Blake the Caveman!

Being the mother of two boys is ALWAYS exciting! There is definitely never a dull moment around our house...

From wrestling to mud pies, crossing streams in the toilet to nekkid time, spitting to playing with electricity, and much, much more...I thought there were no surprises left...I was wrong!

Yesterday, Grandma offered to watch the kids while I taught my 3rd class at the gym.

When I arrived home she approached me with a funny grin on her face and told me she had to tell me something.

That evening, as she was walking past the front-entry way, she noticed a little Blakey with his pants down peeing in her in-door tree.

Yep! Not the toilet, the tree!!!

I don't know what his obsession is with peeing on mother-nature, but just the other day he started pulling his pants down, outside the post office, to pee on the grass...luckily, I caught him in time and we ran to the restroom.

Evidently, after he finished relieving himself...Grandma kindly sat him down and discussed with him where we do and don't pee and the only times we are allowed to pee on mother-nature.

I'm sure his little brain was just laughing at her as she spoke to him and immediately began scheming plans for his next target...ha ha!

Like I said, never a dull moment around here!

2 Adults, 3 Kids, + 1...

A few weeks ago we took the kids to the fair. It was probably one of the grimiest and creepiest fairs I have ever been too. Most of the carnival workers looked like they had spent most of their life strung out on Meth!

In their most husky voices, they would shout out invitations to play "throw the dart at the balloon" or "throw the ping pong ball in the fish bowl" and then give you the best toothless grin you can imagine!

Anyway.

We decided to let the kids take a couple of shots at throwing the ping pong ball in the fish bowl. After 50 throws, one ball finally landed in the bowl and our prize was 3 Gold Fish...yippee!!

You would have thought the gold fish were actual GOLD...that's how excited the kids were. Devon and I just looked at each other, like, "oh great," now what?

We rushed our 3 fish home and dumped them in a fish bowl (thanks to Grandma).

The next morning...one fish was dead...the tears over this poor fish were excruciating!

The kids blamed us for not having any food to feed them and made us promise to buy some food at Wal-Mart (stupid fish!)

We bought some food and a air thingy for the tank.

Kids were happy, 2 fish were still alive...all was good!

The next morning...

"Mom, my fish is sleeping with only one eye open and we can't find the other fish..."

As I approached the bowl, I noticed that the fish was floating strangely in the water and realized it, too, was dead.

As I announced it was dead, tears began to flood from Taylors face..."oh, no, poor fishy."

I was extremely confused when I couldn't find the other fish, but figured I would let Devon figure that one out later.

Moments later, Luke shouts "I found the other fish...it's on the floor...and IT'S dead!"

More tears!!!

All 3 fish died. Stupid Fair. Stupid Fish!

So. Now we have a new fish. A lazy, blue, beta (named Feather) who is, 2 weeks later, still alive. Luke comments every morning how he can't believe our fish is still alive.

I can't either!

Perfection

I am far from being perfect...

I have a scar on my right cheek from having the chicken pox when I was a kid...

I eat way too much chocolate (in fact, I ate 10 Oreos yeterday...YIKES)...

I get my kicks out of watching Daytime Soaps and find myself wondering, during the day, when Jessica's stalker will strike next...ugh!...

When I'm frustrated I occasionally let a few "D" and "S" words slip out of my mouth...you know it's bad when one of your children asks you what "oh ship" means...

BUT, there are days when I experience moments of PERFECTION!!

A perfect day, like today (so far) for me is...

Starting the morning with a really hard, sweat dripping from my forehead-down my legs and arms kind of workout at 6 am...

Getting all 3 children off to school without ANY fighting...

Watching two of the three getting on the bus holding hands...so sweet...

Driving home, ALONE, and getting to listen to whatever kind of music I want...

Cleaning to my favorite tunes...

Admiring newly cleaned counter tops, loaded dishwasher, vacuumed floors, and laundry that is folded AND put away...

Quiet.....aaaaahhhhhh!

I just love it when moments of PERFECTION happen. It's not all of the time, but every now and again it happens and I LOVE IT!

The Truth About Devon...

Deception has never come easy for me...

However, this game of Truth or Lies was a piece of cake...I had most of you fooled!

So. Here is the TRUTH!

1. TRUE! Devon was seen on TV holding a "Bo Knows Ballet" sign at Angels Stadium. It was later talked about in the LA Times and Sports Illustrated.
2. TRUE! He frequently visited the Indian Reservation to play Keno. I'm sure all the change is what paid for many of our dates.
3. TRUE! He has never been to a PRO FOOTBALL Game!
4. LIE! He loves Sushi (Big SURPRISE!), but hates FRUIT!
5. TRUE! He met the man who invented Roller Blades at Tri City Park. The man was test-driving his pair around the park and Devon thought his skates looked really strange and asked him about them.
6. TRUE! To impress his friends he took his Dad's car for a Joy Ride while his parents were out of town.
   
7. LIE! He never entered the Iron County Fair, but he did have a Rabbit.
8. TRUE! While under peer pressure (so he says) he pushed the pedal to the medal on the 55 FRWY and reached 140 mph. Luckily, he didn't get caught!
9. TRUE! He has never taken a sip of alcohol...what a good boy!
10. LIE! Perfect Seminary Attendance...6am Seminary...yeah, right!
11. LIE! His first time in snow was was at age 14....not 19.
12. LIE! Devon was devastated when I suggested dating other people...that's another story...he claims "we were on a break."
13. TRUE! While riding bikes, with his mom, he crossed in front of her without looking and she went flying over her handlebars, landed on the pavement, and broke both of her arms at the same time!
14. LIE! He hates amusement rides...especially roller coasters!
15. TRUE! He really, for truly, wanted to name Blake, Diego!
16. TRUE! His ear rang for weeks after my brother, Michael, popped a pop rock in his ear.
17. TRUE! Sad, but true, his favorite song in Middle School was sung by Richard Marx.
18. LIE! His second car was a 1988 Honda Prelude. His fist car was a Buick SkyHawk.
19. LIE! He was never in Choir.
20. LIE! He thought he might die when a spider (non-poisonous) bit his foot and we rushed to Insta-Care...but it was never life-threatening.

Thanks for Playing our game of Truth and Lies and for all your Happy Birthday Wishes!

We have two winners...I thought I would spread the Birthday Love and send one to Darci (Devon's sister...she had it in the bag) and one to a non-family member...Carol! Thanks for playing girls, I'll be in touch!

Birthday Truth or Lies

Since today is Devon's birthday, let's honor him with a game of Truth or Lies...

The person who guesses the most truths about Devon's life will win a Vinyl Wall Lettering decal up to 46 inches in length...you choose the phrase!

So. Let Birthday Games Begin...

Truth or Lie

1. Devon was seen on TV holding a "Bo Knows Ballet" sign at Angels Stadium.
2. He frequently visited the Indian Reservation, in High School, to play Keno.
3. He has never been to a Pro Football game.
4. His favorite meal is a California Roll (spicy) with a side of strawberries and whip cream for dessert.
5. Met the man who invented Roller Blades at Tri-City Park.
6. Took his Dad's car for a joy-ride when he was 15.
7. His Rabbit, named Carmel, won the blue ribbon at the Iron County Fair when he was 12.
8. In High School he drove 140 mph on the 55 Freeway in Orange County.
9. He has never taken a sip of alcohol.
10. He was awarded with perfect Seminary Attendance for all 4 years of High School.
11. The first time he experienced being in the snow was at age 19.
12. Devon broke up with me at the end of our Senior Year so he could date other people while I was away at College.
13. He was responsible for breaking both of his moms arms at the same time.
14. Montazuma's revenge is his favorite ride at Knotts Berry Farm
15. He wanted to name Blake, Diego
16. Michael, my brother, popped a pop rock in his ear.
17. His favorite song in Middle School was "Right here waiting for you," by Richard Marx
18. His first car was a 1988 Honda Prelude
19. He was awarded "Most Improved" in 6th grade Choir.
20. He had a near death experience when a poisonous spider bit his foot and landed him in the E.R.

You have until Friday to enter and play. Have fun and Good Luck!

Happy, Happy Birthday Devo!!!

Directions to August 8, 2009!

1. Anticipate the arrival of your baby brother, March 14, 1985.

2. Every day after....show excessive fondness and love toward this little man and dote after his every word and daily ounce of cuteness!!

3. Try not to be mad at him when he barges in on dates with boyfriends and tells you that you have bad breath. Or, when he pops a pop rock in your boyfriends ear.

4. Attend his Turtles funeral and sing a burial hymn.

5. Attend every T-Ball/Baseball Game and each Play or Chorus Recital. Watch him grow and mature...Be there when he turns 16 and starts to drive, when he turns 19 and leaves on a Mission and returns from his Mission.

6. Watch him go to College and date and wait and wait for him to find "the girl of his dreams."

7. Get excited when he starts dating a girl named Anne who makes his heart flutter and adds a skip to his step.

8. Receive a text that says "I kissed her..." and know there is definitely something different about this girl.

9. Enjoy every phone call and text, thereafter, where you hear him tell you he's "in love" and he "can't wait" to pop the question.

10. Watch him get engaged and feel totally ecstatic and in shock that your baby brother is REALLY GETTING MARRIED!

11. Fall in love with his Bride-to-Be and so excited to have a new sister

12. Watch him marry this beautiful girl and feel emotional and touched as you witness his love for her and the sweet humility in his face when he looks at her.

13. Know he is happy. Disbelief that he is all grown up. Wonder where all those years have gone...watching him ride his bike, playing with the dog in the backyard, and kissing his cute little baby cheeks...amazing!

Congratulations Michael and Anne....we are so excited for you both and look forward to the future!! The Best is Yet to Come!!

Summer "Slumber Party"

Tupperware parties are so passé. I mean, who ever said that attending a party that primarily focuses on food storage, food preparation, and serving food is exciting?

Candle parties are overdone, overpriced, and, in my opinion, over rated!

More often than not, when I receieve an invitation to a party, such as these, I turn it down or dread going.

Don't get me wrong, the interaction with friends is always fun, the food provided is always good, but I hate feeling obligated to buy something that I don't need or have an interest in owning when I go to one of these things...am I the only one?

Recently, I was invited to a party ...a "slumber party" unlike no other and my dear husband could not wait to have me attend!

Without sharing too many details, I will tell you this...it was definitely a party that focused on what women want {hee hee}.

Have you ever been to a Slumber Party? If not, and if you're ever invited...go! It is hilarious and fun! I was a little hesitant to attend, like all parties I'm invited to, but this one was definitely different and something my dear husband did not care to watch the kids for while I attended. For him, there is no dollar amount when it comes to "our marriage" and he could not wait for me to get home!! Who knew there were so many "antecdotes" to improving "your marriage."

The truth is, I desperately needed a night out with the girls away from the kids and it ended up being totally worth it! It was fun being with the girls and talking about A LOT of CrAzY things! All of the "marriage/romance" enhancing products were hilarious, entertaining, and very interesting (to say the least)!!

I laughed SO hard listening to other people share stories and watching other womens faces as they reacted to certain things that were said or passed around during the party....so funny!

I left feeling slightly rebelious. It was as if this 60's flower child was released from my inner soul and I was anxious to get home and share what I had learned with my hunny and my boy was anxious to hear it!

The night was history and the "antecdotes" were a proven success {ahem}!

Enough said. If you have the opportunity to attend one--go!

Hasn't my summer been so exciting...can't wait to hear more? Check back later with pics and news about the biggest event of the summer...my baby brother's wedding!!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation: Part 2

For years, the name Gerber has been a household name. It's hard to say the name "Gerber" without picturing an adorable, squishy, happy baby.

Not only does Gerber produce baby food, but they also own the rights to the name "Onesie."

As a matter of fact, any time you say or write the word "Onesie" you are referring to a trademarked brand!

The word "Onesie" has become such a commonly used generic household name for a one-piece baby bodysuit that many don't even realize that Gerber owns the right to that name. In fact, when you are talking about or referring to any "Onesie", Gerber brand or not, Gerber believes you are referring to their Onesies.

Who knew such a generic, simple, common word could cause so much trouble and problems???

About 2 years ago, we were contacted by a Gerber Lawyer asking us to "cease and desist" the use of the word "Onesie" in our website OR ELSE!

Our good friend, who happens to be a Lawyer, sent them a letter on our behalf and we didn't hear back from them for 2 YEARS!

That was only the beginning...

Who knew, 2 years later, this cuddly, happy, baby-loving, multi-million dollar company would care so deeply about sending our friendly, sweet, cuddly, baby-loving, create-your-own-onesie-business-to- support-husband-who-has-lost-his-job-and-is-going-back-to-school...OUT OF BUSINESS!!

A quick google search shows a lot of moms who have had the same problems with Gerber. One mom in particular said, "F@$% Gerber!!!" Well said, Sister...I know it's wrong, but her words give us comfort.

Long story short, Gerber, once again, asked us to "cease and desist" OR ELSE!

We had a few options:

1. Stop using Createaonesie.com, but we were #1 on the google search engine and were afraid of losing that business.
2. Gerber gave us the option of selling Gerber products on our website. However, Gerber "Onesies," in our opinion, are one of the worst one-piece bodysuits out there so that wasn't an option!
3. We could sell generic "Onesies" and refer to them as bodysuits and sell "Gerber Onesies" as well.
4. They would buy our domain name for the same amount we would get from collecting cans all day.
5. Let them sue us and try to fight saying the name is generic...like we have anything for them to profit from anyway!
6. Contact the media and dream about Good Morning America contacting us to come on their show to talk about how this multi-million dollar company is destroying the American Dream of a small mom and pop shop. All who watched would feel anguish for the young couple whose husband lost his job, had to move his family back in with his parents, and is trying to make ends meet while going back to school full-time and supporting his family. Can't you see it?!
7. No longer use the word "Onesie" and start all over...

Well, all seven options were great ideas...especially #6! After much thought, months of deliberation, and Good Morning America not calling, we opted to go with #7! After 5 years of running createaonesie.com that name is no longer. We built a new, cute website www.createabodysuit.com With good advertising on google, everything seems to be going well...we'll keep our fingers crossed!
Hasn't this summer been exciting? I know you're dying to find out more about my summer...stay tuned for news about the Slumber Party I attended and Michael and Anne's wedding!!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation: PART I

It's hard to believe that 3 years ago I was cradling this little boy in my arms and rocking him to sleep. Now, I can hardly get him to hold still long enough for a hug and a kiss!
He, of course, wanted a TRANSFORMER birthday party and so I did as I was told and in Blake's words "made the best TRANSFORMER cake EVER!"
Soon after turning 3, I decided to FINALLY take the plunge and potty-train Blake. Why is potty-training always so dreadful? Oh, because it is!!!

We won't go into details about the potty-training, but he is done and he is officially a "Big Boy" now! Yay! I have been changing diapers for the last 7+ years...it's amazing to not have anyone in diapers anymore...w00-hoo for me!
We also participated in the 4th of July parade and Pioneer parades here in town...both holidays are very festive here!
The boys had a blast running for candy and dancing in the street.
Oh, and POP ROCKS...you can't celebrate either one of these holidays without them. Luckily, their Uncle Michael hasn't shown them how to pop them in someones ear yet...ha ha (remember that Michael!)

Onto other exciting news...our Vinyl Wall Lettering website is complete!
Feel free to check it out www.iwallvinyl.com Since completing our website we have been contacted by Albertsons and will be providing wall lettering for up to 300 stores! YEAH!

We're still trying to figure out how we're going to handle all of the volume once orders start piling in, but we are VERY excited about this news and anxious to share it with you all!
And, last...the most exciting part of my summer...(drumroll, please!) Posing for SHAPE magazine!

Yeah, I wish! Devon has been taking some Digital Imaging classes and used me as his guinea pig. I have to admit, I do appreciate the digital enhancements (if you know what I mean) and the flawless, perfectly glowing skin!
As you can see, my little blogging peeps, we have had a very exciting summer! I know you've missed me, so stay tuned for Part II of How I Spent My Summer Vacation.

Here's a sneak peek..."Slumber Parties" and "F*$@ Gerber!"

Chips and Cake for Dinner!

Life, as always, has been HECTIC!

I always assume that once school is out (which it has been for 2 1/2 weeks) that life will slow down and I will be able to pamper myself with much needed "ME" time. However, that has not been the case!

As the saying goes, "When it rains, it POURS!" Well, it has been pouring at our house.

Here are a few things I have learned in the past couple weeks:

• Just because school is out and you are no longer in constant contact with other grimy/germy children doesn't mean you can't get STREP THROAT...you can and you WILL!!
• Recovering from strep throat is even MORE awful when your hubby is out of town and won't be home for 2 days!
• You will do WHATEVER it takes to make sure your husband completes his Bachelor's Degree by April 2010. Which includes sending him away for 7 1/2 weeks to take classes at another University (only seeing him on the weekends) and doing his homework for him for his online courses.
• Absence DOES make the Heart grown fonder!
• Chips, cake, and cookie dough provide much needed comfort when you're alone and especially when you're alone at home watching "The Bachelorette."
• Realizing your baby brother REALLY is getting married...since when did he learn how to Kiss and look so cute doing it?!
• Thinking you're the BOMB when you, your mom, and your sister host an awesome (if I say so myself) Bridal Shower for your soon-to-be sister-in-law.
• Feeling so glad when it's over, but still craving the Chinese Chicken Salad!
• Spending a week with my sister is, as always, a blast! Especially when WE get to do the spying and teasing to those who are engaged...life is great when the roles are reversed!
  

Friends

Melissa, Kimberly, Carol

Since our move, last June, I have missed my friends. So much so that it still makes my heart ache whenever I think or talk about it!

Last month, I met up with some good 'ole friends (Melissa from San Diego and Carol my roomy from Ricks) for some much needed "me" time. We decided to reunion at Womens Conference. Let me just say I LOVED it!

I felt like I was in College again...

• We wandered around campus without worrying about the kids or appointments
  
• Stayed up until the wee hours of the morning chatting, giggling, and crying
• We ate great food
• Went to the movies
• Stayed in the DORMS!! (need I say more?)
• Danced
• Just had TONS of FUN!!
  

Thanks girls!! What do ya say we do it again next year!!

Let's Start at the VERY Beginning...

What can I say...life has been busy!!

I can say, however, that I have deeply missed all of you blogging peeps and I am ready to give you some updates.

So, here is the first (of hopefully many more blogging updates)...
Luke graduated from Pre-School! He will officially start Kindergarten in the fall. Wow!
The whole fam was there...look at this cutie!
AND, this cutie too!!
Yay for Luke!

Seven

7 years ago, today, you came into this world! For 24 years, I had been "training", waiting, and looking forward to this moment. Up until that moment, I was just a daughter and a wife and had no mothering experience of my own. I was hesitant, but knew I had been trained by the best...my hero...my mother!

Because of her, I have you...

Once upon a time she was the one giving loves and kisses to my bruises, broken heart or ego. Now, I'm the one empathizing, loving, cuddling, and kissing you.

Once upon a time she was the one singing the silly songs at the piano and narrating stories. Now, years have passed and I'm the one who sings and reads to you.

Once upon a time, she was the one cooking, cleaning up my messes, driving me to school, and holding me when I was sick. Now, I'm the one cooking, cleaning, carpooling, and caring for you.

I don't know how she did it! Somehow, she gave me wings to fly and leave the nest...and now here I am...your mother!

Although you are 7, you are still my baby. I am so grateful for you and for the joy you have brought into our lives. I am also grateful for my mother. Without her, I would not be the mother you have today. Thank you mom, for teaching me, encouraging me, and helping me each step of the way!

Much love to both of you! Happy 7th Birthday Taylor! And, Happy (belated) birthday Mom!

Loose Tooth and a Big Disappointment

A few days ago, Taylor told me she wished her tooth would fall out on its own. This is because she absolutely HATES it when I pull her teeth.

{{I don't know how I became the designated tooth puller, but I did.}}

On Friday, her wish came true!! She was entertaining her brothers and kept telling Blake to "bump" into her. Whatever the game was, it was fun...until she came crying to me that Blake bumped her in the face.

At that moment, she screamed and realized her tooth had fallen out! She was absolutely hysterical, at first, mostly in shock that her tooth was gone, but also because it was on the floor and she couldn't find it.

Well, the tooth was found, the tooth fairy came (a day late because he/she was so tired the night before that he/she forgot about the fairy thing), and Taylor was a happy girl!
Also, on Friday was my (I mean, Taylor's) Science Fair. We spent all Thursday night constructing her display board...which she took very seriously and turned out very nice!

All of a sudden, I've become my mother. I don't know how it happened, but now I'm the one responsible for creating and doing these things and it's just kind of weird...

Anyway, I was having a "Bad Mom Day" and totally missed the handing out of the awards ceremony thingy at the end of the Science Fair. I arrived right at the end.

My intent was to take pictures of Taylor standing beside her board and somehow I missed the event entirely. I arrived just as they were cleaning up.

When Taylor spotted me she totally looked at me and made a HUGE "Huffy" breath at me and said, "Moooommm!!"

First she was mad because I wasn't there for the awards ceremony.

Second, she was mad because she didn't win the Science Fair.

Third, she was mad because she thought the reason she didn't win the Science Fair is because I picked out the project/experiment.

Fourth, she was mad because she told me I never let her do anything that allows her to win medals.

{{This is where I stopped the conversation}}

Me: "What do you mean I don't ever allow you to do anything to win medals? This is the only thing you've ever done that you could win a medal for."

Taylor: (With a HUGE Huffy Breath again) "Yeah, well, you're the one who picked the project."

Me: "Well, there's always next year!"

I had no idea the Science Fair and winning a medal meant that much to her. Now I know how to negotiate getting chores done...tempt her with a medal?!

Spring Break

Devon was off school last week and we decided, last minute, to go to the OC for Spring Break. It has been months since we have been alone, as our own little family, and it was really fun for us to get away and be together!

Luke kept saying "This is the BEST vacation EVER, Daddy!"

He was right! Some of the things that made it the BEST vacation EVER were...

• Flip Flops, short-sleeves, and shorts
• Disneyland for FREE (yes, my friends it is good to have connections!)
• Great Mexican Food!!
• Bagels and the Beach
• Rosy sun-kissed cheeks and chests (actually, I look like a Lobster, but love it!)
• All of us sleeping in the same room together
  
• Finding out my brother, Michael, is ENGAGED...woo-hoo!
  
• Kids jumping off of Hotel beds onto mattresses on the floor
• Sand in the bottom of the tub that I don't have to clean
• Sand in our toes
• The smell of sunscreen
  
• Playing in the tide pools
• Meeting up with a few old friends (sorry to those we missed, we couldn't see everyone!)
• Just being together...it's the best place to be!

We were sad to leave, had a great time, and miss the thick, humid, ocean air, but hopefully it won't be too long until we can go back again soon! When I find my camera...I'll post pictures!

Happy Birthday, Michael!

When Michael was born, I was so excited to have a new baby brother. I can still remember going to school the day after he was born and bragging to my teacher and feeling so proud to be a "Big" sister again!

Of course, being 8 years younger, he had many opportunities to annoy and embarrass me. Especially during the teenage years. For example, popping a pop rock in Devon's ear, telling me I had bad breath while on a date with me, spying on me with his friends (again while on a date), making me and my boyfriend attend his dead turtles funeral, and so on...

However, he also has a very sweet side. He would always tell me how beautiful I am. Or, how much he loved the way I sang. He's always been very complimentary and dependable. He's gone out of his way, many times, to visit me when I've lived far away. We've shared many good, fun, and long conversations together on the phone and while running. He is thoughtful and kind and true!

Although he is almost 8 years younger than me, we are the best of friends!

Michael, Happy Birthday! We hope it's great! Love ya!

Kindergarten Moments

Yesterday, as I was greeting all of my cute Kindergartners for PE, one little girl came up and gave me a HUGE hug and afterward said:

(as she stared at my neck) "What's that?"

I was wearing my whistle and assumed she was talking about the string attached to it that I was wearing around my neck. So, I said:

"Oh, that's the string for my whistle."

She continued to look insistently at my neck and pointed and said, "No, what's that???!!!"

I turned and looked where her finger was pointing.

She was pointing to the huge mole that I have on the back of my neck.

I said to her, "Oh, that's just my mole."

She said, "Well, why don't you just POP it or something!"

Nice.

Kindergartners definitely aren't afraid to tell you how it is...

I think it's time to have my mole removed!

Happy Birthday, Daddy-o!!

53 Years ago, this handsome man was born!

There are a lot of reasons why I think my dad is the greatest, but here are just a few...

• He loves my mom
• I am his FAVORITE child (Robyn and Michael there is no arguing about this...we know all know it's true)
• He loves to share funny stories
• He always drives fast!
• He loves the Gospel
• He serves others with compassion, kindness, and love
• He loves to tease...oh, he is such a tease!
• He plays with and adores his grandchildren
• He always wears shoes...even indoors...this sometimes drives my mom crazy, but he can't stand not having shoes on.
• He would always listen to Gloria Estefan, when we were kids, and sing along.
• He's really great at giving lectures
• He has an incredible smile
• He is generous
• He would do anything for his family
• He gets emotional whenever all of the family is together or when his kids sing
• He loves to shop at Nordstrom
  
• He is the BEST!

Happy, Happy Birthday Dad! We love you, we miss you, and hope your day is great!!

Blakey

Sometimes I wish I could put this little boy in a bottle and keep him this way forever. He is all personality and fun. Even though he is getting closer and closer to turning 3, he is my baby and he knows it too!

He will be turning 3 in June and slowly, but surely, the baby is disappearing and the boy he is becoming is more certain every day.

I have been holding onto his long baby locks for 2 years now. I loved the way his hair sweeped down against his face, but recently his hair was looking too much "business in the front, party in the back."

So...I gritted my teeth and cut his hair. He looks so much more grown up...I don't know if I can stand it! But, I guess in someway, he will always be my baby.

Look at this cute guy! Isn't he handsome!

He is such a sweet boy too!

Luke turns 5!

Dear Luke,

It's hard to believe that 5 years ago you arrived into this world! You were a beautiful, perfect, and happy baby. You turned heads everywhere you went with your bleach blond hair and bright blue eyes. As soon as you learned how to walk, you were unstoppable! You've been on-the-go ever since. You amaze us everyday with your talents and love. A day doesn't go by when you don't say "I Love You" and we love you too! We love to watch you learn and grow. We love to watch you build Legos, dance, sing along with your favorite songs (especially HSM3) ,and are constantly amazed at how well you use your imagination to create such amazing things. Your brother and sister are your best friends and you include them in everything you do. This world just wouldn't be the same without you. You are such a joy to be around and we love you so much! Happy 5th Birthday Buddy!

Love,

Mom and Dad

Yesterday was Luke's 5th Birthday. How is 5 years has gone by so fast? He decided he wanted a Star Wars Birthday Party....so, here is my version of an R2D2 cake. It only took me 6 hours to make from start to finish, but I think it turned out really cute and Luke loved it!
Luke had a great day! And, here are the pictures below to prove it!

Mom and Luke

Luke, Mom, and Dad

The amazing 5-year old himself!

Luke called Michael Friday morning and asked him if he would come to his birthday party on "Sunday at Evening." So, Ann and Michael joined us for the party. What an awesome Uncle! He drove 3 hours just to wish his nephew Happy Birthday...thanks guys!

Luke blowing out candles.

Grandma, Luke, and Grandpa.

A few relatives who joined the celebration.

Opening presents. A new set of Legos, clothes, new personalized bedding, a BYU baseball shirt, ball, and bat, and a remote control Helicopter. I don't think he could have had it any better.

Happy Birthday Luke, we love you!

Blonde and Sassy!

Aren't self-portraits the best?

{{can you sense my sarcasm}}

This is the best I can do...my 4-year old probably could have taken a better picture.

Anyway. It's blonde. It's shorter. And, fun to have a change.

The stylist really teased it high and put tons of product in it so it would stay that way. That's probably the main reason Taylor thought I looked so funny.

This picture is a much more tamed down version of the original day.

Gosh, can Summer take any longer to get here...I really need a tan!

Manic Monday

So. Yesterday I spent the ENTIRE morning getting a hair makeover!

Yes! Finally! I found someone who I felt worthy to do my hair. She is cute, sweet, experienced, and oh-so-willing to consult, cut, and hi-light just the way I like it.

Anyway, after a much needed new-DO...I rushed to the Elementary School to teach 3 hours of PE.

Nothing gives you a better self-esteem boost, especially after a new haircut, than 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders saying "Hey! You cut your hair" or "Hey! I really like your hair." or "Hey! I love your hair Mrs. D."

My self-esteem boost, however, was briefly put on hold during a PE softball game when I called a young 4th grade girl "OUT." She was so mad at me for calling her "OUT" that she sat in the corner, cried, and told all her friends that she "HATES" me.

{{How do I know she hates me, you might ask? Well, in the 4th grade, everyone likes to be in-the-know and likes to make sure if you're not in-the-know that they get you in-the-know.

So. That's how I know.}}

Yes! Like, I said, my self-esteem boost was only briefly put on hold and I was still feeling pretty great until 3 hours later...walking down the hall to greet Taylor and take her home...the look on her face (puzzled and strange) said it all...

But, the look wasn't enough, she just. had. to. say. it. out. LOUD..."Mom, you look funny!"

What a drag!

If this is was Elementary School is like, I am so glad I'm not teaching Middle School!

Puppy Love

I love PUPPIES!

A friend invited us to play with and hold their Golden Retriever Puppies...they were soooo cute!

Had it not been so cold and windy I could have taken some better pictures. It was hilarious watching Blake chase these cute puppies around.

I'm still trying to convince the in-laws that we need one of these...how can you resist this cute face!

Making A Re-Appearance...

A day in the life of me...

• Stay up until midnight or later, every other night, completing vinyl lettering orders.
• Wake up at 7am to get the daughter ready for school and out the door.
• Do dishes, maybe throw in some laundry, and finish completing vinyl lettering orders that you were too tired to finish the night before.
• Take a shower and get dressed.
• Rush to the Elementary School to teach 3 hours of P.E.
• After school, hurry and drop off Taylor at dance
• Rush home to finish boxing up orders and deliver them to the post office.
• Sometime, during all of this chaos, figure out what to cook for dinner.
• Rush to the gym to teach Pilates or Dance.
• Hurry home to feed the family and read and practice spelling with Taylor.
• Start to feel tired.
• Bathe the kids and put them to bed.
• Watch your favorite show.
• Go to sleep.

Wake up with a sore throat...two days later find out it's strep!!!

• Be extremely thankful for antibiotics!
• Take lots of naps.
• Love the fact you live with your MIL who can take care of you and the kids!
• Wake up, feel better, and realize you have to get back to work...UGH!

Spend the entire day baking and frosting Valentine Day Cookies!

Realize the work of a mother NEVER ends!

Crazy for Cheetos Puffs

Devon is the 6th of 7 children in his family. Growing up, with 7 kids, food (especially snack foods) didn't last long in his home. Anytime his mom came home from the grocery store with Oreos, Cheetos, or Soda Pop, they were gone in a flash! If you didn't get your share...it was gone before you knew it.

In H.S, Devon would always tell me how he couldn't stand Cheetos...he didn't know why...they just grossed him out!

One day, his older sister overheard our conversation, about Cheetos, and confessed to him that when he was 5 0r 6 years old she told him that Cheetos were POOP so he wouldn't want to eat them and she could have them to herself.

If you look at Cheetos, you can see how, in a 5-year olds mind, they look like POOP.

Poor Devon!

Not only was he missing out on Cheeseburgers with ketchup, lettuce, and tomato (one of many things his "super-taste buds", as he likes to call them, couldn't stand), but was missing out on Cheetos too!

Now, 25 years later, he decided to put Cheetos Puffs to the test! He thought he might like the "puffs" since they don't look like POOP.

After one bite...he was addicted! His fear of eating POOP is gone!

In fact, he is soooo addicted that Cheetos has become a MUST NEED staple in our home. He has eaten them with his peanut butter toast, in the morning, with his sandwich at lunch, and snacks on them during American Idol!

He is CRAZY for Cheetos Puffs!

The Fourth Picture Tag

I've been tagged! Thanks Amanda!

This picture was taken when Blake was about 4 months old. Much of those days are a blur. I guess that's what happens when you have three kids in four years--eh? This was taken on a typical "pajama day" morning. Back when I had nowhere to go and nowhere to rush to. Aaaahh, those were the days! But look at those sweet faces! It's hard to believe Blake is 2.5 years old and Luke will be turning 5 next month. I miss those simple days of morning cartoons, playdoh, and playdates at the park. Now we've progressed to video games, light saber fighting, and Star Wars movies.

What is your 4th picture in your 4th picture file? If you're reading this consider yourself tagged!

Rules: 1.Go to your 4th picture folder
2. Pick your 4th picture
3. Write about it
4. Tag 4 other people