Ordinary and Occasionally Extraordinary

An Icon Falls

2011-11-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

...but not without a fight.

Our "red" bathroom was beloved. It was familiar, comfortable, and all we'd known in this house. Jeremy painted it a few days after we had moved in (6 years ago). Crazy how time flies.

I had been throwing around the idea of repainting for a while, but I hesitated. I knew exactly what I wanted to do, but I also knew it would be a big undertaking. I wasn't sure I was up for it. And then there was the nagging doubt that my vision would be a lot better in theory than on actual walls and that maybe, just maybe, I didn't have the skills or the patience to pull it all off.

But the paint sale over Labor Day weekend at Lowe's lured me in.

Jeremy left town for a week and I got to work.

First up, covering the RED.

Valspar high hiding paint with primer.

It was pricey but worth every penny as you see how great it covered.

Base Coat: Pam's Lace (has a pearlized quality to it).

Love it.

Two coats and I called it good.

The kids were not happy.

They went so far as to tell me they couldn't believe I would do this to them. They loved the red bathroom and they weren't going to use it anymore now that I took the red away.

I'm telling you, there were some strong ties to this color.

But I pushed ahead, secretly hoping they wouldn't use this bathroom.

Maybe I'd have to clean it about 10x less often.

The next step was to tape.

That was a big step.

Took me almost 48 hours.

Partly because it's hard, partly because I wanted it to be perfect, partly because it took a lot more math than I had anticipated, partly because I was mothering 3 children single-handedly while doing it.

You get the idea.

I had a few pictures of the taping, but those were lost in the Great Hard Drive Crash of 2011.

Adding the accent color, Valspar's Beach House.

Pretty easy painting. Just stay in the lines. Sometimes I forgot which

line I was supposed to be painting and so I stared writing "white" and "blue" in pencil.

And it turned out.... OK.

4 days of work and I'd be lying if I didn't confess that I was just a little let down with the result.

To me, it looked like a bad polo shirt had exploded in my bathroom.

At 11pm I was less than thrilled.

UGH. Too late now.

There was nothing left to do but pull the tape.

So I did.

It looked better.

I could live with it.

Nothing prepared me for what it would look

like when I got it all put back together.

I LOVED IT!

And I think I loved it even more just because I did it!

Nothing feels better than a project that turns out better than you expected.

The bathroom is awesome.

It feels bright, I dare say it is brighter.

At least it has lost the cave-like quality it had with the red.

You should come try it out, for real.

Sometimes I Like to Blog

2011-10-31T09:56:00.000-07:00

Since August we've:

*started school

*had 3 birthdays

*hosted lots of family for Kaden's baptism

*lost about 2 1/2 yrs of family photos after the most recent computer crash... boo!

*added two casts to the family

*welcomed lots babies (friends and family)

*learned the about the arrival of many more

*spooked it up for Halloween

*removed a 6 yr old's cast

*changed my cast a few different times

*stressed about and finally enjoyed the Primary Program

*started walking in the wee morning hours (loving my free therapy)

The next few months are sure to bring us a few more adventures. Stay tuned. I may, or may not, blog about it. You know how I am.

First day of school - 2011

Remember how the computer crashed?

This is the only shot I have of our family at the baptism.

I'm embracing the fact that I have ONE photo, even if my eyes happen to be closed.

Asking them to stand still for approximately 4 seconds when there is a

carnival raging in the gym is like torture.

Honestly.

A Sweet Epiphany (or three)

2011-08-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

Wedding cake.

I was a little skeptical when the bride told me the color scheme but I actually love the way it turned out.

Jeremy was out of town so the kids watched Ponyo (one of the lamest movies ever- a fish that wants to be human... fail) like 7 times before I got all those hand-cut leaves and vines created and placed around all 4 sides.

My good friend was expecting baby #5 and so of course we've gotta have some cake.

I thought it would be funny/clever to have a question mark for the baby's initials since they hadn't decided on a name... turned out they had decided on the name and no one told me.

Jokes on the baker.

I'd been wanting to try out some argyle patterns.

Turns out hand painted stitching sucks and takes forever.

At least it looks cute.

5-tiered wedding monster.

I seriously was having heart palpitations assembling this cake on site.

Having an audience didn't help the stress level either.

Classic, beautiful and not falling over.

I call it success.

What have you been up to this summer?

I'm Itchy...

2011-08-11T09:33:00.001-07:00

.... probably because I have approximately 58 mosquito bites from last weeks trek, but also I am partly itching for change.

I'm itchy for some structure (and maybe a little peace?). School is right around the corner which means fall is trailing not far behind. Time for schedules. Time for kids to learn and grow up right before your eyes. Summer has been good to us, but I know there are great things in store for us.

I'm itching to know what and where we'll be come next spring. Most of me hopes right here in our quaint little house surrounded by all our friends and family, but then some days there are parts of my brain that think a fun adventurous move might be intriguing.

I'm itching to know why my friends have decided to purchase vans like they are going out of style. Seriously, like 4 in the last month have gone the way of the Caravan. What the what?

I guess I'm just itchy.

2011-06-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

I know a girl.

A wonderful girl.

A thoughtful, loving, unbelievably generous girl.

The thing about this girl is that once she get her mind set on something she doesn't quit.

She's had cancer in her sights for a while now, and she's determined.

She's making a difference.

Wanna help?

Check it out here!

It's A Special Day...

2011-05-19T11:05:00.001-07:00

and I'm celebrating with a post!

Recently I've....

* managed to explode the microwave while attempting to hard boil an egg. {apparently all of modern civilization knows this shouldn't be attempted. Well, of course, except for me}

* not been blogging.

* been maintaining an awesome looking garden. For real, the best we've had in a few years.

* gone to a slew of baseball and t-ball games and loved almost every minute of it.

* kept some semblance of sanity while Jeremy learns all about fire stuff and disaster stuff. Cue Adam Sandler: "Back to school, back to school...."

* prepped myself for one more Spanish speaker to grace our house by fall. Kindergarten people, no announcements here.

***AND***

* stayed married to the best man ever for the last 11 years. I'm not gonna lie, I'm one lucky girl... even though on our wedding day he kept me waiting and the officiant repeatedly asked me if I was sure he was showing up I'm glad you came through Jer.

{He claims he stopped at the gas station for pop beforehand. Awesome, I know. He'll tell you he was on time, but don't believe him. Temple workers don't lie, or worry poor innocent brides for no reason, do they?}

My Valentine-lovin Baby

2011-02-16T10:32:00.000-08:00

She gets those big blue eyes from her mama.

Her sweet affection for chocolate...

that's my contribution too.

It's half full

2011-02-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

Going on day 3 of no working dishwasher. Five people make a lot of dishes, and we even ate at the in-laws last night! The good news is the part should be here by noon. My husband/repairman should be here by 5. My dishwasher should be back in action.... let's just say sometime tonight. I will be keeping my fingers crossed that the $20 part is the fix because as much as I'd love a new dishwasher I would NOT love purchasing a new dishwasher right now.

Remember last year about this time when our car got broken into. Last night the same happened to the the other car. Only one of the doors doesn't lock so I don't know if it's technically considered a break in? The good news is nothing was taken (because there's nothing in there) but it's still creepy knowing people are rifling through your stuff. Invasion of privacy is a bad feeling. Being the only family that doesn't park in the garage has consequences, I tell ya.

I am feeling a little overwhelmed and very inadequate to fulfill my new calling. Excited but inadequate nonetheless. The good news is that I got released from the other three callings I was doing so I have only two things on my plate. Unfortunately Trek and Primary are still two really big things on my plate. But I'm loving them both and am very happy to be where I'm at.

*2nd Counselor in the Primary if you hadn't heard.

Monday Thoughts

2011-01-31T13:31:00.000-08:00

*I'm happy for the new stake changes, simply because it's finally done and I feel like everyone can breathe and move forward. Like confidently move forward. Sometimes planning is hard when you aren't sure what's around the corner. know what i mean?

*I'm itching to paint my bathroom, but not just any old way.... like this. Blue and white, can't you see it? Camie please talk me out of it, or into it.

*I'm really, really, really wishing for some blue skies... I'll even take the cold as long as i can see blue. Pretty please?

*Got a few cakes/cupcake orders on the back burner. It's been a while, so I'm kind of excited to hop back in the saddle.

*Planning and gearing up for our family camping trip to Yellowstone this Summer.

* Two posts in one week! Madness I tell ya. Yeah, I about peed my pants too...

2011

2011-01-25T12:09:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since pen hit paper over here.

A lot has happened. A lot has changed. Yet some days it feels as though it hasn't. Sometimes it feels as though I am the same girl wandering through life stumbling along and trying to find my way in this big old world. Other times I look back and can see the difference in myself, the person I am verses the person I once was. Sometimes I like it, and sometimes I see where I may have taken a turn I regret. I am learning, stretching and growing... always.

What I know for sure is I have friends who fade in and out of my life, yet always cheer me along. I am finding my way with a handsome husband and darling kids at my side who keep me grounded, safe and loved. It's a great way to travel. The only way to travel, for me.

2010-09-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

There were candles, presents and loads of fun for this little one.

One year older, but still my baby girl...

Sugar, spice, and whole lotta something else...

2010-09-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

You are everything I expected in a little girl, some I never could have imagined, and more wonderful than I ever thought possible.

You love to create.

{ribbon and paper necklaces are your current specialty}

You love to bake.

{cupcakes are the confection of choice}

You love all things pink, sparkly, frilly or

anything that remotely resembles make-up.

{you "borrow" anything you can from my jewelry stash}

You love to dance and sing.

{the songs you make up in the car are my favorite}

You love being you!

{and I love that too}

Happy 5th Birthday Brynners!

First Day of School

2010-09-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

It came and went just like that!
I think it will be another successful year for this sweet boy.

The things we do for love

2010-08-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

A sign-up sheet went around work.

It was a going away party for a fellow employee.

Jeremy noticed a slot for cake was still available.

He claimed that as his contribution.

He brought home a flyer and requested I replicate it on the cake.

Next time I'll keep my fingers crossed in hopes that he just signs up for a side dish

Fondant is hand cut and frosting is freehanded (aka: a huge pain in my booty).

The sky is a watercolor treatment, but that was fun!

Summer Dayz

2010-08-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

We didn't spend nearly enough time lounging poolside this summer.... but there's always next year.

Can't Wait...

2010-08-19T07:49:00.001-07:00

Anyone want to go together?

Cake Anyone?

2010-08-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

A few things I've been up to this summer.....

A birthday cake for our good friend.

He is a VW enthusiast to the core

and I replicated his bus.

With only 26 hours notice...

I'm calling it a success.

***

Wedding Cake

Turns out the father of the bride went to high school with Jeremy.

True story.

***

Cake for a reception.

Simple outside, but the inside

was chocolate pound cake filled with dark chocolate ganache.

I think I gained 3 lbs that weekend eating cake scraps turned cake burritos*.

*If you aren't familiar with cake burritos come over and let me enlighten you!

Summer has been good to us,

and we plan on squeezing every last minute out of our remaining 10 days.

Kinda Forgot I Had a Blog...

2010-06-30T09:43:00.001-07:00

I'm pretty sure you forgot too. Lots of things have happened, and yet I still don't feel the pull to post. Bad, I know, but my feelings all the same.

Maybe someday the blogging spark will reignite, and then again- maybe not. It is summer after all and blogging is supposed to take a back burner.

So there it is, enjoy life on the back burner!

{and if for some crazy reason the view from the back burner gets old I suppose we could always chat on the phone or meet up at the park, ya know do things that friends actually do}

Until then, enjoy the fabulously non-scorching weather.

33% of my Life

2010-05-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

10 years =

7 cars

2 houses

4 moves

5 wards

16,000 feet of sod

3 great kids

27 trips to Utah (at least)

20 seasons of Survivor

2 dogs

7 fish

More happy times than I can count!

-Jeremy

Love seems the swiftest but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century.

~Mark Twain

Delightful Pictures

2010-05-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

Even though this bell doesn't have a built in light like it's amazingly mediocre predecessor I still think the copper beats broken and yellowed any day!

Have Done List

2010-05-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

(way better than a to-do list)

*doorbell installed and looking absolutely fantastic

*VW bus cake completed

*kids to the dentist

*dr. appointments scheduled, no baby here. I know you're wondering.

*hanging baskets up and blooming

*serious weeding session

*ran

*sat

*read

At The Intersection of Reality and Responsibility

2010-05-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Restoration Hardware,

Thank you for all the emails you've sent my way since my recent purchase (5 in 11 days if you were curious). I'm a huge fan of yours, loving pretty much everything your quaint store has to offer, most especially that crazy huge comfy distressed leather couch that is the same the size as my bed! Really, I could die.

Unfortunately, the ONLY thing I can afford from you I have already purchased. That's right, the $10 doorbell. And although the $100 off a $500 purchase offers you continue to try to entice me with seem heaven sent, they just aren't. Let me know when your price point is more like Target. We'll talk.

Thinking of you wistfully,

Heather

Making My Mark

2010-05-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

In college Jeremy had a saying:

"Beauty is only a light switch away."

{pre-Heather days, for sure}

As ridiculous as this slogan was,

it's fairly similar to my current decorating philosophy:

"Beauty is only a can of spray paint away."

These chairs were screaming for a new coat of paint.

The only before picture I had.

The peach just wasn't doing it for me anymore.

I rescued the table from my own garbage.

Yes, I threw it away after letting it sit untouched in the garage for a few months.

(it was a cast-off from someone else that found a temporary home in our garage)

Later that night I realize my mistake.

And next morning I tipped the mondo green garbage can on it's side and climbed on in.

Sick, I know.

However, I think the transformation more than makes up for my dumpster diving experience.

Seafoam blue and oil rubbed bronze make a great pairing.

The total was less than 13 dollars,

yet it gives the porch a million dollar punch.

Inbox

2010-05-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

Got a little thank you note in my inbox today and I LOVE thank you's.

This was how I spent the last weekend, and it was great as always. Although I could do with a little less Mercy River. They are fine, just not my favorite.

See if you can spot me in the video!

Yeah. I couldn't see me either. But I was there hoping like the rest of 'em.

If you get a chance to hit a Time Out For Women this round- do it. Just hearing Mariama's story will change your life, and Jenny Oaks Baker live is something not to miss.

Promise.

Swagga

2010-05-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

I think I may need to revisit the anti-minivan stance I have taken...

The 80's are alive and well...

2010-04-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

" 'Some people are born great. Some people have greatness thrust upon them.'

Some are neither."

-Jeff

Touche.

Happy Mail

2010-04-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

Remember back when I won this totally phenomenal giveaway?

Well, my happy mail arrived on Saturday!

And the necklace is even more gorgeous in person.

or maybe it's just the fact that it had the letters H & J on it.

awww... so sweet

Either way, I love it!

Thanks RHV!

Go on, get yourself one!

Feelin the 80's?

2010-04-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

Break out your leg warmers, Aqua Net, mixed tapes,

pegged pants, bangle bracelets

and join the party!

80's Date Night

Rollarena

Thursday April 22

6pm

$10 per couple

If you want to come, we want you there!

Prizes for the best 80's look- so come dressed to impress.

* I did a trial run on my hair yesterday morning and

you are not going to want to miss it!

Mesmerized

2010-04-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

My name is Heather and it has been 9 days since I posted last.

I have been entranced with the most terrifying, heart-wrenching, yet somehow inspiring story. Only it's not a story, it's someone's real life. If you want to see first hand how someone can handle trials with grace and determination... go here.

One of the Many

2010-04-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

...reasons to love being a mom.

Luck

2010-04-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

...has nothing to do with the fact that I married one thoughtful man.

All on his own he set up an appointment for me to get a cut/color with one of my favorite girls.

He thought I would be disappointed that I didn't win.

I wasn't.

But who doesn't like to be the recipient of a generous thought?

The NEW Hair.

A little lighter than I've been in recent days.

Change is due and change is good.

{the picture quality is compliments of my phone, the 'real' camera is currently hiding}

I put on my "Sunday Makeup" for you all.

Enjoy.

More Giveaway Fodder

2010-04-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

You know what is making me happy?

Lee Ann is back, and doing one exciting giveaway.

I'm giddy just thinking about it...

I might be pressing my luck but I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

You should do the same.

Welcome her home and go enter here!

Passionista & Fashionista Love

2010-04-05T14:17:00.001-07:00

What are the chances of winning not one but two blog giveaways in one weekend?

I'd have to say slim to none, if I were throwing out odds.

I guess I'm just all about beating the odds...

because one fabulous mix from the amazing tune tycoon and

one adorable charm necklace from this fashion fiend via this swanky place are coming my way.

I may actually check the mail this week.

Thanks girls!

Pumpkin Waffles

2010-04-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

A few people asked for the waffle recipe I made last week. I found a basic recipe on the internet and tweaked it. Here's what I came up with.

Pumpkin Waffles

1 egg, beaten (I used the extra yolks, too)

3 egg whites, beaten until stiff

6 tablespoons of brown sugar

12 oz evaporated milk

3 Tbsp vegetable oil

1 c pumpkin

3 tsp of vanilla

2 c flour

3 tsp baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of salt

3 tsp cinnamon

3/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ginger

1/4 teaspoon of cloves

optional add ins (which I didn't do):

3/4 c apples, finely diced

1/4 c toasted walnuts

Beat together egg, yolks, sugar, milk, oil, pumpkin and vanilla.

Sift together dry ingredients.

Add dry mixture to the wet mixture - (don't over-mix).

Fold in egg whites, and apple and nuts if you are adding them.

The kids loved these, Jeremy gave them good reviews, and I'm a sucker for anything pumpkin so I was all over it! Let me know what you think.

Could be a good Easter or General Conference breakfast option this weekend.

She's A Giver

2010-04-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

Chelsea has worked her boo-tay off putting together this awesome makeover.

And you know, she isn't done yet!

She's got more makeovers in the works...

and a really awesome giveaway going on right now.

Go there now, and thank me later!

In Spirit of Good Sportsmanship

2010-03-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

That bites!

Although, I am glad for the winner.

She would have gotten my vote, ya know, if I wasn't selfish and hadn't voted for myself.

{holy crap I'm gonna be the best t-ball coach, ever!}

If's really can come true...

2010-03-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

and so it is.

I'm in the top 5!

What I need now is a lot of love (in the form of votes) to help me finish this makeover journey. So if you have approximately 36 seconds, and internet access, would you be willing to help a gal out?

Go here and cast your vote for me.

Voting ends on March 30th at 11:59pm, so time is of the essence!

And if you are really feeling charitable a little blogging, tweeting, facebooking, texting {heck I'd even take old fashioned face-to-face chatting} to help me get the word out wouldn't hurt either.

I'm excited, but totally embarrassed about that picture... gah!

Life as we know it

2010-03-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

consists of this happening this week.

~ finally finishing and submitting my makeover sob story... if (it's a big if)I get into the top 5 I'll be counting on ALL of your votes and blog posts {hint, hint} to help me out. You in?

~ feeling guilty enough to say "YES, I will coach t-ball since no one else can even if it means my son will be on a different team than last year with absolutely no one he knows." Awesome. It actually will be awesome, once I can get through the 50 emails that showed up in my inbox. It's exhausting already!

~ tax refund. Well I don't know if it can really be called a refund since we only paid taxes for 3 months of the year last year but who's keeping track?

~ eating delicious pumpkin waffles, Aebleskiver batter turned into waffles because I don't own one of these, zucchini pancakes, and making homemade buttermilk syrup all in honor of International Waffle Day yesterday.

There's more but life is calling me, or maybe that's just the timer on the dryer. Gotta run. Enjoy the weekend!

Drop Baby, Drop Baby, Drop

2010-03-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

I have heard these words over and over and over and over all weekend long. Don't worry I'm not buggin' out yet because it's just so dang cute when your kiddos are singing this together. At this point I'll take anything that doesn't involve fighting between Brynnlee and Kaden.

Thanks to our super cool neighbor, Chris, for jamming out at the ward talent show and bringing this song into our world. We love it.

Are you feeling it too?

That's the Impression that I Get

2010-03-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

Ok. True story.

A while back as I was hangin' out with two good friends after the kidlets were in bed. We were going to be indulging in a somewhat sad chick flick and thus we prepped ourselves:

ice cream - check

movie - check

So, yeah, that's about where the 'preparation' ended. Oh, except for this little doozie:

My friend turns to me and says: "You aren't going to make fun of me when I cry, right?"

I was appalled and even kind of offended that she would even have to ask that question. Let's be honest- I am not the kind of person who makes fun of people. So I shot back "What? I never make fun of people."

WOW.

That was obviously the wrong thing to say because the look they both gave me {imagine disbelief mixed with shock with a little annoyance thrown in for good measure} could have killed. Then they both burst into riotous laughter. And then finally they proceeded to tell me that they couldn't believe that that even came out of my mouth because, in fact, I make fun of people ALL. THE. TIME.

Well, of course, I had to explain myself.

Ok, YES, I make fun of people. If you do something totally lame or funny YES you will hear it from me for the rest of your life. If I think something you say is crazy, YES, I'll call you out on it every chance I get. YES, sarcasm and I have a personal relationship. Trust me, I know I milk every last drop of fun out of good entertainment but that doesn't mean I don't have a soul. It's not like I would ever be cast as Regina George in Mean Girls. I only make fun of people when it will be funny to us all. Not when you are huddled with 3 friends bawling over a sappy love story.

Well, at least that's the defense I'm sticking with. I know, right? How am I not bankrolling as the best lawyer ever?

So, what's your take on the "making-fun-of-people heather"?

8 Cows and 40 Years Later

2010-03-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

... a little update on Mahana, brought to my attention by the infamous goddessdivine.

This movie is awesome. If you haven't seen it, where have you been? Come on over, I'll introduce you to the wonderment that is early LDS movies.

The first time I remember seeing Johnny Lingo was at a youth fireside. The highlight of the meeting was the reaction of our YW President's 6 year old son. Bob's eyes, upon seeing Mahana returning back to the island in all her beauty, popped out of his head, he plastered a big smile on his face and loudly said Ma-Ha-Na! He was totally smitten. True story.

Do you love Johnny Lingo? Anyone seen the new version? Maybe I should try that one for my kids who do not appreciate this movie. At. All.

Weekend Recap

2010-03-09T09:16:00.000-08:00

Weekend Ups

3 day weekend with my man

finally got to see my friend who lives 3 miles away {sad I know}

fun night out with great friends

family bike ride in sunny weather

fun night in with great friends, and a lotta BandHero

an uplifting Sunday

Weekend Downs

playing the organ

Be Still

2010-03-06T10:23:00.001-08:00

Jessica emailed me this article.

I have never faced an earthquake, but I have felt like the earth was crumbling and groaning all around me. I have been surrounded by chaos, and learned to be still. I have trusted in Heavenly Father more than I ever have before and been blessed with peace. So when Sister Laycock wrote this, I couldn't help but nod and feel like we have somehow learned the same lessons even though we have walked completely different paths.

"We were blessed with peace in the midst of chaos. We learned an important lesson: our preparation helped us to avoid panic and fear, but the Lord, in His wisdom, allowed us to experience enough discomfort to know that He has all power. He is in charge. We are nothing without Him. We are dependent upon Him for every breath we take. Only He can save us from death and destruction. He is the way, the truth, and the life."

People of "A Certain Store"

2010-03-02T09:39:00.000-08:00

A while back I submitted a photo to a certain website that showcases crazy things/people at a particular retail giant we all love/hate. (gettin' a little too comfy with slashes there, sorry) I've had lots of inquiries of said photo so here it is in all it's glory. In case you were wondering, no I didn't win a gift card. In fact I'm pretty sure it didn't even make the website. More evidence that I'm really not as funny as I think. Dang it!

Jumpin'

2010-02-26T15:27:00.000-08:00

...back in to the world of regular blogging, that is. Today is the last day of Jeremy being home. I'm not gonna lie- it's kind of a weird feeling.

Me and the cousins cliff jumping at Lake Powell, 1998-ish.

Me and Jake Rogers jumping at Conchas?? 1997

(freak there's only like 2 lakes in NM, you'd think I'd remember the name)

Reality is taking up residence in my brain. For real.

2010-02-24T13:57:00.000-08:00

Today marks the 13th day that we've known our life is, indeed, going to change. Jeremy after months of applications, resumes, rejections, frustrations, redirection and a whole lotta "what now?" finally has a job. A job which starts on Monday about 45 minutes from our sweet little abode. And while I'm over the moon with this news, obviously, I'm a little apprehensive as well.

You see, before the unemployment gig Jeremy had a job which allowed him to work from his "home office" AKA the bonus room upstairs. Life for the last 3+ years has included my husband being, for the most part, at home. At home when I had to run to the Dr, at home when I needed to teach a piano lesson, at home when I wanted to have lunch with a friend, or run to the store, or visit teach, or a million other things I needed/wanted to do without a gaggle of children in tow. You see where I'm going with this?

And now it all comes to end. I will finally have to navigate life the way other moms do. And I'm not quite sure how I feel about that.

It'll work out, but change is always scary. Ya know?

Family Makes the World Go 'Round

2010-02-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

I have this cousin, who I love dearly. Growing up we had a lot of fun times and she never ceases to impress me with her wit. I mean, girlfriend is hilarious (I taught her a lot of her skills the summer we lived together) and she is a riot to be around. She finally moved out of the smog of California, but I think that the hairspray fumes in Utah might be having the same effect on her judgement.

Presenting her latest endeavor.

PS - You'll want the sound up for this.

Biznis of Cake

2010-02-16T11:30:00.000-08:00

3rd Birthday

This girl loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and I think it turned out so cute.

See what I have to work with? I really love my job.

(kidding, kate)

Melanie's Baby Shower cake.

I flew solo on this one since our schedules didn't mesh.

My mother-in-law's birthday cake.

Yes, it was as good as it looks.

I've been wanting to try some old school piping scroll work for a while and this gave me the perfect excuse. I love the way it turned out.

Stats

2010-02-12T13:45:00.000-08:00

10 months or...

46 weeks or...

326 days or...

7827 hours or...

469,668 minutes or...

28,180,134 seconds

anyway you count it- I'm glad to say it's finally over.

Jeremy clocks back into the work force on March 1st!

Amen, Cos

2010-02-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

My cousin's most recent blog entry. I totally get it.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

2010-02-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

This looks like so much fun and Jeremy really wants to win, so check it out. If we aren't lucky enough to win but you are I will totally come and visit you in the Emerald City (as long as you take me to lunch). Deal?

It's ALWAYS about perspective, isn't it?

2010-01-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

A few months back I got a frantic call 2 hours before church asking if I would fill in because they really, really, really needed someone to play for Sacrament meeting. Fortunately for me I don't play the organ so I had to decline. Unfortunately for me Kim was desperate enough that she said the piano would be fine.

This past Sunday the ward officially sustained me as a Ward Organist. Say what? {Yeah, I'm right there with ya.} So really, the only thing that has changed since that fateful Sunday last year is that now I suppose I can that say that I play the organ.

How many mistakes do you think they'll let me have before they officially rescind their offer? My guess is waaaay too many.

So Says I: Brynners Edition

2010-01-26T08:21:00.000-08:00

As I'm loading the washer:

"Don't forget my nasty underwear!"

With big eyes as she hears daddy's voice in church:

"Whoa, that sounds just like our dad!"

Driving down the road:

"Mom when I get the age you are now I'm gonna drive you somewhere sooo special!"

As we are taking the sacrament:

"Why don't they ever put butter on this bread?"

As I am typing this blog:

"Are you trying to spell 'Daddy is a turd. I love Brynnlee?' on that blog?

My Awkward Family Photo Submission

2010-01-19T20:19:00.000-08:00

While perusing the old family photos yet again I ran across this perfect little gem.

I'm not sure what qualifies this picture more: Nathan looking sulky and downtrodden, three people holding cats, Adrienne and Melissa's extreme fascination with their cats, my totally weird face, Alicia's totally creepy smile, or my mom's glasses. Ummm.... I actually think that the combination of all of those amazing factors contribute to the total and complete awkwardness of this family photo.

Confession(s)

2010-01-18T13:58:00.000-08:00

1. I am still alive.

2. I never blog anymore.

3. I would rather play SuperMario on Wii than blog.

4. I've been released officially as the Primary Pianist for 3 weeks and have yet to make it to Relief Society.

5. I subbed in nursery and actually liked it.

6. I'm happy to sub in nursery for the next two months (till Ella is official) and then I'll have to get back to you after that.

7. I read this blog from my cousin and laughed so hard it made me want start blogging again.

8. I love the show Hoarders, and it makes me want to get rid of lots of stuff. Win-win.

9. I have no New Years Resolutions and I'm totally OK with it.

The End.

Christmas Memories: The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of.

2010-01-06T09:21:00.001-08:00

Christmas was so fun. It always is, but this year was different. This year we headed to my parents new house in Utah. And it was the first time all nine of my siblings and I have all been together for Christmas! (weird, I know but when kids join the family after others are married that's just the way it goes). Before this year the family hadn't been together since 1999, 10 years. It was time.

While there we toured the lights at Temple Square. Pretty much this

is one of those things that are non-negotiable. If we're in Utah- we go. And even though it doesn't change much I never get sick of seeing it. If you've never been- do yourself a favor and try to get there some time

The snow was falling gently and it was picture perfect. Until a snowball fight in the parking lot turned to tears. It's all fun and games until... well, you know.

I could go on and on about the details, but that's just not me and I really don't have 8 hours to spend on this post. I'm already about 2 hours past my allotted 20 minutes. So here it is in a few simple pictures.

Christmas Eve excitement.

Christmas morning joys.

Her favorite part of Christmas was that gumball machine!

I don't think she let go of it for the entire day.

Me and my little niece snuggling early, early Christmas morn.

Please disregard the sleepless look

Jeremy and Kaden built this snow fort. I don't know how much credit we should actually give Kaden although, the fort was his idea. It was awesome and huge.

We got 5 adults and two kids in there and still had room.

We sledded like crazy down this amazing hill/gorge thing across the street almost every day. The big mishap (amazingly enough there was only one) was a broken leg on a 4 year-old.

The verdict: Sledding is fun, a cast is not.

Now THAT is a sledding hill.

Good thing there was no motorized rope tow. That LONG walk up the hill was the only leverage we had to get the kids home.

Isn't this view to die for??

The mountains aren't too shabby either.

All in all we stayed up too late, ate too much, laughed too hard, played way too much RockBand and Rummikub and realized just how blessed we are to have been able to spend this Holiday with family.

Christmas 2009 is declared a success!

I want to post

2010-01-05T12:57:00.000-08:00

and I actually have lots of things to post about. I'm just having a difficult time finding the spare 20 or so minutes it takes to do that. I'll keep trying.

This is how the plot SHOULD have gone.

2009-12-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

Ummm... let's just say no introduction would be sufficient for this piece of brilliance.

Thanks for posting it, Vern. Gosh, I love that girl.

Twilight Years from Tom on Vimeo.

Career Day 2009

2009-12-10T13:30:00.000-08:00

"I want to be a scientist when I grow up!" Kaden, age 6

Christmas Photo Session

2009-12-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

The latest and greatest...

Sometimes Being a Flake is Not Really ALL My Fault

2009-12-04T09:45:00.001-08:00

Remember way back when I told you all I had this awesome project in the works and it would be finished soon? Yeah, me neither. That post was how long ago?

But anyhow I did have a project I was really excited about. And I did work really hard on it for a really, really long time. And you know what? It got all jacked up because there are lame brain marketing people that put the words "stain-able" on wood putty labels and totally deceive amateurs like me. Yes, it's true. The putty is stain-able. However, they happened to leave out the minute detail that even though it is stain-able there is no way in Hades it's gonna match the rest of the wood.

So I actually "finished" the project back while Jeremy was in Florida, over a month ago. But now the finished project is sitting in the garage waiting for me to get motivation to re-strip it, re-sand it, and wait for it to get above 50 degrees so I can start staining all over again. Yeah, maybe I'll wait just a little bit longer...

In other news there's a new blog post over here!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

2009-12-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

It's the 2nd of December. I can not believe it. While quite often time has seemed to creep by the last 8 months, it also has had an uncanny knack for flying by as well. Now, if I ever manage to multi-task like that you better watch out. But just between you and me I think we're safe in assuming that won't happen. I'm already feeling the full effect of the Christmas Spirit and it's going be one perfect month. We are so blessed.

*holiday decor (which I semi- scaled down from last year) is up

*Jeremy braved the roof and strung up the most perfectly straight line of lights ever

*oohed and ahhed over three precious newborn babies

*we've enjoyed lots of quality time with family

*explained, in depth, why the Who's were happy even after the Grinch stole their "things"

*purchased a beautiful tree (with a coupon even)

*decorated this fabulous tree with mismatched, sentimental, and perfect ornaments

*read the book "I Believe In Santa Claus"

*named and placed our "scout elf" who is keeping a watchful eye on our little ones

*cranked up the tunes on the Christmas Station

*finished almost all of the simplified shopping

*making exciting plans to spend Christmas with my family

*Christmas photo, for the grandkids, is scheduled for this afternoon

*our manger is being prepped for Baby Jesus' arrival with lots and lots of kind deeds

I think the only thing we're lacking is some Holiday baking... it's in the works.

Merry Christmas!

A Grateful Heart

2009-11-24T06:57:00.000-08:00

topping my list in 2009

:: a loving Heavenly Father who is aware of me, pretty amazing when you really think about it

:: one amazing husband

:: practically perfect children

:: a huge family who loves me {some bound by blood, some by friendship}

:: a warm, cozy, love-filled house

:: the restored gospel

:: faith & hope

We Are Family...

2009-11-21T10:15:00.001-08:00

November is National Adoption Month!

*Of the more than one million pregnant teens each year, 500,000 will choose to parent their babies, 450,000 will abort and fewer than 100,000 will place their babies for adoption. (U.S. Census Bureau)

* There are 510,000 children in the U.S. foster care system; 129,000 of these children are available for adoption.

*More children become available for adoption each year than are adopted. In 2006, 79,000 children had parental rights terminated by the courts, yet only 51,000 were adopted

*Each year, one in five children (26,517 in 2006) who are available for adoption turn 18 and leave the foster care system without a family.

*Nearly 40 percent of American adults, or 81.5 million people, have considered adopting a child, according to the National Adoption Attitudes Survey. If just one in 500 of these adults adopted, every waiting child in foster care would have a permanent family.

Statistical source: Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System; Department of Health & Human Services (January 2008) via Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, unless otherwise stipulated.

1/3 of my siblings have joined our family through adoption.

Would you have guessed?

It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons.

~Johann Schiller

The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together.

~Erma Bombeck

What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories.

~George Eliot

The Never Ending Tradition

2009-11-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

Just found this little gem and couldn't let it go unshared.

Turkey Bowl 1999

This Somerville Family tradition has been going strong since the beginning of time (I'm pretty sure anyway) and will commence in less than two weeks. This isn't our "Somerville Year" for Thanksgiving, so we won't be participating. But two weeks, can you believe it?

Another One Bites the Dust

2009-11-12T18:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, another one of my "former Young Women" is officially engaged. And the funniest part is that I had her as a Beehive. A Beehive, people.

I've said it before and I'm sayin' it again, I feel old.

A Slippery Slope

2009-11-06T10:14:00.000-08:00

I've been looking at old family pictures. I sometimes tend to get a big head looking at all the photos because I am one cute little girl!

Now, before you go getting overly concerned for my prideful self and decide to host an intervention- just wait! Because, as you will soon see, it doesn't take long for my vanity to get checked. While strolling along in the photo journey we hit a little place I like to call the "ugly years". And after realizing that I did, indeed, go out in public like that I have no more pride.

Honestly though, where exactly do you think the breaking point was for me?

I know what my answer is.

1980- Smiling because I'm so fashion forward with my "vintage" binky leash.

1981 - Posing it up with the siblings.

No this is not a backdrop.

It's a real canyon somewhere... probably in the motherland, Utah.

1982 - Sure my hair is a little crazy but my mom has 4 kids.

It doesn't change the fact that I'm still adorable.

1983 - Girls picture!

Me and my sisters are hot stuff in our matching Easter dresses.

1984 - So sweet. Look at those cheeks!

1985 - I've still got it! Except I don't have that rainbow headband.

My sister Adrienne broke it not long after this shot, and I never let her live it down.

1986 - I think the decline starts right about here with

my crimped hair and all.

1987 - The picture my sisters refer to as "the poker".

Let's be honest. It really does look like I'm getting poked with a hot stick.

1988- Even though these earrings were totally in style,

it still doesn't make it right.

1989 - Ok, Self. A note for the future:

hair pulled straight back is really not a flattering look.

1990 - Wow! Although the bandanna absolutely makes this outfit,

I think the the bangs should get an award for their supporting role.

1991 - What in the world was going on with my hair?

I think the left side of my body must have had it's own gravitational pull.

And really, did I not sleep the night before?

WAKE UP!

1995- I think 1992 ended my ugly streak (and the purchase of school pictures by my parents) but this photo goes in there just because if you, being of sound mind, decide to go to Glamour Shots and pose with your hand on a big sombrero you deserve to be mocked.

Murphy is way too Interested in my Life

2009-11-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

Murphy's law.... not so much a fan. Shocker, I know.

Yesterday it was 67 degrees- 67, people! That's warm for this time of year. Needless to say I was thrilled because I in my mind I made plans to do some staining today. Yeah, I had grand plans until I woke up to frost. Right now the temperatures is currently 38. **FYI staining isn't really do-able in temps under 50.**

So now I'm stuck baking pumpkin for puree {which is the obvious crappier option of my "projects" for the day} instead of staining like I really want to be.

WaRnInG: Murphy you just might want to find someone else to stalk, cuz I'm really getting sick of you hanging out over my shoulder. I think you've forgotten that mastered the "rear naked choke" at enrichment last month. Don't make me use it.

Amen

2009-10-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

You know sometimes when you are reading a blog and you notice an interesting header in the blog roll? I caught a glimpse of a funny little gem on an old college roommates' sidebar and it raised my curiosity. So I clicked over on the blog and I could NOT stop laughing. I mean who doesn't love some good quality stereotyping? And if you are in the minority and this actually doesn't apply to you, or your family, you're probably in denial and should just embrace your Mormon-ness. Enjoy.

Articles of Faith of the Mormon Culture

1. We believe in SUVs and minivans, as the form of transportation, and in knee length shorts, which are always nice, and in the multilevel marketing.

2. We believe that church ball players should be punished for their own fouls, and not for unsportsmanlike aggression.

3. We believe that through bread crumbs, cheese, creamy soups, and rice all casseroles can be saved through obedience to ward cookbooks and creativity in the mixing bowl.

4. We believe that the first layers and ingredients of the Dip are: first, beans; second, cheese; third, chopped tomatoes; fourth, the gift of sour cream; fifth, olives; sixth, salsa; seventh, guacamole, that is, if you have it.

5. We believe that a Mormon should have a distinguished or a cute name, that it is appropriate to name a child after a church leader or a historical figure including an ancestor, that alternative spellings and French prefixes only add to a name, and that when referring to the names of General Authorities, middle initials should be a part thereof.

6. We believe in the same wall decor that exists in many Mormon homes, namely, framed family proclamations, vinyl lettering, inspirational word signs, family photos, pictures of temples and Jesus, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of the re-gift, church books, crafts, family photos, baked goods, emergency supply kits, and so forth.

8. We believe in sparkling grape juice so long as it is nonalcoholic; we also believe in bringing root beer and sprite to ward parties.

9. We believe in all that we have scrap booked, all that we will now scrapbook, and we believe that we will yet scrapbook many great and important things pertaining to our family, friends, pets, and vacations.

10. We believe in the literal mixing of ketchup and mayo and in the generous application of ranch dressing; that CBAs (church-based acronyms) will be used to describe YM/YW, PEC, the Y, NCMO, and CTR; that Mitt Romney will get Mormons to vote for him any time he runs; and, that the Mormons will enjoy reading Twilight and The Work and the Glory.

11. We claim the privilege of trying to identify common acquaintances with any visitor at church, and allow all other people at church the same privilege, and let them name drop the names of Famous and general authorities how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to scoutmasters, pampered chef hostesses, and the writers of the U.S. News and World Report Rankings for professional schools, and in obeying, honoring, and sustaining Glenn Beck.

13. We believe in being above average, good at crafts, optimistic, and being fifteen minutes late everywhere we go. Indeed, we may say that we follow BYU football. We believe rumors about famous people joining the church, we hope to meet the three Nephites, we have endured many pyramid schemes, and hope to be able to endure all pyramid schemes. If there is anything cheap, free, sold in bulk, or given away when somebody is moving, we seek after these things.

Wedded Bliss

2009-10-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

The Rundown:

Three-tiered, staggered, square, ivory cake.

Accented with handpainted gold beads and a cascade of fresh roses.

Our typical "finished product pose".

But there was no help on this delivery so....you take what you can get.

This cake was so fun to do because there were a lot of "firsts" involved, but the best part was the brides reaction. It was priceless. She loved the cake and wasn't afraid to let us know.
I. Love. That!

{wishing you a lifetime of wedded bliss, Holly}

Swirling around my Head

2009-10-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

*I am creeping closer to finishing my "secret project". Maybe a few more weeks. Ha!

*Two big cakes within 8 days, that's a tall order.

*Monster Math Night.... really, no other parents volunteered? really?

*Primary Program madness. T minus 3 days... almost there.

*Single parenting for how long??? I think I can, I think I can.

*Ella is walking! and throwing fits. lots and lots of fits.

*Fall is in full swing. I wish our yard was showing signs of that. {Stupid purple tree that doesn't drop leaves.}

*Spiced cider sounds mighty tasty.

*Where did October run to?

A Theme Song of Sorts

2009-10-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

I really need to get me a "hearty" chef hat and dye my hair pink. You can find last weeks cake adventure here. Up for this week: three tiered, square, ivory, gold accents, roses. Gorgeousness for sure. {Thanks to Sarah for the cake song}

2009-10-02T17:15:00.000-07:00

I think I would be in heaven if this were my weekend destination. Someday... General Conference will be good, too.

2009-09-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Postin' happening over on the flip side.

Keepin the Heritage Alive

2009-09-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

I came downstairs a few weeks ago to find this lovely performance in progrees. There was no way I could let it go undocumented.

I dare say there is a wee bit 'o the Irish in that there laddie.

Say It Ain't So

2009-09-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

From here

here

in just 12

short

months.

Happy 1st, baby.

Is It Fall Yet?

2009-09-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have a one track mind.

A lot of times I have a one track mind.

Case in point: all I can think about this morning is this.

picture props and a yummy lookin recipe here

Anyone else feelin' it?

I am slow, and it's ok

2009-09-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

I know I'm way behind the times so I am sure this is old hat for you all, but I'm in heaven reading this blog.

There is just something about the fall that makes me all excited to do "projects". I currently have a small project I've been working at and I hope to finish it up soon because I can't wait to show you! It not only has sentimental value but the aesthetic value is gonna jump up my family room just a notch. Its a win, win situation all around.

I'm sighing blissfully as we speak, or type. Whatever. I need to get this project finished pronto!

As a friend {not so} tactfully put it: "You Guys Need a New Hobby"

2009-09-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

The air is becoming crisp and cool so fall is definitely peeking it's head around the corner. We all know what that means around these parts: it's party time.

Here's the current countdown:

6 days until Brynnlee's birthday
14 days until Ella's birthday
20 days until Kaden's birthday

Yes, there will be unimaginable amounts of cake baked, decorated, and consumed in the next three weeks. I'm quite giddy just thinking about it (and the decorating should be pretty fun too).

Utah 2009

2009-09-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

The best and worst thing about Utah is that fact that we know way too many people there. Every town we drive by I think to myself "Oh we should totally stop and see ______ ." Maybe next time.

It's hard to get it all crammed into a 3-day weekend, but we did manage to have quite a bit of fun seeing my newest neice Tasia, checking out my parents soon-to-be-finished house, staying Alicia's new house, stuffing our faces with cookies and pop at my sister Adrienne's new-to-her house, some doing a little rafting, watching the miracle BYU game (who'da guessed that?), browsing each and every aisle of Toys R Us with 8 children, and eating at the Red Iguana which was featured on Diners, Drive-in's and Dives, celebrating two first birthday's and seeing cousins wear themselves ragged trying to stretch every last second of play time. Whew! I'm exhausted.

School Days

2009-09-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

I'm still around.... Click Here

School Days

2009-09-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

Kaden's first day of Kindergarten.

{The sun was in his eyes, but if I turned him around I got a shadow- you can't win}

The family shot.

Waiting at the bus stop.

Hopping on the bus.

Kaden, Daphne, and Gabe following Ms. Whitney, the vice principal, to the kindergarten playground.

Waiting in line.

Greeting Sra. Hanan.

Hopping off the bus.

He LOVED his first day. Even though he couldn't remember anything he did other than play on the playground and eat snacks he said he had a great time. He named off all the kids he recognized from church and t-ball, and can't wait to go back again.

Watch out world!

We Had a Great Time

2009-08-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

{The Fray - August 7, 2009}

I'm still dwelling on these memories. Because, well, it's a little more pleasant than the last few days have been with their not-so-great news. But don't worry I won't throw myself a pity party... maybe a pity cocktail hour, but definitly not a party.

{The Becks - Aug 7. 2009}

This is me throwing my hands up in the air

2009-08-03T08:59:00.001-07:00

because this morning the run was so painful. I stopped running and walked. And even walking hurt.

At least I have The Fray to look forward to. Yay Friday.

A Jump on the Day

2009-08-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

Before 8 am hit this morning I had two major accomplishments under my belt. I ran 8 pain-free miles {not an easy feat when not even ONE person shows up to join the misery, I mean run}. I think everyone returns from vacations this week and if not, I guess enjoying the river at 6am in solitude isn't THAT bad.

The second is even more exciting, if you can believe that. There was an official changing of the guard in the unmentionables drawer at precisely 7:45am. Out with the nursing and in with the non-nursing. Slowly but surely this body will get back to normal. Well, whatever normal I can derive after 3 kids.

6 days and counting...

Think "Cable Car" and Spokane

Even Ladies Love Pickles

2009-07-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

9

2009-07-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

* 9 days and counting.

* i'm excited, thrilled & giddy.

* can't wait.

Updated and Edited

2009-07-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

For clarification purposes I have not yet run 10 miles. For some weird reason in the last post I chose to abbreviate minutes and I guess it may have been confusing. I was trying to say that I ran under a ten minute mile... ten miles? Still working on that.

Jeremy got the callback. Hip Hip Hooray. Now its just a waiting game for the background check, drug test and psychological profile. And if those don't go well then I'd say unemployment may be the least of our worries at this point. Fingers crossed.

A Breakthrough Kinda Week

2009-07-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

:: a (short) list of things occuring round these parts ::

aka breakthroughs

~Ella's 1st tooth! And on the 4th of July no less! At 9 1/2 months I was beginning to worry that we might have to order dentures for the little gal, but low and behold one emerged.

~Jeremy had a second interview and I have a good feeling about it (I hope I'm not getting ahead of myself here).

~Running is going well [minus the shin splints that currently plague me] and I finally managed to break the 10 min. mile mark. FINALLY, I feel like I'm actually getting somewhere with this running bit.

~I decided I need to lay off the sugar a tad. I'm a self-proclaimed addict who is currently on her third day sans sugar. This is by no means a sugar fast because I fully intend to consume some sugar this weekend at a certain b-day party, but I figure just trying to have a few days here and there where I'm not totally overloading will do me some serious good.

Any breaking news on your end?

The Next Food Network Star

2009-07-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

While we were eating dinner last night this conversation ensued.

Kaden: Mom can you help me make my own cookbook?

Me: What do you need me to help you do?

Kaden: Can you give me all your recipes to put in it?

Me: I sure can. Do you want the Chicken Divan one? {he hates when I make this}

Kaden: Yeah, because if my kids like it I can make it for them.

I thought it was cute that he was thinking of things that future others might enjoy. I wonder if he'll eat it after all the hard work he puts into making it? Maybe he'll just eat a bowl of ice cream for dinner...

Two Little Holes that Cause A Lot of Commotion

2009-06-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

It started out like this

and progressed to this

and then went to this

and quickly nose-dived to this

but luckily ended up like this.

*Note to readers: If you ever want to feel like a crappy parent go ahead and say yes when you take your 3 year-old daughter to the mall and she tells you she wants to get her ears pierced. Trust me, lots of people staring while your little girl screams at the top of her lungs will instantly humble you and make you rethink your decision making skills. Good times at FHE!

If you check facebook

2009-06-22T08:18:00.001-07:00

You know what's been going on in my house. If you aren't a "bookie" then let me fill you in.

{insert the hallelujah chorus here, cause it's just so darn pretty!}

Come closer.

And closer.
I'm loving the detail on this cake.
Simple and sophisticated, at least I think so.

Kate givine the thumbs up on a successful delivery!

At the wedding site.

And in case you are wondering what getting up at 5 am to run, watching 6 kids, and staying up till 11pm-ish for a week and half hand forming sugar flowers makes a girl look like check out the chick on the right. Yeah, I was a little tired and sans make up but smiling like an insane person because it was finally finished!

Does this make anyone else want to get married again??

It's My Day!

2009-06-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

Have you heard the good news? According to some people in Colorado it's Evil Heather Day. How exciting!

Anyway, in order to keep up with Randi and highlight MY DAY let's hear all the evil pranks you may or may not have pulled in your former life. You know, the life where you weren't the perfect mom, wife, husband, housekeeper, sister, aunt, uncle, brother, child- like you are now.

Me? I'm still racking my brain for the ultimate evil deed. But there was one time that I ordered a portobello mushroom burger from Red Robin and sat right across from my brother-in-law who gags at the thought of mushrooms. That big old mushroom cap sliding out the back of the bun totally did him in.

Good times. Now, spill it!

T-ball 2009

2009-06-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

This was Kaden's first year of T-ball with the Pasco Little League. He played for Aho Construction and loved every minute of it. His favoite positions were catcher and pitcher. He's a good little hitter and really improved on his throwing accuracy this year. His highlights of the season were getting kids "out". He's already asking when next season starts.

The Leprechaun Dash

2009-06-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

Kaden and Noah at the starting line.

Kaden's 1st mile ever. 11:48. He can outrun his mother, that's for sure.

Posing with Dad before his 5 k.

It was cold and windy. Brynnlee preferred to watch the race like this.

One Night While Driving Around the 'hood...

2009-06-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

I spied this. Jeremy stopped so I could take a pic.

So Lauren if you ever want to move...

I think I found your place.

500 and I Can't Stop Yet

2009-06-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

500th post.

Not even kidding.

In honor of this milestone achievement I give you

A list.

Things I've done 500 times over this last week:

*wondered what to make for dinner

*dressed the blasted pollypocket knock-off Disney invented and that my sister purchased

*entertained the thought of doing a sugar fast before coming to my senses

*hoped all was growing as it should be for Jackie

*thought about what else we could do in the employment department

*fretted over the talk I was asked to give at a friend's baptism

*wished we had a pool in this melting heat

*tried to wrap my head around the fact that I'll have a kindergartener this fall

*said "um, I totally forgot"

*kissed Jeremy, Kaden, Brynnlee & Ella

*realized just how blessed I am

what are you tallying up this week?

Conversation Starters

2009-05-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

I got tagged like two weeks after having Ella for a MeMe. The MeMe where you tell 50 things about yourself. Yeah, it didn't happen.

But let me give you something else sorta similar. If I happen see you sometime in real life (or in the land of internets) here are some conversation starters. You may want me to expound on these, thus starting up a fantastic conversation. Or not. Whatever.

:: my parents are moving to UT from NM. yes, that was the big Mother's Day news of a few weeks ago.

:: i was sick with the flu last week and didn't eat for like two days yet gained 5 lbs.... very perplexing (not to mention distressing) to me.

:: kaden's graduating from preschool and can't wait to start kindergarten. he keeps forgetting about the 2+ months of summer we've got to plow through in the meantime

:: ella is trying desperately to avoid my attempts at forcing her to learn to crawl. she's winning, so far.

:: brynnlee loves trying to ride her "big girl bike". thank you craigslist. a cheap bike and no one was murdered during the pickup. can't ask for a better transaction, can ya?

:: my brother interviewed with a company here. we'll hear about the possible move in the next few weeks. can't wait.

:: got a letter in the mail letting us know our old neighbor in Idaho passed away and left us $28,000. timing couldn't be better.

Yeah, I lied on one. And I bet you are totally stumped as to which, or not.

Hey! I'm just trying to be cleaver, funny, and entertaining. I make no guarantees as to the success of living up to these ridiculously high expectations I set for myself.

Word of the Weekend

2009-05-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

dis⋅in⋅gen⋅u⋅ous [dis-in-jen-yoo-uhs] –adjective

lacking in frankness, candor, or sincerity; falsely or hypocritically ingenuous; insincere in other words a cop saying "I'm sorry to hear that" after asking your place of employment and still ripping that ticket off the pad. ...grrr...

9 Years and holding

2009-05-19T15:20:00.001-07:00

Jeremy & Heather

May 19, 2000

We've been up, we've been down, and all things in between... but it's been fun and for the most part entertaining, like the time you skipped church, got a ticket, and stuck it in the hymnal for me to find? Awesome.

Our life is far from picture perfect. We've taken some unconventional routes, and we may be far from what some people deem as successful but we've found plenty of joy in the journey. We have a long way to go, but look at how far we have already come. I can't think of anyone I'd rather be cleaning up pukey kids, sheets, and beds with at 2:24 am the morning of our anniversary.

Here's to us....

and the life we've created thus far.

{our perfectly imperfect family, this sums it all up}

I Love You, Jer!