2007 Meme

2007 Meme
1- What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before? Started Blogging. Brandi called me one night and asked me how much time I had on my hands. I just laughed and asked her "why?" She told me she thought I needed to start blogging because it would be a good way for me to journal and document my pictures since I'm not scrap booking anymore. I had been thinking about starting one but I didn't know how to get it started. She walked me though the beginning steps and Wa-lah! I'm addicted.

2- Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I kept some of them. But overall I didn't do very good. I was able to lose my baby weight but not by the time I had wanted to. I had a goal to visit the temple more often. We did better, but not as good as I wanted to. I think I've become more patient with my kids, which is something I wanted to work on. I would like to have more "Date nights" with the kids though. (Brayden asked that we please not call them date nights cause that's embarrassing.) I had a goal to become more organized and on top of things and I didn't do that. So that would be another goal for this coming year. Another goal was to get the basement finished and it's almost there, but not quite. I'd like to see it finished in the next month, But we'll see. So basically most of my goals got half way finished.

3- Did anyone close to you give birth? I had lots of good friends have babies and lots more that are pregnant.

4- Did anyone close to you die? Mike's dad passed away November 9,2007.

5- What countries did you visit? We went to Switzerland in March. Mike's company sent us there for a week of pure bliss! Before we left they sent us luggage and coats in the mail so we would be prepared to go. We stayed at a 5 star hotel, Every night we came back to our room we had chocolates or some sort of present waiting for us in our room. We were able to choose different activities that we wanted to do while we were there. Mike and I went on a train ride that took us through the Alps into Milan, Italy. Once we got there we stopped and had lunch. Some friends we met on the plane trip over were with us, Brad and Ashley. And up at the top of the mountain he proposed to her. Then the next day we took a helicopter ride through the Alps mountains. It was so amazing! The pilot basically took us on a roller coaster ride, threatening to slam us into the mountain, before he would quickly take us back up again. What a thrill!

The next day we did a zip line from the highest peak in the Alps. I only signed up to do this because I figured this was Mike's trip that he won and I couldn't deny him this experience. I am so afraid of heights, but their was no talking him out of this activity. So, I toughened up and decided I would go. I wanted to pee my pants, I screamed from beginning to end! It actually ended up being a lot of fun. Afterwards they had an ice cave that you could walk through and see a bunch of different sculptures. It was really neat. Each night was filled with fun activities as well. We went dancing one night which was a lot of fun. I have never really been able to get Mike to let loose and dance. So in the beginning I was out on the dance floor dancing by myself, trying to get him to come dance with me, and of course he wouldn't. So another girl we were with asked this older man if he would dance with me cause I was desperate for a dance partner. It was so embarrassing! OK, so not too embarrassing after a minute... I just wanted to dance.

I think after that Mike was jealous:) He didn't want to lose me for the night to the old man. Everybody else in the group was dancing, including a guy that he manages on his team that's in the bishopric. Maybe he was worried about his ego, but in the end he decided to let loose and we had a blast! Here's a picture of us after a long night of dancing, in front of a Ferrari that was parked out front. Too bad it didn't take us back to our hotel, cause our feet were hurting pretty bad!

The food was incredible! We ate a ton of food. Every meal had about 5 courses. The only thing I didn't like was we were served veal a couple times. Not a fan.

The last night we were there they had a big banquet dinner for us. It was incredible. Once again, a ton of food. The CEO's of the company had a little presentation for everybody then afterwards they shut off the lights and told everybody to look out the windows. They had a light show going on just for us. It was so cool. People were skiing down the mountain with torches. And then afterwards their were fireworks. It was amazing. What a cool way to end an amazing trip.

6- What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? Organization. I feel like I am always scrambling to find something.

I would like to spend more time with my friends. I feel like I have some great friends but because we are so busy with our kids and our own lives I feel like I am missing out on some great friendships. I wish I could spend more time with them.

7- What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? August 14 was the day we found out that Bill's cancer was terminal. They told him he had at most 6 months to live.

I remember Mike came home from work and it was earlier then usual because I had a doctor's appt. to go to. When he walked in the door I walked over to him to tell him hello and to give him a big hug and he just started sobbing. I knew instantly they had heard the news from the doctor and it wasn't good. We had been waiting for so long for the test results and we had just been praying for a good outcome. When that moment came I instantly felt helpless, all I could do was hold him and let him cry. We now knew we had a limited time with this man that we all love so much... what do you do with that information? Needless to say, I canceled my doctor's appt. and Mike went over to his parents house to make sure everybody was OK. He had a long talk with his dad, mom and sister. Then we were able to spend the rest of the evening as a family. That was a tough day.

Another day I will always remember is November 9, 2007. That is the day that Bill passed away. The day before was Mike's birthday and it was a tough day for Mike because he really thought his dad was going to go that day. But his dad hung on he didn't want to ruin that day for Mike. He was always thinking of others. Neither Mike or I was able to be there with him when he passed, we missed him by about 5 minutes, but we were able to say our goodbyes the night before. The day was a really peaceful, sad day. I'm grateful I was able to be a part of the special memories that took place that day.

8- What was your biggest achievement of the year? I think I've become a better mom (hopefully.) I am slowly but surely, and with the help of others here and there, teaching myself how to sew. I made two quilts this year. I made one and donated it the Humanitarian Aid. The second one I made for Sonia out of Bill's old t-shirts.

9 - What was your biggest failure? I feel like I wasted a lot of time. I look back at the year and think, " What did I do? What did I accomplish?" And I can't think of a whole lot.

10 - Did you suffer illness or injury? Luckily no, I had a healthy year besides the usual migraines. The only injury I can think of is when Kade had to get 5 stitches in the back of the head.

11- What was the best thing you bought? New jeans, new kitchen table. My dad gave us his old stove so we bought a matching microwave and dishwasher to go with it.

12- Whose behavior merited celebration? I think I would have to say Mike. I think he has done a really good job at putting our family first before his other "stuff." In the past he has had the tendency to get side tracked really easily with "fun stuff" whether it be basketball, golfing, guys night out, or Halo. But this past year he has done an awesome job at cutting back and if he does want to do something he makes sure I'm OK with it first (and not just saying I am.) He still has his scheduled night to play Halo and Basketball (that's usually during my Primary Presidency meeting so it works out good.) I think without those nights he would go absolutely insane, so I'm willing to compromise, plus, I like to have some free nights to myself:)

13 - Where did most of your money go? Into finishing our basement. Mike also spent a fair share on golfing!!! Did I just get done saying he did good in this area? He might need to work in this area next summer

14 - What did you get really, really, really excited about? Our girls trip that we took to Mesquite. It was so much fun to get away and not worry about any obligations. We got to lay out, and shop, and just do a bunch of girl talk. I would love to make this a yearly thing. I hope next time more people are able to make it though.

Also, when I discovered the Salmon at Texas Roadhouse. That makes me really, really excited when I know we are going there to eat. It actually makes me all giddy when I'm eating it. Really, food in general makes me quite excited. I love going out to eat (preferably without children.) People make fun of me cause I'm always the last to finish my food, but I love to savor every little bite! Ooooh, I'm hungry just thinking about it and we just got back from Tepanyaki:)

(BTW they have a really yummy salmon too.)

15 - What song will always remind you of 2007? Michael Buble I wanna go home. Any and all High school musical songs

16 - Compared to this time last year, are you: much happier, richer, nicer? I know I'm happier. I struggled a little bit last year. I think as I'm getting a little older and my kids are getting older things are getting a little easier. That makes things nicer. I've learned that life doesn't get any less stressful but I think I'm learning to handle it better. Because of that hopefully I'm nicer. I want to be a better person. I guess each day you learn new things, hopefully you learn from them, hopefully they make you better. I'm definitely not any richer...darn it.

17 - What do you wish you'd done more of? Service. I tend to get wrapped up in my own little world. I know if I would serve more, I would be a better person. I try to look for opportunities to help, but honestly sometimes I just let them pass by.

More one on one time with my kids. They are growing up so fast and I don't want to miss out on any special moments.

18- What do you wish you would done less of? Housework. Even though if you would come in my house you would think I need to do more. I hate doing it, but I feel like I am constantly picking up after somebody.

19- How did you spend Christmas? We had a good Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve at Mike's mom's house. The kids re-inacted the nativity, we had dinner, and then we exchanged secret Santa gifts. We came home put the kids down and Mike and I finished wrapping presents. Brayden woke up at about 6:30 all excited and ready to go and then we let him wake up Kaylee. I thought we should let Kade sleep since he would probably go without a nap that day, But Mike didn't think it would be fair for him to miss out. So at about 7:00 Mike went in and woke him up. The kids had fun opening up all their gifts. Kaylee squealed at each gift she got. Kade wasn't to interested in anything beside the stupid Binky's he got in his stocking. And Brayden was really interested in everything that everybody got. After we opened our presents we got ready for the day and went to my mom's house at about 10:00. We opened presents with them and my brothers and then had the traditional Swedish breakfast plattar. They are like little mini crepes. It was yummy! Around 1:00 we went over to Mike's mom's house and opened presents with them. Brayden ended up getting a snowboard so after all the presents were opened he wanted to go try it out, even though he didn't have any snow clothes. He had fun with his cousins playing in the snow, it didn't last long though. Around 5:00 we went over to my Dad's to open gifts and have dinner. It was good to see everybody while we were there. It was sad not seeing my Grandma and Grandpa who are usually over there. They moved to Filmore this year so we weren't able to see them this year at Christmas.

20 - Did you fall in love in 2007? I know this answer is gonna sound cheesy so just skip it if you don't want to hear it. I feel like I am constantly falling more in love with my husband. So I would say Yes I did fall in love in 2007. He constantly has my best interest in mind, he is my rock! I definitely think I am more in love with him now then I was last year. Maybe it was the Switzerland trip:) Also everyday that I wake up I have 3 kids that are doing and saying things that melt my heart. I love those angels more than anything.

21 - What was your favorite TV program? Grey's Anatomy. For some reason this show really draws me in. I really feel like the characters are my friends. I've been a little upset lately that the writers have been on strike and the show hasn't been on, cause I miss my friends.

22 - What was the best book you read this year? The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyers. The books are SO good and so addicting! Once you start them you cannot put them down.

23 - What was your greatest musical discovery? I don't listen to a lot of music. Most of the music I listen to is either the kids songs, which is usually High School Musical. I can recite any song from High school Musical 1 or 2 by memory. Or We listen to Primary songs, or I just listen to the radio. I think the only CD I actually got this year was Josh Groben's Noel Christmas Cd. Mike and I did make a Cd for each other with different songs that we both loved. Other then that not a big music fan.

24 -What did you want and get? We started and almost finished our basement. And finally after 7 years of marriage, we got family pictures.

25 -What was your favorite film of this year? Mike would hate this question because he loves movies but I hate going to them. If I'm going to get a babysitter their are so many other things I would rather do then go and see a movie. Mike would disagree. I obviously win that debate because I really can't think of any shows that we've seen this year that were really that great.

26 - What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? On my birthday we went to Tucanos. It is the best Brazilian restaurant ever. Their food makes me happy:) I turned 26

27 - What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? More time with my kids and more time with my hubby. If I could eliminate all housework and just spend time with them I would be the happiest person alive. If Mike could stay home from work and be with us- oh how I would love that! (I know that's impossible, but I would take a day here and there.)

If somehow I could manage to get more sleep in a 24 hour period, I think my life would be more satisfying.

I would love to start scrap booking again. One day when I have more time on my hands I would love to start up again. That is something I really enjoy doing.

28 - How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? Lazy. It's usually jeans and a t-shirt. I will try and get away with a pair of pajama pants whenever I can. It's a good thing I have friends who know a lot about fashion, I can call on them whenever I need them.

29 - What kept you sane? My husband, Dr. pepper, Time to myself

31- What celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I heart McDreamy

32 - What political issue stirred you the most? Political issues don't really stir me. I can't get to involved because I get to emotional over it. I don't feel like I can ever choose sides, so it's easier to just stay out of it. One reason I don't vote. I know, I know, I should. I just can't.

33- Who did you miss? Becca

34 - Who was the best new person (people) you met? Brandi's mom via blog stocking. She is hilarious, uplifting and motivating.

This was my first full year in the primary and I feel like I got to know so many kids in the ward. I think we have so many amazing and wonderful children. I honestly think I will go through a mourning period whenever I am released. I feel it an honor to work and serve with these kids. I'm grateful I've had the opportunity to get to know so many kids.

Happy New Year

We have had a great holiday season, I'm not sure I'm ready for it to be over. It's been nice having the kids home from school and Mike home from work. Now it's back to business starting tomorrow. Here's a little overview of our New Years events. On New Years Eve we went over to Brooks and Lindsays and played games and had dinner. It's always fun getting together with them and letting the kids play. We didn't get to stay out very late because we had the kids with us but I think they made it until about 10:00. On our way home the kids fell asleep in the car, so Mike and I enjoyed the New Year by ourselves. A few of our neighbors had fireworks, other then that, that's about as exciting as our night got.

Today the Campbell's invited us to sledding with them up at Brandi's mom's house to celebrate Parker's birthday. We got the kids all bundled up and headed up there. The place is absolutely beautiful! They have acres of land with horses and a hill right on their property. The kids kept saying that when they grow up this is where they want to live. It's just in Sandy but it's up on the Mountain Side. It was an absolutely beautiful day. It was a lot of fun.

The snow was so deep Kade kept falling down
Friends Forever-Kaylee and Hallee
Brayden got a new snowboard for Christmas so this was the perfect opportunity for him to practice. He did really well!
Mike and Kaylee going down.
After they went down the hill a million times, they hooked the sleds up behind the four wheeler and pulled the kids around the arena. They had a blast. Afterwards we all went inside for an assortment of yummy food. They had potato cheesy soup (which I need to get the recipe for) chili, and rolls, donuts, hot chocolate, pumpkin cake. It was a great day. Thanks Campbells! And Happy Birthday Parker and thanks for being a great friend to Brayden!

mErRy cHriStMaS!

Here are a few pictures from Christmas day. I forgot my camera as we went from house to house so these are the pics that I got from our house. We had a great day. And as always, at the end of the day we felt overwhelmed with gratitude for all that we had received. We are spoiled.

Cookies for Santa...

Every year Kaylee insists we make our own cookies for Santa. So this year we did the cheater version, but I don't think she realized that. I bought the prepackaged cookie dough that is already rolled out in a sheet for you. The kids were able to use their cookie cutters. We threw them in the oven for 10 minutes and wha-lah! Their ya have it Santa, homemade goodness! They had fun decorating them afterwards. Kade really just had fun eating them though.

So Chritmas Eve they laid out their cookies and milk. And their friend Brock had brought them the cutest poem with some reindeer food. Since it had snowed so much I had to put on my snow boots and take the reindeer food and go out and sprinkle it on the lawn for them. They were so anxious to go to bed and await Santa. Mike and I still had a lot of wrapping to do, so it was good that they all went right to bed.

I did it...

Many of you have been following my progress on the quilt, wondering if I was going to get it done on time for Christmas. And for the record, I was able to get it all done except for the binding on the edges. I had to wait until after Christmas to post the pictures In case Sonia logged on and saw them. So here it is. This is just the top piece before we tied it.
I took all of Bill's t-shirts and turned them into a quilt for Sonia. And since I have very little sewing experience I found a website that gave me step by step instruction on how to make it.
One night a sweet lady from my ward came and help me set the quilt up on the quilting frames and tied with me for a little while as well. And yes, when it got down to crunch time, I taught Mike how to tie the quilt. I think he actually enjoyed himself. I felt bad I wasn't able to get it all finished up before Christmas but since I'm so inexperienced it took me longer then I had planned. Maybe I can recruit somebody to finish it for me. I'm glad I did it, I think she enjoyed it for the few minutes she got to see it:)

Dear Toothfairy....

After much bribery and persistence we finally talked Brayden into pulling out his tooth. It has literally been dangling in his mouth for about three weeks. He has been so nervous to pull it out (Even though this isn't his first tooth to lose.) I told him Santa wasn't coming if his tooth was still in his mouth. So yesterday he woke up and before anybody else had woken up he came running in my room yelling, "Mom, I pulled out my tooth." It was so loose it didn't even bleed. The problem was though, he set in on the counter and I didn't know it. So when I cleaned up, Mom must have thrown it away. So Brayden wrote the tooth fairy a note and put it under his pillow. He was so concerned he wasn't going to get any money cause he didn't have a tooth to leave. He was so upset. We told him the tooth fairy had X-ray tooth vision and she would be able to look for it when she came to visit him. Here is the note he left her.

He was so excited when he woke up this morning. The tooth fairy had come and left him a note in return and some money. The note said.

Brayden,
I am so proud of you for pulling out your own tooth.
I found your tooth in the garbage can last night. I
took your tooth with me and I'm going to turn it into
a special shining star.

Love the Tooth Fairy.
PS Thanks for the Note.

Bah-hum-bug! and Changing My Attitude...

The post for this should say Sunday Dec. 23. But I can't figure out how to fix it. Sorry it's driving me crazy!

"All the Whos down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot, but the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville, did not. The Grinch hated Christmas - the whole Christmas season. Oh, please don't ask why, no one quite knows the reason. It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. Or maybe his head wasn't screwed on just right. But I think that the best reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small. "

I have had a really hard time this year getting into the Christmas spirit. I usually am crazy about all the Christmas festivities, and all their is to do. But this year I haven't wanted to do anything. I keep thinking about what I need to do different for next year. What was my problem this year? And I really think I've had too much on my plate to enjoy anything. I've brought on too many projects that need to be finished before Christmas and it's now the 23rd at 10:30 and I'm still trying to wrap them up. I guess that's what Dallin H. Oaks was talking about in his Conference talk:

Recognize the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives.(Dallin H. Oaks)

The past couple of days have been good for me. My friend Brandi held a Gratitude luncheon at her home on Thursday. It was a good afternoon without kids and yummy food. She had everybody bring an item that represented something they were grateful for in 2007. It was great to hear the many different things that my friends and neighbors are appreciative of. Some of the things we sometimes take for granted everyday. It was a great time to stop and reflect.

Then today we had a great sacrament meeting program we lots of pretty songs. But in Primary is were I really was touched today (And when that happens I am REALLY grateful for it!) A class in senior primary had sharing time, and towards the end all the kids shared something that they had learned throughout the year. It was so touching to hear their thoughts and testimonies. Sundays are SO hard sometimes and hearing them bear testimony just makes it all worth it.

Then after church we went with Mikes family to the cemetery to visit his dad and take a wreath to his grave. It was nice to be their with his whole family. The kids like to go their a lot and sing Christmas carols to him and talk with him. But it was nice being there with everybody. In fact we had gone their earlier that morning and the kids sat and sang songs to him and then they each talked to him for a little while. Brayden said, "All I want for Christmas if for you to come home." And Kaylee said, "Mom, when is Jesus gonna let him come back? I don't know why he would take him away from us right before Christmas" It's so hard explaining and comforting them. But a fond memory Brayden has with his Grandpa was going to Temple square. We were able to go tonight with Brooks and Lindsay. It was a lot of fun, really cold though. Another great way to get me into the Christmas spirit. I still have a few things to do tomorrow, other then that. I think I'm ready. I truly am greatful for this Christmas season. But I am SO looking forward to the week after Christmas (Mike will be home!)

Merry Christmas!

A Day In The Life Of Kade...

I thought it would be funny to document my terror child, Kade for a day. I am always telling people how naughty he is, but here's proof. I snapped a photo of all the places he shouldn't be. The places he snuck away to when I wasn't looking. He emptied out my pots and pans and was laying down in the drawer. This one I can deal with, at least he wasn't in danger.
When Kade is either hungry or thirsty he helps himself to the dishwasher. He usually empties the dishwasher whether it's clean or dirty and throws all the dishes on the floor. The knifes can't go in the dishwasher anymore because who knows when Kade is going to get into it.
Kade LOVES the toilet. He loves throwing things in it. He loves getting the toilet brush and cleaning it. He loves splashing in it. At least when I caught him in there today he was just staring at it and getting ready to get on it.
Kade thinks he knows how to use the toilet. He goes to the bathroom in his diaper then tells me he went poop, then makes me put him on the toilet to wipe his bum. If he could just figure out you actually go to the bathroom in the toilet, my life would be a lot easier. This time apparently he just wanted to sit up there, clothes and all.
Kade loves that we have a water spout on our fridge. He is usually filling up his own cup of water. Unfortunately today he pushed the chair over to the fridge and just held down the water button. To bad you can't see the big puddle of water underneath him on the floor.

This was a new one today. I'm not sure what he wanted with the stove. I'm not thinking it's very safe though.
This is Kade's absolute favorite spot. I probably get him down from here 100 times every day. He pushes the chair over and he climbs on the counter to either get to the telephone or to get into the cupboard. I tell ya, I don't know what to do with this kid. He is hilarious. I promise I do watch him, I just cannot turn my back from him or else he is into something. Hopefully it's just a phase:)

The War is On

So awhile ago I brought up the idea to use my blog to embaress my brothers. Well I have found the perfect opportunity to do so. I'm not sure you will find the same humor I did. But my brothers are not impressed with me, they said the war is on now. The thing they don't understand is the war started along time ago when they would endlessly torment me. I've had shaving cream put on my pillow just before I would crawl into bed so when I would lay down, my face would slap down in it. When I would babysit they would crawl on the roof so I wouldn't know where they were. I've been stabbed with a pencil, choked, chased, peed on. You name it, they have done it. I just haven't ever had a way to pay them back besides by tattling and making them clean toilets when I was babysitting. The problem is it isn't a fair war...there is only one of me. They get together and plot against me. But yet they are mad about this silly little dance. They told me to "elf myself." I still think it's funny:)
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1222615351

Gender Confusion, Crazy Kids, and What Do I Do?

Mike is gonna love it that I am posting this picture. Look at this poor kid, I think he is so confused about his gender. He is wearing a dress, a cape and carrying a sword. He hangs out with Kaylee all day who wants to play Barbie's and dress-up and then Brayden gets home from school and wants to play cars, ball and swords with him. So I'm at a loss, what do I do. I don't know what to buy the poor kid for Christmas. Do I buy him a Barbie and some high heels? Or do I buy him some cars and sword. The sad thing is I think he might be more excited for a Barbie. Sorry Mike.

He has started to develop his own little personality. Some days he's the devil himself and other days he is just so sweet. I love that he is starting to talk and wanting to do things just like the big kids. He is so fun. I just went to get his pictures taken and they turned out so cute. It just reminded me that maybe he's not turning out to be the devil that I think he is. It just reminds me I need to step back and enjoy more of the "little" moments. I like this quote that was given at conference time:

Remember that it takes a lot of patience to raise a child. As precious as they are, children can be exasperating, frustrating, and sometimes even naughty. It takes a tremendous amount of patience and restraint in order to avoid doing or saying things we will later regret. Sometimes parents need to put themselves in “time-out” in order to avoid making serious mistakes. Removing yourself from the room for a minute in order to regain control is often very helpful.(Barbara Thompson)

I just thought this was a funny picture of the kids. It truly shows their personalities. They had put on our Christmas stockings for shoes and were walking around the house. Crazy Kids!
So now what to do with my little Kaylee. I need suggestions, I need feedback. She is like the Tasmanian devil when it comes to her bedroom. We can clean it spotless, organize it, cleared it out and within seconds...it's destroyed. I DO NOT know what to do. I have threatened her, Santa Claus is not coming! I have grounded her, but ya know "she is only 4 years older and 4 year old girls can't clean rooms." As a matter of fact her friend just walked into her room as I'm writing this and said "Boy Kaylee your room sure is messy." She said, "Sure is. I'll just wait my mom will probably clean it. If not maybe my Grandma will come clean it." That little brat! She knows exactly what she's doing! Santa Claus has to come to our house so I have to fix this problem I just don't know what to do. Any suggestions? Why can't parenting come with a manual?

Children are generally very accepting of their parents and the mistakes parents make. They often forgive, forget, and move on much more quickly than adults do. Don’t feel guilty. Apologize when you have made a mistake. Seek the child’s forgiveness. Change your ways and move on.(Barbara Thompson)