Florida, Swim Lessons, Six Flags

So if you found us you've realized I've delayed way to long again to blog and that we're now private. I hope you feel honored to have been invited. I really have to catch up on the past little while in a long boring layout and then maybe someday I can post something interesting again. It really is so much more fun to read everyone else's posts that I get carried away and run out of time to put anything down.
So here is the fast run down of the last month.
Florida - Chris and I took a premature 10 year anniversary trip to Florida. It was the most "real" vacation I've ever been on. It was the first time I've been somewhere without any agenda, no schedule, no one to meet up with. It really was the best!!! We stayed on a resort right on the beach, rented a convertible, drove down to the keys, went snorkling, ate delicious food and just relaxed.

Swim Lessons - Charlotte and Rozlyn just finished up a few weeks of lessons. My kids might be the slowest learners ever when it comes to swimming. This time around we made huge strides! They both are now comfortable going under for a long period. Actually swimming will be our next step. The pool has been my escape from the heat so far this summer. Our community is the best with the max depth at 3.5 feet. Our friends pool is almost like a big splash ground with the max depth at 1.5 feet. This way they have fun playing around and I don't have to worry so much about anyone drowning. I also enjoy my browner then ever skin I have. I really think tan skin automatically makes me look 10 pounds smaller which is a real plus in my third trimester state.

Six Flags - Yesterday we braved the heat and took the kids to Six Flags with their cousin from Palestine, TX. It was so hot and there were so many people. My kids loved it and had a great time. Each time the kids went on a ride that Mason and me couldn't go on we got to go eat as many treats as we possibly could and hide the evidence before they returned. Another highlight was the streaker that was arrested right in front of our eyes. We were walking along when some police stopped the traffic to escort a man out of a theatre wrapped in a small sheet into the police car. The man next to us explained that he stripped down in the theatre, made a huge scence, kids everywhere, not pretty, you get the idea...one police man was carrying out the shed clothing. Chris offered understanding for the guy by reminding us all just how extremely hot it was outside.
Here are some pictures. The whole gang.


My two favorite boys in the world!!!

I'm loving this summer. I can't believe it's already the last week in June. Slow down time, I'm not ready for a regular schedule anytime soon.

Weekend Hangover

Really this post was for yesterday but the system was down. Chris was out of town for his nephews baptism which left me on weekend duty. It used to be when he was gone I loved putting the kids to bed early for some "me" time but the older they get the funner they are to hang out with so it was the opposite this time around. On Friday we blew up the queen size mattress and did most of our eating, playing, movie watching (and a little bit of sleeping) right there. Mason was the last one to sleep both nights. That kid is going to give some boy scout leader nightmares in the future. He really could pull an all nighter if someone stayed up to talk to him. When we were just in Disneyland he usually was the last one to sleep in the hotel, occasionally poking and pushing on me and Chris.
Saturday's agenda was as follows:
1. Sleep in
2. Breakfast at McDonald's - play a long long time
3. Target for fun swimming toys
4. Swimming with the Marsden's
5. Swimming at the Twin Creeks Pool
6. Bath's, Dinner, Jammies, Movie Party
We had so much fun!!! It really makes me look forward to summer, only two days left!!! I'm really sick of the routine, getting the kids to bed each night and getting them up in the morning when all any of us want to do is sleep in, eat late and swim all day.
Of course we were so glad to have Chris come back and since he feels like he missed out on all the fun we're blowing the air mattress up one more time for the last day of school and he gets to join in on the fun.

Plumber anyone??

So my wonder husband Chris rescued our family again with his amazing plumber skills! On Monday he made his trip to Home Depot, purchased the goods and took apart the toilet for the second time this month! I never knew he had these handy skills, we also never had a need for them until Mason came around.
A few weeks back we were out on a date. I went through the routine call I always make a half hour or so after bedtime to see how everything went. In all the times past there is only silence in the background, the babysitter tells me how fabulous the kids are and that everyone's sleeping soundly. Chris and I can then go on to have a worry free, enjoyable night. On this night it sounded like the babysitter was throwing a party, I was immediately annoyed, asked why all the kids were screaming and wide awake. She told me there had been a little problem. More like a HUGE problem. Apparantley (after everyone WAS in bed) Charlotte had to use the bathroom, it started to overflow. The babysitter found a plunger, started plunging away with no relief in sight. The babysitter proceeded to plunge while she instructed Charlotte to flush and the water kept coming out. When I took the babysitter home I asked her to guess how many times she thought they flushed it, her estimate was 15!(The following Monday's FHE was on toilet emergency's, particularly never flush it twice if the first time didn't work!) Rozlyn was then assigned to grab every towel she could find in the house, since there was a river now running into each girls bedroom. The babysitter then called my emergency contact friend, Tanya and she came to the rescue. Can I add that only true friends come over late at night, stomp through flooded toilet water, clean it all up and do all of your laundry (the 50 thousand saturated towels)! Tanya, you're the best ever!
Our date night ended with us rushing home, pulling up carpet, ripping the soaked pad out and running a bunch of fans. I was so bitter that we didn't get to ever have dinner that I got some fast food at midnight, set a blanket on the floor, washed our hands really really good and ate our greasy hamburger and fries.
Tanya told us she plunged forever without progress. Chris had the same luck. He ended up taking the toilet apart and found a plastic waffle lodged in there. The perfect storm!
Our toilet in our master bedroom stopped working about a week ago. Chris once more removed the whole thing, turned it upside down.
Here were the latest casualities


We just bought these toys for the airplane ride on our trip to Disneyland. They were his favorite!! Mickey is also missing, we think he might have gone all the way. If it wasn't for Goofy's large bottom, they probably would have all cleared nicely.
Here are items that have been lost and found, four different race cars, including his favorite lamborghini, my credit card, car keys, plastic food, toothbrushes, washclothes, handsoap and now these guys. We don't have an account of whats made it down the shoot.
I have no idea how to solve this problem. We only wish his poop made it in as frequently as his toys.
Should you have the same bad luck you can call on Chris, he's extra helpful, really good looking and even applies brand new clean white grout around the toilet when he's done. I have a super plumber for a husband!

So Long Best Friends Wallpaper & Diamonds

We are undergoing major home repairs as we speak. It all started because Mason is about to say so long nursery, hello big boy room. The girls will begin sharing as soon as schools out. (8days!!) Then Mason gets his own pad. It currently has purple diamonds on the wall and pink wall paper that's border says "best friends" all over on it. Chris tried to convince me that we could move him in, in this condition and eventually paint it. My present to myself and our marriage was to find someone else to strip the wallpaper, re-texture and paint. I had to take pictures before it's all long gone. I loved the diamonds that were only with us a few short monhts. It was one of my funnest painting projects to date. I will miss you!!

Graduation!!

It's official, Roz is off to kindergarten. I shed a few tears at the ceremony. The presentation was darling and she made mom and dad very proud. Why do they have to grow up so fast?? I wish I could freeze this little phase she's in right now.

More then just a .

I'm making my way back into the blogging world. To kick this new debut off in style I decided to change things up & create a new fresh look. It's really the thought that counts right? It shouldn't matter that my title is just a "." and nothing else. When I get to heaven I'm for sure requesting some magical technical power that I wasn't granted during this life.
Thanks for the concern from some of you on my behalf. I really didn't fall off the face of the earth but am flattered to know that if I did a few of you would notice. My big news for any of you who haven't yet heard is that baby #4 is well on the way. I'm due in Sept and more excited then I can express. I feel so blessed. We aren't finding out the sex of this little one and even that is making this pregnancy so much fun. In the process of being sick and chasing around 3 kids five months have somehow passed me by.
So here's to a new try and a small dot for a title.

More Christmas and Gold Coat Explanation

Happy 2008!! We had such a fun time ringing in the new year. We got together with some friends played games, ate lots of food, wore the party hats and watched our own ball fall at midnight. I wish I had some pictures, I'll try to sneak some from my friend to show you just how funny it was. Our friends had no T.V. so a volleyball adorned with some tin foil patches around it hanging from the 2nd floor did the trick. There were a few flash lights on the sides shining on it for added affect. I'm sure it was much funnier then I can describe. Even little Charlotte stayed up til midnight. All together a very fun night.
Here is another picture from Christmas at our house.

I was very proud of myself for putting up this arch of lights. I hot glued it, got burnt in the process, but was so happy at my effort everytime I saw it throughout the month. So since so many of you seemed concerned about the gold coats I thought I'd better explain. We went to this awesome display of ice sculptures. It really was amazing. I loved it! It's in this huge hotel with a million Christmas decorations, a life size gingerbread house that you can go in, etc. The whole experience was fabulous. When you check in they provide everyone with those huge Gold Coats. I guess here in Texas they figure people don't have their own warm coats. I'm dissapointed that you all thought that I would seriously buy those for my fam. This is a must do every year for us now. This is the real picutre of all of us waiting to go in.

.....and a final picture of my favorite Christmas present. I might just leave it up until next year I love it so much!

Chris went to work today, the kids go back tomorrow. After this long month of fun we are about to be back on the regular schedule. I've loved our break and am a little sad to see it all end. It should be a good year though because I convinced my kids of some good resolutions to make (obey quickly, listen to mom, help my siblings, do chores without being asked) I'll let you know how it goes.

Look at our fun month!!

We've been having the best time with my parents here. Celebrating Christmas is so much funner with some extra family along to share it with. Here are some fun pictures from the month.

Tagged

Tagging really is the best when your mind is so unorganized and you can't put any other complete thoughts or stories down. So here it is in all its glory.

Five things I Was Doing Ten Years Ago
1. Living the life as a freshman at Ricks College
2. Lots of cheering, dating and not so much studying
3. Faithfully writing a missionary I was certain I was going to marry
4. Not making any money
5. Meeting with the Dean for breaking rules

Five things on my To Do List (short and long term)
1. Complete a triathlon
2. Live in a small town
3. Serve a mission with Chris
4. Visit Every State
5. Own Power Tools and build cool things

Five things I'd do if I was a Millionaire
1. Visit my family much more frequently
2. Travel the world with my family
3. Pay off all my debt
4. Decorate my house
5. Buy new cars

Five things I'd never do again
1. Never really is a long time, I can't think of specific things. Maybe there are too many. I would hope that I'd be more independent, strong, optimistic, self assured and less worried about everything.

Five Favorite Toys
1. Bike Trailer
2. Sewing Machine
3. Bosch
4. Computer
5. DVR

Five Things I've Read Recently
1. Animal Vegetable Miracle
2. Complications - A Suregeons Notes on an Imperfect Science
3. The Christmas Box Miracle
4. Austenland
5. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Five People I'm Tagging
1. Amy
2. Tanya
3. Jessie
4. Tori
5. Rachel

A few reviews

I've been thinking about all these things I love lately and have to give some positive reviews for a few of my favorites.
1 Fall Decorations and smells, pumpkin spice wall flower from Bath and Body Works.
2. Two Rows - Fruit Cobbler. Who know that somewhere so close could have such deliciousness. It was even more exciting that we've lived here over a year and now just found it, it made it seem more like a hidden treasure discovered. You must try one yourself.
3. Sprinkles Cupcakes - I've almost tried every flavor. I get all hooked in the craze of new and exciting things. If you have to stand an hour in line to get one, it must be that good right? That is my way of thinking. That's why day after Thanksgiving shopping at 5am in the freezing cold is so much more fun then any other time. I'm sad and sorry for you if your not in an area where you can get one of these. Should you ever visit us, it's the first place we'll go.
4. Dan in Real Life. - This movie was such a delight. Squeaky clean and hilarious especially if your future will involve a teenage daughter. Go see it if you haven't already.
5. Wal-mart paint. For all of you anti-Wal-mart people out there I'm sorry it's at Wal-mart. It comes in a plastic container with a screw on lid. It's genius because when you take the lid off it's a little bowl perfect for touching up with. I've been getting my paint at Home Depot forever and paying twice as much. I really think it even covered better and was overall better paint (it could just be the savings or fun plastic container swaying my opinion). Again, sorry it's at Wal-mart for you haters.
6. The "Buy it Now" option on Ebay. I've been discouraged to many time being out bid or paying waaayyy to much because the bidding up becomes a game for me. The "Buy it Now" option was made just for me. Find the item, click, buy, no waiting, no stress, not so compulsive buying.
7. Reading blogs. Here is why I never post, because I'm always reading all of yours. The blogger world has exploded and so many friends and family have joined me on the bandwagon. There really isn't enough time to read them all as often as I wish I could, and that really leaves no time to ever post. All of you lives are so much more exciting to here about. I really love it.

Halloween!!!

Presenting...Queen Frostine, Princess Lolli and Mr. Mint

I really do love this holiday. The purpose is pretty lame but I can't help but love it. The decorations, the food, the costumes, it all makes me so happy.
Here are some kid pictures. I've yet to figure out how to get a good one with three kids but when I do I'm enlarging it and framing it. This is the best we could do.

Mason looks like he can't possibly put down another candy bar (but he did, many more). Mason loved every minute of the night. He had his cute little bucket that he dragged everywhere. We kept offering to pack it for him but he refused to turn over possesion. At one house we got these Star Wars plastic head filled with candy. You couldn't see the candy inside and Mason thought it was just a toy. As he would walk from house to house he'd sort through his goodies, find the "toy" and throw it out saying "not candy". Each time Chris would pick it up and put it back in his bucket and each time Mason found it he'd throw it back out "not candy".
Charlotte picked out there costumes. She came up with the idea all on her own that they should be the Candyland characters. It was a cute idea and since you can't buy those in the store we had to get creative. You sure can go a long way on a costume with some fabric glue and tape. I didn't want to dress up like Grandma Nut and we couldn't convince Chris to die his hair pink and be King Candy so we settled for the iron on t-shirts of the gameboard.

FireStation and Nocturnal Parade

I've been busy producing an owl costume for Charlotte's nocturnal parade costume. It actually didn't take that long, one movie's worth of time, "The Wedding Planner" one of my favorites. All I had to do was glue on a bunch of brown feathers to a vest. I thought the owl would be finished at that until I put it on her and decided she looked more like Davy Crockett then an animal. So yesterday we had an emergency bib and hat making. We borrowed some owl glasses from a friend and we were set. Charlotte loved it, she was posing all last night.

I love how she still has "red eyes" even with the glasses. We joked that she should have been a raccoon because of her black eye. Since many of you asked how she got it.....she was dancing at a birthday party and got an elbow, or head, or some other body part thrown to her eye. Apparantley at the same time she got her head banged from behind. She started to cry and asked for an ice pack, while she was sitting there with the ice pack on they saw that her eye started to swell up and turn black. They kept asking her if the front of her head or eye hurt but she said no.
I'm glad the owl project is over. These kind of things are frustating because I put alot of love and care into that owl and then I get to parade and see things that are so cute and took way less time. If you ever find yourself making a nocturnal costume for you kid, take my advice...go buy some Zoo Pal plates, cut eye wholes and tape some string to it so it's a mask. It was so cute, so easy and so .25 cents. Why couldn't I think of that.
Next project, Halloween costumes.
I also got such cute pictures of Rozlyn and Mason on their recent fire station tour. Mason had no fear as usual. After the fireman was all geared up they asked if anyone wanted their picture. Mason was the first one to march right up there.

Getting the tour.

Almost as tall as a firetruck tire.

Cute kids.

Baskets, Birthday Party, Black-eye...

and so so busy. I really didn't plan everything to start with a B but once I started I couldn't stop. This post marks the end of my busy days. Last week was the busiest week in forever. I dreaded each day every morning I woke up, and all throughout the day I'd complain about how bad I hate being busy. I'm changing my ways.

As Charlotte's room mom I had the task of creating the class basket to be auctioned off. Our theme was "Pamper Me". We had tonz of donations so we had to split the baskets into two. I thought it would be fun to have Lottie participate, so away we went to all of the fun girly pampering kind of stores in town. The pressure of putting it together was a little daunting. We had to use shrink wrap which was a first for me, that is some fun stuff. Everything looks prettier in shrink wrap. We shrink wrapped the baskets, then shoes, then each kid got to pick out a toy. We had so much fun that we used up the whole roll. You can get it at Hobby Lobby for 4.99 and it really is worth the fun. You'll all be getting presents shrink wrapped from me for Christmas this year.

The baskets were due on Thursday and I was in charge of the combined YW activity on Wed. It was a huge birthday party for all of the girls. I'm sure your not really interested in the details but it did take lots of planning and I'm trying to paint you a picture of my busy week.

We had this gag gift exchange and I got the game Scrabble. I was so excited and it was much better then the old sequins dance unitard I gave away. I came home that night and it was late from cleaning up and made Chris play the game with me. There's nothing like ignoring all you have to do by playing board games late into the night on a weekday. I wasn't so great on night number one but on Thursday night I got the word "Quince" which is some sort of apple fruit. I was so proud that I knew what the word was and that I had all the pieces to play it that I got skipped five times in a row waiting for a place to lay it down. Chris hadn't ever heard of the word which made me more proud because it might be the only word I know that he doesn't. I'm so grateful for the ABC fruit book where I learned it.

Lastly, Charlotte survived another birthday party with no peanut emergency but did come home with a black eye. It's faded a little bit sense she got it a few days back but you can still kind of see it.

Chocolate

Roz brought home a teddy bear last Thursday in a cute little bag with extra teddy clothes from preschool. This bear came with a journal that was for recording Chocolate's (the bears name) adventures. I thought it was such a cute idea. We are a pet free family. We once tried a goldfish and I honestly was traumitized by it's death. Chocolate is kind of the next best thing. All the kids fell in love with him. For me it was a lot of pressure. We had to have something great to record. I've been in quite a lazy parenting slump. Maybe Roz's teacher could sense it in me when I dropped her off. The previous care takers from her class had such fun things to say about the time spent with Chocolate. In the end we didn't do anything elaborate. It's just a sad wake up call that a small Teddy Bear was what was driving me to be a fun parent this weekend. Chocolate ate with us, said prayers with us, participated in FHE with us, slept in Roz's bed with her and lost no limbs (even though there was plenty of tugging back and forth on this beloved toy). This morning before we returned it, Charlotte found him tucked under the kitchen cabinets on the cold tile where he slept last night. I'm sure that was an accident, but confirmed to me that Chocolate is the only kind of pet will ever have.
I hear we get one more weekend with him (if he survives his adventures until the end of the year). There will be a poll going on for suggestions to entertain Chocolate. Get your ideas ready.

My Month Long Sabbatical

Good stories to entertain you and make you laugh still on their way. For now just pictures.

Early morning hot air balloon festival. We had quite the good seats as you can see.

Family photos from our Idaho trip. I couldn't ever talk about it before because it was a big suprise for my mom's big 60th!!! It was the first time in who knows how long it's been since we've all been together. I think it was when my dad retired 6 years ago. The photographer was so great, just look how many of us there were. Plenty of kids and plenty of adults who act like kids.

Okay, long boring and no good stories.