Briem Team

More of Summer!

2011-07-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

Summer!

2011-07-29T11:16:00.001-07:00

Some pics from the summer including hanging at Jodi's with the slide, the girls setting up a spa, silver lake (where Matt got in the canoe and tipped us all out and under the water - keep in mind I'm 37 weeks pregnant - not a pretty sight) etc.

So I woke the other morning to these!

2011-06-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

The other morning I woke to find these on both barstools and hanging on cupboards (made by Ellie and Zoe). So great!

Grieving!

2011-06-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

So in preparation for our little guy - who will be here shortly, we decided to redo the bedroom in our basement for Ellie to move down to. She has been so excited and we painted it pink and it's darling. Her first night down, Zoe was planning on sleeping with her but that only lasted a minute until Zoe was back upstairs and Ellie had to brave her first night in the basement alone. She teared up and was nervous but went down to sleep. When I came back up from tucking her in, I lost it and started to cry, realizing that she's old and I will no longer here her great comments made from her bedroom after she's been tucked in. I'm seriously been grieving that my oldest is growing up and can sleep downstairs by herself now. The 2nd night, I put a phone in her room and called her from my cell, and the two of us talked for 50 minutes (she's right underneath me). It was such a precious hour as she shared her thoughts about life with me. She began talking about a relative who's an alcoholic and how next time she sees him she's going to talk to him about how alcohol isn't good for him and if he'd go to church and read his scriptures he's be much happier. Then she's going to invite him to church and before he comes she's going to talk to our Bishop and let him know that this certain family member, "who has a problem with alcohol" is coming and ask the Bishop if he'll say a few words about why alcohol isn't good for us. I also got parenting advice regarding Zoe and was told that I threaten and don't follow through and If I would follow through more, Zoe would behave much better. Since that night we've spoken on the phone every night and I treasure that part of my day!

Ellie Gets Baptized!

2011-06-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

Ellie!

Before the Baptism

Matt's sweet polyester one piece suit!

Ellie was so excited for her baptism and one of the best parts was having her aunt Alex fly home from New Jersey to be there (which was all a surprise). Ellie was so happy for this special day and has said, "I wish dad would have held me under the water longer, it was such a spiritual feeling". I told her people would have thought he was trying to drown her, not baptize her. When she walked out of the font and I was helping her get changed, she was just crying. I thought she was freezing and asked her if she was cold and she said, "no I'm not sure why I'm crying, I think I feel the spirit." She and I cried the whole time I was getting her changed and then Matt met us at the bathroom door and started to cry. It was such a neat experience and a neat day. We were so happy to have so many friends and family there to support her. She is such a wonderful girl! She bore her testimony the day after and thanked her Heavenly Father for the gift she'd been given and said she knows it will help her with her "trials in life". She's an old soul!

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY ELLIE!

2011-06-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

Ellie turned 8 on May 31st. I seriously can't believe it! I have no idea where the last 8 years have gone, but I do know they've been the best 8 years of my life. Ellie is the neatest girl with the most unique personality. She can entertain herself all day long and is so easy. She has more faith than anyone I've ever met and her testimonies in church each month melt the whole wards hearts, as she tells stories and lessons learned throughout the month. I love you so much Ellie!

8 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ELLIE:

1) Her witty and unique personality

2) Her care and concern for others (possibly excluding her sister)

3) Her strong desire to do what is right

4) Her imagination that never ends

5) Her QUESTIONS and deep thoughts that I truly don't have answers for

6) Her disregard for what others think and her desire to be who she is, despite if it's cool or not

7) Her smile (or lack thereof). She's so her father's child

8) Her love for animals. I'm convinced she's going to do something great with this someday!

School's Out for Summer

2011-06-20T17:01:00.003-07:00

Just a few pics of Ellie's dance festival, Marsh's School's out Party and the girls! Love love love summer!

This is so great!

2011-05-22T16:14:00.001-07:00

Zoe's Dance Video - She's the tall blonde one!

2011-05-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

Zoe's Big Week

2011-05-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

Zoe's had a big week with her dance rehearsal and recital and her preschool graduation. She has been in heaven of course and loving that everyone has come to watch and support her. She is so pretty and I'm reminded of a conversation she and I had about a month ago. She has a real crush on Ike, her friend from next door and I was asking her how things were going with him and this is what she says: "I asked him today if he's going to marry me or not and he said, "I don't know what your going to look like when you get older" and she says, "I'm going to be so beautiful".

I think she is right!!!

The Mullett!

2011-05-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

Matt just went to "get a hair cut" and this is what he came home with. I could throw up and he thinks it's so funny! It's not!

Poor People's Hot Tub

2011-05-14T12:09:00.001-07:00

This is how poor people have a hot tub. We fill up our little pool with warm water from the laundry room sink. The kids think it's just as good as the real thing. The weather's been in the 70's and we've been in heaven. This is how we're spending our days!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZOE!!

2011-05-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

Zoe in her new "cowgirl sunhat"

Displaying all her new gifts!

In her new dance outfit!

In her new Birthday dress, made especially by Grandma Ni!

Zoe just turned 5 years old. I can't believe it. She is so much fun and I love her so much! She's my little shadow and my little buddy during the days when Ellie's at school. She has definitely taught me things about myself as a person and as a mother (most of which I don't like), but she teaches me to be more loving and patient each day and she is the best little helper. She's always quick to help me if I'm cleaning or cooking. She wants to be helpful and I think that's such a great quality!!! She's a good friend and is very smart. She's starting reading and is doing great!

TOP 5 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ZOE......

1) Her smile!

2) Her laugh!

3) The way she loves me and wants to be with me or "snuggling me" always!

4) Her love for babies and how great and helpful she is with them!

5) Her self-confidence. I hope this stays with her FOREVER!!

and I'm adding one more... Her strong personality that I know will either get her into lots of trouble later in life or get her very far. Hopefully the latter!

Struggling

2011-05-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

It's only been about 2 years since I've blogged so I'm struggling. Slowly but surely I'll get back in the game. I do want to write the funny or great things that are said or that happen in the Briem home, here's a couple of the most recent......

1) The night before Zoe's Birthday I'm talking to the girls about the day she was born and how scary and great it was and Ellie reminds me that once Zoe got home, Ellie kept wanting to send her back and send her to live with Spongebob. I say to Ellie, "aren't we so glad she didn't go to live with Spongebob and Ellie replies with, "yeah those episodes would be filled with so much crying, I would never watch it". WOW!

2) Zoe has a great 5th Birthday (pics attached, hopefully) and she and I wake up and make her cake, get pedicures, go to lunch etc. I turn the T.V. on today and some show is on and Zoe says, "I am over this show Mom, you know I am 5 now".

3) The other night we were at my mom's saying goodbye to Alex and Ellie and Zoe come walking in and Ellie says, "That may have been the most embarrassing moment of my life" and we ask what happened. They had been out back swinging with one of the neighbor boys who Ellie has a crush on. She goes on to tell us that when the boy came over, Ellie started telling Zoe to say good things about her in front of the boy so he will like her and tells Zoe to say, "Ellie your such a good girl, you did your dusting today"??? Zoe wouldn't do it and refused to say anything about Ellie so Ellie says to the boy, "Okay, I'm just going to say it, I think your cute, not like girls are cute but like HOT!" and the boy replies with "That's okay, all the girls in my class think I'm cute, I am the hottest boy in my class".

ALEX- This is for you!

2011-05-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

Since my dear sister decided to leave us for the summer and move to New Jersey to star on Jerseyshore, I've been encouraged to update my blog for her. This is for you Al.

Wow, I may be back!

2009-12-08T19:47:00.000-08:00

Here's just a few random, more recent photo's. I lost my camera months ago so these are stolen from Amy's blog (thanks Amy for always having your camera and always taking pictures)

Okay, I had truly sworn off blogging. I don't know why other than it started to feel like one more thing I needed to get done and I was feeling overwhelmed, I guess. Anyhow, I truly just want record of my girls, our family and the wonderful moments I never want to forget. A few of those things.....

1) My 3 year old, Zoe,wants lipstick on every minute of the day. She is OBSESSED with it! If you have on a great color of lipstick you are immediately her very best friend. Clear lip-gloss or chapstick don't even come close to covering it. The brighter the better. I drop her off at pre-school last week and her teacher asks me, "Every time Zoe comes to school, she asks me for some lipstick, is it okay if I get her some so I can put it on her each day". Let me remind you, this is my 3 year old we're talking about.

2) Ellie comes in my room tonight and asks, "Does Heavenly Father answer questions?" I reply, "yes" and she says, "good because I just prayed and asked him to tell me how he got made. I told him he can take his time answering me, like tomorrow morning is fine." She is so perplexed about this question and thinks and asks about it often.

3) Ellie won the storytelling contest in her class last week and went on to do it in front of the school, Monday. It was so great. She did such a good job.

4) Last night I spent an hour being John Grogan (aka Owen Wilson) of the movie Marley and Me, while Zoe is Jenny (aka Jennifer Aniston), with a baby up her shirt and Ellie, yes my 6 year old, is Marley - the annoying dog who licks our faces and jumps on us. Zoe loves being the mom and talking to and taking care of her baby and Ellie loves being an animal. They are as different as night and day!

5) I walk in to the bathroom 2 nights ago and Ellie is scrubbing her mouth with soap. I ask what she's doing and she tells me she's washing her mouth out with soap. I ask why and she says, "because I can't get a bad word out of my head" WOW! Self induced punishment at the age of 6.

6) Zoe on the other hand, walks into the house and sees the Christmas tree and says, "Holy S@*t, that's a cute tree!"

Our Farm

2009-04-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

Every year without fail Matt gets animals for the girls around Easter. He thinks we live on a farm and we so don't. One year we got chicks, then a bunny, ducks, and chicks again this year. I'm at work and he texts me and says "were farmers again". I was sick. However, they have provided us and many others hours of entertainment and Ellie has loved them so much, she literally was awake the first few days at 6:00 ready to play with them. They're currently living in my basement (sick), but if we put them outside our cat will surely kill them. So down there, they'll stay until they get big enough to send out into the wild. No pics of Zoe with them, because as with all animals, she's scared to death.

EASTER TREATS

2009-04-09T17:08:00.000-07:00

I'm over blogging at this point, but I copied some other girls idea of making these great cupcake Easter Baskets and had to show them off. They were so easy and the girls had a blast making them.

DISNEY ON ICE

2009-04-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

We went to Disney on Ice and had a blast. The girls wanted to dress up like princesses and they loved every minute of it.

LAS VEGAS BABY!

2009-03-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

We went to the dirtiest place on earth, Las Vegas, last weekend with Jake and Amy. We had such a great time! It's been forever since I've been there and will be a long time before I return. Although it was fun, the place is so full of filth and dirtiness!!! Makes coming back to Happy Valley feel like I've died and gone to Heaven. We did have fun though, we ate lots, went to a show, gambled a little (Matt a lot, it's a good thing we don't live there), shopped etc. etc. I've got the post vacation blues, so I better get planning my next one!

The Kindergarten Table

2009-01-12T20:26:00.001-08:00

I came home from work today and was talking to Ellie about her day. She never says much at that time, but stuff comes out later, at random times. She's lying in bed and begins to tell me that a boy named Miles, who sits on her table, has a crush on her. I ask her how she knows and she says, "because he's mean to me". Of course, that's my fault because I have explained to her in the past that when boys are mean to you, they usually have a crush on you. Well she continues to tell me that she told him today "I know you have a crush on me". He said, "no I don't" and she says, "yes you do, because your kind of mean and that means you like me". So funny! Then she tells me that Morgan (a mean little girl, who also sits at her table) and Miles were saying they don't like themselves and so Ellie began lecturing them both about how liking ourselves is what Heavenly Father wants us to do and they need to. I've decided that the best place in life to be is sitting at a Kindergarten table, having deep discussions about love and life. If I could only be a fly for a day!

CHRISTMAS 2008

2009-01-08T13:42:00.001-08:00

New Nightgowns made by Grandma Ni.

Spongebob jammies from Grandma Ni

Zoe and her FurReal Puppy

Ellie modeling her new vest

Christmas Eve Nativity program (Ellie's the grumpy shepherd)

Clinger Christmas Eve Party

Crazy faces with Grandpa Mike

We had a wonderful Christmas. We got everything we wanted and more. But the highlight was going to SLC the day after Christmas to stay overnight. My mom and Doug got 9 rooms at the Embassy Suites and all of us went up, saws 2 movies, swam, ate and played Blokus until all hours of the night. It was great. The best part about the holidays for me are being with family and giving to those in need. I know it sounds cheezy and generic but it's true.

THANKSGIVING POINT - CHRISTMAS PRINCESS

2008-12-21T20:11:00.000-08:00

We went to see the lights at Thanksgiving Point on Friday Night. For those of you who haven't been, there's tons of lights and you drive through really slow and there's music playing and the kids love it. Well I took some great pics and then accidentally deleted them (and am so angry about it) but it was so great because Ellie came up with the idea that we were driving through a Christmas Parade and we should open the sun roof and she could be "The Christmas Princess of Thanksgiving Point". She was still in her red Christmas dress from her school performance and she hung out the sunroof waving, blowing kisses and telling us how "they might ask her to come everynight and wear her "fancy" coat with the fur and put furry gloves on her and have her wave and perform for all the people". Matt and I were laughing so hard. It was so great! I got out of the car and took some pics of her, but they're gone, so this will have to create the memory. We also saw the reindeer (real ones) and it was a great night!

My Early Christmas Present to Myself!!

2008-12-08T12:46:00.000-08:00

Bought myself a Dyson Vacuum! I've wanted one forever and finally bought it. Whipped it out on Saturday and it's so great! It's even Pink (Breast Cancer Edition) and yes I feel very good about it and the fact that Target donated $40.00 of my purchase to Breast Cancer Awareness / Research! That totally justified buying it and breaking it out before Christmas! Currently looking at my fresh vacuum lines and enjoying every minute of it!

TO RUN OR NOT TO RUN????

2008-12-08T11:43:00.000-08:00

I have run the Moab Half Marathon the past 2 years and it's given me the motivation I need to work out and get in shape. However after the last 1/2 I did (Hurricane) I made a pact with myself that I wasn't going to run another one for a very very long time (nice). It was hard and painful. However, I've gotten very lazy and inactive and am seriously considering registering, just to get myself moving again. Sad that I have to be signed up for a race to motivate myself, but it seems to be the only effective solution for me. I haven't done jack crap in months and it would be brutal to start training. However, it is a very beautiful run through the canyon and I love running with my friends Kat and Suz and going down with Maren, Nate and Matt. We've had a great time the past couple of years. Maybe the 5 mile instead of 13? Not sure, just throwing it out there. I think the reason I'm also making a public announcement about it on my blog, is another attempt to motivate myself. Sad!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-30T13:50:00.000-08:00

With our Thanksgiving Weekend coming to an end, I was laying in bed reviewing the last week and feeling so blessed and grateful! I love this time of year and we had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day! We ate dinner at my Grandma and Grandpa Holmstead's, who are truly my biggest hero's and greatest examples!!!!! We spent most of the day with family. The girls and I got some Christmas decorations up while Matt hung the outside lights and we saw Madagascar 2. It was a wonderful day.

My best memory of the week, and one I want to write about so I don't ever forget, was Ellie not having school Wed. - Friday and so Tuesday night, after everyone had gone to sleep, she and I stayed up until 11:30 playing "Hi-Ho Cherrio" and eating treats with the finale of "Dancing with the Stars" on in the background. She kept saying "this is the greatest night of my life". You would have thought she was at Disneyland. I realized how it's the small things, my undivided attention and a cheap board game, that make her the happiest. It was a needed reminder for my need to spend more time with my girls and how grateful I am to have them to spend time with.

I have so much to be thankful for: Matt, my girls, being born and raised in this free country, my home, food to eat, clothes to wear, freedom, my membership in the church, my testimony, friends, sisters, Matt's job, my job, my education, my mom, Doug, grandparents, heat, air-conditioning, a car to drive, my health, my family's health etc. etc. etc.

My grandma read this to all of us before we gorged ourselves on Thanksgiving Day! You've probably heard it, but it never hurts to hear it again!

I AM THANKFUL FOR THE WIFE: who says it’s hot dogs tonight, because she’s home with me and not out with someone else.

I AM THANKFUL FOR THE HUSBAND: who is on the sofa being a couch potato, because he is home with me and not out at the bars.

FOR THE TEENAGER: who is complaining about doing the dishes because it means she is at home, not on the streets

FOR THE TAXEX I PAY: because it means I am employed

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY: because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG: because it means I have enough to eat.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME: because it means I am out in the sunshine

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING: because it means I have a home.

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT: Because it means we have freedom of speech.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT: Because it means I am capable of walking and I have been blessed with transportation.

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL: because it means I am warm.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY: because it means I can hear.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING: Because it means I have clothes to wear.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY: because it means I have been capable of working hard.

AND:

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN EARLY MORNING HOURS: Because it means I’m ALIVE!!!!!!

TRIBUTE TO FUSE BEADS

2008-11-05T19:04:00.000-08:00

Our Collection

A Beginning Fuse Beader's Work

Intermediate

Current - Advanced Level Fuse Beader

I have been cleaning up massive amounts of fuse beads. I swear I have one in my mouth, chewing on it, at any given time during the day. They are all over my house and my vacuum can only pick up so many. But I love these things and wanted to thank them for the countless hours in which they have entertained my daughter. My sister, Marsh, told me about them probably 6 months ago. I bought them and Ellie would work on them for a couple minutes and be done. Then she got more into it and would complete a whole one. Now she spends countless hours creating, color coordinating and designing. I love it. She's always so proud of herself when she's finished. Zoe will put 4 on a board and want me to iron it, even though there's not enough to iron together. We love these things.

First Snow

2008-11-05T16:47:00.000-08:00

We got our first snow of the year today. Of course the kids are so excited, while I'm not sure I'm ready yet. Ellie was out playing in it this afternoon and making small snowman (the snow wasn't hard enough). It does always feel like a new start, a clean slate and the start of winter. I love that the days are shorter, it makes me relax earlier and enjoy the evenings with my family.

CAMPAIGN '08 - OBAMA WINS!

2008-11-05T16:17:00.000-08:00

I really don't know how I feel. I had told myself all along that I was voting for Obama. After every debate I was impressed with him and thought he'd be the change this country needs (and Sarah Palin didn't help sway me to vote for McCain). When I got to the poll I just couldn't do it. I don't know why, for sure. Not because I believe he's a "terrorist" or the "death of this nation" like my husband does. But I had several reservations. I think my biggest problem was the fact that he's so stinkin liberal. I have a hard time voting for someone who's values are so different from what I believe and know to be true. With that said I also am hopeful that he's going to make some positive changes we desperately need to see. I believe he's extremely intelligent and I really like Biden. I hope he proves himself to be trustworthy and follows through with a great deal of what he's promised. Good Luck to all of Us!

HALLOWEEN

2008-11-05T14:58:00.000-08:00

I was so bad at getting Halloween photos this year. Arrgghhh. I don't know why. Anyway here's a couple. Zoe did wear a shirt, although she doesn't have one on in the picture. Ellie loved being "Brainwashed" (her and cousin, Carson). And I got sucked into entering a contest at work (no harsh feelings Kat) and was the crazy patient being sought after by "Dog the Bounty Hunter" aka: Silvia, and his hot wife "Beth" aka: Kat! We did win a prize and will all be going to Outback to celebrate our win!!!

Our Little Trip to St. George for UEA

2008-10-24T20:44:00.000-07:00

We went to St. George for UEA and had a blast. We drove with Alex and her two friends and I was taken back to high school. Talk of boys, "wanting to be kissed", singing in the car the whole way there and back etc. It was great!

ZOE'S POTTY TRAINED and HAS A NEW HAIRCUT!

2008-10-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

I'm officially announcing that Zoe's potty trained. It's been so wonderful. She's also had a little haircut and here's a few before and after pics.

MY NEW RIDE!

2008-09-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

I wish I were reporting that my new ride is the White VW camper Eurovan, but after much research and looking, I've given up on having one (I know many of you are disappointed). You seriously can't find them in Utah. Utahns just don't have good taste in vehicles. Plus, to get one with reasonable miles and year, they are so expensive. VW quit sending them to the US in 2003, so that's the newest one you can buy and they are well into the $30,000's.
Okay, so all that aside I bought a Honda Pilot (w/ the 3rd seat) and I'm excited and loving it. Matt is out of town on a hunting trip and left me the Volvo - which he's thrashed and needed so much work and I went and traded it in for my new ride. When I called him to say, "should I buy it" he was a bit shocked and said, "Myken sleep on it". I didn't. He won't care. I'm sure he'll be excited, but everyone can't believe I did it. I did buy his truck while he was at work, without him seeing or driving it, remember. And he was tickled. He's relieved not to have to look, drive, have the anxiety that comes with buying a new car. I'll keep you posted if his reaction is different than my prediction. I bought Black cause I love it, but the city of American Fork is completely under road construction and it's already filthy. It'll be awhile before I can keep it clean, which is going to drive me crazy. OK enough! I'm going to cruise Main!

SHE'S ALMOST THERE!

2008-09-28T10:07:00.001-07:00

I think Zoe's ready for the potty. The other day I got her little one out and she was so excited and went many times. She would go, walk away for 2 seconds and get back on. Olivia was attacking her toilet and getting involved in the training process. Her favorite part was wearing her "my little pony" panties. Hopefully soon. I can honestly say this is one of my least favorite parts of raising children. It's always hard!

BRAINWASHED

2008-09-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Ellie has struggled to decide what to be for Halloween. We were at Walmart and of ALL the costumes they had there, this is what she picked (it was titled BRAINWASHED). At first I tried to talk her out of it, but after a minute I thought, "What's the harm, it'll be hilarious". The funniest part to me is that a 5 year old GIRL would choose this (on the package it say's BOY's Medium). This is what makes her so great and what I love about her. Her quirkiness and disregard for what others think. It's great. So here's a pre-halloween preview of Ellie in her costume!

Okay, Amy tagged me and I'm givin in!

2008-09-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

I am.............

*I am....laying in bed, watching Spongebob with my girls.
*I think....me and my kids are getting sick.
*I know....the church is true. (Serious) It's the first thing that came to my mind.
*I want.... more $, which is stupid I know, but true.
*I have....so many things to be grateful for.
*I miss.....Matt, he's on a hunting trip.
*I fear....dying or having my kids or Matt die. (even saying it scares me).
*I feel....grateful for all I have.
*I hear....Patrick and Spongebob arguing and Ellie and Zoe arguing.
*I smell....nothing.
*I crave....Parker's fries and a cheeseburger.
*I cry....all the freakin time. Over just about anything and everything. I think everyone I know has seen me cry at least once. Embarrassing.
*I search...for things I can win lately, sweepstakes, giveaways etc. Embarrassing, but I'm going to win something soon! (THE SECRET)
*I wonder....if Matt's going to kill me when he gets home and finds out I bought a car while he was gone, not a coat or an outfit, but yes a car!
*I regret....not traveling the world before I got married or before I had kids.
*I wish....I could sleep in until noon tomorrow.
*I love....my girls more than anything in the world.
*I care....about the election and who's going to win and what it's going to do to the future of our country.
*I always....get a Diet Coke in the morning. The healthy highlight of my days.
*I worry....about this economic crisis we're in and about getting enough food storage.
*I am not....even close to the same weight I was 3 months ago and am so mad at myself for it.
*I remember.... how relaxing life was before kids and how I miss those days, but wouldn't trade them for anything.
*I believe....life is hard and we have challenges for a reason, to shape us and make us who we are and make us stronger.
*I sing....in the car when I'm alone - loud, but when my kids are with me Ellie begs me not too. rude.
*I am not always.... the kind of mom I want or need to be. I always want to do better.
*I argue....that being a mom is the hardest job on earth and way harder than just going to work everyday. (Matt agrees)
*I write....notes to remind myself about everything and on my blog. Need to start writing in a journal.
*I lose.... weight and gain it right back. Wondering when I'm going to learn how to maintain.
*I listen....to other people's problems a lot and am exhausted sometimes and don't want to hear anymore.
*I don't understand....how if something makes you so unhappy, it's so hard to stop doing it.
*I can usually be found.... at Target (or out and about. I can't stay home for long, I start to go crazy).
*I need....to stay home more and stop shopping. I need to start reading my scriptures daily. I need to set a better example for my kids and those around me. I need to do lots of things.
*I forget....what is really important in life and get caught up in things that don't really matter.
*I am happy....when I'm productive, exercising and taking care of myself and my family, and doing what's right.

I'm tagging everyone on my bloglist. If your name is on there, you better do this!

I GUESS GOOGLE DOESN'T ANSWER EVERYTHING!

2008-09-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Ellie and I were having a conversation about Eskimo's for some reason yesterday. I was telling her that sometimes it doesn't get light for days on end where they live and we were discussing how awful it would be. She was asking questions that I didn't know the answers to and I said, we'll have to GOOGLE it. She asked what that meant and I told her that Google is on the computer and it will answer any question you have. After a brief moment she said, "Awesome, so we can google how Heavenly Father was born when he was the only person on the earth". I can say I was stumped. I told her we'll have to wait and Google that in Heaven". It was so cute of her. How does she think of this stuff?

Happy 33rd Birthday Matt!!!

2008-09-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

Matt turned 33 on Friday, September 12th. I just wanted to tell him how much I love him and how I know I'm impatient and not so nice sometimes, but I do love and appreciate him so much. He works so hard to support and provide for our family, all while going to school, spending time with us and being a great father to Ellie and Zoe. He is so good to them and they love him so much!!!!! He has so many great qualities....

Kind

Smart

Caring

Compassionate

Funny

Real

Honest

Hard Working

etc. etc.

We love you Matt!

My Little Citizen

2008-09-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

Ellie has earned her first "Citizenship Award". She came home from school with her gold metal, pencil and Wendy's Frosty gift certificate. She had no idea why she got it, but said her teacher did say "she noticed the other kids were running through the hall and Ellie was walking and behaving like she should". She's Awesome and loving school. It's so fun!!!!

So Thankful for Friends!!!!!

2008-09-09T21:56:00.001-07:00

So I had an epiphany today at work (I'll spare the details, but it was somewhat of a painful one) but my great friend Kat was there to share it with me, or should I say, there to listen to me cry my eyes out and be my therapist. She has a way of making me feel good about myself and appreciate life. She is really amazing! I have shared so much with her and deeply miss our runs, which were therapeutic in more ways than one. I feel so blessed to have so many people I call friends, who are always there to listen to me, support me, offer assistance etc. etc. etc. I truly don't know where I'd be without you. I can't imagine not having my sisters or friends to talk to, sometimes 2-3 times a day. I love you all and am so grateful for you!!!!!

TUB TIME

2008-09-09T21:48:00.001-07:00

Greg, Kels and Olivia came over and it was time for the girls bath. They wanted "ibby's" to get in with them so bad. These pics were too cute not to post. (How cute does Zoe look?)

CRAZY HAIR DAY!

2008-09-09T21:45:00.001-07:00

It was crazy hair day at school today for Ellie and she was so excited! You should have seen some of the other kids. Where do these mom's come from?

HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY ALEX!

2008-09-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

Happy sweet 16 (really) to my sister Alex (wow we're only 17 years apart). She's the greatest. I love hanging out with her and her friends, they're hilarious! She's such a good, nice, humble, kind person and I look up to and admire her in so many ways! She's so beautiful, inside and out. My kids love her to death and I'm sure will want to be just like her when they get older. Love you Alex!!! (just some pics of us celebrating her B-Day! - Ellie felt the need to go downstairs and make her hair crazy for the party?????)

The Mask!

2008-09-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

Ellie got some new pajamas (spongebob of course) and they came with one of those eye mask things - I don't even know what they are called. Well she was so excited about it and put it on before going to bed and I was sure she'd have it off within seconds but she didn't. She fell dead asleep with it on and Matt and I were laughing so hard. I went into her room in the middle of the night and it had come down around her neck. For fear, she'd choke in the night I took it off and she was livid with me the next morning. She made me "pinkie swear" I wouldn't do it again!

LABOR DAY @ PINEVIEW

2008-09-09T21:30:00.000-07:00

Every Labor Day we go to Fairview with my Dad's side of the family and camp in trailors, play crazy golf, do some gambling, ride 4-wheelers etc. It's always so much fun. The girls had a blast and were busy and entertained the whole time.

Ellie's 1st day of Kindergarten

2008-09-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

I can't believe summer is really over and Ellie has already started Kindergarten. (I'm late on my posts because I lost my camera and just got a replacement). Ellie is lovin school and is exhibiting more independence by the day. She did not want me to sign up to do anything with her class and said, "I'm going to do kindergarten by myself". OUCH!!! She also said on her first day (which i took off from work), you don't need to walk me to school, Dad will. I took her to her assessment and went to work and cried to all my co-workers, but surprisingly enough her first day of kindergarten I did really well and it's been okay. I guess I'll survive this afterall.

IS SUMMER REALLY OVER?????

2008-09-08T16:54:00.001-07:00

I can't believe summer is really over. We had such a great summer and the kids have played non-stop. It's been so much fun. I can't even think about the winter yet! AARRGGHHH!!!! Here's a few great pics of the kids - Ike and Zoe doing each others hair! HILARIOUS!!

Nick

2008-08-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, I had to make a post out of my step-brother Nick's comment re: my previous post. HILARIOUS!!!!! Thanks Nick! Matt even laughed (quite hard) when he read it:

why can't i picture matt being sad and wanting to talk about his feelings? i mean maybe I'm way off on this one but when he and I are having our heart to hearts, and he's got a little misty eye and lip quiver going on and he tenderly touches my shoulder as if to say "don't worry, everything is going to be ok"....................... see you couldn't picture it either huh! MAD LOVE MATT!!!! Let's go kill some racoons and skin 'em and make some hats!

2008-08-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

Ellie is my little thinker. Hilarious things come out of this. This was our conversation today......

Ellie: Hey mom, aren't you a social worker?
Me: Yeah.
Ellie: I HAVE THE BEST IDEA!!!!!!
Me: What?
Ellie: When dad is sad and needs to talk about his feelings, you can help him and when your sick Dad can help you cause he's a nurse!!!!!!

So funny and quite insightful on my little genius' part. No I'm not a biased mother?

LOVING THE OLYMPICS!!!!!

2008-08-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

I am addicted to and loving loving loving the Olympics. I record all of them and watch every night for hours and hours. I've jumped on the Michael Phelps bandwagon and when the U.S. Team won the 400 meter relay I fought back tears. Not to mention that Aaron Peirsol, may be the key reason I'm watching the men's swimming (take me away and lose me forever)! Loving the gymnastics and can't wait for the triathalons and track. Sarah Haskins (pictured) is my idol. She's 27 years old and is ranked 2nd best female in America! I want to be her someday!!!!

ZOE - Our Little Potty Mouth

2008-08-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have to write this. Zoe's at the age where she's constantly saying "Watch Me". Well, I don't know how or why but her "Watch" sounds exactly like the "F" word. So painful. She's jumping on the bed, saying "Mom, watch, Dad Watch" over and over and over. I couldn't figure out for the longest time what she was saying, but Ellie "Zoe's interpreter" says simply, like duh, she's saying "Watch me". It's hard not to laugh and it makes her so mad because she just wants you to watch her. At the pool yesterday with Amy, she kept telling Amy to "watch her" and Amy could not stop laughing. Sweet thing, we're working on it!!!! (Do you love the full diaper picture - her booty was so huge - hilarious)

PERFECT SUMMER DAY!!!!

2008-08-01T20:39:00.001-07:00

Today has been what every summer day should be. I got up early, mowed the lawn (don't love that part), got the slide up and Julie, Amy's kids, Marsh, Kelsey and Alex all came over. We hung out, the kids played, ate Parker's for lunch and did nails. Ellie and Jane rode their bikes a ton and in the evening Julie and I sat on her porch and watched the kids play for hours. Ike and Zoe dug in the dirt and actually didn't beat each other, which is noteworthy. We ate popcicles and enjoyed every minute of it. (I even got my house cleaned, somewhere in between in all). Today is what every summer day should be like!!!!

ELLIE'S ON A 2 WHEELER!!!!!

2008-08-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

Ellie and her best friend Jane, learned to ride their bikes the same day. It was so great and has been the best thing ever. First thing in the morning, I hear her get out of bed, put her clothes on and come and ask if she can ride her bike. I took a bunch of pictures and set my camera on the bumper of the truck and later drove away. Needless to say, the stinkin camera is gone, so thanks to Julie for taking these of Ellie. She had her first crash today, but I was so proud when she wanted to get right back on! I told her how when Marsh and I were little, we'd put milk cartons with a small hole in the bottom on our bikes and fill them with water. Someone would be the gas person and we'd ride around until we ran out and then come back for a fill up. We'd do this all day long. Of course, her and Jane immediately wanted it done, so with water bottles I concocted a similar set up. They loved it!

LIFE IS PRECIOUS!!!!!

2008-07-31T16:05:00.000-07:00

I love my work! It is so rewarding and lately has given me hope on some of my hard days and courage to go on! I went to visit my hospice patient (the one on the right) who's 94 years old. She lives with her daughter who went out of town so her 85 year old sister came to care for her for a month from Arizona. When I pulled up, this is what I saw and it totally made me cry. Two sisters, who've shared their whole lives with each other, the ups the downs and all the in betweens. I had to get a picture of it. Just sitting on the porch swing, remembering their pasts. How is an 85 year old taking care of anybody anyways. Talk about good genes.

Work at the hospital has been so crazy lately and I swear Mondays are just insane. I've learned an important lesson recently, LIFE IS PRECIOUS!!!! We should never take it for granted and always be the kind of person we want to be remembered for! There's not a minute to waste, although I waste a lot, I assure you, but I want to be better. I want to cherish everyday, every minute and be the kind of person who helps those around me and leaves an impression of good!

I came across this poem that same day and it was so fitting:

"Along my way as I passed through town, I saw men tearing a building down.

With a "Ho-heave-ho" and a husky yell, They swung a beam and a side wall fell.

I asked the foreman, "Are these men skilled"? the kind you'd hire if you had to build"?

"on no," he chuckled. "No indeed. The common laborer is all I need.

Why, I can destroy in a day or two, What builders have taken weeks to do"

I thought to myself as I went on my way, "Which of these roles have I tried to play?

Am I a builder, who works with care, Strengthening lives by rule and square,

Shaping my peers through a well made plan, Helping them do the best they can?

Or am I a wrecker, who walks around, Content with the labor of tearing down?"

Josh Kaiser

Our Hike To Scout Falls

2008-07-31T15:57:00.000-07:00

We went up the canyon a couple weeks ago and hiked to Scout Falls! It was so fun and I wondered why we haven't done it at least once a week all summer. Getting up the canyon is so refreshing for me and takes me away from the day to day grind that I so easily sucuumb to. It was beautiful as well.

Our Little Trip to Park City

2008-07-31T15:51:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to Park City for the night! It was fun. We rode the Alpine Slide and the new Coaster (a riot), both the girls loved it and kept begging for more. Too bad they charge an arm and a leg each time or we could have stayed all day!

STEELE DAYS - WE LOVE AMERICAN FORK

2008-07-31T15:46:00.000-07:00

Just a few pics from Steele Days! We've celebrated it our whole lives, the carnival, parade, does it get much better than that! (Is the picture of Elle and Zoe with their arms around each other the best or what). They've started to become buddies!

LIFE IS GOOD

2008-07-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

Our neighbors irrigate their yard every week and the road fills up with some seriously deep water. Ellie, Zoe, Jane and Ike had the time of their lives in it. They were driving their jeeps through it "getting car washes" and it was a perfect summer day!

I HATE MICE!!!!!

2008-07-11T22:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Ellie and I were watching a movie in my bed and Matt came up from cramming in his second semester's last day and saw a mouse running through the hall (in our upstairs, right outside my bedroom). He was trying to attack it, throwing socks, shoes, jabbing w/ broomstick etc. and finally got the darn thing. I feel ill. Seriously sick and scared. I probably won't get up all night to go to the bathroom, which is like a 7 time thing. I hate them. Plus you know there's like millions more in my house right now! Ellie loved every minute of it and was watching it all, helping Matt catch it. Needless to say, I'll be at the store tomorrow getting some mouse traps and poison! YUCK!!!

ELLIE'S CRASH

2008-07-09T14:53:00.002-07:00

Ellie was riding in her jeep with her cousin Ky (who doesn't know how to drive) and she was standing up waving (pretending to be a beauty queen, I'm sure) and he sharpy turned and stopped and she flew out and landed on her face. She was so hurt, it was horrible and she's traumatized.

Taking Advantage of Summer!

2008-07-09T14:43:00.004-07:00

I packed our slide over to Jodi's and we hung out and played all day. It was great!!!

LAZIN ON A SUNNY AFTERNOON!!!!!!

2008-07-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures of us hangin in the backyard on Sunday afternoon! Ellie's got the "rock on" thing down! Zoe's still workin on it! Matt loves to go to the bathroom in the backyard and Zoe loves to watch. After, she kept lifting up her dress and pretending to go. Do you think her diaper needs to be changed?

I've Been Tagged!

2008-06-30T23:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, Julie tagged me, so here are 8 Random things about me:
1) In High School, I wanted to be a Hippie and follow the Grateful Dead. I went to several Dead concerts and went for months without shaving my armpits or legs!
2) My appendix ruptured when I was 8 years old (while my mom was perming my hair) and I spent 6 days in the hospital, with perfect curls!!!!
3) I desperately wanted to be a STARS dancer when I was younger (if you aren't familiar w/ Stars - come talk to me).
4) When I'm alone in the car I turn the music up and sing really loud ( and I think I'm good, although I've been told otherwise - thanks Alex!) - I imagine I'm performing in front of a large group of people.
5) I am allergic to everything. As a child I used to get allergy shots twice a week, which haven't done a dang bit of good! When Marsh and Bob get the least bit sick, they call me to see if my allergies are buggin me, that helps them determine if they have something or if it's just allergies.
6) I'm a bit O.C.D. I have to take my clothes out of the dryer just as they are finishing - while warm and fold them - this avoids having to iron and keeps clothes crisp and pressed! This means I'll often start the dryer several times to warm them, if I don't get to them in time. A serious energy waster, I know!
7) I went to Expo '86 in Canada in a Motor Home when I was 11 yrs. old, with my Mom, Grandma, Aunts, Cousins and Sisters - we nearly died on this trip.
8) I used to rock climb in high school and had dreams of being a professional. For graduation I got all the gear and went all the time. I haven't been in years, but would love to!

Our Sad and Happy Day!!!

2008-06-30T22:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, so about 4 months ago, I went out with my friend Julie and Matt was going to take the girls to see my Uncle Jeff's puppies. I threatened his life if he brought one home! I came home and while punching in the code to open my garage door, I hear a whining puppy. I'm furious!!!! I go in the garage and in the smallest box is a black lab, sitting on top of our bunny "Hopper" with a stuffed animal bear of Ellie's (to help her from missing her mom and crying all night). I couldn't believe it. The next day, I calmly sat Ellie down and explained to her how desperately the dog wanted to be back with her mom and that's why she cried all night (keeping me awake)! I told her we were taking it back and we could visit it whenever we wanted. I had the thing in the truck and Ellie sobbed like a baby. Of course, at this point, Matt's saying "you can take her back, I don't care". Right, how do I do that to Ellie now! So mean. Gave in and told her we could keep her if she would pick up her poop, walk her daily and feed her. Of course she agreed. The fun lasted about 2 weeks and quickly wore off, especially as the dog, which was beautiful, got bigger and jumped up on Ellie everytime she got near her, bit her, chewed every hose and pair of shoes we own etc. etc. So I'd finally had it last week. Called my uncle and asked him if he'd take the dog back. He agreed, so while Matt was at work I got a few pics of Ellie with her, loaded her in the truck and drove to my uncle's. Ellie had agreed for months that we didn't want the dog and she wanted to get rid of her. Of course, all that changes when it really comes down to getting rid of her. So needless to say, I was sick to my stomach the whole way over and me and Ellie sobbed there and back, but I did it and it's been Heaven without her. I'm just not a dog person. I've been enjoying my poop free backyard again and not having to argue with Ellie every morning to go take care of her. Part of me does miss her though! Thanks Matt for allowing us this opportunity!!!!! I'm not at all bitter!

OUR DAY AT LAGOON!!!!

2008-06-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

Me, Alex, McCall and Alison took Ellie and Zoe to Lagoon on Friday, the 27th. It was hot and crowded but we still enjoyed ourselves. I'm a freak for big rides, so the poor girls got stuck hangin with my kids so I could ride all the big stuff. It was a great day!

OUR SOLANA BEACH VACATION!!!!

2008-06-30T15:44:00.001-07:00

Our family went to Solana Beach and had the time of our lives. We stayed on the Beach and went to SeaWorld, Legoland, Mission Beach and hung out. It was so much fun! The girls finally decided they liked the beach, the day we came home, so I feel this need to get back soon! Of course, Ellie was full of funny comments, but the classic was after I was carrying her in asleep from the car to the condo and she woke up and the first words out of her mouth were "I'm a fan of worms, and I'm a fan of you". Have no idea where it came from, but it was great. Poor Zoe was sick the first 4 days and was quite lethargic and somber, until the last 2 days. She was great though and had her arms in the air when the plane took off. It was so cute!

THE BIGGEST LOSER'S WINNERS

2008-06-13T01:03:00.000-07:00

WWWHHHHHOOOOOO - We made it!!!! After much starvation, exercise, working out in rubber suits, sucking on jolly ranchers and spitting in cups, cabbage soup and other things, I won't mention, We all lost our 16%- over 200 lbs. combined WOW!!!!! I've been a nervous wreck this past week, certain I wasn't going to make it and the anxiety was insane. I knew I couldn't lose my $500.00 the day before we venture off to California!!! I was on my scale at least 25 times a day and it's crazy how much I fluctuate. We couldn't even wait until the actual weigh in day, the 13th, because we were all sick of starving so we met at Nick's the night before at 11:o0 p.m. and weighed!!!! I did have to take my pants off in front of a complete stranger (one of the guys wives) but I didn't even care, as long as I was where I needed to be. We headed straight to Del Taco (of all places after- and ate like ravenous beasts - not to mention the chocolate I bought days before at Mrs. Cummings that I'd been hoarding and brought along with me). We're all thinking about another competition to keep it off or lose more. I don't know if I can handle the anxiety again, but being without 29 extra lbs. is quite nice!!!!!

Our New Nephew "Easton Seegmiller"

2008-06-13T00:51:00.000-07:00

Marsh had her 9 lb. baby boy on Monday, the 9th!!!! He is a true miracle child!!!! He was initally thought to have "Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome", which is a horrible and unpredictable heart defect, but after much sorrow, prayers and fasting, it turned out to be "Coarctation of the Aorta" - which is much less severe, but still most likely requires surgery and a lot of uncertainty. He was born and is big and beautiful and it turns out he fooled us all. There is not ONE thing wrong with the little guy. He's perfectly normal and healthy and we're so glad he's here and well! Love ya, Marsh and Bob!!!! We're so happy, excited and relieved for you!!!!!

Happy Birthday Ellie!!!

2008-06-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Ellie's 5th Birthday yesterday and it was a great (Spongebob) party. She had over 10 friends show up and we had our inflatable waterslide, little pool, slip-n-slide out and the kids swam, played, ate and had a ball. Ellie is so much like her father, it kills me sometimes! I know she had a great day and enjoyed every minute of it, but I find myself constantly asking her, because she shows so little emotion, expression etc. She also, just like her father, gives minimal answers to my prying questions. I feel like I have to literally pull stuff out of her. I love her little personality and her wit and at times I want to scream, SMILE AND JUMP UP AND DOWN AND GIVE ME SOMETHING THAT TELLS ME YOU'RE ENJOYING YOURSELF!!!

I don't know if it's just because I'm not feeling well (allergies, head cold or sinus infection whatever?)but I've been so emotional these past couple of days. I know some of my emotion is the fact that "my baby" just turned 5! Five years old! How is that possible(tears streaming down my face as I type this)!!!!!! It makes me asks questions like, where did the past 5 years go? Have I been involved enough? Attentive enough? Comforting enough? Loving enough? Stable enough? Strong enough? etc. etc. etc.

I got a letter from my dear visiting teacher last night and she wrote something to the effect of "your a great mom and how lucky your girls are to have you" and exhausted and emotional from the day I found myself sobbing. Unable to accept the compliments and feel good about myself and say "yeah, my girls are lucky" I find myself feeling guilty for all the things I don't do, should have done, could have done different etc. I know this journey (motherhood, raising a family) is ongoing and something we strive to do better at each day. I find myself in bed (everynight) saying "I'll do better tomorrow, I'll spend more time playing with them, loving them etc" and everyday life gets busy and I can hardly find enough hours in the day to do what needs to get done and everyday I end the day feeling guilty and remorseful for how I spent the day! I don't want to be like this and yet, I don't know if it's just "mother's guilt" you know that kind you automatically get, the second you bear children, that never goes away and most of the time is superfluous and unwarranted. I know there are many things I need to do better, different and I'm trying and I'm exhausted! But I'll keep trying because I love being a mom and I love my girls more than anything!

Ellie and I spent her first 3 years alone together and they were wonderful! I remember the day my water broke with Zoe (6 weeks early) and Ellie was in my bed asleep and I was getting ready to snuggle in for a nap beside her. My first emotion or thought was "I'm not ready yet, me and Ellie have some things we need to do first before another person comes into our lives" Wierd, I know. But I felt panicked that our days alone together were over(and boy were they over. I didn't even know then what I know now, about her dear sister).

Ellie is 5 going on 15. She's an old soul who makes me smile and laugh everyday of my life. I feel like my life began the day she was born. I hope and pray I can be the mom she needs me to be! I'm sure part of my overwhelming emotion is the fact that with each year, comes more independence and less dependence on me. That scares me. One year closer to teenage years, which scares me more! With all the crap I see when I'm at work, it's hard not to fear the future of my daughters! I want to keep them small and young and innocent. I want to forever protect them from the hurt of the world and all it's misleadings. I know I can't and I can't live trying to or live in fear, but today I'm allowing myself to. It's so easy when they're young to protect them and manage their sorrows but the older they get, the more they become vulnerable to all the world holds and the pains and sorrows that you know, as a parent, they will face, but desperately want to spare them. Thomas Lynch wrote in The Way We Are, "It hurts so bad that I cannot save him, protect him, keep him out of harm's way, shield him from pain. What good are fathers if not for these thing?" That sums up how I'm feeling today. Hopefully, more optimistic and braver tomorrow! With all that said, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLIE! I LOVE YOU MORE THAN ANYTHING!

Thanksgiving Point

2008-06-01T15:50:00.001-07:00

We went to the Zoo at Thanksgiving point with Julie, Jane, Ike and Calin. The kids had a blast! It was our first hot day and we all enjoyed it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZOE!!!!

2008-05-18T15:47:00.002-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZOE!!! She turned 2 on May 10th. I can't say the past 2 years have been easy, but they have definitely been worth it. She has gotten better and is so darling, most of the time. Her smile and personality make up for all her little tantrums! We love her so much!

Ellie Graduates From Preschool

2008-05-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

Ellie had a great year of preschool and graduation on Tuesday Night! It was Huge!!! She looked so darling, although she wasn't interested as much in the ceremony as she was in getting her boogers! It was hilarious! She's learned so much this past year and I DREAD sending her to Kindergarten. I'm going to be a wreck! I can't imagine sending her off everyday. She's so much fun to have around. We love you Ellie!

P90X Baby!

2008-05-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

I've officially started the P90X (AKA "Get Ripped in 90 Days") program. This is a quick attempt to lose the weight necessary for me to win the "Biggest Loser" contest I'm in. I have exactly 5 weeks. This program is a BEAST, which gives me hope that it's going to work miracles on this body of mine. I sweat like a dog while doing it. I'm even following the eating plan, which for me is huge, because it's low carbs (awful and protein shakes gag!) "BRING IT" Baby (that's his motto). I'll let ya know if it works. No major results yet (course it's only been 2 painful days)

ELLIE's FUNNIES

2008-05-07T19:55:00.001-07:00

Zoe was quite a beast in St. George and I told Ellie I needed to take Zoe to therapy. She asked what therapy is and I tried my best to explain it. She also felt like her uncle Harley (because he's not with his old girlfriend, which has really troubled her) should join her. Last night in prayers she prayed that "Harley and Zoe will do good in therapy"

St. George / Hurricane Half Marathon

2008-05-07T19:09:00.001-07:00

We went to St. George for the Hurricane Half Marathon (forgot my hat - sweet hair). For anyone who doesn't know, just because you run 13 miles does not mean you can eat Nielsen's Frozen Custard twice daily or go to Taco Bell at 11:00 p.m. and not see post vacation lbs. pack on. I will refrain from saying how many, but let's just say I did some serious damage on the scale and told Matt I'd set a record for the most amount of lbs. gained in the shortest amount of time. I'm starving myself!!!!!

Speaks for itself! (Enjoying dessert at Pizza Factory, Kelsey, McCall, Alex and of course the hungry girl, overtaking the picture with her pink puff sleeves)

Alex making the car ride bearable!!!!!!

Hot Girls roller blading (or scooting, Ellie's part of the group)

Zoe teaching Oliva (Baabbyy) to smile!

PAPA'S GIRLS!

Matt's Turkey

2008-05-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

Matt finally became a man and killed his first Turkey a couple weeks ago. The thing was huge and he was so proud of himself. Ellie loved it and saved feathers and watched him gut it. She was so excited when they got the heart. (I'm offering it, free of charge to anyone who wants the meat - come and get it)!

My Shoe Fettish

2008-04-26T00:12:00.000-07:00

Those who know me, know I love love love shoes. Matt usually refers to those I like as "European looking". I do like shoes that are unique and different. I believe you can tell so much about a person by their shoes. Dumb, I know, but it's my thing. Here's a few on my wish list, many of which I'll never have because they're too expensive, but it's fun to want.

Zoe on the Pot

2008-04-26T00:05:00.000-07:00

If you can catch her getting ready, she'll go on the toilet. She loves it and is always so proud of herself. She'll say, "I did it" and then wipe herself 800 times before say, "I done". For some strange reason, everytime she's at Grandma Ni's she goes in the toilet everytime. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, but she doesn't mention it or think about it at home, until it's too late????

Ellie's Funnies

2008-04-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

Ellie says the funniest things and I've been meaning to get caught up on my journal writing and write down all the hilarious things she says, so I'll never forget them. I'm going to put them on my blog instead, as it's going to serve as my journal from here on out. Here are some:

1) After getting dressed and ready for school, she looked at me seriously and said, "Can you believe someone this cute, wears a pull-up to bed"

2) Matt gave her a corsage for Easter and she said to him, "That was sure nice of ya"

3) She's learned to swear (from her father of course) and about a year ago was trying to get her seatbelt on and said quietly, "I can't get this damn seatbelt on". Also on Conference Sunday a few weeks ago, she told Matt's mom that her dad says "Bulls%*t" She now replies, "so do cows but they don't brag about it".

4) After waking up at 6:30 a.m. and lying in bed with me (anyone who knows me knows I'm so not a morning person), I kept asking her to hold still, as me and Zoe were still asleep. After awhile, I suggested she get up and play until Zoe woke up. She packed her suitcase, including a variety of swimsuits, and headed to Jane's house at 7:45 a.m. without my knowing. I got a call from Julie asking if I knew Ellie was there with her suitcase, saying she needed to stay for awhile. She came home sobbing and said she'd ran away, because I was a mean mom for asking her to hold still in bed. That night in her prayers, she asked Heavenly Father to "help her mom, be a better mom" OUCH!

5) Matt asked her to get him a bowl of cereal and a drink (joking, because she's too young) and she came down and said to me, "Dad is treating my like I"m his slave"

6) After getting the new addition to our family (a black lab, thanks Matt) and me telling her she couldn't keep it and had to take it back, then feeling too bad and guilty and giving in she said, "you'll feel better in your heart for making this decision"

Is she good or what?

My Addiction

2008-04-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

I have an addiction to people who struggle with addiction (if that makes any sense). It's wierd and often times baffles me. I feel a desire to help, to protect, to learn, not to judge and try to understand them. Although, I do believe I understand it to some degree, because I know I'm addicted to food. I buy books about it, many I've never read, but here's my latest finds.

I haven't read the Sheff's book yet (just got them), but I have read "Come Back" and highly recommend it (if you can take sadness, darkness and despair), it was hard to read, but accurately displayed the raw truth of having a child addicted to drugs. Something I hope and pray everyday, I'll never have to deal with as a parent. I believe it to be the most devastating and helpless place a parent could find themself.

I'll keep you posted on the books. "Beautiful Boy" is the father's account of having a drug addicted son and "Tweak" is the son's journal / account of his life addicted to primarily crystal meth. FYI: Great Website: http://www.montanameth.org/ Amazing and incredibly successful campain in fighting Montana's huge meth problem. You can listen / view the ads they've put on T.V and radio that has significantly reduced the rate of meth use there. The ads are hard to watch (dark, horrible) but real life. I believe we need to show them in every state. I imagine people in Utah would have a difficult time with the ads and their children seeing them, but the reality is, kids need to see this stuff for what it really is and these definitely show that. We can't sugarcoat what they see and the ads here in Utah, I think are pathetic. They don't come close to displaying the drug for what it really is. Our children need to be scared. Scared is good sometimes, especially if it keeps them from using. That's my soapbox for the day! Press On!

My Children's Book Obsession

2008-04-25T10:27:00.001-07:00

I love Children's Books. I could spend hundred's of dollars on them and have to restrain myself regularly from spending too much. There's so much to be learned from simple lessons. I try to buy books that will help me teach my girls the importance of loving themselves and believing they can do anything they put their mind too. Here's a few of my favorites! (We're addicted to Junie B. Jones, I wish she were mine!)

Moab 1/2 Marathon

2008-04-23T10:36:00.001-07:00

We barely made it! This year seemed much much harder! Hopefully, time will heal all wounds and I'll forget how miserable those last 2 miles were!

I GIVE IN

2008-02-12T11:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am giving in to the pressure to start a blog and primarily so I can keep a journal of the life of the Briem's and my darling girls. I don't know what I'm doing yet, but hopefully will soon figure it out.