Two weddings and a funeral. Whew! No kidding! Okay, so the funeral is Halloween. But I am doing two weddings on Saturday. I tell you! Sheesh! Thank all the stars that shine in heaven for my big (but not BIG) sister, the Minks. She spent six hours today with me cleaning flowers, bagging bouts, cutting oasis, snuggling Roo and feeding chubbles. We have been busy girls, I tell you! So hour after hour of work, then trick or treating, then back to work. I've only been up since 6, and it's 11:30 with no end in sight. (YAWN) Oh, well. Such is the life of a wanted flower and cake lady, right? So, with this in mind - I'll be taking a break until Monday. Not from anything but my blog, of course. I have pick up at 8:30 tomorrow morning, and deliveries starting at 2:30. My poor house! And my poor kids! Too bad I love doing this so much, they all have to suffer. So, I'll give the 411 on Monday. Until, then...over and out.

p.s. What does it mean when you have lost feeling in your legs and arms after a very long day? Think everything is okay?

I think I found someone who could really

use my "hooter hider", poor thing.

Dumb things I've done today.

1) Today was "dress as your favorite book character" at school today. So I sent Simon dressed tip to toe as captain hook. Yup. Church shoes, black knee high socks, puffy knee length pirate pants, long sleeve white shirt, fluffy ascot, heavy red long pirate coat, giant pirate hat, and a drawn on pirate musatache. Oh, by the way, did I tell you that the kindergarteners had a field trip to the pumpkin patch today? All day? And it was 75 degrees? And Simon has terrible allergies to "farm life." Ooops. Yep, I was a great mom today, and forgot. I guess even captain hook likes to pick out his own pumpkin.

2) Got a little hasty with my memory card and deleted all of Ruby's third birthday - pre download. Nice.

On that note, we actually took the whole fam to the farm last night. This was our tractor driver. I think he might be 16, maybe. But I enjoyed watching him text throughout the drive. Don't even get me started about driving and texting!

There's a cell phone in there somewhere.

Now just some random yabi-di-daba:

1) Utah has an abundance of what I call "leaf bugs." Otherwise known as a katydid. Like, "look what Katy did." (Oh, I am funny.) Anyway, I think I will add this to my things I like about Utah list. They are so cool, more than once I really thought there was a leaf on the ground/house/wall/trampoline. Too bad they don't change colors with the fall leaves.

He likes getting his exercise on the trampoline.




2) Cried at cjanes post of the girls singing for their mom. If you haven't seen it, it's a must see.

So click here to see it.



And thats all.

Sisters

When I first started my blog, I told you briefly about Stephanie and Christian Neilson. Nearly two months later, my friends and family have more information and memories about myself and our life than I have ever recorded. Thank you for reading and your compliments; It helps me keep it up. I really want to remember this time in my life. Each day goes so fast, and I can hardly remember what day of the week it is. These times are precious, they are fleeting, and they are priceless.

Click here. This is a beautiful article about their story. Peter finds me crying about this, and doesn't seem to understand. I can't explain, maybe he will read this and start. I have been thinking so much about my own sisters. Would they say sweet things about me? Or, I about them? Would we run to each others rescue?

Of course we would!! We have before, and we will again.

I cannot imagine my life without my sisters. I have held their hands (except Krista, who doesn't like that kind of thing (haha)), cried with them, held their babies, stroked their heads, and loved them. And they have each done this for me countless times.

I'll never forget Krista, crying her heart out for our (very righteously) unavailable mother after the birth of her third child. She just wanted her mom. So I moved in for a week. I had no children of my own yet and I could be there. I saw her beautiful baby girl come into this world, and my dear sister was in need. In need of what, I could not say, but she needed me. She needed her dishes done, beds made, laundry done and her other kids taken care of. She needed someone to take her to the doctor, to rock her baby and someone to just be there. The baby slept in the room with me, and I would take her to Krista to nurse. This was a privilege that not many without children of their own have. To spend this precious time with one so fresh from heaven is miraculous. Through the days, I sat with Krista and loved her the best my not-yet-a-mother self could.

And this made our bond even closer.

Or when Mindy called me, desperate in need of help with a marital problem. I jumped in the car, handed off my little ones and did what I was told. My heart raced as I acted on my call to action. I prayed and prayed and prayed. “Please let me help my wonderful sister. She deserves all the blessings of the world. Please help her little family, and please help me to help her.” In the days to come, (again: parents unavailable) I would welcome her little family into the house in the wee hours of the night for peace and protection. I would listen to her cry, “Why me? I only ever loved him. I loved him so much.” I can see her sweet babies lying in my parents’ bed, and her being so brave (I can’t imagine how brave you really were). I was at her house as often as I could. I did laundry, made dinner, cleaned the house, answered the phone and snuggled her kids. I never, ever want to hear another seven year old say, sobbing through his tears, in response to “Daddy won’t be living with us anymore”: “I’m too young to not have a dad.”

And this made our bond even closer.

When I heard that my oldest, and in my childhood – most worshiped sister, was on the plane to Utah, to be admitted to a de-tox program here, my heart sank and was elated and relieved at the same time. Her addictions were ruining her, killing her. But the fact that the beginning of the end could be soon, I was so very happy. My baby girl was four months old. I had to be brave. I had to visit my sister. My sister who made me an aunt at 13, who taught me how to be a mom, and who, in fact, was practically a mother to me. So, with strength in numbers, Mindy and I went to UNI. And I saw what remained of my beautiful, strong, lovely sister. Her skin was yellow and she couldn’t stop shaking. But she was happy to see me, and I her. She wanted to hold my Ruby. I have to admit, I was a little worried. But I know that the love of a child can heal, and their comfort is not to be found anywhere else. And that is just what happened. She held her, and began to heal. Not right that second, and not just because of a baby, but because she wanted to, because she had her own babies, and because the Lord needed her to get better.

And this made our bond even closer.

I tell you these things not to tell what I have done for them, but to tell you that by them allowing me to serve them – I am a better person. I have learned lessons from them that cannot be taught in schools. I am a better mom, friend, daughter, aunt and sister; because of them.

Being the youngest, the lessons which they taught me are more than I can even begin to tell you. I am who I am today, because I was raised by three older sisters. They taught me to read; they taught me to roller skate (and break my arm). They taught me to write, to sing, to dance, how to do my hair, what clothes to wear, and how to shave my legs.

Mindy bought me my first bra and taught me how to use feminine unmentionables. She taught me how to be soft, how to really show affection to my children. She taught me that it’s okay to cry. She is who I climbed into bed with when I was afraid, or lonely or sad. She is who has wiped so very many of my tears.

Krista taught me how to love after giant fights; and how to forgive. She taught me about nursing babies, and always knows the answers to any medical problem I have. She taught me to serve and to be happy no matter what life throws at you. She taught me that I can mother my kids better than anyone else can; that I can do anything for them, no matter how hard it may seem.

Elise taught me to work hard for my family. She was always working. She cooked and cleaned and loved, non-stop. Her kids are older now, but she still does it all. She put her family first. She was a very young bride and mother, and it hasn’t always been easy, but she made this choice and has battled her way through it. She fights daily for her children and her life. She is strong.

I have been blessed with sisters.

Oh, yes, some days I might choose another word other than blessed, but I truly am that. We have times of great closeness, and some that aren’t. But in the end we are here for each other. They make me meals when my babies are born, they watch my kids so I can go on a date, and do my dishes when I can’t get out of bed. I guess another thing I better add to my “reasons I like Utah list” is, that two of my three sister are here. I hope someday we can all live close enough to love (and yet far enough away to still love). We are not ideal and we are not perfect.

We are sisters. We talk WAY to loud, and laugh a lot. We are jealous and petty. We fight and nit-pick. We argue and hold grudges. We are sisters. We love and we cry. We are there for each other. We do the best we know how. We are sisters.

Tomorrow my sweet Ruby will turn three. The day I found out she was a girl, I cried and cried. There were many reasons. Some of which I have mentioned in this blog… Girls. But my biggest reason was about sisters. You see, Ruby was the first girl that a male in my husband’s family had in 42 years. They don’t make girls. And while everyone told me how lucky I was, all I could think was, “Yes, but the chances of anther girl are almost none.”

And, what would she do in this world, without a sister?

8 Things I am passionate about...
* My kids, husband and family
* The gospel
* Creating things
* My Blog
* Nurturing friendships
* (Trying for) Organization/Cleaning
* Time alone with Peter
* The beauty of the Earth

8 Word/ Phrases I say often...
* "ROOOO-BEEE!!!” (in exasperation)
* "Where’s baby!?" (in a panic)
* "Where are you/what are you doing?" (to Peter)
* "Hurry up, school starts in 10 minutes!" (to the boys)
* "I love you.” (to my family)
* "Uh, huh. Oh, that’s cool. Then what.” (to my children)
* "Pick that up." (to anyone in my house)
* "Hurry, run to the potty!" (to Roo,and anyone else who needs it!)

8 Things I want to do before I die...
* See my kids grow up, go on missions and get married
* Apologize for all the stupid things I’ve said and done over my life;
I’ll be very busy with this one.
* Get to the Temple weekly
* Be financially stable
* Like my body
* Finish ALL of my projects
* Be at peace with myself
* Own my own business (weddings or art studio)

8 Things I have learned from the past...
* NEVER say “I’ll never…” (live in Utah, live in a split level, etc)
Very often your biggest fears come true.
* Life really is wonderful.
* Enjoy every moment! (I have to practice this daily)
* Don’t be so quick to pass judgment, there’s probably a whole lot more there, than you know.
* Kids really, really do grow up too fast. And time really, really does go by way too fast.
*My parents were right, almost all the time.
* I can never express how much I really love my kids, no matter how I try.
*It’s true, “it” never is worth the calories

8 Places I want to see...
* Australia/New Zeland
* Russia (Peter’s mission)
* Hawaii, Mexico and The Florida Keys, again.
* Italy, again.
* Prince Edward Island, with “Anne” of course.
* New York City, again.
* India, but not for a long period of time – and with gloves on. (and nose plugs)
* Norway and Sweden
(As you can tell, in my previous life I saw a lot. I’ve been in a lull for QUITE a while now, and have lot’s to see.)

8 Things I currently want/need...
* Money
* Time to myself
* A smaller and healthier body
* A farm, money and animals to boot.
* A new car for Peter
* Proper Food Storage
* To have our debt paid off
* To win the lottery. Dang, we don’t have one and I don’t play. Nuts!

8 People I tag...
* Stacey
* Amy
* Minky
* Anna
* Rory
* Maile
* Krista
* Elise

Lazy October Afternoon

Today I had big list of things to do, none of them got done. But that’s okay.

I did more important things.

This morning I danced in the kitchen with Chubbles. I have the perfect floor for dancing, don’t you think? And Samuel took a picture of our beautiful Aspen trees during breakfast.

Later, I watched the big one play football while daddy and Si were at the game when the Cougs beat UNLV. (kid swap at half time)

And of course, my Cos in training loves his new "hat."

Then I took a nap with Roo, and awoke to my favorite house lighting time of the day. The sun filters into my apple trees in the back yard and reflects onto my bedroom window. My walls are my favorite color right then, and I love my white bedding and the different shades of color everything is. You know you have a need to capture a moment when you actually get out of your bed from your nap, while two babies are sleeping, and get your camera. Photos really don’t do it justice. You’ll have to take a lazy, fall afternoon nap at your house, so you too, can enjoy the light at this time of day.

On a side note, I hope Nie gets to wake up to light like this. I think she would like it.

And, just for the record;

Chubbles is officially weaned and I am officially on a diet. (boohoo for both)

Remember Felix Unger, from the Odd Couple? Remember how he would get a kink in his back and be paralyzed in that position for long periods of time? Well, lets just pretend that I am Felix and Peter is Oscar. I occasionally have back issues where, when I bend to pick something up (for the 347,977th time) I have to kind of contort myself to get in the standing position again. Once in a while it’s much, much worse. And now I get to the point of this story. Today, it got much worse.

My back was feeling out of whack yesterday, and by this morning I was almost in tears. LOVE when this happens. So, just before seven, I weaseled my way to my REALLY not vacuumed carpet and placed my feet on my very “child loved” couch. (Why is it that being at kid level, you can really see all the horrifying reality of your housekeeping abilities? And in the most opportune times. I mean, really. Could I get the vacuum out right then and there? Argghh.) Anyway, as Peter and each child arose for the day, they were greeted by me, from the very unvacuumed floor. Most of which was, “are you okay, mom?” I got a cute little heart shaped card from the boys, wishing me well. (Do I have them trained or WHAT?) And Ruby told me that when “I was sick, I took medicine and went to sleep. And when I got up, I was better. You need medicine, mom?”

You only truly realize what you do all day, when you – in fact – can no longer do it. Peter volunteered to go into work a bit late to help get the morning up and running. So as I lay in the front room, did I mention on my very unvacuumed carpet, I "sweetly" shouted out the orders of the day. “Sam needs his planner, homework folder, leave his library book at home, and he needs a lunch for his field trip. The lunch needs a sandwich, chips, cookies, fruit cup and a water. They are located.,..” Get the picture? Then Ruby had to go potty. She was already dressed in her new Tinker Bell outfit, loving purchased by the greatest grammy ever. So when I said, “run!” She tried to make it, but accidentally got it all over her new Tink outfit. Which, I will now be calling “stink,” until I can get the laundry done. This was followed by lots of tears...Getting dressed, again, by dad. “Her red pants are over there and there should be a clean shirt in the laundry basket down stairs.” I asked if Simon could stay home from school, “to be my legs.” And you can guess the giant, “Yes,” I got from him. But on one contingency, “Could this be P-day mom? Like, you know, pajama day?” Sure, it can.

Samuel brought me baby, a little bottle, a little boo-boo, and we were off. Peter took Samuel to school, and I moaned and groaned on the floor for a couple of hours. Simon was eyes and ears on baby. Thank goodness I checked out the entire first season of Fraggle Rock last week. (who didn't love the Fraggle's?) So we were set! Ruby ran laps from my room of PBS out to the TV room of the Fraggle’s. Baby cruised the floor, taste testing any and every thing. And after a few hours, and a lot of OTC pills, I am on my way to recovery. Thank you my dear, wonderful, little family!

Tink, makes Pink.

Two side notes:

First, if you don’t know, there is no other color in Ruby’s world other than pink. Everything is PINK. She knows all her colors very well, but naturally; prefers, pink. So when she was learning to use the potty, I would say “make water in your potty.” (don’t look at me so crazily, you all know that a person will say whatever they have to, to get a kid to go pee in the toilet. “Yes, Ruby. You can have a Porsche on your 16th birthday, now sit down and go.”) So after she went, she was so happy, stood up and looked. The toilet is blue, add a little yellow; and it’s a gross green color. "This will never do!!" The bubble over her head displays. So she looks at me and announces, “Mom, I made PINK!” And this is the beginning of Roo calling her bodily waste, “pink.” What else would you expect from a very bossy, almost three year old girl to make? (she now yells, "I have to make pink!" as she runs to the bathroom.)

Second: I walk with a very cute 25 year old. And in reference to the Odd Couple or the Fraggles, she will, no doubt, have no idea what I am talking about. She asked me the other day if I have heard of “Magnum, some-one-or-other.” “Duh; P.I.?” She has also told me that she once saw Mork and Mindy on Nick at Night. “Doesn’t he say something like, “Ni-noo, na-noo?” Again, from me, "what?" “It’s Na-nu, Na-nu. Sheesh!” Obviously she never saw the cool buttons that said "na-nu, na-nu." (You see, I do love jacket buttons. I had one that said, “gag me with a spoon.” Loved it. Maybe we could bring those back. Anyone?...Anyone?) I like to think that she’s just “not with it.” But, in fact, I might be getting old. Dang, it.

I have concluded that this bad back day, was just too many days of lugging Dr. Chubby around in and out of the car. He is giant, you know. And we are in and out of the car many, many times a day. Hopefully, there will be a full recovery, and I will be moving his car seat out of the middle buckle. Where I don’t have to heave 25 pounds of chub, ten times a day.

Goodbye, Hider of Hooters

Before Spacebags.

This is pretty much every piece of clothing that has, or will fit one of my children. Ever.

Another fine part of fall break is the cleaning, AKA “dunging out” that gets done. We totally cleared out our storage shed, re-evaluated our food storage and rearranged the whole shebang. This meant I spent ALL of Saturday sorting through clothes; past, present and future. Eeee-gads!! Because I cannot yet say that I am 100% done having kids, I still feel the need to save for babies. (note: someone will be getting a really nice loot of infant clothing, boy and girl, if we don’t have anymore) So I sorted, and folded and sorted some more. Then I packed them in the greatest invention ever: The Spacebag. LOVE these things. (I like to say them like "Piiigs Iiiin Spaaaace" from the Muppet Show. But I think they mean space, like more room. Not like, you can take them to the moon.) You can take, like two tubs of clothes and “poof” they are now one! I think they work better if you just shove things in there. But I’m worried that if I die before they are inflated, the relief society sisters who sort through all my junk will see that I shoved-not folded. Oh, how horrific. I think I heard my poor friend Jenny squeal and run for her life as she passed through the “sorting zone.” (Sorry Jenny.)

After Spacebags. Now off to the bins and into the shed. Adios!

If you have seen me in the last nine months, I have most likely had this beauty with me. I made it just before Chubby was born. I wasn't sure I would like it. Like it?! I LOVE it! I have no idea how I nursed three other kids without one. Good-bye, my trusty friend. Thanks for keep everyone safe from my milk jugs, I know they are a little too National Georaphically scary. You were great. Until we meet again...(maybe) Goodbye.



I packed one VERY important item away this weekend. “Farewell, oh hider of hooters. You have done so well by me. Farewell.” I am officially weaning Chubby. I hate to do it, but the time has come. He will be 9 months this week and due to some of my own health issues, I must. (These health issues are also known as: hefer-itis, chub-a-rella, boom-baba-ness, and holy cow! What happened to you?!) I HAVE to go on a diet. I really am, really, I swear…Oooh, is that an onion ring? Onion rings are veggies, right?




At any rate, I hate weaning my babies. I have some weird thing about nursing. In the beginning of each childs life, it practically kills me every time, but I insist on doing it. And then when it’s time to quit, I hate it. I am sad, depressed and feel like I am letting down my little chubbles. But I have got to get a grip on my body, ASAP. I mean, it’s a lot of work to get back into super-model shape. They won’t renew my contract if I don’t look sweet in my bikini before the sports illustrated shoots, I mean really. Juuuuust, kidding. But, I do have a lot of work to do. And so, I must wean my little one. I, very unfortunately, am not one of those horrid people who “just can’t seem to keep any weight on” while I am nursing. I am the “every, single, gawl-derned calorie must permanently move in and plaster itself all over my body” while I am nursing, kind of person. So I swear, I really am going to get serious. Really.



But not until I mourn just a little more. And every time I nurse Chubby I say, this is the last day. And then, okay – now, today is the last day. I know I’m a nut-bar, but I just love that quiet time together. (many of you know that I have been saying this for months now) There are always SO many things going on in a busy house like ours, that just to sit and hold him while he eats means so much to me. He pats my face, and puts his hand in my mouth. And I kiss his terribly fat cheeks. Oh, he’s so squishy and lovable. But alas, the time has come.

Moonlight Ride

The fun thing about the first snow in Utah is that is will be melted and warm(er) in a couple of days. This of course has been the case this week.

For months Peter has been wanting to ride the Moonlight Ride at Sundance Mountain Resort. The chairlifts run all summer during the day. You can hike at the top, mountain bike down, or just enjoy the ride. This is especially beautiful in the fall. But on the full moons, throughout the season, the chairlifts run late into the night. The very last run of the moonlight ride, was last night. And we went.

Many, many thanks to Grammy for holding down the fort, while the Littles were sleeping. We left our home at ten after nine, and were in line for tickets at 9:30. 34 degrees and going down fast!



The line was very surprisingly LONG. It went in the main door of the ski shop, through the shop, our the back door, around the mtn bike rentals, back in the back door, and back to the middle of the shop where we finally bought tickets from the long haired “dude.” (very obviously earning his annual snowboarding pass) While in line I looked around and said to Peter – “Oh, I will defiantly be BEE-LAWGing (blogging) about this.” We were the only people in there over 25. Most, I would say were around 20. There were lots of roommates, but mainly dates. Couple after couple. Lot’s of groups of dates, followed by the chubby roommates who couldn’t get a date. (you are only allowed to write about this if you were that roommate!) Girl after girl refusing to wear a hat, because “ewww!, it might mess up my hair!” Lots of “pretty boys.” Peter and I had a lesson in fashion. (Please see attached photo to see their lesson in fashion.)

So after a thirty minute wait, and A LOT of good laughs, we headed to the lift. (Were we really that young once, really? Did we snuggle and ooze? Did we get dressed up and smell good, just to ride a chairlift in the middle of the night? Did I talk SUPER loud to my roommates, in front of boys, just to attract attention? Did I flip my hair, A LOT?...I think I might have. Uh, sorry.)

Luckily, we brought our trusty hot cocoa and were padded through and through. (I am talking about our coats, not my built in padding!!) And onto the lifts, to be swept up the mountain into the night air and being led by the most beautiful full moon. It was SO bright, it almost felt like day without all of the bright colors. For a few minutes I did think I was 20. I met Peter when I was 20. And being there with him, snuggling to stay warm, laughing and talking – brought back many loving memories. We had a wonderful ride.

In between talking and laughing, I took some mental notes of the funny bits of conversations I heard. On the lift and in the lines, you only hear a blip as people go by. But put it all together and it really summed up the night. And a time in life that is not to be missed or forgotten by anyone. So here they are:

Roommate 1: “That song is stuck in my head!” Roommate 2: “Sorry, it was good for doing sit-ups!” (said in front of their dates)

Guy: “I don’t want to get married. I don’t want to have sex.” (lots of laughs from friends here)

“Donny and Marie come into my store all the time…”

“So I was in the testing center the other day…”

“Robert Redford lives somewhere around here…”

Roommates “singing” loudly the Indiana Jones theme song.

Lots, and LOTS of “snuggling,” like I could hardly tell if there were two people on a seat.

“In Sunday school last week…”

“I wish I hadn’t left my snow pants at home, in Texas…”

“Our ward…”

Two chairlifts had people smoking! (gawf!!?? How dare they!)

“On my mission…”

Boy to two girls: “Yeah, these gloves are really good for Frisbee”…(neeerdeeee)

And much, much more. All in all a picture of a world was painted. A world just a few miles from my house. A world of firsts, and lasts. Fun and sadness. Wanting to fit in, and wanting to hide. Wanting a date, and having lots of them. Trying to get skinnier, if that’s humanly possible for most. Lots if makeup and cologne, lots of money spent on clothes. Testimonies being gained, and some being lost. But most of all, people experiencing this priceless time of life. A time that everyone should experience in one way or another. These were some of the favorite times my my life. Mine were different from these people, in many ways. And similar in others. But boy, am I glad I experienced mine somewhere far, far from here. Seeing all of this reminded me how BYU is great for lots of people, just not me. :)

October 12, 2008 - first snow

Who can believe this is what we woke up to last Sunday? The kids had a great time, and I loved watching it from the warmth of the kitchen.

Ruby: "It's Christmas! It's really, really Christmas! Because it's really, really snowing!"

The Seattle Aqua Club: Yes, I was a synchronized swimmer.

Synchro. There is A LOT I could write about my years as a synchronized swimmer, but I think the pictures tell it well enough. From the ages of 8 to 12, I was a Junior Olympian, 10 time gold medal winner. (sounds impressive, doesn’t it) Again, check out the photos for the “real” story. It was a ton of hard work, grueling hours, getting yelled at a lot, and lots of fun. (not to mention costing my parents an arm and a leg.)

My team. Please note how I "licked" the paper, so my pen could write on it. And I labeled each and every one. I'm lookin' good as an entire foot taller and 25 pounds heavier than every other girl, I know it.

Last night I went to fun relief society “retreat.” I laughed so hard I nearly wet myself; more than once. Too bad by dear friend Tricia can’t say “nearly,’ but instead – “did” wet her pants. It was too funny. We had to anonymously tell something about us. I went for my old standard, “I can put my fist in my mouth.” Always an audience pleaser. But dang! I forget that I have never met another synchronized swimmer, (other than my team mates) We are a rare breed, apparently. That would have been a great one! People are always dumb struck by this fascinating diddy. But it’s true! Oh, so very true.

This happens to be Candie Costie. (Gold Medal Olympian) Our team sent the first two U.S. Synchronized Swimmers to the Olympics, in 1984. (for all of you who hate this "sport" - sorry! Love it.)

I thought you'd enjoy my "bubble writing." I mean, sheesh, I only practiced it everyday. (And don't try to tell me that you didn't!)

My sister Mindy and I swam for these four years, five days a week for 2 hours a day. Our hair stunk all the time, our suits were colors no one had ever seen before (chlorine does this).

We were forbidden to use more than a “dime size” of shampoo while rinsing our hair. (My mom hated to fork out so much money for shampoo, apparently. Has anyone seen my hair? There’s a reason people call me Captain Cave Man. Would you tell Cavey to use a “dime size” amount of shampoo? I mean, really?!)

We had to pour hot knox gelatin on our heads regularly, this is how their hair stays so perfect. And the buns? Their fake. If you have hair, wrap it around the bun form, if not-pin it on and slick back the rest.

Mindy and I fought ALL the time. They even had to break us up more than once. “I swam my 50 laps faster than you! No you didn’t, I did!” “My kip is higher than yours! No, it’s not! And you're fat!” Yeah, we were a pleasure to have on the team. (did I mention that she only won 4 bronze medals in her career? Oh, was I counting?)

Luckily, we were on different age teams, so we really didn’t have to interact all that much. (This kind of activity went through all aspects of our life. “You sing too loud! You’re off key”)

Whatever. It’s a wonder how we are the best of friends now.

Are you wondering why on earth would I show these pictures the light of day?

Because I love to make people laugh! Hope your laughing!! We're wearing our "finale" head pieces here.

Why did I stop you ask? Somewhere between being weighed every day and starting my period, I said “enough.” Sometimes I wish I had continued. But within the year I discovered dance. I loved that. I know, I’m no beauty queen, but I loved ballet. Sometime soon, I’ll grace you with those lovely photos. Maybe. If I get up enough guts.

(Yes, I think they may be worse than these.)

Who did NOT love button making machines? I mean really? Who didn't? I LOVED buttons. I wore them to school every day on my jacket. So when I got my hands on one for this beauty, who could resist?! Yes, I did pin it on the other day and wear it around the house for a while.

No, I mean it really is snowing right now.

45 and still alive! Meet Jeff: Birthday Blog!

This weekend my sister, Krista, was MIA. (yes, missing in action) I nearly posted a missing ad. Where was she? I called, and called and called. Ruby was convinced she and Kate where in "Hawaii, doing hula, hula, hula." Simon was sure they were on a tropical island. (like Kate's webkinz) Why did I want to know? Well, a birthday blog - of course. But you see, I am not the best birthday remember-er. I know that her dear spouse, Wallace, Jeff or Harvey Wallbanger - has a birthday the first week of October. Yet, I can NEVER remember the date. As I spoke to Krista today, in a sheer fluster, I forgot why I had been ringing her phone so very much. Ahh, yes. Jeff's birthday. So, thanks to a nasty email from her (which she will now pay for), here it is:


Meet Jeff. He is married to my sister Krista, the "middle child." I first met Jeff at his seminary graduation party. My dad was his teacher, and they were watching, Rambo: First Blood, at our home. (What? You say, R rated Rambo, at a seminary party?...don't ask me) Several years later, he was a roommate to my brother, Geoff. (see the Geoff and Jeff problem, this is why he is called Wallace. Although, I have no idea where Wally Gator came from. But, alas, this is the name we call him) One thing led to another, and the month before my 16th birthday, he married my sister.

Micah, Ivy, Kate. They're MUCH bigger now, but just as cute.

Jeff was around during my glorious adolescence. Not a pretty time, but certainly an interesting time. He and Krista were there through first dates, boyfriends, college and my wedding. They have been very involved in my, and now my family's, life. Jeff is the dad to some of my favorite nieces and nephew. (I only have 14 of those, though)

OOOPS! HOW DID THESE GET IN HERE! (this is not Jeff, it's Krista)

Jeff is one of the funniest, kind hearted, most giving people I know. He is a "social butterfly" and is always up for fun. We are truly glad he married our high strung, a little neurotic sister. (Love you, Krista! Hope you're laughing at this! Don't worry, I'm savin' the really good stuff for your birthday!) Heaven knows where she (or us) would be without him. I've cleaned many a carpet mile with this guy! Due to my lack of really great photos, his wife has had to “pay” a little in this blog. Hope you liked it, Jeff!

Happy birthday!

(I'd say I love you, but I know how that makes you uncomfortable! :)

So what if I want to be Millie Pontipee?

Ever seen Baby Boom? Love that movie. These past couple of weeks, while canning, I have felt like Diane Keaton. Minus, being really rich, coming from a great job in NYC, not being married, adopting a kid, and living in New England. But she made home made apple sauce and the such, and SO did I! Yes, I do live much of my life based on movie characters that I really like, and think – hey, I want to be like that. Anne of Green Gables, Haley Mills (pick the role!), Mikey from the Goonies, any number of people from Meet Me in St. Louis, the mom in Cheaper by the Dozen, and of course – anything Doris Day plays. And WAY too many more to go into.

But most of all, I have wanted to be Millie, from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, for as long as I can remember; truly one of my favorite movies. I even wanted to name my first baby girl Hannah, keeping with the Pontipee naming tradition: Alphabetical and Biblical. Adam, Benjamin, Caleb, Daniel, Ephraim, Frankincense and Gideon. (Too bad Hannah became the most popular name ever. Maybe I should have gone with Hepsabah, Millie’s other name choice.) In my desire to be her I have realized our differences and similarities. I can’t sing, I’m not even remotely tiny and cute, and I married more of a Gideon than an Adam. For a reminder of Millie, click here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSp4GkRoTdw&feature=related

(all of these little links are just in case you haven’t seen this movie (see my jaw drop here), or you need a little reminder)

There are some things I have in common though:

My “stew” doesn’t need ketchup, it “can stand on its own.”

I shovel a lot of snow every year, and I like to quilt and cook.

I lived a good portion of my life in what used to be “The Oregon Territory.” Yes, I always imagined that Snoqualmie Pass was their pass, and when I lived in Ellensburg and my mom in Bothell…oh, well you can imagine. Did I say I love this movie?

I love to dance and give people advice about “goin’ courtin’.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgB5coJxqbA&feature=related

Peter has been away for long periods of time for work, like Adam did, and I can totally survive on my own when I need to. (okay, so he didn’t go to the trappin’ cabin ‘til the pass cleared-but I do have to run the household on my own, a lot.)
I love when girls sing about getting married in June.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS-uG_5xses&feature=related

I DO think that March comes in like a lion.

My kids names are all in the Bible.

And like most of you, I love a good barn raisin’.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCdiWxzw0RU

So there you have it. Maybe I should learn to sing and go on a GIANT diet? I think I’m getting pretty close to achieving Millie-hood. What do you think?

Moving day..for someone, anyway.

Is this is most awesome thing you've seen?! We really truly saw this on our way home from Seattle. We are just about to go into the Blue's, coming out of Pendelton, Oregon. I say, "Is that a couch?" Peter says, "That IS a couch...and bikes! Get the camera." It really is a full size couch going the length of the car. His car was PACKED to the top inside as well.

Volkswagen's, they really are the peoples car.

Now, that guy has seperation problems. Ever heard of a YARD SALE?

Wedding Tip

Have fun! This goes along with the “it’s your wedding” theme. Let your personality shine. More and more often I am seeing the bride and groom really show at weddings. No longer do you have to have a “stuffy” wedding or reception. Some fun things I have seen (or heard of) lately are as follows. PLEASE add to these, I only mention a few, but I know you all have lots of great ideas! ( Post them in the comment section)

Pink and brown wedding: Strawberry and Chocolate whoppers in bowls all over the place.

I did a cup cake cake for a girl last year. Then they served lots of different flavors of cup cakes as their main dessert. She and the groom LOVE Taco Bell, so they had a Taco Bell Bar. They bought all the stuff, in bulk, from the restaurant and set up a really cute food bar. Ask around, I bet other places would be willing to do this too.


Photo booths are popular these days. Your guests get photos to take home, and you get a CD with their photos for your memories.

Leave with a bang. I’ve seen sparklers, bubbles, flower petals and even live butterflies you can buy online. I am sure there a ton more you can think of.

I’ve heard of everything PINK. Any kind of candy and even a cotton candy machine.

Party favors can really say a lot. Spend some time and think about what says “you.” You can order m and m’s with your names on them. Even a handful of wildflower seeds to be planted in the spring. Remember though, packaging makes the gift. So think about that when you are planning.

The first dance doesn’t have to be a snoozer. I found this awesome clip online. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QujA8YYgTWU&feature=related Let it load before you watch it, because it is a snoozer for a couple of minutes. But then it is to die for! I laughed so hard and thought, “I would LOVE to know these people.” They are totally funny! Do what makes you, you. (I loved watching her big puffy dress)

But having a fun(ny) time might not be your thing. Whatever is “your thing,” do it 100%. If you are all about class and simplicity, then by all means; go that route. If you are a total goof ball who really likes to do things up; have at it. All of this doesn’t have to be expensive, either. Set your priorities, getting the most out of your money; where it matters most to you. You could have a bare minimum reception and really fun food. Or no food, but great favors. The internet is FULL of great ideas. But remember, over all, have fun and let both of YOUR personalities be reflected in this wonderful day.

More Creepy for Cheapy!

I bought a dress from Value Village once. (okay, more than once - but I am talking about a specific time here) Peter and I were doing a lip synch and I needed a "formal." I found this great hand made prom dress from what I would say was the early seventies. It was sherbet green 'satin', with small, stiff polyester, white and yellow daisies cascading down the front. Now, I'm a big girl. No, I mean really, a big girl. So as I was checking out the cashier says to me, "You're really lucky. Formals this big go quick, you beat the guys looking for drag today." Hmm.

"More creepy for cheapy." Remember these Value Village thrift store Halloween comercials? Loved them. This memory was prompted by my sisters blog, enjoy her funny personality at http://mcmink.blogspot.com/

Can It!

Got my canning done. (now THAT was as A LOT of apple sauce) Thanks for crossing your fingers for me. So what if my house is a total mess and my kids have been crying all week? Can't a woman be selfish once in a while? Okay, okay, I'll get back to work being full time mommy and not working the night shift at the local cannery. Fine, I'll turn in my rubber gloves and hair net. (please imagine Laverne and Shirley here. LOVE them! Good thing I wasn't canning beer though.) Great, I'll clean the toilets today - fine! Sheesh! Yeah, if I don't see another apple for a while, I think I'll be just fine.

I made peach pie, apple pie, apple cobbler, and nanimo bars on Sunday! Good grief!~

Date Disclaimer

I've noticed that my last post was viewed by a lot of people in my home town. I hope you all laughed at the story, I know I did. Let me say that, if I write about something, enough time has gone by and things are all written in fun and love. I would never write to be mean spirited. In refernce to "a little nerdy," you must know that it's not like I'm saying I was super cool or anything. Okay, kind of cool. :) And I must add, that both of these boys grew up to be very nice men. They are married and have wonderful families. "Hi, boys. Thanks for all the good times! If I wouldn't have been bothering you, I probably would have met Peter in high school, and heaven knows - we would have never gotten married after that." (LOL) Ah, Bothell First Ward. There was certainly a theme with me and boys from that ward...but we wont go there.

For real? My first date.

I had a crush on a boy in high school for WAY too long. Nice enough guy, just a little nerdy. The main attraction you ask? He was basically the only boy taller than me and he was Mormon. Two very important qualifications. He had a brother that was my older sisters age, this came in handy for a double date.

My nephew Micah had his first date this last weekend, ahh – homecoming. Which stirred up some very, not so fond memories of my first date. Let me take you back…

The year was 1990. I turned sixteen that summer, and was finally allowed to date. I’m not sure why there is all this talk of dating at 16. It’s kind of rude to get the hopes up of all sixteen year old girls around the Mormon world. I mean, really, what are the chances that the flood gates are going to open up here? Really? Pretty much none.

Who wouldn't want to date these beauties?

At any rate, I really had a crush on the tall boy. He and his brother were very gainfully employed at a fine establishment called…Skippers!! Yes, that’s right. Greasy, stinky, pretty low quality fish and chips. Knowing these boys had an income, Mindy and I drove right down there shortly after my birthday. Let me say, now that I am older, I realize there were plenty of boys who would have gone out with me – if even just for fun. Why I liked the tall boy, I’ll never know. So we go into Skippers on this hot, 70 degree evening in Seattle. They are both working and somehow Mindy convinces them to take us both out on a date that weekend. Oh, the excitement. I should have known when the tall boys, shorty brother pulled out the calculator right then and there, we where in trouble. He proceeded to calculate the cost of gas, food and a movie. Then divided it in half, so we could see what this would cost. Why we didn’t high tail it out of there, I have no idea.

Saturday night arrived, and I don’t remember a thing about the date, but these fine memories. A yellow 1970’s hatchback Toyota corolla, me and Mindy climbing in and out of the back, while both boys where in the front. I don’t know what we ate, but we did see the absolute, without a doubt, number one, worst movie of all time – Problem Child. The guys choice, of course. Movie over, them racing home to our house, wheels screeching to a stop. Bucket seat slightly moved forward so we could weasel our way out, door slamming, engine racing off as fast as they could. All we could utter was, “Thanks for th-…” Cough, cough – as we ate their dust. Wow. That was is it? That was my first date? Could it really have been that horrible? Yep.

Eventually, my dating scene improved, but not for many years to come. I had some weird ones though. Like having to sit right next to a bit of a psychopath in his pickup truck, not across the bench seat, but snuggled up at his insistence. Or the guy who asked me if I liked hairy chests, and did I think his eyes were pretty. How about the guy who, several inches shorter than me, showed me his Jurassic Park I.D. badge? This gave him the rights to “feed the animals.” (yes, he was 21 years old) There were fond ones as well though. Dancing on the side on the road, lit only by the stars. Rollerblading around Green Lake, holding hands. And, of course, in the end – all that dating paid off. Just glad I don’t have to go through that again. (knock on wood)