Goodbye 2008....

Tonight we bid adieu to 2008.  We celebrated in our little home with our little family and had  a great time.

We prepared and ate a healthy dinner....
and banged on pots and pans to welcome in the new year...
some of us were not fully awake while this was taking place.
2008 has been an eventful year.  We have had many ups and downs.  We have had job success, and have cast off jobs that were not the best for us.  I went to work at a great quilt shop.  Reed has finally started his math homework, and hopes to finish soon.  Taylor started her last year of elementary school.  Torey got braces.  Jake started 1st grade and loves going to school.  We went on a family vacation to Disneyland.  We got a new niece and cousin.  We lost our beloved Prophet, and a new one was sustained.  We have done some missionary work.  We have been called and released from church callings.  (One of us four times!).   We have spent countless hours with our friends and family and love every one.  Goodbye 2008 - you were time well spent.

Sledding...

We are fortunate to have a Grandpa who takes his sledding very seriously.  Every fall Grandpa Mark takes the tractor out in the field and grooms a sledding hill for the grandkids.  We love it.  Today we invited Niki and Jeff's family and Grandpa Kerry and Kadee to go sledding with us.  We had a great time.  Taylor is getting really good at the snowboard.  It was such a nice day that the coats were shed early on.

Torey, Kinzie, and Kadee were really brave and attempted a train off the sweet jump.
Grandma Debra gave the kids a new sled for Christmas and Jake is modeling it as he tears down the hill!
Somehow Torey and I got turned around and still managed a fantastic pose!  
Thanks Niki for sharing the pictures!

Christmas Day....

Merry Christmas!  We just wanted to recap our day a little bit for posterity.  

4:30 a.m. - Reed in shower, kids wake up, Mom sleeping soundly (for once), snowing like a dirty rascal (quote courtesy of Grandpa Simper).

4:55 a.m. - Christmas unwrapping frenzy begins.... lasts approximately 23 seconds.  Mom says to Dad "It takes months of preparations for an event that lasts 10 minutes.  That is just not right."

6:00 a.m. - Dad leaves for work, kids are playing Wii, Mom back in bed sleeping soundly as per agreement.

10:00 a.m. - At Grandpa Kerry's for breakfast.  He gives the kids some cash and Jake gets an Indian knife made by Grandpa, and girls get arrowhead necklaces also made by Grandpa.

12:00 p.m.  - Home making relish tray, lost Taylor, picked up Jaycie.

1:00 p.m. - Grandma Joan's for dinner.  She gives the girls "Ripsticks" and Jake a scooter. (Starts to rain at around 3:00 giving us the green light to drive to South Jordan).

3:30 p.m. - Start the drive to South Jordan for dinner with Dad.  Freeway a little scary.  Kids snoring in back seat.

7:30 - home.

Reed's sales rep and friend Brenda sent the kids a bunch of stuff from Texas including T-shirts, cookie cutters, a Texas shaped ice cube tray, and giant jelly beans.  We sent her pink sauce!

The kids got "their first video gaming system."  It is a miracle according to Colton.
Taylor loves her Ripstick!
All Torey wanted Santa to bring her was baking supplies.  She made us these fantastic gingerbread bears - with very little assistance.
Jake looked very dapper in his new pinstripe suit and is showing us his new track.
We feel very blessed for all of the blessings we have been given and also for the opportunity to spend so much time with our families this Christmas season!

Preparations....

Elves have been imitated...

Time has been spent keeping busy....
Stockings have been hung, and halls have been decked...
All in preparation for the BIG event.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope that the light and love of the Savior will fill your homes throughout this Christmas Season.  

We know that Jesus was born of Mary and is the literal Son of Heavenly Father.  We know that He volunteered to come to this earth to save us from our sins.  We know that he lived, was crucified, and on the third day was resurrected.  We know that He lives and we know that He loves us.  We know that He will come again, and we hope that we can look forward to His coming with more anticipation than we look forward to Santa's.  He has much more to offer...

Elf Yourself!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Feeling Jolly....

Dear Dad....

 

Today was Polar Express day at school.  We had a great time.  We had hot chocolate, and they arranged the chairs like a train.  I got to see Santa Claus.  I told him I wanted a belt.  (A belt, can you  believe it?  I'll bet Santa is hurrying home to tell his elves about a BELT.)  We dressed up like elves.  We couldn't wear them to recess though, so we were elves undercover.  I liked my costume so much that I wore it to Costco.  I got annoyed when people kept looking at me, and ignored them when they mentioned my cute hat.  I mean it's not like I was looking for attention.  Geesh.   Did you know it snowed today?  I was like "raw ice."  Cool.

 

Torey got her braces reworked.  She chose red and green.  Because Christmas is next week, you know.  She can't wait for you to see them.  Lucky for her, and for us, she is not in much pain this time - yet..... (this just in - the pain just hit and it hurts a lot).

 

Taylor had a fantastic day at school.  They had some mom's come and they put vaseline all over their faces and it glued their eyes and mouth shut and they laid back on phone books and it was kind of relaxing but not really and then they put these plaster of paris strips on their faces and then they couldn't move but only signal with thumbs up or thumbs down or high five or nodding or whatever and then hers had a hard time drying and they kept checking it but when it finally was dry they didn't give any warning or anything they just yanked it off and boy did that hurt and she wishes one of the teachers would try it and see how it felt and then they had these guides lead them to the bathroom so they could wash the vaseline off of their faces but when she got hers pulled off she accidentally opened her eyes because she was so shocked and that was a mistake because it got in her eyes but she got all of it washed off but she should take a shower because the teachers told them to and so she did and the masks turned out good and they get to paint them and everything and it will be cool and she can't wait until they do and they made them because they are studying Egypt and that is what the Egyptians did and then Mom told her Joseph Smith had a death mask and guess who it looks like and she said who and Mom said Joseph Smith and then looked at her with that questioning look she gets on her face that she can't cover up even if she wants to.

 

Oh yeah.  Speaking of Mom, she cleaned the bathrooms.  She is so good that way.  I sure love her and because I do I will sleep in someone else's bed tonight and only cuddle with her in the morning.

Just letting you know that we are feeling jolly and can't wait for you to get home so we can tell you all about our day and how we went to Costco and tried to talk Mom into the snowflake lights - again.   We almost broke her this time.  We did talk her into getting some truffles for Grandma - a two pack.  You know what that means.  We also got hot dogs.  And Mom got gas and she said she felt like she was stealing it because it was only $1.34.  That's a big difference from what it was a couple months ago.  Do you remember when it was $4.  The guy said it is going to go up again after Christmas so stock up.  Oh yeah, Mom says thanks for shoveling the snow today, but it was raw ice...  See ya tomorrow.

Love, 

Jake (aka: Bernard the Elf)

Grandma Glenda's Christmas Party...

was a complete success.  We had a fantastic time getting together with aunts, uncles, cousins, and especially with Grandma Glenda.  We love her so much and are so grateful for the things she does for us.

These are Glenda's grandkids.  As you can see, the poor girls were outnumbered almost 3 to 1.  
Grandma always has the family do a performance of some sort.  Taylor played "Joy to the World" and "Carol of the Bells,"  Torey performed "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas," "We Three Kings," and "Rudolph,"  and Jake sang "I Love Mrs. Santa Claus."  They did great.  The entire family performed "O Holy Night" on the chimes, and it wasn't so bad if I do say so myself.  Kara also treated us to a beautiful song, and Kaylyn played the bagpipes.  The talent that we are importing is fabulous.
Then for the grand finale Grandpa Mark loaded all of the kids in the garbage can and gave them rides around the Senior Center.  He can always make  toys out of the most unorthodox things, and the kids love him for it.
Thanks Grandma for a fun evening.  We shouldn't wait so long to get together like this!

What a Weekend....

Let me begin by bragging about my kids.   Torey, my sweetheart, once again was named Student of the Month in the virtue of Empathy, and that makes it three years in a row for her.  I would say they nailed her right on the head, as there are not many more compassionate kids out there.

Friday night we took the kids to the Utah Flash basketball game, courtesy of the free tickets the kids received at school.  We had a great time, and saw many people from our neighborhood.  I usually get so annoyed when the kids come home with freebies, as a ploy to get the parents to take them somewhere, but these turned out great.

And then there is Taylor.  About a week ago she won the school "Free Throw" competition, and then she was able to go on to the district level, which was today.  It is a national competition sponsored by the Lions Club, and so down to Provo we went.  She managed to work herself into quite a nervous lather on the way down, instructing us not to cheer or make eye contact with her, but by the time she had warmed up she was relatively calm.

Jake, once again pulled out the trusty gum wrapper and made Taylor a fantastic sign as a show of support.  We were not allowed to cheer or take pictures so this is the best we could come up with given the restrictions.  Taylor was also relieved that there wouldn't be much noise.  Maybe she should take up golf.
While we were waiting for the rest of the competition to end, we took the kids to the BYU Creamery.  Apparently the place is legendary, and we found out why today.  It is delicious.
We returned to collect Taylor's second place trophy, and that is when Jake had a small accident.  While climbing out of the front seat of the truck he wrapped his had around the door jamb of the back seat and the door was slammed on his fingers, and then it locked.  He started to scream, and then the girls started to scream, and the door wouldn't unlock, and then there was more screaming, and then Reed finally managed to get the door open and off his fingers.  It was horrible.  Reed grabbed a trusty ice pack and we calmed him down.  Then we collected Taylor's trophy - just in time -  and then we left...
and headed straight to the doctor, and then to the hospital for x-rays, and then back to the doctor's.  We still don't have the x-ray results back, but we are pretty sure it is not broken, though it is swollen to almost twice its size.
Jake hung in like a trooper and didn't cry very much.  He was very brave and was also excited when the technician showed him what his hand looked like under x-rays.  Taylor was so excited to win second, and we are very grateful for the Lion's club and for their taking the time to conduct this contest.  They were a great bunch of men and women.  And we are grateful that Jake's injuries were not worse.  All in all, it has been a roller coaster weekend.

Welcome December....

We plan on sucking the life out of you.  We will enjoy every day to its fullest.  We will get the shopping done early.  We will fa la la la la all day long to get in the spirit of the season.  We will be cheerful givers, and grateful receivers.  We will enjoy every last one of those many parties, of which we will be happy attenders.  We will show love to everybody, and remain patient with those who annoy us.  We will take the time to remember what Christmas is all about, and we will try, oh we will try, to not get lost in the commercialization.  We will wrap early, and often.  We will keep the house clean, and the children's faces shiny.  We will mix. bake, and distribute our delicious goodies, and we will not overindulge in any of them.  Do you hear me?  We will not overindulge.  And we will stay under budget.   And we will be so thankful that we have the opportunity to do all of it.  And, December, we will try to love every minute of you.  But all we can do is try.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us...

Today is Thanksgiving and as such we will share with you, our friends and family, some of the many things we are thankful for, and this is only scratching the surface, we are grateful for many things but these are those that came to mind first.  

1.  First of all we are thankful for all of you.

2.  We are thankful for each other.

3.  We are thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, a living Prophet, and the Plan of Salvation.

      (If you have no idea what I am talking about click here!)

4.  We are thankful for our beautiful home. 

5.  We are thankful for warm beds. 

6.  We are thankful for food.  

7.  We are thankful for Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special.

8.  We are grateful to live in this great country, the United States of America.

9.  We are thankful for our jobs.

10.  We are grateful for our dog, Copper.

11.  We are grateful that for once in our married life, Reed was able to stay home all day on Thanksgiving.

12.  We are grateful for those pilgrims who were brave enough to leave their home country and start fresh in a foreign land.  (FYI:  We had relatives on the Mayflower - cool huh!)

13.  We are grateful for our health.

14.  Electricity sure comes in handy - thanks Ben Franklin.

15.  We are thankful for nature and animals.

16.  We are thankful we could host Thanksgiving and not have to travel.

17.  We love cranberry sauce shaped like a can.

18.  We are grateful for freedom.

19.  We are grateful for school and education.

20.  We are grateful for indoor plumbing.

Thank you again and have a great weekend!

Rock the Vote.....

Is everyone still voting for Aubrey?  You can vote once a day and she is amazing.  Please go to www.mormontimes.com and place that vote - for Aubrey.  Not that I would ever tell you who to vote for, I would just highly suggest that you help one young woman achieve her dreams of greatness.  And she is - great.  She sings Amazing Grace and it is beautiful!  It is one of those things that might take a small amount of time on your end, but would pay dividends on someone else's.  You know the saying - "Through small and simple acts, great girls end up winning" or something like that!!!

At long last....

After months of patiently waiting, surfing the internet for clips and teasers, and reading and re-reading the books we were finally able to view the long awaited "Twilight."  Taylor was so excited she hasn't stopped talking about it for weeks.  Torey had to live vicariously through her sister's recitations, as she is too young to read the book.  And Jake, poor Jake, was dragged along with the rest of us, whether he wanted to be or not. We were lucky enough to get advanced tickets to opening day, and even though we were on the third row we had a great time.

We were able to go with the cousins, and the aunts, and Grandma!  Even I was there, although there is no photographic evidence to prove that I was.  And then, much to our delight, our neighbors sat behind us.
Although a movie can never be as good as the book, I think it was pretty good.  I thought they injected a lot of humor, and the scenery was beautiful.  I do wish, however, that the two leading characters would have shown more emotion in their dialog, as it was the same tone throughout most of the movie.  Other than that, the general consensus was  a thumbs up.  We even discovered that baby Stailey is in love with Edward, as every time he came on screen she would blow bubbles and coo.  More than anything we had a great time with an amazing bunch of women, and one little guy!  Thanks for the fun ladies (and gentleman).

Thanksgiving Tribute....

This afternoon I was delighted to attend a 1st grade performance dedicated to Thanksgiving.  We were treated to a five to seven minute presentation which included 3 songs and 1 poem.  It was fantastic and I enjoyed every minute of it, though they were few.  The songs were cute, the poem was funny, and I thought the class did great.

It's a Red Letter Day....

I apologize for the weird picture but my little T-Rex arms could not reach out far enough to include all I wanted to include.  And apparently my short arms aren't my only problem.  Has my face always been that long?  Reed would also like to issue a disclaimer about the hat hair. Again, my apologies for the poor picture, and again for our vain ramblings.  But, that is neither here nor there, as Reed and I are modeling the newest addition to our kitchen.  Can you guess what it is?  I will give you some clues:

- I have been without one for almost two years.

- I am already in love with it even though I have not yet used it.

- My wonderful husband had it installed even before I got home.

- It will save my hands from chapping, and my mouth from whining.

- It will make my kitchen look so much cleaner.

- It will save time, and claims to be energy efficient. 

You guessed right, people.  I got a new dishwasher!  YEAH!  HURRAY!  WOO HOO!  My mom called a couple of weeks ago and said she was going to order some appliances and would I like her to pick me out a dishwasher.  As this was the major reason why I had not yet purchased one - I hate the shopping around, couldn't care less, hate price comparison's, blah, blah, blah - I jumped all over the opportunity.  Thanks again, Mom!!!!  So, today it was delivered, installed, and I couldn't be more pleased.  So, this will bring to a close pictures of dirty dishes, whiny posts about not having one, and a sink full of dishes drip drying.  I wonder what I am going to do with all that spare time?!?!?

P.S.  Vote for Aubrey - you can vote once a day - www.mormontimes.com.  She sounds like an angel singing Amazing Grace.  Please vote, pretty please, with a cherry on top.  Let's use our blogs as a force for good, and help one girl achieve her dreams.  Thank you for your time.

Help Aubrey!!!!

For all of those readers out there who would absolutely love to help one neighbor girl's dreams come true, please hop on over to Lane and Patty's blog (see sidebar) and vote for their beautiful daughter.  Or log on to www.mormontimes.com, click on showcase, and vote for Aubrey Taylor.  She is fantastic, and talented, and driven, and amazing.  Thanks a bunch!  

Braces hurt....

Torey got braces yesterday.  Just four in the front and two in the back.  They are purple and turquoise.  Yesterday they matched her shirt.  Today they did not.  She was a little concerned about this, but I told her that your teeth do not have to match your clothing, they only have to be clean.  As it turns out, braces hurt like the blazes when you first get them on.  Who knew?  Not me, or anyone else in the family, as Torey is the trailblazer in this area.   The school has been providing Tylenol, and I have been providing Motrin.  It doesn't seem to be helping.  Any ideas?

Thank You Veterans...

Words cannot express our gratitude for your time, your service, your patriotism, your loyalty, your willingness to sacrifice, your protection, and your love of our country.  A thank you doesn't seem like quite enough, but it is all we have to offer.

Happy Anniversary....

Sixty-seven years ago today this happy couple was married in California.   She had just graduated from High School, and he was on 24-hour notice with the Merchant Marines.  World War II was raging in Europe, and the Japanese would bomb Pearl Harbor in exactly one month.  They were young and in love, and now 67 Years later, they are still young (in spirit - Grandpa is still convinced he is not a day older than eighteen) and in love.  Congratulations to Grandma and Grandpa Simper who have achieved something that not many other couples have.  They have shown us why they are part of the "Greatest Generation."  Together, in their marriage, they have achieved greatness.  What a perfect example to the rest of us of enduring love, patience, and friendship.  I want to be just like them someday....

Today I voted....

I voted because I am a Freedom-loving American.  I voted to have my voice heard.  I voted to protect capitalism, and eschew socialism.  I voted to honor my father, my uncles, my Grandfather's, my Great-Grandfather's and all of those men and women who have fought to ensure my freedom to cast my ballot.  I voted to honor their memory and their sacrifice.  I voted to preserve our military.  I voted because my Great-Grandmother's could not.   I voted to show my daughters and son that they should.  I voted to say to my city that I do not want pork in my politics. I voted my principles. I Voted because I am a Patriot.  Did you?

Quote of the Decade.....

"My second favorite household chore is ironing.  My first being hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint."

- Erma Bombeck

Welcome November....

For the first time in many years we are being treated with actual Fall weather.  I, for one, am loving every minute of it.  This weather is perfect, the leaves are beautiful, and I am loving that snap in the air.  

Happy Birthday Thad!  We love you and hope you had a great day.

Welcome Daylight Savings time.  That extra hour of sleep is going to be terrific!

A Souper Halloween...

We had this whole crew over for a Halloween dinner and Trick or Treating.  I made Chicken Noodle and Vegetable Beef Soup for the entire crowd (I think we had around twenty), and then we all set off for a round of trick or treating in the neighborhood.  The weather was delightful.  It drizzled for a second, but it was so warm, unlike other Halloween's where we have almost contracted hypothermia.  It was incredibly eerie, however, when it was 8 o'clock and we were the only people out.  Where was everybody?  Did anyone else have a shortage of people?  Regardless, we had a great time.  Thanks everybody for participating with us.

P.S.  As a side note, my pre-teen daughter went through three costumes this year.  A mummy, a Pharaoh, and a Rodeo Clown.  I am writing this so years from now when she has an emotional daughter I can refer back to it.  Thank you.

Appeasement...

This morning the kids took it upon themselves to file a grievance with the governing body of our home, namely me, concerning the fact that a certain somebody was not home from work when they should be.  There was some tears and some rage, but most of all some legitimate complaints were presented in a very mature manner.  I was impressed with their preparation and the way that they presented their case, and in every instance I agreed with them.  I, too, felt that someone was missing in our home.  Their annoyance was so great, however, that I feared for the well-being of the absentee "assistant to the governing body."  In an effort to stave off a civil war, or a revolt at the very least, and in order to protect the tender emotional climate that is our home, I suggested an alternative to anarchy - I suggested that we spend the night carving pumpkins.  The rebels were not prepared to deal with this form of appeasement, as they were expecting the normal lectures about being supportive, blah, blah, blah, and much to my surprise the emotional tide turned from rage to acquiescence, and then from acquiescence to joyful anticipation.  I will even venture to say that we had a great time.   I mean look at those smiles.  They really reach the eyes don't they?

You will be happy to note that the entire family was in attendance and that the revolt has been squelched for the time being.

P.S.  One of the pumpkin carvers - the middle one - was heard to say "Ew!  I feel like I am pulling out belly button hairs."  I mention this so that you are prepared for that texture when you carve your own pumpkins.  As I do not engage in the removal of navel hair I have no point of reference in this area.

Grandma Joan's Halloween Bash....

was a complete success.  We had a fabulous time, just me and my ghouls, and the two hundred or so other people who were there.  These are the kids - a Power Ranger, a Mummy, and a posing Hippie!

Here I am with my two lovely sisters, wondering where our other sister is and why on earth she would move away.  We miss her. But we are standing in front of a blow up slide which saw hundreds of little feet, and miles and miles of climbing.  Grandma Joan always outdoes herself on Halloween, and we had a great time. 
This was the jousting arena where I was showing Taylor that I can still dominate her pre-teen rear end.  I will say, however, that she managed to get a few good shots in.
Here are my two babies taking a turn in the ring.  They were a well matched team!
Some of our favorite memories of the night:

- Grandpa Simper's Hotdogs.

- Grandma Simper laughing at everything he says.  Still in love after 66 years.

- The rocket launcher - Reed is sooo going to be building us one.

- The King Kong competition (we had a sixteen team adult bracket) where Niki came down the slide, clearly in the lead, and fell into the crack between inflatables, and almost needed extricating.  It was a priceless moment, but sadly, it lost her the tournament.

- Jousting with the kids.

- Taking Easton to see the chickens.

- Homemade Rootbeer.

- Jeff dressing up like my dad.

-  Seeing all the family who we don't get to see enough.

Thanks Mom, once again, for a fantastic time.  We love you so much and appreciate all of the work that you put into this fun and memorable event.

Why is it...

that when a man is at wrestling practice with his tenderhearted six-year old son and sees that he is in need of some help, and then steps in to show him some pointers that the earth keeps spinning on its axis --- but when a Mom sees that same little boy having trouble grasping a concept, and goes out to offer her assistance, an eerie hush settles over the wrestling room and weird looks are exchanged as if the sacrosanct rules of wrestling have just been toppled? Someone explain this to me....Oh, never mind, I already know.  

Dear Reed....

I am writing you this letter because I have something very important to say, and your stupid phone won't get reception in that bomb shelter firehouse you live in.  Do you know what Monday is?  Well, do you?  I'll bet you will never guess so I will tell you.

It is (drum roll please):  "Forget everybody else in the neighborhood and take several loads to the Green Waste Day!"  (Cue: confetti, balloons, and a great big banner that reads:  PLEASE. FOR THE LOVE OF PETE, TAKE A LOAD TO GREEN WASTE, MY LOVE!)  And since you are going to take all of the waste to the dump, and will be working on the north side of the house, I was also thinking that you might enjoy winterizing the trailer.  It's just a thought.  I thought it because you reminded me of it the other day when it snowed.  And then, since you will be all sweaty, and dirty, I was thinking you could practice your shoveling skills by turning the dirt.  What do you say?  I think you might enjoy working around our very own house.  It might break up the monotony a little bit, because, you know, you have been working at everyone else's house lately.  So, why not try something new?  And that something new is our own little love nest.  I thought you might be excited to read this, so I am posting it two days in advance so you can check back if you forget a part or two.  I also took the liberty of color coding it, so if you were in a hurry you could find the key points quickly.  I am just trying my best to help you. Because I love you, that's why.

I hope you are having a good day at work.  I can't wait to see you again.

Love, Nat

P.S.  Don't worry about tearing down the flower beds. I took care of that for you.  I know you are busy so I thought I should do my part!

Tag...

Eight things I watch on T.V....

I don't watch a lot of T.V., so this is what the kids watch and I absorb:

1.  Little House on the Prairie (our favorite and the reason we don't need cable).

2.  Arthur

3.  Curious George

4.  Brady Bunch

5.  American Gladiators (When it's on).

6.  The Office (If I remember).

7.

8.

Eight Things that Happened Yesterday...

1.  Went to Work.

2.  Returned some shoes, looked for new ones - didn't happen.

3.  Bought a new sewing machine (can't decide if I'm happy or have buyer's remorse).

4.  Folded some laundry (finally).

5.  Woke up every half an hour... (are you kidding me?)

6.  Ran some errands.

7.  Made dinner (a miracle).

8.  Talked to Reed on the phone

(Oh, I am so pathetically boring....)

Eight Favorite Places to Eat....

1.  Cafe Rio

2.  Cabo

3.  JCW's

4.  The Roof

5.  Costco Hot Dogs (Thanks for the reminder Patty!)

6.  Grandma Debra's Roast Beef Sunday

7.  Olive Garden

8.  Flour Girls and Dough Boys

(I obviously need to expand my epicurian repertoire).

Eight Things I am Looking Forward to....

1.  Christmas, along with the entire holiday season.

2.  Reed's graduation... when he finally gets his math done.

3.  The kids singing in Sacrament Meeting.

4.  When we pay off the house.

5.  Our next vacation...

6.  The release of HSM 3 and Twilight, so the girls and I can go out!

7.  When the City Council finally pulls their heads out...

8.  The end of the Presidential election.

I tag anyone who wants to participate... and is obviously willing to share their pathetic T.V. watching habits, and complete lack of restaurant knowledge past the 99 cent value meal as I have so brazenly done.  Also, any tips on a good restaurant are welcomed and encouraged.

A Cryptic Message....

A.K.A. - Jake's contribution to our Halloween decor, a post-it note on the front door.

I, personally, was not aware our house was that bad.  But you know what they say, "Out of the mouths of babes...."  

Note:  3m company is in no way affiliated with this website, although their product is of superior quality and highly useful, especially when warning others of the terror waiting for them within the above mentioned home.

What in the Hail were you doing?

I was mowing my lawn.  I woke up this morning and thought that I could somehow beat the torrent of weather that was coming our way, so I mowed the lawn.  The hail was small, and I was cold, but the lawn looks presentable.  The tomatoes were harvested and canned.  Laundry was started.  The bathrooms were cleaned and mopped, all three of them.  Lunch was had.  A book was read.  And all before 6 p.m.  This is not like me.  I think someone must have slipped me some Crack.  Either that, or it was the Cream of Wheat I had for breakfast.  Whatever it was, my house looks pretty dang good for a Saturday.

The meanest mom...

Today, and yesterday, I got the extreme pleasure of going to Parent/Teacher Conference, although these days it is called SEP's.  I was allowed the privilege of sitting in each of my children's classrooms and listening to the teachers tell me what great kids I have.  We then went to the book fair and purchased each of the children a book of their choosing, as a reward for their good behavior.  On the way home I decided to take a little pre-arranged detour, known only to me, as a sort of "cherry on top" to an already pleasurable day.  As we pulled up to the office complex, the atmosphere in the car became strangely tense, and then the following conversation occurred:

 

Kids:  Where are we going.

Mom:  Just over here.

Kids:  Why?

Mom:  I have to talk to somebody about something.

Taylor:  Talk about what?  (some nervousness, after all it is October).

Jake:  Are we getting SHOTS?

 

(Cue crying, outrage, shock, anger, fear)

 

Kids:  YOU CAN'T JUST DO THAT!  YOU COULD HAVE TOLD US!  WHY ME, OH WHY!    I DON'T WANT A SHOT!  BOO, HOO, HOO!

Torey - Stop crying, it won't be that bad.

Mom:  Surprise!

As we walk into the office Jake is quivering, Taylor is pouting, and Torey is exhibiting a certain amount of  braggadocio.  So, Mom went first - didn't hurt.  Jake next - still fine.  Taylor - good.  Torey - "Give me just a second.  (Mom dragging her to chair while she is starting to hyperventilate)  I'm not ready.  No, wait just a second.  No wait...." - and done.

As we walk out of the office Taylor is heard to say, "I thought she said it wouldn't sting."

"Mine doesn't sting," I reply.

"Well, that's because you have fat arms."

And that, my friends, was our day.  We hope yours was pleasant as well.

Love - 

Fat Arms

To my husband...

Do you know that empty space you have when something is missing?  You filled it when you came home last night.  The second you walked in the door from your business trip I realized what heaven must be like.  Miss you again.

Love - Nat

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday to you.  Happy Birthday to you.  Happy Birthday dear Da-ad, Happy Birthday to you!

Things my dad says....

1.  Let me just say this about that....

2.  If you bring home a dirtbag I will just kill him and hang him from the front porch for all of the other dirtbags to see.

3.  You are beautiful.  (Thanks Dad!)

4.  Who's this kid?  I thought you loved Reed.  You know he's working hard on his mission.

5.  You're my favorite.

6.  Who's the best cop/firefighter?

7.  If you hurt my daughter, I'll kill you.

8.  Would you like to ask for her hand with my gun on or off?

9.  It's Christmas Eve and your sick.  Let me medicate you....

10.  Do you need me to kill him?

Obviously one of the best gifts a father can give his daughter is protection - it even says so in the proclamation, just read it.  So here is a story to illustrate my point.  When I was in sixth grade I was being wheeled in to surgery to get my tonsils out.  The last words out of my mouth before the anesthesia took me to la-la land was this: "If you hurt me, my dad will kill you."  And I knew without a shadow of a doubt that he would.  So, thanks Dad, for always letting me know that you loved me, and for protecting me whether I wanted you to or not!

Nature's Paintbrush....

When I was a little girl my family always went on rides in the canyon. Sometimes we would drop into Heber and stop at a little malt shop, not Granny's, I forget the name, and get shakes and fries. It is a fantastic memory that I have of my girlhood, and time spent with my family.  My favorite time to go was around my birthday, when the leaves were changing, and the colors were so vibrant.  Now, I must tell you that these were not ordinary drives.  These were drives that came with a sense of adventure.  My dad was a County Sheriff and a member of the SWAT team, and as such he spent a lot of time doing high speed vehicle training, which comes with some initials, but I also can't remember those.  Enough said.  So, the family would load into our 1991 GMC Jimmy and head to Harts for a Big Chill and a bag of strawberry Twizzlers.  We were four deep in a three seatbelt vehicle and so glad for the outing.  Now many people drive the canyon in a slow, meandering fashion taking time to look at all the scenery and appreciate the beauty of the earth that God created.  Not our family.  The steep, curving roads of American Fork Canyon proved to be too much of a challenge for a certain someone to pass up.  We (and I use that term very loosely) would approach it much like Dale Earnhardt approaches the Indy 500.  Fast and Furious.  My dad had a mission.  He was going to drive those canyon roads at the highest speed possible, while still maintaining nearly complete control of the vehicle.   This is where four of us wedged in the back turned into a blessing.  We were packed in so tight with our girlie hips, that even though every curve threatened to send us across the vehicle, our close proximity prevented it.  Driving down the canyon was even better, because the speed was increased due to inertia, or gravity, or whatever, and the curves just screamed at us.  We would ride the outside of a turn and then drift to the center, and back again just slightly below the speed of light, munching on Twizzlers and soda.  To this day, the smell of Twizzlers makes me car sick.  

Reed took the kids and I on a drive for family night.  We got a soda first.  Twizzlers were not invited.  The mountains were beautiful.

Inspired.....

That is what I was last night as I watched the General Relief Society Broadcast from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  For more information click here.  Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency gave the best talk to the women of the Church.  He managed to make us laugh, liberate us from the constraints we put on ourselves, inspire us, motivate us, and help us to be better wives and mothers.  I know that he is called of God to help lead us in these Latter-days, and I am so glad that I was able to strengthen my testimony by listening to him.  What did you think?

P.S.  My great friend, Alice, was able to sing in the choir and they did an amazing job as well!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATILIE !!!!!!

To the woman of my dreams, I wish you a happy birthday, and like you did for me I will list 32 of the my favorite things about you.

1.   I love that you look the same with or without any makeup, (BEAUTIFUL).

2.  I love how you are with our children, you are an awesome mom.

3.  I love that you blame me for stealing the covers at night, (not true).

4.  I love that you are a doer, there are plenty of watchers and not enough doers. 

5.  I love that you have embraced watching baseball games and actually enjoy it.

6.  I love that you stick by me even though you have been left at various places while I've went on fire calls.  (Weddings, church, the grocery store, and the mortuary to name a few.) 

7.  I love that you've put no pressure on me to finish Math 1050.   :)

8.  I love how you like when I whisper sweet nothings in your ear.

9.  I love to watch movies on the couch with you under a blanket.  (Hey Kerry, we're married now so we can do that.) 

10.  I love how you can read a book no matter the length in just a few hours.  (That's borderline superpower if you're asking me.)

11.  I love your patience.

12.  I love your fudge you make at Christmas time.

13.  I love teasing you that I will die first and that you will live to be an old bag of dust.  (It's gonna happen.)

14.  I love that you are smarter than me in most things even though I will never admit it again.

15.  I love that you will first attempt to dig a hole for flowers or plants and then kindly return the shovel to it's rightful owner.  

16.  I love your laugh.

17.  I love your eyes, they are the first thing I noticed.  (Seriously they were.)

18.  I love that you talk just slightly faster than the speed of light, and that I can actually make out most of the words.  

19.  I love that you do almost all things very fast and accurate.  (Except for clothes shopping- not fast at all, but accurate.)

20.  I love your creative genius with projects, and your quick whit.  You also think on your feet extremely well.

21.   I love that you say what you think.  I enjoy the looseness of you inner filter, it makes me laugh.

22.  I love your competitive spirit, even when I'm your opponent.

23.  I love your taste in how you decorate our home, it just feels right. 

24.  I love how you teach Taylor and Torey to be ladies and Jake to be a gentleman.

25.  I love to watch you sleep.  Even if it was on my arm during Jeopardy before we were married.

26.  I love your body.  

27.  I love to have conversation with you, no matter what the subject.

28.  We are total opposites on many things, and I love how we still make it work.

29.  I love how when you say NO, you really mean YES.  (Usually this occurs around 36 or 37 repetitive No's).

30.  I love to spend time with you no matter what we are doing.

31.  I love your testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of the Gospel. 

32.  I love being married to you and knowing that we will be together forever, which will give me more opportunities to list more than just thirty-two reasons why I love you.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART !!!!!!!!