The Heath Bar

Anniversary 7

2012-01-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

Dec 28 marked 7 years of marriage for me and will.
We didn't really do anything special because we're more focused on buying a home right now, but Will did bring me home some flowers. Considering I didn't even remember until halfway through the morning that it was my anniversary, I'd say I was sufficiently surprised. Love you, Will!

Christmas Photo Dump

2012-01-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa Great's

Reese before church

Liam before church

Opening Presents!

At Grandma and Grandpa Heath's with the cousins!

Nativity

2011-12-24T22:09:00.000-07:00

The Heath family dresses up for the nativity scene each year. My sister-in-law has an impressive array of costumes. Reese was talking all day about how she was going to be the star that "was above baby Jesus."

This year Katie wanted to be Joseph

Miranda held the star, but Reese was okay with that. She decided it was good enough to be an angel.

Gavin as a wise man, accompanied by Uncle Will and Uncle Steve.

Lillie as Mary

Trevor the donkey getting into a brawl with Gavin the wise man.

Liam and Daxton as sheep

Mary riding the donkey

Sheep Chllin' with the star

Dax, the other sheep

Strudel

2011-12-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

My sister Shelly just came home from a semester abroad in Vienna. She brought home with her a strudel recipe and I agreed to help her make it. It was my first time making strudel. So don't judge.

kneading the dough

Then let the dough sit for a couple hours so the gluten will rest, theoretically making it easy to roll out super thin. Theoretically.

You are supposed to roll it so thin that doing it on a table cloth is probably the only way to roll it out without it sticking to the the table.

Apple filling. Smelled of the copious amounts of cinnamon we put in.

Dough rolled (though not thin enough) and filling spread out

roll up like a cinnamon roll, place on pan. Curl as needed to make it fit.

It didn't brown super well.

*taking a bite of strudel*

crunch crunch chew chew

*considering the taste*

*raising fork*

"Here's to the next attempt!"

It tasted okay. The next day I scraped out the filling, added some extra sugar, and re-rolled it in filo dough. Much flakier. But next time I try strudel I'll not follow the recipe for the filling, I'll make my own version.

Thanks for letting me bake with you, Shelly!

Bankruptcy

2011-12-10T23:35:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I was trying to tackle the mountain of papers that seem to pile up overnight (with little success, as usual, due to the fact that if I'm sitting down my children assume it's because I need them to give me something to do) when I re-discovered the bag of wedding cards I've been keeping around for seven years with the intention of writing thank-you notes. I've even begun doing it a number of times, but never made much of a dent. Now, I've never been good at thank-yous. For anything. I know that I've alreay broken rules of etiquette by taking this long to get the job done, but I also know that Miss Manners would tell me better late than never.

So for the past seven years I've kept this bag of cards with the best intentions. But as I looked at my paper-sorting piles, I realized that I have been using this bag as an excuse. "I'll write that thank you note when I write all the wedding thank-yous." And thus one thank-you note becomes an insurmountable mountain when all I have are snippits of time here and there to write.

So I have come to a very important, perhaps immoral descision. I am going to write a few select thank-you notes from my wedding, like for Becky Haggard and Lisa Clark, who stepped in to help without being asked, and then I'm declaring bankruptcy. Or thankyouruptcy, if you will. I'm admitting defeat. I'm throwing the bag away. And then I'll make a more concerted effort to show my grattitude on paper more often in the future. And I'm going to allow myself to forgive myself for doing it. I hope.

So please forgive me if you were waiting for that thank-you note. Please know that whatever you did, I really am grateful. I'm just not good at telling you.

If it makes you feel any better, I'm not even getting around to sending Christmas cards this year. (Though, to be fair, I have been pretty good at that in years past. To make up for it, I have a Christmas card-ish photo album below.)

Make a photo album

I appreciate your understanding.

Tangled

2011-11-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

In honor of Reese's new "Rapunzel" dress, we watched Disney's Tangled today. Since then Reese has kept telling me about her hair. How it's like Rapunzel's. She's blond now but when she's old enough it will turn brown like Rapunzel. And even though it's a little short now it's getting longer and soon she'll have very long hair.

PS, I put our car seats back in the car today. I hate car seats so much.

Putting Up The Christmas Tree

2011-11-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

We put up the Christmas tree for family night the Monday after Thanksgiving this year. Rather than pull out our fragile ornaments from storage, we decided to make some paper trimmings.

Reese and I each colored an angel and then we glued them back-to-back on a paper cone. All day, Reese couldn't stop talking about the angel she was going to put on the tree when Daddy came home and we could start.

My side of the angel,

Then we colored some paper strips and made a chain to wrap around the tree.

Reese was pretty proud of the finished product. Liam refused to get in the picture because he was upseat that we glued his chain to the main one. And that we wouldn't let him play with the glue stick anymore.

Pretzels

2011-11-27T20:27:00.001-07:00

We didn't get Reese a pretzel while we were at the mall the other day, so I promised we'd make them at home. She liked that Idea.

Meanwhile, Liam was doing what he does best: making mischief.

sideways video.

Play Time

2011-11-27T20:08:00.001-07:00

Sometimes when Reese is doing something that she thinks is interesting she will tell me to get the camera and take a picture. Good think she thinks of it or I miss recording all sorts of fun.

This game is called "throw all the laundry on the floor so we can play with the basket"

She was so proud of this tower, though she makes pretty good towers all the time.

And, of course, she has to strike a pose with it.

Blue fairy wings and a blue skirt often results in me getting a pretend carriage, dress and glass slippers.

And Liam is affectionately her "pet" named Lion.

Snow

2011-11-05T20:13:00.000-06:00

First snow of this winter! Reese has been saying for the past few weeks that she wants to make a snow angel. When her hands touched the snow she changed her mind in a hurry. I guess we need to get some gloves. The whole outing lasted approx. 5 minutes.

While I Was Posting

2011-11-05T20:09:00.001-06:00

While I was getting some blog posts up, Liam came up to me with the Mr. Potato Head bucket on his head When he accidentally got the label part in front of his face so he couldn't see he began using it to play peek-a-boo.

Then Reese came up with the Mr. Potato Head Darth Vader mask in her mouth and began breathing heavily. I don't know if you can hear it in the video but that was the goal.

Then I realized it's kind of silly that Liam likes wearing shoes so much he asks me to put them on even when he's in his footie jammies.

Halloween

2011-11-05T18:55:00.000-06:00

I don't have any pictures of the kids trick-or-treating. But I do have pictures from when we got home! Liam is the only one that threw off the costume hat and dug in to the cany. The rest of us were playing around with some plastic bloodshot eyes that they got while out. Reese did eventually pic a treat to eat before bed.

And here's a picture on the night of the ward trunk-or-treat. It was also the celebration dinner for Grandpa's Birthday, so we came home to come cousins who had been dropped off for us to spend time with while Grandpa and his sons (and wives) went out. Hyrum and Heather made us some awesome balloon stuff.

I Have Cute Kids

2011-11-05T18:39:00.001-06:00

Early Trick-Or-Treating

2011-10-29T15:07:00.001-06:00

Friday was Halloween for Will's company. Families were invited to the high-riset to do some trik-or-treating, the employees were in charge of decorating and candy. Holy cow did Reese get a good haul. And I'd be lion if I said Liam didn't too well either.

Also, it was fun to see where Daddy works. Though I am a little concerned that we still have ward trunk-or-treat tonight and a party plus regular trick-or-treating on Monday. Sheesh. WAAYYY too much candy. Anyone know where I can donate the excess to?

Pin The Tail On The Elephant

2011-10-22T14:04:00.001-06:00

Yesterday Reese wanted to play pin the tail on the elephant. We Googled "pin the tail on the elephant" and found the results to be disturbingly lacking. So for the benefit of all you who have been searching in vain for a proper elephant tail-pinning game, I've decided to post ours.
No need to thank me. My reward is simply knowing I've made life better for others.

Reese won. Though I have a sneaking suspicion that she peeked.

Birthday

2011-10-10T21:29:00.000-06:00

Yes, my birthday was two days ago. I spent most of the day reading. It was fabulous. Will and Reese got me some flowers, some jewelry, and made a cake for me. We ordered pizza for dinner so I wouldn't have to cook. I loved it.

I didn't take any pictures, but grandma did. Maybe I will get them from her and post them. We'll see.

Riding A Bike

2011-10-10T21:27:00.000-06:00

We took a walk and insisted that Reese stay on her bike even when she says it got "too hard." She's getting better at the pedals now. So proud!

Liam, on the other hand, just took the stroller.

Painting Pumpkins

2011-10-10T21:25:00.000-06:00

The pumpkins were from my dad's garden. Reese has been super excited to paint them since we picked them. I even let Liam hold a paint brush:

Sorry, I was behind the camera. Happy Halloween!

Playing In A Box

2011-10-10T21:23:00.001-06:00

And also my cute kids at Gramma Faber's house:

Freebies2deals

2011-09-27T15:22:00.000-06:00

Okay, so remember that ipad that Will got a couple months ago? Yeah? Well, Reese already dropped and cracked it. Not super surprised.

BUT my favorite deals site, freebies2deals, is doing a giveaway of an ipad, and I thought I might try and get him a new one while letting you all in on the greatness that is Freebies2deals.

So here's the scoop:

This site updates on a multiple-time-a-day basis to bring you updates on deals, savings opportunities, high-value coupons, shopping advice and, of course, FREEBIES.

for example, I get free samples of cosmetic products all the time, and my most recent favorite was a completely FREE full size shampoo and conditioner from Pantene. And I wouldn't have gotten it if it weren't for Freebies2deals.

So there you have it.

Friends tell friends about good deals.

Need Your Help

2011-09-26T12:42:00.002-06:00

Okay friends, fam, anyone who reads my blog that doesn't think of themselves in either category, I need your help. I've toyed around with business ideas for a long time, but I think I've finally come up with something that I could see my self actually doing and actually enjoying and actually putting effort into.

Please, please, PLEASE take this survey. I need to know what other people think before I get myself into something that has no customer base.

Take Anna's Survey!

Also, I know it's a lot to ask because some people may think it's annoying, but would you please also copy the link to your facebook or other social network feeds? I really need as many opinions as I can. Also feel free to leave any comments here after you have taken the survey.

And the link again, in case you missed it the first time:

Click here to take survey

Coloring

2011-09-19T22:23:00.000-06:00

Reese and I were coloring the other day. I drew scribble-pictures of her and Liam:

So she decided to draw a scribble-picture of me:

SOOOOOO in love with it!

My 9/11

2011-09-11T11:55:00.013-06:00

During the summer of 2001, I was preparing to go with my high school marching band to Hawaii to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. One high school marching band was invited from each state that had a ship named for it in the harbor on Dec 7, 1941. My Utah school was lucky enough to be chosen. I was a member of the colorguard.

The USS Utah was one of the first ships to be sunk in the attack. It had planks on the deck to cushion it against the impact of bombs used during the ship's latest stint as a mobile practice target. The Japanese reportedly saw the wood and incorrectly assumed the Utah was actually an aircraft carrier, which would have been the number one targets had the carriers actually been in port that day. Instead, the Utah was torpedoed and turned upside-down, trapping much of her crew in her hull. The tapping of the surviving men inside could be heard but, despite rescue efforts, 54 men remain entombed inside her today at the bottom of Pearl Harbor.

As this trip to Hawaii was one of remembrance and not just a vacation, only students who passed the World War II course especially designed for this event could go. I spent the summer preparing physically for the demands of marching at attention in blistering heat, mentally for reports and papers, and emotionally as I studied the accounts of individuals and events of World War II, particularly the war in the Pacific and especially the attack on Pearl Harbor.

It was during this training that I also made a trip to Ghana with my dad, a doctor who volunteered to help open a small village clinic, perform operations, and share knowledge with doctors in the hospital in Accra. While on this trip, among poverty and illness, I read a book called "Day of Infamy" which was a compilation of the experiences of many individuals on that horrible day 60 years before. With these images in my head, I felt internally and externally surrounded by suffering.

Rather than become overwhelmed, my experiences were helping me build respect for life and a deep appreciation for those who risk their life to protect and defend our country.

The morning of September 11, 2001 was a late-start day for my high school. On these days, students could go to any class that they wanted to get academic help from teachers before classes officially started. I needed math help, as usual, and walked in to my math class only to see that the television was on. As I sat down and pulled out my math materials, someone explained that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I couldn't wrap my brain around it. "Why?" I asked. "What went wrong?" Then another fellow student said that he was sure someone had done it on purpose, it wasn't an accident. I was glued to the TV from that moment on, math forgotten. I watched in horror as another plane hit the south tower. I can't remember what the news was saying, only that image. The plane, the fire, the smoke, the worry for the people.

I tried to remember looking at those towers in person on a school group trip to New York a few years earlier. I tried to remember what it was like to be there. I tried to imagine what it was like there now.

As the first tower came down, I couldn't believe what I was watching. I'm sure my expression was shocked, because I had tears streaming down my face. I can't even remember if I saw the towers fall in that math classroom or if by this time I had moved to first period, physics. My classes were a blur. But I do remember that I was the only one in my physics class that was literally sobbing out loud. Jon, who sat next to me, tried putting his arm around me in comfort and told me it was okay. Of course, it wasn't okay.

After my break down in first period, I couldn't go to my next class. As soon as the bell rang I ran up the two flights of stairs to find my Pearl Harbor Project teacher. I ran to her in a panic. "Is this what Pearls Harbor felt like?" I managed to ask between tears and hyperventilation. She put her hands on my shoulders and asked, "Do you know anyone in New York?" "Not a soul," I replied. Then she whispered, more to herself than to me, it seemed, "And it doesn't even matter." I remember wondering at her astonishment that the plane attacks had so deeply affected me when I didn't even know anyone near there. She advised me to call my mom and walked me to the phone in the main office.

I spoke with my mother briefly, she had turned the TV on after I had left for school, but determined that I could stay at school the rest of the day. All my classes were spent watching TV. When I got to my AP Government class, the last class of the day, a girl was disgusted at the idea that we wanted to keep the TV on. There hadn't been any more developments since that morning, she reasoned, and they wouldn't really know anything more today, she was sure. For some reason I felt that this attitude was deeply disrespectful. I realize now that it may have simply been her way of dealing with this tragedy, but I felt we owed it to our fellow countrymen to stay with them, even if just by watching. The teacher switched the TV off.

Columbine Flower

After school was marching band rehearsal. We had four songs in our show and our colorguard director, Wendy, had been choreographing the final number titled, "American Elegy". This piece meant a lot to our band, because it was written in remembrance of the shooting at Columbine High School in 1999. The program notes say:

"An American Elegy is, above all, an expression of hope. It was composed in memory of those who lost their lives at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, and to honor the survivors. It is offered as a tribute to their great strength and courage in the face of a terrible tragedy. I hope the work can also serve as one reminder of how fragile and precious life is and how intimately connected we all are as human beings...

The work begins at the bottom of the ensemble's register, and ascends gradually to a heartfelt cry of hope. The main theme that follows, stated by the horns, reveals a more lyrical, serene side of the piece. A second theme, based on a simple repeated harmonic pattern, suggests yet another, more poignant mood. These three moods - hope, serenity, and sadness - become intertwined throughout the work, defining its complex expressive character. A four-part canon builds to a climactic quotation of the Columbine Alma Mater. The music recedes, and an offstage trumpeter is heard, suggesting a celestial voice - a heavenly message. The full ensemble returns with a final, exalted statement of the main theme."

A member of the New York Fire Department plays taps at the National September 11 Memorial at the end of a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the attacks at the World Trade Center, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011 in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Still teary-eyed, I simply remember telling Wendy, "You have to make it beautiful."

She replied, "I know."

Liam Sneaks Upstairs Naked To Play Cards With Grampa

2011-09-10T11:38:00.001-06:00

Walking

2011-09-07T13:15:00.000-06:00

In the past few days, little Li-B (that's pronounced lee-bee, though I like the allusion to Star Wars droids that the spelling invokes) has really taken to walking.

Though he's always been good at throwing fits. His demonstration at the end of this video is just the warm-up.

Eating Corn

2011-09-07T13:11:00.000-06:00

Don't ask me why I think my boy gnawing away at corn is so cute. I just do. Oh, and that little girl, though not a good eater these days, she's pretty cute, too.

We used to cut the corn off the cob so Liam would be able to eat it. Little did we know that he could have eaten it, anyway.

Labor Day

2011-09-07T13:07:00.000-06:00

We don't often have big plans on minor holidays, so this Labor Day we decided to finally do something worth remembering.

It started with the usual Faber-family bowling trip.

Reese had a fabulous time and, I think, scored higher than Will the first game. Or at least was ahead of him at some point.

Liam got handed around as everyone took their turn.

But, as usual, Kenzie somehow pulled out her little-kids-love-me magic and Li preferred her even to me.

Next we made a trip to Thanksgiving Point's Farmland

Despite all the real animals, Reese kept wanting pictures with the fake ones.

On the wagon ride.

Once again Reese loves the pony ride. She wanted to ride the biggest horse they had.

Liam Did, too.

Unfortunately, Reese was second in line and the kid in front of her also wanted the biggest horse. While she was losing that battle, the second biggest horse was also taken, and she ended up on a middle-sized pony. Oh well, she still had fun. Liam sat by wishing he was big enough for a turn.

Li had to be literally pried off of the cages because he wanted to touch and stare at the animals. He had little fits as we pulled him away from one, only to attach to the cage of the next animal. Oh, and he also tried to imitate the rooster and ended up screaming.

Three Years

2011-09-07T12:40:00.002-06:00

Okay, so after the Birthday Party post I forgot to post the actual Birthday post of Reese on the 28th. So here is the make- up:

Reese was three years old on August 28. Here are some things about her:

LOVES Disney Cinderella . Favorite stuffed animal: horse, who's name is "Horsey" . loves to practice writing letters and coloring pictures . chooses Coco Puffs every morning for breakfast, despite an array of breakfast choices . moved from Logan to Salt Lake . hates swimming lessons (I make her go, anyway) . loves books . loves TV . Usually super sweet to her little brother, except when she's pushing or grabbing from him . listens and learns super quick . began potty training four times over the past year, is finally getting the hang of it . likes going to the library . loves errands and field trips, asks every day "where we going today?" . creative . sings . sweet voice . always losing toys . calm and controlled personality . says her favorite things are "pink, purple, blue, horses and cats" .

Toilet Training

2011-09-07T12:18:00.002-06:00

Easter Dress

2011-08-21T19:19:00.002-06:00

Reese wanted me to post some pictures of her in her Easter dress. These are of her in her Easter dress and homemade tutu. She is in love with her Easter dress and her Christmas dress (which she simply refers to as her "sparkly dress") I think because the fuller skirts make her feel like a princess.

Reese Birthday Party At Jungle Jim's

2011-08-21T19:03:00.007-06:00

(Please see posts on Sept 7, 2011 for the yearly birthday post)

Reese has been so excited to turn three! We had a birthday party at Jungle Jims, which is like a Chuck E Cheese with rides. We invited all Reese's cousins. Due to our previous experiences, we thought the festivities would last an hour to an hour and a half. Turned into three hours. The kiddos had a BLAST!

They all loved the Jeep ride

Nathan even tried to break in to ride it

Everyone except Daxton and Liam, who pretty much cried the entire ride.

Reese and Miranda

The Cinderella Cake

It's buttercream, not fondant (thank goodness because that would look like terrible fondant work) in case you were wondering.

Will, Liam, Marianne, Daxton hanging out at the table

Liam on the carousel

Gavin and Liam on the carousel

Reese and Miranda

Some Videos (in no particular order): Liam and Dax having a hard time on the Jeeps, Mirandan and Reese on the elephant "Amazon" ride, Singing happy birthday, and passing out cake.

Comcast ID

2011-08-04T19:33:00.003-06:00

Reese keeps trying to steal her daddy's work badge because it has a retractable string that's fun to play with. She was so sad when we insisted that no, this is not something that she can play with or even hold for that matter (because "I just hold it" inevitably ends in "I just playing with it" to Reese, where's Daddy's badge? "It's hiding!")

So will got one of the retractable chord thingies and Reese insisted that I put her picture on it so she could be like Daddy. Here she is modeling it attached at her waist, just like Daddy.

We had a photo shoot especially so I could make this for her. All I asked for was that she look at the camera and smile- the posing was her idea.

Cousins!

2011-07-21T14:18:00.006-06:00

The Dickerson clan came to Utah to visit. I didn't get nearly as many pictures as I should have, but here are a few:

Fort of banana chairs- Brayden and Kylee, Liam in top, Reese in bottom picture

Color Me Mine: Reese pained the owl, Brayden the dragon, Kenzie the flower bowl and Lauren the mug. Kylee also painted a flower bowl, but it ran off before I got the picture.

Sidewalk Chalk

Playing at the mall play area (click to enlarge)

Kylee was anxious for Uncle Will to come home all Thursday so she could watch Liam open his birthday present (it ended up being two toy trucks)

Liam had birthday cake with the Heath side of the family, and then again with the Fabers. I don't think he minded.

Happy birthday again:

Birthday Party

2011-07-21T13:43:00.004-06:00

We celebrated Liam turning 1 with the Heath side of the family on the Sunday before his birthday.

Some of the Kids sat at the counter just staring at the cake, trying to sneak tastes while we weren't looking and wishing it was time to eat!

Everyone gathers to light the candle. We had to do it three times- the first time Reese blew it out before we could sing, the second time the wind from the open window blew it out before we could sing, and the third time we made it through the happy birthday song, then Reese helped Liam blow the candle out again.

Liam and Daddy look at the cake

Song's over, let's eat!

The Pixar "Cars" themed cake had a lot of black frosting, and Liam's cousin Daxton didn't hesitate to get it all over his hair.

And uncle Mike models how we all got it all over our lips.

Liam dug right in to his piece of cake, and then went on to finish two others

Happy Birthday:

Aaaaand some video of Liam poking at cake:

One Year

2011-07-14T19:52:00.002-06:00

Liam is a one-year-old today! Happy birthday Liam!

Here are some things about him:

Loves to dance . crawls all over but still not walking . two teeth . travels well . clings to Mama . loves playing with Gramma Great . eats and eats and eats . likes to drink out of a cup though he spills all the time . climbs stairs . learning to slide backwards down stairs- to break the habit of attempts to walk down the stairs while holding on to the railing . one-a-day naps . goes to bed around 7:30 pm . lets his hat stay on his head . throws fits when he doesn't get his way . gets a hold of the comb and tries to comb his own hair . tried talking into the phone the correct way . becoming more attached to his blankets for comfort . likes to do what his sister is doing . likes to turn pages in books . smart and clever (that's right, both).

Goings On

2011-07-09T13:41:00.003-06:00

Reese saw her first movie in a theater! Will says she did pretty good, aside from about 5 minutes when she was just playing around. She went with her dad and her cousins (Mike's family). They saw Cars 2.

Liam has been crawling around like a mad man. He loves making noises at Gramma Great.

And he continues to be jealous of every food or drink he sees anyone else with.

Group picture when Reese had her camera out and insisted that I do the same.

ipad:

After jealously playing with Grampa Great's ipad, Will finally decided to spend graduation gift money on an ipad last night. He took Reese to the store with him and as soon as they stopped in front of the display Reese exclaimed, "I want to play Angry Birds!" I have never played this game before in my life, let alone with Reese, but somehow she connected the ipad with the game. I don't know. Oh, I also think she doesn't know that "angry" is an emotion. I think she believes it's a type of bird.

Will plugged it in on his night stand and was fiddling around with it this morning before he even got out of bed. Reese walked in to cuddle, saw him, and without missing a beat asked, "Dad, you playing with my ipad?"

As evidenced by the picture, she has gotten her share of playing with the new toy. Daddy read bedtime stories to her on it last night, she loves taking pictures and, yes, she knows how to play Angry Birds. Though I still don't. I would just like to take this moment to point out that she is two and I am 26.

4th Of July

2011-07-09T13:29:00.004-06:00

Our Independence Day started with Reese asking to go to the "castle" playground, but then it started raining, so we went to Jungle Jim's instead. This time we actually had fun. Last time she rode one ride and was too scared to do anything else.

The Jeeps ended up being her favorite, while Liam threw tantrums when the carousel stopped. There were no lines, so we kept letting him ride it. He throws the same sort of tantrums when it's time to get out of the swing at the park.

Reese and Daddy on the elephant ride

Reese and Mother (Mama, sometimes I call you "Mother") on the spin around ride

Daddy and Liam watching

Later, we went to visit Cathy and Curtis for the annual Heath family barbecue. Luckily, the rain had, by that time, decided to move on. Uncle Grant was a favorite among the kids. As seen here.

Cinderella

2011-06-27T14:42:00.006-06:00

Sometimes things just work out.

Reese has been asking and asking for a Cinderella dress. I searched DI and classifieds and Etsy and online and Kid to Kid secondhand shop. No smashing deals.

I finally gave in and went to Wal-mart. Would you believe that on their hangers with princess dresses there was only one Cinderella? I would have been totally in luck If I had wanted a Tiana or Belle dress, but I had to dig to find the Cinderella.

So when I brought it home and put it on a very excited Reese, there was nothing I could really do when I found the sleeve was torn. I could try to take it back but then what? No. playing with a torn dress was just the way it would have to be. And play in it she did. Every day.

A couple days later, Will and I were again at Wal-mart looking for a bath-toy storage solution. No luck in the baby section, so we decided to try the toy section, just in case. We find what we were looking for, but we did find a Cinderella dress. I hadn't noticed it before because it wasn't on a hanger- it was in a box. It was packaged this way because it came with a tiara and shoes.
AND

it was less than

two dollars

more than the dress I had purchased.

Ug! I lamented to Will how I had just taken out the garbage before we left- containing the packaging and probably the receipt the the dress we had. I couldn't just take it back used without the receipt. "But is has that torn sleeve," Will said. "Yes! The sleeve!" I exclaimed. "Will, you're a genius!" I suddenly didn't feel guilty trying to return it. People return defective products all the time.
When we got home, Will fished the Disney dress hanger (complete with barcode) out of the garbage can so they could just scan it in instead of look it up at the register, and the next day we were on our way to get the new dress package. While in the car, the receipt magically appeared on my lap. It must have been hiding under some junk in the car. Woo-hoo. Then- get this- The new dress, which we expected to pay about two dollars for after the return, was actually about FOUR DOLLARS LESS!
I went home a very happy mother. And Reese loves the crown and "glass slippers" so much she takes them to bed with her.

Balloons

2011-06-27T14:38:00.002-06:00

The weekend after the move we went to a city festival. Reese's favorite part was getting candy at the parade, but she also enjoyed the pony ride and stick-on tattoos. But Liam and Reese both loved the balloons!

Learning The Ins And Outs Of The Cup

2011-06-27T14:28:00.003-06:00

Keeping track of a sippy cup got so annoying with Reese that instead of buying so many you can always find one, I'm trying to transition Liam right from the bottle to the cup. He's not doing too bad.

The Move

2011-06-27T14:02:00.004-06:00

Goodbye Logan! The move went pretty smooth, as far as moves go. The only really serious hitch was when the portable storage unit we were going to move everything in to turned out to be WAY too small, so we would have had to rent three or four of them. We opted instead to put our stuff in one stationary unit for a third of the price. But I don't think I even looked back as I was leaving Cache Valley.

The Aggie Village. No more 10K. No more washer in the bathroom, dryer on the porch. No more lugging six bags of groceries and an infant across a parking lot, walkway and up a big flight of cement stairs. No more cinder block walls. But unfortunately no playground, sandbox and friends right outside, either.

Liam getting packed up the day before the move to go spend the night with Aunt Lauren. (Reese spent the night with Gramma Heath. Thanks you guys, not having the kids to worry about made all the difference!) I took this picture because it was on his birthday and I wanted to be sure I had at least one in the event that I forgot to ask Lauren to take some. But she did.

Will sporting his A-gear. Bye-bye Utah State.

We had some large stuff that we didn't need, didn't want to move and didn't want to store. Of course when I needed to take the pictures for the online classified ads is when the kids decided that they had to play with the furniture. Bed for sale? Liam wants it! Sorry, kid. You'd fall right out.

Couch for sale $30- two adorable rascals extra, make offer.

Liam gets stuck.

Oh, and while we were busy packing things up, Liam was busy learning to crawl. I know this is a big milestone, but I was so busy I haven't had time to put it up until now. So, without further ado- Liam crawling!

Two Pictures From A Month Ago

2011-06-15T22:59:00.002-06:00

11 Months

2011-06-14T11:19:00.005-06:00

Liam is 11 months old today.

Here are some things about him:

crawls . resents crawling because now he's not carried around so much . claps . waves . gets terribly jealous when he sees you eating something and and not sharing . has (almost) two teeth . first overnight babysitting tonight! . loves bananas . loves to play in the sandbox . pulls himself to standing . curious . fearless- tries to dive headfirst off of beds, laps, whatever . likes turning pages . likes tearing pages . uses binki less (except when teething) . screams more with delight and less with frustration than before . first 'real' haircut . studly smile .

Real Haircut

2011-06-05T21:23:00.005-06:00

Okay, so earlier I may have told you all that Liam had his first haircut. But that was only sort of his first haircut. I was just trimming some hairs that were crazy long on the top of his head.

Yesterday, Liam had is first real haircut. I was going to cut Will's hair anyway, so we figured it was a good time to see if we could get Liam's hair to stick up all cute-like again (it had gotten too long to do that) and also trim the back to avoid any embarrassing mullets.

The "Before" pic. I had just trimmed the back with the electric clippers and wetted his top when I remembered, last minute, that I need to take a picture!! (I don't, ironically, have an "After" pic, and he's sleeping right now so you won't get to see his stylin' self until later)

A lock from the back, all blonde and fuzzy and *eyes tearing* PRECIOUS!

I realized later that only the mother of the child would get all emotional over a picture of the cut hair. Or even any of the cut hair, for that matter. But cut me some slack. I am the mother, after all.

The Crib

2011-05-27T21:21:00.006-06:00

So remember that post where I got a picture of Reese sleeping under Liam's crib? Yeah. Well. She hasn't actually slept in her own bed since. We've actually started tucking her in under there. I don't know how she's going to take it when Liam starts standing up and we have to lower the crib mattress. *shuffling that thought away to not think about until later*

After putting the kids to bed tonight, Will and I were planning a Sunday School lesson. We could hear the kids playing with each other instead of going to sleep, as usual, so I didn't think much of the sound of Liam's mobile until Will pointed it out.

"Oh, " I thought "Sometimes when you wind it up it will stop going before it's completely unwound, and then if you nudge it it will start going again, Reese probably was giving toys to Liam again and threw something at it.

Then I stopped thinking about it until Will pointed out something more: "Uh, does it sound to you like someone is winding the mobile?" I stopped to listen. Yup. Sure sounded that way. But we must be hearing things because Liam wouldn't be tall enough even if he could stand and Reese can't reach the mobile from the ground.

Turns out she decided to graduate from under the crib to in it. She's become quite the climber lately.

Playing

2011-05-27T21:15:00.005-06:00

Reese had a tea party/picnic that her bear and duck were invited to. For some reason I thought they just did that in kids books- even though I think I had tea parties with stuffed animals, too. I never pictures Reese doing it. But it was adorable! Later, she put the lego box on her head and wanted me to take pictures and video of her and Liam.

And, once again, more dancing:

Running Away

2011-05-26T18:10:00.002-06:00

Reese loves being chased. But it's the thrill of the hunt that she likes, not being caught. So she's come up with a genius solution. As soon as she knows you're about to catch her, she turns around with her hands up like bear claws and "RRRAAAWWRRR!!!" And voilà! the hunted becomes the hunter.

Then she chases you long enough to put some distance between the two of you when she can start running away again.

2011-05-23T20:34:00.002-06:00

It's 8:30 pm. Reese has been teasing Liam into fits of laughter and raspberries since we put them to bed at 8. She's been plunking around with toys and passing them to Liam in his crib.

I just heard her say, very sternly, "No! No Liam! I have to go asleep. No wake me up!"

Liam retaliated by blowing twenty seconds worth of raspberries and then giving a shrill giggle.

We reap what we sow, Reese. Reap what we sow.

More Dancing

2011-05-20T22:25:00.002-06:00

Four Stars!

2011-05-20T22:17:00.002-06:00

Reese got four stars on her potty chart today! (It may have helped that she put her stars mostly on the liquid options- juice, extra milk, chocolate milk)

Goings On

2011-05-15T19:54:00.004-06:00

I put Liam sitting up in his crib at nap time because he seemed awake enough to want to play around for a while. I figured he would lay back when he was ready to sleep, but he leaned forward instead, folding himself in half. This is how Will found him. I laughed, then took a picture, then straightened him out.

Reese hiding under her heart blanket

Reese has to fix the wrinkles that Liam put in her nicely spread out blanket

Daddy and Reesy playing around

I love this picture. I know that Reese and I are only dots in the middle, but it's pretty scenery and sentimental when I think about how we ran around and chased the geese and ducks, just the two of us. And then that one huge goose came right up to us and I was afraid he was going to attack us until I realized he was expecting us to feed him. Ah, good times.

10 Months

2011-05-14T14:39:00.004-06:00

Liam is ten months old today.

Here are some things about him:

Sits sideways in his high chair . finally rolls over both ways easily . scoots backwards . spins around as he sits . throw tantrums all the time . eats from a bottle again (he refused to do so for a couple of months) . gets jealous when he sees someone eating and not sharing with him . switched to bigger car seat (still rear facing grumble grumble grumble) . Mama's boy . scoots forward every once in a while when he gets his foot just right . likes to play with his sister before he falls asleep . loves the sand box . hates wearing hats . ticklish . starting to resist nap schedule . imitates noises and actions . yells and shouts when happy, screams when upset- basically a noisy little guy . no teeth yet . likes bath a lot more than he used to . likes the pool more than his sister does . obviously wishes he were more mobile .

I sure love this handsome little man.

Liam and a blue cup.

A Wish

2011-05-11T12:29:00.003-06:00

I wish I had enough artistic talent to be like this couple who sells jewelry on Etsy. There's a girl in my ward who does great selling her tablet/ipad/e reader covers in her esty shop. I whish I were like them.

Just sayin'.

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T18:23:00.005-06:00

My mother is attentive. She's always there for her kids, even when inconvenient. Even when extremely inconvenient and super costly. And sometimes far away. And sometimes even when it conflicts with her anniversary celebration.

My mother is frugal. If she were in charge of the banks there wouldn't have been such an economic crisis. She's always looking for a deal or a steal, but never at the expense of someone else.

My mother loves cleanliness. She's really good at knowing exactly how to get that stain out or what to use to eliminate that odor what keeps things fresh for the longest. I consider her the expert and completely believe that "cleanliness is next to Godliness". I suppose that makes my mom a demigodess.

My mother can talk. No, not silly gossipy nonsense. She is engaging and sincere and disarming in a friendly conversation. I love talking to my mom precisely because the gift of gab is something that I myself am not blessed with as she is. And I wish I were.

My mother isn't afraid of work. You can't teach someone work ethics. It's something that you have to experience and practice. You can, however, be an example of it. My mother works hard. She works honestly. She's diligent. She never puts in half-hearted effort when she says she'll get something done. She's constantly going. It seems to me that she takes on the world every day.

My mother is a fabulous grandmother. I couldn't ask for a better gramma for my kids. I don't think they will, either. They love being around her and can tell she loves being around them.

My mother loves her family. Which is really something because every single one of us from Dad to Kenzie, the youngest of eight, is strong-willed and, at times, rebellious. I have been upset with her in my lifetime, (show me a kid who's never been mad at their mother!) but I have never once questioned weather or not she loves me.

My mother is supportive and tolerant. Strange combo to put in the same paragraph? No, because she's supportive of her children and husband even when she thinks what we're doing may be hair-brained. "What? You want to do soccer and try out for the community play while doing the school play and dance on the varsity ballroom team and take a trip to Disneyland while on tour for marching band and choir and doing research for your science project and running for student body office and shopping for a prom dress right after music lessons all before next Monday? Okay, I'll clear my schedule to give you a ride and start laundry to make sure your socks and jersey are clean." She's also good at planning.

My mother is smart. She knows that the point of school is learning and not grades. She makes sure to keep up with current events. She takes interest in the world an community. She likes games of strategy and not luck (though she claims that's simply because she never wins games of chance). She's good at researching. She passes on useful information.

I sure love my mom.

Silly Kids

2011-05-06T22:59:00.002-06:00

Liam was making faces so Will pulled out the camera.

Last night Reese was being very uncooperative at bed time. When Will tried to get her to settle down and do bedtime books and songs, she refused. So Will told her that she would need to go to bed without doing those things. Reese threw a massive fit. I think she was under the impression that she wouldn't have to go to bed if she could just avoid the bedtime routine. She was kicking and wiggling so much that Will had to tell her specifically when he put her down, "Don't get out of bed!" Later, when I went to check on her, I was startled to find her bed empty. I looked around and finally found her. Under Liam's crib.

I thought it was an act of rebellion against Daddy for telling her to stay in bed, but we pulled her out and put her back in bed while she was sleeping but she was back under the crib in the morning. And Will tells me just now that she's under there again. I dunno. Maybe it's her version of the bunk bed.

Graduation!

2011-05-06T21:16:00.012-06:00

Announcement designed by Anna

Anna: Will! Stop walking! Hey you, Will! I'm trying to take a picture!

(*Will hears me and stops*)

Mike: Will! Keep walking! You're holding up the line!

The Hood!

The MBA's as the ceremony begins

The view from the back

Will's MSHR cohort

More group photos on facebook

The supportive Faber's who came to celebrate with us

The supportive Heath's that came to celebrate with us

Will and Jim, his dad

Super-Proud of my Grad!!!

Lots of Pictures

2011-05-05T21:48:00.001-06:00

We went to the playground to celebrate good weather (it took long enough to get here.)

Sandbox fun

Liam and Dad on our all-weather blanket

Truck and sand castle

Liam handles sunglasses better than Reese did at this age. He'll actually keep them on long enough to laugh for a second at the change in vision

Liam trying to get the camera as I try to snap him with his feet on the table

Liam and cousin Nathan at Gramma and Grampa Heath's house

Reese and her cousins Katie, Trevor and Lillie

Lillie, Trevor, Reese

Liam cons Grampa into walking him around

And Aunt Christine. He's pretty good at getting people to do this.

Liam sits with Gramma, who didn't fall for it.

Reese getting ready to drive to visit family for the week. It's not that cold outside, but she loves her Belle scarf.

Ice cream!

At home with friend Kat

Easter Egg Hunt

2011-05-05T21:46:00.002-06:00

University housing hosts an Easter egg hunt every year. This year Reese was old enough to know what was going on.

Liam picked up a couple eggs, too. And by that I mean I picked up a couple of eggs for him to play with. Mostly he was so nervous about the crowd that he wouldn't even let me put him down so that I could walk him around- and walking is something that he normally would prefer over anything else.

Reese found her friends in the middle of the hunt

I made some cookie bouquets (if you can call two cookies a bouquet) for my visiting teaching sisters.

And that's all the Easter themed pictures I have. Thanks for tuning in.

Goofing Around

2011-04-17T19:43:00.002-06:00

Reese declared hat time today after Will suggested that the toy frying pan she had on her head was a hat. She had to go get her cowgirl hat and Will helped her find some more so we all could have a hat.

Reese playing with the lights in her room.

She turned the light off and piled her crayons in a heap. "Look Mama! Fire!" I was relieved to discover that "fire" was only the crayons pretending to be a camp fire.

I was laying down by Liam, making faces and noises. Reese felt left out so she squeezed between us to join in, much to the chagrin of Liam, who couldn't see me anymore and got ignored by Reese, who was making the faces at me. We ended up all kicking our legs in the air, just for fun.

9 Months

2011-04-14T19:38:00.004-06:00

Liam is 9 months old today. Here are some things about him:

Loves the camera . has started rolling over both ways . loves baby food meats . loves walking around with help . hates being by himself . gets tired before bedtime and falls asleep right away (8pm) . first hair cut today! (the hair that naturally sticks up right in the front was just getting way too long) . loves to watch Reese play . Getting over the chronic tantrum syndrome . ticklish . waves his arms . size 4 diapers . grabs his feet . kicks his feet up to the table while eating . size 12 month clothes . gets board with the same old toys . likes paper he can rip and wrinkle . turns pages when we read board books .

Kick Balls

2011-04-09T11:22:00.005-06:00

Reese: (Pointing to the cereal cabinet) Look! It's my kick balls! (her word for the cereal "Kix") You don't eat my kick balls

Me: Yep, those are your kick balls. I already finished breakfast so I won't eat them.

Reese: Don't eat my kick balls!

Me: Okay, Miss Possessive.

Reese: No, I not p... I a girl. I a PRINCESS!!

Liam: Mamamamamamamamama (*chubby-cheek smile*)

Me: Awe!

Faces

2011-03-24T10:55:00.003-06:00

Masquerade. Will was sick so Reese was my date to the masque.

Just some faces:

Reese asked to hold Liam. I think in the picture he looks bigger than her. When I pick her up, she feels like she probably only weighs as mush as he does.

One Last Moment

2011-03-21T15:31:00.004-06:00

Last post! Lets celebrate with something unusual.

Eee eEEEE eeeeeEE eeeeEE eee EEEEE

I have a friend who used to work at Jamba Juice, a smoothie shop. At Jamba you have the option to put a "boost" in your smoothie- basically add certain vitamins or something to make your drink healthier. At the time, they had a "femme boost" with calcium and iron, and folic acid. My friend told me about how the workers got all annoyed when someone would order the "fehm-mee" boost rather than the "femm" boost. After all, my friend noted, what word in the English language actually ends in a long "ee" sound when the only vowel at the end of the word is an actual e to make that sound?

What word indeed?

Ever since then I've taken special notice whenever I find such a word. I've come up with a short list.

Daphne

Penelope

Chloe

Phoebe

coyote

adobe

catastrophe

apostrophe

synecdoche

posse

recipe

maybe

There was one boy's name- but I can't remember what it was. So here's the challenge: What words can you think of that end in the letter "e" (not "ie" or "ee") that also end in the long e sound?

And how would you have pronounced the word "femme?"

If you don't know what this blog entry is about, here's the list. Check it out

Your Aspirations

2011-03-20T16:22:00.002-06:00

I began thinking about this post when it occurred to me that I must not be a very ambitious person because I couldn't think of something right away that I aspire to be. I'm already a wife and mother, two things I've wanted.

Okay, okay, I've got it. I want to be an expert. In... something. I want to be the person who, when other have question about something they'll come to me. I thought cooking was going to do it for me, but it turns out that since I've become a homemaker, I haven't had a chance to practice my commercial cooking skills or learn new ones. I've never even made a wedding cake.

I want to be an artist. I don't care what the medium is, really. If I had further training in pastry, food sculpture or cake decorating I could be perfectly happy doing that. But I've also considered writing and sewing. Sometimes drawing comes to mind but then I don't think I have a particular talent for that. I think I've posted exactly one drawing on this blog that I thought was good enough to show off.

So. Yeah. I want to be better at things than I already am. That's what I aspire to.

If you don't know what this blog entry is about, here's the list. Check it out

Something That You Miss

2011-03-19T14:25:00.002-06:00

The sun. I miss warm days. I miss walks. I don't know why walks were infinitely easier with only one child, but we got out a lot more often when it was just me and my Reesy. Today we used a Kohl's coupon to get some free sandbox toys- normally something that would make me pretty excited. Then it started snowing. The forecast doesn't predict good weather until Wednesday.

I miss the sun.

If you don't know what this blog entry is about, here's the list. Check it out

Your Favorite Place

2011-03-18T19:49:00.003-06:00

Right now, it's Chick-fil-A. I've recently had tons of coupons to get free stuff, they have the only indoor play place in northern Logan, the food is great, the service is friendly, the place is clean, Reese likes it there, they make an effort to be a part of the community by holding family nights, date nights and craft time for kids, they do feel-good charity stuff and I don't have to do the dishes. Heaven.

Chick-fil-A has it figured out, because I actually enjoy spending my money with them. Not many places that take my money can say that.

PS: recently Chick-fil-A came under fire for catering at a political even held my someone against gay marriage. I am not one of the people who boycotted the restaurant. And I'm not asking for an apology. And if it were me, I would cater such an event, too.

To any one surprised that I didn't list "home" as my favorite place, I've been sick for the last week and my place is a mess. Messy places are not my favorite places.

If you don't know what this blog entry is about, here's the list. Check it out

Your Fears

2011-03-17T15:40:00.002-06:00

Happy St. Patty's day. I'm not wearing green, bu'cher gonna have to come visit to pinch me!

Right now my biggest fear is not having a job lined up when Will graduates. Terrified, actually.

My other fear is for my kids. I've been taught to avoid vain repetition in my prayers, so that they'll be more sincere. Well, I confess that I repeat the same thing every day in my prayers- Lord, please protect my babies! However I don't think this is "vain repetition" because I mean it from the bottom of my heart every single time. I'm terrified of what the world is going to do to them.

If you don't know what this blog entry is about, here's the list. Check it out

A First

2011-03-16T21:52:00.002-06:00

If you don't know what this blog entry is about, here's the list. Check it out

We're Going To The Zoo Zoo Zoo

2011-03-14T16:39:00.010-06:00

Spring Break! We decided that it would be fun to go to the zoo. Though the day was pretty nice, it had snowed and snowed and snowed the night before. As a result, the elephants and the rhinos weren't out. But, the ticket girl explained, the tigers are usually more active in the snow! Also, I think we spotted maybe four or five other small groups of tourists. Other than that, just the heaths, the animals and the zookeepers.

Can you see the tiger? Yeah.... not so active after all.

Feeding the ducks

Reese and Mama spread our wings like the small owl in the background

Reese poses by the baby croc that jumped up and snapped at her. Poor girl was terrified.

Turtle

I forget what this one is called.

"wild cat" that I thought looked like a common domestic cat.

Wolves. Notice all the snow. We had the zoo to ourselves.

Leopard. Or was it a jaguar? Either way, funny spelling and/or pronunciation. (I never understood why "leotard" and "leopard" were pronounce so entirely different, and I keep hearing people say "Jag-Yoo-arr", which may be right, but I grew up hearing it like "jag-wire")

Some type of cat hiding in the snow. Will tried to lift Reese up so she could look down and see more of him, but even I had a hard time.

Giraffe!

Giraffe again!

Ostrich

Camel

According to Reese, one was the "Reesy camel" and the other was the "Daddy camel"

Measuring up to the gorilla

Birds on the walkways.

Lunch at the Zoo. Since there was a foot or more of snow on all the outdoor picnic tables, we ate our brown-bag lunch in the dining room of a zoo restaurant. To be polite (since restaurant tables are only supposed to be for restaurant patrons) we got some ice cream for dessert.

Liam and the Monkey.

Reese imitates the birds.

And the monkeys

Giraffe!

Lemurs

I had to roll up my pant legs to avoid getting soaked in the snow slush and I griped a lot about it while we were there, but it really was a nice time. We took our time, didn't have to wait in a line or push through a crowd, and got out of the zoo at just the time we had preset to go- without even checking the clock. So it was pretty perfect. Except we missed the elephants.

2011-03-14T16:20:00.003-06:00

Reese just told me that she needs ice cream cone. I told her "No ice cream cone." She got all upset: her face clouded over, she shook her finger at me. "No talking like me," she scolded. Then she ran off to calm down on her bed.

I think she meant "Don't talk like that to me," which is what I tell her when she sasses me.

Something That Makes You Cry

2011-03-09T20:29:00.002-07:00

When I feel constantly overwhelmed and tired for days at a time and it's cold outside. That makes me cry. Also, I've heard a lot of crimes against children lately. In the news and in "The Kite Runner" which I recently watched. I get all scared and it makes me cry just thinking of one of my little ones in a situation like that. I'm terrified of that happening. I can see why some people are compelled to start movements and organizations in an effort to protect kids. I myself still believe that I'll be a foster parent someday.
Anyway, contemplating bad things that people do makes me cry. Depressing.

If you don't know what this blog entry is about, here's the list. Check it out

Blue Tongue

2011-03-07T21:47:00.003-07:00

After an Airhead from Chuck E. Cheese.

With cousin Ellie from Florida who came to visit Megan after having her baby.

Reese and Daddy make a snowman (theirs is the baby snowman that Reese is partly covering, the big one was built by someone else.) Reese said hers was the baby snowman, the big one was the Daddy snowman, and the Reesy snowman was hiding in the snow. Which makes sense because hiding is one of Reese's most recent favorite things.

Previous to Snowmen, Reese insisted on playing in the snow-covered playground.

Something That Makes You Feel Better

2011-03-07T21:26:00.002-07:00

Cake Wrecks.

I especially like this one. Made me laugh again even though I'd read it before.

If you don't know what this blog entry is about, here's the list. Check it out.

Something That Upsets You

2011-03-06T16:35:00.006-07:00

I watched "The Kite Runner" this past week. That upset me. Sad story.

I also get upset when I come home to a messy house. How does everything pile up so fast? Where the heck to all those PAPERS come from?

Woa, okay, that just hit the "irk me a lot" spot. Papers are officially what upset me the most.

Fliers

and junk mail

and scraps

. . . . and bills

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and handouts

and calendars

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and reminder slips

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and letters

.. . . . . . ... . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . and solicitations

. . . . . . . . . and to-do lists

. . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . .. . . . . . . and pictures

. . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . and notes

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and receipts

. . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . .. . and coupons

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and store circulars

.. . . and brochures

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . .. ... .. . . . . and instructions

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . and

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . and

and Geesh! They're everywhere! We don't have enough space for

all those PAPERS. AAAaaaackk!

If you don't know what this blog entry is about, here's the list. Check it out.

No More Credit Offers

2011-03-05T19:08:00.002-07:00

Okay everyone, I am about to write to some companies to reduce my junk mail. Wish me luck, I'll let you know how it turns out. If you have registered with any of the following, let me know how it worked out for you. I'm all nervous because it requires me to give out my personal information, which is how I started getting all the junk mail in the first place.

catalogchoice.org

optoutprescreen.com

Another Moment

2011-03-05T18:47:00.003-07:00

Hey, remember this? Well, here's a follow up:

Will: I love you, Reese.

Reese: I Lub you, Daddy.

Will: Do you love Liam?

Reese: No

Will: Do you love Mama?

Reese: No.

Will: Reese, you can love lots of people at the same time. Do you love Gramma?

Reese: No. I lub Kenzie. (thoughtful pause) and I lub Shelly.

Will: Do you love Gramma?

Reese: Yep

Will: Do you love Mama?

Reese: Yep.

(Don't worry, Lauren, I asked her later if she loves you and she replied,"Mm-hmm." That's an affirmative.

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2011-03-03T14:19:00.005-07:00

And now back to our regularly scheduled program: pictures of my cute kids doing cute things, this time with friends. (Thanks Amanda!)

Reese loves Ella and Sophia, and they had so much fun making these collages out of magazine pictures. Reese has since asked to repeat this project at home a number of times.

This Month

2011-03-03T13:43:00.007-07:00

Okay I'm back. This "30 day" challenge is now bleeding into a third month, since it is now March. Oh, happy birthday Megan, by the way. So this month:

Spring break, hopefully spending time with the Greats and at the zoo. Hopefully Will gets a chance to see his family. Hopefully my brother-in-law's family will start having fabulously wonderful health, Will will apply to 30 more jobs (hint hint) and I will be able to start a better system that will enable me to do better at keeping house clean, studying scriptures and keeping better track of finances all at once.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, here are some of the top images that would result if you typed the words "This Month" into Google today:

And that is very interesting. Because I said so.

Oh, and I suppose this month I'll have to put up with March Madness.

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Something You Regret

2011-02-16T21:28:00.003-07:00

In high school I wanted to be in student government. I thought I had a chance at winning student body president, until I found out that Joel Dayton was running, who is only the most awesome guy in our senior class.

Even then I thought I might be able to pull out a win with my friends help and backing. Then Toni decided to run, too. Or she said her dad told her she needed to, even though she didn't appear to be interested in the post and didn't really campaign. Anyway, Toni was one of my good friends and as such stole a lot of my potential votes and support.

So I didn't win. But that's okay, because the student government teacher said that only those who ran for office would be considered for appointed positions. That narrowed the field considerably because not everyone who ran and lost would apply for an appointed post and those who won the elections obviously weren't in the running, either. So I applied.

Then, as it turns out, I think maybe one person appointed to an office actually ran for an elected post. I was SOOOOOO mad. And upset. I guess government at any level is just a popularity game that I wasn't good at.

And here's the part I regret: I didn't do anything. I don't think I would have been able to change a thing. It's not like the teacher would have been like, "Whoops! I guess we can kick out this other guy who didn't run and stick you in his place. Sorry about that!" But I wish I would have at least talked to her.

There's no way to make a difference if you don't try. But even if nothing would have changed for me, at least it may have brought the circumstances to the attention of the student government teacher. And then she could review it, like the ref in this Subway commercial:

Yeah. That would have been good.

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Your Favorite Birthday

2011-02-15T14:07:00.003-07:00

Hmm... This is a hard one. Okay, I've thought about it and it's not so hard anymore.

I don't even remember how old I was turning, but My best friend kidnapped me in the morning and forced me to wear princess garb to school. At school she made sure everyone knew It was my birthday with a bouquet of balloons tied to my backpack. That evening she took me home and gave me a red outfit to wear, didn't tell me much more than that I had to wear it and took me out. Turns out we just ended up at her house, were an entourage of people were waiting in surprise and we played a "How to Host a Murder" type game based on clue characters completely invented by my friends. I was Miss Scarlet.

I think that's right- though I may be blending two birthdays together in my mind. I suppose I owe a thanks to Britt, because I don't think so many people would have come if I had done the planning and hosting and inviting, and it made me feel all special. and not just the party guests, but the whole thing was great. And it's all Britt's fault.

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Valentines Day For Twenty Bucks

2011-02-15T13:42:00.005-07:00

Valentines day was awesome this year. We don't usually do much (or anything) for valentines day that costs money, but this year I've been having a really hard couple of weeks, possibly because of the weather, possibly because of burn-out, but definitely a cause for a little extra thought on Valentines. So I (like a good wife) told Will flat out that he needed to do something for me for Valentines, instead of just hoping he would surprise me.

On Valentines morning, he took Reese out with him so I get some one-on-one time with Liam. I've been craving this individual time lately with both the kids, because I don't get the chance often to be with just one or the other. Later Will said that he took her because he needed a "girl's opinion" about what flowers to buy. Reese helped him pick out this arrangement:

Which is better than roses because they will last longer than a couple of days. Will said he thought it might be good for me to have something bright and living to cheer me up. Perfect.

Meanwhile, I snuck a Valentine note and a bag of Will's favorite Chex mix into his backpack to find at school. While he was gone I did some laundry and cleaned up our bedroom (which seems to be the rendezvous point for junk mail, crumpled clothes, knick knacks and lost toys) and the living room (Will has angelically been keeping the kitchen clean) so that we could relax that evening without clutter driving me nuts.

Later, Reese and I went to pick out a special Valentine treat for her. She got a ballerina Cinderella, that has so far slept with her at night and naps, and come on all our errands.

Then, we went out to eat at a USU catered Valentines dinner (buffet style and I stacked up my plate with the fresh green beans- delish! and ate two desserts) with entertainment- child care provided. We came home, put the kids to bed and relaxed with a classic romantic movie, Cassablanca.

It was a fabulously reviving day. Also, the pleasure has been lasting because I like to reflect how we spent around $22 for everything that day, total. I feel like we got a pretty good deal.

Your Favorite Memory

2011-02-14T13:33:00.010-07:00

My favorite memory... in recent memory: Reese's quips.

Yesterday, as I was buckling up Reese in her car seat, she stroked my hair, looked at me affectionately and whispered, "Mama, you're pretty." Happy Valentines day to me.

A couple of weeks ago, as our family was walking to church:

Will: Reese, I love you.

Reese: I love you... Mama. (Points to me)

Will: Mama? Do you love Liam?

Reese: I love Mama.

Will: Do you love Daddy?

Reese: (Pause) I love Mama. Sorry.

When I was snacking on some crackers Reese came up and stole a couple. "Mama, I sharing you!" She said. Then she smiled and got her proud-of-myself look, and said with a mouth full of cracker, "Oh! Reesy so nice to share!"

Indeed.

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