Shay & Co.

Popsicles!

2011-07-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

It gets nice and hot around here! Popsicles usually save the day! I love how pink and sun kissed the girls get in the summer! It just ads to this picture!

We spend quite a bit of time outside with our neighborhood of friends! And it's fun to be able to supply all the kiddos with a popsicle. I have them line up at my door shortest to tallest or youngest to oldest...it makes them think a bit. Oh, maybe next time I will have them recite an Article of Faith, scripture, or math problems! HA

Busy Busy!

2011-07-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

We had a fun and busy week with family as we prepared for Blake's baptism and Fletcher's blessing! My in-laws and parent flew in from out of state to come and meet the new boy and be here for the baptism. It was such a great week spending so much time with in-laws celebrating our Nation's Independence (you know that's the preferred way of saying 4th of July...right!). For days we ate, and ate, and ate! Then my parents came in and it continued! We just had a down right great time celebrating together as a family!

Blake with Dan dressed in all white!

Lunch in the park with everyone from the baptism. Here's a pic of my youngest sister Kale, sister in law Jamie, mom Julie, and Me....and that's my sister in laws boyfriend kindly "photo bombing" the scene...thanks ROB!!!

FOUR generations of Morris Men....

I sure am proud of Blake! And feel very blessed to have Fletcher in our family!

Baby Boy 2 Months

2011-07-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Here's my little guy napping with his daddy on the couch!!!

And She is 8....

2011-06-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

OH how the years quickly go by!

Our Blake turned 8.

We decided to have a little party inviting only 3 friends. We had a breakfast brunch filled with mini cinnamon rolls, donuts, fruit, yogurt, chocolate covered strawberries, juice, cheese, deviled eggs...am I missing anything!

After eating, I taught the girls how to make hair bows. Then we watched a movie while soaking feet before their mani-pedi. Then we played "The Candy Bar Game," opened presents and called it good!
(The Candy Bar Game comes from our good friends the Wiggins. A huge pile of candy bars, gums, and candies are in the center of the circle. With dice you each take turn rolling in hopes of a 7, 11 or doubles. Then you grab a candy from the pile. After all the candies are gone a timer is set and you continue playing only you are able to steal a candy from another person's pile! Super Fun!)

Later that night we had a few neighbors and tons of family join us at the park and ate hotdogs, chips, dips, salads, cookies, and cupcakes....pink lemon-ade!

It was such a FUN day! I'm so glad to have my Blake. She's such a big help to me. She's an awesome big sister (sometimes she's not). She loves to read. And she's looking forward to being baptized. I love having a BIG kid!

Father's Day

2011-06-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

This year Father's Day and our wedding anniversary fell on the same day! (10 years)

We woke up super late in the morning so Dad missed out on a cute breakfast in bed. But he and Fletcher looked dapper for church in their matching ties!

We love our dad!

The Boy is Here!

2011-05-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

He's here!

Thursday morning I took Layne on a walk. A LONG walk! A 3.2 mile long walk! It felt great! So for the rest of the day I felt weaker but with a really tight tummy.

At 8 ish that evening after the girls had all gone down to bed, I hopped on the exercise ball and started bouncing. I started to notice that I had some mild contractions that started at 10 minutes apart. They gradually increased and I reported to Dan via text as he was at work. At around 10:30pm I texted with a report of 6 minutes apart and some guy at Dan's work gladly took over the remainder of his closing night shift. My sister Kale came to stay for the night and we made it in to the hospital at around midnight. The contractions were tolerable but the pressure was heavy. So the midwife suggested I head in and get a look!

At 1pm only 3cm.

At 3pm only 4cm, so the midwife suggested to break my water and that normally speeds up the process.

Well, it didn't For 3 hours I rested through a few contractions.

As a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section) it is not often that a doctor or midwife will use Pitocin, or much of anything to encourage labor along. Well, there was a Doctor on that night that was willing to stick around and get my contractions coming along.

Come along they did. Within a few minutes after the pitocin started I noticed a huge intensity in contractions. This was around 6am. At 8am I had only progressed to 6cm. And it was then when I asked for that sweet sweet epidural. I've done a completely NATURAL childbirth...but man oh man I much prefer the epidural!

At 8:30am the drugs kicked in and so did the dilation! I quickly progressed to a full 10cm by 9am and pushed maybe 10 times, less that 20 minutes and at 9:25am our little man was born!

Fletcher Shillig Morris

He looked teeny tiny! But cried something fierce! He weighed 6lbs 15oz, 20inches tall. That's little for my kids, my girls have all been at least 8 1/2 lbs or more!

Dan and I got to hold him and love him for a few hours before we went to the recovery room. The nurses didn't like the way his breathing sounded and after asking them to wait and wait to take him her finally let him get some tests done. Layne was the only one that got to hold him before he was taken to the nursery with Dan. His breathing sounded "heavy" or "labored" as they put it. It was that cute kind of purring or cooing sound. In my heart I knew it was nothing, but seeing him have different tests done just ached.

After sooo much praying and crying the noise just stopped. I think that everyone must have been praying all at the same time. He was fine. And he was able to come back in to my room and stay with us.

We did have a few visitors while in the hospital. My sister Kale and cousin Rachel were the very first to meet and hold him. Then his sisters saw him for half a second. Dan's sister Tiffany, and Great Grandparents Morris came but only got to see him through a window because he was taken for testing.

The big girls got to play with their Aunts Kale and Tiffany while Mom and Dad were at the hospital. Then they played with our good friends the Bulkleys. And Dan stayed the night at home with them then brought them the next day to pick up baby brother and me and bring us all home. It was such a neat feeling having us all together in the van!

And as for his name....
Many of you know that I had thought it would be neat to stick with the pattern we have existing with out girls. Their names are one syllable, strong vowel, 5 letters, and ends in E. Well, we just couldn't come up with something just right. Thanks to everyone that contributed with awesome suggestions! Back in November while still in CA, I came up with Fletcher or Lewis. Dan immediately shot them down because he thought it silly to think of names when we didn't even know what we'd be having, boy or girl. But then, in February he came home one night from work and said, "Hey what do you think about these names: Lewis of Fletcher?"

HA!!!

Fletcher it is! We love it!
We love this tiny little guy!
He doesn't cry much...yet. He seems to be a quiet one. Serious almost.

We'll see what he turns out to be like!

Baby Shower!!!

2011-04-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

It may not come as a shock to you like it was for me, but looking at pictures from my baby shower from today I didn't know I have a DOUBLE CHIN.

How come nobody told me. Sheesh! At least I can laugh about it, right!?

Anyhow!

Today was such a FANTASTIC day! My dear sweet friend, Jamie, that I've know since age 8, we were baptized on the same day in the same font in the Canyon Country building! Well, Jamie threw me such a fun baby shower. I'm still in shock of the generosity of others. And love that so many friendships have lasted through decades!

I was born in Colorado and 4 of my childhood friends, we're talking ages 2-6, came with gifts of clothes and diapers and blankets! The last time I saw them I think I was 14 or 15?? (I'm super sad I missed getting a picture with them!)

Long time family friends and one of my childhood crushes, age 8-12 ish, his mother and sister came with darling outfits and hand-made blankets and burp clothes!

My sister and cousins helped out tons and even brought a gift! My cousin game up a trip to Santa Barbara, Ca, to stick around and make the most delicious cake balls!

My aunt and cousins came with darling home-crafted stuff!

My friend from high-school came!

Two of my college/dorm-mates came with gifts and love!

Friends from when I was newly married came with some of my more recently made friends!

Ward friends came!

Neighbor friends came!

Sisters-in-law, cousins-in-law, Great Grandparents-in-law!

My mother-in-law sent party favors designed JUST for this occasion! And designed some little onesies and burp clothes with the yummiest of colors.

Really, I felt so overwhelmingly LOVED. Amazed. I am till in awe even several hours later. I don't think I'll need to buy diapers or wipes until he's 4 months old. I'm set on clothes for probably the whole first year!

I'm really blown away and feel so lucky and blessed from today's events! I don's think I could use enough exclamation marks to share my elation!

So for those of you that came and contributed and showed your support and shared your time with me.....THANK YOU! My heart is so filled from all of your love!

LEGO Birthday Party

2011-04-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

A LEGO birthday party?When did she adopt a 7 year old boy? You may be asking yourself. Well, my fun littlest sister just turned 19. She loves LEGOs! Not like super obsessed she has a problem....but she just enjoys the constructing and relaxing and creating with LEGO's. It's awesome!

So for her 19th birthday, the girls and I threw her a surprise party. We had some help from some of my cousins who were in on it!

The guests came in and made a guess as to how many LEGOs were in the vase (231) and my Blake was the closest with a guess of 200.

Then we all headed to the FUN spread of food!

Graham crackers with mini reese's peanut butter cups to look like a 2x2 brick, red green and blue jell-o jigglers, chips and salsa, crackers with cheese trying to look like a 2x1 brick, home-made oreo cookies with bright LEGO color frosting, salad, blondies. It was good food!

Then after that little munch of food everyone decorated their LEGO man's head and we payed "Pin the head on the LEGO man"

Then we had the requested dinner of home-made chicken noodle soup and rolls!! It is frequently requested by my sibling and family members! And I enjoy making it! (sorry no pictures....yes the noodles were hand-made!)

After which we watched Kale, birthday girl, open up her presents!

Then we head outside to crack open the pinata. What birthday was your last pinata at? were you 4, 8, maybe 10!? Kind of fun to have a pinata at a 19 year old birthday party!. Yes, the pinata is in the shape of a LEGO! It was constructed from spools of ribbon and a box of muscle milk.

I love birthdays! And I'm so glad I can be close to my darling sister and get to know her all over again! She's such a dear sister and a fantastic Aunt to my girls! She's so great to have around!

I finally did it!

2011-04-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

Finally did what you might ask....

Well, I saw a really cute hair style way back in November that I fell in love with. I asked my good hair-stylist friend what to do since I was having sooooo much fun with my long hair and being able to do hot curlers. It looked great! And so I raved about this new haircut to her but she could sense that I loved my hair too much to chop it all off.

Well, today I finally did it!

I have to be honest that I didn't like it at first because the stylist straitened it and the look I've had in mind are big sexy curls. But you tell me what you think!

12 inches chopped right off!

Kind of a "Utah Mom" look...no offense to others with this cut...I know I AM now a Utah Mom....just not quite what I expected!

I came home and threw in some curlers and it makes such a difference! I like this one WAY better!

And here's a belly shot so you can see how HUGE my belly is!

Only 6 more weeks!

Sleepy time in the shower!

2011-04-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

No not me.....

Baby Layne!

She's been waking up in the morning really congested from teething, all her canine teeth at once! So I bring her in to the nice warm shower with me.

Today she fell asleep in the shower.

It was so cute I had to bang on the wall to get Dan to come a snap a photo!

I really am going to miss her being my baby!

Conference Weekend

2011-04-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

My dad is a Branch President in PA and was able to get some tickets to the Saturday afternoon conference session. Well, he gave them to my sister first, but she decided to go to St George for my sister-in-law, Jamie, twin's baby blessing. Lucky us, we got them!

We watched the morning session and readied ourselves while listening. It was kind of a stressful little bit....I was curling Reese's hair, Blake was whining about her sandals not fitting right, Layne fell down the stairs, I consoled Layne and then Reese burned her finger on the curling iron, and yes Blake was still whining about the sandals. Phew!

With all that over I made us a picnic lunch and we hurried out the door. As we were only a few exits away I opened up the packet that held the tickets to find out where we were to park. As I looked at these awesome seats printed on the tickets I noticed that

ONLY 8 YEARS OLD AND OVER

Ugh...sigh...gasp!

So, we found some great little group of people that were in need of tickets and handed them off. And they were some REALLY great seats! They seemed relieved to have found tickets and scurried off after expressing much gratitude! Hope you enjoyed the session people!

We kept the parking pass and stuck around Temple Square and the Plaza. There was a camera crew getting ready, the weather was just right and there were speakers blaring conference for all outside to enjoy! So we enjoyed being on the beautiful grounds as a family and snapped tons of pictures!

It began to sprinkle as we were loading in to the van. On our way home we swung by See's Chocolate and used my little gift certificate my sweet cousin Missy gave me and had a little sample too! After taking Dan back to his car at work, the girls and I headed home to meet up with our good friends the Danas and enjoyed dinner and playing and chatting!

So it turned out to be a pretty good day!

(Even though at dinner I tried twice to cook rice once on the stove and once an instant in the microwave and FAILED both times, and dropped 2 eggs on the floor....sheesh!)

April Fools'

2011-04-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

How many times did I hear this phrase today! It really has got to be one of the worst "invented" days ever!

"There's a spider on your head"

"You sandals are untied"

"There's an egg on your head"

"How do you like that gum" "I'm not chewing any" "Ha April Fools'"

Serisouly.

Now last year I actually had some fun with it. Blake had a field trip and I mad her a sack lunch with a sandwhich with a hole in the middle, a granola bar package with a stick of cheese inside, and pack of fruit snacks but instead pretzles. Clever right!?

This year...no energy!

I was surprised I made it down to Orem to visit my cousin at work. She however got right in to the fooling! She makes a great assortment of cake balls/bites. Well, for today she dipped COTTON BALLS in chocolate and let people coming in and out of her work office (at the reception desk) feel free to grab a bite. Yuck! I cringe at thinking of biting in to a cotton ball. She totally has the April Fooling down.

So glad this day is done!

But here you can see my girls sporting some CAAAAARRAAAAZY hair. It's how Blake's school was encouraging the kids to celebrate the day without harming or hurting anyone.

I do have to say that Reese was witty today with a little joke. When at Costco there was a lady helping to box the stuff up, Reese asked "Can we live with you?" The lady, taken aback looked at her and Reese then said....

APRIL FOOLS!!!!!!

Hope you all had a fun filled day!

Up-Cycled T-shirt dress!

2011-03-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

Round these parts we have a 2nd hand kid store called Kid 2 Kid. Same idea as Children's Orchard. Well, I took a decent sized box to my local store to get store credit or cash. well, sadly they didn't like/need a bunch of the stuff I had brought in. I thought I'd donate it to another kid in the ward until I came across this fantastic idea!

Cheri, over at I am Momma Hear Me Roar, stepped away from creating awesome-ness for boys and shared her creativity for "Up-cycling" clothing into something far better, and much cooler than it's original form. She even gives a step by step tutorial on her blog.

http://iammommahearmeroar.blogspot.com/2010/11/upcycled-t-shirt-dress.html

So I decided to take those unwanted shirts and make them in to some t-shirt dresses! I was able to make 3 within an hour! Look out DI...here I come!

Take a look!

Reese was excited to wear a "brand new dress that mom made" to school today!

So much for buying new stuff, I serisouly am going to hit up the DI for some quiality up-cycle-able pieces!

Layne Baby!

2011-03-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

Today this girl 18months old and officially in nursery! Not surprisingly the goes quite easily. She gets a little nervous on account of the 3 other kids her age with some seperation anxiety. So she tears up when the others cry. and gets her "concerned" look on her face....you know her look!

She is so animated and happy all the time. By far she has been the easiest and most fun baby, now toddler, yet! It's amazing to me that my girls start out with such little hair and it takes nearly the first 2 years of life before I can get anything resembling a pony-tail in their hair. Here's Layne rockin' the piggies! Whenever the camera comes out she says "eeeesh, " translation: cheese. She only speaks a few words: mommy, dada, reese, cheese, oosh (shoes), baby, ball, book, mine, hi and bye....to name a few! But she is by far my best signer of all the girls. She seems to pick it up quickly and uses them more than words: water, milk, food, cheese, cat, dad, ball, book, shoes, socks, cookie, cracker, baby, help, please, thank you...there may be more but I can't think of them!

This girl LOVES her sisters. She loves giving hugs and kisses to them. And is great at greeting people at the door when they come home. She is so fun to have in our family. It makes me a bit sad to think that she won'e be the baby for much longer.

Today she climbed up and snuggled with me while I had some tv shows on. She snuck her arm up around my neck to feel my skin and quickly drifted off to sleep. It was so nice to snuggle with her. And have a rest with my baby. I love this girls and know that I surly was blessed when she came to be a part of my family! I love you baby girl!!!!

Kids

2011-03-22T16:13:00.000-07:00

It's great that we live in such a family friendly neighborhood. My girls have ample grass to run in and pavement to ride and scoot around on. There's even some kids right in our little place. But here's the problem....

there's one kid I just DON'T LIKE.

Do I sound like a bad person? Their family is in our ward and I get along splendidly with the mom. It's the kid....even her little brother...that I don't like.

This one girl, we'll call her "A", will come over to invite my girls over to play outside while "A" is already playing with another friend. At first I really appreciated her outgoing attitude and willingness to include my girls. However, "A" would on purpose NOT include Blake after inviting her to come out to play.

"No this is just our worm box."
Saying to another child: "Do you want to come in my house, but just you."
"Come over and play Wii Princesses, it's a one player game so you can watch me."

Blake, upon being invited out to play, willingly turns her down. And has expressed to me that she doesn't like playing with "A" because she's not nice.

The younger brother, barely 3, has even scowled at Reese saying things like, "You're not nice." While Reese was just digging in the dirt completely by herself. Reese looked up at him totally perplexed.

Now you have to know that I NEVER let my kids play outside unsupervised. These kids are often outside all alone. No parent in sight. So it leaves me being a having to call out the kids on their behavior.

So do I? Call her "A" and her brother out on their behavior.

I was even grabbing the mail today while my big girls were running around for a minute and "A" was outside with another friend asking of my girls could come out and play. Blake decided to just do her own thing and practice running/jumping the sidewalks, and when she stopped for a moment I looked up to see the back of "A" with her hand on tilted hip, chin pointing towards Blake, hair tossing about. It looked like she was sticking her tongue out at Blake. So I called her out on it....saying "Hey, are we sticking our tongues out at our friends?" All children were stunned. Blake stood there with a mad look on her face. It ended out not being a tongue sticking out but sassy voiceless lips....same thing right!?

I'm trying to teach my girls to stand up for themselves and tell other kids how they feel when they are being bullied, left out, or not included. I can't be the one refereeing other kids' behavior. I'm only in charge of my own kids.

So, anyone else ever find themselves in the same situation? Any advice? Should I just keep letting my kids use me, their tired and pregnant mom, for not coming out to play. Or do I teach them how to say nicely, "You are really nice to me when we play, so when you decide to be nice let me know!"

Little update!

2011-03-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

i am hungry pretty much all the time and oddly enough have had the most recent craving of hot dogs....i've detested hot dogs most of my life!
i'm feeling really tired and dont sleep well. so that's not cool.
i'm pretty done feeling large and uncomfortable only 9 weeks or so left! may 20th! yay!
i'm still amazed that it's a boy!!

we're doing pretty well for the most part! the girls are loving school when they go and aren't sick. i tell ya we've had pretty much every illness in our home in the past 3 months...ENOUGH already! today reese is home with a sore throat and cough that sometimes makes her throw up! blake enjoys school. its a nice long day and i look forward to having them go to the same school! less traveling around town and a nice quiet house for me!

man, today i'm just soooo tired! i know it will go away eventually....but it just makes for a grumpy mom!

oh and fantastic news about dan! he has 3 classes to take next semester, 1 on campus and 2 online, they all transfer to berklee which leaves that one conducting class. he was able to contact the dept chair and find out that he can do independent study and test with the professor and then be done. bada bing bada boom he'll have his bachelor's degree by the end of summer!!!!! yay! it gets even better! he wants to get a degree in information systems from byu, as it turns out the masters program is one of the few that does NOT require that he have a bachelor's in information systems. sooooo we plan on him taking all the pre-recs for the masters program over the next few semesters and begin the masters program fall 2012. it's less than a year in length!!! we really hope it all goes according to plan! and then we'll see what 2013 will bring us...that is if the world hasn't ended!

thanks for checking in on us!

This is my view from the front door!

2011-03-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

Our winter!

2011-03-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

So winters around here are a bit different from what we've grown used to. Overnight it snowed and snowed and snowed! Oh it was so pretty to see all the fluffly white snow all around in the morning! We got to scoop some fresh snow and eat it, shoveling the fluffly white goodness was a breeze....it was like powder moving it. This was LAST friday. I went to a Dr's appointment in the morning and ran a few errands. When I cam home around 11:30a someone had made a 3 foot tall snowman in the yard. Well, around 3p when I was off to pick up Blake from school, the sky was clear, the streets were clear, and there wasn't ANY snow on the ground anywhere....ANYWHERE! In fact as I drove I wondered to myself if it was in fact last night that it had dumped so much snow. It was. And this is winter. Plenty of snow that falls and falls, but is likely NOT to stick for long.....but probably warm up a good 10-20 degrees throughout the day. So if you think "Ugh, I could never move to Utah with all that snow!" Think again!

Family Time!

2011-02-25T09:02:00.000-08:00

My Grandparents were in town for a family funeral and we were so lucky to get to see them for a minute and have a family dinner at Golden Corral! Some of my cousins made it along with their kids. It isn't often we get to see these grandparents as they live in Canada. Anyways, we had a GREAT time!!!

The girls had their pick of the desserts and couldn't get enough....neither could I!

My cousin Beau, he has lived with us in CA a couple of different times so the girls LOVE seeing him! He so kindly helped Blake dish up on both kids of ice cream on one cone!

My grandma, I have so many wonderful memories of my grandparents and hope my girls will be able to get to know them some too! Layne w/ Great Grandma Pitcher.
(Yes my Grandma looks young, she is. Both my grandparents are still only 78, I think!)

Second Cousins! Some people think it's odd that I'm close with MANY of my cousins, and my kids KNOW their 2nd cousins. Here's Taylor and Shasta's girls. Love good family time!

Rock Climbing Reese

2011-02-25T08:25:00.000-08:00

Yes I realize that many of my posts lately have been about Reese! I will change that! BUT...look at the fun this little girl had! My sister Kale has membership to THE QUARY a rock climbing gym. On Fridays she can bring a guest for free. Sadly I cannot go with this tiny growing baby in my body. Reese had been hesitant to go with Kale but finally she agreed to going and had a fun time! Next time Blake will get a chance!

My little girl is 5!!

2011-02-16T20:11:00.000-08:00

Color? PINK

Show? PINK PANTHER & Rugrats

Movie? Barbie and a Mermaid Tale

Ice cream? Mint like dad

Place to visit? both grandparents' houses

Mountains or Beach? Beach, but I don't like to get sand on my hands, only on my feet

Tater-tots or hot dogs? Tater tots

Best friend? Logan

Letter? R, becuase it goes in my name

Primary Song? I am Child of God

Prophet? Joseph Smith

Any thing else? You didn't ask me my favorite number

Ok what is it? 5 becuase I'm 5, so that's my favorite

(funny thing and I shared this with her..but that's wht 5 is my favorite number, becuase I remember when I turned 5 and deicided that would be my favorite number)

I sure do love this little girl! She is always thinking and asking questions....and doesn't realize that her questions stem from her dreams both day and night. She put this cute little outfit together herself, and I think she's great! Happy Birthday my sweet girl! I love you!

Cakes!

2011-02-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

Here's the Butterfly cake for Reese's birthday!

And this amazing mountain cake that I helped out with a bit! My sister Kale make this masterpiece! She and her boyfriend rock climb together and his bday happens to be Reese's, too! So we had fun with cakes! AND lots of dishes!!!!

Reese is 5!

2011-02-16T19:34:00.000-08:00

Reese's day went a little like this!

Wake up and put the darnedest cute outfit on and eat breakfast with the family,then open a present from Grandparents Morris (a Tinkerbell doll that she played with right when she got home from school!) , then off to school with a bag full of cookies to share with her preschool class(she was anxious to go as she has been sick with a really bad cough/cold that has ended up as an ear infection). She came home from school had a bite and some time to play with her new doll all alone! I was busy working on her butterfly cake that turned out great!

After picking up Blake from school we "hid" her birthday presents and played "Hot & Cold" a family tradition from since I was a little kid! Then her guests arrived! We watched "Rugrats" as we waited for a few more guests then gathered together to read a story, went to the table for some butterfly shaped cheese and crackers, made a craft. Back down stairs for a game of "Catterpiller catterpiller, butterfly" (think duck duck goose)! Opened some presents...ate some cake. Ran..no fluttered outside and then went home. It was a short hour and a half party and turned out wonderfully!

Look at this darling birthday girl!!!!! Here is an end to a great day...how did we get there? take a look!

Make craft about the life cycle of a butterfly
(did you notice the AMAZINGly decorated butterfly cake...I did that! thanks! it's a theme!)

Read the kiddos the famous story "The hungry Little Catepiller"
and take longer than usual!

Eat butterfly shaped cheeses and crackers!

I think it was a really great day! Thanks for all those that participated!

Reese gets a haircut!

2011-02-16T19:25:00.000-08:00

Reese has been wanting to get her hair cut shorter ever since Blake got her's done! So Monday (Valentine's Day) we just did it!!!! She got out of her tub and we all for it! And man it turned out DARLING!!!!

Valentine's Day Fun

2011-02-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

We had a great Valentine's Day, making anything we could in the shape of hearts!

We made mini bread pizzas, and ate some decorated cupcakes that we made the night before!

Heart shaped food tastes so much better!

The new kid in school....

2011-01-11T15:49:00.000-08:00

Blake was thrilled with the idea of being the new kid at school! Now is he 2nd grade she's go this schooling thing DOWN!!! Getting to make a load of new friends is pure bliss! So I was quite hesitant in signing her up for schools. I wanted to get some feedback from the locals. And I'm glad I did. Our first Sunday at church we were invited to play games with some members who are neighbors. How fun is that! Well, unfortunately we had plans but hope to make up for it soon! While chatting with the lady I learn that her husband teaches at a charter school where her daughter attends school....kindergarten ALL day! Now you have to know that I am "PRO" all day kindergarten. But public schools in Utah County have kindergarten last ONLY 2 1/2 hours.....seriously? That's barely enough time to take coats off, circle time, rub your fingers in some paint and wash your hands. So I'm thinking...what a waste of time and money! How can I get around this?

Enter Deb, my neighbor/lady from church. She explains that this charter school has ALL DAY kindergarten. WOOHOO!!! But fat chance I'll be able to get my Blake in half way through the school year in hopes that there's some space in a 2nd grade....wrong! She was in within hours. I checked it out, had a tour, filled out some paperwork and DONE...next day she started school! Quail Run Primary School. It's a K-8 school...and they wear "uniforms!" Well, not really but yes. Just the standard khaki, whites, navy blues, greens, and the right plaid....which we hope to find sometime!

So Blake will finish out this year and then in the fall start up in 3rd grade (that was my favorite grade, I have many memories of it...thanks Mr Trudell) then Reese will have priority as a sibling to attend as a kindergartener! Sweet!

So check out the new girl in school!

The Move!!!!

2011-01-11T15:44:00.000-08:00

Well here you have it folks. The long awaited update! After being in here for 2 weeks now I'm finally getting around to posting some pictures of our new place in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

Let me give you a little background as to why we picked this place. We began our hunt looking in the Lehi area. It's super close to the freeway, great recreation programs, wonderful schools, about a 30 min drive for Dan to make it up to Salt Lake for school, and a quick 10 minute drive for Dan's work. We had our eyes set on a place in Lehi, but we were hesitant to commit. We just didn't want to deal with having someone live over AND under us. Some of you know the troubles we had with out last place...what with having very mobile and happy children living over somewhat empty nesters that had forgotten what kinds of noises children make. Moving on, moving forward! I cam across this place in PG (Pleasant Grove for those that don't know the lingo), but put it aside because it was a little out of our price range. But then it cam up again, at a reduced rate. Instantly I knew it was just the place for us. Only sharing ONE wall of our place was so much more appealing than sharing 3 walls/floors with various neighbors. So I called them up and started the process of background checks, references and the like. I ONLY saw pictures online and never set foot in the place until we had the keys in hand ready to move all our stuff in. Some may think that's a scary approach, but we'd done it before moving from Boston to Canyon Country, and it worked out just fine.

So here's our place....still in a state of disorder and not decorated like our home should be. But I know many of you have been anticipating something from us so here's a little tour!

That's the front door there. When you walk in to your left (right in the picture) there are about 5 steps down to the kids' rooms, a bathroom, a laundry room and under the stairs storage. We bought some hooks for the wall to hang all out winter gear and a place to toss our shoes/boots.

Here is the view down the stairs. That room you see is the Big Girls' room. And there is a door to the left with a full bathroom.

Maybe you can see that there is a crib in that next room. That'll be the "babies" room. Right now just a crib but come summer time when baby BROTHER arrives Layne will be in a cute little toddler bed and share her space with her brother! That dark room is the laundry room. Full size washer and dryer and some storage space. Side note, I found that washer dryer set online for delivery/installation and purchase under $400. Love ksl.com!!!

This is our dining/kitchen area. It's pretty big and has LOTS of cupboard space. Some of them are still empty! And take a look at that table. We sold our set in CA, and I bought Dan a GPS for Christmas! Well, I had been wanting a rectangular table for a change and to save on space. And I had my eye on a set at both Walmart and Ikea that were $250 and $500 respectively (not including tax and delivery). So once again I headed to ksl.com and found this very table. It's about 3' x 5', has 4 chairs, AND a bench....so I can push it against the wall. Well wouldn't you know that a couple just in town was moving and posted this very table online for ONLY $50. It's perfect. Just what I wanted!

Then to the left of the kitchen/dining picture is a short hallway with a nice sized linen closet, a full sized bathroom, and the master bedroom. The closet in the master is really functional. And makes up for the size of the room!

We were able to make it to church the first Sunday of 2011 and meet the Bishop as well as many other people. There is even a girl that Dan hung out with from HIGH SCHOOL, her family lives right around the corner!!! We really like our place. It suits us great! And we know it'll last us for our stay here in Utah! We're not sure how long our stay will be here, or where we will head next...but we know we have been so blessed to come too the point that we are at now!

Thanks to all who have given us love and support through friendships, thoughts and prayers! We are grateful to you all!

Last Christmas in California

2011-01-09T12:31:00.000-08:00

Our first Christmas spent as a married couple was spent in Michigan, 2nd in Michigan (because Thanksgiving was spent in CA w/ my family), 3rd in CA with our 6 month old Blake...but then surprised Dan's family with a New Years visit (we found the drive from Boston to Michigan to be a breeze and did it often). Our 4th Christmas was in Michigan. 5th I was pregnant with Reese and we drove to Utah to Dan's sister new house to celebrate with his side of the family. Our 6th (this is 2006) in PA and MI. Our 7th we spent Christmas Day at our place in CA with my brother and sister-in-law. Then our 8th I think was another split one between our place in CA with my brothers and their families, my cousin Rachel, cousin Geoffery and Joni (they were to be married days after Christmas). I remember "boxing day" was on Christmas that year and we left directly after the wedding and lunch. 2009 Christmas was spent in flying to MI to meet up with Dan and go to the last show and a leg of touring with 30 seconds to Mars. We spent a few days before Christmas with his parents then borrowed their car while they spent a week in UT. We drove to PA to spend a long week with EVERYONE on my side including 3 grandkids born that year (that was a first, we're usually all all over)! But that year we spent time with both sides PA & MI drive is only about 7 hours. No biggie!

Which brings us to the Christmas of 2010. As many of you know I LOVE hosting parties and get-togethers in my home! I love the cleaning, preparations, cooking, planning, all of it! So I was more than THRILLED to get to host Christmas at my home! There would be 11 total, that's including the 4 kids. That's nothing, I've had 12 people LIVING with me for months at a time! So this would a dream! And it was! We picked up Dan's parents from LAX on the wettest night of the year. It was pouring, and reports were joking about CA dropping off into the ocean because of all the rainfall. We went straight to a hotel in Anaheim. We had planned to go to Disneyland with everyone the very next day...and wouldn't you know it, but the clouds all cleared and the sun crept out. It was a gorgeous day to spend at Disneyland with the family. We used fast passes, plans, and timed our day and we were able to ride plenty of rides, see some characters ans eat good food. It was a great day! The next day was Christmas Eve and spent rather oddly but together. Dan had been wanting to go to H&M for some jeans before we moved but our time was limited. So everyone were good sports about driving to a mall on Christmas Eve, eat some mall food, and wait for others to shop. We then drove directly to see the most amazing display of Christmas lights in the SCV. Then right home to serve up dinner that was just the tastiest dinner in some time! Ham, funeral potatoes, salad, rolls, and orange jell-o. SOOOOOO good! We opened up jammies, read from the scriptures and finally got off to bed around 10pm. Christmas morning is a blur. But we had such a nice time together opening presents. We have a tradition of having a breakfast cassarole on Christmas morning with fruit parfaits. It cooks while we unwrap gifts and is usually timed our perfectly...just like this year! Again...a hit with the food! Yum! After cleaning up and getting dressed we saw Tangled as a family and ate dinner out. Sunday was a WONDERFUL day at church. Saying goodbye was hard. I'll not dwell on that at this time (if ever). And ever so kindly all my guests helped to pack up boxes, disassemble beds and cribs, and take stuff down to the garage. I'd be lucky if they want to be my guests again! They really did amazing work...I will forever be grateful to them all!

The next morning I purchased 4 dozen donuts for the team of 15 people to unload and load up the trailer. Yes 4 dozen. I think my kids and the Barlow boys, and the Lyche boys enjoyed at least a dozen to themselves. The place was empty by 10am, in-laws were on the road, my brother with the trailer already driving to Utah. We had to tie up some lose ends and say a few goodbyes. Again, goodbyes are hard, tears were shed. We were on the road headed for our night stay in St George, Ut, by 2pm. Tuesday morning we hit the road by 10:30am headed for Pleasant Grove...where we will be calling our home!

We made it! We're here and we've settled in and loving it!

Just a few pictures of our Christmas Time festivities!
Shillig Famiyl $3 gift exhcnage

At Disneyland
Tram ride home from Disneyland w/ Grandma & Grandpa

Christmas Eve Jammies....oh the happiness!

Where's your mother?

2010-12-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

This what happens when you leave a 7-year-old to tend to a mobile 15 month old....your Christmas goodies for some friends are DEVOURED!!!

BTW...i was in bed reading a book ALL-DAY-LONG

2010-11-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

I began making a few items for Christmas gifts and such...but had so much fun and realized that I could make a little extra money, too! So I'll be selling these items at a Holday Open House, or via blog/facebook, and at my garage sale! I just need some suggestions as to realistic prices! So, please give me your input!?

Seasons Greetings: $10

Plate: $5

Home or Love: $10 each

Bows Holder: $10

Baby Sign: $7

Shh Baby Sleeping: $7

Joy: $8

Family: $12

Pumpkins $5 each

Autumn/Winter (Reversable): $22

Jingle All The Way: $22

Noel: $10

Merry Christmas: $14

Others not pictured:

Brownwith white letters "WELCOME" sign for $10

White/black "Wise Men Still Seek Him" for $12

**I don't have many duplicates but could make a few more of things that would be most popluar....which items do you think I could have multiples of? Without having to package things up and take them with me!?

ALL ITEMS MUST BE SOLD!!

Busy Busy!

2010-11-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

So now that everyone know we're moving you can understand my constant frazzled state! Sometimes I think that I look like I stuck my finger in a light socket! And, Yes, I know I take on so many projects at once. I just figure I'll push through them and then take on another load of madness. The following is a list of things that keeps me busy:

-Entertaining my kids on their days off (Nov 11th & 12th)
-Sewing scarves together for Wrapped in Rosebuds...family friend!
-Keeping the house clean
-Laundry
-Cutting out a million little pieces for the one and two new Primary songs we'll be learning for Christmastime
-Cutting up wood to make crafts for my home and crafts to sell
-Playing with my dear friend's cricut machine (sweet!)
-Packing up some boxes for the move
-Cleaning out the garage
-Sifting through things to keep and sell
-Planning a garage sale...to be held on Dec 4th
-Baking goodies to sell at said garage sale
-Finding a place to live in UT...we like this place The Mayflower
-School here and school there
-Medical insurance
-Vehicle insurance
-AND my favorite one today.....my Cousin Kurt is coming over today to help me sand down the girls' bedroom furniture and then repaint it! I really like this color....what do you think?

Oh and I'm sure this list may sound like I'm complaining....I'm not...it's just a list to keep me focused and on track so I don't spend endless hours in front of the computer playing Bejeweled or lazily lying around reading Anne of Green Gables! I'll rest soon enough! Until then busy busy!

Big News!

2010-11-10T12:30:00.000-08:00

Our family has a secret we would like to share!

........

Oh man. I was trying so hard to come up with some witty and clever poem or delivery. But when you have a PLACENTA goring in your body....words escape your....you know that thing inside your skull. Brain. OH man. I threw away a pair of Baby Layne's shoes and a pack of brand new socks, because of said PLACENTA in my body. I've been known to throw my keys in the garbage, completely forget my cell phone, miss several appointments, and other stuff I can't seem to remember. Hum!? So in other words....I'm PREGNANT!!! It's #4 if some of you have lost count. We're so super excited and I'm thrilled to finally be able to tell someone ANYONE. So this little one will be due May 20th. I'll have an ultrasound Dec 22nd to find out if it will be a boy or girl....can you guess what we're hoping for!? So we'll be having a Blake Baptism in June AND a Baby Blessing, too! So if you think you'll be in UTAH sometime around the end of June we'd love to have you celebrate with us.

Yes, I said UTAH! That's another bit of news. We're moving. Dan wants to go back to school and finish up his degree and find a new line of work. We don't imagine we'll be in Utah for forever, but a few years of school and work should do the trick!

We are sooooo excited, and sooooo sad to be leaving our amazing ward family and friends. I don't want to talk about that right now because I'll probably cry. Another post perhaps. So please, anyone know of a fantastic place to live? Or know someone going on a mission that needs a cute little family to house sit? Or know of someone that rents out their basement?? You get the idea! Any bit of information I'll take!

EEEEEEEEE!!!! That's me excited and nervous.

Growing up!

2010-11-02T23:57:00.000-07:00

Look at this HAIR....it's like the Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School! (A darling book if you have little girls!) Blake has been talking about getting her hair cut for some time. We thought we'd wait for summer time, but she really wanted to do it! Why not! It seems my girls' hair grows quick enough that she just may be ready for another cute some summer...or her hair will be nice and long and she'll prefer it that way! It's so cute how she has developed such an opinion. So I try to oblige her when she is able to express her desires and wishes! So Cousin Amy came over and worked her magic!

There's a nice layering and style that I know we'll just have oodles of fun with! Blake specifically asked if it would be the right length to still have a tiny ponytail that the ends are just short....I assured her that she could still in fact fashion a pony, or piggy tails and look just darling! My girls are becoming more aware of how they look and feel in their appearance! We've really been focusing on what is modest and not. I know they get it! They make comments a little too loudly while in public. Man I Love this girl!!

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-02T23:50:00.000-07:00

Reese decided to be a butterfly/fairie at just about the last minute, as she had been telling many people she was planning on being PippiLongstocking. We braided her hair the night before and it turned out to be really wavy for the next day at pre-school and the school's 37th annual Halloween Parade. Blake stuck to the idea of a witch for some time and we found this cute costume and had fun with the tights. We put pink sponge curlers in her hair the night before and they both looked darling!

Our ward had a "Trunk-or-Treat" party on Saturday the 30th. You'll have to know that unlike some states, CA does not find it important to keep the Sabbath Day holy, and incourages all sorts of hoolighans to run a muck! Quite like the one you see above. Our Salvation Army had a swell deal on everything...HALF OFF. So I decided to throw something together for Dan. At the party he got a bit of guesses at his costume: McGyver, Joe Dirt. trailer trash. MacGruber. We were just going with 80's TV. He sure was a good sport about it!

Here's our littlest bug!

I'm trying to be an 80's girl...and so is my dear friend Michelle! I think we look great!

We emptied the bowl in the picture with Layne. It was overflowing with candies to give out from the back of our trunk for the ward party! The girls had a blast and ended up filling the bowl right back up! UGH! so much junk! Well, we have had a tradition for the last 3 years that "The Candy Fairy" comes on Halloween night, and takes the candy that you leave out for her. And in exchange she leaves a toy. We find that we eat less junk and the girls are better behaved than they would have been with a punchbowl full of candy coursing through their tiny bodies! And I'm happy to report that even though the candy is still in the house in a very hidden location....Dan and I have hardly had a thing!

Happy Halloween.....or rather Happy Fall/November!

Taking Pictures!

2010-10-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love taking pictures! I have always imagined myself as a professional photographer capturing images that evoke feeling and emotion! Little did I know that the best captured emotion is that of FRUSTRATION!!!!!

My dear friend Michelle and I love chatting about this and that and have a common interest in photography. Although we have opposing cameras we have the same lense that just makes you say "YES!" I have these grand ideas for artistic approaches that I'd like to carry out, which sometime come out just as imagined.

Well, on Sunday the whole family was matchy/coordinating. My hair looked awesome! And I was super proud of myself for making a shirt into a skirt in about 45 minutes on Sunday morning! My dear sweet husband wore a purple tie with his black suit. In my mind's eye pictures would be fantastic!

I was wrong. One child was squirmy, one was defiant, one was hungry, one was impatient....yes that was 4 children (husbands included in this category). My good friend snapped about 50 shots. And none were quite right. Apparently I took a little nap, Reese is pulling some weird face, Layne is chewing on her hand and Blake is throwing a fit about being on the grass. But you can see how great a shot this COULD have been!

So day TWO! We make it to the pumpkin patch in the same clothes as Sunday anticipating great shots with the orange background. Again the dear sweet subjects are not on the same page. And would you know it but I made it to the pumpkin patch while my above mentioned dear sweet friend, Michelle, had planned to go. She sweetly again snapped away as my children and I struggled to get our act together! Big Sigh!

Well , it didn't stop me from taking a gazillion pictures of the kids in action. And wouldn't you know it but the less forced, less posed shots are the ones that melt you! I just wish all family photos turned out as fantastic as the one of all us in the brown at the top of the blog....oh, well!

At least we have these to make us smile and laugh!

Small things!

2010-10-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

The girls and I spent some time playing with these small legos! We had a fun time!

Small baby loves to get her self in this small space!

Disneyland!

2010-10-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

We LOVE having Disneyland passes! It is so fun during Halloween through Christmas! The decoration are amazing! Here's a few shots of us from two different trips in October! (we went once just me and the girls...no other adult to help and they were FANTASTIC)

Happyy Halloween! From Disneyland with love!

The whole state of Utah enjoys coming to Disneyland for their short breaks! So we were SOOOOOO lukcy to meet up with some of Dan's cousins....on BOTH sides of his famil! The cute little thing in the pink is Andie, she belongs to Brent and Allison. Allison is Dan's cousin on his Dad's side! We had a fun afternoon riding some rides and playing around Toon Town!

Cute Cute Aubrey! Is Dan's cousin on his Mom's side! We had a great time with Aunt Barbie, Uncle Brad, and cousins Aubrey, Connor, and Emmie

Super....MESS!!!!

2010-10-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

Reese spent the better part of 3 days wearing this costume.....sometimes she had a princess dress over it! We went to all aroud town with her as super girl....and looking like a super mess. I wish I could pull of the "oprhan child" look as well as a 4 year old!

General Conference

2010-10-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

We had a fun time watching conference with our cousins....thats all we could do was watch and NOT hear a thing! When these kiddos get together they are CA-Razy!

Look who had birthday!

2010-10-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

Pink Boots and Halloween Sock!

A phone!? Hello, thank you Grandma!

Presents Everywhere!

Birthday Baby! She's 1.....wow!

Gratitude

2010-10-07T21:08:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Aurora Clark Nielson- Utah

I do not know this woman. I will likely never meet her. But her story is one to share. I happened to come across her story through a bit of "blog hopping" and feel ever so grateful for her touching words. They hit me to the core. Today I struggled with my children and tirelessly try to teach them daily how we can be grateful. This week I have been chatting with my husband on his upcoming lesson in church on gratitude. And here is a woman who defines gratitude despite conflict and trial. We all have it, conflict and trail, but I was so touched by the story of such an amazing woman, a darling wife, a gentile mother, and a daughter of God. She truly taught me a lesson. One that I may have needed to learn. A lesson more important than my kids appreciating that I make them dinner or wash their clothes. She taught me that not only are my comforts, family, and health are things to be thankful for daily, but that my existence on this earth is truly a remarkable thing. Knowing that my Father in Heaven has fantastic things in store for me. And that my Savior truly is the way to happiness. My eyes are red. My cheeks are wet. My heart is full.

If you have forgotten or need some reminding please watch her video. She will help you remember who loves you. You will feel the love of your Savior and will be compelled to to drop to your knees and thank your Father in Heaven for the precious life you have been given.

Our Family!

2010-10-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

This is probably the best picture I have seen of my whole family. Maybe some amazing photographer will do some family pictures for us before Christmas rolls around!

The Girls

2010-09-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

Any idea how to get ALL three kids to smile at the same time!?

I had a birthday shout HOORAY!

2010-09-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

I had just about the most fabulous birthday a girl could have! Turning 30 was not a problem! Especially since I had so many people wishing me well, and celebrating with me!

Wed, September 15th, I dropped my kids off at school and upon leaving the pre-k room Michelle and her kiddos sang Happy Birthday (their version including some fart noises HA)! Then my sister Kohl and I went to Glen Ivy Spa and I enjoyed my free day in the grotto, hot tub, sauna, and dual head showers! She had a treatment to get the day before her wedding and I just enjoyed the time. Right after I went straight to lunch at Panera Bread with my good friend Genine. I feel like such an adult celebrating my birthday over lunch, she also gave me a fun book about games...all sorts of games that don't need a board and you can play while in the car! Clever and very fun games! I came home to find my mom with my 2 younger kids and their cousin Kurt. Thanks mom for watching my girls! A fantastic package came in the mail from my mother-in-law. Gift card for dinner, money, darling wrapped gum, a little something for each of the girls! She's an amazing Grandma. We lounged around waiting for Jamie and Jillian to come around before going for dinner. While waiting dear Camille came with her kids to sing me Happy Birthday and delivered some delicious lemon cupcakes and balloons! We headed to El Torrito for dinner with my little family and: Kohl and Vernon; Mom and Dad; Chase, Jame and Kurt; Jillian and Phi. So nice to celebrate with family. It was the best best best birthday I've ever had....well except when I turned 5 and the theme was come dressed as your favorite animal.....turns out I invited my whole kindergarten class and tons of them came without my mom even knowing! (Wish I could find that picture!)

Serious Question in need of feedback!

2010-09-10T23:24:00.001-07:00

I just got back from a FANTASTIC (that was for you Camille) girls night out!!! We ate out and had such a fun time laughing our heads off! It got better as the night wore on! Ladies, thanks!

Unfortunately, I had to call for a baby sitter for the night because my husband works the night shift. My meal: salad, pizza, soda, and pazookie, plus tip...only came to $13. Great! But my sitter was 3 times that. So I am somewhat kicking myself for paying her $38 for 4 hours. Now my kids are easy. My house was clean, the kids were fed, and healthy. I really needed someone to call for help should the house come crumbling down. Granted I think this girl is a perfect sitter for my kids, who by the way preferred to "play school" than watch TV, funny I know.

So here are my questions:
How many kids do you have and how much do you pay for a sitter?
Do you start the time
-when they walk in to your home?
-the time you get them from theirs?
-the time you actually leave the house?
-to the time you get back?
-or the time they finally make it to their home?
Does the rate change if they have to put them to bed and the kids are asleep most the time vs. middle of the day no naps or sleeping?
Do you pay less for a younger/less experienced sitter?

I really am thinking about this now. These sitters could really make a lot of money, or is this why our nation is in debt because the HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of dollars young girls are making as baby sitters is NOT being taxed. So why do we pay someone so much to do a job that they do less than is expected from them. (My sitter tonight did MORE, and I'm grateful!) When I leave the house and have someone "take my place" as mother I expect the children and home to be well taken care of.

Here's an additional thought:

Do you know what 2010 California minimum wage is, particularly in Los Angeles? According to California employment or labor law, the current minimum wage rate in California for almost all employees required by state law.

Effective January 1, 2008, the minimum wage in California is $8.00

per hour. There are some employees who are exempt from the minimum wage law, such as outside salespersons, individuals who are the parent, spouse, or child of the employer, and apprentices regularly indentured under the State Division of Apprenticeship Standards.

Regarding of this 2010 California minimum wage, there is an exception for learners, regardless of age, who may be paid not less than 85% of the minimum wage rounded to the nearest nickel during their first 160 hours of employment in occupations in which they have no previous similar or related experience. (http://aboutlawcases.com/2010-california-minimum-wage/

SOOOO, I could be paying $8 an hour and feel fine about it. Or I could pay $7 and say that's the taxed amount. Or pay the only 85% because these sitters are in "training" to become parents one day, paying $6.80/hr and then rip of those $0.80 for those taxing purposes. Bringing us down to a VERY reasonable $6/hr.

OOOORRRRRR do you feel the need to pay a little more because you know they'll be willing to give you a few hours free as their kind act of service when you have a church duty/calling to fulfill, a family emergency or a night to the temple!?

Lots of questions here! And I REALLY hope I get some insightful responses!

"Sign" of Motherhood

2010-09-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

Here is my "sign" of motherhood. Yes, I am a mom! This counter space is the most cluttered, out of control, messy, dirty, you name it, space in my home. It's the dumping station! I cleaned my kitchen so nice and realized that this very counter gets out of hand mostly because of ME. Yup, I admit to being the one who contributes to most of the messes, if not all the messes, that occur in the kitchen. I figured that if I can keep the counter clean then others follow. This note has been fantastic for me. Reminding me as well as the rest of my family that it's the little things like a clean counter that make MOM happy!

Room Change!

2010-08-25T00:29:00.000-07:00

So lately the girls have been bickering abotu who gets to sleep on the bottom bunk. Seriously girls, who doesn't LOVE the top bunk. Anyways, its been a real hassle getting them to bed at night becuase of it. So to fix the problem we seperated their bunks to two single beds and assigned them to the loft. Speaking of lofts....I had some lofty ideas of sanding down all their furniture and painting it a robins- egg- blue-type-of-shade, however I realized it would require much of my time, energy and money, none of which I have to go around right now. So the paint on the furniture is chipping off, however it is super sturdy and was fantasticly FREE (thanks Woodhouse Family and their neighbors).

Take a look at the project!

Their bedroom downstairs during the switch....

Their terribly chipping and peeling paint on the bed in need of repair....

Eyes tightly closed for the reveal.....

The excitment of the new set up....(note the dresser drawers are slightly hideous and will be the first for repairs)

My Pre-Schooler

2010-08-25T00:16:00.000-07:00

Here is my Reese, all ready for school! She is so happy to be going to pre-school and has easily made so many little friends. She loves to look cute and is a genius with the "hip pop" pose, she is a fabulous swimmer, knows how to write her name, knows all her letters and their sounds, can, be quick to obey, loves to push her baby sister around in a laundry basket, can make us all laugh!

I adore this girl of mine!

Side note....we are soooo very blesseed to have Reese is a state funded pre-school (that means absolutely free for us!) located on the same campus as Blake's school! Blake attended this same pre-school program and we loved it! Reese goes Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 12noon.

2nd Grader

2010-08-24T23:56:00.000-07:00

Look at this girl, would ya!

I think she is just fantastic! Blake is 7 years old, she can ride a two wheeler, read just about anything, write chapters upon chapters of her own stories, loves her sisters, is a great swimmer, and now in the 2nd grade.

Summer Road Trip 2010

2010-07-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

So, I am home! It's great to be home, in my own bed, with my family all together!

I have put off blogging because there is so much to catch up on, and so many pictures! And unfortunately some pictures seem to be missing. I can't remember what they may be of...maybe of some flowers and scenery...so if I can't remember what, then they must not be important.

We had a FANTASTIC trip! The girls all traveled really well. And considering the hours upon hours spent in the van they were quite cheery and well behaved. We only had one incident of "get out, do you want to walk" somewhere in Nebraska on our way home. And yes, I pulled the van over and had them get out. They stood there crying "I want to be with you," while i re arranged their car seats to NOT be sitting next to each other, they soon fell asleep!

Check out some of out highlites from our trip!

Here's a map of our travels! And Also a little slide show! Enjoy!

More Pictures from Summer Road Trip

2010-07-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Made some delicious and CUTE cupcakes with Grandma Morris
Played outside in the sprinklers w/ Grandma Morris. It looks overcast but it was really warm and fun!

Summer Road Trip Pictures so far!

2010-07-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

Finally made it to Alpine around midnight after taking silly pictures for 2 hours with Kale while driving so that I could stay awake!
Good friends the Bulkleys came up to Alpine for a fun hike! That's Reese, Becca, Blake, Logan, and Maggie.
Spent Independence Day with family at Cousin Larkie's home. Thats the brood of kids. Caden, Jordan, Becca, Mali Sue, Ami Lark, Reese, Ian, Blake holding Layne on the ladder.
We made it to Mt Rusmore! Reese was slightly grouchy in this picture. But it was fantastic!
We picked up some critters on our drive. Gross, huh! Oh and some other creatures that we picked up.....while in MN we noticed that Blake had lice. I know I know....its growwwwssss. But all is well. We're "clean and clear and under control!"

Summer Road Trip 2010

2010-07-03T23:20:00.000-07:00

Friday July 2nd- Wake up at 3am unable to sleep. Fiddle on the computer. Finish laundry. Pack bags. Grab bagels. On the road by 11am. Make it to St. George, Ut for AWESOME dinner, eat WAY too much. Continue drive. Arrive in Alpine, Ut at midnight!

Saturday July 3rd- Wake up around 8am. Eat. Lounge. Leave for hike w/ cousin and Bulkleys. Lounge around. Take naps. Mom, baby Layne, Kale, and cousin Rachel drive around town looking at possible apartment locations for fall semester. Just looking. Return to Alpine for festive hamburger, chips, and soda dinner. Play with some sparklers, genie smoke bombs, and other fire crackers in the street. Kids finally pass out around 10:30pm. Update blog...present time!

Looking forward:
Sunday July 4th- Ready kids for church to look super cute in 4th of july clothes and hair bows. Church 11-2. Family BBQ in Orem. Visit, play, chat. Hope to meet up with Jill and Marin. Stay one more night in Ut, possibly in Layton.

Monday July 5th- Leave for Denver 8 hour drive. Hope the DVD player works better for us on this leg of the trip! Arrive in Denver before 8pm, hopefully! Stay the night at family friends'.

Tuesday July 6th- leave for Mt Rushmore! Only a 6 hour drive. Stay the night at a camp ground. Note to self: need one more sleeping bag!

Wednesday July 7th- Leave for Chicago area, stay at friends' house outside of the city. Hope to arrive before 8pm. (12 hour drive)

Thursday July 8th- Visit Chicago. See some sights. Take some pictures. Leave around 4ish for Grandparents in Michigan, and stay the night. (4 hour drive)

Friday July 9th- Relax. Visit. Relax. Stay another night. Note to self: Don't forget to call mom and Jill Z and with a happy b-day. Stay the night.

Saturday July 10th- Leave sometime for PA. Only 7 hour drive. Maybe visit Kirtland, OH! Arrive in PA, stay the night!

Sunday July 11th- Church. Sunday comas. Eat. Visit.

Monday July 12th- Play, Play PLay!

Tuesday July 13th- Leave early for Palmyra Temple. Then play outside games and eat with huge family get together. See Hill Cumorah Pageant. Arrive back around 2am.

Wednesday July 14th- No plans thus far.....stay put and PLay and relax for about a week! Probably will be speaking in church on Sunday in my parents' branch. No idea when we plan to return, and what path we will take!

LET me know if you have a spare room for us to stay in! We may just be in your town!

Wait for pictures!

A Letter to an Old Friend....

2010-06-07T22:15:00.000-07:00

Dear BarKeeper's Friend,

It has been so long and I have missed the times we have spent together polishing my kitchen sink. I had a super messy stove-top that needed serious attention. After spending nearly 20 minutes scrubbing and scrubbing that first burner I thought my night would escape me and I would be cleaning for hours just on my stove top. I am so sorry I doubted your ability. I admit I was nervous at first, no one wants scratches all over their stove-top. Well, I put you to work by making a bit of a paste and using a non-scratching scrub pad and wouldn't you know it....but with very little effort the mess came off. Just like that I cut my stove top cleaning time in half! Thank you so VERY much BarKeeper's Friend. I will tell all my friend far and wide that we have an amazing relationship of trust and happiness.

Love Shay

2010-06-06T17:39:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a lot of baking and selling my stuff. My awesome mother-in-law made the cute labels.

So the selling has been done with the girls. They have been my excuse to have a bake stand selling my stuff. I've made banana bread, caramels, tri-level browies, blonde brownies, mint brownies, 5-layer brownies, banana cake with caramel frosting.

Tri-level brownies

Caramels

Cute kids on the corner making some money for mom to buy a bigger vehicle and go on summer adventures!

Feet

2010-06-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

My Reese has a sensory thing....with her FEET. My sister-in-law, Jamie, helped me to notice that her touching me, her sisters, stepping on books, wanting her feet to hold her fork...you get the idea. Well, here is evidence of her exploring her world with her feet:

Yes that's a tray of my delicious caramels, and YES that is her foot print in it.

Sheesh!

2010-06-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

Here's what we've been up to:

Playing some hide and seek

Getting breakfast in bed for Mother's Day

Blake as Rapunzle in a school project

My darling cousin, Jessica's, wedding in AZ

10 things....

2010-04-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

amazing friend that are willing to do anything for me.....even pick up kids ALL week long! (thanks michelle)
pool days with my family
a job (mine & Dan's)
naps
temples
baking and cooking
my sisters
good examples
cute bows in my girls' hair that match their outfit
having my husband home

Diapers

2010-04-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

I just got a good deal on some diapers, and thought I would pass it along. If you go to diapers.com, and are a new customer, you can get $10 off your order (by using the referral promo code: SHAY4667), plus a $15 rebate, and free shipping, if you spend $49 or more.

So, here's what you do:

1. Go to diapers.com, and pick out any combination of diapers that add up to $49.
2. When you check out, use referral promo code : SHAY4667. You should get free shipping on your order of $49 or more ($49 before you take the $10 discount off at checkout). They should arrive within a couple of business days. Another bonus: they didn't charge me sales tax (and don't for most states), so that saved me a few more dollars over the grocery store.
3. Go to http://www.diapers.com/helpcenter/parenting.htm
and follow instructions to get your $14.97 rebate. (Basically, you are opting out of getting a free year subscription to Parenting magazine and they just give you the money they would have spent on your subscription instead. If you don't do this step, you'll end up getting the magazine.)

*There's another code on their website that says you can get $5 off your order for being a new customer. You cannot stack this with your referral code, so it's better to use the referral code to get $10 off.

Once you join, you can get your own referral code and pass that along to other people you know who may find this helpful. Or you can just forward mine if you decide not to do it.

Hope this is helpful. Send this to anyone you know who needs a great deal on diapers!

AND diapers.com even accepts manufacturer's coupons. You send them in and they'll tack it on to your account THUS saving you even more!!!

After Midnight Project!

2010-04-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

Check out this amazing band! I know the guy on the left. Isn't he HOT!

Spring Break Madness!

2010-04-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

What a week! I will try to sum it up...we did a LOT! And saw a TON of people!

April 1st- left for St George and stayed the night @ Aunt Karen
April 2nd- Stayed in St George, relaxed ate yummy cookies, and delish burgers
April 3rd- ate breakfast in St George, watched 1st session of Conference the drove north. I listened to 2nd session of Conference while girls slept! Went to Marin's in Provo (long time friend of mine since age 11) Went to Caroline's for fun junk food! And got to see Kaylene, Larkie (private), Rachel, Elliana, Miriam....all my cousins! And met Marlese and her kiddos!
Stayed @ Larkie's for the night
April 4th- Easter bunny delivered some candies and we had multiple egg hunts! Drove to Means' in Alpine and had a 2nd Easter dinner....with THE best orange rolls! Stayed the night @ Means
April 5th- saw "How to Train Your Dragon" w/ Means! (that makes twice for us!)
April 6th- drove down the street to our friends Bulkley's in Lehi, ate at Mc D's and lounged
April 7th- Headed in to Salt Lake to meet w/ Jamie, Jana, Sara & Colin, Melissa, and
Monica, good friend from the High School days! Girls and I ventured to Temple Square to see the temple, then to Natalie & Garrett's and stay the night
April 8th- checked out Treehouse Museum, went to visit Great Grandparents, ate @ Zupas went to Uncle Brad & Aunt Joette's, saw Quinn and Aubree & Jon, Tried to find a way to contact Shasta but failed.....sorry we missed you Shasta xoxo Back to Layton for the night and visit with Tiffany (Dan's youngest sister)
April 9th- Lounged around with Madison and Tiff. Left for Orem to pick up some stuff I left at Larkie's and eneded up staying the night cause parents just sat and chatted while kids played and ended up falling asleep.
April 10th- left for Cedar City to meet up with Mandy, another old high school friend
then to St George to meet up with Tracie an old college roomate, stayed the night @ Aunt Karen's again and had green chilli for dinner then a second dinner of chicken cordon bleu, always good food there!
April 11th- headed for home. stopped in Vegas to see another old high school friend John Tippets

Whew! What a trip! On the final stretch home from Vegas I was so tired and drank about a gallon of caffeine, a bag of puffy cheetos, and candy corn. Yuck! Later that night I had crazy shakes! But we did make it home!

We loved every minute of our trip! Thank you to everyone for making it such a great trip!

Spring Break 3

2010-04-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

Visiting with Great Grandparents

Uncle Brad Aunt Joette, and Aubree

My cousins Stephen and Christopher...these boys give GREAT hugs!

Long time friends.....high school days! Jill and Amy

Spring Break 2

2010-04-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

Eating lunch with Means cousins in Alpine @ Dimitri's! Missy, Becca, Savanna, Reese, Blake

Special dinner at Mc Donalds with Logan and Maggie

Dinner with Melissa, Colin and sara, Jamie, Monica, Jana and Wes and their cute boy Jay

Girls at the Salt Lake Temple...it was freezing!

Spring Break!

2010-04-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

We got to visit my cousins in St George! Girls w/ Weston

I got a fantastic massage from my cousin while in St George....thanks Verro!

The girls got to meet some 2nd cousins on my side!

L-R in back Miriam holding baby William (belongs to Kaylene), Marlese holding her boy Talon, Caroline holding her boy Malachi and her girl Aimi Lark, Me holding baby Layne. Kaylene in the back, Cousin Eliana, Larkie holding her boy Atticus, Rachel holding Jordan (on the right Larkie's girl) and Mali Sue on Left (Caroline's girl) Blake is smushed on the floor, Reese is smooshed behind Mali Sue, and Marlese's girl in the car (can't remember her name...sorry!)

Having and making memories at Peppermint Place in Alpine...I use to visit the candy shop when i was a little girl visiting my grandparents when they lived in Alpine!

2010-04-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

My baby is eating solids. it made me happy to make a special space in the drawer for her!

Easter dresses

2010-04-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

I love a new outfit! especially as the weather changes! Here's my cute family welcoming spring in our spring dresses! Thanks Grandma for the girls' outfits!

2010-03-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday, I let the day roll over me. I stayed in my pajamas and lounged around until 4pm. I hadn't even exercised for the day. And exercise was the LAST thing on my mind. It was hot out. I think it even hit 80 degrees. I literally had to drag myself out of the house...with ALL the girls with me. They were thrilled...I on the other hand was not.

However, Reese and Layne both took naps and Blake got a great work out! I jogged/walked about 2 miles, while Blake stayed ahead of me on her bike!! She did great! Hot and sweaty but great!

I needed to grab some things from the store right when we got back so we piled in the car and decided last minute to eat dinner. We grabbed a "5 dollar foot long" to share and ended up at the park. We were so excited to see our friends Nathaniel, Tanner, Lucas and Savannah there. It was a BEAUTIFUL day. The kind of weather day that you would want every day of the year. It was perfect.

After the park we headed to the store. All I really needed/wanted was some spinach. I go through about 3 lbs of spinach in about a week! As a salad, side, in our shakes, you name it we use spinach! Well, we got side tracked and decided to get some different produce items that we'd never tried. So keep watching for some fun produce posts! And please leave some suggestions on different produce items that we can try, too!

We did get a red plum to share that night and the girls really liked it! On Sunday with lunch we each had our own kiwi. Neither of those are new to us, but were in with our adventurous produce purchase on Saturday!

Life is Good!

2010-03-13T22:48:00.000-08:00

We have been spending time together as a family the past few days. Enjoying time with having Dan still in town! Even if we are just in the car together...we're still together! Friday we got Blake out of school early and went on a little hike. It really was little. But is was fun! And beautiful weather. Then we ventured out to the mall so Dan could have a few items for his upcoming tour. While he tried on some jeans the girls got dressed in some fun little outfits, too. Just want to let you know that they have NO CLUE how to pose their bodies. UGh! Nevertheless, I got some cute pictures. The girls enjoyed a soft pretzel with Dad, running around the mall, and then a fun McD dinner!

Today I went on a hike with my friend, with NO KIDS!!! We had a great time chatting and enjoying the beautiful out doors! I miss my former self: rock climbing, hiking, camping, surfing, kayaking, to name a few.

The rest of the day has been spent taking pictures of the girls indoors, watching one Barbie movie after the other. We'll be heading out to the grocery store here soon enough.

Life is good. We are all happy and well. Hope you are well, too!

By the way, for those of you that may be interested...I have lost 11lbs in the last month!!! Yes, I have been trying and it is paying off! I have been eating very clean and cutting out sweets and junk. Also I exercise 6 days a week for at least an hour. I weigh in on Monday mornings. So ask me Monday afternoon how I am!!!

Look who turned 4...

2010-02-18T09:12:00.000-08:00

REESE!

She can write out her name all by herself, sing the ABC's, hop on one foot (as asked by the Dr.), use scissors, addicted to TV, use the sewing machine (with some help of course!), and make messes beyond belief.

She had her 4 year old check up and she is about 40lbs, 40 inches, got 2 shots, AND blood drawn. Just a bit of yelping, but she got through it!

The Birthday Grump

We had a birthday party on Tuesday, her actual birthday. We had a blast! She had all her little friends come to the park and play, look for monkeys (the theme), eat her favorite lunch of: circle sandwich, apple juice, and orange cheese. While the adults munched on some Costco Chinese chicken salad and rolls. The cake was a monkey, and I have to say that I am impressed with myself!

We had a great day celebrating and she got so many cute little gifts! Thank you all who love my little girl!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-15T08:59:00.000-08:00

I made the girls matching skirts. They looked pretty cute! It's fun having all girls. It's easy to dress them alike and they seem to enjoy it, for now! They wore their cute skirts to church then changed into another matching outfit when we got home!

My sweet cousin that moved from here to UT was in town for the day. That was a treat!

No gifts were exchanged between the spousal until and myself. I'm fine with that. Having him home for such a long time is a great gift! We did give the girls a few little gifts. A book, a stuffed bear, and some little jewelry. They look cute with dangly earrings. Poor Reese's skin is easily irritated. So no necklace for her.

It's SOOOOOOO nice to have the computer back.

Sadness

2010-02-13T05:18:00.000-08:00

Hey friends, family, strangers!

Well, thankfully we're back online.

Unfortunately, our hard drive was completely destroyed. Thus leaving me short about 5000 photos. Yes you read correctly! I take photos like crazy.

So please, oh please....if you think you have some photos of my cute little family please let me know! My latest pregnancy and early days of my baby Layne and all of 2009. Take a look in your collection and see what you might have!

I'll be your bestest friend!

Whoever can send me the MOST pictures of my family I would love to offer you my services and give you a photo shoot for ANYTHING you'd like....family, baby, grad, dog, house, back yard, etc.

How I Loathe Thee....

2010-02-01T16:58:00.000-08:00

Let me just start by saying.....UGH!

We've never had computer problems....except for our laptop being stolen from our home while I was bathing my kids (that's a whole different post)....we've never had problems. I attribute that to having an iMAC.

I'm a MAC.....

We love it! But while watching a movie the other night the power went out thus making the computer unable to log-in to our settings. So frustrating.

I LOATHE computer problems.

So if you are wondering where I am, I'm at home, without a computer, that's where you can find me!

Update!

2010-01-15T10:20:00.000-08:00

Our little family!
Cousins!
Reese Bundled up and ready to play in the snow!
Cute sisters.
Blake lost her tooth and chose too keep it instead of sending it with the tooth fairy.

I don't believe that I have been truly too busy to post, or just plain LAZY!!

Either way, I have been enjoying the fact that I am not on the computer nearly as much as I have been in the past. I attribute it to being out of town for 3 whole weeks, most of the time in rural Pennsylvania with no cell service and no need to leave the house.

So a bit of an update of the holidays.

The girls and I flew (they all did fantastic and were a joy to be with) to Detroit to see Dan's parents and eventually meet up with him following his last show on the tour. It was great to be together again as a family. It had only been about 3 or 4 weeks since the last time, but we look forward to it eat time.

After staying in Detroit for 5 days we drove to my parents' house in PA. It's only a 7 hour drive or so to the middle of nowhere, a place where there is no cell service, a place where the backyards have no fences or boundaries, a place where your neighbors are family. Very much a picture from a postcard.

We spent the next 10 days with my family. All of my siblings were their with their families. Three grand-babies were born in 2009, our family is growing. Such a wonderful feeling. Like I said we didn't have much need to even leave the house. Except for playing in the snow and going to church, the girls and Dan stayed put. I ventured out one day with my sister and sister-in-law to get some groceries and pizza, another day with the "moms" to some craft stores. It was super nice to be away from the busy-ness of life!

We returned to Dan's parents in time to set up our own New Years Eve party and meet up with Dan's parents. It's always a treat to be with family. They took us out to see Princess and the Frog, we got a sitter while the adults went to see Avatar, and then Dan and I met up with some friends while the grandparents watched the girls and we saw The Blind Side.

Sadly we had to leave. Vacationing is so nice! We left Detroit early in the morning in a brisk 22 degrees, to arrive home in CA later that day with clear blue skies and a warm 77 degrees! Amazing.

So we are home. Trying to get back in to the "Groove" of life and schedules. I am struggling with keeping a tidy home. Blankets are thrown about, beds rarely made, laundry piling up in the hallway, and I haven't vacuumed once.

I have however been out to walk the loop, just over 3 miles, jog here and there, and Young Women activities. I did jog a 5 1/2 mile loop just yesterday and feel it today.

I have also lost 4 pounds in the last week of being home. Very exciting. So here I go putting it out to the blogging world....I am making every effort to lose weight. I am pushing hard and doing my best to lose 60 pounds. Yup! Down 4....

Last night I even decided to have the sugar free/fat free ice cream with Raspberries instead of the fudge brownie batter ice cream with oreos. My little dish was so delicious to be and only 150 calories. Yay!

Happy New Year all!

Heard from Reese:

2009-12-29T07:02:00.000-08:00

We're still visiting my parents in PA. It's beautifully cold outside with snow covering the ground, which keeps us indoors most days, all day long. Luckily my mom bought a play kitchen top keep the girls busy in. I was in another room and the girls were in the play kitchen when Reese started to sing.

"Jesus had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb. Jesus had a little lamb who's fleese was white as snow. And every where that Jesus went, Jesus went, Jesus went. Everywhere that Jesus went the lamb was sure to go."

We couldn't help but laugh at her cuteness!

IS it beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2009-12-12T21:00:00.000-08:00

My home is decorated with a tree, garland running up my stairs, lights twinkling and singing that something special is about to happen. I'm madly cleaning and washing all our clothes and bed sheets in anticipation of our big trip to visit family and be able to return to a clean home. It's beginning to look and feel like Christmas. Or is it?

It doesn't seem like my children notice. Lately they have been constantly fighting, hitting, screaming, and yelling at each other. They have been talking back and being sassy. They are unable and unwilling to clean their room when asked...and bribed. Just tonight I continually asked them to clean their room. And gently reminded them each time I passed their door while I was doing laundry. And with each passing I noticed the mess grew and grew. More toys covered the floor, bed, and dresser. However, I did not scold them for the mess because it stayed within their room and they were playing together without bothering me much.

It became apparent to me that they believed they were in charge of the situation. The rule goes that if Mom has to pick it up then it goes in the "garbage." Which is really the garage. So when I reminded them that I can clean the room up super quick and throw their toys away, they passively said "It's too much." Then they lounged on their bed. They were done. They had no intention of cleaning. It seemed as if they were waiting for me to clean it all up.

So I did.

I shoved everything in to their bins. Scooped things off the floor and actually tossed them in the garbage. I gathered up ALL their toys, dolls, bears, games, and writing utensils. Not just the things on the floor, but EVERYTHING. They cried forced tears and didn't seem to care much. Blake even said to Reese, "Don't worry, if we're good then we'll get our toys back."

It hit me that when they whined about it being "too much" to clean, I realized that they have "too much" toys. All their toys were sitting next to the door waiting to leave the house. My garland's lights were twinkling behind them. Wrapping paper and gifts sat on the couch. It looked like we were moving, not celebrating Christmas or anticipating the arrival of Santa Clause. It feels like they are on the naughty list for sure. They don't appreciate or take care of their toys so why get any more.

I hid their toys in my closet for tonight. I don't want them waking up to see their toys still in the living room. It's pouring rain outside, and I just don't have the energy to make 5 trips down the stairs to the garage. And I'd like to hide them somewhere in the garage where they can't ever see them so they take me seriously.

I even purged their clothes. Putting their summer clothes to the side and getting rid of things they don't wear! Their room is very clean and their only entertainment are the books on the shelves.

So. Do I eventually give them back their toys or not? It'd be a shame to not have toys to play with as a child. Do I reward them with their own toys when they show me responsible and caring attitudes? Or do I just get them to the garage and we don't see them again? I need some suggestions and lots of advice. How do I get my kids to appreciate their things? Oh and another big question: Are they old enough to understand that if Santa doesn't come it's because they didn't clean their room? Do they even get that? Or will they go through life feeling entitled to anything they want.

Two S's

2009-12-04T23:56:00.001-08:00

Reese had been asked so many times today to pick up the pillows from off he ground and put them on the couch. There are 4 pillows. Not a difficult task. However, there were many tears. With a red face and tears streaming down her rosey cheeks, I noticed she wasn't looking at ME but instead my shirt. She was focusing on it so hard. And while choking back the tears she was able to spit out what she was thinking: "There's....two...S's .....on your....shirt." There was indeed 2 S's on my shirt!

Silly little girl. Things like that make me want to scoop her up and rock her.

Dear Santa

2009-12-03T11:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

I have been a good wife and mother this year. I know I shouldn't feel entitled to any sort of gift (like my children are behaving) and I don't, I just enjoy wishing for completely unattainable presents; however, there is something that would be wonderful to see under the tree or tucked sweetly in my stocking. I would like to mention just briefly the struggle I face daily when buckling my children in the car. Yes, I have 3 car seats squished in the back seat, which leaves no room for carpool/play dates/ friends to join us. My hand suffers minor scrapes and bruising from searching for the buckle. I realize that many people suffer this same problem when having their third child. I can now relate. But I just wanted to let you know that I have my eye on that new CHEVY TRAVERSE, if you were wondering what kind of vehicle I might like. You know, just if you were wondering!

Thanks! And good luck on your long journey delivering random presents to millions of children that don't deserve them because they continue to disobey their parents and like I said feel entitled to extravagant gifts just because the media says so.

PS. Grey or Silver would be nice!

Thanksgiving outing

2009-11-29T21:57:00.000-08:00

Uncle Chase took us horse back riding!

Reese found the dirt/poop/pee of the arena enjoyable, yuck!

Sweet sisters!

Roping, and got it on the first try! Cowgirl Blake!

We had Dan with us for 12 hours before dropping him at the Ontario, CA, airport on the way to St George for Thanksgiving. We got to stay at my Aunt Karen's house and hang with Weston and Veronica. Uncle Chase took us horse back riding and the girls loved it! Blake tried some roping and got it on the first try. She even learned how to "steer" a horse. I picked Dan up on Thanksgiving day and brought him back to the family. Unfortunately we returned him to the airport the following day. We went to St George to be a part of my brother's, Chase, baby's blessing.

The trip could have been longer but Dan had a show in Las Vegas so we dropped him off and visited an old college room-mate, Leslie. She has 2 boys that my girls had a great time playing with.

After that I was forced to stop off at a store and get a pacifier. Layne was NOT thrilled with being back in the car seat. And I needed something to help keep me awake. The soda and junk food I consumed amounted to far more calories than I would like to imagine.

Anyhow, we're back and looking forward to heading out of town in 2 weeks!

Two Months!

2009-11-29T21:43:00.000-08:00

Layne is 2 months old! She has been smiling since the day she was born! We LOVE her so much!

the cupcake tree

2009-11-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

Hey friends and family!

My friend Genine is living out a dream! She is opening up a cupcake shop here in Canyon Country! How exciting right!

If you are a local....or happen to find yourself in the neighborhood....you MUST check it out!

There will be a GRAND OPENING event on this week!

The shop is located in the Canyon Country theatre shopping center.

the cupcake tree
A bakery specializing in fantastic cupcakes! Combines the joyful cupcakes from our childhood with the sophisticated flavors we've grown to love in adulthood!
GRAND OPENING
Thursday November 19th @ 6pm
18836 Soledad Canyon Rd.
Santa Clarita, CA
next to the Canyon Country movie theatre

Hair cuts

2009-11-12T20:51:00.000-08:00

I love getting my hair cut! It's so nice to have that healthy feeling and it's nice to have someone massage my scalp.

Well, tonight Kelsey Summerhays came over and not only gave me a trim I had been long over-due for, but also Kohl AND Reese AND Blake! Reese badly needed a trim. She looks homeless or mother-less most days. I hope this hair trim will help her out a bit. As for Blake she knew just what she wanted! We talked about cutting her hair at the beginning of the summer, then again at the end of the summer. So here we are months later finally getting her hair cut. each time we talked about cutting it we'd bring up the idea of donating. I guess I put it off for so long because I've been quite hesitant to cut her beautiful hair off. She looks so darling when it's curled, and the curl will hold for days.

Well....we did it! Cut off nearly 10 inches! It's to her shoulders just how she wanted it! She really wanted strait bangs across her forehead, but that's where I drew the line! She loves her hair. And it will just keep growing and we'll keep cutting it! I really hope this shorter length will be easier to wash, brush and manage. She's always hated having her hair washed and brushed, ugh!

Here' the girls!

AND Blake!

Baby Layne

2009-11-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

Just some pictures I took of her today!

Halloween!

2009-10-31T14:14:00.000-07:00

I deiced to clump all things related to Halloween in one post!

Wednesday Reese's preschool had a celebration. I don't know where she came up with is but Reese wanted to be a fall tree. She was the cutest fall tree I have ever seen!

Thursday we went to Lombardi Ranch. It was freezing cold!

Friday Blake's school had a celebration. Blake is dressed as Fancy Nancy and Reese opted to be a witch for the day!

Saturday was the ward party and trick or treating!

My good friend Camille had her baby just 10 days after Layne and the girls were both peas in a pod! Cuties!

Rock Out!!!

2009-10-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

Reese is pulling on Blake's arm saying "lets go Rock OUt!"

Friday I took the girls to go see their dad at work! The band was playing at The House of Blues-Anaheim, in Downtown Disney. I got Blake out of school a few hours early. Good thing, too, the traffic was ugly! We made it there at about 3pm, giving us some time with Dan before his sound check. While he had sound check , the girls and I ventured off to the Build-A-Bear workshop. They each got a new outfit for one of their bears. It took us a good hour to decide. Girls! We walked around a bit before meeting up with Dan again and ate dinner. Then, we followed Dan inside the venue and got wrist bands and VIP stickers. We got the girls excited and situated for the show! Earplugs and headphones to prolong their hearing, as if they use it now!?

The show was GREAT!!! The girls loved seeing their dad go crazy on the drums. They danced a bit. But when baby Layne fussed for having the headphones on and the girls tried taking out their earplugs....it turned a little dramatic. Shoulders shrugged, tears fell, and feet began to stomp. They wanted so badly to watch the show but the ear plugs kept falling out. I could have used a second pair of hands. We were able to watch a TV monitor and hear the music!

I sure was happy to have my girls see what it is their dad loves to do! I hope we'll have MANY more chances to take them to shows!!!

Has is been a month?

2009-10-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

Phew!

Almost a month has gone by since the last post! Trying to keep my feet under me! I'm back to being a single mom, but this time with 3 little girls! Blake and Reese both play so well together making it so much easier for me to take care of baby Layne and tend to household chores.

When baby Layne was only 10 days old or so we made a trip to St George, UT, for my cousin's wedding. Since so many family members were there we decided it would be a perfect time to bless the baby, too! It was such a wonderful weekend. My parents and grandparents along with Dan's parents and grandparents were there. Not to mention a slew of Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and friends! We were fretting the night before the blessing about having food and munchies available for the guests. My AMAZING aunt, the one that just put on a wedding and reception, brought all the leftovers from the reception and we had an amazing spread! Her home made chili, bread, salad, wedding cake, pumpkin pie, and cheese cake. YUM!!!

Dan was able to be home for a good 3 1/2 weeks. That's a long stay home for us! What a blessing to have had him here for so long. Unfortunately, we won't get time like that with him until December! Ouch! And so much changes with a baby in that time!

So I'll be making some play-dates and events to look forward to for the upcoming weeks so we can have fun and count down to see our dad!

Here's a bunch of pictures for all to enjoy!

Family of 5!!

2009-09-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

The night before!

All hooked up

Updating everyone!

Wow! We're a family of 5. How awesome! And we're all home and doing splendidly. Here's the story!

I did it. I took the wretched concoction of castor oil mixed with orange juice. I took the dose Monday night at 10pm. Watched some TV in bed and waited. I had anticipated for the stuff to work right away. I was wrong. I awoke at 12:30am to use the bathroom and crawled back in bed wondering when the stuff would kick in. As I was drifting off to sleep...it kicked in! I started cramping from the castor oil 5 minutes before 1am. Oh it was not fun trying to lurch my large pregnant body out of bed to race to the toilet. All the while I was wondering when this would all stop. And stop it did. at 5 minutes before 2am. Exactly an hour. My system was empty and I was afraid that all I was going to get out of all that was cramps and a clean digestive system. I decided to stay up and literally bounce around to keep some contractions going. There was a bit of a lull in the contractions so I curled my hair and did my make-up, yes at 2am! Around 2:30am to 3am I noticed that there was some consistency to the contractions. So I waited and timed and tried to rest. They got pretty strong around 4am so I took a nice warm bath. The contractions got closer together so I hopped out and woke Dan at 5am. It was funny how quickly he popped up out of bed and quickly got dressed. We kissed the girls goodbye and headed for the hospital.

**NOTE: We are so fortunate to have my sister, Kohl, living with us and my brother and his wife, Chase and Jamie, in town on work and visiting.

So our drive to the hospital began. And so did the traffic. Oh I was so scared when I saw all those red tail-lights. SO many of them. But we were lucky that everyone was moving smoothly and the hospital was not a long drive away. I told Dan the night before and also when getting in the car how to get to the hospital. Both times I told him the WRONG freeway exit. I was working through a contraction and opened my eyes just in time to tell him, "This is the exit....see those buildings?" I would have been so mad at myself, because the exit I told him previously was several more miles down the freeway and we would have had to back-track through heavy traffic, all the while having some VERY hard contractions.

Well, we made it to the hospital just before 6am. Started to register and admit, and I decided that YES, I wanted that epidural. Now for those of you that don't know, I was scheduled to come in that very morning at 8am for a c-section/VBAC induction. I have been wanting a VBAC the whole pregnancy and just felt that I would be fine. The nurses thought it was great that I was there a few hours early and on my own schedule! Once I was finally admitted and checked (only at 4cm at 7am), I finally got that epidural at 7:30am. It took the guy 4 sticks in my back to get it right! Man, that's what hurts now! So just after 8am, and Dan's 1 and a half episodes of "Go, Diego, Go!", I was comfortable and resting well with no pain or feeling in my legs!

The pressure came and a nurse checked me at 9:20am and informed me that I had reached 10cm and once I felt enough pressure to push then we'd have a baby!. A midwife came in and advised I NOT push quite yet but to let the baby come down naturally. Down she came! And at about 10:30am I called the nurse and said I was ready to try pushing, Now the midwife wanted to make sure I remembered how to push so before she got suited up I gave it a go. And I remembered! And my pushing was great if I do say so myself. And after about 4 really good pushes out she came! And she came LOUDLY. Only her head was out and she was already declaring her entrance in to the world!

I am so happy with how things went. From the very beginning of the pregnancy I just had September 29th stuck in my head as THE delivery date. And I had just picked Dan up the day before from his touring. I was set on the date and feel very blessed that it all went according to plan.

So she's pretty darn cute! She was born at 10:49am on September 29th. She was 8lbs 13oz and 20 1/2 long.
Just Born

Sucking away!

We had some visitors at the hospital. I called Blake's school so she could get out and meet her new sister. My sister Kohl, sister-in-law Jamie and Reese took much too long for Blake's excitement. She felt like she was waiting in the office forever! My other sister-in-law, Jillian, also came by. And my good friend Genine and her kiddos came for a visit, too! They brought Dan some In-N-OUt and me a delicious lemonade!
Big sisters checking her out!
Blake & Layne
Reese & Layne

Our friends visiting and watching her first bath!

We were very pushy about going home and we were able to get home that same day at 11pm. It is so much nicer to be at home healing than at a hospital. I went home early with my other girls, Blake born at 11:11am we were at home by 8pm same day, and Reese c-section at 12:16pm we went home the next day at 6pm. And thankfully I heal quickly. I really don't have any pain, besides the multiple poke holes in my back and hand, and general discomfort and aches.

So we're home and it feels great. The girls love their new little sister. They want to hold and cuddle her, and poke at her. They have so many questions and are very concerned at her cries and black poop!

Oh and a name. When I came across the name I just loved it. And Dan was away on tour at the time but thought of the name on his own too. When I discovered the name it was spelled one way, and I quite liked it! It looked so pretty. But i soon learned that this name we loved so much is a family name. It's my Grandmother's sister's middle name, and this sister just so happens to be the third sister! Well have stuck with the name but felt the spelling needed to be changed to be like the family spelling, it's more historical and fits wonderfully!

Her name is Layne.

And we just LOVE her!

Dad doing his typical bonding of napping and listening to some quality music!!
With mom about to go home!

In the car seat ready to finally be at home!

Just in case you forgot!

2009-09-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

I go in to the hospital tomorrow in the hopes that I am "ripe" enough to have my water broke and have this little baby. My appointment is at 8am. So cheers for tomorrow!!

What will this baby look like!?

2009-09-25T00:06:00.000-07:00

It's a very exciting time in our house right now! We have something planned for each day and I can't even believe how quickly the days have been passing by. I have enjoyed spending some one-on-one time with my girls. And have made sure to tell them how happy I am that they became a part of our family. Reminding them that they too once were tiny babies, and the happiness and joy they brought to Dan and me. They love listening to stories from when they were little and can't wait to meet their new little sister. Dan and I chat about what this one will look like. If she'll have dark hair, eyes something other than blue, look more like Blake or Reese. We only have a few more days to see for ourselves! Well, people have said that Dan and I each got our own little copies of ourselves. Blake looking so much like me, and Reese looking so much like Dan. Well, take a look at this little kid....

don't you see both girls in that little girl! It's hard for parents to see what others see when they say "Oh how much she/he looks like you." But when I can see me as a child it's really crazy how much our kids really do look like us! But isn't that just the cutest little 5 year old from the 80's you ever did see (on my blog)....this is where you say YES!!!

Almost Time!

2009-09-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

So I must admit....I'm counting down!

As of today, Sunday, I will be having my 3rd child in 8 days. That's not including the actual day, which is Tuesday the 29th of September! Only 8 more days! I am still shocked to think of it coming so soon. The girls and I have plans for each day to keep us busy!

Monday we'll be going to see "Rainy With a Chance of Meatballs" with our family home evening friends the Sayers.

Tuesday we have Young Women's.

Wednesday the girls and I are planning on going out to find a cute little outfit for their baby sister to wear home from the hospital.

Thursday we'll head to the beach since there's no school!

Friday the girls and I will rent Barbie and the Three Musketeers and eat popcorn together.

Saturday some great friends from church are throwing a baby shower for me...I think that's still happening!?

Sunday is the ward primary program, always a HOOT!

Monday I pick up Dan from the airport and go hiking, running, stair climbing, and all that stuff that gets the body ready to have a baby!

Tuesday I'll be heading in to the hospital in hopes that I am "ripe" enough to encourage a VBAC.

So there's my week! Holy Moly Guacamole! I am without words.

Yes, I do have a back up plan. But let's not dwell on that seeing is how I won't have a husband until Monday next week!

Reese Goes to Pre-School

2009-09-14T21:08:00.000-07:00

The title sounds like a little book!

Man-oh-man, is this little girl the cutest?! The first day both Dan and I were able to drop her off and wish her well as pre-school. She was so excited to bring her snack of apples in a plastic bag with her name on it. She can recognize her name and she's been working on writing it down. As we were driving to her school she talked NON-STOP. And I really mean that. She asked question after question, and tried to remind us of one thing or another. Then as we were pulling in to the parking lot she said, "You're not dropping me off." Meaning that we'd come inside with her. She sometimes gets a bit nervous about being dropped off even at very familiar places, so we always remind her that we will be coming back in just a short while to come and get her. After playing with some puppets and toys we tried to give hugs and kisses and get out the door, but all she did was say, "Okay, goodbye." And could care less about the hugs and kisses. Well, the second day she was NOT thrilled with going to school, however the teachers were able to coax her out of my arms and she really did fine!

It's really quite exciting to have little kids grow up and develop, stepping in to new experiences that help them to continue to grow. I love that my kids enjoy school! I wonder how long it will last!

Just some pictures!

2009-09-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

Dan and the girls watching some shows on the computer!
At a backyard birthday water party: Tanner, Blake, Grace, Ashlyn
At the backyard birthday water party Reese enjoying her juice!

Can you see my fingers!?

2009-09-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

I think my girls' sisterly bond is finally growing on account that Blake is at school most of the day which makes them more apt to playing with each other. They can be content for nearly 2 hours playing Polly Pockets, Barbies, Family, Pet Store, and they use EVERY toy or stuffed animal. It's usually quiet during this time, minus the very high pitch "play voice" that comes from Reese as her doll/toy has a conversation with one of Blake's. This kind of play extends to meal times as well. Suddenly blueberries or crackers have a voice and they are looking for their mother or sister!

Anyways. They sometimes are so attached that they hurry to the bathroom together then resume play. However, their play continues in the bathroom and they have been found BOTH using the toilet (the same toilet) at the same time. That's a job for boys, not girls. So we're trying to teach them that privacy is important when using the restroom or changing. So these cute little girls will wait for each other outside the bathroom door.

Well, somehow my privacy does not count. I'll shut the door to use the restroom and the girls want to join me. I politely ask them for privacy but they continue their talking at me with the door closed. They don't quite understand that sometimes privacy also includes SILENCE. Whether I am in my room or bathroom and I exclaim that I would like some privacy, I know they are still near by. Reese won't leave the door alone. She lies on the floor on the opposite side and yells, "Mom, you in there?" "Mom, you goin' potty?" "Did you take a shower?" "Mom, look can you see my fingers?"

So long as I know she's there, or at least her fingers, then she's perfectly content with being on the other side of the door!

Happennings!

2009-08-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

Before my Dan ever gets home from a long trip I have this thing about cleaning the place up really well. So then I can avoid any cleaning for the time he is home and just enjoy being together as a family. For example, my dad was in town last week and did some laundry leaving a load in the dryer. I didn't happen upon it until today! Over a week later. So that tells you that I haven't touched the laundry at all for a week. And the girls' room has been in desperate need of a new book shelf as theirs recently collapsed. Their books stayed stacked in piles for a few days until they tumbled to the floor inviting all the other toys, dolls, animals, and clothes to join them on the floor. I should have taken a picture for the evidence that we were honestly unable to see the carpet for a day or two. I tried not to worry too much about it and just let the time with Dad be more important.

So here I am, morning after saying good-bye to my husband, again. However this time it's only for 10 days! Yay!

So a bit of a catch up but in order.

The girls, Kale and I finally checked out the Aquatic Center, only once this whole summer! We had such a fun time, Blake even passed the swim test so she could jump off the diving board. No pictures for this one unfortunately.

I hosted a Girls' Night In, at my house honoring my dear friend JoElle. She is, well was, expecting her 3rd girl (having twin girls already) and didn't see the need to have a shower. So instead we had a themed Girls party "She's about to POP" and ate several different kinds of popcorn, poptarts, bubble gum, lollipops, soda pop, popcorn chicken, jalapeno popppers, any thing that pops. Only one "shower" type of game was played. And even then it wasn't a shower game. Everyone had a piece of bubblgum-the real stuff- and had to blow the biggest bubble. Winner? Sara Barlow! There were some gifts to open and more games to be played, Bladerdash, Apples to Apples, Catch Phrase, and the party was over at midnight! Four pregnant ladies were there so we got a picture of all of us with the most pregnant on the left! We had a great time and I believe that JoElle had her baby a day or two ago!? JoElle, Shay, Camille, Sara

We were so lucky to have our Dad here when school started back up again! Blake is in FIRST grade. I know we all say it but, WOW, I have a first grader. And I know I'll say it next month as I send Reese of to pre-school at Canyon Country Park, and then again every year as my children learn and grow! Check out the PINK shoes!
Sisters!
With BFF Grace (different class this year, sad day)
Boy Buddies! Jem & Tanner (in the same class with Blake)
"My own desk!"
AND can't leave out mom's big helper Reese!

We did so much together. Well, really we did nothing but we spent all the nothing time together as a family. It was great!

My dearest and oldest friend, who I would also call a kindred spirit and she just so happened to marry my husband's best and childhood friend, is visiting in town. We got to visit with her and her little kids the other day and look forward to playing with them again before they leave. Reese, Katelyn, Blake

AND I made just about the BEST white chocolate macadamia nut cookies EVER!! So check out the www.foodbyshay.blogspot.com

Guess who's home!

2009-08-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

My dear sweet husband arrived home safely from being gone since July 28th. We actually slept 10 full hours last night. For me it was probably the comfort of having my husband home, for him I'm guessing it was sleeping on an actual mattress!

We're looking forward to the next 10 or so days together. He has 2 days of work while here and then he takes off again for 10 days, home for 10 days, gone for 10 days, home for 2 weeks with the new baby, then gone for a time...not sure how long on that one. That's just how it goes right now!

The CD sales are doing better than expected! Which is great. We hope they continue to do well. If you haven't picked up your copy then get out to Best Buy and BUY ONE!!! Or you can check out their myspace page and buy one there! www.myspace.com/aftermidnightproject

So our plans for this week: relax, swim, sleep, aquatic center, maybe the zoo, Blake starts school, Dan to help me "nest" and move big things, yard sale on Saturday in Reseda (at my Aunt's house), Blake will have a "stand" selling sodas and goodies!

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

ALBUM OUT TODAY

2009-08-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

OH my goodness! What excitement. We have been waiting for this day for years and it's finally here.

"Lets Build Something to Break" AFTER MIDNIGHT PROJECT is in stores today! Check out you local Best Buy. And if you don't see it make sure to ask for it!!!!!!

My sister, the little girls, and I headed over today and couldn't find it. But the sales guy helped us out. We all screamed and dance in the store. I wanted to make sure the girls would be able to remember this day. They can look back and recall the fun and excitement.

Anyways. I hope you all already have your copies!

Modbe Stuff

2009-08-07T15:30:00.000-07:00

As some of you may notice, I have been busy selling all the things I don't use. No we're not moving, I'm just nesting! So take a look at the MODBE clothing that I have! Remember that this stuff has never been worn, it was only part of the display and the items were used to try on.

Brown XS, XL, Black XS, Burgandy L, Seafoam Green XXS, Black Skirt XL
ONLY $15

White Kidbe M, White XS, Red M
ONLY $10

Creme XS, Black L, Mint L, Kidbe Navy XL, Kidbe Pink XL
ONLY $8

Sizes 2 & 8
ONLY $40

Size 6
ONLY $40

Size M
ONLY $20

Size M
ONLY $20

Size XL & Plus 2

ONLY $20

SOLD!

2009-08-05T08:29:00.001-07:00

The piano that is!

Music!

2009-07-31T15:47:00.001-07:00

"The hills are alive, with the sound of music," but not Shay's garage. It's hot, smelly, crowded and filled with her sibling's belongings. We're all just gather dust as we sit here. The bikes and beach chairs are the only ones that ever get any attention. Oh how I would love for someone to play scales and arpegios. Or even a young child to tinker out "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," it doesn't even have to be a famous musical number. I just need to be loved and played with, maybe even dusted occasionally. Is there a home out there that is in need of me? I come with a reasonable price! Please, oh please, bring me to your house so that your home can be filled with the sound of music!

Love,
Shay's Piano
(I'm for sale!)

I'M ONLY ASKING $400

Name Help!

2009-07-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

I need help with a name. So I'm putting you to the test!

I need a name for.......the best cake I've ever made! So go check out my food blog and take a peek at the cake and the recipe.

www.foodbyshay.blogspot.com

You thought I needed help naming my baby.....ha! Got you! I have a name already picked out and I LOVE it. We all LOVE it!

PUSH!!!!!

2009-07-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

I admit to not tending to my kids first thing in the morning. They get up turn shows on for themselves, climb to the cupboards to get some cereal, and sometimes even play nicely with each other. For example this morning it's 9:30am and I'm just leaving my room after sleeping in until 8am and reading a book in peace.

The girls have been playing "house" in the living room and have made the stairs in to their home and beds for their baby dolls. The funny thing is, as I came down the hallway I see Blake kneeling over Reese as she's lying on the floor with her knees bent and a bulge under her dress. All the while Blake is saying "PUSH, PUSH." Yes, Reese was birthing in the living room. And Blake took it upon herself to be the mid-wife in attendance. I don't even know how they know that you have to actually push a baby out. But I do KNOW for certain that they....wait a minute.....I've got to check on something....just found out that YES, Blake knows where a baby is pushed out of. Wow.

(Blank) Don't know what to say!?

Anyways. They are still playing quite nicely together. I enjoy times like these. When all is good in the house!