The Simmons Story

Photo Book

2011-10-11T11:25:00.001-06:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Turn your favorite photos into a photo book at Shutterfly.com.

Pinewood Derby

2011-06-01T22:50:00.003-06:00

Riley's pinewood derby was last night. Just one more thing to feel bad about missing... He took first place. I wish I could have been there, but Rob did his duty and took video for me. Here is one of the heats... He is in the lane farthest away.

He was SOOOOOO happy when I talked to him on Skype, but I think my dad might have been even prouder than Riley...

Emotional Rollercoaster

2011-05-31T13:16:00.002-06:00

So today is my birthday. This morning I went over to have my NST like normal and I returned to a decorated room. Balloons, a Happy Birthday sign and more than 50 butterflies hanging from my ceiling. So here is my happy photo for the day...

The day sort of tanked immediately after that. I started crying when I came back because it was just so unexpected and nice of everyone here, I hadn't even sat down yet and Rob called, he heard me crying and said, "So I guess you heard about your dad." I guess it's payback from me calling Rob and waking him up to tell him my water broke. This time it was my turn to say "uh, what?"

Apparently, my dad had an appointment this morning and they did a stress test. Admitted him and had heart surgery by 1:00. I hear he is doing fine. I'm sure he will be asking for fireballs soon. Needless to say, it's been a stressfull birthday!

yesterday

2011-05-31T13:09:00.002-06:00

This was definitely the best part of my day yesterday.

The boys had school off for the holiday and spent about 7 hours here with me. We played battleship and Busytown Mysteries I spy and went for a walk. It was so nice to see them. I feel like I've been missing so much lately between the school performances and baseball games... Anyway, they made my day. I love you guys! Can't wait til we can do it again at home.

Just Not In The Mood Today

2011-05-29T21:31:00.002-06:00

I just haven't felt in the mood today to take photo's of my room, so I'm showing you a photo that I have from the puppies that were born on Riley's birthday a few years ago. I will also share with you a dream I had the other day during my morning nap... I sound so old! I feel like I'm 90, I swear, they bring me my dinner at 4:30, take naps in between my shows and have to wear diapers. When I get older and have to do this all again for different reasons I really want something to kill me.... Anyway, back to my dream... I had a dream that instead of a baby I had a puppy. And by that I mean I BIRTHED a puppy. He was really cute. He was a scottish terrier, black, like the one in the Lady and the Tramp. And to top it off he was born with a hat on. (No pun intended...) The wierd part (besides the obvious weird part) was that I just kept looking at him and thinking "He doesn't look like any of my other boys." Of course my second thought was that the aid in the nursery was going to make fun of him because he was such a hairy baby.

When I woke up I told Rob. First he asked if they had been giving me any pain meds, then he wanted to know if the puppy talked. Silly Rob, doesn't he know that babies can't talk?

Final Count Down!

2011-05-26T18:00:00.002-06:00

This may not be the most 'interesting' of photo's to any of you, but for me it is a light at the end of a tunnel. June 13 is final day this kido will be kicking around in my belly and June 16 I finally will get to go home! The count down is on!

My life 24/7 right now...

2011-05-25T19:22:00.003-06:00

I know that both of you that still ocationally glance at my blog already know what I've been up to for the past week or two, but I figured that for documentation sake this kind of ranks up there in things going on in my life right now. So here is the story:

Thursday, May 12 I went to work that night like normal, around 3am my water broke. Honestly at first I was a little hesitant to say anything because I was really thinking "I hope I didn't just pee my pants!" Finally, around 5am the 2 nurses that were in the nursery with me talked me into going over to OB Emergency and getting looked at. So I finally went over and asked if anyone could tell me if I just peed my pants or if my water broke. It is really a strange feeling to actually wish that I peed my pants, but alas, not all wishes come true. 10 weeks early, so I earned myself a room with view. Lucky for me they are not going to let me go to 40 weeks. I only have to try to get to 34 weeks. So, now just about 2 1/2 weeks to go. So far, Logan (I THINK that's who he will be) is doing great. I have vital and fetal monitoring every 4 hours day and night and a daily Non-stress test for the baby everyday. Needless to say I've been a little bored being on bedrest. I've decided to have a little challenge for myself... I have this new camera and nothing to do, so I am gong to see what interesting photos I can come up with in my room. Here is my photo from today.

My nurse came in my room when I was taking this photo. She took one look at me at got this concerned look on her face and said "I'm going to go get a wheelchair, lets get you out of your room for a little while." Whatever works...

Electronic Fatality

2011-04-29T13:52:00.003-06:00

So, as you will notice, there are no photo's with this post. That is due to a tragic fatal accident with my hard drive. And I am the retard that has no back up for my photo's. Pretty much Jackson's whole life is gone. Fortunetly I do have a few photo's that I put on picasa in order to put a slide show on my blog and anything that I have blogged about I have photo's for, but that is about it. I'm tettering on the edge of a deep depression about the whole thing. I took it to simply mac and they said they couldn't retrieve anything there, but they gave me the number of a place that that is all they do.... it's a $1000 to just recover the jpeg files. Just about the only thing keeping me sane (ish) right now is the fact that I have about 5 years until it's unrecoverable. Hopefully I can talk Rob into it by then.

2011-03-31T15:10:00.003-06:00

Due to the above photo I've decided that it's time to make a post and update the blog. We are going blue. I really wanted to be able to make it pink, but it just wasn't to be. I've had a few weeks to acclimatize and I think we are going to be okay.

Today I tried to let Jackson feel the baby kick and he took too long to respond (shocker) and missed it. So while he was sitting there with his hand on my bulging belly he said "He's asleep mom." So I said "Well, tell him to wake up." Instead of doing that, he pointed to a spot on my belly and asked "Is this his face?" I told him I wasn't sure and he confidently assured me that it was indeed his face. Then he promptly gave him a good poke it the face and ran off. At this point I'm thinking it's possible we might have some sibling rivalry issues coming.

A little later he comes over and asks me if he started hitting me yet. I said no. So he comes over and gives me a hard poke right in the boob and says, "There, now I got him in the eye! Ha!"

This is my life to be with 4 boys...

2010-07-12T11:10:00.003-06:00

About a year ago my dad started making this go-kart and since finished it and now, that is all Riley wants to do. At first it was the source of a lot of contention due to the fact that the first time we let the boys loose on it the brakes didn't work and Rob had to launch himself on top of it (while it was going) and got dragged for about 20 feet. He's got a nice new scar on his leg from the road rash. However, now the brake pedal has been adjusted and works like a charm and it was a big hit. If fact it was such a hit that my dad then had to make a trailer that could pull more kids so that more than one at a time could ride. This is the only photo I have of it, but you can't see the bulldog painted on the front or see the cool trailer that has flames on the sides and a fake license plate "fireball2" and license plate frame that says "my grandkids are faster than yours". The boys absolutely love it and pretty much think that grandpa is the bomb. Of course they thought that before the go-kart too.

The Wisdom of a 3 Year Old

2010-06-08T20:52:00.005-06:00

Today I HAD to get my oil changed. Rob threatened to take away my keys if I didn't because I was WAY overdue. So I got there and Jack and I were sitting on the couch waiting for them to be done when another group walked in. The girl was wearing some tight cut off shorts and a very much too small tank top .... and she was not very much too small... it looked a little like this:
Obviously it wasn't this exact photo, this is just a look alike, but more about that in a minute. The blog worthy issue was Jackson's conversation when she walked in.
Jack: (in a very not so quiet voice) Mom! Her butt is sticking out!
Me: (Struggling to keep it together) ssshhh.
Jack: (Not anymore quietly than before) Mom! Her butt is sticking out!
He has a habit of repeating something until he is sure I have heard and acknowledged his statement.... So, for fear of him getting even louder,
Me: I know Jack, but be quiet, when we can see peoples butts we don't talk about it out loud, it's like it's a secret.
Jack: It's not a secret, mom. I can see it right there, her butt is sticking out! Everyone can see it!
I had absolutely no comeback for that. On some level I think he is right. If she is going to show her butt to my 3 year old, maybe I should let him tell her it's sticking out?
The really funny part about this whole experience is that when I was looking for a photo to use I had the above photo up on my computer and Riley walked into the room and took one look at it and said "Is that Grandpa?"

I Love Eating at New Restaurants!

2010-04-09T22:46:00.005-06:00

I know I'm doubling my post for the year in one day, but when Rob was on his way home from work today the boys had an idea of a new restaurant that they wanted to go to and I just couldn't say no. In fact our waiters (who kept calling themselves waitresses) were just so cute that I had to ask if I could take their photo. The food was okay, but it was nothing compared to the service.

Medical Mystery

2010-04-09T07:51:00.002-06:00

The past few weeks Jack has been sick on and off. He just hasn't been able to kick it. He will get a fever and writh around in pain hitting his head and ear saying it hurts. We've taken him to the doctor numerous times thinking it must be an ear infection, but every time they have sent us home saying no. He's also been complaining of pain in his knees, back, neck... everywhere. Of course, every time we are actually in the doctors office, he is just fine.
Since he has been having the fevers so long they decided get some blood work. From that they sent us up to Primary's to get a bone scan due to certain markers being too elevated. They inject him with a dye that gets absorbed into the bones where there is a lot of blood activity, showing where infection or masses are. About a minute into the scan a bright white spot showed behind his right ear.
So, from there, they sent us to get a CT scan of his head. It showed that his Mastoid bone (a honeycomb-like interior) behind his ear was completely filled with fluid and now has filled up his ear as well. They thought it was Mastoiditis, an infection of his bone that can corrode the bones in the head and cause the infection to leak into the brain. They planned on admitting him and giving him IV antibiotics, but in order to do that they had to okay that with the infection control at the hospital. Infection control on the other hand said it's not mastoiditis because it showed on the bone scan (meaning that it's already in the bone), but the CT scan showed no destruction of bone. They said they thought it was bone cancer. Just what any mother wants to hear.
They sent it to Oncology and they had no clue. Unfortunately they are not ruling out any of these things, including cancer. So for now we are just loving him.
You know, I think I can handle the medical stuff. I can understand what they are telling us and I feel confident that they are doing what they should. What I can't deal with is Jack not understanding what is going on.
When I took him for the blood work I had to hold him so they could stick the needle in and they had to dig a little. He just started crying and very quietly asking us to take it out. When that didn't seem to work he just looked up at me and said "help me" with a confused look on his face, trying to figure out why I would help this man hurt him. I have never been so crushed before. When we left I took him to get and ice cream cone and told him it was because he was so brave. He said "I wasn't brave Mama, I cried." CRUSH!!! CRUSH!! CRUSH!! Not that he didn't have me thoroughly wrapped around his finger before, but I'm finding it increasingly difficult to deny him anything.

What I Do When I am Procrastinating

2010-02-01T11:07:00.005-07:00

Yesterday we had ward conference. In the past I haven't really enjoyed ward conference, but this time it was awesome. The State President taught sunday school and let me just say I was inspired. Never before have I felt like family home evening was more necessary. Never. Not even when I was a missionary and was all gung-ho about everything. So, I told the boys about me and dad being chastized for not having it as much as we were supposed to and we would be having it this week. Riley said he wanted to do it TODAY, with grandma and grandpa. He did the lesson, he thought of it, and it was amazing!

He got 2 oranges and put them in a bowl of water. (did you know that oranges float?) The water represented the temptations of the world. When we do bad things a little piece of the Holy Ghost is taken away. (peal a little bit of orange peel off of one orange) And it doesn't take long for our mistakes to not allow us to rise above the tempations of the world. (the orange will sink with the peel not in tact.) Fortunately for us, Jesus (a zip-lock baggie with the pieces of orange peel and the orange in it) made it possible for us to repent and get the Holy Ghost back in our lives for a protection, and allows us to rise above the temptations of the world once again.

It was a night worthy of repeating. I may have to use it for one of my relief society lessons this year.

I have an english assignment due tonight... I really have been putting it off... so this is what I made this morning instead... and blogging about it now is further helping me procrastinate.

What's in a Name Anyway?

2009-12-02T15:10:00.002-07:00

I'm thinking that the people that made up the names for things were not as creative as most 3 year old's. Sometimes when Jack doesn't know the name for something he makes it up based on his experiences... For instance, today he farted and I asked him if he had to go poop. He just said "No, that's just my burp in my crack."
I may be bias, but I think burp in my crack is such a cooler name than fart .

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T09:13:00.002-07:00

On this fine day of eating pumpkin pie I thought I would just let you think about where they really come from....

A Scary Day, Even for October...

2009-10-20T11:55:00.006-06:00

Yesterday I left the boys at my parents while at an eye appointment. When I was almost back my dad calls and says "Where are you?"
"I just pulled into the Checker by your house to pick up some brake lights for my car."
He says "Okay. Just hurry."
I could hear Jackson crying in the background, but he had been asleep when I left and I thought he must have just woken up. Nothing they couldn't handle for 5 minutes. So I go about my business and buy the light bulbs and then go back out to the car and start over to my parents. My mom calls. "WHERE ARE YOU?!"
"Van Winkle and 9th East, be there in about 5 minutes."
"Hurry! I'm not sure if he needs to go to the hospital or not."
"Uhhhh, What?" (applying pressure to right foot)
"Jack fell and hit his head and his face is swelling. I'm not sure if he broke the bone or not." Just what I wanted to hear. I went in and my mom pulled the ice pack off of his face and all I could say was "Oh! Okay, lets go." His check looked like he has somehow managed to put an orange cut in half in his check to save for later. I wish I had pictures! It was huge. However, I am not unused to head swelling. My kids get goose eggs with the best of them. The thing that had me really worried is that he was like a sack of potatoes. Totally limp. I would talk to him and he wouldn't even look at me. When I asked where his eyes are he pointed to his nose. And he hadn't said a single word since it happened. After a couple of hours he slowly started moving and then he finally said a word. They ordered the CT just to be sure there was nothing else and found his bone was broken, some bleeding, but not in his brain:) that was causing swelling... Really? I didn't need the CT to tell me there was swelling. Not bad, but broken. Since it wasn't depressed into his skull they won't have to do surgery. Brings new meaning to the words "Lucky Break". Anyway, this is what he looks like today... Still a tiny bit swollen, but NOTHING like what it was. Hard to see in the photo's. As you can see he's handling it better than I would expect. He even went to his dentist appointment today. He is acting totally normal... which is making me crazy because Jackson's normal is crazy and it's not uncommon for him to trip. As proven by this post.

ps. Might I just add to dad... Maybe next time my kids face is swollen say something like, Jack is hurt and then maybe I won't go in the store...

One of the Many Unblogged Events of this Summer

2009-08-24T11:52:00.008-06:00

My Grandma died earlier this year and I was going through my photos and realized I didn't blog anything about it. Not that a funeral is a hot topic or anything, but it happened and here it is. I am sort of at a loss as to what to say about it. For the past few (quite a few) years, my grandmother and I have been shall we say, at odds. It was actually really nice to go to the funeral and listen to Michelle talk about her. It was really just random memories, but they weren't the ones I always think of when I think of her. It was nice have someone elses thoughts floating around in my head, rather than my own. She would have been 100 years old this fall, it's hard to imagine all the change she saw in her life time.

The boys actually had a good time. They didn't really know her, so it was really just a good get together with cousins for them.

They all found gravestones with their names on them, Parker actually hung out with his for a while.

I have also decided that I want a black and silver casket... not for a while, I hope.

There was actually a really funny moment when Bus leaned in to giver her a kiss before they closed the casket and just about knocked it over. I don't think I have ever seen comic relief work so well as it did on my dad at that moment.

Come to think of it, I guess the kids aren't the only ones that had a good get together.

RSVP

2009-08-20T11:49:00.002-06:00

Just so you know Saturday Riley is getting baptized.... the date was changed kind of last minute and haven't had time to really invite anyone... so if you would like to come please send me an email or call me and I will let you know where and when.

A Funny

2009-08-18T12:23:00.004-06:00

Since Rob's surgery we have heard most of the pig jokes out there.... from swine flu to canabalism, to oinking, sweating like a pig, etc. This is however my favorite so far. From my mom.

Ah, School...AKA Audio Relief

2009-08-10T11:13:00.007-06:00

I am so happy that Parker is in all day school this year. I absolutely HATED having to go to the school 3 times a day. Granted, I only cut out one trip, but it was the one that broke up my day and made it impossible to really get anything done. So school has started, the boys like their teachers, and me and Jack are spending LOTS of time together... He likes playing with Riley and Parker better. His favorite time of day is when we go pick them up and still insists everyday that he has to take his backpack in the car too. He still has 3 more years until he is in kindergarten! I don't think I like fall birthdays.

Before school started and before Rob went back to work (he was very

excited to get out of the house and go back to work!) we took the boys camping. It was only for one night, but that was enough. They got to fish and I got to read. When we went to bed it was freezing and they both decided that all they wanted was to sleep in their warm, soft cozy beds the next night. It was fun but we were glad to get home.

Oh, I almost forgot! We finally got the piano from my mom's house (thanks for all who helped!) and I refinished it. If you didn't see it before this won't mean much, but it's tons better. Rob's sister even came out and tuned it. Me and the boys have started taking lessons (also from Rob's sister) and can already play a few songs. I think I like it more than the boys though.

Home Sweet Home

2009-07-06T16:20:00.005-06:00

So after what seems like a really long time I am home and can update you on the gimp and show a few photo's of the progress. This first one is the first walk he went on after the surgery. You can see all the crap they had him hooked up to, well almost all of it. Some of it they left in the room and just hooked him back up when he finished. This only shows the 4 IV's (still 3 more hanging on the bed) his catheter and oxygen. It doesn't show the heart monitors... there were a few. They had to put him on this cool blood pressure monitor thing that was actually inside his vein in his arm. It would show what his pressure was with every beat. They had to keep a close watch over his pressures (obviously), but especially because the heart/lung bi-pass machine chewed up his aorta a bit and they had to put a patch on it.

He spent 2 days and 1 night in the SICU (surgical intensive care unit). Stewart was his nurse... so good. If you have to spend some time in SICU I totally recommend him. Then they moved him up to the 4th floor.

The boys were finally able to come up and visit for a few minutes. They were so excited to give Rob the pictures they made him. Apparently they were all afraid that Rob would forget Chewy, because that is what they all drew. Jack's is a little abstract. I love it.

We came home this morning. This is what he has been doing since then.

Here is a close up of his chest along with notes.

Big thanks to everyone for helping us out so much!!! (Especially Jodi for letting me crash in her hospital room.)

the Count Down is On

2009-06-30T12:58:00.003-06:00

Tonight is Rob's last night as 100% human. This time tomorrow he will be squealing like a pig. We report to the hospital early tomorrow morning where he will promptly be prodded in places he'd rather not think about. Soon he will be stuffed with tubes and hospital paraphernalia. I'm pretty sure he's rather be on a beach on the big island reading a book or napping, but at least he'll have the book and a nap... briefly interrupted by blood pressure cuffs and temperatures not to mention those cute hospital gowns.

He seems to be handling it all alright. The only sign of anxiety that I've seen was last night around 2:30 am when he woke up looked at me and said "FIVE!" When I just looked at him unknowingly he repeated "FIVE, FRENTLY!" I was laughing at this point and he just kept repeating it and then said "is that what I've been fleeing?" I still have no clue as to what that all meant. My only guess would be his subconscious is trying to find the right "F" word for the situation, but since he's never dropped an F-bomb it doesn't know how.

All in all he's doing good, he has been going to bed around 9:00 every night, but still in good spirits. We were talking to the boys the other day and telling them what is going to happen and explained that while they were fixing his heart a machine will be pumping his blood and breathing for him. We finished talking and left it at that. Then yesterday when Rob came home from the hospital from doing his pre-surgery blood work, the first thing Parker says to him is "Are you half robot yet?" We laughed and told him no and he honestly looked a little sad. When all is said and done, I think the boys might be a little disappointed with the whole thing. We (I) will let you know how it goes, but let me just tell you all now how much we appreciate the help you have been and will be in the next few weeks. It has truly been wonderful to feel the concern and love from everyone. Thanks to all of you.

2009-06-19T13:40:00.005-06:00

We had Parker's Birthday party last night. It was kind of an Indiana Jones fest. He already had the hat and the whip, so I made him the over the shoulder pack the you apparently HAVE to have in order to play Indiana Jones. He LOVED it. My dad seemed to enjoy it as well.

We also finally found a good use for the basketball hoop.

My favorite thing about this party is that the kids all had a great time throwing away the wrapping paper and trash so clean up was almost non-existent.

I also really loved seeing Parker open his presents. Ellie gave him a spiderman marker set and coloring book. He jumped out of his chair, (pausing the opening of more presents mind you,) grabbed Ellie and gave her a big hug and told her thank you. He didn't do that for any of the boys that came... but I'm glad that he is such a grateful kid.

And this is the cake. I don't know if you can really see it in the photo, it's indy's pack with jewels and coins spilling out, his whip (made out of black licorice whips) and of course his hat.

I think my favorite thing is that the coins all have COPY printed on them just in case you had in mind to try and use it in a store. He had a great time and I think Rob and I needed the distraction from everything else.

A good day overall.

july 1st

2009-06-17T11:23:00.002-06:00

So the date of the surgery for Rob is going to be July 1st. And the good news is, is that he will not have to have it done open heart. They are going to go through the ribs on the right of his chest. So he will only be out for two to three weeks instead of two to three months. Hooray for technology.

A Little Sureal

2009-06-11T08:16:00.002-06:00

Yesterday we found out that Rob is going to be having open heart surgery in the very near future. It was a little weird sitting in that doctors office listening to him saying that if we waited until fall we would be stupid.

Life is precious. Enjoys those you love. Everyday.

Heaven or Hell?

2009-06-05T14:11:00.010-06:00

Ok, I'm throwing out a disclaimer before you get to into this post. Read at your own risk. This is a delicious treat that you will want all the time once you know about it and I will not be responsible for any weight gain... Heck, I'm not even taking responsibility of my own.

So last summer my friend Kelly introduced me to this and I'm not sure if I am grateful or not because I like it a little too much. I think it just took me by surprise, I am NOT a sour cream person. I don't put it on tacos, potatoes or anything. So when she told me to try it I didn't expect anything.

A little sour cream, a little brown sugar, and of course the

strawberries... and there you have it.

Now that I've talked it up it won't be the same for you, so lets pretend I told you it was gross. Then maybe you will love it as much as I do.

I want this to be an ice cream flavor. If anyone has an ice cream maker try it and let me know how it was. Well, maybe tell me. Ok, tell me.

My Little Mini Me Man

2009-06-05T10:50:00.003-06:00

Today is Riley's last day of first grade. Last night after we got home from a friends baseball game, I was asking Riley if he was excited that it was going to be his last day today. He started crying and telling me how much he was going to miss his teacher. It was the sweetest thing ever. He was so sad. He is so emotional. It's one of those things where it's the good news and the bad news.

One of the things I love about him the most is his sensitivity and passion, but he can also be passionate about things he doesn't like... sometimes that is very bad news. A little something he got from me, just ask Rob.

Anyway, he really wanted to make a card for his teacher and she loves the color orange and goofy. So we tried to combine those two things into one and this is what we came up with.

He did a good job helping and I'm sure his teacher will love it.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Summer

2009-05-27T12:43:00.010-06:00

The boys were playing outside the other day, it was so nice. They played with water guns for a long time and then Riley and Parker evidently thought they needed a spa day in order to relax and took a mud bath.

Jack however was satisfied to just get himself a drink. I love his tongue in the both the photos with Chewy. I don't know if you can see it in the one with him running, but it is literally hanging out the side of his mouth like a dog. And in the other one he is trying to show Chewy how to lap up the water... Which he also does

whenever he thinks something is

going to be delicious. He is way too cute to actually be my kid.

It was so nice to just let them play outside and not be in the house!

The Odd Couple

2009-04-21T07:52:00.003-06:00

Here is a link you should watch when ou are having a hard time connecting with those around you or just having differences. It's cute.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBtFTF2ii7U

Not Quite As Cool As In Person

2009-04-06T17:24:00.003-06:00

this is the zoetrope from California Adventure. Jackson just loves this and I promised I would put it on to show Jodi, so now everyone can enjoy. Like I said, it's way cooler in person as you can imagine, but it's still cool.

Unforgettable Moments!

2009-03-31T13:18:00.005-06:00

Well, it took longer to update my blog than I thought it would, but probably not as long as you all thought it would. We had so much fun in California. The first day we were there we went to the beach. It was super foggy and it looked pretty cool, everything just faded into nothingness. The other day Davy asked Jack if he went to the beach and Jack just said, "Cold!" He is definitely right about that, but we all had a blast. The boys all dug out a huge hole for the water to fill in and they all went in pretty far, I really didn't know if Parker would or not, but I'm glad he did.

We of course took the required photos... In front of the Mickey made from flowers, in front of the castle, in the tea cup, you know, the regulars. We spent some time in the mad hatters, saw some of the characters, got some autographs, my favorite moments were just seeing the boys light up when they saw something new. I especially loved seeing Jackson's face the first time he saw the train. The batteries in my camera went dead literally 1 second before he saw the train! So pissed. I also totally loved seeing Jackson at the character breakfast. It was definitely most magical for him. He ran up to Pooh Bear and gave him a hug, kept playing with Chip n' Dale's tails (he says chipmunk so cute!) gave Minnie a kiss on the nose and punched Tigger in the nuts. It was awesome. Totally priceless!

We had a blast and I hope we can go back soon. They boys are already asking when we are going back.

2009-03-16T16:33:00.002-06:00

I can't wait to leave tomorrow. The boys are pretty excited too, but they really have no idea what they are in for, so I think my excitement still overshadows theirs by a bit. My friend has one of those cricut thingies so today she helped me make autograph books for the boys.

I'm beyond words! I'm sure you'll hear all about it when we return on Sunday.

I Can See the Light!!!

2009-03-03T15:49:00.004-07:00

These are lenses that I will never look through again. Of course not, you may say, for they are broken. But alas, it is not because of the brokenness of the glasses, but that my eyes are fixed! Sing praises, shout hosanna, miracles have not ceased to exist! The idea that someone can change my eyes from 20/24,000 to 20/20 is in-imaginable, but apparently totally possible! And I think these glassed got what was coming to them. After 25 years of torture I was merciful and gave them a quick and somewhat painless death. They were surprisingly strong... But I was stronger. Farewell.

The process was fairly simple, it was carried out with the same effort of an alien abduction. No effort on my part except complete submission. I do have to wear these nifty goggles to bed for the next month. I feel like I should be out flying the Red Barron.

I can't wait to SEE you all for the first time with my own eyes!

The Mystery of the Door Handle

2009-02-25T17:03:00.005-07:00

This is what is happening to my door nobs. The inside of the front door, and the outside of the back door. (Every time I see one of them I either think of him saying "Let me in! Let me in!" or "Let me out! Let me out!... in a cute little dog voice, of course.) This is some SERIOUS damage for such a small dog. He has taken an entire layer off. I can't figure out if he is using his teeth or his claws. I looks like he has taken a nail file out with him. (I am not certain enough about that theory to preform the body cavity search to find out where he is keeping it though.)

I keeps getting worse, but when I sneak up and look out the door, this is all I ever see.
I mean really, he is so little. If it wasn't also on the inside of the front door I wouldn't even be convinced it was him and not a really bad burglar.

Anyone need a 2 year old for the night?

2009-02-23T16:07:00.006-07:00

I just witnessed the funniest thing that has happened all week. (Yeah, I know it's monday.) Jack is a little upset today, I had to wake him up to go pick up Riley from school and yesterday he had a really late nap and so he didn't go to sleep when he was supposed to. In fact, he didn't fall asleep until 1:00 this morning!!! You read that right. Trust me I tried everything. I tried letting him cry, I tried stories, I tried singing, I tried letting watch a movie with his blanket, he just wasn't having it. (He is in a big bed now, not his crib... started jumping out.) Bed time has turned into a living hell, and last night it was really bad. How do you force a kid to sleep? So, back to my story... today he started throwing a fit, which I try to ignore as to not encourage it... in the middle of said fit he picked up a bowl and chucked it across the room. (That's not the funny part.) I'm just trying to brush it off, "oh, that's too bad we have to throw away your bowl..." Then the spoon of course, a car, dish towel, now he's mad that I'm not responding and starts to grab for more ammo, screaming all the while, grabs onto a baggie full of lucky charms cereal, cocks it ready to hurl it into kingdom come, notices what it is, stops crying, tucks it under his arm like a football and runs downstairs to snack on with his buddies Diego and Baby Jaguar without another peep. I know that laughing at your children's outbursts is usually not a good idea, but really, how could you not? I think sleep deprivation is in my future until we can get him to stay in his bed. Any suggestions? Maybe this was just so funny to me because I didn't sleep either!

Look What I Got...

2009-02-07T17:30:00.006-07:00

First of all, let me make it clear that Rob got to pick the dog this time. (it's a bit of a bitter subject for him... and I don't blame him.) But I think he did a great job, Chewy (he was named this because when you are REALLY close he looks like chewbacca, not because he chews on stuff. Thank goodness) is really mellow and great with the kids. Riley is supper happy.

And I am supper happy because I finally got frames for my new family photo (s). A friend took some family photos and the only one that I like Jack was the only one looking.

I wanted to see Riley and Parkers faces too, so we each took silly faces... and this is what we got. This is our family photo (s). I like.

Wrong Number

2009-01-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

We just got a phone call looking for Tom Riddle...

Here's Motivation for Me...

2009-01-06T19:39:00.002-07:00

We got a Wii for Christmas and along with that a Wii Fit. Today we set us each up on it and it tells you your BMI and if you are of normal weight (or not as the case may be...) and I gave me my results and Riley turned and said "Mom is over grown!" Who needs a trainer to talk trash to me and make me feel bad? I don't even have to leave the house.

I Guess I Can't Use Work As An Excuse Anymore

2009-01-05T09:07:00.002-07:00

Now I don't have any reason not to post, other than a boring life that no one wants to read about. I fired myself from the Bakery, once again and am at home with the boys, much to their delight. For the next week or so I will be doing nothing but cleaning and organizing my house. We finally got the last piece of shelving for our kitchen as well as the tile for the back splash... I can't wait to finish the kitchen! We'll have to have a party out here when it is totally done to celebrate the longest year of my life. Anyone want to come?... pack a lunch, we're way out here.

Social Awkwardnesses

2008-10-28T21:21:00.002-06:00

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

2008-10-07T23:37:00.002-06:00

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

2008-10-07T22:51:00.004-06:00

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

2008-09-15T19:57:00.003-06:00

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

2008-09-12T19:38:00.002-06:00

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.

2008-09-11T22:31:00.003-06:00

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?

2008-09-01T18:58:00.003-06:00

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.

2008-09-01T18:34:00.002-06:00

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!

2008-08-27T09:11:00.003-06:00

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

2008-08-22T06:59:00.002-06:00

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?

2008-08-11T18:51:00.000-06:00

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

2008-08-05T07:43:00.000-06:00

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

2008-08-04T17:54:00.000-06:00

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

2008-07-29T08:58:00.000-06:00

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...

2008-07-27T20:20:00.000-06:00

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

2008-07-18T00:19:00.000-06:00

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

2008-07-13T23:01:00.001-06:00

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

2008-07-09T22:50:00.000-06:00

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

2008-07-09T07:18:00.000-06:00

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

2008-07-08T22:30:00.000-06:00

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

2008-06-28T23:17:00.000-06:00

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

2008-06-28T22:49:00.000-06:00

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!!!

2008-06-25T22:03:00.000-06:00

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

2008-06-25T10:42:00.000-06:00

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

2008-06-25T09:10:00.001-06:00

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

2008-06-25T08:15:00.000-06:00

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!!!!!!!

2008-06-23T10:19:00.001-06:00

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...

2008-06-17T23:22:00.000-06:00

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...

2008-06-17T09:51:00.000-06:00

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!

2008-06-16T17:33:00.000-06:00

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

2008-06-15T10:25:00.000-06:00

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!

2008-06-15T10:15:00.000-06:00

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!

2008-06-14T08:12:00.000-06:00

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...

2008-06-06T08:45:00.000-06:00

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

2008-06-02T10:26:00.000-06:00

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

2008-05-29T19:18:00.000-06:00

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

2008-05-23T13:46:00.000-06:00

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

2008-05-17T07:22:00.001-06:00

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

2008-05-15T09:11:00.000-06:00

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

2008-05-14T12:12:00.000-06:00

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

2008-05-13T11:25:00.000-06:00

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

2008-05-05T10:05:00.000-06:00

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

2008-05-03T16:22:00.000-06:00

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...

2008-05-03T11:46:00.000-06:00

2008-05-03T11:38:00.000-06:00

Does Betty Crocker Have Kids?

2008-05-02T12:40:00.000-06:00

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?

Oh, To Have A Backyard

2008-04-26T20:00:00.000-06:00

Well, since the dogs DESTROYED our backyard it has been looking pretty sad. They ate and tore out every single tree and bush we put in last summer. Today Rob and the boys planted some much needed greenery! And I was glad to have them outside for a while. I think if backyards (and fences) didn't exist I would be a much different person... and not in a good way.

Jack Jack

2008-04-24T19:29:00.000-06:00

Jackson has the cutest little personality. Almost always happy and I love that he loves his blankie. He will see his blankie on the floor somewhere and just run up and snuggle it and smile. He makes me smile everyday. I love seeing him grow everyday. He makes me excited for every tomorrow to be today.

Parker

2008-04-24T19:12:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure we have any photo's of Parker without something on his face. Loves Lego's, playing house (backyardagins style), and coloring. He is the king of pretending around here. We usually have to ask if he is Diego, Indiana Jones or some Star Wars guy and address him by name. He can be one happy kid, but can you say bi-polar? Between him and Riley we are in for an emotional train wreck in about 8- 10 years.

Riley

2008-04-24T18:59:00.000-06:00

Well, unfortunately for Riley he is a little too much like me. That means he (& I) have a looong road ahead of us... I can't wait until he's a teenager. (Yes mom, I know I deserve him.) He's VERY persistent, VERY emotional, but very loving, very sensitive, and can make you laugh or smile just by looking at you.

Rob

2008-04-24T18:03:00.000-06:00

I think the thing I've noticed the most setting up this blog is that Rob and I are almost totally absent from the photo's. And we are never in a photo if we aren't attached to a kid. Not that Rob has time to pose for photos. He's almost done with school (hallelujah!!!) He will finally be able to just come home after work... weird.

Cara

2008-04-24T17:49:00.000-06:00

So, my OCD is really having a hard time not going from beginning to end, but since it would be impossible to go back to where it all began, we'll make it brief... I went to Hawaii on my mission, where, upon being released, I was assigned to be travel companions with Elder Simmons, AKA Rob. We thought President must have been inspired because we were engaged 10 days later... and that's how it all began. Now, 8 years, 8 moves, 10 cars, 2 houses, 7 dogs & 3 kids later, here we are.