Happy Birthday to Me!

Well, it was a GREAT birthday weekend. It was kind of nice having my birthday on a Sunday. It meant that I could drag the festivities through the WHOLE weekend.

On Friday, Pete and I went to the Gateway. I had originally wanted to go to Happy Sumo. However, since I was getting nervous hungry we went to Tucanos, one of the all-you-can-eat Brazilian restaurants. Pete said, "Whose birthday is this?!" I normally take him to fruffy restaurants that serve frois grais, and Squab. Well, this time it was all the meat you could eat that had been roasted on a spit.

I wanted to go to Sephora, and for some reason I assumed there was one at Gateway. This is probably the fourth time I took Pete to a reastaurant or store, that suddenly was out of business or never existed. Ha!

On Saturday, I was able to get pedicures with some of my sisters. They were laughing at me because I knew way too much about all of the celebrities. (I listed all of Angelina Jolie's kids and ages) ha! I watch way too much E! News.

While I was gone, Phillip picked out a present for me. He got a 'Muppets Animal' card and Halloween sprinkles. He said, "This one is Mommy's Favorite!"

On Sunday, Phillip wanted to make me a cupcake. Thus the mess with the food processor lid and flour. :-) Lily was teething all weekend and has started crawling. She now gets stuck in random places in the room.

In all a GREAT birthday. Thanks for all of the happy birthday wishes. Facebook is GREAT!

Happy Halloween

Well, We are quite the 'Griswold' family. We already have our Halloween lights up. We got some software and hardware to time the lights to Halloween songs. We saw a house in California that did this for Christmas and we were inspired.

Pete was able to program all of the light sequences. The Orange lights are from our large Christmas lights, but we replaced all of the bulbs with orange lights. We have a FM transmitter so that we don't have to play the songs out loud. (That would get the neighbors mad pretty quickly :-) So, if you are in the neighborhood, tune to 106.7 FM. :-)

We will have a Christmas show as well with the nativity story and everything.

Enjoy the videos. Lily was bouncing in my lap and grabbing at the camera, so footage is a little shaky.

"This is Halloween" from Nightmare before Christmas




The Adams Family Theme song:

Rescue Jungle Party

Well, Phillip turns three on Wednesday. I can't believe it has already been three years. It seems like only yesterday that we were anxiously waiting to have Phillip. I even started crying when Britney Spears had her baby before me. (I was 12 days late with Phillip and it wasn't fair because she was due after me!) ha!

Phillip has been so much fun and has the funniest personality. Lately Phillip loves to help Pete "Fix." He often says, "Dad, you're the Mazing! You're the Mazing Boy!" He's starting to repeat stuff that we say. One time, he was getting frustrated that I wasn't listening to what he was saying. He said, "You need to listen, the FIRST time!"





















For his birthday party, I had my heart set on a Jungle party. But, because of his recent interest in Diego, we had a Jungle Rescue Party.

Of course, we got into the dress-ups. We did the chicken dance, the Elephant walk, and rescued stuffed animals around the yard. It's funny how hours of planning result in a 15 minute game at a party. The best part of parties is people eating good food and having a fun time. We even had an impromptu karaoke jam! We are so glad that Pete's dad is better and can share his love of Frank Sinatra. ;-) Pete's Sister Paige also really got into the singing.

A Gentleman Farmer

Well, it's harvest season. Even though my vegetable garden didn't do so well this year, we are reaping the benefits of our "Easter Chicks." Right now we are getting 4 eggs each day. We still had some Costco eggs in the fridge and they are pretty much the same size. So that is two dozen eggs a week! I will need to start giving away the extra eggs because I don't know how many breakfast casseroles, or quiches I will be able to make! Let me know if you have any good egg recipes.

My dad recently had a blog entry regarding "Farm Genes." I guess we are passing on the great tradition of living off the land. Ha! It's nice to know that we would have fresh eggs even if our electricity went out.

The chickens definitely listen to Pete and respect him as the "Farmer." They are very tame and will even perch on his head or shoulder if he is out working in the yard.

We have "Big Red Hen" and "Little Red Hen." We also have "Patty" and "Selma." Big Red likes to hang out on our Patio and has even snuck inside the house when I wasn't looking. Big Red also likes to lay her eggs in the bottom basket of our double jogger.

I was thinking of all of the sayings that we get from chickens, "Getting your feathers ruffled." This definately happened when I had to jump our neighbors fence and capture a few chickens that were exploring their yard.

"Pecking Order" - Once we got rid of the Rooster (Checkers). (And No, we did not eat Checkers) Big Red stepped up and became the "Ruler of the Roost"

Check out this site for more chicken sayings.

Best of Friends

When you're the best of friends

Having so much fun together

You're not even aware, you're such a funny pair

You're the best of friends

Life's a happy game

You could clown around forever

Neither one of you sees, your natural boundaries

Life's one happy game

Phillip and Lily are getting to be good friends and play really good together. Thank you to Stacey who took the pictures while she was helping me out!

A Busy Labor day

Well, it's been almost a week late but here is our Labor Day Report!

We had a packed weekend. We went to Swiss Days in Midway. It was fun to go on Friday because it wasn't as crowded. But, still didn't get any pictures because our hands were full. We stayed at the Zermatt hotel. It was actually really nice ... until we wanted to go to sleep. Phillip didn't settle down and go to bed until midnight. Lily was up at 1:00AM who then woke up Phillip, who then woke up Lily. Note to self ... next time we stay at a hotel we need to leave the kids, or get geared up for a night without sleep :-)

On Saturday we tried to avoid the crowds of Swiss Days we went to Soldier Hallow to see the annual sheep dog herding competition. They also had SplashDogs there! It was a really random, yet surprisingly entertaining event. Here is a clip of someone successfully herding their sheep for a grand total score of 74! (You have 13 minutes to get the sheep through a series of gates, separate the sheep then get them into the pin).

Later in the day we got to go to the first BYU football game with both kids. As you can see Lily was quite the cheerleader. Phillip had his oversized football jersey and wanted to stand in Becca's family picture. It was REALLY hot at first. Drinking fountain line was quite the site! I decided to spend two dollars on a bottled water instead of waiting in line. Once the clouds started to cover it was a really fun game.

Lily - Our new little scooter

I had set Lily down on the Boppy Pillow. I had given her some baby toys to play with. I was a little confused that she was playing with blocks and plastic animals, but I figured Pete gave them to her. Huh...

Then I realized that she has started to scoot herself around and lifted herself up on our toy box and was pulling out toys for herself. She is growing up WAY too fast! She also grabs at any toys that Phillip is playing with. He'll get annoyed and say .. "play with THIS one." (a less favorite toy that he is willing to share).

Phillip is pretty sweet with her. He'll say, "you want your mommy?" when she starts crying. In the car, if she is fussy, he'll force a fake laugh to get her to smile and say, "That's a silly face!"

Summer Recap

Pete and Phillip "Fishing" at Wasatch Park

Phillip dancing at the Bountiful Pioneer Parade.

Our Chicken Eggs!

This has been a busy summer. I feel like it has flown by. Here are my highlights and lowlights of Summer


Highlights:
1. Fireworks - We had fun doing fireworks and watching fireworks for both the 4th and 24th. We watched the Bountiful fireworks from Pete's Parents Deck. Now every night Phillip asks for fireworks.


2. Barbecues - I've gained a little weight after all of the barbecues that we have had. I think my favorite combination is RayAnne's Jell-o, Ribs, potato salad, hamburger, hot dog, coleslaw, and beans ... wait maybe that's why I gained weight. I can't say anything about corn on the cob because I can't eat it with my braces.


3. Swimming - We had fun swimming at Becca's in-law's pool. We even got a sneak peak at the neighborhood pool. We even turned down the temperature on our hot tub so that it would be refreshing to get into during the heat of the summer.


4. Chicken eggs - We finally have chicken eggs! Finally, a return on our investment! Here is a picture of the eggs next to the Costco eggs.


5. Passing my CISA test. I'm now a Certified Information Systems Auditor. I have also been an Sanitation Engineer (Janitor), Entrepreneur (tying balloons for people at restaurants), and cake decorator.


Low Lights


1. A not so bountiful harvest. I spent a considerable amount of time and a little money on my first vegetable garden. I had little starts all around the yard. Pete thought that I had a systematic thought process and that I was testing the soil and sun exposure in our yard. No... I just went to Lowes, Home Depot, and J&L garden too much on an empty stomach. The chickens ate all of my cucumbers, and squash. Phillip keeps picking my green tomatoes. I guess there is always next year.


2. Sick Kids and getting sick - This summer we had a few bugs move through the family. Nothing like the cryptosperidium from last year.


3. It all goes by sooo quickly - Lily is sitting up and eating rice cereal. She is always playing with her toys and starts to grab at our food. She even had a nacho chip because she grabbed it really quick off my plate and shoved it in her mouth. I guess it's o.k. because I once gave my nephew James a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and Doritos when he was 5 months old. He turned out o.k. :-) Here's a picture of Lily in her exersaucer. How do you like our application of the label maker?

Jogging Crew

I am trying to get back in shape. I had a bit of a hiatus from exercising after I injured my foot and went back to work. I took the kids for a walk and jog, now that Lily is old enough. The first picture is from April and they were all bundled up for a walk. The second picture is from last Friday. I can't believe how big Lily has gotten! She can pretty much sit up on her own. She has quite the caboose to support her. ha!

Phillip has been saying really funny things lately. We were eating dinner and he said, "It's HOT, you have to be careful. It's dangerous. Remember?" and "I ate it all gone like a shark."

He is very good with his comparisons, "Lily is cute like Mommy." Or, "I'm a big boy like Daddy."

I've had a really long week with work so hopefully I can catch up all of our Summer events soon!

The Exersaucers

Phillip

We got the exersaucer for Phillip when he was about 4 months old. It's funny how even though everyone says that Phillip and Lily look alike they are already so different. Phillip was always wanting to look around. He didn't mind if I had to get stuff done as long as he was entertained. I think it took him until he was about four months old to crack a smile.

Lily

We pulled out the exersaucer for Lily. She is getting so good with her hand coordination. She loves to be part of the group. Her new trick is to do rasberries and she thinks it is the funniest thing in the world. She loves to be held. She gets really offended and will cry real tears if you make eye contact and don't go pick her up.

Bountiful Play Date

We had a fun play date at our house for my family.  My sister Bina was in town so it was fun to get everyone together.

As you can see all the kids got something from my dress up box.  Originally Pete grouped the halloween decorations with the costumes.  I told him that we need dress ups in a more convenient location.  I'd say we use the costumes at least once a month.  

We had fun doing the chicken dance while the chickens were hiding in the bushes.  We had some good food and good times.  

With so much family it's hard to make it to all of the events.  I should start a website:  Ratemyfamilyfunction.com.  You can anonymously rate a family function and leave feedback.  e.g.  "great food, but make sure the Little Cesears is fresh next time."  Ha!

This way I can advertise any future events...

Come to Phillips birthday party which will be held at Cathy's house, rated "Best of Davis County" from Ratemyfamilyfunction.com.

Chicken update:  We had to get rid of Checkers.  It turns out that he is a rooster.  He started doing his "cock-a-doodle-doo" at six in he morning.  And no, we did NOT eat checkers.  We found him a good home ... Chick-Fil-A.  JUST KIDDING!!   

I Feel Young Again!

I got braces today.  It was a little bit of an ordeal, but it didn't hurt as much as I thought.  We'll wait and see until tonight.

I feel like I can't eat ANYTHING.  I tried to eat a granola bar and it felt like my teeth were going to pop off.

Well, hopefully I'll have them off in 18 to 24 months.  Just in time for Phillip to go to Kindergarten.  WEIRD!

I've already had a few 'work' phone calls and had to consciously not spit out my 'S's.  Maybe if I try hard enough I can finally have good diction.

alalallalalalalaaaeeeeeeh!!!

Fun in California!

California

We did it!

Day 1 - Fly in - Our flight was delayed and had to wait for the pilot.  Phillip was pretty good under the circumstances.  We got to Rick's 

house around 10:30 PM and left the kids in their dirt clothes asleep.

Day 2 - Santa Monica - We went to breakfast with Rick and Gemina in Brentwood.  We had some of the best french toast.

We went down to the pier to ride the ferris wheel and go to the beach.  The ferris wheel was a little bit tricky with two kids.  They shot us up really quick and stopped at the very top.  The ride was shaking and Pete was freaking out because Phillip was climbing up the seat.  Good Times!

It was fun to hang out with Rick and Gemina in Cali again!

Day 3 - Pasadena Swap Meet - Garage sales of all garage sales.  People were selling all of the junk that my mom has for $100.  I got a cute cookie jar for $5.  

Day 4 - We went to Downtown L.A.: The Santee alley and  Olvera Street.  We got some good toys for Phillip and a puffy dress for Lily.  

We went to a Sushi place with Pete's Aunt Connie.  She is friends with the owner.  It was the BEST sushi of my life!  She kept making some really neat creations.  I've never been that full from Sushi.

Pete & I went to ... MEDIEVAL TIMES!!!  IT WAS AWESOME.  More on this later ... it deserves its own entry.

Day 5 - Knotts Berry Farm - Phillip kept saying "Not Dairy Barn!"  Pete's parents watched the kids and Pete and I got to run around like teenagers and ride the big rides.  We even convinced Pete's Mom and Aunt to ride some big rides.

Day 6 - We drove down south and got to see Bina.  We had a BIG burger from Red Robin.  We went to the outlets at Carlsbad.  My favorite outlet mall ever.

Day 7 - Sea World!  We got to see Shamu, Sharks & Dolphins galore!

Day 8 - We drove to Cornado and went to the beach by the Del.  Very pretty beach.  I even got in the water!  We went to Sea World again and got some great seats for the Shamu show!

Day 9 - Flew home and did 6 loads of laundry.

In all, the kids were good even though Lily was sick and Phillip missed some naps.  Good to go away and good to come back.

The apple doesn't fall far from the Tree

This is a funny picture of Phillip watching TV.  He LOVES watching TV and any time I complain, Pete says, "I wonder where he could have got that from."   

His favorite shows are Dora, Diego, Thomas and The Backyardigans.  However, I think he does enjoy the food network as well.  When I'm watching my cooking shows and turn it off or pause in the middle of it, Phillip says, "Turn it on!" as if he was really interested to see how the recipes turned out.  

We have been trying to gradually get Phillip to sleep in his bunk bed.  He sleeps in the lower bunk and calls it his 'cave bed.'  The problem is that he gets up  in the middle of the night and wakes me up.  

Also, with the 'cave bed' night routine Phillip likes us to tell him countless 'Silly Stories.'  They all are about a boy named 'Phillip' and his sister 'Lily.'  His favorite story is about the giant green M&M (Phillip calls them 'Happies') who comes and leaves m&ms under kids pillows if they are good.  I did put m&ms under his pillow one night.  Ha!

 

Chubba-dub dub!

Lily has definitely been growing! She is smiling a lot more and holding up her head. She has rolls everywhere. It makes me feel better about nursing. Phillip didn't gain weight very well nursing, but did fine once he switched to formula. Right now I have the opposite problem. Lily is having a hard time taking a bottle. She is definitely a 'Mama's girl.'

Her hair is coming in slowly but surely. It sometimes look likes red or strawberry blond hair.

She's sitting in one of Al's garage sale finds. Someone had twins and had two of these cool little seats. Lily is going to give it to Henry in a few months. Jonathan is using his now. We'll have to see how many babies get to benefit from this great find.

Got 'er Done!

Well, the most common comment about our house from neighbors is, "I never noticed that house before." The old owner was a little bit of a recluse and the way they had their yard and porch definitely was not very inviting.

1. Remove trellis (Pete's dad did this right as the old owner was packing up).

2. Paint the door black (it was Maroon before)

3. Make black shutters for large and small window

4. Paint Porch. They had a green and black marble effect which was really ugly.

5. Dig up Bed and get some rocks. We saved all of the perennials and had a rock company come in and excavate the dirt, place the rocks, and dig up some really big root balls.

6. Re-plant all of the perennials before they died! I was getting stressed about where to plant things. There is so much to think about .. how big will this get, when will it flower .. WHAT IS IT?! Pete wanted to clean up the mess so I GOT 'ER DONE :-)
I started with the big plants and gradually went to the smaller plants. My strategy was to fill the empty spots. We'll see how it goes.

I also planted my vegetable garden. I didn't have a tiller, so I dug up some dirt with a shovel, and mixed it in with the compost. I still need to cover the dirt with dead leaves and newspaper to prevent weeds and get stakes for all of the tomatoes. But at least I GOT 'ER DONE!

First trip to Hogle Zoo

Phillip was excited to see all of the animals. He was really glad to hold "the map!" (He is obsessed with Dora lately).

We went with my brother John and Al's older kids. It was me John and 7 kids under 8. It was a little crazy but still fun!

We went on a trip!

I am such a home body and with a new baby it's hard to get me to go anywhere. But I'm glad that we went to Becca's house in St. George. It was a great vacation because it wasn't too far to travel, and we had all of the comforts of home and strip mall shopping. We even had 'In and Out!'

We swam in the pool a lot. Phillip is getting a lot more comfortable swimming on his own with the ring. Lily liked the pool, but I tried to keep her out of the sun.

We went to Zions National Park. This was our first family hike. It took about an hour and half to hike 1 mile. If you watch the video you can figure out why. Phillip seems to have my skill for walking, which is kind of scary when hiking.

Bring Spring Inside!

I think I'm trying to recover from spring fever!  It's almost through april and we still get snow every couple of days!  

Anywho this was my 15 minute project to have some spring inside in case it snows again this weekend.  It's a good way to prune the Forsythia bushes and looks pretty inside :-)

Girls are fun to dress!

One of my co-workers got us this really cute silk dress. Today was my first day back to church and I got to show off the baby! She got a lot of compliments on the dress :-) I think it's only appropriate that I have a picture of the baby in a cute puffy dress with Phillip in a diaper.

Lily's getting so big and is holding up her head pretty good.

The chickens are getting bigger too. We are working on our chicken coupe tomorrow so they will be outside from now on.

They Grow up so Fast!

Lily is six weeks old and we've had the chickens for two weeks!

Lily's milestones:
She can hold up her head on her own

She smiles a lot more

She has adult-like burps and toots

The chickens:

They are starting to get their hard feathers.

They run a lot faster and they can do flying jumps

My Hillary Clinton Haircut

Well, I wanted a short haircut for spring. It ended up being a really short haircut. When I had all of the styling product in my hair, I asked Pete if my hair kind of looked like Hillary Clinton's haircut. He just started cracking up! So, now I'm in my workout clothes with bright lipstick and a blazer with my thumbs up.

Who do you want to answer the call on the first day??! Me! I may mumble on the phone, and I may not answer if I lost the phone, but I'll be there with a smile :-)

This message was approved by Cathy Olsen. Cathy for President!

Our New 5 Additions to the Family

I was going to surprise Pete with baby chicks for Easter. Pete came home today with baby chicks! Ha! We have a extra shed outback that we can convert to a chicken coup. We have 2 Rhode Island Reds and 3 Americana chickens. Phillip is excited for the new chickens. We'll have to name them soon.