Simon of the Sea

After Olivia received a "fancy" makeover on her room, Simon insisted that he too needed a new look. He decided that the look that was right for him was the ocean. So here is Simon's new and improved ocean room...
His bed is his raft. If you could figure it out the white triangle on the wall is his rafts sail.

Thanks to Grandma Linda and Grandpa Steve Simon already had this great shark tent (he refers to it as his fort). He helped put the fish up on the wall and picked out the surf board and sun for the beach sigh.
He put his sea shell collection on an anchor just inside his door so he can admire it often.

This was a totally different experience than redoing Olivia's room but just as fun. I think it needs a few more things like a surf board clock (you better get busy on that Aunt Angie) and maybe a sun somewhere. Simon (and his mom) is happy with the outcome!

President Hinckley

I was saddened to hear of the passing of President Hinckley last night. What a wonderful man he was! I'm sure many of you have been thinking about words he spoke that meant something to you or experiences you have had because of President Hinckley. I though I would share an experience we had with President Hinckley...

Shortly after we got married we moved into the Historic 10th ward in downtown Salt Lake City. President Hinckley had grown up in this ward. For those of you who don't know about the 10th ward-it is one of the oldest chapels in Salt Lake. It is amazingly beautiful with a gorgeous stained glass window of Christ at the back of the chapel. If you ever get the chance to look through it, it is well worth it (400 S. 800 E.). Anyway, just after we moved in the building had an overhaul to bring it back to its original state. President Hinckley came and rededicated it when it was done. It was such an fabulous experience to sit so close to President Hinckley in such an intimate setting. As he spoke he told the congregation that this building was special to him, not only because he had grown up attending it but because it was the place where he KNEW the Book of Mormon was the word of God and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet. He said he had attended his first Priesthood session of conference in the building and as the men stood to sing "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that the words he was singing where true. I am grateful for the teachings of President Hinckley. I am glad for the insight he has had on not only my behalf but on the insights and example he had on the world. I am so happy he had the inspiration for each of us to read the Book of Mormon. It was a wonderful experience in our home.

Bags, bags, and more bags!

I got "Bag Tagged" by Carrie.

So here's what you do...
1. Show a picture of your bag
2. Show a picture of ALL the contents of your bag-NO cleaning out first 3. "Bag tag" 5 people

So here we go...This is my bag right now. It is a Tommy Hilfiger that I got from T.J. Maxx. I love T.J. Maxx!! I like this bag because it is fun. I just discovered a hole in the bottom so I'm sure it won't be my bag for much longer. If you see a cute bag around let me know!

This is what my bag contains...

*my brighton wallet a got for my birthday last year (thanks again Dad and Pat)
*my brighton mirror. I don't know why I carry it, I hate looking in the mirror
*my cell phone, which rings maybe twice a week
*a pen and pad of paper
*york mints
*hand sanitizer (a must with little kids)
*veramyst (Dr. thought this might clear up the popping in my ears)
*a key to Ryan's truck
*ibuprofen
*almay lip stick and liner, which is odd since I only wear chapstick or lip gloss
*bath and body works C.O. Bigelow spearmint mentha lip shine (yummy)
*another lipstick and liner courtesy of costco
*brighton sunglass case
*an orange bounce ball
and
*a whole mess of Simon's pills

I guess you caught me on a good day, usually I also care various confiscated items from the kids (DS, candy, legos, littlest pet shops, rubber bands, pokemon cards and figures). Does this mean my kids are growing up.

Show us what's in your bag...

Krista
Katy
Laci
Kristin

Sorry, I only got 4!

Ryan's True Color

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Brown

You're brown, a credible, stable color that's reminiscent of fine wood, rich leather, and wistful melancholy. Most likely, you're a logical, practical person ruled more by your head than your heart. With your inquisitive mind and insatiable curiosity, you're probably a great problem solver. And you always gather all of the facts before coming to a timely, informed decision. Easily intrigued, you're constantly finding new ways to challenge your mind, whether it's by reading the newspaper, playing a trivia game, or composing a piece of music. Brown is an impartial, neutral color, which means you tend to see the difference between fact and opinion easily and are open to many points of view. Trustworthy and steady, you really are a brown at heart.

Take this test >

Brook's (and Drew's) True Color

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Yellow

You're yellow, the color of joy and energy — two things you definitely bring to everyone around you. It's hard for anyone to be sad or lonely in your presence; your sunny disposition and cheery outlook just won't allow it. The warmth of your personality shines through in the kindness you show friends and family (and strangers, too). Always ready with a lighthearted joke or heartfelt compliment, you know how to make people feel good about themselves, so they can't get enough of you. Yellow is a warm and inviting color for a warm and inviting person — you!

Take this test >

I don't see these characteristics in me at all...

Andrew also took the test and is also a yellow.

Amigos

We have been blessed with wonderful friends! Melissa and I have been friends since Silver Mesa Elementary. And thank goodness Ryan and Robb like each other (they are both band geeks). Now that we have our own kids, I am so glad that they like each other, too.We had such a great time visiting over the weekend. Melissa is one of those friends that I forget to call for, oh say, 3 months she doesn't get upset, or think we aren't friends anymore. We can just pick up right where we left off. I love that about her. I know she is the one person who will always be there no matter what I am going through. She had helped me through some devastating times, some crazy times, some depressing times, and some heartbreaks. And I love her for it! She always knows when I need a phone call and a friend. Thanks for putting up with me all these years Melis, I love ya! We can't wait for our vacation!!

Cars, Cars, Everywhere

Every year my brother and step dad go the car show. This year Ryan and Drew got to go too. They got to see some pretty neat cars and Drew even got to test out some of the driver seats! (Ryan's edit: They did not let Drew get in the Ferraris or even the high-end Audis. What a ripoff!)

The Great Snow Adventure!

We had a fabulous long weekend up in Salt Lake. The snow gods heard our plea for snow and dropped 10 beautiful, fluffy, inches on Monday morning. Did I mention we were leaving Monday afternoon? While Ryan lamented about how we would ever get home the kids put on all their snow gear and headed out into the winter wonderland. They had a blast. They built a snowman, Had a snowball fight, helped grandpa shovel not only his walks but also the neighbors walks. They finally got dad to join in the fun by burying each other in the snow. I have seen this done at the beach but never in the snow before. After all the fun was over they warmed up with some hot chocolate. What a great time we had! Thanks grandma and grandpa for the great weekend!!!

HARMON'S

I guess this proves I am kind of a geek. One of my favorite times of year is when Harmon's has their case lot sale. I am alway so proud of myself for what I can get for my money. Today I saved $60.00! I never have to buy cans other than during the case lot sale, which is such a great thing in itself. The cans are so heavy, it's nice to get it all done at once. I also feel like I am contributing a little to my food storage. I posted this picture so you could see why Simon refers to the pantry as the "can-tree". I asked him once why it is called a can-tree and he said "because that's where the cans go and we have lots of cans". For those of you who have not tried shopping during this glorious time, the sale runs through the 20th of January and they do it a couple times a year. It is even cheaper than going to Costco (believe me I have checked). Hooray for Harmon's!!!

Fancy Olivia part 2

Here are some pictures of Olivia's new "fancy" room. Ok, it may not look that fancy to you, but based on who made the drapes, hung the drapes, pictures, mirror, and canopy, I think it look great. I am not the fanciest person myself so when Olivia told me of her plan to make her room fancy, I got a little nervous. Anyone who has been in our home knows, we are not fancy people. I myself think that it turned out fabulous. Olivia also must like it because when she first saw her new and improved room, she screamed at every turn. She loved everything about it, except there were no lights on the mirror. That was taken care of today while she was at school. The best part about the whole process is the fact that we used to have a very average green room at the end of our hall way and now we have a little girl's room fit for the finest little girl, Olivia! Thanks for the challenge Olivia! Coming Soon... Simon's new room. You didn't think he would let me redo Olivia's room and not his, did you :)

Fancy Olivia

(Click on the picture for a bigger version.)

Someone's been reading Fancy Nancy.

Olivia received this book for Christmas...Nancy is a little girl who loves being fancy. Now Olivia wants to be "posh" (she told me this was a fancy way to say fancy!). The list above is the list she made of the things she needs to make her room fancy. She told me that after her room is fancy than she can help me and Ryan become fancy as well. I guess tomorrow we are going shopping to purchase the items on her list so she can have her fancy room. Leave it to Olivia to want to actually live her story books!

Matty

I don't want to put a depressing post on, hopefully this won't be. Today is the 6th anniversary of my brother Matthew's death. I have had thoughts of him all day and wanted to share a few. Matthew was quite a bit younger than me so I was lucky enough to get to watch him grow up. From the time Matt was little he knew what he wanted to do...He wanted to be just like his big brother. He excelled in everything he did. He was an avid climber and musician. He loved to be funny and laugh. One of my fondest memories of Matt was when he was five and got himself drunk at a family party. He really did get HIMSELF drunk. It was my step grandpa's birthday and there was Champagne to celebrate. Every nonempty glass was snuck away by Matt. By the time anyone noticed, Matt was wasted. When Matt was older he talked his mom into buying him a dog. I still laugh when I think about Matt teasing Mick. He would race through the house as fast as he could with Mick in tow, barking and howling, slipping on the hard wood floors, and running into things that got in his way. I have fond memories of going to New York City and the Met. Matt actually helped me change a diaper that trip. Matt moved to Colorado for school the year before he died. He wanted to be independent-He made my dad teach him how to do the laundry, iron, and do small repairs around the house. He had become an adult. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to have such a wonderful, funny, talented, happy brother. I love to remember the great times we were able to share together. I love you, Matt!

Jay Leno Jr

We have had requests for updated pictures of Simon's face...so here they are. Despite the ugliness, he doesn't seem to be in much pain.

Hiking in December?

My dad and Pat and nephew Alec (oops! and Katy) came to visit after Christmas. All Alec wanted to do was hike. Friday we went to Snow Canyon and Saturday we did Sugar Loaf. We all had such a great time. Ryan and I are still amazed that we can be outside in the middle of winter without having to worry about frostbite. The weather was beautiful. Thanks for making us get up and go Al!

We were glad that dad didn't get stuck in Fat Man's Hell (not that you are fat dad, the slot just looks so tiny!)

Andrew, Olivia, and Simon could not get enough of Alec. They love it went family comes to visit, especially their cousins.

Alec has turned into such a polite and nice kid. Strange for a 12 year old. Oh yeah, It doesn't hurt that he called me young and beautiful (even if he was just sucking up).

Guilt

Ok, so I have been feeling guilty about not keeping a journal since my Valiant teach gave me one (I think I was 9). I wrote in it a few times and then tore out the pages because they were so dumb. After feeling the guilt through Young Women's and Young Adult life, my Aunt gave me a new journal when I graduated from the U of U. Guess what...It is completely empty. For the record, that was almost 12 years ago. Which makes me sound so old. Now the guilt is getting worse, but I am too lazy to do anything about it. I have done some scrap booking, although that, too, has gone by the wayside since I've had 3 kids. And I prefer gluing pictures to pages to writing down why the picture was taken. The guilt continues-I have a book for Drew up to age 5 (that was the decided baby book cut off age), Olivia's has her first year, and Simon's is an empty book. Are my 2 little ones going to hate their mom if I die before I hand make their baby books? This too, is not enough motivation for me to actually pull everything out and get my rear in gear. So after all that rambling...Can I please count blogging as journaling? Please??? For some reason it is oh so much easier to type than too sit down with a true journal and write. I would love some validation on this because I am still feeling guilty. I have always been told that journaling should be in your own handwriting so you leave a piece of you behind. Someone please tell me this isn't so!

Blood on the Highway

Rumor has it that Olivia was electrocuted after a horrific golf cart accident. (I'm not kidding. Two concerned neighbors so far have called us and actually used the word electrocuted.)

Here is a first-hand account of that harrowing event:



I think they are going to be okay.

Simon and Olivia were actually passengers in a golf cart when Simon decided to commandeer the steering wheel to go where he wanted. Instead, they plowed into a utility box next to the sidewalk, throwing Olivia and Simon from the cart. They howled a lot, mostly because they were scared out of their wits. Simon's face got a little banged up, but that will be his badge of courage. (I told him that his friends will probably give him high fives and he responded, concerned, "In the face?")


The police, firemen, and paramedics also showed up, to the embarrassment of their mother.

Final damage tally: one bruised and swollen face (Simon), a scrape and a bump on the arm (Olivia), a broken windshield (golf cart), and one neighbor with no internet, cable, or phone service (the Ences--sorry).