Us. Simplified.

The Holidays

2011-02-02T14:34:00.012-07:00

We started the holidays off with Britton falling off our couch and breaking her elbow on Thanksgiving!

Then Tate turned TWO! (How did that happen so fast?)

We ventured out to see the lights at Temple Square with some friends. It was quite the hit.

Then the man in the red suit came to town. Brit asks several times a week how long it will be until the next Christmas. Apparently it worked well for her this year.

Then my sister Natalie came to town. We had our first go at a sleep over with all the cousins...the kids seemed to get enough sleep but I think Nat and I got around four hours each. Regardless, we did have fun. We went to dinner at In'n'Out, Granna, Challae & Brinlee came over for some cookie decorating and playing. Then we pretty well camped out at Granna and Paka's house the rest of the week. Did I mention that Phil survived this event just fine since he was out of town sleeping uninterrupted at a hotel?

We've also had some fun days just playing in the snow!

An update...

2010-12-31T15:51:00.004-07:00

Here's an ironic story, after posting about Charlie's birthday last Spring I thought to myself, "this doesn't take that long, I'm going to make sure to post more often." After visiting with some relatives today it was brought to my attention that I haven't been so dutiful. So to catch up, we took a great trip to Playa del Carmen in August with my family (kids included), Charlie started the first grade (gulp!), Brit's in her second year of preschool, and Tate keeps us on our toes at all times. We've never had such an intense, excited and opinionated child and she is hilarious! I'll post some video one day and then you'll understand.

Happy Birthday Charlie!!!

2010-03-20T20:17:00.004-06:00

Its hard to believe another year has come and gone. Charlie turned six a few weeks ago! Just a few short days before her birthday she learned to ride her bike without training wheels. We're also anxiously awaiting her first tooth to fall out (every morning she tells me its all the looser and I have to "check" it). She is a great older sister, is typically happy and is trying way to hard to be grown up. One of our favorite things about Charlie is the minute she shuts a bathroom door she sings at the top of her lungs. We've tried to explain to her that we and anyone within a block can hear her but she refuses to believe it. It cracks us up every time. She is a joy.

For her birthday we had a party with Granna & Paca (my parents, don't ask), Alex, Austin and Graeme and then two days later a Fancy Nancy party with ALL of her school friends. Which following the girls' impromptu fashion show, catwalk included, Phil looked at me and said, "I NEED a son." (Its not happening anytime soon.)

An update...

2010-02-18T15:14:00.007-07:00

No, we haven't ceased to exist we have just been crazy busy doing nothing but everything all at the same time. So here's the update.

Alex returned from his mission (pretty sure he was gone for five years, not two).

Which meant Alex and Ava and Addy came to play.

Then there was Halloween.

Then Thanksgiving at our house (sorry no pics just a lot of food and people stuffing their faces ALL DAY LONG).
Then Tate turned one (where did that year go?).

Then Christmas with a ginormous tree (it was over 12', our best tree yet).

Our typical New Years' celebration of games and more food.

As for 2010 we've started with a bang!

Knee scoping (both knees) for me in January with loads of help from family and friends and lots of painful recovery. No injury that caused such fun just good ol' fashioned rheumatoid arthritis which Mom swears is from her side so if you're in that blood line and and in random pain you may want to get it checked out. (This has offered Phil many opportunities to make cracks at his "80 year old" wife, however, he went well beyond my expectations for helping with kids so he's allowed a few cracks plus he's always game for carrying me up the stairs when needed.)

New business ventures for Phil as well as continuing the "old" ones (with Phil I'm pretty sure there will ALWAYS be new ventures, every day of the week).

And for the girls-gymnastics, ballet and ski lessons galore! As well as preschool and kindergarten. (And Alex has taken it upon himself to try to get Tate to walk, we wish him the best.)

Now on to the rest of 2010!

The plight of all women

2009-09-26T21:34:00.003-06:00

Me: Charlie, don't grow up, just stay little forever.

Charlie: I can't stop growing, Mom.

Me: Why not?

Charlie: Because my bottom won't stop growing.

Join the club, honey. Join the club.

First day of school, first day of school!

2009-09-18T14:14:00.004-06:00

I'm a bit late in publishing this post. My little Charlie started kindergarten this year. What happened??? Biggest hit - the bus. She sort of had two first days of school. They have an open house on the first day of school, take the week off and then start the next week. Strange but oh well.

And after MONTHS of talking about all the exciting things that happen at her preschool Brit finally got to start preschool herself. She LOVES it. I have to say its sad to see them go but I put Tate down and then the house is so quiet and I get so much done!

California

2009-09-18T13:58:00.005-06:00

The girls and I headed to California the end of August to visit my sister and her kids. Fortunately for us we timed it just right and went while my parents and Austin were there. It was a great vacation. Busy, but fun. The girls, as always, loved the beach, Ava and Alex. Tate found that sand is just her flavor.

Piercings and Dandelions

2009-08-04T16:22:00.001-06:00

Brit picked some dandelions this week and was following me around the house talking to me about them. She had initially picked them for Phil, which is who all her picked flowers are for, but then she always gets distracted. The conversation went something like this, "When I get married I will have these flowers for my wedding. You can wear them in your hair or hold them in your hand but they are for when you get married." That's right, as long as they're in season, Brit's flower budget will be very minimal for her wedding.

Charlie was playing around with different toys trying to turn them into earrings for about two days. I helped her fasten some of them to look like earrings (at least to her liking). Saturday morning she was playing in their little fairy hut (like a small indoor tent) and she pokes her head up and says, "Mom, can you see the hole in my ear yet?" Apparently she was in the hut with a pin (like those Olympic pins but one from Disneyland) working on putting a hole in her ear. Nothing like a five year old piercing her own ears!

Ward Luau

2009-07-15T13:51:00.003-06:00

Yearly we have a ward luau. Its always so great. We always have some Polynesian dancers perform dances from all of the islands. As always, someone from my family gets involved in the dancing. It was Charlie's year this year. She was just spectating but check out those hips!

The Car Dealership

2009-07-15T13:34:00.004-06:00

Once every three months we do our duty to the car and take it in for a little TLC (also known as an oil change and tire rotation). My girls LOVE this event because the blessed Lexus dealership provides quite the tasty snack bar making our hour stay a bit easier. Upon arrival the girls instantly ask for a doughnut. Fortunately they had two sprinkle doughnuts. Let me just say I have never seen anyone else in there EVER with children. The girls happily ate their doughnuts in the waiting room spreading the sprinkle doughnut love all over the floor. Next came the drinks, Sprite cans in the mini fridge. Little drops here, little drops there. Once they had thrown their cans away they giggles as they watched the pop spill out and run through the trash. Then came the candy. Nerds. By the time Tate had COMPLETELY exploded her diaper (the kind that as you're cleaning it up it just seems to get worse) the waiting room was covered in sprinkles, Nerds, and Sprite. Which, did you know, when Nerds and Sprite meet on the floor and then are walked across it creates beautiful colors? I tried to sweep up the mess with my foot creating a decent pile of nerds and sprinkles in the corner but the Nerd/pop colors were there to stay.

Dance Recital

2009-07-15T13:25:00.003-06:00

Charlie had her first Clytie Adams Ballet dance recital in June. It was such an impressive production! They danced to a live orchestra and the entire program moved very quickly. Charlie was amazing (of course). She was even invited to do an additional little part as a random bee with two other girls from her class. She was great and all grins from ear to ear afterward (it helps that the auditorium the dancers waited in for their performance time had a magician and lots of fun.) Flowers at the end also brings lots of grins, however, she has requested that next time she has a recital she gets red, white, or pink roses.

Swimming lessons

2009-07-15T13:17:00.003-06:00

In a moment of insanity I signed the girls up for two sessions of swimming lessons in June. That meant four weeks of straight swimming lessons. I am so glad they are over! However, they both did improve a lot. Plus, I may have missed this gummy grin from Tate!

Summertime...

2009-06-10T21:05:00.007-06:00

Its here. At least that's what I've been told. We have made it swimming a few times but currently Utah has acquired a monsoon season. Strange. We've started swimming lessons and gymnastics, in the process of finishing dance and school, had a root canal (me, not the girls) and have several doctor's appointments before the weather can clear so its not my fault we're not at Cherry Hill to swim every day.

Tate is six months old already! Where has the time gone? She is definitely my most petite baby. She is very happy and calm yet energetic (I'm beginning to worry about when that energy is able to move around...scary). She has rolled over in both directions but isn't so hot about being consistent, I'm not worried. She is a chatter box. That girl will talk all day long (baby talk, of course).

On a side note, Phil had to go to Cooperstown, NY for work a week ago and got to go to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Yeah for him!

Delta aka. Zion

2009-06-10T20:55:00.003-06:00

We had a chance to head down to Delta last month and visit Phil's grandparents. We got to visit with his Grandma Nielsen pretty well one on one (which I have NEVER done in our entire 8.5 married years). It was really fun to visit with her and hear her stories. Then Phil's aunt took us out to her friend's place who had brand new ponies. Phil's Grandma Cox made us fried chicken and milk gravy (Phil's all time favorite meal) and we got to spend some time with both Cox grandparents. Phil really does love Delta, me...not so much. It was a fun weekend and the girls loved playing with the horses so everyone was happy (and yes, Brit did wear her sparkle shoes out on the farm, much to her father's dismay-not appropriate farm shoes, how embarrassing!).

The End of the UGLY Lawn Ornament

2009-05-08T14:11:00.002-06:00

A little over a month ago a HIDEOUS lawn ornament appeared on our lawn. For those of you who don't know, we share a little lawn area in front with our neighbors (we live in a townhome...it happens). Two little kids sliding down a slide. Sweet, you may say, cheesy is what I say not to mention VERY cheap. It was placed more on our side (we assumed the neighbors thought it looked cuter closer to the tree...it didn't). So we had a silent war with the neighbors...many comments about their craziness and Phil scooting said children back to the neighbors side and neighbors scooting it back. If you understand the full neighbor situation you'd understand why we never talked to them about it. They're nice enough just a little bit of craziness over there. FINALLY, the HOA got involved last week and sent the neighbors a warning. That night we got a knock on our door. Lawn ornament NOT the neighbors. They have hated it just as much thinking it was ours and couldn't figure out why we kept moving it to their side. That night the two children on the slide made it to the trash with a few goodbyes from the girls (they thought it was wonderful and oh so cute). Thank you to whoever put it there....

I have rearranged the seating arrangement in our car so that the girls are all together in the same row (Charlie was tired of being in the back by herself). As we were returning from the doctor's yesterday Charlie says, "Brit! You can't feed the baby your sucker!" Sweet of her to share, but now I wonder how many other sweet treats my five month old has had...

You want a what??

2009-04-21T10:13:00.002-06:00

Charlie came home from PRESCHOOL yesterday and told me all about show and tell...One of the girls brought her IPOD to school to show all the kids. Charlie was amazed and now thinks she should get one! Thanks to the parent who bought their 4 year old an Ipod and then let her bring it to school-its really working for me. I told Charlie she can buy one with her own money, which since she gets $2-3 a week as an allowance I'm really hoping that she completely forgets about the whole idea by the time she saves enough (which she tends to be a little bit of a spender so I'm not even worried).

Happy Birthday!!!

2009-04-15T16:46:00.004-06:00

In true fashion this year-better late than never but happy birthday! Brit and Phil share the same birthday (yes, we planned it that way...one of the perks of scheduled c-sections!). Brit turned 3 and is one vibrant little personality. She has a lot of spunk and is very very sweet but mostly just catch-you-off-guard hilarious. The best part is that she doesn't even try to be funny but just is. She definitely adds a lot to our lives!

As for Phil...he's just older and better with each year! I couldn't ask for a better husband. He is also quite amusing but he REALLY doesn't mean to be. It just happens.

We love you both so much!
(Brit's blue face is due to sidewalk chalk that she unintentionally got ALL OVER.)

Happy Easter!!!

2009-04-15T16:43:00.003-06:00

We got to do some fun things Easter weekend but I'll post about that later (dinner's cookin'!).

Blessing Day

2009-04-03T14:49:00.003-06:00

After two attempts we finally did it! We blessed Tate last Sunday. (The first attempt she ended up getting RSV three days before.) I don't bear my testimony really ever because it ALWAYS turns into the ugly cry complete with sobbing and no one understands what it is I am saying between all of my blubbering. BUT I love these four people so much and am so glad they are a part of my life. I feel so blessed to have been entrusted with my three sweet girls who I love so much for all so many different reasons. They each are definitely their own person and I am so grateful for it! And words can't say how much I love and appreciate my husband. I am grateful that through the gospel we can be an eternal family!!!! (This post is not intended to make our lives look perfect just once in a great while you get a glimpse of heaven!)

Twilight, Edward & PHIL

2009-04-03T14:39:00.003-06:00

In an attempt to get ourselves bikini ready (not that either Phil or I would ever wear such atrocities...just atrocities on us-can you picture Phil?) Phil and I made a "deal". If he went out to eat for lunch during the week and didn't get something healthy he would have to read the first book of the Twilight series. Three days later I WON!!! So he renegotiated that if he swore more than three times in the next week he would have to read the first TWO books. Yes, I won, only by one or two words but bring on Edward! I have to say that I didn't make this deal because I absolutely loved the books, because as a freak of nature I really didn't but it's all about the most amount of pain and suffering I can inflict. Phil's cousin Russ is so happy about the situation that he has found many a website of paraphernalia for Phil to have to carry around with him. Its been real fun.

Charlie is FIVE!!!

2009-03-19T20:29:00.004-06:00

As the terrible and severely tired and distracted mom that I am this post is coming about ten days late but fortunately for me Charlie doesn't check the blog frequently so she'll never know...I can't believe my baby is FIVE. What happened??? I took her over to the elementary school to sign up for Kindergarten last week and just about cried the rest of the day because I am NOT ready for her to grow up. Seriously. Its the beginning of the end.
But this post isn't about me, now is it? We had a great celebration involving my family and the five of us. Phil and I finally broke down and got the girl a goldfish (okay, breaking down really would have been a dog but we're not ready for that kind of responsibility or chaos). Heart, the fish, gave out no more than four days later so Phil took the girls back to the pet store and Charlie picked out two new fish (guppies this time) named Shiny and Flower.
She (Charlie, not the fish) maintains the soft spoken, sweet little personality she has always had. She is so wonderful to her sisters and is trying so hard to learn how to do everything that grown-ups do. She has recently become very interested in the piano and cooking (as soon as I can teach her all I know, which isn't much, she's in charge of meals). Her toes remain her source for walking and she has learned how to stand on the very very tips in all of her shoes and will do it whenever we stand still for two minutes. She absolutely loves to draw and is exceptional at coloring, loves to sing and dance, and watch Tom and Jerry cartoons. Charlie's best friend is Brit, who is so thrilled that her older sister tells her that and is so willing to play with her the majority of the time.

2009-02-20T17:15:00.002-07:00

I can hardly believe its been nearly three months since Tate was born! She LOVES to be talked to and tries her hardest to talk back. Her newest trick is if her binky is nearly all the way out of her mouth she has figured out how to push it back in. What talent! (Of course she wouldn't need such skills if she were a little better at the binky but we'll take it!)
As for our other girls...we started giving them a performance based allowance (they have to do certain chores every day without crying). We explained the whole tithing thing in simple terms and the rest of the week Brit kept saying "I will give Jesus my money!"
As for Charlie, she is trying so hard and learning how to read. Last week she kept asking us for plain milk so she could grow big and strong. On Sunday she made a comment that made me realize she thought the milk in the fridge was the same milk Tate drinks (I am nursing). Straightened that one out real quick!

Could it really be???

2009-02-17T16:01:00.002-07:00

I woke up Sunday morning knowing my kids were all staying home from church due to illness AGAIN and decided it would be the prime day to start potty training being that Phil was technically home for two days to help out. I have to say this is something I have put off for MONTHS, I had a good excuse with having a baby but I knew my time was up.
You see, I had to potty train Charlie three different times before it finally took and each time was more miserable than the previous. It has a lot to do with SEVERE frustration all the while having to fake nonchalant-ness after an accident and overly joyed at something that really had been taught and learned many times before.
I think I figured out my problem. Charlie WASN'T ready! So yes, Brit is on the verge of three and that seems to be the trick! We had one accident Sunday, one Monday and so far none today! WAHOOOOOOOOO!!!
The best part of potty training Brit is there's always a song and dance to go with whatever she is doing. For those of you who have seen the "stinky bottom" dance it is now the "potty" dance. And apparently if she goes in with Phil she has a song (which she refuses to sing for me) that goes a little like this, "Go potty, go potty, go potty!"
I will get video of the dance for all to see one of these days but just know it has to do with sticking her little backside out and shaking it side to side. Its a riot!

Miracle of miracles!

2009-02-04T16:59:00.003-07:00

Two weeks ago Phil took Charlie up to Powder Mountain for some ski lessons with the intent of having two quiet hours to himself to read in the lodge. One of the instructors found out he couldn't ski and would NOT take no for an answer. He only fell once and loved it so much they are going back this week for more lessons. I was so proud I could have cried.

Recently....

2009-01-13T11:55:00.004-07:00

We all grew over the holidays-Tate is now out of her "up to 7 lbs." clothes, Brit grew (or jumped feet first) into a big sister, Charlie grew into the oldest and wisest and Phil and I grew in ways we just won't discuss. That brings up the fact that I've been to the gym twice this week (or since Tate was born) and my pre-pregnancy clothes STILL don't fit. Shouldn't twice do it??? Oh, and Nat brought Ava and Alex out to visit so Christmas was complete!!!

2008-12-08T11:19:00.002-07:00

Tate arrived Thursday, weighing in at 6 lbs. 4 oz. and measuring 20 inches long. The four of us (especially the girls) couldn't be more thrilled to have her in our home. She is a quiet, curious little soul. The week was, of course, not without drama of Phil getting the flu really bad while I was in the hospital but we all survived thanks to my wonderful family who helped with the girls (especially Austin).

A little of Charlie

2008-11-08T19:40:00.003-07:00

For any of you who know our Charlie she is ALL girl. The way she walks, talks, and acts is so girly. HOWEVER, there are a few exceptions. For example, last week she and Brit were playing in our backyard and she ran in asking for a bag to catch a bug with. She usually catches potato or lady bugs so I didn't think anything of it. A few minutes later Charlie reenters with a huge, ugly, brown praying mantis. Phil was good to make him a cage outside and Charlie spent much time talking to the thing, showing him her loot from Halloween, tucking him in (which also was the end of Sarah Cara-she named it) and so on. She would daily catch bugs to feed it and really was very sweet about her "pet". She can't wait until spring when "Jesus makes more praying mantis" so she can get another pet. (I know its slightly pathetic that my daughter has resulted to insects for pets, but what can you do?)

A few days ago the girls were watching Bambi. This inspired many questions about hunting from Charlie. I decided that I would give her the facts, gently, but factually. Why people hunt, what they do with the animals, etc. As I was bracing for tears and a very unsettled girl at the thought of dead animals, Charlie says, "I want to go hunting. I want to shoot two animals for Dad." This sentiment has carried throughout the days and at this point I don't know that Phil can get away with going hunting to some extent without his daughter. He just chuckles at the thought but I'm pretty sure deep down inside he's as giddy as a school girl.

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-10-31T20:39:00.003-06:00

The girls got more candy then they will EVER need. All Charlie has said all day is "The baby is coming! The baby is coming!" We gave her the time frame of after Halloween and before Christmas so hopefully she can be patient for a little while longer.

Disneyland

2008-10-31T20:22:00.003-06:00

90 plus degree weather, tired children and pregnancy aside, we had a great trip to Disneyland. The highlight of the trip for all of us was spending time with Natalie and her kids (we even got a little of Tony's time). Charlie's favorite ride was Splash Mountain while Brit would have rode the carousel all day if we'd have let her. Phil kept begging to go back to the new Toy Story ride in California Adventure so I think everyone was well taken care of and catered to. Breakfast with the princesses was a HUGE hit as well.

Hooray for Challenger!!!!

2008-09-18T16:12:00.010-06:00

I am a HUGE fan of Challenger schools. In the three weeks (at half a day, three days a week) Charlie has learned SOOOOO much. She can now write her name at a legible level and knows which letters are vowels and so much more! They even teach a lot of patriotic things including songs. She was thrilled that it was her turn this week to hold the flag while they said the Pledge of Allegiance. If you're near one, sign your kids up! Its so worth it!!! Way to go Charlie!!!!

State Fair

2008-09-18T16:12:00.006-06:00

Tickets to ride the carousel: $6
Tip for the balloon making clown: $3
Going home: Priceless

Doing "Our Part"

2008-09-18T16:12:00.003-06:00

With gas prices on the rise (yes, they are dropping now) we decided to find a more "economical" mode of transportation for Phil. Not to worry we still have a HUGE truck parked in the garage because it is necessary for Phil to take out on property but check out our fun "commuter car"! It is really fun to drive...just like a glorified go-cart and we are loving it. (And Phil fits really very comfortably inside for all who just said, "does he even fit in there?" We get that every time someone sees it.)

First day of school!

2008-08-25T17:20:00.003-06:00

Charlie started her first day of her last year of preschool today. They built a really nice Challenger school just a block away. She has been so excited and it was a hit according to the report. Brit whined for a few minutes after dropping her off because she wanted to go with her (apparently I'm not THAT big of a party).

Ugh! Pregnancy!

2008-08-25T17:17:00.002-06:00

I laughed for a good few minutes when I saw this picture and thought it would maybe brighten someone else's day too! I would really like to thank whoever it was that took this picture for "capturing the moment."

Hawaii

2008-08-25T16:52:00.004-06:00

We pretty well laughed our entire trip, I seriously don't think either of us have laughed that hard or much in YEARS. It was so much fun and enough food that Phil and Blake had to pay off the zipline guys to let them go because they didn't quite meet the weight requirements.
We did a lot of snorkeling, tubed the ditch, ziplines, helicopter rides, illegal swimming (we had a lawyer with us), shopping, and wandering. Poor Russ's legs got that burned the first day out.
I was also lucky enough that the timing was right and was able to see several of my cousins while in Oahu! All around a very relaxing trip prior to number three joining us in three months (gulp!).

The things that happen when you're gone....

2008-08-25T16:45:00.003-06:00

Phil and I had a WONDERFUL trip to Hawaii. We went on a seven day cruise through the islands with Phil's partners and their spouses (lucky for Mark that Russ is a good stand-in when his wife couldn't make it). Thanks to Mom, Dad and Austy and Graeme & Challae who watched the girls for us (I'm pretty certain our children did NOT miss us at all). I have been informed by Graeme that ALL of Brit's injuries where obtained at Granna's house previous to he and Challae taking over. Its just a fracture from falling off her bike and she is quite thrilled with the fact that Granna took her to the doctor's (she tells me four/five times a day).

Mom Tag

2008-08-01T15:26:00.003-06:00

1. What is something mom always says to you? not to do something naughty
2. What makes mom happy? Love 
3. What makes mom sad?  when I do something to fight for toys
4. How does your mom make you laugh? Tickle
5. What was your mom like as a child? She likes to play toys with each other 
6. How old is your mom? five
7. How tall is your mom? like this (demonstration with hands) 
8. What is her favorite thing to do?  Hide 'n' seek and play chase
9. What does your mom do when you're not around? put me in time out
10.If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? because of her sister (that's going to go to Nat's head)
11. What is your mom really good at? putting pictures up
12. What is your mom not very good at? not getting the popsicles out
13. What does your mom do for her job? go to the gym
14. What is your mom's favorite food? rice
15. What makes you proud of your mom? playing with each other 
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? cinderella
17. What do you and your mom do together? Ring around the rosie and chase
18. How are you and your mom the same? we're both girls
19. How are you and your mom different? we don't have the same hair
20. How do you know your mom loves you? Because we're both girls, we love each other and we play with each other

Here's my analysis number 16 is a tell tale sign of my role in the house (ha ha ha), Charlie thinks I work at the gym (probably my smokin' hot totally toned body gives that away) and the only time I'm really away from her is when she's in time out...at least I'm dependable!). And Charlie is really not that naughty. She's pretty well behaved and spends little time in time out (this week has been a crazy exception but I think we've all been off).

We tag Ava May and Luke!

In Case of Fire...

2008-07-31T16:24:00.003-06:00

The last two days one of our fire alarms has been going off randomly or just beeping. It happened again early this morning (like 2 a.m.). After we got everything settled back down (this would mean Brit, new batteries in the alarm, etc.) I decided I should check on Charlie since we hadn't heard anything from her the entire time. I found her dead asleep in her bed with her hands over her ears. Its good to know that in case of a real fire we need to go wake her up.

Public Apology

2008-07-29T20:58:00.003-06:00

We would like to publicly apologize for our monstrous, out-of-control garden. Our community has put together (thanks Rob!) a vegetable garden area where we each have our own little piece of land to grow what we would like. Being first time gardeners we had NO idea how crazy ours would get and it is starting to take over neighboring gardens. As you can see from the picture our garden should only go straight back from the corn and not overflow on the sides...its out of control. But check out how big our first zuchinis were!!! We've been enjoying the fresh produce but hope we're not making enemies in the process (sorry Cara!).

The Lake

2008-07-29T20:44:00.002-06:00

We've had a fun last week with three trips up to Pineview. Graeme, Challae, Austin, and Dad have all been so good to take the girls for rides on the jet ski and just flat out entertaining their every desire. We also got to go up with some friends and play on their tube. Charlie is all about the speed and the bouncing!

Good Laugh

2008-07-25T20:38:00.001-06:00

For any of you who know how we can all get caught up in the "charmed" life aspect of blogging check out www.seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com. It is hilarious! This girl writes this blog as a satire of the "Married Mormon" blog. Its good for a chuckle as long as you don't take it personal.

Fun Quotes

2008-07-23T20:58:00.002-06:00

Charlie:
"Why do you take the baby to the gym with you?"
"Mom, when I'm a mom and you're a mom and you're not dead I can have a baby and you can have baby and we'll both have babies!" (love the girl but no, thank you)
After a little boy hit her with a small metal flag I tried to explain that that's how boys play is they tease like that and she got near tears and said, "but they can't do that, it will make Jesus and Heavenly Father very sad."
"Can the baby smell that?"

Brit:
me:Why are you crying? Brit:There's a baby in my tummy!
Multiple times a day, "There's a baby in Mommy's tummy" (they're both really excited)

More Fourth of July

2008-07-10T10:26:00.002-06:00

Fourth of July

2008-07-09T21:45:00.005-06:00

We had a blast this fourth of July. We started the day with the Kaysville City parade and thanks to Challae and her family we had awesome spots and the girls caught a TON of candy (thanks to the help of the crew-Mom, Dad, Austin, Graeme & Challae). After naps (more necessary for the adults than kids) everyone came over to our clubhouse for swimming and then we headed for fireworks. Charlie has been asking about fireworks since the last fourth of July so Phil went all out (as you can see from the picture of Charlie and Austin behind the remains of all the fireworks-we lined them up from our neighbors to the south to our neighbors to the north). We had to wait until Saturday to set off the majority of them so we could catch the "big" display at Davis High. We also spent Saturday at Cherry Hill with my family. The girls got treated like royalty for two days straight with so many people to play with them and cater to their every need.

Summertime

2008-07-09T21:29:00.005-06:00

We've actually kept farely busy this summer. As Pregnant Superwoman (I'm pretty sure I'm the only one that calls me that...wonder why?) I tend to get into project mode and my dear, sweet husband puts up with it for a bit until he starts to see the steam coming out of my ears and then forewarns that something's going to blow and it will probably be me. So I've been told to lay off. Meanwhile, we keep pretty busy playing with our girls. We've hit Pottery Barn kids (fun for all!!! need I say more?), This is the Place Park, countless trips to Cherry Hill for swimming and the zoo(that is a rhino behind the girls not family).

Trek

2008-06-29T19:15:00.002-06:00

Because of the ugliness that is trek there will not be any photos of Ma and Pa Cox. Lucky for us our stake made a DVD capturing the entire experience so there is actual proof that we did it (no one will ever see it if I have anything to do with it).

A little about trek, we went to Deseret Land and Livestock just outside of Evanston for our hot, windy and filthy experience. Temperatures were hot during the day but the minute the sun went down it got into the twenties. We had nine kids assigned to us who were the best kids. They complained little, helped tons and were just all around great kids. Lucky for us we were all so tired every night we didn't really worry about anyone being out too late (I believe the latest they were out was shortly before midnight and that was the day we didn't walk).

To recap, the first day we walked for ten hours putting in roughly 18 miles (yes, our handcart was full with buckets, sleeping bags, pillows, blankets and coats). The second day Phil wouldn't let me walk and to make sure I didn't refuse he talked to the stake about it before discussing it with me. So the other pregnant ma and I rode in the trucks. This was a blessing as the first 1.5 miles was a steep hill and at the top they had to take six people directly to camp for medical treatment due to heat exhaustion (including a few I.V.'s). They clocked another eight miles that day. Friday was a day of rest including firesides, games, cooking and relaxing. Then Saturday came with another roughly six miles (it was supposed to be 4-5 but we got lost). Pretty well there was lots of medical trauma the entire way (shocking).

I have to say it was a unique experience that lends itself to a different kind of spiritual experience but for the most part we were exhausted the entire time. A few things I now love and appreciate even more (pioneers aside) flushing toilets, a standing building I call home, my car, electricity, to mention a few.

Another thing I figured out on this adventure: The reason we get called to do such things is all Phil's fault. By the second day he always ends up with a following of five to ten boys who hang on every word of profound wisdom he may throw out. No one is waiting to hear what I have to say (gratefully). I'm am grateful for a great husband who relates well (at times too well) to the youth and explains things on their level so they understand. He was great the entire trek and was so good and helpful and I truly do appreciate him even more.

4 and 1 make 5

2008-06-12T08:44:00.002-06:00

We are expecting our THIRD girl in December!!! Poor Phil is really starting to get out numbered. He couldn't be happier to be having another girl though. And fortunately for Charlie who does NOT really care for boys and was a little mortified by the possibility that she could be getting a brother she will be getting a sister. However, she will be crushed to find out that we will very most likely not be naming the child Kara (her favorite name for some reason). My due date is December 11th. To all who I have bold faced lied to about being pregnant I am very very sorry, it really was nothing personal.

In case you'll miss it...

2008-06-04T15:06:00.005-06:00

Charlie has her final dance recital for the year tonight! Here's a preview from her dress rehearsal.

Branch Luau

2008-06-04T14:58:00.003-06:00

We have an AWESOME branch activities committee. (Yes, we are in a branch of over 300 people). They put on a luau last weekend and went all out. At risk of death this is highly entertaining footage. (Sorry for the shaking camera, I didn't think I would be laughing so hard.)

TREK

2008-05-29T14:52:00.002-06:00

A few months ago we were "invited" to join the youth of our stake on a Pioneer Trek. It actually sounded fun, exciting and a great opportunity to strengthen our own testimonies. We are just shy of three weeks from our departure date and I received an email yesterday from the guy in charge telling us to plan on cold weather since "they still can’t get onto the ranch because the snow is TOO HIGH." I am no longer as excited as I ought to be or as I was...SHOCKING. I'd be a TERRIBLE pioneer.

All the comings and goings

2008-05-29T14:33:00.005-06:00

In an attempt to recapture my youth I forced Austy to show me how to use his Ripstick. I did actually get up and stay on for awhile but then Graeme came over and learned and showed me how lame and slow learning I actually am. So not much form but proof that I AM still cool.

You would think we would splurge and buy one more lawn chair but the girls really enjoy sharing this one. Charlie is holding one of her favorite spring things...a jar of potato bugs. Thanks to Austin and Graeme for helping find them (I think they're still alive).

Charlie graduated from preschool last week, she will be entering PRESCHOOl again next year. I survived my first year of school!!! She loved her teacher!

Brit has fallen in LOVE with her sunglasses. She won't go to nursery or BED without them. Pretty much everywhere we go they go. We took this picture at 11:30 one night.

Tia this is for you!

2008-05-16T14:25:00.004-06:00

This post is specifically for my cousin Tia who went private some time ago and who "forgot" (hopefully not too conveniently) to include me in her visitors list. I can't get in!!! Leave me a line...I miss reading your blog!

Jamaica Recap

2008-05-08T14:53:00.002-06:00

A little explanation on the slide show below...We had a BLAST in Jamaica. We were lucky enough to have my mom, dad, and two brothers and sister-in-law come along with us. It made it SOOO relaxing. We stayed at a Beaches resort-its a must if you ever get a chance!!! If you notice, our children are rarely with us. They prefer other people if possible. Poor Challae even started having dreams that Brit was hers-she never really did leave her side. We stayed for a week and it wasn't near long enough! The weather was great and the water beautiful. Charlie and Brit both became as big of fans of the ice cream machine as all the boys (including Phil). Sorry about the pics that are sideways on the slide show. Not quite sure how to fix that but oh well!

Jamaica

2008-05-08T14:52:00.001-06:00

Birthday Party

2008-04-23T14:52:00.003-06:00

Brit LOVED her birthday party with more presents than she could handle she was quite happy. Phil also had a great birthday party with BYU season tickets (yes, I AM an incredible wife) and an air soft gun from my parents he was really pleased and decided birthdays aren't really all that bad (at least this year).

Baby Animal Days

2008-04-23T14:40:00.003-06:00

For any of you who know about the great "Baby Animal Days" at American West Heritage Center in Logan (Wellsville) it was a blast. The kids loved playing with the animals and we were lucky enough to have my sister and her kids and another friend's family with us. Highly recommend it if you live in the area!

Tagged weeks ago

2008-04-19T11:15:00.003-06:00

ABC tag!

A. Attached or Single? Attached, married for 7+ years!

B. Best Friends? Phil (of course), my sister, brothers, parents, and Natalie.

C. Cake or Pie? Cake!

D. Day of Choice? Saturday-we try to take the day off.

E. Essential Item? Make-up

F. Favorite Color? green

G. Greatest accomplishment? My children (now if I can convince them to like me the rest of their lives)

H. Hometown? Fruit Heights

I. Indulgences? Shopping, chocolate, exercising

J. January or July? July! Summer is the best!

K. Kids? 2. Charlie and Britton

L. Life is incomplete without? Chocolate

M. Marriage date? December 15th 2000

N. Number of siblings? 4

O. Oranges or apples? Oranges!

P. Phobias or fears? Bugs, child predators

Q. Quotes? "...Life is not to be just endured but enjoyed." President Hinckley (and yes, I know its not exact).

R. Reason to smile? My kids and husband are healthy and we're going to Jamaica in a week!!!

S. Season? Spring-nothing like the weather warming up and fresh air after a long cold winter.

T. Tag three friends? Natalies (both Marsh and Niederhauser), Konrad

U. Unknown fact about me? I'm pretty shy. OCD about most things and stupid things like my sippy cup lids have to match the cup they are with.

V. Very favorite store? Hmmm-don't really have one.

W. Worst habit? Yelling at my kids when I really shouldn't be.

X. X-ray or ultrasound? Ultrasound-Xray usually means somethings broken

Y. Your favorite food? Chocolate!

Z. Zodiac? Aries

Its Magic!

2008-04-18T15:11:00.003-06:00

Brit took a pen to one of my chairs a few weeks ago. Although she was quite proud of her artwork I was less than thrilled, as you can imagine. I found on ask.com that if you take a Q-tip with liquid dishwasher detergent to it it comes right out! I was skeptical but tried it on one of the lines and didn't even think it worked until I saw how it dried. Beautiful!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

2008-04-09T17:15:00.005-06:00

Tuesday was Brit's 2nd birthday (and Phil's but he doesn't like to talk about it). Unfortunately, her parents are a little slow so we didn't order her gifts (only Disney will do and we don't have a Disney store anywhere nearby) until it was too late, so this weekend it will be. Brit is definitely our comic relief. We're not sure what it is but everything she does is hilarious. She loves her older sister more than words can say. She is extremely polite, uncoordinated and slightly firey. She loves music and the entire Mickey Mouse gang. Not to mention Cinderella. Her biggest birthday gift??? Sleep training! (I can't wait until its OVER!)

Easter

2008-04-09T17:05:00.003-06:00

I know Easter was weeks ago but here's how our Easter went...Charlie got deathly ill Friday afternoon (still working on 100% recovery but getting there) so we had Easter basket hunt early Sunday morning before Phil went to church. Yes, Brit's mouth is FULL of chocolate. She kind of missed out on most of the candy scattered throughout the house because she got so caught up opening and eating each piece of candy as she found them. Luckily, Charlie is really good about sharing (and didn't notice how much I took from her)!

Spring has sprung!

2008-03-19T14:10:00.003-06:00

It is FINALLY warm here again (and by warm I mean 55-60 degrees). Its the best! We had a picnic at the park this morning. The girls had a blast and we were all worn out by the time we got home. It was GREAT!!!

Bar-B-Q

2008-03-19T14:04:00.004-06:00

We had a little Famous Dave's this weekend. Phil couldn't be prouder of his "suck all the meat off the bones" daughters. They love ribs!

Charlie turns 4!

2008-03-19T13:58:00.002-06:00

I know its a bit late but here are some pics from Charlie's birthday party. She had a blast and told me it was the "best best best birthday!"

Happy Birthday!

2008-03-09T15:17:00.003-06:00

Our little Charlie is turning four tomorrow. What a blessing and a joy she is in our lives. She has become my little best buddy. Charlie is so kind, thoughtful and sweet. She LOVES school and dance as well as Barbies, Pet Shops, princesses, dress-up, movies, and animals. She is so excited to have her "Pink Poodle Party" with her friends. She has been asking me to decorate the house for her party since Thursday. Hope its all she imagines!!!!

So Proud

2008-03-09T14:26:00.002-06:00

I have to throw props to my husband, who after much begging and coersion FINALLY got laser eye surgery. I didn't realize how much he was actually doing it for me until he said to me about six hours after surgery, "This is going to be really cool isn't it?" He was SUPER nervous because its his eyes but he did it and is now on day three of 20/20 vision! Yay Phil!

Oh baby...

2008-03-09T14:22:00.002-06:00

No we are NOT having another one yet (one day but not now). Charlie, however, is slightly baby hungry. There is a couple in our branch who have four month old twins. Charlie watched them all through sacrament meeting one Sunday and after awhile said, "They're SO lucky." Then the other day she said, "Mom I want a baby." I clarified real or doll and then asked her who would take care of a new baby. "Austy," was the answer...apparently she has a LOT of faith in Austy's child care skills.

"Oh Crap!"

2008-02-22T21:55:00.003-07:00

Last week at the car dealership the girls and I were in the waiting room-waiting. I brought them each a little Valentine size box of Nerds candy. Why? Because I didn't think it through until it was WAY too late. Surprise, surprise Brit spilled hers all over the tile floor. She looks at me and says, "Oh cwap, cwap, cwap cwap, cwap." She is one that will say something to you until you repeat the word back to her. Shining mother moment for sure. I thought she got it from me but then we went to my Mom's for dinner Saturday night and I heard every single person there say it at least once (including that angelic mother of mine). Except for Charlie who says "What the?" or "what the heck?"...thanks to Austy for those!

In training

2008-02-22T21:28:00.003-07:00

For anyone who really knows my mom she LOVES to have her hair played with (who doesn't? If I could have my hairdresser do my hair everyday I'm pretty sure I'd be a much nicer person). Brit has taken to doing hair, she does mine everyday-brush and hairspray included. I'm pretty sure Granna, in her wisdom, decided to play along because as long as Brit's practicing she may get REALLY good and then we're all in luck!

Phil fell asleep on the couch last Sunday and Brit just helped herself to some good cuddling...check out that pleased look on her face!

Dress Up

2008-02-22T21:21:00.003-07:00

Charlie has been on a fun little kick lately where she has to dress up and this can include ANYTHING she can find in her closet (as you can see) and ALL the hairclips she can find in the bathroom drawer. I had to get a picture of the amazing outfit she put together (after she fell asleep on the couch, we'd hate to encourage this behavior).

Brit coloring at Granna's...all geared up.

Hot Friday Night

2008-02-22T21:13:00.004-07:00

So I hate to admit this but blogging has been my hot Friday night date for the last two Fridays and I'm guessing its not the end. Apparently, work is going really well for Phil right now (at least enough that he goes back to work Friday night, but fortunately its mostly all good emergency meetings not "the world is ending!"). This is a picture of the girls in our jetted tub. I went snowboarding one Saturday and left the girls to Phil. He put them in the tub with bubble bath and turned on the jets then walked away. He came back in when Charlie started yelling about not being able to see Brit any more...(note how Brit has a hold on the little bar on the tub).

Tag

2008-02-15T19:52:00.003-07:00

10 Years Ago:
I was in my first year of college working in reservations at Delta Airlines. Honestly? I was engaged to a guy that is NOT my husband and was about to make a HUGE mistake (thank goodness I realized before hand).

Things on my to-do list today:
Because its Friday night I will list all the things I was supposed to do today (note supposed to). 1. Take car to dealership (did it!) 2. Clean house...the entire thing could use a little TLC so why start when you don't know where to begin? 3. Wash linens (did it!). 4. Post my tag. 5. Help Natalie move (she wouldn't take me up on the offer, silly girl but man am I going to miss her).

What I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire:
Since its only a matter of time...I would build a house (probably nicer than my husband would care for but he doesn't stay in it most the day and we would hire yard care because we have SOOOO much money). Make sure my family was taken care of and donate a lot of it. Then as always put it back into the business! Yay for self-employment!

3 of my bad habits:
1. Constant sarcastic remarks (example-this tag)
2. Not being patient enough with my kids.
3. Obsessing over stupid things

3 places I have lived:
1. Fruit Heights, UT
2. Glendale, AZ
3. Logan, UT

5 jobs that I have had:
1. Lifeguard (just imagine Baywatch)
2. Reservation sales
3. Receptionist
4. Interior Designer
5. MOM

5 Things people don't know about me:
1. I have a mole in the same spot on my right leg as three of my other siblings (haven't checked Austin's leg out yet).
2. Necklaces feel suffocating on my neck.
3. I have to sleep on my right side.
4. I remember numbers VERY easily.
5. I'm a bit of a shopaholic.

I tag:
1. Emily
2. Melissa

Should I be worried?

2008-02-13T20:28:00.003-07:00

Tonight as Charlie and I were putting Valentines together for her preschool class she would tell me who each one was for. When we got to the boy that constantly hits her she said, "I like Naayi." (Yes, that's his name, he's hispanic I think.) I asked her why she likes Naayi and she said, "Because he's mean. That's why I like Naayi." What do you say? Apparently, other than the physical abuse he's quite the nice kid...sound like a domestic violence case waiting to happen?

General Failure

2008-02-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

So I have been trying to backup Quickbooks to a cd so that our tax accountant can get moving on our horrendous taxes that only he can figure out. In trying to burn a cd I get this message "Failure to format due to general failure." That's the last thing I need is my computer telling me that! So in a way to procrastinate the rest of the tax garbage I am blogging. Because that makes sense.

I took Charlie skiing Saturday for the first time. Of course, we headed to Powder Mountain. After an hour and a half of getting our season passes lined up, renting skis, driving between two different parking lots several times we finally made it to the lift. We went up the lift (which Charlie made the observation that that snow did NOT have sparklies on it...it was not sunny but warm). We made it down the hill once and she was done. After the circus it was to get everything together to get to the lift, I was pretty well done myself (other than wishing I had my snowboard with me and a few hours to myself-the snow was great, weather great, everything great). That night as Phil was putting her to bed she said, "I like your mountain. You have a nice mountain." I may be the one to blame for that. Then when I went in to kiss her goodnight she told me that skiing tickled her bottom. This is a common occurence for Charlie...many things make her bottom tickle. Makes you giggle!

Well off to make Charlie's bed because its 3:30 and I have not done that yet and she is insisting it happen. What have I created???

Look Familiar?

2008-02-02T20:23:00.001-07:00

Aside from my husband being so cute as a baby, check out how much Brit looks like him! She doesn't have his mouth, Charlie got that, but everything else is Phil, Phil, Phil.

My Princesses

2008-01-31T13:19:00.000-07:00

Lucky for me "Jasmine" (Charlie) and "Aurora" (Brit) showed up for a little play time today. Charlie was so kind to make sure that Brit had shoes and hat to complete her outfit. Charlie stayed in full outfit until we put her in the bath last night. Brit decided half way thru her nap that her dress was NOT comfortable.

Pres. Hinckley & Jesus

2008-01-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

As you all know Sunday Pres. Hinckley died. What a terrible loss for us and a great gain for him as he gets to be with his sweet wife again as well as so many others who have passed before him but that have had their lives touched by him in such tremendous ways as he has mine. Not to mention his reunion with the Lord and Jesus Christ.

After my mom called me Sunday night to inform me of his passing Charlie and I had a little conversation about how Pres. Hinckley died and why I was sad because I would miss him but Heavenly Father, Jesus and Pres. Hinckley were all very happy because they were together (not that Pres. Hinckley completes the triangle but you get the picture). Charlie then asked me if Jesus was dead. I explained that he did die but he was alive again (a little complex for a three year old you may say? but I went ahead and tried to explain as simply as possible...didn't quite work). Phil is out of town this week so he called and Charlie explains to him that Jesus died. Monday Charlie had a dentist appointment and in the two split seconds I left to chase after Brit Charlie told the hygenist that Jesus died. The kind lady said "oh you mean Pres. Hinckley" and Charlie said "yes". Pretty well she has told anyone that has a moment to talk to her that Jesus died. There is a little confusion in that sweet little head but so cute none the less.

Its in the works!

2008-01-18T14:49:00.001-07:00

Good news! No, I did not find my camera yet (that would be GREAT news-and obviously holding onto the dream since I said yet) but I have ordered a new one today thanks to a diligant father who was good enough to pretty well research it out and hook me up as to what to buy. I have been procrastinating because I have this hope and dream that my old one will magically appear but I'm giving up so farewell G & C wedding photos, farewell Christmas photos and HELLO newer/better camera. Stay tuned!

Yes, this is a very pink blog but if you ever meet our girls (especially Charlie) pink is what we are all about. Every once in a while Phil will remind me that he does love yellow.

The picture is of Brit, Charlie, and Ava (cousin) at the beach. My hope and dream is that one day Utah will rise above freezing temperatures and we can all be sunny and warm again. Gotta love that January gray. But until then...go ski Powder Mountain!

And to correct an earlier post, we do have a few more friends' links on our blog. Not that it matters to everyone else but I would hate if any of our friends felt like I had skipped over them because we have made several great friends through our married life adventures.

Natalie's Blog

2008-01-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

To all family and friends:

You have got to check out Natalie and Preston's blog...you will die. Preston had a little fun and sabotaged Nat's blog (because as all of us lovingly include our husband's in our blog name, etc. we all know its all about us. Check it out you will laugh. And don't show your husband.

Friends & Family

2008-01-05T19:58:00.001-07:00

Apparently I have a lot to say today and not many people to say it to! You may notice that my friends and family list has lengthened by a bit...do not fear I have not gotten more friends just added many family blogs on. My cousins are quite crafty in the blogging department so take a look if you dare enter the world of Perritons. Since Natalie & Preston are the only friends I have listed I will not be seperating my lists into Family Blogs and Friend Blogs. Wait to go Nieders! Thanks for the friendship! (I do actually have other friends just don't have their blogs and Nat's the best of friend you'll ever get).

In all the hustle and bustle...

2008-01-05T16:10:00.000-07:00

We had a WONDERFUL Christmas. It started with Graeme and Challae's wedding, Phil SHOCKED me with a Lexus, and so much fun with little ones who really believe in Santa. Charlie told us Christmas Eve that she was going to wait up to talk to the big man himself. Luckily, she was willing to wait in bed and was asleep within ten minutes. However, she woke up the next morning quite disappointed because Santa didn't come because she never heard the reindeers' bells. Luckily, Santa did make an appearance and lots of toys were left. I would post a picture but in all the hustle and bustle of the season I have lost my camera. I'm so SAD!!! So if you happen upon a strange little camera with pictures of the cutest kids on earth and they are NOT yours please return it to me. Have a great New Year and hopefully I will be up and running again soon!

Charlie's First Dance Recital

2007-12-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

What a crowning moment this night was (I am choosing to block out the 45 minute tantrum over her hair)! It was so fun to see Charlie out there. She did well the first dance but something flipped her trigger and she was the child that just stood there and cried while all the other girls ran around dancing for the second dance. It was so much fun none the less! The red spots on her face are "chicken pox" for her first dance.

Charlie's Solo

2007-12-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

Before the recital started Charlie danced up on the stage by herself (there were a few other girls up there). It was the BEST performance of the night!

Family vacation...with Phil!!!

2007-12-02T20:35:00.001-07:00

We finally dragged Phil away from work to go on vacation with us! We spent one night with Natalie's family (she was so good to watch the girls while we went to see Wicked..go see it, its a must) and then two whole days in Disneyland. Luckily, we got to be with Ava, which was the highlight of Charlie's trip. We were also able to make it out of Disneyland without looking like it had exploded on us...I did have to remind Phil a few times that once you leave the magic the magical Disneyland apparel doesn't have the same affect. Brit loved the rides so much we literally had to pry her off of a few of them. All around it was a great trip despite a few dramas, I think we all cried at one point in the magical kingdom except Phil but I'm pretty sure there were a few times he really wanted to!

Temple Square Lights

2007-12-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving weekend we decided to join the masses at Temple Square where there is NO parking but we did find some under the conference center. The girls were both so excited...on the way there Charlie thought the refinery lights were Christmas lights. It was so much fun and so beautiful as always. Those Mormons sure know how to do Christmas ;)

I've Been Tagged

2007-11-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by that loving sister of mine (I only have one so I have to keep her happy). The rule is I have to write 7 facts about myself. I am not going to tag anyone so do not stress but will do my duty. Don't expect much for any other tags though! I thought this one would be a little worthwhile.
1. I talk to my mom and my sister EVERY day (most days several times a day) except for a seldom Saturday or Sunday and I LOVE it!
2. I whistle at my children and husband when I can't get their attention by talking or raising my voice (it beats yelling and stamping my feet).
3. I love living in Utah (Davis County rocks!:).
4. I could live on the beach (yes, this does NOT go well with living in Utah).
5. I love to exercise.
6. I have terrible eating habits and ZERO self-control with food, especially chocolate.
7. I thought I wanted boys when we decided to have kids but I am SOOOOO glad we have girls. I don't know what I would do without my girls!

Special Needs

2007-11-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

You've all met our children's parents. Its quite obvious there are special needs there and those things are hereditary so it was no shock to see this in our youngest. Actually the goggles are from laser eye surgery I had in July and Brit was quite proud once Granna got them on her!

Halloween Recap

2007-11-11T21:19:00.001-07:00

Halloween was so much fun this year! By night's end Brit was saying "Trick or Treat" which really sounded more like a lot of Ts with a long EEEET at the end, it was cute. Charlie still has candy (given her parents this is nothing short of a miracle!) in her closet, in the kitchen cupboards and she tends to hide any baked good a neighbor brings over in our chest behind the sofa. We started festivities early and painted pumpkins one night and carved others two nights later. The girls love their pumpkins and because I'm a bit of a scatter brain the painted ones are still by our front door (Brit brings hers in every day but the paint is so thick it keeps dropping clumps everywhere). Don't let the dog ose fool you, Charlie was a butterfly and Brit was a hatless witch. It is so fun to be parent!

Under Construction

2007-11-02T15:31:00.000-06:00

Dear family and friends,

My sweet and slightly impatient sister got so tired of waiting around for me to get my act together that she finally created my blog for me (too bad she doesn't live close by, maybe there's a chance it would work on housework!). Then a few weeks later she got so sick of my blog being blank that she added some pictures. I'm just testing her to see how far she will actually go with this!

For any of you who watch The Office and saw the season premiere a few weeks ago you will understand that Dunder Mifflin's website had a little construction worker with the words "Under Construction" on their website for years...that may be what you are going to get with my blog unless Nat keeps stepping in. It is a goal to get the thing up and functioning (all on my own) by years end. I have to take these types of things one step at a time. The worst part is I'm not really THAT busy I just don't seem to get around to it.

Love you all and thanks for visiting my pathetic (no offense Nat) blog.
Tiff

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-23T15:25:00.000-06:00

We had so much fun at the pumpkin patch! Look, Britty made a new friend!