Ish-ka-bibbles...

20 Random Thoughts...

2011-02-19T20:48:00.003-06:00

1. I love my family. They're hilarious. I love hanging out with them and playing games, and laughing together. I love learning from them. They're soooo dang smart.

2. I REALLY need to blog more. I've been slacking for far too long. I need to blog so I can keep a record of what goes on around here - for posterity's sake. And for sanity's sake.

3. I'm VERY blessed. I have AWESOME friends. They inspire me to do better. Be better. Contribute more.

4. I need to get more spiritual. I've been seriously slacking in that department.

5. My kids make me want to be a better Mom. Person. Friend. Wife. Daughter. Aunt. Human - everything.

6. I miss Meredith.

7. It's cool having my mom live so close. The kids love playing games with her, and it's nice having a grandma around for them. She's a really good influence on them. And me. Do you know she just up and went dancing all day long? She's 62! She saw an advertisement online that said the city of Austin was having free dance lessons for the day. She went dancing ALL DAY LONG - by herself. That's awesome. I told her to call me next time so we could go together.

8. My grandma Ruth turns 90 this year. We're celebrating with her for the 4th of July in Arizona. Seriously? July in AZ? Whose plan was THAT?

9. I took a trapeze class last month. It was awesome! I want to get really good at it and learn more tricks. It's terrifying standing up on the platform though. I've learned that if you squeeze your butt tight, the butterflies in your stomach go away.

10. I've been living in a construction zone for about 5 months. I cannot WAIT for my house to be finished so I can have some peace and quiet to get some OTHER projects done.

11. I want to take a photography class to figure out how to use all the fancy buttons and knobs on my new camera. Oh the fun I'm going to have!

12. I LOVE music. I love everything about it. Love lyrics the most. I'm always in search of the next best song that moves me. Sad, happy, thumping, spiritual - good stuff. Anything that makes me FEEL something.

13. I snorkeled for the first time last week. It was incredible! I panicked at first - breathing under water isn't normal. After I got the hang of it, I didn't want to stop. I learned that smiling underwater breaks the seal of the mask and mouthpiece - the mask fills up with water, and you choke on salt water. Lesson learned. No smiling or laughing under water!

14. Matt turns 16 next month. Holy Moly! He won't be able to get his license on his birthday, because he doesn't have his permit yet. He has to practice a LOT before we turn him loose. Yikes.

15. Sydney and Rylee come in our bedroom every morning at 6:00 - 6:15 am to snuggle with Del and I. They take turns switching sides. It's my FAVORITE part of the day. I hope they never grow out of it.

16. It's really weird when your old babysitters have babies of their own. Makes me feel ancient. Rebecca has FOUR of her own - I taught her how to drive a stick-shift in the old JEEP when I'd take her home, and Kristi gave Sydney her little scruffy dog that she still sleeps with, and she just had a baby of her own. Dude, I'm old!

17. My really old hotmail account keeps sending out spam to random people. I've tried closing the account at LEAST 20 times, and it keep regenerating itself. It's driving me INSANE! I get spam from MYSELF. Gah!

18. I have to substitute teach in Relief Society tomorrow, and I'm not making much progress. Instead, I'm playing on here.

19. Del is a pretty cool husband and Dad. I think we'll keep him. He's super smart, and funny and is always trying to do better than the day before. He's a really good listener, and can make some killer birthday cookies. His fried chicken is pretty fantastic too. He's awesome.'

20. Gotta start running again. Ick. Pain, here I come. :(

Happy Birthday, Del!

2010-06-16T10:47:00.002-05:00

I'll try to backlog and update the past 6 months in between posting what's current. Sound good? Because at the rate I'm going, I'll be behind all stinkin' YEAR.

So - Del just turned the big 4 0.

Morgan is now in control of this post, because my Mom forgot to sign off, lucky me! My Mom has been suffering from what I like to call, The Summer Stress Disorder or SSD. SSD causes extreme loss of patience and control in one's actions. She has been venting her SSD on the one's close enough to smack or ground ( almost always ground) I would like to inform all of you Bloggers that I will probably never be heard from again, and hopefully you're smart enough to know what happened ( I died of BOREDOM!). PS This is all just a joke from me to Mom. No hard feelings =)

Kelsey & Kim come to visit!

2010-06-03T16:19:00.002-05:00

Early November Kim and Kelsey came to Texas for a lovely visit. It was AWESOME - they came just in time to help me move all my furniture to get new carpet. I really didn't PLAN that, it was just a happy coincidence! LOVE you for helping me. :)

Kelsey is competitive. Whenever we get together, she wants to see if she can beat Kim at arm wrestling. Then when Kim squashes her like a little bug, she comes to ME to help boost her ego back up. See - I'm a giver. LOL.

Missionaries...

2010-06-03T15:46:00.002-05:00

We like the missionaries. I get to know them really well from cutting their hair, and they usually eat at our house once a week. I even get to know their families from sending them emails with videos and pictures.

They are AWESOME! We love how they bring the spirit into our home, teach us little lessons, and even do a service projects every once in awhile. In fact, they substituted for me last night on a Scout - Board of Review. They are great examples for my boys.

We love the missionaries. Here are just a few of our favorites...

Elder Hertig

2010-06-03T15:29:00.003-05:00

Elders Hertig and Halversen watched the video on my blog of Eric, Jared, and all my kids having a scream contest. Hertig said he could out-scream Jared, so we let him give it a go.

Here's his attempt:

What do you think?? Jared, or Hertig?

Christmas Tree Setup

2010-06-03T14:51:00.001-05:00

We like music. We like dancing. We like to MAKE kids dance. It's awesome. I learn some cool moves from my kids.

Back to December....

2010-06-03T13:46:00.004-05:00

Del and I went to Disneyland for our Anniversary - sans children. Ruthy came to stay with the kiddos while we were gone. Thanks, Foof!

The first day it rained all day, but it was great, because there were no lines to ANYTHING.

The second day we went back the weather was gorgeous!

Cinderella's Castle

The Christmas decorations were AWESOME. So beautiful.

I talked Del into getting our faces painted. A HUGE Leap out of his comfort zone!

We went to the Cheesecake Factory that night for dinner with these still on our faces. It was AWESOME!

Halloween 2009!

2010-06-03T12:25:00.012-05:00

Holy Moly - it's JUNE!!!

I cannot believe it's been 6 months since I last blogged. Let me just apologize to my family (siblings) for slacking, since they seem to be the most annoyed that I have not blogged. I'm sorry from the heart of my bottom. Please forgive me. :)

So - I'm going to be playing catch-up for a little while.

I skipped Halloween last year. I'm not sure what happened to October?!

We each carved our own pumpkins for FHE.

All the pumpkins sitting on the front porch.

Travis is some ghouly montster thing-a-ma-jig, Rylee is Hannah Montanna, and Syd is a candy corn witch.

Matt was a nun. He was so pretty! People at the ward party didn't recognize him. They kept asking who the new girl was.

Here are a bunch of pics from the ward party.

Ken as Nacho, Keri as Sister Encarnacion. Their orphans are MIA.

The Wizard of Oz Family: Leslie as Glinda, Brent as Elphaba (Wicked Witch of the West) and Ryan is the Tin Man

Kaitlyn is Dorothy

Kylie is the Cowardly Lion

McKeneley as the Scarecrow

Brynlie is the cutest little Munchkin

Elphaba and Nacho getting friendly.

Rushell as a Fairy

The Talbots

The Gilliams - Scooby, Shaggy (who is really bald), Daphne, and Wilma

Melanie - Jailbird

Hazel - as Super Girl

Betsy as (I think) The Greatest American Hero

Ethan as a cute little cow, and not sure what Bill is.

Laura as a sassy, sparkletastic elf.

Jeremy - self explanatory.

Lonya and Cayden

Mary and Lowell Dennis

The Elders and the Nun. Elder Halversen, Matt, and Elder Hertig

Bryce as Bozo

Sarah made a GREAT clown!

Rylee went as Miley Cyrus for the party. For the school Carnival, she was Hannah Montana. She said the wig was too itchy.

Bug wanted to wear a shirt that said, "I'm with Stupid."

Anniversary #17...

2009-12-15T00:16:00.007-06:00

December 5th was our 17th Anniversary.

I wanted to do something special for Del this year, so I put together a slide-show for him. At first I put all the pictures in random order, but it was too disjointed, so I just re-finished it for him in chronological order (or as close as I could get it.)

It's hilarious going through old photos. Basically it's a HAIR and FAT diary. Some years we ate and looked better than others. Fat and happy seems to be the theme.

Before ya'll comment on my lovely 80's bangs and big 'fros, just remember your kids will make fun of YOUR hair too.

Happy Anniversary, Del. Thanks for putting up with me for so long. Love you.

If you want to watch the video - click HERE.

Filth...

2009-11-30T21:34:00.002-06:00

Del came out of the bedroom yesterday morning and walked into the office to review his Sunday school lesson before church.

The kids were still asleep. The kitchen was spotless - sparkly and shiny.

He came out of the office 30 minutes later to find the kitchen a disaster area.

He looked at all of his five children and said in a very STERN voice, (aka - a loud roar)

"Why in the world would you people want to live in filth?"

to which Bug quickly replied, "Because it's easier to maintain?"

Del laughed. The rest of them laughed.

Props go to the quickest wit in our house. AND they cleaned up the mess. :)

The King - Part Deux....

2009-11-22T22:31:00.009-06:00

September 29th, 2009.

King Del, that is.

Sir, Del.

Master Del.

MISTER - Del.

Del - who works for Apple.

Yowza - looking shnazzy in his new suit.

Del FINALLY got the promotion that we moved to Texas for. Hallelujah! He's worked very hard, and we're super proud of him. He's officially Chief Cook and Bottle Washer. Yay!

So we had a party! Invited our good friends to celebrate with us and had a surprise party for him when he got home from work. Some were able to come on such short notice and we're so glad they showed up, as we had a TON of food!

Enchiladas and Burritos

Beans and Rice

Chips, Salsa, and Creamy Jalapeño Ranch (our favorite)

We made a toast to Del with our fancy plastic margarita cups filled with Rootbeer & Sprite.

I had to stall him because we weren't ready. He was supposed to pick up the kids from piano lessons, but when he got there, there were no kids. I had the piano teacher tell him that her husband had just taken them home.

He knew something was going on when I panicked and said I needed him to stop at Walmart for some milk because we had none. Only we DID have some that we had just bought the day before. I yelled - "Er - just don't come home till 6:30!"

ugh.

The Man of the Hour - and me.

Kylie

Leslie

Brent (his favorite pose)

Ryan - love this one. CHEESE!

Brynlie

Rylee - making faces. Her favorite thing to do.

James - trying to stay awake.

Cute Auntie Mhari.

Sydney

Apparently, the girls took the camera upstairs to strike some poses.

McKeneley

I'm sad I didn't get pics of all the helium balloons and giant banner that we used to decorate. Oh well.

After the party was over, we had fun with the helium balloons.

Good times :)

Congratulations, Del!

The King

2009-11-22T22:10:00.003-06:00

King George, that is. Del and I went to see George Strait that same weekend as Rylee's birthday - which is why her birthday party wasn't until the following week. :)

It was the inaugural performance in the new fancy shmancy Cedar Park Center. Funny thing though (not really funny) - they didn't plan the parking well. After waiting 30 minutes in line to turn left into the venue, the officer directing traffic said we need to go to another entrance. After another 30 minutes of waiting to enter THAT way, the lovely officer there said the parking lot was already full. There was no more parking anywhere. We were directed to drive back down to Target, and they'll have buses to shuttle us to the Center.

What a mess. After boarding the bus, and sitting on it for another 20 minutes (gridlock) some genius sitting in the back asked if the driver would open the door so he could just walk through the traffic. It only took ONE person. Thank you, Person. The whole bus unloaded in the middle of the road, and we all walked the 2 miles to the Center.

We missed Leann Womack completely, but sat down just in time for the King to make his entrance. Thank goodness this venue had SEATS. I was soooo glad I didn't wear heels that night.

It was a great concert. Highly recommended. Also fun to watch all the old folks dance around and sing. George has been around the block a time or two.

Good times.

Rylee's Birthday!

2009-11-18T10:30:00.010-06:00

So....

I have to start from a month ago. I mean September!

I've been terrible at keeping this updated. This is so Adam will get off my back.

Rylee's 7th Birthday -

First we took Syd and Ry to get pedicures and manicures for her birthday.

(Ahem... Del's a regular now :)

His beautiful feet.

Rylee's lovely fingers and toes.

These were the MOST EXPENSIVE pedicures EVER! See that guy walking behind Del? He had a woopsy. Our bill came to $100. The guy accidentally entered $1000. From my DEBIT card. What a nightmare! He couldn't figure out how to void the transaction, because the owners were out of town and didn't have the right access codes. So we left and went to Olive Garden while he fixed his mess.

As we were waiting for our table, she opened her iPod. (shocking, I know.)

This pic cracked me up - the aftermath of the previous kodak moment. Rylee accidentally smacked Syd in the cheek while posing.

Rylee LOVES Olive Garden. Breadsticks and Alfredo is her favorite.

After Olive Garden we went back to the nail place to see if he had corrected his error. He said, "Can you come back on Tuesday, and I'll write you a check?" Ummmm - NO, are you crazy?! Del's eyeballs almost popped out of his head. The clerk said he can't do anything till then because the owners were on an airplane right then, and there was no way to get a hold of them. He tried calling the credit card machine's customer service to get their help, and they told him there's nothing they could do, because it already went through as a debit. We argued that it wasn't USED as a debit - it was used as a VISA , as we never put in our pin#. After that little tidbit of info he stared at us blankly for a good solid minute. (crickets chirping) He called the company again, and they were able to void it immediately. Hallelujah!!

The following week Rylee had a few friends come over for her friend party. (Have I told you how much I don't LIKE friend parties? The games, the set-up, the mess, etc.)

So Del and I took them to Build-A-Bear instead. :)

Rylee with her PEACE Bear. She loves anything PEACE related.

Del - playing along with the girls.

Picking out the bear's clothes.

All done building.

After they were done building their bears, we went next door to Picture People, and they got to strike a couple poses.

Building Bears takes it out of you! We went to dinner at Fudruckers. It was delicious! :)

I love you!

2009-11-12T19:23:00.004-06:00

I know I'm still a slacker, and I need to put a LOT on here, but it's been a busy day, gimme a break. I still vow to update VERY SOON.

Tonight Del came home after work and gave me my HT gift. It was a musical Nativity Snow Globe. I collect Nativity sets. Anything Nativity. Love it!

While I was opening my card that accompanied the gift, Del was talking on the phone with Mhari about getting together with James. As he was on the phone, he watched me read my card. When their conversation ended he absentmindedly said, "I love you" to Mhari. She didn't say anything - I don't think she heard him right.

He immediately realized what he had done, and said, "Er- I meant that for Kristin, but love you too!"

After he hung up the phone we laughed. STILL chuckling to myself.

Sooooo not like Del to tell friends that he loves them. You must be SPECIAL, Mhari.

I love you, too!

YIKES!

2009-11-10T20:41:00.004-06:00

I am dedicating all day Thursday and Friday to updating my blog. Where did the month of October go - I have no idea! What a slacker. I vow to do better.

Until tomorrow, I'll leave you with this little tidbit....

The other day Bug walked by with his pants hanging a little low....

"Hey Bug - pull up your pants, you're busting crack."

To which he turned, cocked his head to the side, turned up his mouth with a devilish grin and ever-so smoothly replied, "You like what you see???"

Ummm ICK.

We both laughed pretty hard. He's a quick one.

Newscaster....

2009-09-19T09:39:00.003-05:00

A BIG shout-out to Sydney! Wooo Hooo - Congratulations!

Sydney auditioned to be one of the morning announcement commentators. The school holds try-outs for reading the announcements on tv. everyday to the whole school. She said a lot of students tried out, but only 7 made it. Sometimes they read, sometimes they do little skits, etc. She said on Thursday she got to wear a Chef hat - her name was "Chef-rolet."

Now she goes to school early a couple days a week to take her turn. She said it's really fun, and we're super proud of her for being an awesome student.

Go SYD!

Salty & Sweet...

2009-09-10T15:00:00.007-05:00

For years now I've had issues. I know you just thought, "DER" to yourself. Don't deny it.

But the one I'm talking about is my Salty & Sweet habit. I've gone through MANY phases of these. I'm sure most people who have been around me can tell you the one I was on at the time.

Today Del took me on a trip down memory lane. He filled a bag with some of my favorites.

It started when I got pregnant with Matthew, and progressed from there.

With Matt I craved HOT pickles. We were living in Mesa at the time, and we'd drive home to the Gila Valley a lot. We'd have to stop at the Chevron in Globe to pick up a pickle. Del would have the windows rolled down, as he couldn't stand the smell of them. We found a gallon jar of them at our local Costco and I ate the entire gallon within 2 days. It cured me. Haven't touched one since.

I usually didn't go through the phases until AFTER I gave birth to the babies.

With Bug it was Whoppers and Sunflower Seeds.

Travis was Fritos and Crispy M&M's.

Sydney was the one that made me REALLY balloon - Ruffles and Circus Peanuts.

Rylee was KitKats and I think just plain old SALT. I would dip my finger in it.

See.... ISSUES.

Rylee's First... AND Second....

2009-09-09T14:00:00.000-05:00

Last week after we went to the San Antonio Temple - I helped Rylee pull out her first tooth. She didn't feel a thing.

Last night she lost her 2nd tooth.

She thinks it's pretty cool that she can drink with a straw without opening her mouth. Soooo easily entertained. (mini-me)

New Teeth, New Stadium, Old friend....

2009-09-06T17:16:00.009-05:00

Friday night Del and I drove to Dallas.

Eric was going to be there this weekend for the BYU vs. OU Football game in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. What a perfect opportunity to get my permanent teeth in that I've been PATIENTLY waiting for for the last 6 months. Wooo Hoooo! No more swallowing temporary teeth, or wearing a hillbilly bob retainer with a tooth attached. Phew! Thanks, Eric!!

He called a few weeks ago and asked if we wanted to go to the game while we were there for the teeth-fixing, since he had a couple extra tickets. We figured what the heck. Can't say we've ever been die-hard BYU fans, but it would be fun to see the new stadium, and if BYU happened to pull off the upset, it would be pretty dang fun to watch.

First thing Saturday, we went to Eric's brother-in-law's dental office to get my shiny new teeth. They're sparkly. :) Yay - I can eat chewy things again.

After the quick dental appointment we went to Lucas where my friend Angie lives. We met when we lived in Virginia, and we've seen each other here and there over the years, but I couldn't wait to see her new house and cute family again - AND her cute little pregnant-with-her-6th-child-self. (She's an over-achiever.) We had a great time touring her adorable farm house and catching up. She inspires me in sooooo many ways. Love her like a sister.

After we left Angie, we went to the Stadium in Arlington. It looks like a spaceship. The red shirts out-numbered the blue by at least 10 to 1. It looked like a home game for Oklahoma. They even drove a sooner with horses across the field as the players were coming out. I bet Jerry Jones was hemorrhaging somewhere.

The massive jumbo tron is 60 yards long. Sooo stinkin' HUGE!

We sat next to my sister-in-law, Tosha, and her sister.

Meet the REAL Alexa Nugent. (Remember - I borrowed her identity for the Camp Pendleton Mud Run.)

Alexa and Tosha cheering on BYU. Cute sisters.

Sadly we had no BYU attire to sport for the game, but at least Del's t-shirt was blue. :)

It was sooooo much fun! I might just become a BYU fan after all. Maybe. I guess if my kids go there or something. A few years ago I went to a Women's Conference at BYU. I saw a poster at a campus eatery that said, "Friends don't let friends have facial hair." It cracked me up. OK fine, I'll work on it.

Happy Thursday!

2009-09-03T15:10:00.005-05:00

- Warning - this is gushy, and maybe a little boasting on my part - so read at your own risk. You've been warned.

Today I went shopping with my friend for a new couch. She also helped pick out fabric for some curtains in the kitchen. Wooo Hooo! Just doing my part to stimulate the economy.

We met up with Del for lunch since we were in his neighborhood, and as we were leaving he said "Happy Thursday!" I played along and said something like - "yeah, you too."

What I didn't know at the time, was that when Keri and I made a quick trip to the little girls' room before leaving the restaurant, Del had slipped something in my purse as it was sitting next to him on the bench. I had no clue a foreign object was in there - my purse is the black hole.

When I got home and went online to chat with him about how our shopping excursion went, he asked if I wanted to video chat. I said sure.

As soon as he saw me, he said "Happy Thursday!" AGAIN. This is not Del's usual demeanor - he was PERKY. If you know Del at all - I don't think he's ever been accused of being PERKY.

I said back to him, "Happy Thursday, yourself!" He was smiling and said, "Oh, you haven't found it yet."

I'm totally confused. Then the light-bulb went on. Del's doing this new thing. LOVE it! - and I have to say he came up with it totally on his own, which is even better. Every Thursday he's doing something sweet for me. Last week I got a list of "20 Things I Love About You." It was a fun surprise to find in my email. He's a funny man - I love his sense of humor and his huge heart. This might embarrass him, but here's the email -

I just want you to know how much you mean to me. I know we have, had, and will have rough patches, but I honestly believe that they will help us become stronger. One of the quotes I read, I don't think I sent it to you, is that adversity is what makes marriages stronger. You can't grow together if life is always easy.

Kristin, I love you very much, even if you do look like your Mom, see invisible zits, and invent smells that aren't really there.

20 Things I Love About You:

I love the way you play rock em sock em robots to crack your elbows, except when you accidentally (maybe purposefully) smack me in the process.

I love that you're a hot Thatcher babe that married down to a guy from Pima.

I love that you eat Ruffles and Circus Peanuts, or used to, and it makes me grin thinking about cleaning out 3 different grocery stores in the area to get them.

I love that you get all teary-eyed when you think about your kids.

I love that you are a smart ass, that you find humor in most things.

I love that you care what you look like.

I love that you're up for anything once, well I love that you're up for most things once, some things I don't love so much. ;-)

I love that you stick up for Travis.

I love that you tease Matt about girls.

I love that you see me in Bug.

I love that Rylee is you.

I love that Syd has your sense of adventure, not scared of ANYTHING.

I love how you play the piano in your head, except when you're tapping it out on my head in your sleep.

I love how you love the good stuff, not the cheap stuff. Even if it causes me heartburn.

I love that you love the Savior and have a Testimony.

I love that you "get" eternity.

I love that you dance like a wild woman and make your kids laugh.

I love it when you hold me, it makes me feel safe.

I love that you make me want to be more than a farmer in Pima, even if I whine about it all the time.

I love that you love me, through everything, you love me.

See, and 20 was EASY to come up with!

I love you Kristin, thanks for saying I Do.

Del

(No, we don't have anything against PIMA OR FARMERS - don't get offended! We LOVE farmers - I hope my girls marry one - I did!)

So - back to the video chat.

I started looking around the desk for a post-it note or something - opening up all the drawers, etc. He gave me a hint and said he gave it to me at lunch. I picked up my purse and looked inside - a little white box from JARED. (The Galleria of Jewelry - we all know the commercials.)

Del said it represents the journey through eternity, all rolled into one. (What the sales clerk said.)

Here's the definition from Wikipedia:

For someone who's been married for many years, a Journey Pendant can remind your loved one of the times you've had. The life you lived, the bad and good times you've spent together and the many more to come. Again, each of the graduating diamonds show how strong your love for her became and will become in the future.

Anyway - had to share how sweet my husband is. I know I'm spoiled. I know there aren't many husbands out there like mine, and I'm eternally grateful for him. He's an awesome father and husband, and we're soooooo lucky to have him in our life. I love you. I love you. I love you.

Love,

Kris

Round Rock Donuts....

2009-09-02T11:04:00.003-05:00

Today I hit my 30 lb. mark in weight loss since I started running in March. Wooo Hooo! It's amazing what a little exercise will do. Watching THE BIGGEST LOSER from my couch didn't pay off as much as I thought it would.

To celebrate, I'm going to Round Rock Donuts to get a bag of donut holes and a Diet Coke. (The latter cancels out the former, so it's like it didn't happen.) :)

Hope you're having a fabulous hump day.

Rylee's Video for Daddy...

2009-09-01T20:16:00.005-05:00

I've been trying to clean up my computer to make more space - it's been running really slooooowwwwww.

I came across this video of Rylee talking to Daddy. He was on a business trip to Ireland at the time, and it was his first long trip away from home. He was there for SIX WEEKS. It was terrible - we all missed him badly - but not as badly as he missed US.

You would think traveling all over the world would be glamorous and exciting, but if you don't have a loved one there to share it with, it's not that fun. I had the kids to occupy my time, but he only had books, in an empty hotel room. Not very fun.

We're glad his traveling days are over, except for the occasional trip to California. I think Brazil is next for him, but hopefully it won't be for six weeks. YUCK.

San Antonio Temple...

2009-08-31T21:59:00.005-05:00

Our Primary leaders asked all the families in our ward to visit a Temple in the month of August. So being the dedicated procrastinators that we are, we waited until the last Saturday of the month to take a trip to San Antonio.

Central Texas has been in a drought lately, so the fountain wasn't on, and the grounds weren't as green and plush as they usually are. This Sunday our Stake is fasting for rain.

Lunch at Olive Garden after the Temple.

It was a very quick trip. Felt like we drove to San Antonio to go to the bathroom at the visitor center/distribution center and then drive back home. BUT - we accomplished what we were assigned to do. Woo Hoo!

WICKED

2009-08-29T09:23:00.006-05:00

Last night I took Sydney and Rylee to see WICKED. We loved it!

Dad snapped a pic before we left.

We sat next to James and Mhari in the nose-bleed section. Sydney and Rylee took turns sitting on my lap so they could see better. By the time the play was over my legs were tingling. James was also sweet and let Rylee plaster herself up next to him for a better view.

James and Mhari

AND - very exciting news! Rylee discovered she has a loose tooth while at the play. She couldn't keep her fingers out of her mouth wiggling it back and forth the entire time. She was so excited, she had to run down to show Ken and Keri who were sitting at a lower altitude.

Waiting for the fun to begin.

First Day of School 2009

2009-08-28T11:32:00.003-05:00

My favorite day of the year has come and gone without any emotional meltdowns. Yay! Last year I was a blubbering idiot because it was the first day with all the kids in school ALL DAY.

This year - I'm proud to say, not a single tear was shed. We now have children in 3 different schools, which means 3 different start times. What a mess.

Matt (high school) has to get up at 5:00 am for early morning seminary - catches a ride at 5:30, but then comes home after that until school starts at 9:00.

The rest of us are up at 6:15. Del then goes to pick up Matt from Seminary by 6:50.

Bug (Middle School) has to catch his bus at 7:10.

The younger 3 (Elementary School) leave the house by 7:20.

Mornings are psycho now.

I was making them laugh. CHEESY!

This is Bug on the 2nd day of school, as he already left to catch his bus before I remembered to take a pic on the FIRST day.

We love school. School is our friend.

Grandma's visit...

2009-08-27T07:48:00.004-05:00

This is Grandma Karen. Also the star of the "Scaring Karen" blog that you can find to your right. We love her - she's fun, creative, and likes to help organize things.

Everybody says she and I look alike. We just don't see it.

These were taken during her visit. We miss her already.

Playa del Carmen & Cali....

2009-08-26T07:59:00.008-05:00

Del and I went on a trip August 8th - 14th to Playa del Carmen - it's close to Cancun. We spent most of the week walking up and down the beach, or sitting by the pool. No outings, no excursions, just hanging out 24/7 talking. We have no pictures. OK, we have 2. One when we arrived, and then one when we left to come home. They're really not that exciting, so I'm not posting.

Mom came to stay with the kids while we were gone. The kids said they had a great time - she even helped them make their own pillow cases. AND she organized my hair-color stuff, cleaned out my fridge, my bathroom, helped the kids with their rooms, etc. LOVE you, Mom.

Del had to go to California that Monday for a business trip. He came home for lunch to see us before his flight, and asked if I wanted to go with him. YES PLEASE! We coerced Mom into staying a few more days - and she happily agreed. THANKS MOM!

Last Tuesday Del ditched his afternoon meetings, and we played in San Francisco all day. We hadn't been for quite a while together. It was fun playing tourist.

We started at Fisherman's Wharf. Had to buy a jacket - it gets COLD around the bay.

It's tradition - must eat at Bubba Gumps for lunch.

Del - waiting for lunch to arrive.

Wow - we're tan. Del looks Mexican.

Next stop - Alcatraz. We've already done the tour of Alcatraz last time we were there - so this is just a pic in front of it.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory. We always go for their Sundaes. YUMMMM.

LOVE this pic. He's practicing his "CHEESE" for the camera.

Del's mad photography skills. Love how I'm blurred, and the cars on the bridge are in focus. Cracks me up.

We decided to walk across the length of the bridge to work off our Sundaes. Took us about an hour and 15 minutes. SUPER WINDY!

Don't JUMP! Del was wondering if this really stopped people.

Video from on top of the bridge. It's really windy, so you can barely hear the talking.

This is the lovely hairdo after our walk across the bridge. SOOOO windy. Whole new meaning to the "wind blown" look.

On Wednesday I took a quick trip to Elk Grove to see my sister Kelsey and all the girlfriends while Del had to work all day.

Met Kenna in the Rite Aid parking lot. She was working and took a break. We hung out in the car talking for about an hour. It was nice.

Lunch at BJ's with Nicole, Suzi, Jill, and Kelsey. Tami and Shelley were stuck in a meeting.

That night Del and I stopped in to see Ryan and Rebekah and their clan. Georgia and Bear were already in bed. Everybody's getting so big!

It was a nice quick trip. Glad we got to see everybody we did, but missed some others. Hopefully next time.

OR - they could come visit US?! (not holding my breath)

Cataracts....

2009-08-25T22:41:00.004-05:00

A couple weeks ago all the kids went in for an eye exam. Time for new glasses for 3 of the hoodlums (Matt, Trav & Syd). The other 2 have MY eyes - 20/20 Thankyouverymuch.

One time when we lived in Mesa, Del wanted me to get tested to see if I needed glasses. He thought I had a depth perception problem, because I couldn't see the car in front of me until I was almost on top of it, and would slam on my brakes. After the exam, I had to break the news to him that I had 20/20 vision, and it was just my driving. He still complains that I need my brakes changed more than anybody else he knows. I come by it naturally - I get it from my MOM. (yeah, you know it, don't deny it.)

As part of the exam all the kids got their pupils dilated. Sooooo funny driving home with a bunch of kids that look like geriatrics with cataracts.

Had to snap a pic. They were not thrilled. Ehhhh - who cares.

(Bug looks like a hit-man, and I think Rylee looks blind - like she doesn't know which direction the camera is.)

Idle hands.....

2009-08-21T09:10:00.003-05:00

My dad used to say "Idle hands are the devil's workshop."

I never really understood just how true that is until these last few months. This summer has been less-productive than I had anticipated.

Alas, I am turning over a new leaf. No more idle hands. I have projects planned, menus to prepare, rooms to decorate, and the blog to keep updated on a regular basis.

No more slacking.

Wish me luck.

Barton Springs...

2009-07-21T14:11:00.009-05:00

Last Friday my good friend Kenna came to visit me from California. Yay! My first friend-visit. We had lots of fun, hanging out talking most of the time.

Saturday we took her to Zilker Park / Barton Springs to go swimming. It's a natural spring that stays at 68 degrees year-round. The Jacksons came and brought their kids as well to join in the fun. Matt didn't come - he was home sick with a cold. Yucky.

Del and I went off the diving board! We haven't done that in probably over 10 years! Del did a very graceful dive, and I did a back flip, thankful that I didn't hit my head on the board. I can't wait to go back. Swimming was great - after you got used to the water. Sooooo cold!

At Barton Springs it's ok to go topless. Thankfully most of the people there were families, and refrained from showing off their.... - stuff. Del and I only saw one girl that was so bold, but she was in the water and we made sure we stayed on the OTHER end of the pool. Sheesh!

Del - workin' it.

Bug - being shy.

Travis - swims like a fish.

Rylee, Sydney & Kambry - hanging out under the tree.

Kenna - looking oh-so lovely hanging out under the tree.

Kenna and I - trying to catch our breath. Slowly going deeper and deeper.

(Oh yeah, I went blonde on Thursday.)

Keri and Kade.

Ken taking Kacey for a nature hike.

Packing up ready to leave - waiting on the boys in the little boys' room.

Saturday night the adults went out to Chuy's (a local favorite Mexican restaurant) and then to Esther's Follies for some laughs.

Chuy's - YUMMY.

Ken and Keri

At Esther's Follies - waiting for the show to start.

Fun weekend. Thanks for coming to play, Kenna. Can't wait to do it again!

USS Nimitz - Go Navy!

2009-07-13T12:10:00.009-05:00

Brother Jared is a Dentist in the Navy. Although... brother Jared just got accepted into Oral Surgery. He starts immediately and will do a residency for the next 4-5 years? Congratulations! Oral surgeon - WHOA.

Anyway - back to the Navy. Jared pulled some strings and got special permission for us to take a tour of the USS Nimitz. It's a working aircraft carrier that was getting ready to deploy for 6 months. It was AWESOME!

Walking up to the ship - getting ready to board.

Every picture we took, we had to get permission first, so we wouldn't get arrested and hauled off to jail. This was taken as we entered the main hall? with all the ship's info i.e. Captain's and officers' info, etc.

This was taken on top of the ship, where the planes take off and land. You don't want to fall and skin your knee on that surface - it is SUPER rough!

Joe, Kelsey, Mya, Kaelyn and J.C. on top of the ship with the San Diego skyline behind them. J.C. cracks me up in this one.

Kelsey and Joe threatened their kids that if they touched ANYTHING, that they'd get taken to jail. The kids were so stressed out about it the night before that none of them wanted to go anymore. Kelsey recanted the scare tactics and promised they won't go to jail, but they better not touch stuff anyway!

Our family is too big for one tour, so we went in two smaller groups. We took shifts at a local park babysitting the toddler and baby variety that weren't allowed on the ship. This is Kelsey and Joe's baby, Nathan, hanging out at the park. Very Gilligan-esque.

Rylee in the sleeping quarters. WHOA! - is it ever claustrophobic! (And was also in dire need of a Stick-up!) Jordan (Ruthy's 7ft. husband) would never be able to sleep there!

This was the cafeteria, AKA the mess hall. They had several aboard the ship. It was interesting to hear how they segregate the officers and the enlisted.

The barbershop onboard. I don't know if I could be a barber for the military - it would get boring! Same ol' haircut a different day.

Bowling

2009-07-07T17:12:00.003-05:00

Last Thursday Del took the day off.

It was sooooo hot that day. Everyday is hot around here. Humidity stinks. BAD!

We decided to have a play-day. Matt was at EFY in San Antonio for the week, and Bug was at Scout Camp. So we took Travis, Sydney and Rylee out for some fun.

First we went to Olive Garden and had lunch. YUM. We all filled up on breadsticks before our lunch even came. Mmmmm. After lunch we went BOWLING. Del and I had our own lane, and the 3 kids had their own. It was really fun, and nice to be out of the heat for awhile.

BTW - got a new phone. It records videos now - it's awesome! I can video EVERYTHING! I'm sorry if you get bombarded by them. They're not very long, I promise!

After bowling we all went swimming at the amenity center that's right by our house. It was a fun day!

That night all the kids were tuckered out from the activities. They got to watch a movie before bedtime, while Del and I went to Ken and Keri's to play a mean game of Rook.

The girls against the boys - and we (the girls) spanked them. Del was in denial. Ken was pouting. (We took the video for Brent and Leslie that are gone visiting family. We miss you!)

Date Night....

2009-07-04T11:36:00.008-05:00

Last night was a fun date night - just the two of us. We had quite the evening!

I FINALLY convinced Del it's time to get a pedicure. I've been trying to get him to go with me for YEARS. He was convinced it's not MANLY.

I had to document the occasion. He was a good sport, but says he's never going again. We'll see.

You can't hear him, but he said "Are you videoing me?" That's when I laughed.

After the pedicure we went home and watched a movie. We munched on birthday cookies (No NDS required) and popcorn.

Good times.

San Diego or bust!

2009-06-29T18:00:00.001-05:00

A few months ago Del and I planned a trip to go to San Diego with the kids for a week after they got out of school. We were going to drive there and meet up with all my siblings and their families. We'd hang out on the beach, and let the kids run wild.

About a month or two before school got out, Del found out he couldn't get off work for the month of June, which totally stunk! We were all bummed. Del said we might as well go anyway, because he'd have a really busy week at work and we wouldn't see him that much anyway. He offered to fly us all there so I wouldn't have to drive for 2 days with 5 kids by MYSELF just to get there, and then again 2 more days home. YUCK! Matthew eagerly offered to take turns with me driving. Ummm - NO. So to prevent any road rage and vehicular homicides, we all flew. A first time with all the kids by myself. It wasn't so bad. We're a walking freak show. Going through security was fun.

I told Del about a year ago that I wanted to get family pictures taken on the beach. Even though he couldn't be there, we still had some taken. We gave them to him for Father's Day. He loved them, but I'm still going to make big poster collage so he can hang them in his office at work.

Alison Beachem is such an awesome photographer. Her blog link is on the bottom right if you want to see more of her work. She's a friend of a friend. OK, but now she's my friend too. We had a lot of fun taking them. We had them taken the day after we got there, and the kids hadn't been to the beach yet. They couldn't wait to get in the water, but it was a Sunday so I wouldn't let them go swimming.

Here are the pics I kept. Alison threw in a few of her favorites too.

Sunday Dinner Blessing...

2009-06-28T22:48:00.002-05:00

Today Rylee was feeling sick, so Del stayed home from church to be with her. While he was home he made dinner, so it would be ready when the rest of us got home. Pot roast, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, etc. Yu-uh-uh-mmy!

Bug had just enough time to come home and eat before his Scout Troop headed off to Scout camp all week. Since he will be gone, Del asked him to say the blessing on the food. After he said the usual things, he asked, "Please help everybody make it through the week without me." Matt will also be gone for EFY in San Antonio this week, so Del made Bug include his name as well.

Thank goodness it was at the end of the blessing, because we all had a hard time holding in our snorts and laughter.

As soon as he said AMEN - we all laughed, including Bug. He cracks himself up. And us.

What game to play?

2009-06-19T14:13:00.002-05:00

Today Sydney and Rylee were sitting in the office with me.

Rylee's playing Toon Town on the laptop, I'm on my Mac, and Sydney was sitting at the PC. Sydney starts spinning around in the chair and says, "I don't know what game to play."

My response was, "How about the bedroom pick-up game?"

Syd quickly replied - "Naahhh, I've played that game before, and I never win."

Cracked me up.

My name is Alexa Nugent.

2009-06-14T22:26:00.014-05:00

My first 10K.

Our trip to San Diego came about (I think) because of Adam and Eric. Adam was going to be staying at a beach house with all of his in-laws that week, and Eric and Tosha were planning to be there on Saturday the 13th for the annual Mud Run at Camp Pendleton. Tosha's sister, Alexa, and brother-in-law were supposed run it with them, but couldn't make it. Eric asked if I wanted to fill in for her. I said sure, what the heck - I've never done anything like that before. I had started running in March, so I thought it would be a breeze.

On Saturday the 13th of June, I was Alexa Nugent - 35 years old.

But you can call me Alexa.

Eric, Tosha and I before the race.

Camp Pendleton Mud Run.

121 1522 9622 ALEXA NUGENT 35 1:35:52

(I finished 121st in my category - 1522 overall, my tag# was 9622, I was 35 years old (that day) and my time - 1:35:52.)

First of all, I missed the exit from the freeway to get to Camp Pendleton! Ended up driving 30 minutes MORE, which made us late starting the race. We were in last place out of the gate.

First thing they do is hose you down with fire hoses. It was a little nippy that day too!

Eric took off first thing and left Tosha and I in the dust. Rude. Tosha and I ran next to each other for awhile, but when the course started up hill, that was my undoing. She kept going, I walked, ran, walked, ran, huffed and puffed.

It's a giant obstacle course. We had to run through little rivers, climb over walls through the mud, swim through a lake, crawl through tunnels, climb a steep slippery muddy hill with water/mud running down the middle of it, run down VERY STEEP hills, and the last obstacle was army-crawling through the mud to the finish line.

I had the most fun people-watching as I was running/sucking wind. There were lots of teams running. I wish I had a camera on me to take pictures of all the team costumes. There was a Nacho Libre team - in full tights and masks. Another that was wearing whitey-tighties on the outside of their running shorts IF they were wearing running shorts at all. (I really didn't care to look too closely.) They had stuff written across their bums - i.e. "PRIVATE UNDERPANTS" etc.

There were the hard-core runners that were so skeletal they looked like they escaped from a concentration camp. I felt compelled to offer them some M&M's, but I didn't have my secret stash on me. I watched this shameless, vain man hitting on attractive runners as they ran by. Helloooo - like the girls are going to stop running to give him their phone#'s? What a tard. Another girl wore her shoes like slippers, cuz her heels were bleeding - poor thing.

I discovered several things during the 6.2 mile run.

1. Just because I was once an athlete - does not mean I still am.

2. Bring vaseline to prevent chafing.

3. Running in FLAT Texas for a few months does NOT prepare you for running hills.

4. I don't like mud. Smelled like manure. Blechk!

5. iPod Shuffles don't float, even if you have them in plastic sandwich baggies.

6. Grandmas can run faster than me.

7. Running DOWNHILL is much worse than running UP HILL.

8. Wet, muddy clothes cause serious chafing.

9. Don't wear white.

10. I'm fascinated with watching legs and bums as they're running.

After the run we asked some random guy if he'd take a picture and email to us. He was very nice and happily obliged.

We had muddy ICK in all crevices and orifices. (Eric's shirt used to be white.)

My muddy, disgusting shoes. I threw them away. Nowhere to put them for our flight home.

So..... anybody wanna do it next year? I'm totally doing it again if anybody wants to join me. Soooo much fun. Thanks, Alexa, for allowing me to borrow your identity for the day, and Eric and Tosha for inviting me. Next year I'll know what to expect so I can train better.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T17:30:00.008-05:00

I can't believe it's Mother's Day ALREADY.

I'm sitting at my computer, while my awesome hubby is making Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes with all the trimmings. He just brought me the mixing bowl that he used to make brownies, so I could lick it clean. He knows me soooooo well, and treats me so good. He rocks. I LOVE Mother's Day.

This morning he made French Toast, Bacon, and OJ for me - my FAVORITES. Instead of breakfast in bed this year, I sat with my family and enjoyed a rare Sunday morning breakfast all together. Del even ate the french toast - a first in 16 years. (He's not a breakfast food fan.) He even sprinkled it with powdered sugar - WHOA.

On Friday I sent Del a questionnaire. That's what I wanted as my gift. He still got me a gift card for a massage though (can't wait!). It was really nice reading all of his responses to my questions. I wanted him to be honest, and respond as if being interviewed by someone else. I told him to think of it as my obituary. He chuckled - asked if I was planning on dying soon. I said NO, but if I was dead, I wouldn't be able to hear it. I want it while I'm alive!

Here are the questions - just in case you want to ask your OWN hubbies. (sorry hubbies.)

1. How did you meet your wife?

2. What was your first impression of her?

3. What was she wearing?

4. Describe her eyes.

5. How much does she weigh?

6. What size pants does she wear?

7. What size shoes does she wear?

8. How tall is she?

9. When she walks in the room, what do you think when you see her?

10. Is she a good kisser?

11. Where did you go on your first date?

12. What characteristics drew you to her?

13. Tell me something special about her that NOBODY else knows.

14. Does she have any birth marks, anything that stands out, physically?

15. When people meet her, what is their general impression?

16. What is she REALLY good at?

17. What does she wish she can change about herself?

18. If she could go anywhere on vacation, where would she go?

19. Fill in the blank - "She loves it when I ________"

20. Name her top 5 pet peeves.

21. What does she like to do in her spare time?

22. What is her greatest accomplishment?

23. What was her biggest failure?

24. Is she a good friend?

25. Tell me how she is as a mother.

26. When she gets mad, what does she do?

27. When you look into her eyes - what do you see?

28. Tell me about her talents. What is she great at?

29. Does she have any bad habits?

30. What color do you think she looks the best in?

31. Do you have a favorite outfit of hers?

32. If you could change one thing about her - what would it be?

33. Is she romantic?

34. Tell me your FAVORITE thing about her.

35. Fill in the blank - "I love it when she____________."

36. Describe your wife in 1 word.

37. When you're old and gray, where will you be?

38. Do any particular songs remind you of her?

39. If her life was made into a movie, what type would it be? Which celebrity would play her?

40. If someone could get inside your head, and see your wife the way you have seen her for the last 17 years, what would they see through your eyes? i.e. - is she challenging? Is she easy to be with?

41. Besides the birth of your children and your wedding day, Describe your top 10 most memorable moments with your wife, and why they're memorable.

42. What's the hardest part about being married to her?

43. What does she struggle with?

44. How does she treat you?

45. Do you have a nickname for her? A Pet name?

46. What does she call you, and why?

47. Does anything else have special meaning to just the two of you?

48. Does she do anything quirky?

49. What is something you've always wanted to do for your wife but couldn't?

50. What do you think she is incapable of?

On Friday I got online to chat with Del. I asked him what he was doing - he said he was working on his "Kristin Thesis." Made me laugh, but I was impressed he had it done by end of business on Friday, when he barely got it Friday morning. He said he was stressing out that he'd get some of them wrong. There really are no wrong answers though. It was a fun read, and I love that I can go back and read it whenever I want to.

Shout out to all you Moms out there. You're doing an awesome job! Doesn't matter if you don't keep an immaculate house, or cook the best, most wholesome, well-balanced meals every stinkin' meal. And it certainly doesn't matter if your kids have to go diving for socks in the giant pile of clean laundry that you just can't bring yourself to fold and put away. Forget about the time you were so stinking busy on Saturday painting your closet, that you forgot to feed your six year old, and by the time dinner rolled around at 9p.m., she ate THREE corndogs (one of those healthy well-balanced meals) because she was so hungry. You're still doing a fabulous job!! Some days just SHOWING UP is quite the accomplishment.

I love YOU, Mom. For everything. For keeping my secrets, giving advice, and for your great example. For just putting up with us - 8 kids who like to torment and tease you. You rock. You da bomb. I heart you.

Girl's Weekend Trip....

2009-05-02T17:00:00.009-05:00

Every year a bunch of girlfriends take a trip to San Francisco. I think this is our 5th year doing it, so we decided to change it up a little. Instead of San Fran, we decided to go to Monterey, Carmel, and Capitola. All of them are touristy beach towns with lots of fun little shops.

It's basically 8 moms having a slumber party for the weekend without kids. Woo Hoo!

It was a lot of fun. Shopping, shopping and more shopping. Pedicures, Movies, Walking on the beach, and hanging out, giggling till all hours of the night. Good times!

Here are a few pics of the trip. We tend to take lots of pictures when we're eating, for some reason. That's mostly when we're all in one place, I guess.

Kelsey and I running on the beach in Monterey at the crack of dawn. Whoa, we look scary!

Eating breakfast on the wharf after our super long, exhausting run.

Shazia showing us how to properly wrap one's head. She's our token Muslim friend. We're a joke without a punch-line - "7 Mormons and a Muslim go on a trip...."

Hanging out in Capitola.

Suzi and I in Capitola

Kelsey asking if she had anything in her teeth. (Sorry, Kelsey - this one makes me laugh!)

Eating breakfast at the Hotel in Monterey.

Capitola Beach

Tami, Shazia, and Shelley - Monterey Beach

Dinner at California Pizza Kitchen - Monterey

Shelley, Jill and I - Monterey Beach.

Sister - Kelsey and I - Monterey Beach.

Pedicures in Carmel

All the girls - Suzi, Kelsey, Nicole, Shazia, Tami, Shelley, Jill, and I - Monterey Beach.

After the girls' weekend, I stayed for a few more days and hung out with Kelsey. I called the other sister Kim to tell her I'd be there, so she got a ticket from Seattle to come play with us. Yay! Love hanging out with the sisters. Ruthy couldn't come cause she was about to pop out a baby. Next time, Foof!

Me, Kelsey and Kim at B.J.'s for lunch.

I'm almost winning! It really helps when you cross your eyes and grit your teeth.

What a joke - she can kick my bum every time. Has since we were LITTLE!

Kelsey thinks she's tougher/stronger than I am. I showed her!

Look at that OVER-THE-TOP move. Keep working on it Kelsey - someday you'll have guns like me.

Rendezvous with Rebekah in Stockton before I left.

Kim and I waiting at the airport together for our flights home.

Super fun trip - can't wait to do it again next year.

Getting our Groove On...

2009-04-21T17:50:00.008-05:00

Saturday night we went dancing. Yeah - that's right DANCING! Wooo Hooo! It was so much fun. Del didn't complain ONCE. He danced every time the rhythm got me, and got down with his bad-self. It was fun watching our friends Ken and Keri - they're really good at the country dancing. Del said he'd even take lessons to learn how to do that. He said he likes it much better than the ol' shakin' yer booty thang. We'll see how coordinated we are TOGETHER. scary.

We went to a place that has different rooms for different genres. The country genre seemed to be the most popular - Texas - go figure.

Brent and Leslie. (Leslie had to drag Brent there by the hair. Which is why he's now bald.)

Ken and Keri - doing what they do so well.

Del and me. Next time - I'm wearing my hair slicked back in a pony-tail with bangs in a barrett! It was stinkin' HOT and sweaty, nasty.

Ken and Keri - the happy dancing couple.

The girls - all in black - we had a theme going on.

Fun times.

Bug Gets BRACES!

2009-04-14T17:55:00.002-05:00

Monday the kids had the day off for Easter.

A perfect day for Bug to get his braces. He's thrilled. The Orthodontist said he'll probably have them for 3 years. BLECHK! Plus, he has to get a baby tooth pulled. Oh joy.

But just imagine how awesome his smile will be! - LOL.

And so it begins. I'm sure the rest of them will need them as well. Except Matt - he was blessed with his father's teeth. The rest of them aren't so lucky.

Pat Green Concert....

2009-04-13T17:00:00.002-05:00

Saturday night we went to the Nutty Brown Cafe' for the Pat Green Concert. He's from Austin - local boy makin' it big. He has some really good songs - check them out.

The Cafe' has an outdoor amphitheater in the back. Very small concert, so you can get right up to the stage (if you don't mind losing your hearing for a few hours.) Our ears were ringing for a while afterward, but it was lots of fun.

I have Del convinced he should take me dancing this weekend for our hot date. Wooo Hooo! He said he's prepared to dance every single song - WHOA! We haven't been dancing in so many years, I can't REMEMBER the last time.

One time when we lived in Mesa, we (I mean I - Del went kicking and screaming) wanted to go dancing, but we didn't want to go to a bar. I think we had 2 kids at the time. So Del and I decided to go to a Stake Singles dance. HOLY MOLY!

We walked in, looked around, danced once, but then I had to go to the bathroom, so I told Del as we were walking off the dance floor. He was holding my hand, and wouldn't let go, panicked and said "NO WAY! - You're not leaving me alone in here!!" I was laughing hard! I had to pry my fingers out of his! We didn't stay long, but it was fun to see what our options would be, should anything happen to either of us. We both came to the conclusion that we would remain single for the rest of our lives. YIKES!

These pics are terrible - we all forgot to bring a good camera. These were taken with my phone - blurry, and we look like crap, etc. But whatever - we had fun!!

Ken and Keri

Brent & Leslie

Highlights.....

2009-04-08T08:56:00.012-05:00

Del said my blog is boring - I need to update it. Nothing exciting has happened lately though. Who wants to read about the mundane routine of everyday mom-of-five life?

I'll just give you the highlights from the last couple weeks.

Went to Rodeo Austin again - this time with Rylee's 1st grade class. We didn't do the rides at the carnival or watch bull-riding, we did the educational - How-To-Milk-a-Cow kind of thing. Rylee was on the front row and squealed with delight/disgust as the dairy farmer demonstrated with a squirt of the tit/teet (whatever) into the audience of primary schoolers. She thought it was sooooo disgusting that the milk she loves to drink comes out of THAT. "Ewwwwwww!"

As we were walking out of the dairy demo, I told her I used to live next door to a family that had a cow, and my brothers used to share the milking chore, so we could get our milk for free. I told her I've even milked a cow before by hand - not that fancy machine. She looks at me a little funny and says, "Mom, did you used to live in the olden days?" I laughed, and said - "Yep - I think SO!"

We also watched some pig races. It was GREAT fun. "Our" pig won 3/4 times, so our group received pig noses as a prize. So cute and funny!

Waiting for the pig races to start! Yeeee Hawwww!

OK, next highlight - We went to this comedy place the other night with 2 other couples - it's called Esther's Follies. It was pretty fun. First we ate at the Iron Cactus - YUMMY. Really good spinach artichoke dip - I'm always trying to find one that equals Corbin's Grill in Layton, Utah. Sadly, none have measured up yet, but this one came pretty close.

Keri, Ken, Leslie, Brent, Me and Del. Good times, Good times.

Next highlight -

Del built a fence for Sarah, so she'd stop tearing up the yard, and chewing through the hose every time we water the trees, and knocking all the little kids over when she'd jump up on them to lick them to death. She is HUGE, and is a menace. Can't wait for the puppy stage to be over soon - I heard it'll take another YEAR. Good grief. This is the beast that used to be the cute little puppy!

I also planted some flowers in the front yard to beautify it a little. MY first flowers planted in my ENTIRE life. Uh huh - who knew I could be so domestic? LOL.

Sunday was General Conference. We played Conference Bingo - always a favorite with the kids. After conference, we had a Mexican pot-luck with 3 other families. Sadly, I didn't get any pics of the rest of them - too busy eating and playing. I did get a couple of Brent and Ken playing the piano. AKA - Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb. They have some serious man-love going on. They can sit at the piano and play ANYTHING together. It's really fun/funny to watch.

Going through all my sheet music. They're both VERY talented!

So - I think I'm caught up till now!

Tornado warning!

2009-03-25T18:26:00.004-05:00

Texas weather is CRAZY!

It has been overcast for a few days now, but today the sky opened up and poured down the wrath of Hades. Hail the size of golf balls came crashing down in some places - broke some windshields even.

This is what our front yard looked like after it hit us.

Sarah was running around like mad, barking and pooping on the porch. Oh the joys of having an excited ding-bat puppy.

The kids and I stood in the garage and watched it pour down.

Good times.

Rodeo Austin Carnival

2009-03-22T21:11:00.008-05:00

Friday night Del and I went on a HOT date with our awesome friends Ken and Keri to the......

We had so much fun! No ankle-biters around, just the adults. We got the wristband deal - pay one price, ride unlimited rides. Yee-Haw!

Thanks for all the pics, Ken.

Keri and I. I think I'm a foot taller than she is. We were laughing, cuz I had to scrunch down far.

That Genesis ride behind us was our first ride. It goes back and forth from side to side in a circle. Ken was hysterical - he can scream like a woman. He could give Jared a run for his money. We were all laughing so hard!

Keri & Ken on the Ferris Wheel. It was the kind that was enclosed and fit 4 people. My favorite. I don't like the open ones - especially sitting next to someone who likes to make it rock back and forth. NO THANK YOU.

Ken took this from his spinning cart - hence the blur. This ride lasted for freaking EVER. Del started sweating bullets, and had to concentrate really hard on not yacking. Poor guy was DONE after 2 rides. Weak stomach - this one did him in. (Don't worry honey - I still think you're manly.)

Del and I sans children. Good times, good times.

Travis' Birthday....

2009-03-21T13:24:00.011-05:00

Travis wanted a friend party this year so we went to the Main Event. It has all kinds of stuff to do - rock climbing, bowling, pool, video games, laser tag, etc. The kids had a great time running wild, and Del and I enjoyed hanging out with Cherie and Jeff.

Travis also wanted an ice cream cake for his birthday. If I was smart - I would've called to see if Main Event could put it in a freezer while we ate pizza first, but alas, I'm not that brilliant. It was against the rules (health code, blah blah blah - whatever) to put anything in their freezer. LAME.

No worries - we had Cake for dinner, and pizza for dessert! YUM!

Travis is now 10. It's hard to believe he's ONLY 10 - he's a big boy. People always think he's older. He looks more and more like Del to me.

Happy Birthday, TRAV! We love you!

Travis - the Birthday boy.

Oreo Ice Cream Cake from DQ. YUM.

Matt, Syd and Ry - waiting for the party to start.

Ahhh - the rare display of brotherly love. Had to document the occasion.

Josh & Ryan

Cherie & Jeff - aren't they cute!?

Syd - practicing her mad pool skills.

Bug - concentrating hard.

Matt's Birthday...

2009-03-13T11:37:00.000-05:00

Matt turned 14 a week ago. It's official - our world will never be the same. This Saturday is his first Stake Dance. I'd like to be a fly on the wall to watch him dance. To see if he will. Check out his moves. I offered to show him some of MINE, but he just laughs like I'm so retarded, and there's NO WAY his mother is going to show him how to dance! For the love!

We don't do many friend-parties. We (Del and I) don't like them! Friend parties are only every other year. The other half is just our family. We're terrible parents - we bribe them NOT to have friend parties. The limit for birthday gifts is $100. It is usually just one big gift of their choice. But if they forego their friend party, we'll throw in the money we would've used for the party towards their gift. So their birthday present can now be $200. That was what Matt wanted. He's been wanting an acoustical guitar to take with him on camp outs, for traveling, etc.

He went with me to pick it out, and has been teaching himself to play. We need to find lessons for him so he'll really know how to play and read music. That's next on the list. After piano lessons, and braces for Bug. Good grief - it never ends.

Matt wanted Angel Food cake with chocolate frosting. (Thanks for the recipe, Suz - you rock!)

We also have a tradition of birthday spanking - like most people do. Del holds them down, and we divide them up so everybody has a turn. Del had a REALLY hard time holding him down this year, and says he won't be able to next year. We'll BOTH have to hold him. And probably Bug. And Trav.

Del struggling to hold him on his lap. Matt's a slippery little sucker.

Rylee's Masterpiece...

2009-03-12T12:51:00.005-05:00

Wanted to share this drawing that Rylee did a while ago. I asked her if it was a picture of someone she knew (fearing it might be ME - YIKES!) and to my relief it wasn't anyone in particular. Phewwww!

She also said she doesn't like to draw "these things" (she points to her own eyebrows) because it makes people look mad.

Fun with PhotoBooth

2009-03-07T18:36:00.003-06:00

This is what happens when it's late at night, and spouses are in bed. Adam is babysitting at Eric's house, and I think he's had too much time on his hands. He has been practicing his PhotoBooth techniques, and wanted to show me his mad skills.

The Intervention

2009-03-06T21:54:00.007-06:00

Today I drove to Dallas to meet my brother Eric at his brother-in-law's dental office. He was fitting me for a new flipper (AKA tooth-like retainer, until the permanent tooth gets installed in MAY) while he was in town for the weekend.

I have HillbillyBob teeth. It's embarrassing. It's like dentures falling out of my mouth when I eat. Sooooooooo attractive! No, I'm not posting a pic. You're very welcome.

As I'm driving home, I got a text from my sister, Kim. "What are you on?"

My response - "Huh?" As I'm thinking to myself - I'm on I35 driving South, but why does she care?

Kim immediately wrote back - "I heard you're acting like you're on drugs."

Me - "How? LOL." I thought she was kidding.

Again, Kim - "So, what are you on?"

I have no idea what she's talking about, so I called her. I asked her what she meant. She said she was online with Jared, and he asked her if she had talked to me today. She said "no, why?"

He said because I'm acting really happy, and strange, and saying stuff like I'm on drugs. WHAT?? I still have no clue.

I called Jared. (Kim is still on the phone - we have a 3-way phone call going now. Gotta get to the bottom of this.)

"Jared, why are you spreading rumors that I'm on drugs? I talked to you 3 times today to help you with your iMovie - I wasn't being weird, or acting overly happy!! What are you talking about??"

He just kept saying I was being weird. Saying strange things. He asked if I saw the video he did of Tyson on his blog.

SOOOOOO confused, I said, "Jared, I'm still driving - how could I see your video yet?"

It didn't sink in with him right away that I was driving back from Dallas. I've been in the car ALL THE LIVE LONG DAY.

FINALLY, a light turns on. Ah Ha!

My children were at home after school. Morgan was babysitting. After the kids' chores are done, they're allowed to play the computer. Sydney and Travis like to get on mine and pretend they're ME and chat with Del. He always has to ask questions to make sure it's me first. Jared had been talking to Travis and Sydney!! They each pretended to be me at different times. Jared asked who he was talking to, and Syd wrote back, "Kris" So he asked if I still had a migraine from yesterday, and she said, "no." He asked if I was still on the drugs though, and she wrote back, "YEAH!!" (No, I'm not!)

Jared let's out a sigh, "Oooooooh - it makes so much more sense now." He was quiet a second and then said, "I think I might've cussed on it too - I think I said, 'what the hell are you talking about?'" NICE, Uncle Jared.

Sydney told me tonight that Jared asked if I was drunk. And her response to him was, "No, I'm sobar." Then said she also accepted a video chat, and then she ducked under the desk so he couldn't see her. LOL!! So stinkin' funny! I can see why he might've thought I was on drugs. Kim, Jared and I laughed pretty good.

WARNING - if anybody tries to ichat, instant message, or video chat, please make sure to ask detailed questions first to verify buddy identity.

So much for the intervention.

Case closed.

Addendum - Jared saved the iChats. I'm so glad! He says you can SEE the confusion.

So funny - Sydney's pretty good. (she was just trying to be funny, I promise she doesn't usually call names. Usually..... I think..... I hope.

3/6/09 4:38 PM

Kristin - Yo
Jared - wuzzup
Kristin - Watcha doin?
Jared - figgering
Kristin - okay.....
Kristin - idiot!
Jared - huh?
Kristin - nothin
Jared - you're crazy
Kristin - no you are dummy!
Jared - who is this?
Kristin - Kris
Jared - you need to say three nice things about me. preferably about my looks
Kristin - okay, lets get started ............. o.k. I cant think of anything
Jared - so mean
Kristin - thanks!
Jared - what are you smoking right now?
Kristin - nothin
Jared - are you sure?
Kristin - im just in a good mood.
Jared - awesome, why are you calling me names then?
Kristin - dont know. mabey cause youre my little bro
Jared - ok then
Kristin - so why are we doin this?
Jared - what the hell are you talking about?
Jared - lol
Kristin - why are we doin ichat?
Jared - well, i tried to initiate a video chat, but got denied
Kristin - ok
Kristin - what do you want me to do about it
Jared - well, i figured you denied me because you're not sober, so i guess I'll wait till you are
Kristin - what does sober mean again , I forgot?
Jared - not drunk
Jared - not inebriated
Kristin - Oh yeah
Jared - not sure if i spelled that last one correctly
Kristin - ok
Jared - i need some help, this is driving me crazy
Kristin - so watcha doin?
Jared - seriously, what are you smoking?
Kristin - nothing! But, I think i am drunk
Jared - me too!
Jared - me think you drunk
Kristin - LOL!
Jared - go to my blog
Kristin - OK
Jared - RIGHT NOW!!!!!
Kristin - O.K.!!!!
Jared - wait, i want to watch you watch it
Jared - JERK!!!!! (Sydney denied the video chat)
Kristin - EVIL!!!!!
Jared - EVIL JERK!!!!
Kristin - EVIL, EVIL JERH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kristin - OOOOOOPPPPSSS!!!!!!!!!!!
Kristin - I MEANT JERK
Jared - are you having a migraine?
Kristin - NOT ANYMORE
Jared - are you still taking the drugs for it?
Kristin - YEAH
Jared - no wonder
Kristin - Whats your blog called again?
Jared - jwmack.blogspot.com
Kristin - thanks!
Kristin - OK IM ON. NOW WHAT?
Jared - now let me watch your reaction
Jared - punk!!!! (Sydney denied the video chat again.)

I think this part was Travis -

3/6/09 5:06 PM
Kristin - When ever you patted Tyson's cheek he laughed. Hillairious!!!!!!!
Jared - i know
Kristin - LOL
Kristin - Oh, and you're a big fat punk!!!!!!!!!
Jared - huh?
Kristin - YOU CALLED ME A PUNK remember?
Jared - you're dilerious
Kristin - i know
Kristin - Oh, go on google and look up "Gummie Bear Song".
Kristin - I dont know why but its funny!
Jared - anything's funny to you right now
Kristin - NO!!!!!!! just do it!
Jared - ok, it was funny
Jared - but not hysterical
Kristin - Did you like it a lot?
Kristin - The but was pretty!
Jared - the butt was, but i don't know about the other but

I still can't believe he thought it was ME. I do NOT call him names, I know how to spell, and I always use capital letters where I should and punctuation marks. Always.

Week of Hair....

2009-03-03T17:47:00.005-06:00

Last week I spent a lot of time with clients in my chair - YAY for my growing clientele, BOO for being too tired to update blog regularly.

This is my gorgeous friend Laura -

And her sweet little Emma - isn't she stinkin' CUTE!?

We had fun taking pics after haircuts. They are both easy subjects.

NDS = Happiness

2009-02-18T10:41:00.006-06:00

I've been thinking about making our blog private. Friends and family only. Del and I have talked about it and we go back and forth. I think the only reason I haven't, is because I like to find OTHER friends' blogs, that haven't "invited" me to read, but love reading them nonetheless. I wouldn't want to deprive anyone..... LOL.

Do I really want strangers all up in my business - knowing details of the goings-on of my family? Then again, why would I care, if I don't know them, and they don't know me? It's a conundrum. Although, this post might seal the deal to go private. We'll see. I'm mostly worried about Del's family. I don't think they truly know me like the rest of my own family and friends do. I might be sliding downhill fast in their estimation. I may have just crossed the line.....

So - back to the topic of the day: NDS = Happiness. (I'll just give you the second 2 letters of the acronym, and you can come up with your OWN "N" word.)

Del and I recently started a little "game" - called the "N" Deacon Shuffle. I think most people know what this means, but if it's foreign to you, it's just dancing. Step to the right, step to the left, not really getting into any elaborate routine or getting down with your bad-self. No other moves required, i.e. macarena or funky chicken with arm gestures, turning around, etc. - just stepping back and forth to a/the beat. Totally harmless, innocent, stinking hilarious. (If you're getting a visual already, let me just apologize now.)

In order to play this game, you have to want something REALLY bad. For example - Del wanted something on Valentine's Day. In order to get what he wanted, I said he had to do the NDS first. He was stubborn. Sat on the couch for awhile thinking about it. Without warning, he went into the other room, and came back a short time later wearing THIS.

He was also wearing sweat pants as well. He danced. I laughed sooooo hard, I couldn't stop. He totally cheated, but I let it slide, for the sheer genius that he was, and for making me laugh. (BTW - we don't go in public in that - I got it for him last year, thought it was funny, cuz we're ALL naked under our clothes, right!?)

Last night I was really craving some of Del's famous no-bake cookies. We call them Birthday Cookies, because he always makes them for me on my birthday. He just has the magic touch to make them perfect. I asked him to make them after the kids went to bed. He said, "no way - you have to do the NDS first."

We both laughed, and continued watching t.v. Nothing else said. About an hour went by. He's concentrating on his iPhone-slinging. I got up, stripped down, started stepping and snapping (I have rhythm, baby.) He looked up from his phone and laughed. I'm not offended. It's funny! Then I picked up my bundle as I walked into the other room to clothe myself, as he yelled to me "Hey! There's no snapping in the Deacon Shuffle!"

WHAT THE???

We're both laughing so hard as I walked back in the family room to do it again WITHOUT the freaking snapping.

He made my totally-earned "Birthday" Cookies. They were delicious.

DRAW!

2009-02-15T21:35:00.007-06:00

When Del and I were engaged, he and his best friend Matt lived in the little old house next to the restaurant where we met. They were roommates for a few months before we got married.

I was a frequent visitor of this "man cave." We used to sit and watch t.v. together, Star Trek, Lonesome Dove, Bonanza, you name it, it had to be MANLY. Del also used to have an old gun cabinet that sat in the living room, beckoning these men to take a gun out and just hold it.

Many a night, they'd each have a pistol in their hands as they watched t.v. They would practice their gun-slinging skills: spinning it, twirling it around, doing tricks, pretending they were wearing holsters. They would also practice their QUICK DRAW. They wouldn't face each other or anything stupid like that and I'm PRETTY sure they weren't loaded - they mostly just drew on the bad guys on t.v. It was funny to watch.

Things have really changed around here. He no longer has the gun cabinet in the living room with the glass doors. His collection lives in a safe now with trigger locks, and secret combinations all hidden away from curious little hands.

NOW...... he has an iPhone to occupy his hands while chillin' out in front of the t.v. He has an application on his iPhone, called iQuick Draw. I'm NOT making this up! This application lets you pretend you're holding a pistol, and you have to jerk it upward, and it makes the shooting sound. It is hysterical! He quick-draws for the kids, and they ooooo and ahhhhh.

Our hero, the iPhone slinger.

PS - I told him I was going to write this down on the blog. He said quit making fun of him. But as I sat down next to him to watch t.v. he said excitedly - "Ya know what the cool thing about this application is? If YOU download it too, we can quick draw against each other!" PAHHH! I couldn't stop laughing.

Random Pics....

2009-02-13T16:18:00.009-06:00

Today I was downloading the rest of the random pics from my camera.

This is a lovely little gash from the Cable Box falling on my head.

We decided to get the giant t.v. out of Bug's room. The cable box was sitting on top of it, and when I went behind the t.v. to unplug it, the box fell on top of my head. YOUCH! (I said a bad word.) Got teary-eyed too, it hurt so bad. (I'm tough, dang it!)

That same day, I was cleaning the front of the fridge, and when I finished, I stood up and hit my head again on the counter-top. (Question: If all the kids are in school, and I say a bad word, did it really happen if nobody heard it? i.e. When a tree falls in the forest, and nobody is around, does it make a sound?)

The next day as I was on an airplane to Denver, I had to make a run to the back of the plane. I was wearing a hat. As I came out of the bathroom, I bumped my head AGAIN on the stupid overhead vacancy sign. Stupid hat bill, and stupid people who build airplanes too short for us 6'0" and taller people. Not a great week for my head.

As I was downloading all the random pics, I came across a few more that I don't remember taking....

There were some pics of bare butts. (I did post one on here, but took it off - don't want to offend anyone - LOL.)

Please tell me other people's kids are goobers like mine?!

Sydney's Times Table Practice.....

2009-02-10T22:25:00.005-06:00

Every night Sydney has to practice her times tables. Tonight it was the TWELVES.

Eric and Jared wanted in on the action, thinking they're each faster than the other. It's funny to watch them trash talk, debate who's faster, AND watch their faces.

I'm pretty sure SYDNEY won. Sorry, Hosers - Valiant effort.

Uncle Eric & Jared's attempt....

2009-02-10T21:48:00.008-06:00

Earlier tonight I was chatting with my brothers Eric and Jared about the scream contest. These two are both dentists. Eric lives in Colorado, and Jared in San Diego. We LOVE to iCHAT.

They wanted to give it a whirl. I'm thinking Jared makes the best woman.

He puts my scream to shame.

Jared's on the right.

Scream Video

2009-02-09T09:05:00.005-06:00

We've decided to do prizes.

Please VOTE! - whose scream did you like the best? I personally like Travis' the best - it cracks me up every time I watch it.

Babies, Babies, Babies...

2009-02-05T12:38:00.007-06:00

A couple weeks ago I got on the computer to chat with Del. We do this at least 5 times a day - chat, video chat, whatever. He's my favorite person to talk to. (sometimes my ONLY person during the day when all the kids are in school.)

Here's how it went -

Kristin - "What would you say if I told you I wanted 2 more babies?"

Del - "I'd say you are CRAZY!"

Kristin - "We couldn't just have ONE more, because it would be like having an only child, cuz Rylee would be 7 by the time this one was born. Therefore, we'd have to have TWO more so they'd have a buddy to grow up with."

Del - "We could adopt."

Kristin - "Yeah, that would be good, then we wouldn't have to have two more. We could adopt one just under Rylee - another girl to even out the Claridge Bunch. 3 boys, 3 girls."

The conversation went on for probably half an hour longer, but then that was it. No plans of action, just more of a "what-if" type conversation. Del doesn't fight it, he just goes with the flow trying to keep up with my ramblings.

That night when he came home, he asked if I was still wanting another baby. After the nightly havoc of school science projects, homework, reading, times-table flash cards, piano practice, etc. "NOPE, I'm good" I said. The moment passed. Del let out a sigh of relief. He said he already feels guilty for not spending enough time with the ones he has. I agreed, subject dropped.

THEN.... a couple days ago I was at Walmart waiting for a prescription to be filled, so I wandered over to the travel-size stuff. I picked up a tiny bottle of Johnson's Baby Lotion. I bought it. I took it home, lathered up my hands, and just sat there and took in the sweet baby aroma.

Seriously, it happens so quickly. One day, you're knee-deep in poopy diapers, wipes, formula, and sleepless nights thinking it will never end. And the next, you're wondering when you stopped buying baby lotion? It wasn't a conscious decision NOT to buy it anymore. I have no idea when I stopped. I miss it. I miss the babies, MY babies.

That night when Del called to chat before bed, (he's in CA all week) I told him about the lotion. He's really worried, ok - panic-stricken is a better description.

He said he thinks I'm a nut-job (and I just laugh, because I think I am too ) he says "what kind of person buys baby lotion then lathers themselves up in it just to sit there and smell it?" He continued, "What you SHOULD do is go borrow one of their dirty diapers, and sniff THAT every time you think about having more kids!"

I laughed hard.

So - NO announcements at this time. LOL.

I scream, You scream...

2009-02-04T21:39:00.014-06:00

The other night we were messin' around. Seeing who could scream the loudest. I can't scream at all. I can do a mean whistle, but I haven't been able to really scream good since the great Tonsillectomy of 1984. I videoed the screams, but the pictures are stinkin' funny-lookin'.

Here are the contestants - all fierce competitors in their own right -

Rylee - she has a very tiny mouth and squeaky voice, but MAN, can she belt it out!

Sydney looks a little demonic - but she's SUPER loud!

Travis' can surprisingly pass as a GIRL's scream, if you weren't looking at him. (he's all boy.)

Bug - not quite to puberty yet, can shamefully belt it out WELL.

Matt's is pathetic, at best. His is more of a YELL, or yelp. (he's happy he can't scream like a girl.)

If I can figure out how to upload the video on this thing, I'll post it tomorrow. I still don't have the winners, so maybe ya'll can help me judge who has the best one.

Matt update....

2009-02-01T17:00:00.000-06:00

The day after I posted about Matt, he told me the girl told HIM that she really did like him. (Duh) I asked him if he felt the same, but again he said No, he doesn't like her that way. I asked him what he said to her, and he said he didn't know what to do.

Del and I both had a conversation with him that night - we said "blame it on us." "Tell her that your parents are super controlling - psycho, even." We're totally ok with that. LOL. (not a far-cry, I know - be quiet.)

That's what he did. He told her that since he can't even date until he's 16, it's pointless to even have a girlfriend right now. She accepted it - they're still friends. Phew!!! Crisis over.

Yesterday morning, he walked in my room and said, "Hey mom, I just found out ANOTHER girl likes me in one of my other classes."

My response - "Oh yeah?"

Matt - with a wicked grin, "yeah, I think I'm turning into a Ladies Man."

We both cracked up laughing.

(Still scared.)

Terrified.

2009-01-20T12:14:00.006-06:00

Matt will be 14 in March.

This last weekend, a GIRL at school invited him to go to the movies on MLK holiday. We asked him how many were going, how many girls/boys, what they're seeing etc.

He didn't know all the answers, but said he'd email his friend and get back to us.

One friend (girl) and her cousin (girl.)

We said no, that it's too much like a date, and he's not allowed to date until he's 16, and that he's not allowed to SINGLE date until he's 21. LOL. (We'll see how long we can get away with THAT.) He said she's just a friend - he doesn't like her THAT WAY.

As I got into my email today, Matt's email was already logged in. Is it bad that I read some of his? Oh, who are we kidding - I really don't care what anybody else thinks. I'd do it again. This same "friend" had sent him a few emails addressed to "Hey cutie" and another that said it's ok that he couldn't go to the movie that day, but that she would "save that movie to see with only YOU, and nobody else."

Freaking out here.

I want to throw myself on the floor kicking and screaming, WISHING that my boys didn't have to grow up. I KNOW what's ahead for them. I DON'T know what's ahead for them. I'm scared of forward girls who have very little inhibitions nowadays if they have a victim within their reach. I'm REALLY scared of cell phones, texting, emails, and the internet. They don't even have cell phones yet - we're avoiding them like the plague. At what age do they truly NEED them? We never had cell phones growing up, and we didn't DIE without them.

Life with my little kids is over as we know it. The small window of opportunity where they think we know everything, where WE are their heroes, where we still have the most influence over them. I'm sad. It happens so gradually, you don't even see it coming.

Temple Trip....

2009-01-18T18:00:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go with my boys to do Baptisms for the dead at the Temple. I haven't done that for 20 years or more. I was excited to go to San Antonio, as it was my first time to visit that Temple. It has beautiful stained glass windows everywhere - gorgeous.

My job was to hand the towels to the youth when they got out of the water. A few of the kids and leaders brought their own family names to do.

One big, burly, intimidating man that looks like Mr. Clean watched closely as one of the youth was baptized for his wife's grandparent. After the baptism, he gave the confirmation blessing. I watched as he got choked up performing the ordinance. So then of course I started getting weepy thinking about what this means to their family.

His wife is in the Relief Society presidency, and told everyone during the "good news" minute that her grandparents were just baptized yesterday in the Temple, and that she's so excited for them to get sealed so then her own parents could receive the same ordinances, and that they all would soon be sealed as a family. I can't imagine how long they've waited for this. The joy they must be feeling.

I can only relate it to last June, when Ruthy went through the temple for the first time. All eight siblings including our parents were there together standing in a circle, just looking around at each other and crying. It felt like forever in the making. Love you.

I AM A NERD.

2009-01-10T14:05:00.014-06:00

This morning Del and I went to Matt's Robotics competition. He's in a robotics class and club at school. It's like playing with remote control legos on steroids. They program their robots to do certain tasks and requirements, and they are scored for a bunch of stuff I don't get, but I cheer nonetheless and video and take pictures like the proud mama I am.

This is the cute pep-talk before the competition. They even say a prayer in their huddle. This is important stuff! I think Matt's the ringleader - Chief Nerd - if you will. That's my boy!

Watching their robot do it's tasks. They even have referees, but they're really just judges - jotting down each task completed.

The team after their competition. We don't know how they placed yet, as they have more tasks to do without spectators. He's there from 6am to 6pm. If they place in this series, they get to go to the finals in Georgia. (Addendum: His team did NOT place for Nationals. What I didn't know at the time - this was the Texas FINALS. They all got a medal for participation, so he was happy. He said it was lots of fun.) I didn't want to leave you hanging, because I can tell by the sheer volume of comments, ya'll were hanging on the edge of your seat waiting to hear the outcome! LOL!)

After the nerd (I say this endearingly, as the apple doesn't fall far from the tree) convention, Del took me shopping. Tomorrow is my birthday. (Don't freak out, if you haven't sent any gifts or cards yet, you still have time. OK fine, J/K.) He took me to Fry's Electronics - one of my favorite stores. I got a new color laser printer, that I've had my eye on for MONTHS. Suuuuhweeeet! My husband rocks - hardcore.

This is the awesome shelf Del made last weekend to store all my fun stuff, especially the new beast sitting on top. It's a fax, scanner and copy machine as well - SCORE! I am my mother's daughter, what can I say - we're generations of nerds.

Valentine's Day is coming up, and I already know what I'm getting, and I can't help but still be excited. Last year Del got me Apple One to One personal training sessions for a year. It's such a good gift, and he said he was just going to renew it again for this year! Nothing says I love you, like computer classes.

Forget chocolate and flowers - we have nerd love.

Exciting News....

2009-01-07T22:15:00.004-06:00

Shout out for you, Janelle!

I really have nothing to say, but feel like I should put SOMETHING on here to update my blog, but the only thing that's happened lately, is I had my yearly today. TMI?

Hopefully a friendly reminder for the rest of the women in my life. Love you!

PhotoBooth Pic. Love playing with the affects.

Wall of Fame...

2009-01-03T11:11:00.004-06:00

One of my FAVORITE things about Christmas is all the mail. I love getting everyone's pictures and updates and cards. Seriously - I can't wait to go to the mailbox everyday to see if we got a new one.

It's sad when Christmas is over, and I have to take down my wall of fame. I usually leave them up until the first week of January, because I know there are others out there like me that mail their cards AFTER Christmas. It's all good.

So thanks for all the cards, pictures, and newsletter updates. I love them.

Texas Legends...

2009-01-02T19:57:00.010-06:00

A couple days ago I was driving home, minding my own business, jamming out to my new favorite song, "Gives You Hell." I know, I know - a good Mormon girl (mom of 5) isn't supposed to like such profanity, but it makes me laugh, I love the beat and the ho-hum happiness of the how-do-you-like-me-now revenge song. It's applicable for anybody - an old boss, teacher, boyfriend, girlfriend, whatever - it's all good.

Anyway, as I'm thumping along, singing my song, a cop walks out in the middle of the road and sticks out his hand to stop me. DANG IT!

He waived me over to the side of the road to park. He moseyed (in Texas, we mosey) up to my window for the routine I know oh so well - "Do you know why I stopped you?"

With a big smile on my face - "Probably for speeding?" (followed by nervous laugh.)

Officer - "Do you know what the posted speed limit is?"

"Nope, no clue." (another nervous chuckle.)

Officer - "It's posted 45 just as you turned onto the lane. Do you know how fast you were going?"

Still smiling - "Not a clue."

Officer - "You were going 57."

"Awww crap."

He then asks for my license (my UTAH license, as I haven't updated it since moving to CA, and then to TX - what a slacker! I told him we recently moved to Texas. "Recently" is very subjective.) and insurance information.

As he's filling out my info, I start babbling, a nervous habit I can't seem to break (I also babble at the gyno's office) - "Ya know, you guys are legendary...."

Officer looking up from his writing - "what?"

"My neighbor said cops camp out under trees with their radar guns, and then walk out in the middle of the road and stop you ON FOOT - I thought they were kidding, but that's exactly what you just did! You're a legend!"

Officer chuckling, "Really? They don't do that in Utah?"

"Uhh, No, Sir."

After that, I just shut up and let him do his business.

Meanwhile, his partner is still standing in the shade with his radar gun, and pulled over another woman behind me. I watched in my side mirror as he walked up to her window, and heard her making excuses, and arguing with him.

MY officer says - "Can you hear what's happening back there?" I said yeah, as I keep watching and continue my silence. He said, "She's just digging herself a hole, getting in deeper and deeper." I didn't say a word, waiting for my sentence.

He looks up from the paperwork and says, "I'm just going to give you a warning today...."

"LOVE YOU!!" I burst out.

Officer chuckles - "Make sure you slow down and pay attention to the posted speed limits."

Me - giddy with relief, "Yes, sir!"

Officer - "Welcome to Texas, M'am." smiling as he walked away.

And that, my friends, is how it's done. (big sigh)

Christmas Day

2008-12-26T22:26:00.016-06:00

This Christmas we tried something new. We were trying to have a more Christ-centered Christmas, and to help do this, we said each kid was going to get 3 gifts from us. Just as Jesus Christ received 3 gifts - gold, frankincense and myrrh, each of the kids will get 3 gifts (from us.) I had heard of the 3-gift thing many times, but it wasn't until a friend (thanks Brittany) described each gift specifically, that we decided to try it.

Here's how she explained it:

Gold is "a gift of great value": One present the kids REALLY want.

Frankincense represents "the presence of God": So for this I give them something they need, usually clothing of some sort.

Myrrh was "used to anoint the body for burial": For this one I give something that they can share.

It worked out really well for us, and we're definitely going to continue it as a new tradition. As we read Christmas stories for the month leading to the 25th, we also explained what we were going to do. They still wrote out their Santa letters, and we decided what fit into each category. Under their names on the tags, we also labeled them as "gold", "need", or "share." They also received one gift from Santa, along with a few board games for the whole family, and one big family gift.

Christmas morning. Never fails - we hear the kids running around like a herd of elephants above our head before the designated time to come down the stairs. This year we said 7am, but heard them "whispering" to each other around 6:30. Not bad though - we got up so as not to prolong their agony.

I manned the video camera, while Del snapped pics. We take turns opening presents so everybody can see what everybody else gets, and to make the "big event" last longer. Then when it's OUR turn to open gifts, the kids took turns (fight over) taking pictures and videoing. Some snap pics better than others, but they ALL had to have a turn.

At the top of the stairs waiting for the OK to come down and pillage.

Rylee with her "Blue Sparkly Bear with Sparkly Clothes" that she asked Santa for.

Cupcake Maker for the girls to share.

Bug, Trav and Matt - video games to share.

Matt's new ipod (gold)

Bug's new iPod (gold)

Trav's new iPod (gold)

(Everybody else looks like DEATH to open presents too, right?)

Del bought me a charm bracelet for our anniversary a few weeks ago, and then took all the kids to pick out their own charms for me for Christmas. I thought it was such a cool idea! It was so fun to see what they all came up with:

Matt - a crown, because he wanted me to feel ROYAL.

Bug - a teardrop with a dove that says PEACE.

Trav - a heart with a bow for LOVE.

Sydney - a cupcake, because she liked that it opened. (To hold something the size of a pea -what do people put in there anyway?)

Rylee - a cute little blue present with pink bow, because it's Christmas.

I also got a really nice scanner (gold) from my sweet husband - (Travis had the camera, and this picture cracks me up - half my face. I'm ok with that though.)

Del- thrilled with his stock-pile of socks. (need) (Not a word, KIM!)

With his handy little drill - we've already used it - so handy! (share)

Del's new garage radio - heavy duty construction radio with iPod hook-up. (gold)

Plus his own supply of mini pecan pies - his favorite.

Because a man isn't a man without tools.

For Christmas dinner it was just us - Turkey, home-made rolls (uh huh, I can make them if Kelsey's not around), mashed potatoes, stuffing etc. etc. YUMMY! We even used the fancy stuff - table cloth that doesn't fit, chargers, cloth napkins with rings, and goblets! (Kids LOVED that.) Matt is missing - I know.

Poor Matt was SICK all day for Christmas - throwing up and other stuff. Poor guy couldn't keep anything down. It started with Del, then moved to Rylee 2 days before, and then Matt. We're wondering who's next...

BTW - finally got my Christmas cards mailed TODAY. Better late than never.

Merry Christmas everybody - hope yours was as happy as ours. (minus Matthew's.)

Christmas Eve

2008-12-26T22:05:00.002-06:00

Christmas Eve we have a tradition of opening one present. It's ALWAYS the same thing - new jammies. Every year they try to convince me to let THEM choose that one present, but being the OCD kind of person I am, I always choose, because I don't want to take pictures Christmas morning of the old beaten up jammies from the year before. Plus I'm the Mom, and I said so.

Old Navy jammies - our favorite.

The Nutcracker

2008-12-23T10:37:00.006-06:00

Last Friday we went to the Nutcracker at the Austin Ballet. It's the first time we've ever seen it, so it was a big treat for Sydney, Rylee and me.

Rylee knew exactly what was happening the whole time, and was explaining it to ME. Apparently in her music class at school, they reenacted it, so she knew the story well. I was very surprised she followed along so easily.

It was fun dressing up, and then going out to eat afterwards with our friends, Leslie and her two girls McKenely and Kaitlyn. We were pooped by the time we got home at 12:30 a.m.

I forgot my camera, so these were taken with my phone.

McKenely, Sydney, Rylee and Kaitlyn at the intermission.

Me and my girls.

Leslie and me.

After the ballet - a bunch of kids playing on the light show.

Looking out from the theater at the Austin skyline. It was beautiful - the picture doesn't do it justice.

Where do you hide YOUR presents?

2008-12-22T10:53:00.010-06:00

Our kids are at the age where they SNOOP. Shocking, I know, we never did that.

We thought about the attic, but it's upstairs by the kids' rooms and they're very light sleepers. There's no way we'd be able to pack them in and out without them noticing the ruckus.

At first we had them in the back of our old van (it's been sitting in our garage for the last 3 months) with a blanket over the loot and the doors locked, keys hidden. But after Del got the van registered in Texas and a new battery installed, he finally put it on Craig's List last Friday morning. It sold that same day by 2:00pm! Wooo Hooo - but there goes our hiding place. While the kids were at school, Del brought in all the gifts and dumped them in our bedroom. I had clients in my chair until the kids got home from school, and forgot about them completely.

That morning, Matt had one of his "I don't want to go to school this morning, because I'm a hormonal, grouchy teenager" episodes, and by the time he walked in the door after school, he was feeling bad for ruining everyone's morning - AGAIN. (BTW- we fixed that problem - if he ruins any more mornings, he's grounded for that day. He's been MUCH happier now - LOL.) Because he was feeling bad about the morning drama, he offered to clean my bedroom to make amends. Isn't that SWEET of him? I forgot the presents were laying around my room though, so I told him to wait a few minutes while I took care of something - I hastily went in my room and locked the door. I thought about shoving them in my closet, but there's no lock, and there's not enough space under the bed either!

"I've got it!!"

My kids gross-out at the thought of ANYTHING smelly, dirty, or clogged in the bathroom. They'll NEVER on their life risk going into a bathroom if the toilet is clogged. My toilet room! It has a lock on it! It really sucks in the middle of the night, or this weekend when Del wasn't feeling so good, and had to yack 7 times. I had a client that day, and he didn't want to throw up in the guest bathroom while the client was sitting a few feet away, so he did it in HIS bathroom sink! BLECHK! Sorry, honey. TMI?

He asked if we were going to move the presents, but we really don't know WHERE to move them, so that's where they're staying until the big day. Ingenious, I know.

The kids still haven't caught on.

So where is YOUR stash?

Little Aimee

2008-12-20T17:15:00.013-06:00

I just received an email from my friend Aimee who lives in England. She just had a baby last month, and I can't tell you how excited I am for her, so I thought I'd share her good news.

To make a long story short - she had a baby many years ago, but because of complications, he only lived for a very short time. Not long after that, they adopted Paddy - who is the cutest little boy you'll ever meet - especially with his English accent. And now - 7 years later, she just had another baby, Alfred. Adorable!

Aimee lives in England, and a few years ago when Del and I took a trip there, I had a chance to hang out with Aimee sight-seeing in London for a day while Del had to work. I also got to go stay at her house and explore Canterbury, which is close to where she lives. It was SOOOO much fun. I can't wait to do it again.

For her birthday that year, her sweet husband Phil got her Keith Urban tickets, but since he had no clue who the man was, he offered to let me go in his stead. (Yes PLEASE!) It was THE best concert I've ever been to - we were within arms' reach of Keith. We sat on the inside of the baracade that separates the stage from the audience. (Security guard felt bad that she'd have to stare at the other concert-goers backsides all night, as it was standing room only in front of the stage.) It helps to hang out with a little person - they get all the perks. We look like a freak-show hanging out together, as I'm 6'0" and she's MAYBE 4'0". It's fun to watch people's reaction as we walk by. Good times, good times.

Here are a bunch of pics of us hanging out that week in England.

Aimee's House

Buckingham Palace

On top of the famous red Tour Bus. A rare sunshiny day in London.

Keith Urban Concert

Up-close-and-personal with our good friend Keith. Yes, we felt the drops of sweat fly - LOL, we didn't care.

Phil, Aimee and Paddy. They call themselves "The Littles."

Walking around Canterbury, I had to take MICRO baby steps with these two. Paddy was 4 years old at the time, but had the stride of an 18-month old. As it started to rain, I picked him up so we could move faster. When I lifted him, he was sooo excited he yelled, "Mummy, I'm BIGGER!" (I LOVE his English accent.)

With a bunch of freaks hanging out by Big Ben. We asked if we could get a picture with them. They said it would cost us $1. The guy with his hand over my shoulder thought it would be fun to flip-off the camera, but I gave him what-for and said my kids will see this picture! I convinced him that if there were any obscene gestures, he wouldn't get paid. They happily complied.

To check out Aimee's cute pics of her cute new Alfred - click her link to the right under Arizona - she's The Little Yankee living in England.

This year's Christmas Card.....

2008-12-15T11:45:00.006-06:00

Merry Christmas from our homely family to yours!

This is the family you walk by and say to yourself, "bless their little hearts."

(It helps to click on the picture to enlarge and get the whole affect.)

I laughed hard when my brother-in-law sent this back to me with some editing. He is very gifted with photo manipulation.

I'm torn which picture looks best for our Christmas Card now.

OK, here's the real one -

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Lights and decorations...

2008-12-08T21:00:00.000-06:00

This was the first year I helped Del hang Christmas lights outside. I was up on the roof straddling the peaks, white-knuckling the edge while holding the string of lights and sticking the little clips under the shingles. Getting down is the scariest part. Del was holding the ladder and tossing up clips and lights, and testing them. It's definitely easier as a team.

Thank goodness it's done. We also finished up the tree yesterday. Now all we have to do is wait for Santa to show up and deliver the goods!

Oooo - and Saturday Del made the frames for the canvas prints that Ruthy brought with her at Thanksgiving. I stretched and stapled them yesterday and Del helped me hang them up last night. Here's the finished look.

Happy Holidays!!

Our 16th Anniversary...

2008-12-06T15:00:00.007-06:00

Yesterday we celebrated 16 years together. Holy Moly, can you believe it? We can't - LOL.

We went to the Alamo Drafthouse for dinner and a movie - Australia. It was good, but really LONG. I hate it when a movie has so much hype, that you're expecting an EPIC blah blah blah. It was just good - not "epic." IMHO.

Del also brought home a bouquet of 16 roses, one for each year, and a charm bracelet from Brighton. Love it.

We've almost been together half of my life. We grew up together - I was 20, and he was 22 when we got married. It's a Christmas-Miracle that we made it through that first year of pure hell. OK, there were SOME good times, but I mostly remember NOT getting along. If we went a WHOLE day without fighting, we thought it was an accomplishment. I wouldn't change a thing though - makes me appreciate how sweet our relationship is NOW.

Everyday we were engaged, he asked me, "Are you sure about this?"

My reply was always the same - "Yep, I'm sure."

We look sooooo young. It was hard to imagine at the time where we might be 16 years later:

11 moves
5 States
5 awesome kids
A dog
Bachelor's, Master's, Beauty School
Multiple Employers
Multiple church callings
Additional pounds
Multiple shades of hair / Hair loss
Nieces, Nephews and In-Laws.
Soooo many GREAT friends.

I love you.

Bug's Christmas Present...

2008-12-05T09:00:00.000-06:00

We've been promising Bug for YEARS that as soon as we have a house that has a big enough backyard, we'd get him the dog he's always wanted. He's had his heart set on a yellow lab FOREVER. He has been studying books and magazines on how to train and take care of them for awhile now.

We finally found one that didn't cost an arm and a leg. She's stinkin' cute, but man, does she make messes and smell! (Remember, I have a super bionic nose!)

My family grew up with NO pets. OK, we had a dog "Speckles" once that wouldn't stop barking at the birds in the trees, so he lasted a whole month - possibly 2, but definitely not longer than that. I have no experience with animals - no LOVE for animals, and my kids think I'm the meanest mom alive because I don't want the dog IN THE HOUSE chewing up everything, peeing, and pooping anywhere she pleases. ACK! I promise, I'm trying to love her. Today was the first day I was home with her by myself. I fed her and played with her a little in the backyard. I was very pleased with myself.

So without further ado - here is Sarah. (Kill me now.)

My JOY...

2008-12-04T08:00:00.006-06:00

Yesterday was one of those days where I just couldn't get it together. Felt like I accomplished nothing. Not even a shower or got dressed.

Started out fighting with the kids, trying to hurry them along with the morning routine; find clothes to wear, find shoes, eat breakfast, don't forget to brush your teeth, sign daily folders, wear your jacket so you don't get cold, can't find a jacket? -
"Wear mine, I promise it's a men's jacket, because girl jackets don't fit me!" "I swear - nobody will laugh at you or think you're a girl, just because you wear a light-blue jacket!"

whine, whine, whine whine, whine.

"Fine, here's a green jacket - how about it?"

Big sigh, another whine, yelling, tears, silence.

Sheesh! Morning from hell over a jacket!? FIRST teenager, and only 13. Does not bode well for the rest of them and for how many years?

By the time the kids got home from school, I had made cookies to help erase the memory of morning. They were all happy again eating cookie dough.

I walked in my bedroom with Rylee trailing behind me, and she asked if she could lay in bed with me and snuggle under the covers. (Yes, please) She wanted to play with my phone (fun games on the iPhone) so I said sure. We played under the covers, tickling for a while when she asked if we could take pictures.

Rylee is my joy. I love playing with her, tickling her, snuggling her, hearing her say "I love you" for no reason whatsoever. I don't want her to grow up.

"I know - take one of me as a bunny!"