from RENO. I don't know how I did it for 9 months.

5.Those rare nights when I actually have time to sit down and watch TV SHOWS I like. Somehow I'm always gone or busy with kids homework that it is rare when I do see them. (The Closer, Project Runway, House, Grey's Anatomy) I'm just glad for Saturday marathons, and series dvds.

6.I know this is maybe taking the easy way out. But my family, really they do make me happy(except when they are hitting, fighting, whining, complaining, tattle telling) But I love them and to counter all those bad moments they have a ton of good ones, that make me smile, laugh, think they are crazy, and proud. take a look below.

Ok so here I am ready to give this award away to people. My blogging circle isn't very big because none of my family does it (even though they could-hint, hint) and I just started. Anyway I choose my friends Melissa, Kristy(they inspired me to get this going,) and if she happens to read this, my cousin Melanie(such a cute blog).

Friday Favorites

2008-08-28T23:26:00.001-06:00

Trent took the kids to the skate park minus Isabel. They absolutely love it. So here's a few pics of them doing their thing.

Phoebe posing and doing her own "tricks".

Miles down in a bowl and showing his moves on the scooter.

Oliver waiting to drop in and catching some air.

Thursday Thoughts

2008-08-28T22:19:00.000-06:00

Here's a few things on my mind:

1. As much as I complained that I was ready for summer to end I almost want it back. I forgot about all the homework, the early mornings , activities that go into the night, and feeling busy, busy, busy. I long already for those lazy days of summer.

2.With the Democratic National Convention here in Denver this week no matter what side you are on- I felt inspired.

3. Where did my little boy go? I took Oliver to the doctor this week for his yearly check up and learned that he grew 3 1/2 Inches and gained 10 pounds this year. I couldn't believe it. He's soon not going to be a boy anymore but one day I'm going to blink and he's going to be a man.

Oliver at 2 yrs old

Oliver at 9 yrs old

4.I'm thinking about what I should do with my hair. Do I keep it long, cut it off? I'm never quite happy with my hair. I'm so undecided.

5. I wish that I could have family live closer. There are days that I would love just to sit down face to face with parents and siblings and just have a long talk. The phone is great but face to face is better.

6. I'm stressed out already about Halloween costumes. As much as I love fall and all that it brings. Costumes are one area I am not good at. I don't sew, I'm not creative in that area at all. Usually it somehow comes together, I just wish it wasn't so stressful.

7. Here are just a few things that I'm wishing I could have: for the upcoming season:

Halloween Countdown House

Glitter Halloween Wreath

8. I wish I had more time to read the books on my shelf that are waiting for me. Here are a few that are calling my name: Wednesday Sisters, Sugar Queen, The Way Life Should Be, The Godmother, Rachel and Leah, And Only to Deceive, Gossip of the Starlings. I just need a few quiet hours right?

Here is a few of the covers.

Now that I've emptied my brain, I can go to sleep. It's funny though, sometimes I can ask Trent what he's thinking about and he will say "nothing" Is he for real? I can't imagine that. This is just the tip of the iceberg of things I think about.

Long Weekend

2008-08-25T23:08:00.000-06:00

During Mass Ascension

Well I'm back from a busy weekend. Trent's mom came to town last Thursday and I feel like we've been going ever since. The longest day and admittedly the most fun was on Saturday. We woke up at 4:00 in the AM to go to the Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival. The kids were surprisingly happy and alert.

Grandma Hart with kids

Checking out the balloons

We went down to Chatfield Reservoir to watch the mass ascension as the sun was rising. It truly was an amazing sight. We were there until about 9:00 and then we headed to the mountains for Winter Park, which in the winter is a ski resort but during the summer they have many activities going on. We chose to go on the Alpine slide-the kids had an absolute blast and ok so did I. We went to lunch and then we went down one more time before heading home. The mountains were so pretty and the weather was perfect.

The Alpine Slide

Friday's Favorite

2008-08-21T23:56:00.000-06:00

PHOEBE

My niece was playing around with photshop and sent this to me.

Feelings

2008-08-20T23:25:00.000-06:00

My feelings:

I feel happy: when my house is totally clean, the first diet coke of the day, talking on the phone with my family.

I feel worried: about being a good mom.

I like: really good sunsets.

I hate: whining, a bad hair day, being hot, an unmade bed.

I feel nervous: making phone calls to strangers.

I'm excited: for fall to begin, the colors, the smells, the decorations, the food, the holiday, the whole bit!

I'm afraid: of failure, mice & cats(I know it's wierd and irrational but I have my reasons).

I'm glad: that this day is finally over.

I'm frustrated: that sometimes the days are too short, and others are too long.

I feel at peace: when I go and check on my kids at night and watch them sleep.

I feel stressed: that I haven't got everything done before my mother in law comes tomorrow.

I feel proud: when people compliment my children.

I feel enthusiastic: about cute projects that I see and want to do, trying out a new recipe.

I feel sad: when I see other people struggle, when my kids get their feelings hurt.

I feel bored: watching sportscenter for the umpteenth time.

I feel tired: when I watch my kids fight.

I love: my family, raisenets, and the smell of a new book.

Homecoming

2008-08-19T20:53:00.000-06:00

While I was in Utah this weekend I was able to go home. I know I shouldn't call it home since I don't live there anymore but in some ways it will always be home to me. I took this picture from my parents backyard. This is what I miss most about Utah, is living so close to the mountains. They are right in your backyard.

My parents backyard

Anyway about coming home. My nephew, Alex who is my sister Nan's son came home from his mission to Houston, TX. I was able to go to his homecoming which was great because I missed his farewell. He has grown up so much in the two years he has been gone.

Alex

It was wonderful to see him and hear about all his great experiences. It was also nice to see all my sisters and their families. I haven't seen them since April, which seems like forever ago. It was the icing on a great weekend. Every time I go home it seems like everyone has changed and grown. I will always remember my nieces and nephews at the ages of when I first got married and moved away. I go back and they have all grown up. It seems like we are in a cycle now of saying goodbyes to missionaries. I also have a nephew, Elliot who is serving his mission in Tokyo, Japan and I have a nephew who leaves for the Dominican Republic on Thursday. What great guys they are and I'm grateful for the example they set for my own boys.

Cathy - my oldest sister

Nan - My second oldest sister

Jenni- my third oldest sister

I missed my brothers, they were not able to come.

Trent - relaxing at the homecoming

Kids playing with their cousin Max

Phoebe playing

Miles goofing around

Family Reunion Part Two

2008-08-18T22:10:00.000-06:00

My Grandmother (Matriarch of the Chatterton Clan) and my Uncle Jerry.

On Saturday of the family reunion they had rented out a place not to far from where we staying where there was a huge water slide. The slide started up a hill which was probably 100 feet high with 300 yards of slide. My kids had an absolute blast. We stayed for 5 hours! and they were still sad to go. You would think some of them would have been nervous but no. Every time and I mean every time Phoebe would come down she would get up and say "Again, Again" They had to climb to the top of the hill every time, I thought they would get tired but they didn't they ran every time. I had a hard time even getting them to stop and eat.

Phoebe running to get to the top again

Miles getting a face full of water

Oliver trying new tricks

Isabel with cousins

Trent leading the 'Hart Train'

Isabel & Phoebe after their train run.

They finally at the end of the day talked me into going, I was happy just watching and had not dressed for the occasion. I have to admit it was really fun. They also had a swing that you could swing off of. You swing off of a rickety platform probably 3 stories high. The boys thought it was great, they both went twice.

Oliver goes off first.

Miles is lovin' it.

It was a great day. It was the highlight of the reunion. On the way home to Denver they all asked if we could go back next year. We had lots of fun, I know because I'm tired and I feel like I need to recover from all the fun. It was sad to see it end. What a great weekend! And no toys, computer, or Wii, who knew.

Family Reunion Part one

2008-08-18T21:39:00.000-06:00

This past weekend we made the trek to Utah for a family reunion of my mom's family. I haven't been for 7 years due to living away and kids in school. This year I said "we are doing it anyway, no matter what." I need my kids to feel their roots and to have memories of family other than their own. Anyway, we left on Wednesday night and drove to my sister Jenni's house where we stayed until Friday when the reunion started. The reunion was in Paradise, Utah which is just south of Logan, Utah. Most of my mom's family live in Cache Valley. My kids were so excited to go camping they couldn't stand it.

The area was beautiful and it was great to reconnect with cousins, aunts and uncles. All of my cousins now have families so there were lots of friends to be made with my own kids which didn't take very long. Most of the time I just saw my kids at meal times, they were usually off with others having fun at the creek or running around all over the place.

The only thing missing were my parents, so that gives me a reason to go back next year. More to be continued.

This is the typical face of the kids all weekend!

Notice the lack a picture of Isabel. She found new cousins and could never be found except for dinner.

Eye Candy

2008-08-13T00:06:00.000-06:00

I got a new magazine in the mail today from a company called Viva Terra http://www.vivaterra.com/. It is considered a eco living style company where either the products are from recycled material or made from earth friendly materials. Totally cool stuff to look at. A little pricey but it doesn't ever hurt to look does it?

Timber Stools (recycled timber tables)

Root Ball Bowls (discarded root balls)

Misprint Messages

Onyx Pears

Ruler Table

Misprint Waste Cans

Schools In Session

2008-08-12T23:29:00.000-06:00

Isabel and I went today for 8th grade registration. Am I really old enough to have someone in 8th grade? It will be her final year of middle school. It all goes by so fast. I liked it better when 9th grade was in junior high. It just seems like once you get to high school you've got one foot out the door almost. I also now know why Trent has taken her to registration for the past 2 years. We stood in so many long lines that never seemed to end. Isabel thought it was great. She said "this is like a big family reunion" Which I replied "yeah, but one I don't want to be at." Oh well, we survived. School starts on the 25th for her.

The boys started last month on July 29th for them, because they are on a year round schedule. So here is pictures from the first day of school that I finally got put on the computer. Oliver is in 4th grade this year with Ms. Stanton, who is a loud boisterous and a little bit chi chi if you know what I mean. But she works the kids hard and Oliver is really liking the year so far.

Miles is in 2nd grade this year with Mrs. Elnicki who is all about warm fuzzies and making the kids feel good about themselves. It's funny how both the boys seem to have gotten teachers that seem to be well suited to them. The only drawback is that Miles is stuck in the trailers all year. Usually the boys switch classrooms every track off but Miles' teacher volunteered for the trailers if she didn't have to move rooms. On back to school night it just seemed a tight fit in the classroom. Miles' hasn't complained and likes school as much as Miles' can.

And how is Phoebe you ask with everyone gone or about to be gone. I truly thought she would really miss the boys while they were gone, but I really think she doesn't mind being the Queen Bee at home while they are away. She is really happy to see them though when they get home.

With each start of the school year I just think time is flying by and the kids just keep getting bigger and bigger. I remember when they were little on those crazy days that you wanted to pull your hair out wishing that they could just go to school. But now that they leave me for most of the day- My wishes have reversed a little bit, and now I wish for a little bit more time with them at home with me. At least I still have Phoebe at home with me for a little while longer....

I hope this year for each of my kids to be a memorable one with new and exciting things to learn and do. Where new friends are met and many successes come to them.

How Does My Garden Grow

2008-08-11T23:40:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited. Our garden is starting to produce. There is something very satisfying about planting something and watching it grow and in the end be able to pick it and eat it. I have so many memories of the garden that I grew up with. I will never be able to do what my parents were able to do. I have memories of playing pioneers and trying to live off the land and we would go pick things in the garden, or playing like we were very poor and having to farm for food. Our playhouse would be under the big cottonwoods in the backyard. Or another memory is just kind of wandering around the yard sampling the many things growing. My parents grew almost everything imaginable. beans, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, carrots, all kinds of squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melons, raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries, blackberries, grapes, cherries, plums, apricots, and I'm sure I forgot a few. Every night was something from the garden all summer long and I loved it!

We decided to grow tomatoes and cherry tomatoes which are just now coming in. We picked our first two tonight and what a difference than ones from the grocery store. We also planted zucchini, bell peppers, pumpkins, and jalapenos. My kids especially Phoebe love to go check on the progress of the plants and let me know when something is ready to pick.

All the kids have pitched in and helped with weeding the garden which is a never ending task. Now we are waiting to see if the pumpkins will be ready for Halloween. To tell you the truth I can't wait either.

By the way Miles was not being cooperative with picture today.

While They Were Away

2008-08-10T13:49:00.001-06:00

Well a few months ago at a school fundraiser there was a silent auction where Trent got some Rockies baseball tickets. The game was last night there were only 4 tickets, so Trent took all the kids (Phoebe gets in for free).

Front row seats!

I've been thinking of this night wondering what I would do with myself for a few hours of pure quiet. Isn't funny though that it never turns out quite the way you plan it in your head? I end up wondering if they are all having a good time. Anyway I went and got some dinner, brought it back perused some unread magazines, watched some Olympics, folded laundry (not at all what I had in mind!) At about 9:oo at the end of the 7th inning stretch I get a phone call from Trent saying that he is on his way to the emergency room with Oliver and that I need to meet him there to pick up the rest of the kids. His eye and suddenly started swelling shut for no reason. The end of the story is that they think Oliver scratched his cornea. Don't ask me how or why the swelling?

Notice his Right Eye.

Anyway they gave him some antibiotics to put in his eye 4 times a day for 4 days to keep away infection. If the swelling hasn't gone away (which it hasn't) by Monday they want me to take him in to his doctor. I will let you know what happens. It turned out not to be a very relaxing evening after all.

A Birthday Bash

2008-08-10T12:22:00.000-06:00

On Friday night we held Oliver's birthday party. His birthday was on July 27 but we were waiting for him to get back to school (which started on the 29th) so he could reconnect with friends. Anyway all he wanted for his birthday party was to have a sleepover. In a moment of weakness I said yes. He invited 7 friends. Mind you they are 9 years old. If you don't know what 9 year old boys are like together, hear let me tell you. He didn't care what else we did for the party so he handed over the planning to me. If any of you know me I'm a much better planner with a theme. I found an Indiana Jones themed party on another blog http://j-a-girl.blogspot.com/ and thought that would be seen as maybe a "cool idea" instead of something he would think of as stupid.

The party started at 5:30 (it sounded like a good idea at the time) with dinner being first. I made hot dog mummies(breadstick wrapped hot dogs), bones(fries) and eyeballs (grapes).

We then played some games. First, they had to dig for snakes, bugs and reptiles with their feet in a pool of bubbles. Next, they had to pop balloons with their feet looking for a bottle of potion(candy juice filled wax bottles) And last they broke up in teams to see who could mummify Trent the best in 4 minutes.

It was going great at this point. We then had cake and presents. Before you judge I just have to say that this is my first attempt at decorating a cake, so please be kind. At least Oliver thought it was cool. Miles that morning while I was decorating it, said to Oliver "Isn't mom the best cook ever? "Oliver's reply was :"she just got the idea of the blog. " Somehow diminishing me actually baking and decorating the cake. But by the party he was pretty happy about it.

While Trent and I were cleaning up the boys went down to the basement to entertain themselves for awhile. I was pleasantly surprised at how well they all played together without any conflict.

Making a long story a little shorter. I was tired I had been up since 5:30 that morning working on this party. I just wanted them to all go to bed. We put a movie in and thought we were getting them settled for the night. This was at 11:00. I thought I could just go to sleep and call it good. I went to sleep, the boys were still up so Trent said that he would wait for them to go to sleep. He woke me up at 1:00(in the morning!!) and said that he had tried several times to get them to go to bed and asked if I would go and try to do something. Reluctantly, I got up and went out there. the boys were not only up but chomping on CANDY! I don't think they ever came down from the sugar high. I off and on went out until about 2:30 when I finally heard silence. I don't know how anyone else got any sleep in the house. And then they were up at 7:00 jumping on the trampoline right outside our bedroom window. We got up, fed them breakfast and sent them on their way at 9:30. I don't know if I will ever recover but Oliver said he had a great time. So I guess it was all worth it. I'm worn out just writing about it and to think Miles' birthday is only 4 weeks away. I can't think about it!

Taking The Plunge

2008-08-09T23:45:00.000-06:00

Well I've finally done it! I'll see where this takes me. Hopefully it will be a good way to connect to family and friends. It will be fun to document all the things, that I will usually forget - the funny, delightful, crazy, mundane, unanticipated events in my every day life. So here we go!

Harts A Plenty

The Day Phoebe Turns 7

My Little Monsters

I am so EXCITED

I'm in the Mood For.....

My Two Girls

10 Things That I Love About You

Use Your Imagination

﻿﻿﻿﻿SCHOOL DAYS, SCHOOL DAYS DEAR OLD GOLDEN RULE DAYS READIN' AND 'RITIN' AND 'RITHMETIC-

What happened to the summer?

Visiting my own Life

Time Flys (Part II)

Time Flys (Part I)

Stay Tuned

Miss Smartypants

Celebrations

Playing Catch Up

HAPPY EASTER

Thank goodness for Friday

This and That

A Birthday Wish

Paying It Forward

Friday Five

Magic of Ordinary Days

Doris Does the Job

The state of my life........

Snip, Snip

New Years Tradition

I Believe In ANGELS

Christmas-Is it over already?

Annual Santa Visit

For Real....

Decking the Halls

It's A Pinkalicious Party

Are you surprised?

Can You Believe She's 4?!

1st Step-The Tree

Because I Have Been Given Much.....

They clean up good...

Nothing Really Going On...

Am I Cursed?

Friday Five

Toothless

One of Us is going to be Happy

Isabel's Halloween Bash (I'm Tired)

I've Got A Secret

My Trusty Sidekick

My Sunday Six

Monster Mash (Halloween Preview)

Pollyanna Effect

We're going to zoo, zoo, zoo.

It's Love That Makes The World Go Round

V for VICTORY

Busy Izzy

Scary Saturday Six

Crazy Conversations & Control Issues

Hanging on to Hope

To the Moon and Back

Say It Isn't So!

The Reason For The Season

Soup Anyone?

Sunday Six

My favorite canidate

Happy Anniversary

missing in action

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!

I Just Have To Share

Tagged

Jungle Quest

September Simplicities

Happy Birthday Miles!

Labor Day

Crazy But True

Friday Favorites

Thursday Thoughts

Long Weekend

Friday's Favorite

Feelings

Homecoming

Family Reunion Part Two

SCHOOL DAYS, SCHOOL DAYS DEAR OLD GOLDEN RULE DAYS READIN' AND 'RITIN' AND 'RITHMETIC-