The Murdock Family

Week 7: Sisters

2011-02-21T16:40:00.005-07:00

There are lots of things that come with a house full of sisters. Sharing closets full of clothes and shoes, fighting over the bathroom (unless your dad is a contractor and smart enough to build you all your own!) perfume-lotions & potions, creams & products, laughing and crying and then laughing again, the constant friend or boyfriend drama, fighting and pulling hair, and having built in best friends that love you- despite your quirks.

My girls LOVE each other. Kate and Meg share a room and when Meg gets scared she climbs in bed with Kate. They wake up (early) in the morning and just start playing. Annie recently got her own room, and both she and Kate cried the first night they slept in separate rooms. They all love to snuggle with each other and they are very supportive of each other.

And they currently have a bad case of the GIGGLES! It has lasted for weeks and be careful - its contagious!

Week 6: Super Mario Family

2011-02-21T16:11:00.002-07:00

One of our very favorite family activities (esp. when mom is at work or sleeping) is playing Super Mario Kart. We love it so much that we decided to be Mario Kart characters last year for Halloween (while I was taking my blog-cation- so I never up loaded a picture).

They usually try and talk me into playing by letting me be Peach- as I prefer the bikes. The girls love it when Dan will play with them and they are actually pretty good at it.

I am not sure where this tradition of a family theme came from or how long it will last but it sure is fun. Check us out as the Wizard of Oz, and M&M's.

Week 5: Groundhog Day

2011-02-03T11:17:00.007-07:00

Who knew I would ever wish that my life could be just life groundhog day!! I made a comment in church on Sunday about the difficulty being reverent in Church with little kids and many of the older ladies offered their encouragement in the form of "this too shall pass."

But I don't want it to. There are LOTS of parts of being the mom that are hard. But there are sweet tender moments in my daily life that I wish would never end.

swimming meets pottytraining sweet kisses

Meg got an american girl doll for Christmas. Her name is Kimberly. She goes everywhere with us . . . to dance, or errands, and has lunch with us. Meg is my baby- and I want her to stop growing. I could have an almost 4 year old forever. She tells me that she has to grow up so that she can be a mom- but she promises that "even when I am big mom- I will will still be your friend."

Kate is sweet little thing. I love bundling her up for her walk to school. As we are loading up her backpack and tying the scarf around her neck she asks me (almost daily) if I have thought about getting a dog yet. I kiss her on the nose and tell her- not yet Kate, not yet.

Annie got her own room for Christmas. With it comes her own space and independence. This is her corkboard. She has designed it all by herself. I know that it will morph and change to pictures of friends and boys and popular fashion- but right now she has a baby picture of herself, school pictures of her sisters, her scripture reading chart, ribbons from swim meets and a picture of Jesus. LOVE this girl. Wish that she could stay 9 (and almost perfect) forever.

As I have been reading back over old posts I found last years resolutions. It made me laugh because I was complaining about the "groundhog" feel to my life, but guess what? since then I have bought a camera and borrowed from the shoebox in my drawer for a gym membership, and signed up for my first 1/2. Thanks Ash- nothing could get me off the couch faster than a chance to run with you!

Week 4:Encouragement

2011-02-01T16:05:00.001-07:00

I have been sick for over two weeks now: strep, a strange rash (drug reaction vs. scarlet fever?) and then a nasty head cold.

Current symptoms: runny rose, head congestion, muscle aches and DISCOURAGEMENT.

I will spare you the details and sum it up by saying I was having A Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. I just wanted to climb back into my bed and cry.

But here comes: Meg! Eating blueberries by the handfulls, smiling and laughing at me despite my grumpiness- not such a terrible day after all!

Week 3: Snowmen at Night

2011-01-30T20:32:00.003-07:00

Do you ever wonder what snowmen do at night? We sure did after spending an afternoon participating in a fundraising event to set a new world record for most snowmen built in an hour.

We set a new record- but in a category that doesn't exist yet . . . hmmmmmm- not quite sure how that works.

They had to be four feet tall with two (oreo) eyes and a carrot nose. We helped build about 10 of the 1279 snowmen. Some were blue. why you ask? because they were cold (hahahaha) and some were celebrating a "40th" birthday.

who knew we could be so tired after playing in the snow for an hour!

P.S. we LOVE the book "Snowmen at Night" by Caralyn Buehner

Week 2: Baby Charlotte

2011-01-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

My sister Courtney and her husband Scott welcomed Charlotte Louise on January 4th. She is beautiful and perfect.

I was lucky enough to be at work for most of Courtney's labor. I worked some charge nurse magic and ensured that she had only the best. As a Labor and Delivery nurse I am witness at many births and it is always a miracle. (Both Courtney's nurse and doctor said that it was one of their favorite deliveries they had ever been apart of because of the love and support they saw from Scott and my family. Their cute delivery nurse was emotional telling me about my dad putting out a hand to congratulate Scott and then pulling him into a hug) There is something powerful about family welcoming in a new baby- a new and forever part of our family. It is re-newing and makes life seem so simple and clear.

What a blessing! Congrats Courtney & Scott. Can't wait to see her running around in pigtails!

** another favorite L&D memory recently was when one of our resident's wives came in to deliver baby #3. They have two boys at home and didn't find out what they were having. The delivery was a little "intense" and when the room feel silent someone asked "is it a boy or a girl?" the dad choked out a quiet "it's a girl" and the entire room - erupted in cheers! It is a blessing, I treasure, to be apart of families sacred moments of welcoming new babies into the world!

Week 1: Families Helping Families

2011-01-22T20:57:00.002-07:00

Dan & I spent the week between Christmas and New Years building a house for a deserving family in Mexico. We spent most of our time with the Carrillo family putting their roof on. (The house had been built this summer but not finished due to funding) Kallie and I were the roofing queens and had so much fun, hard tar and all.

And since this is more my journal than anything I also want to use this year to remember how blessed we are as a family.

Two amazing things happened this year with our trip. First off, was our campaign to raise money for the foundation. I was humbled almost daily for weeks as neighbors and friends dropped off checks, checks came in the mail with Christmas cards and total strangers donated money. It completely changed my approach to Christmas as I saw an outpouring of generosity and love. I was witness to so many tender mercies as I watched people give of themselves and their money. It made my entire Christmas- so THANK YOU again to all those who helped. It was AMAZING.

And second, at the end of a great week, Dan & I and another couple were driving home and we had made it as far as Kingman Az when we stopped for dinner. On our way into the restaurant our friend realized he didn't have his wallet. He and Dan spent 20 minutes with flashlights digging through the "car trip" packed truck in hopes of finding the wallet. Our New Years Eve dinner was spent in silence with our friend on the phone canceling his credit cards. Our Las Vegas New Years Eve plans had already lost their steam so we decided after dinner to drive back and see if it had fallen out of the car when we had taken a quick pit stop on the side of the road.

We said a prayer and texted our kids to pray as well - and we turned around to search for a black wallet on an unknown length of highway in the pitch dark . As we drove back we all remembered details about the stop that we had not previously recalled. We narrowed it down to 15 mile stretch of highway- two lanes, with no shoulder, a few bushes and a ledge. There were very few areas that fit every one's description so we decided to make a second pass at this 15 miles. This time we went a little bit further before turning around to retrace our steps. Now remember there are small wallet size black things all along the side of the road- tar, and pieces of tire. Dan and JD jumped out of the car multiple times and then we drove very slowly on the shoulder. JD saw the wallet before he was even out of the car. He jumped out and hooted and hollered and we celebrated like it was 1999! We were relieved to find the wallet (with cash inside) and know that our little prayer in the desert was answered.

A New Year:

2011-01-22T20:48:00.004-07:00

Did you know most New Years resolution's are broken before they even begin. Yep. like my goal to take a picture every day and post about it. Like I don't already have 3 jobs . . . silly me - always getting ahead of myself.

But, I do want to take more pictures of my girls. I want to freeze life right now. 3, 6 & 9 and keep them here little with me forever. Meg has reasurred me that she will still be my friend even when she is big. So here is to a year of "little" moments to help me always treasure the days when my kids were little.

Thank you Ms. Stacey

2010-05-28T20:30:00.004-06:00

Meg has loved her preschool aid Ms. Stacey. They share a very sweet bond! I always felt so comfortable leaving Meg (even in the midst of throwing a fit) because I knew how much Ms. Stacey loved Meg. We are praying that she will be back again next year.

Teddy Bear Picnic

2010-05-28T20:13:00.004-06:00

To celebrate Kate's birthday we had a Teddy Bear Picnic!!

Sophie taught a hula-hooping clinic

before long Emma was showing her tricks

and Anna too.

Darling Teddy Bear cupcakes made by my sister in law Sarah!

Bubbles!!

Grandpa's Wagon

2010-05-28T20:09:00.002-06:00

On the way to church- this cute little family walking with a wagon just melts my heart!

My grandpa made the wagon for our family.

We heart the wagon!!

Coach

2010-05-28T19:46:00.003-06:00

This spring Kate and Annie played soccer and Dan was the coach for both of their teams. It never seemed to matter if they won or if the girls scored- Dan was always kind and encouraging!

Thanks Dad for another great year!

L- Lauren

2010-05-03T21:43:00.003-06:00

A- Attached or Single: Attached
B- Best Friends: Sisters, & you know who you are
C- Cake or Pie : Pie warm with ice cream (unless it is key lime of course)
D- Day of Choice : Tuesdays (loved them since high school, but currently we have no piano, dance soccer or meetings on tues)
E- Essential item : hoodie sweatshirt
F- Favorite Color : Pink
G- gummy worms or gummy bears: gummy peach rings
H- Hometown- SLC baby
I- indulgences: new shoes. Lately I keep thinking of all sorts of reasons to reward myself with shoes.
J- January or July: July.
K- Kids: 3 although one has plans of moving out already. (hehe- Meg wants to live with my sister Ashley)
L- Life is incomplete without: Dan
M- Marriage Date: July 2
N- Number of siblings: cinco hermanas
O- oranges or apples: apples with peanut butter
P- Phobias: don't have any (although Kate is the spider killer at our house)
Q- Quotes: "Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon" Dalai Lama
R- Reason to Smile: A good episode of Chuck
S- Season: fall
T - tag 3 friends: not sure 3 people read my blog
U- unknown fact about me: I started running again today. hope to run a 1/2 marathon one day
V- very favorite store: Target
W- worst habit: I drink way more diet coke than I should
X- xray or ultrasound: Love ultrasounds and "peeking" at co-workers new little ones at work.
Y- your favorite food: (currently) turkey, havarti and avocado panini
Z- zodiac: Libra

Ice Cream Date

2010-04-24T09:50:00.003-06:00

Meg loves . . . . cookie dough, orange juice, crystal light, cereal in a bag (that she carries all around the house with her- leaving a great evidence trail) curly noodles and

ICE CREAM

I do love my other children. promise. maybe i should take my camera to their soccer games today and document their lives!

i. am. happy.

2010-04-20T20:16:00.003-06:00

content. blessed. loved.

Today life has been good to me. Many thanks to the wonderful friends and family who love me and support me in my dreams. I applied for a new job. And over the past few weeks as I processed the commitment, applied, interviewed and am now waiting to hear- there has been an outpouring of

love

support

cheering

notes

treats

phone calls

texts

encouragement

Thanks for believing in me!!

I will be honest, I am up against some very AMAZING competition. That I love and respect. But I am grateful for the friends that care so much (about me)- it has made this an amazing journey whether I keep my feet on the ground or get the opportunity to fly . . . .

Dear Spring

2010-03-24T21:19:00.003-06:00

I am so excited about your arrival. I worked in the backyard tonight until the yard can was full. I am thrilled about the forsythia's blooming at the Whitmores (wish they would bloom in my yard too) but at least I have the sunshine on my face.

Dear Weatherman,

I think you are rude for telling me not to get too attached to one type of weather.

Dear Meg,

Glad you are feeling better. It has been a long couple of weeks with pink eye and an ear infection and being allergic to TWO antibiotics. It is fun to have my happy little buddy back.

Dear Mom,

Thanks for the delish Squaw bread. It has made my mornings so happy. And thanks for dusting off my vacuum while you were over. It doesn't get used much.

Dear Annie,

Thanks for the darling note you left on my pillow. I love you, but I need you to stop growing up. Please stay 8 1/2 and lovely forever.

Dear Chocolate Chip Cookies,

why do you tempt me so? Did I really eat 5 for dinner tonight?

Dear Lauren,

you are a breath of fresh air and I love you.

Dear Music guru's (aka my brother in laws)

I am in need of some new music. The roll down your windows- play it real loud and sing along kind of music.

Dear Spring Clean,

here i come. can't wait to try the new Windex all in one "magical" window cleaner. I'll let you know how it goes!!

LOVES!!

Happy Birthday Meg!

2010-03-24T20:26:00.005-06:00

meg loves pluto

Ever since we went to Disneyland, Meg has become obsessed with Pluto.

She wanted a Pluto party for her birthday but the cake pan has been retired.

So Dan made darling Pluto's out of Chocolate.

jump over to Just a Hint of Salt for the how to!

Meet . . . . Meg-a-licious

2010-03-18T14:44:00.005-06:00

also known as Meg & Meggie Moo Cow

she just turned 3!!

she delivers toilet paper to her sisters

she's a lover & a fighter

her favorite game is hide-and-go-seek

she drinks the milk from her cereal bowl

she sleeps in a big girl bed

her favorite color is yellow

she is (almost) always happy!!

LOVE YOU MEGGIE! Happy Birthday!

A day in the life . . . .

2010-01-29T19:42:00.003-07:00

Today has been one of those days (again) where I have felt so many emotions and feelings and I have written 5 different blog posts in my head

like the one where all I really want is a new SLR camera, and how great would it be if someone wanted to "sponsor me" and a little parachute would float out of the sky and deliver my new camera to me. Then I could capture that darling face that climbs up on my bed in the morning and asks "you wake?"

or there was the one about the lady who has decided to have $5 dinners every night. No not per person but for the whole family. Seriously?? why?? I understand budgeting and all but I don't want to become a slave to it. And I want to buy the big tub of blue cheese and add it generously to everything- and I am sure that would not fit in the budget.

or the one about how "my cycle" and paying the bills always seems to coordinate. not a good thing. got to see about switching on of those up!

And then there was the answer to Matti's question about what we mom's all really do every day. Yep I played along and I kept track and I had one of the MOST productive days of my mom career. Actually if I was honest with myself (and you) I would say that my life feels a lot like "Groundhog Day." Everyday I get up and do a little cleaning, wash, blog/facebook stalking, mixed with driving carpool, cleaning, feeling overwhelmed about the budget (and my long list of "wants- which seem so out of place when I consider the recent disaster in Haiti), dinner, Ellen, working out (much less than I actually want to), cleaning up, family time and then looking around the house in defeat to find that the house is still a mess. (and if that was a huge and horrible run on sentence- so is my daily life!) So if I do it all PERFECT- do I not have to do it again tomorrow? or am I going to have to do it again tomorrow so you might as well let the dishes sit??

and then there was the one about Meg. and how she makes me laugh and cry almost every single day. With my "new SLR"-of my dreams- I could feature a day in the life of MEG.

and finally maybe i should just commit to a 1/2 marathon and buy the stinking membership with the cash in my shoebox- and run away some of these crazy emotions.

Blessed

2010-01-21T21:35:00.002-07:00

i recently came across this necklace that reminded me- in the midst of feeling a whole host of emotions (almost to where I don't know how to feel) to focus first on my many blessings.

building homes in mexico is an amazing opportunity. to provide someone with a modest home who in turn wants to use it to bless the life of others - is humbling.

we recently had a leak in our radiant floors- it emptied the entire 50 gallon system right into a drain! how lucky is that? no water damage.

my computer had a virus- nasty thing- i am feeling very blessed that i didn't lose a single thing off my computer.

work for dan has been slow. i am feeling blessed that we have a rainy day account and that i have a very flexible job at the hospital.

and just tonight i am feeling very blessed about work for dan starting to pick back up again.

annie had a new years resolution to read the scriptures. we are blessed as we gather as a family to read together.

kate's classroom helper fell and broke her ankle. kate wanted to contribute "a couple bucks" to the group gift. she gave some money from her own piggy bank. love that kate!

i recently visited some homes where people live in less that ideal situations- i came home feeling so blessed.

i am surrounded by family & friends that inspire me! make me laugh! and bless my life!

p.s. i found this necklace at the Rusted Chain a portion of the proceed will go to support the relief efforts in Haiti.

and i love google reader. and i love to write. and no one really reads my blog anyways so i am making it public again. if you check in occasionally - add me to your reader!

These are a few of my favorite things

2009-12-23T17:29:00.005-07:00

that I love about Christmas and the Holiday Season . . . .

Christmas Lights- tree lights, house lights, temple square lights

Cars with fresh Christmas Trees tied to the top

Treats on my porch- for the past few years we have opted not to do friend/neighbor gifts and instead contribute to Families Helping Families building homes in Mexico. But I sure do love finding treats on my porch!! mmmmm! carmel pecan clusters!!

Christmas specials/movies- how cute was Prep and Landing?

Hot chocolate with Peppermint Ice cream!

The Night Before the Night Before- a tradition that started with my dad taking my older sister and I to a late movie after shopping for my mom.

holiday baking- gingerbread , soft molasses cookies, sugar cookies

giving to those in need. Our ward and family have focused on helping some of the local Refugees. Pulling a name off the angel tree or donating food to the food bank helps put Christmas into perspective for me.

fresh snow and bright blue skies

Christmas cards in the mail. I love to ooh and awe about our friends adventures and see their kids grow up. This year it just got away from me. I really had great intentions- this is the card I would have sent had I the time (or energy) . . . next year I'll start early!

Christmas Music. I turn it on in the morning and let it play all day!

making Gingerbread Houses! We get together with the cousins to decorate houses. The kids do a great job and the adults enjoy it just as much if not more.

the nativity

Spending time with family and friends who come together to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. I am grateful for His humble birth and His example and teaching that inspire me to be a better person.

Hope that this finds you and yours warm, happy and healthy this Holiday Season! We are grateful for the love and friendship of our friends and family. You bless our lives in so many ways.

Love, Adrianne

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo

2009-12-23T16:13:00.011-07:00

and we have 3 princess for a day!

Many thanks to their fairy grandmas- the girls woke up to presents in the hotel room:

new princess dresses, shoes and capes

and then it was off to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Annie as Cinderella

Meg as Belle

and Kate as Sleeping Beauty

and then off to lunch with the Princesses!!

thanks grandma's & grandpas for a wonderful, magical day!

Disneyland for Christmas

2009-12-22T21:08:00.005-07:00

Santa stopped by our house early and sent our family to Disneyland . . . . it was a magical 3 days!

The girls were perfect ages for this trip. Kate and Annie loved the thrill and excitement of the big rides- but also still love the magic of Monsters Inc. Winnie the Pooh, and Small World.

Winnie the Pooh was Meg's first ride- she was so cute! She LOVED it! It was her favorite!

This is on the huge Ferris Wheel at California Adventure!

I love how much fun they are having together

Annie was so sweet and helpful as usual- I am crossing my fingers she stays this way forever!

Annie's favorite ride was California Screaming & Splash Mountain!

One morning the girls and Dan rode Splash Mountain 3 times in a row without getting off!

They were laughing and giggling and didn't even get very wet!

Annie & Adrianne- taking an "A" picture but I love this one because Kate wanted in on the fun!

Kate would giggle all through the adventurous rides.

One of my favorites of the trip was Kate giggling all through Space Mtn.

She even liked the Tower of Terror!!

Meg was always up for a carousel ride while her sisters were off on an adventure!

Dan & I both loved watching our girls have so much fun!

At night, while sharing Dibs we would talk about our favorite parts of the day!!

Meg loves yellow. So she was thrilled to find the "yellow" dog! And she brought home Pluto as her souvenir who she calls "yellow dog"

M&M Family

2009-10-30T14:08:00.003-06:00

our pumpkin M&M family! The girls had a blast paining these.

Good thing Dan is an artist!

at the neighborhood trunk or treat

Dan- what a good sport! :)

I even wore this get-up to the school parade.

When did we become that family that totally over does it when it comes to Halloween?

Meggie! too cute!

Kate trying to make the silly scared face Orange always has!

Kate turned out to be our best shaped M&M!

Annie! lovely in green (the only real girl M&M)

Happy Halloween from the Murdocks!!

BEHIND!!

2009-10-22T14:55:00.004-06:00

I am behind.

behind in my life (laundry, cleaning and grocery shopping)

behind in catching up with friends who live near and far,

behind in blogging,

behind in my sleep!

It is an overwhelming feeling. I don't like feeling behind because try as I might I can't get caught up.

Life has just been keeping us busy . . .

We started school- Kate is in all day Kindergarten and LOVES it. She loves the idea of homework- and learning to read! Bless her heart- she has more enthusiasm than anyone I have ever met and doesn't have an "inside voice"- but her brown eyes melt me like butter.

Annie is in 2nd grade and is as close to perfect as they come. I wish that I could bottle her and keep her 8 forever. (guess that means that we also missed her Birthday since I was last blogging. We had 20 kids over for dinner, games and a movie outside. There was more drama than necessary, and fortunately Annie didn't get too caught up in it all.) Annie also got baptized on September 12th. We had aunts and cousins (and grandpa) in from out of town which made the weekend extra special. She is a soccer star and a great little reader and has recently taken up texting. I just adore the person she is becoming!

Meg goes to preschool 2 days a week and also to dancing. She LOVES dancing and wants to go every single day. For the first time- I am loving 2 1/2. (with my other two I was pregnant again and on bed rest- or had a new baby when I had a 2 1/2 year old.) Meg is so stinking fun, and cute and full of life and curiosity and love. She counts and sings and twirls and shuffles and laughs her way through our days. I love when she says "welcome" and "i love you too." The other day I was driving along thinking about how funny she is and I looked in the rear view mirror where she had a swim suit on her head! Silly girl!

I also got a new job back in June (working in my dad's office)- which means I now have 3 jobs in addition to being wife, mother and primary president. I thought I would work less at the hospital and more in the office but so far that hasn't happened. And although I used to be able to do it all. I can't anymore- nor do I really want to.

Please remind me to quit one or two of my jobs before I get the next one okay??

Now off to conquer the laundry!

Beach Week 2009

2009-08-20T22:25:00.005-06:00

Another fabulous year at the beach!

lots of my pictures are on Nick's camera (hint hint) but here are a few favs.

our little blondie!

Kate

could these two be any cuter??

(thanks for all of the times you took my kids in the water!)

Annie

Kate & Annie still love each other after 10 + hours in the car

all of us- well most of us anyway. 65 and 8.5/9ths if my math is right

Mush insisted we stop for a DATE shake. Are you kidding?

Of all the 100 flavors- DATES??

cute little Meggie Moo!

Scott eating a deep fried twinkie.

Mushie and Papa- sharing a "date" shake!

the look on Kate's face says it all. She didn't think it sounded very good either!

we love our beach week friends!

Heart Strings

2009-08-07T15:00:00.006-06:00

Wednesday was Annie's last swim meet. She qualified for conference in the back stroke. It was hectic to get all three kids up and fed and to the pool at 8 am.

As we were climbing out of the car Kate turned to Annie and said in her darling little voice " You do a great job out there okay!" my heart melted at her love and support as my eyes filled with tears.

(silly Kate wearing one of Annie's caps)

We walked into the pool and the coach gave Annie a new cap with her name on it. She put it on and looked so big in her uniform and MURDOCK cap, as I left her with the coach and walked away I had to wipe away the tears. Not even sure what I was feeling- she is getting too big.

(yes the picture is Meg not Annie, but you get the idea of how cute it is)

And then Annie's swimming the in morning prelims qualified her for the final that night. They take the top 16 swimmers for each race. Annie was # 16. But when we checked in for warm-up the times had been adjusted and Annie was not # 17- the Alternate. (Don't get fired up- it was very fair, they use the auto wall clocks in the pool but because the kids have never used them before they also have timer and one little girl's clock had not stopped even though she had won her heat in the morning- all fair). We were bummed but she was a really good sport.

We decided to stay and see what happened. Her race came and we noticed that lane 5 was empty- so we were yelling from the balcony. The announcer noticed an empty lane and asked for an alternate. (The coach had told me not to get my hopes up the alternates never swim) So next thing we know Annie is in the water- we were cheering like she had won the race (just excited that she got a chance to swim) The race is about to start and enter stage right a coach who has suddenly noticed that his swimmer is chatting and not in the water. So Annie climbed back out. This time I cried- Sad for the yo-yo of emotions that a 7 year old had to experience over swimming.

Recently my sister and I had a conversation about parenting.

Is it 50% fun experiences and tender moments and

50% sleepless nights and cleaning up throw-up?

Or some days does it feel more like 90/10?

I still haven't decided but I do know I love my kids more than anything.

Even if they make me want to scream and cry, I share with them the good, the bad, the disappointments and the celebrations.

It is overwhelming and humbling to have responsibility for such amazing little people.

We did it! We did it!!

2009-07-13T18:55:00.002-06:00

We (and when I say we -I mean WE- thank you to Sarah and Lauren and my mom who watched Meg during the first few days) are proud to announce the latest milestone in the Murdock family!

MEG IS POTTY TRAINED!! whoot! whoot!!

she drives me crazy and she melts my heart! what a funny kid!!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-13T17:35:00.003-06:00

To celebrate the 4th we went with the Parker family to Stadium of Fire. The highlights were the Jonas Brothers and the Fireworks.

My favorite moment of the night was when we were dancing and singing along and Annie leaned over and asked me who my favorite Jonas brother was. I answered "Joe" and her face lit up as she said in a dreamy little voice "yea! Me too!!"

A sweet a simple moment that I will always treasure because my kids and I were having so much fun together and to my 7 year old I was totally cool! Hope we always like each other this much!

Happy Father's Day Dad!

2009-06-22T18:43:00.003-06:00

I feel that I owe so much of who I am to what you (and mom) have taught me.

Thank you for showing me how to forgive and let it go.

Thank you for teaching me to "give it away." It has helped me to apply the Atonement of Jesus Christ in my own life and find peace.

Thank you for insisting that I not fight back.

Thank you for believing in me- that I can be anything I want to be!

Thank you for supporting me in all that I have chosen to do. You have always been there cheering on the sidelines for me- whether in sports, dance or life.

Thank you for your wisdom and guidance and listening ear.

Thank you for wanting us to all get along. I am so grateful for the wonderful friendships that I have with all of my sisters.

Thank you for gentle reminders to eat and get some sleep and life won't look quite so bad!

Thank you for teaching me to enjoy life- whether it is a night out on the boat, $6 burger night, or a walk on the beach there is always such a wonderful feeling when we are together as a family!

Thank you for your example of caring for those around you. Between you and mom- you really might save the world!!

Thank you for helping me to be better and try harder. I still have a long way to go, but amazing examples to follow!!

I love you,
A

Just keep swimming

2009-06-15T21:54:00.002-06:00

just keep swimming, just keep swimming swimming swimming

Annie in her first swim meet of the year!! She took first in her first race ever! (she swam the back stroke as part of the medley relay!) And then she took third in the backstroke!

Could Ashley's dimples be any cuter? Our cousin Ashley swims with the 6 and unders and this little firecraker took first in both of her races! Way to go Ash!!

Back at it!

2009-06-08T10:45:00.000-06:00

Well after the stomach flu tried to wipe our entire family off the map during the month of April, we have had a super busy May!

Here's a little of what we have been up to:

Annie had a singing performance at school. Here she is with her cute friend Noah.

Annie had her 1st piano recital. She had only been taking piano for 6 weeks and she did fantastic!

Annie's 1st grade class performed the opera that they wrote and have been working on all year.

Kate turned 5 and has turned into a wonderful 5 year old! Love how helpful and fun she is. We took about 10 kids swimming for her party so sorry no pictures I had my hands full!

Kate and Annie played lots of soccer. Annie is a super-star! Kate is starting to get the idea of the game but her team had a rough year. They were 0-8. I guess this is a good time to teach our kids it's more important to play your best and play fair, because Coach Dan was pretty discouraged.

Many thanks to all those who helped with the kids at practice and games while I was working!

Meg has found that the pair of Red Cowboy Boots finally fit and somehow they match every outfit!

Kate graduated from Preschool. We heart Ms. Wendy.

Sorry about the flash but I wanted to include the picture of her entire gown!

Kate and Grandma Mushie!

Kate & Anna.

We went swimming in grandma's pool. And Meg has already mastered the art of lounging by the pool and relaxing with a diet coke.

We finished the west side yard. Dan built stone steps and we finally finished the landscaping.

We also took down our dying Birch Tree. Complete with ropes and chain-saws. The boys had a lot of fun, but unfortunately no pictures- we were too busy trying to be safe.

And my sisters Ashely & Courtney and I pulled off a major dance recital for our "small" dance studio. It was amazing! All the dancers were fantastic, and the music and costumes were great! It was a difficult task for me to be studio owner and mom but my kids were great and thanks to the help from Aunt Lauren doing hair and make-up I was able to pull it off. It really could not have turned out better!

And just Saturday night I hosted the annual work Chief BBQ. which meant a long list of house projects to finish! Thanks to Dan who still thinks it is fun to paint with me into the wee hours of the night. Check out the transformation of our patio furniture!

It used to be a pinkish red now a very cute green!! oh! it's good to be back!

Happy Birthday Kate!

2009-05-15T15:24:00.002-06:00

Dear,

2009-04-27T15:40:00.002-06:00

(really every one is doing it)

Dear Ash & Johnny,
Congrats on 8 years! what a fun couple you are!!

Dear Awesome and Ellie-
Hope you make it to the altar tonight.

Dear NBC,
please please please don't cancel Chuck. It is the best show since Alias and makes me look forward to Mondays!

Dear Dan,
thanks for making me laugh, and for enduring my (limited) views on linemen and my love of catchers.

Dear Dan's New Golf Partner,
100 + holes in Mexico was one thing, but lets ease me into being a golf wife slowly. Maybe start with just one round every Saturday?

Dear Canada,
(oh my heart aches already) please be good to Nick-P and we'll book our tickets for the 2010 Winter Games.

Dear PW and the Blog Chef
thank you for your gentle reminders that no matter how hard I try I will always be an amateur chef with a lame point and shoot camera. And thank you for the wonderful walnut shrimp. My family thinks I am amazing!!

Dear Honesty,
you are a lost and forgotten virtue.

Dear Families Helping Families,
thanks you for helping me to see the difference I can make with "my own two hands"

Dear Lauren,
Drive Safe and come home soon. We love you!! and can't wait to hang out!

Dear Refinance,
Painful, time consuming, confusing and frustrating and worth every penny of the $200 a month I will soon be saving. And I skip a payment should I get new eyes or boobs? (haha! didn't think anyone would still be reading)

Free Cone Day & other little stories

2009-04-27T14:19:00.017-06:00

We went to the annual Free Cone Day at BEN & JERRY'S.

Don't be deceived by this cute little face. On Friday night we went to a big fundraising Art Night at Annie's school. We got some caramel popcorn that we ate while the 1st graders were all singing. Just a short while later Meg was all freaked out about her nose and was trying to stick her entire finger up her nose. The little $*!& When we got home we tried the little trick the ER doc told us from last week (you can read about that below incase you missed it) and Dan held her while I gave her mouth to mouth to try and force it out. I gave her a couple of breaths and then she sneezed and out came the popcorn kernel. Bet you can guess what food is now banned at our house.

oh and just today the doorbell rang. It was the mail lady. and Meg. Didn't even know she was gone, but thankfully she was able to tell the mail lady where she lived.

Before we went to Mexico I bought a tent (looks like a mosquito net) to put over Meg's crib so that she can't climb out. Guess who has learned how to unzip the tent??

I saw a book the other day titled "I was a really good mom before I had kids." I don't know if this should be the name of my next post or my life!!

Happy Easter

2009-04-27T13:29:00.009-06:00

Easter 2009 was great! We celebrated with multiple egg hunts, dying hard boiled eggs, frosting sugar cookies and taking the time to focus on our Savior Jesus Christ. I read the entire Book of Mormon for lent and then rewarded myself with a new set of scriptures. It was a great way to focus and bring the spirit into our house leading up to Easter. And I love being in primary because it helps me to focus on the basics of the gospel. The Atonement is complicated and can be applied in so many layers, but simply put: it makes up the difference for me where I fall short every single day. Some days I am a little bit short and somedays a lot more than I would like to admit. But being able to apply the atonement in my own life- forgive others, ask for forgiveness, continue to learn little by little, and knowing that my Savior loves me completely and unconditionally gives me the hope and strength to keep trying to be a little better tomorrow.

What is THAT smell???

2009-04-17T10:58:00.004-06:00

A question I have been asking myself since we got home from Mexico about a week ago.

I would give Meg a kiss- get a whiff of something and then wonder what is that smell??

Was I standing too close to the garbage?

Does her breath stink?

Am I imagining something?

Then sometime over the weekend I realized the smell was coming from her NOSE.

I became obsessed: asking other people to smell her nose, smelling her tissues. Does she stink or do I just think she stinks?

I called the Doctor yesterday and the could get me in for the last appointment of the day.

From my google research I knew that one sided foul smelling nasal discharge was most often caused by a sinus infection or a foreign object.

I knew the chances of a sinus infection were slim seeing as how Meg hasn't had a recent and prolonged cold. But I was holding out some hope that I would have a Rx for antibiotics in my hand shortly and we'd be on our way!

The PA we saw in the office could see something up her right nostril but could reach it with her limited tools so we were on our way to Primary.

waiting our turn in the ER

The waiting room for the ER at Primary Children's was packed. I tried telling the tech as we checked in that we really didn't need to stay. This wasn't an emergency.

We stayed. We waited. 2 hours later they found this . . . (a popcorn kernel)

For those who care about the details: they wrapped her up like a mummy and it took three people to hold her while they put a foley catheter (6 fr) up her nose. They then inflated the balloon with saline and when they pulled it out the kernel came too.

good as new!! and she smells good too!!

Out of Sorts

2009-04-01T10:24:00.003-06:00

Meg just turned 2 and suddenly we are out of sorts.

Meg and I are at odds.

Last night was an official boycott of the crib. The mattress is as low as it goes and the little monkey climbed out nearly 20 times. I am not ready for a big girl bed. I am not ready for 10 pm bed times. I am not ready for no more naps. Meg is ready for a big girl bed.

And as you can see from the picture she is wearing big girl underwear. Suddenly as I am in a mad rush to leave town for the weekend, Meg wants to potty train herself. Every time I turn around she is naked. We have gone through half a box a diapers in the last few days. Meg is ready to be potty trained.

The nakedness doesn't help our bath problem. Meg loves to take baths & showers. Usually 3 or 4 a day. So we are naked and suddenly she wants another bath. And don't worry we climb in and out of the bath which covers my bathroom with water and is an accident waiting to happen.

And speaking of accidents you would think Meg would get hurt climbing. But Monday I was putting her in the car seat and when I pulled her over so that she was square in the seat to buckle her up I dislocated her elbow. oops! (for all the parents who will do this in the future- i guess it can happen real easily and it usually just pops back in with a little help.)

In between sitting on my counter with a cookie cutter as an ankle bracelet, Meg enjoys:

Decorating my bathroom with bronzer and eyeshadow
wearing shoes in all shapes and colors and sizes
eating cinnamon toast crunch (and then drinking the milk just like her sisters)
watching Dora and the Wonder pets
eating cereal out of a bag and leaving a trail of where she has been
climbing on anything and everything (how do you think she got on the counter) and her bikes and toys as a step stool.
talking on her cell phone
pushing her baby around in the stroller

Hopefully like the stars, Meg and I will again (one day soon I hope) align.

Jazzercise - Move your Boogie Body 1982

2009-03-25T20:29:00.001-06:00

When I heard that you could get incredible results in just 90 days with P90X by just doing push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups it sounded too easy. But it actually worked and the results were pretty good. However, there may be a better and more fun way of doing things. It's called Jazzercise and it looks like a good work out disguised with a lot of fun. So now that we are looking for a new workout routine we think this is definitely the one. Perhaps we will have a future in its infomercial. We'll keep you updated on how it goes, but for now, its time to get jazzercising!!!

10 reasons I had a fantastic day yesterday

2009-03-25T09:16:00.003-06:00

1. I woke up to beautiful sunshine and NO snow!

2. My (huge) Diet Coke was only 79 cents at Tesoro.

3. Meg said " I wub you mom" (as a full sentence for the first time)

4. After finishing Kate's hair she asked "Mom, am I stinking cute?" Yes Kate- you are stinking cute!

5. Jason Mraz and I cleaned the kitchen.

6. My cell phone survived a full wash cycle. After drying out for 2 days it works perfectly!!

7. Dan came home from work and helped me finish cleaning the house for my primary party and then he took the kids to the McDonalds playland for dinner so they couldn't make a mess!

8. I made mint oreos again. yum!!!!

9. I watched the Mentalist on DVR after my party! Love that I can record my fav shows and watch them sans commercials whenever I want. whoot whoot!

10. I am one day closer to my Mexican vacation!!

and now today will be great because my house is still clean and I just downloaded Jesse McCartney's Leavin' (thanks Ash!)

Ever wonder . . .

2009-03-10T15:18:00.003-06:00

what Meg is doing while I am spending so much time being crafty??

she is enjoying the fruits of my labors!!

Be still my heart!

2009-03-02T20:19:00.002-07:00

I can still remember the flutter I felt when Dan first held my face in his hands and kissed me. The other day Meg took my face in her little hands and mmmmmmm'd all the way in and kissed me. Big tears came streaming down my cheeks my heart felt like it was so full it might burst! Oh how lucky I am to be loved by such a big heart!!

For Lent . . .

2009-02-22T15:19:00.004-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about Lent, because on my other blog I am celebrating Pancake Day (this week) with the age old tradition of using up eggs and butter before Lent. I know we don't celebrate Lent in my church, but it has made me think about what I would give up for Lent.

No TV? Sure! I'll just watch my shows on DVR when it is over. Not too much of a sacrifice.

Computer? I do the dance business from home, and blog away hours of my life, so for something I don't HAVE to do this is asking too much.

Chocolate? too easy- except for chocolate chips in my cookies I probably could give up chocolate all together.

Diet coke? really and why? I would suffer through the headaches for weeks- and the night shift would be miserable. And then I would just pick up right where I left off.

So, then I must reconsider the idea of lent. To give up a vice or a renewed vigor in prayer, fasting and alms giving. Instead of the idea of giving something up- the idea to add something.

Thus for Lent I am going to read the entire Book of Mormon. (Lent is actually a little more than 40 days because Sundays don't count- I'm not quite sure why not- seems like they would be the most important day but since I am only borrowing the idea with "holy envy" I won't complain). Starting Wednesday Feb 26th (Ash Wednesday) and ending on Easter I have 47 days. This is about 12 pages a day. I am borrowing this idea from a friend who recently decided to read the Book of Mormon as a novel. We read other 300-500 page books in a few days, but struggle to add scripture reading to our daily list of things to do.

So join me if you would like, or give up chocolate, either way I look forward to the beautiful Easter season!

P90X the review

2009-02-15T21:48:00.008-07:00

Now that we have finished the grueling 90 days and we promised we would post pictures we are feeling a little sheepish about the whole thing. (For a little background A gave Dan p90x for his birthday, after seeing the infomercials all of the time about how to go from Flab to Fab in just 90 days. On the night of his birthday - Dan said "Okay Let's Go" and we have been sweating it out ever since. Even our kids got into the routine and would change into their "workout" clothes to join us for the warm-up or stretching. It was pretty cute when Kate would ask "Is it Legs & Back tonight mom?"

Did it work? Dan gives it a 7 and wants to do it again. A is just happy to be alive, and thinks she will try Turbo Jam this next time (a shorter daily time commitment and more dancing).

Was it worth it? Sure! It got us back into the habit of exercising, but it defiantly cut down on the amount of chocolate chip cookies Adrianne has made over the last few months.

Either way it was brutal but worth it. We spent the last 3 months together sweating it out in the basement. And even if we don't look a lot better- exercising and having fun together was worth it. We laughed right along with Tony's lame jokes and would say them before he could. And A would laugh every time we did Kenpo (especially near the end) that the guy in the back was still fat even after 12 weeks.

Our greatest accomplishments?? A can do 20 push ups and clap in between. And Dan is really good at Yoga.

the New Hot Dan!!

Dan's before picture.

Check out those guns!

A has nice arms. (sorry no before picture) She wasn't planning on doing this remember.

Dan thinks she always looks good from behind!

so there you have it! Hope you aren't disappointed.

Cookie of the Month

2009-02-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Kate who helped me create my February cookie of the month! She probably asks me at least every other day if we can make the kind of cookies that you frost. And I love to be able to tell her yes. She made 3 deep cookie sandwiches and was a great helped in the kitchen!

Milestones

2009-02-04T19:05:00.002-07:00

In life there are obvious milestones, especially when watching your children grow - like learning to walk and talk. We celebrate sitting and crawling, potty training and sleeping through the night. And this week I have many milestones to celebrate. Some obvious and some a little more obscure but none the less have made me appreciate where I am right now in my life with my kids.

First worth celebrating was signing Meg up for preschool in the fall. Okay more accurately called playschool but it is two mornings a week for 3 hours. As I was registering her, there were moms dropping off their kids in their gym clothes. Gym clothes- could this be me? could I be so lucky? Most days I will probably be sleeping after working the night shift, but I am thrilled about having a little ME time again. I can read, clean , shop, take a yoga class - the possibilities are endless and is my enthusiasm.

The next great milestone has been playing games with our kids. This has been something that has evolved over time but they love to play games. Almost daily Kate asks if we can race. (Mario kart on the Wii) It has actually become one of our favorite family activities together. And it is really fun when the kids win fair and square.

And lastly of note, is when your kids are big enough to have a best friend of their own choosing. Annie has had good friends over the years and most of these friendship started because of proximity or I was friends with their mom. But Annie has a cute little best friend Laura. They are so cute together and it has been very tender for me to watch their interactions. Makes me reflect on the friends I had growing up and what great memories I have of them!

well goodnight, just tucked Meg into her "EE" watching and now it is time to race!

The Great Blog Divide

2009-01-30T15:02:00.002-07:00

So the time has come that I have come full circle, which I have actually been doing a lot lately, and have decided that my reasons for going "private" with my blog have actually become more of a hindrance than a help.

For example we recently went to Mexico with Families helping Families to build houses. I posted about the experience along with some pictures. My dad wanted to share it with some of his friends who were interested in going to Mexico. Bummer the blog is private!! SO he either has to log them in or I need to send them an invite just to read one post (although I do hope the Merill girls will check back occasionally). And had I know the post was going to be so widely shared I would have beefed it up a little bit. (maybe a revised post to come)

Then fast forward to work when someone asks me for a recipe and I tell them it is on my blog. "Umm! I'm not an invited reader" AWKWARD! Not that I care who really reads it . . . sometimes it is hard to keep track of who actually reads the blog- some people never accepted the invites blah blah blah.

My reasons for going private in the first place were because I wanted to keep certain aspects of my life - like bare bum pictures of my baby- private. But as I have blogged more there are also things I would like to more publicly share- like my amazing chocolate sugar cookie for February's Cookie of the month! I mean shouldn't everyone enjoy these with me?? By then new years resolutions will be less steadfast (except for Paige and Ashley they are sticking to it) and more of you will be willing to try these with me.

So I have decided to start a new blog where I can share not so private moments of our life- fun crafts and activities we do with the kids and great cookies recipes. And on this "private" blog I can post our post p90x pictures and Meg's potty training moments. A great new soup- public (Sampsons- did you like it?) Pictures of our 10 year anniversary cruise- Private. See already you are catching on.

The reason I blog is to keep a journal of my kids lives because I don't write about it otherwise. This is my version of scrapbooking. So I am hoping that my private blog will become even more private where my thoughts and feelings won't need to be edited and my public blog will be even more fun and crafty and a better way to keep in touch with friends because I will show up on their dashboards and they will remember to check my blog!!

Happy Chinese New Year

2009-01-27T16:10:00.006-07:00

Last night we celebrated the Chinese New Year complete with orange chicken, egg rolls, homemade paper lanterns, and fortune cookies (chocolate dipped of course).

And with the New Year (traditional or Chinese) come resolutions . . . we all resolve in some form or another to: lose weight, eat better, exercise more regularly, save more or spend less, take more time for ourselves, and focus on what is really important!! This year I have resolved to have lots of resolutions thus I more likely to be successful (at aleast some of them)!

I resolve to: give it my best. I typed out a little list but reading it back it sounded a little trite. As great as the ideas are it is hard to put into words my feelings of introspection about how to be a better person. I don't want to set the bar too high and fail at most of my resolutions before the months end. (Like saying I will do 100% of my visiting teaching- it just sets me up for failure 50% would be a more attainable goal) Thus I just resolve to be better- a better wife, mother, sister and friend and for the rest we will let the cards fall where they may.

So have yourself a Happy Chinese New Year. And don't feel like you missed it- The Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days ending with the Lantern Festival. The paper lanterns are super easy to make!! Our lanterns turned out so cute we might have to save them and have a Lantern festival dinner . . .

Families Helping Families 2008

2009-01-21T10:35:00.001-07:00

Families Helping Families

2009-01-21T10:34:00.001-07:00

Over the Christmas break Dan and I went with (part of) the Parker Family to Rocky Point Mexico to participate in a humanitarian project building houses as part of "Families Helping Families"

The premise behind the organization which is patterned after Habitat for Humanity- is that you can't get a loan in Mexico- and we all know we would never be able to save enough money to be able to pay cash for a house. So families can qualify for a house by a) having a job 2) working a certain number of hours on helping to build the houses and 3) paying back the foundation over the next x number of years.

That's how it all looks on paper- but what actually goes on is totally different. You can see in the slide show above the innocent sweet faces of the children that live in the cardboard makeshift house next to where we are building. One of the boys Angel asked if he could have the house we were building because he liked it better than the one he was living in- and then he wrote his name in the cement front porch.

American families give up their Christmas presents and time off from school and work to spend 8+ hours a day laying block, working with messy cement, making new friends, and working together on what will become someones dream home. We eat at road side taco stands and offer our new mexican friends pizza through the barbed wire fence. Families brought with them old clothes and small toys to give away to the children and families they met. We forgot about ourselves for a couple of days and were able to change the lives of 3 families (yes there was a large enough group that we actually built 3 houses)

The first year we went to Mexico to build was in 2005. I didn't get to spend much time on the house because I was in the Condo with my little kids. I honestly didn't love the experience and didn't really understand why my parents insisted on going back year after year. Well this year I caught the bug- I actually got to work (really hard) every day and I truly felt like I was making a difference. So next year we will let Ash & John go and we'll watch their kids. And when our kids are a little bigger we'll take them too so that they can see how blessed they are, and what a great experience it is to help other people.

And speaking of blessed- although this is a lesson that I want to teach my kids, maybe it is really just a lesson that I need to be reminded of first. It is easy to always want more stuff- to fill our large houses with. But watching the mexican kids happy as can be riding their old 1980's bikes and wearing clothes you and I donated to the DI humbled me beyond belief- my kids will wear their shoes a little longer this year, and I will be happier with my old jeans. And I will spend more time helping that glow in my children's faces to be brighter!

want to come next year?? it will change your life!!

Chocolate Toffee Cookies

2009-01-16T19:36:00.003-07:00

1/2 c. flour

1 t. baking soda

1/4 t salt

1 lb bitter sweet chocolate

1/4 c. butter

1 3/4 c. brown sugar

4 eggs

1 t. vanilla

5 heath bars (1.4oz size) broken into pieces about the size of a chocolate chip

1 c. walnuts chopped

melt chocolate and butter together

beat sugar and eggs until frothy about 5 minutes

mix in chocolate mixture and add vanilla

add flour, baking soda and salt

stir in heath bars and walnuts

The dough will be extremely runny so refrigerate for about 45 min. (any longer and you will bend your spoon trying to get the dough out) then use a med size cookie scoop and bake on parchment paper for 14 minutes at 350. They should be soft and cracked on top. It's okay if they don't look quite done- they will set up on the pan and Don't forget the parchment- you will be really sad when they won't come off the bottom of the pan!!

makes about 3 1/2 dozen.

Dedicated with love to AS who prefers a brownie! these are for you! hope you can find bars of bittersweet chocolate in NZ.

Draper Temple Open House

2009-01-14T21:11:00.004-07:00

Tickets are still available to the new Draper Temple Open House

14065 Canyon Vista Lane

Open house dates: Thursday Jan 15th- March 14th.

get them here - it is free to the public you just need a ticket with an assigned time spot.

You do not need to be a member of the LDS faith to attend, before the temple is dedicated anyone can tour so this is a neat opportunity for families of all faiths!

Nativity

2009-01-13T19:29:00.005-07:00

Christmas eve was spent at the Parker's and we acted out the nativity. It was so sweet- with Ashley's new baby laying in the manger and Sophie watching over her. After a quick reading of Luke 2 to accompany the nativity the girls sang us the Christmas songs they have been learning in primary. It brought a very nice, peaceful Christmas spirit.

(but the peaceful part didn't last long due to Hannah Montana guitars and a huge remote control car!)

I'm Back!

2009-01-13T19:03:00.005-07:00

Yes! it has been a long time since I have updated the blog?? lots of excuses like running my own dance business from the corner of my kitchen, a trip to Mexico, Christmas and all of the events and parties that accompany that great holiday, looking for a new job (yes time for a change) and trying find an hour (and a half usually) to exercise. You would think in all of this I would have lots to blog about, but besides Mexico i haven't really taken a lot of pictures- nor is there much to tell yet. so alas- you did visit and you shall be rewarded:

Christmas 2008 (um did I mention I didn't take a lot of pictures?)

Meg enjoying the popcorn during our annual "night before the night before" dinner and a movie tradition.

Annie, Kate & Meg at the ward Christmas breakfast.

Meg dressed and ready in her new hat, gloves and backpack! thanks Aunt Debbie!!

Meg all bundled for a cold outing!

Check back soon: for my new favorite Tomato Soup, Cookie of the Month- Chocolate Toffee Cookies!! pictures of the house building in Mexico, and before and after pictures from p90x!!

Cookie of the Month

2008-12-16T17:30:00.006-07:00

So, I have always wanted to be a member of the __________ of the month club - flowers, cheese, exotic fruits. I love to get packages and then this excitement is breed and fed by Red Envelope and Harry & David.

And to be honest I love to make cookies. (shocking I know) And I love to make GOOD cookies! And I love to discover a new GOOD cookie. And since I pretty much post a cookie recipie a month, I decided that you too might want to be a member of the ____________ of the month club too.

So here it is . . . . . . . the COOKIE of the MONTH CLUB!!

Now you too will get a little bit of goodness delivered to you monthly by someone who loves you- just to make you smile!!

Judy Brown's Soft Molassas Cookies ( aka supersoft gingersnaps)
(from Favorites)

1 1/2 c butter
2 c brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c molasses
4 1/2 c flour
4 teaspoons baking soda (this is not a typo!)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cream butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and molasses and mix well. Add dry ingredients. Roll into balls with a cookie scoop and roll balls in sugar. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 375 for 10 minutes.

These make wonderful holiday cookies!

it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2008-12-09T12:36:00.004-07:00

thank you snow- for making a late (but better than never) appearance to really get me into the Christmas spirit. i wish I could capture for you the amazing beauty of the white snow hanging perfectly on each branch of the trees as if it was painted there against a blue blue sky.

There is a great song the 12 pains of Christmas that whines about the "pains" of Christmas:

finding a Christmas tree- riggin' up the lights- yo ho sending Christmas cards- and spending time with the in-laws - helping charities

But these are actually some of the best moments of the season

On Saturday we took the girls to pick out a tree- they loved picking out there tree- (actually the tree picked us. we were walking down the aisle and it fell over right in front of us!) Then having it tied to the top of the car and bringing it home to decorate.

The girls helped me set out the other decorations while we waited for Dan to put on the lights and then they loved helping me put on the ornaments!

And I had to truly put Kate's little lesson about her Christmas tree (see post below) when I got to the basement. We have lived in many different places since we have been married- some years I have been overwhelmed by how many Christmas decorations I had. In Boston space was so tight that I could only put out a few decorations- and well this year I have a new entertainment system full of empty shelves waiting for the perfect Christmas decorations. And because I do not have the appetite or budget for Modern Display to come and decorate my house I was honestly feeling a little discouraged. One of the last things I got out was our collection of Christmas books. And I had a total awe ha moment and instead of just putting them in a stack- I stood them up and suddenly I had shelves fully of my favorite Christmas books. Thanks Kate for the reminder I do not need more, instead I need to be more grateful for what I have!

And yesterday we were blessed with a new little niece: Ruby Louise

Ash & John welcomed their sweet baby last evening. She is perfect and sweet, and like Ash said it is amazing that you can love someone so instantly. I am glad that I got to be there and witness the miracle of birth that I never tire of!

more pictures to come!

We have a fresh snow, a tree, house lights have been up for weeks (as we took advantage of a 60 degree Saturday) the Christmas shopping is done, the radio is already giving me a Christmas music hangover, we have decorated Christmas sugar cookies (don't worry- i too have about hit my limit- valentines and then I am done for awhile I promise!!) my Christmas cards are here- and I'll start addressing them today. And now with the safe arrival of a newborn babe fresh from Heaven to remind us all of our own vulnerability and dependence on our Savior, we are ready for Christmas . . . .

O Christmas Tree

2008-12-03T10:50:00.003-07:00

Kate found this little tree when Dan & I were cleaning out the storage room the other night. I told her she could have it for her own room- She took it upon herself to decorate it. Clips, build a bear bows, ribbons, valentines garland, and is that a Q tip?

What a great lesson in taking what you've already got and being absolutely thrilled about it. She currently has put her tree where we usually put our big tree- it is standing in until we get a real one. Part of me wants to leave it . . .

Thankful

2008-11-25T15:28:00.006-07:00

Last night Dan, the kids and I made a list about the many things we are thankful for! The list was long and a little silly at times, but we really are so grateful for the many wonderful things around us!

Meg is thankful for balls, babies, cheese, apples, the baaaath, shoes, mama and dada!

Kate is thankful for her teddy bears, food, toys, furniture, cousins and friends, the phone, her dad's tools so that he can work, Jesus, TV, stickers, and songs about Jesus that sound like the Backyardigans.

Annie is thankful for her school and primary teachers, for books and learning, for "the Friend", the Holy Ghost, a house to live in and clothes to wear, her parents, Grandmas & Grandpas, cousins near and far, and lets not forget aunts and uncles. Annie is also thankful for animals and Santa!!
A is thankful for modern appliances: washer & dryer, furnace, dishwasher, cell phones. little noses (see picture of Meg above) sleep, family, the Light, the blogger dashboard, wonderful fun kind children, wonderful friends, prayers that are answered, little giggles, and Pitter Pat Photography for the wonderful pictures!

Dan is thankful for a job, good health, cheap gas, nice fall weather, the scriptures, spending time with family, nice weather, honest people, indoor plumbing, loving supportive kind wife, ipods, good co-workers, a good client, "the pitter patter of little feet"

At this thanksgiving time we are all grateful for the wonderful family and family that we have. We are grateful for your love and examples, and your friendships. You bless our lives in so many ways.

And as we begin this Christmas Season we are very grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ. We all may believe many different things about Jesus but I hope that we can all know that He is aware of us individually and that we might all find inner PEACE this season!

wasting time

2008-11-19T19:30:00.003-07:00

Oh how i wish I had something great to blog about- something that would require lots of time, uploading pictures and writing and re-writing to get it perfect. Something to keep me from the torture that awaits me in my basement. I wish I had somewhere to go or dishes to do- but alas in 15 minutes the kids will be in bed, dishwasher already loaded - even a load in the laundry. It is amazing all that you can accomplish when you are trying to be too busy, for P90X.

So I think most people give up on new exercise programs about week 3. Yep. I'm there. Ready for my "1 1/2 hour of nothing to do" evenings back. Long tub with a good book sounds a lot better than 330 sit ups. Oh I remember like it was yesterday when I joined Powerhouse Gym with the twins and Paige. I could hardly walk down the stairs from the 3 floor where we lived. I remember being sore for a while- a week or so I think.

3 Weeks folks and I am still super SORE! it is killing me! I wasn't planning on beginning this extreme exercising program when I bought it for Dan for his birthday. I thought he could get in shape and I could sit on the couch with a symphony bar and a book and try and look supportive while he chiseled out his new hot body. But the day of his birthday he opened the package and said "come on babe". And now if I stop- I'm a quitter. I don't quit anything. Dan knows I have an addictive competitive personality and that he had me at "lets go."

so for all of you that we have talked into joining us- like Tony says "Just keep pushing play"

Candy for Soldiers

2008-11-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

Wondering what to do with all of the left over Halloween candy??

Ours has been sitting on our counter since Halloween and the few things I like are already gone. The novelty of it all has seems to have worn off for Annie & Kate (except for when she realized it was gone) and Meg as found new tactics for climbing up onto the counter to get the candy. An 18 month old and candy never mix well. It is either sticky or chocolaty and either way it is a total mess. So off it went today to Soldiers Angels who will add your left over Halloween candy to care packages sent to the troops. It was super easy (I know my dentist will be proud) and even if it cost me a little in shipping- I feel like it went to a much better place than just the garbage!!

Here's the link for where to send your candy!!

bummer! (and for the moment totally ungrateful)

2008-11-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

So I was thinking about blogging about:
how thankful I am
Maybe a "dear" post like Ashley does.
Or maybe some thoughts on the Election
and P90x..
or Dan's birthday.

But instead I am sitting here pouting. (how ungrateful is that for one who just witnessed a very peaceful election process.)

I have just spent the last hour trying to get my blog into book format for Christmas presents for the grandparents. A great idea that is only offered by blurb Well they could have mentioned before I spent 1/2 hour downloading the software- that blurb and blogger are current not "talking" to each other. Then I spend even more time searching for another site that will "slurp" my blog into a book to no avail. I don't want to have to wait while my slow computer (and connection) re-uploads all of the pictures into a book like shutterfly or costo. I love the slurp and edit idea.

any thoughts? bummer!

Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T16:02:00.001-06:00

The Wizard of Oz

with Kate as Dorothy

Annie playing a mean Wicked Witch of the West

The cowardly Lion Meg -

who was very cowardly about wearing the rest of her cute costume

Adrianne as the Tin Man

And Dan as the Scarecrow

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2008-10-29T15:18:00.000-06:00

Rachaels' Pumpkin Cookies (from Favorites)

3 cups canned pumpkin
2 eggs
2 t vanilla
1 cup oil
2 t nutmeg
2 t cinnamon
2 t baking soda
2 t baking powder
3 cups sugar
1 t salt
5 cups flour
1 1/2 c chocolate chips

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, oil, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, sugar and salt and mix well. Add flour and mix to combine. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheets and bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

Browned Butter Frosting
1 c. butter
4 c. powdered sugar
1/4 c milk ( i use evaporated milk in frosting)
1 t vanilla

melt the butter on the stove in small sauce pan until melted and it begins to brown. (watch it close so it doesn't burn) add to powdered sugar and slowly add milk until smooth, add vanilla
Frost and enjoy!!!

Tagged

2008-10-29T14:57:00.000-06:00

8 Shows I love to watch
The Mentalist
Chuck
Biggest Loser
Amazing Race
Without a Trace
The Today Show
Ellen
Life
SNL

8 Favorite Places to Eat
the Dodo
Cafe Rio
Red Butte
Carl's Jr
Lone Star -Fish taco's yum!!
Cheesecake Factory- delish pumpkin Cheesecake
Rumbi
my mom's house

8 things that happened yesterday
i laughed
i cried
i swore- just once
talked on the phone with Ashley
folded laundry
rocked meg to sleep
worked in the yard- what a beautiful day!
made dinner that everyone liked! yippee for Chicken Enchilada Casserole from Favorites

8 things I love about fall
jeans and a t shirt
Halloween parties
the crunch of leaves
apples- love a good apple crumble, warm with ice cream!!
pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cupcakes, pumpkin bread
soup season is here!
warm afternoons
football season ( & baseball season which sadly for us is now over!)

8 things on my wish list
(This is hard seeing as how I just had a birthday but id I must . . . )
a dust buster that actually works
a king size bed
a babysitter for the week Dan & I are going to Mexico
for my kids to know how much I really do love them
a clean desk by the computer (which is currently home to my 5 part time jobs)
for Halloween to be fun & to finally be over
a long warm fall
my chairs in my living room to be re-upholstered

8 people I tag
Um! aside from the gals from work who were all tagged, I don't think that 8 people read my blog, so if you do and this looks like fun knock yourself out!

the amazing love of sisters

2008-10-26T20:30:00.000-06:00

Read this about the amazing love of sisters

and then make sure you kiss and hug everyone you love.

Pack's Pumpkin Patch!

2008-10-19T22:02:00.000-06:00

Packs Pumpkin Patch in Farmington was free! (except for the $50 in pumpkins we took home) and not crowded at all. What a treat! Lauren was home on fall break and when she is home from School we always find reason to hang out! I almost see her more now than when she lived four blocks away and was busy enjoying every minute of her senior year. Now she misses us when she is gone (and we her)- so we love to see her every chance we get!!

Back to the patch- the kids enjoyed the mini corn maze- pulling the hand cart ( I broke a sweat trying to pull all of the pumpkins and the kids)- posing for pictures- and very thoughtfully picking out their own pumpkins!

Trying to get the girls to smile at the same time is a challenge- but they do "angry pumpkin face" really well on cue!

Oh Kate! Thanks to Lala she has cute little pig tails and can make a mean kissy face.

meg was SO cute sticking her head through the cut outs for a picture.

Sophie in her new Halloween skirt. Thanks Mushie!!

Aunt Coco, Annie & Meg!

And afterwards we all smashed into one booth and ate a yummy lunch at Apollo Burger! What fun. For more cute pics see Ashley's Blog

Bewitched!!

2008-10-19T21:45:00.000-06:00

The witches at Gardner Village are always a hit! We braved the UEA crowds and the kids has a great time finding all of the witches! I think their favorite was the one who had flown right into the side of the barn. I loved the ones who were headed on vacation!

Meghan and Ashley!
Emma was a little nervous about this big witch- so Kate put her arm around her. too cute!!
Annie & Meg
Meghan, Annie, Emma, Kate & Ashley- happy to have found all of the witches on their list!

30 and well . . . . content.

2008-10-19T21:24:00.000-06:00

So, A how does it feel? the big 3-0. Honestly it feels great! I am thrilled to be 30!! I am in a very content place in my life. Happy in the moment- and for me, a constant "planner of the future" this is a big deal for me. There are no plans for next week, next month or next year, no remodeling project to finish- or a stage in life that I am just trying to get past.

No, I am truly enjoying the moment.

I have caught myself so many times lately- smiling, enjoying my family around me. Playing games with the girls or spending some one on one time with them. Even with busy Meg. I am enjoying her late night rocks. Although she goes to bed perfectly around 8 she is usually up one more time for a "love". It is a very tender moment rocking her, kissing her head, holding her finally still little body and having my heart so full with how much I love her.

The highlights of my birthday were: dan & I and the kids huddled around the heater in the car between soccer games trying to get warm and enjoying breakfast from Mcdonalds.

Pampering myself with a friend enjoying manicures and pedicures!! and shopping!

Dinner out with friends at the Cheesecake Factory! mmmmm! the pumpkin cheesecake is amazing!

A Movie in the Murdock Theater!

Thanks to all for the cards, calls and gifts- it really was a wonderful day!

Dear Jesus,

2008-10-07T20:22:00.000-06:00

tonight Kate tucked this little note to Jesus in the mailbox. It says . . .

"Dear Jesus,

I love you.

Love Kate"

These are a few of my favorite things

2008-10-05T16:30:00.000-06:00

Spontaneous nights out!!

The rain. It makes for a wonderful sleep after working the night shift.

It is dark and overcast and a little cooler than usual.

You know that " I just want to stay here in bed all day snuggled under the warm covers feeling" - then imagine how great it would be if you had been up all night and you get to stay in bed.

Matching, themed jammies!! I am a huge sucker for holiday pj's!

Visits from Lauren

Looks like Kate has the Lauren signature face down, but Annie could use a little more practice

Making new traditions! We enjoyed a very mellow, fulfilling conference weekend as a family!

And my cute husband! Sometimes everything seems to click and I love these moments! Thanks babe for your enthusiasm about what to make for dinner, how hard you work, and for helping me find time for myself. I love you!!

Garden inspired Cooking!!

2008-09-30T19:42:00.000-06:00

love, love the garden and it has been fun to cook with all of the fresh veggies. Almost everyday this past week I have been out looking for ripe tomatoes- and then I venture over to my neighbors yard to see what is ripe there . . . I really enjoy cooking, but when it comes to dinner, I get stuck deciding what to make and then being excited about it when the day rolls around.

Last week I really enjoyed being inspired by my garden.

Pork Enchiladas with fresh homemade salsa. (& Zucchini bread- Gretel I am still waiting for your choc. zuch bread recipe . . .)

Spaghetti Squash with Bolegnese. (hmmm! I thought: I love spaghetti squash and I like spaghetti sauce- this will probably be pretty good! Well it was really good- much better than I even imagined!!)

Fresh Pesto with chicken & bowtie pasta

Bruschetta Chicken Bake- I made bruschetta (kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, garlic, S&P) mixed it with breadcrumbs, spooned it over chicken and baked it! After it baked, I added a little bit of feta. This was supposed to be the meal of the week- and it was good but honestly I felt like it was missing something. I still think the idea sounds wonderful- so all you great cooks out there if you have any suggestions or recipes please send them to me!!

and tonight with the leftovers- PIZZA with pesto, chicken, artichoke hearts, pinenuts, bacon AWESOME!!

and Zucchini Cookies of course!
3 eggs
1 c. oil
3/4 c. sugar
2/3 c. brown sugar
2 g grated zucchuni
2 t vanilla
4-4 1/2 c. flour (the dough is super sticky)
3 t cinnamon
1 1/2 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1 t salt

mix together, scoop into balls & roll in cinnamon sugar mixture and bake at 325 for about 12 min
or add a cup of choc. chips and scoop onto pan & bake at 325 for 12 min

enjoy! love A

"Boston You're My Home"

2008-09-27T17:17:00.000-06:00

A while ago John shared the idea of creating a music club where they would have a topic and everyone would create a playlist for that topic. When the Celtics slaughtered and utterly embarrassed the Lakers to win their 17th title and give Boston its 6th pro sports championship in 7 years, I thought it would be fitting to pay tribute to my home town by making a playlist about Boston, but it never happened. Just a few months later Brady and the Patriots are in a sad predicament, so Bostonians keep their attention, as usual, on the Red Sox. So now that they have their work cut out for themselves in the playoffs, I’ll make a pathetic attempt at boosting the karma with a few of our favorite songs about the Hub. With a little help from iTunes and the always reliable internet, here’s what I came up with.

1. “Dirty Water” The Standells
This song is a must on any Boston playlist. Any true Bostonian knows about it and it is even played after Red Sox games. I’ll admit there really isn’t that much to it, but if you have a good guitar riff, a catchy line like “Boston you’re my home,” and throw in a nice dose of harmonica, you’ve got yourself a pretty good song. Sidenote: the line about “frustrated women” refers to the dorm girls from the many colleges around Boston who suffered from an early curfew back in the day.

2. “Rock and Roll Band” Boston
Obviously we can’t leave out the band named after the city. These MIT students who made it big trying to fund their way through college not only put together a repertoire of now famous classic rock hits, but they represent all those bands who got their breaks in Boston. A surprisingly long list in fact. Here’s just a few: Aerosmith, the Cars, U2 (first American concert), They Might Be Giants, and New Kids on the Block (I’m not sure we’ll claim this one) and Marky Mark (AKA Mark Wahlberg).

3. “Sweet Baby James” James Taylor
James Taylor is another artist from Boston and this is probably the first song I ever associated with Boston. I heard a live version of the song when I was young and when he sang the line “Now the first of December was covered with snow, so was the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston” and everyone cheered, I felt some pride in my city. The only problem was I never remember seeing a cowboy herding cattle anywhere near Boston. But it is still a good song.

4. “Boston” Augustana
I first heard this song a few months ago on the radio and actually liked it right off. I really like the piano and all the build ups. Ironically, one of the reasons for going to Boston was because “no one knows my name,” evidently they didn’t watch the TV show “Cheers.”

5. “Tessie” Dropkick Murphys
I heard these guys while I was going to BU, they were a pretty popular local band but I had no idea they were known nationally. They are the quintessential hard core irish drinking band who’ve had a few too many. Plus, I can’t get enough of the Boston accents. (I kinda wish I still had mine.) The band is a bit like flogging Molly, just angrier and with more yelling. They have a bunch of songs about Boston, but this is a remake of an ancient Red Sox fight song and incorporates everything that is great about the Boston attitude. They originally recorded this song in 2004 when the Red Sox had hopes of playoff success, but quickly found themselves in a 0-3 hole to the hated Yankees. But karma was on their side that year and they not only pulled out the most amazing playoff series comeback, but ended up winning the World Series. Go Sox!!

6. “I Want My City Back” The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
After a concert tour, these guys came back to Boston and headed to one of their favorite bars in Kenmore Square only to find out it had been closed down. This song laments that sad discovery. They too have a bunch of songs more or less about Boston, but I like the intensity of this one.

7. “Boston” Five Way Friday
I randomly found this song in my iTunes after I had offered to “back up some music files” for a friend. Turns out it is pretty good. It appears that a lot of songs about Boston have to do with traveling, I’ll have to theorize about that one.

8. “Get It Like You Like It” Ben Harper
In 1918 the great Bambino kicked a piano into Willis Pond
But Johnny Damon swung a bat and grand slam that was that
86 years of curse was gone, just like you like it
Get it like you like it.

Not only does this bring back fond memories of the 2004 win, but the story of Babe Ruth dumping the piano into Willis pond actually happened, in the town I grew up in no less. Go Sudbury!! The story goes like this The bambino frequented a cottage in the town of Sudbury during the off-season while he played for the Red Sox. He was apparently an avid piano player and enjoyed playing during the parties. There are three basic versions for the story; (1) He pushed the piano out onto the frozen pond behind the house during a party for skating and music. The piano was left and later fell through the ice. (2) In a moment of drunkenness Babe gets upset and takes his anger and/or moment of stupor out on the piano and dumped it into the pond. (3) To impress party-goers with a feat of strength he picks the piano up over his heads and throws it into the pond.

9. “Back to Boston” The Rosebuds
Let me insert my disclaimer here: I really know very little about music and after 8 songs I had to go to the internet to find a few more tracks. In fact, I’m not even sure about the accuracy of any information I have written, except for the part about Babe Ruth’s piano. So let’s just say a few of these songs I just happened to stumble upon and thought were kinda cool.

10. “Boston to St. John’s” Great Big Sea
Well, Boston has a lot of boats. Um…hmm…well, I liked it.

11.”Vineyard” Jackopierce
Martha’s Vineyard is an island off the south shore of Massachusetts. It’s a popular tourist area and actually a really fun place to check out if you’re ever in the area. This song is an example of “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” In all its got a couple really good lines and nice bits of music and put together works out to entertain.

12. “Brown-Eyed Girl” Jimmy Buffett
No, Jimmy Buffett is not from Boston, though he does spend a good amount of time on the islands. And no, Jimmy Buffett did not write this song. Nor does the song have anything to do with Boston, unless Jimmy Buffett sings it live at Fenway Park and tailors it perfectly for the audience. In other words, this is a great cover. It represents all those songs that get adapted to the city and turn out to be even better than the original. Plus it gives great Red Sox Karma and my wife happens to be a fine brown-eyed girl who lived for a while in Boston.

So there you have it. Let me know what you think, and better yet, if I forgot anything. I hope you enjoy and Go Red Sox!!! P.S. John & Scott consider yourselves tagged (and any one else who likes music and actually reads our blog).

Thanks to some sweet moves by my wicked awesome wife, we got most of the music up on the sites. Not all the tracks are there, nor are they the best ones, but still I'm psyched we've got something. If you want the real thing I'll make you a copy. Thanks, A you rock!

Bonus Track: "Sweet Caroline" Neil Diamond

Thanks to Ashlee and Brittany for bringing this song to my attention. It really doesn't have anything to do with Boston, but it is a huge hit at Fenway. So it is now on the album. Here's the story behind why they play it...beware, it's not for the superstitious.

aaaaaaath!

2008-09-24T14:42:00.000-06:00

Meg (or Moo as we more often call her) loves the bath! She can say aaaaaaath! shower and water- it is really cute

Don't even mention the word unless you are planning to take her straight there. It doesn't matter if we have already had 2 baths today she insists on getting wet, which also means she joins me most days in the shower.

I'm smitten with Fall

2008-09-17T16:09:00.000-06:00

It's true . . . I'm smitten. From the beautiful clear CRISP AIR in the mornings, WARM afternoons for riding bikes, LEAVES beginning to change into vibrant hues, DECORATING for fall with red, orange, yellow, green & brown- my house was inspired by the fall, wearing my favorite JEANS and t-shirt, the bright green GRASS that is no longer stressed by the summer heat, yummy SQUASH from my garden, the routine and SCHEDULE the new school year brings, the FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS of football season, FARM STANDS packed with pumpkins and gourds, and my own beautiful Cinderella PUMPKINS on the porch, sleeping with the window OPEN and listening to the CRICKETS, warm cozy SWEATERS, delicious and easy SOUP for dinner, and making a (huge) mess BAKING!!

Inspired by the fall we made these leaf shaped sugar cookies and shared them. Because as Kate & Annie remind me that is the best part of making treats.

A's Sugar Cookies:

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 t. vanilla

3 cups flour

1/2 t salt

1 t baking soda

cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, then vanilla, then gradually add flour salt and baking soda. Put the dough into a Ziploc bag and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.

Then roll out & cut into holiday shape of choice. I put my cookies on the pan in the fridge for 10-20 minutes before baking and it helps them to hold their shapes better. Then bake for 10 minutes at 350. cool completely before frosting.

Yummy butter cream frosting

1/2 cup butter softened

1t vanilla

1/4 t salt

1/3-1/2 cup EVAPORATED milk

4 cups powdered sugar

beat the butter until fluffy, add additional ingredients, alternate adding powdered sugar and milk until desired consistency, should be thin enough to spread so the frosting appears smooth on the top of the cookie. The frosting will harden slightly and you can used a pastry bag to pipe on additional decorations.

i've been inspired

2008-09-11T10:42:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago a friend told me about an young Arizona couple (the Nielsens) who had been in a small plane crash (maybe you have heard about them on the Today Show or in the New York Times) and gave me a blog to look at. c Jane run I have been faithfully reading once or twice a day ever since. Even if I don't have time for any other blogs I feel a pull to check on this family. The Nielsens were both severely burned (Stephanie about 80% and Christian 30%)and are currently medically sedated, undergoing skin grafts, fighting infection and fighting for their lives.

A few key things have drawn me in - first the faith of the family. They are Mormon and believe in the power of prayer and knowing that a loving Father in Heaven is aware of us. They are not angry or bitter- but are inspired and hopeful and share that message of hope and peace with readers. The blog is written by Stephanie's sister who is caring for three of her four children in addition to her own new baby.

Really if you think that you are having a bad day- try stepping into someones shoes who is in the midst of tragedy- a mom that might not make it through the birth of her baby, a beautiful couple and parents of 4- wrapped like mummies in a burn unit, a young family whose 5 yr old daughter was just diagnosed with cancer, the breadwinner of a family currently without work- and ask yourself if what you are complaining about- and arguing about- is really that important.

The other inspiring thing is Stephanie herself. She writes a blog about motherhood called the NieNie dialogues. Instead of complaining about being a wife and mother she celebrates it. She is a darling mom- who plays with her kids and is still in love with her husband. She doesn't claim to do it all right but she works hard on her marriage and family. She is patient and kind and has inspired me to be a better mom.

what would I do different today if i knew I wouldn't have tomorrow with my kids or husband?

Right now- i think I'll go cuddle with Kate.

Here's to saying Yes!

2008-09-11T10:02:00.001-06:00

Yes to playing in the rain

YES to Barbie and The Diamond Castle (no to buying it- but YES to a redbox) &

YES to Annie who insisted I watch the Barbie movie as a whole family instead of work on the computer

Yes to Oreo's at the grocery store- and Yes to eating them before dinner

Yes to reading a book to Kate

Yes to letting Meg take a bath while I am cleaning the bathroom

Yes to licking the beaters and the bowl

Yes to watching the kids ride their bikes outside in the beautiful fall weather

and "tomorrow" to the wash, "later" the kitchen that can never stay clean, "in a minute" to the 4 part time jobs, and "not right now" to the blogging world & "maybe" to the nap I was hoping for.

Happy Birthday Annie!

2008-09-04T21:29:00.000-06:00

Dear Annie-

Happy Birthday love! I hope that you had a wonderful day! I hope that you know how much I love you. I have been telling anyone who will listen how I'm in Heaven with 7!! (actually I have been saying this since you were 6 1/2) You have become such a grown up over the past year.

I loved it the other day when you felt like we were just chatting as friends. I love your hugs and that you remember to tell me you love me very day.

Annie, you are so big, helpful, kind, thoughtful, and responsible. You are 7 going on 12 and although part of me wants to yell STOP GROWING! I love the beautiful little person you are becoming. It is so fun to watch you grow and learn. You are becoming a great reader- I am really proud of you.

Annie, one of the things I love most about you is your ability to make friends. When you were little, like Meg is now, we lived in Boston where the people aren't known for being very friendly. Your first word was "Hi" and you would say Hi! and wave to people everywhere we went. Sure, it startled a few, but more often then not, people would have a big smile on their face after meeting you.

Annie, I love your spirit. I have always thought it was too big for your little body. I look up to your example about doing what's right and saying your prayers. You are very sensitive to the spirit and I hope you never lose that.

Annie, I remember holding you as a new baby and loving you so much I thought my heart was going to burst- I still feel that same way!

Happy Birthday! I love you!

Love, Mom

First Day of First Grade

2008-09-04T21:00:00.001-06:00

Last Tuesday Annie started first grade.

The day before school started they had a meet the teacher open house. We met her new teacher and then walked over to say high to her old kindergarten teacher. Miss Judy picked her up and gave her a huge hug and told her how much she had missed her. I started to cry. Would this year be okay? Would her new teacher love her even though she will always be in trouble (at school) for talking? (just like her mother!) Will she make new friends? We already did this last year and yet I am nervous for what her school experience will be.

Annie loves it.

She loves walking up to school with the neighbor kids.

She loves playing at recess and she has already made new friends.

She loves looking forward to something special each day:

Library, Art Space, computer lab & PE

A lot of growing up memories fade over time, and although I can't remember the situations I remember the feelings (both happy and sad). I remember the feeling of being left out, or being made fun of, running and playing with friends and feeling on top of the world. I remember how I felt when I didn't get invited to a party or when my boyfriend cheated . . . and all of the sudden I hurt inside again (not for me- those wounds have long since healed) but it aches to know that my kids are going to have to experience those same growing up moments.

No, I am not nervous for Annie. It is me that has never done first grade this way before- I am nervous for me . . .

We love you Old Grandma!

2008-08-31T22:03:00.000-06:00

Dan's grandma Annis Crandall Murdock born August 2nd 1916 passed away on August 24th 2008. Grandma was not only a part of many organizations- and since she believed she could always do it better she ended up as president. She spent the majority of her life very involved in Church and community service. Some of the great memories that were shared about grandma, old grandma, mamou, Double A . . . .

Aunt Mary told about lying to grandma about being in the 24th of July Parade in Salt Lake. The lies grew and before she knew it Grandma had made Mary and her friend a uniform and they ended up in the parade as the flag girls for the Beaver City Band.

Rob reminded us of Grandma's threat to always tuck in your shirt or she would motivate you by sewing lace to the bottom of it. He also mentioned her compassion and fairness when serving on the New Hampshire Parole Board- always listening to the whole story.

Todd told us of Grandma's counsel to Wear out rather than Rust out!

Aunt Nancy told us as she was driving to the hospital and got word that Grandma had taken a turn for the worse she suddenly saw a bucket fly across the road in front of her. She said she knew then it was her mom's own way of telling her she had kicked the bucket!

Amy & Carrie talked about Grandma sewing them special outfits as well as teaching them how to sew.

Many remembered her love of music and the primary age kids sang her songs at the family viewing and prayer.

Dan commented about how he loved it when she was telling a story and you knew it was a good one if she laughed her way through it. Her whole face would light up when she laughed.

Uncle Bill and many others remembered spending time at Cobbet's Pond. Many of the grand kids had fond memories there.

Tom mentioned her service on Governor Sununu’s Committee on Volunteerism.

Judy told about Grandma's landscaping service project at a VA Hospital. She had put an add in the local paper for able body volunteers to help plant and ended up getting a group of Hell's Angels who happened to be in town. She even acted like she had invited them personally.

Everyone had their own memory of Grandma giving them a bad time about something, but it was just her own way of inspiring us to be better.

Marianne remembered how she was instantly welcomed to the family (while Kurt was still on his mission). Grandpa greeted her with a big kiss on the mouth which mortified Grandma!

We are sure we missed other memories and thoughts that we would love to have you add in the comments. We love you grandma and will miss you! And will be forever grateful for this great family you started.

First Harvest

2008-08-31T21:53:00.001-06:00

This is currently my favorite picture of Kate- oh she is cute!!
Kate and her friend Asher.

As part of landscaping the backyard and trying to break up the space to be more visually appealing- we decided to build garden boxes and plant our first ever garden. I have been a little hesitant about this whole idea because it seems like everyones favorite garden item is tomatoes and Annie is the only one who eats them. (although I am waiting for them to finally turn red so I can make salsa yum!!) So I opted to plant a lot of other things to make up for my lack of tomato loving. I think I planted twice as much as I should have and we are excited about our first harvest of squash (yellow, crookneck, spaghetti, and acorn), zucchini, cucumbers, 3 different kinds of pumpkins, peppers peppers peppers, tomatoes (cherry, grape and regular ones) and a watermelon.

Hurray, it's done!!!!

2008-08-31T21:09:00.001-06:00

Well three years later and a lot of money and nights and weekends and every other minute we could spare and the house remodel is pretty much finished (cross your fingers). Of course there is the perpetual punch list but that just allows Dan to retire from hard core remodeling to a weekend warrior. The basement was the final piece to finish off and it was a complete overhaul. Check it out:
Here is our old family room. The orange shag carpet, wallpaper and drapes were begging to stay (maybe a retro look) but we couldn't find anything similar in a Pottery Barn catalog- and since that is how we determine all of our remodeling decisions- it had to go.

We like it much better this way. We'll give you one guess where Dan is going to spend the rest of his Saturday afternoons.

The family room from the other direction. The piano, which we were told would be more valuable as a boat anchor was painted black and moved upstairs. It may not sound great, but it looks awesome.
Again, much better this way- we love the french door that go outside and the open stairs.The main load bearing wall had to be removed. In its place went a 20 foot steel beam that weighs about 800 pounds, and it only took Dan, Jared, and Adrianne to lift it. (well actually A had to sit on the beam to act as a counter weight but we'll let her think she helped)

The old laundry room

The new laundry room- with a dryer vent that actually goes outside instead of blowing around in the room! Almost makes me want to do laundry . . . well almost.

All it needs now are some cute Ikea baskets to hold the clean clothes

The new bathroom we added in an old cold storage room under the front porch. one of the greatest things we have done to the house is add two new bathrooms. Four is much better than two when you have all girls!!

For more house remodeling photos

we now tag John & Ash, Curtis & Gretel, and Lacyface . . . it's your turn to remodel!

Proud to be an American

2008-08-13T21:52:00.000-06:00

The 2008 Summer Olympics have been amazing to watch. Every night until late I am glued to the TV and then I tune back in the next day for the recap. Swimming, Gymnastics, local celebrity Jake Gibb and Water Polo (in honor of Ashley) are my favorites!

I remember when the 2002 Olympics came to Salt Lake. We were able to see the Torch Relay and attend a few events. I remember wanting one of those hats the American athletes had worn to the opening ceremonies. Lets just say they didn't look as cute on the general population.

Swimming! Wow! IF that can't capture your attention I don't think anything will. I was at work on Sunday night for the Mens 4 x 100 Freestyle Relay. I was able to see it and we were all cheering and yelling at the TV- seconds after it was over Dan called to tell me he had seen the most incredible race! Definitely the best race I have seen! I got to see it again with the 3:30 am re-run of the days events (finally the insomniacs of the world have something to watch) and the race was still unbelievable knowing the outcome!

For more Michael Phelps photos!

The Dentist- arrrgh!

2008-08-04T22:26:00.000-06:00

I went to the dentist today because a tooth had been bothering me while on vacation. I almost canceled because it really wasn't hurting that much anymore and maybe it had just been sensitive. Well I went anyways and the very nice (very calm) dentist said I didn't just have one cavity I HAVE EIGHT!! I got a crown today and I need a root canal! you would think I had never heard of a tooth brush let alone ever used one.

P.S. truth be told the dentist was nice! (less I offend him twice in one week)

The Summer is flying by!

2008-08-02T23:29:00.001-06:00

I have been warned by Travis that if I didn't come up with something quick my house might burn down! I am ashamed to say that the entire month of July has passed without a single post from me. I am actually disappointed about this because I had great and lofty goals of daily ... okay more realistly weekly posts (for journaling purposes.) Rather than catch you up on a day to day run down of the month I am going to have to resort to "event" Scrapbooking. You know where the only memories your kid has birthdays, halloween, christmas and the yearly trip to Disney. I want to be like Sandie and capture the little moments (like Luke in his Chaps) but until then here is a catch up!

And yes the basement is finally finished- I promise I will post pictures soon!

Beach Week XVIII

2008-08-02T22:34:00.000-06:00

Alternate title for this post: Homage to Tradition! (best if said with a foreign accent)

Tradition # 1 The Bakery

An undisclosed amount is spent on cow cookies and other tasty treats from the bakery. The "pink" box arrives and the 12 year old inside me saunters over for a cookie. Well the number of us has increased over the years and so has the size of the box. So while we may claim we could have done with less- every day a cookie (or two) and a IBC put a smile on many faces!

Happy 21st birthday twinkies! The girls loved the cupcakes!!

Tradition #2 Competive Male Bonding

Over the years the boys have tried to out do each other in 5 am rounds of golf, ultimate, football, soccer and baseball. But now that backs are stiffer, knees are weaker, and cardio fitness is at an all time low due to gratuate degrees, long billable hours and families- the boys have settled for a rousing game of Bocci ball. And although they are not likely to break a sweat it is still very intense!

Tradition # 3 The Zoo

For the past few years Dan & I have taken the kids to the Santa Barbara Zoo after church on Sunday. We love the drive up the coast and the SB Zoo is one of the prettiest I have ever been to. We were saddened this year to find out the famous giraffe with the crooked neck had died since our last visit. But the zoo was still fun with a slide down the grass hill.

Tradition # 4 We never get tired of the beach!

18 years and going strong! We love the smell of the salt water, the crashing of the waves, the feel of the sand. Sliverstrand has that familiar feeling like home. Not every day was warm and sunny but it didn't stop us from dragging all of our gear out to set up camp in front of the ocean. I love that the Hydes are bundled, the teens are trying to get a tan, and the kids don't mind that the water is cold. There were 2 new little ones this year and four more on the way. It is a challenge as a mom of young kids at the beach to enjoy the "vacation" But I believe that the reason why we endure long car rides to be there and then sleepless nights with kids who are out of sorts and lonely evenings because were were all too spread out is because our parents did it for us and my best vacation memories as a kid are with this group.

Tradition # 5 Good Food, Good Times, Good Friends!

Many thanks to the G1 fellows who make this all happen! Dan & I often wonder who will become our livelong vacation friends. You are all great examples to me and I am grateful for what you all "bring to the beach"! Love you! And thanks for another great year!
Ahh! The Parker girls!

Arrgh!!

2008-08-02T21:37:00.000-06:00

Meg has learned to climb and every time I turn around she is on top of something! (usually with scissors or similar "safe" item in her mouth) It makes me crazy. But as I grumble and put her back on the floor for another go- the words to the book "I'll love you forever" always come to mind. I am gently reminded that this won't last forever.
Yes it is totally hot pink around her mouth from where she was eating a stamp!

P.S. another Meg thought: The other day Ash and I took the kids to Little Mermaid (one of those free PTA summer movies that you manage to endure because it it FREE). When Scuttle tries to set the mood by singing, Prince Eric comments "someone should put that bird out of its misery" Yes the singing/dying Scuttle is living with us via Meg! And boy does Kate know how to proke her. Recently my dad suggested I just wear ear plugs! ha!

Lagoon

2008-07-23T10:26:00.000-06:00

Confessions of a slacker mom: I had never taken my kids to Lagoon. So as a part of Mushie's Summer of Forced Family Fun we took the kids! It was actually a really good time! According to Ashley, Dan & I are theme park enthusiasts which is actually a title we should reserve for Annie! She has no fear when it comes to thrill rides. If she was tall enough she was on it! After Wicked, Annie said "Mom! That was tight" Oh no I thought - too much time with Aunt Lauren! But I soon realized she was talking about the seatbelt!

Meg on her first theme park ride! She loved driving the boat! Who would have thought she was big enough to go with just Kate! (Annie was too tall to go on this ride with her)
Dan, John, Scott and Papa came up after work and joined us!
Meg kept making the best faces everytime her horse would go up and down. Wish i could have captured it even better!

Parker on the swings! Many thanks to Annie, Ash didn't have to suffer through too many kiddy rides. Annie was a huge help holding his hand and helping him on and off the rides.
Kate driving her car- oh she is so independent and so cute! She melts my heart.

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T23:09:00.001-06:00

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!

We seemed to pack just about everything possible into our celebrations. Starting with a family breakfast at the Parkers. We covered all the options from omelets to waffles with plenty of fruit and juices mixed in for good measure.

Annie pauses during breakfast for a photo opt of her new haircut!

Next it was off to the neighborhood bike parade and picnic lunch. They usually start by having the boy scouts present the flag and conduct the pledge of allegiance followed by the singing of the national anthem. As we were finishing the pledge we heard a rumble in the sky followed by a fly over by 5 fighter planes and a bomber courtesy of one of the larger gatherings in the valley. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. There was also a fire engine making an emergency call nearby and when they finished they agreed to lead the parade of 30 kids on bikes, scooters, wagons, strollers, skateboards, and most every other wheeled device.

Annie, Kate and their friend Annie thought the firetruck was pretty cool

Meg was psyched about the good eats!

We mixed in a run through the sprinklers to cool off, then it was off to the 4th annual Barbeque of Fire, an event held at my sister Sarah's house. First we barbeque some good food then we blow up the barbeque. It's actually quite fun. The smaller show is followed by the big fireworks at Sugarhouse park. We really had a great time, but I'm glad we've got nothing planned for tommorrow!!

Believe it or not, there's a barbeque in the middle of that!

Priceless!

2008-06-30T21:06:00.000-06:00

Gas $ 4.39 a gallon

Bottled Water: $40

A 7 day National Park Pass: $25

Small, cramped hotel room shared with your kids: $89/night

Reunion dinner: $20 per person

Watching your mom go swimming in a mud hole fully clothed: Priceless

The Parker Family ventured south to Zions for a Madsen Family Reunion. We crammed ourselves like sardines into cars to save on gas $$ and drove nearly 5 hours. Props to the kids who survived with only one stop. We went swimming in the hotel pool and enjoyed seeing my mom's cousins and catching up with them.

Dan and I (& Ash and John) thought that since we had brought our kids all this way we should take them on a little hike. The 1-2 mile shaded river walk on a paved trail sounded perfect for families. The rest of the family was on their way to breakfast when they decided to join us. Not knowing we would soon be lured by the " nearby" Emerald Pools. Had I known that the serious hikers with camelbacks and walking sticks were also headed to the Emerald Pools we would have realized we were ill prepared for the 4-5 mile grueling uphill battle! It was no place for flip flops, and designer purses. Low on water but high on ambition it had all the makings of a good church talk! We quickly made it to the lower pool and waterfalls, then lost Papa (while he was brushing up on his German) and we took a large detour on our way to the upper pools. Hot, tired and bothered we took the advice of happier looking hikers who told us of a pool "just ahead" that we could cool off in. It was only 0.3 miles but it was straight up hill in the sand and lose rocks with no shade. Nick and Lauren were awesome to help some of the little ones. As promised it was worth it and there was a beautiful mountain pond with crystal clear water to play in. Had there been fewer people at the top- John would have gotten the naked family vacation he was hoping for, but none the less even Mushie put her head in the water!!

hiking is not so bad when you are riding in one of these things!

North Carolina Cousins!!

2008-06-25T09:38:00.001-06:00

For those of you wondering where we have been (and why we have not been blogging) our cousins came to visit from North Carolina and it was activities non-stop! We went swimming (almost every day), out to eat, to the park, out for a girls night, to block parties and primary activities and I even managed to convince my sister in law and nephew to come over one night and help paint the basement! We enjoyed a cousins birthday and baptism, celebrated fathers day, watched the Celtics & Tiger, played kick the can and spent hours together catching up on life! I didn't always have my camera with me but here are some highlights!

Emma, Ivey, Ashley and Kate putting on an impromptu performance on our rock wall- which easily doubles as a stage- I should have known!
Meg and A in the pool!

Emma keeping up with the big kids with her water wings!

Kate and Mark enjoying the sun!

Chad, Mark, and Luke!

P.S Can't wait to see more pictures on Sarah and Cyndi's blogs- hint hint!!

Ski like a Girl!!!

2008-06-24T21:13:00.001-06:00

Yesterday a wonderful time was had by all on Papa's boat! It was the first outing of the season and the kids had a blast. Annie was making deals with Dan about her getting in the water if he skied. So, as if on cue, as soon as he was done she lept off the boat!

Kate actually dove off the boat to join them in the chilly water!
family photo on the boat! (meg didn't love having her life jacket up around her ears! can't blame her for trying the whole time to wiggle out of the thing)
Not bad for a mom of 3 eh?
Dan looks like he's still got it!

I was a little nostalgic about the whole evening because on our way to the lake we drove by our old Midway cabin. It is for sale again. The back door was open so I ventured inside and although it has new paint it still smells the same. (a little like skunk and mildew- but Oh! how I love that smell!) It made me a little sad that we have closed that chapter in our lifes but I have great memories of times spent with family and friends there.

Nick Posh skiing- what a view!

And being on the boat with my dad- he has taught all of us girls how to ski and to love being on the boat! (no babies next summer so that we can ski 5 at a time okay!!) I have thought a lot about my dad recently as we celebrated fathers day and how much I love and admire him. He has drive and ambition but he also knows when one of us might just need a phone call or a hug! And wow! At 50 something look at him go!

At one point last night Dan was dancing on the boat. It made me a little sad that when you get married you have to grow up- and start going to work instead of out on the boat 4 or 5 times a week! 10 years ago Dan and I fell in love on the boat. We went on a trip with friends to Lake Powell and I was so impressed with how Dan never lost his cool- despite getting his Bronco stuck in the sand multiple times, damaging the prop on a sand bar, locking the trailer and losing the key and eating julia gulia's cooking out of a garbage bag! He just laughed and smiled the whole way through and when we can home I was smitten! Love you babe!

5-ish

2008-06-06T13:14:00.000-06:00

Finally I am answering a tag from Erin and an Email from Jamie!

4 favorite snacks

cool ranch Doritos and cottage cheese
diet coke
chips and salsa (queso, guac)
chocolate chip cookies

5 things on my to-do list

paint the basement and all the prep work that comes before putting actual color on the wall
fold the laundry
clean the bathrooms
clean up lunch
sweep and mop the kitchen floor

5 jobs i have had

Old Navy
Nordstroms
Snelles Ice Cream Shop
Nurse
Dance Studio Owner

5 things I would do if I was a Billionaire

hire a cleaning lady
hire a chef
hire a painter
hire a nanny
go on vacation for a long long time

6 places I have lived

salt lake
Happy Valley
Jerusalem
Salt Lake City
Boston
SLC

5 bad habits

creating too many projects at once
not folding and putting away the wash
eating chocolate chip cookies for breakfast
drinking too much diet coke
i can be very impatient

6- ish shows I watch often

the Today Show
Super Why
CSI
Deal or No Deal
Without a trace
Reality TV

4 places I would rather be

curled up in bed with a good book
getting a pedicure
on the beach
anywhere warm and sunny!

3 places I go all the time

to the grocery store
Home Depot (okay Dan actually goes more than me but our Debit card goes once a day)
anywhere that sells flowers

going . . . going . . . gone!

2008-05-25T22:16:00.001-06:00

I have decided to go private with our blog.

Because this is the closest I have ever come to keeping a journal and I want to be able to write more honestly and openly about our family experiences.

It also feels safer to me.

Please if you are a reader know that I am happy to have you- I just need to know who you are! I know that there are family, people from HS, college roommates, girls from work and from the ward that read our blog - please continue to do so! Just leave me a comment with your email or email me at dna_murdock@msn.com and you're in!

Memorial Day

2008-05-25T21:47:00.000-06:00

Visiting Grandpa, Steve, Tina & Megans graves.
My dad's mom- Nana!

Sophie, Kate, Lauren & Parker.

May Catch Up!

2008-05-25T20:59:00.000-06:00

Most free moments in May were spent in the backyard. Last summer we had a rock wall put in and this summer it has been time to weed, plant and landscape the backyard. Many thanks to Cousin Elle for her great ideas- and thanks Dan for taking time out of the crazy basement schedule to work on the backyard. Putting the swing-set back together was a great learning moment for me as a mom. Honestly, it wasn't on my list (there are so so many other things to do) But it was on the kids list. They had been asking for a long time- so I re-stained it and Dan put it together one night after work. He didn't finish until after 8 and it was getting dark and cold. But the kids went running out in their pajamas, exclaiming that it was the greatest day of their lives. It made me wish I had put it on MY list sooner.

Mom & Annie taking it easy in the hammock.

Daredevil Meg! This is the other reason I haven't been doing a lot of blogging lately! Meg is very mobile and she has decided that her favorite seat in the house is the top stair! You can see the gate in the background but I have a hard time getting it to fit tight enough that it doesn't move when she pushes on it.

kate and meg posing at the top of the stairs

Annie was in a darling little performance at school about being happy being you! She did a little dragonfly dance and had a little speaking part! Way to go Annie!

Happy Birthday Kate!

2008-05-23T16:06:00.000-06:00

Kate recently celebrated a birthday- and already she is talking about the next one!
Great birthday moments:
Kate's explanation of getting older : "papa- on your birfday you get another number"
Kate wondering about her future career "mom- do vets have birthdays?"
When Kate opened a barbie and horse set- she exclaimed OH! I have been dreaming about this for a long long time!

Kate is always so busy and really her spirit is much bigger than her little body- which has prompted me to often say that I love my kids most while they are sleeping. I realized this after checking on Kate one night and she looked so peaceful. I love the slow rhythmic breathing of a sleeping child. She was smiling in her sleep and she wasn't moving (which is a huge feat if you know Kate- most of the pictures I take of her are blurry because she can't hold still) But even though she was holding still and was quiet, the spirit about her was stronger than I have ever felt before or since. It gave me a feeling of awe and wonder. So, Yes! I love her when she is sleeping because I feel like that great big spirit of hers can communicate with me on a very different level!

Mom: "Kate I love you to pieces"

Kate: "Mom, I love you in THREE pieces"

Mexico!!

2008-05-23T15:00:00.000-06:00

aaaahhhhh! Mexico! what a wonderful, much needed vacation! Funny how we leave our kids and then spend a good portion of our time talking about them- sharing the funny things they say or mentioning how they too would enjoy the waterslide at the pool. Although after watching mom's drag all of the "gear" to the pool, put sunscreen on everyone and then haul it all away again less then an hour later in the middle of someone's meltdown just made me smile and nod, muttering to myself- that's why i left them home!!

The perfect vacation for me includes a body of water, the sun, a good book, a cute cabana boy and pina coladas (virgin of course)!!

We didn't do much besides eat, sit by the pool, read and sleep! So yes it was perfect!

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T08:31:00.000-06:00

First, a few quick comments about what I love about my really cool wife;

1) She lives passionately
She's energetic and ambitious in just about everything she does such as planning to remodel the basement and completely landscape the backyard at the same time! But when she gets an idea in her head whether big or small she goes after it. This makes life both a deathdefying and thrilling ride, just remember to hold on tight! At the same time her passion for life makes all those little moments all the more exciting like making the perfect batch of cookies, finding a good parking space, the smell of kids after a bath, deadheading flowers, or being her kid's favorite.

2)She has a fantastic memory
This is a trait I greatly envy. Not only does she remember holidays and birthdays, she remembers to get people a card or present. She can keep in constant memory all the clothes in the kids closets, what goes with what, clean stuff, dirty stuff, what fits and what doesn't, and she always knows where to find that lost pair of tights or the missing shoe without even looking. Combine her memory with her organizational skills and she runs a pretty smooth operation around here.

3) To use the words of a good friend, "She a Fox"
After 9 1/2 years she's still got it. I am frequently guilty of checking out my wife. The hair, the smile, the figure, it's just a great combination.

4)She's concerned about others
There is a good number of people who have been the recipient of meals she just happened to "make too much of." She's aware of what is going on in other people's lives and tries to find ways to help out, whether babysitting, phone calls, meals, or inviting them to go shopping, she does a lot of nice things for a lot of people.

5)She's loves her family
I am far and away the greatest recipient of her thoughtfulness and it's not hard to realize if she stopped, my life would fall apart. Her love for me is a great motivating force in my life and her passion is contagious. In other words, "I got me a keeper."

Finally, a theory to help make Mother's Day enjoyable for Mom

"The Breakfast in Bed Theory"

Adrianne's mom once said that breakfast in bed, although an incredibly thoughtful gesture, wasn't all it's cracked up to be simply because you end up eating alone. This got me thinking and here's what I came up with. Evidently, the mom doesn't want to be isolated in her room she wants to be where the action is, and despite the fact that all moms get annoyed and/or frustrated with their husband and kids, they don't want the boot. They just want a little payback. They want us to do for them all those things they do for us, even if it's just for a day. In fact, they would probably prefer just one day otherwise we would strew up the rhythm, balance, and order they've so perfectly created. So here's a few tips to keep your mom happy.
First and most important, I can't stress this enough LET HER SLEEP. Really, husbands get out of bed, you can be distracting (especially on a morning you don't have to be anywhere). Sequester the children to a remote location to ensure perfect sleeping conditions. This is quite possibly the most difficult item so think it through, if you don't make it work you may as well stop right here.
Second, SHE REALLY DOES LIKE SURPRISES, really she does, simply because it means you were thinking of her without being prompted. If she can't remember asking for something, or rather, you hearing she wanted something, and you surprise her, there will always be a smile.
Third, GIVE HER A BREAK. This is where breakfast in bed works so well, it is both surprising and something she won't have to do when she gets up. This works exponentially better if you add some pampering to go with it. Assure her everything is taken care of and insist she doesn't need to help. This is difficult for some moms so be confidently considerate and insist.
Finally, and if this is forgotten you've screwed up royally. PICK UP YOUR CRAP. If mom has to get up just to end up cleaning up her own breakfast in bed the whole thing will fail miserably. So keep the place clean. Picking up after other people is one of mom's least favorite things, so stay on your toes and if there is anything suspiciously out of place address it immediately.
GIVE HER JUST ONE JOB. This may sound odd, but if you don't give her something to do she might get confused. So have her get the baby dressed after you give him/her a bath. That way mom enjoys a clean moment with the kid and doesn't feel isolated.
S. in short, simply apply the golden rule and do for you mother all those things she's been doing for you. And tell her you love her.

Eight Things You Might Not Know About Dan

2008-05-02T22:35:00.000-06:00

1. I suck on the phone.
For some reason when I put a phone to my ear my brain goes fuzzy and I lose the ability to sustain prolonged conversations. This was particularly problematic in my younger years (especially when I spoke with a charming young lady) and I had to write a script of question and things to talk about. I can’t say this worked all that well because I finally quit talking on the phone and would go out of my way to talk face to face. I still, at times, find myself in need of a script especially when I’m supposed to get or relay information such as new born baby stats or dinner plans. Currently my only way to overcome this weakness is to use a “Roadrunner Approach.” I get in and out of the conversation as quick as possible, “beep, beep.” This is most noticeable when I leave a message because I tend to talk three times my normal speed and need constant reminders to slow down. So if I have ever left you an unintelligible message or cut you off in the middle of a conversation I’m sorry and I’m working on it.

2. My memory is not so great…
unless it is useless information. Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you walked in there? I tend to do that a lot. Have you ever been asked to get something and forget by the time you’ve crossed the room? I tend to do that a lot. Better yet, I usually end up getting something completely unrelated. How many tries does it take you to leave the house in the morning? At least two. Adrianne has gotten used to my mid-morning stop by the house because I forgot something. But hey, if you need a partner for trivia pursuit I’m your guy.

3. I’ve got some seriously messed up toes.
For real, I’ll never know if I have kingly feet because my second toe (on both feet) bends at a 45 degree angle away from my big toe and my pinkie toes lay on their sides with the toenails out. No, I wasn’t the sad victim of some cruel foot binding ritual, I’ve just got messed up toes. I'll spare you a picture.

4. I’m from Boston and I’m a twin
Oddly enough, most people don’t know. These are the two bits of information people are usually most surprised about. I figured this would have gotten out, but I suppose my diluted accent doesn’t show off my heritage as it once did. You want another one? I have a Master’s degree in Religious studies and I work as a general contractor, how’s that for surprising?

5. I always kissed before the first date
I can’t say I intended it that way, it’s just the way it worked out

6. I tend to theorize
I have a habit of developing theories on a vast range of subjects from social and relationship issues to weather, sports, or conspiracies. My more referenced theories include the “5 steps to a perfect breakdown,” “Equal attraction theory,” “Cornflake theory,” and “Duck Theory.” I figure my theorizing is a by product, or perhaps survival instinct, developed as a result of being the younger sibling to three older brothers. Each had talents and skills beyond mine and in order to get by I had to find new and creative means to look at the world in different ways, thereby attempting to…wait, here I go again.

7. I really am funny
I tend to be very reserved, therefore I come off as shy or disinterested. But this isn’t quite the case. First, I have somewhat of a dry sense of humor and people don’t always know if I’m joking or serious. This confusion is actually a great source of laughs for me. Second, I’ve just put my foot in my mouth so many times I tend to hold back until I feel comfortable around people before I joke around. Plus, I tend to find when people try too hard to be funny they come off as annoying or dumb. So be patient, I just might say something funny.

8. This is my first (and perhaps last) blog.
I just don’t spend much time on the computer and after reading this back wonder if it’s possible to blog without making yourself look lame or awkward. Besides, how do you all find the time? I will admit, however, I’ve felt better connected to some old friends since I’ve learned to blog stalk.

7 things you don't know about me!!

2008-05-01T18:00:00.000-06:00

1. I don't watch The Office

I don't get it! I honestly have tried to jump on the bandwagon, but I don't even think its funny! There I said it! (hopefully we can all still be friends) To be honest I don't watch many popular shows like Lost, Desperate Housewives, Grey's, Scrubs, Dancing with the Stars etc!

2. I am a Syrup snob! I prefer homemade Syrup! ("poor man's Syrup" as my sister in- law calls it)

This actually puts a huge damper on going out for breakfast because I can never order anything that requires syrup. So I am limited to omelets- which I enjoy but would like to branch out occasionally! I blame this on my dad- I grew up with my Dad being in charge of breakfast and he used to make us yummy things with homemade syrup!

One Sunday morning Dan decided to surprise me by making French Toast! We were just about out of the homemade syrup (that he has no clue how to make) so he poured some store bought- Aunt Jemima garbage into the bottle! I was not fooled, and although I grumbled about it the whole time I still ate it. Dan remembers my response being similar to the SNL when Chris Farley goes postal over his coffee being switched- sorry but the video I tried to upload had wacko music (which I couldn't hear at home because my speakers are broken- sorry!!)

3. I order the same thing every time!

If I go to one of my favorite places to eat- I order the same thing every time! Sometimes I wish I could venture out but I hate to be disappointed and not like it! Cafe Rio- Salad; Red Butte- French Onion Soup and house pasta; Dodo- Turkey & Swiss; Carl Jr- #1 . . . you get the idea!

4. I hate to clean!

I like clean things and I love a clean house- but as for me and the actual cleaning- ugh! The love to clean gene was not passed down to me from my mother who loves to Sargent Steam! I have to work really hard every day to keep my house clean and sometimes I can't keep up. There is actually a lot of guilt involved because I feel like I should be a person who likes to keep a clean and tidy house. That said, out of guilt I clean for my mom and I clean when I know people are coming over so as to give the impression that I am cleaner, tidier person. I can't wait for the day when I can hire a cleaning lady- won't that be great! Sorry mom and Gretel I hate to disappoint you!

5. I don't really like Chocolate!

What? How can anyone not like chocolate? Well honestly despite my famous Chocolate Cake making - I could count on one hand the times I have actually eaten it. Not to say that I will never eat chocolate or that I hate it. I just not a woman whose favorite foods are CHOCOLATE!!CHOCOLATE! CHOCOLATE!! I like chewy and fruity candy- startbursts, sweedish fish, skittles. And for dessert I would pick creme brule, cheesecake, apple crisp, even angel food cake with fruit and strawberries. And my favorite way to eat ice cream- vanilla with caramel, bananas and nuts!

6. I am so 5 years ago!

This is actually a sad confession, but it is very true that I am usually 5 years behind the curve. I am never up with the latest and greatest. This is in stark contrast to my posh sisters! I don't have an i -phone or an i-pod for that matter. I didn't have a cell phone until after we were married. We don't have cable or dish- so there's no Tivo or DVR. I am way behind on new music and new bands which I am sure is a huge embarrassment to my brother-in-laws. I just barely caught on to blogging- and there is no music, maps, voting polls or uploaded video of cute things my kids do. And then there's the clothes- when I find a good thing it is hard to let go. I would still wear jeans and flannel shirts if my family would let me.

Here's the hard part- it's not that I don't want to be cool-rather it doesn't come easily for me like it does for other people. I don't have any cute shoes, purses or belts. I guess function trumps fashion and hence why I wear jeans and a t-shirt almost every day. And those aren't designer jeans I wearing but something from TJ Maxx . Most days for hanging out with the kids it works but I wish I had cuter more stylish clothes for when I have somewhere to go. (I would love to go shopping with a few of you to show me how! )

7. I have a Tattoo!

As many of you remember I went on a cruise two summers ago with my grandparents. Dan and I thought it would be fun to get temporary tattoos (like the henna ones) that would last for the cruise but would eventually wear off! Well, you pregnant gals know that eventually is all relative because it has been awhile and it still hasn't worn off yet! I guess there really was a language barrier! No not really, but I have always wanted one- and even after revealing my secrets- I feel kinda boring so I thought I would spice it up a little bit!! ha ha!

And thats a wrap! I tag Ashley, Dan, Lauren Pew, Ashlee (it will help pass the time) and Julie & anyone else who is feeling self- revealing!