Noel News

Saturday, January 14—Rice or Cow…

2012-01-19T20:02:00.001-08:00

When we moved into our house we didn’t know that a standard size refrigerator does not fit in the hole we have---it would stick out about 4-6 inches into the doorway entering the kitchen. So, we have a smaller counter depth fridge that does not hold as much as a mom with three growing boys would like. On a good day we can fit two gallons of milk in the fridge and by Saturday we are always running low due to Wesley’s ability to drink about 1/2 a gallon of milk every day. On Saturday we ran out there was enough milk for cereal and that was it. Wes kept asking for milk and whining until I finally pulled out my rice milk and filled up his sippy. In the past he hasn’t noticed the difference but after one sip he was mad. “No! Milk. I wa milk.” Dave showed him the regular milk in his cereal bowl and he threw the sippy on the floor and picked up his cereal bowl and down the hatch the rest of the milk went. At least I don’t have to share my milk…but a cow might still be a good investment.

Friday, January 13—A Night Out with a Little Gentleman

2012-01-18T22:43:00.001-08:00

Ian has been off track since Christmas break and once again we all got sick while he was home. Instead of spending the week crossing items off of our “off-track to do list” we spent the week doing laundry, napping, watching TV, and cleaning the bathroom. Last time he was off track we spent it at Instacare, Primary Children’s, and the doctor’s office. So, I told him we would go on a date Friday night just the two of us. His date night choices were mini-golfing, bowling, and a movie. He chose the movie because “that way I can spend more time with you (he’s already a ladies man).

We started the evening at Applebee’s armed with a gift card courtesy of the PTA. We played games on my cell phone, watched the basketball game, and did all of the puzzles on the kids menu. He discussed his Reflection winning photo with our waitress, commented on the basketball game loud enough for those around us to ask him questions about who he wanted to win, and laughed at the servers singing Happy Birthday. After dinner we went to see “We Bought a Zoo” which was actually really good and we both liked it. We decided our favorite character was the little girl and Ian’s favorite part was were they tell everyone there is no Easter Bunny (so be prepared parents). Ian is still trying to figure it out, he keeps asking me every few days if there is an Easter Bunny.

Miles is already planning his date night. Bowling and McDonalds.

Scavenger Hunt Sunday, January 15

2012-01-15T20:04:00.001-08:00

1. Stacked Up

Was taking our IKEA bowls out of the dishwasher and stacking them when I thought they might take a good photograph. We love these bowls and use them at almost every single meal…thank you IKEA.

2. Hole

My MIL came to help out with the kids this week while I was down with the flu and this is my oldest with one of the many activities they did with Grandma. They made snowflakes, played the ukulele, sang songs, played football outside, and made peanut butter and honey on toast.

3. Frozen

Thanks to the flu bug going around our house we ate a lot of these frozen treats this week. I kept rearranging these in the freezer trying to get a good shot, but every time I would lean in for a close up shot my lens would fog up…thus the blurry bottom of the photo.

4. Winter Wonderland

Well, winter has not found us yet. Instead we are in this cloudy, cold gray yuck hoping for some snow or some sun. Here is the little bit of snow on my deck. It is suppose to snow tonight so hopefully the storm will blow the gray away.

5. Sweet

This little boy is pretty sweet and so is his sucker.

Check out all the other great entries…

January 9—Little Mr. Sunshine meets the Flu Bug

2012-01-14T08:15:00.001-08:00

So, remember the happy little camper from a few posts ago? I awoke to him crying this morning and I knew what it meant. I grabbed the garbage can out of my room and ran just in time to make it for the first round.

Here he is after round 2 and a bath. He would get sick and then run around like nothing happened and then it would hit him again. This lasted for about 4 rounds…by round 6 he was pretty worn out and decided to snuggle with me in the rocking chair. By round 7 he would just wander over to me and start to whimper and yell “no” I would grab the “puke bucket” as Miles calls it just in time.

Twenty four hours on the dot and he was feeling better, then it hit Miles. I told Dave as I cleaned the bathroom for the 5th time that my turn around would probably be Thursday and I was right on the money…Thursday morning hit with a bang. We thought we were out of the woods until I heard Ian yelling from his room at 4:00 this morning and off I ran with the “puke bucket.” Dave is the only one left untouched and I’m tempted to quarantine him somewhere.

I absolutely hate seeing my babies sick, but I have learned a bit from them or about them…Ian is stoic sick, doesn’t ask for much, just wants to get it over with and move on. Miles is needy (in a very endearing kind of way) sick, I need Gatorade, make me a sick bed by the TV, more otter pops, rub my neck, read me a book (everything is followed by puppy dog eyes and a big please). Wessy is mad sick, yelling “no, no” whenever I would produce the bucket and then ignores the fact that he feels like crap and runs around like a crazy kid. Makes me love these little dudes even more and now that I have disinfected the whole house I’m going back to bed.

January 6—A Tent, a Camel & an Empty Ladder

2012-01-14T07:36:00.001-08:00

Today was off track fort day at our house. At least one day of Ian’s off track time is spent inside a fort built in the living room…that day was today. We string sheets and blankets from the dining room table which we move into the living room and with the help of a few chairs and the piano bench we create quite the fortress. The kids always haul up the children’s encyclopedias from the basement to hold down the sheets, but we never use them and then they pass the day perusing their favorite sections (of course this means gross bug pictures). They ate lunch in the tent and then moved onto Chutes and Ladders. After the game they ventured out of the tent, but left the game out. When Wesley got up from his nap and saw the game board under the tent he knew he had hit the jackpot…no one ever lets him play (he hogs the spinner and steals everybody’s game piece). He sat down and spun away, marched the little Chutes and Ladder guys, his toy elephant and his camel snack cracker all over the board! Oh, to be two and have ownership over something…because in the eyes of a two year old isn’t everything “mine” anyway.

January 4—Little Mr. Sunshine

2012-01-08T21:17:00.001-08:00

Every morning I wake up to this happy face….

he never wakes up crying or unhappy. He is happy to see that sun every day and sits in his bed talking about elephants until I come and get him. “Ephant where are you” “Ephant I wuv you” “Ephant, geraff, wion” Thanks little dude for making every morning so happy!

Sometime in December—The Many Faces of Miles

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January 6—Diversity, Rain & Reflections

2012-01-08T21:06:00.001-08:00

So, back in September we realized it was “Reflection” contest time again. I was teaching the piano and entries were due in a few days. I gave Ian the camera set it on auto and told him to take some photos. It was raining that day and after piano we had a little camera lesson and practiced focusing the camera on the raindrops that had collected on the sliding glass door. The photo below is the result and now Ian and his “Stormy Day” are moving onto region. Way to go little Ansel Adams.

November 18—Happy, Happy Birthday Mr. Miles the Goofball

2012-01-08T20:56:00.001-08:00

Yes, it has been awhile, but we must document the birthday that has been a year in late night planning…Miles turned 5. And now that he is five he can put on his own shoes and jacket without help…which makes his mom very happy. Every night when Miles goes to bed he asks me to stay and talk about his birthday party. In the course of this past year we have planning a bowling party, a dinosaur theme party, a Cars party, a Transformer party, an Angry Bird party and most recently a monster truck party. So monster truck it was. We had a few friends over and they made towers to knock down with their monster trucks, pin the tire on the monster truck and color your own monster truck. It was so much fun…and now we start planning for next year.

Dave found this tool belt for Miles and he immediately put the whole thing on..maybe next year we can have a construction theme party.

November ?—Look Who Saved the Day!

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December 25—Stopping Santa, a Few Elephants & Take & Bake Pizza

2012-01-08T20:44:00.001-08:00

We spent a fun, quiet, snowless Christmas at home this year. On Christmas Eve we realized church was at 9 AM and not at 11 like we had thought so we quickly decided to open presents after church and hope the kids would sleep in a bit. Miles went to bed nervous about the big man in the red suit coming into our house. He likes Santa, but the thought of a strange man coming into the house while he is sleeping was a little scary. At least we didn’t let him watch the Grinch this year. Last year he was worried the green monster would come and steal his presents after Santa came. We (Miles & I) decided I would meet Santa outside and bring in the presents so he wouldn’t have to actually come in the house. So after the kids were nestled all snug in their beds I stayed up and intercepted Santa at the door.

The kids did sleep in a bit and we were off to church bright and early. It was actually a really nice way to start off Christmas. The choir sang and there were some great speakers. We got home and the kids tore into everything. It took Wes about 2 seconds to figure out what was going on. Wes scored on everything elephant, Miles was a fan of his watch from the $ store and Ian spent the day listening to tunes on his MP3 player. My parents came bringing round two of the gifts and stayed for a late lunch of take and bake pizza (note to self this was the easiest and yummiest Christmas dinner ever). We lounged around the table while the kids played with all their new toys and spread Legos all over the house. Hope you all had a Merry One too.

October 26—A Toothless Dragon, a Bloodsucker & the Froggie that loved Elephants

2011-10-26T23:37:00.001-07:00

After two weeks battling croup we had about 5 days to recover before the stomach flu hit. It just left yesterday and today we got ready for our annual ward Halloween Party was today. We spent the day rounding up costumes and cooking chili. Ian will be a football player on Monday for Trick or Treating, but the uniform he is borrowing has a game on Saturday…so for today he is Toothless the dragon from “How to Train Your Dragon.” I think he looks so cute (although 8 year old boys don’t want to be cute, I hope he changes his mind and wears it on Monday too.)

(Toothless is not really tooth less, but is tail is missing one side)

Miles opted for the scary and wanted to be a vampire. Later tonight during the screaming that took place as I scrubbed his makeup off he declared he would not ever be a vampire again. I guess we’ll pull out the fireman coat from last year.

This little guy has been absolutely obsessed with elephants lately. So when I say the cute elephant hat and tail at Wal-Mart I thought I had hit the jackpot. He wouldn’t even wear the hat in the store so I didn’t buy it and thanks to Aunt Mindy’s costume stash he is now a frog that really like “phants.”

**My chili didn’t win, but it was the first one all gone.**

October 18—Reading with Grandma

2011-10-26T23:24:00.001-07:00

After some time at Mindy’s we went to stay with Grandma & Grandpa. Grandma read to the kids before they went to bed one of my favorite books from when I was a kid. Ian read with her and both Wessy and Miles were clued to the book to see what the fly that went by was running from…do you remember what it was?

October 19—Superman Takes Over the Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-26T23:20:00.001-07:00

October 18—Indian Food & Some Freckles

2011-10-26T23:16:00.001-07:00

So after a two week fight against the croup—three trips to the doctor, two trips to instacare, and one trip to the ER we decided to go see Mindy for some down time and Indian Food therapy. After a lunch of lamb saag and chicken kurma Claire and her cute freckles posed for this shot.

September 26—Wessy & His “B”

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Nothing as cute as a little boy, just woke up, messy hair, cute pjs, and his snuggly, soft blanket or “B.”

September 20—…and Look Who is 8!

2011-10-26T22:14:00.001-07:00

Complete with football themed birthday party, face painting, pizza, friends, and red velvet birthday cake…and no photo’s but the one from breakfast. Happy Birthday big guy—we’ll get more photos on your baptism day.

September 25—One Reason To Love Year Round School

2011-10-26T21:56:00.001-07:00

One second grader to read books to the two year old all morning long.

Saturday, September 24—Daybreak Lake

2011-10-26T21:48:00.001-07:00

Another Saturday out and about to check out some photography locations. After buying some yummy tomatoes at the Herriman Farmers Market we headed over to Daybreak. I told the kids they could go play at the park after we scouted out Daybreak. Little did I know there was a sandy beach where once again Wessy would plop his little bum right down in the sand. And once again I was not prepared. It was worth the wet behind though, the boys waded and played in the sand for a good 45 minutes and I had to drag them back to the car. That Wesley loves the sand. There is now a towel in the back of my car and yes Wes rod home in his diaper.

Saturday, September 17—A Little Bit of Stink, but a Whole Lot of Fun

2011-10-26T21:37:00.001-07:00

Okay, it has been awhile. Ever since Lotoja I have just been stuck in that limbo between post race high and back to the reality of training for the next big day which will be the Legacy duatholon in April. Mindy my sister will run (thank goodness) and I will ride. So until then it is spin classes, the trainer, lots of yoga, and hopefully the occasional nice day for a bike ride.

So here are a few posts to catch us up. Back in September I took the boys out to Saltaire to check out the photo ops. The lake didn’t stink too bad that day and we only saw one dead bird. The photo opportunities are great for anyone willing to brave the smell. My three boys of course did not even notice the smell and were happy to chase bugs and throw stick in the lake for hours.

Love how Wessy went straight for the dirt and sand. Look for his sandy little behind in the other photos. And no his mommy did not bring a towel or even a package of wipes to clean him up before he got into the car.

Guess who the leader of this bunch is? I just love how you can see Miles and Wes off to follow Ian. Notice the sandy butt.

They are like the Three Musketeers or as Miles says the Three Men in a Tub—Ian’s the Butcher, Miles is the Baker and Wes is the Candlestick maker.

Saturday, September 10—Two Guys & a Girl on a Bike—LoToJa 2011

2011-09-15T19:54:00.001-07:00

On Saturday I rode in LoToJa with my dad and my Uncle Mike. LoToJa is a 206 mile 1 day bike race from Logan, Utah to Jackson, Wyoming. My dad and my uncle have rode in it before, but this would be my first year. After driving support for 3 years I knew that even as a relay team we would be pushing it to finish especially if the elements—namely the wind was not in our favor.

These photo’s are out of order, but here is me getting ready to leave from the top of Salt Creek pass. I rode into Afton and touched base with my Aunt Connie at the feed zone and then took off for Alpine.

My dad jumped back on the bike in Alpine and we rode up Snake River Canyon together. I was glad to be with him because I’m a lot more comfortable pulling with him because we have done a few rides together. We pulled the guy in the orange and blue for awhile, he was from Ogden.

Here we are passing our support team—mom, my sister Mindy, & Dave. It was so fun to have them stop and cheer for us—it really kept us pedaling.

This is me going through Star Valley. I pulled with a group of guys from Highland most of the way. They kept me going fast and this was by far the fastest pace I have kept all season.

This is my Uncle Mike cooling off at the top of the King of the Mountain climb. He was so tough and just kept on going. Some guy stopped and told him he needed a coke and gave him a cold can to finish on the climb.

My good friend Nora got me this necklace for my birthday when I finished the Cache Valley Century. I wore it on race day and as I was coming of Salt Creek Pass I could hear it jingling.

My Uncle works for Stryker Orthopedics—if you need a hip give him a call. So, our team name was STRYKER. I loved the jersey and must say I felt very official to be all decked out in team gear.

This is not a sign you want to see on race day. Just outside of Preston after Mindy about ran over a flagger lady we got a flat tire on the car. Thanks to my husbands many skills we had the donut on in 7 minutes flat. We drove back to Preston and fortunately found a place open at 8:15 in the morning and were back on the road pretty quickly.

Here is the group of guys I rode with through Star Valley. They were such great guys and even slowed down for us in Jackson trying to get us to the finish line, but we had already turned in our time chip and were so happy with our ride (plus it was pitch black) that we stopped at the Jackson sign pictured below.

The ride up Snake River Canyon was so pretty and dad and I kept a pretty decent pace. We kept picking up riders and trying to help them because we were not as tired as the individual riders. We picked up this lady and when she kept telling us we only had 15 miles left we finally had to break her heart and tell her it was more like 26. After that she kind of went delirious. We saw her at the Jackson sign riding with her support car behind her for light. I wonder if she made it to the finish line.

I will post my dad’s recap of the day because he is a great story teller. It was a great day, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning the whole time I was on the bike. Next year I want to do the “big” king of the mountain climb and hoping my mom will not see this I do plan on riding the whole thing in 2-3 years after I can build up some strength on the bike. And just putting it out there to the universe who keeps thinking my family can not lick this race—I will finish!

Here is my dad’s version--

LOTOJA 2011

Well, for any of you that are interested, here is the blow-by-blow account of LOTOJA 2011. For those of you that may not know what this is, it is a one-day bike race of 206 miles from Logan, Utah to Teton Village near Jackson.

For the past three years Mike’s family and my family have been involved in doing it together. It has turned into an annual party, and I do mean party.

This year it started on Friday September 9^th when Mike and Connie rolled into to town to register. Mike and Brady drew out a ticket for the race and Dave did not. I met Mike at the registration to see what I would have to do to be able to start with Mike on Saturday morning. When I got there Bradey and Alli were there getting shirts. We visited and Bradey showed me what the bike numbers looked like. Mike got there and we visited and discussed RACE STRATAGEY. As I said, we are really into this.

Mike and Connie came out to our house for dinner. We had a great visit. We carb loaded on spaghetti, beans, salad and our SPECIAL apple pie. Connie can tell you about this if you are interested. It has special ingredients.

After dinner we visited and they went back to their hotel. They usually stay at the luxurious Anniversary Inn, but this year had to settle for the less palatial Marriott.

Mindy is the driving force behind our team and keeps us together and entertained.

Robyn and Dave were coming up also and Robyn was going to ride with us also. They got to our house after we had gone to bed. We were getting up at 3:45 to have a good breakfast before the race. We got up, had breakfast, and were at the starting line at 5:30. Mike was there with his bike. He had ridden over from the motel.

I had to go around the corner to start with Mike because I didn’t have a ticket. I tried to get one, but they only give out so many. Anyway at 6:00 we started and were on our way. It was still dark but we had headlamps and the temperature was perfect, unlike last year when it was on 38 degrees.

We went out through the fields and were making really good time. Riding with Mike is a treat. He gets out in front and just leads the pack. I did fine until outside of Preston Id., when I had to stop and go into a cornfield to answer nature’s call. That put me a ways behind Mike, and I lost the pack of riders we were with. I finally caught another group and rolled into town a little behind Mike. It is about 31 miles Preston. We got into Preston about 7:45.

I rode from Preston to Montpelier by myself. Well, not really by myself, because there were 1500 other riders on the road. The wind picked up and we had a head wind all the way up Immigration canyon and into Montpelier. It is about 45 miles or so to Montpelier. Immigration is 23 miles of uphill riding. I got to the next stop and was glad to leave maybe the hardest leg of the ride to Mike. My feet were killing me and I was tired!!!

Meanwhile back at the ranch, Mindy, Les, Dave, and Robyn had tried to drive off the support route and the flagger lady had really got them. Then they had a flat tire. The tire was ruined so they had to go back into Preston and get a new one. Luckily they found another route around the crazy flagger lady. Dave set a record for changing a flat and buying a new tire.

Mike took off from Montpelier and rode Montpelier Canyon and Salt Creek Canyon. This section of the ride is a tough one. Montpelier is gentle up to the reservoir and then it gets really steep. Mike was great. He went over the top like a deer. We caught up with him in Salt Creek Canyon and leap frogged with him to start of the King of the Mountain portion. He asked me how long the climb was and I told him it was two miles. Actually it was 3.2. You are tired and hot and it is really tough. We went to the top and waited and waited. No Mike. Come to find out, some guy in a car thought Mike looked like he needed a Coke so Mike pulled over and had refreshments with some stranger. He said it was a guy, but it was most likely some biker babe from Sturgis. This is a really tough part of the ride and Mike did a really good job. While we were waiting for Mike we decided to send Robyn on ahead to Afton. Mike got to the top, refreshed himself with a bottle of water to the face and off he went. We caught up with him out of the canyon and he had a tailwind and was hitting between 27 and 28 mph at times. He was flying. This leg of the race is also about 45 miles or so.

We got to Afton and Connie had sent Robyn on ahead. She was going to ride from Afton to Alpine. We waited in Afton until Mike got there and then we went to find Robyn. She was flying and was almost out of the county when we caught her. She had braided her red hair into two braids and was quite a sight with the braids flying behind. We had her stop and we put the timing chip on her leg and got here going just in time to catch four guys flying along. They had her jump on with them and because she was fresh she really made them work. They were nice guys and LET her pull some of the way.

Mike and Connie decided not to go up the canyon into Jackson. We weren’t sure how far we would ride so it was easier for them to break off at Alpine. We really missed them. They were so fun and Mike is just a super rider.

At the elk refuge outside Alpine I got back on the bike and when Robyn came through, minus her biker buddies, I jumped on with her. We didn’t stop in Alpine just busted on through. The Snake River Canyon was gorgeous. It was cool and there was no wind. We stayed at about 16, 17 mph hour all the way to Hoback Jct. In the canyon there was this crazy girl who decided to ride with us. She got on our wheel for a while. She kept saying we only had a few miles to finish line when in reality it was still a long ways. I think the sun had affected her. At Hoback we pulled over for a minute and this crazy girl started yelling at us about her support team. We tried to help, but she didn’t want to listen. We headed for Jackson and she stayed with us for a while. We slowed down to help her but the guys Robyn had been riding with caught us and we jumped on with them and took off. They were great and we were flying. They dropped us outside of Jackson and Robyn and I rode into town at about 8:15. I know the pictures make it look like it was still really light, but it was almost pitch black.

Mindy drove Robyn into a service station for a pit stop and we waited by the sign for them to come back. In the mean time the crazy girl came by with an SUV behind her with the flashers on. Last we saw of her.

We had a great day of riding. Mike and Robyn were simply awesome. The weather was perfect. Mike and Robyn rode two legs each and I was able to do three. We are already planning for next year. Get bikes and come and join us.

September 7—Look Who is “Cool”

2011-09-07T15:46:00.001-07:00

So, Miles was off for his second year of pre-school today and can you tell he was just a little bit excited! A new backpack and the knowledge that Benjamin was in his class was all he needed to start planning this day weeks ago. He loves Teacher Lici and I love that he actually listens to her. This summer I have been trying to teach him the rest of the sounds he needs to learn and every lesson is accompanied with numerous threats and a bit of loud talking.

Upon picking him up from his first day I got the full report…Animal crackers for snack, a stamp on the hand for cleaning up, a new friend named Connor and apparently someone thinks Miles is “cool.” I agree, look at this cool 4 year old off for one more great year of school.

September 5—Scavenger Hunt Sunday (A Few Airplanes, a Park & One Big Smile)

2011-09-05T21:35:00.001-07:00

These photos are all from our weekend out and about. We spent one day at the park and the other at the airplane museum. The kids are now sleeping soundly completely tuckered out after their exciting weekend.

1. Clouds

Clouds behind a really, really big airplane.

2. Macro

Close up of one of the planes. It’s not very often you can get this close to the outside of a plane, and It made me a little uncomfortable—how do these things not fall apart!

3. Abstract

Loved the reflection in this really shiny propeller.

4. Smile

Here is my little two year old dare devil who was more then excited to try out the big slide at Liberty Park on Saturday. He even wanted to accompany his older brother on the Ferris wheel, but he clearly did not meet the height requirement. He watched his big brother go around and around with big crocodile tears going down his face.

5. Stairs

We spent Saturday morning at Liberty Park. We only make it to this park about once a year, but it is a favorite. The kids loved the splash pad, the big trees, and of course the big tube slide with the colorful stairs.

Head on over to “Ramblings & Photo’s” to check out the other entries.

August 27—The Big Ride

2011-09-01T21:12:00.001-07:00

Here’s some photo’s from the “big” ride I did last Saturday. It was a great day. For a full run down you can read my post on daily mile.

The ride went so well that I still can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that it was 100 miles! Looking forward to LOTOJA in a few weeks. I have a 32 mile leg from Afton to Alpine. I was hoping to up my speed in the next few weeks before the race, but my back is still pretty sore so I’m just kind of laying low and hoping for the best.

Training for the century has been such a great experience. I have needed something to really get me excited lately—inspire me to “get up and at it” and cycling has done that for me. It has become my “happy pill” and I hope I can continue to find the time to do it because if mommy ain’t happy, ain’t no one happy.

August 29—The Tornado Turns Two

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My little man turned two this week! This little guy is the tornado I try to calm and keep up with every day. His latest antics include feeding the fish half a can of fish food, learning to open the garage and front door, learning to open the car door, and deciding to be in charge of getting his own snacks and lunch. His cutest antics as of late include yelling bye, bye to everyone, puckering up for kisses, bringing me books and pointing to the chair where I should sit while we read, dancing, sitting on Ian’s lap while watching TV, getting a rag to clean up some random mess on the floor, and loving anything train or as he says “choo.” Happy Birthday to my happy energetic tornado two year old.

August 23—One Year Older & Wiser Too

2011-08-25T03:32:00.001-07:00

So, I started my 37th year by plucking my chin hairs, yanking out the gray, and wondering if I was hot due to the 90+ degree temps or the early onset of hot flashes.

No, really it was a good day. The day started at 6 AM with Miles 1 inch from my face yelling, “Happy Birfday Mommy, I wuv you and I wike you.” He was more excited then on Christmas morning. Why you ask, well mommy’s birthday meant lunch at McDonalds for him. Nora took me out for Café Rio which we ate at Mickey D’s while the kids ate fries and played their little hearts out on the play land. What a great present, we came home and both Miles and Wes promptly conked out for long naps. Then Dave came home with pizza and a babysitter! Yes he called ahead and got a sitter so we could go out for dinner!

Now to the above photo. Upon arriving home from school Ian asked for some glue then disappeared into his room. About 30 minutes later he appeared with the above creation for me. What a cool, creative kid! Who taught him how to make popup cards—maybe Sister Buxton? That is our house in the background and me and Ian in the front—probably years from now since Ian is taller than me. Talk about being spoiled on your birthday! Thanks for the great day guys, I love being taken care of by my boys.

Scavenger Hunt Sunday---Parallel Lines, Monet and Willy Wonka

2011-08-22T16:07:00.001-07:00

Haven’t participated in Scavenger Hunt Sunday for awhile and this week is even a stretch. All of these are from the archive, but I need some incentive to start taking more photo’s so I’m hoping this post will give me some inspiration.

1. Geometry

Look at those parallel lines. I don’t even know if parallel lines would be categorized as “geometry” but I know I learned about them in math class.

2. Brushstrokes

Every year when we hike to Swan Lake in the Tetons these lily pads remind me of Monet’s lily pads. I took a clean edit and then added crosshatch and spatter filters at about 50% opacity. Not near as great as Monet’s, but it does remind me of his famous brushstrokes.

3. Collage

At our family reunion this year my Aunt really outdid herself with the fun decorations and candy theme. I think she could give Willy Wonka a run for his money or candy should I say.

4. Hanging by a Thread

Here is my brown eyed boy hanging by a thread on my sisters backyard swing.

5. On the Dotted Line

Here is my pre-schooler practicing his writing skills on the dotted line.

Head on over to “Ramblings & Photos” to check out all the other great entries.

August 13—Up, Up and Almost Away

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We have been telling the kids for weeks we would take them out to Herriman to see the “Up” house. On Saturday we finally made good on our promise. We didn’t pay to go inside, but it was sure fun to see how much it looked like the house from the movie. Ian decided they needed bigger balloons and Miles got really quite. After about 10 minutes he kept telling us we needed to leave and that he wanted to go home. I told him to calm down and after few minutes I realized he was really freaked out that the house was going to take off into the air and he wanted nothing to do with that. It’s a good thing we didn’t buy him a ticket to go inside, he might have had his first panic attack!

August 12—Color Me Lovely

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So apparently Wesley just likes to take art mediums and rub them all over his body (remember the finger paints). When we decided to have some fun with the sidewalk chalk he managed to chalk his shoes, his shorts, his legs, his fingers, and his face. Fortunately chalk brushes off a lot easier than finger paints and we were able to hold off on bath time until after dinner.

More August 9th—Book Club Meets Martha Stewart

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Nora hosted book club tonight. She has been wanting to do some outdoor dining with pretty twinkle lights and book club truly brought out the Martha Stewart in her. It was a beautiful night and the the lights, setting, conversation, food and the magic of Jane Eyre made it enchanting.

August 9—Bokeh!

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I use to have two lenses for my camera. Both only had a aperture of 3.5. If I used the zoom I could sometimes get a nice blur on the background, but I could never get those beautiful lights circles known as bokeh. Now my new lens is bokeh-licious. The above shot is of Miles’ “ring bell” on his bike—it might be a better photo if Miles face was in better focus, but look at all those circles of sky and light behind him! Maybe not a fabulous photo, but the possibilities shown in this shot make me giddy!

August 8—Testing!

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Today my new toy arrived in the mail. A Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens. Wessy was more than happy to be my test subject and show off his beautiful eyes and his “tar” tattoo.

August 4th—Finger paints + Wesley = Afternoon Bath time

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Recently we have been starting our day with a morning devotional. We started this when Ian got out of school and the kids enjoy it so much we have worked it into our early morning school schedule as well. Part of our devotional is to go over the schedule for the day. Well, the other day when going over the schedule Miles announced that after lunch we would be finger painting. So, after lunch we pulled out daddy’s old t-shirts and the finger paints. I don’t know if Wesley has ever finger painted, but he thought the stuff was hair gel. A quick art activity turned into an afternoon that consisted of laundry and bath time—next time I’ll tell Miles he needs to schedule in clean up time.

July 30—Two Flats, 60+ Miles & a Few Biker Dudes

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Okay so I guess this is a good time to write about my new obsession. Back in April my good friend Nora and I put in for a relay ticket for LOTOJA. I was nervous about getting in, but hoping like crazy we would get a ticket. The first part of May we found out it was a no go. I was bummed but started thinking about other biking opportunities. I hadn’t really wanted to train for a century just because 100 miles seems so far, but if I didn’t have LOTOJA it was my next option so I decided I would ride the Cache Valley Century with my dad the end of August.

I started riding a few times a week and trying to go a bit farther each time a rode. I decided to try for some longer rides on the weekends and slowly built up my pace and endurance. I kept telling my dad I was going to ride the whole 100 miles with him, but I think he thought I was a bit out of my league.

In July I went up to visit him and we planned to go on a ride. We left the house and he was keeping a pretty easy pace as we headed out to Trenton (really big) hill. At the bottom of the hill the chain on my bike froze up and my dad told me to switch bikes and he would catch up with me on the hill. He didn’t catch me until the very top of the hill and after that there was no more easy pace. Since we have been on two more 50+ mile rides and he is now my biggest cheerleader.

I am borderline obsessed with my new found workout/hobby/escape. Every day is centered around “my ride.” I love my time on the bike, time to think, time to not think. I love hills both the up and down. I love going fast—48 mph being my fastest. One time I even registered on one of those cop patrol speed limit things. I could go on and on…The century is in a two weeks and I think I am ready, I know I am excited. And as luck would have it my Uncle Mike got a LOTOJA ticket and I will be riding two legs of the race with him and my dad!

So, all that rambling about cycling brings me to his photo. Let me introduce you to my Bishopric, without the Bishop. (Bishop Butler if you read this I’m thinking you should get a bike and you could hold all your bishopric meetings while climbing the hill out to Copperton) Brother Buxton on the left is our executive secretary, Brother Laufiso in the center is 2nd counselor, and Brother Richmond on the end is 1st counselor. They all ride, and being the nice guys they are they let me tag along on the 30th for a fun ride out to Eagle Mountain. I was nervous because I had no idea if I would be able to keep up with these guys, but even though they sailed past me down the hills I was able to hold my own most of the time. It was the largest group I have rode with and we got some great speed pulling on the flat. I managed to flatten two tires and thanks to Brother Buxton I was back on the road in no time. It was the perfect day for a ride and such a great time. Thanks guys for letting me crash the party.

July 26—Spelling Lists, Reading Time & Prime Time Numbers

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Yes, can you believe it! Year round school really sneaks up on you. Ian started 2nd grade today. I was worried because two of his best friends are in another class, but the second we showed up at school and he started talking to everyone I knew there was nothing to worry about. Here he is with two of his friends Jacob and Daniel who were in his class last year and will be in his class this year.

I’m writing this three weeks after the fact and we are now knee deep in reading time, spelling lists and math homework (aka prime time numbers). Dave has promised to take Ian to the BYU/USU game if he gets a hundred on all of his spelling tests between now and then. Did you know 1st graders have 6 words a week and 2nd graders have 15!! He is determined though and it appears that he escaped the Lee spelling gene so he might be yelling “go Aggies” soon.

July 25—Fireworks, Snow cones & Thunder

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On the 25th we headed over to the Mairs to celebrate Pioneer Day with some fireworks. James never disappoints with the assortment he provides and this year he put on a great show. We started before dark with some snakes, smoke bombs & parachute guys. After dark James pulled out the sparklers, flowers and some very impressive fountains. It was really hot and Nora whipped out the snow cone machine and I was soon having flashbacks of the snow cone runs I would make with my friends Jen & Amy during high school—my favorite being half coconut half blueberry. The night ended with us all huddled in the garage watching the lightening as a huge thunderstorm rolled through.

July 18—Homemade Jam, Cousins & a Few Chickens

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Spent our second day in the country with Aunt Mimi and her three cute girls. While the kids played Mindy and I smashed bucketful's of strawberries into freezer jam. I bet you never knew the secret ingredient to great jam is cherry diet Pepsi! Add just a little bit to each batch…just kidding…drink it while mashing berries to keep sane while everything in your house turns sticky and your kids run wild around the kitchen.

While Mindy and I made jam the kids spent the day chasing chickens, playing at the park, watching a movie and eating popcorn. Ian even slept over for two nights which was so brave of Aunt Mindy because Ian + Syd = roughly the noise level of a full stadium.

July 18—A Little Country Air & Some Garden Goodness

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Off to our annual week in the country at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Miles started the week off working hard in the garden by picking peas. He also went fishing for mudfish (catfish) with Grandpa, played with Claire, and accompanied me to the “Fishy Cracker” Factory.

July 16—Willy Wonka comes to the Lee Family Reunion

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On the 16th we headed north to Idaho for our annual Lee family reunion. My Aunt Connie & Uncle Mike hosted this year and boy do they know how to throw a party. There were two water slides, a bouncy house and buckets and buckets of treats and candy for the kids to enjoy. We had a great time catching up with family and stuffing ourselves with peanut butter M&M’s. My kids are still talking about the party in Idaho (which they think is a different country.)

July 6—Where Time Stands Still

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We wrapped up our trip with breakfast at the Pioneer Grill. Even after 12 years I feel like I could hop behind the counter and know exactly where everything is. The pancakes are still monstrous, ceramic moose plates are still the same, and Marge is still their to pour your coffee every morning.

We spent the rest of the day listening to satellite radio while driving the long 5 hours back home. (Yes we are the only family that does not have a DVD player in our car) The kids know how to play the alphabet game, they read books, they beg for snacks, and they fight over the handheld Batman game.

Until next year…Goodbye beautiful mountains.

July 5—A Waterfall, a Few Rocks & Lots of Mellows

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After a trip on the “speedboat” across Jenny Lake we hiked up to Hidden Falls. The water was so high that two of the bridges had been blocked of and the trail up to Inspiration Point was rerouted.

After a quick dip in the warm waters of the Jackson Lake Lodge pool we headed over to Pebble Beach. This is always my favorite part of our family stays in the Tetons and this year was no exception. The boys threw rocks into the lake for hours while I sat and stared at the mountains dreaming of the day when all three boys can hoof it up Cascade Canyon.

After Pebble Beach we wrapped up the day with tacos and Smores cooked over the non smelly easy to light camp chef.

July 4—A Day in the Mountains

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So, I have found a new obsession which I will talk about later, but because of my new found interest my little blog has suffered. So for those thousands out there anticipating my next post here are a few one photo posts to sum up our busy, exciting and all most over summer.

We spent the 4th in our favorite place complete with a hike to Swan Lake, swimming at String Lake and listening to a thunderstorm from the warm safety of our ginormous 8 man tent.

Saturday, July 2— It’s Great to Be Eight, the Big Boys Hit the Waterslide, and We Love Uncle Shawn’s Job

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On Saturday we went to see this cute girl get baptized. Can you believe she is eight! I remember when she was a wee baby with curly dark hair.

After the baptism it was back to the Andersons house for yummy food and some water fun for the kiddos. Mindy had borrowed a big blow up water slide from her neighbor.

The kids started timing themselves to see how many times they could go down the slide in 1 minute. Well, my dad looks at my husband (Mr. Competitive) and says how many times do you think you could go down—well it was on after that. Dave donned his swim suit, my dad just jumped in in his jean shorts and we started timing.

Dave matched Syd’s record and my dad scored big with a backwards somersault that would have been a perfect 10 in the Olympics.

Did I mention this waterslide was not made for those over about 12 years old. The “older” kids about deflated it every time they climbed up and the awkwardness of getting their non-12 year old bodies off the slide was absolutely hilarious.

The little kids had a great time too.

Syd was in the water for about 4-5 straight hours thus earning her the nickname “water rat.”

The rest of us sat in the shade and thanks to an uncle who works at an ice cream factory ate and ate Fat Boy cookies until we were sick.

Baby Cohen made an appearance and we all ooooed and awwed over his cute bald head.

Thanks for turning eight Brynn so we could all have so much fun! Hope to top it when you turn nine.

June 25—A Few Bikes, Lots of Balloons & some Horses

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Time for the annual 6th ward Primary Bike Parade.

As always the balloons and otter pops were a hit, but the horses were clearly the stars of the activity.

Thanks to a couple in our ward who have horses and the endless patience to give every kid in the ward as many rides as they wanted the activity was a total hit with the kids. (I think Ian had 7 rides)

Wesley found the Morris’ wagon and made himself at home—he wanted nothing to do with the horses.

**Followed the bike parade with a 32 mile bike ride of my own. My team didn’t get a ticket for LOTOJA so now I am training for the Cache Valley Century at the end of August. Yeah, I think the 42 miles for LOTOJA would have been easier.**

June 23—Grand Summer Plans

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So, every summer when the rain ends and the temperature shoots up I make a list—a long list of all the grand things me and my kids are going to do during the summer. The list usually looks like this…

Cook out, go to lots of parks (names included), go on a hike, go to the pool, make homemade ice cream, go camping, read (lots), go on family bike ride, have the kids do some kind of daily study time (workbooks, flashcards, etc.), ride the train to see Grandma & Grandpa Noel, spend a week with Grandma & Grandpa Lee, swim at Aunt Carole’s, swimming lessons, drink lemonade, play football with daddy, …the list goes on and usually gets added to continually as the summer goes on.

So having ignored the list for a few days we decided to have a picnic in the front yard.

The little root beers where Ian’s idea and he was so excited to have his own can.

Miles was a fan of eating outside and wanted to move all of his books out under the tree to read on the picnic blanket after lunch…we will have to add that to the list.

Wesley loved that he could take a bite, ride his bike, take a bite, play ball, take a bit run around the yard…you get the idea.

So what is your summer list? I think I might add watch lots of TV and eat Otter Pop’s with the fan blowing on you everyday at 4:00 to our list.

June 16—Oh What Do You do in the Summertime?

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When the wind is blowing and it is in the 60’s…

you do lots of workbooks. Miles traced and traced until naptime.

Ian plowed his way through an encyclopedia size math workbook.

Hopefully tomorrow we will be sitting by the pool, drinking lemonade and watching the clouds go by.

June 15—No Kids, Some Café Rio & Lots of Memories

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Met with these lovely ladies yesterday for lunch. It has been 18 years since we shared a kitchen, many late nights & lots of laughs. It was so good to get caught up—it defiantly should become a regular thing.

(Julie don’t kill me for this one, but I love how happy you both look)

The funny thing is even though it has been eighteen years and I’m sure we have changed in many ways we have all carried so much of who were back then with us today—hopefully the best things. Maryann is still so strong, artistic, and one of those people that you just are so glad to know and call a friend. Julie is still sensitive, compassionate and so much fun—I think we could still stay up all night talking and eating brownies.

Thanks for the great lunch and the break from the kids—next time I’ll pull out the photos of us with big hair, oversized shirts and pegged jeans. Love you both.

June 2—A Flower for You

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Look at what Wes brought me the other day. What a sweetheart!

June 2—Two Boys in Hats & a Mommy with a Camera

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Had a bit of time today so I bribed the boys into dressing up for an impromptu photo session. Look at little Wesley against that big expanse of sky. Little dude off to conquer the whole big world.

Miles loved his old man golf hat and was more than happy to pose with the beautiful flower he picked.

Wesley on the other had wanted nothing to do with posing—what one year old does. Did catch this cute one.

May 25—Look Who Gradutated!

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Look who has completed one year of preschool. He is now older and wiser. He can recognize all of his letters, he can recite the Pledge of Allegiance, he knows most of his sounds and already knows the best part of school is snack time. Good job buddy and thank you Teacher Lici!

May 26—It Just Might Be Better Than Grandma’s!

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So, we had a bit of time free today so Miles and I decided to bake. We opted for cinnamon rolls because there really is nothing better than hot, gooey, gluteny cinnamon rolls.

A few years ago I discover this fabulous recipe from my friend Amber. It is fast and oh so good—it might even be better than Grandma’s. Grandma was famous for her yummy cinnamon rolls, especially at breakfast with a dab of butter melted on the top. I could never get her recipe to turn out the way she did so when I found this recipe I did a little happy dance—Grandma’s cinnamon rolls but not Grandma’s recipe.

Miles helped sprinkle cinnamon and spread butter. He was most excited to be my taste tester since gluten intolerant me would be avoiding the end product.

The end product was perfect (thanks Amber) and Miles signed off on them being the best cinnamon rolls ever. After sampling some for an after school snack Ian declared that he wanted a cinnamon roll birthday cake because they were so much better than cake. There must be some Lee genetic predisposition to love, love, love cinnamon rolls. When I have grandkids and they come to visit this is what they will get for breakfast complete with a dab of butter on the top.

June 4—Three Boys, a Football & a Few Flags

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So guess what we have been up to every Saturday morning for the last two months? No more soccer mom—we have been all about the football—flag that is. Ian truly loves playing and due to his dad’s love of college football he has some impressive strategy going on for a seven year old. Last Saturday he went in for the extra point and dived to the pylon arms in feet out—doesn’t work in flag football, but he could have gotten the extra point for the Aggies!

Miles likes to spend his time during the game eating snacks and running around. Occasionally he will stop by the sideline and yell, “Go Ian, make a skort!”

Wesley spends the game strapped in the stroller since he found the break in the fence that leads out to a very busy road. He entertains himself with snacks and pulling the sun shade from the stroller up and down over his head.

Ian has made two touchdowns and three extra points. He is a great running back, quarter back & kicker—we are going to try basketball in the fall, but for now GO DRAGONS!!

June 1st—Park Day, Finally

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Well, it finally warmed up last week and we went to the park.

Ian was still in school, but Miles and Wesley enjoyed the sun and time outside.

This little guy doesn’t realize he is not as old as the older kids and was all over the playground—making his mommy a bit nervous. Thank goodness he has no fear and a decent amount of coordination. He was up and down the slide by himself before I could run over to help and he climbed all over the play jeep shown below.

So glad summer is finally here and can’t wait for Ian to join us next week. No more school for 6 weeks!!!

May 11—Back from Vacation…I think

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Okay, so after the “official” vacation I had a hard time getting off my vacation routine. So here is an update, in photos, of what we have been up to since we left the warm weather of Cabo.

Wesley found the rocking horse downstairs and now has a favorite new toy.

Miles decided he needed a few tats to complete his image.

Ian made a kite at school.

Miles found a new way to become a T-Rex courtesy of mommy’s cake decorating tips.

Mommy finally got rid of the bottles and Wesley is now a sippy toting kid.

Miles made bunny ears at pre-school and was the cutest Easter bunny ever.

Wes decided to one up his big brother and is now reading level K books.

We dyed Easter eggs.

Wesley poked holes in Easter eggs.

We went to the USU spring scrimmage football game.

We found Easter eggs.

Wesley ran around with an Easter basket.

My nephew Cohen was blessed and Uncle Jake topped off the party with motorcycle rides for the nieces and nephews.

Ian scored the winning touchdown in the last 10 seconds of his first flag football game. The wonderful April weather rained/snowed out two more games and we will now be playing football into July if the weather doesn’t shape up soon.

Mother’s Day was complete with homemade gifts—sunflower from Ian and soap with Miles picture on it from of course…Miles.

I attempted to take some fun photos of Nora’s Activity Days Girls. They were a cute bunch.

We fed the ducks and geese at Wheeler Farm.

And in case you were wondering Miles has officially decided his favorite food group is crackers.

As far as the photographed events---

I got a sinus infection due to eating way to much chocolate on Easter so now it is antibiotics and no chocolate for me.

No LOTOJA—we (my relay team) didn’t get in. So I am going to train for a century and hope we can make it next year.

March 20-27—“Come Sail Away!”

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Okay—here it is, finally our vacation in retrospect. I’ll tell you right now there will be lots and lots of photos and much story telling so go forward at your own risk.

We left home on a stormy morning and rode a rollercoaster of a plane ride into Long Beach, CA. I walked off the plane just glad my complementary water and nuts had stayed in my belly. We walked into the hurricane like Long Beach weather glad to get some fresh air, but a little thrown off by the lack of a jet way. After getting our luggage we were off to the boat. We soon learned that California is not equipped to handle this kind of weather—after standing in the wind and rain for 45 minutes we finally made it inside the dome. Two more hours and we were finally on the boat. Due to the wind only 10 people at a time were being allowed to cross the gangway---when we crossed the wind was blowing little kids into the side of the gangway and the lady in front of me in high heels was really tottering around.

So tired, but happy to be inside. Here is the covered pool area. The retractable roof was so great given the bad weather. We spent a lot of time relaxing in these lawn chairs listening to the reggae band and watching March Madness.

Our departure was delayed due to the 40-50 mph winds and we missed one whole day in Cabo. We were so glad on day two when we were far enough south to finally see the sun!

Day three we woke up to beautiful Cabo San Lucas’ gorgeous weather and amazing beaches. We tendered off the boat and got on another boat to go snorkeling and sea kayaking. The kayaking was fun and water phobic me was so glad I survived the snorkel without a panic attack. We didn’t see a lot while snorkeling, but I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to try it again.

After the snorkel we decided to take a water taxi out to “Lover’s Beach” at the tip of the Baja peninsula. Did you know when you ride a water taxi to a beach without a dock you throw your stuff to some dudes on the beach and then try to jump off the boat while it is riding the waves in and out towards the beach? I will just say we were more prepared for the return trip—having backed everything into our backpacks, stripped down to our swimsuits and ready to run at the boat when the waves were in our favor.

The beach was easily the most beautiful beach I have ever been too. One side faces the Sea of Cortez and the other side known as “Divorce Beach” faces the Pacific. The granite cliffs were amazing and Dave was mapping out climbing routes in his head. The sand was like micro polished granite-no dirt just silky smooth warm sand and I was more than happy to lay down my winterized body and soak up some rays.

The waves on Divorce Beach were crazy and while we were there two people taking pictures were washed out by a wave that came way up on the beach. About eight people jumped in to save them (see the tiny heads bobbing). The coast guard came around to rescue them and you can see the people on shore waving to the people to swim out to the coast guard boat and away from the washing machine riptides. I think everyone was okay-but talk about scary.

Really could have used that extra day in Cabo to just sit on this beach and soak up some more sun.

Our ship the Splendor. There were three cruise ships docked in Cabo that day.

Spent the next day exploring old town Puerto Vallarta.

Amazing sand sculptures on boardwalk.

Cathedral in town center.

Dave said the city reminded him of Barcelona. Cobblestone streets, crazy driving, Spanish architecture, street vendors and tropical gardens.

Dave's friend recommended this quaint little restaurant where we had some great Mexican food for lunch.

After a day of walking, sightseeing, photographing, and haggling we we felt like the “gringo’s” that we were.

After two more lazy days on the boat and a dose of dramamine to bring us back to the bad weather of Long Beach we were on our way back home.

It was an amazing trip and I could write 10 more posts just about the food, the amazing service on the boat—gluten free chocolate melting cake, trying to run on a treadmill while on a boat, the yoga instructor who made my day, the funny Vegas like shows, the skinny guy who was always singing karaoke, the jellyfish sting I got, the great people we ate dinner with every night, the amazing servers and stewards, the all you can eat frozen yogurt, the chocolate buffet, the silly cruise director and the fabulous piano player who entertained us every night.

Now we are home and I’m training my kids how to speak in foreign accents, make gluten free food for me, fold towels into crazy animals and play classic rock on the piano so I can still feel like I am on vacation.

April 3—Scavenger Hunt Sunday (The Ocean, a Tropical Flower & One Little Boy in Stripes)

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1. High Key

I did not know what high key photography was, but after some Googling I think this photo will work. Love those big brown eyes!

2. Bedroom

There it is no explanation needed. Oh, this might have worked for stripes too!

3. Something Tiny

Okay, the flower itself is not tiny, but those little round things are. We were in Puerto Vallarta on a cruise and it was so nice to enjoy the warm air, the ocean, and the tropical foliage. It was also great to be able to finally use a small enough ISO that I could get a great close up shot. Can’t wait for that sun to find me here—we woke up to about a foot of snow on the ground this morning.

4. Off in the Distance

There is that beautiful sun setting off in the distance over the Pacific.

5. Stripes

Wesley loves his jail cell stripes. The crib and the play pen are mommy’s favorite spots for this little tasmanian devil.

Check out the other great photo’s at “Ramblings & Photos.”

Scavenger Hunt Sunday—Animal Cookies, a Little Monkey & a Selfie Shot

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1. Vanishing Point

Here are some animal cookies vanishing/fading into the distance.

Here is my little man with his cute little grin being the vanishing point of this photo.

2. Square Crop

Just a square crop of some beautiful baby blues.

3. “Welcome to the Jungle…”

“we got fun and games.” I was singing this song a lot this week as I tried to find something jungle themed. Came upon this cute little monkey—not too jungle like, more circus—but still cute and fun just like the jungle should be right?!

4. Under

Me standing as close to the sliding glass door as I can under the camera.

5. Calm

Little one right out of the tub—happy and calm.

March 9—A Sick G-ma, Some Markers & a Little Creativity

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My Grandma has been recovering from an operation for the last couple of months. I have been to see her, but she is pretty tired and so we haven’t taken the boys to run circles around her. We decided a few pictures might brighten her room and hopefully help her mend a little more quickly.

Ian of course went for the superhero motif. His card read “I hope you fill like a superhero soon!” Do you see that look of concentration on his face? I didn’t capture him sticking his tongue out, but when he is really focused on something he sticks the tip of his lounge out—just like his daddy.

Miles drew Grandma a tractor with a hay baler. He talked and talked about the details of his picture—I didn’t get a photo, but it started as two big circles for tires and a rectangle for the tractor cab. It turned into a page of dark green John Deere green scribbles. Wes decided to help out too and you can see his creation below. Of course his mother was amazed at the ability of his little cubby 1 year old fingers that could take the lid off of the marker and click it onto the bottom!

Feel better soon Grandma—We love you oodles!

March 8–A Word From Miles

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Miles: “Mommy why your thumb so short.”

Me: “So I can grab things.”

Miles: “Mommy how you made?”

Me: “In my mommy’s belly just like you.”

Miles: “Oh. I love you.”

Scavenger Hunt Sunday—Furry Bowling Pins, a Messy Face & a Sneaky Request

2011-03-06T15:25:00.001-08:00

Took last week off, but here we are with this weeks scavenger hunt photos.

1. Diptych

Did not know what a diptych was but thanks to Google I think we figured it out. These are the cutest, furriest bowling pins I have ever seen and when Miles was playing with them the other day I thought they were too cute to not photograph.

2. Book(s)

I absolutely love to read a good book and here are the books occupying my night stand right now. Oh, and my Kindle quit working after I took this photo—I’m going to try a reboot and hope it works. Good thing a regular old book can’t just quit on you.

3. Fill in the Blank

“When I think about how happy Wesley is in the port-a-crib, I just have to shake my head that it took me this long to set the thing up.”

Just a note—while I was on the phone for 5 minutes the other day he

played in the toilet water

dumped out a bunch of baby powder

emptied on kitchen drawer one item at a time into the kitchen sink

and then moved a chair in front of the fish tank, got the fish net and tried to catch the fish!

4. Taste of Italy

Had spaghetti this week. As you can tell from Mr. Messy Face it was a total hit.

5. Reminders

Started to make a menu for next week and when I came back to work on it this is what I found. My oldest boy Ian thought it was a shopping list and decided to add his own items—“Buy Ian a ~~Wii~~ PS3 with a game called Toy Story 3!” Silly sneaky boy!

Go to “Rambling & Photos” to check out the other entries—it really is inspiring and fun!

February 24—Photo Flashback (A Shower, Some Beads & Cupcakes)

2011-02-24T21:53:00.001-08:00

So, I haven’t been very good at posting lately except for the weekly scavenger hunt. I was going to post a rant about IBS, PVC, GERD and all the other acronyms that have decided to plague me. And although I love to listen to and laugh at a good rant I wasn’t so sure everyone else did. So, in lieu of my rant here are some photos from this past week.

On Saturday I ventured north to go to a baby shower for my SIL Shanna. Yes—they are having a baby boy! We were all so surprised and excited to find out they were expecting and even though Shanna said no shower we decided to spoil her anyway.

Shanna looks barely pregnant and so cute. Jake tries to hide those smiles, but I knew when he put on the baby blue baby backpack that he just might be a little tiny bit excited about this new little baby coming to rock his world. Congratulations—can’t wait to meet my new little nephew.

On Monday we awoke to a glorious snowy President’s Day and two little boys without any school to entertain them for the day. After a late breakfast we loaded all the sleds and snow clothes into the car and headed over the mountain to Nora’s cabin. We spent the day sledding down the biggest sled run ever, eating treats, and just relaxing. It was a fabulous day and might need a repeat before all the snow melts.

After a few days away from home we spent Tuesday doing laundry and hanging out at home. Wesley has been into everything lately and been nicknamed the whirling dervish—he is very fast and quiet. Anyway due to his new obsession with climbing on things he needs lots of supervised playtime or the house looks like a tornado hit it. Miles thought he would like the beads and so we spent a good part of the morning stacking beads.

Since discovering I am gluten intolerant I’ve had a hard time finding new and yummy recipes so this week I decided to some new recipes from the Gluten Free Goddess. Here is my favorite—stuffed peppers. So tasty, so good, and so full of flavor. Miles was not a fan, but Wes liked the filling and Ian asked for seconds!

Today Miles and I spent the morning making cupcakes for the Blue & Gold banquet. Miles is a great helper, but when I went to give him a sample he ate the frosting handed me the cake and said, “I don’t like this part, it is yucky.” (no, it wasn’t gluten free, just the regular good gooey cake mix) What child of mine doesn’t like cake? Now I do love frosting, but it is about the combination of cake and frosting. Maybe his taste buds will figure it out as he gets older.

Scavenger Hunt Sunday- February 20 (Chocolate, a Few Fridge Magnets & Some Very Tiny Clothes)

2011-02-20T20:42:00.001-08:00

1. Chocolate

Went to a baby shower for my SIL this weekend and there were lots of chocolate covered yummies. The top photo is chocolate cinnamon bears—sooo…yummy and the bottom is chocolate covered pretzel rods. I think you could cover just about anything in chocolate and I would love it.

2. Numbers

Wes decided to stick all of his letter and number magnets of the fridge the other day. So glad he had found a toy to play with—lately his schedule consists of climbing on the counter, finding the laptop, emptying any drawer that opens and trying to climb into the fish tank.

3. Canned Food

Bottled these peaches from our tree this past fall. They are a breakfast favorite at our house.

4. Music

Just the standard piano keyboard shot. Check out that dust! I bought this piano about 7 years ago when I decided to start teaching piano. It was paid for with money I had saved up from babysitting when I was a teenager. I love the tone it has and the feel of the keys.

5. Stack

Cleaned out the closets a few days ago and passed a bunch of little baby clothes onto my SIL. I love having little ones around the house, but giving away those baby clothes reminds me that we are moving out of the baby stage and have so many fun memories to create with the boys as they get older.

Check out the other entries and “Ramblings and Photos.”

Scavenger Hunt Sunday (on Tuesday)—Cotton Balls, a Mean Green Fighting Machine, & Some Really Cute Booties

2011-02-15T12:42:00.001-08:00

Thought I was too late to link up, but just made it. Here are my shots for this week.

1. Shadows

Our living room windows face south and in the winter we get this great sunlight for most of the day when it is not overcast. On this day the boys had the tinkers out and I loved how the heart that Miles made in pre-school and then taped on the window showed up as a cute heart shaped shadow.

2. Bright White

Kept trying to find things around the house that were “bright” white. I soon began to realize there is very little white in my house! So I went for the cotton balls—towels and toilet paper were my other choices. I love how this shot turned out with the little wisp of cotton coming out of the bowl.

3. Pattern

These towels are on my washer and dryer and I love the colors and the cute retro flower pattern.

4. Strong

I asked Miles which superhero was the strongest. He said the Incredible Hulk and then offered to pose for this picture. Look at those muscles.

5. Warmth

These cute slippers showed up in the mail a few days ago for the boys. My cute MIL made them each a pair for Valentine’s Day. Miles got red, Ian got blue, and baby Wes got yellow. Wes loves them and keeps bringing then to me to put them on him.

Check out all the other great entries over at “Ramblings and Photos.”

February 6--Scavenger Hunt Sunday (A Glass House, Some Hangurbers & a Few Army Ants)

2011-02-07T14:06:00.001-08:00

1. Water

My kids love to soak in the tub and those little toes breaking the surface of the water were so cute I just had to snap a photo.

2. Quote

Dropped my little boy off at his friends house and saw this cute flag—went back home for the camera and got this shot.

3. Window

I couldn’t get any good shots of our windows at home so I took my camera and went on a window hunt. After driving around somewhat aimlessly I saw a sign for a glass house. Really, there was a sign that said “Glass House” with arrows pointing which way to go! I just about did a happy dance—lots of windows in a glass house right? It turned out the glass house was an information center for the community I had been driving around. The nice lady at the desk told me to take as many photos as I wanted and to be sure to check out the south side of the building where there was this beautiful copper siding on the building. There were lots and lots of windows, but my favorite shot ended up being of the copper wall (thank you desk lady). I love the color of the worn copper and the lines in both the window and the building.

4. Activity

Saturday at our house means $1.00 burgers, or hangurbers as Miles says, from Ab’s.

5. Magazine

Page 25 of our latest Kids National Geographic.

February 2—While Daddy’s Home the Boys will Play

2011-02-04T20:58:00.001-08:00

Every year at this time Dave realizes he has a whole bunch of vacation time that needs to be used up. Now we would love to cruise the Caribbean or backpack through Tibet, but our budget limits most of his vacation time to being my personal errand runner and carpool driver. I don’t know if it was the vacation he imagined, but I have spent a glorious week not running to the store, letting Dave take Ian to school, taking uninterrupted showers, going to the gym, and today I went out to just take some pictures for an hour.

The kids have enjoyed sitting by daddy at lunch, playing Angry Birds on his iPhone, reading books with him, going to the store with him, watching “Mighty Machines” with him and enjoying all the goodies he brings home from the store that don’t ever make it into the cart when mommy does the shopping.

Here is Wes enjoying the BBQ potato chips that daddy brought home. Good stuff.

More January 29—“The Dinewood Derby” or “You can help with the fun stuff”

2011-02-04T20:45:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday was the annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. This derby was for everyone, not just the scouts. Dave and Ian decided to bang out a car and see how they would do. Dave spent the week drilling holes for weight, sanding axels, rubbing graphite on the wheels, and spray painting. Ian offered up advice and helped with the “fun stuff.”

On the day of the race our USU “Big Blue” race car took 1st in the children under 8 category and made a fair showing in the all-around category.

Miles was fascinated with the whole thing and began making plans for next year. He has decided he will win the “Dinewood Derby” with his tractor race car next year.

January 29—Some Old Tractors, a Couple of Chickens and Lots of Photos

2011-02-02T09:58:00.001-08:00

So, this past Saturday, before the subzero temperatures set in, I decided to take the kids over to Wheeler Farm to chase the animals and climb on the tractors. Here are the many photos from our day at the farm.

These old tractors had so much personality. This one looks like it has its own face with those funny headlights for eyes.

It was so muddy and Wes wanted nothing to do with the stroller so needless to say we all had two inches of mud on our shoes by the time we left.

Look at these cute boys. I think they might even like hanging out with each other a little bit.

Oh, and look at who lost his two front teeth! After some rough housing at the church and the help of daddy’s pliers Ian is now sporting a new smile.

Miles thought he could catch a chicken. He probably scared them so bad that they won’t lay any eggs for weeks.

Even the blue eyes baby thought the tractors were cool!

January 30--Scavenger Hunt Sunday (A Tractor, Some Smog & Got Milk?)

2011-01-30T20:33:00.001-08:00

Had to pull some old photos for this—not feeling too creative this week.

1. Texture

Took the kids to Wheeler Farm yesterday to chase some chickens and play on the old tractors. I love all the different textures in this photo—the wood of the barn, the smooth yellow paint, the rust showing through, the flat tires, the dirt, and even Miles silly yellow yarn hat.

As a side note Miles could have sat on this tractor all day I think he may have been a farmer in his former life. When visiting my mom last week he talked to the neighbor about the new yellow combine they were getting for their farm—they have already scheduled a ride along.

2. Fog/Smog

Okay, I don’t know how much fog we had this week, but we did have some smoggy haze every morning. The sun had burned off most of the stuff by the time I got this photo so I used Pioneer Woman’s “Old West” action to make things look a bit foggier—I’m not sure it did that, but I like the look.

3. Button

Pulled this photo from last year. The photography workshop I went to last year was held in this thrift shop that had just about every kind of trinket, gadget, or kick knack you could imagine…so yes they had a button tree.

4. Drink

Got milk? This kid loves to drink the stuff. He would probably go through a gallon a day if I let him. I think I will get him a cow for his birthday. (Oh and yes third child still drinking out of a bottle at 1 1/2 years old. Lazy mommy needs to break out the sippy cups)

5. Seventies

This challenge reminded me of the photo I used last week for “memories” and of all the old toys at my mom’s house. I took this photo of Wes back in March when we were visiting and he is playing with the xylophone I use to play with when I was his age. I finished the photo off with Pioneer Woman’s “Seventies” action. (Miss the cub on those cute cheeks of his.)

January 24: “Look mommy I have a really tall faux hawk!”

2011-01-24T19:14:00.001-08:00

Was fixing dinner today when Miles came into the kitchen. I bent over to give him a hug and he said, “Look mommy I have a really tall faux hawk!” I looked and the pictures below are what I saw. We spent the next 15 minutes laughing ourselves silly.

Group shot with Ian.

January 23—Scavenger Hunt Sunday (An Old Box, a Little Girl & Some Chocolate Chips

2011-01-23T18:28:00.001-08:00

1. Memories

This is my Grandma’s old jewelry box. She use to keep it full of costume jewelry and sitting on the counter in the “Red Bathroom.” When we would visit we would sit in the red bathroom and deck ourselves out in necklaces, brooches, and earrings. I wish I had a picture of the red bathroom. It had two big chandelier lights, two bright red sinks, red and gold velvet wall paper and red crystals hanging in the window—it really was something else.

Had to include this photo for memories. It was in my last post, but it does holds a memory. My mom held onto this toy from when I was a baby and now my kids play with it when we go to visit. I love how it is not electronic and the kids actually make the noise by turning the knobs or sliding the little toys.

2. Doorway(s)

Okay a bit abstract, but here are three of the doorways in our hall at home. I tried to cover up the graininess of the 1600 ISO with some actions—turned out kind of interesting. I think it is time to get a new lens my house is just too dark for the one I have.

3. Silhouette

Here is my cute little niece looking out her window.

4. Reflection

Made cookies this week and noticed how reflective the kitchen aide bowl was—chocolate chip mmmmmmm………..

5. Silver

Here is a close up of the necklace in the first photo. My Grandma use to wear it all the time and it reminds me of how she dressed and all the energy she had.

January 17-20: A Vacation from Vacation (in vintage color)

2011-01-21T22:13:00.001-08:00

Being off track for 4+ weeks is enough to drive one mom with three kids crazy. So, we decided to take the craziness to my parents. The valley was in major melt down (all the snow from Christmas had melted filling the fields, yards, and my sisters basement with water) but we were so glad the usual cold temps and yucky inversion had left for a few days.

We started our vacation off with a trip to the bowling alley. Cousins came and all the kids scored above 80 thanks to the bumpers and ramps. Miles got a spare and did this goofy little dance that had the people on either side of us cracking up.

I’ve always loved my mom’s enormous kitchen and her gas oven so while she was at school working the boys and I decided to whip up some cookies for her to eat when she came home.

Wesley was my little helper while Ian and Miles raided my mom’s supply of old toys. They love the Star Wars, Micro Machines, Hot Wheels, Construx, and the big bucket of Legos.

After filling his tummy with cookies Wes found this grocery cart and spent the afternoon pushing it around the kitchen.

After the grocery cart Wes found this old crib toy and giggled over all the funny sounds it would make. I love that he actually has to turn, twist, press, or spin something to get the noise—not just a battery powered push the button and get some electronic response kind of toy. They just don’t make ‘em like they use to.

We also played with cousins, watched the new ginormous TV, enjoyed mom’s cooking, watched Sydney at her tae kwon do class, toured the new additions to the high school (some things might change, but apparently the smell of my high school doesn’t) and went out for Indian food (which by the way is my new favorite).

Does going home every once in awhile and having your mom take care of you ever get old? Thanks mom for the customized menu, the free babysitting, and for bathing my unruly children.

January 16—Scavenger Hunt Sunday (A Different Point of View, a Head of Hair, & Some Legs)

2011-01-16T23:00:00.001-08:00

1. A Different Point of View

The kids were playing with this top a few days ago and I just loved the colors and all the circles. I thought this view with the handle in the center really changed the way it looked and disguised what it was.

2. Looking Up

Looking up at my little boy who had just finished his lunch, climbed out of his high chair and perched on the tray for this picture. Notice the two bibs—one for lunch and one for the constant stream of drool!

3. Abstract

Looked out on our deck and noticed the snow had melted from between the slats of wood and left this interesting pattern.

4. Hair

This boy has oodles of hair, and I love how it looks so red in this shot. Do you think he is mocking me with that tongue sticking out of his mouth? Silly boy.

5. Half

This is an old shot from awhile ago, but when I saw the word “half” I thought of this photo—got the bottom half of everyone. I was at a photography workshop just sitting down messing with my camera not really looking through the view finder and found this shot when I got home. I love the story it tells with all the blue jeans and cameras.

January 13—Mommy Guilt, a Fort & a Few Ants on a Log

2011-01-13T23:34:00.001-08:00

So, after major meltdowns from all three boys and a bit of yelling on mommy’s part I woke up with some mommy guilt today. I need to be more proactive with these children of mine—more involvement on my part and less time for them to run amuck and play “fight” which involves Ian practicing his moves learned from “Karate Kid” on Miles.

Two chore charts later, a prize jar, and a boredom buster jar my guilt was starting to dissipate. I decided to get rid of it entirely by building a fort in the living room, then letting the kids eat lunch, and then watching their favorite TV show in the fort.

While fixing lunch I told the kids we were having celery—yes they love the stuff. Ian requested “ants on a log” and I was more than willing to oblige. I think Miles thought there were real ants involved because he said no to the ants, but yes to the peanut butter.

Just a side note. I’ve had to change my diet a lot this past year and it has been interesting to see my kids learn to love fish, quinoa, fresh fruits & veggies. We are still working on avocados, but I’m okay with not sharing my guacamole and avocado salsa.

Scavenger Hunt Sunday (Or Tuesday in this case)

2011-01-11T14:47:00.001-08:00

This is Me: Can you see me? In Miles eyes? I probably should try to look at myself more often through the eyes of my children.

Resolution: My friend Linda posted this quote on her facebook page--

"If I thought too much about what had happened, I would get sad and angry, and I couldn't forgive the mistakes that had been made. If I thought too much about the future, that was too overwhelming. But if I stayed right in the present moment, I could handle things with grace and with ease."

Now of course Linda is an inspiration herself, she has this contagious energy that makes everyone around her want to embrace life more. So that being said I’m following Linda’s example and going to try to focus more on the right now and not the list of things that needs to be done in the future or the stupid things I’ve done or said in the past. Thanks Linda Lu.

Innocence: Baby sleeping, doesn’t get more innocent than that. (He woke up right after I took this picture though and didn’t look at all innocent with the big tears, red cheeks, and booger bubbles.

Treasured: My health. After a year of mostly yuckiness I have learned to really treasure my health and this beautiful, yummy clementine looks pretty healthy to me.

Primitive: The concrete at the bottom of our front steps is crumbling into tiny pieces. It probably wouldn’t qualify as primitive as far as age, but I thought the texture in this shot felt primative.

2010 in Photo Review

2011-01-07T13:51:00.001-08:00

Found this great little photography blog called “Ramblings & Photos”. Love all the photo tips and challenges she has and am hoping to become a better photographer this year by entering some of her challenges and trying out some of her great ideas. Below is a photo scavenger hunt for 2010.

Me! - picture of yourself (you don't have to show your face). What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2010? Just glad to be in better health than last year at this time. No more doctors is one of many New Year’s Resolutions.

I Love You - picture of your husband, boyfriend, children, pets, etc. Me and little Wes on Memorial Day. Love him and his cute cheeks so much.

Still Laughing... - a moment you're still laughing about now...tell us a story. Miles decided to show us all how to “meditate” haven’t stopped laughing since.

Winter Wonderland - a picture that reflects Winter. Brrrrrr…………

Birthday - share a birthday picture (your own or someone you love). My little guy turning one!

Friends - a picture with friends (this could be your friends or your children with their friends). Love the Mairs—best friends anyone could ask for.

I Was Inspired... - could be a picture of your inspiration (person or thing), or inspired by...My dad completing LOTOJA—208 miles in a single day on a bike. Go Dad!

Spring Fever - a picture that reflects Spring. Love the promise of peaches these flowers represent.

Travel or Vacation - a picture taken on vacation or on a recent travel experience, OR of a place you'd like to travel. Home to the Tetons.

Summer Days - a picture that reflects Summer. First day in the kiddy pool. Miles looks so silly in goggles.

A Day In My Life - a picture of a typical day in your life. Taking care of these three little monkeys.

All Smiles - a picture that makes you smile or of smiling faces. Wes was so happy to feed himself. Nothing went in his mouth, but he didn’t care at all.

Autumn Harvest - a picture that reflects Autumn/Fall. First pickings from the garden.

Family - a picture of your family or a picture that represents family for you. Look at those boys off for an adventure with their daddy.

Celebrate! - a picture that reflects a celebration. Ian’s birthday was kind of a crazy day—the cake didn’t turn out at all and I forgot to buy candles, but Ian being the happy go lucky kid he is was happy with a few toys on top and some random candles from the back of the pantry. This kid knows how to turn a bad situation into a celebration.

Let's Do It Again... - a picture of something you'd like to do again soon. Such a fun family reunion, must do it again.

I Miss You - a picture of someone or something you really miss. My husbands best friend passed away this summer—miss him lots.

Beautiful - a picture of someone or something you find beautiful. Two brothers happy to get along=beautiful to their mommy.

Dress Up - this might be a picture from Halloween or not...but someone who is all dressed up! “I want to suck your blood.”

Macro - share your favorite macro image. My sister-in-law Kris got married this spring and the flowers in her hair were amazing.

Holidays - a picture from the Holiday of your choice. Went sledding over the holidays and didn’t know what to do with the one year old who can’t walk in all that snow—so we took the lego box and stuck him and a few blankets inside.

My Favorite - share your favorite picture or memory from 2010. One of the first photos I took after attending a Joy-ography (photo workshop) and I was so happy to have finally captured those big blue eyes on my camera.

Don't Ever Change - something you love about yourself, someone, or something that you never want to change. Love this place, it brings everything into perspective for me…I hope it never changes.

Just Because...So There! - share any picture(s) that you really want to share, but doesn't fit in any other category. Loved this one of Paige and her golf ball slings for cowboy golf.

Hopes and Dreams - share what you hope to come or dream for 2011. Feel free to share an image of your choice. Training to be on a LOTOJA relay team this year.

December 30—More Snow, Elbow Gloves & Waffles

2010-12-31T16:27:00.001-08:00

Woke up today pretty much snowed in so we called the Mairs to see what they were up to. Decided to venture the three miles to their house for a romp in the snow. The kids all bundled up and headed outside.

I can’t believe how grown up Addie is getting! Look at those beautiful eyes and cute new (to me because I never see her now that she is in school all day) hair cut. Oh, and of course the frog hat is the coolest.

Addie, Paige and Miles huddled up to stay warm.

Miles sporting his new '”elbow” gloves. They come up to his elbows so no snow gets in—Brilliant!

Miles was a big fan of tasting all the white stuff.

Cute Paige in her bear hat. Hats just add so much personality!

I think Stuart was missing those warm days of summer. He stayed in the swing the whole time he was outside.

Drop zone for snow clothes. It takes a lot of hats, gloves, boots, coats, snow pants to clothe 6 kids for a day in the snow.

After getting pink noses and cheeks from the cold the kids came in and ate up some yummy waffles courtesy of Nora’s new waffle maker—deeeelicious!

Thanks for the fun day Addie, Ben, Paige, and Stu. You are so much fun and always such great entertainment for Ian and Miles.

January Desktop

2010-12-29T20:38:00.001-08:00

From The Shabby Shoppe. Pick up your own its FREE! So cute now I can look at Miles cute mug all month long.

Merry Christmas From Us Noels

2010-12-23T22:07:00.001-08:00

December 20—Cookies, Cookies, Cookies (Yum, Yum, Yum)

2010-12-20T21:49:00.001-08:00

Decided to make cookies for my piano students today. Once I got started I decided the neighbors might need some and then the ladies I’m in Primary with and I knew my boys would love a big pile of them and of course Santa will need some to fill his big belly on Friday night. So after rolling and cutting out about 170 cookies Miles and I were ready to call it a morning.

Miles was such a good helper and it was so fun to see him excited about the process. Wesley was happy to test out a few and make sure they tasted good. Tomorrow we will frost and sprinkle!

December 18—A Grandma, Some Candy & the Last Name NOEL!

2010-12-20T21:34:00.001-08:00

So, we headed up to Dave’s parents house to celebrate Christmas today and boy did Grandma show us a great time. Grandma Mary truly lives up to the last name Noel. Christmas basically oozes out of the front door to great you. The living room is filled with Christmas music, a tree laden with homemade ornaments, a Christmas village, Christmas treats, and twinkle lights. For a kid it is almost as good as Disneyland.

We started the afternoon off by making candy houses, then we played Christmas music on pvc pipe chimes and color coded bells. We sang a few songs, opened some presents and then Dave and I took off for dinner. Grandma and Grandpa bundled up the kids and took them to see the lights at the Christmas Village in Ogden. We came back to some very tired boys that were so glad that Grandma lived up to her last name.

December 17— A Little Boy, a Book & a New Found Interest

2010-12-20T21:24:00.001-08:00

Wesley discovered books recently. My other two were into looking at books from day one, but Wes has never wanted to sit and flip the pages of a book. In fact I would try to wrestle him into my lap before nap and try to read to him and he would just reach for his crib or wiggle out of my lap. So when I heard the noises coming from this book and discovered him totally enthralled with turning the pages I was so happy. He now wants to look at every book he can get his hands on. I’m sure he’ll be reading by next week!

December 15—Picture Day

2010-12-20T21:13:00.001-08:00

Went to Gardner Village today with my friend Bri to take some photos of her cute boys and her two blue eyed nieces. Here are some of my favorites.

December 14—The Wise Man Built His House Upon a Rock & the Baby Jesus Ran Around in Circles

2010-12-15T21:31:00.001-08:00

Tonight Ian said we should act out the Nativity like we do at Grandma’s. So we assigned out parts to all 5 of us. Ian-Shepherd, Miles-Wiseman, Wes-Baby Jesus, Dave-Joseph and Inn Keeper, Mommy-Angel and Mary. It took 45 minutes to find costumes and about 10 minutes to reenact the story. When I finally got Miles dressed up he started singing “the wise man built his house upon a rock.” He also took his flask of frankincense/mur/gold and tried to hide it from the baby Jesus (Wes) since it was a Christmas present. Now, Miles is still calling Wes “baby Jesus” while he refers to himself as Rudolf. Ahhh…to be in the world of a 4 year old.

December 13—A Preschool Project, a Marker & a Little Imagination

2010-12-15T21:15:00.001-08:00

Need I say more! My little reindeer has colored his nose red for the last three days and his antlers are looking a little smooshed, but he his perfectly happy to do anything you want if you call him Rudolf! Thanks for the fun Teacher Lici.

December 5—Bittersweet

2010-12-15T21:07:00.001-08:00

Today we went to see Ian’s daughter Olivia blessed. We stopped by the cemetery to say “hi” to Ian and see the headstone. It was great to see little Olivia those big eyes that look like her daddy’s, but it was bittersweet to not have Ian there knowing what a proud daddy he would be.

Sweet Olivia. Look at that red hair and who knows maybe she’ll have beautiful curls like her daddy.

December 4—A Few Reindeer, a Man in a Red Suit & Super Dad!

2010-12-15T20:57:00.001-08:00

So this morning I was off to eat brunch with the gals when I mentioned to Dave that Santa would be at the local shopping center. I thought we could go when I got home, but Dave being the super hero that he is decided to tackle the crowds and craziness by himself—Merry Christmas to me!

Apparently Ian asked Santa for enough toys to bury his sleigh. Miles asked Santa if he could try on his hat to which Santa said nothing and changed the subject! Wes had nothing to say, but can you believe he is not screaming his head off—isn’t every one year old entitled to a photo of themselves crying on Santa’s lap?

After Santa it was off to Ab’s or Crab’s as Miles says for corndogs and hamburgers. The kids came home tired and happy. I’m thinking daddy was a little tired too! Way to make daddy of the year my sweetheart.

December 3—A Very Important Person

2010-12-04T17:57:00.001-08:00

Today Ian was VIP for his 1st grade class. Every week one of the kids is “spotlighted” as the class VIP. They bring a poster, explain the poster into the microphone, and get to answer three questions from classmates. Ian was the picture of calm as he explained his poster and called on students to ask him questions. What a talented kid and a very important person to me.

As a side note—the teacher in me was thinking this microphone around the neck was the coolest thing ever! Why didn’t I have one when I was teaching a classroom of rowdy 9th graders?

December 2—Winter White Light, Beautiful Browns & Baby Blues

2010-12-02T20:37:00.001-08:00

Have you ever noticed that each season has a color? The sunlight seems to take on a different hue depending on the time of year? I don’t know if it is the position of the sun in the sky or the reflection color from the landscape that exists during each season, but I would say Spring is a soft greenish yellow, Summer is kind of a harsh yellow/white, Fall is an hazy orange yellow, and Winter is a stark bluish/white.

Today while cutting up grapes for Wes I realized that this fabulous winter white light was flooding my kitchen, making the kids eyes glow and their skin look like porcelain. So, without wiping off their faces I pulled out the camera.

Miles said, “take some pictures of my eyes” so we did.

And..here is Wessy showing off his baby blues.

Now that I’ve discovered the great lunch time light in my kitchen you might be seeing lots of high chair photos, or bring your kids over for lunch and I’ll share the great light with you.

**One year olds in overalls are just about the cutest thing ever**

November 26—Some Dry Utah Snow, Two Cute Hats & Lots of Smiles

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Okay—These pictures pretty much say it all. The boys were so excited to roll around in the snow. Miles wanted to make a snowman, but Ian said “the snow was too salty.” Thank you to Aunt Katie for the cute monkey and lion hat they are so cute, and fit their personalities so well.

November 20—A Bowling Alley, a Thomas Cake & a Happy 4 Year Old

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Saturday—Finally the day of Miles “official” birthday party. We started the evening off with a little bowling. We won’t say who won, but let’s just say it wasn’t one of the boys!

Next we headed home for some pizza and some presents. Have you seen this little movie about Mater? It is so cute—we watched it while we chowed down on birthday dinner and cake.

And….here is the Thomas cake. Not my finest, but defiantly better than Ian’s leaning tower of cake. Miles kept saying “Thank you mommy, I love my birthday!” Thank you little guy we love you your quirky personality, your big brown eyes and your love of snack foods.

November 18—A Few Birthday Candles, Some Balloons & a Trip to the Dentist…

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Yes, that is what Miles got for his birthday this year. We are going to officially celebrate on Saturday, but with the piano recital and a mouth full of cavities this little boy celebrated in a different way. We decided to let him blow out a candle at every meal…

for breakfast he blew out the candle in his toast…

for lunch it was in his peanut butter sandwich…

and for dinner (after the recital) in his hot dog.

The candles were a huge hit, and the balloons from the dentist made him happy, but he did keep asking me if it was Saturday yet. Happy Birthday little boy—tomorrow we’ll go bowling and eat “Thomas” cake.

November 18—A Few Talented Kids and a Piano

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Every November I get together with another piano teacher and we combine for a duet recital. It is so fun to hear everyone play and the pieces are most impressive with twice as many hands and twice as many notes. They all did fabulous! And see that little guy in the tie in the front he played B-I-N-G-O with Addie (on the left) and did his mommy proud.

November 12—Look Who’s Walking!!

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So proud to take those first few steps!! Look at that toothy grin.

This boy has been so silly about learning this new mode of transportation. He went from crawling to knee walking. He would walk around on his knees and hang on my legs hoping for a ride wherever I went. It was not unusual for me to find a smear of snot across the knees of my pants at the end of the day. On the day shown above he finally realized it was more fun to use your feet instead of you knees. He spent the day laughing and falling over. He was so proud of himself that he could not contain his excitement and he would laugh until he fell over. Now that he can get around on his own he is so happy and I have had snot free pants for that last week!

November 9—Cubby Cheeks, Baby Eyebrows & a Red Hat

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Announcing the arrival of Isaac Scott Mair—who has the cutest cheeks and the most expressive eyebrows! He waited to take his first bath until I arrived for a visit. He doesn’t even look like a newborn—no cone shaped head or that alien look that my babies have for the first few days. What a cutie.

Love the cute caps that the volunteers make for the newborns. Thanks for the quick snuggle little one. Good job mom and dad—he is beautiful.

Ian’s Winning Photo!

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Here is Ian’s photo that got us a free dinner at Winger’s! The theme for the Reflections contest was “Together We Can.” He thought it would be fun to have Miles push Wes in the jogger to show that together we can help each other. I told him to get in close, and he got this cute shot.

November 5—Give a boy a camera & he’ll become a famous photographer!

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The day before the Reflections contest ended I handed Ian the camera and said go take some photos that you think would work for the theme, “Together We Can.” He took a few shots of Miles pushing Wes in the jogger. He brought back the camera, we picked the best one, printed it and Walmart…and now his last minute photo is going on to the next level of competition.

(Dave was most excited about the Wingers gift card Ian won. We all went out to eat last Saturday. Did you know you can get gluten free wings? The most yummy thing I’ve had to eat in a long time!)

Good job big guy-you must have got your Grandpa & Daddy’s talent for photography.

November 4—Just wanted to say “Hi”

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Reading with Ian today and everytime I peeked over the top of the book this is what I saw.

October 31—A Vampire, a Firefighter & ?

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One spoooooky vampire ready to scare up some candy.

Miles was a firefighter. I had the most amazing Cruella De Ville costume and Wes was a puppy. I dressed up for the ward Halloween party—took no pics. Dressed up for Ian’s class party—took no pics. Got a terrible sinus infection on Halloween and went to bed early—no pics. Oh well—maybe next year!

Hope you all had a spooky one--

October 29—Cute 1st Graders, Pass the Pumpkin & a Few Witches

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Went to Ian’s class Halloween Party today. What a cute bunch of kids. What a amazing, creative teacher. AND what cute warty witches—can’t wait for Ian to bring his home to hand on his wall.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

October 23—A Football Game, a Downpour & a Fresh Apple Pie

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Today we headed up north to visit the parents and so Dave & Ian could go to the Aggie game. It wasn’t raining when we got there so Dave & Ian bundled up and headed out. About 45 minutes into the game it started raining cats & dogs. Ian had hoped it would snow because the Aggies were playing Hawaii and we all know people from Hawaii don’t know how to deal with the snow. They do know how to handle the rain though and Dave & Ian toughed sat through a disappointing, wet game.

Meanwhile—at Grandma & Grandpa’s, my dad decided to channel him mother and make a apple pie at 8:00 at night! He enlisted his favorite look-a-like buddy Miles to roll out dough and taste test.

Of course Miles had just had a bath and my dad plopped him, clean jammmies and all, right up on the counter in the middle of the flour dust cloud.

Rolling out the dough was a team effort. It was so fun to hear my dad telling Miles how to use a pastry cutter, how to mix the dough with your fingers, and how to put even pressure on the rolling pin.

It really was a thing of beauty. I bet Grandma was proud!