Bitter Family

Some faves we took of Savi and Stephen

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Old habits die hard!

2009-04-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

For all you Santa Rita Senoritas...

Thanks for the fun and fabulous softball season! I know some of you (ahem...Keri) got a little upset about me ruining the group photo with a gigantic strawberry in my mouth, but all I can say girls is...

OLD HABITS DIE HARD!! Betcha can't guess which Strawberry Shortcake softball player I am. Don't cha just wanna spank it?

The Break Up Story

2009-03-03T05:16:00.001-08:00

It's a very sad story......

Snickies, the personal trainer... the friend... (sniffle, sniff, sniff)... is no longer happy to see me!

I don't know what to make of this, I really thought things were going well.

I'm so confused right now... (sniff sniff)... can't talk about it...

Not that it makes things any easier, but I'm pretty sure he thinks it's NOT me... it's him!

Ahh Snicks...

2009-02-18T15:50:00.000-08:00

Welp, I decided it was high time to get myself a personal trainer...

being a smart cookie... I choose one of the male persuasion..... sandy blonde hair, brown eyes... (sigh) ...well anywaaaaay, that stuff doesn't matter. (yea, it actually does)

This works out very nicely because he conviently lives right around the corner from me... yes I have admired him on occasion (or two)...

Can I just say he improved my time on the 5k the FIRST session...

...and by the second week, a 10k!

We actually even enjoy the same runnin' tunes... a little "Rhianna", some "The Academy is...", and even "AC/DC"...

Our conversations are not much to speak of...

...but come on ladies, there are no words when watching a cute hiney shake to G&Rs "welcome to the jungle - it will bring you to your sha-nah-nah-nah-nah-nah- neez Neez!"

He's a ROCK.. well okay, he has a little bit of a belly ... (a few too many hot dogs maybe)... but hey, don't judge...

...he's still eye candy! (Mr. B is a little jealous- but it's okay, he's secure)

We get alot of people wavin' and smilin'...I know it's him they're checkin' out - let's face it, I never got those looks before...

He's dang good! Usually about half way through he likes to ummm...kick it up a notch...

...he places things in front of me, turning our normal boring route into an exciting obstacle course!

...and the added bonus ...

...he's always happy to see me and gives amazing hugs!!!

...even if he does smell like a dog!

Thanks to the Jacobsons for letting me borrow Snickers a couple times a week!

Tip Toeing in the Tulips!

2009-01-30T14:50:00.000-08:00

Birthday wish #17... CHECK! Only 36 to go! Woo hoo!!

In the last couple of weeks we've managed to flood our bathroom (thank goodness for insurance!), have Mr.B in urgent care for stitches in his finger...I told him if he keeps wavin' that thing out the window at other drivers, it would eventually get cut off (just kidding, it was a work injury), and now our car isn't running ta boot!
Oh wait... hold up...correction, our car is now running again. That's great, since it's taken me two days to write this bad boy! Yippie!

Ry and I got to go to Salt Lake for a weekend to his nephew's wedding in Manti. It was just beautiful... stinkin' cold, but beautiful!

They are so cute!

And now for the latest news...

WARNING! WARNING! (Beeeeeeeeeeeep)

A WHITE Christmas! (okay, a white Christmas Eve's Eve)

2008-12-25T13:33:00.000-08:00

Our family tradition is to somehow have a white Christmas, or Christmas Eve, or Christmas Eve's eve! Last year it was skiing on the majestic mountains of Vail, Colorado, this year... sledding on the beautiful slopes of Forest Lakes in good ol' Arizona (I'm even up for WHITE sandy beaches... next year maybe?) It was snowing when we left and continued the whole day, providing us with some amazing fresh powder... do you know the street value of this stuff?

We had a ball in this blanket of white... we ate alot of snow... it

wasn't yellow so it's all good!

The momma had to show the girls how is done!One of Kendree's many wipe-outs... she's pretty much ruled out ever liking any kind of snow sport. Would you look at how deep the snow was? It was literally up to Mr.B's behind...good thing he was wearing his ski pants and sexy long underwear to keep those cheeks warm!We made some new friends while we were there from Queen Creek, who had never heard of hookie-bobbin', so Ry had to demonstrate. He hooked the rope onto our truck and threw guess who on the back first...yup, you guessed it. After everyone took a turn, Mr.B got on and did some crazy tricks (of course), but stayed in one piece... unlike the innertubes!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas! Oh wait... it IS Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TOO!

Life Has More Details!

2008-11-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Saedra's KE tumbling and dance group got to perform at the state fair. They looked cute...even under the pounds of make-up they have to wear. Her favorite part is the hip hop dancing {of course} and she's working hard to get her round-off back hand-spring. We had to indulge in some "fair food"... Mr.B's fave, DEEP FAT FRIED DILL PICKLES. They were actually quite tasty (smothered in ranch). It was so blasted hot that day, but we had to stay to go on a few rides - and "a few" was all she could handle!

Then their team walked in the parade in Mesa for Veteran's Day. It was a little (a lot!) boring! It's sad how the parades here are so pathetic - I was especially disappointed that no one threw out any candy! There were no clowns tying balloons into poodles and selling snow cones. Where the heck was the square dancing float? Sheesh! But I didn't go for that anyway... really, I didn't! We went for this...After the parade we took Saedra to get her eyes checked. She's been complaining she needs glasses for months, but... well, okay... I didn't believe her - but let me explain. A couple years ago we thought she had a hearing problem because she wouldn't respond sometimes when we would talk to her and she would say she didn't hear us and she needed her ears checked. So being the concerned caring parental units that we are, we had her ears checked. Turns out it just a "listening" problem. (Hmmmm...) So I finally cave and take her in. The Doc asks her to read line 6 and she says, "I don't see a six". Then when he points to the line and asks her to read across, she says, "I think I see a... ummm... twelve". So this one is a little small, but there are no numbers on line 6!
I told Kendree I'm waiting for her to say she sees an elephant on line 7. We were giggling so hard... meanwhile feeling like I'm such a loser Mom. She may not need hearing aids, but turns out she DOES need... and the first thing she said was, "Wow Mom, life has more detail!"

37 Wishes

2008-10-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

Lest you think this the antithesis of my "gratitude" entry, I assure you that all my wishes have come true... I have a wonderful life!
But... for the sake of birthdays having to do with wishes... I've come up with a few frivolous ones on this my 37th birthday... (note: not in any particular order)

1. I wish it felt more like fall here in Mesa, like all the leaves changing those rich luscious colors.
2. I wish I could snap my fingers (like that sassy Mary Poppins) and have my house clean and tidy... "practically perfect in every way".
3. I wish I were a better visiting teacher. (It's the end of the month AGAIN)
4. I wish I could own my own studio that had all the creative classes you could ever want!
5. I wish we had more family that lived close by... or do I? :)
6. I wish chocolate wasn't fattening... or any dessert for that matter!
7. I wish my mind could retain, like it used to, all the useless things I'm learning in my math class. Who uses radicals and imaginary numbers anyway?(Hello-o-o- they're imaginary)
8. I wish I new what the heck I'm doing in my calling
9. I wish we had our year's supply. I'm working on canning chicken right now which Kendree says very much resembles pig fetus' (or is that feti for plural?)
10. I wish I had my dream home with the wrap around porch in the country (I use the term country, but I mean no more thatn 30 minutes from a Target), sittin' on that porch swing (that I probably bought at that Target), watchin' the fireflies dance.
11. I wish I could sew like my Mom
12. I wish cats would stay little kittens and never need to eat, drink, shed, or poo... just purrr and look cute. (I think our next cat will require 4 AA batteries)
13. I wish to go on a romantic vacation to Greece with Mr.B
14. I wish it wasn't bad for me to drink Pepsi - okay, so I'll try diet!
15. I wish I had a HUGE garden
16. I wish I had a green thumb for that HUGE garden
17. I wish for my tulips and daffodils to grow this Spring.
18. I wish my a.c. wasn't still kicking on - it's almost November for pete's sake!
19. I wish I had an Apple Notebook
20. I wish I was a clever writer (like Kelly B. and so many of you)
21. I wish my baby girls wouldn't grow up so fast!
22. I wish I could teach my 15 1/2 year old how to drive... I can't stop laughing long enough to catch my breath and tell her to STOP and back up off the curb! It's actually not even funny, it's quite frightening! (sometimes scary things and painful things make me laugh!..??)
23. I wish 10 year old girls weren't so moody
24. I wish my home was full of vintage decor and furniture - I love that stuff!
25. I wish I didn't look like such a doof-n-shmirk on every one of my picture IDs - You should seriously see my Costco card!
26. I wish I could play guitar, I tried... I have whimpy fingers I guess.
27. I wish that baking wasn't one of my favorite things to do, because I don't do much of that low-fat junk. Well, I do make whole wheat bread and chocolate chips cookies with applesauce.
28. I wish I could be an amazing photographer
29. I wish I had every lovely apron form Anthro
30. I wish I weren't such a chicken about chopping all my hair off (someday I will)
31. I wish I had my Great Grandmother's cukoo clock... how I remember sleeping right under it on her couch and waking up to it to eat her cracked wheat cereal.
32. I wish to someday serve a mission with Mr.B, errrr.... Elder B!
33. I wish I had never worn a pink feathered "roach clip" in my hair in the 80s.
34. I wish my children wouldn't always point out all my white hairs - grab some tweezers and pluck 'em already!
35. I wish to run a marathon this next year (well maybe just a half marathon... baby steps here).
36. I wish my darn foot (grrrr) would heal faster so I can run and train again.
37. I wish I could go to Disneyland with this walker boot on... Can you say "fast pass"!? (I'm always the optimist)

So now I'm off to blow out candles and sip the traditional birthday sparkling cider with my wonderful fam!

Believe

2008-10-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday our ward had a group of 7 talented men sing "I believe" for the Fall Music and Art Walk. Among the talent was none other than Mr. B! They were amazing... it's sounded even better live, but here's the recorded version done in the primary room at the church. I think SR7 needs to record an album!

One of the many reasons I fell in love...ahhh, that beautiful voice!!!

Finally Fall Ya'll

2008-10-17T06:42:00.000-07:00

Pull out the coats, mittens, hats and long underwear...for a 60 degree weekend in Show Low. Brrrr! We went to Sunrise Ski Resort to get the free season pass for the kids when you donate a can of food and ride the ski lift - which we ended up not even riding because it was too windy and too cold for SOME people... (ahem, Heather-hee hee). Actually Heather and I and the kids did some shopping in the lodge while the Dads stood outside in the line. Hmmm, I wonder if that's a premonition of what this ski season will be like Heather? Nah, the kids will be on the slopes... we won't even make it to the lodge with all those amazing antique shops on the way we NEED to visit... come on, you can shop in those new fancy ski boots!

The girls LOVE their new goggles... ahh danggit, we didn't get a pic of Ry sportin' his (Mr.B is quite the price haggler and is pretty proud of the deal he got on those babies)

We had a great time doing some photo shoots of the Jacobsons. The scenery was just breathtaking! She may post some soon, or maybe not depending on how they turned out - we did them at a bad time of day, so we'll cross our fingers for some good ones.

We did some family shots of our own the day before - which can be a little challenging, but we got some great ones of the girls. Doesn't that look like it's right out of a magazine?

I loved these pics with this random old rusted out automobile out in the middle of the woods. We had to hike a bit, but it was worth it! Dinner was at Denny's, the girls always want Dennys or Red Robin, and since there wasn't a Red Robin... (are we high class or what?). After that fine dining experience, went back to the hotel for a night cap of hot chocolate with choco-mints melted in, some piggie blankets, and flannel jammies ...mmmmm...ahhhhh...warm again!

I love this picture of Richard and Saedi on the way home...

that whole "fake sleeping" thing is gonna come in handy! :)

The rest of Fall Break week was spent doing some of my favorite things: working in our front yard (those stinkin' grubs killed our grass), doing some baking...
making carmel apples, with lots of sprinkles and melted chocolate of course... whippin' up some spooky ghosts and jack-o-lantern sugar cookies and decorating them with friends, (Saed and Si were the only one left after the cookies were FINALLY ready to decorate, we lost Hunter when he crashed on the couch, and Richie and Ken were too busy shooting a storm trooper alien invasion video for you-tube - premier coming to your computer soon)...

sitting and shootin' the ... BREEZE, with neighbors and hubby in my new favorite spot...(I think it's time to take up knitting!)

Then paddling around the lake with the fam - those are hundreds of swallow's nests.

Ryan looking especially hot in his "yes these are MENS" glasses!

As the sun sets on yet another Fabulous Fall Break, I sigh that it's over (sigh)... but embrace the memories of love and laughter that last forever! I'll miss the babes as they head back to school and Mr.B as he leaves for work (sigh again)... but anyone (well, okay, not just ANYONE) can come join me on the stoop- and I always have some of these fresh out of the oven...

Who's in???

2008-10-03T20:39:00.000-07:00

Calling all runners, joggers, or wanna be's(that's me): it's time to get a team together for the upcoming ragnar relay! Check it out and see if you're in. http://www.ragnarrelay.com/ We still need like 5 more to join our team of 12 in this insane relay. It's a 183 mile (that is not a typo), 24 hour (yes, like all thru the night... great, now I've got that Cindy Lauper song stuck in my head) grueling run from Wickenburg to Mesa. So all of you saying #*$$ NO... each runner will do 3 legs of 3-8 miles each and rest in between (ya, RIGHT), seriously, that sounds just like our good 'ol junior high slumber parties- only we'd dance all night instead of run!
There are awards for the best decorated support vehicles (which Mr.B has graciously volunteered to drive), best team name, and lots of other prizes! It's about $95 per person plus the cost of food, gas, and uniforms. The race is not until Feb. but we need the $ and registration in by November - then we'll have a team meeting to look at the course and decided who will run where. (I call the 3 mile legs with absolutely no elevation!)
Last year there was a team that passed off a donkey pinata to each team member and they literally ran with it sitting on their shoulder. Can you guess what their team name was... yep, "haulin' ass". There was also the group name, "need more cowbell", or how 'bout "picked last in gym class", or "we have a token fat guy" - that cracked me up! There are some GOOD times to be had here my friends. I noticed that this year there will also be a "run for Nie" team - that's cool!
There are about 150 teams signed up already, so we need to hurry and get on the list! It's gonna be WILD!
So if I can't convince you to run, we do need 3 volunteers per team... I'm sure you'll at least get a t-shirt (and some great laughs). If you're up for it, let me know asap... if not, then please do share some fabulous ideas for a team name - maybe you'll win a prize!

Things that make you go hmmmmm...

2008-09-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

I had to take this picture at a fabric store the other day... at first you see the "extra value", but take a look at the small print... (and who's in the box)... DAMAGED! Hmmmmm.

A spoonful of GRATITUDE

2008-09-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it has to be force-fed, shoved down my throat, while plugging my nose - before I GET IT. The past couple of weeks have been, well... tiresome.

I felt yesterday like I was about to visit the ever popular place "wit's end" (as my friend Shawni refers to), do not pass GO, do not collect $200, oh... please stop by Park Place to pay the cost with 2 hotels!!! We played Monopoly last weekend and that's pretty much how it went. Of course it was Disney Monopoly so Mogli (me) had to pay Lady and the Tramp (Saedra) the price of a stay in the Castle at 101 Dalmatian Plantation. Like I wanted to go there anyway, I don't even like dogs for "pizza's sake"! (that was for Ry - he loves to say that)

Anywho... I came to the realization that I needed medication...I know, you're wondering why it took me so long to figure that one out. What I really needed was to medicate my weary mind and soul...and a healthy dose of gratitude did just that!

As I've thought about my "Never gets done, costs too much, ways to get my children to stop arguing, not enough time in the day, pulling my hair out" list lately, I had to stop and breathe and take in that spoonful of beautiful gratitude!

Elder David B. Haight said, "It's so easy in our life for us to receive blessings, many of them almost uncounted, and have things happen in our lives that can help change our lives, improve our lives, and bring the Spirit into our lives. But we sometimes take them for granted. How grateful we should be for the blessings that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings into our hearts and souls. I would remind all of you that if we're ever going to show gratitude properly to our Heavenly Father, we should do it with all our heart, mind, and strength - because it was He who gave us life and breath. As that gratitude is magnified and developed and expanded, it can bless our hearts and our minds and our souls to where we'd like to continue to carry on and do those things that we are asked to do.".

Listening to the piano being played to it's loudest potential, immediately followed by the cello playing the screeeeeeching rendition of "boil the cabbage down" from a very excited 5th grader, while I'm of course trying to talk on the phone - My dose of gratitude: She's actually practicing without me needing to beg and plead...and sometimes yell, not really though :) And she is getting better and loving it. I'm also grateful she didn't choose the violin!

The one decent running vehicle is now in the shop with no a/c. The diagnosis: BAD, needs new compressor. So now I'm back to driving the "Beast" that gets 9, yes that's a 9, miles per gallon. My spoonful of gratitude: The a/c works!

Medical bills straining on my mind, and bank account... My LARGE dose of "G": Read the stories and blogs about the sweet Nielson family and the tragic plane crash the has left both husband and wife in critical care in the burn unit at a Phoenix hospital. Thinking about what the rest of their lives will be like. How thankful I am that we are all healthy and strong.

Complaining that I never get to see my travelin' "Mr.B"... Another gulp of gratitude: I have an amazing husband that supports me in anything I do. Even if it's some hair-brained idea or invention that I want to get a patent for, or going back to school after ___ many years. (Don't even try to guess). He always encourages me to "go for it". He tries to always have family scriptures and prayers even over speaker phone or the web-cam. (which personally I hate, it really does add 10 pounds!) May I also mention he fixed my broken washer without it costing a cent... I'm married to the king of "Jimmy (Or Jerry)- Riggers". That's a blessing right there folks!

Getting a little perturbed when a teenager flips a light on the the early morning hours after yet another sleepless night caused by my aching shoulder... An immeasurable dose of "G": Going in to check on her, only to find her studying her scriptures. Boy oh boy did my heart fill with joy as I counted yet another blessing.
"What did you read about this morning?"
"I read about the Stripling Warriors Mom. I don't know why I had my bookmark there, that's not even where I've been reading."
Maybe to remind you, my sweet girl, that you are a warrior. You go to battle each day against the darkness of the world, but you go as a daughter of God, with the shield of faith being steadfast and immovable, just like them.

When I wallow in self pity that I didn't have the opportunity to have more children... My gallon of "G": That I'm lucky enough to have four arms that wrap around me, 20 fingers to hold, 20 toes to paint, 4 ears to pick at, 2 backs to tickle and 2 sets of lips to smooch my cheeks and randomly say, "I love you momma"! I can never hear enough of that blessing!

Ahhhhh, Life is Grand!

f(x) = log(5x²), g(x), -∞, = In 3 + In x

2008-08-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

In parts (a) - (c), graph f and g in the same viewing rectangle.

I seriously debated even discussing the fact that I'm back in school because I wanted to drop after the first week - this math class is killin' me! Okay so for many of you brainiacs this may be a walk in the park, for me...... it sucks. No me gusta escuela! (Now that Kendree's in Spanish, we are having so much fun talking to eachother in espanol, even if it's incorrect. Our high pitched Tia Louisa en la cocina y Tia Lupe en el bano voices with the mexican flair are quite hilarious!)

These are the first day of 2008-2009 school pics. I almost forgot to do them, and didn't have my camera on raw with the right settings... hence the crappy pictures - BUT with such beautiful subjects... who cares. Kendree's was taken in the school parking lot which she was obviously displeased about - but another Mom honked and gave me a thumbs up... so I guess I am a good Mom (even when I'm embarrasing my children)!

If you look closely you can see she's saying something... without moving her lips - "Not Cool Mom!"

Saedi is happy hers were taken at home. She's sporting her new favorite shoes - Vans, of course.

My wonderful, handsome husband of 16years and I celebrated our anniversary in Scottsdale. We had a great time shopping, eating, getting snacks for the hotel room, eating, and waking up to go, umm... EAT! They have great restaurants there and of course we had try the "Oprah's favorite" cupcake spot "Sprinkles".

Cute place, loved the packaging (especially the envorinment friendly forks)... didn't love the cupcakes so much. They look adorable, I wanted the just decopage them and put 'em on my kitchen shelf. (Unfortunately they kinda tasted like that's where they had been for a couple weeks).

I had to throw in this picture of Ryan. He forgot his sunglasses, which was a first (he cannot live without his sunglasses)... so here he is sporting mine, which I so lovingly and selflessly gave up risking even deeper crow's feet around my eyes.

Dang, I'm a good wife too! (Thanks to a great hubby!)

Oh, What did we do in the Summertime? (I know...but I couldn't think of a better title)

2008-08-05T09:26:00.001-07:00

This summer was dang fast! The whole month of June was grueling summer school for Kendree (which she got her much deserved A+), and some basketball camp for Sade (she got a sweet jersey, but no trophy this year- which from reading nicole's blog... they are quite dangerous anyway!). For the 4th of July we flew to Colorado for a week vacation. The girls love going to see their cousins- it's a little scary though to think that next summer 3 of them will be 16... including Kendree and they frequently remind us that next summer they won't need me and my brothers to take them anywhere because they'll be able to drive themselves around for all their shenanigans. That is hilarious - they're sooo funny! Who knows, maybe Grandma Cook will let 'em drive on down to the Loaf-N-Jug for some soda pop. When we got home from Colorado, Kendree went in for her surgery 3 days later, and that took care of two weeks in July. So we've only had a couple weeks left to...play the wii, watch CSI (kendree's in love with Nick Stokes) and The Office re-runs, watch SYTYCD, swim (looking for yet another pool boy. Why do we seem to go through them like underwear?), take naps, read (we started a fun new book club), and oh just so many more crazy exciting things...too many to list. All in all, a pretty great summer indeed and to top it off ,we (and a few extra teenagers, of course) went to see Paramore in concert last Saturday at the Mesa Amphitheatre. If you have not had the priviledge of seeing Hayley live... you must! Ken and her friends were close enough to take this pic of Josh & Hayley.

This was the sickest concert! (See, I'm talking like a teen here, sickest actually means coolest for those who didn't already know that). Seriously, Paramore was amazing... Ryan couldn't move his neck the next day from rockin out like Hayley there in the background. (Hee, hee)

So, school starts tomorrow and Saedra is so excited this year because she got Mr.Relken. This is a FIRST for her to be positive at all about going back to school. Kendree... well... I think she's ready to go back, but she's so lost in "Breaking Dawn"-land right now to even comprehend that school starts Manana! (pronounced mah-nya-nah, I'm trying to prep her for her spanish class...I think we'll have tacos tonight)

Dr.Pryor KNOWS noses!

2008-07-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

About 5 years ago Kendree had an accident that broke her nose and jacked up the cartilage to the point of making it quite crooked and unable to breathe through. The doctors told us not to do anything to fix it until she was at least 14 or 15, because the nose changes so much during puberty. Knowing insurance wasn't going to pay SQUAT... the long awaited visit to the facial reconstructive surgeon finally came this summer. She was so stoked for her surgery on July 9th at 6am in Scottsdale (ya, where else would it be), but mom on the other hand was... well... wishin' I had some Xanax. We got there at 6am, and after picking off all my cuticles, the doc came out at 11:30am to inform me that Ken was waking up now and all went perfectly. Saedi and I went in to see her and she was pretty delirious. She said her alarm kept going off (there actually was an alarm, it was the little monitor on her finger that kept beeping every time she would fling it off),but she couldn't wake up and now she missed her surgery. Then she started to cry because she wanted a slushie really bad (this I'm sure due to a tube shoved down her throat for hours).

I kept feeling a tug on the back of my shirt and a little voice saying, "Mom, I don't feel so good", but I ignored little Saedra thinking... "girl you have no idea about not feeling good, you're fine, just look at your sister for Pete's sake!". The nurse said is your daughter okay? I'm like, she just had a hammer and chisel taken to her nose- what do you think-and besides you're the nurse! I didn't actually say that, just thought it. She was actually referring to the daughter standing behind me whose eyes were rolling back and about to pass out. Saedra's dreams of being a surgeon were crushed to bits after this experience!

Be prepared for this infinite entry documenting her first 7 days of recovery. I need to get a softer chair to do this post... my butt's sore already! I assure you that I did get Kendree's permission to take these photos every day so I could journal them... I doubt the Percacet high had any influence at all on her decision.

Day 1 she was very out of it, but what a trooper! Day 2 she goes back to Pryor to get the packing removed (those things were monsterous). Her whole face is swollen and she has alot of drainage. She's taking vicaden every 4 hours... even through the night.Bruising is starting to turn yellow and fade. Swelling is starting to go down, it hurts to smile, but the pain killers are workin'!By day 6 she can smile and joke around a little... yeah, Kendree's coming back! Tomorrow the cast comes off and the splints inside the nose come out (this was quite painful).Now she only has to wear the cast at night for 1 week. She misses the Vicaden -tylenol just isn't the same! I think she's having withdrawls.A special thank you to those of you who stopped by to visit, or brought a meal, or made a phone call in concern for Kendree. This was a difficult and emotional time, but we're so grateful for good friends and family that made it a million times better. We love you all!

What the hail... we just cleaned the pool!

2008-06-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

For you non-arizonians who don't live in this furnace, it actually hailed yesterday! If you look closely you can see it in these pics. I don't know what's wierder here...the fact that it was hailing in Mesa, AZ in July at 110 degrees, or how funky Saedra's double-jointed arm looks - whoa! The hail was making a meager pile on our patio chair, but by the time I grabbed my camera to take a picture for evidence... gone...vanished in this hair flattening from sweaty scalp, underwear sticking so bad you have to PEEL them off, can't buy chocolate chips at store and drive only 5 miles home without turning into a 12oz bag of chocolate syrup (not good for cookies, but makes a delightful afternoon cocktail), kind of HEAT! Of course it happened just hours after the pool boy came to clean the pool... the NEW pool boy that is, (oh behave... it's not THAT kind of pool boy - that was the previous guy), this one is normal. I know some have been waiting for this picture of the "wanna be Chip n Dale dancer" pool boy, but this pic doesn't do him any justice. Just picture him (you may want to picture someone like... oh I don't know... maybe Matthew McConaughey instead, to make this story better) standing at your front door having this conversation:

Guy: "Hey, so I'm your new pool boy"

Me: "Uhhh, okay"

Guy: "Did Ryan tell you I was coming?"

Me: "No" (so my husband failed to tell me that info, let alone that he even hired a pool boy - I thought he was my pool boy)

Guy: "You guys are married right- I mean don't you communicate?" (actually he probably said "talk" because communicate would NOT have been in his vocabulary)

Me: "what?!" - Are you kidding me, is this guy for real? Pool boy/Marriage counselor? I'm thinking, of course we're married... and of course we didn't have that conversation. (He obviously wasn't married or he wouldn't have asked such a silly question)

Guy: "Nah, your husband really hired me to come and do this..." (WARNING:PG13 material coming up)

At this point he proceeds to remove his dingy white shirt (apparently he thinks he's too sexy for his shirt), to expose his non-existent six pack, and begins thrusting his pelvis while rubbing his scrawny chest. I know, I know, I was shocked too... and I too would think this a tall tale, but I have witnesses. You see, our R.S. Presidency meeting just happened to be taking place at the same time! Poor Diane heard it all, I think she may be questioning her move from righteous Rexburg. At least she didn't have to see it... sometimes I wish I could poke out my mind's eye! To finish this story, he did stay and clean the pool. The next week he came, (you heard right,he did come back) it was the final straw. He knocked on my girls' bedroom windows on his way back to our backyard yelling, "pool guy is here!".

Don't be jealous of my exciting life, I can find you his phone#. As many of you are aware, I have had quite the "exposure experiences" lately... ones I shant not post!

A sum up

2008-06-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Give me a break, it's only been three weeks since I last updated... not saying anyone has noticed... however, I have recieved a few verbal "what the crap" about my slacking.

Right after my last entry, Kendree and I went to girl's camp. Can I just say, you can really get to KNOW eachother deep in the woods when your sleep deprived, eating camp vittles (wow...the amazing things that can do to your digestive system), learning proper walkie talkie etiquette (which by the way, are only for the elite!), breathing in the smoke from the fog machines... no, I didn't inhale, anyway... and of course, willingly serving others as we make those mandatory excursions in search of survival needs (ahem...soda, an occasional toothbrush, and other supplies). I loved every stinkin' minute of it! Oh, I'm pretty sure Kendree had a good time too!

Speaking of Kendree, she turned 15 on May 25th and for her birthday she wanted a "beach cruiser".

This year she asks for a cute red bicycle, next year...

I hope a Schwinn beach cruiser has a significant trade in value by that 16th birthday for a spankin' car like that. If not, pray that our sweet '93 Geo Prism is still goin' strong.

I can't say enough about what a magnificent Daddy Ryan is! I wanted to get him a painting by Del Parson that he has loved since I've known the man (Ryan that is, not Del, I don't know Del). Bro Parson just happened to be signing at Costco a couple weeks before Father's Day, but dang it, they didn't have the one he wanted. He absolutely loves the one we got him also and has wanted it forever...it's not by Del though so I felt a little awkward when I asked him to sign it. Kidding!

I adore watching Ryan, the Patriot, talk to our girls about American History- he gets quite emotional. We are "proud to be an American", even if he totally forgot the words to that song while singing at his nephew's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Sorry, but that was one for the books! It's so cute how Ryan gets this plethora of ties...

And he chooses...

... the ones made with love (and elmers glue) by his baby girls years ago... that come about 8 inches above his navel. Did I happen to mention... he's the BEST Daddy ever!!!

Twister

2008-05-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

This is what my small beautiful hometown of Windsor, Colorado looks like after a devestating tornado hit on Thursday May 22nd. My parents, Aunt and Uncle, my brothers and their families all live there. Thank you to those who called in concern for my family... they are all okay and safe! What a blessing! After golf-ball sized hail (this is actually common), they were warned of a tornado... which is actually pretty common this time of year too... however, in the 40 years my family has lived there, a tornado has never touched down. Man do I remember all those tornando drills in school- we thought it was so LAME. Luckily, my nephew and nieces get the same drills, and on Thursday, they just thought it was another practice. Several famililes were crammed into my parents' basement. Dad prayed for all, especially for their children, who were not with them, but in lock down in the schools. I can't help but cry when I think of going through something like that and not having my babies with me! My sister-in-law, Nikki, was out to lunch at a restaurant and they shoved all the people into a freezer... what?...what about the bathroom? I think I'd rather crouch down in a stinky bathroom stall than take the chance of debri falling in front of that freezer door and trapping us in there! As of last night, they still had no power. People are staying at my parents' home and they are putting the generator, candles, batteries, food and everything else to good use. Wow... this is crazy, I can't help but think that I'm also being given a wake-up call to BE PREPARED! Hey, I do have our year supply of toilet paper... you gotta start somewhere. Even with damaged houses and totalled cars, I'm tellin' ya, my heart is full of gratitude for the protection of my family! Ryan and Saedi are going out this week while Ken and I are at Girls Camp, but we'll go out in a couple of weeks.

We love you all there in Windsor!

2008-05-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

A couple weekends ago we took a little trip to Coronado Island. Man oh man do I love it there! The houses are a dream and the yards are breathtaking. I'm pretty sure I could live there forever... if I could just come up with 6 or 7 mill!
Yes, this is the famous Hotel Coronado- and NO, we didn't stay there. We did go in and look around at it's poshness though - and maybe even secretly pretended to be guests there. I do believe Marilyn Monroe stayed there and some people say it's haunted...hmmm, at a couple G's per night, I guess I'll never know. The weather was a little chilly for the beach, so we rented a "surrey bike" for the day and rode around the island- what a blast! Who needs Disneyland with a ride like this! I really must share one little conversation in the car from the back seat on the way to Cali:
Saedi: "Why are we stopped on the side of the road?"
Kendree: "Dad is getting a CRIMINAL ticket"
Saedi: "What? Daddy is not a criminal!"
Kendree: "Yes he is. Did you not just hear what that cop said? He said Dad was going at CRIMINAL speed!"
Look who's drivin' now! (criminal in the back please)

The next day we drove up to L.A. to see the play WICKED. We all loved it - I could see it again and again! Much to Kendree's disappointment, we could not locate a star on Sunset Boulevard for Heath Ledger, which she wanted to mark with a tear and a kiss. Does he even have one? Anyway, we were able to find, in Beverly Hills, the house of none other than...

Crap, sorry... I can't find the picture right now! But it was Simon Cowell's - I'll have to put it on later.

What a fun and relaxing trip - lot's of memories! (and I'm sure from our insurance company too!)

Cat in the Hat

2008-05-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

Fortunately, for the cat (well for me too- but in this case the cat), my husband is sensitive and kind. We finally took Violet to the vet after a couple weeks of a festering sore on her leg. I figured she'd be fine, they have 9 lives right? After Ry's professional veterinarian diagnosis...he has delivered a calf ya know... anyway, he determined she needed stitches. What! Pay money to have someone put a couple stitches in a cat? Sorry to all of you die hard animal lovers, but I can think of better things to do with $85 - ya, after all was said and done,$85! So the vet sends Violet home with a "party hat" and some antibiotics to be given by mouth twice a day for 7 days. Yea, okay...I have a hard time sticking with that for my children. So I have to pry the cat's jaw open -exposing those razor-edged teeth, not to mention inhaling that nasty cat breath- to squirt in some "vanilla flavored" liquid, morning and night. The assistant says, "She should take it just fine because it is "vanilla flavored". I crack up thinking... it's a cat for pete's sake, don't they have like "tuna flavored" medication. Let's just say that Violet doesn't care for vanilla enhanced products... or sombreros for that matter! I have to admit, she really is a darn good kitty!

Golden Child

2008-04-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

Funny thing... Saedra HATES - correction, LOATHES ENTIRELY - school! She gets As, she's in ALP, her teachers love her... I don't get it?! I truly thought she would out-grow this by now, but... nope. She got a "golden scholar" award at academic night on Thursday (24th), which we were so happy for her, and she clearly could care less. Now if it were a "golden dancer", or "golden webkinz collector" award, I think there would have been a tad more enthusiasm on her part. Oh well, we're proud of her anyway!

We love you to pieces Saedi cakes... 10year old girl tween attitude and all!

Medallion Night

2008-04-24T14:55:00.000-07:00

Sent to this earth

You were saved through the ages for this day and time

Child of great worth, Child of promise

Daughter of the Divine

Pure and holy in a little white dress

You were held in a circle and you were blessed

And the Father looked down

And the angels surrounded that place

They knew the truth; All that you could do

And you will too

If you have eyes to see

What Heaven sees in you.

Dressed in white once more

Making promises to follow in God's way

So much lies in store

For the little girl who enters at the gate

Pure and holy in a little white dress

You were led into the water and you were blessed

And the Father looked down

And the angels surrounded that place

They knew the truth; All that you could do

And you will too

If you have eyes to see

What Heaven sees in you.

Do you understand who you are

Part of the Father lives in you

If you continue on this path

Every promise God has given will come true

Heaven on earth

In the House of God so much fills your heart and mind

Woman of great worth

Woman of promise, daughter of the Divine
Pure and holy in a long white dress

You will promise forever and you'll be blessed

And the Father looks down and angels surround that place

They know the truth; All that you can do

And you will too

'Cause you'll have eyes to see

What Heaven sees in you

Will you have eyes to see

What Heaven sees in you

After alot of blood, sweat and tears (okay, maybe just tears!), Kendree recieved her YWs Medallion last Wednesday (23rd) night! Whoo - hoo!

We are so blessed to have you Kendree! You have taught me so much as a mother. I hope someday you will know just how much I absolutely adore you!

Even though I have some mad poetry skillz, I must give credit to Doug Walker for those beautiful lyrics. Check out this song on EFY 2005 "A More Excellent Way". Maybe it's just me, but I can't say that without thinking of Bill and Ted!

Bird Flu

2008-04-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

(3:ooam, yes, A.M.!)
"Mom, wake up! There's a bird in the hall!"

Our daughter tends to hallucinate when she runs a fever, and she'd been throwing up all day ta boot... so naturally the exhausted, yet understanding Mother in me responds,

"Go back to sleep Sade, you're just seeing things."

(One hour later at 4am...)
"Mom, we need to go get that bird. You know those chocolate muffins with the frosting I like from Costco?"

"Uh-huh"

"Well, I thought I saw one smashed in the hall."

"Oh". (The conscious me would have a slightly different reaction about having chocolate smashed somewhere in the carpet.)

"But Mom, it's wasn't... it's a dead bird and I almost picked it up!"

"Pleeease just go back to sleep."

(this time only 30 minutes later at 4:30am...)
"Mom, we have to go get that bird, it's disgusting!"

"Saedra, I'm getting up in an hour - just let me sleep a little bit longer and I'll take care of it."

"But I can't sleep with it there."

Debating within my sleepy self as to whether I get my tired bones up and settle this once and for all, or continue this insanity with my obvious flu-ridden, halucinating child... I sensitively chuckle and say,

"You could go get it yourself." (after no response...Victory, I get 56 minutes of sweet slumber! I really am a nicer mom than this... really, I am!)

Finally getting up after a wonderful restless night, Saedra reminds me (I think now she's talking in her sleep),

"Mom the bird is in the hall with it's legs straight up."

"Ya, ya, okay... What the... How the... did a dead bird get in the house!"

Am I a bad Mom? Sorry Sade... I'll NEVER question a high fevered, barfing child that sees an expired bird resembling a smooshed chocolate dessert in the wee hours of the morning EVER again!

Bon Jovi - Then and Now

2008-04-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

My husband surprised me with some concert tickets on Friday night and... I got the t-shirt! I have such a love for seeing Bon Jovi in concert. He's so awesome... even from the back! I'm not referring to his behind (although it may be quite nice)... I'm referring to the amazing location of our seats. My sweet husband said, "I didn't get you these tickets because I'm cheap, it was because I knew you'd enjoy this view!" Thanks honey! Since this brings back a flood of 80's memories, I thought I'd share a pic from the first Bon Jovi experience. First let me say, Ry has always had an un-love feeling for Bon Jovi, so I was quite surprised he bought the tickets - including one for himself! He didn't appreciate the Bon Jovi wall art plastered in my room. What is wrong about having a poster of such beauty hanging above our bed? (Just kidding, I was in High School - but still...). This is then...

Ready for some Bon Jovi "Slippery When Wet" with my best friends in 1988. This is now...

Seeing the "Lost Highway" with my best friend in 2008!

Although Ry didn't rock out as much as I did, he had to suck it up and admit that Bon Jovi is freakin' awesome in concert! And Daughtry opening for him was not a disappointment! We loved it, especially his old stuff like "You Give Love a Bad Name", "Wanted, Dead or alive", "Livin' on a Prayer"... the list could go on and on. Although I like his song "She's a Little Run-away", Saedra's version is good too - she thought it said, "She's a Little Over-weight". That cracks me up when kids to that. Which brings me to the story of when I was younger, I thought the song "If you like Pina Coladas, and gettin' caught in the rain" really said "If you like bean Enchiladas...". I think my version is much better!

P.S. Did anyone notice that was 2 decades between those pics... this would probably be a great time for you to tell me how I don't look a day older "now" then I did "then"! :)

General Conference Feast in one word

2008-04-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

We love Conference weekend - it is truly a spiritual feast! I savor every moment as if it were that "perfect bite", and although I'm sad when it's over, I feel so FULL... (some of that may have to do with all the snacking too)! Elder Neal A. Maxwell said: "We need to feast upon the words of Christ in the scriptures and as these words come to us from living prophets. Just nibbling occasionally will not do. Feasting means partaking with relish and delight and savoring - not gorging episodically in heedless hunger, but partaking gratefully, dining with delight, at a sumptuous spread carefully and lovingly prepared over the centuries".

We asked our girls as they listened to the conferences to take notes and then come up with 1 word that conference meant to them, that had an impact on them. It was a little difficult to narrow it down to 1 word, but this is what we came up with:

Saedra said her word would be "prophet", because we sustained our new prophet and alot of speakers mentioned that in their talks. She misses Pres. Hinkley, but is so excited to have Pres.Monson as her prophet. She's already made the necessary addition to the "Latter Day Prophets" song... "Gordon B. Hinkley showed the way, we follow Thomas S. Monson today"!

Kendree's word is "win". She says she'll always remember the words of President Monson when he said to the youth, "we can and we will WIN this battle". Kendree never ceases to amaze me with her valiance!

My word is "teach". I felt like somehow every talk seemed to say to me "teach". With the obstacles our children face today, I think we need to create as many teaching opportunities as possible! I have made the commitment to be better at this, after all, Elder Neson did say that although "salvation is an individual matter, exaultation is a family matter"!

Ryan chose "exactness" because of Pres.Uchtdorf's talk in the Priesthood session. Being a pilot, he spoke of how being off even 2 degrees can cause you to be way off course and can be disasterous. This makes us realize how even the small choices affect our course back home.

Between the sessions we did some fun photography, just a little taste here...

Just another manic half day

2008-04-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

Don't be fooled by these innocent adorable 15 year old faces. You give them a half day, some Tropical Smoothies, turkey sandwiches, silly accessories and a camera... (oh, and hot cheetos)

and this is what you get!

Jessica, Danielle, and Abigail seemed a little shocked to experience Kendree's super strength powers. Our home, frequented by teenage girls, can be deafening madness... and I love it!!!

Saedra's Double Digits

2008-03-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

Saedi's birthday was March 27th. That morning my heart ached when she exclaimed, "Mom, I'm double digits now and I'll NEVER be a single digit again!". (oomph, like a kick to the stomach). Her birthday turned out to be a 3 day extravaganza! We started with opening presents on Thurs. before school, party at school, and then a two hour hunt for her dinner choice, ending with chocolate cheesecake (she hates regular cake). Feeling a little hurt that she didn't want the traditional "mom makes whatever you want for your birthday" dinner, we went to 3 different stores trying to find her heart's desire... Spanikopita. With no success and a little dissappointed, she settled for popcorn chicken from the Wal-mart deli. The next day was her party at "As You Wish" pottery store. This was right up her alley and of course she didn't need my "help" with anything- not picking the RIGHT project, not choosing the PERFECT colors, not finding the newest paint brush amongst all the crappy ones allowing you to paint straight lines - nope, she didn't listen. But hey, the projects will be done and ready for pick up on Tuesday and guess who just might paint her own caterpillar?
Anyway, the next day for "her" present from Mom, "we" went to get a pedicure. Dang, I give good gifts! We like to document our girls "Top Ten" at 10. So here goes Saedi's...

10- the band Paramore
9- kittens
8- Steve's Crazy Subs
7- Hip Hop dancing
6- watching "I Carly"
5- pedicures with mom (this was not coached, I promise)
4- basketball with Dad (this was!)
3- my wave board
2- spanikopita (this will have to change unless I learn how to make it - ya probably not)
1- Webkinz! (she got 2 for her birthday, bringing the total to 9)

Happy Birthday baby doll - we love you!!!

Message for Sheila

2008-03-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe our baby sister would be 32 today! On this day, our thoughts are flooded of sweet Sheila Maye and the precious memories we have of her. We think of her everyday and on occasion, we have the beautiful privilege to feel of her presence. Saedi says if she could send a message to you, Sheila, in Heaven today she would say, "I wish you could come to my birthday party this week, I'll be 10! I'm so glad families are forever and we'll see eachother again!". Kendree message is, "It is such an honor whenever my Dad tells me how much I remind him of you!".
I quote the unforgettable and perfectly painted words of Dad as you left this world for the next:

"You used to urge your horse into a lope and dash ahead of us to be the first to reach the Scotty Creek Spring and when we got there you'd already had a big drink of the clear icy water and be lounging in the shade of the giant ponderosa or you'd be wading in the creek.
Once again you've dashed on ahead and one day when our loving Father deems that we've learned enough down here we'll come around the bend and you'll be waiting there beside the trail with outstretched arms to welcome us home and show us the marvelous things you've discovered.
Thank you Babe for lighting our lives with your presence, for invigorating us with your boundless energy and lust for life. Thank you for being you. Though it's hard today to see through our tear choked and mortal eyes and impossible to ease our grief, we know that you are just up the trail and that one day we'll join you there. One day our family circle will again be unbroken and we'll sing and laugh, we'll hug and kiss, work and play, just as we did in the good old days. And just like then, being together is all that will really matter."

As I look at our family picture we took yesterday the words echo in my mind...

Being together is all that really matters!!!

Until we meet again Sheila... We love you and miss you!

Colored eggs and aching leggs

2008-03-23T18:26:00.000-07:00

In our neck of the woods, the Easter Bunny comes the Saturday before Easter Sunday. So we dyed eggs on Friday - it's always a competition to see who can come up with the best color of egg when Mom buys the cheap pack with only 4 color tablets(pink,blue,green and yellow). They're getting pretty creative! I think the girls were more excited about the way the paper towels looked tye dyed.

After Peter Cottontail's visit on Saturday, we went on a hike at The Lost Dutchman State Park. It was beautiful, we could not have asked for a better day. There was some whining (Kendree) during the uphill part of the hike, but we made it!

By the end, everyone was pretty hot, a little winded, thirsty, snacky, experiencing noodle legs, draggin' our aching feet along the trail except for one...

Let me remind you this is the LAST 100 yards of the hike. After lunch Saedra said, "Can we go do it again?"

A "Tale" of a Whale

2008-03-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

Can you believe what you can see right off the highway in Maui? The ocean was covered with Humpback whales and the mist from their blow holes. It was so exciting and surreal - we could have watched them all day. In fact, we went back the next day and didn't see one! We were so blessed to have stopped when we did.

I love this shot of Ryan. He could hardly wait to get his fins and snorkel on and dive in!
By this time, I was trying to stay as much out of the sun as possible (because of a sunburn), yet still be on the beach. My 4 short days there consisted of: sinking my toes in the sand every minute I could, soaking up the sun (resulting in blisters on my lips), reading completely pointless fluff stuff, and snacking on sun-warmed peanut M&Ms. The only thing that could have made it better, would be to actually have spent more than a couple of hours with my husband... and a bigger bag of M&Ms! I really did miss my kids too :( MAYBE they can come next year.

<3 oooh laalaaaa

2008-03-06T18:12:00.000-08:00

FOR SAFETY PURPOSES

I WILL BE REFERRING TO THE BOY I LOVE WITH A CHANGED NAME. LET'S CALL HIM... JAKE.

Once upon a time....

my mom says if i'm gonna write ya novel i need my own blog. (yipee)

and this is story is going to be a novel.

Dear Diary...

2008-03-06T17:33:00.000-08:00

Okie Dokie! So, here goes my first blog. I hope I'll be more consistent with this than I am writing in my journal. I usually go about 2 1/2 years between entries, so... my next post may be July 2010, unless Heather stays on me like she has just to get this first one done :) This will be good for me because writing about our life causes me to pause for a moment and reflect on the day... what I got mad about (how do I convince Saedra that she really does love to read, she just doesn't know it yet?), what I laughed about (the price tag hanging out of my shirt ALL day!), what I'm excited about (a trip to Hawaii with my husband in 2 days). So, this should be fun and interesting, but please note that this not a blog for the English major to read!

P.S. Kendree informed me that she will be getting on all the time to update you on the boy that she's totally in love with!