Come on in peek inside...

Funny Story

2010-04-19T11:57:00.000-07:00

Isabelle was at her aunts house on Saturday. She called me in a FrAnTic!! She started talking super fast and she was buzzing. I finally got out of the conversation that she was talking about a pair of shoes that her cousin had bought herself at WalMart. They were black and strappy and sandals. But she told me this in a frenzy of words. And she told me that she needed to have these same shoes. I finally was able to talk and tell her to calm down and ask her why she had to call me and tell me this now and why couldn't it wait until she got home?? Her response was.......

"Because Mom, it's a fashion emergency!"

Wow! I know.

That's my Isabelle! I sure can't wait till she is a teenager.

Girls

2010-02-20T14:41:00.000-08:00

Isabelle was having a sleepover with a very good friend a couple of Saturdays ago. I was gone for a bit, but when I came home I checked on them and this is what I saw........

It was so cute. They had decided to put spongy curlers in each others hair. So they were sound asleep with their curlers in. It's funny how they are sleeping the exact same way. They didn't even wake up when the camera flash went off. hee hee hee
Sorry I did not take a picture of the outcome. It was kinda silly. But what a memory, cute girls!!

Clumsy or an accident???

2009-11-17T13:19:00.000-08:00

Isabelle broke her right arm at the beginning of June, the first week of summer break. She landed on it wrong at the playground. Bright pink cast. Sad first weeks of summer.

Isabelle tripped and fell at school and broke her left arm in October. That one was ugly. It involved a tooth through the lip and a nasty scrape right across the middle of the face. I really wanted to take a picture of her. She didn't want me to, she was so embarrassed, because her lip swelled up big. I snuck a few anyway. (i know, nice mom) This cast started out black and orange to tie in with the Halloween Holiday. She had to have it on past her elbow, because the break was near the wrist. Then 3 weeks later she got a shorter one on. It was striped green and a glow in the dark off white. Very cool!

So I have 3 boys. None of them have even come close to breaking anything. But "Princess Is' broke both arms within 6 months. Explain that?

Now the pics...

June pink cast.

orange & black

green & glow in the dark

all scraped up

Ashley Tisdale

2009-10-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

In July we got a call from my mom who works at the South Jordan WalMart, letting us know that Ashley Tisdale would be there signing CD's for her new single, "It's Alright."
Well of course we have to go and have the chance to meet "Sharpay." We sat in line on the WalMart floor for 3 1/2 hours. When she finally arrived she was almost 1 1/2 hours late, and we finally got up to the front of the line to get her autograph. She was only signing her CD, nothing else, so we had to buy one for everyone. Good thing it was only $3.00.
When Isabelle was up in front of her, Isabelle said, "Hi Ashley" and then Ashley told Isabelle she liked her outfit, which she put a ton of effort into. Very sparkly! She was in heaven that a famous singer/High School Musical star would comment on her clothing choices.
That comment made the 3 hour wait worth it!!
When I got my turn to have her sign the CD I had for my niece who lives in Arizona, she didn't even look at me. She was chatting with her friend behind her. And didn't even look up when she finished her signature. She just slid the CD my way and that was it. Kinda rude if you ask me. And then I heard from my mother that she did not stay till 8:00 like she was supposed to. She left early and kept 100's of kids standing there with bought CD in hand with no signature. Rude.
Maybe it's not her fault, maybe she had to get to her next gig or catch a plane flight and was whisked away by her "people". But still R.U.D.E.
I am just glad that the kids I was with had a good once in a life time chance to get her signature.
Thanks Isabelle, Paige, Brenna, Ashton, Lily & Draven for coming with me.
Here are some photos.

Ashton with the poster that came in the CD.

Can you see her? Just the small brunette head under the blue sign. Ya that's her. lol!!

Isabelle all dolled up!

8 is Great!!

2009-08-04T16:57:00.001-07:00

Isabelle made the wonderful decision to be baptized, and she got to do it on her birthday. What a fun memory of her 8th birthday. And what an awesome birthday party she had with her friends.
April 11th, 2009

This was A LOT of nails to be done. Thanks so much to my personal party helper, ZOE, you are awesome!!

Yummy fruit kabobs.

Too many girls in my living room.

This is Isabelle's cousin, Saige, Saige's birthday is April 5th. So Saige got to be baptized on the 11th also. She was baptized that evening, by her dad.

Isabelle could not hold still. She was sooo giddy that party night.

FUN!! FUN!! FUN!!

I've been outtie!

2009-08-04T16:15:00.000-07:00

I have been so out of the rhythm of blogging. It's been forever since I've had a steady stream of posts. School came to an end and things got busy, then summer came and things got busier, you'd think summer would slow things down, NO! Then life happens and no more time to sit and blog. Well I am back!!! So hold on there is so much to catch up on.

We took a little walk at Bridal Veil Falls. This is Trumie hanging on a fence. This is one of my favorite pictures of him. It just shows how cute and tiny and silly he is.

Me getting a kiss from my beau.

We had a horrible mini vacation to St. George in March. The weather was yucky, cold and windy. Reece had to go to the instacare for bronchitis and an infection. Jeff got sick, a bad sore throat and a cough. Truman had to be taken to the emergency room at 2 am for croup, he was literally fighting for air, soooo scary! Crappiest vacation ever! Well I guess we'll try that again. Anyhoo, this is a picture that I took of Spencer posing by the Indian statue in the neighborhood where we stay. The Indian is carving something in the rock and we always make this joke every time we drive by it, "Wow that Indian is still working on that, he is taking forever to finish." Hilarious, I know. But the best part of this picture is Isabelle. What exactly is she looking for?

FYI-My pictures are way out of order.

This is Easter at the annual Diabetes Easter Egg Hunt. Spencer was officially too old for the hunt this year, sad. But the day is so full of fun stuff, lunch, a movie, a magic show, face painting, balloon animal maker, a free T-Shirt, and the best of all an egg hunt with a ticket to choose a prize, a big nice toy, any thing you want.
Here is Reece and Trumie with their balloon swords.

Here are the kids with the Easter Bunny. No kids were crying this year, wow!! Although Truman seemed a little squeamish.
One day I went to find out what Reece and Truman were doing, it was too quiet. They were in the bathroom together and Reece was spraying Truman's hair with detangler and combing it.

So dang cute!!

Just a start!

2009-07-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

This is just a start to what has happened and all the fun & un-fun going-ons

during our summer 2009.

First Isabelle broke her arm. She broke it on the "zip line" at the playground at the Lehi Sports Complex. We were just playing while Spencer had his Tennis Lessons and she fell wrong and buckled both bones in her forearm. OUCH!! Poor baby!

We went to the Children's Museum at The Gateway. My awesome friend Amanda and her very cute little boy were able to get us in free. YAY!!

This is Spencer posing while Isabelle and I were looking for nailpolish in the accessory store.

He is such a goof. Love him!!

Baby stuff.

2009-07-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

Hello,
I have a good friend with a younger sister who is having a baby girl in November and she is in very much need of donated baby stuff. They are starting out with nothing and she would be more than appreciative for any items anyone can give. Please call me if you have anything you'd like to give or just drop it off to me.

Thanks in advance.
~Lynette

Some stuff we did I never blogged about.....

2009-03-20T21:08:00.001-07:00

Cute kids with their dad reading Reece's shark book.

Truman can fall asleep ANYWHERE!

My new faucet that I installed by myself (well with my sister's help.)

SILLY REECE. We were waiting for Spencer's diabetic doctor and he was wearing his mew swimming mask and spinning around and around and around on the stool. It was hilarious.

Here's the two little boys getting ready for the bath.

Hiding in the cave at the Museum of Ancient Life

My cute four babies playing in the sand water.

St. Patrick's Day Parade BABY!!

Me and mu bestie Maria!

See I am still alive!

But I cannot find my camera and I am so sad, so I may never post again.......................

boo hoo..........

Just posting so there's a new post.

2009-03-06T15:28:00.000-08:00

I just haven't had the time or the energy to post anything. bla bla bla yada yada yada. I am too addicted to finding new/old friends on FaceBook. But just to let you all know I am still alive and blurking your blogs.

BTW- If anyone's kids go to the last bus stop on Hawthorne Street, you know the one they moved to 1900 South. The busy street in front of the neighborhood. And if you hate that decision as much as I do please call this number 763-7072 (the transportation people) and complain. I have suggested moving it east like maybe on the corner of Archmore and Hawthorne. Away from the pond and the busy street. They will probably have to move the other Hawthorne bus stop a bit east, but that's better than putting our kids in the street.
Thanks, we need to speak up. Let me know what you think.

I'm so mad at her!

2009-02-11T08:43:00.001-08:00

That darn tooth fairy did it again. I swear every time a child loses a tooth in my house she forgets to come and take the tooth and leave the money. What a brat! What is her deal, is she like freakin' busy or something? Is she way to tired to get up like 5 minutes before the kids wake up and make that secret appearance. I guess I will give her the benefit of the doubt and forgive her this time. Luckily she made it up to me this last time she screwed up. Isabelle had finally lost her other front tooth and when she woke up she noticed the tooth still nestled under her pillow, (luckily Isabelle had put it inside 2 different bag contraptions, so she wasn't quite sure that it was even still there.) The tooth fairy had cleverly taken the tooth out w/o Isabelle noticing and left the room to use the potty and she brought back 6 quarters to slyly place under a different pillow on the bed. Without Isabelle even noticing. You covered your butt this time, Tooth Fairy, but don't let it happen again. I still have 2 kids left to lose teeth.

See! She's sleeping on the job in this picture!

What in the world...

2009-02-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

...was I thinking????!!!
When I let Truman eat his lunch on the couch? Am I crazy? He hardly ever eats ANYTHING and for my sanity & to try to get him to eat, I thought I would give him his SpaghettiO's on the couch while he watched Go, Diego, Go, with a towel underneath and a bib and all. Here's how things ended up. And I was sitting at the kitchen table working during these few seconds of the SpaghettiO massacre. I didn't get a picture of Truman and I should have, because he had painted his legs with red SpaghettiO finger paint and splattered it all over his face & shirt and the dog too. Being a mom has so may rewards, and my newest reward is the everlasting SpaghettiO stain that just christened my sofa & it's cushions.

Finally, something worthy to blog about!

2009-02-03T15:52:00.000-08:00

The other night at the dinner table my family and I were telling each othet our favorite SpongeBob Squarepants episodes. I don't know why the subject came up, but we were laughing and having a grand ole' time. It was one of the best dinner conversations that we've had in a long time. Obviously we don't really get too deep during our dinner talk.

Let me explain a little bit first. I love cartoons! I always have. It is my #1 guilty pleasure. If I have time to sit down and flip through the channels I will usually end up on SpongeBob or some other cartoon, maybe Arthur. When I first saw SpongeBob, I thought, dumb. Then realized that he is hilarious as well as all the characters living in Bikini Bottom. What's better than a Sponge that wears pants that lives under the sea in a pineapple. He truely makes me laugh and I usually TIVO episodes that are my favorite so that I can share then with the family.

So here is a list of my top 10 favorite SpongeBob episodes.
See I told you this was blog-worthy!

1- Where's Gary? - SpongeBob is busy doing the dirty bubble challenge and forgets to feed Gary for a few days, his pet snail, and Gary runs away. A freaky old lady who calls herself Grandma, finds him. There is an excellent 'Gary come home' song in this episdode.

2- The Idiot Box. SpongeBob and Patrick buy a big screen TV, just so they can use the box to sit in to use their imaginations, thus - the idiot box. Real noises are coming from the box like a TV set and of course Squidward doesn't believe that it's just their imaginations.

3- Sing a Song of Patrick. Patrick creates a song that everyone hates, but SpongeBob and Patrick heroically manage to get it on the radio. See song lyrics below.

4- The Hash-Slinging Slasher. On their first all night shift at the Krusty Krab, Squidward tries to scare SpongeBob with tales of the 'Hash-Slinging Slasher'. As things begin to go bump in the night, Squidward starts believing his own twisted tale!

5- Squidward's Band. Squidward receives a call from Squilliam Fancyson from band class! He claims he's suppose to play at the "Bubble Bowl", but cannot make it, and asks Squidward and his "band" to perform. Squidward, determined to play well, tries to get a band together, since he knows Squilliam just wants to see him flop. The bikini bottom gang try real hard to make the band sound good, but they are horrible. SpongeBob, horrified at how the band members crushed Squidward's dream, takes over conducting the band. They play "Sweet Victory" so well that Squidward has a heart attack. The actual band performance is friggin' hilarious!

6- Smitty Werben Jeggar Man Jensen. Spongebob bought a Soda-Drinking Hat from Mr. Krabs yard sale. Then Mr. Krab's learned it was worth $1 milllion dollars and he stole it from SpongeBob in order to sell it for one million dollars. Smitty Werben Jeggar Man Jensen is the original dead owner and his army of the dead skeletons fight greedy Mr. Krabs to get it back, with Mr. Krabs successfully winning. But no money prize in the end.

7- The Two Faces of Squidward. SpongeBob opens the door and hits Squidward in the face causing his face to transform into a very irresistably, handsome Squidward. SpongeBob then pushes Squidward accidentally into a pole to protect him, and Squidward gets his usual face back.

8- The Bubblestand. SpongeBob charges .25 cents to blow bubbles at his stand. SpongeBob has this art mastered, he can blow any shape bubble including animals. He even has a special 'technique' he does before he blows them and trys to teach Squidward who thinks it's really easy, but can't do it without the 'stupid technique'.

9- Patrick's Secret Box. Patrick keeps a small box everywhere he goes, and refuses to tell SpongeBob what's in it. Curiosity eventually gets the better of our spongy hero, as he decides to try and sneak a peek while Patrick is sleeping.

10- Don't Mess with Texas. Sandy Squirrel starts to miss her home back in Texas. So SpongeBob and Patrick decide to throw a Texas party at The Krusty Krab. But SpongeBob and Patrick find out that Sandy's going to go back to Texas, so they start saying bad things about Texas and she starts chasing them down. They lure her into The Krusty Krab and she sees the party, so she decides to stay.

Plankton = 1% Evil 99% Hot Gas

Here are the words to the song Patrick writes in the episode Sing-a-song of Patrick. It's hilarious and you have to hear it for yourself, look for it on youtube. It wont be the actual show, but you can hear the music, the song is so much better sung than read. I know you're curious.
Twinkle twinkle patrick star
I made myself a sandwhich
my mommy named it fred
it tastes like beans and bacon
and smells like it's been dead

writing stuff is hard so i use a pointy pencil
pointy, pointy, pointy, pointy, pointy, point.
P.U whats that horrible smell?
Drum solo!
(drum solo)

I have a head.
It ends in a point
a pointy, pointy, pointy, pointy, pointy, point
this song is over
except for this line
you win this round
Broccoli

FYI - I don't expect many to understand this post. Maybe Kristi & Zar & Zad, or maybe you too, have a serious love for cartoons.

Funny things my kids said lately.

2009-02-02T14:59:00.000-08:00

Reece - "I'm not going to eat anymore I don't want to get fat." Let's remember this boy is like the size of a 3 year old and he'll be 5 in 2 months. Weird!

Spencer - While the song by Beyonce was playing in the car, All the Single Ladies, he starts singing, "I'm a psychopath, I'm a psychopath," in the same tune.

Spencer - While his sister and cousin were fighting, he interrupted to say to them, "Hey why don't you guys use your energy to figure out why you're so ugly!"

Isabelle - While eating lunch today at McDonald's she says, "Can I go change my clothes?" Yes she had a change of clothes with her.

Reece - He had that Adele song stuck in his head and he starting singing it out loud. "Should I just give up or should I just keep chasing cavemen..." The line is, pavement, not cavemen.

Truman - "Mommy my tummy hurts, I'm hungry." Me- "What do you want to eat?" Truman - "Hamburger and fries from Donalds." This is all that kid will eat, I need a McDonald's drive through in my driveway. Well he eats the cream between an Oreo cookie, gotta count that.

Oh and I think this picture is stinkin' hilarious, he can barely reach the toilet standing up and he was hurrying so fast not to pee his pants cause he was outside playing.

Watch this video, make a donation, share this message...

2009-01-30T18:15:00.000-08:00

Some of you who are new to my blog may not know that my husband, Jeff, was diagnosed 21 years ago with Type 1 Diabetes. My son, Spencer, was diagnosed with the same chronic disease 6 years ago when he was only 4.
Our family raises money for research every year. We try really hard to also raise awareness about this dumb disease. I just got this video emailed to me from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The video is so plain and blunt and had me bawling at the computer. I will bug you in June to donate money to this foundation, as my annual fundraiser takes place, but I am also urging you now. If you can donate $5.00, then do it. If it's not possible for you to donate now keep this foundation in the back of your mind so that you can later. Or please pass the message on to family & friends, every little bit counts.

"Small efforts from many people can make a difference."
Thanks!

Click here for the link to donate to this virtual campaign.

WOW!

2009-01-30T10:26:00.001-08:00

I was totally "under the weather," total pun intended there. From my comments on my last post it's unanimous that the weather is mostly to blame for all of our hum-drummy-ness. This morning an Angel arrived at my house in a gray Durango and delivered me one of these.

WOW, it's just what I needed a big DCw/L (translation: diet coke w/lime.) Then I read my blog and Emily said it best when she quoted Finding Nemo comparing the hum-drummy-ness to the weather. You know the part after they break the filter...and the one fish says...

"Don't you people realize we are swimming in our own sh@%!!"

Click here if you'd like to watch the Nemo clip with the quote and then the beautiful music when the whale is swimming and Marlin is freaking out and Dori is just happy.

I love that music. I bought the soundtrack a while back and that music at that point in the movie is THE BEST! So here's my advice to myself and to all of you who are stuck in the "hum-drums."
"JUST KEEP SWIMMING" and listen to the Finding Nemo soundtrack..... because it will get better..... and sunnier.

And maybe I should go tanning and eat some chocolate....

love ya, cheer up,

Nettie

Why so hum drum?

2009-01-29T14:13:00.000-08:00

"What's going on" I ask myself. I feel so hum-drum. Am I in a slump? Am I just plain tuckered out? Do I have mono? I used to be so clever with my blog and had something to say, a lot. Now I really haven't posted much forever, besides some cute holiday & family pics. I am in general just feeling blah! Not sad or anything just blah. Does anyone else feel this hum-drummy-ness? Maybe it's the weather.? Maybe it's the child I have that wakes me up at night.? Maybe I am too fat.? Maybe it's what I eat.? Maybe it's the huge pile of laundry I have that I can't make go away.? Maybe it's just me and I am creeping into middle-age, the tra-million gray hairs on my head would answer that one. Sometimes I just sit or just want to sit and be in a zone. I can't really think straight. My momnesia is worse than ever. I go to walk into a room and can't remember why I started in that direction (hey- usually it's not til after I get into the room when my memory fails.) I'm so weirded out by this. What do you think? I feel like this horrible picture of me looks. eeewww.

I never showed you mine...

2009-01-21T14:46:00.000-08:00

My family pictures that is.
And I never gave a shout out to our photographer for the awesome job she did on them. Yeah Nicole Baldwin, you do great work!

Lemme know what y'all think. (this is only a few of like 100 pictures)

Favorite!

Wow my kids are beautiful. Totally bragging here, I am very bias too. As you can tell Truman was not at all cooperative. But that's him a lot-a cute and a lot-a crazy.

Lots of fun!

2009-01-21T10:57:00.000-08:00

Here's some fun pictures from the golf course & club house area at Entrada in St. George from our vacation, where High School Musical was filmed. Isabelle was in Heaven.

The High School Musical 2 gang.

Semi-frozen water fall. I thought it was cool.

Spencer relaxing in the lobby.

Isabelle posing in the room with the mirror, I think they shot several pieces of the movie here. (dark picture though) Can't wait to go back!!

'Bout time for an update...

2009-01-05T13:01:00.001-08:00

I'm so sad that Thanksgiving & Christmas is all over. Wow News Years is over too. A whole new year to triumph and trial and become more like "Him" and to learn to love yourself a little bit more and to try harder to be a little nicer. I think I can do all those things, or least try.

Christmas was great with so many awesome family parties. It's so much fun to spend time with those you don't see often.

We left for St. George on the 27th and boy was that a blast of a week. Nice upper 50 degree weather, a beautiful house to stay at and more family and friends. Then back home to play in the snow & get back to work. Here's a million pictures to document, well everything... Hold on to your pants, picture overload coming on. (And I am too lazy to make a mosaic of all the events.)

And all the pictures are in backwards order cuz I am way too lazy to reorder them too!

No bathtub at this gorgoeus house, just double showers, so Trumie bathes in the 'big' sink.

Snow Canyon hike.

The backyard. Yes, a golfcourse.

Oh you don't have a water fall and a stream in your backyard by your hot tub...???

Rock climbing, yah right!

Rock monsters.

A little excerise. Jeff & Simeon & Mike doing punches.

It was so much fun to have the Peterson's stay with us for the weekend.

Christmas joys!!

My Brother-in-law & sister's house we stayed at, is in the Entrada at Kachina Springs area in St. George and that is where High School Musical 2 was filmed. I will post more pictures of all of that area. Isabelle was so freaking out about that and she had to pose in all the cool spots, by the pool etc...

2008-12-26T12:50:00.000-08:00

buy harry potter books

We hope all is well with your family and this holiday season finds you well. We wish you an awesome healthy New Year!
May all your wildest dreams come true!
The,

buy harry potter books

Holiday cheer...

2008-12-20T18:59:00.000-08:00

I was standing in the kitchen making dinner and Reece and Truman were rearranging the nativity scene in the living room. All of a sudden I hear giggles and then more giggles. Then I hear Reece say, "Look Jesus has a bum bum." I look up and sure enough Reece is holding baby Jesus in Truman's face saying this. Truman giggles and says, "eeewww, bum bum!" They couldn't stop giggling and showing everyone in the family baby Jesus' bum bum.

It was hilarious.

Ahhh from the mouth of babes.

White elephant parade.

2008-12-10T12:10:00.000-08:00

Okay...
This is what is going on with the white elephants.
First of all thanks to everyone on the ideas. I loved Emily's idea with Jeff singing old sappy songs. We almost did that one, but I didn't have the tools. Thanks Jean-Marie for the idea on the half-eaten chocolates, I love that one and probably will use it next year. Thanks Lindsay, I really loved your idea with his face on an Anne Geddes-like picture, I loved it, but I need some cool program like photoshop. Thanks Amanda for the bobble-head Jeff idea, that is truly a great idea. But you'll have to help me figure that one out. There is probably a website out there that would make one for me, but I would want to keep it. And thank you to Kristi for the use of the pelvis, truly perfect! Thanks Rachael and Di for your ideas too. Finally, thanks to Isaac for sending so quickly, the 'pig's feet'. Yes I said Pig's Feet, packed nicely in vinegar.

So...
drum roll please....

what we are doing is wrapping up the Pigs Feet AND along with the
those we are adding a package of one of a kind "Jeff Trading Cards". We were brainstorming one night and came up with several different ideas that turned into "Jeff Trading Cards." Here's the samples. Expect for the fact that I added names to the cards & cut them all the same size to fit inside a custom made card box.
They said things like this...
Jeff and a globe
Jeff eating Fritos
Jeff napping
Jeff reading
Jeff walking
Jeff smelling flowers
Jeff jumping rope
Jeff taking out the recycle bin
Jeff walking
Jeff's feet
Jeff's thermostat
Jeff walking the dog north
Jeff being attacked by sword wielding children
Jeff filling the bird feeder
Jeff sword fighting
Jeff watering the lawn
Jeff examining a rock
Jeff's crying baby

And that is only HALF of them!

See the whole point is for it to be dumb, but funny. Tonight is the party and wish us luck with some good chuckles and may the person who gets the cards to truly have a sense of humor.
Thanks again.
LOVEYAALLMEANIT!!

My Opinions...

2008-12-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

Just a post of my opinions, about several different things.

#1 - Wuthering Heights, the novel by, Emily Bronte
I was 'withering' away almost the whole time. I wanted to say uuggghhhhh a lot. Don't get me wrong I am not below or against a great classic love/ghost story. BUT... I found it to be a lot like "the Jerry McGuire" of love stories. Like what I mean is when did they actually fall in love. He's desperately in love with her and haunted by her ghost and turned horribly evil to all who surround him, but when were they "together" enough for him to be so violently in love with her. You know like, "you complete me," but when did that ever happen. I did love the parts where she is describing the landscape and comparing it to someones facial expressions or when she puts beautiful and awful anguish into words. She's a brilliant writer, but I found the 320 page story, to feel like 3,220 pages.

#2 - The Kaboom never scrub toilet cleaner
(I went from Wuthering Heights to toilet cleaner, see how I did that.)
Oh my gosh! If you have a stubborn toilet that needs constant big time scrubbing, and we all do, try using the Kaboom never scrub toilet cleaner. Or use it for all of your toilets. You just hook something into the toilet tank and it's sparking clean all the time till you have to change it in like two months.Oh yeah and it smells, clean, kinda bleachy every time you flush.

#3 - Prince Caspian, the movie
I give it a thumbs up....BUT.
But...I didn't care for the new talking animals and I thought the scenery & special effects was much better in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The story line sucked. They forgot to explain why Prince Caspian was so important and isn't that the title of the movie. C.S. Lewis' novels of this series are sooo wonderful and brilliant, they really need to use the book more, in a motion picture this huge. I did like who they cast for Prince Caspian and the Pevensie children were great as usual especially Edmund.

#4 - Hellboy II, the movie
Wow! 2 Thumbs waaay up! That was fun to watch. Fun script, fun new creatures and characters, fun, fun, fun. Both Jeff and I thought number two was much better than number one. So if you didn't really like Hellboy, that's okay, try Hellboy II, it's good.

#5 - Puffs Plus tissues
Especially at this time of year where we all see the sniffles, colds & runny noses. I only buy Puffs Plus tissues with lotion. The ones with lotion in them are the best. Some people may say they feel gross, but I disagree. They are soft and that's why I use them. You don't get a "red-nose" for the holidays, the lotion inside the tissue keeps your nose moisturized and feeling healthy. I love Puff's Plus and don't buy anything else and I love to buy generic!!

That's all for this edition of "My Opinions." But don't take my word for it.
Me-out.

Come on be creative!!

2008-12-04T13:28:00.000-08:00

I need suggestions for a white elephant gift. Jeff's work holiday party is next week and he is 'famous' for having a hilarious white elephant gift. Let me tell you some past gifts.
* A poster sized framed picture of 6 different photos of himself. He signed it Jean-Guava, the pictures were very effeminate.
* A 5 X 7 photo of Jeff framed & signed something like, Best Regards, Jeff Callister
* A tee-shirt with him on it with a Christmas hat on and it said "the face of Christmas"
They were all kinda dumb, but really funny and now everyone looks forward to receiving the "Jeff gift".

We have always done something with Jeff's face on it, and now since they are expecting it we wanna try to do something new.
Help... my mind is blank.

I'd love some ideas, come on be creative for me.

Update...

2008-12-03T13:16:00.000-08:00

Just in case your wondering about us.......

Spencer, Reece, Truman, Jeff & I have all had our form of the headache, tummy ache, fever thing that has been going around.

Isabelle had another bad stomach pain episode and I took her straight into the doc where we sat and talked for over an hour. That was helpful. We've decided to do a very detailed log of all her poops, pains, 'hot flashes', medications and the food she eats. The doctor called it a "Log Log." The pun was intended there. She is permanently on Pepcid and Miralax for the time being unless something changes. The one thing that really stumps me and I can't figure out is when she complains of being hot...??? I can't figure this one out. She tells me she is soooo hot that she feels like she's gonna explode. She walks around in only her underwear as much as she can. BUT... she does not feel hot, no fever at all. The heater is NOT blasting and everyone else is at a fine temperature. And it seems to stay all the time not go away and come back like someone with menopause. Has anyone ever felt like that??? This is a new thing, she hasn't always been "hot." Waddya do?

I also spoke to her teacher about some emotional things and fears she's been having at school. She has so much going on in her little head for a seven year old that I am really scared for when puberty hits. Like leave the country scared. How do you tell a 7 year old not to worry and then keep her from worrying about crazy things. And I mean crazy things, crazy made up scary things. I don't want to explain them here, but they are sad and scary things. Do me a favor, if you see her give her a smile and a pat on the back, she needs it, she thinks EVERYONE is mean to her ALL the time.

What a weekend...

2008-11-30T14:48:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving weekend was really awesome. I use 'was' with emphasis. It started out great with friends and family and yummy food. And ended with 2 screaming, sick kids in pain and a mom that can't do much, but hold them.

Isabelle has this phantom chronic stomach pain, and this weekend her pain was doubled with back pain. What the crap!! I cannot figure her out, I feel so bad. So we are making a phone call to Primary Children's Med Center to see a specialist. Wish us luck in finding out what is going on with her and it's something easy to resolve. I have to keep in mind though, one doctor told me that 90% of children's stomach problems is emotional. GREAT!!

Then there is Truman. He cried from 2:00 am till 6:00 am early Sunday morning. And all the way to the instacare and all the way through the appointment. Crying saying
ow-ee ow-ee ow-ee, my tummy hurts and holding his neck like his throat hurt. The doctor was SURE that he had strep, by the looks of his throat and his tummy and head aches. But of course, no strep, even with his 103 fever. So I am trying to treat him for a stupid horrible virus that is causing him SO much pain.

These are the times when I just pray I can take all the pain away and put it on myself. And it makes me ever so much more grateful for a Savior who did actually take on all of our pains and who knows and grieves for all that we go through....

Happy Day!

2008-11-27T22:58:00.000-08:00

I'm nearing the close of the thankfullest day of the year. I hope you all had a wonderful dinner and/or good company and/or some rest and I hope you all were very thankful and felt all of our blessings.....

AND...

I hope you Gobbled 'til You Wobbled!

Our cute Pilgrim hats & Indian headbands we made.

I just love G-pa's face in this picture.

Our Journey.....

2008-11-25T15:18:00.000-08:00

Happy anniversary to Jeff and me.

November 25th, 1995.

It was a beautiful, beautiful fall day.

The weather was kinda like right now.
Jeff and I met at McDonald's where we both worked. He pulled me into his heart with his cheesy smile and fuzzy mullet. I could sit and listen to him talk forever, (he's so smart) and watch him practice his karate for hours. He would call me at work to tell me to look out the window at a beautiful sunset. He would have a new mushy note written for me everyday at school. We fell in love fast and it's pretty much history from then on. We have 4 beautiful children, who make our family perfect. I love you Jeff. Happy anniversary!

Our favorite dance picture.

Wedding day, aahhh cute.

Our temple sealing day, Spencer was such a perfect, happy baby that day.

Newest family picture, 1 week ago.

(I am still trying find the picture of the McDonald's reader board that had our wedding announcement on it. I will post it later. So come back. And I have a bunch more family pictures that are so cute to post later.)

As for the movie...

2008-11-24T15:28:00.001-08:00

(Do you see what I mean about his hair and this is a good picture)

I went to see Twilight on Saturday morning and I loved it!

I was very satisfied with the movie and the characters. Except for a few tiny, dumb things like the tree climbing and Jaspers hair and his painful look, but oh well.

Yay, I'm ready to see it again!

Scentsy Party

2008-11-24T08:08:00.000-08:00

If anyone is still dying to purchase a Scentsy product or needs some new fragrances for the warmer they already have let me know.
I will be keeping my party open

till Wednesday the 26th.

You can go here to check it out, or call me.

I'm just saying....

the anticipated movie....

2008-11-21T21:26:00.001-08:00

I know that this movie will not be anything near what the book portrayed. But
non-the-less I am excited to go. I was actually able to snag some tickets this week for Saturday's show at 10:45 am, and they weren't too horrible, for reserved seats. So yay!

Scentsational!

2008-11-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

I am hosting a Scentsy party for my lovely,

long time BFF tonight.

Friday, November 21st

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Open House style

57 North Archmore Street

Everyone is welcome to come and get high

on some good fragrances, bring a friend or neighbor!

(Call me if you need directions)

Dear....

2008-11-20T21:05:00.000-08:00

ImageChef.com Poetry Blender

Dear Rude Lady at Church,
I have been thinking about you a lot lately and I wanted to get it out into the atmosphere (well blog-mosphere.) Do you remember last Sunday when I was hurrying into the church building and I had 3 of my little kids with me and I was opening the glass doors for them. Well do you remember that when they were heading inside the building you stuck your head in MY way, out MY open door to yell something to someone in the parking lot, butting in front of and in between my kids. I had to hold the door for you and wait for you to get your dumb head out of my way. I was about to tell you that you are a rude bi-otch, then I remembered that I was at church so I swallowed my words. After I was able to get through the first set of glass doors, I opened the next door and YOU once again butted in front of and in between my kids to get through the door I was holding open. My two year old was the first to go in and started to wander off, of course, but since YOU were in my way I had send my other child to go get him. Once again, I was ready and waiting to tell you how extremely rude and inconsiderate you are, and how could you butt in front of little kids and not even say THANK YOU. I tried to give you eye contact so that I could say YOU'RE WELCOME Rude Lady, but of course you wouldn't look at me. What you did continue to do was to look at all the ladies coming down the hall with that 'up and down look' that only rude ladies give. If I meet you again and you're rude again, I will tell you and I wont be nice.

Sincerely,

Lynette

(btw- this Rude Lady was in another ward)

i'm not telling you where I found them.............

2008-11-20T21:02:00.000-08:00

I found my keys, end of story.

lost....

2008-11-19T10:50:00.001-08:00

I know you know how I lose things, or my mind goes blank and I can't remember why I was going into that room when I crossed the thresh hold of said room. You know, like the time I couldn't find my keys to go pick up Reece from preschool and the clock was ticking and I was freaking out and I looked EVERYWHERE TWICE, and I ended up using my sweet

neighbors car to go and get him (late). And then to come home and find my keys laying on the island staring right at me with that evil face they make.

Well my keys are missing, again. If you took them for a silly or cruel joke, that's ok, I wont be mad. I just need them to go the bank and to take my sister's dogs back to her house, man if I step in crap one more time....... It's really alright no hard feelings, just leave them at the door and ring it and run, I wont come after you.

Thanks,

Lynette

(Yes I checked the island, their favorite hiding place)

WOW what were they thinking....

2008-11-19T09:29:00.001-08:00

These are actual adds from the 30's. WOW huh! I'm telling you, I want to go on the Tape Worm Diet, hey if they're sanitized.

Click on this one so that you can read the print, it's good & gross.

NKOTB!

2008-11-16T15:27:00.000-08:00

Shame on me for dissing the New Kids. Their concert last night was the funnest ever. They are still awesome! They still have the "right stuff" and all the right moves! They danced in sync like they were still only 16. They were so appreciative of their fans and of Utah. Our seats were unbelievable, at only $0.75, but they were worth it, if I had to pay for reals.
I know you're dying to see the pictures. And there's one video with Jordan and his chest and a fan ( I know you're curious).

Enjoy!

Me & my BFF, Maria & her brother & Is & my niece.

Me & Leisa

Go LL! (Loch Lomond)

Me & Is! Yes she know one song. Summertime!

Me & Leisa & Tamina!

Jordan is looking RIGHT at me, thanks Jordan for the eye contact!

If you need more pictures or video, just let me know I have a whole slew of them. :)

Hangin' tough!

2008-11-15T10:20:00.000-08:00

This is a sad story, yet really cool. I was able to get $0.75 tickets for this concert. My BFF paid $75.00 for her seats months ago, when they announced it.

Yes I said seventy five cents. It's cool for me BUT sad for my BFF and for poor 'old' NKTOB, that their concert is not selling out and I got FLOOR seats for chump change. And also, because I don't really care that much for them or didn't then, but Natasha Bedingfield will be there..... and did I mention, the tickets were $0.75.

Woot woot!!

I laugh, because it's sad. :(

And look how cute New Kids On The Block still is.

Did you know, November is Diabetes Month?

2008-11-14T08:23:00.000-08:00

November is America's Diabetes Awareness Month.

We have "diabetes day" every day at our house. Jeff has had "diabetes day" every day since 1986, because he was diagnosed in 1986. I met him in 1992 and begun having "diabetes day" every day along with him. And since my son Spencer was diagnosed in 2002, our family has "diabetes day" now, every day. You may have to live with diabetes to

understand my crazy metaphors.

November is American Diabetes Month®, a time to bring even greater awareness and attention to the seriousness of diabetes, its deadly complications, and the importance of proper diabetes control. This year, the American Diabetes Association is asking the American public,

"Why should you care about diabetes?"
Throughout the month, the American Diabetes Association will conduct activities – and encourage others across the country – to get involved in efforts to raise awareness about diabetes and its serious complications such as heart disease, stroke,

kidney disease, blindness and amputations.

Volunteers become involved in the fight against diabetes. Register to volunteer

with the American Diabetes Association.

Okay, but what is diabetes, you may ask yourself....???

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar (glucose), starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Your body NEEDS that insulin conversion of sugar into energy or the

worst case scenario is death, no kidding.

There are 23.6 million people in the United States, or 8% of the population, who have diabetes. The total prevalence of diabetes increased 13.5% from 2005-2007. Only 24% of diabetes is undiagnosed, down from 30% in 2005 and from 50% ten years ago.

Diabetes Hurts!

Our fingers when we have to poke them, to take blood sugars. Our bums & tummys when we have to insert infusion sets. Our pocket books when we have to buy diabetic supplies EVERY month. Our feelings when we are having a hard time getting our diabetes to stay in control and while suffering along with a loved one with complications. These things are why my family volunteers for the American Diabetes Association and donates money, collects donations, and raises awareness for research, so maybe soon, one day, a cure will be a reality.

Go to Diabetes.org for more info.

BTW today, November 14, is World Diabetes Day

985 landmark monuments around the world will light up in blue on November 14 as 'Beacons of Hope' for the 246 million people living with diabetes worldwide. There are 35 in the United States that are participating today. Including the Sears Tower, Niagara Falls and The Alamo.

Go to worlddiabetes.org to check things out.

Enjoy!

Love, Lynette

Happy Birthday!

2008-11-11T15:49:00.000-08:00

November 12th, 1974!

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday dear Lynette,

Happy Birthday to me!! I was my moms birthday present. She got to bring me home from the hospital on her birthday November 15th. aaahhh

Yeah! I love Birthday's! I am 34 years young! Wow, I'm closer to 40 then 20 eeeeekkk!

I just know you want to see some pictures of me. Gotta love em!

Some are silly, some old, some embarrassing. Oh well, it's just me.

Happy Birthday Me. Thanks for the necklace Jeff & kids.

ha ha ha

2008-11-10T20:11:00.000-08:00

I got this in an email today and I laughed so I thought I'd share.

You're welcome.

Always check your kids homework.

Mommy works at Home Depot

and is selling a shovel.

Isabelle "solid as a rock!"

2008-11-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

Here is my darling Isabelle taking part in a Family History Study for Type 1 Diabetes. Since we have A LOT of auto-immune diseases running rampant in our family, we thought it would be helpful to take part in some research studies.

Myself, Reece and Isabelle all had our blood drawn to check for antibodies.

Reece didn't even blink he climbed up into the chair and they took his blood and he was AWESOME!! I didn't really tell Reece too much about it, because I didn't want to start the nerves, but he was just fine, such a big boy!

I told Isabelle that I wanted her to get her blood drawn to help out scientists discover more things about families with diabetes. And since her brother and her dad and several other family members have Type 1 Diabetes, then she would be helping them too.

This is what she said, "Do they have to put a needle in my arm?" I said, "yes." Isabelle said, "Ok, I want to go first."

WOW! HUH!

Well she was awesome to say the least. And she qualified for the second phase of the testing. Here we are at the University of Utah Hospital doing a more in depth test. She had a crazy big contraption hooked to an IV in her arm to be able draw blood every 30 minutes and to give her a salt water IV. She only had a tiny bit of a hard time when the nurse was trying to find her vein. Other than that she was awesome and she said she would go back in 6 months to do it again (well because of the cash $$ she was given for participating.) I love this little, brave, beautiful girl soooo much. Thanks Isabelle, for participating in this study, you're the best!

Sorry the pictures are not the best quality. I forgot my digital camera and these are from an ancient disposable camera from the gift shop.

Don't forget!

2008-11-04T08:20:00.001-08:00

Happy Halloween to all you freaks, ghouls, princesses, devils, Power Rangers and all the miscellaneous dresser-uppers!

2008-10-31T10:14:00.001-07:00

Spencer a devilish freak!

Spencer's alien pumpkin!
My crazy face pumpkin!
Jeff's SCARY face pumpkin!
Reece's cool vampire pumpkin!
Isabelle's Jack-the-Pumpkin King pumpkin! (really much cooler in real life)
All together! ( We carved Truman's Tuesday in preschool and it's shriveled up now :( )Some preschool kids.
Trunk -or- treat!
Frankie baby Truman & his monkey buddy Jaxon!
Me aka Maleficent

Happy Halloween!!

Seeing myself through my children

2008-10-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

I saw this on my sister in-law’s blog and thought it was cute. I was curious to how my own children would answer so I sat down with each one individually and asked them these questions.

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Spencer – Get up and do a blood test
Isabelle – I’m pretty
Reece – Here you are Reece (?)

2. What makes mom happy?
Spencer – Me not fighting with my sister!
Isabelle – Me!
Reece – When I come to you.

3. What makes mom sad?
Spencer – Me fighting with my sister
Isabelle – When I lie to you or don’t do what you say.
Reece – When I don’t come back. (?)

4. How does mom make you laugh?
Spencer – Lying to me then telling me the truth.
Isabelle - Me
Reece – When I do silly tricks.

5. What makes mom laugh?
Spencer – Some of the things I say and my jokes
Isabelle – Taking me shopping.
Reece – You just do silly faces.
6. What was mom like as a child?
Spencer – I don’t know- Oh I remember, you liked to make stuff up & imagine things.
Isabelle – A princess.
Reece – Umm… you liked me to play with you.
7. How old is your mom?
Spencer - 35
Isabelle - 33
Reece – I don’t know? How old are you? Are you 6?

8. How tall is your mom?
Spencer – Probably 5 “10
Isabelle – Are you almost 6 feet? Umm no you are 5 “4
Reece – Um... I … don’t know.

9. What is her favorite thing to do?
Spencer – Take a nap.
Isabelle – Teach preschool
Reece – Take the kids to school.

10. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Spencer – Try to get stuff done you need to. Well I don’t know I’m not around.
Isabelle – On Monday, Tuesday & Thursday you do preschool, and on Wednesday and Friday you do computer stuff for preschool & go shopping.
Reece – Go upstairs & look on the computer.

11. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Spencer – World’s Greatest Mom!
Isabelle – Because of your singing.
Reece – I don’t know.

12. What is your mom really good at?
Spencer – Helping me with my homework.
Isabelle – Making dinner and taking care of us.
Reece – Cleaning up.

13. What is your mom not very good at?
Spencer – Making spaghetti taste good.
Isabelle – Picking up poop.
Reece – Not cleaning up.

14. What does your mom do for her job?
Spencer – Teach preschool and waking me up in the morning and taking care of me.
Isabelle – Teach preschool.
Reece – Doing work on the computer.

15. What is your mom's favorite food?
Spencer – I don’t know what is it, hamburger surprise.
Isabelle – Taco soup or spaghetti.
Reece – Taco soup.

16. What makes you proud of your mom?
Spencer – Making my favorite food.
Isabelle – That you take me shopping.
Reece – Let me come with you to the Wal-Mart store.

17. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Spencer – Sandy (from SpongeBob)
Isabelle – Pooh-bear or Sandy
Reece – I don’t know.

18. What do you and your mom do together?
Spencer – Homework, play games, talk.
Isabelle – Go shopping.
Reece – Clean the basement.

19. How are you and your mom the same?
Spencer- Eye color & our hair.
Isabelle- Our hair & eyes.
Reece – I’m littler & you’re taller.

20. How are you and your mom different?
Spencer – I don’t have babies, I’m smarter, I don’t like chicken & roosters as much as you do and I’m not the head person of the house.
Isabelle – You have a lot of freckles & I don’t. And all make up looks good on me and not you.
Reece – Because we’re not the same.

21. How do you know your mom loves you?
Spencer – You don’t kill me. You do fun things with me.
Isabelle – You say I’m pretty.
Reece – You give me hugs & kisses.

Jeff & I were laughing so much on some of these. My kids are very intuitive, funny & deep.

I can't stop watching this.....

2008-10-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

If you missed SNL on Saturday and you forgot to TIVO it and your computer is broken, well no worries, here is the Amy Poehler, Sarah Palin rap.
If you missed this, you can watch it here!!
You're welcome!

I seriously cannot watch it enough, I laugh my butt off EVERYTIME!
My favorite part is at the begining when Sarah says she shouldn't do it Amy is totally non-schalant about the rap and is like, "Ya I kinda remember it...."

um.. I'm kinda slow!

2008-10-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a big, creamy, chocolate booger!

Happy Birthday Truman!
September 28th, 2008 Truman turned 2!!!

We had a small family party where Truman licked the frosting off of his cupcake. He was so excited to blow out the candle, but didn't really know how to. So after big brother showed him how to a couple of times he finally got it (see the first picture with Truman's hands up and Spencer's high five to the right.)

Then in nursery at church, his awesome teachers & friends made him this birthday crown! My favorite is the one with the crown falling down and is stuck on his nose. CUTE!!

Truman had a mini party. He hosted a Go-Diego-Go party where he and his friends found baby sea turtles and returned them back to their mommy.

Then, the kids frosted and decorated cupcakes, wow that was the messiest fun ever!

Last, the grown-ups got to count how many times 2 year olds would dance to the song, "I Like to Move it," from Madagascar. Hint... a lot!

Thanks friends!

We love you Truman!

Here are a few things we love about TRUMAN...

His face

His teeth

His hair

His talk

His walk

He's a blankey lover

He's a moocher giver

He's a movie watcher

He's a beautiful boy!!!

Help!

2008-10-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

I need some advice, anyone, anyone who is reading this, even if you've never commented before, or don't know me, please I need your advice and answers.

My question/problem is about a sweet, sweet family member. He is very sweet and loves his family and loves to find them, "cool, funky, neat presents." I know sounds normal and nice and nothing wrong with that.

But.......

He buys all of his gifts from Deseret Industries and Savers etc...

Now don't judge me just yet. I love the DI and Savers and the Salvation Army and all those places, I find treasures and awesome things & deals there all the time.

But.......

"We'll call this family member Mr. T"

Mr T. chooses things that Spencer (& Isabelle, all the kids) like(s), like Bionicles, Legos, real toys that have been donated and are still in their original boxes.

But......

The boxes of the toys are previously opened. This means that there is always something missing from the toy.

Like...

These scenarios are from times that he/they began to be somewhat affected by the gifts.

Scenario #1. When he was about 8, Spencer got a Bionicle for Christmas from Mr. T. and was sooo happy. He opened it and put it together right away. But.... 1 piece was missing. No he didn't loose it, it was missing!!! He couldn't finish building the toy. He was crushed. What do you tell the boy?

Scenario #2. When Spencer was about 9, he got a huge Lego Star Wars set. It was, Jabba the Hutt's huge palace ship thing. It was missing several lego pieces and also pieces like R2D2, Luke & Han Solo. He was able to almost put the palace together. He was very upset pieces were missing.

Scenario #3. Isabelle received a High School Musical dance mat that you can download songs into and hook up to the TV. Cool huh! No. There was no instructions in the box and it didn't come with any cables for the computer or the TV. We tried to use it without the TV to just turn it on and dance on it. But it just went beep beep boop boop, when we stood on it. She was very sad it didn't work. I put it in the recycle bin a couple of months ago.

Scenario #4. Reece got one of those "as seen on TV" coloring things. The one that comes with black paper and you scrape it to uncover cool rainbows desings beneath. No not cool. Very dumb, the dumbness would have been overlooked, but the tools you use to scrape it were missing. They were excited to use it and then, couldn't. I threw it out as soon as no one was looking.

Scenario #5. Spencer got a Monster Water Rocket from Mr. T at his last birthday. It looked sooo freakin' cool. He waited and waited and waited patiently till the weather was good and Jeff could help him blast it off. Yeah you guessed it, no blast. It will not work. No instructions in the box. He was so upset about this he actually cried this time. He was sooo excited about this gift and sooo excited to launch the rocket. He started crying with disappointment.

Now that Is and Spencer are old enough to know what is happening do I explain what is going on and it's the though that counts. And then along with that knowledge, I let them be disappointed when "Mr. T" gives gifts and they'll always be disappointed beforehand, instead of happy at holidays and b-days...???

Or....

I call "Mr. T. & Family" and tell them ever so kindly that their presents suck and make my kids cry!! I soooo almost did that after the Monster Rocket Disaster.

Help!!!!

(so I feel that Isaac you are reading this and are laughing your butt-off! Well stop laughing and help me this is a serious matter)

News Kids!

2008-10-14T21:38:00.000-07:00

Watch this!
The Daily Herald highlights local elementay schools with awesome students from 3rd through 6th grade to be involved in News Kids. Spencer and some of his friends from Meadow Elementary School in Lehi were chosen and went to the Daily Herald office in Provo to read news captions. This was really fun! Spencer got to read a piece on USA Para Olympic Gold Medal winner Mike Schlappi. Click here to see the News Kids read the news for October 14th. It can be seen here at heraldextra.com and on KBYU. It's cute. Spencer would sure love a comment.

Soooo much fun!

2008-10-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

My preschool, the Learning Galaxy, is so much fun! Here are some pictures so you can see.

We love, love, love books!

Sitting quietly with a good story book and good friends.

Checking out some books while Mrs. Lynette prepares for snack-time.

We are getting so fast at this puzzle.

We love to be silly too, that's a very important part of the day!

What a blast it has been to teach these darling kids. They are doing so well and learning so fast! This month we are focusing on the letters T t, B b, H h, & G g. We are learning about the changing weather and where animals and bugs go when it gets cold and how they prepare for winter. The color for the month is orange and the shape is a square.

You are welcome to come by and visit if you're interested in registering your child. Or maybe you don't have a child or your child isn't 3 yet, that's ok, still come by & see us, we love everyone. Call me for more information.

Lynette 766-6073

Halloween is gonna suck this year!

2008-10-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

Don't vote!

2008-10-03T14:30:00.001-07:00

Click here! to watch why.

No seriously, don't!

Sorry, there may be some fowl language.
I saw this on this blog, watch it, k.

If you have an obstruction in your blower wheel, call me!

2008-10-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

Yes let me say that again, if you have an obstruction in your blower wheel, let me know I can take care of that.

To make a long involved story short.
Truman was playing in the laundry room while I was folding clothes. He was taking out the lint screen from the dryer and playing with it. No big deal, right. Wrong! I turned on the dryer with a fresh set of wet clothes in it and....... The dryer made a horrible sound and then it sounded like it choked and then it wouldn't run.

Immediately my first motherly instinct was that Truman put something down the dryer lint vent as he was pulling out the lint screen.

But I don't see anything down in there.

QUESTION : How do I fix this without calling a repairman or spending hundreds of dollars on a new dryer?

ANSWER : Google

Yeah I googled "maytag dryers", "maytag dryer wont start", "maytag dryer makes a noise wont run", "how to remove panels from maytag dryer", bla bla bla etc.. etc... etc...

I searched and searched till I was confident that I could fix this appliance.

Here's the pictures of my dryer and the guts inside of it, the 5 inches of lint and the yucky sticky laundry soap stuck to the floor under my washer. AND the evidence of what was obstructing the blower wheel in my dryer.

A HA!!!

Wait! I put the dryer back together and it still sounded yucky and only ran for 2 seconds. So I took it ALL APART AGAIN and found this, too!

This was a giant pile of lint that had stuck together and wouldn't break up. It was at the bottom of the lint vent area. It only had like 19 fake fingernails and 42 used blood strips in it.The good part of the story, besides fixing the dryer ALL by myself, is that I was bale to sweep and mop my whole laundry room. You never realize how disgusting it gets underneath appliances. AND I was able to vacuum out the inside of my dryer, wow lots of lint on the inside caked on everything!!! Apparently, Nationwide, about 14,500 home fires were caused by clothes dryers or washing machines in 2005. Those blazes caused 14 deaths, 440 injuries and about $207 million in property damage, according to Comoletti's organization. Crazy huh!

Thanks again Trumie!

Oh I'm not supposed to put my binky in that hole, oh yeah, sorry about that.

A post for Spencer!

2008-09-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

Spencer turned 11 on September 19th!

Spencer growing up.

Spencer has always loved dinosaurs & loves being silly!

Spencer has always charmed the best of friends!

Some things I love about Spencer!

He has a quick witt
He likes to dance silly
He’s so brave
He counts his own carbohydrates
He has an awesome sense of humor
He still kisses and hugs me at the bus stop
He calls himself “Crazy steve”
He hugs his siblings (well we’re working on his sister)
Plays with little kids
He’s very mature
I always get comments about his great manners while he’s in other people’s houses
He tells me jokes
He always asks if I’m alright
He is passionate about dinosaurs
He always gets 100% on his spelling
He makes friends easily
He loves to volunteer
And that’s just a few…..

This wasn't even all the kids in my house that night, wow, it was fun!!

Happy 11th birthday Spencer!

The Prince of Hives.

2008-09-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

Spencer has hives very often. Why? We don't know. The Doctor's office says just give him Benedryl, that's it. He had a good case of them this past week just before his birthday. Poor guy! He itches pretty good, but can breathe well. Does anyone know about hives? We can't think of anything different he ate or touched that could have caused a reaction. There is a condition I read about that causes hives from being stressed, excited or having anxiety, but we are still not sure why Spencer's body breakes out a few times a year. So if you get squeemish looking at hives don't scroll down.

Look at this sad/silly face. He was like, "ok enough pictures, mom!"

"Oh mommy's little piggies..."

2008-09-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

Who loves their little piggies? Me!

I call this collage...."Oh were you eating while I took your picture, oops I'm sorry, NOT!"

2008-09-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

Annual Block Party 2008
Let's Eat!

One of my favorite pictures & peeps!

2008-09-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

aahhh sweet!

My opinion....

2008-09-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

Ok I finished Breaking Dawn a while ago and I still have a glazed look about me when I think of how I feel about it. I think my friend Jamie said it best after she read it. Jamie said, " I thought it was ok, but it was like the author was trying to squish too much info into the book and some of it was over the top."
Some parts that were so serious were sooo dumb. Like when Jacob first saw Renesmee. Dumb! I found myself laughing out loud at parts that were supposed to be serious. I did like that she was able to keep me guessing and wondering the ending all the way till the end. I thought that she would go on being human for more time after her honeymoon with Edward.
Final position on the book - It was ok.
Final positions on the first three books - They were great!
Sorry, but I wasn't really satisfied......
bleh....

Now I am off to finish Wuthering Heights... wish me luck...

Hhhhmmmmmmmmmmm..

2008-08-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

I am wondering what you thought of Breaking Dawn? Tell me, but don't give too much away. I am only 250 pages into it and I am freaking out. Not because it's wonderful, but it's kinda dumb, and over the top. Am I one of the few who thinks this?
Gimme your thoughts, please, does it get better?

tee hee hee

2008-08-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.girlsgogames.com/game/brad_pitt_makeup.html

hee hee hee
This is Isabelle's favorite website. My friend Kristi has a darling little girl who also likes girlsgogames. This site is chalk full of fun stuff for girls, dress-ups, make-overs, etc, etc. Well this is where little Zanthe ended up one day.
Hardy har har, what will they think of next.

Just pictures...

2008-08-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

This boy can sleep anywhere!

SEE!

Oh, your dog doesn't bathe with you??

Just watching the cars drive by at G-Ma Bev's house, one of my favorite pics of the summer.

Mud puddles are COOL!

When summer gets too boring you freeze bugs! Yes I found this in my freezer.

Trumie loves the mud too!

Swimming lessons! Isabelle is awesome, Spencer has come a long way & Reece is doing great.

Tagged!

2008-08-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

One word answers please!

1. Where is your cell phone? floor
2. Your significant other? Jeff
3. Your hair? crazy
4. Your Skin? Olive-ish
5. Your mother? crazy
6. Your favorite thing? cleanliness (i can't elaborate it's killing me)
7. Your dream last night? Emily
There is no 8 or 9 (weird)
10. The room you're in? bedroom
11. Your ex? pass
12. Your fear? flying
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Hawaii
14. Where were you last night? mall
15. What you're not? rude
16. Muffins? blueberry
17. One of your wish list items? armoire
18. Where you grew up? Midvale
19. The last thing you did? bills
20. What are you wearing? contacts
21. Your TV? small
22. Your pet(s)? Neptune
23. Your computer? lap
24. Your life? blessed
25. Your mood? ok
26. Missing someone? spencer
27. Your car? dirty
28. Something you're not wearing? bra
29. Favorite Store? WalMart (well sometimes)
30. Your summer? fast
31. Like someone? Trumie
32. Your favorite color? purple
33. When is the last time you laughed? now
34. Last time you cried? Monday
35. Who will reply to this? peeps
36. Whose Answers are you anxious to see? all

I tag Marci B. & Jill C. ! Have fun!

WOW, I'm scared!

2008-08-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU'RE A SCATTER-BRAIN

I am a helpless and hopeless scatterbrain. Now don't get me wrong, I don't loose my kids or my car, but I misplaced stuff & forget stuff all the time. Another good reason that I am done having kids! The 4 I have, have stolen all my useful brain cells and left me with nothing but a good case of momnesia.

Here are my, most awful and most funny scatter-brain moments.

Starting with the most recent.

Tuesday the 19th - I went to the kid's school to talk to Spencer's class about diabetes. When I was finished and went back to the van with the little boys in the stroller, I found I had left the drivers side sliding door open. Wide open. The rest of the van was locked, of course, but the sliding door was WIDE open. Dummy!

Same day same time - I was piling the kids into the van and was about to get in myself and was like, "where's my purse?" Yep, I had left it in the classroom. I went all the way back into the school and retrieved it. As I was leaving the school a nice little 5th grader brought me something else I had left in the classroom. Dummy!

Approx. 3 weeks ago - I misplaced my Visa debit card after leaving Barnes & Noble and McDonalds. I looked everywhere!!! EVERYWHERE! Finally found it the next day in my Barnes & Noble bag. Why did I put it there even after McDonald's, I can't explain it. Dummy!

July 4th - We went as a family to Kamas to a friends Ranch to rock hound and ride horses. We stopped at the Kamas food town to get some supplies first. We left the 5 Bar Ranch and stopped at a McDonald's and I couldn't pay for our order, because I suddenly had no wallet. We then had to drop the kids off in Heber with Jeff's mom. I called the Kamas Food Town to see if they had a wallet turned in. Yep they did! We had to drive all the way back to Kamas (only from Heber, though) to get my wallet that I left in the cart outside in the parking lot. Dummy!

About 6 months ago - I left my wallet in the parking lot cart at Costco in Draper. I was able to turn around and get it back before some dishonest person found it.

About 1 year ago - I left the house to meet Jeff at Sizzler for dinner. I forgot my wallet, surprise I know, upstairs on my bed. I turned around in the neighborhood and drove back home to get it. I got out of the car, I ran into the house, all the way upstairs, to retrieve my wallet from off of my bed. Got to Sizzler, Jeff paid with his wallet, ate dinner, got into the car to drive home and I have no wallet. It's no where in Sizzler, no one has turned it in. Freaking out! Drive home and go upstairs and wallet is still on my bed! YES, AFTER I HAD TURNED AROUND & GONE UP TO MY BEDROOM TO GET IT! So what did I do when I got to my room to retrieve my wallet from my bed? I DON"T KNOW!!! Scary! Dummy!

In between all of these great brain-fart-moments, I loose my keys all the time. They always show up somewhere, but they always get lost.

Thank heaven Jeff loves me anyway, cuz I'm annoying.

Please tell me I am not the only one who is a Scatter-Brain!

Waaaaah!

2008-08-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

I am not able to read some blogs that I have been able to previously. Maybe you've gone private and forgot about me, maybe you changed your blog name and I missed it, maybe you secretly or publicly hate me and I'm none the wiser, sad. Well whatever the reason, I still want to keep up on all of you.
Without naming names, if you care to give me an invitation to your blog, if it's private, I would appreciate keeping up on your life and being

that buggy fly on the wall.

That's all.
Thanks!
~Me

lmjcallister@yahoo.com

"Step Out" for a cause!

2008-08-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

The annual American Diabetes Association's "Step Out" walk is just 6 weeks away. I am beginning my fundraising and team building NOW!

For those of you that don't know, my husband Jeff, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 12 in 1987. Also, my soon to be 11 year old son, Spencer, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2002 when he was 4.

THE FACTS

Type 1 diabetes strikes children suddenly, makes them dependent on injected or pumped insulin for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. While diagnosis most often occurs in childhood and adolescence, it can and does strike adults as well. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is incurable. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery. There are an estimated 500,000 to 1 million people with Type 1 diabetes in the US today.

These facts are precisely why we raise money and awareness each year along with the ADA. We walk for Spencer and Jeff and many other family members who live with this disease. You can take charge of your diabetes and live a long healthy life, but who wants to be dependent on insulin injections and constantly pricking their fingers to manage blood sugars FOREVER..!!??

So this is my plea...

Join my walk team, "The Diabetes Hunters" and walk with us on September 27th, 2008. The walk starts at 9:00 am at the This is the Place Heritage Park and it ends at the Hogle Zoo. It is so much fun! We have been walking and raising money for 7 years now! We are very proud to say that we have raised over $10,000 for diabetes research! If you cannot come walk with us donate money. We take $1.00 donations, we take $50.00 donations.

Every little bit adds up to make a HUGE difference.

This is how you can join the "Diabetes Hunters" ADA walk team.

1. click here

2. Scroll down to the 'Team Roster for Diabetes Hunters'

3. Click on Join Diabetes Hunters

4. Begin the registration process from here to join our awesome team.

Here you can add a personal contribution

(a donation) for the team.

You can also just log onto

main.diabetes.org/goto/diabeteshunters click on 'Join the Diabetes Hunters' or

main.diabetes.org/goto/lynette click on 'Click here to Sponsor me' to simply donate

You don't have to donate during the registration process, registering to join the team is free! You can always just drop by a donation to our home, we'll make it gets to the

American Diabetes Association for the Diabetes Hunters.

Spencer posing during last years walk.

My awesome friend Maria, little Reece, and Spencer.

(He looks sad because the walk is over for the year)

Saratoga Springs / Lehi Preschool

2008-08-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

Here is your official flyer for my new preschool

The Learning Galaxy LLC.

Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten Prep and to
Make New Friends at The Neighborhood’s Newest Preschool?

The Learning Galaxy will be opening in September in the
Saratoga Springs/Lehi area!

Here is a part of my curriculum:
MATH: Children will be learning sequences & patterns, recognition of numbers
and simple arithmetic.
SCIENCE: I will teach units on the natural world, our Earth & the solar system and will conduct simple science projects.
ARTS: Children will be taught many songs, engage in role playing activities, learn to express movement, identification of colors and how to draw & paint with a variety of tools.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES: Students at the Learning Galaxy will learn the practice of good hygiene, proper manners, staying safe & making healthy food choices.
READING & WRITING: I will teach the alphabet, letter & sound recognition, proper writing skills of letters and words. We also learn all the classic Nursery Rhymes.

*Some other important, but fun subjects we focus on are:
being responsible, adapting to new situations, sharing, respecting others,
building confidence & learning some American Sign Language.

I have over 400 square feet dedicated to The Learning Galaxy preschool.
Call me and set up a time to come see my new classroom.

Classes will be at the following scheduled times:
Schedule A - Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9:35 am - 11:35 am
$75.00 a month ages 3 & 4
Schedule B - Monday, & Wednesday 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
$60.00 a month ages 3 & 4
Schedule C - Tuesday & Thursday 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
$60.00 a month ages 3 & 4
*Classes are subject to change to accommodate enrollment.

Other important information
 Children must be 3 as of September 1st, 2008 & toilet trained
 To the extent possible class curriculum will be catered for each child’s age & development
 Onetime $25.00 registration fee required with application for supplies
These supplies stay at school and include but are not limited to:
crayons, pencils, paint, paper, glue, art, science & snack supplies.
 We will follow Alpine School District’s yearly schedule.
 City approved & licensed. Experienced. Fire department approved.

CPR certified.

“MRS. LYNETTE” 801-766-6073

Lynette Callister * The Learning Galaxy LLC.
57 North Archmore Street
Saratoga Springs, UT 84045
Please call me for more information or to reserve a spot.

I understand that children develop and learn in many different ways and with different abilities.
I am confident that my wide curriculum & teaching style will give your child a great
beginning before entering kindergarten.

oh... you didn't know...

2008-07-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

You didn't know that we were like, "gaully gee we have a pretty big family, 4 kids and busy all the time, hey let's get a puppy."

This is Neptune the Lemon Beagle.
He's been pretty mellow and good for the kids.
He does have a strange unique bark. It's more like a baying-howl. Sorry if you live near me in my neighborhood, we are working on that.

Birdie Update

2008-07-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

In case you're dying to know about my bird family in my hanging basket....

All the little babies grew up and flew away. Yes it is that simple.
I didn't get to see all of them off, only one, but I am pretty sure they all lived. The one I saw leaving, I think the last, was hippity hopping/flying across the street. I followed it to make sure it didn't need to go back into the nest a bit longer. Mom and dad bird came quickly and watched me like a hawk (no pun intended.) Baby bird went safely under a neighbors bush and mom and dad stayed perched very close by to keep it safe.

Here's a picture of the babies growing up and peeking out.
You have to look close to see the little heads and yellow beaks.

Here's a pictures of what kind of bird it is. A house finch. The pretty one is the male, of course.

GET THIS!!
Soon after the babies were all grown up and off to birdie college I noticed movement in my OTHER hanging basket. Yes, another exact nest and 5 little blue eggs. Golly those birds are busy,
or gettin' bi-zay. I don't know if it's the same couple or not, but it's very fun to see them take care of their little family.

Our Vacation Galore!

2008-07-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorite pictures of our vacation to California!
Of course I have like 500 pictures, so instead of a really boring slide show of all those pictures I'll try to keep it sane and show you a brief bit, with some captions of course.

From left to right top to bottom.

1. On our way to Cali, but our first stop is agate hill (Trumie & G-Ma Laura)
2. Kids walking around an old volcano
3. Sitting on the volcano for some pictures
4. Cute little desert daisies at the top of agate hill
5. Jeff picking up his agate treasure
6. Our horny toad friend we found
7. Trapped him in a bucket, although he was very tame
8. Isabelle with her agate treasures (piled in her shirt)
9. Beautiful shot of the agate at the top of the hill (much better in real life)
10. Reece sampling his fresh squeezed lemon juice from Aunt Becky's lemon tree
11. Reece juicing
12. Isabelle doing some juicing
13. Truman voting for more lemonade juicing
14. Reece is still happy at the beginning of the trip he's flashing a smile and we are not even there yet
15. Let's sit down by Indiana Jones's hand prints
16. The Harry Kids were just here last year
17. At Johnny Rockets diner for lunch at the Kodak Theater (mom & Trumie)
18. Everyone at the table (a little cut-off)
19. Truman coloring very intently
20. We stopped in Barstow at the train McDonald's to eat lunch on out way in

1. All of us in front of the La Brea tar pits
2. Spencer posing as if he's afraid of the pretend mammoth stuck in the tar (he probably wouldn't be afraid if it was real)
3. Tired Trumie hugging a helpful big brother Spencer
4. Spencer in a tree in the forest below Becky & Mike's house
5. Truman found a stick for the hike
6. Reece posing on a log with fossils in hand
7. Isabelle, I'm ready to go
8. Truman, I'm ready too, let's hike
9. Isabelle picking u fossils
10. Truman posing on a log
11. Isabelle, Truman, Reece, Spencer in front of a train in Barstow. Isabelle is sad because, "every one is being rude to me," Reece is sad, because, "this isn't a real train!"
12. Trumie cuddles up with Uncle Mike. They got along very well!
13. Reece at poolside having a snackity-snack
14. Truman relaxing in his baby float car
15. Uncle Mike on top of the shed right before he jumps off into the pool clothes, shoes and all!
16. Me Truman & Isabelle playing in the water
17. The six of us stop for a picture on our hike
18. Self-explanatory
19. Isabelle kicking & floating
20. My Three Sons

1. Becky and Truman at the beach in Santa Barbara. Becky is intently watching a stranded seal on the beach. Truman is intently playing with the sand.
2. Me & Jeff on the beach. Not my fav picture.
3. Truman is having fun!!!
4. Self explanatory
5. Picking up shells. Isabelle is trying to make her way through the seaweed, yuck!
6. Self explanatory
7. Reece, I found a feather!
8. See description to # 6
9. Truman using brothers shoes for a shovel
10. Spencer jumping the tide
11. Us at the top of a tourist place overlooking Hollywood & some celebrities houses
12. The Hollywood Bowl. Jeff saw 'The Cure' there our first night with Mike.
13. Spencer holding up the 'Hollywood' sign
14. A beautiful flower
15. On our way down the street to our hike
16. My favorite purple trees

1. Shark tunnel at SeaWorld
2. Posing in front of an aquarium at SeaWorld
3. Spencer on the giant screen at the Shamu show (he was chosen to feed and touch Shamu, what a lucky kid!)
4. Reece hugging Spencer after the show - he was so proud of his big brother
5. Reece sleeping in the stroller at the Griffith Observatory
6. Me on top of the Observatory taking a picture of myself
7. All of us on the promanade at the Griffith Observatory
8. A momma and baby giraffe at the Wild Animal Park
9. Posing w/ SpongeBob Squarepants
10. Posing at the entrance of the Park look for Reece, he's trying to be seen
11. Posing at the end of the Wild Animal Park, all tuckered out
12. At my cousin's wedding in Wildomar, CA. Ashley kissing her new husband Daniel
13. Posing for cute pictures at the wedding
14. G-Ma Ruth, Aunt Holly, Me, my mom (aka G-Ma Laura)
15. Trumie poolside
16. Trumie relaxing and having a licorice treat at the poolside

That's all folks! We are so sad that it's over, but glad to be home and can't wait to go back!

How cute is this picture...

2008-06-16T11:35:00.001-07:00

I took this picture at SeaWorld while we were on vacation. I love it! It's my favorite one from the whole vacation.

If someone has photoshop and would be willing to help me and knows how to take Jeff out of the background call me or leave me a comment. :)
(Not that I don't love Jeff & his backside, I just don't want his butt in this cute picture)

I know you all of you devoted readers/peepers/blurkers are waiting to see vacation pictures. When I get the blasted time I will have a BIG HUGE post, so hold your horses. hee hee

Beautiful & Horrible

2008-06-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

We arrived back from our vacation and I peeked in on the baby bird nest on Tuesday. Sure enough ALL 6 babies had hatched. They are soooo tiny and cute and skinny and cottony, eyes still closed. Here's a peek...

Here's the horrible part!
I had been VERY careful to do my part and to try to take care of this little family living on my porch. I had been watering the plants in the basket carfully from underneath to get the roots and not to drown the babies. I had been filling up our bird feeder and placed it nearby so mommy could eat for herself and not have to go too far to find food.

Well... I put a chain extender on the basket to lower it so that it would be easier for me to water the plants and keep a careful eye on the nest.

Well... some of the neighborhood kids know of our bird nest and often ask about them and ask to be lifted up to see them. I oblige patiently and carefully to tell them about the nest and let them all take a peek, but not too often to disturb the family. All of the kids have been happy and excited to see the nest and it's babies. But of course, there is always that "one kid" who you have to get after A LOT!!! I don't even know this kids name only where he lives. Well he had told me that the baby birds were cute and he kept coming onto my porch. I finally had to tell him that he needed to leave my porch and go play on the sidewalk because the mommy would not come and take care of her babies if we crowd the porch area. Well I left the house and went to the store and that little jerk, yes I said jerk, kid came back over to my porch and turned over a bucket we had nearby and stepped up on to it to reach up and TAKE out one of the babies. I don't know how many he touched in this process. My neighbor saw or heard from her kids what he had done and brought the baby back to the nest.

I was so mad at this kid, he had gone home by the time I had gotten home. This house he lives at by me is not his permanent residence, step-mom or step-dad or something. Lucky for him cause I want to smack him upside the head.

Well, I was so afraid that the little mommy wouldn't come back after the intrusion. She did return thankfully, it did take several hours for her to return, like 5 or 6 hours. I checked on them the next morning and she has assembled all the babies back in the nest very snuggle-like. What a good mommy, what a dumb kid.
(oh yea, I did move the basket back up)

Peek inside!

2008-05-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

Everytime I walked out my front door a bird would rush out from some where and fly away. I couldn't ever tell where she was hiding. One afternoon I was sitting in my rocker on the porch while Truman was playing in the yard. A little brown sparrow flew over to my porch and ducked in side my hanging flower basket that I had made 2 weeks prior. So later that day I took down the basket and peeked inside.

Natures little miracles.

This little momma had made her nest under the cover of the flowers and laid 6 light blue eggs. It looks like a nest that you would buy at a craft store it is so perfect and cute. We try to leave her alone as much as possible, hopefully her babies will survive as well as my flowers, they still need water you know.

Here take a peek inside....

These are what I miss.

2008-05-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

I loved all of these shows, soooo much and I am not embarrassed to say so. I miss watching them and following the characters lives. I miss laughing so hard I cried. Did any of you have a similar love for any of these shows? Tell me? Or tell me if you hated one of them or all of them. Come on, I am trying to generate some comments here. Or tell me what show that is off the air you loved. I have some new loves now, but nothing compares to these....
(PS; don't tell the bishop I loved watching 'Friends' and still do)

As you can tell I loves me-self a good comedy. I can't watch the pure drama shows. I love the dramady, you know drama + comedy = dramady 'House' is about the drama-est that I can get into. I love to just sit down and let them make me laugh. I have waaay too much drama in real life for myself, so a good dose of silliness is best for me. No 'NCIS' or 'Law and Order' for me, good shows, but too emotional and mind gripping for my taste.

And thank heaven for Tivo, cuz heaven only knows that I can't watch a show at the designated show time. It may be days later or in the middle of the night when some baby is up that I get to watch an episode, but that's ok I still get my laugh in.

Good ole' Frasier

My 'Friends'

Everybody Loves Raymond

Seinfeld

Will & Grace

The OC

I can't wait!!!

2008-05-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

Just 8 days till our fun, fun, fun filled family vacation to California! Just to get away is enough for me. I just bought our San Diego passes from Costco today and I can't wait to use them. The kids can't sit still waiting for school to be over and for us to leave, they count it down every day. Yeah yeah yeah! Woo-hoo! Holla! Can you tell I am excited!

Did you watch it?? And if not, why??

2008-05-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

The Office season finale was last night. WOW! WOW! WOW! It was freaking crazy as usual. I don't want to give away the juiciness in case you are still waiting to watch it. I cannot believe that some of the things happened that happened. And I am pissed that, that one proposal didn't take place. Now I have to wait clear till fall to see what happens next. It's just like the season finale 2 years ago when Jim and Pam first kissed and they left you hanging by a freakin' string....

So those of you that watched did you see what happened with Michael and Jan?

What about the stuff going on with Michael and Holly? (Sorry no picture of Holly)

Also, the hilarious stunt about Kevin.

I am soooo mad about Jim and Pam, but love it at the same time.

Holy CRAP, that part about Andy and Angela!!

And even more freakin' crazy was the ending with Dwight and Angela.

How much do I love this show let me count the ways!!

(a schmidgen earlier)

2008-05-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

My goodness I can't believe it's Thursday, let alone freakin' May already. Times sure flies! My list...

1. I am thankful that our family stomach flu didn't last longer than 4-5 days per person. WHEW!! It's a tricky one I know...

2. For Isabelle's comment, when she told me that the shorts I was holding up and thinking of buying didn't look like they would fit me. She said, "Mom your waist isn't THAT big." Ahhhh sweet.

3. My sweet sister Leisa who buys me cute gifts to go in my rooster filled kitchen.

4. Wal~Mart.com site-to-store free shipping. I could not find the sit-and-stand stroller I wanted anywhere. Shipping online was $30.00. So thankfully Wal~Mart.com had it and FREEEEEE shipping if you have them send it to the store you'd like. Me likey!!

5. Money bribes and Spencer. I really needed the toy room cleaned up bad and I was soooo not in the mood to do it, ever. So my little trooper Spencer spent 1 1/2 hours cleaning it all by himself. Only $10.00 later I was basement cleaning free. Fine by me.

best first dance brubaker

2008-05-13T16:36:00.001-07:00

Cell phone service

2008-05-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

Does anyone in the Saratoga Springs area have Cricket Cell Phone Service? I have heard it was no good a while ago for this area, but I'm wondering if it has changed? I am just looking for a new cheap provider. Thanks in advance for you kind help.

Here comes Dorothy!

2008-05-12T12:22:00.000-07:00

So I have a confession....
If you live in Utah you know that last night there was a pretty big windy storm. Well if you live in Saratoga Springs like me, you know there aren't any big trees in the neighborhood to help hold back the storm from practically coming into your room. The wind started sometime around 1:00 am and went till almost 7:00 am. Eventually I had 2 kids in my bedroom thinking they had nightmares or the monsters under their beds were climbing out and making the big racket. Needless to say I could not sleep through this horrible weather. The wind was so strong I was positively sure that the new plants I had just planted were viciously ripped from my garden and my hanging baskets were tossed from the porch like cotton balls. I thought for sure that my garbage and recycling cans would be in the lake a mile away. The wind was sooo strong that the 5 1/2 foot shelf we have in our bedroom that displays beautiful heavy rock specimens was shaking and rocking. I was just waiting for some foreign object to come flying into my window, and hoping that all the little birds in the area had found some safe refuge.

Well my mother has always been deathly afraid of storms and wind, any weather besides calm sunshine. She was always putting in her little squishy earplugs to block out the sound of the weather outside. We were constantly making fun of her. She was always saying "huh" and "what" to us whenever we asked mom a question. We were always saying, "oh she has her earplugs in and she can't hear us, it must be windy." Ha hA Ha! She will not watch The Wizard of Oz, to this day, until it is in color, because of the tornado. So we would always say to her when a storm was coming, "Here comes Dorothy." ( I know, we were mean)
I am sure you have guessed my confession. I would have given anything last night to have had a pair of my mothers little tan squishy ear plugs.

Click this!

2008-05-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

So I was soooo searching for Twilight stuff and I found this MTV site with photos of more of the cast members. Click here & love it.

(Just click "next" on the right when you get to the website to see the 9 characters they show.)

I can't read anymore, I might burst!

2008-05-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

HOLY MOLY. I am done reading Twilight and New Moon. I can't wait to read Eclipse, but it is soo emotional I can't put the darn book down and I think I need a break. So I was totally thinking that there is NO WAY that they can ever, EVER get actors that would do justice to the characters in the book for the movie, the looks they give, their physical bodies, their emotions. But alas, I saw on Stephenie Meyers website some of the actors that are playing the book characters for the movie. Then I was totally like ya right, Cedric Diggory, you know from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, NO WAY! He's cute and all, but in my mind, he's NO Edward Cullen. Then I was blurking on Kristi's blog and saw she had a link to a trailer. I am probably way behind on this than you guys are, but oh well. So of course I watched it like 10 times in a row. Here it is if you haven't seen it yet. Twilight movie trailer. So I admitt I am very impressed by these actors. Kristen Stewart does a very good job of playing Bella. She is so stubborn and ordinary, yet beautiful in the book and I think they have picked a perfect actress. Robert Pattinson who they have playing Edward has got HUGE-MONGOUS shoes to fill. I think ultimately he's gonna do a great job. I love the trailer and I want it to last waaaayy longer. I might have to pick up book 3 and start reading it today, but I can't even sleep well when I read them, so maybe I'll take a break, we'll see. Here's the official movie poster and some movie shots.

When it's ok to say the "F" word!

2008-05-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

Chuck-a-licious...

2008-05-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

Thankful Thursday!

2008-05-01T13:12:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe how stinkin' fast Thursday rolls around.
I am thankful for...

1. Mrs. Gray, from the Litle Gray Elephant Preschool that Reece attends. She is awesome and he has learned sooo much. I cannot believe how many letters he is recognizing as well as sounds. Isabelle and Spencer were not at his level at his age. WOW!
2. Digis internet service. Very fast, very cheap! Keeps me in touch with lots of people & stuff.
3. The extremely wonderful, nice ex-policeman who found Reece and took care of him when he was lost at the gateway. This is a long story, but it makes me cry, if you want to know the story call me. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being a nice person and helping Reece get back to our family.
4. Twilight, the book. How much fun is that thing to read and to delve into another world of romance and mystery.
5. My bed. I love, love, love to climb into it at night. It's soo comfy I cannot hardly stay awake for 5 minutes.
6. April 30th, 2004. That is the day little Reece was born. My second son, my blondie, my buddy.

The results are in...

2008-04-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

The official polls are closed.
According to statistics on callisterclan.blogspot.com 100% of voters chose that Obama would take the democratic nomination for the US 2008 Presidential election. Hmmm, interesting.

And in an even more important, pressing issue...
Daffy Duck is slightly more liked over Donald Duck by the voters.

Go Daffy!! Maybe you should be running for president.

I just have to say that I am on board!

2008-04-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to start this book forever. I have heard nothing but goodness. I keep meaning to pick myself up a copy of it, but I haven't been too good at actually doing that. Well to my great surprise my awesome sister in-law Emilie, gave me all three books as a thank you gift. Now this was not expected or even necessary, AT ALL! I knew should wouldn't take the books back from me and probably sneak them into my car on the way out, so I took them eagerly and thankfully and jumped for joy at the very-unnecessary gift. Well if I was single or kid-less I would still have my eyes glued to the book. I am into it over 100 pages from just this morning and if Truman would stop pooping for 2 seconds and my house would clean itself up I could finish. arrrgh
It's too good.... but alas I have to stop... for now...

BTW
For all you fans of Jell-o pudding pops they are back and at Walmart! I know! I have been looking for them for YEARS! Jeff is gonna freak out when I hand him one when he gets home. (no wheat ingredients either) Yeah for J-E-L-L-O pudding pops!
Thanks for finding them EM!!

I'm so sorry...

2008-04-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

I need to apologize to all those who so faithfully play along with Thankful Thursday. (thanks for getting me hooked Tib) I was so busy yesterday and I did not remember to publically list my thankfulness. But to my defense I was not goofing off I was helping a family member out. In closing I would like to say, I am surely thankful for my family, immediate, extended, those we call family and really aren't related, neighbors & friends far and near.
Amen...
I mean thanks...

LOST & FOUND

2008-04-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

A Nintendo DS was found in our yard (it's been a while and I am embarrassed to say how long.) I tucked the precious, little, electronic contraption into my drawer so that it would not get touched by my kids little hands. Well I am just now remembering I have it and would really love for the owner and it to be reunited. If you live in the Loch Lomond neighborhood and you lost one or know of someone who lost one or heard of someone losing one, please call me (766-6073) or email me. I will let the true owner tell me the details of it; color, game inside, etc... I will be posting some signs in the neighborhood if this blog-thang doesn't work in finding the owners.

This should be your new buy at the bookstore for your kids!!

2008-04-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

So I just saw this on my favorite daytime show The View. A plastic surgeon in Florida thought it necessary to write this book for children from ages 4-7 whose parents undergo plastic surgery and need explaining. WOW!! I think if you can't tell your children, yourself, what the heck you are going to the hospital for then there is something way way wrong with your parenting. If you choose to have plastic surgery then fine, but who says, here baby read this and you'll then know why mommy's boobs are much rounder and perkier. Geez a book, come on. Talk to your kids. We should never give our kids anything that puts their self esteem in question. I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall at Micheal Jackson's house when his kids come to him with pictures of him prior to 1985 and ask him what the freak happened to his face and hair. Here are a couple of pages from the book. Do you like the mom talking to the kid in the car, nice! It a wonder she's not on the cell phone or applying her mascara at the same time too.
So tell me what you think.

Silliness!

2008-04-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

Does this look comfy??

Or this??

Try this??

Silly kids!

Thankful Thursday!

2008-04-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Thursday! Wow all week off from school and it's flying by. Stupid weather!
I have to do a quick thanks today, I've a lot to do and not enough time to do it in.

1. Missionary opportunities.
2. Swimming pools. I took the kids and some of their friends swimming yesterday and WOW that was fun!!
3. My nice neighbors.
4. When my kids really do hear me and do what I ask of them at the right time I ask them to do something. Do ya get me on this one. It is such a joy not to have to repeat myself.
5. Old friends who still keep in touch even if it's only through email. Thanks Trenton!
6. Jumper cables. Jeff's dumb car wouldn't start yesterday morning for some dumb reason. We jumped it and away he went! Thanks jumper cables. I would have had to drive him to work, but I had 8 (yes EIGHT) kids in my house at the time and we would have been WAY illegal strapping 10 people into my 7 seater van!!

Thanks for thankfulness!!
What are you thankful for?
~love
me

Reece

2008-04-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

As we are driving home from Church on Sunday, just barely out of the parking lot, this was Reece's conversation with us. He is screaming this in his, I have something really important to say voice.

Reece - Mom and Dad did you know that we're humans?

Us - Umm yes

Reece - And we catch bunnies! And we hate them! And they are mad!

Us - (giggle giggle) So why are they mad?

Reece - Because we catch them!

Us - (giggle giggle) Oh ok.

We are home now and Reece is getting out of the car and there is more...

Reece - Do you know that we eat seeds and I eat my pineapple seeds?

Us - Oh really. So what was your lesson on today in your primary class?

We were laughing so hard at Reece and his crazy story after church. Next Sunday I just have to ask if his sweet primary teachers know why he was going on about humans and pineapple seeds and catching bunnies. He's a kick! I love him!

Raise your right foot and repeat after me...

2008-04-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

This is worth sharing big time.
I found it on a blog I frequent, it's by a very creative cute gal!
Thanks for your post Tib. Check out her awesome blog sometime.

Since Spring is finally creeping into the scene here is the...

Open Toed Shoe Pledge
As a member of the Cute Girl Sisterhood, I pledge to follow the Rules when wearing sandals and other open-toe shoes:

*I promise to always wear sandals that fit.
*My toes will not hang over and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And the sides and tops of my feet will not pudge out between the straps.
*I will go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free.
*I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe.
*I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow.
*I will shave the hairs off my big toe.
*I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, coworker, mother, sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there.
*If a strap breaks, I won't duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back into place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it.
*I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend Dr. Scholl's if my feet need him. *I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids' sizes. This is out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one can walk properly when standing in a pool of sweat and I would hate to take someone down with me as I fall and break my ankle.
*I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes swell and begin to look like Vienna sausages.
*I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when she asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that her toes are as long as my fingers and no sandal makes creepy feet look good.
*I will promise if I wear flip flops that I will ensure that they actually flip and flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOT to slide or drag my feet while wearing them.
*I will promise to go to my local nail salon at least once per season and have a real pedicure (they are about $15 or 20 and worth EVERY penny).
*I will promise to throw away any white/off-white sandals that show signs of wear... nothing is tackier than dirty white sandals.

A mother's prayer...

2008-04-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Lord,

So far today I've done alright. I haven't gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, nasty, selfish, or indulgent. I am very grateful. But in a few minutes, Lord, I am getting out of bed and from then on, I am going to need A LOT more help!!!

Amen.

Thankful Thursday!

2008-04-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

Yeah Thursday's here! That means Friday is almost here and then my baby girl turns 7! Then we have an awesome Spring break coming up next week and awesome weather too.

I am thankful for...

1. Jam bams, that's what we call pajamas in my house. Isn't it great to put on your jam bams at night. Take off that obnoxious, annoying bra and relax in your comfy clothes. Sep mostimes my jam bams are just sweats & a T-shirt and I put them on at like 5:00 pm.

2. My Excalibur Dehydrator. Now when I want to devour some chips, I get apple chips instead.

3. Isabelle's friends from her class. What cute girl friends she has, they are sooo sweet I just love them and love how she loves them too.

4. Reece's new friend Colby, who moved nearby us. They have such fun together.

5. Reece's knock knock jokes.

6. Sign language. The little sign language that I know and that I teach Truman is helping me and him so much. He is starting to say the words he signs, yeah!

7. Teletubbies. Wierd show, but Truman loves it and will watch it, so I can get stuff done around this messy place.

8. TIVO! So that I can record an episode of Teletubbies at 5:00 am and not waste money on buying a DVD and having to put it in.

What are you THANKFUL for?

What bugs me!!

2008-04-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

(I realize these are not all bugs some are spiders)
Sometimes it just feels good to be negative for a bit. It makes me feel better to "call out the stupid in the world." We are surrounded and out numbered by it I am afraid.
I had a step-grandfather that whenever I saw him he said, "why aren't you smiling?" I wanted to smack the smile off his face. Because who goes around smiling all the time? Not me. And just because you aren't smiling doesn't mean that you're sad or that something is wrong, right!

So here are the things that BUG me, some more than others lately!

1. The billboard on I-15 southbound around 3300 South or so.
It says... "Hit a pedestrian, change your lives"
Ok read that for me. Does it make sense. Grammatically it's just not right, and it needs more words or less possessiveness or something. It BUGS me and Jeff too. I appreciate the message, but the writer sucks. Look for it next time you drive and tell me what you think.

2. When one of my kids pound rhythmically on their chair or the table or the floor. eeekkk

3. Loud talkers!

4. People at check-outs that never say hello to you. Or those who never even say a word at all!

5. Hardly ever being able to go to the bathroom alone, or without some little one talking to you or sticking their hands under the door.

6. My G-ma. I love her but she bugs me right now. That is a WHOLE new post of it's own. I'd better keep it to myself.

7. It bugs me when my face is touched.

8. When my kids, instead of putting their shoes in the closet where they go, they sneakily place them behind the couch or some other crevice. Like putting them away properly takes more time than hiding them from me.

9. When people use grammar incorrectly. Especially when they use double negatives. I am not an English professor, but come out of the cave you live in and speak properly.

Thanks! I feel better now! How about you? What BUGS you?

Who's your fav?

2008-04-08T19:35:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited about this little black box!

2008-04-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

So I asked my mom to dig out her 18 year old Excalibur Food Dehydrator for me, from the depths of storage at her house. For some reason I started to think about dried apples and the cravings began! I am sure that the thought entered my mind, because of all the hype about wheat prices skyrocketing. So I begun thinking that all I have in the form of food storage is some expired water and some label-less cans of something from the cannery and several cans of Great Value Mini Ravioli.

I am not a strawberry jam maker, a can any kind of fruit, person. I'm just not and will never be. There I admitted it. I don't know anything about using and keeping your food storage up to date. (Thank heaven for Crystals blog.)

I am so excited to start drying fruit by the ton. Hey all you do is slice, slice, slice! You don't even have to peel or core things if you don't want to. This is sooo cool. I can dry anything. Make anything. Most any fruits will do. I can make jerky, fruit leather, dry herbs, raise breads the options are limitless. My plan by the end of the year is to have jars and jars full of dry everything (mostly fruit though) bursting out the door in my cold storage room.

I dried 5 apples that I had on Saturday night. I put then in at 9:30 pm and took them out at 8:30 am. They were perfect! I like my dried apples crispy like chips. These turned out slightly crispy kinda soft, still perfect. It depends on the heat level and the amount of time you leave them in.

When I was little my best friend Natalie and I would sneak into her mom and dad's food storage room and steal jars of apples and devour them. They were the best stolen treats ever. We shouldn't have been sneaky about it, I'm sure her mom wouldn't have cared we were eating the apples. They were so good and I am so hyped about making my own.

I am going to make my own fruit roll ups next, yeah! So be prepared for jars of yummy dried fruit for gifts and Christmas and for no reason at all, cause I'm on a roll....................!!!!!