THE WRIGHT STUFF

alot of the same...but OH so different...

2012-02-06T20:18:00.000-08:00

We had some more fun visitors during these last two weeks:)
We do a lot of the same thing it seems when people come see us
but each experience is still unique and extraordinary.
First off- my parents came for 3 nights. The kids are in high-heaven
when grandparents come to stay...spoiled little brats...
We went to a 3-D movie (beauty and her beast)
and out to eat at Teeexxxassss Roadhouse. Oh yeah.
Can't beat their rolls with their special butter...

Even Charlie downed 3 or 4...

I say they are spoiled but we were too.!
The kids got so much attention which allowed us to slack off...

There were lots of story reading moments.
And of course we had to do Dixie Rock with them!

So precious. These two remind me alot of each other. I think Charlies' gonna grow up to look like my Dad. Totally different personalities-except for their stubbornness- but same stature:)

Haven't done this since my dating years in High School! It was a beautiful day at the park and someone left their ice blocks in the grass so we took it for a slide!

Bye 'bump-pa'! We love you and will miss you and love it when you come to stay with us!!

Next it was the Californians(Marty's mom and sister)! They stayed with us just 2 days later for 5 nights! We loved it!! They brought a load of goods with them from LJB Farm in Gilroy-which is owned by Marty's bro-in-law. It was probably 50+ dollars worth (well lets see, the olive oil was 20 so maybe more than that) of dried fruit, nuts and jams! THANKS RUSS for sending it! SOOO yummy and authentic...

More and more and more story time...I swear Kim had the most patience with these guys! All 3 of my kids just bugged her to death nonstop and she just rolled with it. I would have been swatting them away:) She is such a great auntie! They love her!

But I need to add the 'Gramma DI-ane' has loads of patience too! She always lets them bake with her. Such a hard and messy task when shared with kiddos. Here she is guarding Charles Henry from eating a pound of M&M's...

One day we got 'a little' kid free time and toured the Brigham Young House and meandered around in some antique shops and art galleries. p.s. we ate really good while they were here...homemade lasagna with french bread and balsamic/oil/garlic dip, maple glazed pork chops with sweet potato and spinach salad, hamburgers with sweet potato fries and broccoli, blackberry shakes, brownies, buttermilk pancakes, oh, and we ate at Kneaders one day too...yes we gained a little weight:)

We took them to Zion's of course....COLDer than I expected! There was snow in some parts and definitely hoody, gloves, hat, weather... but still majestic.

Weeping Rock (hike). Bad Picture. Need awesome camera.

Lots of whispering and yawning...ya think family wore us out?! noooo....

Lots of flexing.

Lots of worm-looking rocks and then ice cream on a cold day in Zions. The ice cream was actually in Springdale: a quaint, cute, dead-in the winter-but crazy in peak season- type of town just before Zion Park.
What a great day and a fabulous week and a half we had.
Our house feels empty now...and maybe just a titch cleaner:) We miss you ALL.
Thanks for sharing your love with us.

Car Show and Visitors:)

2012-01-16T20:55:00.000-08:00

Jami and her Momma and kids came to town.
They hung out with us a bit while they were here! We loved it...

Of course we took them to our favorite hiking spot- Dixie Rock!

And ate at Tikki, Island Grill, so yummy!

And 'Krave'-build your own yogurt cup of lovin yum....

On Saturday, we went to a car show in Mesquite....

So fun watching Marty with the kids...this is HIS thing, he LOVES cars
And I think Charlie will be just like him. That boy is obsessed.

We got to watch several cars drive by and rev up their engines...it was quite LOUD
..but fun to see them in action. (what's with the bink? he only usually has it at bed...it won't drag on till he's 5, I promise!)

I wanted to take this old trailer out for a test trip! ha!

Today for Martin Luther day, we took the kids hiking on Chuckwalla trailhead...I love that it was sunny and mild today. It felt great to get some fresh air...

Blue skies, red dirt. Love it. Love these Kiddos.
Then we went to Menchies for frozen yogurt...I could live on that stuff, and the kids get extatic to build their own sick concoctions: like-chocolate and peach yogurt with sour gummy worms, sprinkles, marshmellows, captain crunch and all other sorts of weird toppings!

Christmas and Beyond...

2012-01-05T20:01:00.000-08:00

We went to an ugly sweater party with my extended
family the weekend before Christmas. We drove
up north for the weekend...

And man, were we ugly. I wish you could see Marty's shirt I made! Dang. It was hilarious. Liam almost one the grand prize! ha! I think it's because everyone was impressed he kept a cup pinned to his shirt all day.

The kids starred in a nativity at our 'other' extended family party that same weekend.

On "OUR" Christmas Eve (which we had a day early-and I am so glad we did)...we went to a nativity with the Chambers at Tuachan and out for Pizza.

It was a 15 min. performance with live animals- and 3 real camels- and the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible. Then the kids got to see Santa.
Oh, Santa... you look so overwhelmed:)

Santa's letter (hand-crafted by Ruby) and food- we almost forgot to do it!
I heard some good ideas this year from friends that I might adopt...
3 gifts per kids because that is what Jesus recieved.
Getting ONE gift from Santa-(whatever they tell him on his lap) and the rest is from mom and dad.
All toys from Santa, all clothes and things that might need to be returned or exchanged from parents.

Christmas Jammies!

Their' big' gifts this year...Charlie a 'flinstone' car, Ruby a guitar and Liam a scooter.

We went hiking on 'our' Christmas Day after naps and eating and eating and laying around. It was actually Christmas EVE for everyone else...kinda weird.

It was a gorgeous day.

We had church at 9 on Christmas day. We saved a little present for the kids for that morning and Ruby and Liam exchanged gifts which they were SO excited for. We'd gone out shopping the night before and split up Liam with dad and Ruby with me. They bought it with their own money and all. I was so happy not to have to do Santa presents on Sunday, especially because we left about an hour and a half after we got home from church to drive up north for Christmas dinner at my parents with all my family.

Up at Grandmas. Ruby and Liam singing the 12 days of Christmas to everyone for the talent show. They have both memorized the whole song without any push from me...so funny.

My mom and dad tried to 'scale it down' with the gifts for the grandchildren...but only giving 3 presents each still felt like a madhouse!!! With 24 kids in tow!! One of their gifts were these hats...and of course my mom had all shapes and sizes of extras upstairs for exchanges...I swear Target hated her when she walked in to return all the ones that weren't taken!!

Charlie's birthday was the next day. I am still trying to convince Marty to let me change his birthday to January 26th...it's just too much to celebrate the day after Christmas. And this proves it...he didn't want me to make a cake cuz we'd had to much 'crap' to eat over the holidays and also didn't want me spend the time on it....HA! Like I'm not going to make my son a birthday cake for his 2nd year birthday!

{SO excited}

Charlie got to celebrate his birthday with cousins at my mom's house and then again that night with cousins at Ryan and Becca's (Marty's bro) and with Grandpa Lee and Merry. What a spoiled kid. He is a riot at 2. Although he isn't as ornery as he was months ago...he is still REALLY, REALLY loud and still screams often. Now he is usually such sweetie and and his screaming moments are less frequent. His temperament is way different. He is singing little songs most the time, giggles alot and pulls all kinds of faces! And and is learning so much...counting to 5, singing jingle bells, saying everyones names. He is obsessed with trucks, trains and cars-just like a true boy.

We celebrated New Years Eve day with my family up north with a big breakfast at mom's (waffles, pancakes, ham, eggs, egg and potato casserole, fruit, 3 types of milks and 4 types of juices). Then we went to the church building-yes our family is that big now- to play games and so the men could play basketball.
This is all the grandchildren-minus Brystun and Brigham- at the church.

Then we sped home to St. George and celebrated that night with the Chambers...Karlin with her sidekick and hip bruiser-Charles Henry.

Yep kids...whistle in the new year....here we go...it will be better and brighter, ya?

the smell of garlic...

2011-11-29T14:26:00.000-08:00

As soon as we drove into the Gilroy California area...(even with the windows rolled up) GARLIC filled our nostrils. I love the nostalgic feeling of driving 'home'.
(my adopted home-Marty's real home)

The {9} hour drive! Kids were decent.
Can't really complain about them...I just had a hard time- I hate driving!

Finally at GRANDMAS house! Charlie got a
kick out of Anthony(my nephew)...they were little buds:)

We went to Phil's Fish Market (sits right on the coast) on Wednesday....YUM.
{real seafood, says Marty}

It is always a 'treat' to eat here. I ordered the wrong thing (of course) and salivated over everyone else's food. Raquel let me eat some of her 'seafood sliders' - SO good.

Then of course we hit the beach next...what a gorgeous day!
It was perfect weather.

{Brothers}

So relaxing. I wish I could live on the coastline...
except for all the sand I'd find in my kids' crevices:)

A little sea crab...

Time to go...

Thanksgiving day was spent with Grandpa Lee and Merry at the
Monterey Bay Aquarium...

Yes, Liam almost dove-in to reach the sting ray's...he wanted to touch one so bad...he finally did but to the expense of his shirt sleeve!

The kids loved their Grandpa time!

We ate our Thanksgiving feast at a seafood place in Monterey...I had a salmon sandwich w/sweet potato fries....hmmm

Ruby lost her first tooth on Thanksgiving!!!! YAY.
She's been wanting to lose a tooth for months now...it finally came true.

On Friday, we ate the 'real' feast with everyone at Raquels house.
(we couldn't on Thursday cuz they were with their 'other' family)

I cut out Kim's beautiful face! The little one's ate in the other room.

More signs that we need to get a dog....Charlie was in heaven with this thing!

These two were a riot. Always stripping down. They did a small performance for Thanksgiving. Pilgrims and Indians.

I love their sleeping pics...too funny. They did great on the floor each night. Grandma made us steeled oats in the mornings...my new fav.

Beautiful hike to Uvas on Saturday.

My sis-in-laws! Love them, I am so lucky. We missed you Echo and Becca.

This place was incredible.

Back at Raquels...

What a beautiful sunset.

I hate when it's our last night...:(

Best way to end the trip. A lizard caught at Grandpas!

And best way to end this post is with the best recipe ever...for an appetizer/snack

Cranberry Dip

2 blocks cream cheese

1 cup sugar
1 cup cranberries (chopped finely)
3 green onions (chopped)
2 T cilantro (chopped)
1 -2 jalapenos (chopped finely)

Mix the cranberries and sugar. Let sit while you chop and mix all the green ingredients.
Gently stir the green ingredients with the cranberry mix. Place the cream cheese on a plate or platter. Pour the dip over the cream cheese and garish with a little chopped cilantro.

Dip with crackers or baguette bread. I like with Wheat Thins:)

i heart it, really much...

2011-11-16T14:36:00.000-08:00

I love Saint George! This is what I woke up to one morning
on my run at the end of our street.
BEAUTIFUL.
{Fog reminds me of being in California when we visit Marty's family}

I kept telling Marty how sad I was because I didn't think there was
a 'FALL' here. My FAVORITE time of year. The leaves hadn't
changed yet and it was Halloween and I was getting worried.
But now that has ALL changed There are reds and yellows everywhere!
It is gorgeous with the red rock landscape and Spanish style homes...
I am happy again. And at peace.

We went on a hike Monday for FHE and, other than it getting dark
at 5:30 pm (boooo!), it is perfect temps right now.
Kids are still walking and riding their bikes to school everyday. I love it.
November is amazing here,... stunning,... perfect.
This shot doesn't do the fall leaves justice...there are some areas with
such contrasting colors-I want to just sit and stare,
all day long and soak up FALL.

I don't know what to say about this little monster...he is becoming such
a little person, talking and walking and screaming.
I can't imagine my life w/out him.

I had to insert these 'cold' pictures...we went up north to see family this last
weekend and it snowed! While it was super pretty and the kids loved it...I
had no intentions of venturing outside in it and was perfectly happy to
leave it when we came home:) Yes, I will miss having a white
Christmas but I won't miss any of the aftermath...
(I don't pretend not to miss my family though)

Plus, we can see the snow anytime...just make the trip up north! Right?!

Another thing I 'heart' lately about this place, is these hot air balloons we've been seeing right outside our door step most mornings. What a sight they are!

This one 'landed' between the time I took Ruby to school and back.
We saw the top of it as we were driving back and Liam and I played detective following the 'bubble' above the housetops...come to find out, it landed right in our neighborhood...
SO fun!

2 Frightening Days...

2011-11-06T18:14:00.000-08:00

1. Halloween-here they are ready to rock n' roll!

We trick or treated with some friends.
This little one Karlin has ALWAYS got Charlie attached to her somehow!
Usually on her skinny little hip. I swear they probably weigh close to
the same amount...I love when she's around!

Spooky Spider:)

Liam's best buddy, Trevor, was also an incredible! What tuff stuff they are as a team.

Our neighborhood is SO fun at Halloween. The streets are packed with kids. One family(Drapers) had a BBQ out front of their house offering anyone and everyone -hot dogs, chips and soda. They had 'How to Train Your Dragon' playing from their projector onto the garage with chairs set up for the kids. It was such a nice break from running around to just sit and rest for a bit:) The weather was awesome! Perfect temperature. The other picture is a guy from our ward that is always the 'Headless Horseman' in our neighborhood. He rides around and around on Halloween night; fascinating all the kids. LOVE it.

Oh yeah...the LOOT.
Charlie's first real experience to divulge and not be restrained...
can you tell he was beside himself?

2. The Snow Canyon Half on November 5th in St. George. My 3rd half marathon! It was BEAUTIFUL. Such a gorgeous run through Snow Canyon. Thanks to Ricki for training with me and pushing me to get ready for it. I achieved my PR! (1:44). It was so exciting and excruciating...all at the same time:)

The weather this day was NOT perfect. It was FREEZING. Marty and the kids came to see me finish-poor babies were not happy about the blistering wind. They didn't last very long and I was ready to hit a HOT bath ASAP.

visitors and fall fun!

2011-11-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

We had THIS going on whilst my sister and her family were enroute to our house! {REALLY?} We've never had strep in our household- what immaculate timing.

Soooo, they rented a hotel for two-unplanned nights in a row and we finally spent some time (kidless) Friday for dinner...which was way fun and then we went hiking with them and our kids on Saturday. It was 24 hours after the antibiotics...so we were in the safe zone:)

The cousins were in heaven when they FINALLY got to see each other. It was like torture to tell them they were in town but at a hotel!

We hiked at red rock again. It was different then a month ago when we went w/our friends. There was water in the pools this time...cold water , but water just the same and kids have to get wet when they see water.

Finally a little glimpse of FALL in ST. GEORGE. ha! It was beautiful with the red rock background.

Morgan is Ruby's favorite! She adores her. Morgan held Ruby's hand most the way back to our car. Needless to say, Courtney could have used that hand holding- she was so brave when we were swimming...but, cried the entire trek back. Poor thing was cold and tired.

We went to Staheli Farms for Liam's pre-school class field trip. Charlie tagged along and spent his time massaging the goats behind and chasing this stray chicken....little stink!

Liam's class...we do a joy-school type thing and switch off teaching every 5 weeks...works out pretty nicely! The kids showing off their loot from a package from Grandma Sharon and Ric and then days later they got another from Grandpa Lee and Merry...spoiled! Why trick or treat?

Yes, the incredibles AGAIN. I know, I know...lame. But the kids loved it and it wasn't lame to St. Georgian folk...they didn't know us last year! Liam won a cupcake at the ward cake walk...he was so thrilled.

Charlie was the MAN at handing out candy at the trunk or treat...he picked up the slack from Marty.

Next we had Jared and Ingrid come for the weekend. We went to Zion's with them. It was so GORGEOUS> This is a little stop on the way. Kind of fun.

We got to feed the animals some carrots...if you look closely in the 'jail' picture above this one...Charlie ate his own-

More leaves! yay! I LOVE FALL still.

After our hike we spent some time by the river...so relaxing, and did I mention beautiful?

We had a little Hallo party at Tasha's on Sunday. Bobbing for apples and a cake walk...you can't go wrong with the kids!

Marty had to show them how it was done. They'd never done it before...it took a while to get the hang of it and a lot of 'wetness' to finally accomplish the task!

Liam did it next! Ruby got it too, but cheated a little by biting the stem, or she was smarter than the others... not sure?

Charlie, well he just got wet... and loved every minute of it.

Family is it.

2011-10-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

It may seem monotonous to see this red rock so much in our pictures
...but we love it! And the kids can't get enough lately. They are
just avid little hikers! This is a place called 'Dixie Rock' - a real
easy, fun hike for the kids and the overlook into
St. George is beautiful! {We love it here!}

Liam doesn't quite know how to flex his muscles...but he sure can screw up his face pretty good...

We went to Staheli Farm one night-(thanks to Ricki)
and the kids had a BALL.

Ricki's kids performed at the Farm that night and afterward they had kids come up on stage to try and follow the teacher doing some dance steps...lo and behold...little Charlie stepped right up there by himself without any push from us! Who knew he was born to boogy!?

Oh.... my cute little candy corn. He was so happy here-could have stayed for hours.

We headed up to Morgan this last week for my Grandpa's funeral.
He was 88 years old. Lived an amazing life.
We stayed the night at my sister in law's and the kids were in heaven with their cousins...Charlie was in heaven with his Grandpa Ric!

Me and Ruby- both happy to be with our cousins that we don't see too often anymore.
I love family! It was so good to see everyone. It went by too fast. We don't all get together like we used to.

My Grandpa's funeral was amazing. I was so impressed with his kids that spoke, including my Dad. I loved to see all his posterity. We all sang and it was just incredible. Every one of his grandchildren was there.
His graveside dedication was one of the coolest things I have ever been to. It was powerful. The military honors were very inspiring. It was the one time Marty got emotional.
{i heart my patriotic husband}

My sweet, beautiful Grandma. These military personnel were so articulate with this flag as they folded and then saluted it. I was so impressed, and a little awestruck. There were two musical numbers that I just loved...'Cool Water' by my uncle with a guitar and... 'Off we go...into the wild blue yonder..' you know what song I'm talking about- a big burly man sang it acapella, loud and boisterous- gave me chills-it was awesome.

{Liam ready to send his balloon heavenward to his great-grandpa}

I love this visual effect for the kids. So special. I'm sure Grandpa was smiling seeing these beautiful colors sent with love.

{We love you grandpa}
We miss you.
We know you are happy were you are.
We shall see you again.

{my babes}

2011-10-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

{my pretend 2011 school pictures}
{pictures of from the real photographer to come}
{I was just in the background shooting my own-ha}

{this cracker-jack is a RIOT to try and catch with the camera} my heck.

{he'll whip out those dreamy eyes in a snap}
{watch out girls}

the latest...

2011-09-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

Canning salsa is NOT fun...but so very good to eat.
Wish I'd made more. Than I stayed on my canning streak
and 'made up' some applesauce-my kids love it. Wish I'd done more
of that too. I need my sisters or mom around to (motivate and)
do a day-marathon of canning with me!

Speaking of sisters and Mom, we went to 'Time out for Women'... our second year in our new tradition. I LOVE it and need it. It changes me. We went to the one in Logan and stayed at my S-I-L's house in Nibley -and ate chocolate all night. My sisters are the best. We get along so good and I cherish their friendship.

Speaking of cherished friendships...we had Ryan (Marty's bro-
I know they don't look a thing a like-but they act like twins) and his
wife Becca and their two adorable kiddo's come visit us for
the weekend. We LOVED having them.
We haven't seen them in a very long time.

Marty has never done a back flip for me in his life...but
as soon as Ryan starts showing off...he jumps right in!
What ?!
He is so hot now.

So Becca just had a baby (sweet Emma) like, um... SIX WEEKS AGO>
Seriously girl...how do you fit in those skinny jeans after 6 weeks?!

Lots of ice cream (sick-who puts gummy bears
in ice cream-kids!) and sleepovers when cousins come to town...
let that be a lesson to ya'all! Come visit us! Ruby LOVED
reading the bedtime books to the 'younger two'. She was in high
heaven being their little caretaker.

We went to Zions the next day. It was free national park day. The next time around is Nov 11 -13. It's way worth the wait- not paying 25$ for each park you want to see!

We went on just one hike because of time and our knowledge of the kid's 'durability'. It was the 'weeping rock'. A perfect short hike for the weary; aka: small kids. And the end result is fun ...esp. in the spring when there is more water (I hear.)

Ruby and Liam brought their own little packs of exploring essentials. Apparently their cape is one of them.! Ha! Hilarious. Whatever keeps your feet-a-movin kids.!

Capes in action...can't you see the extra power and accuracy?

Needless to say, after the shortest hike of Marty and I's life....everyone was especially tired and thirsty!

My birthday boy

2011-09-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

Liam turned 4!

My parents were in town for the big day and we went to
see the "Little Mermaid" at Tuacahn It was AMAZING to say
the least. Well worth the money and one of the best performances
to come out of that theater..so I hear. It was our first time going
and we LOVED it. The kids were so intrigued. Several times Ruby
laughed out loud, she was thoroughly entertained.

They kids had some great Grandma and Grandpa time. Oh how they miss them!

I LOVE watching kids open presents it is one of the best things to watch. It doesn't take much to get kids excited and happy as long as there is wrapping paper around it!

We went to the park the next day and rode their favorite
thing...even my mom rode with them...she hasn't had that much
fun since she was a kid! ha!

My Mom has been giving each grand kid for their birthday this year a special book all about them. It's quite alot of work cuz she has to sort thru all her pictures over the last year...which is ALOT... and find ones specific for that child. Then choose the best ones for the book; which has about 20 pages filled with pictures of them. It is such a treasure and I know it's very time consuming. Especially when you get 6 or 7 grand kids in a month! Thanks Mom!
We ate at the Pizza Factory the day they left...gotta love them bread sticks, ain't that right Charlie?

This reminds me of the setting we had when my parents were here last moving us in...except the food is much better! We ate Cubano Steak this night and it was so, so good.

Happy Birthday my little knight in shinning!

Labor Day Outdoors!

2011-09-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

We spent a night camping at Yankee Meadows. It was our first camping
experience with Charlie. It was a riot.
Literally.
(we used melatonin for the first time-an all natural
sleep enhancer -worked like a charm on the little guy)

We went with our friends that live in Cedar City.
They adopted a little girl earlier this year and named her June.
She is a doll and Charlie couldn't get enough of her!

Cooking smores with George, Ruby and Liam.
Charlie and June-still hugging.

I used to crave smores over a fire,
but they are way too much for me now. Too sweet!
Even the kids couldn't finish a whole one.
Just give me a chocolate bar.
We spent some time at a really pretty river and lake
the next day but my camera was dead...so no pics. bummer.

Being silly after church on Sunday, we got home
and it was actually cool enough to linger outside for a bit.
I love when fall temperatures start
making there debut-esp. in St. George!

Ruby showing off her knitted sweater and skirt from Grandma Diane.
It fits perfect Di!

Monday (Labor Day) we went hiking to Red Cliffs with Ricki and Tony and kids in tow. And let me tell you...with those kids we got along about a foot a minute! It took us forever to hike a 1/4 mile! They were so excited about exploring and venturing out. The top picture is Ruby with her 10 year old sidekick Kenzie. (well lets say Ruby is Kenzie's sidekick) She had to wear her foraging hat and backpack just like her.
Liam is a little hiker man-he loves being in the outdoors. He kept taking off on his own trails and seemed perfectly content to stay there all day...without us!

We finally got to these little ponds-which in the spring they are full of fresh run-off water -they make great swimming holes! I'm so excited to come back during those months next year and swim. It's a perfect hike/swimming trail and it's got beautiful surroundings! So fun.

Here Tony is helping the kids find-skeeters, crawdads and tiny baby frogs.
Charlie was quite giddy over this little guy in his hand
and the other one being shoved in his face! These kids are obsessed
with frogs, at any given time during this hike they had like 6 in possession.
(pockets, hands, backpack, where ever they could put them)
One time Kenzie (Ricki's girl)
tripped and fell on the rock and about 11 frogs went flying out of her hands!

It was a great day. The kids were in heaven on this hike. We need to do it more often.
Later that night we went to a BBQ at the park with some friends. A perfect ending to the weekend.

if you don't like to run or eat...

2011-09-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

this might bore you...

Ricki organized a relay-run with some friends. She was the captain of the team and pulled it all together. It was a 5 person team...Brooke, Heather, Ricki, Me and Julie.

It's called the Cedar Express 31 Mile Relay. Looks like I am running in the middle of a desert...well I kind of was.

Before my exchange...can't you see how excited I was ! ha! It was so hot!

We felt pretty good after a rest in the air conditioned car after our
first legs...but spoke too soon... this is shortly before my second leg
where I wanted to dig a hole and die.

yep desert , yep die..

I was the last runner in ...can't you tell by the cherry red tomato face?! Teresa on the far left was our 'nurse/gps navigator' and we loved having her there to support us. She was a great motivator! We took 4th overall in the women's division. The first 3 teams got cash prizes...Dang Dog! I hate missing it by ONE I'd rather have taken last! ha. j/k

That night we had Tasha and Christopher over for dinner...well we had them at our house ...THEY made the meal...gourmet meal

Fresh Alaskan salmon (w/topher's homemade seasoning!), tortellini spinach salad with pistachios, pine nuts, avocado, green onions, grape tomato, shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese and a little creamy Caesar dressing; fruit salad with some citrus marinade, diet coke with lemons, french bread with oil and bal. vinegar and chips and salsa or hummus. I made a blueberry pound cake for dessert. Talk about hmm, hmm good.

Classic Liam, classic. He leaned in right when Marty took the picture.

Two other important things to note last week...Ruby went on her first ever DADDY DAUGHTER CAMP-OUT with our ward. She was in heaven. Although it felt like 100 degree's all night ...Marty said he didn't sleep a wink. He just layed and sweated. (both adj. are not technically words but they describe it well)

And Liam had his first day of pre-school. He is so happy to have HIS thing and not just running around for Ruby all the time. He LOVES to feel this special. And he loves his 'homework' time.

JACKson HOle

2011-08-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

Here we are...on our way to the 'couples retreat'! NO KIDS! yeehah!

Our amazing mother...DIANE...was gracious, loving and brave enough to let us fly her out here and tend our kiddos. They LOVED her and it was great one-on-one time since they don't get to see her often enough!

We got to Jackson on a Thursday night and ate steak, potatoes, salad
and shrimp. We were in 2 separate condos with 4 bedrooms each...so
we each got our own room and bathroom. They were really nice and
cozy. Friday, my parents arranged a white water rafting trip on the
snake river for all of us. It was so awesome, a definite out of the
norm-activity! It was exhilarating to be on the water like that and be
so scared and then realize you lived thru the near death experience
(5x over)....pics on the river to come....next post maybe.

We got cleaned up after rafting and headed to Bar J Wranglers for dinner.

Had to have a picture by the 'infamous archway'. My parents
went there for there honeymoon 40 years ago and haven't been
back since! But this is one spot they remembered well.

My incredible parents at Bar J, they are the best.

This is the food you eat there. Not gourmet by any means. They serve you what you'd really eat out on a ranch so it has meaning and this place serves 75,000-85,000 people a summer! Talk about needing to mass produce! This is my beautiful sis-in-law Jami.

Here is the whole fam-damily. I love them all so much. We get a long so great and I couldn't ever replace them, with the exception of replacing them with my in-laws ...I am so blessed! Look how happy and relaxed we are without our chillens' ha!

Our Saturday hike...

We hiked Jenny Lake with my sis and her husband. It was breathtaking.

I can never pass a body of water without getting in...esp. clear cold water like this.

No, I did not have an extra set of clothes...or underwear. The hike back was a little soggy. But the dive was well worth it.

We ate at this fabulous place called Q. Roadhouse BBQ. I had the thai green curry and coconut chicken and Marty had the shrimp and white cheddar grits. I highly recommend this joint to anyone in the area....phenomenal and there is an outside field that sits between this and another restaurant for kids to play in while adults wine & dine-stupendous idea!

Games, games, games. I love it. I love when my family plays games. It's the best. Here is the boys team trying to make one teammate guess the charades word. Doesn't look like they are even trying to act out the same thing! And everyone is so intent. It was a crack up! We played a couple other group games that really got us laughing.

Thanks Mom and Dad for such a wonderful weekend! It truly was memorable. And treasured.

the week before

2011-08-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

Ruby had one free week before her first day of first grade started. (it's a big deal right) We'd been back and forth so much up north it hardly feels like we live in St. George! SO...we swam for 3 days straight at the 'best indoor/outdoor pool in Dixie!'. The kids were in h.e.a.v.e.n. They've turned into quite the little swimmers!

This is the pool, that yes, Charlie
almost died in and it was right where this picture
was taken. Above, Marty finally
had him on his back floating around
without him screaming it was
great. (okay it looks as though he is screaming
but he's actually smiling)

We went to the Washington County
Fair with our friends, Tasha
and Christopher.
It was, well, it was just what
you'd expect from a fair. The
balloon in Liam's hand is the best
I've ever seen from a 'balloon
man' -now that is a ride~ And the
sugar left over from the funnel
cake (recipe here) is NOT an option to waste-
must be licked off! (apparently)

We watched a man called 'dizzy hips'
perform with hula hoops.
It was really amazing. It's Ruby's new
aspiration-she can really get that
thing a swinging. Wonder
if that's something she can
compete with in High
School, no?

And of course -because they saw them- we let them
ride a couple rides...a couple meaning- 2. Not that we
couldn't see the excitement in their eyes
while they rode but because they
are like 4 bucks a ride!

And here it is...ba ba ba bum!- first day, first grade pics! How excited can on 35lb kid get~!

Her brothers were sad to see her off, in fact Liam ran to her room the second we got home and locked himself in. He stayed for HOURS playing with her stuffed animals. He combined his with hers and found himself in a sea of stuffiness, a plethora of animals...his DREAM. He can play and play forever w/those things and I am not allowed to play with him. I guess it's nice when I have stuff to do?!

This is the second day of the first grade. I had to get her pic by the school sign! It was too crowded before. She is totally bugged and done with pictures...she just wants to get to her desk! She told me that is her favorite place to be now. wow.

Near Death

2011-08-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I've turned into a frenzied, spacey mother or what!? But Charlie has had these near death experiences in the last 2 weeks and I think I'm losing my mind! Don't judge me.

The other day I was walking out of a school building with some friends and my three kids in tow. I get ALL the way out to my car and turn to pick up Charlie to put him in the car seat and he's not there! "Where's Charlie"?! I ask my 6 year old Ruby-like she should be the one in charge of him.! " I don't know" , she responds. I look all around the car and parking lot and realize I never noticed if he was even with us leaving the bldg.! So I run back up the steps and some nice lady is trying to keep him inside as she is leaving saying "You can't come out alone little guy, I don't see your mommy". THANK YOU kind lady for saving my baby from walking outside. He obviously saw us leave and wanted to follow as his oblivious mom didn't give him a second thought as she laughed and giggled her way out of the bldg.

2. So then, days later, we are swimming at the rec center (which we did 3 days in a row-pics to come). I was sitting by Charlie in the shallow part watching him run around and some guy splashes me by kicking the water and I turn to see what he is doing -he apologizes and his wife says something funny and I laugh and say ''it's okay, we're at a pool." One or two other sentences were exchanged and I turn back to Charlie and he is completely submerged on his back and struggling to get up, sit up-whatever...I gasp and dive over to him and yank the poor kid out of the water! sheesh! Right there before my eyes...I turn away for not even 30 seconds and that's when he decides to go under! It goes to show you how fast things can happen and it doesn't even have to be deep water!.... CRAZY.

3. Finally we are at Walmart, my favorite place! ha., and I am checking out with a million groceries. I am price-matching...which doesn't take that much extra time per-say but I have to stand there and tell the cashier what the prices are. So I take Charlie out of the cart cuz he's maneuvered the strap up around his neck and is crying. I set him down by Ruby and Liam in the isle to look at stuff with them...I don't usually do this but it was one of those days. I turn back around to quote some prices and it was maybe 30 sec. to a min. and I look around and notice that Charlie is not standing by Ruby anymore. "Where is Charlie"?! I ask my 6 year old....sounding familiar.? I don't see him right around me but I think, he couldn't have gone far...he wouldn't. Ruby and I split up she runs to one side of the check-out- looks up and down and I go to the other side and look up and down. It's not like you can yell out his name and he'll respond. I'm getting a little worried cuz we really don't see him and we're in WALMART. I instinctively start walking towards the nearest exit which is almost half the length of the store away and I see a girl about my age with a baby on her hip...it's Charlie....she found him out-SIDE the electronic doors just struttin' towards the oncoming traffic! She literally saved him. I was so, so grateful and wish I'd at least gotten her name. Note to self...don't let Charlie out of sight , not ever. Thanks to some guardian angels. Like I said , don't judge me. I am not like this with other people's kids (just Charlie I guess, poor boy)...I swear, I'm still trustworthy.

.

Waiting Game...

2011-08-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

This is the smile I should have on my face.... but it's hard to keep it this way. We took our van into the repair shop in Ogden while we were up North over the 4th of July weekend and it's still there! Marty and I borrowed my Mom's car to come back to St. George while it was being fixed and thought we'd only have to borrow it for a week tops. Well 3 weeks later we drove it back up to Morgan on a Sunday afternoon because our van was 'supposed' to be done on Tuesday. The evening of that Tuesday we call and it gets pushed back to the weekend. Marty decides he can't wait it out so he takes the shuttle from Salt Lake back home. I stay with the kids thinking that a couple of days won't be bad and we can probably stay with the 2 pair of underwear and clothes we'd packed.! Well it's now been almost 2 weeks and we are still here! We plan to head back Saturday-van ready or not! (if not ready we are going to borrow my grandma's car-a 2002 Toyota Avalon which surprisingly fits 3 car seats in the back row) Granted it is a huge repair...a new engine was put in...but this has been a tough waiting game-one I never want to play again. aghh! I hate cars...we've probably spent over 4000 in the last 8 months on car repairs! On this specific engine replacement we have a secret santa helping us with the cost-(trade thru his company.) I can't begin to express our gratitude for that and only pray we can pay it forward one day soon. Without this person's help we'd have just driven it off a cliff-because add 1800 to the 4000 we've already spent on cars, it equals=bankrupt. And although my husband is really good at doing those...we don't want to file our own!

So besides being in 'limbo'...we've had a pretty good time. Before Marty took the shuttle back we went to a water park with my sisters and their families and my Mom and Dad. Marty is trying so hard to get this ornery child to sleep! He's doing the pat-pat , bounce-bounce, if you couldn't tell.

Finally! Children are so sweet when snoozing...why can't we feel that way about them all the time?

Sleeping arrangements are always different when visiting family. My Mom is a great hostess and she and my Dad put up with alot! Ruby and Liam had lots of snugly naps!

She better not have a twitch - or that knee is going to knock some teeth loose!

So great to see some friends while in town! Thanks girlies for meeting up with me and JoAnn who had to leave early...you guys rock.

Don't mind I had to keep wearing the same thing...get over it, I DID wash things. I love these two long time friends. I wish the very best for them in their day to day struggles. I count my blessings for good friends. It's such a needed part of life.

I was able to participate in the Morgan Marathon while in town.! I didn't run the 26 miles...don't get excited. But the race was fun and my whole family that lives in Morgan was involved and it was great to be with them. Such a pretty morning to run! Jami (my sis in law) let me take her spot in the race cuz they went out of town. Although no pics to prove it, we had a great time with Jami and Brett who are living with my parents for a time. Late night ice cream runs! And just hanging out with them-they are probably ready for us to leave but we've loved seeing them more.! Jami also let me borrow some clothes cuz she was sick of seeing my same blue shirt! ha! Thanks girl!

Girls night -wahoo! Always needed...and Trisha is always one to throw a party! Love her.

My kids died over all the cousin time they were able to squeeze in! I dolled these girls up one day in curlers, lipstick and nail polish...no end result pic though; my camera died and obviously I didn't think to pack a charger for a "2 night" stay at Grandmas~! ha! We miss you baby! We'll be home soon, don't let St. George forget us!

This is how we roll...

2011-07-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

We have to be in the water constantly! This is at Sand Hollow with Marty's sister and kids...who came into town to see us! It is only 15 min. from our house.

I love this place...reminds me of a mini Lake Powell....red dirt, warm water..red rock surroundings. Liam was lost in his own water world for a while.

While Marty's family was in town...(his Mom drove out too) we were
able to participate in the sealing of Diane (Marty's mom) to her
deceased brother and parents in the Salt Lake Temple.
It was a really
neat experience. I love these guys!

Here is some more of our staying wet episodes! The only and best way to jump on the tramp...getting HOSED! The kids love it but Marty gets more of a kick out of spraying them I think.

Swimming Lessons. This place is the best. It's the largest indoor/outdoor pool in Southern Utah. It's mostly indoor pool with lots of kid friendly agenda. Most mommies don't prefer it cuz they can't get their tan on...but for me...I've had too much of getting my tan on. See HERE. So it's PERFECT for swimming...no reapplying the sunscreen every hour here!

Another fun place I love is this river/splash pad/park in downtown St.
George. It has shade trees and tables and chairs and a long river of water
with big rocks embedded. This is a great place to stay cool and wet and
it's FREE.

This is how I spent my 31st. birthday! At Del Taco for 2 hours and Walmart for another 2.5 in Cedar City! Yeah...who doesn't enjoy that ! ha. Our van broke down on the way up north for the fourth and we had to stick around for it to be repaired for 5 hours! We could only go within walking distance while we waited in this industrial part of town and we didn't even have a stroller. gag.

When we finally got to my Mom's they had a cake for me (thanks JAMI)
and a little party ...it was 10:30 at night ! My poor Mom waited up to
celebrate with me...how sweet is she. Love you family!

The next morning my mom had scheduled for Jami and I to get pedicures. We went to Mindful Women in Ogden and it was amazing. I've only ever had them at a mall or someplace silly ...THIS was a real spa experience and it felt SO great. Dont' mind my ugly stub toes. ! ha! This made the- drive from he__ - the previous day worth every minute.

PLEASE note the look on Liam's face in the first picture...I know it's not the best quality but that expression is priceless on his face..! Fireworks really bring it out of them! He and his cousin Owen are a year apart (Liam being older) but they are the same size and they LOVE each other. Kissing cousins and best friends.

Ruby tried her hand at face painting and she did a pretty good job on her
cousin Courtney. She held up the mirror for her to see and Courtney
exclaimed...."that doesn't look like a tiger!". Ruby was not offended or
deterred...she just moved on to the other side to paint a dragon. We went
to a parade in Morgan with the cousins. Charlie wanted to take a 'walk about'
(as you'd say in Aussie). He would not stay put until the candy started coming!

On the night of the actual fourth we drove back down to St. George and
went with our friends Ricki and Tony to the Sun Bowl where they have
live music (which was pretty dang impressive) and a lot of dirt. It's usually
sodded in so there is grass to sit on but this year they'd left it dirt and the
kids were completely covered by the time we went home...nothing like
a bath at midnight! And SO, SO thirsty...we did not bring enough water!
The fireworks were the BEST I've EVER seen though. We were right under
them. It was awesome and well worth the grit.

Charlie cried when they started the fireworks...but luckily I had his
'blankie' and he was comforted enough to enjoy the rest of the show.
I'm starting to see more resemblances between Ruby and I. She used
to be TOTALLY Marty when she was little, but besides Liam taking over
that position-totally and completely-(he is like a mini-Marty)...Ruby doesn't
look as much like him anymore. Bottom right shows our live-in (when we
hang with Ricki and Tony) babysitter for Charlie. Karlin probably only
weighs 10 or 20 pounds more than him but totes him around
EVERYWHERE , and ALL NIGHT. When she's around we don't see him,
they played in this stroller most the night...it is SO nice to have her! ha!

RAGNAR, really?

2011-06-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

So we did it. We survived- and like giving birth to a child...I wouldn't do it again...
but time goes by -you forget the brutalities and think...yeah, I want to do that
again-it wasn't too bad. Because even though you have nothing to show for
it-like a child- you have the memories and feeling of accomplishment! It
really was a cool
experience. This is our Van #2 team. (Marty, Jared (my bro.)Ingrid,
his
wife, Tiff (my sis) Jim, her husband and Me.) This is BEFORE we felt like
death.
Our team name was the Running A'ss (a donkey was the mascot on our
shirts and decor)...(*disclaimer-I didn't come up with the name...)

Van #1 consisted of my brother Ryan, and his wife Jaimi, my
cousin Katie, and her husband Kyle, my cousin Jenni and her
daughter Jesse. They started in Logan at 6:15 am running
(each their own leg) to Liberty
Park in Eden Valley where the first big exchange took place
and Van
#2 begins. I was runner #11 and 4th from my van to run. The left
pic shows
my first leg-which was straight up Trappers Loop from Eden side toward
Mtn. Green. I had a 3.2 mile vertical climb. It took all of my will power to
keep trekking up that mountain. The back-up of cars getting up that mountain
was pretty bad and I had to wait about 15 min. for my team to catch up so
Marty could take the 'baton'. This is Tiff and Ingrids' exchange (pic on the
right). Their first leg of the race.

Here he his, my man, running his first leg-continuation of mine up
into Snow Basin, 4.7 miles. He did awesome. He was runner #12
and final runner from our van. The next major exchange took place
at Snow Basin where Van #1 took over.

This is after my first leg while Marty was finishing up. See how happy we are...I could have been done then and called it good...

The bottom right pic is Marty and I and Katie and Kyle at Snow Basin,
it was such beautiful scenery! We had a couple hour break while
Van #1
did all their 2nd legs. We decided to make the most of our kid free
time and eat at Taggarts~yum. We gave Jim (my bro in law) a hard time
about his STEAK
and FRIES and ROOT BEER (x3) dinner. How in the H-E- double
toothpicks
are you going to run 2 more legs...(one of those in the middle of the night) with
THAT sitting in your belly!? Sheesh.

This is our middle of the night run. I started at 3:30 am and ran 5.5
miles around a damn. Marty took the 'baton' from me about 4:15 and
ran a 6.9 mile leg-he was amazing and ran it in less than 9 min. miles. Here
we are all geared up in the van ready to go. There is a lot of waiting in
this race, waiting for your vans turn, waiting for your individual
turn...it's hard on
your physic. We had to run with a headlight, butt light and
reflective vest.
Jared is trying to get some shut-eye in the drivers
seat while we are
parked waiting for Jim to finish. We only were able to
get bits and pieces
of sleep during this stretch of time. After Marty's leg we drove to Park City
to stay at a time share condo. We were all able to get about a
good hour of sleep after showering and suffering in the
bathroom
with runners diarrhea...we cleared a box of
Imodium in minutes.

This is the following day on our last legs. Jared doing the hand-off to
Ingrid and strutting around afterwards because he had an amazing
run. 7.2 min. miles! Even after being SO exhausted!

This was Tiff's last leg and I do not envy her at all. She had one of the
hardest runs. It's wasn't very long...3.3, but it was ridiculous. NO ONE
was able to run it. Here Tiff is trying to run. Look how bad her calves
were burning- and if the sign didn't say it all...! ROUGH STEEP and
WINDING. On top of that it was about 100 degrees out. She was a
go-getter and did not slow down.

The climate changed drastically as Jim took the 'baton' and ran the rest
of the uphill trek to the top of Ragnar Run. All of a sudden we were
surrounded by 4 ft. of snow. I took my last haul after Jim- 7.3 miles
and
my course was the exact opposite of my first run (except even steeper)-
vertical downhill. I thought it would actually be nice to have gravity on my
side.
Whoa was I wrong. My quads were like steel blocks not wanting to bend or
work or function. And it being my 3rd leg without any sleep and wanting to cry,
it took all I had left to finish the run. I was able to keep it under a 9 min. mile
thankfully and sprinted into the 'runway' where Marty was waiting...knowing
I was completely done. YEAH.

As Marty came into the last 100 yards of the race,(his last leg was 7.3 miles on an exotic course that went up and down, around and through-he said it was pretty crazy) we were able to join him - as all the teams do- and run the last stretch with him as an entire team of 12 to the finish line. It was a happy ending to our long, dreary journey.
We got back to my parents that afternoon. My Mom and Dad had most the kids (they babysat overnight). My Mom had ordered loads of Papa Murphy's and we all pigged out. She made up posters and bought balloons and individual medals for all of us. She and my Dad were our sponsors-they paid half of everyone's running fee's for the race. They were so proud of everyone...my dad actually got emotional about it. It was a really great thing to be involved in and accomplish, even if it was just once...but I may, just may, do it again.

Some 1st's...

2011-06-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

I know we will have many 'firsts' living in a new place. But here are just a few we've experienced lately. Our first sleep out on our trampoline.! I was nice and stayed inside with Charlie for the night. ha! But Marty was the kids' hero and braved the night under the stars. They had SO much fun- they were bursting at the seams all day anticipating their camp out. Ruby painted big signs to put up in the house to remind us that it was 'sleep out night!'

Our first BBQ with friends at our new casa. Tasha and Christopher came over with their beautiful boys and hung out for the night. It was so wonderful to see a familiar face and enjoy their company! Thanks for coming you guys. I am so happy you moved here too! Yeah! (what are the odds and the timing-crazy) (We need to go camping soon.)

The kids loved these $1 dollar pools we bought at a garage sell down the street.

Our first overlook of St. George as a family!
Very windy and warm.
It is beautiful.

Our first time feeding baby calves! These little guys belong to our bishop and we went over for family night to experience feeding them. They eat out of over sized baby bottles with a nipple. And they can get sucking, they really get a grip on those things and don't let up until it's bone dry. They are a bit feisty if your not stern with them.

The bishop lives around the corner from us and after our trial run that night ...he asked us to do it 2x a day while he went out of town for 3 days. So we got to do this morning and night for a time. Lets just say, the KIDS loved it...

And lastly and most sweetly...our first fruit produce from the yard. Ruby could eat blackberries 24/7. And never tire of them. She worships berries of any sort. So when we picked these from our yard you can imagine her excitement. Yumm.

Life in the desert...so far

2011-06-03T15:18:00.000-07:00

Despite the craziness of the day, Ruby went to her last day of school the very morning we moved down south. Look how calm she looks...no idea of the whirlwind and chaos that lay ahead...

The babies hanging out...Jared and Jim (my brothers) and my parents came to help load up our truck from the storage shed. Jim even had to bring his kids! Talk about commitment. We 'accidently' ended up with a 26 footer from UHAUL cuz our 16 footer wasn't returned back on time from Enterprise...so we last minute scrambled and found this truck for a better rate! Talk about a blessing. With a truck 10 feet longer, we BARELY fit our crap (some of it isn't crap but most of it is) inside...thanks to men (Jared, Jim, Marty, Dad) that planned, shoved and organized the loading. (We SO appreciate your help-even though you turned down our shake offer from Warrens!)

Our first night in the house...my parents drove the truck down for us...what would we do without Mommy and Daddy! ha. My parents were oblivious then to the worst night of sleep EVER that they were going to experience in just 2 wee hours. (air mattress in the living room-says it all) They worked their TAILS off -the whole time helping us get settled. They just jumped in and hit it. We are so glad they came with us. My dad worked exclusively the next morning on the trampoline (shown below). It is SO, SO wonderful to have.! Thanks DAD. Our dinner this night was pepperoni pizza, and deli specials: orange chicken and rotisserie chicken. oh yeah.

We were so busy I didn't get any pictures of anyone working. We had 3 men from the Elders Quorum come help Marty...(perks of church-going) and my Mom helped me get some stuff on the walls, put beds together, write a list of things I needed to buy right away and unload my kitchen. So nice to have her here. They were completely wiped out at the end of the day-and the previous day...I am surprised they could smile for this picture.! btw...our house sits adjacent from a beautiful hay field! Who knew...hay and fields in the desert?! I sure didn't. And it is just itching for visitors. We have an extra room for ya'all.

My parents taking off. (don't worry I cried like a baby) They couldn't take another night of no-sleep. Don't blame them...plus they had to be home for their ward the next morning. My mom trying to get 'up' into the massive truck. They hit major storms on the way home-snow and rain. What? That is one thing that is serene right now-sunny, warm weather.

Our laundry 'hall' is bigger than our basement was. That says alot about our old house and tiny basement! ha!

I still have drawers to fill in this 'well-built-for-storage' kitchen. SO not used to that!

Not to make you squirm, but this is ONE thing I can not get used to yet. Even after traps were set and the house was sprayed...we STILL find them! Most the time like this-dying on their back side. But I am NOT a fan of bugs at all. And this one sort of camouflaged with the wood floor-I nearly stepped on it- IN BARE FEET.
Another factor that will take some getting used to is just the change in general. You get real comfortable in your surroundings and even though a new place sounds fun and exciting (and it is) it's still hard too-esp. for me I guess. And esp. in the the beginning. I've had many crying sessions. Poor Marty got a little worried I think. It's different to live far away from family. I miss my sisters and friends up north.

But the ward seems great, I've made some friends, it's popsicle weather here, the kids LOVE it. St. George has definitely got it's own type of beauty. I miss the Rockies but the red rock is something else, I've had some really picturesque runs. Marty and I both favor spanish-style homes. I love our water softner-thought we'd have reptile skin here-but that is saving us. Having a garage is like a dream. I THINK I can take the heat when it comes? 110-115 for the high-July and August are the worst. We shall see how we all fair.

The live- in; 24/7 babysitter.! Thanks Dad, again, for getting it set-up...who knows when we'd have gotten around to it!

All in all...we give St. George 2 thumbs up.

Will someone please explain this...

2011-05-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

Ruby fell asleep at the counter in this position, while waiting for dinner. Steaming salmon was sputtering in her face just inches away. Are my kids worn out?! Or is Ruby known to sleep in weird positions -at weird times.? See HERE(scroll down to pic of Ruby sleeping) and HERE .

Other than living with my parents and having everything out of
'the norm' for us- while we wait for the big move (MAY 27th! )
Ruby's been busy with her kindergarten bliss. She LOVES school
and LOVES her teacher! This was the end of school program she had last
week. I've never seen her sing with such vigor and enthusiasm! Nothing
compared to her last Primary Program where she just sat back and rolled
her eyes and hardly sang a word!! What's up with that?! She was like a new
butterfly coming out of her ca coon...like someone was standing in front of
her with a bucket full of sweet tarts to devour if she only sang loud. All the
kids were so, so into it (amazing) and it was so fun to watch.

Her family, best buddy, grandma and teacher.
4 very important peoples in her life.

Another thing that most likely wore my little one out is that she
and Liam had technically the 'best day of their life'. We took them to a
fun house in Salt Lake (an xmas gift from Ryan and Becca-thank you!)
and the kids said over and over (very empathetically) that 'THIS IS THE
BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!'... seriously? Marty and I got headaches and sea
sickness but it was worth it to see these smiles...my gosh...how easy it
sometimes is to please a child.!

We had extra money to spend at the arcade upstairs...(not our cup
of tea)...BUT Marty won like a billion tickets, he kept coming down with
handfuls' like this and in the end we were able to redeem 3 light up rings
and a toy car for our kiddos.(it takes approx. 5,000 to really get anything
big-we weren't quite there, HA) Nonetheless these trinkets were like
giving them GOLD!... hilarious.

Truly the best day in their little hearts for a long time. The ice
cream topped it off. I am really not surprised to find my kids
passed out in diverse places...I only wish I had the same luxury
sometimes!!

with the love of a mother...

2011-05-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

My sweet husband made this card for me on Mother's Day. He's always said he's not as 'creative' or 'romantic' as my brothers are to their wives. And I think he is very different from my creative brothers...but this is why I love him so much. First of all I wouldn't necessarily want him to be just like my brothers...I prefer being married to a non-relative. Secondly my husband worked so hard on this card-getting my kids to cooperate with the paint and trying to get them to place their feet in the right spot! It was a riot(says my Mom-who eventually went out to help him because he was sweating bullets trying to make it perfect). Needless to say-this made me cry because I know it's from his heart and I love his own unique originality and the way he loves me. Plus I adore baby feet and they tug at my heart strings no matter what.

Some pics I took of my -sweeter than ever- neice. Love tiny newborns!

Look at this cleavage...almost too immodest to post! Ha. SO adorable. I love rolls and chubs!

so sweet, makes me want another...soon.

my fav.

Precious little LORALYE. You stay this way for a long time.! And that's an order.

Busy Little Bees...

2011-05-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

we have been crazy busy lately , but here are some pics of our Easter entourage...

Charlie's been doing alot of this crying thing lately. Poor him, poor us. He still is the sand beneath my toes though, (on a warm, beautiful beach) -meaning- I still love him.

Such great weather for Easter this year! FINALLY.

Charlie is such a wrestler! He is so used to wrestling with his siblings and DAD that he has to do it w/anyone he sees on the ground. He takes that as a sign that -your ready-. See exhibit A...attacking his cousin Brigham who has NO IDEA whats coming, then he pulls him down in a head lock with a victory grin. Then he needed comfort from Dad and Grandpa cuz he got scolded for being too rough. Signs of the times?- Elementary School playground?

Easter cupcakes, gotta have 'em. So cute with the green coconut topping for the nest and jelly beans for eggs. I think Ruby might have enjoyed hers.

Check out his LOAF. Who's the baker/creator-no other, then my Dad himself! He is the bread making machine....EVERY Sunday he bakes bread or rolls...he used to PAY us to make homemade bread when we were teens -but no one was ever consistent. So he took it up to learn on his own. He is AMAZING, his BREAD is to die for. He created this Bunny Loaf for Easter...the kids went Coo Koo's over it.

We can never get a normal picture anymore w/this character on the right.

Cupcake and Easter Egg Creating. Such a messy tradition that kids LOVE.

My new little niece Loralye. Michelle and Jared are proud parents of two as of 1 week ago. Check out her blog, HERE, for more info on this sweet thang' and her LOADS of hair.

It's Official...

2011-04-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

This will be what I call HOME. We are moving to ST. GEORGE...ahhh?! I'm so excited!

My kids (probably only my kids) will miss THIS though. We can drive to Cedar City for it, right? And our visits up to my parents in the winter....that's plenty of snow for me.

Ruby and Liam LOVE the snow! They will go out in freezing degrees and play for hours in this wet wonderland.

Still smiling after two hours!

So, we are moving by June, as long as nothing earth shattering happens in the mean time. We found renters for our home (moving in by May 1st)(we will live at my parents for a month). We are blessed to pretty much come out even on our mortgage payment -rent income. At least were not LOSING money each month...that's the best we could do! This real estate economy is not so fun. This picture depicts what our WHOLE house looks like! aghh. HOW the heck do you move?! I hate it. We haven't done it for 4 years-ish and it's completely draining and maddening and ridiculous. I dream about boxes and duct tape and the smell of a sharpie. We better get LOTS of visitors...who doesn't travel thru or TO St. George at least once a year!? We can be your new stopping grounds...yeah.!

(Jami/Brett, so I figured you won't like it at the office or things won't be what you thought and you can buy a practice from an old retire-y in George and we could be neighbors! You like the heat and sun Jame I know you do!)

In other news....my MIL made this skirt for Rubes. LOVE it. Don't mind that her eyes are almost squinted shut! ha! Poor girl...(it was a bright day for once!) It's called a market skirt and the FREE tutorial can be found HERE. It really swirls when she spins around, she loves wearing it.

Another note: my beautiful cousin got married last weekend and not only did she look amazing! (as did her hubby)...her reception was so chic and clever and unique....

It was held indoors at the Hardware Bldg. in Salt Lake. Here is the Gift Table.

And the Sweets Table. Jars of candy and chocolates with baggies to fill at your own discretion and sweet toothness. Can you spell HEAVEN for the kids.?!

Lemon/lime and strawberry/cucumber water with cheese and crackers, crepes with chocolate/banana or cream and berries...to die for!

The guest book...each guest or group of guests got to take their picture in this little photo booth...one copy for them to keep and the other...

...was put into the log book along with a note of advice and an autograph from their well-wishers. So cute.

K and K for Katie and Kyle. The colors...were perfect!

And ya can't have a reception without dancing! These two could work it!

Charlie Bear.

2011-04-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

This little guy came by accident 15 months ago...well he was conceived accidentally- I guess about 25 months ago...but really- what would life be without him.?

Slobbery faced Charles. (photo courtesy of Ruby Wright-with her very own camera)

One of his 'unique' daily rituals is this...to throw absolutely everything out of his crib as he awaits someone to save him from his cage...then he dares give me that smug..."yep I did it again" expression.

Another 'unique' characteristic is his shyness (my other kids were not like this; to this extreme anyway) he can't stand for people to look at him or watch him eat...he closes his eyes and grunts...then he will continue to eat or drink with his eyes closed until you stop looking at him. It's the oddest thing! If he's in a good mood he won't care and smile and laugh right back at you-but if he's even just a little tired or feels threatened by an overbearing face...he absolutely cannot stand it -he'll bury his head, close his eyes, cover his face-anything to get out of your view and wait for you to kindly look away.

He worships dogs...what baby doesn't?...maybe we should get one? naaah.

His passion (one of his few) is EATING...he eats like a banshee and if I don't feed him fast enough he is a 'screamer'-what?! What do you do about that? I can't discipline him and tell him "NO-YOU NEED TO ASK WITH WORDS OR SIGNS?!" ha! It's just such a frustrating stage because it gets so loud that no one can hear each other speak and then we all end up yelling at each other! ah.
ps-despite his eating habits...he hasn't gained weight for months and hasn't grown length- wise since his 12 month appt. (Okay, I get it, I get it...we are all short but he's a baby still-he should be growing) Should I be concerned? Anyone know a good pediatrician...lest I decide to get a 2nd opinion? His head is in the 70% percentile though...yeah, I remember that all too well. (see here)

He loves the MEN in his life..esp. this one...and he is SUCH a snuggler- besides his open mouth kisses...he gives the biggest, strong-hold around your neck- hugs you ever knew.

And this MAN...his grandpa that just recently moved back to California...we MISS you.!

Charlie's been in this stage of walking for a couple months. He likes to take steps and stand alot...but nothing consistent...it's the stage where he wants to be 'down' in a public place but you'd rather die than put him on the floor to crawl around and sweep up the McDonald's floor dust and grime.

This big sister takes care of him 57% of the time...I think between me and Marty -we make up the other 43%!

So it's been said by my MIL several, upon several times that Charlie and my Mom look alike...'ya right' I always said- 'that's crazy talk'... now, I can see that resemblance...thanks to another photo taken by Ruby...they really do look alot alike to me! Who'd of thought.
I love you dear Charlie Bear and hope you grow up to be just like this woman you look so much alike...in a manly sort of way that is.

A Shower + tutorials and MORE...

2011-04-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

Two of my friends and I threw a shower for my dear friend Nichole who is having a baby in 3 weeks! Love her. And I love the way this shower came together. Thanks to Az for her gorgeous (I wish I had you) home to host (not in a stephenie meyer sort of way) the Bloomin' Shower! It was a smashin' hit!

The decor all blended so well. (click photo to enlarge) I love the vibrant yellow, blue, greens and a touch of silver. Such a perfect time of year to have a baby!! OHHH I love babies. The pom pom's are a martha stewart project ....found HERE. The felt streamers (made by Tasha) are different size circles cut out in coordinating colors of felt and sewn together (so creative!). The napkins, cups and straws come from IKEA. The candles (Tasha)(all lit) were beautiful for color/decor and gave off a wonderful fragrance. Lemons and limes fit right in on the color scheme and made delish citris water, so refreshing!

The food included chocolate covered strawberries (yum) , mini cinnamon rolls (double yum) (made by Az- Rhodes rolls thawed, stretched out, cut in half and sprinkled with cinnamon/butter/sugar and rolled back up...after baking top w/cream-cheese-divine- gooiness-frosting), chocolate/butterscotch bird nests (found HERE) and bowls of candy and nuts.

My gifts were a car seat cover...gotta love those. Just patterned after one I had given to me for my baby. VERY simple to make actually. And with so many cute fabrics/patterns; it's fun to create your own. Nichole has very refined taste so I didn't want to do anything with bright colors or animals and such. Turns out she liked it ! yeah!

And one of these little tie/suspender onesies. Designed by Trisha (my friend), and attempted by Me. The blue and yellow one I kept for Charlie...he sort of looks like a clown in it, but baby clowns are cute , right? The suspenders are just a length of 'double fold bias tape-quilt binding' sewn down on both ends and again under the buckle. The buckles are sold at Hancock for 1.49 (pack of two) in silver or gold. (they were out of silver when I went-dang it) On the right onesie, the tie is only sewn down on the top portion and the the bottom half is loose-hanging...gives it a different- more playful look.

And here is the guest of HONOR, beautiful Nichole. And the 3 three hostess's...Az on the left, Tash on the right.

The party favors (made by Tasha) -what a great idea! And I love, love the name tags. (not sure where she got the pots, name tags were homemade)

The wonderful friends that make getting together worth while.! It's so good for my heart to see everyone and be able to relate with them on so many levels. Love all these gals. (we missed those of you that live far away, sniff)

Speaking of spring; check out this tutorial for ruffle pants found HERE. I think I want to attempt this get-up for Ruby,...and maybe Charlie too. Kidding! Clown shirt is enough for now. Babies can only pull off so many things.! ha!

One more idea someone gave me. I made this apron for my cousin, Katie, (who is to be married this weekend!) for her shower. I love the line at hancock called - top drawer fabrics- this is one of the patterns. I wanted to add a splash of color (her kitchen color is red) so I spent ALL this time looking at JoAnn's and Hancock for a sew-on applique in red, (a flower made out of fabric that can be washed). I know I've seen them before on bags, shirts, aprons etc. But I could not find what I was looking for anywhere. A lady at JoAnn's told me to just get a flower that clips or safety pins on and they can remove it before washing...duh~ what a grand idea, never thought of that. Once I switched my brain to that avenue...there were TONS of options and cheap too! I found this tulle flower, that is pin -on- ready, for 2 bucks. SCORE.
Happy Day Everyone.

5 years and Cancer Free

2011-03-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

Today I drove down to the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the U of U. I have been going for about 5 years every 6 months. And today I was diagnosed as Cancer Free! And no signs of 'new sites' were found. I haven't had another incidence of Melanoma since my first two initial sites in 2005. Why did I get this type of Cancer (the worst type of skin cancer to have) at such young age? Well first (and probably) foremost...I was a sun- worship- er. I loved laying out and had the mind frame of; summer =tan skin. When I spent a year in Hawaii, I again thought; tropical weather = tan skin. How lame was I!? I got MULTIPLE sunburns. Some bad enough I would blister and peel and ache. I also have melanoma in my family. Not an immediate relation but my grandpa (on my dad's side) had it (found in a mole on his back) when he was in his 40's. Additionally, I have all the right body defaults that make me more prone to getting it.

BLUE EYES

(not necessarily blonde), but...LIGHT HAIR

and LIGHT SKIN WITH FRECKLES
(An estimated 40% to 50% of fair-skinned people who live to be 65 will develop at least one skin cancer.)

Here are my two scars from surgery (to remove the Melanoma Moles)-one on my abdomen...

...and one hideous one on my back...about right- dab in the middle...definitely visible with a swim suit. BTW, the procedures were NOT fun or comfortable. Healing time was painful and long- lived...but it could have been ALOT worse. (I'm definitely not complaining)

Obviously I am not sharing this because I am proud of my scars or my past...but to reveal the consequences of sun damage (apart from wrinkly, dry, leathery skin). I have learned my own personal lesson and have a couple friends who have gone thru the same thing as I have. I also know someone that died at a young age (with young children) from Melanoma. Both of my 'sites' were considered 'insitu' meaning the outermost layer (hallelujah). So I have an 80% chance of NOT getting a third mole involvement. Fingers crossed.

I know this is kind of nasty to look at...but some moles can get this bad...mine did NOT look this obvious and I wouldn't have picked them out myself (until they got to this point). I only went in for an overall check (because my mom made me); and the Dermatologist found a few that looked suspicious - two of those ended up being Melanoma. The smart thing to do...(esp. as spring and summer beckon)...go see a DERMATOLOGIST, (not just a regular doctor) if you have ANY abnormal areas or have a history of 'loving the sun'. A great referring website from WebMD...go here

Info from my dermatologist himself...Most products contain sunscreens...they prevent sunburn and may protect against both UVA and UVB, but they are short lasting. More effective products also contain sunblocks (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) which reflect UV rays and are longer lasting. He recommends products that contain either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Some examples...Blue Lizard, Vanicream Sensitive Skin SPF 30, Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 or Sun Protective Swimwear (http://www.sunprecautions.com/).

If anyone has any advice, stories or personal experiences with anything related to this topic. Please share. Kuddos. Be safe and smart this summer!

count the little fingers...

2011-03-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

That's right... 6...Ruby is the big zero six! and what a day it was.

For breakfast in bed she had the usual (well the same as last year, which is becoming the 'norm')...monkey bread, (recipe here) grapefruit, yogurt and chocolate milk! (talk about sugar overload) After overload she opened and played with presents from Gpa's and Gma's (can't wait to show off the skirt Grandma Di made) then we went to a book store, out to lunch and a baby shower! phew! I'm tired? Yet there is more.

Don't judge me by this cake, it certainly wasn't my best. Sometimes, somethings gotta give. How come red food gel dye does NOT dye your food red. Only PINK , I added the whole flippin tube and this is the color I got.! H-E-L-L-O.

LAST minute we decided to do a 'little' get together with a few of Ruby's school friends for cake and ice cream...well this shin-dig turned BIG (bigger than we'd planned) in just a few hours....so Marty and I scrambled to get some games planned and put some make-shift things together to make it seem party-ish. ahhh...crazy couple of hours prior.

In all we had THIRTEEN kiddos at our house! Have you SEEN our house. Not to mention it was freezing outside and we had to stay in our 4x4 living room. I think they had a good time though. We kept it to ONE long hour. I had Ruby and Liam watching a movie while everyone got here then I brought them upstairs and they yelled 'SURPRISE!' and threw balloons at her. It was a keepsake moment....she had no idea we had this planned and she kept begging for a party, but we told her no.

Marty was a good sport and played as our stand-in cat in the hat. 'Pin the bow tie on Marty' (thank goodness it was tape not pins.)

Then a round of relay race balloon popping...

This is most the kids after we played 'pass the present' where each kid unwraps a layer of wrapping till the music stops then they pass it. This was what was inside at the end...new faces.

Finally after some more silly time-wasting games...we had cake and ice cream! yeah.

Most the kids didn't even want cake (sniff) just ice cream, and if they did have some on their plate they were too full of treats to eat it! boo. poor little cat in the hat- he was ugly and distasteful. (notice Ruby having the time of her life) (does that tell me the party was worth it?) yes indeed. One short hour from us. A night full of memories for her.

Her presents from her family (how'd she have energy to open ALL 3. ha)... LOVE YOU SQUIRT -HAPPIEST DAY TO YOU.

Buttermilk Pound Cake. Worth the cal's.
(yes I had to taste-test first)(should have made this for the party)
Ingredients
1 cup shortening (i added 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup applesauce instead)
2 cups white sugar (scant cups)
4 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
3 cups sifted all-purpose flour (i added 1 cup of ww flour and 2 white)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
(i added 1 tsp of almond extract too)(makes the cake!)
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Lightly grease and flour one 10 inch tube pan.
2.Combine shortening, white sugar, eggs, buttermilk, sifted flour, baking soda, baking powder, and lemon extract and beat with an electric mixer for 3 minutes at medium speed. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3.Bake at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for one hour. Remove cake from pan after it has cooled.
Serve with whipping cream and some sort of fruit syrup. (I had coconut syrup to drizzle-yumm!)

My sister's new baby!...(a must see)

2011-03-12T21:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the world...Webster D. Gilson! My sister had her baby yesterday, her 6th boy! 9.4 lbs!

...love baby feet!

his other brothers are so named...Dexter T. Gilson, Everett James Gilson, Isaac Howard Gilson, Lincoln Timothy Gilson, Owen Henry Gilson ... they will all be senators, presidents; or at least great missionaries!

Love him! New babies are so special and sweet. I love to be a part of it, it's such an amazing thing to me.

sweet little finger grasp...

Check out those cheeks!

I love my beautiful sister and her more than adorable new addition!

you can leave a comment for them here if you like...

Spring Checklist...

2011-03-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

So I'm really quite sick of looking at this type of weather...although Frosty is sort of cute...scary lookin -but cute because my kids designed him. So I was thinking of some must do's for spring -hoping that might egg it on to come!

#1. Something springy for the kitchen. This is for my Mom's birthday (Jami if your viewing this-DON'T let her see). This was such fun-easy pattern, and I DO NOT DO PATTERNS. I like tutorials online that give pictures w/step by step instructions!

This is the pattern-at Walmart.

#2. A new and improved haircut. Ruby has thin, wispy hair that seems to get a lot of static in the winter. I haven't wanted to cut it since it grows at the rate of a snail race. But we went out on a 'girls night' and decided to DO IT; The stylist at Great Clips (which btw is having a 6.99$ haircut deal for anyone...think it ended today though) told me to make sure she is taking her multi-vitamin-to help it grow better/faster.

She was SO excited for the end result AND a little scared it would be too short like a boys' ...ewww cooties!

TA -DA! She has a little natural curl and cutting it in a stacked A-line, like this, really brought it out and makes it MUCH more manageable and fun.

So go out yourself and TRY it. Something new, something vibrant.

#3. This stuff is the bomb. My Mom bought it for me 3 years ago for my birthday, since I'd become an anti-sun fanatic (except for the healthy Vit-D amount of course)(because of my two melanoma moles I had surgically removed- I need to do a post on just that whole ordeal and show..... The Scars). I LOVE it. I use it on my face and arms most days(even in the winter)...it only takes a LITTLE bit. And in the summer it gets caked on my legs too. I don't know if its because of my freckles or what but it seems to blend in really well. LOVE IT.

#4. Babies! So many babies -showers, births, gifts, making babies, etc. We are throwin' a shower for my friend in a month. I need some cute favor ideas...anyone? I've seen some WAY cute decorating ideas and food ideas on some other fellow bloggers. In this pic MY baby is taking is very first step(at my grandma's house)...yep, hasn't done it again since but he took it, I saw him.

#5. PLEASE...like spring can be spring w/out....da ta ta ta......MINI EGGS. Marty has always had an incessant NEED for these guys and I've figured out why....they are to die for. Not literally , but close.

#6. And last but not least....toddler boy tie shirts...tutorial HERE. (this blog site has amazing FREE tutorials)

complete with some linen trousers and a scally hat ...

I was going to make one for Liam in this matching fabric but I am thinking polka dots are a little too baby-ish for my
3 & 1/2 year old...ya think? totally.

oh yeah. gotta love that- biting tongue with those 4 tiny teeth-action.

keep pray'in for that sunshine!