A fine fall day

Yesterday I had the chance to take all 4 girls to Gardner Village to see the Witches. It is rare to find time to be with all my girls and I loved every minute of it. Afterwards we went to Cafe Rio for lunch and then hit the library and went to pick out our pumpkins. Then last night we set out to carve those suckers...something we haven't done in years! In fact I don't think Hudsen or Hope had ever carved a pumpkin before...geesh, what kind of mom am I, denying them that wonderful opportunity? We all sat down to gut the pumpkins with our aprons, newspaper and spoons when in comes Randy who proceeds to stick his hand down there and pull out all the gooey mess! Of course the girls were like, "Ewww...that's disgusting" that's why we had our spoons, we didn't want to touch that! Man we are such girls! Poor Randy...he needs some testosterone in the house.

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Happy Birthday to my cute mommy! I love this lady and am so lucky to have her in my life...so mom, hope you have a great day! Wish I was there to celebrate with you...but I am sending my love your way.

My mom is amazing and has so many qualities I admire. She's generous, funny, extremely talented, a good listener, fun game player, and she loves me unconditionally...what else could you ask for in a mom?

Happy Birthday!!!

Dog Thief

Warning: If you are president of "Save the Ducks" or one of it's members, I can not be held accountable for offending you with the following story:

Ok, so I don't often share stories about our dog...I love her and all, but who really wants to read stories about a dog that is not theirs (ok, maybe my mom...she loves Mocha). And I'm no Ellen...I won't be delaying my show (ok, I don't have my own show, but I do have my own blog) to stop and boycott some animal adoption center!

Anyways, you should know by now that my husband is an avid hunter...and when he goes duck hunting he takes our dog, Mocha, with him. She's a pretty good hunting dog... after they shoot them (the ducks), she retrieves them. Pretty simple, huh? So yesterday morning he took Mocha out to do just this. His friend that goes hunting with him has a dog and Mocha and Scout are good lil buddies. Mocha is a better retriever but Scout just follows Mocha's lead and all is well. So they had both just retrieved a duck and brought them back to Randy and his friend. The next time they shoot, Mocha is up right away, looking around for the new fallen bird (Ok, I know...poor duck, what did he ever do to anybody?) Anyways, they had missed so therefore there were no ducks to retrieve. So what does Mocha do...she trots over to Scouts pile and picks up their duck and brings it over and drops it at Randy's feet. I guess she figured if she couldn't retrieve one from the pond, she'd just steal one! Way to go Mocha...trying to impress your friend, eh? So from here on out she will be known as the "Duck Stealer"!

So next time you can't find something you're looking for, just steal it from your neighbor! By the way...I know Sharla will appreciate this story.

What's up?

Ok Peeps...I am still alive, just haven't been able to blog lately! Hope all my friends are doing well and gearing up for next week...my kids have already started their sugar highs...lots of Halloween parties already starting! This is my quick run down of what I've been doing this week...

Went four wheeling on Wednesday with my friend Kim...so fun and the weather was perfect! We had a blast, even though we got a little lost (thanks to me) on our way back and ended up in some farmer's field...oops!
Then came home from that and headed to the ward Halloween party...that's always fun for the kids! And Jori...I was a big HIT in my Bratz costume! You would've loved it :)

Then Thursday I was down most of the day with a wicked MIGRAINE...you gotta love those! This one seriously kicked my butt and I couldn't get rid of it...ugh!Today I babysat for one of my friends baby while she and her husband are in Aruba...sounds fantastic huh? This is seriously one of my favorite babies EVER...little Ellie...I love this girl. She was a blast but I am reminded of how busy they are at this age.

Now tonight I will help Hailey host a Halloween party here at our house...I think she has 15 or so friends coming...fun, fun, fun! Tomorrow is the big Hannah Montana concert and my girls are so excited. After that, I'm thinking I might need some downtime with just my cute hubby!

So girls, go about your business and keep bloggin about your adventures this weekend!

I've missed you too!

Yesterday I had the delightful opportunity of stopping by my Ob/Gyn's office to have a little procedure done. Alright...since we are all friends and I'm sure you are asking yourselves "what is she having done"...I'll just come right out and say it...I got an IUD. See, there's no harm in that is there...it's not like I'm JK Rowling and just announced that my Dr. is homosexual or for that matter that I am! It's not like I stormed into his office demanding that he take another look down under to see what the heck is wrong with me...Geesh people, get off my back! (Oh...you weren't on my back in the first place...oh...you don't really care what I was doing there...oh...my bad, sorry!)

Ok, back to the story at hand...so I went in to my dear doctor that I have known for years and used to work for, I feel like I know him pretty well, after all, he and his wife even came to our wedding. So I'm not usually too humiliated to see him, he's a very funny guy and likes to joke around while working. But this time is a bit different because for those of you who haven't had the pleasure of having an IUD, you have to do it while "SHE'S" here...you know, your uninvited monthly guest...the reason you turn suddenly into Sybil with no warning...yep, that's what I'm talking about! Now, that ladies, is gross...no way around it! So I'm on the table in stirrups (what am I, a horse?) waiting for the Dr and in he comes, joking around as usual. The first thing he says while his face is directly pointed at my forbidden zone is, "Gosh, I just barely saw you, I've missed you too"..! Ok, you have to know this guy, he is hilarious and completely joking! He goes on to do his work...which is a bit painful by the way...the whole time trying to make small talk with me, asking about my trip to Europe and such. Now I'll give the guy credit for trying but c'mon...do you know how difficult it is to carry on a conversation while you have a bright light shining directly on your Cha Cha and cold and painful devices going where they should not be going? It's not like I'm sitting down having tea and biscuits with the guy!

But not to worry your pretty little heads...I did survive, even if I did leave some of my pride back at that examining table! So for any of you rushing to have this done, don't say I didn't warn you!

Oh man, I can see again!

So my cute Hopey finally got her glasses today. She has been having a hard time reading the board and such at school so we finally took her in...ta-daa, she says she can see so much better now. Funny how those little things like GLASSES can do that to you! Isn't she a cutie in them?

Movie Night

Saturday night Randy and I went to dinner and we were going to see a movie when we decided we'd just come home and watch a movie with the girls. You see, there aren't many weekend nights, or any nights period, that we are all home together. With the kids running every which way, finding time as a family can be challenging. So we went to the movie store, put on our jammies, popped some popcorn and sat down to watch a movie! It was a success if you don't count Hailey falling asleep 5 minutes into the movie, Hannah freaking out cause she couldn't find her phone that had slipped down in the cushions, a whole entire drink being spilled on the carpet and the occasional sciff over who was hogging the popcorn! Overall, it was fun...I love to do these simple things with my favorite family...good memories were made this night!

Someday

Today I got a little surprise in my mailbox...this darling book! Thanks Jori...it is a keeper! I don't know how you picked this one but it seriously made me cry...I have been feeling so sad about my babies growing up. They just don't need me like they used to...I miss their little hands touching my cheeks and I miss the times my kisses would make everything feel better! But no matter how big they get, they will always be my babies! Thanks again Jori, I love it...you are an absolute sweetheart!

Please, No More!

So here's the deal...we have 6 TV's in our house, and almost 9 times out of 10 when I go to turn one of them on, Hannah Montana is on. I really think I might upchuck if I have to watch her show again. To say that my girls are Hannah Montana obsessed would be an understatement! She's a cute girl and all, but I can only take so much. The thing is, we are going to see her in concert next Saturday night so I have to be able to tolerate her for an entire night of singing and bopping around! I've got to put my big girl panties on and just deal with it, right? Maybe I can sneak in a pair of earplugs...then I would really look like a dorky mom. I'm sure we will have fun and I really am excited to take the girls...I can't wait to see their expressions...I just need to have a break from that show for the week!

The Axe Murderer!

Well I walked into Maverick this afternoon (I'll give you one guess what I was buying) and I swear the man that was working there was a serial killer! I know it's Halloween time and all but I'm pretty sure he wasn't dressed in his costume. He was this little, mousy, kinda geeky looking guy...acting all innocent like he wouldn't have killed me right there on the spot if there weren't other customers around! Now this isn't my normal Diet Coke fuel station but it is one that I've been to before. I've never seen him before so my hunch is that he is out on parole for killing the 5 Kappa, Kappa, Delta, Welta sorority sisters up at the U! I'm sure this is his disguise for stalking his next victim...but I'm on to him and you can bet I'll be keeping my eye on him! I might even be brave enough to sneak my camera into the store and take a pic of him...I'll pose as the photographer for Maverick Employee of the Month yearly calendar. That way if I ever hear John Walsh talking about him, I'll be the first to call in!

Trust me on this one...I'm pretty sure I know what I'm talking about!!!

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels!

I've about had it!!!! I am a pretty patient person (wait, what am I saying, NO I'm not) but anyways, I'm trying to be a patient person. Our neighbors right across the street have been working on their backyard for about 3 weeks now. They start at 7am (our bedroom faces the street) and the noise doesn't stop all day! They have pulled out everything that was back there and started all over again...it has been a nightmare! Every time I back out I have to go through an obstacle course of rocks, gravel, tractors, trucks, scary workers just to leave my driveway. I understand that they have to put the crap somewhere...but this is the final straw:

I HAVE OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER WHEN IT COMES TO MY CAR GETTING DIRTY!

It's true, I can not stand a dirty car...inside or out. Now when it starts raining or snowing I go crazy trying to keep up with the car wash. So here is the point I'm getting to...these trucks and tractors are leaving big mud clots all over my street! (Sorry Kristi, if that's a word on your "I hate" list...clots!) I can't stand it, I am ready to fling these mud balls at their faces! Pretty soon I'm going to start handing them my receipts for the car wash...it's making me INSANE!

Ok, that's all the pathetic ranting for now...thanks!

Tag, you're it!

Alright already...I've been "tagged" twice so I'll do it. But I'm warning you...my answers aren't very exciting!

-Best thing you cooked last week
NOTHING...I seriously haven't cooked for an entire week...this is my goal for tonight!

-If money, time and babysitting were no object, where would you go and with who?
So part of this wish just came true....I've always wanted to go to Paris and got to experience this with my dear hubby! But I would also take my entire family to the Greek Isles for a vacation!

-When was the last time you cried
A couple of Sundays ago when we had a small crisis at our house. (Raising teenagers can be heartbreaking at times)

-Five things you were doing ten years ago
(Disclaimer on this one...I have a TERRIBLE memory...so these might not be totally accurate)
1. Being a mom to only 2 kids...wow, that must've been a breeze :)
2. Pregnant with Hope...only like 2 months along...so probably barfing continuously
3. Living in our house in Draper...forming some wonderful friendships that continue to this day!
OK...I seriously can't think of anything else...I warned you!

-Five things on your to do list today
1. Make dinner tonight
2. Clean the girls rooms...they are disgusting
3. Take a shower and get dressed
4. Make cookies with the girls (don't be so impressed, they are just the ready made kind)
5. Take girls to dance at 4 and again at 7

- Five favorite snacks
1. Red Vine Licorce
2. Milky Way Carmels
3. Cheese and Crackers (If I have any cheese left after my lion encounter!)
4. Swedish Fish
5. Chewy Granola Bars

-Five bad habits...what, only 5?
1. Taking up the entire 2 sink vanity while getting ready and leaving RC no room at all!
2. RC claims I snore at night...I'm not so sure...but if he's right, that has got to be annoying!
3. Thinking I am always right! (What....I'm not?)
4. Not always really "listening" when RC is telling me something...I must be distracted by something else...I'm sorry, did you just say something?
5. Alright if I must admit it...My large intake of DIET COKE!

-Five favorite foods
1. Cafe Rio Pork Burrito
2. Homemade ck enchilada
3. A good steak!
4. Chicken Alfredo
5. Pizza

-Five places I've been
1. Paris
2. London
3. New York
4. Cabo, Cancun, Belize, Puerto Vallarata...lots of those cruise ports!
5. Hawaii

- Five favorite memories
1. Marrying RC...it was seriously a fairy tale wedding
2. The birth of my girls
3. Hawaii with RC and the Davis's...such a blast!
4. Vacationing with my extended family...we do that alot!
5. Paris and London with RC

-Four people I'm tagging
Tara, Hayley, Jori, Kristi

That Lion ate my Cheese!

So last night I woke up at 1am in a cold sweat and with terrible heartburn. That doesn't happen to me very often but I was having a terrible nightmare! There were 2 lions living in my house...can you imagine? It was only me, Hope and my mom home...don't know where everyone else was, maybe the lions ate them! I remember I was frantically going around closing all the blinds so neighbors couldn't see them and call the police on us. One was tame, almost like our dog, and the other was NOT! At one point the untamed lion ate my big hunk of cheese sitting on the cutting board...I got so mad at him! How dare him, eat MY cheese! Then I remember Hope being upstairs crying hysterically over something...totally unrelated to the whole lion thing going on downstairs. I was getting angry with her because she was upsetting the lions and they were getting feisty. I tried to feed them dog food, but the unruly one was not having any of that. The last thing I remember is trying to find the phone book so I could call the Humane Society...I had realized I better not keep these lions any longer! I don't remember what happened after that because that is when I woke up in a cold sweat. I remember thinking, "Whew, glad that was just a dream!" Yea, I'm glad I got that straightened out because you never know when you might be housing some lions that eat your cheese!

What is my deal, anyways? I'm whacked...next time I experiment with LSD (not LDS, ladies) I'll be sure to do it in the morning...not before bedtime! That was a crazy night!

Trip Down South

We had a great time down south...packed up Friday morning and headed to St George. After Thursday's party I needed down time...the party was good by the way. It was great to see Tara and her cute family...man I love those guys!

We did a little rock climbing and it was beautiful out!
Hope and Will enjoying the (very heated) pool!
Grace and Hudsen...aren't they darling. They love each other so much, it's so cute.
Tara and I got in a little shopping...we both found some goods at Interior Elements!

Then we broke out the guitar hero...very fun! I had never played before...I can see why it can be addicting. Don't you love our serious, concentrating faces. Being a rock star is serious business...and personally, I think I can go all the way to the top wearing those jammies! (I do have other jammies, by the way!)

We had so much fun just hanging out, ordering take out, playing speed scrabble...all that good stuff! I even got to have lunch with Holly...she is one cool gal and I'm glad I had the chance to finally meet her. Even if I was a total idiot and said "Man, you are tall" on first seeing her! Sometimes I seriously think my filter is busted! So sorry Holly...you are a doll and I think your "tall genes" kick a**!

So now it is back to the grind of my daily life...thanks again Tara! I love you guys.

Paul Potts singing Opera

This is one of my favorites...I just might be a few months behind everyone else in discovering this! Thanks Chrissy Lou for hooking me up with Mr. Potts.

Are those raisinets you smuggling?

The other night Hope and I were working on her homework together. She was reading a story that kept using the word "Smuggling" in it. Our conversation went like this:

Hope: Mom, I don't know what "smuggle" means.

Me: It's like when you sneak or hide something, hoping you won't get found out... kinda like if someone sneaks candy into a movie theatre.

Hope: Oh...like we do?

Me: Um...(Ok, we don't do it all the time)

Hope: Oh I see...so we are smugglers!

Me: Ok...next question

Man that kid kills me...gotta give her credit, she does tell it like it is. I LOVE HER!

This girl needs a break!

Oh I know...you are probably wondering where my latest post is...huh? I mean, after all, I haven't skipped a day bloggin since my return home from Europe. But not to fear, after a long day yesterday I'm back!

Yes I did make it through yesterday although I left to set up at 10am and got home last night at 11pm...so it was a very long day indeed! The party was great...only a few minor problems along the way, as to be expected. But this is why I don't do these very often...they are a lot of work and I don't get paid nearly enough for the amount of time and energy I spend planning these.
And a quick HUGE thank you to my darling friend Chrissy Lou for helping me out...couldn't have done it without you! (And you take my bossy direction giving in stride...bless you)

But enough about me...let's talk about me leaving for St George in just a few short hours. I am so excited to go sit on Tara's couch and veg...curl up in her comfy bed and do nothing but wait for Jeff to come home...(OK, that's an inside joke...don't be thinkin nasty girls). So as soon as I haul my rump off this chair, I will go unload my totally packed Suburban from last night and reload it with my suitcase...yippee! I must note also that I'm hoping to meet Holly...yeah!

So, till later (OK who am I kidding...I'm sure I'll be using Tara's computer to post a blog)...Happy Trails!

I good House Keeper!

K, I know I'm crazy....I have a million things to do and I'm down here blogging! But let the record show that it is 8:45 pm and I am just now eating dinner (while blogging), so I'm using my bloggin time wisely. Tomorrow I am doing a big 40th birthday party for a client and it is always crazy right before the big event. So tonight I am running around like a chicken with it's head cut off (OK, so I am more like a large hormone injected turkey in size) trying to get all the last minute things taken care of. After this shin dig is over I will be hauling my booty down to St George for some R & R with Tara! I am so excited...I can't wait to just sit on her floor and do nothing but laugh and sing Broadway songs! (OK, I can't sing worth beans...I'll just make Tara sing for me.)

But let me show you a peek at what my house looks like at the moment...it is frightening to say the least. How gross are those dishes in the sink? And check out the balancing act at the recycling bin! Amazing how there are 5 other people living in this house and no one bothers to take it out to the garage. Are they going for some kind of Guiness World Record!

Hopefully I'll survive this house until I can give it some serious attention.

Peace Out Ladies!

I LOVE this book!

So I just finished reading "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. I love it, and I would recommend it to everyone! When I was reading the final pages I almost started crying. So, I am sorry but you will have to indulge me for a minute while I quote some of my favorite passages!

Death is talking about Rudy -
"Where was Rudy's comfort? Where was someone to alleviate this robbery of his life?...There was only me...I carried him softly through the broken street...He does something to me, that boy. Every time. It's his only detriment. He steps on my heart. He makes me cry"

I love Rudy...I love Hans...I love Liesel...I even love Rosa!

Death is talking about Hans -
"Liesel. His soul whispered it as I carried him. But there was no Liesel in that house. Not for me. anyway"

If any of you have not read this already...boot scoot your booty out to the nearest bookstore and pick this up. It will be time well spent!

Now on a lighter note...my favorite word in the entire book is this...
"ARSCHGROBBLER"..."Saumensch Arschgrobbler" which translates into...Stupid Ass scratcher! Hayley feel free to use this as your word of the day! I know it will be my word of the week if not month. Tara, pass this along to Jeffrey...I think he will work it into his daily vocabulary!

So, what are you waiting for...go get the book and start reading!

PS...so sorry little Hailey, I had to put that word in ...it was a literary must ;)

That's my baby!

Ok, here are the pictures from Hannah's homecoming dance. I'm totally unbiased of course but...she is BEAUTIFUL! It is crazy how fast they grow up...I swear yesterday she was still screaming "I want my Bapppple (apple)"! Now she is this gorgeous, tall, amazing (almost) woman. I love her and am proud of who she is...I only wish I didn't have to stand on my tippy toes to reach her. And of course I had her when I was 12...after all I can't possibly be old enough to have a 16 year old.

Girls Nite Out

The other night Christine hooked us up with a Spa night at the Sanctuary. This spa is my favorite...we went in after it was closed and had a great time giving each other pedicures and just having a girly night. (Man it's handy Chrissy Lou, that your daddy owns the place) It was a blast and I sure needed the laughs. So thanks Christine, your the best...I knew I was friends with you for a reason...hee, hee!
Me, Cassie, Rachel and Christine

I took this picture of all the nail polishes...thought it was a cool pic!
That'd be Rach painting my toe nails...I know I have really long toes...no wise cracks ladies...they come in handy when I need to pick something up and I'm too lazy to bend down!

Happy Anniversary

Well we've made it 13 years...I like to think of it as 13 years of wedded bliss...pure enchantment with each other and dinner by candlelight every night. (Oh wait, that's the romance novel I'm reading right now) But really, I could not ask for more in a husband...Randy you are the best!
My husband is truly my rock, he is always there for me and keeps me stable. And if you know me, you know I am like a roller coaster...really fun (Ok, just kidding...I go through ups and downs all the time) I love Randy...I loved him the day I married him and I love him even more today. We have 4 beautiful children and he is a great father to them.

Let me just share one of my favorite memories of him. Right after 9/11 I was feeling very anxious and unsettled. I had been watching the news constantly and was worried about us going to war and what would this mean for our children. It was a very scary time in my life. So one night we were going to bed and I couldn't sleep...I was probably crying. He asked me what was wrong and I told him I was so scared. So he then proceeded to gently rub my back and started singing to me. He did this until I was able to fall asleep...at that moment I felt safe with him and knew what a great man I was married to. He continues to comfort me, he is loving and kind and gentle...I love him! He is also so funny and is constantly making me laugh...I love that about him.

So Randy, I do love you...thanks for sharing all these years with me. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us. Someday we will be old and shriveled together...and I will love you just the same. (Man, I can't wait to see what we'll look like shriveled up...I'm sure I will still be the purty one...hee hee)

Reflection

On this Sunday I have many thoughts about those that I love and what my role is on this earth. I know...pretty deep subject for me...but I do have a serious side. During this past week there have been trials come my way and to others I love. On Monday we found out that a lady in our ward had leukemia and was sent directly to the hospital for a month. She is young, has 5 children, the two youngest being 1 year old twins. I can't imagine the change of life that came immediately to this family. Then yesterday my dear friend Kim got a call that her younger brother was in a serious car accident and was unsure of his outcome...they found that he had extensive brain damage. She flew to California immediately to be with him and her family. So my prayers are with these families and I pray that they will be comforted during these long days. Today we had our own little crisis in our home, a little too personal to discuss, but let's just say that it was a wake up call for me! What am I doing as a mother, am I doing enough, do I show all the love that I can? These were just a few questions I had to ask myself, some I don't have the answers to.

So to say that I needed to hear all the words spoken at Conference would be an understatement! I needed to be reminded that the Lord is here...that I need to keep the commandments...that there is a bigger plan for us, one that I can't fully understand. I need to love those around me, I need to re-focus myself on my family, I need to not beat myself down. I need to put one foot in front of the other and do the best I can!

So to those of you that I love, thank you...thanks for being in my life and for supporting me in times of need as well as times of laughter. Thank you to my Savior for showing me the pure love of Christ...for showing me the way. Now it is my job to follow.

Pass me the Note

This is what Hudsen was busy doing during Conference. Don't you love family time...peace, harmony...sisters being "rood" to each other!

Man, we've got to get out more!

So tonight I am driving in the car with Hope and Hudsen, and they are both telling me that they want a "Baby Alive" for Christmas. Hudsen says she wants a blond haired one and Hope says, "Mom, what are those called that have dark skin?" I said, "African American?" She said, "Yes, that's the one that I want."

Ok, I have got to get my kids out of Utah and expose them to the world...boy oh boy, that is just a little embarrassing! She's 9, she should know by now that there are different races out there than just Caucasian!!

So, Hope...what part of the world should we see first??

The Hanging is Over

Randy came home early today from hunting (yippee) so of course I put him to work...after all, my "honey do" list has been growing for some time now. He fixed a few things around the house and then I asked him to hang some decor that has been sitting in the family room since January. I am not kidding, they have been gathering dust for 10 long months now! I have to give Randy credit, he is super handy around the house and usually can fix just about anything. But there is one thing he HATES to do...hang things. He really does hate it, he gets all grumpy and threatens to leave if I so much as walk out of the room while he is working on it. (So when I raced to get my camera...he was all but pleased.) But, bless his heart, he did it...and here are the pictures to prove it...see, doesn't it look nice? Me is happy now...thanks honey!

By the way...when I was coming downstairs to blog this, he said "Oh, not that blog again...It is the devil" No honey, I'm sorry...but I've already decided Costco was the Devil.

Anything you have waiting to be hung...I'll send him right over:)

Birthday Girl

Just a quick "Happy Birthday" to my friend Cassie. I'm sure she is turning 21 again! The girls got together today and celebrated this occasion...yeah, I always like a reason to get together with my girlfriends. We ate, laughed, took pictures, ate some more, looked at cute boys, you know, that kind of thing. Thanks girls, that was a lot of fun...whose birthday is next?

And guess what else I learned today...Hayley lives here in SLC...who knew? I, for some strange reason, thought she lived in Chicago... I am so happy she is a hop, skip and jump away from me. So Hayley...we are going to have to go to lunch soon...you name the time and place and I'll be there. I am seriously so excited because besides all my great bloggin friends that I already know, I thought everyone else lived far away...Texas, Las Vegas, St George, Japan...all those distant lands. Miss Jones...can't wait to meet you in person :)