The Jacobs 6

It's About Time!

2012-01-23T13:05:00.003-08:00

Do you Hear that?

No?

It is the sound of flushing.

Yes flushing!

Followed by Mo Tab singing the Hallelujah Chorus.

For 12 years, we have been in diapers.

12 Years.

That is a lot of diapers.

But not anymore.

Jack has been potty trained for a couple of months now.

Happy

SO, SO HAPPY!

Goodbye Diapers!

We will NOT be missing you anytime soon!

Our Christmas 2011

2012-01-09T11:06:00.026-08:00

These pics are in order of last to first-

Christmas Night, we had cheese fondue. It is fairly quick and easy and the kiddos love it. Any excuse to eat cheese.

Before Christmas, I went to buy a fondue packet and Yokes doesn't carry them in their exotic cheeses anymore, but the man behind the counter said I can make it myself. We have tried and failed too many times, so I didn't believe him. As I was walking away with the recipe in hand, I told him that he would be my best friend if it worked. I guess he is my best friend now cuz after we made it, I danced around for about 15 mins with a big smile on my face while telling Jon every minute and a half that we can now make it ourselves any time we want it.

Any excuse to eat cheese!

Here are some picks of our Christmas Morning:

The elves came back every night throughout dec. These are some things that they did.

Went fishing for goldfish (crackers)

Used Daddy's elk antelers as a coat rack for barbie clothes and themselves.

Decorated the tree with the kiddos Undies.

Had marshmallows with the stuffed animals and told them about the nativity and Baby Jesus.

Hung around on the ceiling fan

Got into the Barbie clothes and read a Christmas book.

Made snow angels with the sugar (sugar angels)

Typed a letter to Santa to tell them about The fab 4.

Hid in the freezer cuz they missed the cold.

Hid in the silverware drawer with Smurf crackers (Hey- Smurfs are elves too)

Put diapers on my of the stuffed animals.

Carli had a Christmas Band concert at school. She decided to play the trumpet this year.
Hope you had a beautiful Holiday Season!

14 Years!

2011-12-21T00:52:00.014-08:00

Happy Anniversary

to my One and Only Love...

Thanks for being so nice to me when I don't deserve it. (Like when the kiddos moved my ipad the other night, and I had a moment of crazy)

Thanks for always kissing me goodbye. (I know that I can count of this like clockwork)

Thanks for pitching in and helping out the minute you get home even though I know that you are worn and need some couch (unwinding) time.

Thanks for not getting upset when the house is a disaster.

Thanks for the beautiful flowers that came with a kiss when you came home from work.

Thanks for helping pick up our humble abode after our 4-children-tornado has stormed through. (you get extra bonus points for this one)

Thanks for taking over packing son #1's lunch at the (butt)crack of dawn. (Did you know that your wife wasn't a morning person before you married her?)

Thanks for laughing with me through good and bad times (and making me giggle when I don't always feel like it.)

Thanks for supporting me in all my crazy crafting and decorating ideas ("here paint this and cut this board, Jon...it doesn't matter why- You will see my vision when we are done")

Thanks for putting up with my not- so -fabulous -reading- at- night habit.

Thanks for showing the kids that you love their mother.

Thanks for making me feel beautiful, important and needed.

Thanks for making me happy each and every day.

Thanks for all you do. These past 14 years have been so incredibly memorable with you by my side!

2 Little Elves

2011-12-06T09:31:00.015-08:00

This year we had 2 little elves sent to us from Santa. We got this letter with them:

Greetings from the North Pole!

This is Nipper and Tipper. They are two of my favorite elves. I have noticed that you have been extra good kids this year and thought that you might enjoy having elves stay at your house! I will pick them up on Christmas Eve but will consider sending them back to your family next year if you are good again.

Please do not play with them. They are NOT toys. In fact, they are very much like you in some ways. They like to eat fruit snacks, popcorn, and carrots. They don’t need as much sleep as you do, but they will pretend to be asleep while they are watching you.

One word of caution; Nipper and Tipper are pranksters. They likes to play jokes. I am sorry to say that you may wake to find crazy things have happened in the night. You may find that when you clean the house every night before you go to bed, that it is then that they will make mischief. They like a nice and CLEAN house to play in. But they ARE watching you. They will let me know if you need to be put on the naughty list.

Keep being good and I’ll come by your house on Christmas Eve!

Love,
Santa Claus

Every night they get into a little mischief. The little boys love waking up to see what they got into while they were snoozing. Here is their naughtiness so far.

"Decorating" the hall and drawing on the photos with dry/erase markers.

Writing naughty songs on the bathroom mirror.

A friendly game of chess

Hording marshmallows.

Making a toilet paper mess on the treadmill in the exercise/craft room

Playing in stacked glasses.

I wonder what they will do tonight...............

Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T00:33:00.011-07:00

"Give me your BEST Halloween Smile!"

It is late- but I wanted to post a few of our Halloween pics.

Nolan was a Monster hunter

Carli was a fisherman (or is the pc term fisher-person???)

Bridger found Carli's old Dolphin costume and was sold on the cuteness and softness of it.

Jack= Batman- a few days before I found a tutorial that my new friend, Pinterest, helped me find and I whipped it out in no time.

Then they organized all their candy and then decided to play a game called "candy wars". They made it up. It was cute- I am not sure who won , but they made these elaborate battle fields with their candy and "attacked" the other players. My kids are funny and I think we have all played way too much Stratego. lolHope you had a Suh-WEET Halloween!

Move over Oreos......

2011-10-19T23:22:00.003-07:00

We have never been much of a sandwich cookie kind of family. Occasionally I will buy them to make a dessert, but normally the kids are not a huge fans.................That is until I went to Trader Joe's in Portland with my red-headed friend, Molls last weekend. I tried Trader Joe's stuff a couple of times and have never been too impressed So on a whim, I picked up these Halloween cookie thinking that I could put them in the kids lunch or use them for a dessert or something. The minute I opened them the kids begged me for them. We couldn't believe how creamy their signature Vanilla Bean Cream filling was for a sandwich cookie. Nolan LOVED them. I soooo wish we had a Trader Joe's close by. I NEED more cookies. I even tried to make some sandwich cookies today thinking that maybe I could make a close knock off version- but nope. Not even close. With these cookies out there....the Girl Scouts should just give up now! Even with these puppies priced at $3 a box, it is well worth it to taste what a Sandwich cookie SHOULD taste like!

I love us!

2011-10-16T23:04:00.004-07:00

(Jack lining up his Star Wars Guys. Has nothing to do with this post- but dang, he is cute!!!)

I don't exactly know what the change is or why, but we have all been feeling it lately. We are more cohesive. We laugh more. We enjoy each other more. I think it has something to do with the kids growing up. We have our own inside jokes and things we laugh at. We make each other laugh. We can somewhat tease now and the older kids are learning how to laugh at themselves. It is a fun time.

At dinner tonight, Bridger came up with the idea that we would all take a turn and tell what we all love about our family. I am still swooning at the question and the answers.

Right now, This has something to do with our inside jokes We quote this daily. Even Jack quotes it on his own (not even prompted by the kids)

There are 6 episodes of Kid History total. Be sure to watch them all. To say that we enjoy them is an understatement!

What do you love about your family?

Life Moves Along.

2011-09-27T09:22:00.015-07:00

So- since I last blogged, life has happened.
Jon's Grandma passed away. Grandma Ora. We went to the funeral and cried and rejoiced with family. I say rejoiced because Grandma was reunited with Grandpa. It was what she talked about for 11 years. She wanted to see Grandpa again and her father who died when she was 3 months old. We will see you again Grandma Great. We love you!
I have a new niece. Anna Jacobs was born to Jon's sister in July and we all met her (and squished her) a few weeks ago. She is lovely and such a good -natured baby.Here she is in her blessing outfit just after she was blessed. Carli and my heart are a little broken from not being able to see Anna and her family a lot more.
Carli and Carson are best buds when they are together. It is soooo sweet to see Carli take Carson around Gramma's house and play with whatever he can talk her into.Which isn't hard to do because she adores him.Do you look back at things and see the hand of the Lord in events that have transpired? In May, when Jon's grandma passed away, we were in Utah for a couple of days. Toward the end of our stay, I started talking to my brother in law about him getting married. Okay- I wasn't talking so much as teasing. I teased him a lot about it, actually. And I felt bad. I felt that maybe I should stop teasing him and start helping him. I remember when the idea popped into my head. ZING!

Our Convo went something like this:

ME- "Aaron- I am gonna put you on my mofia board" (my LDS message board of 100+ moms- called the mofia because of the first 3 initials -mof= my online friends)

AARON- um. Okay (Said with a little fear, hesitation, but also I heard a little challenge in it)

Aaron thought that what I was referring to was my blog. I don't know if he woulda let me post his name, pic and info if he realized what I was really doing- so maybe ignorance is bliss-lolBefore I left Utah, everyone on the board wanted to match Aaron with a relative or friend who lived in Utah. But when I made the post, I forgot that there where a couple of single moms on the board. One of the said that she would date him. That led to an invitation for him to email her, which led to a date, which led to dating, which led to an engagement...... I think you know where this is going. lolA Couple weeks ago, we went to St. George to see April and Aaron sealed for time and eternity in the temple. Not only do Jon and I have a new sis in law- but my kiddos have 2 new cousins. They adore Greta and Andrea. We all do.I look at things and realize how everything has just fit into place. April and Aaron now reside in Grandma Great's house and things just fit together like they were supposed to. April and her girls were such a needed addition to our family. (I said NEEDED- and I meant it!) I thank the Lord for promptings. I thank Him for timing. I know we are on his schedule and not our own. I see that so much with stories like this. Things fit together like puzzle pieces. Wow.
I also look back and realize the progression. Normally when 2 people meet on the Internet, they both get online separately and then go to the same site and chat or whatever. But in this case, the message board that I belong to, is by invitation only. I look at how many people had to be invited before me and April joined, in order for them to invite us, and I am awed. The Lord set this in motion a long time ago.
I will update with kids and such- but right now need a shower- I get precious little time to myself and this post took longer than I thought it would. lol Have a good Day!!!

Tied to be Awesome!

2011-08-22T10:55:00.003-07:00

For Father's Day, I wanted to do something fun for Jon. I had a tie pattern, so I made him a tie outta this fun cotton fabric that I found and then, decided to make the boys ones to match. I know, Nolan needs a longer one, ugh. (When did he get so big?) But other than that, they look super adorable when they wear them altogether!

Carli's Wax Muesem #2

2011-08-12T17:12:00.006-07:00

I have been meaning to post about this all summer. Before school was out, Carli had one more wax museum. She had to pick someone who contributed some way to science. She chose Stephanie Kwolek, who invented Kevlar. Here she is in her pose, before her name is said.

Then she stands up and starts her memorized speech about Stephanie.

I kept catching her while she was speaking, so never mind her funny expressions on her face.Her poster about Stephanie.

Miss Me?

2011-06-01T16:56:00.010-07:00

Yeah I know, I have been MIA lately (as far as my blog goes anyway) We have been super duper busy. Mostly getting the house ready to sell! But guess what. It is now official (as of last night) Our house is now for sale!

In other news, Carli has celebrated her 10th birthday. WOOHOO! Seriously, still can't believe she is so old.

Next week Carli has her Spring Wax Museum. She is gonna be Stephanie Kwolek, inventor of Kevlar. I will take and post pics- so excited!!!

Be sure to check in the next couple of days on my craft blog for our living room transformation. Seriously, it rocks!!!!

Carli's Music Play

2011-04-05T10:53:00.003-07:00

Carli is in Choir in school. (Mentioned before) They always do a Christmas performance and a Spring one. For the Sprng one, Carli tried out for a singing solo and got it. Okay- it was only 3 words. - but still, pretty cool. This play was about the History of rock music. Carli s the caveman in the front.

She even got to swing dance with Jacob from her class too.

Knowing Jacob is a goodsport- I asked for a picture with both of them- When we were walking away, I asked Carli if I embarrassed her and she said, "just a little" but assured me that it was okay.

Gaaaah!

2011-03-19T23:29:00.016-07:00

I lost my camera (yeah- I know...."again?" -You ask. I can't post anything new without it and the worst part is that I don't know if Jack did something with it or if I put it up so that Jack couldn't do anything with it. Either way- I haven't seen it in awhile. It makes it hard to post things like my new pantry re-do or Jack making up his own Batman costume using a backwards bib and his brother's (clean) underwear on his head. Anyway- please enjoy these old photos of the kiddos until I do find it!

Can you tell what has been on my mind lately?

Now I need to figure out a way to tell Jonny.....Hmmmm.

(Yes- I realize this isn't the best time to go back to Hawaii tho, but I still wanna swim in that blue water while the kids build sand castles and we all enjoy slurping frsh fruit from the street stands.-aaaah)

DI Tournament

2011-02-27T21:53:00.007-08:00

So the DI Tournament was on sat in Spokane. We placed second.

2nd place !!!!!! (Can you believe it?!?!)

I am sooooo proud of these girls. They worked so hard and helped each other. They are amazing. I am gonna miss our weekly meetings. They are so fun to be around. Technically we can go to State (in Seattle), but we have to be invited to go. I don't know if it will happen and to be honest, I don't know if I wanna. We already had the best experience just getting as far as we did!
Here are the girls right before the Instant Challenge.

And here they are in their perfomance. I don't think I am allowed to talk much about their performance and the tournament (Because it is a competition- and we still might go state) but don't think many would figure out their skit from this picture. The judges and audience laughed in all the right places and everyone really enjoyed it.

This whole experience is dear to my heart!!!
DI Rocks!!!!

Carli as Amelia Earhart!

2011-02-23T23:56:00.009-08:00

I mentioned Carli's class'es wax muesum. Here are pics of that night (I made her take some after we came home too)

Her tri-fold of Amelia's life.

One of her props was this really pretty globe that THIS girl let us borrow and we mapped out Amelia's last flight with string and stickers.

You can see the pose she chose to stand in until someone came up and said her name (Amelia Earhart's name)

(You can also tell where I was playing with photoshop with coloring)-lolCarli's class. Some of the other kids were, Marilynn Monroe, Babe Ruth, Abe Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, Shannon Hale...can't remember the names of some of them- I will have to ask Carli.

She was so awesome! It was such a long day for all of them. They gave 4 performances during the day and even had to eat lunch in costume. After her last performance that night, you could just see how exhausted she was. I felt bad to send her to school the next day. But I am so pleased with my baby girl!

She has one more wax muesum coming up in the Spring (a science- themed one) -I wonder who she will chose for that!?!?!?!?

Valentine's Dinner

2011-02-15T09:11:00.007-08:00

Last night we had Lasagna Soup. Of course I had to put the ricotta cheese mixture into a heart shaped mold. It was made with love- so why not show it!

Wanting everyone to eat dinner on Valentine's- I gave the option of soup or hot dogs- but what good is a hot dog on V-day without heart- shaped ketchup?

And our rolls were so much better with heart -shaped butter. Okay- so I went a little crazy on the hearts- It was a fun and refreshing change!
We topped the evening off wth Italian sodas and strawberry crepes with toffee syrup.

You can find the lasagna soup recipe HERE. (only I sub the tomato paste for plain tomato sauce and put in more dried basil than oregano) It is one of our favorites!

Hope you had a wonderful Valentine's!

Busy.

2011-01-27T08:23:00.003-08:00

I am afraid that when I get busy, the blog is the first thing to get negleted. Just before Christmas, I found out that the DI group that Carli signed up for didn't have a leader. So I told the school that I would take that on. You may remember DI from last yr. DI stands for Destination Imagination. You can click HERE to view the official website. (Carli's team is doing the Triple Take Road Show Challenge)

It is super fun to meet with those girls 2+ times a week. They are fun to be around and it is a fun process, however, it is also a ton of work. It is taking all of my free time to get them ready for the tournament in Spokane at the end of Feb.

So, Like I said before- the blog is being avoided for awhile. If I have some down time I will come back to it. But it will be touch and go until the end of Feb.

Next to come: Carli had her Wax Muesum 2 weeks ago. This is where her class (only class that does it every year out of the whole school) each choose someone to be from history and have to dress like that person and give a short monalgue when someone says their character's name (otherwise they stand completly still in a pose, just like a wax statue). Carli chose Amelia Earhart. She did a phenomenal job. I am waiting for pics from her teacher as I think she probably got better shots than I did. But- I do want to post those soon.

Oh Nootz!

2011-01-19T16:19:00.005-08:00

Every Year at Christmas, Santa leaves nuts in every one's stockings. (One year, Santa forgot and Daddy was not happy with Santa.-lol) Last year, I noticed that after meals, my lips where stinging and itching and had little hives on them. I didn't think much of it the first couple of times, but then one time, I wanted to scratch them off. I couldn't figure out what was going on? Then later on that day, I was moving the uneaten nuts into a smaller bowl and it dawned on me. (Slap hand to forehead) Jon likes to shell and eat mixed nuts after meals, kinda like a dessert. Then, he kisses me and thanks me for lunch. Oh wait- did I mention that I am highly allergic to Brazil nuts? It was his (nutty) kisses.

Jack came and bit me after eating nuts this Christmas and my arm itched and started to get tiny little bumps. (After, I figured it out, I made Jon thoroughly brush his teeth/ mouth after each smooch.) You can see that this year- we still have ONLY Brazil nuts on our counter. I am thrilled that my sweet Jonny chooses kissing me over dining on nuts (or nootz- it you say it like the Mr. Salt in the old Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory-lol)

Batman and Buzz by Jack

2011-01-12T12:14:00.003-08:00

Jack Jack asked me if I could get the crayons down for him. He grabbed some paper and said he was gonna 'color.' I went into the other room and forgot all about it. The next day, I had some random papers on my counter that I was sorting and picking up and came across this one. At first, I just thought it was one of Bridger's pictures, but then I remembered Jack and the crayons. It had just struck me that my baby can draw.

I asked him what it was and he knew exactly what he was drawing. The big, round one is Buzz and the small, skinny one is Batman. Can you believe it?

Sunbeam.

2011-01-10T22:07:00.004-08:00

My youngest is a sunbeam! (In church, when nursery children turn 3 (after the new year) they get to go to their first Primary class called Sunbeams) Jack is a maniac. He would be great except, I am not only in Primary, but have been teaching sharing time. It isn't going so well- but it is bitter sweet to think that he is my last baby to have graduate from Nursery!

(Note: No- we don't let him wear his Buzz Jammies to church- this was taken after with his new sunbeam hat on!)

Stupid Cancer.

2011-01-03T11:05:00.003-08:00

I just found out yesterday that a sweet friend of mine recently passed away. We first met Kerry Rapp about 5 years ago when he became our home teacher. I was so embarressed when the first time we met him, that Bridger (then a baby learnng to walk) crawled all over him and wouldn't stay away. I later on realized how much he loved and valued children and how his testimony of the church grew a little each day. I will never forget him asking Jon's permission to hug me the day our HT's came over after I gave a talk at church and bore my testimony of Joseph Smith. I will also never forget the way he gave a HT lesson in our home on parenthood and had tears streaming down his face when he was done. The world is a much sadder place without Bro. Rapp in it. He will be truly missed! I don't think his obituary describes the spirit that was Bro. Rapp but it is HERE if you wanna take a glance. I thank the Lord for the time that we did have to get to know him.

Christmas at the J House!

2010-12-28T10:57:00.013-08:00

Carli had her "girls only" gingerbread house decorating party at our dear friend's house.

When she came home with her finished project Jack couldn't take his eyes off of her colorful candy house.

He immediately said that it was Buzz's house.
(Does it still count if Buzz can't get his foot in the door?)

Our home on Christmas Eve.

The kiddos on Christmas Morning before all the excitement!

(Notice the sun isn't up yet)

Jack wanted a pic of his new toy story slippers

Carli with her new 'kids' video camera

A soft Buzz and Woody. Jack couldn't stop looking at them and smiling!

Nolan hugs his sister to thank her for the Pokemon cards she so thoughtfully got for him. (Note: This hug is a reinactment- it was so cute that he hugged her that I made them do it agin for the camera-lol)

Jon thanking Carli for the "True Grit" book.

(BTW- The new True Grit movie is AWESOME!- we got to see it for our anniversary!)

To all our loved ones,Thank You for making our 2010 Christmas Special! We love and miss you!

13 Years Already???

2010-12-20T16:34:00.004-08:00

Today is our Anniversary. 13 years, Baby- oh yeah! And just an eternity more to go!

Today my poor Jonny is Sick. He came home Tues from work and when we finally took him to the dr. yesterday, he said it looked like Jonny has Pneumonia. Hopefully he will just be getting better before our Christmas break. But that means no celebrating our anniversary for awhile. Until after Christmas probably. I told the kids it was our anniversary and they asked if we were gonna go out. I said that we weren't going to for awhile. Carli said he can just stay home and smooch. (her word, not mine-lol) I told her I didn't think we would be doing that either. She said that we can just snuggle. I think we WILL be doing that!

Happy Anniversary, Honey!

Hope you feel better soon!

Love, T

Carli in the Choir!

2010-12-20T09:56:00.004-08:00

Carli decided that she wanted to be in her school choir this year. They started practicing in Sept for the Christmas program. There are almost 200 kids in the choir. Some kids tried out for parts in the (musical) play- but Carli just wanted to sing. It was all the talk at our house for months.

The school is too small to house all the families of all the choir kids, so we had the program at the Faith Assembly church down the street. It has a huge auditorium. It was great cuz we got to sit close to Carli during her performance. (we never get to do that in the school)

Today.

2010-12-14T10:23:00.004-08:00

At our house....

I am doing (never ending) laundry.

Spiderman is shooting bears.

What would I do without him???

Sweet, Sweet Sister Kristen.

2010-12-11T16:26:00.004-08:00

This is my sister in law, (sister to me) Krissy. Krissy is the most special soul. She has a disease known as Retts. We see her about once a year when we go see Jon's family. What is so amazing about her is her love. She goes right up to you. Whoever you are. She can't speak, but just wants to be near you. (esp. if you are in the kitchen, preparing food- she is truly a girl after my own heart.) She is the most friendly and sweet spirit.

I took this pic while Krissy was cozied up on the couch for her morning nap. She looked so sweet and comfy that I couldn' resist.

Maybe because last summer we didn't see her, maybe because I had been thinking a lot about her when I was shopping for her present this year, but when I hung out with her last week, it felt like going home. (Full of innocent love and huge smiles)I enjoy being around Krissy and her loving spirit. If she could talk, I don't know what she would say. But for now- I will let her cuddle up next to me while I attempt to make rolls in the kitchen. I realized I missed her snuggles and I missed her.

I am so glad we got to spend (an unexpected lot of) time together. Take care until we see you this summer, Kris!!

What's gone on this month, you ask????

2010-12-08T19:04:00.019-08:00

Well- let me tell you. First of all, I have no recollection of the 2 weeks before Thanksgiving - so don't ask. (No- I haven't been drinking-lol- I think we just did the everyday blah -blah -blah -stuff with Christmas shopping smushed in-between)

But for Thanksgiving we went to Utah to spend the holiday with Jon's family. Jon had a drew out for a hunting tag in AZ. So we had Thanksgiving dinner on Wed and on Thurs. morning, Jon and his Brother Aaron left for the mountains of Arizona (who knew they had those there-lol)

The kids and I stayed behind and hung out with my in-laws. It was a good break, but one that lasted longer than intended. Jon didn't shoot his elk until 5pm on the last day. He thought he would shoot his elk in the first couple of days like he did when he went to New Mexico a 2 yrs ago. But it didn't really happen like that. The kids missed 4 days of school last week. they cried (No- not really, they cheered actually-lol)

Did I mention that Jon's family are cattle ranchers in Bicknell, Utah (what....you haven't heard of it?- yeah, that's okay I guess it doesn't help that it doesn't have its own grocery store-lol) But it is a good place to raise cattle! On tues. night, a calf was born and because the weather was so cold, and her mother found a nice wet mudhole to birth her in -(Poor thing- what a rough way to come into the world) she was freezing and not doing so well- so Aaron brought her in the mudroom and we got to see first hand what a rewarding job cattle ranching is. This baby cow was so sweet and sucked down a bottle (actually it was choked down her throat- so she had to swallow- but you get the idea) Jack petted and loved the "Beebee cow"

She couldn't stand up for the longest time- but finally Uncle Aaron's lil' shadow (Carli) helped him to get the calf to stand up.

Then we had Thanksgiving. It was delicious. The kids took pictures of all of food (individually) - you know I love to look at pics of food-lol
LOVED these beans. They are called dilly beans because they are pickled. They were crunchy and perfect and now I want some!

There are just no words for this pic- (Just an adorable Uncle Aaron moment-lol )

Gramma had it planned that on Thanksgiving day (Since we had already celebrated the day before) that the kiddos could make Turkey cupcakes.

They turned out cute!!

The kids "helped" Gramma decorate for Christmas. -lol Yeah- I'm not sue how much they actually helped, but the house looked gorgeous in the end!

Jack wore his jammies all week. Buzz is all he wears now. I can hardly pry it off of him to wash it. (Actually he has 3 Buzz Jammies and it is still hard to rotate them so that he always has one to wear.)

When I was getting ready to leave and getting things together, I came out in the family room and saw that these four when transfixed on The Grinch. Add some popcorn to the mix and it was an adorable pic of my fab 4!

Thank You Gramma and Grandpa for leting us visit. We really had a Lovely time!

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Mindy Concert.

2010-11-08T21:48:00.004-08:00

Sat Night, Carli and I and my new sweet friend, Tiffany went to see Mindy Gledhill in concert. It was awesome! Carli was quick to tell Jon all of the funny things that Mindy said on stage and I added that I thought that she had such a charismatic personality. You couldn't help but love the person behind the songs!

Okay- even though THIS FABULOUS photographer took a beautiful picture- sometimes there is just no helping me take a lovely pic. Good thing everyone else looks awesome!-lol

Soccer.

2010-11-05T08:29:00.004-07:00

Bridger started soccer at the beginning of the fall. None of the kids were really ever in soccer (Nolan and Carli took it for about a month- but only practices, no games.) So we were all excited to watch Bridge in soccer. It took him awhile to get into it- but he finally did and kicked the ball a few times each game. (I think at one time he even scored a goal). He was so funny in these pics. He saw me with the camera and posed on the field. (I don't think the ref was too happy about that) oops!

Bridger had 2 jerseys that he wore for home and away games. (Even though it was the same field everytime) Jack saw that Bridger was getting all suited up for his big game and wanted to wear Bridgers other jersery. I didn't realize at the time that he thought that since he had the shirt on, he thought hewas playing. He ran out onto the field when Bridger did and was pretty dang unhappy when we pried him off and made him sit on the sidelines.

Bridger just had his last game on Wed. and now won't play again until Spring.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T09:49:00.014-07:00

We wanted to thank Gramma Sharon for sending lovely Halloween packages for the kiddos. They sure enjoyed them!

(These suckers had me giggling too!)
Who ya' gonna call????

Ghostbusters! I felt bad for Nolan. When we went trick or treating at night- everyone called Nolan a "Camper" It was mostly older people that knew he was a Ghostbuster. But he had a good attitude about it. Bridger and I were walking around TJMAXX and saw this army man. I was a little disappointed at first until I saw the character in the costume. It was more a army look from way back. (Plus muscles)It was Vintage-like. It is hard to tell from the pic but I love the belt that cinched at the waist and left a little overhang on the shirt. It was so cute.Jack was just gonna be one of the 100,000 old costumes that we have when I went to a party store to visit with a friend (about visiting teaching) and saw that these costumes where only $5. He put it on that day and we still fight him to take it off. (He likes to wear his Buzz Jammies under it) Jack at the church party on Fri- he was so tired and so mesmerized by all the costumes!

Carls wanted to be some kind of warrior. She came to me with the idea of an Indian warrior. Carli's costume was found at a second hand store and was in perfect shape except it was an adult's costume. I had to take it in a bit but turned out nice in the end. While we were trick or treating she was called "Pocohontas" by several people. I could tell she didn't like that too much.- (poor thing.) My Fab Four!

The Candy Stash!!!! Hope you had an eventful Halloween!!!

Halloween Party 2010!

2010-11-01T20:36:00.008-07:00

This year THIS gal threw a (adults only) Halloween party (Click HERE and HERE to see past years) The theme was black and white. I thought forever and finally settled on 1920s Gangsters for our costumes. I couldn't find a sort of 1920's women's suit so Just went as a flapper to accompany Jonny's Ganster (minus the tommy-gun) I made my dress and headband and made Jon's vest but otherwise bought everything else.

(Me having fun wit' it!)Da Girls!!!
I came out of the bathroom with my fake (feather) eyelashes and asked Jonny if they were put on right. He said, "They just look weird." I guess at least I got a straight answer (hee hee)

It was a great night. Thanks Debbi!!!

(Next to come- The kid's costumes)

Carvin' Dem' Pun'kins

2010-10-29T12:52:00.006-07:00

I think these pics are pretty self explanatory- so I will let the them speak for themselves!

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-28T08:42:00.018-07:00

Last Fri we went to go to the pumpkin patch as it was the night that Jonny's work peeps were there. Bridger had already gone with his class at school to the pumpkin patch and Nolan went on Monday with school- but we wanted to go as a family and I am glad that we did. Here is one that I had a man accross from us take. It was blurry- but still captured the moment. We were in the trailer- thing (pulled by a tractor) getting ready to go get our pun'kins.Jack was jabbering up a storm and pointing to every pumpkin.
The kids like to climb the hay bale pyramid.

They went wild in the hay maze The moon came out of the clouds and with the hay bales next to it- I thought it was the most perfect Autumn night picture. Unfortunately, even though I played with different settings on my camera- This was the best I could do.
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Carli and Nolan and I went through the corn maze. It was funny to watch them choose which way to go. I just followed them for the most part.

The kiddos liked to spend time in the petting zoo.

They had a few rides there like a carousal and these airplane rides that went up and down. It was a fun night and then we carved our pumpkins on Monday night (but that is another post).

2 Boys and 90 Cents.

2010-10-22T08:49:00.009-07:00

When I was at Target the other day, I passed by Toy Story mac and cheese. Knowing how my little guy has 2 pals named Buzz and Woody- I thought he would enjoy this treat.

Yesterday, when I pulled this for lunch outta the pantry- Jack studied and studied the box. I couldn't get it away from him. Luckily I bought another box- so I made that one for lunch- but Jack opened the box that he held and was looking at all the characters.

Then he played with all the characters.

Then Bridger joined in the fun. They ate their lunch and then played for about 1/2 hour or more with the raw pasta pieces.

Bridger even grouped all the characters. It is so rare (really, really rare) that these two can play together without Jack losing it. But they did. And it only cost 90 cents. (for my sanity) Most of the Woodys didn't make it as Jack spilled his juice on them and he continued to carry the rest of the pasta characters around and dump them out throughout the house to get a better look at them. Needless to say, they found a new home in the garbage can after Jack went to bed last night, but it was sure fun and cute for the day.

(oh and nevermind the Jammies that Jack wanted to wear all yesterday- thats okay- it was a kind of jammie day the both of us!)

My favorite time of the day........

2010-10-18T13:11:00.007-07:00

Dinner Time!!!

Here are a couple of yummy recipes. I got this one HERE. It is more like an alfredo dish than a lasagna- but Jon and I loved it just the same. I put a lil' bit ground sausage in mine tho.

Also a couple of years ago our ward put together a cookbook. One of the recipes (submitted by THIS girl) was Dinner in a Pumpkin. I like it cuz your family can eat just the mixture inside or scoop out some of the pumpkin to eat also. I usually get the little pumpkins that have the painted faces on them at Walmart, cuz they are the perfect size (and then scub off the painted faces cuz I don't know if the paint will burn- and I don't want them looking at me while I bake them.) But this year the little painted face pumpkins were almost twice as much as the unpainted large pumpkins. I chose to get a bigger on because of price and was laughing a the size as I put it in my cart.I had to double my recipe (everything but the hamb.)- but it wasn't tons like I thought it would be and filled it quite nicely.

Dinner in a Pumpkin

1 med. to small pumpkin

1 onion, chopped

2 T oil

1-2 lbs. hamb, browned and drained

2 T. soy sauce

2 T. brown sugar

1 (4 oz.) canned mushrooms (I always use fresh that are sauteed in butter)

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 1/2 cups cooked rice

1 (8 oz can) water chestnuts, drained

Hollow out pumpkin and put on a cookie sheet. Mix all ingredients together and put in pumpkin. Replace lid and bake at 350 for an hour or more. Pumpkin should be soft. Great for Halloween and Thanksgiving.

(Note:- I also put some diced yellow bell peppers from the garden as we had tons. I liked what it added to the taste of the dinner).

Weekend Update.

2010-10-11T12:02:00.007-07:00

Thurs night the 2 oldest kids and Jon and I went to Oklahoma. (The play, not the state) I LOVED the music as I have heard some of it growing up but never knew it was from that play. It was a nice night.

This weekend we prepared for and had a yard sale with our sweet neighbor. Both of us had big plans to spend all the money we were gonna make. Both of us spent most of it that night.

That night Carli and I went with these guys to see a Cinderella play put on by these guys. It was awesome and when it was over we went to Appleby's to spend more of our yard sale moula.

Late, late Sat. night Bridger was visited by the stomach flu fairy. It wasn't a nice visit. She isn't a nice fairy.

Sunday at church, the primary prepared for their annual primary program. I think (hope) it goes well next Sunday.

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Sunday for lunch all I wanted were onion rings (cuz I couldn't stop thinking about the yummy ones at Abbleby's the night before) We have tons of big, beautiful onions from our garden, so we made these for lunch. I am LOVING that recipe!

Sunday night, we all watched Apollo 13. I was thinking the kiddos would like this as the 2 oldest can handle serious movies now and they were fascinated that it was a true story.

Because the story took place in the 70's, everyone at NASA used slide rulers instead of calculators. It made me thankful for modern technology. Really, really thankful. I think the sliding ruler will stay with me the next 50 times that I post something on my blog!

Now, recovering still from the weekend, we are tired and ready for a break. (But not wanting to get the tummy flu- we are not ready for that kind of break-lol)

Boys Will Be Boys!

2010-10-05T22:23:00.003-07:00

The other night we were all sitting on the couch, getting ready to read scriptures. I scooched on over by Carli. She said, "Mom, you smell like peaches." (I had just popped a peach candy ring into my mouth). Nolan said, "What? Mom smells like pee-juice???!" What a boy-thing to think. Good thing I have 3. (More future Pee-juice kind-of comments for me.)

Our Family Pics 2010

2010-10-02T18:56:00.020-07:00

It has been 2 years since this girl took our family pics, so we thought it was time again. I have had it in my mind for just about 2 years that I wanted to have them taken in an apple orchard ever since I first saw Nie Nie's beautiful family pics. Something about the sun and the eternal rows of trees that says, "We are a happy family." I liked that. Here are some of them.

Thanks for Working with us Sonja-

You did a Wonderful Job!

Gonna Miss it.

2010-09-26T20:03:00.005-07:00

I desperately want to go to this. However, since I don't live in Utah- it is a little tough for me. You will have to go for me. (if you live in Utah, that is) I have been following her blog ever since the plane crash first happened. She has grown in my heart and I wish I could be half the woman that Nie Nie is! My kids know her as the "woman in the plane crash" that I always talk about. My daughter asked if I know her personally. I wish I did. Sometimes I feel as though I do through her blog. She amazes me.

If you haven't already, start laughing and crying with Stephanie at the

Nie Nie Dialogs.

Carli-isms

2010-09-22T22:25:00.004-07:00

Carls cracks me up sometimes. She gets words mixed up like kids do. Sometimes it takes everything I have not to crack a smile- let alone belt out a laugh at her choice of words. Here are a few since I can't remember all.

Cherrio= Churro (her favorite warm treat at Costco)

Hamster= Hamper "Mom- My hamster is too full to carry upstairs"

French= France She confuses the country with the lang. "When you are in French..."

And my new favorite:

As we were sitting at Bridger's soccer game tonight, (Bridge in soccer is a whole other post) I told Carli that we were going to Mc D's for dinner tonight. Carli asked me what was the healthiest thing at Mc Ds. We talked about it and then she told me the reason she asked. She said that at school they learned about eating behaviors and obtuse children. It took me a minute. "Wait... Do you mean obese???"

Obtuse= Obese

She covered it up by saying that she had angles on her brain- but I hope she never stops her Carli-isms!

Propaganda.....Yet Again.

2010-09-13T21:25:00.005-07:00

Dear Friends and Family- It is that time of the year again. The kids have come home with their school fundraisers. Every year the kids get a booklet that asks us to fill out 7 names of friends and family and addresses and give it back to the school. In turn, ads for magazines are sent to our friends and family. Although I am not a big fan of fundraisers, (I think they're crap) I feel bad when the school promises an item to the kids that return their booklets. School is hard enough without kids feeling bad for not getting a (somewhat popular) item that every other kid in the school gets. So I am a sucker for turning in these dumb booklets. Every year I feel bad for sending them out. If you receive one, please don't feel that you have to buy anything from them. (unless you just really, really, really want a magazine- :) The kids really just want the prize for turning in the booklets. Thanks for being awesome friends and family. (Please enjoy these cyber- flowers-lol)

Anchor.

2010-09-12T21:42:00.012-07:00

Can you fall in love with a song?

If you can, then I think I am in love with this one.

Nolan and I have a special relationship with it.

We get it stuck in our heads all day long.

We like the video too. (don't forget to push pause on my playlist to watch video)

Note to self: Next time I'm on a motorcycle, I will most definently wear butterfly wings- it just looks cooler that way.

I am (impatiently) waiting for my Mindy Gledhill cd to arrive in the mail.

Buzz and Woody

2010-09-03T12:17:00.005-07:00

On wed, Jack and I had some to go shopping and get some things that the other kids needed to supplement their school wardrobe. While we were at Kohls, Jack spotted this Buzz outfit and pulled me across the store to check it out. He kept pointing and saying, "Buzz, Buzz!" When I saw it I immediately started laughing cuz it was so darling and I could see him doing all his Buzz moves while running around in it.

Upon further inspection, we realized that Woody also came with the set. He really wasn't as big on Woody as he is Buzz-(It's all about Buzz these days) but he seemed to be pleased holding both in the cart. They cost more than I would have liked to spend on Jammies for a boy that didn't really need any- but he has been treating them like costumes for 2 days. He wears Buzz for 10 mins and then Woody for 10 mins and then we have to help him back into Buzz! But really- who couldn't get a kick outta that face and those moves in that darling sleepwear?

Birthdays, School and Jack!

2010-09-01T08:24:00.010-07:00

On sat, we finally celebrated Nolan's and Jack's birthdays. Nolan wanted a wii cake. I found an idea HERE to make a wii remote and am pleased with the way it turned out.

We had a low-key birthday. Even tho, my two oldest had already watched Despicable Me, Nolan wanted to see it again with his friends. We took 2 other boys to the theater with our family and laughed harder than I thought we would. Then we came back home for cake and ice cream.Then, school started on Monday. First it was Nolan off to Jr. High. He loved it the first day, hated the 2nd and was more at peace by the third. Only time will tell!Then Carli has a new bus-buddy as she went to fourth grade and Bridger started morning Kindergarten. They are both liking their classes so far. Monday night we went to a Chinese buffet (that our family likes)to celebrate the start of the school year. Carli eats 424 boiled shrimps and Nolan scarfs down just as many pot stickers. (Which look suspiciously like Costco's) But the fun part came when Jack's fortune cookie read, "Appearances are not what they seem" We though it was fitting for 'sweet' lil' Jack.

Bigger.

2010-08-26T10:41:00.003-07:00

Bridger just lost his first tooth a couple of days ago. It's because he is 6 now and bigger. That's what he tells me all the time. I can't decide if I like the idea of my sweet baby with grown up teeth. The one next to it is loose too. As long as I get sweet little boy kisses and hugs when his adult teeth have all come in, then I guess I don't mind him gettin' bigger!

Today.

2010-08-23T12:51:00.007-07:00

Today I have Yukon potatoes growing out of my ears.

Today I realize that I need to live in an amusement park and not a house.

Today I realize my house is too much like an amusement park, complete with screaming kids.

Today I can't hide anything well enough from Jack. Especially the frozen cookie dough.

Today I will never take for granted the taste of a fresh, seasoned tomato from the garden.

Today I now know for sure that Jack is enemies with my milk glass collection.

Today I wonder when I will be able to take a shower.

Today I am wondering how many ways and how many nights we can have potatoes for dinner.

Today I am glad that I have only four kids.

Today I am wondering how I can send my first baby boy to Jr. High next week.

Today I want the house to be self cleaning.

Today I wish I could to make 2322 cafts and still have a clean house when I'm done.

Today I want Jack the Stripper to be done refinishing my cabinent so I can start organinzing our games.

Today I want to gobble down 3 bottles of Coke, 12 creme-filled cupcakes, and 6 bags of cheap candy and not have my scale notice anything different.

Today I wish Jack still took naps.

Today I am wishing summer would never end.
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Today I want next week when school starts to come faster.

Holy Yummy Food, Batman!

2010-08-21T10:05:00.002-07:00

The other night, we made THESE. Oh man! The kids weren't big on the bananas in them, they just went for the wontons with nutella. (Fried chocolate- who wouldn't love that) We ate them with icecream and carmel sauce. The kids like powered sugar on them- I loved carmel drizzled on mine! I seriously couldn't make them fast enough!

Oh! We love you, Jack!

2010-08-14T23:46:00.008-07:00

Jack be nimble

Jack be quick

Jack will ALWAYS

Get away with it!

Cuz the baby of the family ALWAYS does.

Especially if it is his birthday.

We don't stand a chance today.

Happy Birthday #3 Little Guy!
We LOVE You!

(Yes I had my 2 boys 1 day apart)

(Okay- You caught me- 1 Day and 8 years apart)

He Just Won't Listen!

2010-08-14T00:04:00.027-07:00

(Yes, Those are overalls, Don't Judge me-lol)

Before he was born, I said, "Okay baby....you can come out now" He was born 4 days after he was due. He just won't listen.

As a Newborn, when I said, "Okay son, it says in this book, that I am supposed to feed you, burb you and lay you down to sleep." He fell asleep nursing only to wake up and then projectile vomit all over me. (Yeah that is one of the kiddos favs) He just won't listen! When he was one, he got into E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. After we asked him to stop, I think it actually got worse. He Just won't listen.

Eating breakfast in the dark, before the sun rose.

When he was two, I told him to sleep because mommy was tired from being pregnant with his sister and needed to sleep in. He always got up at 5:30 a.m. He just won't listen.
When he was three, he drove us crazy with vacuums. "I told him to stop climbing on our vacuum, it is not a ride" He broke it so many times, we had to buy an extended warranty for it. He just won't listen.

When he was four, I let him play outside with his sister and told him "not to do anything naughty" he taught his sister how to throw green tomatoes over our fence into our neighbors backyard at their dogs. (They weren't happy) He just won't listen.

When he was five, I told him that he was too young to start Kindergarten a couple of weeks after his birthday. He became so smart that we couldn't wait another year. He just won't listen.

When he was six, I told him to try to make it IN the toilet like we taught you (not on the sides and the floor) He just won't listen

When he was seven, I told him I was glad he liked tornadoes, but didn't like the idea of replaying Curious George's movie clip of a tornado in a slowglobe 351 times in one sitting.He just won't listen.When he was eight, we constantly reminded him that even though he didn't like the smell, he would be fine sitting next to his sister when chewing gum. He still hasn't gotten over that one. He just won't listen.

When he was nine, we told him that he was going to cubscout camp just like he did the year before. He fought us even though he always has fun and learns a lot. He just won't listen.

When he was ten, his grandparents told him to slow down when driving the four-wheeler and he smashed into their shed. (What? too soon to be comical?-lol) He just won't listen.

Today, he is eleven, I have been telling him for 11 years to do one (little) thing for me.

I beg all the time

"Please Don't grow up"

He just won't listen.

Happy Birthday, Baby! You are turning into quite the young man!

P.S.- I used to sing you this song when you were a baby. The words were true and still are!

The Adventures of Juan and Terrrrrrra (Part Cuatro)

2010-08-12T17:06:00.014-07:00

Zip-lining in Puerto Vallarta

We decided to sign-up for zip-lining before we ever left home. We looked at all the excursion packages of things to do during our time in Mexico and decided to try Zip-lining. Jon and I read and talked about all the excursions together and when we got the this one he said, "Well, you probably won't do that."

You see, I am terribly afraid of heights. My sweet Jonny knows this as does anyone who is close to me. Heights freak me out. I read the description of the activity and declared,

"Wait a minute, I can do that."

Jon snickered just a little bit before he realized that I was serious. We signed up and as it grew closer, I was really quite excited.

It was first thing in the morning when we arrived in Puerto Vallarta. So we boarded a boat that took us to a little business and waited at least 30 minutes for a truck to pick us all up.

Pic taken of Jon while we were waiting for truck- I was really taking a pic of the little brick structure to the side of him-hee hee)

Then on a rather bumpy dirt road, we drove for close to an hour with about 13 other people in the back of a covered truck. I felt a little bit like a member of the Mexican Military.-(lol) The more we drove, the greener it got until we were in the depths of a jungle. Then, we geared up for the big event described HERE.

Sorry, we couldn't take any pics during our Tarzan- like, jungle moves, cuz cameras weren't allowed, but we did buy 1 pics of each of us from the photographer there that "sweetly" charged us $15 a picture. The guides helping all of us on the adventure were so fun and had a great sense of humor, but were so serious and cautious when they needed to be. It was one of the guides that asked Jon if he could call him Juan. (Wait, why didn't I think of that???)

It was the neatest experience and I was fine. The first couple of times I went I was more concerned about when I should start breaking and the speed that I was going, that the height (even though I was surprised at how far up we were) was never really an issue for me. It was also a lot of work. The zip-lining was the easy part. The rope ladder and rope bridges were a little more physical- but I enjoyed every minute of it. (Except the bugs that bit me like 30 times on both legs where my capris didn't cover. I didn't enjoy them-Note to self: next time doing anything in the jungles of Mexico, bring bug spray!) It was a wet and rainy day. We only felt a few drops in the bottom of the jungle when it really started to rain. We had so much tree and plant cover that we really didn't feel much wetness. But after lunch, back on the ship, we went out to explore the city and it was raining quite hard for awhile. It was so humid that I was actually glad for the cool(er) rain.

Unfortunately, I got to take one picture during our shopping trip before my camera battery died.
This concludes the adventures of Juan and Terrrrra. Tune in next year to see where where this crazy couple goes next!
Adios Amigos!

The Adventures of Juan and Terrrrrrra (Part Tres)

2010-08-12T16:47:00.009-07:00

Mazatlan

I loved it here, but there is a story as to why we had a relaxing time with a beach mostly to ourselves. When we got off the ship, we had to take a taxi to the beach. There was a beach that us cruise ship passengers could use that was privately owned by a hotel. We had every intention of going to that beach. After we got off the ship, we were approached by all kinds of people that were trying to sell us rides to wherever we wanted to go.We stopped at one man that said he would take us where we wanted for $10. But he worked for a hotel on the complete opposite end of where we were and told us that he was pushing tours to this hotel. They wanted people to see it and take a tour. Jon decided that we could do that. We had to sign papers saying we were going to take the tour. I wasn't getting it. I thought, "well maybe this is how they do things here." ""Maybe to take a cab ride, we have to sign up." Right after we signed the papers, the guy explained it better. We were to attend a time share presentation at this hotel in exchange for lunch and access to the hotel pools and private beach.

I was pretty dang mad. I sure didn't want to waste my time with a 90 minute time share presentation when we only had like 8 hours to explore Mazatlan and there were so many options of things to do.

Making a long story short. We took the tour of the whole place and the man that gave it was a retired American who didn't usually give the presentations. He couldn't have been nicer, even tho I bit his head off a few times (yeah- still mad I had to listen to the whole presentation). We told him we weren't interested in it after he gave us the whole price spiel. And he was so nice to us even then.

We now had access to enjoy the beach. We also had free drinks to enjoy. (Yeah- not drinkers- but we had all the virgin pina colodas that we wanted- even tho we had to explain what virgin meant in a drink because it is pretty unheard of that anyone would come to Mexico and not drink the hard stuff.-lol)

We hung out and swam in the ocean which was so beautiful and we couldn't believe that the water was the same temp as the air. Super nice and warm. I got tons and tons of sand up my swimsuit and could remember the last time I did that. I felt like I was a kid again. Then we relaxed together, sipping on our pina coloda. Aaaahhhh!

Then we had a free lunch too. And the resort had 7 pools to swim in depending on your mood. We decided if we wanted to go to the shopping district we didn't have time for the pools, but I still dipped myself in one right before we left. If I ever went back, I would certainly spend my time there. But I don't even remember the name of the resort, so I would have to do research-lol.

We go a crazy cab ride in this crazed golf cart on steroids thing to the shopping district and spent some time there buying souvenirs before returning to the ship. I took this picture as we were speeding through town, close to the ocean. The view was lovely.

This was our view of Mazatlan form the ship. That little boat help push the ship out of the cove we were in.

Once we got back on, we were talking to a few people there and asked them how they like the city. The groups of different people that we talked to said that they hated it. That the beach they went to was super crowded and vendors hounded you to buy things. Wow! That was not out experience. We really liked it. And we owe it all to the hotel that we can't remember the name of!-lol

Coming up: Part 4

Puerto Vallarta

The Adventures of Juan and Terrrrrrrrra (Roll your r's)

2010-08-11T10:35:00.022-07:00

Cabo San Lucus

or as I like to call it...............Cabo Wabo

(like the sign in this picture below. I think it was a restaurant)

Wanna hear a joke?:

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Why are pirates so mean?

I don't know why, they just Aaarrrghh!

(Said with one eye closed while making a deep Arrrrr"- pirate sound)

Except for the gold ones. This (real) guy was really quite nice.

We stopped for lunch and I talked Jonny into ordering this stone bowl of Cactus strips and shrimp. It looked crazy but it was actually pretty dang good. You eat it like fajitas, putting it in tortillas.
I loved these outside markets that sold dried puffer fish (look at the size of that thing) and dried shark mouths.

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Okay! Here is my Crazy -Cabo story: There was this lady walking around with this Iguana. She kept putting it on us and telling us to take a picture (in her broken English) I couldn't figure out the gimmick. People loved to try to sell things to tourists (we weren't hard to spot) and would hound us to buy anything. Jon posed with it but I wasn't sure I wanted it on me.

She finally just plopped it on my shoulder. And when I went to walk away, plopped it on my head and told us to take another picture.

At the same time a man came up to me on my left and tried to sell me a silver bracelet. I didn't say 'no' right away cuz there was a giant lizard on me and I was more concerned about that.

My lack of 'no's' told him that I might want that bracelet so before I knew what was going on, he slapped it on my wrist. I felt like I was bombarded and by this time wanted to catch up to my Jonny who had sprinted off to help move us along. I had to tell them both, "off, please"

I started walking away to catch up to Jon when the Iguana lady approached me and said something I wasn't getting about pictures and $2. I kept telling her no thank-you and when I almost caught up to my husband it hit me. (Slap hand to forehead.) Aaahh! The gimmick. She wanted $2 to pose with the iguana) Did I just rip her off? Was I obligated? This city was getting confusing. The Day of the Dead was a big thing there. There were skeletons everywhere. We found our way to an inside mall ( awww! air conditioning) and saw this unique lady that I just had to pose with.

This was our first port. It was dry like the dessert and the beaches were hard to get to. (Had to rent a boat) We didn't get a chance to go to one.

Out of all 3 ports, Cabo Wabo was my least favorite. I think that if we had got out of the tourist-y part of town, it woulda been a better experience. But having little time to explore the city was the trade-off for traveling on a cruise ship. (where you can eat 24 hrs a day btw)-lol

Coming up next: Part 3

Mazatlan

The Royal Caribbean Experience

2010-08-04T11:19:00.038-07:00

Our ship was called Mariner of the Seas.
Note: I did not take these pics of the ship...I got them online!

We flew to L.A. and then got on from there. Jon and I boarded the ship on a Sunday and didn't have our luggage yet ( it was being taken to our room) so we walked around looking at everything. The next day we woke up and ate the first of many of our buffet breakfasts. It was quite cold the first day and a half. We didn't go swimming until later in the afternoon when it warmed up.Every Night there was a new show to watch. This was one of our favs. A group that looked and sounded like ABBA.

One night we got an introduction of Captain Johnny (with the mike) and all his crew for the bridge. (It wasn't THE bridge it was just a bridge in the middle of one of the floors) I thought his joke was funny.

We also attended a discussion where you got to ask the Capt'n and crew anything. It was informative!

Jonny and I were surprised that we saw so much sea life from the sides of the ship. We spent hours on the last couple of days just looking at the water. Every few minutes we would see something. Some things we saw included, dolphins, flying fish, turtles, (which is what I think is in this picture) manna rays, whales and whale sharks (which were right next to the ship and where really cool and huge). Of course I didn't get a good picture of any of them- but it was still fun to watch. Here is the solarium where we would relax and watch some sea life or just read. (or nap)

Every night when we came in from dinner and our shows, the maids would make towel- animals and put them on our bed.

I guess they thought it was funny to put our sunglasses on them. (We thought it was)

Here is our cabin

I tried to take many pics of our little bathroom cuz it was so small- but because of the smallness- I couldn't get pics from all angles.

I thought our tiny shower was funny. There was barely enough room for one person.

Our bed. (bigger than a queen but not quite a king and the end was rounded slightly)

Jon hanging out on the balcony

We got to dress up in formal wear for dinner two times on that trip.

The dinners were exquisite.

This was looking over the balcony in our dining room.

Since the price of food was included in the cruise package- you could have more than one of any of the courses. Jon and I always tried 3 or four desserts between the 2 of us.

I mean, come on, how could you pass those up?

Yeah- are you surprised we gained like 5 lbs each?

Next to come: Part 2

The Mexican Ports!

The Pre- Post

2010-08-02T13:55:00.008-07:00

(Click pic to enlarge)

In Mazatlan, I stopped at an outside market (most market places are outside) selling jewelery. I thought I would treat my hand to a little ring. It has been a long time since I have committed myself to wear another ring (daily) besides my wedding ring.

I came across this little silver ring with a "T" on it.

It called to me.

It spoke to me.

"Buy me Terra, we soooo belong together." I rescued it from a bunch of other rings. None of them were initial rings. This was the only one and it just happened to be my size and I payed only $8 for this pure silver little guy. I think I am in love!

More Mexico cruise pics to come when I leave the laundry long enough to load pics.

Disneyworld! May 2010

2010-07-19T08:34:00.033-07:00

We just got back from Jackson Hole, Wy with my husband's family. I forgot my camera- but my sister in law emailed me some pics. Unfortunately blogger doesn't like the emailed pics so until I figure it out- I can't post about our refreshing trip to Jackson Hole. So I thought this would be a good time to work on blogging our trip to Disneyworld. I am warning you- This post is super long-(I should have broke it up into a lot of little posts.-) but at least it is finally done.

On the way there, Jack pulled out the emergency flight instructions all by himself and started studying them.

The first morning, we had a character breakfast with Mickey and gang. Jon and I got a kick outta their little waffles in the shape of Mickey's head.

The first day we went to the Magic Kingdom. Here is Nolan in front of a train ride roller coaster (forgot the name)

While we went on a couple of rides, like Splash Mountain, Grandma Sharon spoiled Jack with a big sucker. He was thrilled. When the other kids saw what he had he told them all about it. (in his jibber jabber talk) "yes...and then Gramma gave me this candy pop".... suck, suck, suck...... "and I really like it".....lick,lick,lick.... "I am so super thrilled that I got candy and all I did was just be cute" ...suck,lick,suck......

In Tomorrowland, we went on this race track in these go-cart type cars. Jon and Bridger were ahead of Nolan and I.We made sure we "accidentally" bumped them a couple of times-lol

I took a bunch of pics of Nolan driving cuz it looked too close to the truth. That he will be driving in just a few years. I am not sure if I like that.

It was so hot there. There were times whee the kid's faces got so red. We found a little fountain playground where we let the kids get a little wet and cool down.

My 3 oldest soon discovered that one of their fav rides were the teacups. I told Bridger a secret. I explained that when I was little (and we went to Disneyland) I didn't like the teacups cuz they always looked fast and scary. Bridger surprised me with his answer. He said, "But they're just so pretty!" (I agreed)

In the Animal Kingdom, they kids found the dinosaur-themed section to their liking!

Jack and Bridger loved this dino ride that went up in the air and around in a circle. We went on it many times and each time, Jack had a hard time exiting the ride. (can you say "big fit")
Everywhere we went, we took a bus. It was nice to relax on the bus and rest our tired feet.

Bridger and I had some time alone together. (I will talk about it later as Blogger isn't letting me move this pic with the other ones) But I wanted to post this pic cuz Bridger was so happy. He was just the right age to have his first experience in the Magic Kingdom. (I think we waited too long with our older 2)

One of our fav rides as a family was the Toy Story ride. You got to go around and shoot targets like a carnival game. Only it was all animated. So it was more like a big video game that you ride. Pretty dang sweet!

Unfortunately, we waited in line.....

and waited in line.......

and waited in line.....

This talking potato head was funny and toward the end, so we where glad when we reached him.....

and then took more pics.........

and more pics. Jack was being a booger during the whole 45 mins that we had to wait in line. He thought he could play on all the decorative toys that they had to look at. Oh man. It was tough. It felt more like waiting 3 hours. But way worth it in the end.

We went to Hollywood Studios (Like the universal studios of Disneyworld) We found this Star Wars Fighter and had to pose on it.

Carli had the funniest poses on her face. She was clearly in her element. Anything Star Wars.

I made Jon climb on and pose. He would never tell me- but i think it was a dream of his.-lol

Then we went to a show where they talked about how they put movies together with film footage. They asked Jon to be a volunteer- but sensing that he wasn't that comfortable- I said that I would do it. (They told me I would get wet- so I was more than happy to volunteer after walking around on a hot day in the unforgiving sun)

I was made the captain out of the 3 volunteers. I had to drive the ship, answer the phone and look through these big binoculars at the sky. (The scene was how we were on a ship that was being attacked- so water was splashing all around us) I didn't get as wet as I hoped but it was my 2 secs of being semi- famous (in front of like 50 people)

Then we walked around movie exhibits. Carli and Jon couldn't resist having their picture taken by Darth Vader. (I think it was the force)

I thought the Pirates of the Caribbean exhibit was cool!

The kids posing by this painted wall in Hollywood Studios.

We had an amazing view from our hotel. We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Hotel in Kidani Village.

There were all kinds of animals outside throughout the day. Giraffes, Ostriches, Kuddos, and other african animals.

Jack coulda watched the animals all day and after had a small obsession with giraffes.

Idon't remember what these bull/steer things were called. But they looked cool.

Bridger had a hard time being drug around to all of the rides and shows. He liked being there, but after rides like the Haunted house and Splash Mountain he developed anxiety about each ride that we pulled him on wether he like it or not. He kept asking to go on rides that we went on the first day in Magic Kingdom. Finally, everyone was tired one night and wanted to leave. Bridger and I stayed behind and I told him that he could choose the rides and go on any ride he wanted. He just came alive. He is at that fabulous age where the magic kingdom really is magic to him.

His favorite ride was Small World. He talked throughout the whole thing and I realized that it had been awhile since Bridger had my full undivided attention without his little brother running the show.

Then we went on the Carousel. I haven't been on one in years. I think it musta been his first (real) one. At the end of the night they had a big fireworks show. We were trying to leave before the park closed and we were held up in swarms of people. We finally got on our crowed bus and got one seat to share. I told Bridger that we would cuddle all the way home. It was such a special night for just the 2 of us. I have such a sweet and loving boy!

I think these pics are from Hollywood studios. The kids wanted to see the "Honey we Shrunk the Kids" playground. Jack had a blast! I remember when that movie came out. (Dang! How old am I?)

I think these are more pics from the Dino experience in the animal kingdom. (Sorry- Like I said before- blogger is being a booger about me moving pics around)

They had a whole nemo experience at epcot. The kids thought they were pretty cute in Bruce's (the Shark's) Mouth

I loved seeing all the bushes cut like Disney movie Characters.

Peter Pan and Captain Hook

(and me and Jon)

Cinderella and Prince Charming. (One of my favorites)
We rented Jack a stroller like this everday. He fell asleep in it almost everyday. The heat, long days and walking that we all did wore him out.

We went to a restaurant called Teppan Edo in the Jappanese- themed part in Epcot. I had never been to Benny Hannah's but appartly it was the same idea. We were loosing the kids attention that day. So this was a nice treat. They were all watching the (cooking) show.

Here was our chef. She was adorable. Hard to understand with her accent, but she had so much energy!

I am pretty sure the kiddos weren't supposed to play on this display (um...oops)

There was a Norweigin ride in Epcot that we thought was pretty neat. Jack loved the gift shop afterwards. I think Jack was born to be a viking and fight trolls.

Here we are at Epcot. The sun was just going down as we were walking away from all of the different countries that make up part of Epcot. You can see them accross the lake behind Nolan.

Jack was getting restless on the return flight so I pulled out a treat. I thinkk he looked at it for a full 5 mins before sinking his teeth into it.

We had so much fun and the kids still talk about it months later. Bridger was so frightened but also fascinated by the Haunted House. When he turned 6 last month, he informed me that now he could go on the haunted house cuz he is now 6 and won't be scared anymore. I think we are all ready to go back!

Eclipse

2010-07-01T09:30:00.002-07:00

Saw Eclipse the other night and it was sooooo good. The funny thing is, the third book of the series is probably my least favorite of all of them- but the movie- well- it had something for everyone. Comedy, action and of course...romance!

Bridger's Harry Potter Birthday!

2010-06-23T07:40:00.018-07:00

I am not quite the blogging fool I used to be (now just a fool-lol) Bridger has his birthday party 2 saturdays ago and I am just now adding text to the pictures I uploaded last week. One day I will get it together. (It used to be any fleeing thought I had went on my blog- now I am lucky to get semi- major events in the Jacobs' lives typed out.)

As by the title- you can tell that Bridger had a Harry Potter birthday. (He wanted a Chuck E Cheese birthday- but lately the idea of eating crappy pizza in a germ infested room with 500,000 other kids doesn't apeal to me that much- I have no idea why- so I talked him into a HP party instead)

Bridger loves HP so we did some things from the stories.
We made wands. They were chocolate liquorice (cuz not everyone loves black like I do) dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with magic (no- just fun sprinkles)

We had a dragon egg hunt.

But the most favorite thing that they did was make their own potions.

We had jars with dragon tears, pond slime unicorn urine, moon dew, extract of eel eye and a sleeping potion (don't be worried- it was really just kool-aid)
and then things to add to their brew to make a true potion Mandrake root- candy orange slices

bloodworms- gummy worms

frog brain- gummy octopus

Spider silk- cotton candy

Chinese grubs- gummy grubs

Exploding fleas- pop rocks (which really sizzled when added to liquid)

They added their mixtures by using medicine droppers (that I seem to have 10 million of) The boys couldn't get a whole lot out with the droppers- so my smart husband came out with a turkey baster. (Then we were cookin'-lol)

Of course they had to test out their own potions.

Since cupcakes are all the rage these days (and much easier to work with) we made Wizard hat (sugar cones dipped in chocolate and added the famous HP lightening bolt!

Bridger unwrapped his gifts.....

Then we sent the kiddos home with a Cauldron of goodies (yes- it is a sand-pail. You try finding cauldrons in June) Some things that went in the cauldrons were........ Some Honey Dukes candy floss

Dumbledore's bubbles

Potter's Potions

and the Sorcerer's Stone. (Yes- I'm sure all the parent's loved that I sent their child home with slime)

It was a fun Birthday party to participate in and put on. I still can't believe my little guy is 6!

The Last Year of Cub Scout Camp for Nolan.

2010-06-21T09:11:00.015-07:00

This year the theme of day camp was the amazing race. Nolan wasn't too sure about it the first 2 days, but the last 2 days, his attitude was a lot better and he had fun. I went up with him on the last day. Each station had a theme of a state on it. They learned about the U.S. as well as the info in the stations.

One of the states we went to was Wisconson to play a Fear Factor type game. THe boys got points for the things that they ate. Small points were given for things like gummy bears, lettuce and seasame candy. then, there were the harder levels with higher points for things like dried anchovies, dried larve and dried grasshoppers. The last 2 items were live grasshoppers and mealworms. (at 1000 points each)

Here Nolan is eating a dried larve. It was cheese flavored and told the boys that they tasted like a cheeto. Nolan agreed.

Here he is feasting upon a dried grasshopper. (It had sour cream and onion flavoring on it. They told Nolan that it tasted like popcorn, but he wasn't so sure about that)

Here is the mealworm that Nolan was given. Tried as he might, he just couldn't do it. Nolan was the only one that didn't eat a live bug- but he was okay with that. They had chocolate sauce to dipp the live bugs in. What made me laugh was that Conner (Nolan's friend and our neighbor) said, "Wow, nature tastes good in chocolate."

Then they went to Wyoming (I think it was) to practice bb gun shooting. They let me sit by my son and shoot too. I was all over the place until Nolan showed me what to line up in order to aim better.- (duh)

I was amazed at my son's shooting skills.Here he is in Alaska. He got to go fishing for trout. (I think the fish and game helped with the big bins with the fish in them. Nolan was looking forward to this station for 2 days and when he finally got to do it- he wasn't able to catch a fish. Some boys got lucky- but mostly the fish were done being caught and released by then. Then we went to the state of Indiana. They had soap box race cars there and one station was so that the boys could push leaders. Even though I had already been pushed, Nolan didn't get a turn at pushing his mom and kept asking me until finally another woman there said, "Your son really wants to push you." (I just felt bad cuz I knew it wears the boys out) I agreed and let him treat me to a fun ride.
Nolan is in the white helmet.

Here he is, ready to go!

I am sure gonna miss cub scout camp for the next 2 years (until Bridger is ready)

Anything to Make My Life Yummy..er..uh...Easier!

2010-06-11T10:22:00.005-07:00

Last year- I wanted grilled veggies without having to put each veggie on a skewer. So I went to Walmart and bought a grill basket. I cut all my veggies and put them in the basket, so excited to eat them from the grill. Then a horrible unexpected thing happened. I went to stir them and they all fell through the grill basket and through the grill and onto my feet. After many choice words, that I will not reveal in this post, I counted my loses and put away my grill basket for good as far as veggies are concerned. (Thinking that I may use it someday with something else).

A couple of weeks ago, I was at Ross. (Where I found some lovely sateen, high thread count, sheets for $30) While in the checkouts, my eyes fell upon this grill basket, just right there by the registers. It was an impulse buy (I came in for sheets- not a grill basket) but snatched it up and I am sooooo glad I did. With a little oil and some Johnny's seasoning our veggies were fabulous! And the best part- my feet are burn-free!

Lesson Learned: Shop at Ross for grill baskets.

Playing Catch-up!

2010-06-02T13:06:00.009-07:00

Last Weekend....

Bridger graduated from preschool.
Miss Kori had a bounce house for the occasion...

and made vegan chocolate cake (so uber yummy)

I went to Seattle with this girl (and this girl and this girl) We played and shopped and played.
(What?- don't you post pics of yourself that looked like your stuck a fork in a light socket???)

And hung out with my cousin and her sweet family for a little bit.

Bbq'd at a lovely park with a bunch of families that we know for Memorial Day.

Carli had her first taste of dutch oven peach cobbler. I told her that she wouldn't like it. I think she took it as a challenge to try it. She thought it was good. I was surprised.

Hope you had a great weekend!

I Don't Get IT!

2010-05-21T08:24:00.007-07:00

Picture taken at Disneyworld

I like my blog because I can edit out all the things that are "not as much fun" when it comes
to raising kids. (I can look like a wonderful mother (swoon) At the risk of sounding negative, I thought I would post an example of many of my conversations with my kids.....

I will set it up. Yesterday morning Nolan had appox. 3 mins before catching the bus. He was looking for his shoes.

Me: Nolan, If you are looking for your other tennis shoe, I know it is downstairs in your closet.

Nolan: Oh! Thanks, (and takes off downstairs.)

Nolan: (Coming back upstairs.) I couldn't find it.

ME: Seriously, I know it is down there. Did you look behind the curtain?

Nolan: Yep, I did.

ME: You are sure you didn't see it in your closet?

Nolan: No, it is not there.

Me: (running downstairs with 30 secs until bus comes) pushing back closet curtain to find shoe in the middle of the closet against the wall with no other obstructions. (In clear view)

Me: (Running back upstairs) Nolan, your shoe was in the middle of your closet. Why didn't you see it?

Nolan: oh. I don't know.

Me (Trying to teach my kids to pay attention and be observant) well, did you pull back the curtain?

Nolan:: Yeah. I didn't see it.

Me: (Wondering how on earth he could miss it) How could you not see it, it was right there on the floor.

Nolan: Well- I didn't really look on the floor.

Me: ...ar... th...eh....What???

Me: (making some snarky comment about not expecting objects you are looking for to float out in front of you- tells my son the bus is waiting for him)

It is days like this that I wonder why I have any hair left.

Have a great Weekend!

Happy 9th Birthday, Sis!

2010-05-16T21:49:00.025-07:00

For Carli's 9th birthday- we kept it pretty low key. We let the girls shoot some hoops while listening to one of Carli's favorite cd. A mix that this girl made her.
\

She also made up her own game to play at her party. A hot potato game with a basketball. Except when you got "out" you got to take 2 shots. If you made a basket in those 2 shots, then you could still play- but if you missed- then you were out. The girls were super good sports and cheered each other on. It was super cute to watch

I think McKenna got "out" the most- but made the most baskets too. (She was on fire!!!)

Look at this perfect shot of Sydney's- Suh-weet!

Afterward- they came in for pizza from our favorite pizza place

Next, it was time for cupcakes. (Basketball ones of course!)

I like how Carli is holding Jack away from the candles in this picture. Even when it is her day- she is such a little mother!

We did an ice cream bar last year and had so much fun with it- that we decided to do it again.

Ice cream gives girls the "Sillies"

When tummies were full (okay, stuffed) we decided to unwrap the gifts.

And then we sent each girl home with a goodie bag to remember the festivities with.

Happy Birthday Beautiful Baby Girl of mine!

I hope all of your 9 year old Dreams come true!!!

It's the Swagga Wagon!

2010-05-12T21:37:00.004-07:00

My kiddos laughed so hard at this. It made me feel awesome for making pb&j's and cruising 'round town in my plush mini van- lol

(2 things that don't carry any definition of "cool")

What a Break!

2010-05-10T08:28:00.004-07:00

We were HERE last week. We had a very Magical time there and spent it with Gramma Sharon. We just got back sat. night. While I am loading pictures and waiting to see and upload Gramma's pics, (and get my house in some sort of working order)

Please enjoy this Star Wars pic of the kiddos that we had done there.

Exactly!

2010-04-28T08:46:00.002-07:00

Date night is my saving grace these days!-lol

The Big Bang Craze of 'Oh'-10

2010-04-23T01:08:00.006-07:00

I took the plunge(like many of my friends) and had my super fantastical hairdresser, Katie, give me bangs (and highlights again).

Before

After

It even looks cute up...........

I Heart Katie!!!

Swollen and Purple

2010-04-20T08:29:00.004-07:00

We had a ward service day followed by a lunch at the park on Saturday. Jack wanted to play on the slides, so he went to put his leg on the first step and missed and smacked his nose right on that metal stair. He cried, it bled a little- but all in all- it just hurt a lot. Sunday- it was at its worst. It was darker purple- and I wish I got a picture of that-but these are pics of yesterday. Today- it looks a lot more yellowish. He is fine and it is not broken- but I feel so bad for my little guy. After it happened he wanted me around and was so needy that whole day. My poor baby.

Diaper Dutch????

2010-04-18T21:23:00.006-07:00

I am hoping to potty train Jack this summer. But this is something that I will (strangely) miss when we are done with diapers in our house.
All of the kids got makeshift Dutch hats made from diapers. Finish off the ensemble with a funny Dutch accent from mom and you have pure entertainment.

Yeah- any excuse to entertain myself....er...uh... I mean my babies will be surely missed.

This is so cute and Educational-lol

2010-04-15T10:45:00.002-07:00

You'll have to show your kiddos. Mine laughed and loved it. I don't think there is any more videos like this- but I wish there were!

Oxygen from Christopher Hendryx on Vimeo.

Happy Easter 2010

2010-04-02T10:35:00.002-07:00

Gramma Sharon sent the boys these adorable suits for Easter. (Thanks Gramma). They wore them last week to church and will wear them next week- but Easter Sunday we get to listen to the prophet on tv. We are excited to have a relaxing weekend at home. (Although it makes it more challenging for the Easter bunny to get creative while hiding the eggs with all the kiddos home). Have a great Easter!

Camera Attack of Jack

2010-03-25T12:14:00.011-07:00

Jack loves to take pictures. (Maybe he will be a photographer) But he likes to hold the camera so that the back of the lens is toward his face. I have showed him 100 times how to hold it- but he likes that dang lens to be right in his eye. This is the result.

I love to see his cute baby chubby cheeks and lips in them. Babies. Awww! I could just squish 'em! (in a good way- lol)

Annual Bonfire.

2010-03-24T13:18:00.007-07:00

Every year we have a bonfire in the back lot of our house. The garden gets cleaned out and all old plants and tumbleweeds gets put on the pile. We usually save our Christmas tree (It usually stays in the backyard or side ward until March) and then we say goodbye to it and thank it for a nice Christmas. (not really- we just burn it- it all kinda started when we moved into our new house and we didn't ask anyone that first year if the garbage trucks would take our tree cuz rules are different for county than those of city- so instead- my dear hubby just kept it, it dried out and we lit it up)

The funny part is that we didn't have a fresh tree this year. Our first Christmas without one in this house- so our neighbors kept their fresh tree for us so we could continue with our tradition. (Thanks Moon Family) I know- we are knida dorks- but it is entertaining for the kids (and me).

Book Recommendation

2010-03-22T22:03:00.005-07:00

At Last! One that isn't YA Sci fi. It was even made for adults. I know you were waiting for it.-Lol I laughed and I cried. It stirred a lot of emotions and I hugged my husband a little tighter. Definitely a good read!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T15:38:00.003-07:00

Bridger went to preschool today and his mom forgot all about him wearing green. Not to worry though cuz he came home like this.

I think he makes a cute Leprechaun. (Thanks Miss Kori)

Hope your day is fun and festive!

What I have been working on.

2010-03-11T15:55:00.008-08:00

We have been in our house for 4 years now. From the minute we moved in (literally) we started painting. We painted this huge wall in our living room a dark olive green. I have always liked it and we have always got compliments on it and the fact that it is our only wall with green on it in the living room. It compliments the wall paper nicely. But lately I have been feeling that it was so depressing. It as too dark and dreary. So I told my husband we were gonna paint it. The "we" quickly turned into "me" and I set ot to find the right color. I bought 4 sample cans of paint at Lowes. Finally I decided I wanted pretty much what we already had on the walls- only tons lighter. So I chose a light olive green.
No one else can tell it was even painted, but I can. It is creamier and screams of Spring now. I made some other changes too. I painted one of my windows a light blue in

stead of the dreary red that it used to be.

My B-ball Girl!

2010-03-08T12:03:00.005-08:00

Carli had her last game of the season on Sat. I think she will miss it quite a lot. The weather has been nice and warm (for March) so the kids have been playing a lot outside. And summer is around the corner! Hope she makes it til next yr!!!

And We're Off!

2010-02-26T16:22:00.009-08:00

Tomorrow Carli is going to Spokane (with just her 2 parents, as a friend of our family will watch all 3 boys) She is competing (in a team) in a DI competition. DI stands for Destination Imagination. It is a problem solving group. They will give the team a problem to solve and they will solve it with absolutely no help from adults. Other groups are builders, that design or build objects that have to do a certain thing and give them like, only 5 materials to use. Carli's group decided that they liked more of the impromptu problem solving. Acting, talking, verbally getting your idea across. Her group will perform 3 times tomorrow. I am excited for her. They have had practices for months just to prepare for this day. We get to leave super early, but it will be a lovely day spent with our daughter!

Update:We had a great time last weekend with our daughter. She was amazing! They only had 2 challenges (not 3 like I thought). She spent the last 3 months researching all kinds of endangered things for the main challenge. Like I said before, it was improv, so they pulled one of their researched endangered things out of a hat. It was Glaciers. They had to decide if they wanted to save the glaciers or not and then work it into their skit with super hero powers. It was really cute. (Of course I forgot my camera and can kick myself. )

The other challenge was not open to parents and the kids are not allowed to discuss it with anyone (yeah- I think it is weird too) but I guess, there are more competitions for the winners of this one, so they may want to use that one again.

Carli's team got one of the lowest scores. They are pretty hard on their scoring. I would have given her a million points just for being cute. But I guess they don't score on account of cuteness. They got 133 points out of 300 for their first challenge. They had 100 possible points on their 2nd challenge, but I haven't heard the results of that yet. I think her team was awesome!

An Eye For Detail.

2010-02-24T13:26:00.005-08:00

At Bridger's preschool, his teacher, Miss Kori, was having the kids draw pictures of people and making sure that they were getting kindergarten ready by adding details to their pictures (more than your basic stick- figure. Bridger's drawn head in this picture just cracked me up. It was adorable. This is Miss Kori with a Lot of eyelashes. Bridger even got a kick out of this photo that he drew.

Miss Kori said that he was having trouble drawing 'boy hair,' so she gave him some pointers.

That is Exactly how I would do it!

A Birthday Blog!

2010-02-20T16:39:00.005-08:00

I know someone that may or may not be 39 today.

He may or may not be admitting to that.

If he is....then Happy Birthday Honey! We love you!

If he isn't then I guess that after a few years on this earth (39 to be exact) you should know that life is tough!-lol

Dang Good Book Remmendation!

2010-02-17T19:09:00.005-08:00

Ohmygoshthisbookissogoooooooood!

Why oh why this author wasn't cornered into a movie deal...I will never know.

Here is the book trailer.

If you like the movie, TheVillage, then you will love this book.

(Spoiler Alert: Except the book actually has something to be afraid of in it.)

Loved it!

And as it turned out, I read it at just the right time. Book 2 comes out in a couple of weeks.

I am now ready for the Zombie Apocolypse.

Bring it on!

Really?????.....Um......REALLY????

2010-02-16T15:10:00.005-08:00

So last Fri the kids were all celebrating Valentine's day at school. I looked and looked online and in magazines to find cute Valentine's to make. And I finally set my eye on this one that someone had made from bath bombs...but I thought I could achieve the same look with tootsie pops. So we did all the work and they looked cute.

But half way into the making of these, I realized that I was making miniature bombs for my kids to take to school. Oh! Crap. I thought that they looked sorta "mission impossible-ish," not "I- wanna- send- notice- with- my- child- that- I- may- bomb- the- school-ish." I did nothing for awhile even though we had some finished. I was trying to convince myself that they would get the humour in it that I did. I talked to Nolan's teacher about it because he is in a special ed classroom for his Asperger's and the teacher said that it was up to me, but sense they have kids with violent issues-(Nolan is not one of them) then it was not the best idea. I gave the ones he made to Bridger to take and made bug ones for him out of the leftover tootsie pops.

But I still thought it was okay to send Carli's bomb- themed Valentine's with her. 2 nights before the party, I was talking to a friend of mine and told her about the Valentine's. She said........" oh.....you are sooooooo gonna be on the news." I thought it was funny until I thought about it. She also told me of an instance where there was a small boy who brought a lego gun to school (A teeny weeny lego gun) He was almost expelled and his parents were on the news. They are now suing the school.

I didn't want Carli to get expelled and I really didn't want to be on the news, so Carli and I started talking about what else they could be. I thought maybe a microphone when turned upside down and we could do a "Valentine...you are such a rockstar" -thing. But she didn't like that. In the end, This Girl suggested that maybe they could be wands. Since Carli is so into Wizards of Waverly Place and Harry Potter we changed their tag and I don't hafta be on the news. Bomb Diffused...Crisis Adverted!

I guess my creativeness is explosive-LOL

Too Cute....Can't Resist.

2010-02-08T10:58:00.005-08:00

I'm not sure who started out on this chair first.

But when I came in

Carli was doing her homework and Jack was in heaven with a cuddle buddy, working on draining his bottle (bob, as we call 'em)

I couldn't take the cuteness any longer so I grabbed my camera. Boy am I glad I did.

What would we do without big sisters???

Carli's Room Preview

2010-02-03T12:56:00.013-08:00

Carli wanted a room that reflected who she was. Her pink and black girly room was never what she wanted, even at age 4. So we re-did it. We went shopping together and she had a say in what she wanted in her room from the very start.

Are Ya Ready???

Make sure you have your sunglasses handy!

(You may need them due to brightness in colors)

before AfterBefore AfterBeforeAfterAnd here are some more pics......

And that concludes our tour of Carli's room....Hope you enjoyed yourself!!!!

Goin' to District!

2010-02-02T21:26:00.005-08:00

The Pinewood Derby this year was fun........................Okay...it wasn't that much fun with Jack screaming the first 20 mins into it. But it is one of my fav. part of cubscouts. All the boys got an award just for participating. Nolan's car was striped orange and white. He got the award for the "yummiest cream cycle"

He hated it. (wasn't going for the creamcicle look, I guess)

I thought it was a clever play on words

But the best part is when he won 3rd place.

Everyone was asking us our secret. I told them that Jon gave it to me right before and said, "I just hope he doesn't come in last"

Female Macgiver...I so wanna be!

2010-01-28T21:54:00.004-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I stumbled upon Project Runway.

I am addicted...........So is Carli.

We liked last weeks episode where the designers transformed potato sacks for the models to wear.

I sooooo want people to say..."Really? She can take a sewing machine, a potato sack and some buttons and trim and turn it into next season's rage?"

Now if only I could sew.

(I also get to talk about modesty with my 8yo...and don't worry, we dvr'd it so that she only saw the parts I wanted her to see after I watched it.)

She likes projects and I like fashion. Every Thurs. is now a GNI (girls night in!).

The best part is that this is Season 7. (apparently we don't watch that much tv if I am just now coming across this). But now I get to watch seasons 1-6 without interruptions. (like waiting weeks in between)

I guess I do have plans for the weekend...now where is my popcorn???

Boyz and their Toyz!

2010-01-21T13:04:00.006-08:00

I never understood

the connection between boys
and army men figurines But it sure starts early!

Recipe Share

2010-01-18T09:15:00.009-08:00

(Note: I got this pic from a recipe like this one online- I forgot to take one, but it looks similar to ours.)

My Mom-in Law gave me a cookbook that was put together with recipes submitted from people in her county down in Utah. I decided to try the cookbook and just about every meal we had last week came from the cookbook. Sunday night we had bacon and yummy ..............

Caramel French Toast
10 servings

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

2 tablespoons corn syrup

10 (1 1/2-inch-thick) slices French bread

5 eggs, beaten

1 cup evaporated milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

a dash of cinannmon

Combine brown sugar, margarine and corn syrup in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Pour syrup evenly into a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Arrange bread slices over syrup.

Beat eggs, milk, vanilla and salt and cinnamon; stir well. Slowly pour over bread slices. Cover and chill overnight.
Bake the french toast, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes, or until brown and bubbly. Turn upside down to serve.

The taste of this recipe is very much like sticky buns, but with a fluffier, more custardy interior.

Thank-you Gramma Sharon!

2010-01-12T16:32:00.004-08:00

The boys wore their Scooby crocs that you got them in Hawaii for the first time. Bridger was in heaven with all the Scooby imprints on the bottom (the Scooby paw print, the print of the Mystery machine) and Jack was thrilled to have a new pair of shoes to raise all kinds of havoc in (not that he needs new shoes for that).

New Purposes For Old Things by Jack

2010-01-11T11:19:00.002-08:00

My mom took me to Walmart today. We were in the checking out when the cashier told me that I could push the buttons on the credit card machine (the one where you slide your own credit card) I found that there was also a pen/ stylus -thing there. I've seen my mom use it to write on the screen of the small machine. But I am pretty sure that it is there to be used as a nose-picker. My mom wishes that she got a picture of me with it up my nose. If you go to Walmart, you may wanna avoid lane 9 of checkouts. That pen is mine!!!

Chillin'

2010-01-06T11:16:00.002-08:00

Have you ever had a Bubble Tea Milkshake?

That is Jonny and my new favorite treat. (FYI-I don't think it has any actual tea in it) It is like a milkshake. You stick a fat straw in the cup so that you can suck up warm tapicoa beads and fruit flavored jellies on the bottom.

This is what my hubby got me last night after the bigg-o church meetin' that we both had.

At Sweet Treats....

Where the cutest Asian woman works.

Who always has a big smile on her face....

and thanks us a bajillion times for coming into her ice cream shop...

in the middle of winter.

We have had

coconut

banana

lychee

mango

peach

taro root (Jon likes it, I think it tastes like moldy dirt)

raspberry

red bean (Jon likes it, I think it takes like chocolate dirt)

strawberry kiwi

and I just tried Lavendar last night.

I think I want one right now!

Where is Everybody?

2010-01-04T10:38:00.002-08:00

For 2 weeks we have had happy, sloppy kids running around and a

sleepy, but content daddy resting here and there.

Now it is just me and Jack.

We are lonely.

We want our family back.

How long until spring break?

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T17:13:00.004-08:00

Here's hoping that this new year won't be as crazy as it's predecessor!

The Oregon Trail

2009-12-31T16:13:00.003-08:00

Santa left this computer game in Carli's stocking. However, I am sure that when Santa had plans to leave it, he never would have guessed how much our little family would go crazy with it.

Carli and Jon played it a few times on Christmas Day.

They discovered that we can plop our whole family's names and ages into it so we are all on the Oregon Trail.

Carli did pretty good for a game or two and then had a hunting accident and got mauled to death by a bear.

She doesn't like to talk about it.

After I played it a few times I beat Carli's and Jon's top score and came in at 2nd place.

This made the claws come out in my dear husband and he was not happy until he topped my score.

The next time I play....he could get dysentery and I might not do anything about it.

Sorry Honey

The Gift That Keep on Giving...

2009-12-29T14:12:00.005-08:00

My Honey gave me the Best gift (for me anyway)

He knows of my dislike of throwing myself in a cold bed. So he got me....

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*The Sunbeam Heated Matress Pad (available at Costco)

I think I am in love.

There is a "Preheat" setting.

Yes now I can say, "Honey- can you please preheat the bed for me?.."

Now I don't have to feel guilty about him letting me warm up my cold feet on him.

And the best part? Each side has separate controls. I can be toasty warm while he is pre-heating. (Although I have been just pre-heating and then turning it off so as not to get too warm)

I never have to climb into a cold bed again.

I LOVE modern technology.

Merry Christmas From Us to You!!!

2009-12-24T18:57:00.012-08:00

(I usually do the same picture(s) that were on our Christmas card for our Christmas Day post)

Have a Silent Night........I know we will!!!

Just some other shots when taking the kids photos:

Jack only wanted to be photographed while drinking his bottle, wearing Nolan's Swat mask from halloween and holding a plastic golf club. What?.... don't they go together?

Hope you have a great Holiday Season! Love. The Jacobs 6!

Feelin' the Love....

2009-12-20T20:30:00.009-08:00

Jon and I celebrated our 12 year anniversary.

I love him more everyday. (yes- I know, sounds like something that should be in a Hallmark card) but I found that it is true!

My man is AMAZING!!! (I love you Jonny!)

Scott, a dear friend of our family's, got his mission call to Costa Rica. He takes Jack out of church for me and babysits so that I can listen to the speakers. I love this good young man that is like an uncle to our children. (He has a wonderful family and we love them too.)

We are so excited for you, Scott, but will miss you terribly!

Thank-you for your Christmas cards. As we are away from family our friends have become our family and we enjoy having you and your beautiful families in our lives. A Christmas card makes my day and the kids get just as excited as I do to open them. We love our friends and family!!

(Our cards have been sent out and if you haven't received them yet- you will in 3-5 business days)

Hope your are feeling the love this holiday season!!!

Snow Daze........

2009-12-16T11:05:00.006-08:00

What do you do when the kids have a snow day from school?

Get out the stash of Lincoln Logs that you have had for years that you have forgot about.

And then go do the Laundry by yourself.

(You know I "love" laundry.)

A Couple of Wow's

2009-12-15T10:37:00.003-08:00

Thanks to my MOF's-(my online friends) I found these amazing and funny videos. (I can't figure out how to embed the Conan one- but you can click HERE to see Conan's Mormon Christmas Song.

This one is just plain cool!

A beautiful GNO!

2009-12-13T09:19:00.003-08:00

We had a very lovely evening!

I fell in love with the costumes.

Carli fell in love with the battle, cannons. and the nutcracker sword that a little boy won at intermission.

(Did I mention that she studies weaponry and wars in her free time?)

Even tomboys love the ballet!

(Who knew?)

Can 2 Wards Collide?????

2009-12-10T08:07:00.003-08:00

There are a lot of 'mormon legends'- this is one.

It made me smile today.

Twilight Years from Tom on Vimeo.