Social Awkwardnesses

Tonight I went to the store to get pumpkins, and what not, while checking out the girls were talking about a casserole that you make inside the pumpkins.  Just to make conversation, I said Really?  So, she also just making conversation said, Weird huh? My only response to that is yeah.

All of a sudden some bagger comes out of nowhere and says, 'actually, these pumpkins are squashes, so it's not that weird.  People cook squash all the time... and on and on about how pumpkins are really squash, but different than real squash...  I kind of ignored him to answer the check out girls questions if I wanted cash back, etc. So, he just stopped in mid sentence and said sorry.  So, I of course then felt obligated to say, no, it's interesting... and then had to listen to him tell me that he's really a farmer (from denver!)  I don't know if I'm weird or what, but I hate leaving someplace with that feeling like I just made someone feel like an idiot.  Instead I end up feeling like the idiot.  What is wrong with me?

BTW

Oh, and you know my new car?  Well, while transporting good for the afore mentioned bakery, a bag of liquid egg spilt all over the carpet in the back.  At least they were pasturized eggs, huh?

Empty I'm Sorry's

When you say you're sorry it means you won't do it again... So, I know I've said that I would not neglect my posting again, but I did.  And I will probably do it again at some point.  Here is a quick recap...

The bakery has been all consuming, but looks like might actually open next week.  Still, if anyone needs a job, I'm your gal.  When I am not at the bakery or doing stuff for the bakery, or thinking about the bakery or hiring for the bakery, I have been eating and breathing soccer.  Both boys have 2 games a week and a practice and last week they also had pictures.  There was one day that we didn't have a soccer related event.  I used to like soccer.  If you have never seen 5 year olds play soccer, well, let's just say you don't know pain.  It has been so painful...  I know he looks pretty gun ho now, 

but the magic faded for him after the first half of the first game.  Now he wanders around the field playing with the draw string on his shorts and pulling his arms into his shirt as to pretend he has no arms.  (Not quite as bad as the little kid that was goalie on the team last week.   Whenever the ball started coming toward the goal, he would run around the goal trying to see how many times he could get around it before we scored)  I am however, pretty certain that the other parents think he is 'special'.  Last Saturday I asked him if he was going to try and touch the ball this time and he said 'No!' and  looked at me with the same look I would imagine would be on Rob's face if I asked if he had ever dressed up as a woman and walked the streets before. Let's just say, we will be enrolling him in art class next time, not sports.  He will like that much better.  

Riley scored a couple of goals and has also been a pretty good goalie.  I'm sad that every time it happens I've been chasing Jackson around and missed it. 

Jackson turned 2 on October 2nd.  It's amazing how overnight we seemed to enter the terrible two's.  One day he was a totally chill kid and the next, he started trying to show us who's boss.  He is still our quiet before the storm compared to Riley and Parker...   Oh the joys of parenthood.

I Just Love Black Cars

I bought a new car today... well, new to me.  2005 Honda Pilot.  Black.  Leather.  Heated seats.   I was REALLY surprised!  I really didn't think I would like it, the salesman had to practically force me to test drive it, as soon as I sat in it I loved it.  When I took it home and took the boys for a ride, the very first thing Parker said was 'it's got 6 cup holders!'  It must be a genetic trait to look for cup holders or something.  Maybe it's a survival instinct, we just have to have a place to put our stuff.  It even has one more seat than my cruiser, not to mention more than 100,000 less.   So, I guess this means I need to sell my car.  Anyone want a 97 Land Cruiser?  It's black.

Cheap Entertainment

Right now I'm watching the boys... Rob just told them he would give them $100 if they could lick their own elbows.

Good stuff.

Riley lost his first tooth yesterday.  Luckily the tooth fairy got the message and Riley is happy as a pig in a mud bath.  I can actually see the tooth that is coming in already.  I don't remember my teeth coming in that fast after loosing them.  I wish I had not put off getting our family picture done.  

 I mentioned to Riley that he was growing up and then he broke out in tears saying that he didn't want to move out, he never wanted to leave, he always wants to live here with me.  I tried to comfort him and told him I wasn't going to kick him out any time soon and that he could stay, but that when he gets married his wife probably won't want to live with me and Rob.  He just looked at me real seriously and asked 'why?'  I had no answer other than 'she might want to be with just you.'  Then through his tears he looked at me and said 'But I love you more than anything.'  Cue my tears... It was so sweet.

Any Statistitions Out There?

The end of June Rob and I got tickets to Tuachaun to see Les Miserables.   We had never been before.  My Mom said that she happen to also be going that same night when I asked if she could stay with the boys for the night.  What a coincidence!  So, we get there Saturday night, figuring that we probably wouldn't even see them in the crowd.  So, when we sat down, guess what we saw next to us?  My mom and dad.

Seriously?  What are the odds?  There are what, A THOUSAND seats there?  We didn't buy them at the same time or from the same place.

Here is a conversation I overheard that took place in the middle of Parker throwing a fit that Rob and I were ignoring...

Riley:  Mom!

Parker:  She can't hear you Riley!  (I could, I just didn't answer yet.)

Riley:  Will you tell her I need her?

Parker:  No.

Riley:  Why not?

Parker:  Because I'm busy whining.

He promptly started freaking out again.  I wish they could stay on task so well when they were cleaning their room.

Bad Blogger!

I admit, I suck as a blogger.  I'm not sure if it's because I just have nothing cool to say or if I'm just so tired by the time I get home that I just don't care.  I do wish that I had my camera with me at the store yesterday.  If I did, you would all be enjoying the scene I had when the employee after ringing me up took a step backwards, modeling a pair of BRIGHT blue granny underwear on top of her plaid shorts and said 'do you guys like the new color?'  It was awesome.  No one even noticed until she said something.  Guess it goes to show how little we pay attention to the people around us sometimes.  

IT Help

I need some help from all you experienced bloggers.  I need to put something on the Hagermann's blog where people can comment if they want me to contact them about working there.  But I want it to always be at the top, not just a regular post that will move on as the next post comes.  Can I do that?  If anyone knows how I can do this, please let me know.  And of course if you know anyone that needs a job, that would be helpful too.  

Anyone Else Had This Problem?

How can I convince Jackson that I'm not walking around with a couple of balls stashed in my shirt?  He always tries to find the balls at the most inopportune time.  

Open Invitation

Sunday is Riley's birthday.  When I asked him what he wanted he said to go bowling... anyone interested? We'd be going on Saturday night.   I've found that with bowling, the more the merrier.

is it wrong that I didn't want to use the red eye fix on my computer because I think this looks vampirish?

First Day

Today was Parker's first day of school.  Can I just say that 1/2 day Kindergarten is a waste.  I feel like I drop him off and have to turn right around to pick him up again.  Does anyone else feel this way?  Do I seem like I'm trying to ditch my kid?  I'm not really, it's just a pain.  But regardless of it being short, or probably because it was short, Parker LOVED it.  When I picked  him up he asked when he gets to go back to his school again.  When I told him tomorrow, he got really excited and asked if he could even go on saturday.  Oh well, he'll grow out of liking school all too soon I'm sure.  

Spoiled

I can see now that I've been spoiled for the past few weeks.  We've had Rob's niece Mesa living with us as a nanny.  My life has almost no stress anymore, just the bakery stuff now.  I don't have to put all the kids in the car to drop Riley off at school, (he started Monday) I don't even have to take the kids to the store if I don't want to.  I've even had a little reprieve from changing 98% of the diapers.  Mesa has also been AWESOME at keeping the house clean.  She went camping with her family this past weekend and by Saturday afternoon I was standing in my kitchen thinking 'Where did all these dishes come from?'  She has been an absolute life saver and will definitely be missed.  Her last day here is on Thursday and Jack is going to cry when she goes.  When ever she leaves to go to the store or something he just stands there with his arms out beckoning to the recently closed door saying 'Sissy?' (I know it doesn't sound anything like Mesa, but regardless, that is her name.)  He gets very worried about her absence.  I'm going to get very worried about my dishes, but even more importantly, she is awesome with the kids.  So Mesa, you are welcome anytime.  

Parker says...

I just realized that it's been a really long time since I've blogged and I don't know what I've missed.  So, I will fill you in on the best part of my day.  Riley and Parker were playing with Ian and I received this text from Davy...  

Parker:  "Simon says, Riley, pretend not to be a dummy."   

A Little Proud Of Myself

I'm feeling a little boastful right now.  I just got home from changing my own brakes and rotors.  I am COVERED in grease, and only hit myself in the face once while holding a rachet (not a clue how to really spell that word, but I even had grease lines in the shape of my fist on the side of my face.  BUT, I DID IT!  I have also changed a flat tire and my rear brakes as well in the past 2 weeks (almost by myself).  My Dad should be a gimp more often so I can learn new things.  Besides that, Rob thinks it's hot.

The Boys Are Back In Town

We drove to Idaho on Saturday to pick up the boys.  We weren't supposed to go until Sunday, but we missed them too much and we were both done with work early, so we figured why not?  When we got there Jackson just looked at me and it took him about 3 good long seconds to realize who I was and then he just smiled and said 'Mommy!' and reached out his arms for me to pick him up.  When I did he laid his head down on my shoulder and didn't move for about a half an hour.  It was the best hug ever!  Riley even learned how to ride without training wheels while he was there.  The biggest shocker of all is that Parker played outside, bugs and all.  It was really nice to see them again.  Glad they went, but more glad they are back.  It was way too quiet around here.

It's a World I Don't Remember

Let me just say that the store is actually a nice place to go... when you don't have 3 boys asking to go to the toy aisle over and over and over again.  I went to Sam's with my mom, about half way through our trip I noticed it was REALLY quiet.  So nice.  

p.s. I really do miss them, just not EVERYTHING about them.

Playing Scouts

We went up to the Frontier Scout camp for the annual Simmons Family Reunion for the weekend.  I was so glad to be out of our house and the boys had a blast.  Riley fished every chance he got.  He even fished in his sleep.  Saturday night I  woke up 3 or 4 times because Riley kept talking about his fishing pole in his sleep.  Parker even went out of the cabin despite the bugs.  Jack was so cute in his boots.  He kept picking up rocks and dropping them in the water and saying "wah wah" (water)... It didn't do much for my nerves to have him around the lake at a family party thanks to my dream, but we all survived. 
Here we all are.
Sunday morning all 3 of the boys went home with cousins for the week and we won't get them back until Sunday... Whatever will I do?  Answer: Anything I want.

I've Missed My Keyboard

So last Thursday night I came home from work and only half of the keys on my keyboard worked and there was liquid in the bottom of it.  (It has a clear bottom, so I could see it.)  When I asked Riley about it he said the babysitter's drink spilt.  I've been going through with drawls.   I could still look at blogs because I have them bookmarked and my mouse still worked, but it was a bit like being in a conversation with my mouth taped shut.  I discovered I have a need to comment.  I think maybe if I don't it's like I'm spying, but if I comment, I know you know I know... Anyway keyboard arrived safely and is in working condition.  Weekend stuff to follow shortly, but for now I have to stain my cabinets while the boys are all gone for the week.  It is SOOOOOOOO quiet around here and there is a shocking less amount of laundry to do.  

I Know What Jackson Will Want When He's Older

Today Davy took Jack on a ride on his new motorcycle... He freaking loved it.   Just look at the smile on that kids face.  

How To Know If Your Kid Thinks Your Ugly

Tonight Parker was showing me all the scrapes on his legs that he thought needed band-aids.  I showed him one on my arm that was noticeably worse than his pin-head sized scabs and said "Look this doesn't even need one."  Then being funny Rob pointed to his own face (with nothing wrong with it) and said "Look I don't even have a band-aid on this!"  Parker just looked at him and in his most sympathetic voice said "Ouch.  That has to hurt."  We had a pretty good chuckle... 

Hallelujah!!!

I am EXTREMELY happy! Today I was getting ready to go and just turned my camera on and it actually turned on... and worked! So, no more flash back blogging for me for a bit.

Then we went to Kelly's house and went slip n' sliding. Watching Parker try to slip n' slide will put a smile on anyone's face. This is one of the less painful attempts.

Usually he looked like a plane crash about 5 feet before he got to the slide. I finally had to just lay him down on his belly and push him down the slide. But check out this cute kid...
Plus, while I was there Kelly told me how to make this chicken, which will be my very first food blog... which is fitting, because it's my very first grown up meal to make as well...

Stuffed Chicken

First, pick ANYTHING you have to stuff it with. I happen to have broccoli and cheese...


Pound the meat until nice and big and flat (sorry, I guess I didn't take a pic of that.) Put stuffing's and seasonings (I just used salt & pepper) on top...



Roll up and tie or use tooth pic's. (I've heard you pliers might be involved if you use tooth pic's, so we just tied them.)

Brown them on the stove and then pop it in the oven for about 15 minutes.... Walla. Stuffed Chicken.

Freaking good stuff. Even the boys ate it. Next time I might try pineapple and ham.

Thanks Kelly for the adult meal... Rob even said thanks for cooking out loud.

The Final Act

This is the final broadcast I recovered from that fateful day when my camera was pushed into a coma, way before it's time to go. This is the last thing it saw before it became incapacitated.

No, I'm not crying... just grieving.

Ode to Rob

Well, since I won't have any new photos until I can get my camera fixed... and it will be a while, I figured it might be a good time to catch up on the stuff I haven't done.  So, if you don't want a trip down memory lane and curious thoughts with me, you might want to tune out for a month or so.  

So, it's not Rob's birthday or anything, but I don't think I tell him enough how lucky I am to have him.  He's better than Edward.  (That's a REALLY good thing, Rob.)  He is really good at what he does too.  I never really thought of Rob as the creative type before, but this is evidence that I had just not seen him in his element before.  After all, he made this

from this, even better, these rocks weren't really there before either, so really he made it from a big pile of dirt.  I have to say I'm impressed.

Not to mention how sexy he is... and willing to humiliate himself on my behalf.  I love you.

The Post That Got Skipped

So, before my camera was so rudely broken I was going to post this.   It took a while for me to calm down enough to even down load my last set of photo's.  At least I have them.

A Month of Reunion's

This month has been a great month for dinners with long lost friends.   Sunday we had dinner with Matt & Nichole and their little girl Maddison.   She's so cute, see...

I haven't really seen Cole forever.  It was really nice to talk.  If there is one thing I want to change about myself it is that I don't want to go through life wishing I spent more time with the people I love.  It's one of those things that you don't really know how much you miss it until it's gone.  Having all of these get together's has really shown me how much I'm missing in my life when I don't make the time to be with the people I love.   Sometimes I feel like it's more trouble than it's worth to load up the kids and make an event of something.  I am always rewarded more than my effort, but I am so quick to forget. I can't wait until Rob is done with school and I don't have that excuse anymore.  Anyway, we really had fun and it was the best hamburger I've had in a long time.  I don't know what Matt put in it, but good job Matt.  

Rob was totally smitten by this tree.  It's half varigated and half not.  Pretty cool huh?

AAAGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!

I am sick to my stomach right now.  Riley asked to use my camera and I told him no.  (He wanted to pretend it was a news camera.)  He snuck it anyway and when he put it down Jackson brought it in to me.  I asked Jackson to give it to me and he freaked out and threw it onto the tile floor.  Now when I try to turn it on it just says 'lens error'.   I really want to hurt someone.

Little Miracles...

So, today was Parker's birthday.  Since Rob had to go straight to school from work we let Parker open almost all of his presents at breakfast.  It was nice for him to be able to play with them all day while Riley was at school... hard to get Riley to go to school though.  His favorite present was his 'Indiana Jones Sound Effects Whip'.  And that is exactly what he calls it every time he talks about it.  It reminds me of A Christmas Story.  So cute and so dramatic. 

We weren't planning any kind of birthday stuff tonight because tomorrow we are going to the Mayan to celebrate.  However, last night as he was going to sleep he told me he was dreaming of his cake.  It was an Army cake.  How could I deny him that?  So here it is.  Or at least this is how it started... 

The plain camo looked pretty cool, but I just couldn't leave it at that.  So I had to set up a fight scene.  And add dirt.

I didn't count on the camo being quite so good at hiding the army guys from the top view, but I guess that's kind of what it does.

When I turned around I found Jackson eating out of the frosting bowl with the bridge from Indiana Jones Life as his spoon.  I wish I had taken a photo of him in action, but I sacrificed the photo op for the game so this is all I got.

The boys were really wound up after cake and playing all afternoon, so I tried something a little different.  I think I hypnotized them.  I told them they were on the plane with Indy in Temple of Doom and Indy had just put the hat over his face and fallen to sleep and so they did the same.  While they were asleep they went digging with Indy and he started to bury them with sand, starting with their toes and working his way up.  By the time I got to the belly button Riley said 'Mom, I really can't move my legs.' Which is when I had to tell them that if he didn't close his mouth Indy might put sand in it so he wouldn't talk... it kind of killed the mood from all the giggling, but it was worth it.  The were still asleep within 5 minutes and I don't think they have moved a muscle in the past 3 hours.  It was a fun day with the boys.  My favorite gift that Parker got today was actually from Riley.  It's not the Lego Indiana Jones Set either.  Riley did this one all on his own with NO parental prompting involved.  He trated him like a great big brother should... he opened doors for him, let him go first, he didn't fight with him at all and he shared like a champ.  He even showed him how to strap the whip onto Parker's pants instead of his own.  I hope Riley saw how much love was in Parkers face today for him.  He looks up to him so much and I'm glad that today Riley gave him a reason to.  Today, he was the best big brother you could ask for.  I hope Riley understood how proud I was of him today when I told him.  I guess some things really are priceless.

If You're Interested...

I started the blog for the bakery last night.  Give it a look and let me know what you think... Suggestions would be very helpful.  It was pretty late/early when I put it together...  Check it out here.  When we figure out when were opening downtown I will put in a countdown clock or something off that nature as well.  Anything else?  You have all been blogging longer than me, so you should have some suggestions for me.

Sorry If I Gave It To You!

Well, I went to the doc today and was told I have strep.  No big surprise to me, I could feel it something bad.  Last night (3 am) I got up because it hurt so bad.  I was contemplating performing my own tonsilectomy with dental floss, but didn't because what if my tonsils were to drop down my throat and choke me.   My tonsils were so swollen I was having trouble breathing and I was coughing up blood.  So I bit the not having insurance bullet and went in anyway.  They fixed me right up, gave me some steroids and antibiotic and I'm already able to swallow again, not totally pain free, but able.  So that just leaves one question... What did they do before drugs?  Oh, sorry, two questions... since I have no voice today why does that make my kids whisper too?

We Couldn't Have Been Luckier

Rob, we couldn't have been luckier.  You're the best.  I don't know another man that would put up with all the crap around here.  Literally.  Not to mention all my crying.   You are the hardest working guy I know and I know my own dad would probably take you over me.  Besides, look at the cute kids you make... so what if they're all boys, as long as they all turn out like you.  We love you.  Thanks for being such a great dad. 

Happy Father's Day Grandpa!

                                        Dad, what can I say about you being my dad.  I guess it's a good thing you were my dad, because someone else might not have been so patient with me.  Someone else might have killed me when I 'borrowed' their car... when I was 13.   I've missed being at the bakery when it's just us on Saturday mornings.  It was nice to have you all to myself.  You are a good man and a great dad.  I don't think the boys could have asked for a better grandpa.  We sure love you.  Happy Father's Day.  Of course, here a few pictures of you and your favorite kid.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Last night Ian had a sleep over with us and the boys really wanted to do something for grandma's birthday, so we are taking her to the bakery for breakfast and made her this little birthday greeting.  (I'm not sure what the 'life savors' are doing in the movie, but they wouldn't do it without them.)  Mom, we love you and are so happy you are our mom/grandma/lego starwars buddy/friend/advisor/whatever I need you to be at that precise moment.  You have always been there for me when I really needed you.  Sorry for all the grief and sleepless nights through the years.  So, happy birthday from all of us.   I love  you and hope you have a great day.

Can't Stand The Thought Of Being Without This Face...

I had a horrible dream last night about Jackson drowning.  I awoke with the most sickening feeling... I've been crying all morning.  I just can't stand the thought of not walking into his room in the mornings and poking my head in and hearing him say MAMA! Or hearing him Baaghhhh at dogs.  He brought me the remote this morning and said 'bru cru?' (translation: will you put blues clues on the tv for me mom?)He is so cute and I can't imagine my life or our family without him.  I have to keep squeezing him today.  It's not even 9am and I think I've kissed him 50 times today.  (He is edible, isn't he?) I guess nightmares can be good if they help you not take things for granted. (it did make me a little soft though, I let him have a popsicle and pizza for breakfast... I just can't say no to this face today.) I love you Jack.

Good Times & Good Friends

Saturday was of course my birthday.  What better present could I ask for than to get up at 3am and go to the bakery for my dad.  I only had to stay until about 8:30 though and then it got good.  We took the Riley and Parker to Indiana Jones which they loved.  They were only scared about the ants, of course Parker was freaked about giant ants that carry you off, but Riley, that was something new.  Riley, (he has really wanting to go on another vacation) leaned over to me and said "Mom, I've decided I just want to stay home."  Not sure what he meant I probed for more info and he said, "what if we go on a trip and we go somewhere where they are?"  If was a bit much in the computer graphics and sci-fi, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything. (Twilight isn't out yet, duh.) It made the boys sooooo happy.  Then we took the boys to play with Grandma Riley and went to Sampan with Clint & Laura... adults only.  While we were waiting I even got to run over to the Deseret Book and read the first chapter in Breaking Dawn, which was released today. (What a great present!)  Afterwards, we went over to their house and had desert and played games.  Totally yummy!  We really don't see enough of these guys.  

To top the weekend off, Sunday we had a BBQ with Kelly and Kelly, whom we haven't seen for years... and I hope it's not that long until we see them again.  They have 3 boys who are so funny and almost the exact same age as our boys.  Not to mention that dinner was delish!!!  We had chicken with Famous Daves BBQ sauce and curried couscous and frozen key lime pie... I totally recommend them all.  Kelly of course blogged about it already which you can check out here.  I love the picture of Jack she took.  She is so good. 

 Then we watched the Twilight scene preview on the MTV music awards and played Rock Band.  It kicks Guitar Hero's butt.  It was definitely a good time.  Can't wait to see them again.  Riley and Parker told me they wished they lived there.  All I could say was "yeah, me too."  It was fun.

Great News... just not mine

Well, last night I got a phone call from my dad.  He said I had a new sister-in-law.  I was not quite feeling great and for a minute, I thought, who was pregnant?  I then realized that that's not how you get a sister-in-law.  So last weekend Chris and Christine went to Vegas and were married on Saturday.  I feel a little sorry for Christine, but Chris totally scored.  (Just kidding Chris.)  Then I find out that someone was pregnant... Christine.  She is due on Christmas Day.  (A lot of Chris' there... Chris, Christine, Christmas...) Anyway, it makes so much more sense to me now that Chris was looking at our nursery last time he was here!  I just know the jerks will have a girl... It's so not fair.  I am really excited thought, they will both be great parents. Congrats!!  We are so happy for you.  Love ya!

Twilight

Holy Crap!  I'm sure I was the last person on the planet to read this book, but if you by some chance have eluded the Twilight, you must simply give in.  I bought it yesterday morning, but didn't really start until 10:00 last night.  I thought I would just read a little bit to see what it was like.  Yeah, no.  I was up until 4:30 this morning.  I absolutely could not put it down.  I know part of it was my OCD kicking in, but it was just not what I was expecting.  I did make one mistake, I read the preview to book 2... and I don't actually have book 2 yet.  I guess you know where I'm going as soon as I'm done here.  Does anyone want to volunteer to watch my kids, eat and pee for me so I can read?

Ah, Little Boys

Some days as a Mother are better than others.  I think a lot depends on how long my fuse happens to be that day.  The longer the fuse, the more little things I take time to notice and appreciate, which in turn, I think the rest of the family appreciates as well.  Yesterday on the way to take Riley to school I was privy to a great random conversation.  I was asking Riley the regular questions of do you have your backpack, your lunch, yes, it's a short day, etc..  All of a sudden Parker asks "Why doesn't Patrick have a nose?" Riley's comment was of course, "uh, because he's a star fish!"  So Parker in his most inquisitive almost 5 years old voice replied, "but sponges don't have noses either.  Do octopuses have noses?"  And then for the remainder of the ride they had a great discussion about which sea creatures actually have noses and which don't.  I was pretty impressed that there was no yelling involved.  Which is kind of unusual for a ride to school, let alone a discussion of that nature.  

Later that night Jackson took the controller for a boat into the backyard where there happen to be a moth/flying bug with wings and he started moving the control knobs.  He got so excited when the moth started moving around that I swear he thought he was controlling the moth with the remote.  Then of course he thought that it might be best if he just tried to eat the remote.  But the best part of the day was being greeted by these flowers that the boys picked.  Some days are just better than others.

Just a little side note about one of my boys... Parker is currently writing a song titled "Gotta Aim My Pee."  It's a #1 best seller for sure... No pun intended. 

Alta Concert

Last night we went to a concert at Alta High School.  Rob's dad is retiring this year and his is one of his last concerts. (He's been the choir director for 21 years at Alta.) We were a little worried if Riley and Parker would be able to sit there the whole time, but as you can tell, Parker did just fine.  In fact, I'm guessing he was the most well behaved kid there.   It will be nice to have Stephen home for the holidays instead of always out doing concerts.  We're excited for you to finally have some puttering time.  Congrats & we love you!

The Magic of the Universe

Ok, so right now I love the universe.  I only recently started blogging... and becoming addicted to others blogs as well.  I remembered one of my favorite peoples blog site (definitely my favorite boss, sorry Chris.)  I started reading it just to see what was going on with her.  I was reading her blog (which is a GREAT blog) about a time she threw up because she thought bren farted and was thinking I can totally hear her telling this story.  (She and Kelly D are both such great story tellers.) I was just missing her.  Then as I was getting ready to actually do something around the house I noticed that she posted a comment on my blog and wanted my email.  I don't know how she found me, but as always, I'm glad she did.  So Kelly, I miss you damn it and you better e-mail me.  robandcara@gmail.com

Rites of Passage

This may not seem like a big deal, but Riley helped Rob mow the lawn for the first time yesterday.  He really is getting older.  I guess that's better than the alternative.  It just seems as if so much is changing so quickly.  He's only in kindergarten, but he is so independent in so many ways.  There is so much that he is so determined to do, I guess I should be grateful that he still lets me give him a kiss goodbye in public.  I'm sure that will be coming soon too.  I only wish I had a better memory.  I feel like there is so many details that I have forgotten and so many more that I forget to notice.  

The Bottle

So, this is just a guess, but I think I might have a hard time breaking this kid from his bottle.

The Retard That I Am

Holy crap I am a totally defunct photographer!  Right now I am totally ashamed to say that I ever worked at a studio... and the studio probably is too.  I totally wasn't thinking about them being squirmy little kids when I was taking these photo's as you can witness by the blurry Jackson in the back.  I full on admit to being temporarily stupid for the day.  Sorry Davy, Michelle and all our kids.  Anyway, here are the best of the bad photo's, we'll see what Davy can do with them... 

Does Betty Crocker Have Kids?

Does Betty Crocker have kids?  I don't think so.  How in the hell would she ever have time to make all that crap if she did?  Well, at the very least, she must not let them help in the kitchen.  Wednesday night was Rob's last final (for this semester), so we decides to surprise him with Riley and Parkers first cake from scratch.  I'm not sure which was the fatal error: the milk and flour that were supposed to be in the bowl, that in fact ended up on the floor, counter tops and the boys; or the fact that it mixed for about 15 minutes too long (because we kept having the' it's my turn to put it in' argument).  

The edges turned out all right, but the center was 

about 2 inches too low.  We of course did our best 

to make it look like we totally did it on purpose.  

"We were going for that layered look to really 

frame in the center of the cake."

However it looked Jackson totally didn't care.  All that really matters is that there was frosting on it.  I'm thinking that picking frosting off of cakes must be a genetic trait.  

He just started in one spot and started going around the edges.  Of course every once in a while he would pause to see who knew what he was up to.

Did anyone see me do that?  Why aren't they stopping me?