Tuesday, May 27, 2008

A Ground-Breakin' Party!

Last Monday night (a week ago) we had a ground-breaking party for all the families that bought land over by us.
We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows.....

and made s'mores!

Then out came the GOLD shovels! (sheen, sparkle, sparkle!)

The Andersons broke ground (the Anderson Family is only a couple of weeks away from starting to build)

The Moons broke ground (Their house is up for sale- so they will be the next to build)and so we did too (even though we told everyone that we wouldn't be actually breaking ground for quite awhile!)The Campbells will also be joining our little neighborhood in a couple of years! I will have to blog about that super awesome family later! But you may remember Saralyn and Leah from our GNO!

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Goin' To the Temple and We're Gonna Get Sealed!

My Uncle, Dale and his wife, Barbi are going to the temple today to get sealed for time and eternity!

Congratulations! I really wish I could be there to help them celebrate! But they are in our thoughts today!
My uncle Dale is the one who introduced me to the church when I was young. He has always been an example to me of a honest, fair and faithful man! Hope you had a wonderful experience today! We Love You!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

The Big 0h-7!

So I am behind on a couple of posts, but on Sat, Carli celebrated her 7th Birthday!
She had a fun party with a bunch of her friends. (We shipped off the boys to a friend's house, so that we could focus on Carli and her gaggle of gal pals!)


First, was the water balloon fight. (Girls are much nicer than boys- NOBODY cried-I couldn't believe it!)
Then we put the sprinkler under the trampoline and they had a blast jumping on it!


We went to Costco to buy the cake (cuz their the best!) and Carli got her traditional rainbow cake!
A case of "the sillies"
(Cake will do that to you- it does for me anyway!)

Carli wanted to open each of her friend's gifts and then pose for a picture with them!
Happy Birthday Carls!
I hoped being 7 is all you dreamed of and more!!!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Just Havin' Fun!

So I found this fun new sight and I just couldn't stop playing with it! Below are me and Jon morphed into celebs. I did myself a few times (Yes- I know I could be doing better things with my time!) and got Katie Couric twice. So I guess she is my celebrity twin. I did Jon's face a bunch of times and kept gettin' old guys. Donny Osmond was the first guy that matched Jon's face that wasn't over 60, and that I had actually heard of. (Sorry Jon, thats what you get when you leave me alone on the computer- hehe)

Then, I got to see who the kids actually look like. I don't beleive the results. Carli definetly looks more like the Jacobs side, rather than me but it was all just for fun!!!

Celebrity Morph by MyHeritage

MyHeritage: Celebrity Morph - Free family tree - Family pictures

Celebrity Morph by MyHeritage

MyHeritage: Celebrity Morph - Free family history - Roots

Jacobs Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family photos - Family heritage

Jacobs Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Geneology - Black and white photographs

Jacobs Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Jacobs Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celeb - Collage - Morph

Monday, May 19, 2008

Host Post

I got done reading this last week!

LOVED IT!!!
In Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series, I was hoping
that we would suddenly realize that there are vampires among us.
Now I am ready for some aliens to join us!
What next? A love story with big foot, or the loch ness monster?
(One is hairy, and the other is slimy- bring it on!!!)

Thursday, May 15, 2008

It's like Christmas!

Carli's birthday is this weekend. Some packages arrived today from both grammas. We opened Gramma Sharon's package since I knew that there were things in it for all the kiddies. Thanks Grammas. The kiddies thought that it was a huge treat to get new outfits and small toys.Everyone wanted to pose with Jack Jack!
Right away, Bridger wanted to try on his new clothes. His Swimming outfit was by far his favorite! (No Bridger, you can't wear it to bed!)
Carli liked her new Soccer ball outfit! She got a ball and the game was on!Nolan likes animal shirts! We got a package from Gramma Elvon too!
(We will wait til Carli's party to open it and the wrapped presents from G. Sharon)

This was by far the kids favorite thing in the package. Can you guess what it is???

a. A fruity peach drink

b. a orange paint that smells peachy

c. A peachy potion that brings out your inner child and keeps you young forever.

d. A peach- colored putty-like substance that makes "farting" noises once your thumb is placed inside.

Hope You have a Rootin' Tootin' Day! (Do you like my hint?)

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Let's Celebrate!

100 Post!
I can't believe that I have done 100 posts already! I chose a new background to celebrate (However, I don't know if I am "feeling" it- it may either change or grow on me!)
I am not really into give-aways, so instead I thought that I would list 100 things about me and my family!
1. I was born and raised in Las Vegas until I was 19.
2. I wore braces for 3 years (5th grade- 8th grade)
3. My grandparents were first cousins (I know, I know- that explains a lot- uh!)
4. I was on a colorgaurd my senior year in highschool called, "The Rythmettes"
5. I joined the LDS church when I was 14.
6. My aunt and uncle were big inflences in my life for joining the church.
7. I have one brother.
8. My brother is 3 1/2 years younger.
9. My parents divoriced when I was young.
10. I lived with my dad, but saw my mom a lot.
11. My mom lived the next block over!
12.My Dad died when I was a Junior in high school due to a blood clot.
13. I was a big brat when I was little (My poor kids...I only have myself to blame- hehe)
14. I moved to Montana to meet boys and go to school.
15. I learned quick that there are more cows than boys in MT.
16. I met Jon in the student ward in MT.
17. He went there to shoot a big elk- found a wifey instead-(still watin' on the elk!)
18. We were married in Dec. and pregnant in Nov. (the following year)
19. Jon has 3 siblings
20. 2 sisters and 1 brother
21. Jon spent his summers on his grandparents cattle ranch in south/ central Utah.
22. I would go a week out of the summer to my granparent's houseboat on Lake mead.
23. I learned to water ski during my summer visits on the houseboat.
24. I wish I had the chance to water ski now!- I would do it in a heartbeat!!!
25. I went snow- skiing with Jon once and cried half of the time.
26. Jon and I were married in the Manti Temple.
27. We were married in Dec. (Utah in Dec. was way too cold for my family of Las Vegans!)
28. I went to community college for a year after high school.
29. I dated a guy who was from Montana.
30. I took a trip to see him.
31. I came home and dumped him and applied for college at Mt. State Un.
32. In the summer, I like to smell like coconut!
33. I have a degree in elementary ed.
34. I have never really used my degree.
35. I would love to go to beauty school. (Jonny thinks this is funny!)
36. Jon grew up mostly in Texas.
37. He lived in New York for 2 years when he was lil'.
38. Then he moved to Texas and was put in speech therapy for talkin' like a New Yorker!
39. We have 4 kiddies.
40. We are not having 5 kids because of my distaste for laundry!!!
41. My first Job was in the MGM amusement park in a gift shop.
42. I learned to love customer service.
43. I worked at Arby's in College.
44. I worked at K-mart in College.
45. I learned to hate customer service!
46. I don't have a favorite food.- I can NEVER narrow it down cuz I love ALL foods!
47. Nolan (our oldest) was really into vacuums from ages 1- 7.
48. Carli (our only daughter) has had 2 sets of tubes put in her ears.
49. Bridger didn't really say "mom" (or much of anything) until he was 2- 1/2.
50. I dyed my hair orange in high school by accident and cried for a week until it was fixed!
51. I didn't learn how to wax my eyebrows until after I had Nolan- (oh boy... my poor wedding photos- ugh!)
52. I love to shabby-chic used furniture!
53. I am addicted to blogging.
54. I have been to Hawaii 3 times.
55. I got to shake Pres. Hinckley's hand.
56. I swear by freezer cookies (they are the softest cookies!)
57. I am exactly 5' 6-1/2" tall.
58. We have had 2 kids born in Mt. and 2 kids born in Wa.
59. I lost 4 lbs just from reading the Twilight series. (Intense love stories make me nervous)
60. Jon went on his mission to Switzerland.
61. Jon and I are complete opposites.
62. I don't think we could have a better marriage.
63. I love shopping more than I ever admit!
64. I did my student teaching in Kindergarten.
65. I was always washing my hands during my ST in Kindergarten,
66. But it didn't matter cuz I still got every sickness that came along.
67. Jon held my hand for the first time when we were watching Star Wars.
68. Jon used to talk like Jerry Seinfield until the show went off the air.
69. I love black and white damask!
70. I LOVE wearing flip- flops during summertime.
71. Everytime I go to a restuarant, I have to order a big slushy-type drink.
72. I could put whip cream on dirt and eat it (although I would rather not be challenged to this!)
73. In Montana, our bishop was Bishop Bishop.
74. Love The Office (I have been known not to answer the phone during it- sorry people)
75. Some of my favorite books are The Work and the Glory,
76. the Twilight Series
77. and the Harry Potter Series.
78. Vanilla Coke is possibly the best soft drink on the planet!
79. I can't get enough of People Magazine (even though I would never have a subscription- I just read it at Dr. Offices, on long trips and when I get my hair cut.)
80. Carli can cross her eyes like nobodys business.
81. Jon gets mad when The Cowboys loose!
82. I cut Jon's and the boy's hair.
83. The 1st time I cut Jon's hair- I almost started to cry.
84. I love decorating shows
85. but I don't like the gardening segments or shows
86. Not all girls are shoe-fanatics (I own shoes for years until I buy more)
87. Been known to call my kids funny names like, "Sugar Monkey" "Peanut Butter" or "Chicken Leg."
88. Nolan has NEVER chewed a piece of gum.
89. We saw Wayne Newton in Concert.
90. We saw the Blue Man Group show in Vegas.
91. Last summer we got to "train" the dolphins at Sea World.
92. I don't like heights.
93. I graduated from highschool in 1993
94. I have only been out of the country once
95. when we went to Scotland almost 2 years ago.
96. but we are going out of the country 2 times this summer.
97. Once when we go to Canada
98. and once when I go with Jon to his work conference in Amsterdam.
99. Jon is 4 -1/2 years older than me!
100. Jon has his PHD! You can call him Dr. Jon!!!

Saturday, May 10, 2008

The Mothers' in my Life

There are many women in my life that have touched my life and inspired me.

I am so thankful for my mom. I love how "girly" she encouraged me to be. I think that we both love to shop. My mom and I can get together and have the best time shopping. We can spend hours in a store and come out giggling like school girls. Much of my femininity was encouraged by my mom.
She is such a good Grandma to the kids. They sure get spoiled, and have learned that if Grandma Sharon is going to the store, then they want to go too cuz they always end up coming home with some new toy or gadget(even though they would cut off one of their arms just as soon as go with me!). She is full of love for them and her arms get lonely for their little hugs when they are gone too long! Thanks Mom- for all you do!

I am thankful for my Grandma Ann. I saw my Grandma a lot when I was growing up and learned so many things from her. I remember her showing me how to exercise, sew and some simple swim moves. But I loved the gentle way that she would talk to me. She really listened and was always there. She was also the best cook! I tried to re-created her beef stew many times, but it was always the BEST at Grandma's house.
I am thankful for my Mother- in- Law, Elvon. I know that she considers me to be a daughter of hers, and that means more to me than one can know. She is wise and talented. When I don't know something, I give her a call and she always has an idea to solve my need.
She gave so much love and gudiance to her first born son, who is now a beautful husband and father. I am forever indebted to her!







I am thankful for YOU! I am thankful for your example in my life. Whoever you are, if you are reading this, then you have had some influence on me to which I am so thankful for. Whether you were my yw leader, Sunday school teacher, relative or a true friend, I have watched what you do and how you funtion. YOU have helped me to have strength, endurance and balance in my life. I have been truly inspired by the woman that you are! Thank You!

Have a Beautiful Mother's Day!

Friday, May 9, 2008

Motherhood!

When Nolan was born, I labored all night and was exhausted (Not to mention still drugged up) when he finally came into the world. He was born at 6am and I slept most of that day. That night we had lots of friend's come and visit us in the hospital. They all brought their kids, and the hospital had a strict policy about having kids in the room with newborns. So since I thought that everyone was there to see me anyway, I just had them take the baby away into the nursery so that I could visit with my friends (and that the hubby's didn't have to take their kids in the hall.) I didn't really feel attached to him then. I could have gotten a new puppy and felt the same way- he was cute- but whatever).
Then the nurse brought him to me in the middle of the night for a feeding. She held him up, facing me as she woke me up. I remember looking at that little face that was helpless and staring right back at me. That is when I knew that he was mine and it was my job to keep him safe, love him, help him, teach him, and protect him in this big, scary world. It took me almost a day to bond with my child- but that was all. From that point on I never wanted to be separated from him again. I fell in love with my baby.
I fall in love all over again every time I have a baby. Their coos, their laughter, their smell, their cries... Everything that makes them who they are.


I have good kids and hope that they continue to be who they are.

Nolan: My wonderful first child whom I love so much. We have taught each other how to grow and what to do in each stage of life (and have many more to go). Sometimes, I make fun of his obsessions, but they make him who he is. I have learned to take pride that my son knows more about mites and chiggers (and even vacuums too) more than any child that I know! I hope he never stops reading and learning the things that are interesting to him.

Carli: My only daughter, we stick together in a house full of boys. But she is her own person. She definitely speaks her mind. I have come to embrace her tomboy-ness. I am learning a lot about how she wants to shape herself and grow, spiritually and mentally. She is the most DETERMINED person that I know. Once she has in her mind to do something, she is not going to get over it easily- no matter how hard it is. She has it in her mind right now to learn the Articles of Faith. We forget until we get to church every Sunday to study them, but somehow she has been passing them off in primary anyway. I am always proud of her, and even though she will never carry around a little pink purse full of Barbies while wearing her pretty purple headband with matching dress-up pumps, I Love who she is and would never change a thing!
Bridger: When Bridgie came into our lives, we were so ready for him. We all fell in love with every part of him. We all still are. I laugh everytime he goes up to a stranger in public and hugs them. He couldn't be any sweeter. He always says, "Mom, you're cute" or" Mom, I way need you." It just melts my heart. He is so loving by nature and I hope that he Never changes.


Jack: As time goes by, Jack is starting to need me more. He lights up when I look at him and finds comfort in my arms. He can't get enough of my kisses and when I kiss him- he puts his lil' head right up against my face again so that I will repeat a kiss. I should try to ween him so that he won't need me so much but I can't make myself do it this time around. They just grow up too fast and I am savoring his infant-hood. So precious and such a good baby.


There is a quote by Sis. Hinckley that has been on my fridge for years now. I still read it from time to time. They are words to live by:

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, my hair expertly coifed.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camps.
I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sis. Schenk's lawn.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children.
I want to be there with dirt under my fingernails from helping weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know that I was really here and that I really lived."

Thursday, May 8, 2008

One of a Kind!

I took this:

And this:And made this!



I had a super fun time making this dress for Carli- and the best part, she likes it and said that she will wear it! I got the idea HERE!
What are some of your favorite re-creations?

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Random Thoughts!

Whew! Mother's day gifts were sent out this morning!
Now on to more laundry! (When does it end?- no really!)

There was a t-shirt I saw yesterday that said:

I'm out of my mind right now... please leave a message!
(I wonder if they make that in a bumper sticker!)

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Yippeeeee!

This came out today! Did you pick up your copy... I did! (It was a mother's day gift from Jon... well, he found that out when he got home anyway!) I'm gonna hurry up with this post so that I can read it! I'm all excited to read a romantic book about body- snatching! (Don't knock it till' you've read it!) Thanks to Terri, I was able to read this book! Liked it more than the movie. The characters didn't fight as much!

Ah! This was cute! I told Jonny he should read it so that he can get a better idea of what our relationship should be like 20 years from now! I don't think he liked that idea very much!
Thanx Saralyn (Who has just about all of the N. Sparks collection!)
What books are you workin' on? (No, really... I wanna know!)

Monday, May 5, 2008

New to Me!!!

Remember This?
(My great thrift store find)
Well... I FINALLY finished it!
Now it matches our table!What's next?... Shopping for accessories to put in it of course!
Now the fun begins!
Usually, I try to put music to accompany my posts. Since I really couldn't find one for "Hutch" (Jon recommended Starksy and Hutch- but I didn't like the theme song)- I chose an "Oldie but Goodie" from my fav. guys from Liverpool! (Do you LOVE Paul's voice in this song, or is it just me?)