All you need is LOVE......

We were babies 15 years ago. I had just turned 20 11 days before. Chris's birthday is less than a month away and he would be turning 22. What were we thinking? We were in love and we still are. We've learned a lot and grown up together. I wouldn't change a single day because if I did, I would miss out on what we have now. I love you Chris! Happy 15th Anniversary 12/16/94--12/16/09 and forever!
We went to dinner at Rodizio Grill at Trolley Square. That sure was A LOT of food. Good food, but a lot. 2 days later and I'm still full. Chris is my best friend and I love just being with him!

My Man!

Happy Birthday to ME!

I turned 35 on Saturday, December 5th. It's a good thing that 40 is the new 30 because that means 35 is the new 25. Right? Right! I really like being the age I am, but I don't really like saying I'm 35. It just sounds old. It's the oldest I've ever been.



Chris gave me my gift on Saturday morning. He did an awesome job wrapping it. He used black duct tape and red graffers tape. That was an adventure to open! It was a purple ipod nano. I love it so very much! I've been wanting one for a long long time. It's very fun!

I made a lunch date with some of my girl friends. We went to the Red Iguana in Salt Lake. It's a Mexican restaurant that's really popular. Really yummy too! Here I am with Krisanne, Catherine and Becky. A friend I used to work with, a friend from church and a friend who is also my sister in law.

This is Desirae and Tara. They are both friends from church. My friends April and Teresa were there too, but not in the pictures. Our waiter was enamored by Tara. Her drink order was the only one taken. The rest of us had to wait and order our drinks with our meal. Lucky Tara!

What a great group of gals! I loved being surrounded by beautiful women and great friends!

In the bottom left hand corner you can see my birthday dessert. I'm still not sure who told them it was my birthday! Some waiters and waitresses came and sang to me and then we all shared some yummy tres leche cake. It was good, but so rich I was glad to share.

All my siblings called or texted me birthday wishes. My mom and dad both called me too. I felt so loved! Chris baked me a birthday cake and we took it to the Ward Christmas party/dinner. I didn't fix a meal at all this day, and that my friends, is a pretty great way to celebrate a birthday!

Fat Cats

Last Friday, Tristan's school had an all school outing for UTVA students and their families. We went to Fat Cats in Ogden. We got to bowl and play mini-golf and ride the bumper cars. My kids are not experienced bowlers, unless you count the Wii. Connor won with a score of 76! I will blame my broken thumb nail which broke way down the first time I threw the ball. OW!! (next time I'm sure I'll find something else to blame...) It was fun. We still haven't really met any other students which is really quite bizarre. I don't really know what need to be done differently, but I really wish Tristan could meet some other 8th graders.

After we got done at Fat Cats, and were trying to figure out how to get back on the freeway to go home, we saw Farr's Ice Cream. I remembered my friend April telling me how good their treats are so we stopped and got some. Anna got Lime Ricky, Tristan got Root Beer, Connor got Strawberry and I got Macadamia Nut. It was definitely worth the stop. Thanks for the tip April!

Help me out!

I want a new winter coat. I found these at Nordstorms when I was shopping. I'm pretty sure that I want to buy one. But I can't decide on a color. My friend Catherine, who was shopping with me, told me I looked best in the red one. I really like the green one (of course, it's my favorite color). But then I think I should get a neutral color like black, brown, or charcoal. I already have black coat. So which one should I get? Vote in the comments.

late night musings...

I had plans. Big plans I say. I was tired, so I went to bed early. I drifted off to sleep. Woke up with a start. I forgot to take my medicine! Sadly, I don't take any medication, and even more sadly, I wake up in a panic several times a week with this same scenario. Sometimes I have to wake myself up completely to remind myself and convince myself that there isn't any medication I need. I don't know why I do this. Somebody please explain.

But back to my musings.

Lately, I'm having trouble. My kids just don't get along. Shocker, I'm sure. Connor and Anna are always at each other's throats, nitpicking on everything the other one says. Refusing to back down. Today it was over the word crasin. If I leave a room for a moment, they are right back at it. Tristan is always being so bossy to them. Connor takes 2-3 hours to do his homework. Tristan has NO friends. Anna gets distracted by everything. I'm in the car for hours every day. I need some help!

I have charts. I've tried bribing. I set timers. I yell. I ground.

I've decided I need to be more positive and fun. I know this works and it so important. But it's not easy for me. I forget easy, especially when the fighting starts or the school clothes get left on the floor (again!). I want my kids to have a fun childhood, filled with memories of doing fun things together as a family. It's really hard to do fun things together as a family when Connor is STILL sitting at the table doing homework when school ended 3 hours ago.

I'm not looking for sympathy here, but I am looking for suggestions. Chris suggested a fun jar, where they get to pick out something fun to do if everyone gets things done. I thought maybe they could earn something fun and have a jar to fill up with marbles or cotton balls for when they get along and get things done. What would be a fun thing for them to earn in the winter? Tubing? A day trip to somewhere? Do you know any middle school age boys who would want to hang out with Tristan? He really needs to spend time with someone besides his family.

Please leave any and all suggestions in my comments. I'm willing to try just about anything. If you don't have any suggestions, but may be experiencing some of these same issues, please please please share. I'd like to know that I'm not the only one going through this. I'd also like to know that it passes (please for the love of pete, tell me this passes).

Also: where in the heck did fall go? I cannot believe that December starts in 2 weeks! Christmas shopping? Not even a thought in my mind yet. Thanksgiving? Oh yeah, that's next week! Christmas decorating? really?? already??? I guess it's a good thing Chris never got around to taking the outside lights down last year. Ha ha we are one step ahead there!

A fuzzy purple hat...

Makes chores so much more fun!

update, shupdate

I know, I know, I need to update my blog. We've had good things happen, including photos. I just haven't gotten around to it. Halloween, school carnival, arrow of light in scouts for Connor. Maybe I'll post pictures and blog about it all. maybe not. we'll see

Not much going on around here. My parents brought us up their portable dishwasher. I am in heaven. I never realized what a pain not having one was. My kitchen looks so much better. It gives me great joy when I hear it running. The dishes are being washed and I'm not the one washing them!!!

Chris is starting to get into his slow season at work. He'll be home a lot more often now. It will be interesting now that I'm home everyday. I hope we don't kill each other.

Tristan is doing well with his new school. I really like it. I'm getting more organized with it too so it's getting better for me. We went on a field trip today to the plantarium that was fun. I still don't know very many people and they don't seem to want to get to know me. I tried to start conversations with them and they wouldn't even look at me. I guess maybe there's a reason some people like to do school at home. ha ha

I got my hair cut yesterday. I wanted to try something a little closer to home so I went to a salon by where my kids go to school. I'm pretty happy with the results. I'm trying to grow my hair out. I'll probably change my mind again before it gets long, that's what usually happens. girls and their hair....

sorry for the rambling. I just wanted to make sure everyone knew I was still alive!

Special Day

Our family are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or in other words, Mormons. We believe that children are accountable once they reach the age of 8. That is when they decide for themselves if they want to become official baptized members of the church.


Anna recently made the decision to be baptized. We are so proud of all that she has learned in order to come to this decision. Her dad baptized and confirmed her a member of the church yesterday.

These are all the priesthood holders who helped confirm her. Friends from the ward we attend and uncles and grandpas and Chris of course. She's lucky to have so many people who love her.

After the baptism, everyone came to our house for a luncheon. It was so crazy and fun that I forgot to take pictures. We love getting all the cousins together to play. They always have so much fun!

School of Tristan....

Tristan is officially a student of K12 virtual online school. We got all the supplies and got his school area set up. He's so excited to just take off and soar with all his books and supplies. They even sent him the computer and printer.

Study away Tristan, there is so much to learn.
Here's all his books. Brand new still in the shrink wrap.

Science and art supplies.

oh and all the teacher guides. I've got a lot to learn!

We really feel good about this program. It's a bit overwhelming right now. I know that once I get the hang of it, it will be easier. Tristan just needs to slow down a bit. He reads much faster than I do and doesn't want to wait for me! I know we'll both be able to learn a lot this year and I'm really excited about it. Wish us luck!

Anna's Birthday Party

Anna's birthday party was so much fun! She invited 4 friends (unpictured because I don't have permission to post pics of them) and I invited my good friend to help out. We went to a cosmetology school where the girls got all dolled up. Hair-dos, make-up and pretty painted nails!

Anna also got her ears pierced. She was sooooo brave! She didn't cry, didn't yelp, and hardly even squeezed my hand! So big and grown up!

After the beauty treatments, we went to Red Robin for lunch. The girls enjoyed their chicken strips, grilled cheeses and fries! Then the waitress brought this big ol piece of heaven, along with 6 spoons. We really enjoyed the dessert!

It was a super fun party and we all had a good time. Anna has some very well behaved friends. She's a lucky little girl! I had fun too!

Definition of insanity

I once learned that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Well, it seems like we've been living this definition for quite some time now. It took me a while to finally see it.

I don't want to get into a lot of details here. It's been a very emotional week around this place.

Tristan is starting a new school on Monday. It's called Virtual Academy and it is an online school. I know that it will require more work from Chris and I, but I feel like this is a good solution for us right now. We're really excited, especially about the fact that he can move as fast as he wants to go.

Now to find the boy some fun groups to join. Kid needs to make some friends. Any ideas?

Watch me grow!

On her Birthday, September 24, 2001

When she turned 1. September 24, 2002

(ages 3 and 4 are missing because I used our film camera then and I don't know how to scan things)

Age 5, September 24, 2006

Age 6, September 24, 2007

Age 7, September 24, 2008

Age 8, September 24, 2009

Happy Birthday to the best daughter I've ever had! I love you sweet dolly girl!

Utah State Fair

We had lots of fun at the fair. We saw many interesting things. A sculpture made of butter, sheep, horses, art galore, and lots and lots of people. Connor ate a fried pb&j, Tristan ate a fried snickers. We bought a keychain for Grandma's birthday made out of a grain of rice with the kids names written on it (she loved it by the way). We saw some a truck pull, but it was too loud and too stinky! We all rode on the big yellow slide, Anna twice! It was a hot day, but we had tons of fun! We live just a few blocks away from the fairgrounds so we just walked there. Boy were we tired when we got home.

The King of Siam

My Grandparents served a mission. They were Temple workers at the Laie Hawaii Temple. They also served in the Visitors Center there. They saw lots of different tourists while they were there. One tourist just happened to be the King of Siam. He wanted to see the inside of the Temple. My grandpa explained that only worthy members of the church got to go inside. He told the king what we do in temples. This king was very determined that no one could stop a King from doing what he wanted to do. My grandpa stopped him. Grandpa stopped the King of Siam. I know this isn't really the King of Siam, but when I think of the King of Siam, this is the only picture that comes to my mind.

oh what a joyous reunion!

On 9/9/09 my cute Grandpa passed away.

I'm not sad. He lived a good life. He was 92 years old. My Grandma died 2 years ago. I can imagine they are so happy to be back together. Chris wonders what good food Grandma'll have on hand for Grandpa. You could never visit without eating some kind of treat!

I'll miss you Grandpa Clay. I hope you keep watching over us. We love you!

Sunday Quote of the Day

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just like people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is just like an old time rail journey ... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."
— Gordon B. Hinckley

(emphasis added by me, but copied off another blogger.)

Violin -lin -lin

Connor, my big 5th grader, has the opportunity to play in his new school's orchestra. He has chosen to play the violin. We picked it up today and oh boy is that kid excited. He wants to start leaning NOW. I've always loved the violin, and I'm excited to see him learn.

What a day!

Wednesdays have always been pretty busy around these parts. Now that school is in full swing, they are even busier. Connor and Anna get out of school early on Wednesdays (1pm) so that necessitates another trip to North Salt Lake (there and back 3 times!) It's about 15 minutes each way. Fun times.

Today I got pulled over after dropping Tristan off at school. I failed to come to a complete stop. It's true, I did just do the rolling stop thing. I can't believe the police officer gave me a ticket! I can't even just call in and pay it either. I actually have to go to court. LAME. Go pick on someone who is really breaking the law.

Tristan only had an ok day at school. I guess he had trouble following directions when he was reading aloud during Science. The teacher's aide was really upset. I have some words of advice for her. "when you work with 13 and 14 year old boys, there are going to be days when simple directions aren't followed." thanks.

I was feeling kind of lonely today and actually wishing they would call me in to Substitute. I know now that I need to save my energy for everything that happens after school!

oh, I updated my book blog. there is a link to it over on the left of the page. I've read 6 books in August (and about 200+ pages of Shell Seekers but gave it up (yawn)). I've read some good ones this month, go check it out.

Also, please leave a comment if you are reading this. I feel like there are maybe 3 readers if I'm lucky. I'd like to know that someone out there is reading me!

Beginning of school tradition

We have a tradition of getting ice cream on the first day of school. Since the kids didn't all start on the same day, we decided to go on Tristan's first day and Connor and Anna's first full day (which was yesterday). We went to Leatherby's and got a sampler which is 5 different kinds of ice cream (with 4 spoons!). We had lots of fun but I had a hard time getting a good picture. I have some really goofy kids!

and then there were 3

So yesterday Tristan started 8th grade. Did you just read that? 8TH GRADE! (sorry for the blurry picture, we were running late!) We brought Connor and Anna to school, they start at 8:10. Tristan doesn't start school until 9:00 and their schools are only about 5 minutes apart. What to do for the 50 minute wait? Walk the track! Spectrum is next to a nature trail that surrounds a marsh. So we walked the track (1 mile) and then did the 1/2 mile ( a little bit of running was involved in the half mile). It was fun to have some time with just Tristan and I. So when it was time for school to start, I walked in with him. He said, "why are you walking with me?" then, "why are you in my classroom?" All grown up and doesn't need his mom anymore! He picked a sunflower for his teacher and put it on her desk. He had a good day, which made me very very happy!

two down, one to go!

Connor and Anna started school today. They had great days! They are lucky because they only had to go half a day. It was different because their classes were bigger (their classes at their old school were very small 12-15 students). Now they have a chance to make even more friends! The carpool was a little bit , ah, hmmmm... crazy and a stinkin' long wait, but with practice it will be better. Can't wait for tomorrow!

Due West at the Take Back Utah Rally

Today, Chris and I attended the Take Back Utah Rally. It was all about public land use. I probably wouldn't have gone to the rally, had it not been for the fact that Due West was performing there. But it was interesting and I learned alot.

The concert was really good. Chris left and went home to get the kids so they could watch too. They thought it was pretty cool that I knew the lead singer. Tim Gates was in my class in school. I knew him in middle school and high school. I remember him singing in talent shows in 6th grade and he helped me get interested in country music. It's so cool to see him following his dreams and doing so well at it. I really think they're going to make it big!

Thanks for an awesome concert guys!

summer is coming to a close

With only 13 days until Connor and Anna go to back to school, summer vacation is almost over! This is one of the first summers in a long time that I haven't been really anxious for school to start. I guess I'm a bit nervous because of the new school, and because Tristan is also getting a new teacher (she's new to his school and we've never met her). He ended the year in a negative way, so I'm really hoping he will be able to turn it around and have a great beginning to this year!

I talked about it in other posts, but I decided not to go back to work. I will only be subbing occasionally. I'm pretty excited about the situation, and hope to work 1 or 2 days a week max. We'll see how it goes. Who knows, maybe I'll get so bored at home that I'll call and beg to work! I'm hoping that being home more often will allow me to feel like I'm doing a better job doing my REAL job as a wife and mom. That's the most important thing for me to do at this time in my life. Plus, Chris is working out of town a lot more often lately, so I want to be home when he's home.

Connor and Anna have uniforms this year for school. It's been fun looking for all the needed items. I'm really excited to not have the usual morning drama of Anna changing her clothes 3 or 4 times and still not liking what she's wearing. Now I can just say "red or blue" and call it done! Connor's never really given me a hard time about his clothes. He's always been happy with an orange shirt and camo pants. In fact, one time he was with me when I was shopping and he said, just find something orange and soft and then we can go. Orange and soft are his only requirements. Unfortunately, orange isn't a choice for his school clothes this year, but he still has plenty to change into after school.

I still need school shoes for all 3 kids, but have decided to take them shopping individually. Tristan takes 5 minutes to pick out his shoes. 2 to measure, 1 to find a pair in his size, 2 to pay. then he is READY. TO. GO. Connor likes to look a bit longer and try them on and walk around, but he's usually done pretty quick too. Anna, on the other hand, would love to try on every shoe in her size and look at the next size too, just in case, and then try to get me to buy her more shoes, etc. So I do believe it will be easier if I just do it all individually this time. Wish me luck!

Friend or Foe?

So I started working out. Yes, me! A coworker gave me 5 dvds of Jillian Michaels. I usually do 2 a week. It is killing me! I actually cried on Monday when I did one called, "Maximize Full Frontal". I worked muscles I didn't even know I have. My legs still cry out to me when I go down the stairs. I decided to take a couple of days off to recover.

But look at her! No muffin top on her! Look at her arms. They do not wave back when she waves to her friends! I want to look like her, so I won't give up. It might take a while until I'm doing all 5 dvds every week, but I will do it someday!

Finally, the wedding post

I gave Chris the camera to take pictures of the wedding (since I was in it) and he used up the whole memory of the camera! So we don't have any pictures of the reception, and not very many pictures of the wedding itself. Most of the pictures are from before the ceremony, and most of them are of the boys! But Anna and I looked so good (of course!). But eyes were all on the beautiful bride!

Lexi and Tim were married by Ron Monsen. He is the Stake President of the Richfield Stake. He was also our home teacher when Lexi was born. It was neat to have him officiating. He gave them some good counsel, that I hope they take. I would love to see them go back to church and learn about the gospel. Maybe someday they will be a forever family!

The ceremony was held at my Aunt Connie and Uncle Gerald's backyard at their house in Annabella. They have an amazing yard that is more like a park with huge trees and lots of shade. It's a perfect place for an outdoor wedding.

It was really good to see my cousins that came for the wedding. My dad's sisters (and their husbands) took charge of the luncheon, and it was really good. I'm so glad they were able to help out so much to take a little of the load off my mom.

One of my sister's bridesmaids didn't even show up! Lexi took it very well, but I was pretty mad about it. Luckily she's friends with the wife of one of the groomsmen (and she was the right size) so she filled in.

Hopefully we'll be able to get some different pictures, I think I might be able to post some of the professional pictures (maybe? ) Everyone looked so nice, and my dad in a tux? woo hoo! I'm glad we got to be a part of this special day and we wish Tim and Lexi the very best! Love you guys!