A family favorite

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26th - 2008

We have been counting down to this day for a long time.  The Nightmare Before Christmas was re-released on dvd today.  Last year at Christmas time, Joe and I went to try and buy this movie for my nephew.  The sad news was that it was no longer available on dvd.  Disney had pulled it.  But, the guy told us that they would re-release it the following year.  So, this year in July, when my nephews birthday rolled around, we went looking for it again.  Sadly, it was not out yet.  We were told the release date was August 26th.  

So, today, we went and picked up a copy for ourselves.  We only had it on vhs.  Joe absolutely LOVES this movie.  So we were happy to pick it up.  I was planning on getting it on dvd, but then Brian reminded me that Joe got a PS3 for Christmas last year, and that you could play blu-ray discs on them.  He talked me into getting it on Blu-ray.  The sad thing is, I can't figure out how to make it play on the PS3, and now I'm wishing I would have got it on dvd.  I am so technologically challenged, it's sad.  

....blowin' in the wind

MONDAY, AUGUST 25th - 2008

Typically during monsoon season we will get late afternoon dust storms that blow through.  We haven't really got much of that this year, until today.  The sky was clouded over and we could hear the wind blowing, so we went outside to enjoy it.

Joe had fun at first.  He loves it when his hair blows in the wind (not kidding).  
Then, the wind started to pick up - A LOT.  Bits of dust and debris started to blow around.  

Joe: "Ow, mom, it hurts."  That's when we decided to go back inside.

On a side note:  We had FHE tonight, and we were watching one of the conference talks from last April.  The man speaking had a really thick accent, and was hard to understand.  He kept talking about the "purpose" of something, except when he said "purpose", it sounded like "porpoise".  Joe and Brian kept cracking up hysterically.  So, the lesson was a bust, but at least we had a fun night together as a family.  

The highlight of my day (sad but true)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24th - 2008

 

Sadly, the nap I took after church was the highlight of my day.

bribed

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23rd - 2008

Today was a LONG day.  It started with a service project at the church.  The scouts were cleaning the church building today at 9:00 a.m.  Alex spent the night at our house last night, so he went with Joe to help clean.  I dropped them off at 9:00.  Apparently a parent was supposed to stay and help, not just drop them off, but I didn't know that.  It's not my fault really, I e-mailed his scout leader and specifically asked if I needed to stay.  He said "No", so I feel no guilt whatsoever.  

Joe had another activity for scouts this afternoon from 3:00 - 4:30.  It was for his swimming merit badge.  I knew that Joe would not like the fact that he had 2 "not fun" activities in one day, and that he is super slow, and would take a long time to get ready, so I bribed him.  I told him that if he could go to both of his activities without making a huge fuss, and manage to be ready on time, then I would take him to see a movie tonight.  I know it's wrong to bribe, but I also knew the struggle I was in for, and I wasn't feeling very good today, so I did it.  And, it worked.  Joseph can work really well when he has an incentive.  

The swimming turned out to be more fun than he anticipated.  His cousin Jared Ammon was even 0ne of the instructors today.

Tonight I took Joe, Michael and Dallin to see the Star Wars, Clone Wars movie.  We tried to call you Alex, but no one answers the phone at your house.  I even tried to call your mom's cell phone.  I felt bad because you helped with the service project this morning.  We thought you should have been in on the fun.  

Anyway, I was sporting a massive headache and was in a pretty grumpy mood.  I was not looking forward to and hour and a half of cartoon's running around battling each other.  But, it wasn't so bad, by the time the movie let out, my headache was gone and I was in a pretty good mood.  It turned out to be fun after all.  

back pain

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22nd - 2008

My back has been bothering me quite a bit lately.  I have shooting pain all up and down the left side.  I guess all of my complaining has finally gotten to Brian.  He made me an appointment at the chiropractor for today.  He knows I would never make one for myself (not because I think they are quacks, but because I am far too cheap to spend the money).   So with much complaint, I went.

Of course I felt much better afterwards.  Brian was downright decent about it.  He didn't get all smug on me or say "I told you so" or anything.  I'm sure I'll be going back again soon, this time without so much fuss.

Pine Tree

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21st - 2008

Today my mom is up at the cabin.  As it is incredibly HOT today (as always), I find myself thinking of the cabin a lot.  Usually my mom will call and tell me how cool the temperature is, or how it's been raining all day.  I have been dying to go up there all summer, but I haven't made it up there yet.  So, instead I went out and took a picture of MY pine tree.

I love my pine trees (I have 2).  They smell really yummy, especially when it rains, and even though it's really hot here, when I look at the picture, I think of the cabin and how cool and refreshing it is.  Even though my bug guy told me that pine trees are extremely acidic and I will never get grass or anything to grow beneath them, I don't care.  I'll take the big beautiful trees any day.  

babysitting Josh

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20th - 2008

I babysat Joshua today.  He went with me to pick up Joe from school.  While we waited we looked for birdies and school buses and we sang songs.  After picking up Joe we went back to our house for a while.  I was a little nervous because Joshua has never been to my house, and I have 2 very large kitties.  I thought he would freak out.

He was fine and made friends with the kitties very quickly.  Tiger is the most people friendly of the two.  He let Joshua pet him.  He even meowed for him.  Josh loved that.

Here he is trying to show Shadow the birdies outside of the window.
I had fun hanging with Joshua today.  He is a sweetie.  

Mom's party

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19th - 2008

Today was mom's 60th birthday.  I know that Sheri already blogged about it, but here is my take, and my favorite pictures from the night.  I actually had a lot more favorites, but I had to stop somewhere.

The "60 sucks" suckers were a hit with the kids.  I thought they were funny.

Emmy kept an eye on the cupcakes.  To her credit, she didn't take one until she had permission to.  

Mom had some help blowing out the candles on 2 cakes - Jared's delicious red velvet cake, and Grandma's yummy cake.  I don't know what it's called, but with all those layers and the coconut and pecans, it was fabulous.  

Two of my favorite stars of the party:

My all time favorite star:

This picture is SO Jared and Darrel.  My brothers always have a way of knowing when the camera is pointed at them.  Do you even know how many pictures I have like this?

Here we are watching Tricia's tribute video.  She put in a ton of work on this thing, and she did a fabulous job.  It was fun seeing all of the pictures of mom, and reading about the trivia from 1948.  

I couldn't resist this picture of Alex jumping off of the trampoline.  I loved the look on his face.

Here is Anna helping mom check out all of her gifts.  No, mom does not have freakish horns sticking out of her head - she is standing in front of a streamer.  You think I'd be a better photographer by now.  I should not have let that happen.

Here she is with her birthday bling.  Although, she is not wearing her feather boa yet.  I took like 10 pictures of her, and she kept closing her eyes EVERY time.  This was the best shot because she is laughing, and it's ok of your eyes are closed if you are laughing.
The girls were supposed to sing Super Trooper with our star glasses and feather boas, but I was the only one who practiced, so we scrapped it.  I guess we'll have to save the performance for our Mamma Mia dvd release party.

Happy Birthday mom!

mom's cd

MONDAY, AUGUST 18th - 2008

So, I've been promising my mom for a long time now that I would make her a cd.  She likes some of the music that I listen to.  Mostly the mellow stuff.   So, with her birthday being Tuesday, I pull out all of the old cd's today and start to sort through them (yes, I am a totally last minute person).  I have actually been thinking about this a lot and already have a list going of songs I want to put on there (I am a total list person too).  

 I notice that a lot of songs I have on the list, I don't actually have cd's for.  I haven't bought a new cd in a while.  With Ipods, Satellite radio, and the ability to download any song you want, I haven't felt the need to.  Then I start to notice a theme here:  a lot of the songs I have written down are from the past couple of seasons of SYTYCD.  As we watch she'll mention that she likes the song that someone was dancing to.  I of course, pay attention, and write it down on my list.  So, I ended up making her a SYTYCD music cd.  That way, when she's in the car and can't watch the show, she can put the cd in and still hear the music.  I didn't have ANY of the songs and had to download all of them (actually Brian did all the work.  He knows his way around a computer - I dont!)  Thanks Brian!  

I still have a long list of great songs from the cd's that I have that I want to make for her, but that will have to wait for another time.

Disney Channel Games

SUNDAY AUGUST 17th - 2008

Sundays are hard because we don't really leave the house, Joe has no one to play with, we don't watch much tv on Sundays.   We have recently started watching this together though.  We tape it and then, after church and dinner, we snuggle up on the bed and watch it together.  I like finding things that Joe and I can do together.  It's fun to watch all of our favorite Disney Channel Personalities compete against each other.  And, it breaks up the Sunday monotony.

I can't stop watching

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16th - 2008

What is it about the Olympics?  I don't even like sports, but for some reason, I can't stop watching.  I'm not completely obsessed, I don't watch all day every day or anything like that.  But, after I put Joseph to bed, I turn it on and I can't seem to walk away from it.  I watch it until that night's coverage is complete.  

Tonight, of course, Michael Phelps won his 8th gold medal.  It was pretty awesome, although the race before where he came from behind to win by .01 second was more exciting.  I have also enjoyed watching the gymnastics and beach volleyball.  Is anyone else hooked like I am?

2 things I hate

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15th - 2008

2 things I hate today:    1.  Grass that grows in the rocks where it shouldn't

                                          2.  Homeowners associations that threaten to fine you 

                                                if grass isn't pulled.

Guess what I did for an hour this morning?  

ok, so I'm feeling slightly guilty about complaining, so I'll add 2 things I love:  1.  The rain that fell for a long time last night.  The ground was still damp this morning, and it made the grass easier to pull.   2.  I got to go to a movie with my mom today.

Happy Birthday Joshua

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14th - 2008

Today was Joshua's 2nd birthday.  We had a little party at my mom's tonight.  I made the cake.  We tried to find a Buzz Lightyear cake pan, but no luck.  Instead we used Buzz colors on the cake and then added little Toy Story figures.

He knew exactly what to do when he saw the cake.  He kept blowing on it even before we put the candles on.

Of course big Buzz Lightyear was his favorite.  Once he opened that, he lost interest in anything else.
He had a mini nervous breakdown when Evan touched his toy.  The funny thing was, Evan didn't even try to take it from him.  Evan hopped up on the chair so he could see it better.  Josh immediately set the toy down on the table and proceeded into his breakdown.   I guess maybe he THOUGHT Evan was going to take it and the thought of loosing big Buzz after he just got him was too much for poor Joshua to handle.  Is it bad that I love this picture so much?  I've just never seen anyone get so emotional over something like that.  I found it cute and endearing. 

The party was loud and fun, just like parties should be.  Happy Birthday Joshua!

Rowan, what big eyes you have...

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13th - 2008

Today Addy and Ro were at my mom's house, so of course I had to go and play.  We watched Beauty and the Beast.  Addy liked Belle and Rowan liked the beast.  He kept running around shouting "Beast...Boy".  I guess he likes it when the beast turns back into a boy.  He also liked this magnifying glass.  It was his favorite toy today.  He'd hold it up to my face and then laugh and laugh, and then he'd hold it up to his face and wait for me to laugh.  I love that he is so happy and fun to be around.

Lunch at the OG

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12th - 2008

Today my mom and I went shopping for Joshua's birthday.  As he is obsessed with Buzz Lightyear, we first stopped at the Disney store.  We found a few things there.  My mom was looking for the big Buzz that talks.  The lady told us that Disney does not make that toy anymore and it is not available.  Next we went to Target.  Guess what we found?  A big Buzz Lightyear that talks.  Whatever Lady!  

Anyway, after shopping all morning we stopped for lunch at the Olive Garden.  It's time to eat like a hog at the OG!  I love hanging out with my mom.  She's awesome.  Today was a fun day!

Rowan's Birthday Party

MONDAY, AUGUST 11th - 2008

Today was Rowan's birthday party.  His actual birthday was on the 10th, but his party was tonight.  I just loved this picture I took while he was waiting to blow out the candles.

He got all kinds of toys.  This Batman toy seemed to be a crowd favorite.
I loved that whenever anyone called out Rowan's name, he would stop what he was doing, look up, and say "cheeeeeese", then promptly go back to whatever he was doing - even if you weren't taking a picture of him, he just assumed that you were, and that he needed to say "cheese".  
I had a fun time.  Thanks for inviting me to your party Ro!

FHE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 10th - 2008

So, it was FHE at my mom's again tonight.  Sunday's are hard for Joe.  He looks forward to the monthly FHE because he gets to hang with his cousins instead of just mom and dad.  I also love the monthly FHE at my mom's because it means I don't have to plan a lesson.  Here is Joshua helping out Grandma and Grandpa with their lesson on the Tree of Life.  

The Next Criss Angel - part 2

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9th - 2008

So, we all know that a great magician has to have a great look.  This seems to be the look that our Criss Angel in training has decided on.  I'm sure many of you have seen Joseph sporting this new outfit.  He feels it portrays a certain cool, magician type look.  I had to take the picture from the side so you could see the bandana in his back pocket.  Doesn't he look ready to put on a great show?

Joe, Brian and I went and saw Journey To The Center Of The Earth in 3-D.  Joe decided to keep his glasses.  They go well with his new look don't you think?

Motrin

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8TH - 2008

All I can say is, thank goodness for this stuff.  I would not have made it through today without it.

SYTYCD finale party

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7TH - 2008

The problem with having a sister who also blogs, and who is better at updating than you are is that when you do something together, she will inevitably blog first, so this will probably be a repeat for most all of you, but oh well....

Thursday was the So You Think You Can Dance Finale.  I went to my mom's to watch the show.  We had to bring  a dish that represented the show.  I brought Mandy S'mores, because Mandy Moore is my favorite choreographer (except for Wade, who was hardly on it this year).  I also love Napolean and Tabitha.  They are a close second.  

Tiffany outdid herself.  Not only did she bring berry "crump"ble, but she brought the Hot Tamale train.  It was awesome.
I also liked the Kit Cat Deely and the M & M's which worked for Mia Michaels, Mandy Moore, and Mary Murphy.  There are a lot of M & M's on the show.
The party got a lot more fun when this group showed up.  I think we should all come in costume next year.

I was disappointed that Twitch lost.  Who wasn't?  Everyone I talked to wanted him to win, so how come Joshua did?  

The only thing that I thought was lame was that the 1st place and 3rd place winners got money, and the 2nd place and 4th place got nothing.  They worked just as hard that last week, they deserved to walk away with something.

I can't wait to see the tour in October.

More kitties

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6th - 2008

So, after work, Brian is sitting on the couch, when he glances out the window and this is what he saw.  There were 4 baby kittens sitting outside on the fence.  No, you aren't crazy, there are only 3 pictured here, the fourth one was further down on the fence.  He didn't want to be part of the group.  Joe loves cats so much, so Brian quickly calls for him.  He then spent a good 30 minutes or so, watching the kitties outside the window.  Of course he wanted to keep them all, and let them come in the house.  I had to explain that the 2 cats we have are more than enough.  Still, aren't they so cute when they are still little?

Apple Shampoo

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5th - 2008

Apparently the kitties love the smell of Joseph's apple shampoo.  Whenever he gets out of the shower, they like to sniff his hair.  I know, it's weird, but also kind of funny too.  

Stalling Issues

MONDAY, AUGUST 4th - 2008

Joseph's "stalling" issue has become completely out of hand.  I'm not kidding when I say that tonight's bed time ritual took and hour and a half.  It SHOULD take about 30 minutes.  

This is what he was doing when he was supposed to be brushing his teeth.  I seriously think I need to remove all of the mirrors from my house.  Things would get done much quicker.

Then I have to turn into mean mom, and threaten him.  Then he says:  "gosh mom, why are you so mad?  You don't have to be mean to me."  Well, when I ask nicely 15 times and that doesn't work, then YES, I do have to be mean.  My least favorite words in the English language:  "Hold On!"

Coupons

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3rd - 2008

Anyone who knows me knows that I like to get a good deal.  I hate to pay full price for anything.  It's a sickness really.  Anyway, I have been cutting coupons for a while now.  I used to make my mom buy 2 Sunday papers so I could could get double the coupons.  Now, thanks to my friend Gina, I don't have to do that.  She is a coupon shopper, like me, and she has access to tons of Sunday coupons.  Now, when I go to church, she brings me some.  It's nice to know someone has the same obsession with getting a good deal.  She takes good care of me and my coupon needs.  

Repeat

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2nd - 2008

Ok, so this is kind of a repeat.  I already blogged about this day on our family blog.  But, I had to have a picture of the day, and this is what I did today, so here it is again.  

License plate game

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1st - 2008

When I was younger, my family went on a lot of road trips.  My mom had to find a way to keep 5 kids busy in the car, so we'd play all sorts of car games.  One of my favorites was the license plate game.  You try to find as many out of state license plates as you can.  This game stuck with me.  I still play when I go on long trips.  I'll write out all 50 states and then cross them off when I find them.  I never get all 50.  The 2 hardest license plates for me are West Virginia and Delaware.  I only recall seeing West Virginia once in my life.  I think Delaware I've seen maybe 3 times.  So, how sad is it that when I saw a West Virginia license plate today I got super excited.  Joe thought I was a little crazy.  I decided it was time to start a new game.  I think I'll do good this time.  I already got the hardest one.  

writers market

THURSDAY, JULY 31st - 2008

Today I went to Barnes and Noble.  My friend Amy gave me the heads up on this book.  She suggested it might help me get my book published.  It's a little overwhelming to look through, but I can see it is going to be really helpful.  It was really hard not to leave the store with anything else, but I did it.   I love bookstores.

Back to school shots

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30TH - 2008

Going back to school means going to the doctor for shots.  He actually hasn't had to do the back to school shots in a few years.  But for sixth grade there are 2 that are required.  Joe is very squeamish when it comes to needles.  He was not looking forward to this at all.  But, the doctor told him that it would be 5 more years before he would need another one.  That perked him up a little.  

Doesn't he look too old to be in a Winnie the Pooh room?  What age do you switch from your pediatrician to your family doctor?  I hate to loose our pediatrician, he is really great, and Joe feels comfortable with him, but he was also definitely the oldest one in the waiting room.  

He found a way to keep himself busy while waiting.  Yes, that is Clifford the Big Red Dog he is reading.  Maybe he's not too old after all.

School Papers

TUESDAY, JULY 29TH - 2008

This is what I get to do today:  Fill out a ton of paperwork for the school.  Every year it's the same - school starts and home comes the folder with the paperwork.  It's mind numbing.  Why can't they keep the papers from the year before?  Ah, well, I better get to it!

I took a break from paperwork to play with Addy and Ro today.  Ro is such a happy kid.  We laugh together a lot.  I loved these pictures I got of him being silly.