Stott Family Narrative

Room Redo, Part Deux

2012-02-16T16:14:00.007-07:00

Beautiful drawing by my brother James now hanging in the "new" room.

James and Jes are coming to visit for a "fun" weekend adventure here in Scottsbluff. I say "fun" in quotes because I do live in western Nebraska, which although a wonderful place to raise a family, is about a 2 on the fun scale. (1 being Kansas, and Miami being a -5, which means you couldn't pay me to visit there again). I have been trying to get things ready for them, but being the reverse procrastinator that I am (I do, do things, just not the thing I am supposed to be doing) instead of working on the bathroom downstairs like I should, I decided I had to redo the living room.

It was one of the first rooms I worked on when we moved in, and there are several other rooms that still need to be painted, let alone redone totally, but for some warped reason I just had to redo that room RIGHT NOW!!! It has always bothered me that the room turned out nothing like what I wanted, and that it was not a reflection of me in the least. It is the first room you see when you visit, but really there is no excuse. Instead of tiling the bathroom, or cleaning the kitchen, I repainted the living room.

For reference: Before, Interlude, Now First off, I painted all the wood work white, which looks amazing ("I'm very good aren't I", to quote Julia). There are 3 different colors of wood in the house and I've decided that I'm just going to have to paint it all white if the house is ever going to look put together.

It did turn out VERY teal, and not the lighter version I thought it would be (even after hanging those stupid paint chips up for weeks). It is super bright, but I smile every time I walk by. It is just a breath of fresh air after the stodgy darkness of before. It is now a reflection of me. It is my style completely. I may have to repaint if we ever have to sell this house, but in the mean time I love it. I can't wait to hear what my neighbors or ward members think about it! I'm sure they will let me know just how much they love it too (and by love I mean hate, just clarifying since sarcasm is hard to pull off in print).

Self Portrait, and Sheldon Coopers 3rd Grade Program

2012-02-10T11:27:00.006-07:00

I had a hard day. Top ten as far as melt downs go. I went outside (because I figured it was a better option than running away) to try and blow off steam by taking pictures, as the light was awesome, but found out my camera's battery was about to die. I only got to take one picture and decided this was about all I could manage. ( I love how my hands are so ugly they look like a 100 year old mummy's)

Later that night Ethan had his third grade music program. Just for back ground, Ethan is a VERY shy person. He is not just introverted, he down right painfully shy. He is open and fun around close friends and family, but if other people are around he clams up and tries to get away. It's been a real struggle for us as parents to know the correct way to deal with his particular situations as they come up since I am not shy and Eric is neither introverted nor shy.

A music program is basically the epitome of all that Ethan dreads. He has to sing, dance and talk (they had parts) in front of not only strangers, but LOTS of strangers. His singing teacher pulled me aside at Church (we are in the same ward) and asked if I thought Ethan would be interested in playing Aesop, since the original had backed out. I laughed to myself and told her she was welcome to ask him, but I doubted he would want to. She asked and he gave a resounding "No," and promptly ran away down the hall. He did agree to two narrator parts, so I was pretty excited to see him "perform."

Well, it was overly crowded as only all events in Scottsbluff can manage (if you are even distantly related to someone you are expected to drop everything to see your 2nd cousin 4 times removed 3rd grade music program). We did manage to get seats, but the microphones were a little on the soft side and basically Ethan whispered his lines. I couldn't hear a single thing he said, but dang if I wasn't the proudest parent there.

He hated every second of it, I could tell. He hated the singing. Some times (ok, lots of the time) he reminds me of Sheldon Cooper from "The Big Bang Theory." This was one of those times. He hated the dancing, but he did it. It wasn't the most enthusiastic performance, but he knew the words and the moves and he did it, begrudgingly.

He is on the back row, wearing a toga, between the girl in blue and the girl in green. Sorry for the wiggles in the beginning, I had a 3 year old on my lap.

In this one, the girl in blue (a girl from our ward that Ethan has a secret, even from him, "thing" for) was making him bust up. She is the best actor in the whole grade and was singing right to him, which made him embarrassed and happy and here is the result. Don't blink or you might miss it.

Needed a Good Laugh, and Got One

2012-02-04T18:01:00.005-07:00

It's actually been a really good week. I've felt almost healthy for most of the week and I was actually able to make progress on my life (housework, dollhouse, errands, etc.) One of the things I got around to doing was giving the dog a much needed bath. She is getting better about the bath, and the blow-dry after, but once she gets released she goes...crazy. There is no other way to describe it. I don't know if she is itchy, hates the smell, or just wants to get completely dry but this is what it looks like:

I also got a bit of grocery shopping done. The kind where you pick up those things on the list that aren't immediately needed, and when you feel sick you just skip them. Bubble bath was one of those items.

The girls were very excited to take their bath, and when Eric's back was turned Olivia struck. The little turkey unscrewed the cap as fast as she could and dumped it right out in the water stream. It was like she had been going over the plan in her mind and executed it the second she got a chance. It wouldn't surprise me to learn she had been practicing in her crib, doing dry runs, so when the time came she would maximize the bubble output. Well, it worked.
She actually found the body wash and would have tried to add it too if we hadn't stopped her.P.S. A big "Great Job" shout out to my dad. I don't know if it was the recent ribbing I gave him, or the shame of having it written on the blog where his mom can see, or he was just REALLY bored while my mom visited baby Lincoln, but MY DAD CLEANED THE GARAGE!!! I truly almost don't believe it, but my mom said it is true. You still can't park a car in there, but he rearranged it all so Mom's stuff is closer to the door and things are put away a little better. Good job Dad! I guess there was a snow flakes down on some very hot people!

The Writing On The Wall, Literally

2012-01-31T18:11:00.004-07:00

I've always wanted the kids to feel like this is their house too, so I try hard to let them feel their presence in the house. I always hang their school and homemade art for holiday, and the fridge is always a free space to hang whatever they fancy. I have decor that reflects their personalities too (okay, really it is my nerdy side coming out and I blame it on the kids but they seem happy about it), and generally keep the house "kid friendly" so they aren't walking on tip toe through any room in the house. I've found it keeps my blood pressure down, and the screaming to a minimum if I keep things around that aren't going to be broken the first time they are touched.

Even so, it seemed that the art was multiplying...like mice...or rabbits. I'm not sure when it started, but one day I noticed there were art projects up on ALL my walls. Even in my bedroom. I ultimately had to ask what was going on and was informed Ella was using her new easel A LOT and wanted to basically make our entire house into a gallery. We had to have a talk about asking first, and trying to keep the art to the main family room. I was feeling a little grumbly, asking myself (in my head) "where had she gotten the idea that it was okay to go around taping anything up on the walls" when I walked into the living room: Oh, yeah. Because I do it all the time.

Failing At Almost Everything

2012-01-28T11:44:00.005-07:00

I made it one week with my New Years Resolution to not drink soda anymore, but then we had pizza. How can you eat pizza without root beer? You can't. So a big fail there.

I wanted to buy either a X-box with a kinnect sensor or an elliptical to get more exercise, but it turns out our dryer died so it's good I didn't rush into buying one of those. A big fail on that.

I wanted to get dressed every day. I know this sounds stupid, but when the only places I ever go are to drop off the kids at school and Walmart it is hard to get motivated to put on a blouse. On Thursday I put on a really cute dress with jeggings underneath because I was helping in Ella's class. The second I got home I took it all off and put on my "comfy" clothes (ie a t-shirt and velor sweat pants, because I'm just that fancy). It is pretty sad when you think jeggings are too restrictive that you have to take them off the second you get home.

I wanted to feel like I was accomplishing something, but I've been sick all but 4 days of the new year. Hard to feel like you are doing anything when mostly you sit on the couch, trying to breathe, drinking hot chocolate all day.

I wanted to be a more positive person, so here it goes. I am going to try to not fail on this last resolution:

Eric has to give up soda and basically everything yummy, plus exercise more, in order to lower some levels to qualify for our health insurance. On the bright side I should probably re-give up soda and exercise more with him. We can all work together to be healthier. (I may still have root beer with pizza, though. I'm not crazy!)

I bought a dance game for the Wii and we've had a lot of fun sweating and dancing as a family. The weather may warm up in the next couple of months and we can start walking more and riding bikes.

I did get dressed to go to Ella's class. I still get gussied up for Church. When I go out to places (and even Walmart sometimes) I try not to look like the pajama people. So on this bright side I'm still trying. Maybe next week I'll try a whole day with no sweats!

Today is actually one of the few days I feel ok. I danced with Ella and Eric. I'm going to work on the Tudor Home for my Christmas village, I'm posting on the blog. Maybe I'll go see a movie by myself. I WILL make dinner if it kills me. I will feel like I did something worthwhile. And if I don't...well on the bright side, there is always tomorrow.

And now for something to brighten your day. Ethan found "Darth Maul Yourself" on the Star Wars website and I thought these two turned out particularly well (Livi's was cute too but she cries every time she sees it).

The Other Benefit, or a tiny-bit insane

2012-01-24T14:54:00.007-07:00

My poor husband. This is the state of our kitchen counter and he hasn't complained once!

So I mentioned that the low cost of firewood (really, cost of living in general) is one of the two benefits of living in Scottsbluff and my friend Holly wanted to know what the other one was. I was going to post about this in a little while when I have accomplished more, but since I am bored, and sick with my 32nd cold of the season I thought I would do it now.

I tend to pick up weird hobbies. Weird in that they are more appropriate for a 122 year old retired great-great grandma who grew up in 1890. I have taken up knitting (luckily no doilies as of yet), I can embroider linens with the best of them, and now I have become obsessed with building a dollhouse.

It all started while I was reading one of my favorite blogs and she shared pictures of her "haunted" dollhouse. It was a little on the creepy side, but it was intriguing. I have been thinking of how I would have done it differently. More spooky than truly scary. More like the silly parts of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. The more I thought about it the more I wanted to do it. I love Halloween and it would be a fun centerpiece.

I've been perfecting the concept, drafting ideas, reading everything I can on the web, and trying to scrounge up what information I can about a very outdated hobby. Unfortunately dollhouses went out after the 80's as a popular hobby, so there are almost zero supplies in the Scottsbluff. Luckily (and here is the other benefit to living here) we have a library that has incomplete current best seller book series, but a very well stocked 1970-1980's hobby section. There were over 20 books on dollhouses! I may not be able to read the entire Sookie Stackhouse series, but man, I can learn a lot about antiquated hobbies anytime I want. Woot woot!

Here is the first design I was thinking about using for my custom piece, a replica of the Disney World Haunted Mansion in Florida. The only problem is when I got the proto type finished I did some measuring and the real wooden dollhouse would be over 7 feet long. I'm thinking something more along the lines of a French chateau that Lady Tremaine or Maleficent moved into to go into hiding after their various princesses triumphed. More a misunderstood "evil" sorceress abode.

I have lots of ideas (literally a notebook full), and now I am practicing on a small Christmas village and then a dollhouse for the girls before I start on my masterpiece. So far I have most of the carriage house for my village completed. Hopefully I can get the whole village done by...May-ish?

One Of My Favorite Days...okay not really

2012-01-23T21:37:00.004-07:00

Friday was not a good day. It wasn't horrible, but definitely not going in my top 10. We started at 2:30am with Livi's fever, 5:30am was Ella's fever and 6:00am was Ethan dry heaving in the bathroom. The dryer died a painful, expensive death, and Eric was out of town for 3 days.

There were 2 bright spots:
1. I got to order DELIVERY pizza for the first time in my married life, and I didn't even feel guilty about it!

2. The girls were very happy with the pallet I made for them to lie on since they were too sick to even move around. A big thank you to James and Jes for the giant pillows that made it possible.

False Advertising, or one of the two benefits to living in Scottsbluff

2012-01-21T09:46:00.005-07:00

We now have our working fireplace and decided having actual wood might be a good thing, you know, in case Eric's Apocalypse is this winter. There were ads in the paper for cords of wood for super reasonable prices (one of 2 benefits to living in Scottsbluff) so we called and ordered a cord. I went to Menards, bought a rack and cover that stated ON THE BOX that it held a cord and Eric set away merrily setting it up. Then the truck came.
Well, a cord was an entire pick up truck filled up over the top of the cab. It was a little more than my rack could hold. After that one filled up Eric decided we should have a pile on the porch for easy access. When that area was filled up he decided to put the rest on the side of the house in a little forlorn pile that I am tempted to bring over just so it doesn't get lonely.

Never Ending Birthday, fa la la la la la la la la

2012-01-21T09:12:00.004-07:00

I can't believe how big Ethan is getting. So trite, but so true. Birthday number 9. Geesh. Now I love a big celebration for birthdays and Christmas, but I am not the Dursleys. I don't do 37 presents and 1 more than last year, but it kind of seemed like the birthday that just kept giving (or it could be the elephant strength antibiotics I was taking distorted everything).

Here are some highlights of the never ending birthday celebration: Morning time and Eric manages to get me out of bed in time to open gifts before school. Livi was a little confused as to why none of the gifts were for her, but was mollified that she had a birthday in October (as if she knew how far or close that was). We took chocolate cupcakes to school (because Nebraska rocks and we can still bring homemade treats!) and after school there was a pile of presents the mail man and UPS man brought for Ethan from grandparents. Casey, my parents dog, even sent him $1.01 in his card! What a nice dog. That evening we ordered pizza and had the Bagleys over for dinner and cake. (I know the picture is awful, but I loved the silly look on all the kid's faces). And if this last picture is a little smokey looking that is because Ethan blew out the candles, we asked what he wished for and he looked at us with a blank face. He had forgotten you get to make a wish! So we re-lit the candles and he had another go. You'd think on the 9th one you'd remember something like free wishes!

Some Exciting News, oh and I have a new nephew!

2012-01-14T10:49:00.003-07:00

I would like to give a great big welcome to my nephew Lincoln who made his debut into the world this morning! We are so glad he finally decided to show up (11 days late, poor Julia).

Now something else truly amazing:
I give to you, different types of barbed wire! Amazing. Thrilling even. We went to the farm and ranch museum and it had a display of all the different types. I didn't even know there were 2 types, let alone several types that would necessitate a display. The wonders you can learn in western Nebraska!

I'll Be Home (Disneyland) For Christmas

2012-01-11T14:23:00.005-07:00

It is not Christmas if I don't get to walk down Main Street, see all the beautiful decorations and hear the piped Christmas music over the speakers. Do I want to live in Celebration, Florida? No, because it is in Florida, duh. Would I live in a Disney dictatorship somewhere (anywhere) else? Absolutely!

This year was no different, and we were once again blessed to be able to go enjoy the season, Disney-style. Looking through the pictures we took there, there was a real lack of Christmas-ey photos. So here is our mostly Pirate themed Christmas trip to Disneyland:

We did have a new and exciting experience when we first arrived in Anaheim. I don't know if it was the fact Livi was vomiting in the seat behind me, or the tiredness I had from just arriving in California, but somehow I missed the branch off to go to our hotel and ended up at Disneyland. The part of Disneyland that leads right into the parking garage and there is no way to turn around. To further compound my embarrassment I was the lead car, so Andrew and Joy followed me right up to the parking attendant. When I explained the situation the worker was very nice, and promptly slapped a bright pink billboard on my windshield that announced to everyone that I didn't know how to drive. It gave me access to a "special" exit for "special" people like me. We started calling it "The Tag of Shame."

We eventually made it to our hotel, enjoyed Downtown Disney, and ate way too few beignets. The next day was DISNEYLAND!!!

Ella was a good "mother" and wanted to constantly help with Ebby. We sat together on the train and she held his hand during the "scary" parts.

We were lucky to get reservations at the Blue Bayou, the restaurant inside the Pirates ride, and it was so exciting Livi promptly fell asleep. I guess she finds dark interiors and quiet cricket and water noises soothing. Hmmmm, who'd have guessed. We also went over to the island-formerly-known-as-Tom-Sawyer-but-is-now-pirate-themed and wandered around for a while. Ebby loved the barrel bridges, and doesn't my mom look like she's enjoying herself too?

Confusion In 5 Parts, (or the joys of extended family Christmas mornings)

2012-01-10T08:48:00.007-07:00

Christmas morning is always one of my favorite mornings. We walk into a house that has little lights reflecting off of bright packages. Stockings are stuffed and Santa has left gold wrapped packages. Everything seems so quiet, shiny, magical even, until my kids get going. This year was especially...loud. Here is the run down:

The kids walk out youngest to oldest.

Ebby, seeing the bright pink scooter immediately thinks it is for him.

There is confusion as to who is the scooter's owner.

Ebby loses and Livi cries because he is crying.

Livi realizes she won, and is a happy camper.

Back in the Saddle, or Random Bits of Trip-age

2012-01-08T15:40:00.007-07:00

So this is the disaster the day after we got back. It's been a journey, but I think at this point almost everything has found a place in our home. I'm recovering from yet another sinus infection so I'm too tired to tackle one of the big events. Here are just a few highlights from California:

The month of December had been a little hectic for my mom with an employee on maternity leave she had to fill in for, jury duty, and preparing for everyone to come visit. Knowing something had to be left undone she waited until we were there to get the Christmas tree. I thought it would be fun to take all the kids and pick out that perfect tree. The kids thought it would be fun to play at my parents house and let me do it myself (actually it probably was more fun that way!). So we headed off and found the a huge beautiful tree. What we also found was that many people were out shopping for trees. I was in charge of making sure no one snapped up our chosen tree while Dad and Jes looked to make sure it was the best (it was).
After finding one of the last rotating tree stand available in Lancaster we promptly broke it and had to go late at night to find a new one (okay, so I went to bed and my brothers went to get a new one), so we waited until the next day to decorate. The kids helped me and my mom, and it was so fun to point out my favorites, explain the meanings and to let them "help" hang the ornaments. We did have more ornaments per square foot on the lower half of the tree, but they really seemed to love it!
Sweet Autumn, my favorite niece, had her first birthday while we were there. She received a mutant stuffed Ewok from us that hopefully wont haunt her dreams (it looked cuter online!). We were a little afraid after Ebby snubbed his chocolate cake on his birthday that she would react similarly, but she relished her cake.

This next picture is my favorite one from the whole trip! We were lucky enough to see my favorite musical, Wicked, with the adults in my family. The Stotts were kind enough to introduce me to it a few years ago and I have been dying to go back. That's actually not why I love this picture though. I love it because it is one of the few I didn't have to photoshop my chin (thank you Aunt Diane for your photo taking tips)!

If Mary Poppins Had A Garage...

2012-01-04T14:35:00.006-07:00

For me it's always a struggle coming back from vacation and trying to reenter the monotony of real life. Right now the crushing sadness of missing family, and the disaster of a house that I need to get cleaned up have made me stress out to the point where I will end up painting my living room before I get to the mounds of laundry, just to defy my to-do list. Anyways, I will get around to posting about how much fun we had on the trip but for now I want to share two not-so-quick stories before I forget the particulars.

1. The Muffin:
We (the kids and I) went to the park one morning with my Mom, my nephew, Ebby, and my niece, Autumn. We had brought some bread and a very old muffin to feed the ducks, but about half way into our excursion Ebby and Livi found the bag of bread and started on it like a pack of rabid dogs. Ebby, who is not allowed snacks because then he wont eat at meal times, was especially...vigorous in his eating of the contraband.

After a few minutes the bread was all gone and I remarked "Well at least we still have the muffin!" Next thing I know Ebby has pulled out the extremely stale muffin and is trying to take a giant bite out of the marble-like top. We decide we need to start feeding the ducks ASAP if we want to, in fact, feed the ducks and head over to the pond. Soon all 5 kids are throwing pieces of week old muffin at the delighted ducks.

Unfortunately one muffin, even a giant Costco muffin, does not go very far with 5 kids and soon we were getting to the last crumbs. My mom remarked to Ebby as she handed him his final piece "Last one Ebby, then the muffin is all gone," trying to prepare him for the end of the duck feeding frenzy. Ebby looked down at the muffin in his hand and promptly shoved the piece in his mouth.

The kid may have loved feeding the ducks, but he wasn't fool enough to feed them his last chance for an illicit snack!

2. The Cave Of Wonder
My Dad either needs a 12,000 sqft shed in the backyard, or he needs the Hoarders tv crew to come out and help him wade through my parents "garage." I say "garage" in quotes because in all the time they have owned the house (23.5 years) I can remember a car being parked in there all of 1 time. True, houses in Southern California do not have basements, and most houses do not have adequate storage, but really, it is a daunting hold-all (and I have to say 99.9% is my dad's stuff).

I get my love of hobbies (ohhhhh, I have to write about my newest one soon, it is AWESOME!!!) from him, but the difference is he can afford to go all out on them. Having a lot of hobbies means having a l0t of hobby specific equipment. Having lots of equipment means that the garage is turned into an apocalyptic wasteland where you are afraid you are going to run into a band of scrounging survivors every time you round a corner. And there are many corners. Walking into the garage is like entering a labyrinth. Down one aisle is 19th century clothes and street corner light (for a youth dance), another has a replica guillotine and electric chair from the spook alley he does every year, and the edges have various cabinets for wood turning, ammo making, house repair, and probably even his secret lunar exploration module that we will all get to ride in next Christmas. I would post pictures as it truly defies words, but that would embarrass my poor mother too much, so I wont.

whew, where was I...oh, so Ella was following my mom around as Mom picked up the house after our holiday madness, as children do, prattling on about dancing, music, princesses, or probably all three. Mom opens the door to the garage to put out a cardboard box and I hear from my spot on the couch Ella stop mid-stream of speech. Then in a tone part wonder, part fear "Grandma...what IS this place?"

Ella, we've been asking ourselves the same thing for years!

I Have A Problem...(okay, more than one)

2011-12-16T10:54:00.004-07:00

Okay I realize I have what the show Glee would call "white, rich girl problems," in that they aren't real problems, but at least I know that. I know none of what I complain about it a real, hard problem. Mostly I just need to vent and this blog is a good way to do it without getting into a fist fight at church.

So this is not that kind of problem. Kind of misleading introductory paragraph, but what can I say, English was always my worst class in school. This is more of a personality disorder problem, of which I have many.

The one in particular I am thinking about today is my over preparing. I have no idea where I got this from (Dad), but when something big is coming up I have to see every disaster that can happen and prepare for it. Eric thinks my latest preparation is craziness...
So I have made a few lists for our upcoming trip. One list is a to-do list. One is a to-pack list. One is a...Every-Item-I Have-Packed-In-Every-Suitcase-And-Its-Monetary-Value list. That last one is the one Eric rolled his eyes at.

Looking at it from a normal person's perspective I can understand, but I am not normal. We are using the same airline that lost our suitcase on our trip to Florida, and I have quite a few gifts packed. Odds are that nothing will happen, but I know that if I AM prepared with my lists, and how much everything costs in them that the airline will absolutely NOT lose our suitcases. It's like superstitious flying insurance!

Twisted logic, maybe, but everyone knows that if one of the suitcases does go missing it will be Eric's, the one we don't have a detailed list for. You know I'm right!

The Adventures of Shark Dog and Lava (face) Girl...or Awkward Social Situations

2011-12-14T17:07:00.006-07:00

I realize I have probably been boring my readers (aka the kid's grandparents) with not many posts about the kids lately, but the truth is not much is going on. I could post pictures of their runny noses, or video's of them coughing, but that's even more boring than my ramblings, so onto retelling of my pathetic attempts to be social.

Okay, not a picture of sick kids. Livi had to try out her new paints from Carter!

I am normally a pretty social person. I like to be around friends, I like relief society cookie exchanges where we can sit around and talk, and I would even be at play group every week if it weren't right at nap time. I like to be involved in things, I've taken dance, photography, violin, and quilting classes since having children. New things don't really scare me all that much, or so I thought.

This week I got so worked up about a new social situation I literally started making myself sick. What could have been so bad that my back started aching, my neck started feeling strained, I bloated to the size of a small ice-burg, and not only the left side of my face, but the left side of my back and my left EAR broke out in cystic acne? What caused my body to panic, hoping I would call in sick? Eric's secretary's women only Christmas dinner.

Okay, so normally a cozy, intimate dinner with 8 other women, eating yummy food would be a welcome treat, but... when it is 8 people you have only met once or twice (one you've never ever met) and the invitation ambiguously states you need to bring a "Santa themed gift," I freaked out.

Now, I don't mind new situations where everyone is new (such as college classes) or get-togethers with a bunch of people I know, but put new people, that have all known each other a while and work together on a daily basis, and throw me in and all I want to do is curl up on the couch with hot chocolate and cry.

I pictured in my mind wearing the wrong clothes, sticking out for not drinking, stilted conversation with people I don't know much about or have much in common with, bringing the totally wrong type of gift (really, Santa themed gift? How much do we spend? Do you mean an ornament? Decoration? Hand knit sweater? Interpretive poem? ARRGGHHH), and eating food that I had to gag down.

After putting on enough makeup to cover the worst of my volcano like face and putting on clothes that kind of fit, that I hoped were not too casual/not too dressy, I headed off. It truly wasn't as bad as I pictured. Really the only things that were uncomfortable was my lack of drinking (she even offered to make me coffee or tea instead...."ummmm, water is fine"), and the stilted conversation. Everything else was fine, but considering this is an annual event, my body is already tensing just thinking about next year...

And as promised:

SHARK DOG

Yeah, even our dog has dental problems. Too bad Alan won't do an extraction on animals.

Why I Should Take Kleenex With Me EVERYWHERE!!!

2011-12-12T13:33:00.006-07:00

I was talking with several people (and reading my sister's blog) when I realized we all have these stories about seemingly stupid things we cry over. For one person it was a book, for another it was a new challenge at work. For my sister it is the animal "character" dying in a movie. We all have those moments where we are crying, knowing anyone on the outside is looking at us like we are crazy, and we couldn't stop even if we wanted to. I think my most memorable embarrassing cry happened this spring.

I read in Ella's kindergarten class every Tuesday all year. I really got to know the class and her teachers and it was a truly great experience. Livi even became a little class mascot and they would bring extra treats for birthdays and parties when they knew she would be there. I had a great time all year...until the very last time.
If any of you haven't read Mo Willems "Knuffle Bunny" series (pronounced Ka-Nuffle as plainly described in book 2) I highly recommend taking a moment to seek out these very cute picture books. The art is unique, the writing is funny, and the are very touching for anyone that ever had a "special friend."

I had read the first 2 books to Ella's class during the year, but refused to read the 3rd to them. All year long they asked me to bring it, but I held firm in not bringing it. Why? Because I sob like a little tiny baby every time I read it. It is emotionally gut wrenching to me because it combines my childhood trauma of loosing my "special friend" with the pain of watching my babies not be babies anymore. I loved Ella's class, but I just didn't think I could handle crying in front of 20, 6 year olds.

Then, on the last Tuesday I was going to read, I broke. I decided I was big enough to read this book. I could separate myself from the story and finish the series for these kids. It would be AWESOME!!!

Well, it wasn't. I sobbed so hard Ella had to get up and read the rest of the book for me. When she started reading the note at the back from Mo Willems to his daughter (that the books are based on) I had to get up and leave the room. Here was my little girl, almost done with Kindergarten, reading about another little girl growing up. (Plus ask anyone in my family, we feel stupid when we cry and that only makes it worse)

After we were done with the book one of the teachers came up to me and asked: "when did he pass away?"

I sat there a minute confused. Had I missed part of the conversation? Was she talking about the fish we had recently lost? What in the world was the lady talking about?

Me: "Ummm, who?"
Her: "Your father."
Me: "My Dad is still alive, last I checked." (secretly dying to leave the room and text my dad to make sure).
Her: "Oh, I assumed by the way you broke down in the father part, that you had recently lost your dad."
Me: "Um, no, I'm just a weenie."
Her: "Yeah, I guess."

That was the most embarrassed I have ever been while crying. Fun time all around. I help in Ella's class again this year and a couple of the kids have brought it up to me "remember that time you cried so hard Ella had to read..." Yep. I do.

Speaking of breakdowns; We are putting Tonks in a kennel for our trip to California. Eric and Ella both want to take her, and I do to, I just don't want to have to deal with her in the airport. Then this morning I came out and she was doing this:

How in the world can we leave this comic relief here?

Mutant Cookies From The Black Lagoon

2011-12-07T20:17:00.005-07:00

This is NOT how my cookies turned out

I'm not quite sure how I ended up baking sugar cookies for both Ethan and Ella's classes, but that is what happened. One minute I want to make a batch to cheer me up and all of a sudden I need enough to feed 40 kids and adults. Oh, and my kids desperately want them the next day, because you can't wait an extra day when you are 6. Impossible.

If you have ever tried to make sugar cookies you know that it is all about waiting. Waiting for the dough to chill before you bake. Waiting for the cookies to cool before you ice. Waiting for the icing to set before you transport. Trying to fit that all in one morning was not the mood elevator that I had wanted making these cookies to be.

I also had the added pressure of knowing there is one Jewish girl in Ethan's class and 2 Jehovah's Witness' in Ella's class. Sooooooooooo, not every cookie could be super Christmas-ie. Trying to not alienate these very nice kids, I decided a star and gingerbread man wouldn't be too bad. Oh, but wait, what color are gingerbread men?

Have you ever tried to make brown food coloring? It is not as easy as I thought it would be. When I was little and tried to mix colors it seemed like every thing you mixed would produce brown. Not so when you are bigger and actually want to achieve that muddy brown that red and blue always use to make. Now all you get is a weirder and weirder color of purple. Mix in a little black and you have a color that seems to have grown in a radioactive swamp.

Since this was a very bad color to use on gingerbread men, unless you want the kids running in fear, I thought maybe a light sky blue would be good, but of course they ended up looking more like mini Captain America's.
The kicker is the Jewish girl picked a Christmas tree.

Also while I was there I noticed Ethan's desk. What am I doing wrong?

To Me; From Me

2011-12-06T20:32:00.006-07:00

After months of calling, scheduling appointments, having nobody show up to appointments, playing more phone tag, and waiting, we FINALLY got our fireplace fixed (there is only one place in town that does fireplaces). What we thought would be a simple removal of a gas insert and putting on a chimney cap turned into our "Christmas Gift To Ourselves!" (guess I'll have to wait for next year to get an elliptical and loose weight, dang!)

So after a fun afternoon of Livi not napping while the guys worked and worked, we ended up with a real, working, wood burning fireplace. Yeah!!!! The workers kept trying to get me to stay with gas saying I wouldn't have to worry about wood and it would still work in a power outage. I had to explain that Eric and I both adamantly wanted wood. They looked at me like I was crazy but managed to get it switched over.What I didn't tell them is my husband is expecting the apocalypse and wants someplace we can cook our freshly shot deer meat. He wants some type of warmth for when society fails and we are holed up in our living room trying to survive.

Me? This is what I wanted it for:

My Early Gift To You

2011-12-04T10:51:00.004-07:00

Only watch the videos if you enjoy laughing so hard you cry.

Home??? or "Who Am I" (said like Zoolander)

2011-12-02T10:13:00.007-07:00

After a couple of recent conversations I have come to realize I am defective. Okay, I've always known that, but here is just another example of how I am defective:

I have no desire to move back to Utah. None. Zip. Nadda. I am not one of those wives who is constantly trying to get their husband to get a job in Utah so they can move back "home." Despite having lived in Utah for half of my life, it doesn't feel like going home when I visit. Don't get me wrong, I like Utah a lot. It is fun to visit, there are great things to do there, I love visiting my extended family, but it is not "home."

So that got me thinking, where do I feel at home? California is where I claim 'home' but I'm not dying to move back to California (mostly because I think my kids would get stabbed at school). Scottsbluff isn't really where I feel at "home." So why can I not come up with a place where I get teary to visit, and teary to leave?

I think it boils down to this: "Home" for me is not a town. It is not a specific place where I have tons of fond memories. Probably because this is my life; 8 years in Utah, 10 years in California, 6 more years in Utah, summers in Miami and D.C, bulks of summers in Canada, 3 years in Lincoln, and now 5 years in western Nebraska. I haven't been in one place long enough to have the bulk of my "home" making memories. I was a child one place, fell in love in another, had my first baby in another, bought my first home in yet another. All my big memories are really spread out.

So what is a poor little wanderer like me to do (tongue in cheek)? Well I've decided that, for me, home is not a place. It is people. I may not have a constant place that evokes those feelings of returning home, but I do get that feeling when I am around my family. Whether we are meeting at my parents home in Lancaster, blessing a baby in Salt Lake, doing Aspen Grove in Provo, going to DisneyWorld or Disneyland, or meeting at the Cabin in Waterton, those are the time I get teary. The more of my siblings and their spouses, the more those feelings warm my heart. Those are the times I am going "home."
Oh, I did think of a place that feels the most like home to me...Disneyland. Probably because we have been going multiple times a year since I was 8. I do get choked up every time we pull into a tiny parking spot dictated to us by a grown man in a yellow vest with an orange wand thingy. Plus I tear up every time we have to leave. I guess I should be begging Eric to get a job with Disney and move into Sleeping Beauty's castle. Problem solved.ps. Cara, you need to stop saying "your family." When you are there it feels more like home to me too. You are like my other little sister.Aren't you all jealous of my mad 5 minute photo shop skills? (a cookie to the first person to spot all 5 additions).

The Haircut

2011-11-28T21:15:00.003-07:00

I don't know what I was thinking. I've tried things like this before and it never worked out, but I thought to myself:
"How hard can it be? I've seen it done a hundred times."

and

"I don't want to spend all that money just for a trim."

and

"If I invest the time to learn now, I wont have to pay for simple trims in the future."

and

"She's so little, she'll never notice if it's not perfect."

I was sooooo wrong. I should never be allowed near hair trimming scissors. Not only did she end up looking like she got attacked by a flowbee, but she whined and squirmed the whole time, making it so much worse than it needed to be. She looks hysterically awful.

Good thing she's a dog.

Recharged

2011-11-22T13:52:00.003-07:00

I feel a little hypocritical having made a fuss about stores putting up their Christmas decorations early, but this morning I woke up feeling sssiiiiiicccckkkk. There are very few things that can make me instantly happy and since going to Disneyland was not an option, and we don't live near a Starbucks (they have amazing hot chocolate) I decided to break out the Christmas decorations and start acting festive, hoping it would lighten my mood. It did help, but I thought I should honor Thanksgiving for a few more days.

I am thankful I could go away for the weekend with Eric, that Joan and Cheryl were willing to drive out and babysit, that I could recharge, and that Eric and I could spend some quality time together for our anniversary. I would put pictures but I am not thankful I left my camera at home and all our pictures are on Eric's phone. Hopefully I can be thankful later that he was willing to email them to me, hint hint.

Pain Is Not My Friend

2011-11-16T21:49:00.003-07:00

I am so grateful to live in a time and place where we have such advanced medicine. I cannot comprehend watching a loved one die from a simple infection, or the flu. I am grateful I can run to Walmart and get medicine so I don't even have to deal with stuffy sinus' (although some days I'd rather have the flu than clogged sinus'). I am grateful for modern medicine and that I could be awake when I had my C-sections and be part of my children's births. I am grateful my brother has a medicine that keeps him not only alive, but generally symptom free. I am grateful for diabetes medicine, heart medicine, antidepressants, antibiotics, and especially pain medicine (except Morphine, which tries to kill me when I take it).

I Am Sure I Embarrass Them On A Daily Basis... Or My Grandparents

2011-11-14T21:50:00.007-07:00

I am very thankful that I was able to get to know, and still have a relationship with my grandparents. Not all kids are as lucky as I am, my kids even know all 4 of their "Greats" on my side. I have truly blessed by each and every one of them, and I only wish I could spend a week and write down everything I love about them here. These are only a few things that have been on my mind lately, just the cream on top, because they are just too awesome, your heads would explode if I wrote it all down!
Grandma Donna Beesley is the grandmother every child should have. Her house is always awash in the smell of something yummy cooking (most anticipated being her bread). She is a thoughtful, caring person who is a great artist and master gardener. I remember sitting with her on countless occasions, doing stencils or some other project, and she was always so positive and warm, even though my efforts were less than perfect. She is a real example to me of frugal living and talented homemaking, kindness, and a fabulous matriarch of a close knit family, somethings I hope I can be someday (except the frugal living, we all know there isn't much hope there).
Grandpa Ken Beesley is probably the poster child (man) for hard work. I have been raised on stories, and seen through my own eyes, how hard he has worked over the years. One thing he taught my father, and I am eternally grateful to have had passed on to me, is "An honest days work for an honest days pay," and "Spend less than you earn." I have also been privy to more conversations than I can count going something like "Your Ken Beesley's granddaughter? I just love that man. He was the best (insert boss, coworker, employee, teacher, missionary etc here) I have ever had. It was a true honor to know him." Those conversations come up at the weirdest times (like doctor's appointments or Bishop interviews) but I am always happy to claim him as my grandfather.
Grandma Jessie Palmer is one of the funniest, most well read, knowledgeable, and truly entertaining people I know. She is always there first person any of us would call for a life line on a game show! I love to have conversations with her because she not only knows what she is talking about better than you do, but she can interject a sense of humor into the most mundane of topics. I know the self deprecating humor passed right from her, to Mom, to me, and I am so grateful for that. Life is to hard if you can't laugh at yourself (and your situations) once in a while. Grandma is also an amazing example of hard work. She was an RN, on the night shift, for years, working outside the home in Utah in a time where not many women did. I can only imagine the fortitude that would take. I am way too lazy, but I have her example and hopefully someday I can be like her!

Grandpa Harrison (Bud) Palmer was basically a second father to me for the first 8 years of my life while my own dad worked hard in Med School and residency. He is one of the warmest, sweetest people I know. I will always have fond memories of being doted on by him, from hidden candy in the kitchen, to "gimmies" (my little pony toys) for no reason other than he knew I would like them. Grandpa is also a quirky, funny man, who is probably the direct reason we have James' sunny personality to cheer us up (I picture them being best friends if they were contemporaries, and Oh the hilarity would ensue). Grandpa introduced me to real ponies, took me horse back riding for the first time in Waterton when I was 8, and always found the time to go with me when we went to East Canyon. He truly likes to make people happy, loves to put a smile on people's faces, and I know that my life has been better having him in it.

I love you all.

Falling Flat...and Livi's 3

2011-11-13T17:53:00.003-07:00

I am thankful that I own flats as well as heels. Some days I just can't bring myself to slip on my heels, no matter how cute they are. I am also thankful for our family tradition of watching America's Funniest Videos on Sunday evening. I may have had a bad day (week), but at least I can laugh at other people tonight! (tomorrow I'll go back to more profound topics, thankful for Grandparents)

Livi's Birthday
Livi turned 3 just 2 days after we got back from Florida. It was also the day of the ward trunk-or-treat, and the kids had no school so we had a fun filled day of celebrating.

To start the morning off we opened presents at breakfast. We had lunch at McDonald's with the Bagleys (and cupcakes). After dinner, but before the trunk-or-treat we squeezed in some cake with candles. Between the cupcakes, cake, and candy I think she had a "sweet" day (ha ha, there is a Dad joke).

Little Yellow Balls Sunshine

2011-11-12T14:16:00.006-07:00

I kind of forgot to take my pills for a couple of days, so I woke up feeling profoundly sad. It's the type of sadness that makes no sense and nothing helps. Eric even asked if I wanted to go buy shoes, that's how bad it was.
Seeing as I am in a slump I am going to tackle a big "thankful" post today to remind me of how wonderful and blessed my life has been. Maybe that will cheer me up.

You have so little control on who the people are surround you at family gatherings. Sure, you get to pick your spouse, but everyone else you were either born into, or married into. I am sure that most people have extended families they dread, but not me. I LOVE to be around family and all those people I married into are a huge part of it. I wish I could write a big post for each of them, but I AM feeling sad and there are a lot of you. Just know I love you all and that these are just some highlights that are in my brain right now.
Ryan- You are full of passion for life. You set a great "healthy" example. You are a witty, fun person to be around and you are an amazingly great uncle. My kids still think your middle name is "Ninja" no matter how many times I tell them otherwise.
Jared- You have always been so welcoming of me. It can be hard at times to be the only in-law for 10 years in a very tight family, but you have always made me feel like I am part of the group. You are always ready with a hug, and you are amazingly astute when it comes to how other people are feeling.
Cheryl - I am so glad that there was another girl in the family. We've been able to roll our eyes at your brothers, prepare some delicious marshmallow fruit salad and enjoy "girly" things like coach purses (I'm still looking for mine in the mail :) ). You are the life of the party, and things are always more fun when you are around.
Kyle - I've known you for a big portion of your life and I've been able to see you grow up into an amazing man. When I first met you, you were this sweet little boy who wanted to see "Mouse Hunt." You are now a very funny, smart, musical guy who's quick comments or jokes are the fun "asides" of any conversation.
Emily - I don't know you that well, and the only real time we've spent together I was high on pain meds (great impression, I know), but I still remember through the haze how wonderful you were with my kids at the reunion. They still talk about you, and I know we are all excited to see you again! Plus, you were so nice about Tonks, and didn't tell me how stupid I was to get a puppy.
Joy - You are a shinning example of pure goodness. If you were a princess it would have to be Snow White and Cinderella's combined child (in a freak DNA lab mix up). I don't think you have a mean bone in your body. You have a soothing presence and kind way about you. Oh, and I love that you have those D&D figures for each of us (Jes' was particularly representative) and you help keep us all on task when we play (as we are known to ramble a bit)! You are the perfect wife for Andrew and I am so grateful for how happy you have made him.
Jes - It is kind of freaky to find another tall girl with dark hair who loves history, shoes, purses, movies, and books as much as me, and realize that I have a girl crush on my brothers wife. You are so much fun to be around and I know you will commiserate with me when I feel like the crazies in my life are just too much (and offer to beat them up for me). I love that we can share books and blogs and I am grateful for the friendship we've been able to share as well.
McKay (or Brent, or David, or whatever you are calling yourself) - I have had so much fun getting to know you! You are a very fun, quirky addition to the family, and I am so grateful you didn't give up on Julia. You have a very fun way of looking at the world, and I love to listen to your comments when we play games, as you can match Eric in the "roll your eyes" humor. You are wonderful husband and I know you are going to be an awesome Dad.

Thank you to all of you. I love to get together and just laugh, and you are all so amazingly funny that every holiday is awesome!

Super Deep Thoughts

2011-11-11T21:35:00.003-07:00

I am thankful for popcorn. Popcorn is fun to eat, satisfying for salty snacking, and makes movies better. It has lots of fiber, has kept my brother Andrew alive, and is something almost everyone in group likes to eat. Thank you popcorn, just keep being you.

At Least I Didn't Have A Ton Of Laundry and The Best Pt 5

2011-11-10T20:28:00.007-07:00

I am thankful that Ethan is old enough to aim when he throws up, that I keep a throw up bag in the car, and that I have a good friend (Melissa) who brings me Starbucks hot chocolate mix to cheer me up when she finds out about it all!On to:
The Best Part 5 (or the end)
Animal Kingdom

On our last full day in Florida we went to Animal Kingdom (without Mom, unfortunately). It is part zoo, part theme park, park educational experience and a whole lot of fun. We went on a safari, saw lots of animals (that's a gorilla curled up if you can't tell, we couldn't and we were there)went to all of the kids learning spots, saw the amazing Bug's Life show, met a "princess" and rode Expedition Everest (which was totally awesome, but made me completely sick). While I was sitting with my head in my knees Eric took Ethan and Ella on the river raft ride. While everyone gets wet on the ride, only 3 people get completely soaked on that ride, my 3 people. Ella was less than pleased. My only wish was that the park was open later (it closed at 5 that day) because we didn't even come close to seeing everything we wanted!

I Know, I Am The Stupid Child.

2011-11-09T21:14:00.006-07:00

I am thankful for my siblings. They are hard to have as my siblings, as they are so amazing. It's hard to be the eldest and have to look up to (figuratively) my younger siblings, but it is true, they rock.

One of my favorite pictures. Andrew is such a great Dad!

Andrew is by far one of the smartest people I know. He had a hard time in school because he was on a totally different plane intellectually than the other kids, but he made it through, still grew up, went to college, married a totally awesome girl, and is in Med school (take that bullies), and seems to function just fine in society despite his "gigantic melon" (ha ha).
I think I had the hardest time with Andrew as a child because he was the closest in age and so my faults and deficits in character were magnified by his depth and strength thereof. I'm not proud of it, but he seems to still love me even though I was (and still can be) a total beast.
Andrew also is totally fun to be around. He has a witty sense of humor. He is always introducing us to the best video games, that we all get addicted to, and neglect our families for, but we love him anyways!

James "helping" Ebby in the water, right before Ebby totally fell in and was traumatized for life!

James is amazingly charismatic. People everywhere love James and feel close to him. He has the ability to make you feel like the coolest person on earth, and he has a grin that has been able to get him out of more scrapes than I have ever been in. He and I both share of love of the non-mainstream in a totally non-hipster type of way (try figuring that gibberish out!) and have had too many funny conversations and experiences (dancing at Disneyland while we walk) to count.
James is very musical, and for such a scrawny guy has an amazingly deep bass voice that really rounds out the family "choir." He has great taste in music and is constantly introducing us all to new bands.
James is amazing with all kids, and especially his nieces and nephews. Kids love him because he sees them for the people they are and talks to, and interacts with them while showing them he values them and their interests. James is the comedian of the family, he is quick to smile, and quick to make others smile too. He loves to play a game, whether video game or bored game, as long as other people are involved, as he likes to be around people (And we kind of like to be around him too, ha ha).

I know: "Quit being so cute Julia!" We were all thinking it!

Julia, the baby of our family, is one of those complicated people who is always surprising you. She is a very talented writer who's rye and witty thoughts are completely addicting. I check her blog every day. Her mildly...satirical... take on the world is very different from the soft spoken little "Snow White" that use to spend time walking around our pool singing songs to herself (okay she was pretty young when she did that). Furthering her likeness to Snow White is her love of animals and her talent singing, with the sweetest, highest soprano that makes me sound like a fog horn in comparison.
She is also a very hard worker, not afraid of new experiences like switching colleges every semester and working at random yogurt places (things that would have terrified me as I hate new "things").
Julia is also a hoot to watch movies with, as she sees things you gloss over and finds way to make them hilarious.
She is also a very caring, sensitive person, who is going to make a VERY wonderful mother in a few months.

We are pretty similar in our interests, and senses of humor which means there is almost nothing I enjoy more than getting all four of us together, with Mom and Dad, and having a rip roaring laugh fest (while the poor in-laws look like they think they married crazy people). Thanks guys, for being so awesome!

Because Otherwise You Would Be Dead

2011-11-08T20:43:00.003-07:00

I am so grateful for my sense of humor. It allows me to still maintain relationships with people after they give me backhanded compliments. I'm a little tired of "I wish I could be like you, you are so brave to (insert backhanded compliment about my decorating, hair, clothes, or shoes)." I feel like the Penguins of Madagascar sometimes, "Smile and wave, boys, smile and wave." At least I can smile about it all!

Tales From The Not So Dark Side.

2011-11-07T17:06:00.005-07:00

Over the years I have heard tons of horror stories about other people's in-laws. I've felt sympathy for friends who have truly atrocious stories of rude and mean in-laws, but I've never truly been able to empathize with them, having had no similar experiences (I hope I used those correctly, because if not they will have another horror story of me to tell!).
Joan is one of those people who is absolutely genuine. She has no malice, she doesn't have ulterior motives, and she is genuinely kind. She is a shinning example of the mother you wish you could be, but can't, so you feel super inadequate, except that she never makes you feel badly about it, and therefore you feel worse (rambling, I know). Joan has never second guessed me as a mother, or made me feel badly about my parenting. Joan is not just a great mother, she is a great example of a rock-solid testimony. I could write 10 posts just about it! Whenever we visit she goes out of her way to make sure we feel welcome, and too often she cooks her amazingly yummy food and makes me gain 5 pounds every visit (especially with her cinnamon and sugar rolls, and the marshmallow fruit salad)! Eric has such love for his mother, and I can absolutely understand why, since I love her too.
Alan is a fun father-in-law for me to have. He is always willing to have "discussions" with me where I can be the devil's advocate (or he can) and we never walk away upset. He has been super supportive of us both emotionally and financially through all the years of our marriage. Alan is amazing at making lists and thinking things through ahead of time, with a VERY logical mind, which is why he is the first person we call when we want a non-emotional (in a good way), thought out answer to life decisions. He is amazingly patient with us as we blunder through life, and I am so grateful he is my father-in-law.

I know I am not the easiest daughter-in-law. I am overly emotional and I get ticked too easily. I am overbearing, and tend to like things "my" way. They have had only me to set the example of what "blending" (or not, in my case) into the family looks like, until recently with Emily (Hooray!), but they have only been kind, loving and accepting of me. I truly lucked out.

Thank you for being the best in-laws I've ever had!!! :)

My Biggest Vice

2011-11-06T15:59:00.003-07:00

Whether it is in hot liquid form, small ball shaped, long sticks, or even shaped like a frog, I am thankful for CHOCOLATE. Enough said.

What I Am NOT Thankful For

2011-11-05T13:06:00.003-06:00

I am not thankful for the spider that hid in my shower cap (yes, I use a shower cap, because I am that cool) and when I put it on my head the spider fell down my face on to my bare shoulder. Thinking I was being attacked a la Arachnophobia movie style, I promptly started screaming and swatted it towards the sink. After making small mewing noises and running hot water down the drain for 5 minutes I realized no one in my family even came to check on why I was in such distress. Not thankful, Mr. Spee-ider, not thankful.

Driving Me Up A Wall

2011-11-05T10:12:00.005-06:00

I am thankful that I have 3 beautiful, healthy, smart kids to drive me up the wall. I had uneventful pregnancies, uneventful births (except the whole unexpected C-section thingy), and we've had fairly uneventful (in a good way) lives. No major injuries, illnesses, or problems.

More than that, I am grateful for the 3 little people that I got to have in my life.
I am grateful to Ethan for helping me understand shyness a little better. He is quiet in public, but so fun here at home. He is so smart and constantly making me laugh with his play-on-words and his fun imagination. He loves Star Wars almost as much as I do and it is fun to have someone to talk about it with.
I am grateful to Ella for being such a kind person. She is truly the peacemaker in the family...most of the time. She is very sensitive to other people and is quick to feel other's pain. She is always ready with a hug and a kiss, and will always jump at the chance to cuddle. She has a sharp mind and is always willing to help others at school that need help.
I am grateful to Livi for being my little pixie. She looks like and angel but can be a little... mischievous at times. She makes my life interesting here at home. She is very quick to laugh and loves to explore and go on adventures. She has more wanderlust than I do and loves to go on errand with me just to go some where.

I'm a lucky mom.

I Am Thankful For Demanding Parents

2011-11-04T19:40:00.004-06:00

There is a lot I could say about my parents and why I am grateful for them. They have been a huge help through our educations, and beyond, both financially and mentally. They have provided me throughout my life with wonderful cultural experiences. They have done so much that I hope I have said thank you for, and that I am so appreciative of, but today I just want to high light a few random things that you can't find a Hallmark card for (because I am sticking it to the commercialism Man).

I am truly grateful that my parents raised me the way they did. They had high expectations. They always told me "when you go to college" never "if." I remember my mom and I have a "conversation" about my grade point average, which was a 3.56 at the time, and her "explaining" that, that wasn't going to be good enough if I wanted to get into BYU and get a good education. From a young age I understood that you needed a good education if you wanted a good job, and that every woman should have a good education (job) because you never knew what could happen. I may not have had to work in my career field, but a B.S. in education comes in handy every day you have kids!

I am grateful that my parents have been so supportive of me in my life. They were never one to give false hope (one of my mom's pet peeves is when people tell kids "You can be anything you want to be...") but they would talk out plans and strategies and help me come to an educated decision. Even when I acted more on emotion than logic they tried to help me see both sides, good and bad, of situations (even creepy boyfriends that they had to put up with for 2 years).

I am grateful that my dad took one of us kids out every Monday on a date night. Once a month we had my dad's undivided attention. He would let us pick wherever the heck we wanted to go, and we got to spend $10 on the evening. Some of my favorite memories from junior high were playing the Area 51 video game with my dad at the mini golf place. We spent all $10 on it and made it pretty far. He also sat through the horrible movie "Sister Act" with me, because I asked him to. He didn't have to spend that time with me, but he did, and I think we have a great relationship because he was willing to spend the time. He passed on a love of learning new things (i.e. a million hobbies), the importance of a strong work ethic, and and always did a great job of helping me understand the gospel (I still call him to help me with my talks).
My mom was a great example of feminism and liberal thinking, all while being a good Mormon (shocker, I know)! She taught me compassion for those that were less fortunate (even the sad socially awkward), and she taught me that I was just as good and worth as much as my brothers. She did a great job NOT playing favorites and really tried to help us all feel like we were worthwhile.

I remember one night I didn't have a book to read and she pulled out a very well worn book on Greek mythology. I remember her telling me how she had loved reading about all of the myths when she was younger and hoped that I would enjoy them too. I stayed up so late that night, I just couldn't read enough. She is always introducing me to new things whether I want to be or not (She got me a subscription to Time magazine this year just so I could hold more intelligent conversations with her!). She taught me to love reading, baking, and history, and I only hope I can be half as great a mom as she is!

I Never Learned To Read...and The Best pt 4

2011-11-03T14:03:00.006-06:00

Okay, so that isn't exactly true. I did learn to read. In fact I grew up in a house where reading was not only encouraged it was darn well expected that you would read all the time, especially in the bathtub (and sometimes, if it was a really good book, in the shower. Go ahead and judge me). My parents not only aided in our addiction to books, they were down right happy to do it. They still do. I think it is truly not a Beesley outing to Tucanos unless we head over to Borders and stock up on the latest books we have been dying to read!

This is only one of the hundred things I am thankful to my parents for. I will focus on them later. Today was just about reading.

The Best Part 4
EpcotThe kids climbing on, and I am sure insulting all the native Norwegian workers while doing so, the giant troll that watches over the shop there.

You have never lived until you have eaten true French bread. I guess, by my own reckoning, that I have never lived, but at Epcot you sure come close. I have had honest to goodness dreams about eating the French bread from there ever since we went when I was 17. It was the one thing I demanded of the day: Stopping to eat at the French Patisserie. And we did...twice.

Epcot has come a long ways from just the world fair feel. There are lots more rides, like the insane Test Track where you get to feel like a car test dummy (or in my case severely car sick), to the Nemo ride that is like a trip under the sea. We got to see our "futures" on Spaceship earth, and learn more about how imagination shapes our world.

They even have a program to make the countries more interesting for kids where you join Kim Possible (one of my Disney favorites) on a secret spy mission. When you complete all the educational tasks you use your special spy phone to send a signal and something cool happens, like a chimney in Norway blows smoke, or a crazy singing robot pops up from a shopping display in Japan. It was fun, but asking a 6 year old and 8 year old to share the top secret phone was a little dicey.

About half way through our trip around the world the kids got bored and Eric headed back to the Imaginarium with them, which is set up with tons of cute learning centers like a piggy bank interactive game that teaches kids about saving money, a fire station with giant laser tag like house to teach about fire safety, and even an area where you can put yourself into video game.

While this was going on my mom and I enjoyed eating our way around the rest of the world...I mean seeing all the things the countries had to offer...to eat (because, as my mom said "what happens in Epcot stays in Epcot."....unless your daughter keeps a blog I guess).

This is about where Mom got sick and went back to the hotel (we brought our cold with us) and we went with Dad back to France to eat dinner. We also stopped in at the countries the kids missed before and got their "passports" stamped to show they went to almost all the countries (sorry Mexico and China). In Italy, by a very beautiful fountain that also seemed to draw the parks smokers right to it. We got to have the no-smoking talk again. Touche Epcot, turning a nasty few minutes into a learning experience.

All in all a very educational, cultural and yummy experience.

I wish I had more pictures but I was so busy doing and enjoying that I forgot to take a lot. Oh well, at least I am writing about it while I still remember it.

Getting My Feathers In A Bunch.....plus The Best pt 3.

2011-11-02T18:55:00.007-06:00

I went into Walmart on Monday, Halloween, to pick up some emergency candy. To my utter amazement and chagrin they were taking down the Halloween posters that hang from the ceiling and were putting up Christmas posters. Christmas posters. I know the merchandise for Christmas came out in September, but this was actually decorating the store itself for Christmas.

I love Christmas, I really do, but it seems to me that they skipped a holiday....Thanksgiving... anyone, anyone??? Thanksgiving is turning into the forgotten holiday. I always felt bad for it that it only has 3 weeks of pre-celebration time anyways, but now they are just completely skipping it and moving on to the real money maker.

In the spirit of non-violent and non-critical rebellion that has gripped me lately I have decided to make the most of my 3 weeks leading up to Thanksgiving by posting every day (hopefully) about the people and things I am thankful for. Take that American consumerism!

To start out with I am going to write a little about my fabulous spouse, without whom I would be that crazy teacher that has 14 cats, wears a size 26 and socializes solely online through World of Warcraft.

Eric is not only hard working, long suffering and the most amazing dad to our kids, he is a wonderful husband who tries hard to help me have a happy life. He doesn't complain when I impulse buy. He listens to me rant about the latest slight I feel I have been dealt by the pizza guy. He nods encouragingly as I lash out at neighbor/news paper publisher who writes editorials about people being responsible neighbors and not leaving junk cars to rot on streets, while simultaneously leaving a junker right in front of OUR house! (not that this has been a recent and big thorn in my side or anything).

Eric was willing to suck it up and finish law school even though he hated it and wanted to quit after the first year. He worked so hard and did so well he was even able to graduate a semester early. He is great at being self motivated and is always on top of his responsibilities.

I love Eric and am so thankful he saved me from my cat lady existence, but that he loves that same slightly odd girl. All without ever making me feel badly about the fact that I am way nerdier than him, and he even smiles and nods as I tell him all about the fantasy books I am reading and their different mythologies.

Thank you Eric, you rock.

On to The Best Family Vacation Ever part 3:
Magic Kingdom
Eric with his beloved Belle, his favorite princess (yes, he has a favorite. You have to pick one when you have a daughter like Ella who really cares about things like this).

The Magic Kingdom is very much like our own beloved Disneyland in California, but with enough differences it is fun to compare them as you enjoy the park. Mainstreet is similar, but different. It is Cinderella's castle instead of Sleeping Beauty's. Oh, but the line for Dumbo is still amazingly long!
One thing we did do that was all new, and all amazing was have lunch at Cinderella's castle. You have to get reservations ahead of time, but it was soooooooooo worth it. You get to meet Cinderella and we even had enough time to talk with her a bit. Did you know Cinderella doesn't like crowns? They always fall off so she asked her fairy godmother to make her headbands to match all her outfits. Hmmm, I didn't even think about that till we talked with her!

During lunch the princess come around to each table. You get to talk to them, take pictures, and just enjoy the really good food and atmosphere. The girls were so excited.

Ethan...well he did like the cupcake he got to decorate for dessert.

(Another tidbit: Belle doesn't wear her ball gown around most of the time, it is too hard to move around in as it is so wide. Never really thought about it before, but now we know because we asked. And knowing is half the battle).

Ella, especially, was on cloud nine. We got to meet each of the princess, except Aurora went on break right before she got to her table and hadn't come back yet. One of the photographers had struck up a conversation with us because he noticed Eric's Husker shirt, and he too was from Nebraska. We asked our new friend what we should do about not meeting Aurora (Ella would have been devastated) so he promptly found her handler and had Aurora over to our table in no time. Aurora asked Ella if they should play a trick on Prince Phillip since "he wouldn't be able to tell them apart." They pick the best people to be the princesses!

All I can say is if I could design Heaven it would be a lot like the Magic Kingdom....but free...and less people with weird tattoos.

And Now For Something Completely Different...

2011-11-01T09:55:00.006-06:00

I feel a little overwhelmed (nothing new) with lots more vacation pictures, Livi's birthday pictures, and Halloween pictures, so I am doing what I do best...open insubordination. I will not be confined to what I have to do. I will look at my "to do" list and find something completely different to occupy my time. I really hate being told what to do, even by myself!I'm supposed to be doing yard work in this picture...

So here are some completely unrelated, but funny pictures
(mostly of Livi, or as I call her "Captain Random"):

Livi playing hide and seek, she always finds the best spots!

Livi sleeping with the "Jrat"
(giraffe, yes it is a plastic, blow up, pool toy that she became dependent on for a while).

Livi received some birthday money from Great Grandma Donna and immediately bought what every young girl needs: a warthog. She has been a little crazy about Lion King lately, or as she calls it "Makuna Matata."

And, of course, the no nap, too much sugar from school parties, right before trick-or-treating meltdown into silliness:

And to close it all, and a teaser of things to come: Can you guess what I was for Halloween, because nobody here could (except a few, choice children of the 80's). I got a little tired of "Army Guy!"

The Best..pt 2

2011-10-29T17:10:00.010-06:00

On to day 2. I have a feeling this day is the one my siblings missed doing the most. You see, it didn't exist the last time they were there...

My dad had one day before classes started and one thing he really wanted to see. I give to you:
The Wizzarding World of Harry Potter!!!

I have already mentioned the fact that I am a bit of a geek. If I were ever to truly tell you how much of a geek, I have a feeling a few of you would never talk to me again as your "cool" points would suffer just knowing me. One thing my family loves, and is actually VERY mainstream is Harry Potter. The only problem is we don't just love it like everyone else, we LOVE it. We reread the books over and over (my dad even rereads it in French to get a fresh perspective), we know random bits of fun facts that most people don't. We analyze the relationships between characters, compare the story lines to ancient mythology, and I'm sure one of these years I will force my kids to dress up as Gryffindors for Halloween.

It was a dream come true (literally) to step into the world of Harry Potter. To see the town,
the Hogwarts Express, the castle,
and even see and hear the icky mandrakes (luckily nobody died!).

I knew we would be going to this park and spent the summer reading the first three books to Ethan and Ella (and most of the time Livi, who didn't want to be left out) so they could fully appreciate it. I think they were only half as excited as I was (which is to say that they were ecstatic).

We rode on the amazingly crazy main ride at the castle which had a stunning line for the first 5 minutes, the most boring line for another 90 minutes and then they rushed us through the interesting castle part so we could barely even see all the cool touches. I wouldn't have minded spending less time out in the heat in the garden and more in the cool hall of portraits or Dumbledore's office, but considering it was Universal and not Disney it was extremely well done (I am such a Disney snob!!!).

The ride was part 3D CGI and part haunted house and is was awesome. The only non-awesome part was I got so sick I threw up in my mouth and only the thought of the mortification of getting off the ride with vomit all over me when 6 year olds were leaping off with smiles, kept it all down.

We ate lunch at The Three Broomsticks, which I'm sure was yummy but I couldn't really enjoy since I was SOOOOOOO sick. We tried pumpkin juice and butterbear, shopped in Honeydukes for candy, I feel like Ethan is saying "TWO chocolate frogs! Beat that!"

and Zonkos for practical jokes.

Ethan, Ella and Eric went on The Flight of the Hypogriff (which I was too queasy to even look at) and we had enough Easy Passes they could go on a second time, but only if the kids went by themselves. This was suppose to be a "family friendly" roller coaster, but I think Universal Studios and I have different ideas on what family friendly means. I watched with pure terror as my little adventurers waited in line and boarded the death contraption and all I could do was watch on helplessly because Eric vetoed me and said they would be fine and I was babying them. Thanks a lot Eric, but I guess this is one of the reasons why kids need a mom and a dad (so they can have fun sometimes).

About half way through exploring Livi got restless. She was sick of hearing she was too little to go on things, so we headed over to Dr. Seuss land to ride some Livi rides. We were lucky we had the Easy Passes so we could just walk on the rides because if I had to wait 5 minutes for most of those rides I would have demanded compensation for my time. Livi seemed to love them though and Dad was a good sport and went on most of them with us.

I was sad every time we left the Harry Potter world. I didn't care about the Jurassic Park area but I guess since it was technically a family vacation and not all about me I had to put on a smile and watch the kids (and Eric and my mom) get completely drenched on the scary dinosaur ride.

Their faces were so priceless I had to pay the exorbitant fee to buy the photo!

I could have spent just two hours in Harry Potter world and felt like my admission was worth it. I could also have spent all day just exploring all the shops, oohing and awing over all the little hidden gems, and waiting in line again for the ride (but not riding it) just to get a better look at all the parts we were rushed through.

And to top off the great day, the maid arranged the girls stuffed animals to greet us when we got back, put a tiara on one, and made a cute toothbrush holder with a grinning face! (Kind of like Grandpa Alan had set it up!)

The Best Family Vacation...Ever!!!!

2011-10-28T19:42:00.006-06:00

My family went on a vacation to Florida while I was in college. I was unable to take the time off, and when they got back all I heard was that it was "the best family vacation EVER!!!" Ever since I have felt a little left out, a little incredulous that it was THAT awesome, and a little sad that they had the best vacation (maybe because I wasn't there).

Well, my dad had his continuing education in Florida again and for some reason my mom didn't want to go to Disney World all by herself while my dad was in classes. She invited us to go along (since my siblings had been twice without me, and they all have things like work and school) and so we jumped at the chance to go with them!

We started talking about going about a year ago. Over a year of planning, and being excited. I didn't have to wait a year for my wedding, so asking me to think about this trip for a year, building up expectations and reading up on various things to do, well...it was like putting chocolate cake, enclosed in plexiglass, in front of a toddler and saying they can't eat it for a year.

So did it live up to the family's hype, my own expectations, and the general "wow" that you expect from Disney? It blew them out of the water. It truly was "The Best Family Vacation Ever!!!!"

"What?" you may say. "Could it really be that great?" "Surely you exaggerate."

Here is my answer to your questions: Day 1

After getting up early, flying, renting a car, and finally getting to our hotel we decided to take advantage of the hours we had left. We played on the hotel playground, went swimming in the pool, went down the water slide a few hundred times, and then realized we still had time to make it to Mickey's Halloween party.

We headed for the Magic Kingdom, bought some last minute costumes (no complaining from the girls to get more princess dresses!) and enjoyed trick-or-treating Disney style. It was late, dark, and we didn't know where we were going, but we got to ride, rides, Outside the Haunted Mansion, which was one of the best lines for a ride I have ever been through!

eat the (actually) good candy they handed out, enjoy the ambiance that only Disney can do, and ended it all with amazing fireworks. It was a great night.
That was only day 1. Awesome sauce.

We Are A Weird (But Happy!) Family

2011-10-19T11:15:00.007-06:00

I was looking over some photos I've taken in the last few weeks and realized we are a tiny bit on the weird side. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the fact we are just a little bit different, but looking at these photos I just had to laugh at the crazy, zany crew we have here at the Stott house.

A few weeks ago Ethan's friend Caleb turned 9. I let Ethan pick out a card and told him to "write on the inside." This is what he brought back to me:
I asked him why he didn't write "Happy Birthday" or even "From Ethan" anywhere and he informed me that he had... on the cover.

Eric and I watched an "Office" episode where the less than cool workers take up "planking." Planking is just lying on objects as if you are a plank. We laughed about it and Eric somehow brought it up at Family Home Evening. Next thing I know we are "planking" for our activity. Some people can lay completely still on objects that seem very uncomfortable and do it with panache. We are not those people:

Our tiny dog is a cold-a-phobe. I'm not sure how we are going to deal with this as the winter progresses, but I have a feeling I will be knitting tiny booties and and beanie pretty soon. If the afternoon is too cool you can find her curled up in blankets. If she has a bath I have resorted to tucking her up under a heating pad. This is not a Nebraska dog. This is a Southern California dog. Too bad she is so darn cute, or I would ship her off to live with Casey.

And lastly, we recently went to a Harvest Festival here in town. There was a bouncy house, glow in the dark art centers, and a VERY long hay ride. My kids favorite part: Playing in a barrel of corn.
Yep, we are a little odd, but I think we are happier that way.

The Sound of Silence

2011-10-11T20:33:00.002-06:00

A good day...both girls napping at the same time!

Stop Being So Great! - Updated...Again

2011-10-07T10:52:00.007-06:00

My sister wrote this really great post about how we are always a little worried that our lives are too great so something bad is about to happen. I would link to it but I am too lazy, so I will try to summarize.

Due to too many seminary videos, feel-good books and movies, and our general ability to over think/sympathize, we are cursed with feeling like something bad is around the corner ready to take us down. I am always a little scared that one of us will get cancer, loose a limb, or be poverty stricken. Our lives are just too easy, so something is about to happen to fix that.

Eric especially frightens me. He is just too good. He is a wonderful husband who puts up with how hard I am. He works so dang hard for us and never criticizes when I spend too much money on stupid stuff (shoes definitely not included, because they are never stupid). He will watch chick flicks with me, listens to my rants and encourages me to pursue my hobbies. Eric is always willing to watch the kids if I need a break or come home from work to empty the mouse trap because I am too much of a chicken (it is harvest time and we have a field up the street=a few little visitors every October./ GROSS!!!!)

A couple of days ago I woke up to this: Eric not only got up with the kids (which happens more often than not, since I have trouble falling asleep), but when the girls asked for a tea party for breakfast he made them warm (not hot, because hot is too hot) chocolate and gave them cut up pop tarts. On a work/school day. When he could have just told them "not now" or "how about on Saturday?"

It made me tear up for a couple of reason:
1. I am overly emotional and have PMS
2. Look how happy those girls are!
3.He is SUCH A GOOD DAD!!!
4. Now something bad has to happen

Okay, so nothing bad has happened to me yet, and my life has been blessed from day one, but when someone I love does something so sweet I almost want to tie them up in their room so they can't go out into the world. Or cut off a toe. That would even things out, I think.

UPDATE:
So I am sitting here, alone, on a Friday, while Eric is tromping around the forest looking for a blood trail for a buck he got with an arrow, dragging along our 8 year old son, way past his bed time. Whew...saved.

Re-UPDATE (???):
So Eric spent all night following the blood trail of the buck, slept in his car, and went out again this morning to follow the trail again. He found the trail, and realized he had no way to ensure the deer bit the dust so I had to drive 45 minutes out to Bridgeport to bring Eric back his bow (he brought Ethan home last night before going out again and left the bow here for some reason), and then 45 minutes back. He will probably be gone all day, and butchering all night. So, Eric probably wont be hit by a semi while helping a little old lady change a tire in the middle of a tornado. We are fine in the cosmic balance for at least a year. But, I do smell a new pair of shoes coming my way...

The View From My Window

2011-10-07T10:29:00.005-06:00

Okay, so it is technically my sliding glass door, but window sounds better. I LOVE FALL!!!

Out of Character, but Oh Well

2011-10-03T11:58:00.005-06:00

I am not a person to forward emails, send on chain letters, or pass on random stuff in general, but every once in a while I find something so amazing, so worthwhile, so...life altering that I just have to share. This is one of those cases.

I saw this on Epbot and laughed so hard and so loudly that my family came running from all over the house. Livi now begs for it and sings along. She especially loves episode 3 because of the baby. This video encompasses my sense of humor, along with wonderful one liners, and actually really good blue grass music. I hope you laugh as hard as I did.

I give to you "Guy On A Buffalo"

ps. the other two episodes are on you-tube, and the band sells t-shirts on their site, if anyone needs a Christmas gift idea for me!

Mmwa Ha Ha Ha, or I'm Very Good Aren't I???

2011-10-01T14:01:00.006-06:00

IT IS OCTOBER!!!! Yay!!! The days are not cooler yet, but the leaves are changing and the nights are crisp. People are BBQ-ing, the Huskers are playing and I am a happy clam. The girls and I spent the morning putting up all our decorations and we are excited to make sugar cookies tomorrow. I spent the time Eric was gone finishing a few projects and I thought I would share because I need the feel like I can actually accomplish something (and I wouldn't say "no" to a pat on the back right now, even if it is from me!).

I was starting to work on our Christmas advent calendar when Ella asked why we didn't have a Halloween one. I thought for a moment then got to work trying to find a pattern I could use. Turns out there isn't really a big market for Halloween advent calendars. Hmmm, who would have guessed. Ha ha.

As my brother and I were talking about two days ago, we are not super great at creating new ideas, just very proficient at making things we have seen. We are not creative genius' we are the forgers who make copies for our own use. So the thought of coming up with my own from scratch scared the begeezes out of me.

I decided if I failed it wasn't like I was destroying anything, and probably it would be fun for the kids anyways. This is the end result:
What the kids woke up to this morning, a stark landscape with pockets waiting to be explored:What they will see at the end of the month after putting up an addition every day:I also made two wreaths for the door, and some VERY cheap artwork to put up behind our pictures from "costumes of years past". I need something taller to put next to it though. Any ideas? I was thinking a leg lamp, but we all know that's really more of a Christmas decoration.

It Can Only Get Better, Right? Or Failing, Nicole Style

2011-09-29T08:32:00.006-06:00

The result of Livi "helping" me clean up dishes. I feel like it pretty much summed up this honestly, true story of my adventures yesterday.

Yesterday was one of those days. You know the kind, the kind where you sit back and watch it all happen and think "is this really happening?" Just one bad thing after another until you are sitting on a pile of "stuff" surveying the wreckage around you.

The day started off just right. I weighed myself on the scale and had gained 5 pounds in two days even though I have been watching what I eat. Nothing says "Good morning sunshine!" like 5 extra pounds you thought you had got rid of!

I then managed to drop my kids off late to school, the first time EVER. They made it in time for morning meeting but had to run to meet up with their lines that were already going in. Ella, being VERY conscientious of time, left the car with a screech and a moan.

Ella's wails and curses upon my head weighing heavily in my ears and the knowledge that I can't even diet correctly left me a little vulnerable. So when Livi declared from the back seat that she needed a doughnut I heartily agreed. We ran to the co-op, bought the biggest cream filled doughnut we could and I proceeded to stuff my face. Way to fail hard, Nicole.

Deciding to run some errands I went to Walmart to get deodorant (which I had run out of that morning, of course) and to see if Walmart had the USB device that is essential to make my brand new blue ray player work, but was not included in the package. It turns out that no, my Walmart does not carry it, and Oh, it's only $80 to get one online. Looking more closely, the blue ray player with built in wi-fi was only $50 more than the one I bought. Feeling a little dejected that I failed so miserably at purchasing a blue ray player that my husband had warned me we didn't need right now (yeah right, he should stay home with kids for 4 days with no spouse and no DVD player!), I left the check-out feeling like a miserable failure. Eric would never say "I told you so." but he does have a silence that seems to provoke the same emotion in me.
As I was leaving I noticed the Walmart greeter had set up the carts in a row, nicely waiting for people to grab one. I thought "Oh, I can be helpful and nice. I will put my cart in the row to help them out! Yea me!" Right as I placed the cart the greeter made a huffy noise and ran over to correct my cart placement.
Knowing I had failed to even put the cart back in its position correctly, which even elderly and special needs Walmart workers can manage, I left the store crying. Yes, actually crying. Which made me cry more, knowing I was crying for a ridiculous reason.

Putting my seat belt on, my phone rang, normally not a good thing that early in the morning. It turns out I had forgotten I had made a visiting teaching appointment and I needed to be there in all my splendid, snotty, glory in 20 minutes. Running home to let the dog out for a quick potty break I finally made it to the house 10 minutes late. Livi proceeded to literally jump off the furniture and yell at me about seating arrangements. Near the end of the visit I was left feeling a failure again since I do not have family prayer and scripture study 2 times a day like the two other ladies there.

Eric called right as I was leaving to ask if I wanted to go out to lunch at Culvers since he will be gone to Lincoln for 4 days, which was nice of him. I showed up in the worst mood possible after my wonderful morning, and proceeded to order a giant cheeseburger, large fry, and caffeinated drink, just to show my body I didn't care that it hated me.

The day followed the same vein with me not finding the shoes Ella wanted online, shortened nap times, doggy "presents" all over my carpet, missing ballet bags, alienating every living being I came into contact with, and me stuffing myself with sugary goodness until I was spent with crying, in pain with a stomach ache the likes of which I haven't had since the day after Halloween 21 years ago, and a killer headache. I finally decided to try and sleep because, heck, the next day couldn't be any worse, right?

Wish me luck!

It's Not Just Your Dog

2011-09-29T08:27:00.001-06:00

For Jes: Your dog is not the only one that eats walls (I especially love the abandoned chew bone right next to it).
For my mom: Your dog is not the only one that steals dirty underwear.

I Give To You...Houdini's Dog

2011-09-27T19:56:00.003-06:00

For you viewing pleasure:

Eric Should Be Doing This...

2011-09-26T13:36:00.004-06:00

Eric went down to check on the kids last night and came back up with some pictures of Playmobil toys Ethan had set up. He wrote narratives for them, showing that he is a hundred times funnier than I could ever be. He is the one who should write our blog, or draw cartoons, or write (really weird) children's books.

Animals tend to gossip behind other species' backs. Except, of course, the cows. They are too stupid.

Not a lot happens in town, but the sole bike rider always draws a crowd. He can do a wheelie! (not shown).

And my personal favorite:
After Lucy slaughtered the villagers with her bare hands, she got away with all of their provisions. She let one mother and baby live to warn others that she means business.

The Not So Great Outdoors

2011-09-25T21:47:00.005-06:00

A couple of weeks ago we decided to try camping. It is the first time we have gone as a family since Livi was born, and we thought we could handle it. Actually, Eric thought we could handle it. I threw a tantrum, and refused to be enthusiastic.

We went to a state park not too far from home, thinking that if things got too bad we could come back (actually I was thinking if things got too bad I could go back home and everyone else could enjoy their "experience").
Amazingly enough I think overall I had the most fun. I went in expecting torture (have you ever eaten with Livi at a restaurant?) but it was actually relaxing. "How so?" you may ask:Eric took care of all the food, so it was actually a break for me to just enjoy being outside. He was stressed out and declared that we were not going again for another 5 years, but I'm already itching to go again. When else can I have 4 s'mores and not feel guilty about it?

Sure, there was the crazy wind that woke us all up at 3a.m. and had us feeling like our tent was going to blow away with us in it, and Ethan popping up like a little prairie dog every 5 minutes to check and make sure we were all still there, sure Eric didn't catch any fish, sure I found my son playing with a rodent skull, but there was a lake to throw rocks in, Ethan got to catch toads (which he even picked up by himself!!!), and best of all I had the comfy, nice air mattress I demanded before I agreed to go, so I'm going to chalk this one up in the "fun" category, and next time we'll bring doughnuts for breakfast so Eric can enjoy the trip a little more!

For your cuteness quota I present "Livi and Tonks Running," ending, as all my videos do, with Livi saying "I want to see..."

Escape From Reality

2011-09-23T16:26:00.004-06:00

I often get weird looks from people when I say that Halloween is one of my favorite holidays (a very, very close second to Christmas). I even had a member of my ward lecture me a few years ago about the evils of Halloween. I get it. I know it is based on a pagan holiday, and the whole thing revolves around some not very nice stuff, but I love it anyways.

There are a couple of reasons why Halloween is so fun to me, one of which is dressing up. I love getting to pretend to be someone different for a change. I can be the Mad Hatter, or Princess Leia, even if just for an evening (or 3 some years). I love the getting ready, the stage makeup, and the general fun of just putting on something I don't normally wear.

Another reason I love Halloween is the fact the whole community celebrates together. Our kids go door to door and neighbors, friends, and even strangers give them candy...for free! Businesses have sidewalk celebrations, the zoo has an extravaganza, and the community puts on festivals, all at no cost. It is just a giant block party that we all pitch in for.

One other reason Halloween appeals to me so much was reiterated to me today. An 8 year old little girl went missing here on Wednesday. Her body was found today in a ditch and they have arrested her step-dad. I was in JoAnn's today, crying with others because that is where we found out. This is only the 4th murder we have had since we lived here, and the last violent death of a child here was in 2003. We are pretty insulated in our small town, but this reminded me that the world is scary. People can be horrible. I find it nicer to read science fiction and celebrate Halloween where the scary things are monsters, ghosts, vampires, and other things that we don't have in real life. Real life can be horrible, and sometimes I just want to escape.

I'm going to go work on my Halloween advent calendar. I'm going to make my dog's costume. I'm going to watch The Office and try and escape for just a while from thinking about that poor little girl. Hug your loved ones tonight, I know I did. Enjoy life, and enjoy escaping once in a while.

I have a video to help:

I Feel Like I Should Be Concerned

2011-09-22T19:37:00.003-06:00

Reasons this picture concerns me:
1. Livi is as good as using my ipad as I am.
2. My husband thought this was significant enough to take a photo of.
3. I didn't even notice she was sitting on me, let alone coloring on the ipad, at the time.
4. I have no sense of shame and am posting a very unflattering picture of my backside.

Yips, and Skulls, and Puppy Dog Tails

2011-09-15T18:42:00.004-06:00

Having a high maintenance puppy is a definite adjustment for me. Having an indoor dog has been an adjustment for me. Luckily she does have some redeeming characteristics (more specifically, 2):

1st: She's too little to fight me when I dress her up. Ha ha. I can't wait for Halloween. It has been cool here and she would shake when she went out so I had to buy her a sweater (yes, I bought a dog a sweater. Don't tell my ward!). She was so embarrassed in the sweater I chose she hid under the stools for over an hour. Livi thought it looked fun and decided to join her down there.2nd: She gets the cutest attack of the yips I have ever seen. When she runs she tucks her ears back and her back legs hop so she looks just like a demonic bunny going ballistic in my house. I love it! (my floor has pieces of paper all over it because she shreds anything she can get her teeth on).

First Day Blues/Celebration

2011-09-14T21:14:00.006-06:00

Bitter/sweet does not do the first day of school justice. It is more like agony/joy or depression/elation. It is so nice to have the decibel level go down a little in the house. It is so nice to not see rooms destroyed immediately after spending hours cleaning them. It is nice to be able to watch "Veronica Mars" or "Alias" while I fold laundry and not have to pause it every time someone comes in the room.

On the other hand, I miss their funny comments. Livi misses her playmates. I... guess... I miss having an excuse to watch "Phineas and Ferb." Hmmmm, I know there are more things, but it is still too close to summertime and I am very happy to have a little quiet. Maybe I'll update later.

The kids both got different teachers the day before school started, which was a fabulous thing. Both had teachers I was a little "iffy" about, but got moved into classes with teachers that are enthusiastic and better suited to my kids. Both went from classrooms with almost no friends to classes with best friends (which I'm not sure is a total positive for Ethan who has a hard time paying attention anyways).

We went shopping for first-day-of-school clothes online, which Livi immediately had to be a part of. They, all 3, looked wonderful (meaning clean and dressed, which at this point in my recovery is progress) on the first day of school. I even managed to get up in time to do hair and put on respectable clothes on myself so I could go with them that first morning. They didn't seem to really care if I was there with them though. As soon as we got on school grounds they took off running to find their friends.I do miss them. I do worry about them. I do wonder if they are learning enough, socializing well, staying safe, making good choices, and concentrating when they need to (hint hint Ethan). But really, Livi, Tonks and I are enjoying a few hours of nap time/quiet time, and we all appreciate each other more when 3:30 rolls around.

Unintentional Humor

2011-09-10T09:23:00.003-06:00

One thing I love about having a 2 year old is the amazing amount of humor she accidentally provides. She sees the world in such a pure way, not yet influenced by social niceties or bias. This is one of my favorite clips from our trip to the Stott reunion, and I thought everyone could use a quick laugh today:

In case you can't hear, here is the transcript:
Jared: Who do you love more, the puppy or me?
Livi: The puppy, Mommy, Daddy....

Tails From The Crypt(ic future)

2011-09-04T14:52:00.003-06:00

I have never had a truly spooky experience. Eric has a story from when he was a little boy. He got out of the shower and "BOO" was written in the fog on the mirror. I know people who swear they have seen ghosts, had answers on Ouija boards or seen inanimate objects seemingly move. I don't like being scared, but I always felt like I was missing out. Well no longer. I give to you "THE WRITING ON THE SHOWER DOOR" Mwahahaha:

So it doesn't seem like very much, but I was in there for a long time shaving my legs and somehow my mind saw:

Never? Never what? Is it like the Raven which is so horrible ambiguous that everyone has a different answer? Is it just there to torment me? Could it be a "future me" coming back to impart some special wisdom that could alter my life and change history as we know it? Oh, wait...

I guess it just means I never do learn to spell correctly. Thanks a lot future me.

Stott Family Reunion, I Think...

2011-09-04T14:15:00.002-06:00

Due to the fact I was diagnosed with viral meningitis 2 days before leaving for Utah, and was technically still suppose to be in the hospital, it is little wonder that I don't remember a lot of specifics from the trip. I remember it was pretty, I remember I had fun, and I know we came home with a dog. I hope we do it again next year so I can remember it this time (minus the dog part, we don't need another one of those). Here are some highlights that I allegedly captured:

We started the first night off with a talent show and S'mores. Yummy!

The next day we rented ATVs for a fun day of riding. Ella loved it. I couldn't go but it sounds like it was awesome!

There was a big 6 man ATV that the kids could ride in. Joan said it felt like the "Indiana Jones" ride at Disneyland. No wonder Ella loved it so much.

Eric brought his slingshot which I believe they used to try and "catch" fish. I think that is what they did, or the were just trying to create pretty ripples in the water.


A cute moment with Livi and Grandpa.

I Don't Know If I Should Laugh Or Throw Up

2011-08-31T14:26:00.006-06:00

Livi has had a ... "remark"able day. She has kept me laughing, wanting to cry, and wanting to throw up (amazingly all at the same time). It's interesting all the emotions having a two year old can provoke.

While I was paying bills Livi found an engagement photo of me and Eric.
She brought it over and asked "Who it is?"
I barely looked up and answered "Oh, it's me and Dad."
Livi seemed to think I didn't look at it correctly so she shoved it under my nose "WHO IT IS?"
I pretended to study the photo and answered "It is me and Daddy."
She looked at it "Na uh."
Me: "I assure you that is me and Dad."
Livi: "No, she pretty."

Tonks is a pretty small dog. She is only about a foot long and 3 lbs in weight. Livi seems to think that because Tonks is so small that means that she, Livi, should be able to carry her around. This morning she picked her up and was carrying her around the kitchen.
Me: "Livi, I don't think Tonks likes that very much."
Livi: "Yeah, she do!"

You can decide:"Please help me."

The piece-de-resistance happened while sitting on the couch right after breakfast. I was looking up shoes on my ipad (of course) and Livi said "Mom, it for you." I absent-mindedly said "oh." Livi grabbed my hand and said "Here take it." I asked "What is it?" As her little hand went into mine she said "It's a booger."
Thanks Livi

The Tooth Fairy Gives Me Heartburn

2011-08-28T13:46:00.004-06:00

Thank you, Tooth Fairy, for instigating many uncomfortable conversations. Why do some kids get $0.50, some a dollar, and some get two? Why do some kids get special coins or presents when they lose their first tooth? Why do some kids get a note, a toy, a car, when they lose a tooth? What does the Tooth Fairy look like? How does she fly? Is she tiny or big? What in the world does she do with all those teeth?

Ella recently lost her first tooth. It had been loose for ages, and for days had been at that gross stage where it moves around on its own every time she opened her mouth. She didn't even notice it was gone until we were reading for bed and I asked her what happened. She remembered spitting something in the sink when she brushed her teeth. Yes, her first tooth and been lost down the drain.

There was the inevitable break down that only a type-A child with a very type-A mother can produce. She worried that the Tooth Fairy wouldn't leave anything because there wasn't a tooth to collect. She worried the Tooth Fairy wouldn't even show up since there was no lost tooth in the house. She worried she would get in trouble with the Tooth Fairy and it would affect later tooth profits. Ethan was actually very reassuring and told her about the time he lost his tooth at school and the Tooth Fairy still came. This brought on all the questions about how different kids have different experiences with the Tooth Fairy.

We decided that there are many, many, MANY tooth fairies that are in charge of different families. They have individual relationships with their assigned families and individually decide how to reward the child for the tooth. I never thought I would have to have deep philosophical discussions about flying tooth collectors, but there you have it, the ever amazing job of a mother!

p.s. We decided that our tooth fairy has a tooth alarm that goes off when someone loses a tooth. We left a note explaining what happened and she was very understanding. Thank goodness!p.p.s. What would someone do with all those teeth? We came up with: build a really disgusting castle; sell them to dentists in poor countries; and maybe she is a hoarder, the likes of which have never been seen. Any other ideas?

Oh Canada, Pt 4 (last one I promise)

2011-08-25T10:05:00.008-06:00

Okay, I'm going to try and wrap up the Canada trip this post. It was just so much fun it's hard to condense everything. Some things I didn't get pictures of like Jes' overly...ah..."enhanced" D&D character, McKay scaring us with stories of cancer from microwave popcorn (we ate it anyways), and the shear number of hot chocolate cups we went through. I do have a few pictures from other highlights though:

Red Rock Canyon: I was amazed my very tired, pregnant sister wanted to go, but it was fun for the three couples to brave the super high water and basically swim our way up the canyon. We even attracted an audience at one particularly embarrassing part that involved sliding down rocks into a VERY cold pool of water (embarrassing because I squealed like a ground squirrel about to be attacked by Baylee). I thought McKay's foot wear (flip flops) particularly brave, but he ended up having better traction than James did with his "specialty shoes."

Horse back riding, a favorite every year. This year was just as beautiful and not as scary as years past (no run away horses!). The most memorable part was Jes getting the shortest, widest horse available.
She spent a BIG part of the ride trying to get her horse NOT to eat.

I didn't go on the "walk" (according to Julia it was a death march) to the sand hills.
My knee did not survive Red Rock and then a horse ride so I was at the cabin drinking hot chocolate (ha-ha). Ethan and Ella liked jumping off the "cliffs" (really a little shelf, but the kids thought they were so brave!).

Taking walks by the lake to cool off. It was unusually hot some of the days so we would walk by the lake to get a cool breeze. One particularly hot day Ebby and Livi decided to wade pretty far into the glacial water and it turned traumatic for all:

Golfing in the most beautiful setting ever:

Park runs at least twice a day:

The best boating day ever. The lake was like glass, and the International boat was just coming back from the US side. We used the wake from the giant boat to push our little fishing boat into a rip roaring ride that had us all laughing in fear, and Ethan getting thrown from one side of the boat to the other. Good times.

Saying goodbye to the cabin, always bitter sweet (although that doesn't really make sense. It was just bitter, not sweet, I didn't want to go back home. If we could just live there year round I would. Eric wants to open a store there, but we have yet to come up with something plausible. Plus the whole 20 feet of snow in the winter is a deterrent.)

Here is a video from the Red Rock adventure. You are at a dam in the river and there is a small hole you can climb through to get to the upper part of the river. The only problem is that, that means there is a very small hole you have to climb down to get back. Luckily we had three strong guys we could fall on if we needed to:

Oh Canada, Pt 3

2011-08-19T17:22:00.006-06:00

On a totally random note: I want to hide in a hole. In a text our sweet Bishop's wife offered to teach my Sunday School class so I wouldn't have to go to church tomorrow, I declined (also in a text). She texted back "ok" and then like the socially defunct person I am I texted back "Thank you so much!" Right as I pushed the send button I cringed, realizing how weird a response that was. I could just picture her looking at the text and wondering "wait, so am I teaching her class?"

It makes me wonder if there is someway to use my lack of grasp of the English language (that was a pretty good example right there) to my advantage. Maybe I need my friend Melissa to watch our dog. I just text her "Thanks so much for watching Tonks, you are a life saver!" She reads that and thinks maybe she already agreed and just forgot. Bang, I now feel like I don't need to hang my head in shame, and found a babysitter for Tonks!

On to Canada:
This year the kids made lots of friends, and by "made" I mean they played with people they have met before but didn't remember. Livi found a great friend in my second cousin, Lucy. Lucy is a little older, but since Livi is so tall and talks so well, it didn't seem to matter. Lucy would come over and the two little blond "angels" (used VERY loosely) would play and play, and argue, and then play and play some more.
Between Aspen Grove and Canada we got to spend lots of time with the kids' only cousins, Ebby and Autumn. By the end we had some great, almost iconic moments, like the kids eating icecream on some random wooden steps together, Autumn wanted some too, and we had some less great moments such as Livi screaming bloody murder, me brushing it off, and then an hour later finding a PERFECT bite mark on her arm. I was impressed not only with Ebby's powerful jaw, but the fact that Livi sat there and let it get to that point. It was so perfect and pronounced I think I could have had Alan make a dental impression of Ebby's mouth with it.

Another important friend was Bailey. Bailey is James and Jes' tiny little porkie (Pomeranian/Yorkie) dog. She is probably the biggest reason we ended up with Tonks. She is small, sweet, cuddly and took a real shine to Ella. She thought she was a great guard dog and would "protect us" from the scheming shifty-eyed ground squirrels, and the scary middle-aged vacationers that would pass us on the trails. To her credit, I was never attacked by anyone wearing khaki shorts and a button up shirt (or a squirrel for that matter).

Oh Canada, pt. 2

2011-08-18T12:02:00.004-06:00

I've had a rough morning. I'm still beat. Livi is going through withdrawals since the big kids went back to school this morning. Tonks rolled in her own poo outside so she had to have a bath and a blow dry (which seems ridiculous since I don't even blow dry my own hair) and she is still traumatized. Both are pretty clingy right now so I'm reduced to typing with 1 hand.
I wanted to post more of our adventures in Canada, but the shaking puppy on my arm thinks that is a silly idea, so I give to you:

Eric, the Mighty Fish SlayerI hate fish, but I have to say fresh caught glacier lake trout tastes pretty darn good (although tires would probably taste good too if you put that much butter and garlic on them).

Oh Canada, pt 1

2011-08-16T10:48:00.011-06:00

I know I have said it several times, but "I Love Canada". There is just something about Waterton that lets me finally completely relax. It is the one place in the world I can feel my mind settle down and my anxiety just melts off.

This year started out as awesome as usual. We had some AMAZING adventures...dum duh duh da (suppose to be exciting music, not saying you are dumb).

First off Ethan and Ella were able to take control of Grandpa's Banana Boat (for a very short, and terrifying time). Ethan loved it so much we were able to get a rare picture : Ethan smiling!

Speaking of rare and undocumented, I give you, never before seen in captivity or the wild: Dad in shorts!!!

The park was just full of water after the very wet winter and spring. Waterfalls were more like water-thrown-over-with-great-forces. My newest bro-in-law, McKay, surrounded by millions of gallons of water and his fan club.

Our group with Cameron (Torrential) Falls behind us. I like how the two son-in-laws were too cool for the picture.

On one of the first days in the park we went hiking up to Bertha Falls which is normally a very relaxing and serene hike. This time we took someone with us who was such a crazy hiker he would run ahead of us, see we were lagging behind, run back to us and urge us on. He was a true taskmaster. I have never been on a hike with someone with that much enthusiasm and zest for hiking. He is Ben, my second cousin, and... he is 4 years old (he is the cutey in the white shirt in the front)!

On our hike to Bertha Falls Livi heard something in the bushes and did the only thing an intelligent and safety conscious 2 year old can do... she poked at it with a stick.

I also threw caution to the wind and let Livi take short rides on the scooters with Eric. She held on really well and I'm sure in years to come we will be at her mercy taking rides constantly to throw rocks at the lake, or go get ice cream, or just check out the perimeter of the cabin.

Aspen Grove 17.0

2011-08-13T10:41:00.008-06:00

I've have been going to Aspen Grove for somewhere around 17 or 18 years (depending on which relative you are talking to). Every year, for me, is a different experience. I started as a young teenager, went as a young married person, brought tiny babies, and now have kids that are enjoying the same programs I did when I was younger.

It was a really fun year for a number of reasons:
1. For the first time in 7 years none of my little family got sick and threw up!
2.How do you beat number 1?
3.For the first time the kids really wanted to do their ending program and they did a great job.
4.I got to meet my only niece.
5.I actually got some free time since Livi liked going to group.
6.I got to hang out with some really fun relatives!

Some other highlights:
Frontier Night- Ella took control of the classroom, and the boys seemed happy to let her.
James was willing to run around with Ebby and Livi, because boy did they sure love running,
and running,
and running.

Hiking to Stewart Falls with my fabulous sister Jes. My sister Julia wrote a whole thing about hiking with Jes and I would suggest reading that description. For the record I only thought I was going to die for half the hike (the up hill part). Jes is amazing! She is the energizer bunny of hiking. She is so athletic and fit and I am....not. At one point I thought I was having a stroke when my face went numb, but Jes is really a good sport and was willing to take stops for me. The hike was beautiful and the snow bank at the bottom of the falls, IN JUNE, was something I have never seen before.

The kids showing off their daily exploits. It seemed a lot of days involved face paint. Not normal face paint. Face paint that takes nuclear clean up formulas to remove. I don't even remember how long it took to get Ethan's Darth Vader mask off, but it was a while, and involved two types of makeup remover and some tears.

I thought Livi was trying to make a cute pose like Ella always does, but no.
One of the best parts was seeing Livi just take to my Grandma Donna. Livi and Ebby really loved it when she would blow bubbles for them. Livs still talks about "your mama onna."

Tonks

2011-08-13T09:50:00.001-06:00

Well, we got a puppy. I've only had two full blown panic attacks, and so far she's been a doll. To answer a few questions her name is "Tonks" (from Harry Potter, a big thanks to James and Jes for the idea), she was GREAT on the ride home, not crying or barking at all, and she is a schnorkie which is part miniature schnauzer, part yorkie.

We picked this breed on purpose because we needed: something small so Ethan could deal with it (yorkie); something pretty sturdy (schnauzer); something good with kids and traveling (schnauzer); something that didn't shed because of allergies (yorkie and schnauzer); and something adorable so Eric would say yes (yorkie).

She is a tiny little ball of fur that reminds me of a teddy bear. She already has decided that Eric is Alpha Dog and loves him best. She will cuddle next to me, but if she can she prefers to be on Eric. Or my freshly clean laundry I am trying to fold.

Ella is obsessed with her and every chance she gets she picks Tonks up and either carries her like a baby, or in her bed like a floating carpet ride. I'm not quiet sure Tonks likes it as much, but she is very patient and good with all the kids.

If you listen to my voice you can tell I'm a little out of it. I guess it was good I wasn't in my right head. Otherwise we wouldn't have gotten a dog and we would have missed out on this cuteness.

I Blame Eric, oh, and Jessica Simpson

2011-08-11T20:56:00.004-06:00

There are two things you should never do on pain pills: get a haircut, and buy a puppy. Now I know, and knowing is half the battle.

Really? So What Is?

2011-08-06T11:38:00.005-06:00

Puppy Update: So I totally thought having viral meningitis would be the card up my sleeve to getting a puppy. Eric assures me that having meningitis is a reason NOT to get a puppy right now. I think his ideas of what will help me (rest, pain pills, chocolate) are well meaning but not as helpful as:So after Disneyland we had about 2 days to rest before we started on the next leg of our journey. We decided for the sake of everyone's' sanity to make the trip back to Utah in two days. We decided to stop in Cedar City and partake in a family tradition that I haven't been able to do for years: The Shakespeare Festival. I was so excited that Richard III was playing (one of my favorites) and that I was able to go with Julia and Joy.

We took the kids to the green show before the play where they sing and dance and you get to eat ice-cream for dinner (a long running tradition as well). Also long running: Mom and Dad. They spent most of the green show chasing after Livi and Ebby.

Bugs, and Toys, and Mermaids, Oh My!!!

2011-08-04T13:38:00.004-06:00

An update: Eric has not given in (and by "given in" I mean he hasn't jumped up and down in excitement and declared "Wow, I really think we should get a dog TODAY!") I don't know what else to try, but I'm thinking of going into the SLC area while we are in Utah next week for Eric's family reunion. Maybe if Eric is confronted with such adorable, pleading eyes (mine, although I guess that could describe the dog too) he will get on the bandwagon.

Back to our regularly scheduled post:

DISNEYLAND!! Whoot Whoot!I consider myself a Disneyland veteran, but this trip was full of firsts (probably because we haven't been to California Adventure for a while).

Livi's first time to play in the 'It's A Bug Life" water fountains. (With her constant side kick, my nephew Ebby)
Our first time ridding on the new Toy Story ride, which is AMAZING. It's set up like an interactive video game and I think Ella did the best out of my little family. It's amazing that Ella even manages to pose for pictures as I am whipping out the camera to get them right before they disembark. She must have a 6th sense for when her photo is being taken.

We also rode on the new Ariel ride, and it was so well done. I wish I had gotten a picture of all the sea-shells and sea life that is incorporated into just the line where you wait. But I didn't, so you'll just have to go.

I also didn't get a group shot of everyone there so if anyone did, I would love a copy.

Get Thee Behind Me Mr. Spock...

2011-08-02T13:40:00.005-06:00

I am blessed (cursed) by the ability to see both sides of most issues. Most of the time I am a very logical person. I am not a real impulse shopper (no matter what my ward thinks), I don't do many crazy spur-of-the-moment things, I love to plan and almost all major decisions are thoroughly thought out. It seems like I have a tiny Mr. Spock hovering on my shoulder telling me to think logically and not let emotion enter the picture.

On my other shoulder, however, is a tiny Jessica Simpson saying that I could use those new shoes, that I should buy the expensive foundation, and I NEED to own new patio furniture. Jessica means well, but she is kind of a ditz and I ignore her most of the time.

Lately there has been a war going on, on my shoulders and Mr. Spock is loosing. Jessica seems to think that a dog would be a perfectly reasonable addition to our family and as much as the logical side tries to warn me, I think she might be right.
I don't like picking up dog poo, we are going to Florida in October, I HATE dog hair, and I can barely keep it together with the responsibilities I do have, but it does not matter. I want a dog.

I have explained the problem to Eric and he has used his annoying "If you think you need it" phrase again, so I turned to our immediate families for help. I decided if they started a letter writing (email) campaign to Eric about our family needing a dog, then maybe he would give a more definite answer and I wouldn't bear all the decision making responsibility.

So far Eric has received some pretty hilarious emails:

"Dearest Eric,
Bo is in heaven. It is time for you to get another dog. Just sayin ;)

Love,
Cheryl"

"As per a request from a source that shall remain anonymous, I shall now convince you to buy a Porkie. Particularly this Porkie.

IT IS ADORABLE! Buuuuuuuuuuy it! It will lower your blood pressure, thus saving you money on medical bills in the future. You could put a big poster of her on your law firm and she'd bring in clients like nobody's business. I'm fairly certain everyone knows the old adage "The secret to a being great lawyer is having a cute dog."

If that didn't work...

You will buy that Porkie. *waves hand like a Jedi*

Anywho, hope you're well. Tell Nicole I tried.

James
Oh, and Jes signs on to this petition as well."

"Eric,

I've been doing a lot of research lately on dogs, and all my data shows that a Brussels Griffon would be the perfect dog for your family. Fortunately, I was browsing the ads, and I came accross this deal for a purebred right here in SLC: http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=16620900&cat=105&lpid=&search=brussel

I know you are still mourning the loss of Bo, but just look at that face. How can you pass up such a good deal?

Also, I've been looking at this one a lot lately as well http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=16295506&cat=105&lpid=&search=yorkie%20pomeranian, which could be a great fit for your family. If I had a back yard, I might be buying this myself.

If you have any questions, my dog expertise is unbelievable. In fact, I just watched Best In Show, so I'm really up to speed on quality dogs.

The Dog Ninja" (Ryan)

I am grateful for the help and maybe someday soon I will be posting pictures of our new dog Wicket, or Voldemort for you to see!

Dining and Drowning (Nearly) at Downtown Disney

2011-08-01T12:22:00.009-06:00

Livi has a strange fascination with fountains. She LOVES to lean over and splash her hands in the water. There have been more times than I can count when I have had to grab hold of her before she could fall in. Well this time I wasn't fast enough.

Everything made by Disney, including Downtown Disney, is amazingly well done and cute. The fountains in the shopping area are no exception. Livi fell in love with a particularly beautiful green tiled, curvy water display. The only problem was it was tiled and curvy. She leaned over and slid right in face first. Luckily I was there to pull her right out, but she was sopping wet and mildly traumatized.

I'm wondering if Disney made that fountain slippery on purpose because we had to run over and buy Livi new clothes (which, as you know because it was Disney, was not cheap). I have to think they are not made like that maliciously since the employees were very concerned that Livi hadn't been injured in her adventure. I assured them she was fine, (i.e. we weren't going to sue), and Livi was super happy with her new, purple outfit.

Later we decided to go into Sephora, a ritzy makeup store. For some reason I thought it would be a good idea to bring Olivia in with me, since she was in the stroller and couldn't get into any trouble, could she? Well I looked over and saw... Livi trying on the makeup. Thrusting my mascara at my mom I shuttled her out of there before I could get disparaging looks from the insanely beautiful and perfectly made up sales clerks.

Livi had a great time with her new outfit and "make over." I had a great time with yummy beignets and fun shops. The other kids had fun too, but not quite the excitement that Livi experienced.

Why I Don't Care If We Live Near The Beach

2011-07-29T13:00:00.005-06:00

Driving with kids alone is always a longer and more crazy adventure than when I have a helper. I decided to break up the 10 hour (12.5 with kids) drive to California into 2 days. It worked out really well since we were going to Disneyland the next day, so we just went straight down to the beach and met up with my family at Downtown Disney that night.The kids were so excited to be at the beach. We hadn't been since Ethan and Ella were little. I received many incredulous looks when I told them to play in the "dirt" but once they figured it out they went with full gusto.
It was such a beautiful day, perfect weather and we had a blast. It made me really miss living in California... until we had to go. Cleaning off sand is the WORST (especially if you have managed to roll around it until every inch of you is completely covered). We all had sand in so many places that sand likes to go, but drives you crazy when it is there. Back at the hotel it took 3 shampoos each and there was still sand in their hair. Our tub looked like we had managed to bring back half the beach with us. Looking back it was totally worth it, but at the time I remembered exactly why I didn't miss the beach all that much.

Kyle and Emily's Wedding, or Forshadowing Livi Style

2011-07-26T13:44:00.007-06:00

Kyle (Eric's youngest brother) and Emily got married on Saturday June 18th in the Oquirrh Hills Temple in Utah. This was the first step in our cross country extravaganza.
Livi had an unhealthy fascination with the fountain at the temple and I just knew she was going to fall in at any moment and ruin all the pictures. (foreshadowing..but not for this post)

Livi also LOVED the "big cups" and insisted on drinking out of them. We tried to stop her, but the cup ended up dying a horrible death (getting broken when Livi and Eric fought for control). (Not a picture of the cup, but kind of telling of our little family)

Kyle and Emily went to Mexico on their honeymoon, and we decorated their car appropriately, including wonderful moustaches to see them off in (Because, yes, we are that cool).

My Life Is A Half Empty Bottle Of Orange Juice

2011-07-22T21:28:00.004-06:00

I had been gone for over 5 weeks and coming back to reality has been a big blow. I don't like a lot of what I have to deal with on a day to day basis (bills, toilets that were installed in 70's and act like they used too many drugs in the 80's, cleaning, debating whether or not to wear my new shoes and be ridiculed at church... you know, the usual). 5 weeks of vacation that cover a wedding, emotional break down, beach, Disneyland, Shakespeare festival, family reunion, and the awesomeness that is Waterton produce way way too many photos to condense in a single post. I feel like I am going through stress relief withdrawals (so...stress overdose? Falling of the "stress free wagon"?) so to ease myself back into life I will post the one random picture from the 326 photos that I have from the 5 weeks.

Background: Waterton is the most amazingly beautiful place on Earth and the ONLY place on Earth I feel no anxiety. The only down side is that everything is 114 x more expensive than in the real world.

The kids and I had gone for a walk and Livi was thirsty. We purposefully went to the most reasonably priced place in the village (meaning they only charge you an arm, but let you keep the leg) to get her a drink. She wanted orange juice. Ella decided she wanted an orange juice. I asked them to share, less I have to dip into their college funds. She was okay with that until Ethan decided he wanted an orange juice too. I asked him to share with the girls, and that didn't go over very well. Even though his face was screwed up and tears were falling I have been told very forcefully that he was NOT crying. Thinking about it I couldn't really blame him since I have seen the inside of the girls cups and I wouldn't want to share with them.

Ella decided that if Ethan didn't have to share, then she didn't want to share either. More tears were shed and I ended up spending $45 for all three kids to get their own orange juices (just an approximate price. I forgot the real total but I feel it was close to that).

We continued walking and made it to the playground where all three kids promptly ran off to slide down the slides and throw rocks in my general direction. When I looked at the table top where our stuff was sitting this is what I saw:

Ethan, who caused all the problems and cost me somewhere around $85 didn't even open up the much debated juice. Ella, who needed her own, took 1 sip. Livi, the only person I really thought needed a drink, proved me right (once again) and drank almost a third. We could have easily only gotten one. I'm thinking of sending them each a bill depending on how much juice was left.

Slip-And-Slide 101, the Remedial Course

2011-06-13T19:38:00.004-06:00

I don't know how this happened, but my kids had never been on a slip and slide. Ethan went to a birthday party where they had one and he said he loved it. I decided we needed to get one since they are so cheap and to rectify this atrocity that was killing their childhood.
We finally had a day where it was warm enough to open the package and set up the slide. I put it on a slight slope, nothing to steep, and waited for them to break into the gorgeous grins that adorned the kids on the box while they slid on their cute tummies and squealed with laughter.
Well.....I should have known better:

It's kind of sad when you have to pay your kids to try something that defined your generation.

Last Day of School... (A Month Ago)

2011-06-09T15:53:00.004-06:00

So my kids are totally spoiled and got out of school the 3rd week of May. I went to go spend time with them on their last days since I was one of the room moms for Ella and THE room mom for Ethan. The school was great and had lots for them to do, and of course Livi thought she should be able to participate as well. Luckily she is the same size as some of the Kindergartners so no one even looked twice.(Ella and Livi playing the bean bag toss. They both made some, of course. It's that Stott blood.)

(Livi with bubbles on her nose. This was her favorite activity and came home with about a cup full of bubbles on her head.)

We stayed outside at the carnival area for both kids and it was COLD!!! We've had an unseasonably cold spring, but that didn't stop my cold blooded Ethan from not only not wearing a jacket to go outside but out right refusing to even bring a jacket to school that day. Oh well, the kids all seemed to have fun even if I was so cold I was shivering.(Caleb and Ethan couldn't seem to keep the hula-hoops going on their non-existent hips so they found a way to make it work)

Ella's class walked over to the art center for part of the fun, and everyone agreed this portrait looked like Ella. They also found one they said looked like me (which incidentally was of an overweight, unattractive woman) but I "forgot" to get a photo of me next to it.

Ella seems to be the kiss of death for teachers. She had an amazing preschool teacher, whom I really wanted for Livi, but she retired right after her class. Mrs. Cauble has been amazing Kindergarten teacher and I was looking forward to Livi having her as well, but I found out this is her last year as well. Watch out first grade teachers, someone is going to retire next year!(The last group hug for the last class)

Ethan's class had chocolate milk and played that game, which name escapes me, where you "dance" and then freeze when the music stopped. You have to admire Ethan's "strategy" (and the fact he looks exactly like you would imagine Sheldon dancing!).

I Feel Like I Was Hit By A Mac Truck

2011-06-05T17:38:00.006-06:00

We've had some eventful days. Ella's end of the year dance program was yesterday and we spent ALL week preparing for it. We had rehearsal on Tuesday and Wednesday and then a full dress rehearsal on Thursday. Just carting kids to and from and helping with hair and costumes made me exhausted. I should have known it would only get worse.

Friday night Eric and I got to go watch the program, which was actually really good. Ella and I had to be there at 5:45, the program started at 6:30 and we left the high school at 10:26. Yep, the program was 4 HOURS LONG. The tour on Gilligan's Island was suppose to be shorter than that program. There were 58 dances. 58. 5-8. We were all very tired on Saturday, but looking forward to that night's performance. We should have known better.

On Saturday I signed up to be a "Chaperone Mom" which means I was a backstage helper for Ella's class. I was in charge of 11, 5&6 year olds (two of which are ADD) for 5 hours. I feel like I did after my car accidents. I think I was running on pure adrenaline last night and now I feel sooooooooooo worn out and achy. On the bright side, I did my turn and the other moms can do it next year.

Even as hard as it all was, and as blurry thinking as I am now, I am really glad that Ella has been able to participate with this dance company and I am extremely glad that she had such a good time that she is talking about "next year."

(This is why I love watching her dance. She exudes pure joy.)

Ella's first dance was a tap dance to "Sugar Time." She was a little disappointed her costume wasn't pink (I'm okay not having another pink costume in the house) but she loved how sparkly and girly it was.

Her second dance was a ballet number to the nursery rhyme "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary." The other class in her age group did a "jazz" number (mostly pantomime to the words) to "Candy Man," but Ella's class did so well they actually got to perform a real ballet dance. Ella also got to be the middle (since she was the only one who could consistently find center stage). She liked these costumes a little more since they had flowers on them and that ups the fancy factor.

Ella's Six

2011-05-27T13:03:00.004-06:00

I can't believe it, but Ella is finally 6! We all woke up bright and early (thanks to a little help from Ella), and got right to it opening presents. She was very sweet and let Livi "help" (which was awesome until Livi realized she didn't, in fact, get to keep the presents she opened). Ethan, too, had a hard time seeing Ella be the center of attention, but he came around (about 2 days later).

After all the presents were opened Ella was surprised with one more... the bike she was dying for.

She got to wear the birthday crown at school, we brought in cupcakes for her class and I read the book she picked out to them. After school we took Maddi and Caleb with us to Sonic for treats, and then played at the Bagley's. We had peach cobbler with scrambled eggs for dinner (considering I nixed the ideas of coffee cake for breakfast and doughnuts for lunch I felt I had to give in for dinner) and chocolate cake with vanilla ice-cream for dessert. Happy Birthday Princess Ella!

As much as I love singing "Happy Birthday" to my kids, it is Livi's contribution that just made me smile:

Having Too Much Fun

2011-05-24T13:05:00.008-06:00

I am supposed to be doing something productive, like getting files ready or learning Quickbooks, but I am procrastinating by doing laundry and blogging.

We've had 2 birthdays and a trip to Lincoln lately and I should probably post about them. I tried to find ONE decent picture from my birthday, but they made me cry and I had to eat cookies (although cookies are the reason I didn't like the pictures in the first place so I've really hit rock bottom). So, yeah, I had a birthday. I'm old. Thank you to everyone who remembered me! We were all sick, but I had a great birthday anyways sitting around relaxing and eating 3/4 of Melissa's yummy blackberry cobbler all by myself. It was awesome, but no you will not be seeing any visual representation.

So I guess that leaves Lincoln and Ella's birthday. I'm too tired right now to fix the red eye in Ella's birthday pictures, so I guess you get to see pictures from our trip to Lincoln. Eric was there to go to a law conference on estate planning so we tagged along to have a little fun. We ended up all getting horribly sick, but we had a great time doing it!

We started out spending almost all day at the Children's Museum. It is amazingly fun and I took a thousand pictures but I'll just share a few favorites (and by favorites I mean my kids doing weird things).
First off the kids LOVED the water zone and walked away completely soaked. Not just a little wet. SOAKED. At one point I had to explain why dumping water on herself was not a good way to play to Olivia. I didn't really care but I was getting a few looks from other moms.
2nd: Here Ethan is in the construction zone. Most kids make paths for the trucks, or castles. Ethan made a representation of the Jedi Battle from Star Wars Episode 2, of course.
3rd: We travel 7 hours one way, spend tons of money on this vacation and what does Ethan want to do? Play on my brand new ipad. To be fair he was feeling a little under the weather and was super tired after playing at the museum for 5 hours, but still.
4th: I don't know why this cracks me up, but it does. I know about perspective, yada yada, but seeing the two older look so tiny on this giant chair but Livi looks big cracks me up (she was too scared to scoot all the way back on the huge thing).
We spent a lot of time in book stores (which I've decided is a sickness of mine, buying books. We have 9 bookcases in our house right now. 9!) and we got to see the movie Rio, and then we went to the Lincoln Children's Zoo. Ethan was a big hit with the gibbons (no surprise there, they are practically related (in a none evolution way)) And my sweet caterpillar and butterfly, which just seemed fitting.
The highlight of the whole trip though...swimming at the hotel. I think we could have just checked into the local Holiday Inn Express and the kids would have had just as much fun. We went swimming all the nights we were there and every morning when we went by Livi would cry that she wanted to "go swimming ight now" (not a miss print. She has a hard time with "r"). The morning we left she cried when she said good bye to the pool. It made me think a pool would be a good idea in our backyard, until I realized we would be able to use it all of 2 months out of the year.
We had fun, and I will leave you with what I watched for 2 hours. No joke:

Ary, Ary, Ary

2011-05-18T08:23:00.003-06:00

We have a wonderful video of Ethan when he was about 3 seeing a frog that Eric had brought home from fishing. Ethan looks in and says "Ary, Ary, Ary," while signing "scary." (translation: "very, very scary").
It's been that kind of week for me.
Eric quit his job...
His wonderful benefits, government job...
In the worst economy we have been alive for...

I do understand why we are doing this. I do understand he isn't paid enough. I understand there is no room for growth at his job. I understand he wants to be his own boss. I UNDERSTAND all of this on an intellectual level, but it is still "ary, ary, ary."

So to lighten our (my) moods here is Ella's class doing the BEST rendition of "I'm a little teapot" I have EVER seen!!!! No joke! Ella's on the top row, and I think her snobby, British pose is the best!

Copy Kitty

2011-05-06T09:56:00.004-06:00

I always wondered what it would be like that have a sister just a few years younger than me. Now watching my girls I realize that things worked out for the best. I could never be as patient as Ella. She is a great older sister. Me? I would have been the girl who punches the younger sister while she is interrupting my performance (as seen in all the Funniest Home Videos).

Little Livi Love's Lisping Lips

2011-05-03T19:43:00.002-06:00

Hmmmmm, I'm not sure if I want one or not:

A Good Day... or Doughnuts Make Everything Better

2011-04-28T09:48:00.007-06:00

So, I have been a little melancholy. With a general lack of purpose and growing sense of dread to be stuck in a town that, although nice, has nothing to offer but occasional movies and two places to eat, I have been feeling a little down. A week ago was one of those days that remind you that life if beautiful, and I wanted to share two highlights:

I normally spend every Thursday morning helping in Ethan's classroom. They have writing homework due that morning and there are about 7 that never seem to bring it back. I just sit and help them get it done.

When I went last Thursday they had a surprise: a Thank You Party for me. They had all signed a card and we got to eat doughnuts and drink orange juice while watching part of Charlotte's Web. I don't do much, but it felt nice to know I had helped them in some way and that they appreciated it. The kids were very cute, and I got lots of hugs.
Later that afternoon Ella had her class Easter party. The kids were excited and it was just fun to see the pureness of their happiness. It was a real mood booster to watch this:

Hide The Easter Eggs, Livi Is Coming...

2011-04-25T13:36:00.007-06:00

Easter is so fun with little kids. I love watching the delight in their eyes, and the joy at the thought of all that candy (don't love the sugar highs in the afternoon so much, but at least it only lasts until they sleep it off).

Our Easter Bunny, (we've had to talk about why different families get different things from the Easter Bunny. Not such a fun conversation) brings us a scavenger hunt around the house, and then a free for all egg hunt outside (but in this case it was raining so we did it in the living room instead). Nothing really crazy or funny happened. Mostly it was just fun, and we taped the scavenger hunt for the grandparents. The only hard part was getting a decent picture of Ethan. He is less than cooperative. Finally.

"I Twy" In Real Life

2011-04-21T21:22:00.007-06:00

My talented sister has a unique hobby of creating whimsical scenes made out of felt. She recently posted one that hit so close to home I had to buy it and put it up in Livi's room. It shows a momma kangaroo being "helped" in the kitchen by her baby joey. I feel like she so perfectly captured my life in this little vignette.
I decided to add a little to color to my life and plant some flowers. Unfortunately, the good time of day to do this is when Livi is awake and boy did she want to "twy." In fact she tried and tried and tried so much this was the result: She LOVED the dirt. She climbed on the dirt pile, slid down the front and dug her little hands up to her elbows in it. Only towards the end did she decide it wasn't the greatest when she saw a giant bug crawling on the pile and yelled "EWWWWWWW" as loud as she could. I also noticed she kept sniffing her hands (in her best Uncle Jared impersonation) and saying "Gross." I managed to somehow get it on film:

Spring Blues

2011-04-16T08:24:00.004-06:00

I want a cat....or a job....or maybe a new hobby. Lately I've been feeling a real lack of purpose. I feel redundant. I know my job is an important one, no one could fill my shoes, etc. but lately it feels like any monkey with a credit card and a set of keys could contribute to my family what I do. I am just a little tired of doing laundry, picking up, and cooking.

This happens every Spring when I've been cooped up too long, and I know I will be fine after all the travel this summer, but for right now I just feel like driving down to Denver and spending myself silly, just to change the monotony. I try to feel connected by helping in the schools, participating in play groups, and reading our local paper so I can go to community events, but still I just feel lost. How do all you other mothers deal with this year after year?

My Little Turkeys

2011-04-12T13:22:00.004-06:00

Eric decided he needed yet another way to kill yet another animal, so we were "lucky" enough to get boxes full of Turkey decoys. The kids thought they were the funniest looking animals in the world, and couldn't help setting them up and laughing when the wind would move them around. They even loved using the call box, which Ethan seems to have a real talent for. Livi especially loves them, but is a little confused as to what they are. Every time we go in the garage she says "Look mommy, chickens!"

What Is Wrong With This State?

2011-04-09T12:27:00.006-06:00

Well, chalk one up to bad parenting. I could call it a "cultural misunderstanding" but that would be passing the buck. I should have checked it out, I should have asked, but I didn't. I did the heinous act of signing my BOY up for VOLLEYBALL. Gasp. I know, what was I thinking?

I was thinking that Volleyball is a bigger boys sport than girls in California, where we grew up. I was thinking he would enjoy a sport were people weren't running directly at him. I was thinking it would be fun for Eric and Ethan to practice together.

I sent the guys off together for Ethan's first volleyball practice. A little while later I got a text from Eric saying "He is the only boy on ANY team. What is wrong with this state?" Poor Ethan, poor Eric. Luckily Ethan is too young to be embarrassed about it and Eric just was happy to have a son to play the game with. Ethan seemed to really enjoy it, and is excited to go back again next week. Yeah, a sport he likes! I guess it is worth it to be so out of the loop if it makes him happy.On the bright side, at least he's not on one of the pink or purple teams.

ps when they got home Ethan took off his shoes and Eric noticed this in his shoes: I don't know how you don't notice walking on all of that, but it just goes to show how oblivious little boys can be.