Three more days until I choose a winner!

There are only three more days until I choose a winner, so it is NOT too late to enter the contest. If you haven't heard, I am trying, slowly, to open a little cake business out of my home. If you submit a name and I choose it, you get a free cake/cheescake. If you live outside the delivery area...Malad, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and Rexburg, you will get a gift card/certificate. So, please rack your brains. I love the names that have been submitted, but if you think you can come up with something else...lets hear it!! Have fun and I will be choosing Wednesday!!!!

If you talk to my son...

If you are over for a visit and you try to have a conversation with my son, Tevan, and you happen to ask him about the following...HE DID NOT LEARN IT FROM US!!!

Princess and the Frog...comes out a very naughty swear word that starts with an F.

In his Elmo Chinese New Year book, there is a picture of a Rickshaw. This, too, comes out a very naughty word that starts with an F but he adds "er" to the end.

And if something gets stuck, you guessed it...VERY naughty word that, again, starts with an F.

Trips to Home Depot, visits from Home Teachers, and phone calls to various family members have ended in an explanation as to why my son is dropping the F bomb. I am so embarrassed, yet it gets me laughing every time with surprise! Yet no matter what we do to try to help him say these correctly is not getting through to him. I sorta purposely stayed home from Sac Mtg today so I wouldn't have any embarrassing moments there, too!

Tora, as promised!

This is my niece, Tora. Isn't she so cute!

We had such a great time yesterday. Thanks for playing!!! I didn't get any pics of the other girls because I was so wrapped up in her! I will take some of my other pretty nieces next time. I just loved watching her. She didn't fuss too bad...unless I walked out of the room! She let me feed her bananas, but hated the blended up mac and cheese! Sorry Kayla, I should have asked you instead of Mieley!!! :) Thanks for a fun afternoon!

Dave says

If any of you are familiar with Dave Ramsey, you know that he often says, "The only time you should see the inside of a restaurant, is if you work in it." As many of you know, Troy and I have decided to do the debt free challenge. So, instead of going out tonight...even though I REALLY wanted to, we stayed in. And dinner showed that my heart was not in it. Have I cheated on my family for feeling this way and producing a less than spectacular meal? Part of me says yes. The other part of me says I cook three meals a day, everyday and I would like a night off! I am tired tonight. I am wallowing in self pity. I am mad at the world and I am mad at myself. I should be proud that we did not spend the $30.00 on Happy's Chinese. I should be overjoyed that we are finally able to say no to our wants and only take care of our needs. I should be happy that I accomplished so much in a 12 hour period. I should be happy that sharing time is ready for tomorrow, that the 30 cupcakes and my talk for Great to be Eight are both done and ready for tomorrow. I should be excited that dinner, although terrible, is done and over and the boys are ready for bed. I should feel like wonder woman today, but I don't. I feel less than acceptable. I hate that these are the days that get me down. I really hate that the pressure of being a wife and mother takes it's toll. I feel sometimes that my kids look up to me and I feel like I have not been the best person for them. I am not a supermom and I feel like I cheat Troy and my children for not living up to the title. Tonight I just want to go to bed and pray that tomorrow is a better day.

On a happier note: I was privileged to watch my three beautiful nieces today while my sis in law did some much needed alone shopping time since Adam is snow machining. I had so much fun...Tora is getting so big and I just loved the way she played and "talked". Adalyn and Mieley had fun playing with the boys and I hope they come back soon! We get to see them often, but it was fun for the afternoon to have them by myself. I took some great pics of Tora posing as Bob the builder, but those will have to wait until another time. Good night, my fellow bloggers. I hope that tomorrow brings us a day of sunshine and happiness!!!

Cry baby

I was browsing Hulu.com last night and came across a movie that Johnny Depp made when he was younger. It was pg13, so I thought I would give it a try. It. was. HORRIBLE. It was pretty much the worst movie I have ever seen. I hated it. Troy asked me why I kept watching it, and I told him because I thought it would improve. It never did and I wasted an hour and a half of precious time on that. Sigh. Sorry to any of you who happen to like that movie, but it just wasn't for me! I do not recommend it. To anyone. Ever.

Mr. MOM

Today Troy did a great job! I woke up, did a batch of laundry and then had the worst headache/dizziness that I have ever had. So, he got home from work, took the kids to McD's and wandered around the Trackside Mall, came home, got them busy doing other things and let me sleep the entire day. It was so nice and I am feeling much better. He made dinner and is now baking muffins for Daeson's preschool treat bucket. I am so lucky to have a husband who can take care of things when I am feeling yucky! He is a great daddy and the boys just love him so much. Daeson told me that dad did a good job today. He's a tough critic, too. Troy and Daeson spent some of the day building Legos that Daeson got from Christmas. He loved that! Thank you Troy, you made my day so much better!
PS: He has the kids in the tub bathing and is getting them ready for bed. I have literally had to do nothing today. :)

Cowabunga DUDE, OLD DOGS

Tevan's new favorite thing to say...or at least my favorite thing to hear him say: COWABUNGA DUDE! It is so funny to hear him...it sounds more like mungamunga duuuuude! I love that he is talking more and more. He is finally putting things together in full sentences and I can almost understand what he is saying all the time. He is getting so big and I can hardly believe he is growing up so quickly!

Troy and I went to OLD DOGS this weekend with Jaimen and Kara. We all thought it was hilarious and we laughed hard. I love John Travolta and Robin Williams. They definitely have talent and versatility in their acting. It was a great show and I encourage anyone to see it. It didn't have any swearing (at least that any of us could pick out) and it didn't have any sexual innuendos. Just a great show!

Contest will end Jan 20

Hi! Just want to let you know that the contest for the name of my new cake business will be January 20. It is my grandparents anniversary, so I thought it would be a great day to give away a cake! If you haven't been following, please help me find a name for my new cake business!!! If I choose one of the names you submit, you will get a free cake or cheesecake made just for you. If you live outside Rexburg, Idaho Falls, Pocatello or Malad, you will be sent a gift card/ certificate. So, please submit some names!!!! Thank you to Mandi and Megan for some great ideas...I am quite fond of some of them!! :) However, there is still time...12 days! Let me know if you have any questions!!! I LOVE CAKE!

Dinner is done. Dishes are washing. Floor is swept and kids are in the tub. I love dishwashers.

Dishwashers

After being with out a dishwasher for six months, I am happy to report that today Troy bought me a new stainless steel Maytag dishwasher!!!!!! No more hand washing dishes, and just in time to bake all the yummy cakes! I am so happy, much happier than Troy is. We went to Blacker's and they had some really great deals. We were really surprised that they were so inexpensive. So, tonight when I would normally be hand washing a zillion dishes, I will be doing more exciting things...like scrap booking or blogging! Happy day! Thanks, Troy, for making my whole week, month and year!!! I love you!

Cake contest and free decorating

I am finishing my cake classes and I found out last night my "final" is a wedding cake. I can design it or replicate one that I have seen. I am super thrilled to do this. THRILLED. There is something fun about playing in FROSTING, and yes, ADAM, I LOVE CAKE! :)

This is the part I am excited about. I am starting a blog for my cakes. I will post all the cakes that I have made, or at least the ones I have pics of, and I will decorate cakes for people for the cost of the supplies. So, instead of paying 30 for a sheet cake, it will cost two cake mixes or supplies for homemade, and the cost of the frosting. I do all the decorating and time free until I develop a nice portfolio and feel like I can charge people for my time. I am so excited about this! I get to practice and people get to order cheap cakes. Well, inexpensive cakes!!! I don't do "cheap" :). So if you or anyone you know is in need of a cake, I would love to do it. I am a clean person and my kitchen is not messy. I do not have pets of any kind in my house...just two small boys. But I keep them clean, too.

However, I am in need of a catchy name for my blog. So, if you have any ideas for a snazzy name, and if I pick yours, you get a free cake or cheesecake. I will deliver to Rexburg, Pocatello or Idaho Falls...so if you live outside this region, you will get a gift certificate/gift card for $10.00 mailed to you. (Unless you are from Malad, I will make a special trip to see some friends from my highschool days!) I want this to be fun!! If you have an idea, please leave a comment with your input. Thanks and I look forward to the ideas!! I will be posting some of the cakes that I have done in a couple days, so watch for them!!!

Happy New Year!

So, this year I have decided not to make unreachable goals. You know the type...loose 20 pounds in 5 days, not to eat junk for three months, not to blog but only once a day!!! This past year I have done some major soul searching. I have contemplated my life and the lives of my family members. I have come to the conclusion that I am not the best person I can be. There are so many things I could do better and this year I am focusing on what I can to do be a better me. I know that sounds selfish...but I will, with that, be better to those around me. I will focus on being a true disciple of Christ. I want to be someone that is reliable, stable, compassionate, trustworthy, hard working, friendly, and confident that I will be able to handle what is handed to me. I know that I am probably asking for some trials by doing so, but I know that will make me obtain these goals more earnestly. I want to be a better mom, friend, wife, daughter, granddaughter, Primary councilor, camp director, visiting teacher, housekeeper and cook. I want this year to be my best year.

Troy and I have been focusing on getting out of debt and trying to be frugal. He does a great job at providing, but we have been really loose with our finances. Budget??? So, with the help of our fave talk radio host, Mr. Dave Ramsey, we will be working fervently on getting out of debt so that we will one day be able to call in and do a shout out. This, I know, will be a trial for our family. We are so used to buying what we want and not just what we need. I know we are counseled to be debt free and with the economy the way it is, there is no better time to start. We have decided to make the financial freedom commitment and with that, we should be completely debt free...including our house...by 2015. I know that we will be so much happier by doing this and I know that we will teach our children discipline and be an example for them.

I have big plans for 2010. I am really trying to stay focused and goal oriented. What ever your endeavors for 2010, good luck. I hope each of you can accomplish the things you would like to happen. Happy New Year!!!!

9 cent photos

This week, until Jan 2, you can upload photos to Walgreens and print them for 9 cents!!! You go to Walgreens.com and click photos, then you make an album, select the photos you want and type in the coupon code 9cents. This should give you the discount. You have to order 50 prints...so be sure to do that. It does not have to be all the same photo, just be sure you have selected 50. I love Walgreens photos and they always have them done in an hour! You just go to the store to pick them up. I have never had to use the reciept I print off line, but I always print it just in case. This is the cheapest I have ever seen them! Usually you can get pics for 10 cents, but I have never seen nine cents! Great way to get all your photos from Christmas printed! For 50 photos, it is only $4.50!!! Pretty great!!! Good luck with it! Their cite is really easy to use!

Christmas Day 2009

We all got spoiled Christmas!!! Thank you to everyone who made our Christmas wonderful. We really appreciate the thought put into our gifts! Christmas morning I had a hard time sleeping in, so I stayed awake waiting for one of the boys to make a peep. Daeson finally did and wanted to tell me a story, but I interupted him by telling him it was Christmas. I have never seen him jump out of bed so quickly!!! Troy woke Tev up and we had a great Christmas morning! I made caramel rolls, bacon, sliced oranges and hot cocoa for Daeson. The boys enjoyed playing with everything and we took our time opening gifts. Tevan was thrilled with the toys and pajamas, and Daes was so excited for everything. He even loved the clothes!!!! Troy and I just sat back and watched them be excited. It brought us much happiness! We even like the drums Danielle and Todd bought. I think they thought it would be torture, but I have even tried them out. They are way fun!!! We, after Troy's 4 hour nap, headed out to Grovers for a night of visiting. Daeson took his three robots from Jess and Carlie and played all night with them. Tevan was just excited to run around with his cousins!!! Merry Christmas everyone! We hope your was happy!

Christmas Eve Party 2009

Tonight we had a great Christmas Eve party. We had prime rib, twice baked potatoes, corn, rolls, spinach salad and pie. After we took some pictures and got the kids ready for bed, we opened some presents from Grandpa and Grandma. They got us a Camp Chef and a cover. I am sooo excited! Tevan got two TMNT movies and a Thomas movie. Daeson got Garfield the movie and a really cool Hot Wheels track. Aunt Dani and Uncle Todd gave the boys a drum set. Yeah! Kayla gave them a really fun game called tumble. Then the kids watched a movie, and the grown ups played liars dice. Then, Tevan wrapped the night up by throwing up. On me. All over. It was all I could do not to throw up!! Adam was even placing bets against me! But, I was fine. I waited patiently while everyone loaded up and then I was able to strip in the living room with out making a trail of puke to the bathroom. SIGH. What is going on with my kids!?!?! We go a day, then they puke, we go two days, then they puke...I am beginning to think parties are more work and sick then not!

Merry Christmas!!!! Oh, yes...Thank you Mom and Dad for the wonderful heater!! It kept us toasty warm!!! How lucky is that to have been shopping for one while I was talking to you on the phone!?! It worked great!! Love you!

It's Christmas Eve: I am sick

So, after my boys were once again sick Monday night/ Tuesday morning: both throwing up and yucky poo. I am now very nauseated and hope this passes quickly! We are having our Christmas Eve party at our house, so I have exactly five hours to feel well. Part of me thinks it is the food I ate last night. I questioned it the whole time I was eating. I haven't felt well since. I ate fish and it did not flake, but I automatically think they have to check temps before they serve it...maybe I am just naive! I generally love the Hard Hat and always order prime rib...however, that is what we are having tonight and I didn't want to repeat. Humph. Should have gone with the prime rib!

Half Maarthon Training Part two

Last night I was talking to my fabulous sis in law Kayla, who looks absolutely amazing, and she re-motivated me to train for the half marathon. I was supposed to run it last summer, but I developed a strange bump on my leg that kills if I start running. She is already, after having a baby 7 months ago, running 6 miles. That is a 10k. It took me all spring to train for that!!! So, I started retraining today. I can run a mile, so I am not as far behind as I thought!! However, that annoying bump came back. So, after the new year and deductible, I will get it checked out. I did weights today and I feel sore already! My problem is this: I hate the music on my mp3 player. I need some fast paced music...not overly old school, but some is okay. I would like some new stuff, but I don't listen to much more than "Old MacDonald" and "bingo". So, if you have a fave dance/hip hop/exercise song, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me!!!! I am desperate for some great tunes...preferably some that have good lyrics and no swearing. Just leave me a comments with the artist and or song title! Thank you soooo much. Oh, and Kayla, thanks for the motivation I needed. I really appreciate you! Now I need to hit the showers before the kids get up...I have to drive carpool today!!

Family Pictures December

So, these are all in reverse,

but after we froze taking pictures,

Troy treated us all to some hot cocoa

at a place near Snake River Landing.

It was scrumptious!

Everyone loved the

mug Grandpa and Grandma

Blue had. It was large!

I love this picture!

Can you believe it has been

almost 10 years? Okay, so

seven months from tomorrow

it will be!

Jump

Kaden and Tev were

so cute playing on the rocks

Daeson is getting so big!

I cannot believe he is 4 1/2

Family pictures are usually a bad

thing, but Troy and I decided the

boys did very well today! And boy

was it cold!

Tevie







Thank you soooo much, Peggy for taking our pictures!

I know you all had a busy schedule and we really appreciate it!

They turned out so well. Now I can mail out Christmas

cards...better late than never!

Argh!

Just when I thought we were done with the sickness bug, Daeson surprises me with a sick tummy this morning at 1:00. And again at 3:00. Then diarrhea started in at 6:30 this morning. Cleaning up throw up is not my forte! I thought I was going to be sick! Usually Troy takes care of it for me, but he had to work at 4 this morning so I let him sleep. I took the kids to McD's yesterday and opted not to let them play on the toys...I guess it would not have mattered! I just hope he is better soon! Troy and I have a fun game night planned for tonight and we even found a sitter! So...I hope this thing is on its way out!!! However, if it is not...we will once again have to reschedule our night. Just pray that he will feel better soon!!!!

Almost done with colds!

Last Sunday, the boys and I started in with colds. Daeson seemed to get over his quite quickly, and I recovered from mine super fast (I would like to attribute that to Airborne). However, Tevan, over the last week and a half, got really bad and the cold moved down into his chest. There were nights we sat outside, bundled up of course, at two in the morning at Zero degrees. It seemed to help with the coughing, wheezing, and the congestion. Tevan absolutely HATES medicine and would throw up every time we tried to give it to him. The stinker! Finally, yesterday and today he feels much better and has a little sassiness back. It is good to see him bounce back after a week and a half! He still has a bit of a cough, but it should clear out. I think it is mostly post nasal drip. Now about Airborne: I asked our doctor if he thought it worked, and he said it is just a boost of essential cold vitamins and there was no proof that it actually helped. I BEG to differ! Troy and I are firm believers in Airborne and absolutely LOVE it! If we feel like we are getting sick, we take Airborne. If we get sick, we are usually better in a day or two vs. a week or two. The berry flavor is the best. If you are skeptical about an off brand, we really like the Walgreen's brand, too. The pharmacist said Daeson could take a half tablet dissolved in the same amount of water. He likes the fizziness of it and takes it really well. I think that is why he got better so quickly, too. I am just glad this all hit BEFORE Christmas and not during all the upcoming activities! I am glad it wasn't longer than it was...I might have been insane from sleep deprivation! Tevan and I don't fit on a twin sized bed very well! I am glad to have my bed back without having to sleep with him every night in his bed!

Tevan's Christmas present finally done!

I couldn't think of what to get Tev this year, so I made him a quilt to match his bedroom. I think it turned out pretty cute. I am not the world's best seamstress by anymeans, but I like it. We went to Gram Tom's to make it the other day. Thank you so much for all your help Gram...it would still be sitting in my cupboard waiting to be done without you!!!

I hope Tev likes it. Of course he saw it when I was making it, but when he opens it on Christmas, he can really use it!

Taxes

Amongst all the excitement of Christmas, today I started on TAXES! It sickens me to start so soon, but I thought I would get a head start so when we receive our 1099's (or whatever they are) I would be ready. I cannot believe where everything goes...eating out, FUEL!, oil changes and other maintenance, clothing, groceries, entertainment, Doctor visits, insurances, car payments...the list goes on and on! I wish it were this simple: everyone pay a certain percentage of their income. This would make my life a lit easier! But, we have our itemized lists for our business and that makes tax time so FUN! So for all of you thinking about Christmas right now, I will interupt that by saying April 15 is only 125 days away! :)

Nutcracker

Daeson and I went on our Annual Nutcraker Date tonight. I was lucky to get tickets earlier today. I thought they would be sold out, but there were several rows empty behind us. It was really good and our cute neighbor girls were in it. They did a great job. Daeson took them both roses and stuffed penguins. He said, "Mom, I want to take something to Rachel and Alexis to tell them congratulations because they will do a great job." It was very sincere and sweet. You gotta love four yeat olds! Daeson had a hard time sitting through this production, and I think it is partly because he wanted to give them his gifts. He kept saying, "Is it done, Mom?" The Utah Ballet Company came to perform with our ballerinas. They were incredible. They had wonderful leg extensions and muscles to DIE for! It was incredible. Thank you, Daeson, for a great date night. After we got home, we ate some of the coconut cream pie I made before we went. That was a bit dissapointing, but better than none at all! :)

BLACK.FRIDAY.

Well, today was black friday, but I stayed home and was not even tempted to go out. Okay, I really wanted to buy every cricut cartridge that was in sale, but other than that...not tempted. We went south to my mother's side of the family's get-to-gether. I was fun, but I felt very rushed and very frazzled the whole day. It is 8:30 and I am not feeling like I can make it through the day. We got to see U Dirk and A Kristy and their kids. We haven't seen them for a while. They are growing sooo fast! I also got to see my "grown-up" cousins. It was great to see them and their families, too! We definately have grown apart in the last few years, so it is always fun to see them and mingle. We also had a very special visitor at our Turkey day feast...Santa! Daeson asked for a Bakugan movie and a Bakugan game for the Wii. Tevan, of course, asked for Ninja Turtles! As if he can carry more than two! But they were both very excited and did very well on his knee. They each got a little treat bag and I, being the mean mom, made them wait until tomorrow to eat it. My great-aunt Ginner came with her husband and daughter, too. We live so close, yet we see each other next to never. Thanks everyone for the yummy food and the HARD work that went in to it! We love all of you and hope that we will see eachother more in the coming year!

Turkey Day

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am thankful today for my husband's family. We had dinner at his Grandma's house, and I know it is so much work for her. She didn't even really want to have it, but she did and I am grateful for that. Dani and Todd and fam came up and that was a blast. It is always good to see them. I was told I had too much time on my hands because I made Thanksgiving chocolates that were individually "painted' and I was also told my yams should not have had marshmallows on them, but what are candied yams without marshmallows!? We had wonderful food and wonderful company! THank you to everyone who participated in the meal prep and for the fun times we had BSing. We missed Brad and Heidi, but we know that we will see them soon for Christmas!

THANKSGIVING:

T Troy. He is my wonderful husband and I love him.
H Hugs and loves from my boys.
A Always having what I NEED.
N Naptime...rare, but worth every minute!
K Knowing where I came from and the potential I have.
S Singing time in Primary. I love to hear the kids belt it out without a care!!
G Grandparents. I knew all of mine and I am very lucky to have their influence in my life.
I In-laws. I have the best.
V Vacations to my mom and dad's. It is nice to see them and get away.
I In God we trust.
N Night-time with my family around me.
G Grateful to be alive and healthy!

Pause to think what we all have to be grateful for: Our Freedom and for those who fight so we can have it! I am so thankful for the men and women who fight for us...we would not be free without you! Thank you so much!!!