Saturday, May 31, 2008

What do I do when I reach my 200th post AND

my ONE YEAR blogging birthday??? I'm going to do a GIVEAWAY!! Whoo-hooo!

For my 100th post I listed 101 things about why I love my family... and that was a really long list- I was trying to come up with a list of 200 things of something and I came up with A LOT- and then I thought- WHO is honestly going to read a list of 200 things??!! Not me!! Unless it is on your blog- then of course I will take the time to do that:)

So to celebrate I'll be giving away a powerpod for your iPod... and well if you don't have an iPod I'll send you a really cool wallet made out of ductape that looks exactly like this- but you get your choice of different colors- because I have a lot of them- even pink, brown and white! Or a black, silver and white one- just in time for Father's Day!

To enter all you have to do is leave a comment and let me know which one you want and there will be a drawing on Monday at 5 PM central standard time!!

Also- anyone can comment- if you don't have a g-mail account, just go to comments, and then choose the option where you enter your name and your URL - but the URL is optional- so you can just put in your name!! JUST DO IT!! 5-4-3-2.... DO IT! YESSSS!! (if you know what that is from then you will get a double entry!)

I'll leave you now with a few more pictures from Ethans b-day party with gifts!


His big boy bike was his big present because he broke his little bike he got for Christmas... and he started to always ride Erin's big bike. Isn't he cute!!
Here is him with his cake and cupcakes! I still can't believe he is 4! CRAZY!!!! He got more gifts but he took the scissors to them... but that will be an entire post for next time...........

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Happy Birthday Emiwee!


WOW!! Emily (the baby in our family of 6 girls) is 17!!! Happy birthday!! I'm so glad I live practically next door to you and that I can see you whenever I want:) You are such a fun aunt and an amazing sister. I love you so much because you remind me of me- and who is better then me?? You know?? Just kidding- you are BETTER then me in everyway! I'm so proud of you and all you have accomplished so far (especially cheerleader and working so hard to do backflips and getting it!) and I know you will only soar from here. You know that I'm always here for you if you need me and I can always make you laugh away your tears.. and we can cry and laugh at life together. I hope you have a super duper great birthday and year all around! You deserve the world girl friend..... and remember you can do whatever you want................ IN SPACE!! :) I LOVE YOU!!!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Happy Burfday Boogs!!

At what seemed like 2 AM this morning- this little dude came running into our bedroom shouting- "I'M FOUR NOW! I'M FOUR NOW!!" So, yes- it is true- my baby turned 4 today! He has had a wonderful day today- and we will actually celebrate his b-day tomorrow, because Chet is working all day and night today- and is off tomorrow. And then he gets to celebrate it with Emily again!

Lately Ethan has had a thing for toads. I HATE toads- I don't know why- maybe it is because when you go running at night here- you are having to dodge them every few seconds or else you will squish one-- so maybe that is where I got my fear-- but Ethan LOVES the things, like any boy should. He has been "hiding" them from me- or at least attempting to hide them from me. He is not a very good liar- and he will come in the house and be like "Mom, guess what? There are NO toads in Erin's bike! " huhh?? does that make sense to you? Why out of the blue he would just say something weird like that?? So- I go and check in Erin's bike- and what do you know- a mama toad and a baby toad have been placed under the seat in Erin's bike that lifts up so conveniently. I jump about 10 feet in the air when I see them-- and tell him they will die if he keeps them in there and they need to go back to their home... so go put them back.
This cute little guy obeys and 25 min. later comes back to me and says "MOM! There are NO frogs under that bucket- so DON'T look!" (I hope this never changes- and that his lies will always be this apparent) I tell him- the frog will die if you keep it under the bucket because it is 257 degrees outside and it will burn up and die! So, he "did" what I asked.
This morning he was out early again toad hunting and I have to go find him because he isn't answering and I can't see him anymore. Sure enough he had broken in to one of our neighbors yards and found a toad. He brought him out, and I was like- k- go put him back now. Ethan then says- NO- he needs to go home! I say- ok- put him where he belongs and then come back home. Ethan does what I say. Later that afternoon he is crying and sad about something so I say--- OK- do you want me to take a picture with you and the toad?? He says YES- In the house??? Since it is his b-day I said- ok- but then you take that toad right back outside!!! So, he runs and goes and gets it-- and all of a sudden I hear Erin yelling- MOM! Ethan brought a dead toad into the house. I was like, "What?!" Ethan then shouts back- NO! It is not dead! I walk out into the hallway and Ethan has a toad sitting on his head! And takes his hands away and was like- see mom- it's not dead! I was like- Ethan take it outside, take it outside, take it outside (x's 50) because I was starting to hyper ventilate at this point because there is nothing worse then a toad except a DEAD toad! It must have just died because it was still fleshy and hydrated, etc... but it was dead! I kept trying to tell Ethan the toad was dead and Ethan kept insisting that it wasn't and he wanted to play with him. So, I said- ok- just stay outside, but he is dead! So- for my son's 4th b-day he got to play outside all day and play with a dead frog. I'm sorry- that may be sick and I agree- but it was his b-day.. and I didn't know what to do- I was in shock! There was a dead toad in my house. IN my house ON Ethan's head! That's MY boy- and I love him to death and hope that he will always look back on his 4th b-day as one of the best, because his mom let him play with a dead frog, while she locked herself in her room scared the dead frog was going to become a giant frog and eat her- because somehow Ethan probably killed it playing with it- and it was MY fault. (ps- I could NOT bring myself to take a picture of Ethan with a DEAD toad!- I couldn't even look at the thing- don't ask me why I have this irrational fear of dead animals- maybe Pet Cemetery?? ) Happy Birthday Boogs- YOU ARE FOUR!!!

Monday, May 26, 2008

Tis' the season for swimming......

The kids have been in and out of the pool every single day over the last few weeks and they are having a ball! We live over at my mom's house during the summer, because all the kids want to do is swim, and it gets so hot here- that that is about all anyone wants to do:)

Whenever I think of kids swimming I think of this video! It makes me laugh and cry and sometimes pee my pants- it is THAT funny! I would love to witness something like this someday.



Also, this evening I went over to a Memorial Day Bar-b-que- and was SOOO tempted to push one of the adults in the pool- but I felt like if I did- then I wouldn't have any friends anymore! So, I held back- and I hope you feel special Amber- because I held back from pushing YOU in! You were right on the edge and I was walking by and I was soooo tempted! Melynda held my hand and took me away. She had a little talk with me about how it is not nice to push people in the pool when they are wearing clothes. Just kidding- she just laughed and told me that you would have been a good sport and egged me on for next time! So, maybe next time! Because a party really isn't a party until someone gets pushed in:)

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Giveaway!

Hey all!

I just thought I would let you know about a contest I have going on over at my jeans blog. This time all you have to do is leave a comment to be entered- go here to enter and see what the winner gets! Thanks:)

Monday, May 19, 2008

Birdie??




My sister Amy and her husband Brett have a parakeet. His name is Eco like Echo. Dante and Ethan have learned to love Eco. Ethan used to be scared of him- but now he lets him fly on his head, on his arm, walk all over him, bite him and even poop on him, if the occasion calls for it. The bird is usually free in their bathroom or bedroom. So, sometimes while you are walking down the hall way, you'll start hearing some weird noise and then something lands on your head... and it is Eco.

I'm not much of a bird or fish fan. I don't want to have to deal with them when they are dead- so I just leave them up to other people. Dead birds and fish scare me- and haunt my dreams at night. Don't ask me why. However, I am happy that Amy and Brett have a bird so my kids can have him to play with.

Now, Erin on the other hand- loves LOOKING at Eco- but he comes within a few feet away from her- and she freaks! Have you ever heard your child "I'm really scared scream?" Erin's "I'm really scared scream" is like a very deep "aughhhh" and she literally can't move. I can't wait to get it on video tape someday because it is soooo funny!

I still have some funny footage for you though! For mother's day- Christie video taped or rather tried to video tape my kids individually telling me what they love about me and stuff like that. Here is a snip of Erin's part with Eco!

Friday, May 16, 2008

So You Think You Can Dance!!

I can't believe no one even TRIED to guess the song trivia. I'm very disappointed in my readers right now- does anyone watch SYTYCD?? If not- you WILL this season-- or I will make my blog private and you WILL NOT be invited to read. Just kidding- but seriously- this show rocks!! It starts MAY 22nd- so you better tune in! Some of the dancers are HILARIOUS that try out. I will definitely be doing a recap this year on my blog of my favorite and least favorite and hopefully adding video when I can. Just to give you a few clips from my favorite past dances- OH- and I do expect you to watch this season- so you know what I'm talking about and so that you can make your own comments too on my blog:)

You'll want to push pause on my music player towards the bottom on the right hand side of my page.:)

Here is one of my favs from Sabra and Neil from last season- Neil was my pick of choice to win-- SO close!!



This video is Lacey and Kameron, and the dance that the song goes with-- (my trivia song!)



This one is pretty funny! LOVE IT!! This is from the second season-- here is TRANJI!!



I'm sure that is enough for now- if you watched the show- what are some of your past favorite dances or couples??:) Can you tell I'm a little excited??

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Music Trivia?????

I have put a new song on my blog -- who knows what it is from?? I will slowly start giving away clues as time passes, and no one guesses correctly. It can be from a lot of different things- but I'm thinking of one in particular. Good luck- and the prize will be Resp-ekt from the B-meister!

CLUE #1 - The song is from a previous season of a reality TV series, that is about to start up again?

CLUE #2 - Two people performed to this song......

CLUE #3 - The reality show is on Fox- now if you have ever watched this show- you should know the name of the 2 people who danced to this song-- and what the show is called!:)

Any guesses yet??


PS- Today Erin and Ethan were bickering in the car-- and I just decided to let them duke it out- instead of intervening, because sometimes I just get tired of stepping in... anyways- about 5 min. into the "serious" arguing- I hear Ethan say VERY matter of fact- "No, Erin! I'm right, you're wrong- I'm RIGHT- You're WRONG! "

I of course- start laughing (what else is new? My poor children!) and I'm like Ethan where did you learn that? Erin happily perks up and says, "I know where he got that from.... Matilda."

I then ask- who says that in Matilda and she replies- Ms. Trunchbole and Matilda's dad say that!

And the fight did NOT continue! I love movie lines:)

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

My Apron is in!!


And I've already cooked my FIRST dinner in it!! I LOVE it!! Thanks Chet and kiddos for my wonderful Mother's day present - this is a gift that keeps on giving-- (means I'll make more dinners now!:)) LOL!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Ethan's new favorite saying

Ethan has a new hobby. Can anyone tell what it is?



He LOVES to cut paper into teeny tiny little pieces and always leaves a huge mess- so I have started making him cut at the table ONLY!! This way it is easy to just sweep off- and go in the trash. Today, he asked me very nicely... "Mom, can I please cut some paper with the green scissors?" How can I say no to that?!- I agree- and I said, "Just remember you can ONLY cut at the table-- not in my room, not in your room, not in the office, not anywhere but the table!"

Ethan then so sweetly says, "Ok Mom! Just go to your room. It is ok- you can go and be in your room ALL by yourself. " Hmmmmmmm.......something is NOT right with him saying this and trying to entice me to have some alone time in my room?? (If I don't go- he will push me towards my room saying "Go on Mom.")

He has started to say this more frequently- with- ok- just go in the office, or just go outside, or just go in your room--... as always I have learned my lesson- that he has a hidden agenda when he asks me to do these things.

Kids are sometimes too smart for their own good, but I LOVE it!:)

Monday, May 12, 2008

My favorite Mother's Day gift


is FROM DANTE!! (And yes- I do play favorites!) I have no problem telling any of my kids if their picture isn't good enough for me:) Just kidding- I just laugh at it- and then I think they get the hint. No, but in all seriousness- Dante really did draw me a VERY nice picture with a lot of thought and was pretty spot on. He brought it home from school on Friday... and when I saw it- this is how our conversation went:

Me: Awwww!! Dante-- I LOVE it!! I'm so glad you look at me as though I'm the size of a house.
Dante: (laughing) NOO! I don't think you are like a house- but I needed to fill up the whole paper. (more laughing)
Me: Awww- and why is my shirt yellow??
Dante: Because that is your favorite color!
Me: You remembered my favorite color!! That makes me sooo happy:)
Dante: I know!! AND I put blue jeans on you because of your new business!!
Me: How did you know about my new business??
Dante: I've heard you talking about it before! You know- people lose weight and you give them a pair of jeans!!
Me: (totally in shock and awe) Oh my gosh- that is so right!! WOW!! Dante- you are number 1!

Seriously- it seems as though nothing can get by him! My favorite though is when Chet and I are talking and we will spell different things out- like p-r-e-s-e-n-t or whatever- and Dante will remind us that he can read and spell!! Oh- yeah- I keep forgetting he is 7 and no longer the rambunctious toddler he once was.

Mother's day was fabulous- and I get my apron in the mail tomorrow- so get ready to see a pic of Chet wearing it tomorrow!!:) YEE-HAW!!

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Happy Mother's DAY!

Isn't being a mom great! Isn't being a DAUGHTER even more great, now that you are a mom??!! :) You can appreciate your mom so much more- and understand how it is to be a mom, and how AMAZING she truly is!! I love the picture above because it is with my dear, sweet mother- who raised me and taught me everything I know along with my dad. She is always there for me when I need her. She has supported me and encouraged me in ALL my dreams, no matter how crazy they sounded! She truly believes in me... she doesn't just say she does. In the picture I'm also 7 months pregnant with Ethan. I love the picture because here is me with my mom, and I'm all grown now and about to bring another child into this world to raise and to teach him everything I have learned from my mom. It is MY turn to be a mom, and my mom's turn to be a grandma!! (even though she is still VERY much MY mom:)) I love my mom and I'm so PROUD to be my mom's daughter! And I LOVE being a mom!
Here are 2 of my favorite "recent" pictures of being a mom! I get to see the world through the eyes of a child again, I get to remember how fun life can be- and not to take things SOOO seriously! The world will ALWAYS keep spinning and it won't stop, but WE can stop and take a moment to love our precious little ones. I love going into my kids rooms at night after they are sleeping and I'm reminded that motherhood is a privilege- and I have been given the privilege to raise my kids on the right path.
If I think about it too long- I get kind of freaked out about ALL that mommyhood entails- and how IMPORTANT my roll really is. But as I take it one day at a time, and one step at a time - things seem to work out and I notice my kids are really learning and they absorb so much more information then I think. I love being a MOM! I wouldn't have it any other way - yes, Bertie is so much more then just a mom- but the CORE of me is a mom - and there is no "just" about it! I was recently reading through the most recent conference talks and Cheryl C. Lant's talk on "Righteous Traditions" caught my eye.

As I was reading, this quote caught my attention,

"At the end of my father’s life, he passed much more on to us, his children, than a red ruby ring. His body was spent, but in reality he stood as a pillar of strength, an example of righteousness and truth. His very life held the traditions that strengthen us today, even though he is no longer with us. He was “steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord.”

Father could easily be substituted for mother. I want my traditions of who I am and what I stand for to be seen in my children when they are raising their own. I want them to remember me, in the way that I know my own mother and will remember her when she passes on. I know that all the good my mom taught me - I am certainly TRYING to pass that on to my children.

Being a mom is hard work-- there is no question about it... but it is so worth it and I wouldn't have it any other way. I LOVE BEING A MOM!!! And I'm very grateful to my own mom for the example she set for me and embodying what a true mother is! I LOVE YOU MOM!!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!!

Friday, May 9, 2008

Cleaning and yummiest cookies EVER!!

Yesterday was my cleaning day- and as always - I lost one of my rags. Usually I will search and search and search and search until I find it- because literally - HOW CAN I LOSE THEM SOOOOO OFTEN!! However- I'm trying to "get over things" much more quickly now so that I don't waste time on the unimportant-- so I took a quick glance around- threw my hands in the air and yelled, "FORGET IT, UGH!!!" and proceeded to get another one out of the drawer- which actually lasted me until I was done cleaning. From the picture below- can anyone guess where I left my 1st rag???



On to better and YUMMIER things! I made my favorite choc. chip cookies yesterday. This recipe has never failed me anywhere. When I lived in Utah, it seemed like my cookies would always turn out flat- and I just am not a big fan of flat cookies. THIS recipe- became MY recipe after they turned out full and chewy in every state I tried them in-- from Utah to Texas to California to YOU NAME IT.
Don't they look soooo good! About 5 years back I went on a search for the best chocolate chip recipe ever created. I tried probably 50 different recipes- and do you want to know the only main difference for each-- is the amount of sugar you put in. Some would call for more white then brown, or more brown then white--- but THIS one called for the exact same amount of each-- and I think it works beautifully.

Here is the recipe- You have GOT to try them!!

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
3 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. hot water
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups choc. chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Cream butter and sugars til smooth. Beat in eggs- 1 at a time, stir in vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter with salt. Stir in flour and choc. chips.
3. Bake for about 10 min. or until edges are nicely browned.

ENJOY!!

Monday, May 5, 2008

What do I do when I need to feel refreshed??

MOVE FURNITURE!! Yes- something makes me feel so good when I move furniture and it also makes things seem so different, almost like I'm in a new house all over again:)

I remember a post from my friend Morgan a while ago about her moving furniture all by herself, so I thought I would give it a try-- and I think I did a pretty darn good job:) And yes- every piece moved- was done ALL by myself!

What do you think? Are you SOO proud of me?? I sure was!



Here is the before master bedroom- king size bed and couch in front of entertainment center.


NOW - we have a new queen size bed that Chet won at work, and I moved it in front of the TV, so I could actually fall asleep during a movie vs. waking up and moving when it was over from the couch.

I have moved the couch to where the king size bed was previously, and the glider was already in that same spot. It is like we have our own living room, in our room now! I LOVE IT!

Just a different angle with the couch and part of the bed in the same picture.


Here is Dante's before room- with a twin bed.


Here is his NOW room with the king size bed!! (I'm washing the sheets in case you were wondering:)) And yes- that means I moved the king size bed- all by myself from one end of the house to the complete opposite side of the house... and that thing is hard to stabilize, when you are only at one end pushing or pulling! I'm not gonna lie- most things come easy to me- but this was pretty hard!

Here is Erin's before room, with just one twin bed

And here is Erin's after room- and Ethan now shares with Erin, because they have the same bedtime... so it is easier to have them together instead of Ethan with Dante. You can't see the closet in this picture- but it is on the other side of the dresser.

I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH MYSELF I CAN HARDLY STAND IT!! Seriously- I made Chet take me out for ice-cream as my reward-- he loves me sooooOOOOooooo much! (have your voice go up and down when the o's go up and down- gives it more of an effect)

Enjoy- and if you need me to come and help rearrange your furniture- I'm a call away! :) Seriously!

Want to make some money or win free things?

Hello to my faithful readers:) I have just started a referral program over at my jeans website. So, if you would like to find out how to make some easy money, please go here.

Another cool website I just found out about is: Bloggy Giveaways! Helloooo?? I'll enter in to win any of these prizes and you should too! It takes like 2 seconds:)

Have fun! And here is an old pic for your enjoyment with more ice-cream cones!! What would we EVER do without our beloved ice-cream cones:)

Saturday, May 3, 2008

What happens when I'm in the shower??

My kids are now old enough where I can take a shower by myself, and I will only get about 25 knocks on the bathroom door vs. 1000. However the other day I found myself amazed that I didn't hear one knock-- not ONE!! I was in a pretty happy place-- thinking my kids are getting so big:) I wonder what is entertaining them so..... then I uploaded photos to blog with and there were just a FEW extra that I'm pretty sure I didn't take. What do you think??Jacks' big music show! Maybe entertaining?!


Dante not even able to peel his eyes away from the tv (he does have his swimsuit on, just FYI)

Ethan posing all cute- like HAHA- we have mom's camera - take a picture of me!


Dante- finally realizing we have mom's camera and being his silly old self. Kind of reminds me of Chet. :) (seriously, though!)


Ethan attempting a self-portrait. He will definitely be a pro photographer some day!

Hey- it kept them occupied, my camera was still in working order when they were done with it, and I got a peaceful shower without having to debate and negotiate and play peace keeper through the bathroom door. (a familiar scene to many I'm sure!)

Awwww, memories!!

(oh, and Erin was over with Elise at my mom's- that is why she is not hogging the camera)

Thursday, May 1, 2008

AND the winner IS.......

Lindsey Mathews! I could hardly believe it Linds:) Congratulations girl! More contests to come:)

Thanks to all those who gave a shout out to my new business and played the game. There will be more opportunities to win some more cool prizes soon!

A TRUE girlie girl!!


Erin can be quite the whiner sometimes, especially if her brothers are picking on her. She knows exactly how to get her way anytime, anyplace and about anything! Usually she does not get distracted until she gets her way. HOWEVER.....

the other day we were swimming over at my moms and Dante and Ethan were splashing her, or doing something she didn't quite like and so she was complaining to me, and I didn't do anything about it... so she goes up to my youngest sister Emily, and starts whining,

Erin: "Emily- Dante and Ethan are being........ ARE THOSE FAKE NAILS????" (Emily had just had a manicure with tips put on)
Emily: "Yes."
Erin: "They are pretty. I like them."

Then she miraculously forgets what she was even complaining about.

THANK YOU fake nails! You were there for me when I needed you most and didn't want to have to listen to more complaining that day.


PS- Today is the LAST day of the contest- the winner will be announced at 8 PM US Central Time. So, if you want a chance at winning 75 bucks.... then go here.