Printing Blogs

Hey all you smart people out there... I am wanting to print my blog at the end of this year and I was planning on using Blurb.com but I don't think they support Blogger any more. Do any of you have any suggestions???

Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful weekend. We spent Saturday with Alesa for her and Hailey's birthdays and we went to see the lights at Temple Square. Sunday, Katie and I baked cookies and brownies like crazy, went to church (where I taught Young Women) then rushed right out to the Austin's. We had a wonderful! Christmas party (I'll give details later). We spent the night, Doug went to work and the kids and I stayed until 5pm playing games, decorating gingerbread houses and being together. Then last night we had a wonderful "giving" experience. My heart was softened and touched. Have I mentioned I love this time of year????

The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all! We love and cherish you!

Darn!

We were going to head down to "This is the Place" state park and experience Christmas Pioneer style and then spend the night at Alesa's house and celebrate her birthday. But since it snowed at least 6" today and it's still snowing I guess we're just going to hunker down here at home for the night, that's not all bad (I guess). They say you have to have chains to go through the canyon and Doug had to be pushed up our hill, definitely safer here at home.
The kids are out of school for the next two weeks and we are done with all our programs, recitals, etc... Now it's just the fun stuff! Hooray! I'm excited! Unfortunately I know the time will pass way too fast!
On Wed. we went with our friends to go see the lights at Willard Bay- so much fun! This couple is about 70 years old but we have so much fun with them! They love our kids (like grandparents) and they are so easy to talk to. We forgot to take pictures but we had a great time eating dinner, driving through the lights and even taking a horse drawn wagon ride through the lights, but boy was it cold!

Grandma's Rolls

One of my favorite childhood memories is going to my Grandma Meikle's house on Sunday afternoons/evenings and eating dinner with my cousins. We did this for many years and every (most?) Sundays my grandma would make her rolls. Oh, those rolls were heavenly! And if I went over early (which I'm guessing I probably begged to do every Sunday) I could help make the rolls. It was so fun, she would take those extra little pieces of dough and put them into the middle of a couple of rolls and they would be the "baby", we all hoped we got one of those.

No one else could duplicate the way Grandma made them (my aunt Jill says she can, but I've never tasted the evidence - maybe she'll have to invite us to dinner ;) ). About three years ago I decided that I would try, I'm a pretty good baker so I thought I might as well try. I did it for Thanksgiving dinner and my grandma was there and gave me some tips. They worked pretty well. Although I didn't give them enough time to raise so they weren't perfect. The next year, at Thanksgiving, I tried again- no luck this time. Then this year for Thanksgiving dinner I tried once again. Oh, they were terrible, hard as a rock! I talked to my mom and grandma (although she claims she can't remember how to make them) and I analyzed the recipe and what I had done wrong. We decided two things 1- the yeast was probably too old 2- if the yeast wasn't old, I probably killed it by using too hot of water. I sent Doug to buy new yeast and the next day (really Thanksgiving) I decided to try again. They worked beautifully! They were about perfect! Woo Hoo! So, I decided that I can't wait a year to make them. My goal is to make them once a month. I made them this last Sunday, success again! Hooray, it wasn't a fluke! Doug and the girls love them so the left-overs only lasted a day but I was thrilled to be able to pass on this lovely tradition to my family.

Oh, I was able to pass on the tradition of letting Maddie help me make them. That was hard for me, I like things to be "perfect" but I let that go and enjoyed making them with Maddie. She helped roll them out, "pinch" them together and dip them in butter. (maybe the dipping them in butter is what makes them so good... Nah, it's probably the love! ;) )

Life is good!

But busy! And I have to say, I actually like it! Although some days I just grab hold and hold on until the day is over, but I savor every minute! My sil, Leslie ,told me the other day that I'm never home when she calls, yup that's about the way it is!

I'll try in a quick way to wrap up the last few weeks. :) It's basically just a "travel log" so feel free to quit reading, but I want it for my own records.

Holly and Frank came to town on November 23rd, they stayed until November 30th. We had such a great time! Lunch at Fredrico's, dinner at Callaway's, they went to lunch with Katie at school, and Maddie's recess. We ate Thanksgiving dinner with my whole family on Wed. night. Then on Thurs Frank, Holly, Mom and our little family ate another Thanksgiving dinner with fresh turkey, rolls and all the rest of the left-overs. Yum! I love Thanksgiving dinner! I even made Grandma Meikle's rolls (I'll do a separate blog about those later)- the first night they were TERRIBLE (like hard tack) after analyzing them and buying new yeast I tried again, SUCCESS!

Friday morning we went shopping, but since we decided that there was nothing worth getting up at 4:00 am for we decided not to leave until 8:00 am. Unfortunately I still woke up at 4:30 (Doug got up and went and worked out at that time) and laid there in bed and wondered if I should have gone. :) We (Me, Holly, Frank, Alesa, Mom) went to Shopko, Smith's, Old Navy, Al's (twice), Hallmark, Motherhood and to Village Inn for a late breakfast. I was able to get new running shoes, work-out clothes, socks for all, and a few Christmas gifts. The shopping is fun, but really it's the most fun just being with everyone!

Friday night was our "Grandma" party. Every year my mom does a "Grandma" party. (The reason it's called a grandma party is because it technically is just for Grandma and the grand kids but the adults are allowed to come hang out too.) The kids and Grandma decorated sugar cookies, wrote letters to Santa, read a Christmas story and Santa usually comes and visits. Santa always brings ornaments for everyone and we all have to sit on his lap.

Saturday morning was Savannah's 7th birthday party at her Grandma Kandi's house. Yummy breakfast and great company! I decided I needed some exercise so I walked to Kandi's house, I didn't make it the whole way (8.5 miles) because Doug came before I got there, but I did go over 5 miles- not too bad!

Later Mom, Alesa and I went to the Novemberfest (a local craft fair) and I was able to finish up my Christmas shopping.

Of course all these fun days were also spent playing Phase 10, Kinder Bunnies and Killer Bunnies. Thanks all for a great week!

On the 30th is was "Doug" day at church (not really but it seemed that way!) He taught Gospel Doctrine, sang in the choir and spoke in Sacrament meeting. Like normal, he did a great job! He is so smart and doesn't ever seem to even get nervous.

Monday, December 1st, started the wonderful, crazy Christmas season! We decorated our trees and (part of the) house that night.

Wed was our ward Christmas party, Katie and Maddie both had parts in the program- Katie was a "star" and Maddie was the color "red", and I helped with the set-up.

Thurs. I went and did Dream Dinners to help us make it through the rest of the month.

Saturday I was suppose to go to Temple Square with our Young Women & Young Men but Doug's company part was that night so I didn't go. We went and had a yummy dinner at Hamilton's and I was able to meet the people who Doug talks about all the time. (Have I mentioned lately how much Doug likes his job?!?)

Monday (Dec 8th) we were suppose to go, with our friends the Orahoods, to Willard Bay to see the fun drive through lights, but it was too snowy so we didn't go. Instead I went to bed at 8:00. :) But not until after we went to watch Katie sing at the Zion's bank "tree lighting" ceremony with her school class.

Tuesday the girls sang with Tavaci at a local retirement center followed by a LONG Young Women planning meeting.

Wednesday I had Enrichment meeting and my card club (which I had to miss) but Enrichment was fun. We went to three different houses and heard about their family traditions. Each house was decorated so beautifully and I even won a "story a day" advent tree.

Thursday was Katie's piano recital. She played Jingle Bells and O Christmas Tree and did an excellent job!

Friday night was Maddie and Katie's practice for their Tavaci concert.

Finally, Saturday, the girls had Tavaci dress rehearsal and their Tavaci concert. It was wonderful! I love their Tavaci concerts and I'm always amazed at how they come up with new, fun songs every year! Katie even had a speaking part.

Saturday was a VERY snowy day. I left the house at 6:30 am and when I came home at 9:30 am the car had more than 6 inches of snow on it! Crazy! It took Doug almost 2 hours to shovel our driveway and sidewalks. I was suppose to go to lunch with my good friend but we decided to wait for a less snowy day- hopefully that will happen at the end of the month!

All of this FUN stuff happened in addition to all normal things that always happen, dentist appointments, zones, piano lessons, guitar lessons, etc... I love December! Really, I do. I'm glad it's not like this every month of the year but it is fun for one month.

Think about it

Christmas is not just a time for festivity and merry making. It is more than that. It is a time for the contemplation of eternal things. The Christmas spirit is a spirit of giving and forgiving.

Christmas Questions

Just love this picture, so I had to include it!

Still haven't had a chance to record the last couple of weeks, but for now, here's this fun Christmas questionnaire.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Love wrapping paper, but sometimes resort to bags. But never for kids, they need the joy of opening presents!
2. Real tree or Artificial? Mine is artificial, it preserves my marital relationship, but I would love a real one!
3. When do you put up the tree? Sometime after Thanksgiving, NEVER before!
4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime in January
5. Do you like eggnog? Love egg nog
6. Favorite gift received as a child? hmmm, can't remember, I was a snoop so not a whole lot of things were surprises but all Christmasses were great!

7. Hardest person to buy for? I think mom and mom-in-law, I always want to get them something they will like, but I don't usually succeed.
8. Easiest person to buy for? Bevan- he's happy with a car and a ball
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Two, one my mil gave us (Willow Tree) and one my mom brought us from Jerusalem

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Love mail, but I'm not sending any this year...
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? hmm, I'm not saying, I don't want to insult anyone, it had good intentions!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Original How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the cartoon)
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Dec. 26
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Hmm, don't think so
15. Favorite thing to eat or drink at Christmas. Turkey
16. Lights on the tree? The more the merrier, I will never forget the year my mil had so many lights it literally heated up the room!

17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh, Holy Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home!!!
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? yup, but I won't right now

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Snowflake
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Most Christmas morning, the family we are with on Christmas eve get opened then
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? There's not much I dislike. I love it all! The crowds, the music, the busyness, all of it!

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? My tree is very Dr. Seuss/Disney and I love it!

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Turkey or Prime Rib but I love it to be easy
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? No debt- not going to happen, but I can dream!26. Who is most likely to respond to this? ???
27. Who is least likely to respond to this? ???
28. Favorite thing about Christmas? What's not to like?!?

Now it's your turn!

100 Things

I'm in the middle of Thanksgiving/Christmas fun. I'll fill you all in later, but for now, I thought this fun!

My friend e-mailed this to me, I thought it was fun, so here it is! Mark the ones you have completed in a different color.

1. Started your own blog - Duh! ;)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band - Does colorguard in marching band count?
4. Visited Hawaii- 2 times
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Held a praying mantis
9. Climbed a mountain
10. Sang a solo- never will!
11. Bungee jumped.
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea - in the caribbean, it was awesome!
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon - I'm going to one day
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelos David - my grandma used to have one that sat on her TV, does that count?
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48.Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud - I should do more of this
54. Gone to a drive-in theater - I was pretty young but that's where I saw Star Wars
55. Been in a movie- it was a YW one!
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - I've bought lots!
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check- wish I could say never
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy - I've still got a teddy bear
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt - it was small, for YW
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job - no but I've had 2 go out of business on me
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person - worked at Jacob Lake, by the North Rim the summer of 1993
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car - I've been with my mom a couple of times when she has
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life - I have a friend who claims I have, but I'm not so sure
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake - been there but never swam in it
97. Been involved in a law suit - don't even want to think about this
98. Owned a cell phone - Since 1993, it was a "brick"
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day - I have to force myself NOT to do this

We're Losers, again!

The biggest losers that is! Whoo hoo!!! Our contest ended yesterday with our final weigh in and today was the awards. It was close, with attendance and weight loss factored together we had a score of 52.622%! The second place team had a score of 52.477%. We barely made it, but we did it! Each person on the team got $300. What a great thing for this time of year! I ended up losing 34.8 pounds (oh, I wanted that 35 lbs!) I'm pretty proud of that, but I'm even more proud of the other successes I've had. I can do spin class and fully participate. I can climb every single stair of the University Stadium and still have energy left over to RUN the football field for another 30+ minutes (even while carrying Bevan). I can almost run an entire 5k. I can climb mountains carrying Bevan on my back, I can even run some of those trails (but not with Bevan on my back!). Most importantly, I've made 6 WONDERFUL new friends with some amazing women. These women are from all different walks of life, but because of what we've gone through together we have learned to love each other and embrace each other's strengths when we don't have enough strength to go on.

Btw, where'd that guy from our team go? Well, he's a big whimp and couldn't keep up with a bunch of women so he dropped off. (He actually had some other lame excuse- but we know that's the real reason!) And my total (overall) weight loss is 60 pounds! Still have a ways to go but I'll get there one day. Now, I'm just enjoying my success and the incredible way I feel!

"Before-Before" picture (first challenge- 60 pounds ago)




Before picture- ...............................After Picture
wow! I look tired! .......................(I have to admit, I was amazed to see them together!)

Think about it

So, last night I sat down with my family and asked them what their favorite things were from last Christmas. Not one of them mentioned the gifts they received (except Grandma's 12 days gifts- but even then it wasn't the gifts it was the activity) instead they all mentioned the activities we did. Temple Square lights, driving through Willard Bay lights with our good friends, Preston's light parades, etc... It really made me think. We talked to them about how things are tight for everyone this year and asked them to only ask Santa for 1 gift this year (we usually limit it to 2). We told them Santa had to work hard to take care of people who are having a hard time. They were ok with that. Then this was on the "Cut the Crazy" blog. I totally think it's the truth and something I'm keeping in mind this year!

It's the BIG 4-0!!!!

Happy birthday to my sweetheart! Doug is turning 40 today! He is not here to celebrate with and I'm very sad about that but I want him to know we are all thinking about him and hoping he has a good one anyway! 40 wonderful things about Doug.

1- He's a hard worker

2- He's smart, if he doesn't know the answer to something, he finds it.

3- He likes to take pictures- but not really of people, mostly scenery

4- He makes dinner almost every night.

5- He puts the kids to bed

6- He can fix almost anything

7- He honors his priesthood

8- He has a strong testimony of the Gospel

9- He loves his children

10 He loves me

11 He isn't afraid to be true to himself

12 He supports me in everything I do

13 He (almost) never gets mad at me

14 He loves to read

15 He has just started watching The Office and he loves it

16 He is a good teacher

17 He goes along with all my hair brained ideas

18 He lets me hang out with my sisters and mom whenever I want

19 He folds the clothes

20 He puts away the clothes after he folds them

21 He get up every morning at 4:45 so he can work out

22 He likes his family

23 He follows the Lord's commandments

24 He helps the girls practice their instruments

25 He studies his scriptures

26 He'll watch chick flicks with me

27 He started a whole new career to try to provide better for us

28 He doesn't complain when I spend money

29 He loves Dr. Pepper- but has recently quit it

30 He takes a Peanut Butter and Honey sandwich for lunch almost everyday

31 He lets me have "my" time

32 He like to have alone time

33 He is learning how to build a house (I think he can do about everything but the plumbing)

34 He loves M&M's

35 He loves dark chocolate

36 He loves to go to movies and will often go by himself (if I can't get away or it's a movie I won't like)

37 He likes to go out to eat

38 He likes to spend time looking around at Home Depot

39 He loves to travel and is willing to go anywhere (and is not afraid)

40 He's my eternal sweetheart! Who is very patient with me!

Love you honey!!! We'll celebrate together when you are home. We miss you!

Weighing In!

4.8 lbs!!!!! Hooray, that officially makes 50 pounds total! These last few have been a while coming, but they did it! Woo Hoo!

Parent Teacher

Last week, over Halloween, the girls had parent teacher conference. This meant they were out of school for three days. I love it when they have breaks, although Halloween was a little hard (too much excitement)! Both girls had great reports. It was really fun to go see their rooms and talk to their teachers. I haven't been real involved in their classrooms this year and I've really missed it.

Katie's teacher said that Katie was always positive. Mrs. Norr said: "In fact I don't think I've ever heard her say anything negative. And most of the kids aren't like that." I was so proud of her. I've often said that I don't care if my kids are brilliant but they have to be good people. Katie is doing really well in math and loves math. She's doing well in science too. She is still struggling in spelling (her dad says if you only know one way to spell a word, you have no imagination). I'm afraid this might be a battle we are always fighting! Her teacher has actually changed her weekly spelling words to some easier ones. She said it is useless to have them keep trying to spell harder words when she can't spell the easy words. (Finally!) This has been great for Katie because she is finally seeing some success. On her last spelling test she only missed 1, I think that is a first! Overall, she is doing great! I'm so proud of Katie and how hard she works and the kind young lady she is becoming!

Maddie's teacher said that Maddie has excellent hand writing. She said "I don't know how it could get much neater." Maddie is doing great at math. She is barely where she needs to be with reading but doing alright. She just needs to practice reading. Her goals for this quarter are; "To stay on task. and Let other students stay on task." I ask if that meant she was "chatty", yup, she must be my child. I don't think I ever went to a parent teacher conference that my mom wasn't told that I talked too much! Oh well, we'll work on it, but I think there are worst things she could be...

Happiness is...

Having a van that is registered, with a new windshield and the car detailed! We've needed a new windshield and haven't been able to afford it, as a result our car was a month past registration. Finally yesterday we were able to get the windshield and then immediately get our van registered. It is such a huge relief. I was a nervous wreck everywhere I went, worried about cops. Now, let 'em come at me! ;) When we got the new windshield I was surprised that they detailed our car too. Wow! Now, I feel like I have a new car. Hmm, maybe I won't let the kids ride it in anymore. (Just kidding! Or maybe not...)

Weighing In!

Ugh! 2.8 lbs. I can't believe how much harder it is this time!

Since I need something to celebrate, I am going to celebrate my abilities in Spin Class. Last competition, about 1/2 way through, we started going to spin class on Fridays before weigh in. When we first started I couldn't even make it through a whole class. I didn't even make it through a whole class that competition. The first week we went back I was able to make it through the whole class. I couldn't stand up (partly because of my knee- but mostly my body/mind) during the parts we were suppose to stand and pedal. But today, today I did the whole thing and I stood every time for the whole time that we were suppose to! Hooray! My body is getting stronger. I decided that even if I don't lose another pound (which I hope I do) I will be so happy with my body getting so much stronger and healthier. Now, to conquer that 5k. For those of you who are runners, when does it quit hurting? And when can I start breathing? I don't hurt while I run (other than I REALLY need new shoes) except for the breathing part and then I hurt afterwords. Is this normal? Is it worth it?

Cut the Crazy

My friend Debbie is starting her class at Big Picture Scrapbooking today. I am so excited for her and Georgana! I wish I was able to take this class, these ladies are amazing and this concept is amazing. If you can, go take the class. It's on line and it costs $30 and I'm sure it will be wonderful. Debbie also started a new blog, wow, I love it! Make sure you read the post about "Unplug the Christmas Machine" it really makes you think. I think this Christmas is going to be different for a lot of people (you know that economy thing),but I think that makes this concept that much more important. I think we may all be realizing this very important concept "He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!" Here's wishing you all a delightful Christmas! Enjoy the things that are most important to you!

Ice Skating

On Friday night we took the kids and went ice skating. It was SO MUCH FUN! Even little Bevan loved it. Unfortunately, we forgot our camera. (We have one picture on Doug's cell phone but I don't know how to get it off.) Maddie used a "walker" and was speeding all over the place. Katie was pretty independant and by the end of the night could keep up with me. At first Bevan was being held up by us but by the end of the two hours he would barely hold our hands. He wasn't skating but he was kind of walking around the rink. The whole time he was yelling "I kating, I kating!" The girls just thanked us and thanked us for taking them. And asked when we would go back. I'm not sure when we will, but we will for sure be going back!

While we were there I asked what their schedule was for the next day. When I saw that we were not on the schedule, I decided we were not going skating for our competition. As we were leaving we were talking about it, Katie said; "Maybe your going to the corn maze." I thought, "yup that's it." And guess what, it was! Our team did horrible. We were told there were three boxes and we had to to get an envelope out of each box. Well, we were very slow, and we made it half way and still hadn't found any boxes so we kept circling around. Finally, someone came in and got us and said the person who was suppose to put the boxes in never did, so just get out. Well, we finally made it out and it took us about 45 minutes, the other teams took about 27. Oops! Oh well, at least we stayed together and worked together as a team. When we came out Nick (head trainer) said that it really wasn't fair so if we wanted to we could just go again and whoever gets out first wins. By this time we were down to only 3 members (others had commitments). I said "I'm not going back in there, just give it to the team who came out first." They ended up doing that. I don't like those mazes, I get claustrophobic and grumpy. I hate being lost!

Weighing In!

3 pounds. I have to say, I'm quite disappointed. I wanted 6, I thought I had 5 (according to the numbers) but it didn't happen. Hopefully next week. We've got a competition tomorrow. We think it is ice skating (since we were told to meet outside the rink, dressed warm and prepared to stay on our feet). Since it's been around 15 years since I ice skated, our family is going tonight to see if I can relearn how. Wish me luck. Maybe you'll get some entertaining photos later! ;)

Oh, I should say, I lost 5 inches in these last 2 weeks. I think that's about 11 inches in a month! :)

Love this time of the year!

Oh, I am just loving it! I find myself getting excited. I love Fall so much. I love the crisp air, the beautiful trees, and the fact the holidays follow. Is there anything more wonderful than the holidays? I don't think so! I even pulled out my Christmas planning binder today. I added pages and cleaned it out and made lists (getting ready to check them twice!) Oh, it's just so fun! I love the season more than I love the day. I love the days before Thanksgiving. The baking and cooking and planning. Then I love the weeks before Christmas, the planning, shopping, activities. All of it! Oh, I can barely contain myself!

Weighing In!

It's that time of week again... 3.8lbs! It didn't quite make my goal of 5lbs, which would have put me in the next lower "10's" (does that make sense?) But, after my food choices yesterday, I don't feel TOO bad. I'm digging in this week. I'd love to see a big weight loss, like 6 pounds.

Wedding Flowers

On Saturday I did flowers for a wedding. Some of these were unique but I thought they turned out beautiful. Just thought I'd share.

Boutonniere

Cake & Bride's BouquetCenterpiece used on buffet table and book table. This I didn't know she wanted but when we got there it was definitely needed so we threw a quick one together.Centerpieces for tables. I was a little worried about how these would look- I've never done one like them, but they really worked. And I think the bride (and her mother) were really happy with them. For the reception they had a brown silky square underneath them, it really added to the centerpiece.

This is what yesterday looked like!

So, this was our day yesterday...

Can ya' tell Bevan and I are dancing in the snow, and catching the snowflakes on our tongues?

It has been at least 70* for the last few weeks and yesterday and today, it snowed! Welcome to Fall in our neck of the woods.

Weighing In!

Gotta update, it keeps me going, plus I want a record of this fight! ;) 3.2 pounds! hooray. Our team is ahead in weight loss, but only by .25%. We also had our first "head to head" challenge. We did a 5k with a couple of stops where our team had to stop and guess the calories of 3 fast food meals. Once we had them right (we were give 6 cards with numbers on them) we could go on to the next leg. The last guess was a big salad and we had to write down our calorie guess. For every 100 calories we were off we had to wait 1 minute. Our team was only off by 50 calories so we had a 30 second penalty. Honestly, that's the only way we won, the other team had 1 minute penalty and our team average was only a little over 30 seconds faster than theirs. So, I guess maybe we would have won, but it would have been much closer. Good thing our trainer drills calories so much! Even with all those stops, I beat my time of my last 5k (the one I did in May, the one I mostly walked) by 10 minutes, maybe without those stops it would have been 15 mintes. I think I am going to do a 5k in November, maybe by then I'll be able to run most of it. Oh, btw, we won $50 gift certificate to Dream Dinners, I am so thrilled! I love Dream Dinners, but I haven't been able to go there for quite a while so it will be so fun to use!

BTW, I added Maddie's picture below...

Happy Birthday Maddie!

Yesterday (October 7th) was Maddie's Birthday. What a grand day it was! I'll fill you in on all the festivities later, right now I want to celebrate Maddie.

Maddie is the most tender hearted little girl. She is a great helper and almost never fights with me. When she decides she wants something she just goes ahead and does it and doesn't stop until she gets it! I think I'll share Maddie's guitar story, because it is such a perfect example of how she is.

Last Spring Maddie asked me if she could learn to play the guitar. (Not sure where this came from- we don't even own a guitar.) I just kind of put her off. Finally after she nagged me for weeks I told her that if she went and asked Mike (our neighbor and world known guitar player) about lessons then she could do them. Knowing how shy she is, I thought this would be the end of the guitar. Nope, as soon as we got home, Maddie walked right over to Mike's house. He wasn't home, so, early the next morning she went again. This time he was home. He told her that he didn't teach children, but if I would call his office he'd give me some names of teachers. He gave Maddie his office phone number and said he'd be leaving to go in a few minutes. She brought the number to me and I explained that we couldn't call until he was at the office. Well, as soon as she saw his car leave she brought me the number. I once again explained that we had to give him time to get to his office and I told her to go put his number back so we didn't lose it. She didn't put it back and the number was lost. I thought for sure this was the end of it, but not for Maddie, she stalked their house until Kathy (his wife) came home and she ran right over, before Kathy was even out of the car, and asked for Mike's number. I was finally able to call him. He gave me some numbers and told me who the best one would be(Jenny). I called Jenny and left a message everyday Maddie asked me if I had heard from the teacher. Finally Jenny called back and said that she didn't have any openings but would in the Fall. I asked her to call me back at the end of the summer- thinking for sure Maddie would forget by then. Of course, she didn't. Almost every day she asked me how many more days until Fall and if I had gotten her a guitar yet. I decided that she was serious and so I had better get serious too. I looked on a statewide classified website and found a 3/4 size guitar for only $30. It was just about perfect (the only reason it wasn't was because it didn't come with a case). Finally on September 11th Maddie was able to start her lesson. This week she learned how to play "Mary Had a Little Lamb". For her birthday Doug and I gave her a pink guitar case (once again I found it on that classified site- only $20, $50 total for the guitar- not bad!) She loves it and loves to put it on her back and carry it around!

My Fitness Trainer

Most of you know that I am on a quest for a healthier, fitter, more energetic me. I want to share a wonderful web site with you that has helped me a ton. It is Myfitnesstrainer.com. Annette is the owner of this web site, she is a personal trainer and is working on writing a book about health. I love the philosophy she has and shares on this web site. It has a great way to keep track of your food and it also automatically adjusts the calories you should be eating. Everyday there are exercises. These exercises only take a few minutes but will help you get stronger. This is definitely a program that works into your "everyday" life. Plus, she's just lowered the prices! I even think you can get a couple weeks free trial. There is also a "Fitness Forum" that is free to post. Go check it out!

Weighing In!

8.8 pounds! Whoo Hoo!!!!!!!!!! I'm excited because this has been a hard week. I'm tired and my LEGS ARE KILLING ME! I keep telling myself it will be better next week. So far my knee has held up pretty well too. Guess that physical therapy was worth it! ;)

Katie's sling

Since a couple aunts ask for Katie's picture with the sling so, here it is. It's not too exciting, just a normal sling. When I told Katie we needed to take it she thought you were nuts! But here's the picture. BTW, she is doing really well. She takes Lortab at night and ibuprofen during the day. She seems to be handling things great! She's even sleeping through the night now, after a couple of restless nights.

What am I thinking?!?

I'm doing it again. The Body Bugg Ultimate Loser contest that is. I have to say I was just as nervous this time- maybe even a little bit more, it's like having a baby, the first time you're nervous because you don't know what to expect the second time you're nervous because you do know what to expect! :) We weighed in on Monday. (Have to admit- I drank about 90 oz of water in the 2 hours before I weighed in, and then spent the rest of the day in the bathroom.) Then yesterday was our first "real" work-out- we did the stadium! Every stair and then all the yard lines (I did the yard lines 1 1/2 times!) I was actually able to run part of it, boy, that felt good! Today I'm stiff, but not as bad as I was the first week last contest. Today we're off for a three mile hike. Love those hikes, and the canyon should be beautiful!

I am lucky enough to have the same trainer, Felice, and it seems as if we have a great team this year. We even have one guy. All seem positive and ready to fight. Oh, there are three of us who were on the same team last competition.This time there is a group prize ($300 each) and an individual greatest loser ($3000). I'm playing the game this time! Last time I didn't even think I could do it so I didn't worry about the contest, until towards the end. I'm hoping we can at least win the group again, if not I guess I'll have to wear clothes that fall off my body! Last time I had enough clothes that I'd held on to, but if I make my goal this time, I'll weigh less than I did when I got pregnant with Katie and I have none of those clothes left- that was 9+ years ago! I guess that's the whole story, wish me luck!

Katie's Tough!

Yesterday wasn't exactly what I had planned! Our good friends (Orahoods) are going to the temple this weekend after 40+ years of marriage to be sealed. We are absolutely thrilled for them and I was looking forward to attending their endowment session with them yesterday. I was doing a foot zone in the afternoon when both phone rang two times in a row (I hardly ever answer the phone while I'm zoning). After the zone was over, I saw it was Doug and a number I didn't recognize. I quickly called Doug and he said; "The school called and Katie had fallen and hurt her shoulder. The school felt like it was serious enough they didn't want her riding the bus home so the principal is going to be bringing her home." Of course, I am now feeling like I'm in the running for "mother of the year". I quickly called the school and they confirmed that she was quite hurt but she was already on the way home. I went outside and waited for them. When they got home the principal said "I think it's a collar bone."

Katie explained to me what had happened. I called our neighbor (the ER Dr) and found out he was working. His wife said she'd text him and tell him we were on our way. And off we went to the Emergency Room. I'm beginning to feel like I am meeting Dave way too much this way! He was so kind and came out to the waiting room, checked Katie out and said, "yup, we've got a broken collar bone. I think we need an x-ray to see what kind of break it is." Katie was so tough, after it initially happened, there were no more tears. She bravely smiled for the x-rays ;) and explained to everyone who asked what had happen. (I'm sure she gave them way more details than they needed!) So, after the x-rays I walked into the room where Dave was, as soon as I saw the picture I knew it was broken- and I don't even have a million years of schooling! She's now in a sling (can't cast that part) with strict instructions to not use it and let it heal, we'll see how well she listens! She is doing really well, she went to school today, although she's on Lortab so she probably won't think all that well!

Oh, do you want to know how she did it? She was at PE and was playing soccer. She and another girl were going full force after a ball when they crashed. Katie fell and the girl fell on top of her. Today when I walked Katie into her class (yes, in an effort to make up for failing yesterday I took her to school and even walked inside to talk to her teacher.) Katie's teacher was at the office on the phone with the mom of the other little girl. The other little girl was pretty sore but she was ok, but feeling so bad for Katie. It's funny, because the whole time Katie just kept saying "She didn't mean to fall on me, she's my friend, all of this just happened because of an accident."

Katie is such an independant little girl that this is interesting because she's needed help dressing, fixing hair and getting breakfast, at least it was her left arm!

Pictures

Here are the pictures I couldn't fit on the previous post.

Beautiful Rexburg LDS Temple- check out those clouds!

Love this picture of Doug and Bevan- that's how Bevan saw most of Yellowstone- on Doug's back!

Taking a walk around Jenny Lake. Love this sweet picture!

Bevan having fun playing in the puddles!

The whole bunch of us at Jenny Lake in front of the Tetons. We were lucky the clouds cleared enough to get these pictures. We were sad we couldn't see the Tetons more but the clouds did make for some amazing scenery.

Wonderful Adventure

I'd been itching to go somewhere, and because Doug can't take any days off work right now I thought we needed to take a quick trip somewhere over Labor Day weekend. Being a Union man Doug for sure gets that day off! ;) So, I looked and I looked. It needed to be somewhere cheap and of course couldn't be too far away. After much research we decided to go to the Yellowstone area. We stayed in "Tent-Cabins" at Coulter Bay. What's a "Tent-Cabin" you ask? Well, it's exactly like it sounds, half tent, half cabin. It has two cabin walls that have fold down bunks attached to them and a wood burning stove. Outside (under the cover) is a picnic table. We loved it! It was only $42/night and was easy camping. We took our own bedding and Doug's small Coleman burner. We would get up every morning and make hot chocolate and a yummy breakfast! We took lunch fixings with us and we'd eat in whatever parking lot we were in. Then we'd come back about 8-8:30 and quickly fix dinner. We ate taco soup, corn on the cob and hamburgers for dinners.

We spent two days in Yellowstone. It was nice to be able to take our time and hike and see what we wanted to see. We stopped and took pictures of the Tetons. Got out and put our hands in Yellowstone Lake (it was too cold to put in anymore than that!) We saw Lewis Falls.

Of course we saw lots of hot pots and sulfur pots (stinky!). We saw Old Faithful and all of the geysers. I think we did about every 1/2 mile trail that there is in Yellowstone.

We saw some things close up (like the Buffalo- or bison- who were within 10 yards of our car) and the things that weren't close enough we'd use Dad's binoculars!

We hiked the Grand Canyon (although due to construction we couldn't go as far as we wanted. We did "Tom's Trail" which is basically 380 stairs that go straight down. Ugh! It was a hike, but well worth it to see the beautiful views of the waterfall.

We had a great time. The weather was wonderful! Except the last day when it started raining at night and poured all the next morning. Luckily, we were just planning on going to Jackson Hole anyway so it worked out alright. We stopped at Jenny Lake and walked a little way on the trail and then headed to Jackson. It was too cold in Jackson to do much so we just drove through and then stopped at Bubba's to eat lunch. Yum! Great bar-b-que! On the way home Doug wanted to go see the new Rexburg Temple. That temple is quite pretty. (I'll share a picture in another post- I can't add anymore pictures!) Then we ended up having to stop and get a new windshield washer. We had a great time and I'm already planning our next trip there. Although I don't know when it will be- we'll definitely be going back.

Ahhh, life...

A few months ago I read a man's blog and he said somthing like; "It seems I either have nothing to blog about or I am so busy doing stuff I don't have time to blog." I could totally relate! I have definately felt that way, especially lately. So, what has been going on? Or has it been that there has been nothing to blog about. Well, the answer is a little bit of both!

In an effort of trying to make my blog "real' and not just the cheery part of life I think I need to say, life has been a little bit stressful lately! Over Labor Day Weekend, I read a book called "Debt Proof Living" it is an excellent book, with excellent ideas. For quite a while Doug and I have known we needed to do something to improve our finances and this book seemed to be the answer. So we set up the "Rapid Debt Repayment" program and have been working hard to get our finances in order. Fortunately, this is wonderful for me to feel, even if we have very little money, at least I know where it is going and I am in control of it. Unfortunately, it has made me a little stressed about what we should do with our money and it's made me stressed when mistakes are made with handling the money. I think I have to learn how to deal with that a little bit better! I'm working on it, it's all part of the process and I truly believe our lives and marriage will be better because of it. I would really encourage everyone to check this book out!

Last week (Sept 8-12) Doug was gone to his Electrician classes. Part of his apprenticeship requires that he attends classes for one week every other month. Since it's so expensive to drive back and forth he stayed with Leslie and her family (thanks, Leslie, for putting up with him!). I'm not used to having Doug gone. He's never gone. But he was gone for 5 long days. Actually things went better than I thought they would although I was busy. He was also able to spend a little bit of time with his brother who was here for his wife's grandma's funeral (did that make sense?). That was definately a blessing for him to be down there for that. During this time we received a little bit of troubling news. It was hard for us to not be together to support each other. (Don't worry, we're all fine- just needed to process.) But we all survived, and we were all grateful to be reunited! Everyday Maddie would say "I just can't believe how much I miss my Dad!" I think it's good for us to be apart occassionally- it makes us appreciate each other. But, boy, I do need some "me" time right now! (If I can hold on, we're having a scrapbook day next weekend!)

We've also had some WONDERFUL times! One of them is coming up in the next post.

I Laughed Out Loud!

As a background, Maddie has been asking me to come eat lunch with her on "pizza day". I told her to let me know when it was and I would see if we could come, she hadn't mentioned it to me since. Until yesterday, Bevan and I walked out to meet Maddie at the bus. (Not something we do everyday, but Katie wasn't on the bus and we had been stuck inside all day so we decided it would be a good distraction.) Maddie got off and excitedly ran to us. After the basic discussion (how was school, etc...) this was the discussion that followed:

M: "You didn't come eat pizza with me."

Me: "Was that today?"

M: "No, it was on Thurs. Ethan, the boy in my class, his mom is pizza president and she decided that would be pizza day."

I thought about it for a minute and then laughed out loud! I thought about who Ethan was and realized that she meant "PTA president", then I laughed because I realized that she thinks the PTA president has a lot more power and importance than she truly has. I've been grinning about it ever since!

Bevan

Yesterday I took Bevan in for his 2 year check up. Yup, only a couple of months late. We were uninsured for part of that time then once we got insurance, our normal pediatrician (he'd been my pediatrician and then my girls and Bevan's for the first 1 1/2 years) retired and I wasn't sure who to go to. My neighbor's brother is a pediatrician and I love their family and I'd heard great things about him, so I decided to give him a shot. Can I say, HE WAS WONDERFUL! He was friendly, talked "Donald Duck" to Bevan. Visited with me for a very long time and made us feel totally at ease. Wow! He was great! Bevan weighs 31 pounds and is 36" tall. He's in the 75% of both. The Dr. said he "was quite articulate" for a two year old. That surprised me, I don't think he talks that much, but I guess he's where he needs to be. I have to say, we think Bevan's just about perfect!

Ahhh, quiet

Quiet, is it a good thing? I thought it was, and I was really looking forward to it, but now I'm not so sure! :)


Today is the first day of school. The first day Maddie goes all day. I've always prided myself on not crying when my kids go to kindergarten, they're so excited, and I'm excited for all the wonderful things they are going to experience. But, today as I took Maddie to 1st grade, I got teary eyed. She's been my little buddy for so long! We've gone everywhere together and I'm going to miss her more than I thought. I still have my buddy Bevan, we immediately came home and read Dr. Seuss's "ABC" book. I dare you to read that and not be happy! This will be a fun time for me and Bevan, one I will try to treasure every moment of (at least most of them), I know this time will go too fast and I will never get it back.


Ok, I'm done "waxing nostalgic", now on to the girls.

Both of them seem to have great teachers. Maddie has a teacher who is probably about 40 and has never been married, we've heard wonderful things about her. Katie's 4th grade teacher is all about Dr. Seuss, so she has to be amazing! Truly she has set her whole class up around the book "Oh, The Places You'll Go", this is definitely one of Dr. Seuss's masterpieces! She has "Whoville Council" and many of "Dr. Seuss" theme activities, I think I love her! I hope Katie does as well!



Last night Doug gave both of the girls blessings, a tradition my parents did with me and one Doug has carried on with our kids. Here's a rundown of what they were blessed with.

Maddie: courage, go to school with confidence, have the Spirit with her, remember what she learns, continue to learn, be a good friend, be a good big sister and helper to mom, have the ability to overcome challenges, and that the day won't be too long for her.

Katie: ability to remember what she studies, have the Holy Ghost help her, grow mentally and socially this year, challenges won't be too much for her, patience to study the things that don't come easily, be organized and remember to turn in work, make new friends, and blessed to associate with friends that will help you grow toward Heavenly Father.

eta: I just really looked at these pictures, who is that girl? She can't be my little Katie, she's way too grown up!

I think the blessings worked. The girls proudly and bravely went to school. Even Maddie who was quite nervous and kept telling me she didn't want to go to school, ran right in and immediately made herself at home!

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

By Dr. Seuss

Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to great places! You're off and away!

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose...

You'll be on your way up! You'll be seeing great sights! You'll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.

Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done!

You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know... So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that life's a great balancing act.

And will you succeed? Yes! You will indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So... be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Modecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea, you're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!

A Little Catching Up

There are lots of things to catch up, but I'm going to ease us all into it! :)

One evening, just as we were sitting down to dinner, Katie said "there's a horse in our yard." We all looked out the window and what we saw wasn't a horse, but this:

We weren't sure if it was a full grown cow but a few minutes later we saw this:

It was a mama and her baby.

These moose (or meese) hung out in our neighbors backyard (they have a waterfall and the moose liked the water) for three days until they were finally tranquilized and hauled off.

One night as we were putting Bevan to bed he decided that he'd had enough of sleeping in his Pack 'n' Play and he asked to sleep in the "big bed". So, that was it, he's done with the Pack 'n' Play, and he's a big boy now. Now, if we could just get the potty training taken care of...

Picture update

For anyone who cares, I added Katie's birthday pictures and one on the blog about Leslie's birthday. (It's back at the end of July)

Love this quote!

I found this quote on another blog and I absolutely love it! One I definately need to remember, especially right this minute as my girls are walking home from 7-11, by themselves! (With their slurpees of course)



A mother is not a person to lean on
but a person who makes leaning unnecessary!

Need some help

Ok, for those of you who are smarter than me (which is most of you), why have pictures on my old posts disappeared? I was just looking back through older posts and a lot of the pictures have disappeared. Does anyone know, is this something I did, or is it a blogger problem? I want to have those records so I need to figure out a way to fix it.

thanks!

Happy Birthday, Katie!

August 11th was Katie's birthday, I wrote this post and have been trying to get pictures uploaded, but who knows if that will ever happen. So, I'll post it now, and maybe come back and add some pictures.

Wow! I can hardly believe it's been 9 years. Having a first baby is such a life changing event. Katie is a wonderful little girl. Such a mothering, helpful person. She gets up every morning and makes breakfast for herself and Maddie and Bevan (she won't even let me help). She wants to do everything for herself, every once in a while I can talk her into letting me help her with her hair. She thinks she's a grown up, but I still want to have her stay "my girl" for a while longer.

For her 9th birthday she and I went and got her ears pierced.



She was also able to pick out another pair of earrings.
After getting her ears pierced we went to a Mexican restaurant for Shrimp Quesadillas (Katie loves shrimp). Grandma Austin, Grandma Meikle, Bevan, Maddie, Doug, Grandma-great Meikle and Aunt Juli joined us as well. Katie was very, very spoiled with gifts! Most of them having to do with her new ear piercings!
Then on Wed. Katie took one of her friends and we met Alesa at Cherry Hills- fun times! We didn't get home until 10:30 but the kids had a great time. I think we are finally done celebrating, but we had fun while it lasted!
What a wonderful girl Katie is and how lucky I am to be her mom! Love you, Katie!