More Pics

These pictures Adrianne took at Bridal Veil are amazing, but her camera is so hyperpixelated that the files are like huge. I dare only upload a couple at a time, or my little computer will just might have a temper tantrum. We had an amazing time, hiking around and playing.

These last two years...

It's this little muffin's birthday today! What a girl! She opened an Elmo movie today and immediately burst out with "la la la la Elmo's World!" It was cute. She also says "Peek eee boo!" instead of Peek a boo, which is darling. She absolutely loves sweet red pepper, altoids, and nuts. Wierd 2 year old foods! These photos are from a hike we took with the Brackners to Bridal Veil Falls. We love Adrianne Photography!

The Snow is here!

All ready for the Polar Express at Kindergarten. (I made this outfit)

Little Cindy Lou Who, who was no more than 2!

Little Jean Scout!

Yeah, all that biz about me getting into the Christmas spirit last time was just because we had no snow. Now I don't need any of that -- just joking. I do like the snow though, and regardless of its driving hazards (luckily I didn't have to go very far yesterday), it's pretty beautiful. Since we lived in Texas until I was three, I hadn't seen snow until the ripe old age of 3. My family had a laugh at my wonderment when arriving in Utah to a foot of snow. I called it Nosse. That's the best phonetic spelling I can come up with. Oh well, pretty good stuff anyway.

The Christmas Spirit

As the Christmas Spirit gradually makes its way into my heart and mind this year, a lot of things come together to put it there. First, nothing like this scripture really brought the Christmas season to the forefront for me. "And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God." Alma 7:10 I just read that in my normal reading, and it was surprising how much that made me excited for Christmas.
Before that, little bits of Christmas began inspiring me with music. I decided to download a few songs from Itunes. I had a stroke of memory hit me of a certain Christmas tape my parents had when I was a kid. Yep, a tape. I'm that old. I guess it could be worse -- an actual vinyl record or 8-track or something. My little sister and I kept rewinding the tape to hear a certain song over and over. The trouble was, I couldn't really remember exactly what the song was about or its name. Jeff's sister, Lisa, was over, and I began describing it to her. The more I talked about it, the more I remembered. I guess my brain neurons finally hit the right filing cabinet because I remembered it was "Ding-a-ling the Christmas Bell." Bless the Internet because not too many record stores would have a copy of this little song. I promptly burned it on a CD and popped it in my little sister's Christmas card. I hope she likes it. If she's anything like me, she might start dancing a little dance and shouting about a victory. Then, I downloaded "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by BareNaked Ladies, added that to the CD's I imported, and I have a very pleasant little Christmas mix to pop on the IHOME anytime. Enjoying music and its memories has certainly been a fun way to get in the Christmas spirit this year.
Decorating has also hit the spot for Christmas spirit. I was kind of grinchy about it this year. I sort thought it would be fun to put the tree up like on Christmas Eve or something. So Quinton got on the calendar and scheduled it for the 21st of December. Once he scheduled it so far away, I finally gave in to the mess and chaos of decorating for Christmas, but I've been glad it's done.
Jeff was his usual effecient self and got the lights put on the house early, while it was still warm. We bought some fancy snowflake twinkle curtain lights which were a bear to untangle but look extra fancy and nice.
Finally, I declared full Christmas spirit potential, when last night, cuddled in blankets with the kids, we watched, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". I can still recite up to where he gets into town or so, and it really does the trick. Earlier, we had watched Elf together, and while I laughed by head off, it didn't really fill me with memories and sweet nostalgia like the Grinch does.
So that's it. That's the way the spirit of Christmas has found its way into my life this year. It's extra cozy isn't it?

A memorable Thanksgiving

Highlights to our Thanksgiving:

*Saw a 10:40 showing of Twilight with Sara and Siale the week before (Team Edward as if there was even a need for teams)

*Cleaned up throw up for a few days (at least everyone was healthy enough for Thanksgiving Dinner)

*Assigned many food items to parents for Kira's Kindergarten feast (nice room mother job)

*Dressed Kira as the cutest Pilgrim ever for her Kindergarten feast

*Used gift card to buy pre-cooked Honeybaked Ham Turkey (probably won't go that route again -- it was a little dry -- but it sure was easy)

*Welcomed Jeff's mom and sister with her family (Shoutout to Lisa. We had fun!)

*Sat back and watched Jeff cook a fabulous meal (Go Jeff Go)

*Set the table with nice china and tablecloths (cake job)

*Ate the fabulous dinner surrounded by lovely family -- Hey Annie!

*Cleaned up the fabulous dinner

*Played Last Word and Sequence (Our love of Sequence originated at the Simons' house thanks guys!)

*Scoped out the ads

*Decided there was nothing worth getting up for

*Got up anyway -- didn't get very many good deals

*Watched my kids play with very fun cousins (DJ Annie Madi)

*Ate some yummy turkey soup

*Went on a date with Jeff since we had babysitters (Four Christmases was funny but crude)

*Started cleaning up diarhea...

Brown just isn't his thing

As we were walking into the church today, prior to the primary program, I told Quinton how handsome he looked in his suit. Jeff said, "And how about Mom? Doesn't she look great? Doesn't she look hot?" Quinton replied, "Actually...she looks sort of brown." (I was wearing a dramatically chocolate brown dress with brown knee-length boots.)

Other things I love about Quinton:

*He totally nailed his part in the primary program -- with poise even.
*He loves me to read Fablehaven out loud to him.
*He loves Jacey to wake him up in the morning and snuggle with him for a few minutes. She's usually too busy to snuggle, but he gets a quality minute or half.
*He is absolutely thrilled to go to cub scouts every week. (He also looks so cute in his blue shirt)
*He respects his teachers and other grown-ups.
*He loves his friends. He loves to play.
*He loves a treasure hunt. If I could make one every Monday for family home evening, he would never get tired of it.
*If, for a 22 monther (see Jacey's post below), moms should buy an insane amount of toothbrushes, moms of eight year old boys should buy many surplus socks. He puts holes in those things faster than you can say Shia Lebeuf. (HOLES -- get it? Okay, I should not try comedy)
*He has the cutest little belly laugh you've ever heard and a quirky sense of humor (better than his mom's).
*He still loves the color green -- has since he was old enough to talk.
I guess brown just isn't his thing! It's green.



I couldn't find a picture of him in his handsome suit, so I included one from his baptismal day and one from his first pack meeting (Thanks Adrianne.)

Stock up on toothbrushes

I receive cutesy little e-mails from Pampers that say "Jacey is now 22 months old..." and then they go on to say things she might be doing such as "She could be really interested in banging on pots and pans right now." I always think, are you kidding me? They just don't know Jacey. If I were to write these e-mails, they wouldn't be so cutesy. They would actually be helpful. Mine would sound something like this:

Jacey is now 22 months old. Here are some of the things you can do at this age. 1)Go buy an inordinate amount of toothbrushes because she will dunk every single one you own in a toilet. Even though the experts say that toilets aren't the germiest areas of the house, I sure can't put one in my mouth after seeing it go in the toilet. It doesn't matter if you have child proof locks on these drawers, she is so determined at this age that she will do anything to lay her hands on them. 2) Don't try to help. Offers to hold her hand down some stairs or help her open some crackers will only result in a shrieking noise that will melt your ear drums followed by the famous phrase "I do it!" 3) Lay on the floor at your own peril. Enough said. 4) Do not, under any circumstances, take on any extra household project such as painting your house, doing laundry, or cleaning your kitchen. She will see to it that you don't get it done, she will make a mess out of whatever you're doing, and if you do somehow manage to get it done, she will mess it up afterwards. 5) While trick-or treating, do not expect her to let you carry her, her treat bucket, or her Yoda hood. Do not expect to make it to more than five houses per hour. (Jeff had to deal with that one)

Disclaimer: She has now been loved to death for over 22 months.

Jeff is home!

I'm delighted to have my husband back home after he was gone for a week. He had a very sad death in his family. His cousin, Cam, age 35, passed away from Leukemia (a very rare form) after battling for two years in Canada. He left a 10 year old, a 7 year old, and a 4 year old. I will paste in a paragraph from his wife, Coralee's blog, because I think it is so amazing.

""The last two and a half years having been full of hope, stress, laughter, pain, heartache, and kindness. I know both of our characters' grew leaps and bounds because of the challenges we have faced, and not only that, the love that we have for each other fused us together like nothing else. I have been reflecting on Cam's life a lot the last few days. He sure did pack a lot in, in the short time he was on earth. I couldn't have asked for a better husband, father, confidant, encourager, and best friend. I know he touched a lot of you and I feel his impact has been far reaching. I had a friend email me the other day and she said something that struck me to the very core. It was this: Thirteen awesome years is so much better than a life time of nothing. How true. Counting the time we were dating Cam and I have been together for 15 years. We have made so many happy memories in that time. Although I would have liked it to continue much longer, our lives together have been rich and full. He had no regrets. He lived each day how we all should--like it could be our last. Before writing this I just finished reading his good bye letter to me. I stumbled across it while going through some files on his computer. With tears streaming down my face I felt so grateful for the good life he has lived and that I was lucky enough to share it with him. """

Her whole blog is amazing (filled with testimony, faith, and love) and is linked to mine and named Cam's transplant adventure. Jeff left last Friday night and drove his mother and sister through the night up to Canada for the funeral. Then, he still had to attend his company's big get-together of the year in Georgia. Go Masterwall! He flew out of Montana Tuesday morning to Georgia. Going to Georgia always messes with him because of the time change. They start their meetings like at eight in the morning, which is six o'clock our time. Plus, he usually has to drive at least a half an hour to get to them. For Jeff, the ultimate night owl, that is a huge sacrifice of sleep. Then, they usually fill the day up -- until 9 p.m. So, I picked a very exhausted Jeff up from the airport Thursday night. We're really, really glad to have him home. The kids were good for me while he was gone and things went pretty smoothly.

I did have to brave Parent-teacher conferences alone and the dentist alone, which turned out to be a little more crazy than I would have thought. First of all, my babysitter didn't show, so I had to root out the neighbor girl to come over. It was only for an hour and she didn't mind, so that was wonderful -- thanks Tana. Then, I just had a cracked old filling which wasn't very big at all. The dentist said, "I'm not even sure I have to get you numb." Well, that was the statement that just jinxed the whole night. He said he would give me one shot because although the thing was small, it was kind of close to a nerve. I started to feel a little numb but not much, so he went with a second shot -- fun! Then, he started drilling and I could still feel everything. When he got close to that nerve, I jumped and my eyes got really wide. He stopped and gave me another shot, right into the base of the tooth. Bless his heart, he was really trying. Again, I was still not completely numb and sitting there in terror of when he would hit that nerve. Crazy. It turned out I had taken some Ibuprofen earlier that day which could have messed with my ability to get numb. I was sore from all the shots, and the whole tooth was sensitive for a few days afterward. I've never had even a slight problem at the dentist, so this was a new experience for me.
Lori

Some more pumpkin patch

Here is her little friend, tiny pumpkin, she carried around with her.

The pumpkin patch

We went to Santaquin last Monday for Family Home Evening to pick pumpkins. We had a wonderful time, and the Brackners went with us, so luckily we have wonderful pictures taken by Adrianne. What a benefit it is to have a photographer for a friend!

Jacey latched onto a tiny pumpkin early on and insisted on carrying it around with her everywhere. Everyone in the wagon was laughing and saying how cute she was. Brook and Keanna came with us, so everyone had a good time.

I've been tagged

When I got tagged, I guess it meant I had to write six quirky things about myself.
1. I have a pus obsession. I love to see pus coming out of zits. It seems so cleansing. Wierd, but just ask Sara V. who got her zit squozen in the hallway at church volleyball. Hey, she complained about the nasty zit out loud to me.
2. I may be the only person I know who could spend equally happy hours gushing over wedding dresses in Bride's magazine or playing basketball/sports. An odd combination, but I had to please my dad in some way right? Rock on SportsCenter.
3. Bunions are for old ladies? Wrong. I have a huge bunion on my right toe. Or I could be old.
4. Clutter is for losers. I hate the stuff. I have a quirky older brother who also hates it, but he's a little more extreme. He even requests non-stuff for Christmas. I'm almost there. Sometimes Jeff has to look for his stuff in the garbage or in a bag in the garage.
5. Labor and Delivery. Don't get me started. I love to hear everybody's stories of labor and delivery. When and how much they dilated, how long they had to push, the number of stitches, bring it on. I love it all. Don't know why. Can you say "A Baby Story?" I could watch all day. Cry every time.
6. I dream most every night about one of two things: waterskiing or basketball. Waterskiing dreams are very pleasant, while the basketball dreams are usually frustration, anger, or trying to prove myself. I have very vivid dreams. I notice rich color, story, and sound. Nobody try to psychoanalyze that.
I don't tag anybody. It's not really like me. I guess that's quirk numeral 7.

It's true! There is such a thing as a no-nag husband

And he's mine!!

While I was feeling sorry for myself last weekend as a hockey widow (Jeff had taken Quinton, Tuli, and Brook to Vegas for an NHL hockey game) I went window piano shopping. We had been talking about getting one for Christmas. I found one I really liked, a black Yamaha at a reasonable price, and just looked into it a little bit. I told Jeff about what I had found and whoala...three days later it was waiting for me in the basement. What a treat.

Intense shooting!
He's flying!

GOAL!

Soccer has been hectic this year but fun. Kira scored her first goal tonight. She had a break away, and her initial shot went just barely wide, but the goalie didn't pick it up, so she went over and kicked it in. Yeah for Kira! Her team is named "The Boxers." I always joke that their cheer should be "Not briefs!" but noone has listened to me on that one. Quinton has had a fun year, too. His league is also with fourth graders, so he is one of the younger ones, but he holds his own. The only reason I signed Kira up this year was this extremely cute pair of Adidas with pink stripes on sale at Shopko.

Funny Chic jokes

'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.' This quote came with the e-mail, and I just love it. I moved it to the top because I liked it so much. Now everybody comment with the one you identify with. Fess up!

Pregnancy, Estrogen, and Women

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?

A: No, 35 children is enough.

Q: I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?

A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?

A: Childbirth.

Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.

A: So what's your question?

Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?

A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural ?

A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q: Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?

A: Not unless the word 'alimony' means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?

A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q: Do I have to have a baby shower?

A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?

A: When the kids are in college.

'ESTROGEN ISSUES'

10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE 'ESTROGEN ISSUES'

1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.

2. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet.

3. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.

4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say..

5. You 're using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says: 'How's my driving-call 1- 800-'.

6. Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice.

7. Everyone seems to have just landed here from 'outer space.'

9. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.

10. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday.

TOP TEN THINGS ONLY WOMEN UNDERSTAND

10. Cats' facial expressions.

9. The need for the same style of shoes in different colors.

8. Why bean sprouts aren't just weeds.

7. Fat clothes.

6. Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time.

5. The difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell.

4. Cutting your hair to make it grow.

3. Eyelash curlers.

2. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made.

AND, the Number One thing only women understand :

1. OTHER WOMEN

Only the cutest couple ever

This is Jeff's niece, Diana. She got married to Eric H. Saturday, Sept. 13th at the St. George temple. It was such an awesome day. The temple sealing was really wonderful, and these guys are just the cutest couple ever. He's really sweet and patient and kind, and she's more outgoing etc.


At her luncheon, some of the little kids sang a song I wrote to the tune of "I'm so glad when daddy comes home" but I used funny things about their relationship to write the words. eg. "I'm so glad when Diana comes home, I'm not sad at all. I guess I get a little steamed if she's been at the mall." and "I put my arms around his neck; I hug him with remorse. The next thing that I know he's at..the darned golf course." It was really cute.
The temple lawn was all dug up and had maneur spread about. Yuck! But Jacey's cute in the dress I made for her.
Their cake was way cute. And if you look closely at Diana's dress, another one of my roles for the wedding was to sew a piece of flesh-colored fabric right in the V of the dress, so that people could see that feature. Otherwise it would have looked all white there. It was kind of funny the night before the wedding, I'm sitting there sewing a piece of orange-brown material to it. It turned out lovely from the outside, though. It's a fantastic dress.

Who's this handsome feller?

Another thing I did for the wedding was sew the bridesmaids' dresses. Needless to say, my sewing room is strewn about with scraps and threads of hot pink and black. Top to bottom. Seriously. It's so fun for me though. Here's two of them.Sammy, Q's cousin, looked smashing in his little tux.
Jeff's sister's just a little frazzled! No, she was calm the whole time.

And these are the other two dresses I made (besides Jacey's and Kira's). This is Jeff's sister's family that lives in Cedar City. They are super awesome.

Since yesterday's post was a little "whiny" or some might call it "complaining" or "less than happy," I'll get that off the top by posting some great things about my life.

• I have a wonderful husband! He really is my best friend. He's good at a lot of stuff, too, like making the kids laugh when I want to strangle them.
• I have a wonderful third-grader. He's kind, loves his sisters, funny, and a little too much like me, personality wise.
• I have a wonderful kindergartner. Her smile lights up the room, she's really pretty, and she has plenty of SPUNK! She tears it up on the soccer field, does great in gymnastics, and is a little smarty.
• I have a wonderful toddler. She's eating a lot better now, and Jeff and I keep putting her on the scale because she feels heavier to us. She's communicating so well these days. "Mommy, mee" is one of her favorite things to say.