St Jules

We did celebrate Christmas...

2012-01-12T14:43:00.007-07:00

So it's mid January, better late than never is my forever motto. I forgot to post some christmas cheer, and pictures of our holiday. We had a merry Christmas but we didn't document it so well. Oops. I think it may be because we only got our girls a few gifts this year so they could REALLY appreciate each one. We did really good with that plan...but Dave and I got each other a few more things. We had a ton more presents under the tree and realized Scarlet was bound to notice. So we frantically opened our gifts 2 at a time while the girls were distracted. I think Scarlet noticed...but she was too excited about her toys too care too much. Phew! Anyway it was jolly, and it was fun to watch Rosie get excited this year. She will still say every few days or so "Santa is coming tonight!" Scarlet tries to explain how loooong it will be until he comes, she'll say "No Rosie, AFTER Thanksgiving." Love the holidays. I think I was the first one awake at our house. I was just snug and quiet in my bed at 7am wondering when those little whipper snappers were going to wake up! Finally at like 7:30 I heard little voices and I went zooming downstairs to get the party started:) So...happy, merry, belated Christmas to you all!

(see...WIDE awake)

(cannies, Rosie's favorite present)

(behold...Hannah Montana)

Ho Ho Hawaii

2012-01-03T11:05:00.001-07:00

Was I really in Hawaii a week ago!!?? No it was almost 2 weeks ago! I might think it was all just a dream if I didn't have pictures to prove it really happened. My tan is fading under all these layers and all this COLD! Sad. As soon as we stepped off the plane in HI, I think all of us asked ourselves the same question, why don't we live here!? I mean really, why NOT!?? My mom even went as far as to look up real estate and found some pretty decent places to live...who knows, maybe someday... Anyway it was a great trip. My sister was graduating so Dave told me I should go and he would take the week off and play with the girls. I know. I am one lucky lady! It was a blast being with my family. We haven't done anything like that EVER! We played as hard as possible. The waves were monstrous. I have never been so terrified, standing there watching this huge wall of water about collapse right on top of me! Most (some) of the time I made it under, and other times I was dominated and washed up blowing water out of my eyes, nose and ears. What a thrill.

(Dominated, check out the hair...)

(the boogie crew)

(Over, under or ride it in...?? That was always the question at hand.)

(Pipeline, reserved only for the pros. Biggest waves I have ever seen!!)

(Observers at Pipeline watching the CRAZY surfers, we saw at least 3 broken surf boards!)

(The graduates)

(The Fam- well a handful of them at least)(Las Hermanas)

Life's little treats

2011-12-09T15:36:00.006-07:00

So I was chatting with Dave the other day and he was wondering why I didn't keep a journal anymore? We had pulled out one of my recent journals the other day to look at some of our baby name ideas (sorry if this is my way of breaking the new to you...I'm 12 weeks pregnant weeee...). I read some of my entries and it seemed like I had such a busy exciting life...what happened!? I feel like if I were to still keep a journal all I would talk about was what Rosie said or did or how big and beautiful Scarlet was getting, and all my mom worries and hopes and fears. I would babble about soccer and what hum drum things I did while waiting around until Dave got home... Or maybe not. MAYBE, keeping a journal makes you see the little neat things and ideas you have that get lost or forgotten if you don't write them down. For example today I uh...well I um... Ok for reals I went to my first baby check up. I didn't realize how eager I was to make sure my body wasn't playing tricks on me and that I actually had a little human inside me. Its not a trick, I got to hear a beautiful, fast, strong human heartbeat coming from my belly! It was music to my ears. I kept a journal for like 20 years...but for now I just don't feel like it. So this blog will have to be the next best thing. And the pictures will have to tell most of the stories...that ain't so bad, right?

(Introducing Hannah Montana, the rock star. Scarlet was singing full blast at the park and giving Noah and I (and everyone else nearby) the show of a lifetime. She is a riot!)

(Two of her biggest fans)

(loving Noah)

(some pictures from one of the last nice fall days we had...those were great days...come back soon. This girl is just irresistible to me. I love this adventurous, clever little two year old with a serious passion!!)

(The Babysitter. Scarlet's favorite past time, besides watching Hannah Montana, is this little man. She loves to play, snuggle, hold, kiss her cousin Noah ever chance she gets. She was pushing him in this stroller and he was as happy as a clam. A few weeks later she wanted to try it again and Noah wouldn't fit! This boy is a'growin.)

(Rosie snuck into my mascara, obviously. But she wasn't pleased with the results. When she looked in the mirror she was scared. She said "its a monster!" We had a good laugh.)

Howl. A. Ween.

2011-11-07T11:35:00.004-07:00

Here is a bit of our Happy Halloween. Rosie was the best. She was in shock, all she had to do was hold out her pumpkin bucket to strangers and they would put candy in it! AMAZING!! Did I mention holidays rock when you have kids...oh i did...oh every holiday? Well it's still true. Halloween will always rock because of all the candy(which i steal from my sweet children). I will forever be a treat-a-holic...snickers...twix...almond joys...mmm...

(Hannah Montana...as if it wasn't obvious...which it wasn't bc nobody knew what she was. Oh well SHE knew.)

(and a unicorn, nice and warm.)

Booking It

2011-10-02T20:37:00.004-06:00

Has it been long enough. I haven't been posting about books for awhile. Maybe I was on an amazing vacation to a tropical island swimming with dolphins, or in Africa handing out food and clothes and hugs to the needy, or just busy with the hum drum everyday things... After watching alot of sad documentaries on the lives of so many suffering nations, how can I complain about a hum drum life!?! Any of those frightened, desperate women of the Congo would give ANYTHING to sit in my little kitchen and complain about not wanting to cook dinner. It is just too much sometimes to think about the horrendous circumstances other people in the world are experiencing right now, while I sit comfortably on my couch. One of these days soon I might just stop feeling sad about it and actually do something...just wait you will see... Anyway that came out of nowhere I think. I LOVE PARENTHOOD(the tv show). Now THAT came out of nowhere. Actually it was more out of nowhere to you, but to me it is constantly on my mind. OK onto the books...

The Memoirs of a Beautiful Boy
This was an interesting memoir, and even more so because I purchased it at (now don't let this sway your opinion...) the DOLLAR TREE!! It was the one in Spanish Fork. I barely glance at their books normally, but on this particular day I glanced. And I don't think it was a normal day because it was full of alot of interesting looking books, so I bought three. I have only read this one so far. The author tells about his life growing up of course since it is a memoir. But it was pretty interesting. I don't know if i would recommend it to everyone, it has some pretty foul language.

Talk Before Sleep
This was another Elizabeth Berg book. She is kind of that go to author for me, where I can count on getting an easy enjoyable enough read. Nothing fantastic, or life changing but passes the time. It was about two best friends one had cancer and is dying. It really made me miss my girl friends. I am hopeful that I will get to spend more time with my girl friends again. Maybe when my kids are older...

UnbrokenOk, this is a MUST read. It was the most miraculous story. So full of history, and a side of history that I was completely unaware of. Such an incredible experience that takes your breath away. It is a account of a man who is a pilot in WWII and all the unbelievable things he has to face. It is one of the most amazing books I have read in a long time. Some day I want to shake this man's hand!

HiroshimaI wanted to keep learning about the things I had read in Unbroken and this book was pretty crazy. War is such an awful thing. The aftermath of the atom bomb was unbelievable. I had never really paid attention or understood what the atom bomb was all about. I definitely didn't understand what it had done to those poor civilians. Japan is such an interesting culture and it was really terrifying to hear the stories of what happened that day the bomb hit.

New Doo's

2011-09-19T09:37:00.007-06:00

It was about time my girls had hair cuts. Rosie had a serious mop and Scarlet's long Rapunzel hair (well you know it reaches her bum, in the tub if she is arching her back as far as it goes...which she makes sure to measure every time) was extra straggley(if that's even a word). I took them to a little salon and we had a hair day. They were both really adorable in the chair. Rosie made sure I held her hand the whole time and she tried not to squirm, well maybe she tried for a few seconds. Scarlet of course loved every minute of it, she was maybe just a tad nervous the lady would cut too much. After seeing Rosie's haircut Scarlet considered cutting hers shorter...someday. Whenever anyone commented on Rosie's hair we had to make sure they knew Scarlet got a trim, and that it made her curls more bouncy. Which it did and made it WAY easier to brush...but I could have cut it myself. Which a few years ago I would have DEFINITELY done it myself, but something is slowly taking over me. Sometimes it is just worth it to get done the easy way, maybe not the cheapest way. AH its still kind of painful...sigh. The real problem is that sure I COULD do alot of things myself but I DON'T...so they never get done. So there you go. Hair cuts.

feeling pose-y...

School girl

2011-09-12T14:24:00.005-06:00

School dayz, school dayz. Its only semi-official because it's only preschool and its only twice a week. I was just as excited as Scarlet to see her off on this new adventure. Come find me in a few years when she is off to first grade...if I let her go (I don't know if I will). Since last year Scarlet has been dreaming of the day she would get to go to school. How long will this excitement for school last...I'm guessing 5th grade. For me it was as soon as math homework came along, and when my teachers kept getting after me to pay attention!!! I just didn't understand why they were butting into my social life! Here I am surrounded by my friends and I have to pay attention to what some old fuddy duddy teacher had to say about science? Forget about it. *sigh* Hopefully Scarlet will be a better student than I ever was, hopefully her love of learning will last her WHOLE lifetime. Dream big...you never know it COULD happen...

I know the lighting on this one is not the best, but just look at that chin rest pose. I remembering wishing and hoping I could do a chin/fist pose. I don't think I ever got to. See, She is already surpassing me in her achievements.
Man I wish I was a better photography...and/or had an amazing camera. Preschool just wouldn't be complete without Scarlet's best buddy Hannah.

Sweet Dreams

2011-08-31T21:53:00.003-06:00

Me and the girls were all down for a much needed nap. Whilest Scarlet and I were snuggled in my bed, in a fuzzy dream stupor, I hear Dave come in the door. Home at last. I was still drowsy and not ready to completely wake up. So I was in that half dream like state and I could hear Dave in the kitchen making his infamous after work snack, pb and j. He was moving the keys around, opening cupbaords and what not, regular old kitchen sounds. As time passes I keep noticing he is still in the kitchen...more time slips by...still there and then he starts making a really obnoxious racket with a bag or something crackly. Doesn't he know I am trying to drift back into dreamland for HEAVEN SAKES!? So I drag myself out of bed and stomp into the kitchen ready to demand what in tarnations is he up to with all that racket!?

and here is what I find...

NOT DAVE!!
It's a ROSIE!
on a RAMPAGE!

Not the first time I have stumbled onto a scene like this lately...

Looks like I need to do some Rosie proofing.

2 year old in the house!

2011-07-27T18:48:00.006-06:00

Cutest two year old had a birthday. We are lovin this girl. She cracks us up. She is so talkative and has the best little sentences. Its hard to keep a straight face in her presence, because she is so little but she talks so big. Anytime we would ask her about her birthday there were three things she was counting on. Horsies, candies and presents. Well not such a tough list...but what was she imagining when she said HORSIES?? I don't know, but she got horsies on her cake and she seemed fine with that! PHEW. My favorite things she says and does right now are...hmm....it changes everyday. Her way of persuading me is to ask for something and if I say no she asks again but says little tiny in front of the question. Like her bottle(i know, i know i am working up the mental energy to get rid of that thing!!) when I say no, she says 'little tiny baba milk, little tiny!?' Or it's 'little tiny show', or our newest favorite is when she is trying to wait for her turn to hold my brother's new baby, she tells us she is being 'a little tiny patient.' She just brightens our lives so much. Yesterday I just could not resist holding her SO tight and kissing her adorable face SO much. Here are some great pics. My Sis-in-law Katie brought her fancy camera and got some WINNER pictures I am going to have to frame a bunch of these! Thanks Camera Katie.

L-O-V-E love those FACES!! Two girls three legs?? It's a mystery...

bein' awesome in austin

2011-06-30T10:40:00.011-06:00

We went to visit my brother and his family last week in Austin TX. We had a BLAST, we learned a smidge of what it was like to live in 105 degree weather (PLUS humidity...woof). GAH! It was sticky. It didn't stop us, maybe slowed us down a little. But we got to see and do lots of fun things. Most of them had to do with water(and food, yummy restaurants and treats is Austin). If you happen to ask Rosie about Texas she will tell you all about the choo choo train, snow cone, and tickets. I think that was her favorite part. It was so fun to get our fill of our favorite Texas family, we love them and miss them to pieces. Don't grow up or do anything fun until we see you again! Deal? Deal.

Lay over in Denver...

Tubbin'

Chooo chooo...all aboard the Zilker Zepher
not actually planning to get wet...too hard to resist, it was around 8:30 and still like 90 degrees!

buckets of fun for EVERYONE(especially Scotty boy)

Revenge!

holy rusted metal batman, is there a cuter FACE!?

i eat kids

2011-06-10T20:33:00.012-06:00

I don't actually eat them but I have the urge to. Not actually eat but chew on them, just lightly bite them. I won't do it to your kids unless I get permission, unless you are family and then your kids are fair game... No wonder Rosie has a problem with biting her sister, she has biting confusion because I am constantly chewing on her. Anyway this post is pretty much just about my kids again. I am just feeling really selfish for keeping all these cute pictures to myself, they are piling up. I am just being so generous aren't I??

Dora, Dora, Dora, you've never looked better.

You try telling her she is too old for a baba...go ahead and try saying no to that face!

Farm Day. Being brave-ish

Official pouting princess pose (hands placed atop lap just so, knees tilted just so) she has been doing it since age 2.

Best buddy Hannah
wow we are really backtracking...Easter

Before

After

Before

After

um...shoe store, pantyhose disposable socks make great toys.

Mom and the big sister

"Make-up madness" Starring Scarlet and Rosie, created by Scarlet St.Julien,

Oh boy I could go all night with these pictures but I'll save some for later. This is what we've been up to the last few months. Hope it was entertaining to all and to all a good night.

Dave is in a play

2011-06-09T21:35:00.002-06:00

There will be a lot of reading for the next few months. Dave is in rehearsals for a play, reading will be one of the things that will help me not lose my mind. So far I have my mind intact, lets hope it last for the next couple months...fat chance. Anyway, stumbled onto this author, and I am glad I did. Just the kind of novels that are easy, clean and have interesting enough story lines to keep me happily distracted.

Never Change. This one was about a lady who has kind of a lonely life. She is a nurse and really enjoys her work. She is assigned to a new patient who ends up being someone she knew in high school who is dying of cancer. It was a fun read.

Home Safe. This was a good one too. Didn't like it AS much as the other one, but still an enjoyable enough read, about a mom coming to terms with her husbands death.

Joy School. This one was my favorite of the three. I don't know exactly why...her character was just so darling. It's about a 12 going on 13 year old girl and her perspective of being the new kid in school, and that painful transition into the world of preteen hood. It was sweet, and Berg really has a unique way of capturing that youthful way of thinking and making it amusing enough to read as an adult. It reminded me in a small way of one of my all time favorite books Stargirl. Couldn't put it down.

The Weight of Water. This one was kind of an historical-ish novel. The event the main character is assigned to do photographs for is real, so it is interesting. It's a sort of mystery. It was a little slow for me...but I'm a little nuts. The ending definitely surprised me.

Passing time...

2011-05-11T14:10:00.000-06:00

I've been reading thangs. I am trying to decide if it's worth it to figure out what is going on in my life when I read a lot, or don't read at all. Is there a pattern? Is it at certain times of the year, certain phases of the moon, P.M.S...(hmm) or just whether there is a good book laying around the house and I have nothing IMPORTANT to do. I am thinking my findings would prove the latter.

Important: playing soccer, doing zumba, meeting up with friends, going somewhere fun with the girlies if the weather is nice...

Not important(apparently, bc I haven't been doing them as of late): cleaning the house, finding constructive things for my kids to do, making nutritious meals that don't come from a bag or box in the freezer...yes there is more but I'll stop to save myself a little dignity.

Things I am grumpy about right now(just to get it off my chest): I have been to contest 2 speeding tickets in less than a week!! I have successfully lost to a system that is worried more about hording my money than if I was really a danger or a threat to anyone on the road. Oh I could go on and on and on! But I won't. Hopefully I can get over it soon...

Onto the subject at hand...books...

I don't know what prompted me to grab this from the shelf, possibly my nearly 2yr old pulling books off the shelves below, I was desperate. I enjoyed this book, it had an interesting story about a lady who experiences an extremely rare case of memory loss. She wakes up practically a different person in a different life. Kinsella is British and so there were some f-bombs, like how I justified myself? Anyways, I was pretty sucked into the story and enjoyed the book.

This was my book club's pick of the month. It was good. Not the kind of book I can't stop blabbering about, but good. It had an interesting story, similar in a way to Hunger Games, not really...but KIND of. It's about a maze:) Intrigued? I can see a lot of people LOVING this book, I kinda liked it.
This book was about an incident that happened in France during WWII. There was a round up of Jews by the french police. Thousands of mostly women and children. It is of course a tragic story, but it's an interesting story. It is a true event that took place during the war but the story is fictional. It was really good.
I got the feeling a few pages into this book that I had read it before, or at least started it...I am still not completely sure. I think I did read it long enough ago that I forgot most of what happens. It's an interesting story about a boy with autism who try's to figure out what happens to his neighbors dog and innocently unravels all sorts of secrets. It's all told from his perspective, which since he is autistic is very interesting.

Maybe the weather will get nicer so I can stop hiding away in my house all day, get out of this funk and do some things on the not important list. Maybe.

For the record

2011-03-31T09:57:00.006-06:00

Rosie is saying the cutest things and I just KNOW I will forget them if I don't record it somewhere!! It's not even WHAT she is saying usually that kills me, it's HOW. She just has this sweet tiny voice, or this LOUD demanding voice, it's rarely in-between.

"I want you Mommy." "I coming Scarlet (or daddy or mommy or whoever)" "Hi, Punzel(Rapuzel)" "I mees you." "I love you too." She sings twinkle twinkle little star, temple, sunbeam, tall tall tall(snowman), Itsy bitsy, elmo's world, follow follow me. "I sad mommy", or "I crying mommy," or "I happy mommy" We'll say Rosie time to go nigh night, and without fail she says "no, I wake up." If we do anything for her she says "thank you mommy or thank you scarlet" When we ask any question especially, who wants to set the table? "I DO!!" she will scream it out from any part of the house and come running. If I am doing something she doesn't like she says, "no, no mommy that hurts." If she wants to get out of eating something she says " a spicy, or too hot." When we ask something like, are you being naughty? she 'll say "NO, I NOT!" When she peers over the back of the bench in sacrament meeting, she will bat her eyes and say, "I shy." My favorite is when she hears something out of the ordinary she will say, "Who doin that!?" If I ask her who's doing that, unless it's completely obvious she blames Scarlet, "garlet doin dat." The other day I said, Rosie are you growing up? and she says "no, I not, Scarlet growing up." She needs to do things "a self." "no, a self!" If she can't quite get it she'll say "help, I can't." I maun(want) it, or I don't maun it." Or "I like you Mommy." She would spend her entire day on the "fwings" or "fwinging"(swings of course)t, or "cleaning" she pulls/drags the chair to the sink and I turn on the water and she cleans the dishes. She won't stop until we drag her away kicking and screaming (and drenched).

She has been telling me "toilet" and doing her business (for the most part) on the potty!! WHAT!?! We bought her some panties the other day, but they don't make panties small enough for this little booty. Of course she has accidents still but only with pee pees, she is a bonified pooper on the potty. I am still baffled, and kind of unsure how to proceed. I am just in awe of this little girl. I am completely smitten with every last thing she does...well you know what I mean. It's just an adorable stage right now when your heart aches that they won't be just like THIS forever. It's when I am wishing for the PAUSE button. I am typing as I watch the girls out Rosie's window. Scarlet is pushing Rosie on the swing, and taking good care of her (so far). It's just one of those many moments that you ask yourself, is this really my life!? How'd I get so lucky!?

Bahamazzz

2011-03-29T09:26:00.010-06:00

We are officially cruisers. I was always curious if cruisin' was my thang. We had a blast. I am sure we will cruise again someday. The Bahamas were everything I dreamed they'd be, ok except that I thought the water would be a tinge warmer...just a smidgel. I was expecting bath water, I just haven't experienced that yet and I thought this might've been the place. The water was definitely warmer that Bermuda!! I realized we didn't take enough pictures, I stink at capturing the great moments! I am too busy enjoying myself and never have my camera close enough(we did get footage of the trapeze thank goodness). So pretend you really like to see Dave and I posed in front of the ocean...cuz that's about the only times we remembered to take pic's, before we got in and as we were about to leave.

We did lots of other things I WISH we got pictures of, like jet skiing in the ocean, snorkeling, body surfing, volleyballin', and the highlight of our trip, competing in the Dancing with the Sky Stars!! My only regret is that we didn't get that whole thing on video bc now I have to explain what happened instead of just show it. Our friends who came with us got a little bit of it on their camera, maybe I will post it when I get it from them.

So the short and condensed version...our ship had a Dancing with the Sky Stars ("sky" because our ship was called the Norwegian Sky). As one of the evening activities, 6 of the staff dance with 6 volunteers, and they have judges and vote people off and the whole sha-bang. I thought it might be fun so I entered my name in the drawing...and unbeknownst to David, I put his name in too. I was hoping at least one of us would get picked. Well...David was the FIRST name drawn!! They announced, David from Utah...and Dave just sat there waiting for Dave from UT to take the stage. It finally dawned on him when I nudged him with that sneaky look on my face. I was DELIGHTED, I was going to sit back and relax while Dave got to humiliate himself in front of a HUGE crowd of people!! Well fate would have it that I would not get away so easy and as the 5th name was drawn...Heidi from Utah was heading up to the stage!!

If you know Dave and I, you know we don't shrink from an audience who is eager to cheer us on. There were three rounds and by the last round we were BY FAR the audience favorites(my partner and I were the REAL favorite) . They were enamored with our dance moves, and I think the crew had never had the likes of the two of us bounding around the stage before (and sober too, though no one would suspect it). So it came down to a dance off with three couples left. Mid performance I am swept off my feet by David from Utah and we finished the last dance together, I believe at one point I was on Dave's back with my "lasso" and Dave was spankin' my booty. Oh dear. The decision was made by the judges and the crowd that Dave and I were the Sky Star champions. It had never happened before and I doubt it will ever happen again, we are Norwegian Sky legends.

(first day, still docked in Miami waiting to set sail)

(third stop, Great Stirrup Cay)

(riding the waves, if you couldn't tell by that face I am hard core)

(Atlantis, Nassau, that archway connecting the bldg. off to the right is owned by the late M.J. and it's only 25,000 per night)

(the Norwegian Sky from the rear)

(bus ride to Wyndham Resort, Freeport)
(some kayaking at Freeport)

(trapeze artist in the making)

(true love)

(es cargo...chewy)

(loungin' at Great Stirrup Cay)

(um...culture)

(snorkeling at Nassau)

(First stop, beach resort in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island)

(The gruesome foursome, us and our cruising buddies BJ and Vivian Weight)

(spreadin' the love around)

(2nd stop, beach on Nassau)

(dock at Freeport, look at that big ol' ship)

hours on an airplane...

2011-03-26T19:01:00.003-06:00

We got back from our cruise last NIGHT(11pm)...and walked into our home this MORNING(1:30am)!! It was a looong day. I was so anxious to get home and squeeze my babies. This is how I survived...

The Diary of Mattie SpenserI really enjoyed this story, it's kinda up the same ally as the books I have been reading recently. It takes place around 1866 about a girl who marries and departs with her husband across the plains to Colorado Territory. I am still just so intrigued with the kind of toughness these people had to settle in this part of the country. I just don't think I could've hacked it most people couldn't, alot of them ended up going back. Anyway its a really good story that makes you think about love and commitment and enduring hardships.

I will write and post pictures of our cruise soon, but let me just say we achieved celebrity status on our cruise...hopefully i will actually get to posting something about it, seeing as I never did post anything about Scarlet's ballerina b-day OOPS! You may just have to ask us, if I have sparked your curiosity...

What have we here...

2011-03-08T16:36:00.009-07:00

I am on a serious historical fiction kick. They are just so fascinating. Every time I am reminded how little I know about our worlds history. It's like I am taking a little mini college class, but I come and go when I please and don't have any tests or papers. Delightful. I just finished this one, it was a gem.

Pope Joan, by Donna Woolfolk Cross.

When I need to find a good book I go here, 'What should I read next?' You put in a favorite book and it finds similar books for you. Anyhoo, thank you WSIRN (that's what its called on my toolbar) I may not have stumbled upon this book without your help. So, Pope Joan! I had no idea if there really was such a person. I thought it was maybe Joan of Arc or something. Different Joan, different story. For some reason it took me a few chapters to decide if I was going to enjoy the story or not. I am so GLAD I stuck with it. Her story takes place around 800ad., during the dark ages, it was a scary time to be alive and an even scarier time to be a woman. Especially to be a woman who had a will to be educated. Just an amazing novel, the author does a great job helping the reader see what life was like at that time. The best part is Joan's story (part of it) was a real! If you are looking for an engaging story...here you go.

Reading contract

2011-02-13T14:06:00.007-07:00

We had "reading contracts" in elementary. My first and not last experiences with lying. I sold my soul for a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut. The day before it was due I would fish it out of my back pack, all crumpled and torn and write down all kinds of fake numbers. There was no way I was going to forfeit that pizza prize!! I can still remember the layout and the smell of that Pizza Hut we went to on university ave. I was suppose to read a certain amount each week and I probably really did read that much...I liked to read. I just didn't like tracking it everyday...and so it went throughout my schooling...jumping through hoops to get what I wanted without doing the work. I did eventually figure out, half way thru college, that learning isn't so bad, and can even be enjoyable. I didn't become a family SCIENTIST without having to know my stuff, sheesh! I turned right out ok? I mean...ok so I still sometimes try to get stuff for free...like the carpet cleaning incident and the fire safety dinner disaster. Live and learn. Anyway I am trying to console myself by admitting that I wasn't a sterling scholar kinda gal, not every mother's dream daughter (as far as excelling in my studies goes) but I somehow got a college degree and married a heck of a husband and have some fantastic kids to boot. And what do you know I read, bring it reading contract...

Half broke Horses by Jeanette Walls. LOVED this book. I haven't read her first and bestselling prequel, Glass Castle all the way through yet...I am working on it. But I think this book is BETTER!! Its just feels so authentic to those early days of the west. And what it meant to rough it, I got a whole new insight about cowboys and education and on and on... I couldn't put it down.

The Sweet by and by. Good enough to get me to the end, but just barely. I don't know it was a little cliche and sappy for my liking...and contrived. But it had a good message.

Year of Wonders, by Geraldine Brooks. Really interesting read, and I really liked some of the authors insights about our relationship to God. It is based on an account from a village during the plague in the 1600. The village really existed and the book is taken from the records of the village. It was a really fascinating story about a time in history I didn't know much about. Made me grateful for modern medicines, among many other things.

Wishing for love

2011-01-31T13:17:00.000-07:00

On the car ride home from my mom's house we had an entertaining conversation with Scarlet. She is really into getting married. The other day she asked if we could go for a walk so that she could knock on doors and find someone who wanted to marry her. She usually has a top pick, it kind of rotates between her cousin (don't worry we've explained it to her but she says he is just so nice!) and another little boy.

Tonight she informed us she was going to marry my little 12 year old nephew (who is a step nephew, so for the record it would be more acceptable than marrying her cousin). Then she says, "Maybe if we have a new brother I can marry him when he grows up." Oh boy, we straightened that one out pretty easy. THEN after some thought she says, "well two girls can get married" Hmm, so I said something like, they can? She says, "yea I saw it on a show." Uh-oh maybe I am watching too much Oprah...? So I probe her a little more because I think she is making it up. She tells me she watched it at Hannah's and the show is called "Wishing for Love." I am speechless, that could be a real show! What a little mind this girl has. The longer the conversation went on, the more I believed she was spinning a tale. Because soon there were fairies and princes and the whole bit.

For a minute there I was afraid I would have to try explaining the complexities of "two mommies" to my 4 yr. old!! I am going to have to double check with Hannah's mom. Wishing for Love, how did she just whip that out!?! What a goofy gal.

and some pictures...

Trouble

2011-01-15T19:11:00.007-07:00

First comes trouble. I am lost in thought as I am doing my hair in the bathroom. I am completely unaware of any activity going on below me. I happen to glance down and see Rosie laying on her belly, completely quiet and absorbed in a toy, or book perhaps. Of course that's never the case...

LIPSTICK

(Look at that mischievous look on her face!!)

Not my lipstick of course. I don't own lipstick. It's Scarlet's, which she got from a purse that Grandma Julia gave her (I don't think the lipstick was meant to be in the purse). Anyway...I believe I have a picture like this at a similar age. Don't we all. How do you get lipstick out of CLOTHES!?!

This stuff was CAKED on! She didn't stop with that face either she was like a little naughty statue. Not an ounce of regret.

Interpretive dance...

2011-01-13T15:44:00.004-07:00

I just had to post these pictures. This girl is a performer to say the least. If there is a gathering of people she feels like they must be there waiting for a dance performance. It just tickles my heart to watch her dancing about. The music just takes over her body. Its going to be a fun journey with this little firecracker.

T'was a few days after Christmas...

2010-12-27T14:32:00.006-07:00

It was a jolly holiday. I love Christmas, but there is a little part of me that says hmmm. It isn't really the day or season Christ was born, so they say...and Santa and the whole commercialization(here comes a real run-on sentence that can't be helped) and going on a shopping spree for weeks and then in a few hours on Christmas morning its over...and then I think, did I really think about the true meaning of Christmas enough? And what does Christ really think about Christmas, does he just kinda raise his eyebrows and say "What do I have to do with all this?" I think he appreciates our seasonal selflessness. There is definitely a feeling around Christmastime that is special and different. Is it just that we are thinking a little more about others and reflecting a little more about Christ? I don't know. But I do know I like giving (and receiving) gifts to those I love most and those in need. I know the most important gift is the one we give to the Lord. That's what I should be focused on, not just at Christmastime but all the time. So...with all that here is our Christmas.(Christmas morning I made this happen, on our couch, self-timed. Better than nothin'.)

A few days before Christmas, almost enough to keep Daddy home from work

St.Julien Christmas eve rendition of The Nativity. Incase it's unclear those are angels...and yes one of the angels is playing with an iphone.

Good morning! A little too early if you asked me...but nobody ever did, or does.

Our very own Rapunzel Scarlet Olivia St.Julien

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, and has a Happy New Year!!

You make me feel like dancin'

2010-12-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

Can you determine the true desires of your daughters heart at age 3 and 3/4ths? What I mean is, if Scarlet loves nothing more than to dance and prance and sing and bow anytime anywhere, does it mean something about her destiny? Or is it just what all 3 going on 4 year olds do? I just want a little peek at the future.

My girls are both killing me lately with their cuteness. Yesterday Rosie shocked both of us with a loud "burp!" She looked at me with that mischievous grin and said "Buup!" Who is teaching her these words?! I have been keeping track of her new words for the past few months and these last few weeks FORGET it. I can't keep track anymore, she busting out three to five new ones a day! Most astounding word as of late, "triangle."

trying out a new do...its a keeper.

Scarlet is a little bit obsessed right now with bad dreams. Every night before prayers she says "mom, say make me have good dreams, make me have good dreams, three times OK?!" I try to explain that it's unnecessary to be repetitive, we end up settling on 2 times. The last few nights she says to Dave, "when you come check on me if I have this face (scrunches up her face and pulls down her lip) then WAKE ME UP I am having a BAD dream!"The best is that they are really starting to enjoy each other. And Scarlet can be just a helpful as she is trouble, when it comes to Rosie at least.

Book weather

2010-12-06T20:26:00.006-07:00

Looks like snow means back to the couch, absorbed in a good book. I just finished a couple and excited to read a couple more...

This was a really intriguing story. Wasn't expecting to sit down and almost read it in ONE day! Ok not quite but ALMOST. This story is told thru the eyes of a five year old which kinda worried me at first but works out well and is actually very sweet and endearing. Especially if you have kids, it is very true to form. I can't say more about the story I am afraid to give anything away. Makes you think, makes you tear up, chuckle and gasp...sounds good eh?

Another unexpected page turner, however it may not be for everyone. It's a life after death experience of a man who is now a psychiatrist. I love these kinds of stories, I am just s'dang curious about that whole realm. His experience is so AMAZING and it just hit me over and over again how small minded I am in day to day living. All the things he saw and felt seem to fit in with what I believe the life beyond to be like.

This book was very similar to the Lady Elizabeth, by the same author. I liked it a lot. Jane Grey is one of my new heroins and some day I want to tell her so. She was an amazing lady, and she was not even a lady really, just a girl. Dave and I read (listened to) this book together and we couldn't believe the sad short life she lived. It was very inspiring to say the least.

Dizzzneyland

2010-11-10T15:16:00.009-07:00

We did it! We took a week long family vacation to Disneyland. It was a fun trip, we are glad we made the memories. Our girls loved it, we think...between the crying and hair pulling I think they had fun. Scarlet was terrified of all the characters, except for the princesses OF COURSE! It was pretty ridiculous, but I guess I should have known. It was fun for Dave and I, we had to laugh about how giddy we would act to try to get our girls to show some enthusiasm. Glad we braved the journey and glad to be home in one piece. And not a trace of vacation blues for me yet...

(Pure heaven, she was so cute with the princesses I got all choked up, it was like she was being reunited with her long lost friends)

(little Rose bud being the brave one, while Scarlet was most likely screaming somewhere in the background)

(And of course the BEACH!! It was like mid to high 80's all week. I am wearing shorts today JUST to try and make a point!! Oh sunny California, see you in my dreams.)

(this pic pretty much says it all)

Catchin' up photo style

2010-09-28T20:47:00.011-06:00

Enough of that depressing post about the weather. Lets see some cuteness. We went on a hike up to Timpanogos caves. We got a grand (personal)tour from Katie's sister, Becky. Becky is one of Scarlet's favorite buddies. Scarlet was a little nervous of the caves, but hasn't stopped talking about it since.

It was a great day...look at those puppy dog eyes.

Lest we forget...

2010-09-07T21:51:00.006-06:00

I am with everyone on Fall being so great and yadda-yadda. But, did everyone forget what comes after Fall? Well let me quickly remind you because it is still fresh in my mind. After fall comes that mean, creepy Old Man Winter knocking on our doors people. He isn't jolly, and he doesn't say ho-ho-ho. He makes the sun disappear. He stings your nose, and as if that's not enough, he will bite your toes. He makes it so you are a prisoner of your own home. He brings that white stuff that turns dirty gray and lingers and lingers forever. I just want all of you who are sending those welcoming vibes into the universe to stop and think for a minute. Isn't fall just a really mean trick?

I had this thought today, as I felt that autumn chill in my house this morning, that maybe if I am expecting winter to be sooo awful and unbearable...maybe...just maybe it won't be so bad. I have that problem where I start stressing out about things wayyy in advance. MOST of the time, things aren't as bad as I imagine them to be. BUT if I don't think about it and stress a little about it, then I get blindsided. So, if I am anticipating falling into a deep and inconsolable depression from late November until March, then I will be happily surprised when I am actually ok. Isn't that a great way to live your life!! Sheeesh, I am a weirdo.

THE END.

Oregon by the sea...

2010-09-01T12:45:00.006-06:00

Home again home again jiggity-jig. Dave and I took a wonderful trip back to one of my mission areas on the Oregon coast. My sister, who recently returned from a mission, offered to watch the girls. How could I pass THAT up!?! I couldn't, BUT the reality of leaving the girls behind for almost a week made my insides churn, and my heart start to RACE! BUT I hadn't been back to Oregon since I came home in 2004(6 years)!! We DROVE the entire way. 10 hours to Klamath Falls, sleep (at Dave's old girlfriends parents house, not awkward surprisingly, anything to save a buck...). Then, 4.5 hrs. to the coast! I wondered if Dave and I would just stare at eachother. It's not like we don't talk...but its usually tid bits here and there in between the girls chatter, laughing, crying, whining, sleeping... you get the gist. Thankfully after these 5 years we are still the greatest of friends and had a dreamy time. There's no one I'd rather drive over 2000 miles with, and that's saying SOMETHING!!

The mission was just as it was in my memory. It was so AWESOME to drive up and down the streets and see houses I remembered knocking on. It's like the towns were frozen in time, just waiting for my return. One thing I didn't remember, it was COLD! That's the only thing I would've changed if I could. But it didn't stop us from walking up and down the BREATHTAKING beaches, whale watching and crabbing off the docks. YES, whale watching! We walked out to one of the bluffs in Port Orford and a big old whale comes swimming below us. I actually screamed, it was a roller coaster kind of scream and I don't know where it came from. The first few whales we saw were really close and I kept screaming! I heard myself doing it but I couldn't stop. I was just SO surprised and SO excited, I guess put those two together and you get screaming.

We visited with some dear friends I met those many years ago. I was sure they wouldn't remember little old (mission chubby) me...but they did. We had such great visits. The trip let me envisions Dave and I in 30 years, or what not, going on our mission, together. What a great day that will be. Bandon by the sea, Coquille and Port Orford will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart.

(A cool look out on our way to Crater Lake)

(Crater Lake)

(more of Crater lake.)

(I proudly informed Dave, in front of the exgirlfriend's parents, that a meteor made the lake. Oh, Volcano? Interesting. sometimes i am very smart.)

(headed to the docks for some crabbin')

(catching a big'n)

(some mossy, lovely waterfalls on our way to the coast)

(Bandon by the sea)

(more of those awesome rocks)

(flying)

(silly)

(silly, again.)

( plus our new friend Richard in bckgrnd, he is a 49ers fan, among other things of course)

(not silly, pretty)

(silly and pretty.)

(maybe it was all a dream)

And another

2010-08-19T16:54:00.004-06:00

Forgot one. This book was VERY interesting. The story comes from records in Landcaster , England back in the days of King James the first, when witch craft was kind of infamous. The author bases the book on these records and created this incredible story. It made me wonder about these "witches" or "healers" and what was really going on...very intriguing.

Days like this

2010-08-17T11:49:00.007-06:00

I am in a funk of sorts (or maybe just a case of the Monday blues). Yesterday was one of those moody, lay around days. I just felt grumpy and barely had patience for the whining and crying that my girls insisted on doing. So I sat in my messy house and read. Isn't that a great solution? Probably not, but I survived the day anyway. I feel a little better today, but there is just that little thunder cloud kind of looming over me! I will just go ahead and blame it on the new birth control I started a few weeks ago...there. Done! Life has been...interesting as of late. My sister got home from the mission, my Dad has had a relapse with his health, the curtains are wanting to close on summer (I am NOT ready) so I am trying to use our 7 peaks passes as much as possible. All of these details are to explain why I haven't had many book reviews recently. Fear not, I have be reading...
This was on my book club list. It is a memoir about a girl growing up in the Soviet Union in the 60's-70's. It was really eye opening for me. I didn't have a real grasp of what communism looked like. This book made me appreciate our freedoms, even though I get frustrated and complain alot about our government and the direction it is taking, I still have ALOT...ALOT to be greatful for.

I must be kind of drawn to the civil rights era. I keep finding these books about the lives of these slaves and I am so sickened and perplexed by it all. This particular story is actually based on the lives of the writers ancestors. She felt drawn to learn their history, so she quit her job as a VP in a fortune 500 company to research, travel and eventually write this historical novel. It's about survival and how these strong women did everything they could to make life easier for their families. Oh, it was painful to read but it was also very invigorating to see how bound these women were to family and whatever freedom they could obtain in a span of three generations.

Last but not least, just finished this one today. A girl finds out from her father, on his death bed that she has a half- sister. I would give this book a 3.75 stars. It was written well enough and had some interesting situations and themes. There was some language that I would have liked to deleted. I squeezed out a tear or two and it made me think about family ties etc...so, nice.

Rosie Posy

2010-08-09T12:24:00.000-06:00

(Irrisitable! I am in LOVE with that baby!)

On Rosie's b day Scarlet woke up and burst through Rosie's door and shouted "Happy Birthday Rosie." I was honestly surprised Scarlet remembered by herself. Then they continues their usually morning ritual of playing in Rosie's crib until Dave or myself rolled out of bed. Sometimes we get to spy on them playing together. It's usually Rosie laying on Scarlet trying to poke her eyeballs and Scarlet giggles. Have I ever mentioned how lucky I am?? Oh I did. Right. Before Dave left for work he said to Rosie "I hadn't even met you yet this time last year!!"

How does time pass so slow and so fast at the same time?!? Its just something you never get used to, I guess. Do you think there will ever be a time stopper device? I mean, we never thought we would have half the technological shenanigans we do now. I would pause time for a few weeks, so I could watch Rosie walk JUST like she does right now. She kind of stumbles along sideways with her arms out and it is just too much for my heart to take (I wrote this post awhile ago and she walks different now, she plows forward now with a big wide stance). I just love all her faces and antics and I know I will forget them...sigh. Anyway, our one year old is a very delightful little girl. And if you are tired of hearing about her already then you will want to skip skip skip on down to the pictures, cuz momma needs to say some things so I can look back and remember what I loved about Rosie Sue.

She gives the sweetest hugs. She is a snuggler. She just buries her little head into your shoulder until you think your heart might burst. She snuggles any stuffed animal that is lucky enough to cross her path. She picks them up and squeezes them to her little neck. I get jealous sometimes the way she holds them so lovingly.

She just started to pucker her little lips for kisses. She will come at you with her shuffling feet and her head turned sideways, or whatever angle she needs to, so she can plant one right on the lips. She also likes to bring her stuffed animals over for a kiss or two.

She loves to drag books over and climb up on my lap and look and point at the pictures.

If we are not doing something fast enough she goes "uh-uh" and stamps her little feet. This happens if she needs a bite of something, or we aren't picking her up to read a book fast enough...etc.

She puts phones up to her ears and says "HI."

She started saying "UH-OH" and "Booo."

I am pretty sure Scarlet never did this---Rosie will wake up from a nap or in the morning and just hang out for awhile in her crib. We hear her making little noises, and we go peek in, she is usually just bumbling around, sometimes she will just be laying there staring up at the ceiling. We want to know what she is THINKING about!?!

She is a clingy little lady. I can't remember if Scarlet's separation anxiety went on this long and intense. What can I say, Dave and I are really cool I guess. She can't bear to have us out of her sight. Even if we are both there and one leaves she can barely cope (happy to report she is doing much better). I am glad she likes me but it gets a little exhausting sometimes.

She is a little thing. At her 1 year appointment she weighed in at 17 lbs and 6oz. She was in the 12th percentile but is now in the 5th. Its got to be that she NEVER stops moving!!

If any of us lay down she will stop whatever she is doing and come throw herself on top of you and just roll herself all over. She will wipe her snotty nose all over your shirt(and bite--watch out). If a pillow is on the ground she throws herself on top of it and rolls back and forth.

Her buck teeth are the icing on the cake. She has a world class grin and those dimples...just see if you can resist.

She is the strangest eater. I can't figure it out so she mostly lives off her bottle (eating better now too). I think it is partially laziness/second child syndrome. I just feed her a little of this and that throughout the day. Things she likes to eat at the moment; blueberries, chocolate(oops), yogurt, bites of my cereal, avacados, ...hmmm, bites of my lunch ...and dinner.

Ok that will have to do for now. She has had a good year, I think about how lucky she is that she gets to have a big sister to play with...even if this big sister is kind of... OVERLY affectionate ...that's a nice way to put it. Scarlet must have been bored stiff with just me around to do the entertaining. Rosie gets a front row seat to all kinds of theatrics, and dramatics that take place around here.

Is that long enough for those of you who made it this far...??? I could go on and on...but I won't, for now anyway.

Pictures of a very cute one year old...

(Rosie went through 3 outfits during her party, if you didn't notice.)

Someone is ONE

2010-07-26T12:34:00.004-06:00

This girl had a birthday shout hooray! More to come when I can find the pictures of her party. Suffice it to say she is one heck of a one year old and we are pretty dern crazy about her. Can you blame us? What would you do if she gave you that look...?

Books ahoy...

2010-07-01T11:05:00.007-06:00

The laptop is sick. We are sending it to the technology doctor. How did I live without a laptop? I probably was more creative with my free time...maybe. So I am typing this from the desktop in the basement, is that interesting? No. ON to the GOOD stuff...

This book was a fun read. It was a refreshing story about a girl who gets a second chance at happiness. It's set in the old south and comes with all that good, rich southern feelin'.

This book was AWESOME!! I don't know how I found it, but I am GLAD I did. When I checked it out I was pretty sure I wouldn't read it bc it looked too big and too boring. Wrong-o. It was a historical fiction novel based on the life of Lady Elizabeth. It was so interesting and written so well that you didn't realize you were learning HISTORY!! I have always been uneducated on the whole European majesty. Henry the VXII(what, I don't know roman numerals), Queen Mary Elizbeth Anne or one of those names, I couldn't tell you a thing. Now I kind of know a little bit more of who is who and how it all worked. SUPER interesting. I am excited to find more like it.

Whew! This was an interesting ghost story of sorts. It wasn't the kind of book that makes my heart sing but it was hard to put down. I tried describing what it was about to Dave and it sounded really ridiculous. He gave me the "look" like the raised eyebrow, "that sounds lame" kind of look. Anyway it was fun to read.

Oh Daddy

2010-06-20T16:03:00.003-06:00

These girls

are crazy about
This guy.

I feel really lucky, a really lot. Dave is such a great dad and husband. I won't go into detail but suffice it to say that I am one lucky lady. And I guess Dave thinks I have sexy legs(see previous post for details), that's nice of him. Ok, just one thing I like about Dave, he is really good at making me feel special. Do you need anything else?
Happy Fathers Day David--I love you.

That's my cute birthday Heidi

2010-06-15T07:10:00.005-06:00

Scarlet and I have decided to butt in here for a moment and write a blog for our favorite birthday lady in the whole world. We both call her Heidi. Here's just 29 things that we love about our Heidi:
1: I love Mommy everyday because she's beautiful (Scarlet)
2: She's one hot sexy dancer. It's true. She's really good!
3: Sometimes she cleans up my toys with me, for me (Scarlet)
4: Heidi makes me laugh more than anyone else. She's so dang funny. I used to think I was funny, but she's way funnier than me. The things that come out of her mouth and mind really are laugh out loud funny sometimes.
5: She loves Rosie, and I love Rosie too (Scarlet)
6: Heidi sings like an angel. I love listening to that voice sing. And she writes such great songs too. She a wrote a great song for me when we were engaged. She was so nervous to sing it for me that we had to put a blanket over us while she sang it so I couldn't see her face.
7: She's good at sharing lots. (Scarlet)
8: She makes the cutest kids I've ever seen. Rosie with her dimples that you just want to bite, and Scarlet with her lips and smile that just make ya so happy.
9: And she takes me to Hannah's house (Scarlet) - Hannah is Scarlet's best friend that lives a few houses down
10: Not many people know this, but Heidi is an artist. She would probably say she's not that good, but I think she paints and draws really good. I would hang all of her paintings on every inch of our walls if she'd let me.
11: My mom takes me to the library and Hannah to the library (Scarlet)
12: I like to watch her play soccer. She's so stellar at it. And those legs are so nice and sexy. I guess I like to watch her play, but I really like to watch her legs play soccer! She's playing a soccer game tonight, on her birthday by the way. So she should win 'cuz it's her birthday, don't ya think!
13: She takes me to the museum ... I mean gymnastics ... and sometimes the museum. Dad, what is the museum? (Scarlet)
14: She says nice things to me. For some odd reason, she's still attracted to me. She says she likes my hair, and what I'm wearing, and even though I've gained a little unwanted pounds, she says she loves me all the more. Nice huh?
15: She does oatmeal and sprinkles for me. And she makes me mogurt of the oats. I like mogurt (Scarlet) - mogurt = yogurt
16: I think she should open a restaurant because she cooks such yummy stuff. She makes this sandwich that I call "The B.E.A.M.er" Bagel Egg Avacodos Meat er I love it. People would buy I tell you!
17: She reads books and sings me songs, I like her Daddy (Scarlet)
18: For my birthday, she learned one of my favorite songs on the guitar (The Wind, by Cat Stevens), recorded it, put it on a CD and played it for me whilst we drove. She just rocks like that!
19: She pushed me on the swing, but now I do straight-bend and I know how to swing (Scarlet)
20: I wouldn't recommend playing the following games with her: Boggle, Anagrams, Slaps, or Silent Football. She's just too dang good at them.
21: She probably lets me watch a show. When it's night night sometimes, but not sometimes. Probably when it's PBS kids she lets me watch it (Scarlet)
22: I love the way she remembers every word to every song. It's really amazing. Especially since I can barely commit all of I Am A Child Of God to memory. It's funny when almost any random song comes on like Vanilla Ice's, "Ice Ice Baby", or stuff from the band Chicago, she knows every single dang word. It's downright sexy!
23: Scarlet said, "She teached me to read.", "You know how to read Scarlet?", "Yes, look." She then showed me the sign for reading in sign language. So maybe Scarlet really meant that Heidi taught her how to do sign language.
24: Did most of you know that she can still do double back layovers or whatever you call em? You know, those things that cheerleaders do all the time when they run and go and flip over and over. She can do lots of cool funky stuff on the trampoline too. But the craziest part is that she was doing flips and stuff on the tramp when she was like 8 months pregnant. Maybe that's why our babies are so bouncy and all over the place.
25: Sometimes she helps when I go potty, but sometimes I can go by myself (Scarlet)
26: Our minds are connected. When I'm cold, she's warm and will snuggle with me to get me warm. And when she's cold, I'm warm and snuggle with her. So we do a lot of snuggling. She's so dang brilliant at snuggling. I've never met a better snuggler than Heidi.
27: She likes me when I paint. She likes me. She likes when I ride my bike. And she likes when I go to Hannahs.
28: Her testimony rocks. I love to talk to her about everything. She makes me think about stuff and look from different perspectives. If you're ever in the need of a good chat, you can always count on Heidi.
29: She changes the diapers!!!!!!! I know I don't tell her enough, but I really HATE changing poopy diapers. It makes me gag. It makes me wanna puke. When I have to change them (cuz Heidi isn't around) I have to take a deep breath, stuff my face in my shirt, and go as fast as I can. It's terrible for me! So she changes them! Oh I love me some Heidi! She rocks!

There's about a billion other things that we love about Heidi. Maybe a trillion other things. She's the best mom, wife, friend, companion, confidant, partner, cooker, dancer, athlete, artist, singer, etc. etc. etc. and Heidi that we know! We love you birthday girl!

cute girl syndrome

2010-06-10T09:59:00.009-06:00

Just had to post more pics of some girls that make me happy. I couldn't resist.

power stance

I straightened Scarlet's hair, I was just so curious. Although thin and stringy, it is getting longer.
Is that mid-back!? Kind of...

Try combing through THAT!!

Mmm! I love this baby!!
This is Rosie's "mmdad" thats how she says it. I am "mom-mom-mom..." To Scarlet I am "Heidi." Scarlet has been calling me Heidi most of the time the last month or so. Not sure what to think about it. Ok, so I think its cute but sometimes I wonder if I should worry...

Stats on this little cheeser. Rosie Sue will be 11 mo. next week! She has two bottom teeth and the two top teeth are now in sight...barely. At her last doc. apt. a few weeks ago she weighed 17lbs. which puts her in the 10th percentile. She is always on the move, maybe that's why she is a little mini. She has become quite the toddler these days. She is up to about 10 steps. She will walk and crawl. I'd say walking about 40% of the time. She has been standing around for like 2 1/2 months now and has started venturing out in the last month. She is happiest when she is in the swing out back, in mom or dads lap with a book she brings over, or putting handfulls of dirt in her mouth. The only times she gets sad is if she is not getting the attention she feels she deserves or if she can't get to wherever she HAS to go, like down cement stairs or into the bathroom/toilet etc...can you tell we kind of have a thing for these ladies:) Can you blame us?!

Can you guess what I have been doing lately...

2010-06-09T12:21:00.005-06:00

I promise my blog isn't turning into just book reviews...I hope. It's just that other peoples lives and stories are so much more interesting than mine right now (even if they are fictional).

I read Message in a Bottle when I was in High School or something and I loved it and bawled my brains out. I read another of his (maybe the notebook) and it was no good. This was on a list I cut out of the paper of some NY Times bestsellers. It was lower down on the list, but all the others weren't available so I took it home. Yesterday my neighbor called and asked me why I sounded so stuffy...WELL I should have teased her and said something silly like Dave and I just had a fight. Instead I was honest...I was bawling my eyes out reading a silly BOOK!! Somehow this book surprised me, I really enjoyed it. I liked the diologue and the relationships seem authentic and believeable. Which is why I bawled my head off. Dave teases me because he thinks I just really want to see Miley Cyrus in the movie...Maybe he's right.

This book was kind of charming and endearing. When I got started I didn't think I would enjoy it because the main character who is telling the story is an older english gentleman. But he is really quite witty and sweet and I got pulled into this interesting tale. It was a great story about how the times change quickly and people don't. There are multi-cultural issues and LOVE issues, all wrapped up in a charming little package.

Here I go again...

2010-05-21T10:50:00.003-06:00

I decided, from now on, to try and keep track of all the books I read so I can remember which ones I liked and such.

The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf. This was a dramatic novel about two little girls that go missing. Hmm...I liked it enough to finish it but I didn't really ENJOY it. How can you enjoy stories with this subject matter? It was a book chosen for book club...NEXT month. I am a little ahead, I think because The Help got me all excited to read again. My first thought after this book ended was 'Why would someone want to make up such a devastating story!' I mean, I know you can't write about kitties and butterflies all the time...not that I want to read about kitties and butterflies. Anyway you get the gist, right? If you like darker stories, you might enjoy it. Not my favorite, but it did pass the time.

Garden Spells is by Sarah Addison Allen(same author as The Girl Who Chased the Moon). I enjoyed The Girl WCTM better, but this was very similar. It had a tinge of magic, but not the kind that makes you roll your eyes and hand it to your kid. Its the kind you want to think might really exist...and of course some romance. I don't like the word romance because it makes me think of those hairy, scary romance novels. Its not that, but she does get kinda descriptive, just a heads up. I read it really fast so I must have enjoyed it, kind of predictable but fun.

The End

SERIOUSLY!?!

2010-05-20T16:00:00.005-06:00

This is an ad from craigslist I happend upon moments ago...

Red Couch - $10 (Provo)

Date: 2010-05-06, 1:21AM MDT
Reply to: sale-7urhh-1726968238@craigslist.org ^{[Errors when replying to ads?]}

I bought this couch awhile ago, It's just been sitting in my room taking up space.
It's about 4ft Length 2ft Width.
There is a gap between the cushions, I have no clue why.
there are some holes and stains. I just put a blanket over it.
I think its comfortable.
Call me at eight oh one 616 six one 56.
or e-mail

Location: Provo
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Any takers? No, why not!? This couch is a dream come true. Look at how it slouches and gaps. Just imagine yourself snuggled up on those cozy arm rests watching the final 2 hour episode of Lost. And for ONLY $10.00. I wish this were a joke.

I am browsing craigslist and this ad was the final kicker. A rage ran through my body and I was gritting my teeth. WHY!?! I was drafting an email to this fellow to tell him to stop wasting my time clicking on his ad and burn that piece of trash. But, I stopped. I turn into a monster sometimes while I browse KSL and Craigslist. I get so irritated with people putting up their ridiculous garbage, with ridiculous prices and slapping on a title like this, "adorable comfy couch $50.00" When really it's a nasty, floral doosy that you KNOW feels as grimy as it looks! Ok. I had to vent for a minute. I don't know what came over me, I feel better now. Thank you.

My people's people

2010-05-19T11:19:00.004-06:00

Last month Scarlet made her first drawings of decipherable people. It made my DAY!! I watched her draw the head and put eyes on it and arms and legs and I just about exploded with GLEE. How can something like that make me so happy. If drawing a big headed alien person (duh they were princesses)makes my heart burst, how am I going to contain myself when she starts reading or writing her name!! Or heaven forbid, that far distant day she marches off with her little back pack to her first day of school. Enough. It is all just too much sometimes. Meet Scarlet's people.

Oh How I Love BOOKS

2010-05-12T11:42:00.004-06:00

It happend again. I found a couple great books to read and even though its cold and NOT springy outside, I am handling it because I spent the last week reading two very wonderful books. I can't decide what it is about certain books that work for me. I don't know if there is a genre they fit into. I can't find them all in one section, or shelf or list. Its a hunt. I guess its like good music, it takes effort to find just the right kind that makes your heart happy. By the first chapter of a book I can tell if it is going to be a great experience. If I can't find another good book soon I will probably slip into mourning until the next love comes along. So if anyone has read something that will help me get through the next few rainy days make sure and let me know. I want to keep track of the good books I read, because... I don't know it may come in handy someday!?!

What a dear little story this is! Its about the lives of black maids and their white bosses around the civil rights movement. I like these stories because the whole time I question myself about what kind of person I would have been. It is an amazing story that gives such a personal side to this time in history. Just LOVED it!

This is a fun story that captured me somehow. It is MILDLY--notice the large caption--mildly similar to the feel of the Twilight series. Minus the DRAMA. It just reminded me of them slightly. Its not life changing, or really serious but it is a good story and I like the writing style and the dash of romance. It has just the right amounts of the things I like.

The End

**More of Heidi's book reviews...coming...as soon as I find another good book...lets hope SOON!

Home Girl

2010-04-30T11:56:00.006-06:00

I know more pictures of my darlings, but what else is there to blog about? The SNOW outside--- that's too depressing. How about the sandwiches I eat every day for lunch, and how I am not sick of them and they always sound good (roast beef, cheese and spinach in one of those steak rolls from Walmart YUM!). We'll see how long it lasts. How about that I joined an online migraine forum? Is that interesting blog news--no its kind of nerdy. But maybe it's interesting to note that the spring/summer/fall of 2008 I had a migraine about every other week on average. BUT that same time span in 2009---NOT A SINGLE ONE!! Why!?? I was pregnant. That's all I can think of that was different. It's a mystery...even to my new forum friends. What else, is anyone else over joyed that my SOCCER season is back in full swing? If you are, I am glad to hear it because its one of the things that gets me thru the week. See how exciting my life is, now you know why I mostly post pictures of my cute kids. Especially this Home girl

This handsome fellow is turning 30 in a week!!!! Any great ideas to make it a memorable day!!??!?!?!

A little home update...

2010-04-27T14:48:00.005-06:00

If you drive past our house there is no longer a big fat sign with a goofy dude smiling at you. We did not sell our house, as many of our neighbors suspected. My neighbor (that I don't see often enough I guess) came over to introduce himself yesterday because he thought we were the new owners of the home...hmmm. No, we are not going anywhere for a while I suspect. We took our home off the market, but we are still selling it by owner. But in three months or so we will most likely refinance and either rent it or add on to our kitchen. And I am ok with it, whatever IT is, I am ok. In other news...nope there is no other news except that I think I am in love-----WITH SPRING!!

Look at this face!

2010-04-08T21:30:00.008-06:00

Is it so wrong to be so in love with your offspring...? I have probably said it before, but do we think our kids are just so darn cute because they are little genetic replicas of ourselves? So deep down we are really just kind of in love with ourselves?? I don't know, but I do know there is nothing in the world that makes me so crazy with glee inside my little heart than THESE little peeple (purposely misspelled). Sorry if you are not as ecstatic as I am about MORE pictures of my little kiddies.

HELLO easter baby bunny! Kiss that FACE!

And here is Scarlet's favorite pose for pictures these days...

Rosie is obsessed with this side table. All day she tries to sneak away to climb all over it and bump her head and eat papers left there.

Sad newzz

2010-04-02T15:07:00.003-06:00

I knew it could happen and it did. They canceled the contract so we are back to square one. BUMMER. I think its my fault because my great idea for an April Fools joke yesterday was calling Dave to tell him the buyers terminated the contract. He believed me and then we giggled and giggled. See, I jinxed us. Well no laughs today...sigh. But after I shed a tear or two, I realized I am ok. When we went out to look at houses Wednesday I kept thinking how much I like my house, despite it's teeny tiny kitchen. We will keep the house posted, but I am not getting my hopes up again until we are are signed, sealed, delivered!! I mean it!

NEWZZZ Flash

2010-03-30T10:58:00.007-06:00

BIG NEWS!!!! Yesterday we got an offer on our house, we countered and they ACCEPTED!!! I am feeling dumbfounded. Part of me thought it wasn't really going to happen. I am still a little reluctant to get all of my hopes up, because there are still a few hoops to jumps through till we are in the clear but...I am letting myself be a little EXCITED!!! I walk around my house today saying to myself, do you really want to leave its kinda cute here?! I wonder if Scarlet will remember this house and her room with the butterflies...and her awesome backyard...and Reams a block away. Sniffle, I am getting a little sentimental. Anyway so that is the newzzzz. I will try to post more when we know more. Here are some girls in Easter dresses...

Just a little proud of that hair do, its alot of work to get this girl to hold still long enough to get a hold of those wild wisps of hair! At least I don't have to sit on her yet, which is what my Mom claims she would do to me:)

Holy Moley Rosie

2010-03-23T09:33:00.010-06:00

This baby is on the move!!! We stand her on her feet and she will just hang out like that for like 10 seconds!! She went from belly bumping, to crawling, to standing up on things to THIS in like a month. She is so adorable---but she seems too little to be so big. Here is a smattering of pictures I managed to get this morning. I noticed I haven't posted pictures of Rosie for awhile. Its because I haven't taken very many. Second child syndrome for sure...darn it. So feast your eyes a moment on this little blue eyed, dimpled doll. She is such a delight. Maybe we don't take many pics because it usually ends up with Scarlet fighting to get her grimey little hands on the camera, there are usually booger noses and dirty laundry laying around(don't look too close). Not to mention I am usually sporting the bra-less pajama look, and we all wind up grumpy. Grumpiness and bedhead exemplified in the charming picture at the end, taken by Scarlet of course.

Apology

2010-03-19T10:03:00.003-06:00

Dear Scarlet,

Sorry you are still in your pajamas watching pbs kids. Sorry, I haven't smiled at you very much this morning either...I am tired. You are very cute when you wake up but it is hard to appreciate it when you climb in my bed at 5:45 am because its too dark in your room. Lets get a better night light. Sorry you bonked your head when I put you in timeout for "squishing" Rosie. I love you very very much.

Love, Mom
****************
Dear Rosie,

Sorry you tipped over and bonked your head so many times this morning because I was closing my eyes trying to rest. Maybe it is good for you to learn not to climb on everything, or maybe not. You tried really hard to entertain yourself and I appreciate it. You are very very cute, thank you for going down early for a nap. I love you very very much.

Love, Mom
****************
Dear David,

Sorry for grunting at you when you said goodbye this morning. I was tired. I love you too. Thanks for getting up every morning when you are tired and going to work. I don't know how you do it with out being grumpy allll day long. I promise I will be nice when you get home. I am taking a nap now. I love you.

Love, Heidi

Whats that ya say!?

2010-03-19T09:56:00.000-06:00

Scarlet is so dang fun to talk to. I catch myself laughing at things she says all day long. She is so entertaining. For example, we were all lounging on the couch trying to get our fill of hugs from Rosie. It usually ends up with all of us squished in together and we call it a"family hug." So, in the middle of one of these nice, tight family hugs, Scarlet decided it was a little too tight and yells out "TOO much FAMILY!" What a gal, what a silly little gal. This morning I drew her a pictures of some butterflies and she said " I want to be a butterfly someday when I grow up to be a ballerina..." Sounds good to me:) I can't get enough. I can't get enough of these two cutie pantses.
Rosie cannot hold still! In the last few weeks she has become a serious crawler(it looks like a mix of crawling and bouncing along her belly) and she stands up all over the place. I leave the room for one minute and come back to find her standing up against the laundry basket (or on my leg) smiling her pretty little face off. She is 15lbs and 26 inches of BUSY-NESS! I still just wish I had cameras all over my house to catch all the amazing things these little people do, as long as I could edit out a few things...

something old, something new...

2010-02-26T11:18:00.005-07:00

Its about time. We have been married almost five years and we still have most of the furniture that we inherited from friends and family. Slowly but surely we are getting some stuff of our own. In with the old, out with the new...wait, lets try that again, out with the old in with the new! There are still a few things left to replace...maybe next tax return.

We have got to be the ultimate salesman's worst nightmare. We look and look, from store to store, comparing prices, hunting down the best deal possible. And just as I am about to throw in the towel, thinking there is nothing out there for the price I want to pay..."salix mackdoo"(this is Scarlet's phrase for casting magic spells) we find it! If you are in the area swing by and snuggle with us on our new couches...and bed, if you feel so inclined.

dear saint valentine

2010-02-23T12:43:00.005-07:00

Hello Valentine...

Thank you for the delicious treats...you always come up with great gifts(those chocolates are straight from HEAVEN!!!!). I feel lucky that I found you, it is so nice to have someone fit me so well. The longer I am married the more I realize how lucky we are to have found each other. You are very patient with all of my quirks. Where would I be without a husband who is so helpful in every way!? I would be lost without you David Saint Valentine. Thanks for being so thoughtful and sharing your last bites with me...even when I don't share very good. You are my favorite friend. I love you.

Thinking about...

2010-02-10T14:33:00.003-07:00

Trying out for American Idol. We have been watching it for the last few seasons and I mostly just want to see what its like to go thru the whole audition process. So...thats what I am thinking about. I think I would be satisfied to make it to Hollywood week...

Look at that emotion...
I even have that eye close, microphone hold thing going on...
season 10, here I come...

cute conversation

2010-01-18T14:05:00.003-07:00

Scarlet: mom, can I throw this (fruit snack wrapper) on the ground?

Me: no.

Scarlet: because why?

Me: because we don't throw trash on the ground it makes the earth not beautiful

Scarlet: But it will be beautiful, because there are princesses on it!

Here is the solution to de-junking our planet...just put princesses on all our trash and it will still be beautiful.

This is how we roll...

2010-01-12T13:42:00.004-07:00

Don't judge me. Alright, go ahead if you have to. I admit Scarlet watches too may shows!!! Its just too easy to give in, especially since Rosie came along. I think its also harder in the winter. To my defense I really, really try to limit Scarlet to ONE show a day. Sometimes it's two and occasionally on the really tough days...its three. BUT its almost ALWAYS her idea not mine...like those excuses? Well I am the queen of them, just come to me if you are feeling down, I will find some excuses for you too! This may be one of my NYR's (new year resolutions) STOP MAKING EXCUSES, either except something or change it...we'll see how it goes. But excuses are so nice...(grrr) maybe I will pick a different resolution.

Ice princess

2010-01-12T13:25:00.003-07:00

We went ice skating over the holidays. I used to think I was an ice skating wonder, I could spin on one leg kinda fast and do some cool little jumps. Well, it was too crowded and the "ice monitor" informed me that I had to stay on two skates...boring. If you can't spin and jump what do you do!? Just skate around and around and arouuuunnnddddd...snorrr. Scarlet was ADORABLE in those miniature skates. She made it around maybe twice, slipping and sliding (and whining) while we held her hands. She was not a fan. But she was the cutest ice skater I have ever seen. We'll try again next year.

a lovely holiday

2010-01-08T17:10:00.008-07:00

We had ourselves a merry little Christmas. We made the yuletide gay (that's what the song says you know) and a good new year too. I definitely have some things I want to improve on this year but I will save that for another post. Here is a little glimpse into our Holiday fun. Christmas morning Rosie wakes up at her usual bright and early 7:30. We usually wait about 5 to 15 min for Scarlet to follow suit. Well, 8:00 came and went then 8:30 and 8:45!! Dave and I were getting really antsy, we wanted to open presents!! We mostly wanted to see Scarlet open presents but come on!! We ended up going in at 9 to tell her rise and shine Santa had come. Sheesh! The one day of her life she sleeps in...CHRISTMAS MORNING!!! It was worth the wait. My cute sister Amy slept over too so she could join in the fun.This was one of my favorite Christmases. Scarlet was so fun to watch, it was magical, just like it used to be when I was a kid. Rosie mostly slept, but Scarlet enjoyed her presents for her. Our California cousins came to town and we played nice and hard. This week I have sat around and tried to do nothing, nice and hard.

HaHa

2009-12-29T14:17:00.003-07:00

want a good laugh...? check it People of Walmart

A day in the life...

2009-12-18T14:21:00.007-07:00

What Scarlet wants for Christmas; a crown and a pink bike. What Scarlet needs for Christmas; a little bit of PATIENCE! She is very demanding and if I even hesitate getting her what she wants she says "MOMMY you are taking a LONG time!!" I try to explain to her what patience is and that mommy has things to do and can't always stop what I am doing to get her something...and then I trail off because she's not hearin' it. Its like explaining math to me...don't get it...not yet anyway my brain just isn't ready in its pre celestial form. Lets just HOPE it doesn't take Scarlet as long to learn patience as it does for me to learn math.

While we are on the subject of Scarlet she is walking into my room at this moment explaining that her hiccups don't want to sleep. Yesterday it was her arm, the day before her head. The last few nights she has cried herself to sleep telling us over and over again "I don't like to sleep, I don't like to." Again, I try to explain that I know its hard but our body needs rest to be happy. So she repeats herself again thinking it will make sense to me this time"but I don't LIKE to." Oh, now she is telling me that Rosie was crying and it woke her up (she was laying in bed for 5 min. max) so now she can't sleep. She just asked me "does that make sense?" No Scarlet darling, it doesn't BUT neither does forcing her to take a nap these days because it just doesn't happen. I told her Rosie stopped crying so she can go back to sleep, and she said " mommy you are making me nervous (I assume she means frustrated)." Of course I have to laugh and hug that little body and it's sophisticated little spirit.

I just put her in her room for being naughty to Rosie and she is pounding on the door saying "let me out of here Heidi, are we friends?"

There it is, a snippet of what its like being Scarlet's mom. So what am I getting at...I don't really know. I guess I am just venting that its hard to know how much you can expect from your babies. Its hard to know what they can understand and what they pretend not to understand to get what they want. Its hard being a parent, but at the same time its sure gives me a lot to laugh about, which makes it worth it.

Holidays

2009-12-14T17:27:00.001-07:00

It appears I am taking a holiday leave of absence. Nothing is wrong JUST lots and LOTS to do! Who knows I may be back tomorrow...

Family Scientist

2009-11-18T10:36:00.007-07:00

Hello I am a scientist. Nice to meet you. Dave and I, you heard me DAVE and I, have been reading a book together. It is very fun and romantic and I highly suggest it. We are reading The Lost Symbol, by Dan Brown. We read his last 2 books together also, and I liked it. I think Dave does too, but he sometimes complains that during the intense moments I read too fast and tap my fingers and wiggle my toes for him to HURRY up already!

This is a very interesting read as it delves into the ideas and workings of the world of masonry, which has always intrigued me. Most of Brown's main characters are these brilliant scientist in their field of study. As the book is winding down I've gotten this feeling like I really want to be brilliant about something!! I mean there are scientist out there that have made miraculous discoveries, things that I wouldn't even DREAM were possible!! I started thinking about how puny my brain must look to theirs, and how menial and disappointing my life must seem to them. I thought how neat it would be to study all the great thinkers and comprehend their ideas and make discoveries and uncover mysteries of my own. Somehow this kinda thinking bums me out. I look at all the millions of books out there that would fill my mind with wonders of geology, politics, and history and so on...instead I spend my time reading mostly fiction books about a whole lot of nothing...and I am thoroughly entertained.

There is a semi happy ending to this thought process. There is always a little whispering that happens somewhere in my being that tells me "you are doing an important work, don't diminish the calling of motherhood." Then I think, is that me just trying to make myself feel better? Just another excuse for living below my potential. The feeling comes back, if I listen close it feels like its saying "Your science and field of research are these beautiful miraculous people that have been entrusted to you, you get to watch and assist them grow. Isn't it a miraculous thing? Don't discredit this great privilege and responsibility." Its true.

HYPOTHESIS:
If you feed your babies a white milky substance that comes from your body the baby will GROW. If you hug them, hold them, kiss them and pretend they understand when you whisper in their ear that they are precious and beautiful and so special to you, that one day they will talk back and make you smile all over, inside and out, and they will be your greatest treasure in the universe.

TEST:

RESULTS:
Confirmed. So far so good!

Haiku

2009-11-18T10:30:00.002-07:00

You know it is Winter
When you step outside
in shorts
with a smile because
48 degrees
feels like 70.

-heidi

ps i don't remember what a haiku is but lets pretend i do

say cheese...pleeeease!!!

2009-11-03T14:50:00.007-07:00

We got my sister in law Katie to come get some pictures of our new and improved family. It was kinda last minute and the sun was slowly fading, but I think we got some goodies! Scarlet was TROUBLE! She was not cooperating, we had to bribe her with candies, and promises of Dora to get her to smile. It was semi-successful, she squeezed out a few grins but it took A LOT of work. We even broke the rules and tried bringing out the potty words like poo poo, not even those would snap her out of it! Oh well, she is just as cute to me when she frowns:) Thanks Kate you are very nice and verrrrrry talented. Katie does weddings too...if anyone is looking for a great photographer:)

haHAhalloWEen...

2009-11-03T14:17:00.004-07:00

Here we are on that spooky night. If you can't tell Scarlet is Sleeping Beauty, Rosie is a ballerina, Dave is the handsome prince, and I am a square dancer (I borrowed one of Dave's grandma's dresses she uses for such occasions). It was a great day/night. We had a blast watching Scarlet enjoy getting lots and lots of candy. She acted so grown up. She tried really hard not to be afraid of the scary painted faces and masks. She would grab onto me whilst saying "I'm not scared, its just pretend..." Oh the wonders of Haaalllloweeeeeennn....

Journal

2009-10-21T13:57:00.010-06:00

I quit writing in Scarlet's journal awhile ago because I thought I would replace it with a blog. However; I realized I am not keeping very good record of Rosie's life and I have neglected a lot of Scarlet's recent milestones as well! I hesitate to make this blog purely about my kids...even though they are the most exciting thing about my life. So here is a nice journal entry type post so I can rest easier for a few months.

Scarlet loved the water this summer. She was a terrific swimmer, she paddled around 7 peaks without her swim diaper or life jacket and did great. She can dunk her head under the water with her nose plugged. She went down the slides in the tad pool all by herself! She loved going out on the boat and swimming in the lake. She thought driving the boat was great too.
We blessed Rosie Sept. 20th and on her birth certificate her name is Rosie Sue St.Julien. On the records of the church her name is Rosalie Sue St.Julien...tricky tricky. I guess we did it because when we got Rosie home I started to call her Rosalie sometimes. We liked it and decided we could still use it. Rosie's talented aunt Marci crocheted these dresses, the girls looked beautiful!Rosie is the sweetest baby with the most adorable smiling face (especially those DIMPLES). She smiles and coo's constantly for anyone who will come chat with her. At her 2 1/2 month doctors visit she was 30 % for weight and about 50% for everything else. She is a good sport when Scarlet pokes her and yells/sings in her face. She has a hard time nursing, its just too much work for her I think. She sleeps well during the day and pretty good at night, although if she had it her way she would sleep in mom and dad's arms indefinitely! She just loves being held and played with. She holds her head up and looks all over when she is on her tummy and she likes to use those strong legs to practice standing. Her favorite thing to stare at is the fan on our ceiling. It's like she has little conversations with the fan. Scarlet and I ask her if she wants to play with her friend (fan) when she is sad. She usually does. We love Ms. Rosie and are so excited to see her GROW!!this picture (above) was taken by a proud daddy mid-sneeze...we thought it was pretty snazzy.

A moment

2009-10-16T12:57:00.001-06:00

There are some moments in my life when I can see very, very clearly the things that are real. I had a memorable moment like that the day I watched my friend Stephanie on Oprah. She was so brave and beautiful and I was amazed at how far she has come!! I was thinking about it all the rest of the day, and as I was laying in bed that night I was remembering something she said. Oprah asked her to tell about the revelation/dream she had while she was in a coma. Steph explained that she felt like she was presented with a choice, to stay on earth and have a hard life, or pass on into the next realm. Steph said she chose to stay, of course. Because of her family.

When I would think about Steph's accident, her scars, her overwhelming surgeries and challenges---I realized I wondered sometimes if it was the choice I would make!? She is in constant pain all day, easy tasks are a huge strain on her, she looks in the mirror and can't even recognize herself! I started to imagine myself in that place, being in the crossing zone and given the choice. My heart was falling apart even thinking about not being there with Scarlet and Rosie as they grow up. I was over come with terror at not being able to kiss Scarlet whenever I wanted, or squeeze Rosie's little feet. That pain, of being apart from my family, seems more severe than any kind of physical pain. That moment taught me a lot of things I can't really put into words...but I know Stephanie made the right choice. I would have made the same choice a million times over. I am grateful for motherhood. I am grateful for those moments when I am filled with gratitude for the privileged and pleasure it is to take part in my family.

doctor doctor

2009-10-07T14:29:00.007-06:00

well we spent the morning at the doctors office trying to figure out why Scarlet can't BREATH! The doctor put her on this machine to rule out asthma. Scarlet was sooo cooperative for the first few minutes, I was stunned! Shortly after these pictures her eyes welled up and she cried. The rest of the treatment wasn't so successful. I just can't believe what a big girl Scarlet is. I took these pics because I was just gritting my teeth watching Scarlet let the nurse and doctor put their devices all over her. She let them and when they were done she'd say "i did a good job." I still just want to chew chew this girl to pieces, she's just so funny and cute! So the doc thinks she has croup-yuck! She is devastated that she is still sick because she can't touch Rosie. On our way to the doc she was explaining that we were going to the doctor and he would fix her so she could touch Rosie again. Poor little sweetheart if only it were that easy.

Guess who

2009-10-05T08:54:00.011-06:00

Dave and I were looking at pics last night and were astounded at how identical Scarlet and Rosie look in a lot of their pictures. Here is a quiz...who is who???

Number 1: Number 2:
Number 3:
Number 4:
Number 5:
Number 6:
Number 7:
Number 8:

Number 9:Number 10:
Good luck...

Sharing

2009-09-30T13:35:00.001-06:00

Somebody is a lucky little sister...

Mi casa su casa

2009-09-29T13:19:00.004-06:00

Yes that's a for sale sign in our yard!! It's is a very strange feeling, its a very large for sale sign. So we spent the weekend and all morning doing all the touch up painting, decorating, deep cleaning, and reorganizing that we've been meaning to do for 2 years, when we moved in. And we don't get to stick around long enough to enjoy it. What a sensible bunch we are. Actually we may not be going anywhere all that soon, its not really the best time to sell...but we are winging it. Time will tell. I took some pics of the house, we rarely see it all spit shined. If anyone you know wants a quaint Springville home in the most delightful neighborhood...send them our way:)Scarlet is napping on the floor...she doesn't come with the room...sorry:)

Sweet 50

2009-09-17T13:53:00.006-06:00

Dear Mother dearest,

Happy 50th birthday. Thanks for being born. Thanks for making fifty look like the new 30. I love you Mom, I have always felt sorry for other people who don't get to have you for a mom. Being my mom was no small task, I am glad you survived it. Thanks for your patience and support in all of my en devours. Thanks for not freaking out when I shaved my head, you even said you thought it was cute? What a gal!

Thanks for working so hard to make sure we always had what we needed and more. Thanks for not holding on too tightly to me so that I could have my own experiences---Scary. I am glad that you will be around to remind me how to do it! Thank you for trusting me to make the right choices, in the end I usually did because it would have killed me to lose your trust. Thanks for teaching me what love is and what it isn't. I see now that saying yes all the time doesn't mean I love you. I appreciate that you loved me enough to say no when you needed to.

Thanks for not being cool when I was in high school. I needed a Mother, not someone to fit into my idea of what "cool" was. Of course, I really did think you were cool, I told all my friends that, but you just weren't aloud to know. Thanks for sharing everything with me. When I was younger everything you ate looked good and you always shared. I was always in awe, wondering how you could be so nice. I get it a little more now that I have little Scarlet who loves to eat my sandwiches, but not her own. I can love my kids better because you loved me so much. I will never be able to thank you enough for the gift you are to me. I love you mom, thanks for turning 50 so that I could remember how lucky I am to have you.

Love,

Heidi

Pouting princess

2009-09-02T13:42:00.003-06:00

Whether she is pouting or dreaming of a true loves kiss...will we ever really know? Dave and I looked out the window to check on Scarlet and we just HAD to laugh at this little lady. She has on her "twirly dress" passed along by her cousin Chrissy who wore it at least 6 years ago. The best is her hands placed upon her lap like so and that far way look. If I could guess what she was thinking I'd say it was something like "Where is my prince, or at least a friend in this wide wide world..."

Yum

2009-08-31T14:53:00.002-06:00

I think I made a discovery. I have been having this sensational need for baked goods. Since Rosie arrived I have been unable to stop thinking about sweet treats, namely, white powdered hostess donuts and those oven baked peanut butter bars with chocolate frosting. This urge was incredible, it was like I could see little white donuts floating under my eye lids when I closed my eyes. I would down a whole bag in a DAY!!!! You get the gist...well thankfully this craving has dulled slightly. But I realized there is something that helps distract my mind from treats...you are all sitting on the edges of your seats I know! What is it!? What is it!!? It's like the fountain of youth!!! Well my friends, I will reveal the secret if you haven't already figured it out. The secret is a good book. This book Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins keep me from wandering into the kitchen, or down to Reams for yet another bag of donuts (and they are even on SALE!!). Any good book will do the trick. This book has sucked me right into its clutches, its definitely a favorite and I haven't even finished it yet. So, off I go to indulge...

Up to Something Good

2009-08-15T14:15:00.006-06:00

I had my 10 year reunion last weekend. It was great to see old familiar faces and meet their offspring. I had kind of a weird feeling though. Those situations are always a little strange/awkward for me. The socializing is fun, in a way, but what would happen if we all wore a sticker that said; I live____. I have ____kids named_____. I work at_____. What would we have left to say to each other?? I don't know what I am trying to say here...I guess just that I caught myself thinking "hmmm, I spent 4 adolescent years with these people...and then 10 years not thinking about most of them." So what does that make us?? Friends, acquaintances, pals, I guess I just like defining my relationships:) Anyway, that's just some babble I had going on in my brain. Before I went to the reunion I knew I would get (and give)the question, "So what have you been up to lately?" GAH! This haunting question. The typical answer is, oh you know the usual school or work or for the girls some comment about just being a Mom. Then you are left standing there humming and hawing for something interesting to say...and this is where I usually think to myself, what is the point of all this? The morning of the reunion, I actually tried to come up with interesting things to say about what I have been up to. What have I been up to? The problem with this question is that these old chums don't really want to know the details. Too bad I'm giving them here and now just to prove to myself that I have been "up to" something.

READING BOOKS...yes and I just finished a really really good one called Expecting Adam by Martha Beck. I loved this BOOK!! However; in the acknowledgements I found out she is Hugh Nibley's daughter and she wrote some weird book after he died. It kinda put a rain cloud over my adoration for the author and her credibility.

PLAYING SOCCER...at 2 weeks I decided me and my child bearing hips were going to help my old soccer team win us a tournament. We've taken 2nd for the past 4 years. I got to play in their last 2 games and we WON!! GO ORANGE CRUSH!! I felt fantastic, thank you body you are very kind to let me do that to you.

PUMPING...no not iron, milk! Thats right I am a bonified milk machine, I spend a good portion of my day dishing out milk to Rosie and my freezer. The first 2 weeks were the WORST, I think I was producing a gallon a day! My freezer was bursting at the seams. Luckily I found some kind souls, in need of breastmilk, to take it off my hands. So hmmm...I am going to add to this list...doing SERVICE.MOTHERING...this is what I love the most about what I have been up to. I get to tickle and chat and play with the most adorable 2 1/2 year old on the planet. She can turn me from grumpy to giggles in a flash. I get to peer into Rosie's wide eyes and wonder who is in that tiny body. I think about how I can't wait to see more of her personality, while I kissing her sweet cheeks.boy this is getting long...see I'm up to something...
I'll just go ahead and leave it at that. To those PHS ers who felt like they didn't really get to hear the whole story(I know you are out there) here's a little taste. Imagine what my list will be in 2019.

professional photo shoot

2009-08-07T22:46:00.003-06:00

Yes the professional here is me. The background...a chair and the outfits...greens that are not the same shade. Oh well, it was worth a try.

Growing ( a little)

2009-07-31T14:03:00.003-06:00

Just a few pictures...

Anatomy lesson

2009-07-18T15:29:00.008-06:00

The Orem Community Hospital has some anatomically correct baby dolls in their waiting area. Of course Scarlet needed to play with them. Through the grapevine she learned the difference between boys and girls...or so she thinks. Apparently, if you are a boy, you have...a peanut.

P.s. We are loving baby Rosie more and more by the minute. It feels good to be home. However; that whole delivery experience was so AMAZING, I was wishing today that I could go back and do it again(I guess is a few years I probably will). So far Rosie is a peaceful little spirit. Everyday she doesn't scream like Scarlet did I send a silent thank you to the Heavens. BUT, I know we aren't completely out of the clear yet:)

Rosie Sue St.Julien

2009-07-15T16:58:00.005-06:00

She's HERE!!! We got to the hospital at 6am to be induced. We went back and forth for days about whether we'd go in or not. Needless to say I gave in to my anxiousness and discomfort and we got that baby out. Everything was smooth sailing!!! All the nightmares I conjured up in my mind about being induced never happend. I came in dialated to a three and was ready to push that baby out within a few hours. We had to wait (while Rosie was being squished in my birth canal) on the doc, he was doing a c-section. He walked in at noon and we had Rosie in our arms at 12:15pm. It was thrilling. Rosie was a whopping 8 lbs!! We went from 6lbs 11oz, Scarlet to 8lbs of Rosie!! Hopefully this isn't a pattern and our next is 10 lbs!!! Yikes. So, Rosie is beautifull and SO FAR very sleepy and sweet. We are very happy parents, Scarlet is in love and the proudest big sister I have yet to meet. Here are some pictures...

Thanks to all our family and friends for your helpfulness and thoughtfulness, WE LOVE YOU!

Ode to Scarlet

2009-07-06T08:38:00.009-06:00

This may be the last post that we get to brag solely about our little Scarlet. Her little sister should be here anytime now (like right this second would be NICE)!! She will no longer be the one and only love of our lives...this should be very interesting:) So I have been doing everything I can think of to get this baby moving on out; racquetball, bike rides, driving on bumpy roads, brisk painful walks etc... The best are the things people suggest that they did or heard others do that worked; drinking castor oil, skipping, four wheeling and of course the number one suggestion, sex. My honest opinion is nothing but waiting REALLY works...except maybe that last one. So here is a post full of the little princess that we just can't get enough of. Today she said "My pleasure" when I asked her to do something. In the car later I asked her if she wanted a cracker and she said "no, but thanks". She is so entertaining, she tells the best stories and sings the prettiest songs. All day she keeps me smiling and laughing with all her questions and comments about life as she sees it. For example; yesterday at church she felt it appropriate to dance in the isle for the closing song. I let her, and in the back of my mind I thought "hmm if I saw another kid doing this would I think to myself 'crazy parents'." I admit it I am a crazy parent, I am crazy about this girl and it alters my logical brain functioning. So be it. Its probably just going to get worse. So brace yourselves for a smorgesborg of pictures, we've been playing hard.

New camera and storytime

2009-06-13T12:51:00.006-06:00

HOORAY!! We have been dying the last few months because our camera was pretty much USELESS. You could sneak one or two pictures out of it before it would die. It took us forever to find the "right"' camera. I finally told Dave to just get something, anything!! The internet is really nice BUT it makes my compulsive indecisiveness impossible to handle! So here are a few pics, with our 12 mega pixel giga watt camera. Dave's foot in all its glory. He sat on the bed and wiggled his foot all over taking pictures then he'd say " look at that action shot, I was moving all over" and he'd repeat this little game over and over each time thoroughly amazing himself. From the moment he got home until I fell asleep he was tinkering with his new toy.

Here is me with my 8 month, one day old friend "Belly" I take it everywhere I go and it bounces and moves and bumps and thumps all day long. I took it to Chuck-a-Rama last night and stuffed it to almost over flowing, but it was blissful. Is it taboo to LOVE Chuck a Rama? Their stuffing and cinnamon pull aparts...mmm... STOP ME!!

This is Scarlet being her unpredictable little self. We get that look a lot, and usually completely out of nowhere. Funny story not about that pic, but still funny. Dave and I were at ODDS trying to decide what to have for dinner last night. He was more interested in that camera that my grumbling tummy! We finally hopped in the car and went looking for food. I was nigh on "grumpy", but not yet to "unreasonably, unsensibly, don't say the wrong thing, grumpy" I didn't want to wait for food, but didn't want fast food.

So as we were nearing the outskirts of Springville, Dave says we could go to the buffet that he went to 12 years ago after a camping trip that he rememberd was "really good!" Sounded good enough to me. We get in and it smells like truckers and cig's. "Thats ok" I am thinking the buffet could still be good. We sit down and tell the waitress we need a sec while I go check out the buffet. And it was a GOOD thing I DID!!! It had a 2 little buffet table things. One with some nasty, dryish concocsion that, after checking the label was potatoes, watery veggies, some crumbly day old shrivelled stuffing and a few other undistiguishable dishes. The salad bar looked like a hum drum cafeteria salad bar, nothing appetizing about it. So, how to tactfully get the heck out of this place and go to Chuck a Rama! I sat back down with Dave and told him what I had seen. The waitress had brought our waters and was coming back any minute to take our orders...YIKES. I told Dave we should just wait till no one was looking and RUN for it. He said no. How about fake that I was going into labor? No. But a highly pregnant lady CAN all of a sudden feel really sick, which I would have been if I was forced to eat that food! So when the waitress came around I put on my best 'I don't feel so good' look and it was good enough that she asked if I was feeling ok. I told her "not really, but I'll be fine." She said she'd give us another second. When she dissapeared I grabbed Scarlet and headed out the door while Dave went to explain to the hostess that I was not feeling well. WE ESCAPED!! They were full of sympathy, and we didn't have to eat crunchy, shriveled stuffing! Win-win? I'd say so. The pregnancy card has got its benefits:)

This little girls is full of it, and I don't mean just boogies. She loves to pick her nose. And I have cuaght her eating her boogies (sorry if you can't handle this). Of course we explain to her that boogers are sooo yucky and full of yucky things. One time I said "Scarlet yuck why did you eat your boogie?" She replied "I like them." Thats gross, but lets be realistic who doesn't pick their nose? When we tell Scarlet not to pick her nose she says "but I have a boogie." Well when I have a boogie I pick my nose too, so how can I stop her. The problem is where the boogie ends up. We have coached her on getting tissues or asking for a tissue and then she can pick away. My favorite thing lately, which cracks me UP, is she'll say "Mommy (or Daddy) can I pick my nose?" Gotta love her!

Prepare for Take Off

2009-06-01T13:12:00.005-06:00

This is the kind of treatment Scarlet gets sometimes when Mom and Dad want to play. We like to still try and get out and do things like racquetball and volleyball, and sometimes Scarlet ends up tagging along. This is how we got her to let us play volleyball the other night. We forgot a jacket for her but some little boy left his outside, so we put it to good use. Yes, it's Lightning Mcqueen, and yes she could easily be mistaken for a boy-what's new? We put Cinderella on the Laptop, strapped on the ole headphones, and viola! Happy baby, happy family:) We've done similar things at the rec. center when we play racquetball....should I be admitting all this...anyway just thought these were some classic pics.

What's New

2009-05-26T12:56:00.000-06:00

I think I blog more often when I don't have a book that I am really into. I was a little proud of myself for something, Scarlet was a little proud of herself too. Dave and I have a list of things to find at garage sales. We stumbled upon this chair a few weeks ago, it's cozy, it rocks and it swivels...but the best part, it was 3 dollars! The one downfall, it was a nasty faded pink. "No problem" I assure my darling Dave "I'll just cover it"...inside I was thinking great another thing I say I'll do and never get around to. BUT LOOK!!! I did it. This isn't the finished product, I was in the middle of pinning when I took this pic. However, the finished product doesn't look THAT much better. I am a little challenged when it comes to details...lets leave it at that. Scarlet was working on her own project. She did a lovely job coloring her knees, and I knew she was doing it. I didn't mind because she was distracted from my pins, and she's cute, and artistic.Another happening...

We found Scarlet a "big girl" bed! This was another yard sale special. She loves sleeping in her bed. Although as you can see sleeping IN her bed has been a little tough for her. The first few weeks she would wake up crying on the floor. But for the last few nights she has stayed in. I love hearing her get out of bed and seeing her come trotting into our room in the morning (even though its usually around 6AM!!). She seems SO grown UP!! Yesterday she came in, gave me a hug and then disappeared back in her room. I hear her taking off her clothes and diaper, then her potty lid going up, then some fumbling I realized she was putting her pee pee's from her little potty into the toilet. She flushed and came running back into our room with a huge grin and the clothes she picked out for the day!!!! I love this little GIRL! I must be some kind of nerd but it is so amazing to watch my baby GROW. I love being a mom, I especially love being Scarlet's mom. I keep thinking, can I really love another little person this much!!? Word on the street is, you can, and you will, but I can't imagine it. I still have a feeling this bumping thing inside me is really an alien. 6 more weeks and we'll see...

THIS

2009-05-07T15:09:00.000-06:00

THIS is why I think Rosie needs to come into our family.
(during that final rampage she somehow pulled off 2 pillow cases and is using one for a blanket)

This little girl's mom is a PUSHOVER!! I must be. Scarlet has way too much control in our relationship. This is a prime example. It has happened a few times. Scarlet normally naps really great, for a few hours a day. Occasionally I will let her sleep in "Mommy's bed" because I think it's cute and is she usually goes to sleep, I figure it can't hurt (we'll see I guess). Today I put her down at 12:45 ish and she didn't seem ALL that sleepy but that's normal. She finished her bottle and began to sing and talk to "Rella" (Cinderella barbie) who is sleeping with her today. This is also semi-normal and she usually falls asleep. Well, I heard head shoulders knees and toes a few times, temple and other cute chatter, then she started to yell to me "Mommy where are you, time go sleep, mommy hold you..." by now it is 1:15pm. I let it go on a few more minutes until I decide she's not gonna stop. She is standing in her crib so I pick her up and tell her its time for ni-nights and she doesn't like that so I ask if she will go to sleep in mommy's bed? OF COURSE SHE WILL...but she needs me to lay by her...so I do...because she is really cute and I like to snuggle with her...but I really want her to sleep!! So I repeat over and over, no talking, no playing, no touching as she asks me countless questions like

S:"Mommy what this say(pointing at the little print on the pillow)
ME: it says Mommy's pillow (it really says like firm rest or something)
S: What this say?(some other smaller words on the pillow)
Me: it says go to sleep

Then she pokes my eyes, rubs my cheeks, pushes my hair back, she won't let me turn over she needs to see my face...we end up singing twinkle twinkle little star and she starts laughing and pulling up my eye lids...gah! So I keep threatening to take her back to her bed, and finally I pick her up and walk to her room and of course she is screaming, so I tell her one last try! I get her a little more bottle and as soon as she is done she starts tickling my face and whispering things to me. I'm really getting frustrated at myself for this mess I have created. So I tell her I am going in the other room until she falls asleep.

She sees me take the computer and so she needs to watch Caillou, and comes out to the living room, I chase her back to bed, she cries a little, sings a little, talks a little, and FINALLY silence... it's 2:15!!! Maybe when Rosie gets here there simply won't be enough of me to have these little rendezvous. I'll be able to put my foot down because I won't have much of a choice...I guess we'll see in a few months...

What a HUNK

2009-05-06T13:08:00.000-06:00

Today is Dave's 29th birthday!! We were talking about his past birthdays and we remembered when we were engaged I made him breakfast and took it over to his house at like 6:30 in the morning. I was so SCARED!! First of all I was afraid Dave would have just gotten out of the shower and run for the bathroom without a towel right as I walked in or something. Or be getting dressed...you get the idea. Well none of those things happened, he was fast asleep in bed. I made him a fantastic breakfast burrito, which I have never ever been able to replicate, I used some chicken leftovers from my parents or something. Just thinking about that morning brought back all those lovin' feelings.

I know I recently posted about my wonderful husband so I'll try to keep this one brief. I appreciate so many things about David, I am so glad he was born 29 years ago.

I am glad he still thinks I am the most beautiful girl in the world, he tells me so everyday. Either he tells me or he makes Scarlet say "mommy you're goo-jiss (gorgeous), or mommy your beautiful" So thanks to him she continues to repeat it all day.

Dave said to me the first time he said I love you was that he realized all he wanted in life now was to make me happy. And he has.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID! I love you, thanks for getting born.

Swanki Hats GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-04-28T13:56:00.000-06:00

Swanki Hats GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Our FAVORITE Graduate

2009-04-28T12:56:00.000-06:00

It's official, David is finally done with school! Hooray. Scarlet and I went and watched our favorite Daddy wear his "silly hat" as Scarlet called it, and dress. We waited and waited until it was our turn to scream and shout. Dave didn't really make a big deal out of graduating because he'd practically been done for a year. So much so that we dusted off the hand me down BLACK robe I borrowed a few years ago from my friend's husband for my graduation. Well, turns out BYU is sporting blue robes this year...oops. So Dave got to feel extra special. Not only did I drop Dave off a half hour late, but we didn't think about his tassle or anything. So, moments before the curtains opened, me and my big belly hustled down to the book store to see if I could round up a tassle. I scrounged one up, somehow found Dave, and made it to my seat seconds before show time! WHEW. Why does it feel like I always find myself in these kinds of situations? Everyone else is prepared and I am pulling things together last minute hoping it all turns out...someday I'll learn not to be so last minute...maybe. Anyway, I am really proud of Dave. I found out from his family that Dave is the first and only child so far to get a degree...AND one of just a few on his Mom's whole side of the family to graduate from college!! I feel so lucky that Dave works so hard to support our family. Since it's celebrate Dave time I'll mention one more thing about why I love him so much. After graduation we came home exhausted and stuffed. Scarlet is on a tantrum kick and was barely recovering from an hour long scream fest. I crashed in bed to just "rest my eyes." While I snoozed, Dave put Scarlet down for a nap, washed the dishes, cleaned the kitchen, AND tidied up our bedroom!!!! All on HIS special day...how did I get so lucky? I may never know. I love you babe, CONGRADULATIONS!!!
My Dad and Roo Roo (Ruthanne)

Dave's Mom, Dad and Grandma

Spring...is it really you???

2009-04-20T13:28:00.000-06:00

This off again on again, springtime to snowstorms is getting really old!! I'm soooo ready for warm weather!! We had a really fun Easter weekend. Scarlet makes holidays come alive again, like they did when I was a kid. I was afraid those days were lost forever. We did the little local community Easter egg hunt which consists of kids running around the high school football field filling their baskets with candy that the rotary club dumps all over the grass. Then we came home and...

I was having an inward battle about the Easter bunny...I thought about telling Scarlet on Easter morning that it was Jesus who brought her candy and gifts but...decided against it. I finally gave in that evening and we told Scarlet about good old hippity hop who would come hide her eggs and leave her a surprise. She loved it, and drifted off to sleep. Easter morning when we told her the the Easter bunny came, she looked terrified. I think she thought he might still be lurking around the house...we explained that he came while she was asleep and went to her other friends and then went home. That helped, and she cautiously made her way out to the living room.

Notice Belle's little pink shoes...well one of those found their way UP Scarlet's NOSE!!! She kept asking me "Where Belle's shoe go?" and after a little while she had her finger up her nose (which isn't uncommon these days) but she had a weird look on her face and she was saying "Owie." I looked up there and what do you know, a pink dot clear up her nose. LUCKILY she was able to blow it out.

A Week of Paradise

2009-03-29T10:36:00.000-06:00

We're home, and all of us are safe and sound. Hallelujah!!! Bermuda, we learned, is a one of a kind place. It was gorgeous, everything we hoped for. Their culture and everything is so unique!! For instance Bermudians don't go into the water until May 20th. We had the beaches pretty much ALLLL to ourselves. The houses are all made of concrete because of the severe winds they get, and they paint them really funny, bright pastel colors. They drive on the left and have the tiniest streets. I was afraid for my life most of the times we were walking. Everything is unrealistically expensive, its about three times the price we are used to. If it weren't for the generosity of my aunt and uncle there's NO WAY we could have gone. We got spoiled ROTTEN!! We ate delicious food and had our own personal tour guides to answer all our questions, played tennis, stayed a few nights in fancy resort, played on the breath taking beaches, saw some cool sights and RELAXED to the MAX.
Ahhh Bermuda, it's going to be hard living without you. Scarlet did exceptionally well. Every time we skyped, she seemed totally content. She seemed to get it that mom and dad were in Bermuda and would be back Tuesday. It was such a relief to know that she was happy. It was easier to leave paradise because we missed Scarlet SOOOO much(plus it was stormy and cold the day we left)!!!!

How did we ever survive without Scarlet

2009-03-25T13:59:00.000-06:00

Here is another video of our star, she is Tinkerbell. Lately when she dresses up she is Tinkerbell or a princess. Most of the time, dressed up or not, she is Mommy and I am Dustin(my younger brother)...go figure??

This is her favorite dress up at our house, not sure if the top is suppose to be worn like that but that's the way Scarlet does it.

Bermuda, Bahama come on pretty mama...

2009-03-11T21:27:00.000-06:00

In a little less than 5 days, Dave and I are going on a LAST CHANCE (as far as we know) GETAWAY to The beautiful isle of Bermuda!!!! I can't believe we are actually doing it. Life can be so interesting that way, I guess I should say MY life. One minute I am whining about how I need a new mattress because ours belonged to the dead grandmother of my step brother in law, and its really starting to get to me the way I fight all night not to rolllll into the center of the bed---but a new mattress is like a COUPLE HUNDRED bucks, so we'll go to Bermuda instead...hmmm that's sensible! I am just picturing myself soakin' up some sun on a nice warm beach, peeking over at my handsome husband to see if he is enjoying this as much as me, then I look out to the ocean, only I can't see it because of my big-with-child gut sticking out of my swimsuit. Let's hope Rosie doesn't grow much more in the next 120 hours. We'll have a gay old time (I'm bringing that word back) I am certain. BUT I am trying to cope with leaving my little Scarlet...I get teary every time she does something adorable because I don't want to miss those moments of her LIFE! I just know I am going to worrrrry my brains out!!! Worry, cry, go snorkeling, think about Scarlet, worry, see some sites hand in hand with my hunky hubby, wonder what Scarlet's doing, get choked up, cry, read a book on the beach, this is what I am guessing this vacation will be like and well, I can handle it...I HOPE!!! AHH I didn't even think about the Bermuda Triangle...what if our plane gets...and we...and...here we go again. My poor husband.

Little Ms. Smarty pants

2009-02-24T22:58:00.000-07:00

Scarlet is just a little chatterbox. We finally caught some on video, ENJOY! For those of you who need help translating she tells her address "401 Brookside." Rosie is what we think we'll call our new baby and Scarlet loves to talk about baby Rosie. She says Rosie's due date, "July 10th." The rest, I think, is pretty easy to follow. Dave and I watch this video over, and over and bust up laughing when Scarlet says she'll tell Rosie "HI." I Love this LITTLE BIG GIRL!!

Farewell Sis. Hofheins

2009-02-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

My lil' sister left to go on her mission yesterday, she's going to Des Moines, Iowa (pronounced da-moyn, not dess moynes). I was surprised at how excited I was in those last moments, I thought I would be super sad and emotional. I did shed a few tears but for the most part I just couldn't stop thinking about what an amazing missionary Cami will be and thinking of all the incredible things she will experience. I am a tad jealous, I loved my mission and I wish I could be Cami's companion. At her setting apart I was thinking, you know in this life I may never get to preach and teach with my Cami like I want to. I pictured us hitting the streets in our frumpy mission clothes, knocking doors and lovin' it. I decided there is probably no chance of that unless I somehow get to fly over there and see her. BUT, I decided in the spirit world we're going to go tracting, I just know it!

Me again

2009-02-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

Here is a list I did on facebook, 25 random things about me. I thought I would post it here too for those of you who don't facebook...enjoy.

1. I kiss my little Scarlet's cheeks so much they usually smell like my slobber. I like the smell of her feet and her breath (especially after a nap...she's two, I know it's strange).

2. One of the things Dave and I like to argue about is how he should let me pop his zits. I LOVE popping zits and he can't take the pain. I tell him his zits want to be popped so I am doing him a favor...sadly he can't see it that way. I've often thought I should have been a dermatologist.

3. I love to create things with my hands. I wish I would have majored in art. I have alot of art work and when I get around to showing people they are usually very nice and say I am really good. I've only really done some drawing and water coloring.

4. Sometimes when I am in the car I sing to my favorite songs like I am trying out for American Idol...I don't think I would really want to be in the competition, but part of me wants to try out just to see what it's like.

5. I love to play soccer. I love it more than I ever have in my life, and I wish I could be playing right now!

6. Old news to many of you who will read this, but I have had dreads, dyed my hair turquoise, had a bonified mohawk, and then shaved my head all in about two weeks time.

7. I've written around 20 original songs. Of those 20 I can probably only remember and play 13 or so. I used to think I'd make something of my guitar playing and singing but now I just play for fun when someone can talk me into it. I really want to write more songs again soon.

8. My friends and I did some really strange, and at the time we thought hilariously funny, things to keep ourselves entertained during those high school/early college years. We used to sneak into people's hot tubs, and I think we went skinny dipping in about every apartment pool in Provo.

9. I think my husband is really "HOT." Sometimes when I look at him I still get butterflies because he's so handsome.

10. On my mission I didn't shave my arm pits. I was curious how long they could grow. My junior and senior year I only shaved my legs a few times, once because someone paid me 10 bucks.

11. I have never had braces. However, I always kinda wanted them. What I really wanted was a retainer. I would talk my friends into letting me try theirs on, none of them ever fit.

12. I wrote Micheal Jackson a letter when I was in high school. I was trying to convince him to let me be one of his back up dancers, I never heard back.

13. I used to be head over heels obsessed with Dave Mathews (the band). I was sure we were meant for each other. I had a pillow case with his face on it. My friend and I would take pictures of ourselves kissing him on tv.

14. I was a cheerleader my senior year of HS. That was one of the only things my Mom didn't want me to do. Don't worry, I still didn't feel inclined to shave my legs.

15. I love to dance and have done all kinds; jazz, hip hop, ballet, African, ballroom, tap and modern, which is definitely my least favorite.

16. It's a rare thing when I cook dinner. Poor David, it's a good thing he loves PB and J.

17. I used to looooove pickles. I would eat pickle and mayonnaise sandwiches. I loved that sour taste, I remember putting SALT on my pickles.

18. I threw a ski boot at by brothers head when I was like 7, and I think he still has a scar. In my defense I do believe he was going to throw at chair at me first.

19. My friend Tabby and I used to listen to "Uptown Girl" on her sister's record player, read teen magazine and hope and dream that we'd be pretty and have big boobs when we grew up.

20. My freshman year of HS I got locked in a locker and another time thrown in the garbage by an idiot senior named Jon Welsh. Ahhh it was a great year.

21. I used to have a recurring dream where I'd push my bottom teeth against my top teeth until they'd rip out. I was always so mad at myself while I was doing it but I wouldn't stop. Bizarre!

22. I told my sister I'd pay her 20 bucks if she'd eat some dog poop we were cleaning off the lawn. She did it, but claims I never paid up. Who would do that!?

23. I popped my knee out of place playing rugby for Weber State. I had to lay on the ground forever with my knee cap hanging out on the side of my leg. Ouch.

24. Scarlet insisted on eating a doggie treat the other day, so I let her. In the mean time we all reminisced about the times we ate dog food as kids.

25. On my mission I had a crazy allergic reaction to something (maybe shrimp). It made my whole body swell. I had to crawl out to the car to go to the hospital because my feet were so swollen.

California Dreamin'

2009-02-10T17:04:00.000-07:00

We took a lovely little vacation to California to visit family, that was in NOVEMBER!!! But it was a fabulous trip and I have been meaning to post some pics from the trip. Of course Scarlet was the star of the show there. She was thoroughly entertained being loved by her cousins and Grandparents.

This was a dress my Mom wore when she was little...
Scarlet snuggled up with Grandma.

Scarlet discovered olives. This is Dylan, looking seductive ( sorry, D it's not the best pic of you).
Scarlet giving "Uncle Sock"(Scott) a kiss goodnight.
Grandpa gets one too.
Snuggling with Tanner.
And of course Bailey, they were inseperable. They played and fought like sisters.
We love you California family, we miss you and can't wait until the next time we get to play.

I'm Two

2009-01-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

Look who turned two January 24th. We decided to do a family party at my Mom's house. It was a wild and crazy party!

A pretty happy princess...

Grandma Lorna got Scarlet a whole caboodle of princess gear...

Cinderella (played by my friend Anne) helping Scarlet make a wish...
I'm pretty sure Scarlet is telling Anson "MINE!"

Jack getting a sneak attack hug from behind, he wasn't too pleased...

Scarlet had to wear those heels to church the next day...no socks and her toes were completely hanging out over the edge. I give in way to easy...

Scarlet got everything she could have ever wanted and more. Here's a clip of her surprise visitor ! Thanks everybody!!

Here are some other things that have transpired since the big two

New panties...

So I have high hopes that I can get Scarlet potty trained by the time the baby is born in July. She has her own little potty and has no problem sitting on her potty. But that's ALL she does is SIT!! So I decided to try getting her some princess panties to see if that could get her into the mood...well...Belle got peed on. I'm not worried, we're not really pushing it, I'm just keeping it on her mind.

WOW!! This is turning into a long post, SORRY!! But there is just so much good news to share...so if you've made it this far...here is a special surprise.

I got an early ultrasound to check on a cyst...and the sonographer took a peek for us...

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!

I admit I was a little surprised, I thought I was getting boy vibes. The first thing Dave says is, "I thought it was a girl." Hmmm, he'd been pretty much on board with me thinking it was a boy up until then...silly daddy.

In Love

2009-01-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with a lot of things. But right now there are two things that I need to not love so very very much. Okay there are WAY more than two, but I will focus on these right now...number one...my bed. Actually not my actual bed itself, it is old and cranky,(a new bed is on our "when we win the sweepstakes wish list") but LAYING in bed. Snoozing, reading, relaxing. I love good excuses, here is one for why I always migrate throughout the day to my bed. It's very cold outside. I can achieve total body warmth in my bed. Love number two...Snickers ice-cream bars!! WHY do they have to be so irresistibly GOOD!! Another lovely convenient excuse, I am pregnant, I wanted the first one and the baby wanted the second one...and so it goes. When that excuse runs out in about 6 mo. I'll easily come up with another. In the mean time this is how I spend most of Scarlet's nap times, here in my warm bed, devouring a cold snickers ice-cream bar.

Who's Jack-Jack?

2009-01-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

This is Jack Lawrence Throckmorton, aka Jack-jack. Those of you who know Scarlet and have had a chance to speak with her know this familiar phrase. Jack is Scarlet's cousin and the central character of her conversations. Anytime she runs out of specific things to talk about she'll throw "Jack-Jack" in there to keep the conversation alive. She sings a Jack-Jack song, "the jack-jack on the bus goes run run run" When we are reporting our day to daddy if I don't help her remember the facts... we get Jack-Jack. Scarlet loves her Jack-Jack, even though she bites, pushes, pulls his hair, steals his toys etc...thankfully Jack is very forgiving.

Sorry baby

2009-01-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

Scarlet usually goes down really easy for a nap but got up a few minutes after I put her down. So I went in being patient and loving to sing her to sleep and I rocked her and laid her down. She started crying again and it sounded like she was saying "wan e mama" I decided to let her cry, even tho my gut was telling me she wanted more baba, and got sucked into my book, 15 min later she's still crying and as I listen closer I realize she is saying "wan e baba." When I looked in she was laying there with her cheeks soaked holding out her empty baba. She handed it to me, rolled over and went to sleep. Now that i write it, it's seems so inconsequential. It was just one of those times I could have saved her some heartache, and spared her those tears that soaked her cheeks and hair. Sorry baby...I love you.

We're alive

2009-01-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

So the holidays are over and it's back to the old life starring me and Scarlet at home...waiting for daddy to get home. The holidays are packed with family, friends and fun, presents, shopping, surprises, yummy food, and games...I start to get used to that life, then when it's over I get a case of the post holiday blues. It doesn't help that the snow KEEPS PILING UP imprisoning me in this messy house. So, if you don't mind I'll go crazy with pictures and good stuff to ease my blues.

* I'm having a baby July 10th I'm just about through with the 1st trimester and so far I have felt super! (most of you knew already, for those who didn't SURPRISE!)

*We got a laptop!! It has a web cam so we can skype all our loved ones we can't hug often enough.

* Scarlet...see for yourself...

"yeah, a rella(cinderella) khuger(color) book"

I snuck up on Scarlet reading snow white in her hide out behind the rocking chair. If you listen close you can pick out a few key words. Snow white, apple, not nice(referring to the witch) and happy. Thats a pretty good summary if you ask me.