Dad

SUNDAY, MARCH 29th - 2009

My dad was released as Bishop today.  He has been Bishop of his ward for about 5 years.  We went to his ward to see him speak.  He did a great job.  My dad is awesome.  He does more for people than I think any of us realize.  He may be a little rough around the edges sometimes, but he has a soft heart.  He has a fun loving spirit.  I have lots of great memories of adventures that he took us on when we were younger.  We never felt like he was doing it because he HAD to, because he was our dad.  He always made us feel like he WANTED to be with us.  He is the same way with his grandkids.  They all love him.

Tonight we had a BBQ and Family Home Evening at my parents house.  Here are some of my favorite photo's of the evening.  

Dad and Ro on the swings (see what I mean about fun loving).

My dad gave the lesson tonight.  I love this picture because of the look on James' face.  He is totally into it.
You know I can't resist the little ones.  Here is Josh on his Kung Fu Panda. 

I had to include this one.  I hardly ever get to see James and I'll admit, I have a huge soft spot for him (who am I kidding, I have a soft spot for all of them).  I loving watching James and Ben when they are together.  They are like 2 peas in a pod.  I remember what it was like to have my cousin as my best friend.  It makes me happy to see them together.As usual it was loud and chaotic, but isn't that what family is?  I loved every minute of it.

Do-rag

SATURDAY, MARCH 28th - 2009

One of Joe's current obsessions is "The Naked Brother's Band".  It is a t.v. show (and also an actual rock band) about 2 brothers - Nat and Alex Wolff and their band.

They write all of their own songs and they LOVE the Beatles and definitely have a Beatles influence in their music.  You can especially hear it in the songs that Alex writes and sings.  Nat is the older brother.  He plays guitar and keyboards and writes and sings most of the songs.  

Then there is Alex:

He is the funny younger brother.  He plays drums (he's awesome) and writes and sings some of the songs.  Joe thinks Alex is hilarious and loves watching him play the drums.  So much so that lately, he has been begging me to take drum lessons.  Playing the drums has always been a dream of mine, who knows, maybe we'll take lessons together.  

In the earlier episodes of the show Alex is almost NEVER seen without wearing a do-rag.  So, of course Joe had to get one for himself.  This is one that Alex actually wears on the show.Joe also has a skull one that he got a Disneyland a while back.  
I guess we know what his latest collection will be.

Pet Peeve

FRIDAY, MARCH 27th - 2009

Here is Joe at the grocery store demonstrating one of my pet peeves.  Can you guess what it is?

If you answered: "parking your cart on one side of the aisle, while standing on the other side of the aisle looking at groceries, being oblivious to the fact that you are indeed blocking off the ENTIRE aisle,"  then you guessed correctly.

Why do people do this?  Park your stinkin' cart on the same side that you are shopping on and leave half of the dang aisle open so other people can get through.  Sorry about my rant, but I encountered this A LOT today.

And what is it with Joe and I seeing inappropriately dressed people at Target?  A lady shopping in front of us was wearing those skin tight, exercise looking stretch pants.  That in itself wouldn't have been too bad except they were seriously going all of the way up her butt.  Not kidding.  ALL OF THE WAY.  I guess we should look on the bright side.  At least they weren't see through.  I don't care if you are a tiny size 2 and are as cute as a button.  I don't want to see your pants going up your crack.  It can't be comfortable (to wear, or see).  

Ok, I'm done now.

Too cute

THURSDAY, MARCH 26th - 2009

I spent the morning's at my mom's house playing with Addy, Ro and Joshua.  This picture of Ro was too cute to pass up.

Also, it was the only photo I took today, so what you see is what you get.

my favorite escape

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25th - 2009

I know I've done tons of posts about reading, but this is what I've been doing a lot of lately.  I finished Inkdeath, which for the most part was great.  There was one thing that I really wanted to have happen at the end, but it didn't, so I just pretend in my mind that it did.

I also read both of these this week.  I just finished "I am the cheese" today.  

I really liked both of them, but for very different reasons.  They are two totally different books.  "Every soul a star" was a really easy, fun read with a good message for kids about how everyone is different and important and interesting in their own way.

"I am the cheese" was dark, and sad, and a little disturbing, but I have to say, I also liked it.  

I tend to like most books I read, so I guess I'm easy to please.  I am currently looking for a new book to read.  If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.

my favorite

TUESDAY, MARCH 24th - 2009

My current favorite.  I can't get enough of the sonic ice.  I fill the cup all of the way up and then add just a bit of ginger ale for flavor.

What's your favorite?

Bowling

MONDAY, MARCH 23rd - 2009

Joe and I went bowling with the Trezise family today (sans Ian, who had to work and Evan who stayed with Grandma).  
I forgot how much I enjoy bowling.  It's probably been like 2 years or so since I've been.  

I loved this picture of the boys.  Joe looks so serious and I love Michael's happy face peeking through the back.

Here's Joe after a not so great frame:

I don't know what he's so upset about (he wasn't really upset).  He beat me BOTH games we played - and I took bowling in college (it's true and it was SO fun).  I can't believe I passed it though.  I didn't even break 100 and that was bowling WITH bumpers.  Oh well.  It was still A LOT of fun.

On a side note, Joe and I were watching Bugs Bunny cartoons today and this one came on:
It's the one where the stork thinks Bugs is a baby and accidentally delivers him to a family of gorillas.  It's hilarious - one of my all time favorites.  Have any of you seen it?

Home again

SUNDAY, MARCH 22nd - 2009

The boys made it home safe and sound today.  It was nice to see their faces.  Even if Joe is a little windblown and slightly sunburned from the long hike they took yesterday.

Next time they go to the cabin, I am definitely going with!

Empty

SATURDAY, MARCH 21st - 2009

Joe's bed is empty.  Brian took Joseph and Alex to the cabin for a couple of days so I could finish this painting project.

I miss them more than I thought I would.  I don't like looking in on Joe's room in the middle of the night and seeing an empty bed.  I decided that as much as I enjoy being alone.  I don't like it when they are gone over night.  

almost there

FRIDAY, MARCH 20th - 2009

So when I started this project I was thinking I could get it done in a couple of days.  Here it is Friday and I'm still not finished.  I guess it's been a while since I've painted and I forgot about how time consuming it is.  Anyway, I'm nearly done now.  I started painting the baseboards and the doors.  Joe chose black.  I was thinking it would be way too dark, but I really like it.

It's really weird, but when I was painting the black right up next to the purple, I experienced some serious deja vu.  It's triggering something in me, but I just can't place it and it's driving me crazy.  I know I've never painted another room these two combinations of colors, but for some reason the purple and black together seem really familiar to me.  Maybe it's just the paint fumes getting to me.

Meet Tim

THURSDAY, MARCH 19th - 2009

We picked up our rental car this morning.

Joe went outside to look at it.  Brian and I were in the kitchen talking when he came back in.  

Joe announces: "Ok, listen up everybody - the rental car's name is Tim".  I don't know what it is about him naming cars.  He gets easily attached to things.  

happy and sad

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18th - 2009

Happy:  Joe and I started on the purple paint today.  He is super excited for his new room.

Sad:  Chloe (our car) got smashed up pretty good tonight.

Brian had gone to get doughnuts for the young men's activity tonight at the church.  He was less than half a mile from being home.  A couple of girls darted out into the street and the car in front of him had to slam on their brakes.  Brian ended up slamming into the car.  The lady had No license and No insurance.  This is not the first time Brian has had an accident with someone with no license or insurance.  What's the deal with that?

The car had to be towed, so Joe and I went to pick up Brian.  He's fine, by the way.  Joe was sad to see Chloe all smashed up.

Joe's room

TUESDAY, MARCH 17th - 2009

Happy St. Patrick's Day everybody.  In honor of St. Paddy's, Joe is sporting his "Lucky" shirt and his Green Goblin mask.

I was actually taking "before" pictures of his room.  Joe decided that during this week of spring break, he wanted to re-do his room.  He has had his spidey room for quite a few years now.  We painted it blue, yellow and red to match a spiderman blanket he had at the time.  He loved it for a long time, but has been asking for a change for about a year now.  I told him we could do it but he had to help.  
So, here are the before shots from a few angles.  In a few days, we should have the afters.  
I thought Joe would flake out on me and I would end up doing it myself, but so far he has been great.  It took us a couple of hours to pack up everything and drag it out into the family room.  He helped the whole time.  

I was amazed at the sheer amount of stuff in his room.  We should have done this sooner.  I told him that as we put things back in, he is going to have to part with some of it.  Joe is a major pack rat.  He has several collections and everything has sentimental value to him.  It will be interesting to see what he chooses to part with.  I know it will be hard for him.  I was the same way when I was his age.  I have since gotten over that.  Now I just want all of the clutter gone!

What does it mean?

MONDAY, MARCH 16th - 2009

I've driven by this arrow nearly every day for a couple of weeks now.  It's driving me crazy.  What is it for?  What does it mean?  Why does it bother me so much that I don't know?

There is no garage sale of any kind, no new housing development to check out, no house for sale, NOTHING.  And why is it pointing at the ground.  Joe and I decided that maybe there was something of real interest or importance right UNDER the arrow, so we looked - just dirt.  

Can anyone solve this mystery?  What do you think it's for?

get a clue

SUNDAY, MARCH 15th - 2009

I am really starting to love Sunday's.  I thought I would hate 9:00 a.m. church, but it's really starting to grow on me.  By noon we are done and we have the rest of the day to spend together.  We have taken to playing board games on Sunday.  I grew up in a board game family.  We played a lot.  I LOVE games.  

Today Joe and I played this one:

Joe is getting really good.  He beat me twice.

couch potato

SATURDAY, MARCH 14th - 2009

I'm starting to question whether I can do this marathon thing.  I know I still have like 11 weeks to train, but I did my 12 miles today and it nearly killed me (no I am not being over dramatic).  Also afterwards I came home and had such major chills I had three blankets covering me and I was still freezing.  

Brian took Joe and Alex to and ASU baseball game this afternoon and all I could manage to do the whole time was lay here:

I was a total couch potato today.  Also, I think I may be getting the flu.  Maybe that's where the chills came from.  Who knows.  

I told Brian today that I am giving up.  But I decided to "Just keep swimming"(my favorite Nemo quote.  I use it all of the time).  I'll take it one day at a time and just see how it goes.  

movies

FRIDAY, MARCH 13th - 2009

It's a good thing Joe and I went to the movies today, or I wouldn't have had a picture of the day.  I totally forgot about it.  Thankfully I have my camera with me always.  I hurried and snapped this on our way out.

We liked this movie.  It was pretty predictable, but still fun.

Have you seen any good movies lately?

at the mall

THURSDAY, MARCH 12th - 2009

Joe and I went to the mall today for a while.  It was kind of weird for me.  I am SOOOO not a mall person, and I really don't enjoy shopping.  The only time I felt at home was when we were in Barnes and Noble.  It smells fabulously of books and coffee.  Two of my favorite smells.  Also, I am surrounded by tons and tons of books.  It's like heaven.  Joe feels the same way.  We spent a lot of time in there.  Surprisingly we left empty handed.  I warned Joe before hand that we were window shopping today, not buying anything.  It was hard to leave that store without buying anything.  I don't think I ever have before.  

We also had to stop by Joe's favorite store, of course:

I like hangin' out with Joe.  He's lots of fun.  

How have you been spending your spring break?

spring break

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11th - 2009

So, it's spring break and Joe is BORED.  Apparently my staying home and paying bills, cleaning, etc. isn't interesting enough for him.  At least now he knows he's not missing out on anything while he's at school and I'm at home.  All I can say is thank goodness for the pool's being open during spring break.  It's inexpensive and it breaks up the day.  Joe, Dallin and Michael swam for 2 1/2 hours.  Sheri and her kids were there too.  

Afterwards, I took the boys to Sonic for yummy drinks, of course.

The moon

TUESDAY, MARCH 10th - 2009

Did any of you happen to see the moon tonight when it was still low in the sky?  It was awesome.  This picture really doesn't do it justice.  It's hard to take a good picture when you are driving down the road.  In case any of you were wondering, Joe took the picture.  I wasn't trying to photograph the moon while I was driving.  

Also, I really wish I could zoom in more with my camera lens.  I think that would have helped.  

7 random things

MONDAY, MARCH 9th - 2009

So, Elise "tagged" me about a month ago to do the 7 random things post.  Since I am a huge procrastinator, and very slow I am finally getting around to it now.  Mostly because I have no real picture of the day, and I have to do something.  Here's how it works.  You have to list 7 random things about yourself that people probably don't know about you.

I had a hard time with this one.  I've done the random things post a few times, so there is not much left to reveal.  So, if you already knew these things about me, then sorry.  It's the best I've got.

1.  I gave up drinking caffeine over 10 years ago, and I still crave Cherry Coke at least once a week.  I miss it so much.

2.  I secretly wish I was a drummer in a rock band.  When I was younger that's all I wanted to be when I grew up.  Oh well.  Thank goodness for Rock Band 2.  I can sort of live out my dream.

3.  Since I started working out again, I crave chocolate chip cookies EVERYDAY!  I don't eat them everyday, but I totally crave them.  It's been 8 weeks now and I still crave them.  What is wrong with me?

4.  Doing the dishes is my LEAST favorite chore.  I would rather Iron all day, or clean the bathroom (seriously) than do the dishes.  I loathe it, and it's one of those things that you have to do EVERY STINKIN' DAY!   What is your least favorite household chore?  I'm curious.

5.  I am a rule follower.  I can't NOT follow the rules.  This applies to nearly everything.  When cooking, I carefully measure.  I can't do " a pinch"  of this, or "a dash" of that.  When playing games - I CAN'T cheat.  Even if I could get away with it, I wouldn't.  I've never peeked at a birthday or Christmas present early.  I don't know what it is.  It probably has something to do with the OCD that runs in my family.  The only thing I fudge on is speed limits, and even then, the most I'll go over the actual limit is 8 or 9 mph, because I know you won't get pulled over if you are doing less than 10 miles over the speed limit.  

6.  Ok, this is the scariest one to admit.  I am currently in training to run the San Diego Marathon.  I didn't want to tell anyone in case I fail, but there it is.  I may be the fattest, slowest one there, and I'm worried about getting kicked off the course for being too slow, but I'm going to try anyway.  I'd rather try and fail than not try at all ( but really, I don't want to fail).  

 7.  My favorite color is yellow.  That one is boring, but I really can't think of anything else, sorry.

I choose to not tag anyone, but if you'd like to list 7 random things about yourself, I'd love to read it.

bubbles

SUNDAY, MARCH 8th - 2009

My new Sunday calling is nursery leader.  On Sunday's I spend 2 hours with the 18 month - 3 year olds.  There are usually 9 to 12 kids in there and there is one other adult in there with me.  Most of the kids are great, but there are always 1 or 2 that have a hard time coming in and will cry a lot.  The other leader suggested we do something to grab their attention when they come in.  

I don't know a kid alive who doesn't love bubbles.  We had some bubbles in the closet and we usually do bubbles at the end when the parents are coming to pick up the kids.  But, the other leader suggested we switch things up and do the bubbles at the beginning. What a fantastic idea.  When the kids come in and see the bubbles, it's easier for them to leave mom and dad.

Also, the other leader bought what I refer to as "magic bubbles".  I was under the impression that all bubbles are created equal.  Personally, I don't really like bubbles because it is a very messy process and I end up with bubble goo all over my hands, and the table and the floor, etc.

However, "magic bubbles" are awesome.  They come from Gymboree.  There is a convenient little holder for the bubble solution and then you dip in the bubble wand and blow the bubbles out.  It makes tons and tons of tiny little bubbles.  They are cool because they don't pop super easy and the kids can catch them on their fingers, or if they land on the ground, they don't pop and the kids run around the room stomping them.  Also, no bubble goo on my hands.  They are fantastic.

If you have a kid who likes bubbles, you should check these out.  They are the best!

Even Stevens

SATURDAY, MARCH 7th - 2009

So, a new Disney channel station showed up out of the blue on our t.v. last week.  They have been running old episodes of one of Joe's favorite shows - Even Stevens.  If you haven't seen this show, you should.  It is hilarious.  

It features a young Shia LaBeauf.  Here he is, then and now:
Joe and I have been fans of Shia LaBeauf for a long time now.  We loved him in Even Steven's and Holes.  It's interesting to see him now in huge blockbuster films like Transformers, Indiana Jones and Eagle Eye.  He's always had great comedic timing.  If you get the Disney XD channel, you should check out the old episodes of Even Stevens.  It's one of the few kids shows that even Brian will sit through.  

fun friday

FRIDAY, MARCH 6th - 2009

Joe had friends over after school today.  We started at his grandma's house where the boys played some laser tag, ate cupcakes and played "Apples to apples".

Then we carted everyone back to our house to watch "Ironman" and eat pizza.

The boys lost interest in the movie about halfway through.  They played another game of Apples to Apples.  If you haven't played this game you are missing out.  It is super fun.  The more people the better.  

They finished the evening by playing "2 truths and a lie" while we were waiting for the parents to come pick up the boys.  It's always fun when the friends come over.  It was a good day.

celebration of learning

THURSDAY, MARCH 5th - 2009

Today was early release and the "celebration of learning" at Joe's school.  Joe absolutely loves the celebration of learning.   He gets to lead me all around the school and show me all of the things he does during his day, projects he's been working on, etc.   Here are two of the things he was most excited to show me:

He was especially excited to show me Billy (the goat).  We stayed there for a while.  I love that Joseph loves his school and his teacher and is excited to show me what is going on.  It was fun.

Hittin' the bottle

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4th - 2009

When I saw Joshua on the couch today, I just new I had to take his picture:

I guess after a long day all you want to do is hit the bottle.

My hero

TUESDAY, MARCH 3rd - 2009

Brian will be mad about this post, but I don't care.  He was my total hero today.  I was having the worst day and he was just awesome all day.  He hates having his picture taken.  Here he is trying to hide from me.

Thanks Brian, you are the absolute best!

I just can't get enough

MONDAY, MARCH 2nd - 2009

This is my new favorite cereal.  I just can't get enough of it.  I've been eating it nearly every day for the past week.

What's your favorite cereal?

still celebrating

SUNDAY, MARCH 1st - 2009

So, we are still celebrating Joe's birthday.  Tonight was our monthly family home evening at my mom's house.  Since we didn't really have a birthday party for Joe this year he never got birthday cake.  I volunteered to bring the refreshments for FHE.  It was birthday cupcakes for Adam:

And birthday cake for Joe:

He was happy that we all finally sang happy birthday to him.